Mary Stuart actually died 20 years later, in 1587.

Historian Sir Tom Devine, emeritus professor of history at Edinburgh University, said the error was “unacceptable”.

He added: “It is slightly cheering to know that the examination board don’t know everything about Mary, because I thought that everyone knew the whole lot, right down to the undergarments she wore at her execution.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Qualifications Authority said: “We are aware of a typographical error concerning the date of Mary Queen of Scots’ execution.

“This will not have affected the understanding or interpretation of the question. We will consider this when the paper is being marked to ensure no candidate is disadvantaged.”