The Gowrie Conspiracy against King James VI of Scotland (later to become King James I of England) takes place at Gowrie House (Perth, Scotland).

John Ruthven, 3rd Earl of Gowrie was a Scottish nobleman who died in mysterious circumstances, referred to as the "Gowrie Conspiracy", in which he and/or his brother Alexander were attempting to kill or kidnap King James VI of Scotland for unknown purposes. The king's retinue killed both brothers during the attack, and the king survived.

James VI and I was King of Scotland as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from the union of the Scottish and English crowns on 24 March 1603 until his death in 1625. Though he long attempted to get both countries to adopt a closer political union, the kingdoms of Scotland and England remained sovereign states, with their own parliaments, judiciaries, and laws, ruled by James in personal union.

Gowrie House was a mansion in the centre of Perth, Scotland, which was in existence between the 16th and 18th centuries. It was the scene of a controversial incident on 5 August 1600, and was later converted to army barracks.

August 5 is the 217th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 148 days remain until the end of the year.