Mar's Wark stands below Stirling Castle and was the town house of the Regent Mar.  The building was started in 1570, carrying some curious inscriptions above the entrance.  The title "Earl of Mar" was conveyed upon various individuals.  The Earl of Mar in this case was John, Lord Erskine, who was granted the title by Queen Mary in 1565, becoming Regent in 1571 for her son James VI of Scotland (I of England).