roland died in december 1200, after which alan succeeded to the lordship of galloway. alan also inherited the constableship of scotland, a pre-eminent position which had passed to roland from the morvilles by right of roland's wife, the only surviving heir of richard de morville. as constable, alan, like the earls of the realm, was responsible for leading the king's royal forces. it is uncertain whether the constable of this period took precedence over the earls in command of the king's army, or if the constable had charge of the realm's numerous marischals. his attachment to the importance of his position as constable is evidenced by the fact that this title tends to have taken priority over his hereditary title as ruler of galloway.