Dearest brother

Provides a detailed account of Scottish politics in the reign of Charles II, focusing on the years from 1667-1673, when, for the only time in the Restoration era, Scottish political leaders were able to make policy for Scotland with minimal interference from London and with Scottish interests chiefly in mind. The key players were the secretary of state, John Maitland, who was earl of Lauderdale and resident at court, and this chief agent in Edinburgh, John Hay, earl of Tweeddale, his first cousin, who became his 'dearest brother' when Tweeddadle's son married Lauderdale's daughter. A third indispensible member of the group was Sir Robert Moray, their cousin by marriage, King Charles's fellow chemist and close friend. Together the three inaugurated a programme of reform which had some initial success but in the end foundered on political and personal disagreements.