Entry of James VI into Edinburgh

A royal entry into Edinburgh marked the coming of age of King James VI of Scotland as an adult ruler on 19 October 1579.

A representation of the astrologer Ptolemy signalled the transition of James to adulthood, and he was given a sword and sceptre, symbols of kingship, known as the Honours of Scotland.

[5] At the West Port the king was met by 32 burgesses of Edinburgh, whose names are recorded,[6] who carried a canopy made of purple velvet.

A short account of the events occurs in the chronicle, The historie and life of King James the Sext, written in Middle Scots;At the Wast Port of Edinburgh, he was ressavit be the Magistrats of the toun under a pompous payle of purple velvet.

This done, they presented unto the King, the sworde for the one hand, and the scepter for the uther.And as he maid forder progres within the toun, in the streat that ascendis to the castell, thair is an ancient port, at the whilk hang a curious globe, that opnit artificiallie as the King came by, wharin was a young boy that discendit craftelie, presenting the keyis of the toun to his Majestie, that war all maid of fyne massie sylver; and thais war presentlie ressavit be ane of his honorable counsall at his awin command.

Then in his discence, as he came foment the hous of Justice, thair shew thayme selfis unto him, foure gallant vertewous ladeyis; to wit, Peax, Justice, Plentie, and Policie; and ather of thayme had an oraison to his Majestic.Tharefter, as he came towart the chief collegiall kirk, thare Dame Religion shew hirself, desyring his presence, whilk he then obeyit be entring the kirk; whare the cheif preacher for that tyme maid a notable exhortation unto him, for the embracing of Religion and all hir cardinall vertewis, and of all uther morall vertewis.

Tharefter, he came furth and maid progres to the Mercat Croce, whare he beheld Bacchus with his magnifik liberalitie and plentie, distributing of his liquor to all passingers and behalders, in sik apperance as was pleasant to see.

[12]The king was given a cupboard of silver gilt plate made by the Edinburgh goldsmiths Edward Hart, Thomas Annand, George Heriot, Adam Craig and William Cokky.

[15] The wealthy merchant and "Customar" of Edinburgh Robert Gourlay, a supporter of Regent Morton, complained to the Privy Council of Scotland when he was asked to contribute £30.