Keith of Delny but James VI forbade it. John and Alexander Ruthven were killed on 5 August 1600 as the main characters in The Gowrie Conspiracy, a failed attempt to kidnap or murder James VI. References Sources External links 1540s births 1584 deaths 16th-century Scottish people William Executed Scottish people People executed for treason against Scotland 16th-century executions by Scotland Treasurers of Scotland People executed by the Kingdom of Scotland by decapitation Scottish politicians convicted of crimes Ruthven family