James Scrimgeour facts for kids
James Scrimgeour (died 1612) was an important Scottish landowner and the Constable of Dundee. This meant he was in charge of keeping law and order in the city. He was also the Provost of Dundee, which is similar to a mayor today. He was the son of John Scrymgeour and Margaret Campbell. James Scrimgeour lived during the time of King James VI of Scotland.
A Life of Service
James Scrimgeour was a very active person in Scotland. He supported the local church in Dundee. Even after big changes in religion during the Scottish Reformation, he could still help people get church jobs. For example, in 1580, he helped a young man named Robert Gray get money to go to school and university.
Scrimgeour was a loyal supporter of the Earl of Angus. In 1583, he even helped the Earl travel secretly when he was in trouble with the king. Scrimgeour pretended the Earl was his son-in-law to keep him safe.
Working for the King
King James VI trusted James Scrimgeour with important tasks. In 1588, the King asked him to return Broughty Castle to its owner, Lord Gray.
One of Scrimgeour's most important jobs was in 1589. He was sent with a group of Scottish leaders to Denmark. Their mission was to arrange the marriage of King James VI to Anne of Denmark. This was a very important diplomatic trip. Scrimgeour was part of the group that signed the king's marriage contract in Oslo in November 1589.
When Anne of Denmark arrived in Scotland, Scrimgeour's wife, Magdalen Livingstone, was chosen to help welcome the new queen. James Scrimgeour himself was knighted at the queen's coronation. This meant he became "Sir James Scrimgeour."
Sir James also helped at special royal events. In 1594, he was one of four gentlemen who held a special canopy over Prince Henry during his baptism at Stirling Castle. In 1598, he brought many gifts of food, like moor fowls and roe deer, for a banquet honoring the queen's brother, the Duke of Holstein.
Sir James Scrimgeour died in December 1612.
Family Life
Sir James Scrimgeour was married twice and had several children.
His first marriage was in 1565 to Margaret Carnegie. She was the youngest daughter of Robert Carnegie of Kinnaird. Their children included:
- Elizabeth Scrimgeour, who married John Campbell.
- Margaret Scrimgeour, who married James Haliburton.
- John Scrimgeour, who married Margaret Seton.
- Catherine Scrimgeour, who married William Ochterlony, and later Dugald Campbell.
His second wife was Magdalen Livingstone. She was the daughter of Lord Livingston. Magdalen had been a lady-in-waiting to Mary, Queen of Scots before marrying Sir James.
