[3] In the autumn of this year King David II made an expedition into the north, apparently to escape the effects of the Black Death.

[4] David was also re-establishing his authority in the area, which involved seizing the castle of Kildrummy from its owner, Thomas, Earl of Mar.

Soon after David reached Kildrummy, John de Pilmuir, Bishop of Moray, died.

This gave King David the opportunity to secure the election of his close follower, Alexander Bur, as the successor to Pilmuir.

David was staying at the episcopal castle at Spynie, a possession of Bishop of St. Andrews, and his presence there undoubtedly ensured that the canons carried out the king's will.