Malcolm Douglas, 8th Laird of Mains
Malcolm Douglas (abt 1545 -
9 FEB 1585) was the son of
Matthew Douglas, 7th Laird of
Mains, and
Margaret Buchanan.
Malcolm Douglas of Mains was allegedly involved in an intrigue to
recover debts owed to William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie by nobles
in the king's court and to influence the Scottish monarchy. In
August 1582 he along with the Earl of Gowrie, The Earl of Angus, et
al, participated in the Raid of Ruthven. They captured King James VI
and held him prisoner in what is now known as Huntingtower Castle,
Stirlingshire. The King escaped and the Ruthven Raiders were
subsequently tried for kidnapping and treason.
Douglas of
Mains and others including John Cunningham of Drumquhassle (a member
of his wife's family) were brought before an assize, on 6 February
1584, for conspiring in the Raid of Ruthven. Robert Hamilton of
Inchmachane (or Ecclesmechan) appears to have come forward as a
witness against them. Douglas and Cunningham were both found guilty
and sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered at the Market Cross,
in Edinburgh. They were publicly executed the same day.
The
story has been romanticised over time by many authors, including Sir
Walter Scott, with Malcolm Douglas being described as a "gentleman
of considerable property, and universally respected" and (by his
enemies) "dreaded on account of his courage and independence of
spirit". The key witness against him (Robert Hamilton) has been
accused of being motivated by financial reward, while the evidence
given by him was considered to be false. The second witness (James Edmonston of Duntreath) was allegedly put on a false charge to make
him corroborate the evidence in exchange for a pardon.
See also:
• A Murky
Affair, a tale of conspiracy and plotting involving Douglas of
Mains, Edmonston of Duntreath, and various others.
Note:
1. Robert Douglas in
Drumgarland was granted a remission for participation in the
Raid of Ruthven
Any contributions will be
gratefully accepted
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