James Stuart, 1st Earl of Moray (c. 1531–1570) was a Scottish nobleman and the half-brother of Mary, Queen of Scots. He played a significant role in the political landscape of Scotland during the 16th century, particularly as a leader of the Protestant Reformation in the country. In 1567, after Mary was forced to abdicate, James became the regent for her son, James VI of Scotland. His tenure was marked by political strife and conflict, ultimately leading to his assassination in 1570, which highlighted the ongoing tensions between Protestant and Catholic factions in Scotland.