James VI: the childhood years

Love Scotland: Stories of Scotland's History and Nature

This week, Jackie is at Falkland Palace to learn more about the early years of James VI, one of the most influential monarchs in British history.

Crowned at an early age, and separated from his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots, James would go on to be the first king of the whole British Isles.

But focusing on his later achievements misses out on many remarkable and life-threatening experiences endured by the young king, who was kidnapped, held hostage, and fought over by rival factions.

Joining Jackie is Steven Reid, the author of The Early Life of James VI: A Long Apprenticeship, 1566–1585, which recounts the details of these extraordinary years.

To find out more about Falkland Palace, head to nts.org.uk