Andrew Wood of Largo

Sir Andrew Wood of Largo was a late-fifteenth-century Scottish sea captain, merchant and royal officer. Serving James III and James IV, he became celebrated for victories over English privateers and for strengthening Scotland’s naval power.

Wood’s career reflects the close relationship between commerce, private warfare and royal service in the North Sea. His reputation as an able commander made him a prominent figure in accounts of Scotland’s early naval history.

Nigel Tranter’s The Admiral is a biographical historical novel centred on Andrew Wood of Largo. It follows him from merchant seafaring and private warfare against English raiders to service under James III and James IV, showing how victories in the Forth, royal patronage and the creation of a more capable Scottish fleet turn a Fife laird into the kingdom’s best-known early naval commander.