1681 in Scotland

Incumbents

• Monarch – Charles II

  Judiciary

• Lord President of the Court of Session – James Dalrymple; George Gordon from November
• Lord Justice General – William Douglas
• Lord Justice Clerk – Sir Richard Maitland

  Events

• James, Duke of York, the King's viceroy in Scotland, summons the Parliament of Scotland to pass the Test Act under which anyone seeking office in Scotland will have to swear an oath to the King and Protestant religion.
• 13 August – The title of Earl of Breadalbane and Holland is created in the Peerage of Scotland for Sir John Campbell.
• Autumn – James Dalrymple publishes The Institutions of the Law of Scotland.
• 11 November – The office of Historiographer Royal is created in Scotland, the first holder being James Crawford DD.
• 25 November – Tam Dalyell of the Binns issued with a commission to enroll troops into what becomes the Royal Scots Greys.
• 29 November – The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is granted a royal charter.
• The Merchant Company of Edinburgh is granted a royal charter.
• Ongoing – The Killing Time.

  Births

Deaths

• 27 July – Donald Cargill, Covenanter, beheaded
• James Sandilands, 2nd Lord Abercrombie