An early engagement of the Second War of Scottish Independence where English longbowmen repelled a larger Scottish force, enabling Balliol's subsequent crowning as king.
Key Facts
- Date
- 6 August 1332
- Invading force size
- 1,500 men
- Scottish force size
- approximately 4,000 men
- Balliol crowned king
- 24 September 1332
- Follow-up engagement
- Battle of Dupplin Moor, five days later
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Edward Balliol, son of the deposed King John Balliol, led a seaborne expedition with Henry Beaumont, Earl of Buchan, to press his dynastic claim to the Scottish throne. He hoped disaffected Scots would defect to his cause during the campaign.
While Balliol and Beaumont's force of 1,500 men were still disembarking near Wester Kinghorn (modern Burntisland), a Scottish army of roughly 4,000 under the Earl of Fife and Robert Bruce, Lord of Liddesdale, attacked. English longbowmen repelled the Scots before the invaders' men-at-arms were even fully ashore, killing several Scottish nobles.
The victory gave Balliol's forces momentum to engage the main Scottish army at the Battle of Dupplin Moor five days later, inflicting a crushing defeat. Edward Balliol was subsequently crowned King of Scotland on 24 September 1332.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Edward Balliol, Henry Beaumont, Earl of Buchan.
Side B
1 belligerent
Duncan, Earl of Fife, Robert Bruce, Lord of Liddesdale.