Robert
Fifth Lord Boyd

Robert, fifth Lord Boyd, was born circa 1517.

In the war between Mary Queen of Scots and the Lords of the Congregation he went against the Queen.

Amongst other activities he was a party to the Bond signed at Ayr "to maintain and assist the proaching of the Evangol."

He took part in the attempt on Edinburgh after the marriage of Queen Mary, and was declared guilty of leso majeste against her on 1st December 1565. He shortly afterwards was pardoned and ordered to appear at Court.

His political attitude now underwent a complete change. According to the so-called dying declaration of Bothwell (third husband to Mary Queen of Scots), Lord Boyd was privy to the murder of Barnley (her second husband). He became the devoted adherent of Queen Mary. With his two sons and a large force he fought for her at Langside 13th May, 1568.

He was entrusted by the Duke of Norfolk with a diamond to give to the Queen. In a letter to the Duke written in 1569, Queen Mary says: "I took the diamant from my Lord Boyd, which I shall keep unseene about my neck, till I give it again to the owner of it and me both."

After many attempts on the Queen's behalf he came to an agreement with the Earls of Morton and Mar to serve the King, James VI of Scotland. The Queen wrote to M. de la Motte Fenolon that Atholl, Argyll and Boyd "comme desospores d'sucune ayde commencent a se retirer et regarder qui aura de moilleur."

Lord Boyd was party to the conspiracy known as the Haid of Futhvon, and on its collapse retired to France. He was recalled by a highly complimentary letter from King James in 1586.

He died in 1589-90 at the age of 72, having for over 30 years played a prominent part in Scottish history.

Although he cultivated the friendship of his neighbours, he had a feud with the Mures, and on 14th September, 1589, he paid John Mure of Rovallan 350 marks for the slaughter of his father.

His Lordship married his cousin Margaret Colquhoun of Glens, and their children were:

1. Thomas - sixth Lord Boyd
2. Robert of Badenheath - fought for Queen Mary at Langside. He had a pass from King James VI to go to France, 23rd April, 1585 "having certain legal affairs to do within the realm of France, and especially for visiting our trais cousin Robert, Lord Boyd."
3. Margaret - married John Cunningham
4. Helen - by charter of Hugh Montgomerie had a charter of certain lands "in her pure, spotless and inviolate virginity" to hold all the days of her life
5. Egidia or Golis - married Hugh Montgomerie, afterwards fourth Earl of Eglingtoun
6. Agnes married Sir John Colquhoun of Luss, for which a dispensation was given by the Papal Legato 1564
7. Christine - married Sir James Hamilton
8. Elizabeth -married Sir John Cunningham

He also had a natural son:

9. Colonel Baird Boyd of Tourgill