When 17-year-old James escaped in 1583, he seized control of Scotland, finally becoming king in more than just title. 3. James VI and I spearheaded the Scottish witch trials.

James VI and I (1566-1625), King of Scotland, as a child, 1574. Found in the collection of the National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh. He was just 13 months old when he became King of Scotland.

James VI's Legacy. On the 24th March 1603 James VI of Scotland was proclaimed King of England. James only ever returned to Scotland once thereafter, boasting that he ruled Scotland with a pen.

Dating back to the early 16th century, the Crown of Scotland was first worn by King James V of Scotland at the coronation of nine-month-old Queen Mary of Guise in 1540.