On December 14, the news of King James V's death brought mixed emotions, leading to celebrations in some circles. The immediate successor was his newborn daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots, which led many to believe that Scotland would enter a period of instability. The country was no stranger to power struggles, having experienced six regencies in the last 150 years, which further suggested that the infant queen would not pose any significant threat.

The regency would likely mean continued political turmoil and weakened governance in Scotland. With the throne in the hands of a child, many anticipated that Scotland would be less formidable and would trouble England no further. This transition marked a significant shift in the dynamics of power within the region, especially concerning the interplay with the English monarchy.