Malcolm and his queen, Margaret of England, began to reform both the Scottish church and state, bringing the country much more into line with contemporary European practices. Malcolm had taken the throne by force and he had a troubled relationship with William of England. Weak central control in Northumbria and Cumbria was the focus of disputes between the two kingdoms. When Malcolm died the kingdom was troubled for a period.

David was the youngest of Malcolm Canmore's sons; several of his brothers ruled before him. His rule was marked by the minting of the first Scottish coins, indicative of David's encouragement of trade. The king was a strong supporter of the church and encouraged continetal monks to found abbeys in Scotland. His son Henry held the position of earl of Northumbria in England, but died before he could inherit.

David's elder grandson, Malcolm, known as 'the Maiden' succeeded to the throne. Malcolm may have got his nickname from his youth, but he was also pacifistic, which was unusual in contemporary rulers. He also was a strong supporter of the Church. He was succeeded by his more vigorous brother William.

William 'the Lion' gained his nickname from his standard, elements of which persist in the Royal Arms of the present day. Unlike his brother, William was a fearless warrior but his skill as a general is open to question. He picked sides in English disputes and signed a mutual self-defence treaty with France - the Auld Alliance. William also continued the family practice of founding abbeys and supporting the church. William's English adventures led to his capture. The terms of his release almost bankrupted Scotland but he was able to recover and even waged war again against John of England.

Alexander followed his father to the throne in 1214 and continued his father's policy of interfering in England. He also had to put down internal rebellions when the last of the old Celtic pretenders to the throne raised the north. His English policies succeeded in wining an English princess as a bride. Alexander had sufficient resources to begin the process of bringing the highlands and islands of Scotland under the direct rule of the crown, but died suddenly on campaign in the isles.

Alexander was only 8 years old when his father's sudden death propelled him to the throne. His minority was marked by squabbles between competing baronial parties who tried to control his person. As a king in his own right Alexander followed his father's policy of bringing the isles into regular association with the rest of the country. He succeeded in prising Man and the Western Isles from Norway, where his daughter became Queen. The end of the reign was marked by tragedy as his surviving children died. Alexander himself died by accident on a stormy night as he rode along the Fife coast.

On Alexander's death, Scotland faced the second royal minority in succession, but this time the heir was not even in the country. The sole survivor of the ancient Celtic line was an infant Norwegian princess. While guardians ruled the country arrangements were made to bring the child across the sea. The guardians could not resist pressure from Edward of England and promised Margaret to his son in marriage (in due course). Everyone's schemes where thrown into disarray when Margaret died during the crossing.