James II of Scotland

Here is the revised memorial biography, with only well-supported facts preserved and phrased respectfully:

James II of Scotland (16 October 1430 – 3 August 1460) was King of Scots from 1437 until his sudden death. He was born at Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh, the second-born of twin sons of King James I and Joan Beaufort; his elder twin Alexander died in infancy, leaving James as heir apparent(en.wikipedia.org). He succeeded to the throne at the age of six, following his father’s assassination on 21 February 1437, and was crowned in Holyrood Abbey in March 1437, becoming the first Scottish monarch not crowned at Scone in centuries(en.wikipedia.org).

During his minority, Scotland was dominated by powerful noble factions, particularly the Douglases and the Livingstone–Crichton alliance(en.wikisource.org). James began to exercise personal rule around 1444, and his marriage to Mary of Guelders in July 1449 marked a turning point: he moved against the Livingstones soon thereafter(archontology.org).

In February 1452, during a meeting at Stirling Castle, James killed William, 8th Earl of Douglas, an act that initiated open conflict with the Black Douglases. James ultimately defeated them at the Battle of Arkinholm in 1455 and confiscated their lands, bringing their power to an end(archontology.org).

King James II was known as “James of the Fiery Face” because of a prominent birthmark(royal.uk). In July 1460, exploiting instability in England due to the Wars of the Roses, he led a campaign to retake Roxburgh Castle from the English(royal.uk). Tragically, on 3 August 1460, he was killed during the siege when a cannon exploded near him(royal.uk). The castle was captured shortly thereafter by his forces, and his widow continued the siege. Their young son, James III, was proclaimed king shortly thereafter(deriv.nls.uk).

James II was buried at Holyrood Abbey, the place of his birth and coronation(en.wikipedia.org).

---

This biography retains verified information about his birth, reign, major actions, personality epithet, and death, drawing directly from reliable historical sources.