This is just a short post, but I wanted to keep the Leslies in our mind as some of us attend the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.
When Queen Mary was in France, a Leslie was in the party to negotiate her marriage to the Dauphin of France. In 1561, Mary returned to Scotland, Dr. John Leslie was with her and they continued to be friends and her advisor until her death. In 1566, Dr. John Leslie was appointed Bishop of Ross of the Roman Catholic Church.
William, the son of John Leslie, 8th Baron of Balquhain, and his wife the daughter of Patrick Leslie of Ardoyne, had the honor of a visit to Balquhain by Queen Mary in 1562. The queen spent the night at the castle on June 9, 1562. The Earl of Huntly was at that time the head of the Catholic party and it was hoped he could restore Catholicism in the area.
During her stay, the Queen attended mass at the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin of the Garioch. This chapel is no longer standing.