Episode 3 - The Balliols Strike Back

Talk about accelerated development. Robert the Bruce's son David is already a married ‘man’ at four (his wife was a positively elderly seven-year-old), then at 5, after his father's death, he becomes a king. He's barely old enough to look after a hamster. Before you know it, the Balliols sniff an opportunity and are back. They crown their heir at Scone as Edward I, King of Scots. The nearly-deposed little King and Queen are in terrible danger and flee to France.The Bruce dynasty now fights for its survival against two Edwards on the Scottish and English thrones, plus a peeved force known as ‘The Disinherited’, the Lords and Barons who sided against Robert Bruce. Castles will be defended by ladies on either side - the gallant Christian Bruce at Kildrummy, her Balliol counterpart Katherine Beaumont at the island fortress of Lochindorb. Eventually oor Edward I gets caught napping and is ambushed in his nightshirt. English Eddie realises that Scottish Eddie is another Balliol Bust and his support subsides. Scotland has turned into a war zone, famine follows fighting and innocent peasants pay the price for their overlords' ambition. Winter has definitely come.Meanwhile, over in France, David is growing up and learning siege-craft. The gallant Bruce fightback has brought Edward’s enemies to the table and the French king brokers a deal. David and his young wife Queen Joan finally land back in Scotland at Inverbervie, north of Montrose, on 2 June 1341. They think it’s all over. But oh! It’s definitely not!Presenters: Len Pennie and Susan Morrison Producers: Louise Yeoman and Lynsey Moyes Executive Producer: Peter McManus Music & Sound Design: Gav Murchie Commissioning editor for BBC Scotland: Gareth Hydes