The title of Steward of Scotland was bestowed on Walter FitzAlan by David I, King of Scotland (1124 - 1153); under whose reign and the reigns of his brothers Edgar and Alexander before him, the Anglo-Norman feudal system and culture became more established in Scotland.  King Malcolm IV (1153 - 1165) confirmed the honour bestowed by David I and made the office of Steward of Scotland hereditary in Walter's family.

Walter founded the Abbey of Paisley for monks of the Clunic order in 1160; and he defeated Somerled of the Isles in 1164.

Walter married to Eschina de Londonius, widow of Robert de Croc and probably daughter of Thomas de Londonius.