James V of Scotland was a king who ruled from 1513 to 1542. He was the son of James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor, which connected him to the English royal family. James V became king when he was just a baby after his father's death at the Battle of Flodden. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen the Scottish crown and maintain independence from England. During his rule, James V faced challenges from both internal factions and external threats, particularly from Henry VIII of England. He is known for his patronage of the arts and for building several castles, including Stirling Castle. James V died in 1542, leaving behind a young daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots.