When William Rufus became king of England after his father's death, Malcolm III of Scotland had not intervened in the subsequent rebellions by supporters of Robert Curthose.

William Rufus confiscates Edgar Ætheling's lands in England in 1091, and Edgar flees north to Scotland.

Malcolm, in an attempt to enlarge his holdings and protect Scottish independence,  marches south in May, not to raid and take slaves and plunder, but to besiege Newcastle, built in 1080 by Robert Curthose.

This appears to have been an attempt to advance the frontier south from the River Tweed to the River Tees.

The threat is enough to bring the English king back from Normandy, where he had been fighting Robert Curthose.

In September, learning of William Rufus's approaching army, Malcolm withdraws north and the English follow.

Malcolm is prepared to fight, unlike in 1072, but a peace is arranged by Edgar Ætheling and Robert Curthose whereby Malcolm again acknowledges the overlordship of the English king.