Battle of Turnberry

Background

After suffering defeat in his initial attempt to gain a foothold on his ancestral lands in Annadale and Carrick, where his forces were beaten back and almost destroyed at the Battle of Loch Ryan, Robert the Bruce regrouped for another effort.

In the wake of this initial setback, King Robert now leads the Royal forces himself, joined by his brother Edward de Brus, James Douglas, and Robert Boyd.

Meanwhile, the English were encamped around Turnberry Castle, with Henry de Percy holding it for the English.

Battle

Arriving near Turnberry Castle in February 1307, Robert's thirty-three galleys landed and the Scots launched a surprise attack on the English. They overwhelmed the guards but did not manage to capture the castle. Despite failing to take Turnberry Castle, the Scottish victory forced Henry de Percy, 1st Baron Percy, and the English garrison to abandon it.

Aftermath

As a result, the Battle of Turnberry became an important step in Robert the Bruce's campaign to consolidate power in Scotland and helped establish local support for the Bruce's cause.