Educated at the University of St Andrews, he became a Presbyterian minister, but occupied himself chiefly with political intrigue, sending secret information to the English government concerning Scottish affairs.
[1] James VI wrote to Robert Bowes in March 1594 asking that John Colville should be reimbursed for his services from the English subsidy to the tune of £1266 sterling.
[4] In July 1594 he reported a rumour at the Scottish court that James VI had conceived a jealousy against Anne of Denmark, and even thought the Duke of Lennox might be the father of Prince Henry.
[5] In a letter of November 1595 to the English diplomat Robert Bowes he refers to Elizabeth I as a "Deborah", who "shall yet prevail over all her idolatrous foes".
Colville was the author of several works, including an Oratio Funebris on Elizabeth I of England, and some political and religious controversial essays.