Michael, popularly known as Great Michael, was a carrack or great ship of the Royal Scottish Navy. She was the largest ship built by King James IV of Scotland as part of his policy of building a strong Scottish navy. The poet William Dunbar wrote of her construction: Carpentaris,Beildaris of barkis and ballingaris,Masounis lyand upon the landAnd schipwrichtis hewand upone the strand. — William Dunbar, "To the King [Schir, ye have mony servitouris]" Translation fom Middle Scots: Carpenters,Builders of barques and balingers,Masons lying upon the land,And shipwrights hewing upon the strand.