[a][1] As a favorite of King James IV of Scotland,[2] he acquired considerable grants of land throughout his career.
In 1500, he was made hereditary sheriff of Inverness, giving him considerable powers throughout the north of Scotland,[3] and a year later, in June 1501 succeeded his father as the 3rd Earl of Huntly.
[1] He witnessed the marriage contract of James IV in 1503 and was engaged in quelling disturbances in the Isles in 1505.
Alexander fought in the Battle of Flodden on 9 September 1513, where he commanded the Scots left wing and was one of the fortunate few Scottish noblemen who escaped with his life.
[4] Alexander died on 21 January 1524 at Perth,[2] and was buried in the choir of the church of the Blackfriars monastery.