1586 in Scotland

Incumbents

Events

• March-July – Babington Plot, an attempt to assassinate Elizabeth I of England and replace her on the English throne by a rescued Mary, Queen of Scots, takes place. Anthony Babington and his co-conspirators are executed on 20 September.
• 6 July – Treaty of Berwick signed, making peace between James VI and Elizabeth I of England.
• August – the Parliament of Scotland enacts laws ratifying the Scots Confession, abolishing the jurisdiction of the pope in Scotland, condemning all religious doctrine and practice contrary to the reformed faith of the country, and forbidding the celebration of Christmas.
• Battle of Allt Camhna: the Clan Gunn and Clan Mackay defeat the Clan Sinclair.
• Battle of Leckmelm: the Clan Sutherland, Mackays of Aberach and MacLeods of Assynt defeat the Clan Gunn.
• Battle of the Western Isles on Jura: the Clan MacDonald of Sleat and Clan MacLean give battle.

  Births

• William Guild, minister
• John Wemyss, 1st Earl of Wemyss, politician
• Approximate date
• *Walter Balcanquhall, churchman
• *Alexander Reid, royal physician

  Deaths

• February – George Seton, 7th Lord Seton, Lord of the Parliament of Scotland
• 1 August – Richard Maitland, lawyer and poet
• Approximate date – Robert Crichton, Lord Advocate