Scotland’s Struggle with English Pirates

During the late 16th century, piracy was rampant in the North Sea, disrupting trade, causing fear among coastal communities, and becoming a thorn in the side of both the Scottish crown and its people. As James VI of Scotland sought to consolidate his power amidst internal challenges from rebellious nobles and zealous clergy, piracy added another layer of complexity to his rule. While most of the infamous pirates were of English origin, their actions had devastating consequences for Scottish merchants and communities along the Fife coast. This era saw the rise of bold Scottish attempts to defend their waters, as well as strained relations between Scotland and its neighbors over control of the seas.