After James VI was seized at Huntingtower Castle in the Ruthven Raid of August 1582, the Earl of Mar attempted to raise forces to rescue the king. The Ruthven lords — aware of Mar's loyalties — moved armed bands to block access to Huntingtower and intimidated would-be rescuers. Mar's armed attempt collapsed when his supporters melted away under threat. The episode illustrated how completely the Ruthven faction had secured the king and how isolated those loyal to James VI personally had become.
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