1586 in Scotland

Events from the year 1586 in the Kingdom of Scotland.

Incumbents

 * Monarch – James VI

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.
 * 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 (died 1657)
 * John Wemyss, 1st Earl of Wemyss, politician (died 1649)
 * Approximate date
 * Walter Balcanquhall, churchman (died 1645 in England)
 * Alexander Reid, royal physician (died 1643)

Deaths

 * February – George Seton, 7th Lord Seton, Lord of the Parliament of Scotland (born 1531)
 * 1 August – Richard Maitland, lawyer and poet (born 1496)
 * Approximate date – Robert Crichton, Lord Advocate