James Hamilton | |
|---|---|
| Earl of Arran | |
 | |
| Tenure | 1575–1609 (de jure) |
| Predecessor | James, 2nd Earl of Arran |
| Successor | James, 2nd Marquess of Hamilton |
| Born | 1537 |
| Died | March 1609 |
| Buried | Isle of Arran |
| Father | James, 2nd Earl of Arran |
| Mother | Margaret Douglas |
James Hamilton, 3rd Earl of Arran (1537–1609) was a Scottish nobleman and soldier who opposed the French-dominated regency during the Scottish Reformation. He was the eldest son of James Hamilton, Duke of Châtellerault, sometime regent of Scotland. He was of royal descent, and at times was third or fourth in succession to the Scottish crown; several royal marriages were proposed for him, but he eventually never married. He went to France with Mary, Queen of Scots, where he commanded the Scots Guards. After returning to Scotland, he became a leader of the Protestant party against Mary and her French supporters. However, he went insane in 1562 and was confined for the rest of his life.