John Knox and Robert Lindsay of Pitscottie described a confrontation during the Scottish Reformation at Coupar Muir in June 1559. The Protestant Lords of the Congregation opposed the French troops of Mary of Guise commanded by Henri Cleutin and a Scottish force led by James Hamilton, Duke of Châtellerault. Following the Reformation riots at Perth, the French troops were marching towards St. Andrews from Falkand. On 13 June a Protestant force of 3,000 assembled at Coupar Muir to prevent the French reaching Cupar.