Mary, Queen of Scots, returned to Scotland on 19 August 1561, after spending 13 formative years in France. The daughter of James V of Scotland, Mary was raised at the French court, where she was married to Francis II, the King of France. Following Francis' untimely death in 1560, Mary, then 18, found herself a widow and in a position to reclaim her place on the Scottish throne, which she inherited as a child. Her return was marked by a fleet of ships arriving at Leith, greeted by nobility, commoners, and soldiers alike, showcasing her significance to the Scottish people.

Upon her return, Mary aimed to unify a country torn by religious division and political intrigue. The Protestant Reformation had a profound impact on Scotland, creating rifts between Catholics and Protestants, and Mary, a devout Catholic, faced the challenge of governing a country undergoing significant change. Her intent was to solidify her power by establishing loyal supporters, navigating the tumultuous Scottish socio-political landscape, and managing foreign alliances that were crucial for her reign’s stability.

Mary's return also stirred the ambitions of various factions within Scotland, including her cousin, Lord Darnley. As tensions grew, her reign would become intertwined with struggle and conflict, setting the stage for a dramatic series of events that would lead to her eventual downfall. As she navigated the complex nature of Scottish politics, Mary embodied the struggle between tradition and change, Catholicism and Protestantism, in a kingdom longing for peace and stability.