Scottish Castles Association

Lord Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran had 19 children, three of whom were legitimate. His eldest, James Hamilton (1495-1540), known as The Bastard, had 13 of whom three were legitimate. As senior representative of the House of Hamilton he could aspire to the title but his hopes were dashed when his father had a legitimate male heir by his third wife. After his father’s death James was responsible for the Hamilton affairs until his younger brother came of age.

James, or Hamilton of Finnart after his property at Greenock, was to play an important part in Scottish affairs. Favoured by the King he was awarded many titles one of which was Master of the King’s Works.

King James V was a prolific builder and Finnart was his facilitator. His most notable contribution for the King was the Royal Palace at Stirling – a Renaissance masterpiece. It is argued that this was built at his own expense and gifted to the King in return for the removal of bastardy – if so, a high price to pay for legitimisation.

Outside of his royal duties, Finnart built many other residences among which are Craignethan and Strathaven Castles.

Finnart was to suffer the fate of so many royal favourites. The King became convinced that he was plotting against him. In 1540 he was seized and subjected to a trial on trumped-up charges, one of which was:

The result was never in doubt. He was beheaded the same day and the King pocketed his estates and vast wealth – who would have thought?

Article by Scottish Castles Association member Brian McGarrigle. * Strathaven Castle photograph courtesy of Scottish Castles Association member John Pringle.