Hostilities broke out in early 1355, following the end of a truce, and the breakdown of negotiations for the release of David II from English captivity.

Incensed at Ramsay's depredations, Grey and Lord Dacre led a force of men-at-arms to pursue the Scots and recover the stolen gear and livestock.

Most of the common soldiers were bought by one of the French knights, who had them massacred in revenge for the earlier death of his father at English hands.

March, Douglas, and Thomas Stewart, 2nd Earl of Angus, aided by the French knights, counter-attacked and captured Berwick.

The Scots retreated following news of a large army advancing under Edward III of England, who then proceeded into Scotland and laid waste to Lothian, killing and burning as he went, in an episode that would be remembered as the Burnt Candlemas.