The Guardians of Scotland were regents who governed the Kingdom of Scotland from 1286 until 1292 and from 1296 until 1306. During the many years of minority in Scotland's subsequent history, there were many guardians of Scotland and the post was a significant constitutional feature in the course of development for politics in the country.
The First Interregnum began upon the death of Alexander III of Scotland in 1286. Alexander's only surviving descendant was Margaret, Maid of Norway, who was a young child and living in Norway where her father Eric II was king. She was finally sent to Scotland in 1290, but she died before arriving in Scotland. The next king of Scots was not determined until completion of an arbitration in 1292.
The following persons served as guardians during the First Interregnum:
In a letter (written in Old French) from the Scots Parliament of 1290, sitting at Birgham, confirming the Treaty of Salisbury, the guardians of Scotland are listed as:[1]
"... Guillaume de Seint Andreu et Robert de Glasgu evesques, Johan Comyn et James Seneschal de Escoce, gardeins du reaume de Escoce..."
English translation: "William [Fraser] of St Andrews and Robert [Wishart] of Glasgow bishops, John Comyn and James the Steward of Scotland, guardians of the kingdom of Scotland".
See main article: First War of Scottish Independence.
| Guardians of the Kingdom of Scotland | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Guardian (Time in office) | |||
| Sir William Wallace (1297–1298) | |||
| Sir Robert the Bruce (1298–1300) | John Comyn III (1298–1301) | — | |
| William de Lamberton (1299–1301) | |||
| Sir Ingram de Umfraville (1300–1301) | |||
| Sir John de Soules (1301–1304) | |||
The Guardians during the minority and reign of David II were:
Guardians during the infirmity of King Robert II
