In 1391, King Robert II's reign was largely entrusted to his sons, Robert Stewart, Earl of Fife, and Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan.

[2] The latter, known as the “Wolf of Badenoch”, effectively sidelined his father, and operated with cruelty and terror.

[3] Following the plunder of lands belonging to Alexander Bur, Bishop of Moray, and the burning of the Bishop's Cathedral at Elgin,[4] his son, Duncan Stewart, led a raiding force of Robertsons into Angus, where they burned, pillaged, and slaughtered.

[5] A bloody battle ensued, but the local force failed to stop the invading Robertsons, and the raiding continued up the Strathardle.

[5] An account of the battle by Andrew of Wyntoun said the following about Sir Walter Ogilvy: "Gud Schir Walter off Ogylvy, That manly knycht and that worthy Scherrave that tyme off Angus, Godlike, wis, and vertuous...."[6]