Walter Scott of Harden

Walter Scott of Harden (1550 – 1629), also known as Auld Wat, was a notorious border reiver along the Anglo-Scottish border in the 16th century. Life The son of William Scott of Harden, Wat was born in 1550, when he was recognised as his father's heir by precept of clare constat, by Alexander Home, 5th Lord Home, his father's feudal superior. An infamous freebooter, Wat led raids across the border and against his fellow countrymen. In 1592, he was one of those charged with taking part in an attempt to capture King James VI at Falkland Palace, led by the Earl of Bothwell, and was declared a rebel and outlaw. Scott also participated in the rescue of Kinmont Willie Armstrong, under his chief, Walter Scott of Buccleuch, from Carlisle Castle in 1596.