He travelled to the Holy See to become consecrated; but he did not pay the money requested of him, and his travel companions turned against him, the bishop of Dunblane perhaps aspiring to the bishopric himself. Nicholas therefore returned to Scotland unconsecrated. John de Cheyam, a papal chaplain, was appointed in his place, probably in June 1259.
He went to the Holy See for ordination but did not pay the required fee and faced opposition from his companions. The Dunblane bishop may have been seeking the bishopric himself. As a result, Nicholas returned to Scotland unordained. John de Cheyam, a papal chaplain, was appointed in his place sometime in June 1259.