Walter Scott, 4th Baron of Buccleuch

Walter Scott, 4th Baron of Buccleuch (1549–1574) was head of the Border family of Scott and, despite his youth, played a prominent part in the turbulent politics of 16th century Scotland.

Origin Scott was the eldest son of Sir William Scott of Kirkurd, Younger of Buccleuch (died 1552) and his sister was Jean Scott, Lady Ferniehirst.

Career Scott succeeded his grandfather at age three. His uncle, Walter Scott of Goldielands, a natural half-brother of his father, led the Scotts during his minority. Scott rebuilt the castle in the following year.

He was a principal leader of the raid to Stirling on 4 September 1571, when an attempt was made to seize the Regent Lennox, who was slain by one of the Hamiltons during the mêlée. Buccleuch, who had interposed to save the Regent Morton, his kinsman, whom the Hamiltons intended also to have slain, was during the retreat taken prisoner by Morton, and was for some time confined in Doune Castle in Menteith.

Scott died at Branxholme on 17 April 1574.

Family Scott married Margaret Douglas, daughter of David Douglas, 7th Earl of Angus. (She survived him and married secondly Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell.) They had three children: Walter Scott, later 1st Lord Scott of Buccleuch Margaret (sometimes, though doubtfully, said to be married to Robert Scott of Thirlestane) Mary, who married William Elliott of Lariston