Defeating the Comyns Bruce had defeated the Comyns in Galloway Buchan Argyll Galloway Next he turned his attention to the MacDougalls of Argyll

In attempting to defeat the MacDougalls Bruce had support of Angus Og MacDonald (hoped for the MacDougalls land) Douglas family July 1308 Bruce marched to Argyll Aug 1308 Bruce reached the Pass of Brander (narrow track to be passed to reach lands of MacDougall)

Battle of the Pass of Brander Aug 1308 MacDougall’s Plan Roll bounders down hillside Fire arrows on Bruce’s men Bruce’s Action Sent archers further up the hill to attack from above English taken by surprise Bruce’s men from below then attacked MacDougalls unable to defend on both sides

Significance Bruce’s men poured into MacDougall’s lands Dunstaffhage Castle captured by Bruce

By 1309 Bruce controlled two thirds of Scotland Bruce called his first parliament at St Andrews 17 March 1309 First free parliament for 18 years Attended by members of church, many nobles, Bruces commanders and knights Bruce now needed to gain international recognition of his sovereignty Target English who still held Lothian, Perth and Dundee