The Battle of Dupplin Moor occurred during a turbulent period in Scottish history as conflict raged over the throne following the death of Robert the Bruce. Domhnall II, Earl of Mar, represented the Bruce loyalists in this battle against Edward Balliol, who aimed to restore his family's claim to the Scottish crown. Edward, aided by the English, sought to rally support and reassert his rule in Scotland, taking advantage of the fractured allegiances among the Scots.

The battle unfolded in Perthshire, a strategic location that allowed command over significant passages in the region. Both sides prepared for a confrontation that would not only determine the immediate control of the area but also reflect the broader struggle for sovereignty in a time when loyalties were often divided. Early in the conflict, the disciplined cavalry of Balliol proved to be pivotal, resulting in a catastrophic defeat for the Scots led by Mar.

In the aftermath of the battle, the defeat not only dismantled the initial stronghold of Bruce loyalists but also shifted the balance of power towards Edward Balliol. This clash contributed to the instability and fragmentation of Scotland’s political entities, influencing subsequent skirmishes and the enduring quest for independence that would follow in the ensuing decades.