If Donnchadh were to die childless, King Robert would grant it to someone, by default Alan of Menteith.

[4] This was because Donnchadh's wife was in the custody of the English, and there was obviously some pressure from the men of Fife to retain their own regional ruler.

He was present at the negotiations which led to the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton, and was a signatory to the Declaration of Arbroath.

[5] The Earl of Fife fought with the Bruce loyalists at the Battle of Dupplin Moor where, he being made prisoner, changed sides and, with William Sinclair, Bishop of Dunkeld, a great adherent of Robert the Bruce, crowned Edward Balliol King of Scots at Scone on 24 September 1332.

[6] The following year, on 19 July 1333, he fought with the Scottish army at the Battle of Halidon Hill, where he was again captured.