Background
He was the second son of Archibald Douglas, 3rd and Joan Moray of Bothwell and Drumsargard (now Cambuslang), daughter after 1408.
He was the second son of Archibald Douglas, 3rd and Joan Moray of Bothwell and Drumsargard (now Cambuslang), daughter after 1408.
James was now acting head of the main branch of the powerful Douglas family and was left to maintain their influence in southern Scotland. The most important of these was the stronghold of Abercorn Castle which would become his principal residence for the rest of his life. His links with the Albany Stewarts however did not prevent him from becoming a councillor to the king once he returned from imprisonment in 1424.
This backing from the earl of Douglas" senior kinsman was vital for the king to prevent a clash with the powerful Douglas affinity and shortly before his death in 1437 James I gave him the title of Earl of Avondale.
Historians tend to place the blame for the Black Dinner on Crichton, Livingston and especially Douglas, as the death of his great-nephews brought him the earldom of Douglas and the position as the most powerful magnate in Scotland.