He joined with Andrew de Moray during the 1297 uprising in northern Scotland against the administration and overlordship of King Edward I of England.
He was the Governor of Inverness Castle on behalf of the English in 1304, before being replaced in 1305 and joining King Robert I of Scotland's campaign in Moray in 1307.
Alexander a burgess of Inverness, led a force joining Andrew de Moray at Avoch Castle.
The next day, Sir William awoke to find his castle besieged by de Moray and Alexander, who demanded its surrender.
The countess, whose husband was held by King Edward in the Tower of London,[1] advised de Moray and Alexander to surrender.