Alexander Lindsay, 1st Lord Spynie

Alexander Lindsay, 1st Lord Spynie (died 5 June, 1607) was a Scottish nobleman. His death is the subject of the ballad Lord Spynie.

Lindsay was the fourth son of David Lindsay, 10th Earl of Crawford, by his wife Margaret Beaton, daughter of Cardinal Beaton, and was a younger brother of David Lindsay, 11th Earl of Crawford. At an early age he became one of the favourites of James VI of Scotland, and was chosen his vice-chamberlain. In October 1589 he accompanied the king when he went to Denmark to bring home his bride, Anne of Denmark. He lent a thousand crowns to the king, who promised on his return "to make him a lord". On 6 May 1590, therefore, he received a charter of Spynie and other lands belonging to the see of Moray, which were erected into the barony of Spynie, together with the title of Baron Spynie, which was conferred on him and his heirs and assignees, the creation being confirmed on 4 November 1589. Lord Spynie, after his marriage, took up residence at Aberdour Castle.

Lord Spynie was one of the new members of the privy council, chosen after the reconstitution of the council in June 1592. On 15 August 1592 following he was accused by Colonel Stewart of having harboured the turbulent Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell. Spynie offered to fight the accuser, but the king would not permit this, and after a day had been appointed for the trial, Stewart was committed to Edinburgh Castle or Blackness Castle (sources differ), and Spynie to Stirling Castle. At the trial the accuser failed to make a case and Spynie was set free; but Spynie never regained the king's entire confidence. When, on 24 July 1593, Bothwell made his appearance before the king at Holyrood Palace, Spynie was one of those who interceded for him. On 27 December 1594 he was denounced for not appearing to answer charges; and on 24 February following proclamation was made against holding intercourse with him and "other adherents of Bothwell".

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