 Maitland attended the coronation of the infant James VI of Scotland in 1567 but kept in secret communication with the queen during her escape from Loch Leven Castle.As a result Maitland was declared a traitor by Parliament in June 1573 and as his son died without issue he was succeeded by his brother, John Maitland, 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane.Sir John Maitland was created the 1st Lord of Thirlestane and married the heiress of Lord Fleming.