The death of Alexander in 1249 happened to coincide with the death of Galfred de Liberatione, Bishop of Dunkeld, in the same year. So instead of falling from a high-profile job into obscurity, Richard was elected to the diocese of Dunkeld sometime in the year 1250.
The death of Alexander and Galfred de Liberatione, Bishop of Dunkeld, in the same year created an opportunity for Richard to be elected bishop of Dunkeld in 1250.  This was a positive outcome as it avoided him falling from a high-profile position into obscurity.