Battle of Largs

Alexander III was a visionary who believed in an independent, united Scottish nation, but the King of Norway maintained outposts on both the Inner and Outer Hebrides, with his own vision to rule the mainland territories in the south. At first Alexander tried to resolve matters through diplomacy, but when these efforts failed, he prepared for war. In 1263, King Haakon of Norway arrived with troops intent on conquering Alexander. The Scots lured Haakon's fleet into the Firth of Clyde, knowing the inevitable equinoctial gales would eventually force the Norwegians to shore. Once the Norsemen invaders weakened, their fleet was forced back to their base at Orkney, and it is there that King Haakon died. The Battle of Largsin 1263 A.D. between Alexander III and King Haakon marks a decisive point in early Scottish history: It led to an alliance with Haakon’s son; ushered in a lengthy time of peace; and, for the first time, Norman barons, bishops who spoke only French or Latin, English speaking traders who spoke Old Scots, and Gaelic speaking thought of themselves as Scots.