Mary, Queen of Scots returned to her native Scotland in a grand procession that highlighted both her royal status and the challenges she faced. Arriving in Edinburgh, she was met with a spectacular display of civic celebration, including music, feasting, and public demonstrations of loyalty from various segments of society. Gathered crowds cheered her on, suggesting a hopeful reception from the public despite underlying tensions related to religion. Scots Catholics typically viewed Mary as their rightful Catholic monarch, while many Protestant factions were increasingly critical of her reign, exacerbating existing divisions.The celebrations took place against a backdrop of religious strife, with the Protestant Reformation influencing various aspects of Scottish life including governance and societal norms. Mary’s attempt to assert her Catholic influence was met with mixed reactions. Not only did the pomp and ceremony symbolize her reign, but the religious undertones also highlighted the precarious balance of power between Protestant reformers and Catholics in Scotland. In a more practical sense, Mary's return to Edinburgh was a critical step in reclaiming her throne after years in exile in France. The public display of support was vital for Mary to garner necessary legitimacy and to solidify her claim. However, the diverse reactions from her subjects foreshadowed the intense political struggles that would arise during her reign, leading to a series of conflicts over religion and governance.