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

2. 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)

3. 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

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

5. 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