John Erskine, lord of Dun, had come…
1579 CE
John Erskine, lord of Dun, had come of a wealthy and powerful family; his grandfather, father, and two other near relatives had been killed in 1513 at the Battle of Flodden.
After studying at King's College, Aberdeen, he traveled for a number of years in Europe.
He is a friend of John Knox, George Wishart, and other Scottish Reformers but is less extreme in his views than some.
He had been one of the principals in the negotiations between the Reformers and Queen Mary; his wealth and influence made him important to both sides.
Te Reformed church had in 1560 appointed him superintendent for the districts of Angus and Mearns.
He had been moderator of several church assemblies and in 1578 had helped formulate the Church of Scotland's Presbyterian doctrine and government in the Second Book of Discipline.
He is named in 1579 to the king's council.