I've probably given more thought on who to vote for in the 'Rex Factor' semis and grand final than any other major decision so far this year. Of course, the winner has to be:
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James IV.
I found Mary, Queen of Scots, a really fascinating person and someone I'd like to learn more about, given that I'd only really known her as someone who pops up during Liz the First's reign to have a head cut off. But sadly she doesn't really achieve anything as Queen and when we're playing in the higher leagues you need to have something substantial.
Robert the Bruce is clearly the most memorable - very much as recognisable as Henry VIII. And this works against him for this competition because we should be celebrating the lesser known. Being awesome with a sword, usurping the throne, and guaranteeing Scotland's independence are all good things, but would I want to live under him?
Constantine deserves recognition by being able to retire and die a natural death: an outstanding achievement for a Scottish ruler. He did create the modern Scotland and survive Banockburn so these are in his favour.
But James IV! What a guy! Golden age, a navy, the judgements the dentistry, all adds up to an excellent ruler. And all destroyed in one great epic charge.