Andrew Hamilton of Goslington and his brother John Hamilton of Newtoun helped to hold
Craignethan Castle against
Mary, Queen of Scots and
Lord Darnley during the
Chaseabout Raid rebellion in 1565. They were forgiven in a royal remission of 2 January 1566.
James Hamilton, 3rd Earl of Arran had been imprisoned in
Edinburgh Castle as a suspect traitor. He suffered from mental health issues. In 1566 he was allowed to live at Hamilton Castle. A number of members of the Hamilton family, including Andrew Hamilton of Goslington, undertook to be "cautioners" for his good behaviour. Andrew Hamilton of Goslington was at Hamilton before the
battle of Langside on 8 May 1568, and his name, as "Silvertoun knight" appears on the bond signed by Mary's supporters. He was forfeited for treason by
Regent Moray in Parliament in Edinburgh on 19 August 1568 for his support of Mary, Queen of Scots, after her escape from
Lochleven Castle, having fought for her at the
battle of Langside. In July 1570, he was accused with
Claud Hamilton and others, of making plans to ambush
Regent Lennox and the
Earl of Mar in
Callender Wood.
John Hamilton, Archbishop of St Andrews denied his own involvement in this plan during his trial in April 1571. In March 1575 Andrew's brother, John Hamilton, was among the Hamiltons who made peace with
Regent Morton on the issue of a murder in March 1575 at
Holyroodhouse, after handing their swords to the Captain of Edinburgh Castle,
George Douglas of Parkhead. In 1579 the Hamiltons were suppressed for their support for Queen Mary, and for the murders of Regent Moray and
Regent Lennox. The family fortified their houses and castles. On 18 May 1579, Sir James Hamilton younger (of Libberton) helped the King's forces take Craignethan Castle. According to the contemporary historian
David Moysie, he won the castle 'upone ane accident'. Hamilton (
Cadzow Castle) was bombarded by royal gunner
Michael Gardiner, and fell on 19 May. "John Hamilton of Sillertoun" was captured at Hamilton, regarded with others as a suspect in the deaths of the Regents. Caution or bail was found for Andrew Hamilton of Goslington, who like his brother, had remained loyal to the leaders of the Hamilton family. Hamilton of Libberton was requested by the
Privy Council of Scotland to demolish or slight Craignethan, a castle built by his grandfather
James Hamilton of Finnart. ==Family==