Content:

1. Alan Durward: Scottish Earl and Regent
2. Early Life and Career
3. Control of Urquhart Castle
4. Title of Earl of Atholl
5. Claim to the Earldom of Mar
6. Conflicts with the Comyns
7. Later Years and Death
8. Family

Alan Durward: Scottish Earl and Regent

Alan Durward was a prominent Scottish nobleman who played a significant role in the political landscape of the 13th century.

Early Life and Career

Born around 1202 to Thomas de Lundin, Alan inherited the office of Hostarius, responsible for protecting royal property, from his father. He may have participated in the suppression of the MacWilliams rebellion in 1228-1229.

Control of Urquhart Castle

By 1233, Alan was granted control of Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness. He played a key role in its early fortification and was likely responsible for its construction.

Title of Earl of Atholl

During the period between 1233 and 1235, Alan styled himself "Earl of Atholl." While it has been suggested that he married Isabella, Countess of Atholl, the evidence is inconclusive. Alternatively, Alan may have inherited the province as a descendant of Malcolm, Earl of Atholl. However, by 1235, the title had disappeared, and Alan never claimed it again.

Claim to the Earldom of Mar

As a descendant of Gillecrist, Earl of Mar, Alan also laid claim to that title. However, the descendants of Gillecrist had been displaced by the family of Morgan, Earl of Mar. Alan's attempts to dispossess William, Earl of Mar, were unsuccessful, marking a major setback in his career.

Conflicts with the Comyns

Throughout his life, Alan engaged in a bitter rivalry with the Comyns. This rivalry was a national phenomenon and represented a major factional conflict. However, towards the end of his life, there may have been some reconciliation, as Alan served as Justiciar of Scotland alongside Alexander Comyn, Earl of Buchan.

Later Years and Death

Alan spent his later years largely in England, maintaining close ties with King Henry III to secure his authority. He was granted the English manor of Bolsover. Alan passed away in 1275 and was buried at Coupar Angus Abbey.

Family

Alan Durward married Marjory, an illegitimate daughter of King Alexander II. They had three daughters: Ermengarde (who married William de Soulis), Anna (who became the wife of Colban, Earl of Fife), and another daughter whose name is unknown (who married John Bisset). Alan also had at least one illegitimate son, Thomas Durward. None of his children inherited his political prominence.

Citizen