Alexander IIIof Scotland

Alexander III. of Scotland, son of Alexander II., King of Scotland, born in 1241, was but eight years old at the time of his father's death. At the age of ten he was wedded to Margaret, daughter of Henry III., and some years of his minority were spent in struggles between the Scotch and English factions for control of the royal pair. In 1263 Haco of Norway invaded Scotland, and was severely defeated by Alexander at Largs, and ultimately all the islands were ceded by the Norsemen, except Orkney and Shetland. Alexander, whose wise and just rule brought his country to high prosperity, was killed in 1286 by a fall from his horse, leaving only a granddaughter "The Maiden of Norway" to succeed him. After him no Alexander sat on the Scottish throne.