James Scott of Balwearie facts for kids
James Scott of Balwearie was a Scottish landowner who lived in the late 1500s. He was known for supporting powerful noblemen who sometimes rebelled against the king. He passed away in 1606.
James was the son of Walter Scott of Balwearie and Janet Lindsay. His family owned land in Atholl, Perthshire. They also had homes in Fife, including Balwearie Castle near Kirkcaldy and Killernie Castle.
His grandfather, also named William Scott of Balwearie, was a judge. James's stepfather, George Douglas, helped Mary, Queen of Scots escape from Lochleven Castle in 1568.
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James Scott's Younger Brother
James had a younger brother named Robert Scott. Robert worked for the rebel Earl of Bothwell. In September 1591, Robert was caught in Leith with the Earl's horse. He was shot and badly hurt while attacking Holyrood Palace on December 27, 1591.
Joining the Earl of Bothwell
On June 27, 1592, James Scott joined the Earl of Bothwell. They teamed up with others, like the Laird of Niddrie. Their plan was to attack Falkland Palace. They hoped to take control of King James VI and his wife, Anne of Denmark.
Supporting Rebel Lords
In 1594, James Scott worked as an agent for some Catholic lords who were rebelling. People rumored he was part of a plan. This plan was to remove King James VI from power. They wanted to replace him with his young son, Prince Henry.
On January 11, James was captured by the Provost of Edinburgh. He was then put in Edinburgh Castle. On January 28, 1595, he was questioned. He described a secret meeting from August 1594. This meeting took place near the Kirk of Menmuir.
At this meeting, James met with several powerful earls. These included Bothwell, Angus, Huntly, and Erroll. They all signed a "band," which was a secret agreement. This agreement was a serious act of treason. They promised to defend themselves against King James VI.
At a second meeting, they discussed a plan. They wanted to capture King James VI at Stirling Castle. After winning the battle of Glenlivet, the Earl of Huntly sent a message. He reported their "happy success" to Flanders and the Pope.
Imprisonment and Fine
Walter Scott of Buccleuch asked Anne of Denmark to help James. He wanted her to ask for James's life to be spared. James was imprisoned and had to pay a large fine. The fine was 12,000 Scottish merks.
On April 30, 1595, James, his brother Robert, and Kinnaird of Carse were taken to Stirling Castle. They had to give their testimony in the Chapel Royal. A group of Church ministers listened to them. After this, the ministers agreed to remove from the Church those who were with the earls at Menmuir.
James Scott of Balwearie died in 1606.
Family Life
James Scott married Elizabeth Wardlaw. She was the daughter of Andrew Wardlaw of Torrie. They had several children:
- Barbara Scott, who married David Graham of Fintry.
- Janet Scott, who married John Boswell. He was the son of John Boswell of Balmuto.
- James Scott of Logie, who married Katherine Creick.
