1590 in Scotland

Incumbents

Events

• 17 May – Anne of Denmark crowned queen consort of Scotland at Holyrood Abbey
• October – Battle of Clynetradwell: the forces of Alexander Gordon, Earl of Sutherland force those of George Sinclair, Earl of Caithness to retreat
• North Berwick witch trials begin
• Glenbuchat Castle built for John Gordon of Cairnbarrow
• The oldest known paper mill in Scotland is recorded as operating at Dalry.

  Births

• Andrew Cant, Presbyterian minister and Covenanter
• George Gordon, 2nd Marquess of Huntly
• James Renfrew
• Alexander Moffat, Commendator of Edny
• Approximate date
• *George Jamesone, portrait painter
• *James Roberton, advocate and judge

  Deaths

• 3 January – Robert Boyd, 5th Lord Boyd

  The arts

• March – English printer Robert Waldegrave establishes himself in Edinburgh
• John Burrell writes The Description of the Queenis Maiesties most honourable entry into the town of Edinburgh