James Beaton

In 1504 he became Prior of Whithorn and Abbot of Dunfermline and in 1505 was made Lord High Treasurer of Scotland by James IV.

As primate he threw all his powerful influence into the scale against the intrigues of Henry VIII to obtain predominance in Scotland.

The English ambassador described him as "greatest man both of lands and experience within this realm, and noted to be very crafty and dissimulating".

The Regent Albany's jealousy had deprived Beaton of the chancellorship some years previously, and he was never reappointed, though he enjoyed the full favour of the king.

A few months after the second marriage of James to Mary of Guise, the primate got his nephew Cardinal Beaton appointed his coadjutor with right of succession.