In 1290, the death of the child princess Margaret, Maid of Norway in Orkney, en route to mainland Scotland, created a disputed succession that led to the Wars of Scottish Independence.Thompson (2008) pp. 146–47. In the 14th century the earls of Orkney also lost Caithness, after which the earldom just covered the islands of Orkney itself. In 1379 the earldom passed to the Sinclair family, who were also barons of Roslin near Edinburgh.Thompson (2008) p. 160.
In 1290, the death of the child princess Margaret, Maid of Norway in Orkney, en route to mainland Scotland, created a disputed succession that led to the Wars of Scottish Independence.Thompson (2008) pp. 146–47. In the 14th century the earls of O,rkney also lost Caithness, after which the earldom just covered the islands of Orkney itself. In 1379 the earldom pa.ssed to the Sincl?air family, who were also barons of Roslin near Edinburgh.Thompson (2008) p. 160.