General to King Robert the Bruce

Sir Robert Keith, served at Bruce’s side as a senior general and right hand man throughout the war, and prior to the battle of Bannockburn in 1314, was appointed co-leader of a recce force sent out to gather information about the army of King Edward II of England. During the battle itself, he commanded about five hundred Scottish cavalry and although like other Scottish knights he may have fought dismounted. Keith’s force was drawn into combat against the English archers who, had in the past and would in later battles, inflict heavy losses against the Scottish infantry.

Keith and his men however, flanked the archers and routed them. Sir Keith was among the Scottish magnates who in 1320 signed a letter to the Pope vindicating Scottish independence. Afterwards he was given several diplomatic assignments serving as a peace commissioner to England in 1323. He was also amongst the dignitaries who ratified an alliance with the King of France in that decade. He was killed fighting for King David II at the battle of Dupplin Moor.