The significant shift in religious authority in Scotland occurred when Protestant reformers dismantled the Catholic Church's power. Driven by discontent with Catholic practices, many Scottish nobles aligned with the reformist movement, which was heavily influenced by John Knox. Knox, a central figure in the Scottish Reformation, sought to establish a church independent of papal influence, espousing a belief in salvation through faith alone. The movement gained traction as various socio-political factors combined, including popular dissatisfaction with ecclesiastical corruption and the desire for greater autonomy from England. The nobles' growing support helped realize a religious transformation that sought to create a national church based on Protestant principles.

In the years preceding the establishment of Protestantism, Scotland was marked by religious strife, culminating in the Act of the Scottish Parliament, which effectively abolished the Catholic Mass and reaffirmed allegiance to the Protestant faith. The act restructured religious practices and enabled a more significant role for lay people in church governance. John Knox's influence was paramount as he worked to secure Protestant doctrines' place in both church and state.

Protestantism's establishment in Scotland not only changed the religious landscape but also influenced the social and political structure of the nation. With Protestant principles at the forefront, the church became a vehicle for societal reform, promoting education and moral discipline. This reformed church laid the groundwork for the eventual development of the Scottish Presbyterian Church, which would shape Scottish identity and values moving forward.