First known letter by King James VI of Scotland to go on display

The first known letter written by King James VI of Scotland – penned when he was no more than seven years old – is to go on display later this month.

The rare document – held by National Records of Scotland (NRS) – joins other items as part of an exhibition to mark 400 years since the his death.

It brings together precious documents with artworks, clothing and jewels to create an “immersive experience”.

The World of King James VI & I opens at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh on 26 April.

The display offers a special look into the life of the king who became the first to unite the crowns of England and Scotland.

Born on 19 June 1566 in Edinburgh Castle he became King of Scots when he was just 13 months old after his mother – Mary, Queen of Scots – was forced to abdicate.

Described as a “shrewd ruler” he became King of England in 1603 following the death of Elizabeth I. He was then known as both James VI of Scotland and King James I of England.

He died on 27 March 1625 and was succeeded by his second son, Charles.

The documents going on display help tell his story from his early days through to his time ruling the much wider kingdom.

Among the papers going on show is a childhood “thank you” letter.

In it, young James expresses gratitude to his guardian’s wife, the Countess of Mar, for sending him fruit.

Dr Alan Borthwick, head of medieval and early modern records at NRS, said: “These records are rarely seen in public.

“They help us understand James’s remarkable story, from becoming king of Scots as a baby, his mother’s exile, his childhood and going on to become the first monarch to rule Scotland, England and Ireland.”