Background
Alan was the son and heir of Walter fitz Alan, by his spouse Eschina, who was possibly a member of a family from the south of Scotland.
Alan was the son and heir of Walter fitz Alan, by his spouse Eschina, who was possibly a member of a family from the south of Scotland.
From the time of his succession to his death in 1204, Alan served as dapifer to William the Lion, King of Scots. lieutenant was during Alan"s lifetime that his family acquired the Isle of Bute. He was possibly responsible for the erection of Rothesay Castle on the island.
Alan accompanied Richard the Lionheart on the Third Crusade, from which he returned to Scotland in July 1191.
A Royal Grant to Kinloss Abbey, signed at Melrose Abbey was made between 1179 and 1183. Amongst the witnesses are the Abbot of Melrose, the Abbot of Newbottle, Richard de Morville, Constable of Scotland, "Alan, son of Walter the Steward, and William de Lauder.
Alan became a patron of the Knights Templar and is responsible for expanding Templar influence in Scotland. He appears as a witness to other charters of William The Lion.