1581 in Scotland

Incumbents

• Monarch – James VI

Events

• January – James Stewart marries Elizabeth Stuart, 2nd Countess of Moray, celebrated with masques and running at the ring. James VI takes part.

Births

• Thomas Sydserf, a merchant
• James Stuart, 3rd Earl of Moray

Deaths

• 2 June – James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton executed.