James V of Scotland, after coming of age and assuming control, had overthrown the Angus faction, and renewed Scotland's Auld Alliance with France.

He had married first a daughter of Francis I of France, and when she died a few months later of tuberculosis, he had married Mary of Guise.

Tension between England and Scotland increased once again; not least because Henry had already broken with the Roman Catholic church and embarked upon the Dissolution of the Monasteries, whereas James holds to Rome and gives authority to powerful prelates such as David Beaton.

A cruel young man, James has in recent years instituted a near reign of terror in Scotland, and his financial exactions do not endear him to his subjects.

His aggressive, vindictive policies have lost him the support of the nobility, weakening his army.

Henry VIII's plans for royal intermarriage with the Scottish crown have failed, and Ireland offers its crown to James.

Henry in 1541 illegally proclaims himself overlord of Scotland, France’s ally.