Borthwick first attended the Privy Council of Scotland on 22 August 1567, when the act of abdication of Mary, Queen of Scots was read out by Lord Lindsay and James, Earl of Moray was appointed Regent of Scotland.
She complained that Borthwick's behaviour was instigated by Satan, that he insulted her and hurt her physically, even when pregnant.
The Privy Council of Scotland ordered Borthwick to pay her thirty shillings each day during the court process.
He argued that he should not have to pay the thirty shillings because he had invited Grissel back to Borthwick Castle to share his bed and table, and she had refused.
[2] They had seven children, five survived to adulthood: After Borthwick's death, Grissel Scot married William Cairncross of Colmslie.