Alexander Stewart was born around 1343, son of King Robert II of Scotland. Alexander wielded considerable power and influence and was known as The Wolf of Badenoch. His most notorious of actions during the Wars of Scottish Independence was the burning of Elgin Cathedral. He was known for his aggressive and violent behaviour, often disregarding the law and acting with impunity.

According to legend, Stewart was visited at Ruthven Castle by a tall man dressed in black. The two played chess through the night, with a storm rising when the stranger called "Check" and "Check Mate". The legend says that the next morning the Wolf of Badenoch was found dead in the castle's hall, with his men dead outside the castle walls.