[5] Attempts by Duncan to reclaim the northerly regions of Caithness and Sutherland for Scotland ended in defeat to Thorfinn, the Earl of Orkney.

[1] In 1038 Duncan launched an invasion of England in response to Eadulf, Earl of Northumbria's attack on Cumberland the year before.

[6] This campaign ended in defeat for Duncan at Bothnagowan, modern day Pitgaveny, near Elgin, where he faced Macbeth's forces on 14 August.

[2][6] Duncan was either killed in action, or later died at Elgin Castle of wounds sustained in the battle.

[7][8] In 1054 Siward, Earl of Northumbria, led an army into Scotland in support of Malcolm and defeated Macbeth at the battle of Dunsinane.