Frontispiece to the Scots Gaelic translation of John Knox's Liturgy, 1567
1520 - 1560

Reformation in Scotland

The Scottish Reformation, a pivotal event in the 16th century, marked the transformation of Scotland from a predominantly Catholic nation to a Protestant one. Influenced by broader European Protestant movements, particularly the ideas of Martin Luther and John Calvin, the Reformation in Scotland gained momentum following the spread of Protestant literature and preaching.

The establishment of the Protestant Church of Scotland in 1560, following the Scottish Parliament's adoption of the Reformation principles outlined in the Scots Confession, symbolized the formal shift in religious affiliation. This transformation was not without conflict, with various factions vying for power and influence throughout the process. Nevertheless, by the end of the century, Protestantism had firmly rooted itself across the country, shaping Scotland's religious, social, and political landscapes for the centuries to come.

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