Battle of Sauchieburn

James III was an unpopular, cowardly, and inept Scottish king, and the issues that led to the Battle of Sauchieburn in 1488 were probably the result of both his lack of talent as a king and as a diplomat. His decision to keep Scottish noblemen from any positions of power, no doubt brought on by his own paranoia, fed nobility's dislike for him. His choice to include commoners as his favorites, in place of these nobles in government positions of authority, however, increased their ire toward him even more. When James' 15-year-old son agreed with the nobles to move against the king, the two armies met with their allies on a field near Bannockburn. James felt threatened by the outcome of the battle and fled the scene. In the process, he was thrown from his horse and hurt badly. Believing he was mortally wounded, he requested a priest to give him his last rights. After the "priest" chosen had complied with the king's wishes, the pretender stabbed him to death. James' son (James IV) was crowned as Scotland's new king.