Adam Erskine

[2] He gave the young king, who lived at Stirling Castle with his aunt Annabell Murray, Countess of Mar, a hunting book, Jean de Clamorgan's, La Chasse du Loup (Paris, 1574).

Adam Erskine had persuaded his cousin, Alexander's nephew, the young Earl of Mar that he should be the guardian of James VI.

The two Commendators met Alexander Erskine, who held the castle keys, and began to argue with him over the guardianship of the King.

During the struggle at the castle gate, Gogar's eldest son was fatally injured and a servant called Buchanan was hurt.

The young king was said to have torn his hair in distress during the incident, fearing that his friend Alexander Erskine was killed.

James VI was captured by the Earl of Gowrie at Ruthven Castle, separated from his favourites, and coerced for several months into a pro-English and Reforming policy.

These were teinds or tithes, paid in cash or produce which were intended to contribute to the stipends of ministers of the church and the expenses of the royal household.

[14] The English diplomat George Nicholson came to Stirling Castle in June 1595 and spoke to the Earl of Argyll, Mar, his mother Annabell Murray, and Adam Erskine, who he called an Abbot.