Following the Battle of Verneuil at which John Stewart 2nd Earl Buchan, brother of Murdoch Stewart 2nd Duke Albany (age 63) and key ally of the Albany Stewarts, was killed, King James I of Scotland (age 30) felt able to take action against the Albany Stewarts for their protracted regency whilst James was hostage in England.

Before 18 May 1425 Murdoch Stewart 2nd Duke Albany (age 63) and his younger son Alexander Stewart were arrested and confined in St Andrew's Castle then moved to Caerlaverock Castle. His (age 63) wife was arrested at the family's home of Doune Castle and imprisoned at Tantallon Castle.

Murdoch's (age 63) son James "Fat aka Seamas Mòr" Stewart led the men of Lennox and Argyll in open rebellion against the crown. He attacked and burned the burgh of Dumbarton with much loss of life.

On 18 May 1425 Murdoch Stewart 2nd Duke Albany (age 63), his two sons Walter Stewart (age 25) and Alexander Stewart, and Duncan Lennox 8th Earl Lennox (age 80) were tried at Stirling Castle [Map] in the presence of King James I of Scotland (age 30).

The jury which condemned them was composed of 21 knights and peers, including Albany's (age 63) half-uncle Walter Stewart 1st Earl Atholl 3rd Earl Caithness (age 65), first cousin Alexander Stewart 1st Earl Mar (age 50), first cousins once-removed Archibald Douglas 2nd Duke Touraine (age 35), and Alexander, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles.