In the early 14th century, Scotland was embroiled in a conflict for independence from English rule. Robert the Bruce, a nobleman with aspirations to the Scottish throne, had a complex relationship with John Comyn, another claimant. The tensions between the two men had been rising due to their competing claims to leadership and their allegiances amid the ongoing struggle against English dominance. The event took place in Greyfriars Church in Dumfries, where both men met ostensibly to negotiate. However, heated discussions soon escalated into a violent confrontation.

In a moment of fury and betrayal, Robert the Bruce murdered John Comyn in the church. This act was not merely a personal conflict but represented the broader issues of loyalty, betrayal, and the fierce competition for power that defined this tumultuous period. After this brutal act, Robert fled the scene, realizing the magnitude of his actions, which would significantly affect his political aspirations along with the future of Scotland.

The assassination of Comyn was a catalyst for other Scottish nobles to rally around Bruce as a leader committed to the cause of independence. The murder created a power vacuum, stranded loyalties, and opened a pathway for Bruce to challenge both Comyn's supporters and the English crown actively. In the wake of Comyn's death, Robert the Bruce would officially declare himself King of Scots, intensifying the conflict that would lead to the Wars of Scottish Independence.