King Alexander II of Scotland

Alexander II, known in Medieval Gaelic as Alaxandair mac Uilliam, was born on 24 August 1198 in Haddington, East Lothian. He was the only son of William the Lion and Ermengarde de Beaumont. Alexander spent time in England due to the Treaty of Falaise and was knighted by John of England in 1213. He became King of Alba on 4 December 1214, following his father's death, and was inaugurated at Scone two days later.

In 1215, Alexander faced a revolt from the clans Meic Uilleim and MacHeths, which was quickly suppressed by loyalist forces. He joined the English barons against King John of England, leading an army into England in support of their cause. This led to the sacking of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Alexander paid homage to Louis VIII of France. Peace was eventually restored with the Treaty of Kingston in 1217.

Alexander married Joan of England in 1221, strengthening ties with the English crown. After her death in 1238, he married Marie de Coucy in 1239, and they had a son, Alexander III, in 1241. In 1237, the Treaty of York defined the boundary between Scotland and England. Alexander attempted to secure the Western Isles from Norway but died during the campaign.

Alexander II died on 8 July 1249 at the Isle of Kerrera from a fever and was buried at Melrose Abbey. He was succeeded by his son, Alexander III.