Mary, Queen of Scots married Henry, Lord Darnley in 1565. She gave birth to a son, James, in Edinburgh Castle on 19 June 1566. James was crowned King of Scotland when he was only 13 months old after his mother was forced to abdicate. From 1567 to 1582, James lived under the care of four successive regents, the Earls of Murray, Lennox, Mar and Morton. These regents were appointed to look after the young king and govern the country on his behalf until he was old enough to rule for himself.

During his reign in Scotland, James established control over various religious and political factions. He worked towards centralising power and justice to establish a firmer hold over Scotland.

Queen Elizabeth I died on 24 March 1603. James was Elizabeth’s closest relative. He succeeded to the English crown and was proclaimed king by virtue of his descent from his great grandmother, Margaret Tudor. He left for England on 4 April, taking a month to reach London for his coronation at Westminster Abbey on 11 July. The crowns of Scotland and England were united when King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England.

James ruled both Scotland and England but each country retained its own parliament, church, laws and coinage. After 1603, he only returned to Scotland once. He died on 27 March 1625 and was succeeded by his son Charles I.