Firstly
Alexander’s III sudden death in 1286 had brought the male line of the Royal dynasty to and end. This created a succession problem for Scotland as there was no male heir to succeed the throne
Secondly
Alexander’s children had died before him David 1281 Margret 1283 Alexander 1284. This meant that Alexander’s death presented a succession problem as there was now debate in Scotland on who should have the throne.
Thirdly
Alexander’s there year old granddaughter Margaret maid of Norway was now the only descendant of Alexander. Scotland faced a problem with succession of a young female as people of Scotland believed she would be unable to rule and she couldn’t lead her army into battle
Fourthly
The treaty of Brigham and the proposed Marriage to Margaret and kings Edward Is son Prince Edward appeared to edtabish a secure relationship with England and Scotland in hope of resolving the succession problem
Fifthly
a fruther problem arose over the succession after Margaret died in Orkney on her way to Scotland leaving no heir of Scotland
Sixthly
There was fear of civil war between ballioi and Bruce factions and this crated a need to settle securely the problem of success. Bishop Fraser of St. Andrew’s was afraid of violent disorder when Robert Bruce the elder arrived in Perth with an army
Seventhly
In order to avoid civil war Scottish leader compromised the independence of Scotland by asking Edward To help and advice to resolve succession problem. Fraser asked Edward to come to the Scottish borders to help
Lastly
Edward continued to exercise his overlordship over Scotland even after resolving the problem and deciding in favor of John Ballioi in November 1292. Ballioi had the strongest legal calm based on primogeniture but he had to swear fealty to Edward I
