He was known as the "Great Earl" and nicknamed "Bell-the-Cat" for his capture of Robert Cochrane, Earl of Mar, the favourite of King James III. He joined Alexander Stewart, Earl of Albany, in intriguing with Edward IV, acknowledged the overlordship of the English crown and was one of the leaders of the rebellion against James III in 1487-8. He renewed his English intrigues under the reign of James IV, but was in favour with the court between 1493 and 1498, becoming chancellor of the kingdom. At Flodden field he lost two of his sons.

Source: Leo van de Pas