Increased taxes are never popular. However, your new laws succeed in enforcing order. If anyone refuses the authority of the Crown, you can prosecute them. This is sure to tame the rebellious frontiers of the west. Very cunning of you, James. Very cunning indeed!
You increase taxes and assert new laws which assist the economy. New rules also protect both land-holders and tenants. Legal representation is made available for everyone, not just the rich and the powerful.
Many of your reforms prove unpopular with nobles. They have revelled in their fortunes and their lands for many years and do not take too kindly to change.
In the Scotichronicon, a 15th century account of the history of Scotland, you will be described as the 'Rex Legifer'. Translated from the Latin, this means the 'law giver' king.
With the profits from increased taxes you build a palace at Linlithgow. You style it like a European palace. It is unfortified, very different to Albany's heavily-defensive Doune Castle. Linlithgow portrays a confident monarch with a modern outlook and expensive tastes.