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155-
RECORDS
CONVENTION OF THE ROYAL BURGHS
OF SCOTLAND.
1295-1597.
...• i.
RECOKDS
CONVENTION OF THE ROYAL
BURGHS OF SCOTLAND,
EXTRACTS FROM OTHER RECORDS RELATING
TO THE AFFAIRS OF THE BURGHS
OF SCOTLAND.
1295—1597.
IJubligbeir far tfjt Contjtntbn of |Io||hI ^urgbs
BY
WILLIAM PATERSON, EDINBURGH.
MDCCCLXVI.
PREFACE.
In the latter half of the twelfth century, if not, as is most probable, at a
still earlier period, there existed in Scotland burghs, holding of the Crown,
possessing a structure and constitution not essentially different from those
of a much later date, and enjoying various privileges and immunities, of
which a monopoly of trade and commerce was one of the earliest, and not
the least important.
In their general constitution, as in the minuter details of their internal
economy, these Burghs possessed many features of resemblance to the
English Burghs of the same, and of an earlier date. But, in England,
the Burghs do not appear ever to have entered into any confederation
for mutual advice and support. In Scotland, on the contrary, they
seem to have entered at an early period into combinations for these purposes.
One of these associations, known as the Hanse, was established to the
North of the Gittmpians, a century before the great Hanseatic Confedera-
tion of the Baltic came into existence Another, as old almost as the
original constitution of Burghs, existed in the South, and was presided over
by the Qreat Chamberlain of the kingdom.^ This association included
at first only Edinburgh, Stirling, Berwick, and Roxburgh, and from these
Burghs in their Court or Parliament, is supposed to have emanated the code*
of Scottish burgal regulations, known as the Leges Quatuor Burgorum, But
* The great Chamberlain, as the name implies, had probably the general control of the
Treasury, but his functions, both administrative and judicial, had more particular reference
to the aJFairs of the Burghs, [Mr Innes* Preface to vol. i. of the Acts of Parliament of Scot-
land, p. 5.] The nature of the supervision which he exercised over the Burghs is indicated
in the *^ Articuli inquirendi in Burgo in itinere camerarij secundum vsum Scociae," a docu-
ment supposed to be of the latter half of the reign of King Robert I. (1306>1329), and in the
" Modus procedendi in itinere camerarij infra regnum Scociae," apparently of the end of the
fourteenth century. [Acts of the Parliament of Scotland i., 316 and 329. Mr Innes' Pre-
face, pp. 44, 46.]
b
o
90062
vi PrefcLce.
in 1368, when Berwick and Roxburgh had fallen into the hands of the
English, an Act of a Parliament of King David 11./ held at Perth in that
year, appointed Lanark and Linlithgow to take their place as two of the
Four Burghs. At that time the Four Burghs appear to have met annually
in Haddington for the purpose of disposing of Appeals from judgments of
the great Chamberlain in his Air or Circuit. In 1405, however, they are
found assembled in Stirling, at which place they passed an Act extending
their constitution, by ordaining two or three sufficient burgesses of each
Boyal Burgh on the south side of the water of Spey, having sufficient
commission, to compear yearly at their Convention, wheresoever held, to
treat, ordain and determine upon all things concerning the utility of the
common weal of all the Kings Burghs, theii- liberties and Court.*
Some years later, Edinburgh was the place of the annual meeting
of the Burghs, and King James I, who reigned from 1406 till 1437,
ordained, with consent of the three Estates of his realm, that it should con-
tinue thenceforward to be so. This ordinance was confirmed by King
James II., who, by Letters Patent under the Great Seal, dated 5th Novem-
ber 1454, commanded his Great Chamberlain and his deputed to cause
the Court of the Parliament of the Four Burghs to be held at Edinburgh
yearly, in manner used and wont; calling together and summoning
to compear thereat, the commissioners of the four principal Burghs, to wit,
Edinburgh, Stirling, Linlithgow, and Lanark, with the attendants or asses-
sors of the said Court.'
So, in all probability, matters remained till the reign of King James IIL,
when it was enacted by the Parliament held at Edinburgh in 1487,
''that zerely in t3mie tecum certane commissaris of all burrowiB baith south
and north convene and gadre togiddir, anis in ilk zere in the burgh of Inuerkethin
on the mome efbir sanct James' day " [25th July] .... and quhat brogh
that oomperis not the said day, be thair commissaris to pay to the oostis of the
commissaris five It., and zerely to haue our Souerane lonhs lettrez to distrenze
Ihairfor and for the inbringing of the samyn.^
» Acta of the Parliament of Scotland, i., 149. Page 541.
» Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, i., 839. Page 602.
* See original Letters Patent in the Archives of the City of Edinburgh. Page 542.
* 1487, c. 17. Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland ii., 179.
Preface. vii
Notwithstanding this enactment, the Burghs still held meetings in Edin-
burgh, and it seems that even so late as 1500/ these assemblies retained
the designation of " the Parliament of the Four Burghs/' and continued to
be presided over by the Lord Chamberlain. How long that high oflScer of
State attended these assemblies, or how long they retained the title of the
" Court or Parliament of the Four Burghs," does not appear, but a minute
in 1529, and all the minutes subsequent to that date, refer to the acts
set forth in them as having been passed by the commissioners of the
Burghs alone, and make no mention of the Lord Chamberlain.^ Several of
these Conventions, it may be remarked, seem to have been held in obedi-
ence to royal letters issued to the Burghs, requiring them to send commis-
sioners to a particular town, at a specified time, to treat of the several
matters enumerated in the letters.^ In other cases the commissioners of
some of the Burghs fixed the time and place of the annual meetings, and
missives were thereupon directed to all the Burghs requiring them to send
up their commissioners to the Convention so fixed/ As regards the time
and place of their meetings, the Burghs seem to have acted without any
reference to the statute of 1487, c. 17.
No record of any meeting in Inverkeithing is now extant, and the
practice of holding annual Conventions there, if such a practice ever existed,
seems to have been speedily discontinued ; for an act of Convention, held at
Edinburgh, on 4th April 1552, referring to the old statute merely
as a matter of understanding, appointed the whole Burghs of the realm,
by their provosts or commissioners, to convene annually, on the last day of
July, in such place as might be appointed/ This resolution, however, seems
to have been very imperfectly observed, notwithstanding that, in 1555, the
fine to be exacted from Burghs who did not appear by their commissioners
was raised by an act of Convention to £10/ The irregularity in the
meetings of Convention arose in a great measure no doubt from the
unsettled state of the times, but sometimes also, it appears, from the care-
» Page 506. ' Pages 508, &c. ' Pages 507, 512, 515, 520.
♦ Page 618. * Page 2. * Page 14.
viii Preface.
lessness of the Bui^h in which the Convention was appointed to meet,
who neglected to dispatch the missives to the other Burghs, requiring
their attendance at the time appointed. With reference to St. Andrews,
which appears as a defaulter in this respect, an appointment to hold a Con-
vention there, in January 1 570, is accompanied with the certification that,
" gif thai failze thar sail nocht be ony conventioun appoyntit to be in
thair toun at ony tyme heirefber, becaus thair was syndrie conventionis ap-
poyntit to be in the said toun abefoir, and nocht keipit in thair defalt.***
In 1 578 the Burghs were authorized by an act of a Paiiiament of King
James VI. held at Stirling,
" to convene foiir tymes in the zeir for aic materia as concernis thair estait And
that in quhat burgh it salbe thocht expedient to the maist pairt of the saidis
burrowis ; Providing alwayis for eschewing of tumultis that thair be present at the
saidis conventionis for euerie burgh in nowmer ane except the toun of Edinbuigh to
haif ane ma nor the vtheris burrowis."*
It will be observed, however, that as previous to this act the Burghs
sometimes held two or more meetings in the course of a year, whenever
they chose to appoint, so after it was passed, they did not exercise the power
of convening four times a year. They seem just to have adhered to their
old custom of meeting at such times and places as best served their
purpose, — ^fixing their conventions frequently with reference to the meetings
of Parliament, of which the representatives of the Burghs formed a constituent
part.* But no year between 1577 and 1 6 3 1 * passed over without Conventions
* Page 16. » 1678 c. 11, Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, iii., 102.
• Pages 108, 120, 206.
Tn the famous Parliament of King Robert the Bruce, held at Cambuskenneth on the 15th
of July 1326, the representatives of the Burghs are, for the first time, distinctly mentioned as
being present [Acta of the Parliaments of Scotland, i., 113] ; and they thereafter formed an
essential part of all Parliaments and General Councils. The Burghs had, however, from a
much earlier date, contributed to the necessities of the State, and were probably included in
the " majores communitatum," who took part in the settlement of the Crown on Edward
Bruce in 1315 [Ibid i. 104]. There is some reason to believe that they may have been present
at the Parliaments of King Robert the Bruce in 1314, 1315, and 1318. Some of the Burghs
were certainly parties to the ratification of the Treaty with France in 1295 [Ibid i. 97.]
« There is a likiim in the Records between February 1631 and July 1649 as if a volume had
been lost.
Preface. ' ix
being held. The practice of the Burghs' fixing the time and place of their
meetings to suit their own convenience is referred to, and sanctioned, in
the preamble of the Act of 1581, c. 26, which ratified and approved the
former Acts of Parliament, relative to the Convention of Burghs,
" Forsamekill," it says, " as it wes found necessar to cure Souerane lord, and his
hines predioessouris, that the commissionaris of burrowis convene at sic t3rmes as
they suld think guid, in quhat burgh they thocht maist expedient with fiill commis-
sion : Thairfoir," it proceeds, " oure Souerane lord with aduise
of hiB thre Estatis of this present Parliament Eatifeis and apprevis the saidis actis. And
for bettir obseniatioun of the saidis conventionis be sic burrowis as hes heirtofoir not
send thair commissioneris at onie tyme thairto, hes statute and ordanit that in tyme
coming, quhen onie conventionis of burrowis is appointit to the maist pairt of the
saidis burrowis, or be the burgh of Edinburgh, and onie sex or aucht of the rest, The
burgh wamit thairto be onie missiue bill of the provest and bailzeis of the btirgh,
quhair the said oonventioun is to be haldin, or vther wayis lawfiillie cytat thairto,
and not compeirand be thair commissioner sufficientlie instruct, sail pay to the chargeis
of the burghis that sail convene the sowme of twentie pimdis. And ordanis the
Lordis of coimsell and sessioun, to grant and direct letteris of homyng or poinding
agams the burrowis absent, fra the same conventioun, and adiudget be the remanent
burrowis, to haue incurrit the said pane and unlaw, and this at the instance of the
biugh of Edinburgh without farther proces and calling of pairtie thairto. The saidis
Lordis seand the act autentikle subscrivit be the clerk of that convention, that thai
ar absent and convict as said is."^
It is to be observed, however, that previous to the passing of this act
an act of Convention, held at Stirling in 1579,^ had increased the penalty
on Burghs who fSedled to attend to £20, and this fine was imposed on
absentees firom the following Convention at Aberdeen in 1580.
In conformity with the act 1 581, c. 26, the Burghs met from time to time
at such places as the majority were pleased to appoint. But in 1 5 86, an act
of Convention was passed whereby, to secure unanimity on the part of the
Burghs, they were appointed to meet previous to the assembling of national
' Acts of the Parliameutw of Scotlaud, iii., 224. * Page OO.
X Preface.
conventions and parliaments, and to discuss by themselves separately such
business as might be set down for consideration thereat.
The Act 1581 c. 26 is still in observance, except in so far as it
directs letters of horning to pass at the instance of the burgh of Edin-
burgh. After a time, the Clerk, Agent, or Collector ^f the Convention of
Burghs was appointed to recover the penalties incurred by absentees '} and
in 1607, according to Sir George Mackenzie, an Act of Parliament allowed
execution to pass at the instance of the Agent, in whose name the letters
are now raised *
Sir George Mackenzie states* that in his day the Burghs met in July at
Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Stirling. But if that state-
ment was intended to mean either that the Burghs met in these towns
in rotation, or that they assembled in those towns only, it was not
supported by the actual practice. All the general and particular Con-
ventions between July 1676 and February 1692, both inclusive, were
held in Edinburgh; the genei'al Conventions in 1657 and 1675 were
held in Glasgow; the general Convention in 1656 was held in Had-
dington; that in 1650 was held in Cupar; that in 1649 in Queensferry ;
that in J 630 in Jedburgh; that in 1629 in Culross; that in 1627 in
Ayr, and that in 1626 in Dunbar. Of the fifty-one general and particular
Conventions recorded between 1625 and 1656, both inclusive, three
general and thirty- nine particular Conventions were held in Edinburgh,
one general Convention was held in Glasgow, and one in Perth, the
remainder being held as above stated. Of the forty-two general and
particular Conventions recorded between 1657 and 1675, both inclusive,
twelve general, and twenty-four particular Conventions were held in Edin-
burgh, two general Conventions were held in Glasgow, and one in each of,
Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, and Stirling. With the exception of the general
Conventions in July 1692, and in 1697, 1698, 1703, and 1704, which
were held respectively in Dundee, Perth, Aberdeen, and twice successively
» Pages 185, 192, 199, 215, 216, 241, 267, 348, &c.
» Obfiervations on Acts of Parliament, &c., p. 206. Edin. 1686, folio.
» Ihid, p. 98.
Preface. xi
in Glasgow, all the other Conventions and meetings of Committees of
Convention between 1692 and 1704, were held in Edinburgh. Since
1704 the meetings have been invariably held in Edinburgh. Propositions
to revert to the old custom have been submitted to the Convention on
two or three occasions, but have never been received with any favour.
What were the precise functions of the Court or Parliament of the Four
Burghs cannot now be fully ascertained ; but it is obvious that it decided
questions involving the usages of Burghs, and the rights and privileges of bur-
gesses, and even legislated in regard to such matters as the principles
of moveable succession. Accordingly, in a Parliament held at Newcastle
by King Edward I. in 1292,^ it was ordered on the motion of the parties in a
private suit depending on the law and practice of the Burghs of Scotland, that
the Four Burghs should be consulted. This having been done, judgment was
pronounced in conformity with their record and verdict. Again, in 12^5,*
the burgesses of these burghs, assembled at Holy rood Abbey, are found
issuing an ordinance as to the division of moveables among heirs and other
children. It also appears from the Act of the Pailiament of King
David II., in 1368, that the Four Burghs were in use to determine
appeals from the judgment of the great Chamberlain of the kingdom.
At that time, as has been said, both Berwick and Roxburgh were in
the hands of the English, and are referred to in the Act as towns " quae
sunt et esse debent duo de quatuor burgis qui habent, ex antiquo, curiam
facere camerarii semel in anno apud Hadington, super judiciis, si quae
forent, coram ipso in itineribus suis ubicunque contradicta," &c. At a some-
what later period these Burghs are found exercising still more important
functions. The decree of the Court of Four Burghs held at Stirling in
1405^ to which allusion has already been made as having extended
its own constitution, also enacted a series of regulations of a general
character, affecting the rights, privileges, and duties of the burgesses.
These functions, or functions scarcely less important, appear to have
been recognised and indirectly sanctioned by the Crown somewhat later;
» Rotuli Parliamentorum, I. 107. » Page 501.
xii Pnface.
for King James II., in his Charter to the Burgh of E<linbiirgh in 1454,
already referred to, defines the duties of the Parliament of the four prin-
cipal Burghs of Edinburgh, Stirling, Linlithgow, and Lanark to be
" Ad subeundum ordinanduin et finaliter detemiinandum de et super judiciis
Burgorum yniuersalem rogiii nostri curiis datis siue contradictis ac eciam mensuram
vine ferlote siue bolle lagine et petre more solito ligiis et communibus nostris dandum
liberandum et recipiendum : Necnon omjiia alia et singula facicnda et exercenda qui
in huiusmodo curia Parliamenti secundum leges statuta et Burgorum oonsuetudines
sunt tractanda subeunda et finaliter determinanda."
And the Act 1487 c. 17 empowered the whole Burghs, at their annual
Convention in Inverkeithing,
" To commoun and trete apoun the welefiire of merchandes, the gude rewle and
stalutis for the commoun proffit of borrowis, and to provide for remede apoun the
scaith and injuris sustenet within burro wis."
In ratifying the whole privileges of the Burghs, and empowering them to
convene four times in the year, in whatsoever burgh the majority might
determine, the Act 1678 c. 11 declared the object of their Convention to be
simply "for sic materis as concerns thair estait" The Act 1581 a 26
again, in still farther enlarging their powers as to meeting '' at sic times as
they suld think guid, in quhat Burgh they thocht maist expedient," defined
the object of their meetings to be
*^ To treat vpoun the weil£dr of merchandis, merchandice, guide rewle, and sta-
tutis for the commoun profit of burrowis, as at mair length is contenit in the actis
of parliament maid thairanent, and anent the privelege of burrowis."
But, after all, the Records of the Convention themselves afford the only
satisfactory materials for ascertaining what were the subjects dealt with by
the old burgal parliament of Scotland, and what were the nature and ex-
tent of its action. Upon that subject it is not intended to enter here. But
Preface. xiii
a very cursory inspection of the present volume, will show that scarcely any-
thing affecting the Burghs of Scotland, in their internal administration, or in
their commercial relations at home and abroad, escaped the cognizance of the
Convention. It defined the rights, privileges, and duties of Burghs ; it
regulated the merchandise, manufactures, and shipping of the country ; it
exercised control over the Scottish merchants in France, Flanders, and other
countries in Europe, with which from time to time commercial relations
existed ; it sent commissioners to foreign powers, and to great commercial
communities, entered into treaties with them, and established the staple trade
of Scotland wherever this could be most advantageously done; it claimed the
right, independently of the Crown, to nominate the Conservator, and it
certainly did regulate his emoluments, and control his conduct ; it some-
times defrayed, and sometimes contributed towards, the expenses of ambas-
sadors from the Scottish Court to that of France and other foreign powers
in matters affecting the Burghs and the common weal ; it allocated among
the whole Burghs of the kingdom their proportions of all extents and
taxes granted by the three Estates of the realm ; it adjudicated on the claims
of Burghs to be admitted to the privileges of free Burghs, and to be added
to its roll ; it took cognizance of weights and measures ; it submitted
propositions to parliament in regard to all matters affecting the interests of
the country, and influenced to an incalculable extent the national legisla-
tion. In a word, it formed a complete and powerful organization for
the protection of burgal rights and privileges, and for the promotion of
whatever the Burghs conceived to be for their own interest and that of the
country generally. Its records thus contain much that throws light on every
department of Scottish history, and their publication will, it is believed,
facilitate the labours of the future historian.
In the early period of the Convention as has already been remarked,
the Burghs used to meet from time to time in various towns. As a rule,
the Provost of the Burgh in which the Convention was held presided over
its meetings, and the Town Clerk acted as its Clerk, and wrote and appar-
entlyretained itsminutes. Theinconvenience of this arrangement as regarded
the records induced the Burghs, in their Convention at Aberdeen in July 1580,
xiv Preface.
to pass an act whereby, "finding thame greitlie preiugit be that inlaik of ane
general! buke quhilk suldcontenethe haill lawis and constitution of burro wis/'
theyunanimouslyempoweredtheBurgh of Edinburgh to require all the Burghs
in which Conventions had been held, to send, previous to the 1st of Sep-
tember thereafter, and under a penalty of £30, extracts of the whole laws,
acts, and constitutions made at these Conventions, in order that these
extracts might be engrossed in a general book to be made for the purpose.
Edinburgh was further required to produce the book, with all the
extracts engrossed therein, at the next general Convention, and also
to require all the Burghs to send their Commissioners "maist ancient
and wysest, fuUie instructed, to the said next Conuention, for approbation
ratification and confirmation of the acts and constitutions used and registrat
in the general buke foirsaid." The subject was again under con-
sideration at the next genei*al Convention in Edinburgh on 18th
Apiil 1681, when the former act was renewed, and every Burgh, "but
speciallie Ljulythqu," was ordained to search out the acts of the Conven-
tions held within it, and to send them to Edinburgh with expedition, in
order to their being engrossed by John Guthrie. Tlie minute of this Con-
vention also bears that Dundee and Cupar exhibited "sic acts as thai declarit
was in thair burchis, and nocht contenit in the bulk of Edinburgh and
delyuerit thame to the said Ihon and thaii-vpoun askit instrumentis.'** At
the following general Convention in Perth, held in June 1582, John
Guthrie presented the book, prepared in terms of the previous acts of Con-
vention,' when it was unanimously resolved that it should be kept,
during the pleasure of the Burghs, by Edinburgh, the commissioners of
which should bring it to every Convention wheresoever held. And because
the want of the book had in times past been the cause of great ignorance
and confusion among the most part of the whole burghs, and to the effect
that they might be better informed as to the laws and constitutions made
for the welfare of their estate in years bygone, Edinburgh or its
C/lerk, was directed to make and deliver to every Burgh wish-
»Pagc, p. 112.
Preface. xv
ing it, a book of the same size as tlie geueiul book containing the whole
laws and constitutions of Burghs mentioned therein up to that time, at
a cost of ten merks for each volume.^ John Guthrie was thereafter ap-
pointed common Clerk of the Convention and keeper of the general book.*
It is believed that the office has since been held by the Town Clerks
of Edinburgh, under an obligation to attend the Convention wherever it
was held, and to produce the Records of the body.
There is every reason to believe that the fii*st volume of the MS.
Records of the Convention is that prepared by John Guthrie in conformity
with the acts of 1580 and 1581, and probably it contained all the
minutes which were furnished to him, but it obviously does not
contain the minutes of all the Conventions which had been held.
Reference, for example, is made in pp. 10, 13, to acts of a Convention held
at Perth in August 1555, but the Record contains no such minute.
A Convention was also appointed to be held in Stirling on 3l8t July 1553^
but the next minute is that of a Convention in Edinburgh on 29th May
1555.* Conventions were ordered to be held in St. Andrews on
30th June 1556,^ and on Trinity Sunday 1567, or the next lawful
day thereafter,^ but no minute of either meeting exists in the Records.
It is probable, however, that neither was held owing to the negligence of
the Provost and Bailies already alluded to. It will also be observed that
there are no minutes of any Convention at Linlithgow in the Records previous
to 1581, though it appears from the act of the Convention in April of that
year that Conventions had been held in that Burgh, the minutes of which
were tlien specially called for.
In these circumstances, and while the present volume waa passing
through the press, it was considered probable that minutes or other
documents connected with the Convention, of an earlier date tlian any of
its own records, might be discovered in the Registers of other Buighs. A
minute examination was accordingly made not only of the Council Records
of Edinburgh in the Archives of the city, but also of a MS. volume in the
> Page, 128. = Page, 168, 185. » Page 6.
* Page G. » Page, 14. • Page, 15.
xvi Preface.
Advocates' Library containing extracts made in 1 570 bj Alexander Gntbrie
Town-Clerk, from older Records not now extant, and among these were
found an Act of the Court of the Parliament of four Burghs at Edinburgh
in November 1500, minutes of Conventions held at Edinburgh in
March 1533, Dec. 1539, April 1541, Feb. and March 1563, March 1583,
and Jan. 1586, and Extent Bolls of the Burghs in 1535, 1545,? 1550,
1556, and 1557.
Communications were afterwards addressed to the Town-Clerks of Perth,
Stirling, Dundee, Aberdeen, Si Andrews, Haddington, Linlithgow, and
Inverkeithing, asking them to assist in making the present publication as
perfect as possible, by causing a careful search to be instituted in the
Archives of these burghs, and by allowing copies to be taken of any
important documents or minutes connected with the Convention prior
to 1600 which might be found in them. These communications were
courteously received, but in the case of Aberdeen alone has the result
been the discovery of any documents available for the present purpose.
From Perth the reply was that the Burgh records do not go farther back
than 1597 ; that there is no entry in the Council records relative to the
Convention prior to 1600; and that if any minutes of Convention are
extant they must be in some other volume unknown to the Clerk. In
Dundee the records are in a state which made it a work of labour on the
part of Mr. Kerr to afford the following information which, however, is
of so much interest as to justify its quotation.
"We have a volume of Acts of the Head Courts of the Burgh from 1664 to
1682, and Minutes of the Council from 24th September 1661 to 21st January
1668. Then we have a volume of Minutes of the Council from 7th March 1687-8
to 26th January 1 603, and thence downwards, except that there is a blank from 1 663
to 1663, — ^a volume being aatray.
"We have an early volume of Laws and Statutes of the Burgh enacted at the
Head Courts from 6th October 1560 to 30th September 1622.
" Earlier than these dates there are various minutes of the Town Coimcil to be
found in the Register of Decrees, dfc., of the Burgh Court, which begun
Preface. xvii
in 1520, and seems to contain Acts of the Head Courts and very likely much
curious matter/'
No minute book of the Town Council of St. Andrews exists, so fitr as is
known, prior to 1656. The minute books of the Town Council of Inver-
keithing previous to 1689 are all lost. There are older sasine records,
and the guildry minute book goes back to 1 580, but no trace can be found
in them of any meeting of Convention as having been held in the burgh.
It was stated, however, that the house used to be pointed out where the
early meetings of Convention were held. The ancient records of Hadding-
ton^ and Linlithgow remain to be examined, and it is believed that the
Councils of these Burghs will afford every facility for having this done.
Mr. Angus forwarded excerpts from the Index of the Council Records
of Aberdeen from 1491 to 1783, in so far as reference is therein made
to the Convention ; and he afterwards most kindly caused the requisite
extracts to be made from the valuable registers in his custody, — the
oldest and most complete of any burgal records in Scotland. He has
thus not only supplied the Minutes of a Convention held at Edinburgh
in April 1529, but has shown that commissioners were elected by the
Burgh of Aberdeen to attend Conventions in 1491, 1497, 1530, and 1555,
no minutes of which, however, have as yet been discovered. Other
extracts from the Aberdeen registers have also been given to iUus-
trate the mode in which the election of commissioners to the Convention
of Burghs was made at an early period.
Probably a minuter search than most of the Town Clerks, with their
» Mr. Thomas Thomson, "W.S., F.S. A. Scot., has contributed to the Proceedings of the
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland an interesting '^ Description of the oldest Council Books
and other Records of the Town of Haddington, with copious Extracts " [Vol. II. 384], and
from that paper it appears tliat the two earliest voliunes containing Acts of the Town Council
and Decrees pronounced in the Burgh Court, and Deeds of Mortification and Bequest to the
Church, extend, the^nv/ from Gth March 1423 to 23d June 14G3, and the second from June
1630 to 30th April 1565. The ** Counsale liooks or Acts and Statutes of the Counsale," so
far as descrihed hy him, consist of three volumes, the Jirst extending from 13th December 1554
to 3d March 1580, the second from 13th October 1581 to November 1602, and the third from
14th January 1603 till 24th June 1616. None of the extracts given in this paper, howeviT,
relate to the meetings or affaii-s of the Convention.
xviii Preface.
multifarious ojfficial and professioual engagements, can find time to make
among the old records of the more ancient Burghs of Scotland, might
bring to light many documents that would supplement in a very inter-
esting way the defective early records of the Convention. In such
records most valuable materials for local and national history are to be
found ; and it is earnestly to be hoped that the various Town Councils
and other corporate bodies in Scotland may take means to have their records
put into such a form, and so preserved, as to be really accessible.
On the representation of the Town Clerk of Dundee, following on the com-
munication above alluded to, the authorities there have had their attention
directed to the matter. The subject was earnestly pressed on the con-
sideration of the representatives of the Burghs present at the last Con-
vention, and was then warmly received; and it is to be hoped that
subsequent volumes of the Convention Records may afford pleasing evi-
dence that it has not been lost sight of
In explanation of the arrangement of the present volume, it may be
stated that the first 500 pages contain the proper records of the Conven-
tion, as these are engrossed in its Minute Books from 1 552 till 1597. The
portionof the book extending fi:om page 500 to page 5 33 contains supplemen-
tary extracts from other records of minutes of Conventions, extent rolls, and
minutes of election of Commissioners to attend Conventions — all of them
of equal authority with the earlier records of Convention. The remaining
portion of the book, extending from page 535 to page 562, contains
copies or abstracts of various documents relating to the affairs of the Burghs,
— ^the sources from which they have been obtained being in every case
specified.
To make the volume more serviceable, a chronological list of Conventions
has been prepared, with references to the documents in which the Conven-
tions are alluded to. Whether some of the Conventions to which Commis-
sioners were elected actually took place cannot be assumed, but it is to be
hoped that entries in the records of other Burghs may be discovered and
communicated which will throw light on this subject. A table of contents
arranged in chronological order has also been added.
Preface. xix
Considerable progress had been made in the prepaitttion of an index of
matters, to be appended to this volume ; but the last Convention having
authorised the publication of another volume similar to the present, it has
been considered expedient to make the general index applicable to the entire
work.
J. D. MARWICK.
10 Bellevue Crescent,
Edinburgh, Ibth May, 1866.
CHRONOLOGICAL LIST
or THE
CONVENTIONS OF THE BURGHS OF SCOTLAND
REFERRED TO IN THIS VOLUME.
Date of
ConTemUon. PMre-
1 295. January 10. Convention of the Burgesses of Berwick, Edinburgh,
Roxburgh, and Stirling, at Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh.
See Decree of these Burgesses, . . . .501
From the Acts of ihe ParliamenU of Scotland^ i. 360.
1405. October 12. Court^of the Four Burghs (Edinburgh, Stirling,
Lanark, and Linlithgow) at Stirling.
See Decree of the Court, . . . . 502
From the Acta of the ParliamenU of Scotland, i. 338, 339.
1483. March. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Tax Roll of the Burghs beyond Forth, as modified by the Com-
missioners present at the Convention, . . 543
From the Council Records of Aberdeen, vi. 803.
1491. March 16. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Act of the Council and Community of Aberdeen, dated 7th March
1491y appointing Commissioners to attend that Convention, . 504
From ihe Council Records of Aberdeen^ vii. 243.
xxii Chronological List
Date of
Convention. Page.
1491. August. Convention of the Burghs of Edinburgh, Aberdeen,
Perth, Dundee, and Haddington.
See Act of the Town Council of Aberdeen, dated 22d August 1491, 604
From the Council Recm^ds of Aberdeen^ vii. 709.
1497. Convention of Burghs.
See Act of the Town Council of Aberdeen, dated 6th March 1497,
appointing Commissioners to attend the Convention, . 504
Frofn the Council Records of Aberd^eUy vii. 865.
1500. November 10. Court of the Parliament of Four Burghs at
Edinburgh.
See (I) Act of Court, ..•••. 505
(2) Charge by the Provost of Edinburgh to the craft of Skin-
ners in that city, in virtue of signet letters, foUowing on
the preceding Act, ..... 506
From the Council Records of Edivhurgh, i. 28. *
1529. April 14. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See (1) Act of a Head Coiui; of the Community of Aberdeen, and of
the Town Council of that City, dal^ed 5th April 1529, ap-
pointing Commissioners to attend the Convention, . 507
And (2) Minute of Convention, .... 508
Fro^n the Council Records of Aberdeen, xii. 537. 557-562.
1530. March 15. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Act of the Town Council of Aberdeen, dated 6th March 1530,
appointing Commissioners to attend the Convention, . 512
From the Council Records of Aberdeen, xiii. 105.
* The first volume of the Council Records of the City of £din])urgh, now preserved in the
City Chambers, consists of a series of Extracts from older Records not now extant. It is
entitled, ^* Brevis et Compendiosa Collectio veterum et maxime vtiliiun statutorum. Ex
antiquis libris Curiae, Edinburgi. Made by Alexander Guthrie, 1570" A voliune of
similar extracts made about the same time is preserved in the Advocates Library, marked
31 : 4 : 9.
Chronological List. xxiii
Date of
OooTentioii. Faye.
1533. March 17. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, . .513
From the Council Records of Edinburgh^ i. 39-40.
1539. December 18. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, .515
From the Council Records of Edinburgh^ i. 42.
1541. April 2. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See (1) Act of the Town Council of Aberdeen, dated 25th March
1541, appointing a Commissioner to attend the Convention, 517
From the Council Records of Aberdeen^ xvi. 764.
(2) Minute of Convention, . .517
From the Council Records of Edinburgh, i. 44.
1552. April 4. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, ..... 1
From MS, Records of the Convention of Burghs, i. 1 ; ii. 1.
July 31. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, .....
From MS, Records oftlie Convention of Burglis, i. 3 ; ii. 3.
1555. May 29 and 31, and June 3. Convention of Burghs at
Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, .....
From MS. Records of Convention, i. 4 ; ii. 3.
July 30 and August 3 and 5. Convention of Burghs at Perth.
See (1) Minute appointing Convention to be held, . . 9
From MS, Records of Convention, i. 6 ; ii. 4.
(2) Minute of subsequent Convention at Dundee bearing refer-
ence to it, . . . 10-13
From MS, Records of Convention, ii. 9, 11.
xxiv Chronological List.
Date of
Conrention. Page.
1555. September 18. Convention of Burghs at Dundee.
See Minute of Convention, . . .10
From MS. Records of Convention^ ii. 9.
1555. January 15. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Act of the Community of Aberdeen, dated 16th December 1555,
appointing Commissioners to attend that Convention, . 520
From the Council Records of Aberdeen^ xxii. 211.
1563. February 24-28, and March 4. Convention of Burghs at
Edinburgh.
See (1) Act of the Community of Abenleen, dated 7th February 1563,
appointing a Commissioner to attend that Convention, . 527
From the Council Records of Aberdeen, xxv. 202.
(2) Minutes of Convention, ..... 527
From the Council Records of Edinburgh, iv. 93-95.
1567. April 17. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, . . . .15
From MS, Records of Convention, i. 6 ; ii. 5.
1570. October 21. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, . . . .16
From MS. Records of Convention, i. 7 ; ii. 5.
1570. January 6 (5 ?). Convention of Burghs at Saint Andrews.
See Minute of Convention, . .17
From MS. Records of Convention, i. 7 ; ii. 6.
1574. June 23. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, ..... 24
Fro7n MS. Records of Convention, i. 10; n, 12.
Chronological List. xxv
Dmteof
ConTentioiL P^ge.
1574. July 16. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See (1) Act of Town Council of Edinburgh, appointing Commis-
sioners to attend Convention, .... 24
(2) Minijte of Convention, ..... 25
From MS. Records of Conventiany i. 10 ; n. 12.
October 25. Convention of Burghs at Stirling.
See Minute of Convention, . .30
From MS, Records of Conventiany i. 14 ; ii. 15.
1575. July 15. Convention of Burghs at Dundee.
See Act of the Town Council of Aberdeen dated Ist July 1575,
appointing a Commissioner to attend the Convention, . 533
From the Council Records of Aberdeen, xxviii. 503.
October 17 and 27, and November 5. Convention of Burghs
at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, . . . .37
From MS. Records of Convention^ i. 18 ; ii. 18.
January 20-27. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, . . . .41
From MS. Records of Convention, i. 20 ; il 20.
March 4-8 and 17. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Con vention, ..... 45
From MS. Records of Convention^ i. 23 ; il 22.
1577. April 24, and May 3. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 49
From MS. Records of Convention, i. 26 ; n. 25.
February 3 and 1 2. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, . . . .50
From MS. Records of Convention, i. 26 ; u. 25.
xxvi Chronological List
Date of
Conrention. Pa^.
1578. July 18. Convention of Burghs at Stirling.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 53
Fr(ym MS. Records of Convention^ i. 28 ; ii. 27.
October 31 -November 5. Convention of Burgbs at Dundee.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 66
From MS. Records of Convention^ i. 35 ; ii. 34.
February 24-28. Convention of Burghs at Cupar.
See Minutes of Convention, . . . . .71
From MS. Records of Convention^ i. 37 ; ii. 36.
1 579. August 5, Convention of Burghs at Stirling.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 78
From MS. Records of Concentionj i. 40 ; ii. 40.
October, Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh,
See Minute of Convention, . . . .80
From MS. Records of Convention^ i, 41 ; ii. 41.
February 24-27, Convention of Burghs at Glasgow.
See Minute of Convention, ..... 83
From MS. Records of Convention^ i. 43 ; ii. 42.
March 3-1 4. Convention of Burghs at Stirling.
See Minute of Convention, . . . .90
From MS. Records of Convention^ i. 46 ; ii. 45.
1580. July 11-16. Convention of Burghs at Aberdeea
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 97
From MS. Records of Convention, i. 50 ; ii. 49.
Chronological List xxvii
Dfttc of
Conrentlon. Page.
1580. July 31. Convention of Burghs at Saint Andrews.
See Minute of Convention, . . . . .109
From MS, Records of Convention^ l 55 ; ii. 65.
1581. April 17-23. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, . . . .110
From MS. Records of drnventiony i. 56 ; ii. 55.
1681. October 17-26. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, . . . . .121
From MS, Records of Convention, i. 62 ; ir. 61.
1582. June 15-23. Convention of Burghs at Perth.
See Minutes of Convention, . . .126
From MS, Records of Convention, i. 67 ; ii. 72.
November 8-16. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, . . . . .139
Fro7n MS. Records of Convention, i. 74 ; ii. 80.
December 7-17. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, . . . . .145
From MS. Records of Convention, i. 76 ; il 84.
February 25-27, March 9-12. Convention of Burghs at
Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, . . . .149
From MS, Records of Convention, i, 79 ; ii. 86.
March 20. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, . . . .165
From MS. Records of Convention, i. 81 ; ii. 90.
xxviii Chronological List.
Date of
ConTentton. Pafre.
1688. March 17. Minute of Meeting of five Burgbs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, . . . .513
Frojn Council Records of Edinburgh^ i. 39, 40.
June 10-19. Convention of Burghs at Ayr.
See Minutes of Convention, . . . . .162
From MS. Records of Convention^ i. 84 ; ii. 94.
1583. November 12-15. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention. . . .181
From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 106.
1584. July i3-l7. Convention of Burghs at Linlithgow.
See Minute of Convention, . . . .184
From MS. Recm'ds of Convention, ir. 108.
1585. July 12, 13. Convention of Burghs at Haddington.
See Minutes of Convention, . .198
From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 117.
December 1-10. Convention of Burghs at Linlithgow.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 200
From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 118.
1586. January 3J. Convention of Burghs at
See Minute of Convention, ..... 453
From Volume of Extracts from the Council Records of
Edinburgh, preserved in the Advocates' Library, fol. 148.
May 2-5. Convention of Burghs at Cupar.
See Minutes of Convention, . • . . 206
From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 121.
Chronological List xxix
Date of
CooTentton. **»(?«•
1586. August 1-4. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, . . . .217
From MS. Records of Convention^ ii. 127.
1587. July 3-6. Convention of Burghs at Dundee.
See Minute of Convention, . , . . . 229
Frmn MS. Becx)rd3 of Convention, ii. 133.
1587. October 30, Nov. 1-6. General Convention of Burghs at
Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 244
From MS. Beeords of Convention., ii. 141.
February 6-12. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 269
From MS, Records of Convention, n. 153.
1588. July 2-6. General Convention of Burghs at Glasgow.
See Minutes of Convention, . . . . 274
From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 156.
1589. April 10-14. Convention of Burghs at Saint Andrews.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 294
From MS, Records of Convention, ii. 165.
August 30. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minute of Convention, ..... 309
From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 173.
1590. June 8-15. Convention of Burghs at Aberdeen.
See Minutes of Convention, . . . . .310
From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 174.
d
XXX Chronological List
Date of
Convention. Pa^.
1690. September 28-30, and October 1-6. Convention of Seven
Biirgbs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 342
From MS. Records of Convention^ ii. 188.
1691. June 16-21. Convention of Burghs at Montrose.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 362
From MS. Records of Convention^ n. 193.
1592. June 12-17. General Convention of Burghs at Kirkcaldy.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 369
From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 199.
January 23-26. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 392
Froyn MS. Records of Convention, ii. 209.
1693. June 11-16. General Convention of Burghs at Dysart.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 393
From MS. Records of Cfmvention, ii. 210.
July 9-20. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh,
See Minutes of Couvention, ..... 423
From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 227.
November 2. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 426
From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 229.
1694. Juno 27-29, and July 1-4. Convention of Burghs at Stirling.
8<»o MinuU^s of Convention, ..... 428
From MS. Rerords of Convention, ii. 230.
Chronological List. xxxi
Dftte of
C<niTeiition. Page.
1595. June 27-31, and July 1. Convention of Burghs at*
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 453
From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 246.
1596. July 1-6. Convention of Burghs at Aberdeen.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 472
From MS, Records of Convention^ ni. 1.
July 1-24. Particular Convention of Burghs at Aberdeen.
See Minutes of Convention, ...... 492
From MS. Records of Convention, ui. 12.
1597. April 1-6. Particular Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh.
See Minutes of Convention, ..... 499
From MS. Records of Convention, in. 15.
* Two folios of the Record, containing the scdernnt and three act« at the beginning of this
Convention are wanting. A portion of the Record at the end is also wanting.
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Pagb.
1. Decree of the Burgesses of Berwick, Edinburgh, Roxburgh, and Stirling,
convened at the Abbey of Holyrood, Edinburgh, 10th January 1295, 501
ERRATA.
Page 105, line 16, /or "1564," mwZ "1574."
„ 426, line 22, for " j™ v^ IxxxxijV read *' j™ v" Ixxxxiij^'
„ 504, line 3, for " 1 2th," rmd '* 1 6th " March.
„ 520, line 16, for " 16tlj," rmd " 1 5th " January.
YtiiMaTcA 1491, ....... 504
10. Act of a Convention of the Burghs of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth, Dun-
dee, and Haddington, 22d August 1491, . ... .504
11. Act of the Council of Aberdeen appointing Commissioners to attend a
Convention of Burghs, 6th March 1497, .... 504
12. Act of the Court of Parliament of Four Burghs held at Edinburgh, 10th
November 1500, ....... 505
CHRONOLOaiCAL TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page.
1. Decree of the Burgesses of Berwick, Edinburgh, Roxburgh, and Stirling,
convened at the Abbey of Holyrood, Edinburgh, 10th January 1295, 501
2. Confiimation by King David 11. of a Contract between the Burgesses
and Merchants of Scotland and the Burgesses and Merchants of Middle-
burgh, 12th November 1347, ...... 537
3. Judicial Transumpt dated 24th May 1605 of Charter by King David the
IL, to the Free Burghs of Scotland of their privileges, 28th March 1364, 538
4. Translation of the preceding Charter, . . . . .541
5. Act of a Parliament of King David II. held at Perth appointing Lanark
and Linlithgow to take the place of Berwick and Roxburgh as two of
the Four Burghs of Scotland, 6th March 1368, . . 541
6. Decree of the Court of Four Burghs (Edinburgh, Stirling, Lanark, and
Linlithgow), held at Stirling, on 12th October 1405, . . . 502
7. Letters Patent by King James II. appointing the Court of the Parliament
of the Four Burghs to be held yearly at Edinburgh, 5th November 1454, 542
8. Tax Roll of the Burghs north of the Forth as modified by the Commis-
sioners of Burghs at Edinburgh, 1483, . . . .543
9. Act of the Council and Community of Aberdeen appointing Commissioners
to attend a Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 16th March 1491,
7th March 1491, 504
10. Act of a Convention of the Burghs of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth, Dun-
dee, and Haddington, 22d August 1491, . . . . .504
11. Act of the Council of Aberdeen appointing Commissioners to attend a
Convention of Burghs, 6th March 1497, .... 504
12. Act of the Court of Parliament of Four Burghs held at F>linburgh, 10th
November 1500, ....... 505
xxxiv Chronological Table of Contents.
Page.
13. Charge by the Provost of Edinburgh to the Craft of Skinners in Edin-
burgh, following upon Signet Letters, dated 8th January 1500, ordain-
ing the preceding Act to be put to execution, 4th December 1500, . 506
14. Abstract of Commission under the Seal of the Burgomasters and Council
of the Town of Bruges, in Flanders, in favour of certain persons to
prosecute for recovery of goods taken by a Scots ship from a ship called
Sancta Maria, belonging to Bruges, 22d October 1509, . . 543
15. Act of the Town Council and Community of Merchants of Edinburgh,
relative to the establishment of the Scots Staple in Flanders, 28th
February 1519, . . . . . . .544
16. Act of a Head Court of the Community of Aberdeen, and of the Town
Council thereof, appointing Commissioners to attend a Convention of
Burghs at Edinburgh on 12th April 1529— 5th April 1529, . * . 507
17. Minute of the Convention of Burghs held at Edinburgh, on 14th April
1529, 508
18. Act of the Town Council of Aberdeen appointing Commissioners to
attend a Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, on 15th March 1530 —
6th March 1530, . . . . • . . .512
19. Minute of the Convention of Burghs held at Edinburgh 17th March
1533, 513
20. Extent Eoll of the Burghs of Scotland, showing allocation among them
of 5000 merks, being their propoi-tion of an extent of L. 20,000 Scots,
granted to King James V. by the Tliree Estates, for sustaining his
honourable expenses in the parts of France, 1535, . . . 514
21. Act of the Town Council of Edinburgh, relative to a supplication by the
Bailies and Council of the Burgh of Inverkeithing, to have their share of
the contribution by Inverkeithing and Kinghom towards the taxation
of Edinburgh modified, in respect of poverty, 28th February 1536, 545
22. Minute of the Convention of the Burghs of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dun-
dee, Perth, and St Andrews, at Edinburgh, 18th December 1539, . 515
23. Abstract of Contract between the Burgomasters, Magistrates, and Council
of Antwerp of the one part, and certain Commissioners or Deputies sent
from the Provost, Bailies, and Council of Edinburgh, and others of the
Kingdom of Scotland on the other part, relative to the establishment of
the Staple in Antwerp, April 1540. ..... 546
24. Act of the Town Council of Aberdeen appointing a Commissioner to
attend a Convention of Burghs, 25th March 1541, '. 517
25. Minute of Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 2d April 1541, 517
Chronological Table of Contents. xxxv
Page.
26. Acts of the Town Council of Edinbuigh, relative to the establishment of
the Staple in Middleburgh, dOth April and 5th May 1541, . 550
27. Abstract of Contract between the Burgomasters and Council of the Town
of Middleburgh on the one part> and certain Commissioners or Deputies
from the City of Edinburgh and other Burghs of the Kingdom of Scot-
land on the other part, relative to the establishment of the Staple in
Middleburgh, 19th May 1541, ...... 551
28. Act of the Town Council of Edinburgh, undertaking to pay to King
James V. L.2000 Scots, lent by His Majesty for the whole Burghs, and
delivered to the Lord Cardinal for expedition and doAvn-getting of the
custom of twelve pence " through all the parts of France, now taken
from the merchants of this realm of ilk frank warjrt," 14th July
1541, 554
29. Acts of the Town Council of Edinburgh, relative to the Staple Contract
with Middleburgh, 23d August 1541, ..... 554
30. Abstract of Letters Patent, under the Signet, granted by Queen Mary,
confirming a grant by King James Y. to James Bannatyne and Thomas
Davidson, to be Searchers General of English ships and goods coming
to Scotland, 18th December 1542, ..... 555
31. Allocation among the Burghs of L.2,666, 13& 4d. Scots, being their pro-
portion of an extent of L. 16,000 Scots granted by the Three Estates
for supplying and sustaining of the West and Middle Borders, 518
This allocation bears no date, but probably had reference to the
extent granted by the Act of Parliament 1645, c. 3. Acts of the
Parliaments of Scotland II. 460.
32. Allocation among the Burghs of 2,454 Crowns, being their proportion
of a taxation of 2,400 Crowns of the sum, for furnishing of the^ [Embassy]
toward the Emperor for peace, 25th August 1550. . . .519
33. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 4th April 1552, . 1
34. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 30th July 1552, . 5
35. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 29th and 3l8t May,
and 3rd June 1555, . . • . ... 6
36. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Dundee, 18th September 1555, 10
37. Abstract of a Commission by the Provost, Bailies, and Council of Edin-
burgh on behalf of the community thereof, and also on behalf of the
whole citizens and merchants in all the towns of Scotland, in favour of
Gilbert Logan, Indweller in Dieppe ; and James Maxwell, Indweller in
xxxvi Chronold^ical Table of Contents.
Page.
Rouen, in Nonnandy, empowering them to pursue the Collectors of the
King of France for exacting more from the Scottish nation thanis due.
27th Septemher 1555, ....... 555
38. Act of the Community of Aberdeen appointing Commissioners to attend
a Convention at Edinburgh on 15th January 1655. 16th December
1555, ......... 520
39. Abstract of an Act of the Privy Council of Scotland concerning Ships
coming from Bordeaux and other places where the plague raged, pro-
hibiting the landing of passengers or the unloading of goods without the
authority of the Provost and Bailies of Edinburgh. 20th December
1555. ......... 665
40. Abstract of an Act of the Privy Council rating the price of bread, ale,
flesh, fish, and other victuals, in respect that they " were risen to such
an exorbitant dearth that the lieges could not be served therewith upon
reasonable prices." 11th January 1555. . . . . 553
41. Precept by Queen Mary, dated 5th June 1556, directing the Provost and
Bailies of Edinburgh to stent and tax the Burghs in the sum of L.666,
13s. 4d. granted to Her Majesty on 9th May 1556, with the Stent Roll
following thereon, . . . .521
42. Allocation by the Bailies and Town Council of Edinburgh among the
whole Burghs of a sum of L. 2, 188, 14s. 8d. Scots, disbursed on account
of the Burghs for the " doun getting of the sixteen doniers of each frank
wairing of guides coft be Scots merchants in Rowane and Dieppe, by
the four deniers payed by them." 2nd September 1556, . . 522
43. Act of the Provost, Bailies, and Council of Edinburgh, following on
Order of the Privy Council, dated 9th April 1557, directing them to
allocate among the Burghs L. 10,000, being their proportion of an extent
of L. 60,000 Scots, for defraying the charges of the Queen's marriage
with the Dauphin of France, and allocation following thereon. 6th
September 1557, ....... 524
44. Precept by Queen Mary and the Privy Council relative to the mode of
extern ting the inhabitants of Burghs allowed to remain away from the
Royal Army, 16th Sept<5mbor 1557, ..... ^2Q
45. Abstract of Letters by Queen Mary, under the Signet, regarding the
plague at Dantzic, commanding all persons i'rom those parts to keep
themselves and their goods on shipboard, and not to repair to any burgh,
town, or common passages, imder pain of death, 1 6th July 1.563, . 556
46. Act of the Community of Aberdeen api»oiiiting a Commissioner t^^ attend
a Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 7th February 1563, . 527
Chronological Table of Contents. xxxvii
Paoe.
47. Minute of the Convention of Burglis at Edinburgh, on 24th, 25th, and
28th February, and 4th March 1563, .... 627
This Minute contains the Allocation of an Extent of 28,000 merks
granted by the Convention towards defraying the expense of
Douglas of Whittingham's embassy to the King of
Denmark, " for the affairs of merchants and other business Her
Highness (the Queen) has ado with the said King, concerning
the common weall of this realm."
48. Abstract of a Grant or Letters Patent by Charles IX., King of France, under
his Great Seal, ordering no more custom to be taken from the Scots
nation for Wine imported into Scotland from Bourdeaux than was due by
old treaties, 20th April 1565, ..... 557
49. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Eduiburgh on 1 7th April 1567, 15
60. Contract between the Town Council of Edinbui^gh on behalf of them-
selves and the other Burghs on the one part, and Captain Ninian Cock-
bum on the other part^ as to tlie sum to be paid him if he should procure a
discharge of the proclamation by the King of France against Scottish
merchants trafficking with France without the certificate of the King^s
mother or her lieutenants, 14th July 1570, .... 631
51. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 2l8t October 1570, 16
52. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at St. Andrews on 5th January 1570, 17
53. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 23d June 1574, 24
54. Act of the Town Council of Edinburgh appointing Commissioners to
attend a Convention of Burghs at E<lin burgh on 15th July 1574, 14th
July 1574, . 24
56, Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 15th July 1574, 25
56. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Stirling on 25th October 1574, 30
67. Act of the Town Council of Aberdeen, appointing a Commissioner to
attend a Convention of Burghs at Dundee on 15th July 1575 — Ist
July 1575, ........ 533
58. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 17th and 27th
October and 5tli November 1575, . . . . .37
This Minute contains Articles to be observed and kept by the Conserva-
tor in Flanders for the weall of the haill merchants of the realm.
59. Minute of the ( 'onvention of Burghs at FMinburf^'h, on 20th-27th January
1575, , . . ' . . .41
/
xxxviii Chronological Table of Contents.
Page
60. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 4th, 8th, and
17th March 1575, ....... 45
This Minute contains a copy of the Extent Roll of £11,000, Hs.,
granted by the Burghs to the Eegent on 26th January 1576, for
discharge of the Bullion for defi»ying the charges of men to be
sent to Flanders for trial of the false cunzie, and for recompense
of the expenses of ingathering the same.
61. Abstract of a Decree obtained before the Bailie of Dieppe, at the instance
of. Robert Aikman and Henry Tod, burgesses in said town, against
John Edgar, merchant there, as factor for John Morrison, merchant in
Scotland, for nine score livres, 21st August 1566, with discharge thereof,
28th September 1576, ...... 560
62. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, on 24th April and
3d May 1577, 49
63. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, on 3d and 12th
February 1577, ....... 50
64. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Stirling, on 18th July 1678, . 53
65. Commission granted by the Burghs at their Convention in Stirling to
Henry Nesbett, Burgess of Edinbuigh, for establishing the staple in
Campvere, ........ 56
66. Instructions to Henry Nesbett as to things to be desired by him of the
Magistrates of the Town of Campvere, . . .57
67. Copy of Commission and Procuration given by the Magistrates of Camp-
vere to Alexander Segait concerning the staple, ... 60
68. Copy of Instructions by the Magistrates of Campvere to Alexander
Segait, relative to the several matters entrusted by them to him for
negotiation with the Commissioners of Burghs in Scotland, . 61
69. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Stirling, on 18th July 1578, 65
70. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Dundee, on 31st October, and
lst-5th November 1578, ...... 66
71. Abstract of an Act of the Privy Council of Scotland making certain
stamped moneys a legal tender, 18th December 1578, . . 660
72 Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Cupar, on 24th- 28th February
1578, 71
73. Tax Roll as altered at the above Convention, shewing the amount pay-
able by each of the Burghs in respect of every L.100 Scots leviable
from the whole burghs, .73
Chronological Table of Contents. xxxix
Paob.
74. Abstract of Receipt by the King's Comptroller to the Provost and
Bailies of Edinburgh, for themselves and the Provosts, Bailies, Councils,
and Communities of Perth, Dundee, and Aberdeen, for L.IOOO Scots in
payment of the Candlemas terms tack duty of the Customs. 30th
March 1583, 561
75. Equies fitted in Exchequer by the Magistrates of Edinburgh on behalf of
the Burghs, tacksmen of the Customs of Scotland. From 1582 to 1589, 562
76. Acts and Statutes made by the Convention of Burghs at Stirling, 5th
August 1579, 78
77. Acts and Statutes made by the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh,
October 1579, ........ 80
78. Acts and Statutes made by the Convention of Burghs at Glasgow, 24th-
27th February 1579, ....... 83
79. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Stirling, on 3rd-Uth Marcli 1579, 90
80. Discharge by the Regent Morton in favour of Mungo Russell, Treasurer
of the Burgh of Edinburgh, for himself and the whole other Burghs of
Scotland of L.9,747, 6s. 4d., in part payment of L.10,000 Scots, granted
by the whole Burghs to the Regent for discharge of the duty of Bullion
owing by the merchants of said Burghs. 4th March 1576, . 92
81. Account by Mungo Russell of his intromissions in 1575, with the Bullion
Silver ordered to be uplifted of the whole Burghs during the Regency
of the Earl of Morton, March 1579, with docquet by the Auditors
thereoi^ 10th March 1579, ...... 92
82. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Aberdeen on llth-16th July
1680, 97
83. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at St. Andrews on 31st July 1580, 109
84. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 17th-24th April
1581, 110
85. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 17th-24th Octo-
ber 1581, . . 121
86. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Perth, 15th-23rd June 1582, 126
87. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 8th November
1582, 139
88. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 16th November
1582, . 144
xl Chronological Table of Contents.
Fao«.
89. Minute of tlio Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 7th- 17th Decem-
ber 1582, ........ 145
90. Supplication by the Burghs to the King and his Privy Council for a
tack of the Customes of the Realm, 13th December 1582, with Answer
by the Privy Council thereto, 15th December 1582, . . .147
91. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 25th and 27th
February 1582, . . . .149
92. Decreet Arbitral pronounced by certain Commissioners of Burghs relative
to various questions between the Burgh of Ayr and the Burgh of Irvine,
9th March 1582, ....... 150
93. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 9th- 12th March
1582, 152
94. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 20th March 1582, 155
95. Copy Contract entered into between King James VI., with the
advice of the Lords of the Privy Council, the Auditors of his Exchequer,
and John Fenton his Comptroller, on the one part, and the Commis-
sioners of Edinburgh and various other Burghs, for themselves and for
the other free Burghs on the other part, for the set of the Customes of
the Ee^lm to the Burghs for four years from 1st October 1582. 14th
March 1582, 1§3
96. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at A}t, 10th-19th June 1583, . 162
97. Letters by King James VI., under the Signet, charging the Commis-
sioners of Burghs convened at Ayr to receive as Commissioners from
Edinburgh, any Acts of Parliament or of Convention to the contrary, a
Merchant and Craftsman elected in terms of His Majesty's Decree
Arbitral. 6th June 1583. ...... 164
98. Tax Roll, as altered at the above Convention, showing the amount pay-
able by each of the Burghs in respect of every L.100 Scots leviable from
the whole Burghs. 17th June 1583, . . . . .173
99. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 12th- 15th Novem-
ber 1583, ........ 181
100. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Linlithgow, 13th- 17th July
1584, 184
101. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Haddington, 12th- 1 3th July
1585, 198
102. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Linlithgow, Ist-lOth Decem-
ber 1585, ........ 200
Chronological Table of Contents. xli
Pagk.
103. Minute of tlio Convention of Burghs at Cupar, 2d-5th May 1586, 206
104. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, l8t-4th August,
1586, 217
105. Copy Contract entered into between King James VI., with the advice of
the Lords of his Privy Council, the Auditors of his Exchequer, and
Andrew Wood of Largo, his Comptroller, on the one part, and the Com-
missioners of Edinburgh, and various other Burghs, for themselves and
for the other free Burghs, on the other part, relative to the set of the
Customs of the realm to the Burghs for three years from 1st October
1586 to 20th January 1586, . . ... 223'
106. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Dundee on 3d July 1587, . 229
107. Articles agreed to be given in by the Burghs at the next Parliament, . 240
108. Minute of the Convention and General Assembly of Burghs at Edin-
buigh on 30th and 31st October and Ist to 6th November 1587, 244
109. Tax Roll showing the amount payable by each of the Burghs in re-
spect of every £100 of all taxations to be imposed upon them during
one year to con^e, of the King's Customs upon the inlaik thereof, and
thirty tuns of wine to be paid by them yearly to His Majesty therefor.
October 1587, 246
110. General Tax Roll, as altered at the above Convention, showing the
amount payable by each of the Burghs in respect of every £100 Scots
leviable from the whole Burghs. 3d November 1587, . 253
111. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 6th-12th February
1587, 269
112. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Glasgow, 2d-6th July 1588, 274
113. Letter by the Archbishop of Glasgow, Ambassador from the King of Scot-
land to the King of France, acknowledging the receipt from Henry
Nisbet, Burgess of Edinburgh, on behalf of the Burghs, of several -
writings relating to the privileges of the Scots nation trading with
France, 18th May 1588, 284
114. Missive of the Archbishop to the Provost and Bailies of Edinburgh and
Commissioners of the Burghs, promising to render his best service for
the furthering of their affairs and the augmenting of their privileges, . 285
115. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at St Andrews, 10th- 14th April
1589, 294
/
xlii Chronological Tcible of Contents.
Page.
116. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 30th August
1689, ... .... 309
117. Minute of the Convention of Burghs of Aberdeen, 8th-15th June 1690, 310
118. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 28th September
and 5th October 1690, ...... 342
119. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Montrose, 16th-21st June 1591, 352
120. General Extent Roll, as altered at the above Convention, showing the
amount payable by each of the Burghs in respect of every £100 Scots
leviable from the whole Burghs, 21st June 1591, . . . 365
121. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Kirkcaldy on 12th June 1592, 369
122. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 23d-26th January
1592, 392
123. Minute of the General Assembly and Convention of Burghs at Dysart,
llth-16th Juno 1593. ...... 393
124. Form of Prayer to be used at the beginning of each Convention, 1593, 395
125. Fonn of Prayer to be used at the end of each Convention, 1593, . 418
126. Letter from the Magistrates of Campvere to the Burghs of Scotland,
relative to the Scots factors buying and selling Scotch goods, for their
own behoof, to the prejudice of merchants, 15th May 1593, . , 420
127. Letter from Count Maurice of Nassau to the Burghs of the Realm of
Scotland relative to the same subject, 3d May 1593, . .421
128. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 9th, 20th July
1693, 423
129. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 2d November
1592, 426
130. Minute of the Convention of Bui^hs at Stirling, 27th-29th Juno, and
lst-4th July 1594, . .428
131. General Extent Roll, as altered at the above Convention, showing the
amount payable by each of the Burghs, in respect of every L.lOO Scots
leviable, from the whole Burghs, 4th July 1693. . . . 461
132. Abstract of an Act of the Privy Council of Scotland, approving of the
conduct of James Colvill, of Easter Wemyss, who had been sent to
France, and had got renewed all former treaties with Scotland, in re-
spect to trade with France, 20th March 1594. . . 563
Chronological Table of Contents. xliii
Paok.
133. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at * on 27th to 30th
June, and Ist July 1595, ...... 453
134. Minute of the General Convention of Burghs at Aberdeen, Ist-Gth July
1596, 472
135. Minute of the Particular Convention of Burghs at Aberdeen, Ist- 24th
July 1596, 492
136. Answers made by the Commissioners of Burghs to the Privy Council
lelative to certain Articles proponed by the Council to the Commis-
sioners, Ist July 1596, . . . . . .497
137. Minute of the Particular Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, lst-16th
April 1597, ........ 499
* Two folios of the Becord containing the sederunt and three acts at the beginning of this
Conrention are wanting. A portion of the Becord at the end is also wanting.
"i
RECORDS
OK THE
CONVENTION OF THE ROYAL BURGHS
OF SCOTLAND.
™ ConventioiiniB
r of borroifl 4to
HE feird day of the moiieth of Aprile the zeir of God
Y^ and fyfty twa zeiris, convenit in the Tolbuith ui Appriiis 1662,
Edinburch the prouestis and commissaris of the borrois
of this realme following, viz : Williame Craik prouest of
the burch of Edinburch, for himself and the said burch ; lohne Craggelt
of that ilk prouest of Striueling ; lames Dennestoun prouest of Lin-
litqw ; lohne Makbrair prouest of Drumfreis ; Alexander Urquhart of
Brieszeardis prouest of Foress ; Dauid Brynton commissinar of Laneark ;
Andro Douglas commissinar of ledburch ; lohne Forhous and NicoU
Swyntoun commissaris of Hadingtoun ; lames Kene commissinar
of Selkirk ; lohne Quhytelaw commissinar of Northbeirik ; lames
Wilsoun and lohne Wychtman commissinaris of Peblis ; William Ache-
soun, lohne Kelly commissinaris of Dunbar; William Gaddrar and
Maister Alexander Douglas commissinaris of Elgyn ; Andro Vannand and
George Lowall for Dunde ; Maister Alexander Sibbald and George Brovne
commissinaris for Sanctandrois ; Dauid lamesoun and Alexander lamesoun
2
Convention of Royal Buryhs.
Conventionis
zeirlie.
Mesouris.
OvistoDies.
commissinaris of Cowpar ; William Bowsy and loliiie Ramsay commissin-
aris of Craill ; William Baly commissinar of Montros; Maister Robert Lum-
isdane commissinar for Abirdcne ; Andro Hamiltoun prouest of Glasg w, and
loLne Mvre commissinar thairof ; Archibald Spittall, William Smart, lames
Famlie, commissinaris of Striueling with the said prouest; lames Ka, Maister
Barthilmo Kello, commissinaris of Linlithqw with the said prouest ^ lames
Rig commissinar of Dumfreis with the said prouest; Quhilkis prouestis of
boiTOwis and commissinaris foirsaidis efbir the productioim of thair commis-
sionis ratifiit and apprevit the statutis following to be vniuersalie obseniit
in the haill borrowis of this burch (realm) and for verificatioun thairof
subscriuit the samyn as foUowis, day, zeir, and place foirsaid.
Item, in the firet, Becans it wes vnderstand that of lang tyme bipast, it
wes statut and ordanit that the haill borrowis of this realme be thair
prouestis or commissaris suld convene zeirlie anis in the zeir to consult
vpoun sic effaris and commone weillis of borrowis, and for reformatioun of
hurttis done thairto, as wes neidful to haif bene done, Thairfor it wes con-
cludit and statute be the prouestis and commissaris of l^orrowis foirsaidis,
that zeirlie in tyme cuming the saidis provestis of the hale borrowis of
this realme, or thair commissaris, convene the pennult day of lulij in sic
place as salbe statut thaii-to ; and the first conventioun to be vpoun the
said pennult day of lulij nixttocum, in this burch of Edinburgh.
Item, Becaus of differance of mesouris within borrowis of this realme
in tyme bigane, part being mair nor the rycht, and part less. It is concludit
be the prouestis and commissaris of borrowis foirsaidis, that the hale
borrowis of this realme ressaue their mesouiis of the burghis following,
quhilkis hes the iust mesouris, viz; the stane wecht of Lanark, the pynt
stope of Striuiling, the ferlatt of Linlytqw, and the eluand of Edinburch,
and conform to thai wechtis, mesouris, thai to vse thame selffiis within
thair borrowis; quhilkis mesouris salbe brocht the said pennult day of
lulij nixttocum to the burch of Edinburgh.
Item, Becaus of the giete mvrmour risin vpoun the hale borrowis of
this realme in rasing of nouationis and exactionis of thair pittecustomes
of the burch, and for stanching thairof, and that na hamie nor wi*ang be
done to oure Souerane Lordife liegis repairand thairto with sic stuf as
payis custome, It is concludit be the prouastis and commissaris of borrowis
foirsaidis, that all the borrowis of this realme tak the copy of the tabill
Convention of Royid Burghs. tS
of the pitte customes of Edinburgh, and conforme thairto, vse thair taking
of thair customes, and na vtheris.
Item, Becaus of the grete variance standand in diuers and sindry Chesin^ of
borrowis of this reahne of the nianer of the chesing of thair officiaris, sic ^ '^""**
as provest, baillies, thesaurer, dene of gild, and counsale, zeirlie at Michael-
raes; for eschewing thairof, and for perpetuall guid ordour to fie vsit thairin
in tyme cuming, It is concludit and statut be the provestis and com-
missaris of borrowis foirsaidis, that sic ordour be tane thairin as is in the
burch of Edinburgh, viz. Becaus the maner of the chesing zeirle is at
Michaehness, that vpoun Wednisday, nixt precedand the said feist of
Michaelmes, the provest, baillies, dene of gild, thesaurer, and counsale for
the tyme, convene in the Tolbuyth thereof, and thai to cheis ane new
counsale to the nowmer of twelf pei-sonis, quhilkis salbe thir, viz; Tlie pro-
vest of that zeir, the four baillies, the dene of gild, and thesaurer salbe
seven thairof ; and thairefter to cheis sic thre vthir honest merchandis, and
twa craftismen, quhilk sail mak xij personis, and thai to be callit the new
counsale. Quhilk new counsale and auld counsale to convene on Fryday
thairefter, and cheis the litis to the offices, sik as provest, baillies, dene of
gild, and thesaurare, and to Ukane thairof thre merchandis of the burch, and
na craftismen. It is of ressone and auld vse, that the provest than present,
the dene of gUd, and thesaurare ar litis to that samin office for the zeir to
cum, and not the baillies, without thai be new chosin thairto. And vpoun
the Tuisday next following the feist of Michaelmes, thair sail convene in
the Tolbuyth the auld counsale and new, and the dekynis of craflis, and
thair to begyn at the litis of provestre, and to woit about throw that haill
nowmer and se, and he that gettis monyest wottis to be chosin and sworn
incontinent ; and swa furth to the four baillies, thesaurar, and dene of gild.
And gif of the personis chosen vpon the new counsale happynnis to be
chosin ane lite to ane vther office, and promo vit thairto, ane vther to be
chosin be the auld counsale and new allanerle in his rowme. And als that
thair be na maner of personis, suppois he be burges of burch, and abill
thairfor, be chosin to be provest, baUlie, thesaurar, or dene of gild of the
burch, without he haif bene ane zeir or twa vpoun the counsale thairof.
Item, Because the haill borrowis of this realme thinkis thame hevyle Bui-esis.
hurt be certane personis quhilkis lies been sworn and ressauit firemen and
burgessis of borrowis, and duellis outwith the samin, and beris na portabill
Convention of Royal Burghs.
chargis within the burch quhairof thai ar fre, quhen thai haif ado,
Thairfor it is concludit and statut that thair be generale proclamationis
maid in the hale borrowis of this realme at the mercat croces thairof, that
all sic personis as allegis thameself to be fre within ony borrowis, compere
within xl dayis thairefter, and hald stob and staik therein, and walk, ward,
pay ext^ntis and skattis within the burch, conforme to thair substance;
with certificatioun and thai failze thai salbe decernit to haif tynt thair
fredome, and to be vsit fra thyne furth as unfremen; quhilk proclamatioun
being maid, and xl dayis bypast, to decern as said is. And gif ony of the
burrois bcis fundin negligent heirin, and be notit be vtheris borrowis, thair
nychtbouris, that the burch failzeing of the first fait pay v li. and the
secund fait x li. and the thrid fait xx li; and thir sowmes to bebrocht in
with the borrowis failzeing at the nixt conventioun efter thai be fundin
culpabill, and distribute as the haill provestis and commissaris sail devyse.
Welzem Craik prouest of Edr.
lohnn Cmgingelt of that ilk
prowest of Steriveling.
lames Danyelstoun prowest of
Linlytqw.
Ihon M'Brair prowest of Drum-
fres.
Alexand Vrqwhard of Burris-
zerdis prow^est of Forras.
Dauid Breintoun commursaris
of Lanerk.
Andro Douglas wyt my hand on
the pen led be the notar un-
dirwrittin.
Ihon Fores of Hadentone.
Nicholaus Swyntoun ane of the
comissionaris of Hadingtoun.
lames Kene ballze of Selkerk.
Ihonn Quhitlaw ane of the
baylzeis of Northberweik.
lamis WolLsson of Peblis.
lohne Wechtman of Peblyis.
Wilm Atchesoun of Dunbar.
Ihon Kelle off Dumber.
Villiam Gaddrar commissinar of
Elgin.
Mr Alexr Douglas etc.
Mr Alexr SibbaJd wyt his hand.
George Broun wyt my hand of
Sanctandrois co^*^**.
Dauid lamysoun vyt my hand.
Allxr lamesone wyt my hand of
Couppar.
Wilzemm Bowsy wyt my hand
of Carail.
lohne Ramsay wyt my hand on
the pen led be the Notar vn-
dirwrittyn.
Georgis Lowell off Dunde vyt
my hand.
Andro Annand of Dunde wyt my
hand.
Convention of Royal BurgJis. 5
Arsbald Spettall of Striuelyng. lames Kaa of Linlytqw.
William Smart wy t my band on M. Bartholomeus Kello ballius ac
the pen led be the Notar commissarius de Lynlytqw.
vndirwrittin. James Riig wyt my hand of
lames Farnly of Striueling. Drumfreis.
Partibns predictis act. dictum penultimum diem mensis lulij prout in primo
statuto citis.
Ita est vt premittitur Alexr King Notarius publicus scriba curie
Edinburgensis de mandato dicte loannes Ramsay et Willelmi
Smart subscribens teste meis signo et subscriptione manualibus.
A King.
,Apud Edinburgh penultimo lulij anno etc. quinquagesimo
secundo.
The quhilk day, at the tei-m assignit to the haill borrowis of this Tuiching the
realme to convene in the burch of Edinburgh conforme to the statutis eiivaind, Edin-
afoirwrittin,comperit the commissinaris of borrowis following, viz; Williame ingfstowpe^^
Crake prouest of Edinburch, lohne Symsoun, and lames Carmichaell com- l^^^^e^k, stane.
misinaris thairof ; lohne Cragelt of that ilk prouest of Striueling, and
lames Farnlie commission aris thairof; George Brovne and Maister Alex-
ander Sibbald commissinaris of Sanctandrois ; lames Lovall and Robert
Kyde commissinaris of Dunde; Dauid lamesoun commissinar of Cowpar;
Archibald Blyncheil and Blais Colt commissinaris of Perth. And thairefter
the saidis prouestis of Edinburch and Striueling presentit and producit
the commoun stope and eluand specifiit in the laste statutis maid thair-
anent, and offerit the mesouris thairof to aU the commissinaris of bon-owis
that requiris the samyn ; and the saidis prouestis and the haill vtheris
commissinaris of bono wis aboue writtin protestit, insafer as this day
wes assignit to the rest of the boiTOwis to convene, and to Lanark
to haif producit the stane wecht, and to Linlithqw to haif producit
the commoun ferlot, and comperit nocht, that thai incurrit the painis
6 Convention of Royal Burghs.
contenit in the actis of parliament thairapoun, and that na fait be imput
to thaim throw the wantyng of the saidis mesouris. And thaireftir the
prouestis and comniissinaris foirsaidis ordanit the nixt conventioun to be
in the towne of Striueling the pennult day of lulij nixt tocum, 1553
zeris, and the said prouest of Striueling to aduertis and varn the haill bor-
rowis thairof
Ita est Alex^ King Notarius Publiciis scriba curie Edinburgensis
teste ineis signo et subscriptione manualibus.
A. King.
Conyentioun ^^ Edinburch the xxix day of Maij the zeir of God ane thousand fyve
xxix Maij 1655. imndreth and fyfty fyve zeiiis, Comperit the personis following, prouest,
baillies, and as commissinaris of borrowis, viz; lohne Sym, Maister lames
Lyndesay, lames Carmichael, lohne Symsoun, and Iame» Broun for Edin-
burgh ; Henry Levingstoun prouest, William Norwell dene of gild, Robert
Forestar baillie, lames Watsoun thesaurer, for Striueling; Robert Widdir-
spvne prouest, Heniy Forrest, lames Dennestoun for Lynlythqw; William
Hiegait for Glasgw; lohne Lokkart and Maister Miehaell Wallace for Air;
Archibald Mvre and lames Brovne for Irwyne ; Andro Dowglas, and Stevin
Riddell for ledburch ; lohne Makbrair prouest, and lames Rig for Drum-
freis ; Patrik Porterfield for Dumbartane ; lames Oliphant prouest, and lohne
Forrest, and Adam Wilsoun for Hadingtoun; William Leirmonth for
Dunbar; lames Wilsoun for Peblis; Patrik Mvn'ay, and Thomas Flemyng
for Perth; George Lovell, and Robert Kid for Dunde; Thomas Menzeis
prouest, and Dauid Mar for Abirdene; William Bowsy, Thomas Bane for
Grain ; Alexander lamesoun, and lames Caniitheris, and lames Andersoun
Aiterationn of ^^^ Cowper; Thomas Marty ne, and Maister Alexander Sibbald for Sanctan-
extent drois; lohne Arskin of Dvn prouest of Montros; Archibald Sandilandis for
Kingom; Compeirand for thame self, and in name and behalf and as com-
missionaris of the siiidis borrowis, and takand the burding on thaim for
thair saidis borrowis, And vndirstandand that be occasioun of weir, pest,
and vtheris cummeris quhilkis hes occurrit laitlie in borrowis sen oure
C(ynventiayi of Royal Burghs. 7
Sourane Lordis deceis, that last deceissit, quliome God Jissolze, thair is
diuers and syndry borrowis of this realme that throw the occasioun of the
saidis weir, pest, and cummeris, tliat ar depauperit and purit and dekeyit
at this tyme thaiillirow, nochttheless the auld generall extent roll of
the borrowis remainis in the samyn ordour as it wes of befoir, Tliairfor
the saidis personis, comperand as said is, hes thocht expedient that altera-
tioun be maid of the said generall extent of the haill borrowis of this
realme, that the borrowis that ar depauperit may be relevit of sum pairt
of thair extent, and vtheris that ar richit may be ekit be samekil as salbe
tane of the saidis dei>aupeiit borrowis, for the space of thre zeiris nixt
tocum alanerlie, and thairefter nemmit thairto sex borrowis, viz. Edin-
burch, Striueling, and Hadingtoun, for the south syde of Forth, and Perth,
Abirdene, and Montros for the north syde thairof, and twa personis to be
chosen of ilkane of the saidis borrowis to mak the said alteratioun of the
said generall extent for the said space. And gif it sal happin ony vthir
occasioun to acure in the meyntyme of the saidis thre zeiris that neid be
of vthir alteratioun be maid of new, that conventioun of borrowis be maid
to that effect. And thaireftir the saidis personis of Edinburch nemmit
Maister lohne Prestoun, and William Craik for thair burch ; Stirling
nemmit Henry Levingstoun, and William Norwell ; Hadingtoun nemmit
lames Oliphant, and lohne Forrest ; Perth nemmit Patrik Mvrray, and
Thomas Flemyng ; Abirdene nemmit Thomas MenzeLs, and Dauid Mar ;
Montros nemmit lohne Arskin of Dvn, and William Paniter; quhilkis sail
all convene on Friday nixt tocum at vij houris befoir none, and accept thir
pi*esentis vpon thame, and be suome to decyde thairintill eftir thair
knawlege and conscience, and decern thairintill betwix that and Trinite
Sonday nixt tocum; and as thai sail deliuer thairintill, the haill borrowis
to abyde thairat, and vnderly the samyn during the saidis thre zeiris, gif
na alteratioun be maid in the meyntyme.
And all the saidis personis hes subscriuit thir presentis, day, zeir and
place foirsaid.
lohn Symsoun. lames CarmychelL
Mr lames Lindesay. Hendry Levingston provest of
lohne Sym. Strilyng.
lames Barron. Welezam Norwell.
8
Convention oj Royal Burghs.
lames Watsoun.
Robert Wotherspovn provest of
Lynlytqw.
Henre Forrest,
lames Danyelstoun.
Williame Hegait.
Ihone Lokhart.
M. Micbael Wallace.
Archebald Mwre.
lames Browne.
Aiidro Douglas wyt my hand on
the pen led be the notar
vndirwrittin.
Stewin Riddall.
Ihone Makbrair.
lames Rig.
lames Oliphant prouyst.
Ihone Forast.
Adam Willsoun.
Wm. Lermount.
lames Wollssone.
Patryk Mwray.
Tliomas Flemyng.
Robert Kyd.
Thomas Menzeis.
Dauid Mar.
Wilzem Bowosye.
Thomas Bane wyt my hand on
the pen leid be the notar
vndirwrittin.
Sanderis lamesone.
la. Andersoun.
lames Camitheris wyt my hand
on the pen led be the Notar
vndirwrittin.
Tliomas Martyn.
M. Alexr. Sibbald.
Ihon Erskyn.
Archebald Sandilandis, with my
hand on the pen led be the
Notar vndirwrittin.
Ita est Alex^ King, notarius publicus de mandato dicti Andrea
Douglas, Thome Bane, lacobi Carrutheris ct Archibaldi Sandi-
landis, subscribens teste meis signo et subscriptione manualibus.
A- Kino.
Ultimo Maij anno etc. qui?iquagesimo quinto.
Tee quhilk day Henry Levingstoun, William Norwell, lames Oliphant,
lohne Forrest, Patrik Murray, Thomas Flemyng, Thomas Menzei.s, Dauid
Mar, lohne Arskin of Dvn, and William Paniter, nemmit in the act afoir
specifiit, accepted vpon thame the chairge laid to thame specifiit in the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 9
said act, and maid fajrth to mak alteratioun of the extent contenit in the
said actt eftir thair knawlege and conscience.
Tertio lunij anno predicto.
The quhilk day, William Craik and Maister lohne Prestoun, cbosin
for the burch of Edinburgh, conform to the act maid the xxix day of Maij
last bypast, acceptit the samyn vpon thaim, and maid fayth to mak altera-
tioun of the extent specifiit in the said act eftir thair knawlege and
conscience.
The quhilk day the pn)ue8ti8 and commissinaris of the borrowis fol- Alteration
lowing convenit in the Blak freris of Edinburgh, viz: The commissinaris^**^* "*
of Edinburgh, the prouest of Striueling, the prouest of Linlythqw, the
commissinaris of Perth, the prouest and comissinaris of Abirdene, the
prouest and commissinaris of Montros, the prouest and commissinaris
of Hadingtoun, the commissinaris of Air, the commissinaris of Dunde, —
hes thocht expedient for diuers causis, and specialie becaus the maisi
pairt of the prouestis foirsaidis wer chosin Lordis Articlis of Parliament,
and mycht nocht avait vpon the alteratioun of tlje extent of the
borrowis, conform to the act maid the xxix day of Maij last bypast,
Prorogatis the deliuerance of the personis chosin to mak the said
alteratioun anent the said extent quhill the aucht day of August nixt
tocum, and ordanis ane new conventioun of borrowis to be in Perth
the pennult day of lulij nixt tocum, and ordanis the prouest thairof to
write to haill borrowis to be thair that day, to consult vpoun the efferis
of borrowis ; and als ordanis all the saidis personis, chosin as said is to mak
the said alteratioun, to be in Perth the said pennult day to deliuer thair-
intill ; and gif ony of thaim beis absent, it salbe lesum to personis that
sail compeir to deliuer, and thair deliuerance to stand in als grete effect
as the haill had deliuerit.
10 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Apud Dundie die dedmo octauo mensis Septembris anno
domini millesimo quingentesimo quinqua^emno quinto.
Convenyng of CoNVENiT within the burgh of Dundie, Patrik Leirmonth of Derse, pro-
rioneris^f* vest, Thomas Martene and Maister Alexander Sibbald, commissionaris of
borrowis. Sanctandrois ; James Oliphant, prouest, and lohne Foras, commissionaris of
Hadingtoun; Andrew Annand, George Lowell, Robert Kyd, and George
Vischert, commissionaris of Dundie; lohne Erskene of Dwne, provest, and
Williame Panter, comraissionar of Montrois; Alexander lamesone acnd
lames Carrudris, commissionaris of Cowper; Williame Bowsie and Maister
Alexander Mortoim, commissionaris of Oaill; lohne Quhytlaw, commis-
sionar of Northberwik ; Thomas Scott, commissionar of Selkirk; Alexander
Wilkesone, commissionar of Lawder; Maister Thomas Bowsie and lohne
Low, commissioneris of Brechene ; Stevin Riddill, commissionar of ledburch ;
lohne Lyne, lohne Dunlap, commissionaris of Abirbrothok ; Williame
Leirmonth and Williame Bonkill, commissionaris of Dunbar; lesper Vaus
and Williame Cunnynghame, commissioneris of Innernes; lames Ord and
lames Baird, commissioneris of BamfT; Walter Baxter and Williame Cowper,
commissioneris of Dunfermeling ; Tliomas Kar and lohne Bamsay, commis-
sioneris of Forfar, for the commoun weill and effairis of all burrowis, con-
forme to the act and ordinance maid thaii-upoun at the conventioun of
Perth, off the dait the thrid day of August last bypast. Is concludit be the
saidis prouestis and commissioneris, that the actis and ordinans heirefter
following be obseruit and keipit in all burrowis of this realme, for the
commoun weill thairof, in all tymes cuming : —
Anentthe Item in the firat, the saidis provestis and commissionaris, haveing
and^aw^^ considcratioun of the grite diuersiteis of petecustumis of burrowis, and of
syluer "» t«r-. hcwiu silucr of the burrowis adiacent to the sey, seueralie vpliftit and taikin
sea poM[ti». bayth of fremen and vnfremen, sum takaud niair hewin siluer and small
customes, and vtheris takand less, swa that puir travellouris, fremen, ar
towistit as vnfremen be ignorant and gredie kei)aris of portis and hevynis
of the borrowis of this realme, to the havie dampnage of the commoun
Weill of burrowis and vtheris, oure Souerane Ladyis liegis, resortand to the
samin ; and for remeid thairof, it is devysit, statute, and ordanit, that ane
Convention of Royal Burghs. 1 1
ordour vniforme and quantitie of pete customes and liewin siluer be had
and vsit within all the borrowis of this realme ; and in lykemaner of all
vtheris customeH, deweteis, and casualiteis of the samyn, and that to be efter
the rycht fassoun and ordinance of Edinburgh ; and that nane of the bor-
rowis suld pretend ignorance aganis this present aot, ordanis ane out
draucht or copy to be maid of the petecustbmes buikis of Edinburgh, of
all hewin siluer and dewiteis foirsaidis, and the samyn thairefter to be
transumet again in sa mony buikis as thair are borrowis within this realme,
swa that euerie burgh haif ane autentik copy of the samyn, quhilk salbe
delyuerit to thair petecustomer to vse it himselff, conforme thairto ; and gif
ony burch or thair customer cumis in the contrair thairof, bot vsis extor-
tionis vpoun fremen and vtheris, oure Souerane Ladeis liegis, resortand
thairto, the contravenar and brekar of this foirsaid act sail pay the sowme
of fourtie schillingis, to be applyit to the commoun gude of the burch
quhome to the fait is committit, and the complenare to quhome the wrang
is done sail haif his expenssis of the said contravenar, at the sycht and
modeficatioun of the provest and baillies of that burgh.
Item, Becaus grite hurt is day lie done, and appeirandlie for to be done, Anent fremen
be fre men bindand thame selffis in societie with vnfremen and vtheris, ^th^^^iSri^
exceptand the office of ane merchand, being fremen to vnfremen, and cul- ™®'^-
loring vnfremenis geir, vnder the pretence of thair libertie, to the grit de-
fraud of file merchandis, and of the customes and hawin siluer of burrowis,
allegeand at the vpgevipg of thair entres the guidis and geir of vnfi^emen
to pertene to thame, outlier be ressoun that thai ar in sociatie and thair
markis vpoun the samyn, or than becaus thai ar merchandis to vnfremen,
and knawis the danger conforme to the actis of parliament to cum vpoun
vnfii^menis guidis, swa^that the iuges and custumaris ar dayle defraudit
be sic mensworne fremen, to the grite hurt of the commoun weill and
libertie of burrowis ; It is thairfoir devysit, statute, and ordanit, that na fire-
men of quhatsumevir burgh within this realme tak vpoun hand tokeip
sociatie in merchandice, or ressaif ony geir to trauffique thairwith, fi:^ ony
vnfremen to his vtilitie and proffett ; and gif thai failzie of this command
foirsaid, bot obstenatlie, in contrair thair aith as mensworne fremen, vsis
pretence and cullour with thair markis, and vtheris wayis ressavand and
delyuerand vnfremenis guidis and geir, the persone or perscMis, firemen,
that beis apprehendit and takin thairwith sail tyne his fredome within
12 Convention of Royal Burghs.
burgh, and thairefter his persone to be pvneist at the will of his superioris,
prouestis and baillies of the burgh quhair he duellis, as accordis vnto sic
defemit, menswome, and peri\uit personis.
ThatnasWppifl Item, Becaus diuers skipperis and awneris of schipis, alsweill fremen as
I^^^^^^^Wnfremen, quhilkis daylie frauchtis thair schipis with foirstallaris and
the dene of gild, vnfrcmen, to the grite hurt and dampnage of the libertie and commoun
^thouri^ Weill of burrowis, swa that fremen vseand and hantand with merchandice
tikket within burgh, may [nocht] haif ony schip or schipis of competent fraucht at
fischear hewinis and portis, and landwart kirk styllis outwith freburgh,
throw the quhilk thai ar gritlie onrecheit, and be bying of stapill guidis, and
frauchting of schipis, as said is, — ^they being alsua fre fra all chargis, stentis^
and taxationis imput vpoun firie burrowis. For remeid thairof it is dewysit,
statute, and ordanit, that na schip be frauchtit within ony burgh bot in
presens of the dene of gild of the samyn, and failzeand of him in presens
of ane bailzie, and that na merchand tak vpoun hand to saill out of ony
biirgh of this realme without the dene of gildis ticket, swa that the skip-
per allege na ignorance of vnfremen be fremen, and als that the said dene
of gild gif na ticket bot to qualifeit fremen, honest of conuersation, having
iugement of merchandice, and substance requiring thereto; and gif ony fre-
men, being ane skipper or owner of schip, or vnfremen, contravenis this
present act, he sail pay to the commoun gude and warkis of the toun quhair
he committis the fait the sowme of tuenty lib ; and als ordanis the dene of
gild to command his oflSciar to pas and warne euerie strangear that arryvis
at the portis of the burrowis of this realme of the making of this act, and
declair to thame the tennour of the samyn ; and gif the dene of gild be ftind
negligent heirintill, he to pay to the effect foirsaid the sowme of xx lib.
Thatt burrowis Item, Becaus the havie complaint of sum burrowis that thai ar opprest
•Mist vtheris. gjj J gritlie defraudit of thair privelegis and liberties be grit men of the
cuntrey, tending to put thame to vtter decay; Thairfoir it wes devysit,
statute, and ordanit, that all burrowis within this realme concur togidder
in ane peceabill and agreabill maner as becumis ; and gif ony ane of the
saidis burrowis beis opprest or hurt in thair fredome or priuileges, all the
remanent sail support the samin in counsale, geir, money, and gif forder
neid requyris, as law will.
Stwltiouno?** Item, Forsamekill as be aduis, counsale, and consent of the haill com-
theExtenttEoi- missionaris of all burrowis of this realme, that convenit in the Tolbuyth
Fcrtfa.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 13
of Edinburgh the xxix day of Maij last bypast, it wes thocht expedient
that sex burrowis, twa commissionaris for ilk burgh, suld be electit and
chosin for reformatioun and alteratioun of the auld taxt roll, quhais namis
wer Williame Craik and Maister lohne Prestoun, for Edinburgh, Henrie
Leivingtoun and WiUiame Norwell, for Stirling, lames Oliphant and lames
Fores, for Hadingtouu, Patrik Murray and Thomas Fleming, for Perth,
Thomas Menzeis and Dauid Mar, for Abirdene, and lohne Erskine of Dwne
and Williame Panter for Montrois, quhilkis personis thairefter convenit
and exceptit the decisioun of the said mater in and vpoun thame; and
becaus that sum of thame at that tyme war chosin Lordis of Parliament,
and sua mycht nocht convene and desyde than instantlie, thay, with
consent of the remanent haill burrowis, prorogatit and prolongit thefurth-
geveing of thair delyuerance vnto ane certane day thairefter, and to
convene to that effect in the burgh of burgh (Perth), with this additioun,
that gif ony of thame beis absent it suld be lesum to the personis that
compeirit to deliuer and mak reformatioun, and thair delyuerance to stand
in ids grite effect as the haill haid convenit and delyuerit. At the quhilk
day all the foirsaidis personis being convenit in the burgh of Perth, to the
effect aboue writtin, and the commissionaris of the burgh of Edinburgh
departand fra the samyn conuentioun, and wald nocht apply thameselffis
to this effect, quhairvnto thai wer oblist of befoir, the remanent fyve
burrowis, and commissionaris thairof aboue specifeit, reformit and alterit
the said auld taxt roll, addit the reche burrowis, and deminissit the
depauperat of thair exorbetant taxatioun, conforme to gude conscience,
quhilk suld stand in effect for the space of thre zeiris nixt, efber the dait
of the samin, and na alteratioun to be maid in ony taxationis to cum,
without ane new conventioun of the haill burrowis or maist pairt thairof,
as at mair lenth is specifeit in this present bulk of reformationis, maid
thairupoun, and subscryvit with the saidis commissionaris handLs, of the
dait at Perth, the fyft day of August, the zeir of God V^, v^. Iv zeris :
Thairfoir the provest and conventioun of burrowis at this present con-
ventioun, thinkand and considerand the said electioun and nominatioun
of the personis aboue specifeit, thair acceptatioun of the said mater, maid
vpoun thame, of the dait at Edinburgh the last day of Maij, and thrid
day of lunij respectiue last bypast, the prorogatioun of the samin, for the
causses aboue specifeit, off the dait at Edinburgh the thrid day of lunij.
14 Cofivention of Royal Burghs.
foirsaid additiouu aboue expremit, and conventioun at Perth, haill actis
and reformatioun maid be the saidis personis the tyme foirsaid, to be
resonabill, consonant, agreable for the coramoun weili of burrowis, Be the
tennour of this present act ratifeia, and appreves, and confermis the said
electioun, noininatioun, acceptatioun, prorogatioun, and thair finell decreit
and reformatioun foirsaid, togidder with the haili actis, statutis, and
constitutionis contenit in this present buik, and decemis the samin to haif
effect and strenth in tyme cuming, during the spaces respectiue contenit
thairintill ; and sail maintene, fortifie, and defend the samin in all poyntis,
articlis, and claussis contenit thairintill, aganis euerie burgh within this
realme that wald presum to mak derogatioun thairof, as law will
Dene of Gild to Item, Becaus the act of parliament ordanis all and sindrie borrowis
be putUn^^^^ Within this realme just wechtis, mettis, and mesouris suld be vsite within
burrowis. burgh, and ane qualifeit persone to be deput in ilk burch to considder the
samin, Heirfoir it is statut, and concludit, that ilk burch sail haif ane dene
of gild zeirlie, to be chosin as vse is to ordour the samin zeirlie. And gif
the said dene, to be chosin, negligencis the executioun of his office, haveand
bene requyrit be the prouest and the baillies, ane or ma, sail incur the
panis of borrowis, contenit in thair actis maid thairupoun of befoir.
Continuatioun The haill commissionaris of borrowis, beand at this present conventioun
ve^oun.!^" in Dundie, hes affixt the last day of lunij nixtocum, to convene agane in
Sanctandrois, for treitting vpoun thair commoun weillis of borrowis, and
conserning of thair actis and statutis within burrowis, conforme to the
actis of parliament, and lawis of this realme. And quhatsumevir buich
being wairnit be Sanctandrois to send thair commissionaris, with suffi-
cient commissionis, the said day, and compeiris nocht in Sanctandrois the
said day, to pay x lib. to the remanent commissionaris that keipis the said
day. (sic subscribatur)
lames Oliphant, wyt my hand. Alex*" lamesone.
lohne Foris, wyt my hand. lames Carruderis, wyt my hand.
Andrew Annand, wyt my hand. Williame Bowsie, wyt my liand.
Robert Kyd, wyt my hand. M. Alex'" Mortoun, wyt my hand.
George Lowell, wyt my hand. Walter Baxter, wyt my hand.
George Wischeart, wyt my hand. Williame Cowpar, wyt my hand.
ITiomas Martene, wyt my hand. Stevin Riddell, wyt my band.
M. Alex*" Sibbald, wyt my hand. Alex'" Wilkesone, wyt my hand.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 15
M. Thomas Bowsie, wyt my hand, Williame Leirmont, wyt my
and for lohne Law. hand.
Williame Panter, wyt my hand. lohne Lyne, wyt my hand.
XVII die mensis Apprilis Anno domini 1"". P. Ixvy.
The quhilk day, Symoun Prestoun, of that Ilk, Knycht, prouest of this New Convcn-
burch of Edinburch, Alexander Clerk, Alexander Vddert, baillies, with Dauid **^"*
Forstar, commissar; Ritchert Blyth, commissar for Dunde; Ihonn Craigingelt
of that Ilk, prouest, and William Forster, baillie, commissar for Striueling;
William Flemyng, baillie, and Ihonn Maxtoun, commissaris for Perth;
Patrick Meinzes, commissarforAbirdene; Ihonn Forres, prouest, and Thomas
Puntoun, commissaris for Haddingtoun; Matheu Heriot, baillie, and Ihonn
Grahame, commissar for Glasqw ; Richert Rutherfurde, prouest, and William
Hepbume, baillie, commissaris for ledburch; Ordanis ane conventioun of
the commissaris of the hale burrois of this realme to begyn and be haldin
at Sanctandrois, on Trinitie Sounday nixt, or the nixt lauchfuU day thair-
eftir, for reasonying and treting vpouu the commoun effaris of mercliantis,
and for statutis to be maid concernying thair commoun weill ; and to this
effect ordanis the prouest and baillies of Sanctandrois to wryte to the
saidis burrois for keiping the said daj^, bering certificatioun to thame that
comperit nocht that thay salbe haldin to abide and vnderly the statutis
to be maid be thame that sail compeir.
Alexander Clark. Cragmillar, Knit.
Maister lohne Prestoun. Alexander Uddartt.
Patrick Menzeis. lohn Cragingelt, prowest.
Alexand. Knowis. I. Forest.
Robert Clark. Thomas Povntovn.
16 Conventio7i of Royal Burghs.
XXI mensis Octohris 1570.
The QUHILK day, 'flie comissaris efterwrittin, viz., Adam FouUertoun,
and Maister Ihonne Prestoun, comissaris for Edinburch ; lames Lovell, and
Alexander Scrymgeour, for Dunde; Thomas Monypenny, and William Flem-
yng, for Perth ; William Norvell, for Striueling; Mathew Heriot, for Glasqu;
Archibald M'Brair, prouest, lames Rig, for Dimfreis; Charlis Drummond,and
Nychole Townis, for Linlythqw; Dauid Patersoun, for Cowper; Ihonne
Aj'toun, prouest, and Barnard Thomsoun, for Haddingtoun ; being convenit
to the parliament, the xxij of this instant, for autorizing of my Lord Erie of
Sending Co- Lcvinax, of Regcntrie, etc. Efter lang resonying vpoun the proclamatioun
France*"" ^^ maid in France discharging all Scuttis schippis of ony hant or ti*afique
thair, bot of sic sis bringis with yame the Kingis modirreis, or hir lieu-
tennentis, writingis in thair favouris; For remeid quhairof thay all in ane
voce consenttis, and granttis, and ordanis, that ane or tua honest men,
merchanttis, be chosin and send to the King of France with writtingis for
getting of the said j)roclamatioun dischargit, in name of the hale burrois,
sic as the pro vest, baillies, and counsall, thinkis guid ; and ordanis thame
to derect the saidis writtingis vnder thair comoun seill, and to mak the
said mannis expenssis ; for the releif quhairof, thai ar content and con-
sentis that ane generall extent be raisit and sett vpoun the haill borrois
of the realme; and thai oblis thame and thair successouris to releif
thame for thair pairtis.
The Conven- The samyn day the comissiaris foiraaidis ordanis a conventioun of the
hTin^imcton- ^^^^ burrois to be in Sanctandrois the secound of lanuare nixt, and
droii. ordanis the provest and baillies of Sanctandrois to direct thair writtingis
to vther burrois for keiping of the said day, with certificatioun to tham
in Sanctandrois, gif thai failze, thai sail nocht be ony conventioun
appoyntit to be in thair toun at ony tymc heircfter, becaus thair was
syndrie conventionis appoyntit to be in the said toun abefoir, and nocht
keipit in thair defalt, etc.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 17
At SanctandroiSy sexto (quinto?) die mensis lanuarij 1570.
Commisaris for Edinburgh, Adame Foullertoun, dene of gild, Niehole
Vdartt, thesaurer, Alexander Guthre, dark ; Stirveling, Robert For-
ester, zounger, baillie, Robert Alexander, mercbantt; Perth, Thomas
Monypenny, thesaurer ; Dundie, Alexander Scrumgeour, dene of gild,
lames Lovell, mercbantt ; Coupar, Dauid Lyndesay, provest, Dauid
Welandis, thesaurer, lames Andersoun, dark ; SanctandroLs, Maister
William Cok, baillie, Maister Alexander Sibbald, baillie, Maister Thomas
Balfour, baillie, Alane Watsoun, dene of gild, Thomas Welwod, mer-
cbantt ; Linlithqu, Nicoll Tovnes, dark ; Hadingtoun, lames Cokbum ;
Monros, Robert Clark ; Carrell, Thomas Baine, bailze, Williame Bousie,
eldar, Patrik Geddey, Ihonn Ramsay ; Innerkeithing, Henry Dauid-
soun, baillie, Andrew SpittelL
Item, for Abirdene, ane speciall writing direct to the prouest, baillies,
and counsale of Dunde, vnder thair commoun signet and subscriptioun of
thair commoun clerk, desyring thame to voit in thair places, quhais votis
salbe approvin be thaim as gif thai war present, and this writing deliuerit
to Maister Ihonn Bonkill, commoun clerk of Sanctandrois.
V^ Januarij 1570.
The quhilk day, the commisaris abouewrittin, efter lang aduissmentt
and consideratioun takin of the greitt hurtt and manifold dampnages
quhilkis, be the sleuth and negligence of the magistratis of burrowis,
quhilk hes daylie fallin and fallis to the estait of merchantis, for non con-
venying at sic tymes as hes bene appointitt for resonying vpoun thair
eommoun effaires. For remeid quhairof, thai haif maid the statutis efter
following : —
Inprimis, Forsameikle as be the occasioun of weris and manifold trou- Aitorttioim
blis that hes chansitt within this realme of laitt tj'me past, ane greitt ^'^ ^ ***
18
Co7ive7ition of Royal Burghs.
Extontt of i°»
markis.
pairt of the burrowis, quhilkis of befoir war riche and substaiitious, are
now beeurain vnable and pure, and may nocbt at this present sustene
sic charges, nor pay sic sovmes in taxtis or stentis, as thai had wontt to
do, For remeid quhairoff, itt is statute and ordanit that the aid taxt and
stent rollis of the burrowis saJbe changitt and alteritt, and the burrois
decayitt thairintill consideritt, and vtheris incressit to be thair releif, for
the space of thrie zeris nixt heirefter alanerlie ; and to this effect thay
nominat sic as salbe chosin commisaris be the magistratis of Edinburgh,
Sterveling, Perth, Dundj^ Abirdene, Montros, Air, Lynlithqw, Sanct-
androis, or ony sax of thame, quhilkis commisaris sail compeir in Edin-
burgh, in case the parliament had appointitt ye xxij of lanuar instant, the
xviij day of the samyn, and failling thairof, at sic vtheris dayis as thai
salbe aduerteist be the provest and baillies of Edinburgh.
The samyn day, the commisaris foirsaidis grantis and consentis, that
with all diligence thar be ane extentt rasitt of ane thousand markis of
all the burrois of this realme, to be gevin to NicoU Vddartt for doun-
getting of the ten solz of the tvn of wyne in Burdealx, rasitt vpoun the
merchantis of this realme thair, and ordanis the discharge thairof obtenitt
be the procurementt of Capitane Niniane Cokbum, vnder the King of
Franci's greitt seill, presentlie in the said Nicolli's hand, to remane in the
keping of the provest, baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh ; quhilk dis-
charge thai ordaine authentiklie to be translatitt, and thairefter insert
and registratt in the buikis of oure Souerane Lordis Cessioun, to the
effect that euery burgh may half the copye thairof for the resonable ex-
pensis.
Commission- Item, Becaus it is cum to the knawlege of the saidis commisaris, that
kyne, Denmark i^ aU paxtis wherc the merchantis of this realme resortis towart the eist
sees, and in speciall within the dominionis of the King of Denmark, and
toun of Danskyne, thair is new exactionis and impoistis rasitt, to the
greitt hurtt of the saidis merchantis, and all resortand in thai partis, For
remeid quhairof, itt is statute and ordanitt be the commissinaris foirsaidis,
that be all meanis possible laubouris be maid att the handis off the said King
of Denmark, the magistratis of Danskyne, and vtheris neidfuU, for dis-
charging of the said new impoist and obseruyng of the aid, and gif neid
sail requyre, to the better furtherance thairof, thay grantt and consentt
that the haill burrois be taxtt, and ane extentt nusitt, conform to the
Conventmi of Royal Burghs. 19
ordour to be takin at sic tymes as salbe found neidfuU the samyn be
done.
Item, Forsamekle as itt was thoeht gude be the commisaris of burrois Coramisdon-
in thair last eonventioun halden at Edinburgh the xxj of October this *"* ^ France,
instant zeir of God 1570, for the commoun weill of the haill estait of
merchantis, that ane special] man suld be direct be the provest and baillies
of Edinburgh, in all thair names, to the maist Cristintt King of France,
for obtenying of discharge of the edict laitlie proclamit in his Hienes
dominionis, discharging the traffik and resort of all Scottis schippis to
ony of his see tovnis, bot sic as brocht for thair warrand wrytingis frome
oure Kings mothir, or hir liewtennentis ; be the quhilk edict, the saidis
haill merchantis estait hes bene greitlie hurtt ; And becaus itt is knawin
to thame that the said provest, baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh, hes
direct away to the said maist Cristant King, thair weilbeluffit nychtbour
Henry Nesbett, thair comburgess, to quhame thai haif causitt thair
thesaurer avance certane sovmes of money, and hes farther obleist thame
to geve and delyuer to him at his return xv schi Hingis for ilk frank sal
happin him deburs in the caus foirsaid, The saidis commisaris, for the
reletf of the saidis provest, baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh, and thair
thesaurer, grantis and consentis that ane extent be sett and rasitt of the
haill burrowis of this realme, at sic tyme as the said Henry sail return, or
sonar, as sal be found neidfull by the provest, baillies, counsall foirsaid,
efler the resaitt of the said Henrie's comptis and consideratioun takin be
thame thairof And consentis that executoriallis of hornyng or poynding
be obtenit afoir the lordis of oure Souerains Cessioun for the better obedi-
ence of this and the uther ordinances abouewrittin.
The samyn day, efber lang resoning as said is, the saidis commisaris VnfrieBaiUerw.
knawing thame selves to be greitlie hurt be the multitude of vnfremen
saillaris, For remeid quhairof, thai haif statute and ordanit, that every
burgh within this realme causs letters be rasitt vpoun the actis of parlia-
ment grantit for the mantenance of the fredome and liberties of frie
burrois, and caus the same be execute within the boundis of thair iuris-
dictioun, as tliai will the regarid of their commoun weillis.
Item, [t is statute and ordanit be the saidis commisaris, that no burges
purches lordschip againis the fredome and libertie of his burgh, nouther
procure ony thing that may be contmir the commoun weill thereof, by
20
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Pakking and
pedlling out-
with frie bur-
ro wis.
Making of gild
brother within
bux^h.
the consent and avyce of the tovnschip, vnder the pane of periurie and
tynsall of his fredome, and that na man colour the guidis of vnfre-
men vnder the coulour of his awin, nothir be partinaris with thaime,
factouris, nor doaris for thaime in causis of merchandres, vnder the paine
foirsaid.
Item, Forther it is statute be the saidis commisaris, that every frie
burgh, within thair awin jurisdictioun, caus letteris be i-asitt as said is
vpoun sic as pakis or peillis outwith frie burrois, and in sic caisis to put
thair awin actis and statutis, founded vpoun the act of parliament, and
conform to thair liberties and privileges, to executioun, vnder the pane of
twentie pundis to be collectitt and vptakin of euery burgh that faillis to
do the samyn, and the said xx liis. to be collectitt and vptakin of all the
burrois be south Forth be Adame Foulertoun, dene of gild of Edinburgh,
and be Alexander Scrumgeour, dene of gild of Dundie, of all the tovnis
be north Forth, efter the intimatioun and publicatioun of this present ordi-
nance : And grantis and consentis that letteris be obtenit befoir the Lordis
of oure Soueranis' Cessioun, to mak the saidis Adame and Alexander
obeyitt of the saidis sovmes, vnder sic panis as thai think gude; provyd-
ing alwayis that the saidis Adame and Alexander mak compte and reknyng
to the commisaris of burrois, at every conventioun, of sic sovmes as it
salhappin thame resave.
id Ttem, Becaus the saidis commisaris thinkis thame selves greitlie hurt
be the multitude of the burgessis and gild brether, and for certane causis
moving thame, they haif statute imd ordanit, that nane be gild Iwrether
within burgh fra this day fiirth without the payment of xl pundis to the
dene of gild, to be applyitt to the commoun gude ; and gif it salhappin
the provest, baillies, and counsall of ony burgh to consent and give ony
burgeschippis or gildries gratis, for requeistis of greitt men or vtheris
occasionis quhatsumeuir, the consentaris thairto to be haldiu to refound
the said sovme of xl pundis to the commoun gude, sa oft as itt salhappin
thame do the contrair the tenour of this present ordinance : And becaus
itt has bene in vse in tymes past, the provest, baillies, and vtheris offici-
aris of the burgh hes had grantitt to thame be rycht of thair offices cer-
tane burgeschippis, quhilkis thai disponit at thair plesour, It is found be the
saidis commisaris, that the saidis officiaris sail haif na farther [claim] for the
dewties of the saidis burgeschipp and gildries, nor thai had befoir the making
C(mventto7i of Royal Burghs. 21
of the saidis ordinances, nouther sail it be lesum to thame to dispone to
vtheris than to men of gude fame and honestie ; provyding alwayis this
present ordinance be nocht preiudiciall to the bamis of frie merchantis
and &ie craftismen.
Item. Becaus it is knawin to the commisaris foirsaidis, that thair is Pi™^»cbippi8
, , m Leith.
certane piratt schippis in redynes in the hawin of Leyth, and vtheris
partis of this realme, to pass forth in piracie, and knawing thameselves
and the haill lieges of the realme to be in amitie and friendschip with all
nationis, For stopping of the saidis piratis of thair wickitt interprises,
they desyre the commisaris of Edinburgli, witli all diligence possible, to
rais letters vi)oun the xxiij act of parliamentt haldin at Edinburgh be
oure Souerane Lordis mothir, and cans the samyn be execute vpoun all
schippis within the boundis of thair iurisdictionis, and speciall vpoun sic
as ar to pas vpoun the Poi*tingalx, quhilkis ar dischargitt be the said
act.
Item, the saidis commisaris ordanis letters to be rasitt vpoun the j° Con»eruatour.
and xiiij act of parliamentt haldin be King lames the feird, for hame
bringing of the conseruitour of Flanderis. and that the letteris be directt
away with diligence for hame bringing of him, that ordour may be takin
concemyng the merchantis that travellis in thai partis.
Item, That letters be raisitt vpoun all vnfremen, slayaris of herring Biayans of
and quhite fische, inhibeting thame of all sailling thairwith transporting quhytf flwjhe.
of the samyn furth of the realme, or disponying thairof to vtheris nor to
fne merchantis, as vse hes bene.
Item, Becaus of the eviU brute and sclander rasitt on the haill mer- Skyimis,hydis.
chantis of this realme in France, Flanderis, and vtheris partis bezond the
see, as it is alledgitt, that of the wambes of all hydis and skynnis thair
is tar letheris cuttit and tane away, the haslokis and fyne woll of the
skynnis in lykmanner thifteouslie stollin, to the greitt hurtt of the byar
and dishonestie of this realme. For remeid quhairof, itt is thocht maist
necessar be the saidis commisaris that statutis be maid in every frie
burgh of this realme, that all flesche slane to landwart be presentitt to
the mercatt with the skyn and bym vn tarletheritt, and plukkitt or
powitt, and that the scheip skyn be flane to the horn, the cow and
olxin hydis stykand to the bouk; and gif ony beis found apprehenditt
slane within burgh or to landwartt vtherwayis, the skyn or hyde to be
ciinzie.
22 Convention of Royal Burghs.
escbeitt, and applyitt to the commoun warkis of the toun, or to the
pure, as the magistratis sail think exi>edientt; and ordanis this statute to
be proclamitt dyueris mercatt dayis, to the effect that nane sail pretend
ignorance, incace thai contravene the samjTi.
Aneiitfaiis Item, Bociius of the sclander and evill brute rasitt on the haill mer-
chantis of this realme, quha ar allegitt to be the hame bringaris of the
fals hardheidis, fals plakis, and vther fals cunze, quhilk is the priueipall
occasioun of all derth, the commisaris foirsaidis, for purging of thame-
selves, and all honest merchantis, maist heitlie requeistis the provest,
baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh to geve in supplicationis in all thair
namis before the Lordis of Articlis of Parliament, or Lordis of Secreitt Coun-
sall, maist humlio craving and desyring that inquisitioun may be tane with
diligence, sua tiyall may be had of sic as ar the hamebringaris of the
said fals money, to the effect that, for the offence of the giltie, the inno-
cent and honest persoun remane nocht in sclander and suspicioun, and
the wickitt may be pvneist withoutt fauouris.
DaidingofwoU Item, The saidis commisaris foirseing that it suld greitlie avance the
cuntrie^^^ commoun Weill of the realme gif the haill woll of the samyn mycht be
haldin at hame be the space of thrie zeris nixt heireftir, quhairby suld
nocht onlie the desolatt craftismen and pure laboraris, quhilkis ar now
putt to extreme povertie for fait of laubouris and hand wark, be helpitt
and suppleitt, bot alsua oure Soueranis customis greitlie advancitt and
augmentitt, Quhaiifoir the commisaris foirsaidis maist hertlie requeistis
the provest, baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh, that this be pi-oponit be
speciall artikle the nixtt parliament, and be all menis possible procuritt
to be grantitt for the causis aboue written.
Auontis com- Item, To remember be specitdl artikle the nixt parliament, that it be
nu88ioneri8 lamcutitt tho ffrcitt hurt done, nocht onlie to the buiToLs, bot to all oure
I*a>nng of quot . i . i i i i o • . «
boueranis lieges decesand, be the ordour of commisary now vsitt, forsa-
mekle as nane salbe executour admittitt to ony persoun departitt, bott
sic as salbe nominatt in presence of minister, redar, notar, and witnessis,
(quhilkis can nocht be had att all tymis in all places, etc.. Item, In cace itt
happin men to be debtbound to vtheris in greitt sovmes of money, and
the same in radynes and laid by to be gevin to the creditour, zitt the
executouris of the departitt are com pell itt to \)k\y quott thairfoir; and
siclike, incase greitt sovmes be restand awin to the defunct, quhilkis ar
Convention of Royal Bunjhs. 23
neuer able to be gottin, the executouris ar eompellitt to pay quott thair-
foir. In thir and siclike that remeid be socht as said is.
Memorandum. To mak ane supplicatioun to tlie Lordis of Artiklis, etc.,
for discharging of the customes of scaldingis and schoirling and fute-
falis, etc.
Item, Ane supplicatioun to the saidis Lordis anent the taxationis rasitt
vpoun the borrois at every particular raid, by thar auld privelegcs, etc.
Item, Ane supplicatioun for the mesour of barrelis of salmond, hering,
and quhyte fische.
Item, That the salmond barrell contene xij gallonis; the quhyte fische,
and hering, ten gallonis ; and euer ilk couper mark his barrell with his
awin biming yrne, and be haldin to ansuev tliairfoir vpoun sic panis as
salbe devysitt.
Item, Tlie foirsaidis commisaris efter conclusion takin be thame in sic
thingis as concernis thair commoun weill aggreing with the tyme, con-
tinewis forthir resonying in thair effaires to the nixt conventioun, quhilk
thai appoint to be haldin at Edinburgh the xxv day of Merche nixtt,
incace the appointit day of the parliament hald nocht, and ordanis the
provest of the said toun to direct letteris to the remanent buiTowis con-
forme to the ordour, and incace thai couipeir nocht quha ressavia letteris,
that the act of poyndiug according to the aid ordour be extenditt vpoun
thame; and to the said day suspeudis all extentis, butt langer delay.
Adam FuUertoun, dein of gilcL lames Lowell.
Nicolas Wduart, 1570. Wilzem Bowsye.
Alex'" Guthre. Ihone Ramsay, ss^
Robart Fostir, bailie. Patrik Geddey, thesaurer.
Thomas Monypenny. Thomas Kene, bailze.
Alex** Scrymgour, dene of gyld. lames Andersone.
M. Thomas Balfour. Dauid Weland.
M' Alex** Sibbald. Robert Alschinder, etc.
Allein Watsoun. lames Forester.
M. William Cok. Robert Clark.
lliomas Welwod. Andrew Spettell.
D. Lyndsay, provest. Hary Dauidsoun be Alex'"
No. Thownis, clerk. Guthre, at my command.
lames Cokburn.
24 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Apud Edinhurch^ xxiijo Junij T^ V^' IxxHif"
The quhilk day the commissaris of burrois, vnder subscrivand. con-
tinewis all actioDis concemying tbair estait to the xv day of lulij, qubilk
day thay appoynt for ane generale conventioun of the hale burrois to be
haldin in this toun, and requeistis the prouest and baillies of this burch
to direct writingis for keiping of the said day, according to the ordour,
and to send letteris for poynding of sic as keipit nocht this present con-
ventioun appoyntit xx"^^ instant lunij.
For Edinburch, Henry Neisbett. For Perth, Ihone Monypenny.
Maister lohnne Preston. For Linlytqw, Ni Thowinis.
Wm. Litill. For Air, Ihone Lokhart.
lohne Harwod. For Dunfreis, Archibald Makbrajrr.
lames Lowell. For Kirkcaldy,
For Dundie, lames Lovell, Henry
Blythe.
Decimo quarto Ivlij.
The quhilk day, the provest, baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh
makis, nominatis, constitutis, and ordainis Henry Neisbet, baillie, Maister
Ihonn Prestoun, Williame Littill, and Ihonn Harwod of the counsall, thair
commissaris for thame in this present conventioun to be haldin in this
tovne the morn to convene, and thair, with the remanent commissaris of
burrowis, to treat, reson and conclude, and forther, in all caussis concernyng
the commoun weill of the merchant estait of this realme to do, as thay
mycht do thame selves gif thay war personaly present, promesand firme
and staybill haldand, and for to hald, etc.
A Guthrie.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 25
Apnd Edinburgh^ decimo quinto Julij\ T^ P* Ixxiiif
Ct>mi8ari8 for Edinburgh, Henry Neisbet, Williame Littill, Maister Ihonn
Pi-estoun, Ihonn Harwod ; Dondy, Alexander Scrymgeour, Richart Blythe ;
Abirdene, Patrik Menzeis ; Sterveling, Ihonn Williesoun ; Coupar, Robert
Pryde ; Hadingtoun, lames Cokbum, Ihonn Aytoun ; Elgjme, Walter
Mawer ; Kingorn, Robert Cunyngharae, lames Logane ; Kyrcaldye,
Williame Iiamb, Ilionn Racket; Kyrkcudbrycht, Robert Hall, Halbert
Glaidstanis ; Peiblis, Patrik Veche ; ledburch, Dauid Anislie, lames
Laidla ; Glasgw, lames Flemyng ; Linlithqw, N. Tliownis ; Ii-ving, Robert
Scott ; Sanctandrois, Thomas Wallet:
In the conventioun of burro wis haldin at Edinburgh the xv day of
lulij anno 1574 zeris, The commisaris of burrowis eftir subscryvand
statutis and ordanis as foUowis, etc.
In the first, It is statute and ordanit, that in all conventionis, baith Anentis voting
in parliament and outwith, quhair the commisaris of burrowis ar requyrit tionis.
to be for geving of thair voitis in the commoun eflfaires, that na man tak
vpoun hand to vote for vtheris, nouther for the haill nor for pairt, with-
out speciall commissioun, efter rype avysement grantit and gevin thairto,
bot that euery commisar haif the frie libertie according to his conscience
to geve his vote, exceptand it be concludit befoir be the haill that ane
sail speik and vote for all ; and gif it sa be concludit, that ane act be
maid of the commoun consent of sa mony as salbe present for the tyme,
for bis warrand that salbe choisin to vote for the haill as said is.
Item, Efter rype avysement and consideratioun takin be the saidis com- Anentis sic as
. ^ • • ii L^ ' Ml- Tx • sal have place
misans tor causis moving thame concernyng than* commoun weillis. It is at conventioun
statute and ordanit, that na commissioun salbe gevin att ony tyme heir- ^^ b^^rro^^ >»*•
efter to ony maner of persoun to treat, reson, or conclude in causis con-
cernyng the commoun weill of burrowis or estait of merchantis, bot to sic
as ar merchantis and trafficquaris, haifand thair remanyng and dwelling
within burgh, and beris bourdene with the nychtbouris and inhabitantis
thairof, vnder the paine of ane hundreth puudis to be vptakin of the
provest and baillies of the burgh that dois in the contrair heirof, to bi^
D
26 Co7ive7itioH of Royal Burghs.
applyit in the commoun effairea, as salbe thocht gude be the remanent
commisaris that salbe present for the tyme ; and for inbringing of the
said paine and vnlaw, the commisaris present, efter subscryvand, consentis
and grantis for thame selues, and in name and behalf of the tovnis of
quhome thai haif thair commissioun, that v[X)un this present act and
ordinance letteris salbe raisit befoir the Loirdis of Sessioun for poynding
of the contravenaris thairof be sic as salbe nominat in the act and ordi-
nance efter following.
Inbringing of Item, It is statute aud ordanit, that for collecting and inbringing of
aSoiw writSn. ^^^® paynis and vnlawis contenit in the statute abouewrittin, and in the
statutis maid of auld, that the provest, baillies, and counsall of Edin-
burgh sail rais letteris vpoun the commoun charges vpoun all burrowis
from Forth, south, — the provest and baillies of Dondye frome Forth, north
to the watter of Dye, — the provest and baillies of Abirdene frome Dye,
north ; and thay and thair commisaris to be haldin accusabill in eueiy
conventioun, incase of non doing of diligence for inbringing the saidis
paynis, and siclike to be subject to compte, raknyng, and delyuerance in-
cais ony sovmes be delyuerit.
Auent trans- iThM, The saidis commissaris, efter lang resonyng vpoun the troubilsum
iiSSpii? ^^ ^^^ estait presentlie in Flanderis, and foirseing the dainger that sail apper-
andlie fall vpoun the merchantis of this realme resoirting thairto, hes
thocht gude that ane suppliciitioun be maid to my Loird Regentis Grace,
and Loirdis of Secreit Counsall, for obtenyng of thair gude will and con-
sent to the haill merchantis of this realme to transpoirt thair traffique
frome the saidis partis of Flanderis to the tovne of Calais, for ane tyme,
quhill it sail pleis God to bring that contry of Flanderis in quyetnes as it
hes bene befoir ; quhilk being obtenit and giiintit, that ane qualefeit man
of the merchant estait, aud nane other, be electit and chosin be sic of the
burrowis as commission salbe gevin to, to pas to the said tovne, to avyse
and resoun the principal! is thairof concernyng the privilegis that salbe
desyiit for the weill of oure natioun, and of the vtheris offerit and gran tit,
incais it be found gude to transpoirt the traffique, as said is. And in the
menetyine, gif ony schippis of this realme passis to Holland or Zcland,
that the merchantis and awnaris thairof vse na trafficque of thair gudes
or geyr in We.st Flanderis, for eschewing of danger, vnto the tyme that
Convention of Royal Burghs. 27
£etrther ordour be taikin, and ansuer gottin agane frorae Calais, concernyng
the premiasis.
Item, Efter lang resonying vpoun the eontentis of the King of Den- coquettu to
markis wryting, direct to oure Souerane Lord, desyring that all schippis pp^^f
of oure natioun resoirting to Noroway or vtheris pairtis in his domin-
ionis bring with thame, for testefeing of thair honestie and estait, his
Hienes wrytingis. It is thocht gude that, be supphcatioun to my Loird
Regentis Grace and Loirdis of Secreit Counsall, it be desyrit that all
schippis passing to the pairtis foii'saidis haif for thair warrand the coquet
of the burgh or poirt quhairfra thay pas, bering the name of the maister,
merchant awnar, and schip, and this to be sufKcient ; and that his Grace
wrytingis may be had to the said King of Denmark declaring this ordour
to be taikin for the honestie of the liegis of this realme, and the samyn
of him to be haldin sufficient in all tymes cnming.
Item, Inlykemaner, that it be proponit to my Loii-d Regentis Grace For staying of
and Loirdis foirsaidis, incais tbe Quenis Maiestie of Ingland will grant P*™"**-
and consent that sum of hir schippis sail remane vpoun hir sea coistis
and watteris for purging of the samyn of pyratis, and vtheris wicked
personis, That inlykewajds it may be grantit be his Grace and Loirdis
foirsaidis to the merchantis of this realme, vpoun thair commoun clmrgis,
to set furth ane schip with ane bark for purging of oure Soueranis watteris
of the saidis pyrattis and wicked personis, and for convoying of the
schippis of this realme langis the coist of Ingland, and vtheris pairtis
neidfull, from the danger of innemeis, during sic tyme as we sail fynd
glide ; and incais the samyA be graatit, the commisaris of burro wis foir-
saidis gevis thair commissioun and full powar to the provestis, baillies,
and counsallis of Edinburgh, Dondye, Abirdeue, and Sterveling for the
said schip and bark to provyde men, meit, mvnitioun, and all vther fur-
nesingis necessar thairto, during quhat tyme thay sail think gude; and
oblesis thame that the expenssis thairvpoun to be debursit to releve for
thair pairtis according to the discretion n of the saidis foure burrowis, as
the samyn salbe taxit be thame, provyding that nane beir charge within
the said schip or bark bot merchantis, as principallis thairof, and sic
vtheris as thay sail chuse, qualefeit abill men, that thay may imput and
output at thair plesouiis, be the avyse and command of the saidis foure
burrowis. And gif it beis found that be the Queue of Inglandis schippis
28
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Syluer to the
Cunzehous.
To pas to the
Regontt
ExtenU for
debarring of
pimttis.
the seas in tbir pairtis beis clengit, than the schip and bark foii'naid,
vpoun the sute of the nychtbouris (of) the biirrowis of the north and
west pairtis, to pas for clenging of thair seais and watteris ; and sua be
ordour be rady to seme quhair neid salbe gretest, be the avyce of the
saidis foure burrowis.
Item, It being knawin to the commisjuis of burrowis foirsaidis, that
my Loird Regentis Grace, vpoun Tliurisday last the xv day of this instant
moneth of Julij, had requyrit of tbe bailUes, counsall, and merchantis of
this burgh of Edinburgh, to furneis samekill fyne siluer to oure Souerane
Lordis cunze hous, vpon tlie hiest price, as wald be the proffeit thairof
releve oure said Souerane of the sovme of xxxvij™ lib. quhairintill his
Hienes was addettit to certan his creditouris, and that it was geven to
his Grace be thame for ansuer that thay sould avyse with the saidis
commisaris thairanent, and that thay sould repoirt all thair ansueris
together, — the saidis commisaris haifiug na sic thingis proponit to thame,
nor forther commissioun gevin, hot onlie to treatt and resoun vpoun the
heidis contenit in thair wrytingis laitlie direct frome the said burgh of
Edinburgh to thair tovnis, quhairvnto they had gevin sufficient ansueir
according to thair commissioun, and farther could nocht interpryse, nor
tak vpoun hand, without the avyse of thair magistrattis, and thairfoir
desyrit that sic resonabill excuse mycht be maid to my said Loird Re-
gentis Grace as thay of Edinburgh sould think maist meit and expedient
for satefeing of him for this presentt.
Item, It is ordanit, that the commisaris of Edinburgh, Dondy, Aber-
dene, Sterveling, Sanctandrois, pas to the Abbay to my Loird Regentis
Grace, thair to procure at his Graces hand the benefite of the articules
abouewrittin, to be grantit for the causis aboue expremit.
Item, The saidis commisaris of buiTOwis, daylie seing the incres of
troublis vpon the merchantis of this realme be the occasioun of the slak-
nes of prouisioun in resisting of the pyratis, quhais nomber and tyranny
daylie incressis as said is. For remeid quhairof, tliay all in ane voce* con-
sentis concludis and grantis, that ane generall extent be vplifted of the
haill buiTOwis with all diligence poesibill, for furthsetting of the schip
and bark foirsaid, furnesing of the companies and necessaris thairof, sate-
feing of Nicolas Vddart of his thousand merkis debursit for doungetting
of the ten deniers, and payment to him of tlie money debursit to Heniy
Convention of Royal Burghs. 20
Neisbet, and this extent to extend to thiie thousand merkis alanerlie for
this present; provyding alwayis that the first and rediest of the said
extent be wairit vpoun the outred of the saidis schippis, — the superplus
for satefeing of the saidis dettis, and vtheris cliairgis necessar debursit be
the tovne of Edinburgh, to be allowit vpoun compte ; and the saidis
commissaris takand the bourding vpoun thame, for thame selues and thair
burrowis, oblesis thame, according to tlie auld rolUs, to releyf for thair
pairttLs ; prouiding that this present act preiuge nocht the statutis and
ordinances maid of befoir for alteratioun of the saidis auld rollis, quhilk
alteratioun thay ordane to be fyrst ressonit and concludit in thair nixt
conventioun, appoynttit to be halden at Striueling the xxiij of Octo-
ber nixt.
Item, The saidis commisaris of burrowis ratefeis and apprevis the actis, Eatificatioim
statutis, and ordinances maid in thair last conventioun, haldin at Sanct- befoirwritthi.
androis the saxt day of Januar 1570, and ordanis the copyes thairof,
subscryvit be the commoun dark of Edinburgh, to be gevin to euery
commisar vpon thair resonabill expensis, that letteiis may be raisit thair-
vpoun conforme to the ordour thairintill contenit ; and ordanis the saidis
commisaris to cause the saidis letteris to be execute within thair boundis,
vnder the panis to be accusabill befoir the haill commisaris of the nixt
conventioun, without preiudice of the pecuniall paynis contenit in the
saidis actis, ordanit to be vplifted and inbrocht be lames Ros, thosaurer
of Edinburgh, of all the tovnis be south Forthe, and be Alexander
Scrymgeour of Dondy, of all the tovnis be north Forth to the Watter of
Dye, and be Patrik Menzeis of Abirdene, of all the tovnis be north Dye, —
and thay to mak compte thairof in the nixt conventioun ; and sua for
this present levis of and continewis all forther resonjmg in thair effaires
vnto the twenty-thrid day of October nixt, appoynting the said day to
convene in the tovne of Stirveling ; and thairfoir ordanis the provest and
baillies of Sterveling to direct thair wrytingis to the haill burrowis,
makand mentioun heirof, and of the speciall causis quhaiifoir thay sail
convene, willing euery commissar to bring his commissioun to that effect,
vnder the pane of ane hundreth pundis to be vplifted and distributed at
the plesour of the remanent commisaris comperand. And in approbatioun
thairof the saidis commisaris hes subscryvit this present at the said burgh
of Edinburgh, the nyntene day of lulij i™ \^ Ix fourtene zeris. And
30
Convention of Royal Burghs.
ordanis lames Ros, thesaurer of Edinburgh, to be coUectoiir of the stent
of thrie thousand merkis foinsaidis, etc.
Henry Neisbett, etc.
Maister lohne Prestoun.
lohne Harwod.
Wm. Litm.
Richard Blytli.
Alex^. Sciy^mgeour.
Patrik Menzeis.
Robert Pryd.
Thomas Waluod.
Ihone Aytoun.
N. lliownis.
lohnne Willesoun, wyt my hand
tuiching the pen led be Ni-
choll Thownis, notar.
Certane Actis and Statutis maid at the last Conventioun
of Burroiois haldin at Striveling^ the xxv day of October^
1574.
The quhilk day, in the conventioun of burrowis appoyntit to be
haldin at Striveling the xxiij day of October instant, It is statutit and
ordanit be the commissionaris efter subscryvand, that this ordour in all
thair conventiounis be foir evir obseruit, That is to say. In quhatsumevir
burch the conventioun is appoyntit to be haldin, the principall of that
burch, hafing comraissioun, beand ane man having his remanj^ng within
the said burch, and bering charge with his nychtbouris, that principall
Moderator. man to be moderator in all thingis that sal be proponit and ressonit in the
said conventioun, and the particulair coinplaintis proponit and hard, the
remanent commissionaris opinionis gevin thairintill at sic tyme as the said
moderator sail think gude, silence to be coramandit, and eftir conclusioun
takin, and the samyn be the said moderator pronuncit, na forder argu-
ment in that matter to be haid for that tyme.
Pouffiafl, cor- Item, Efter advysement with the auld statutis in the conventiounis of
diner, prouost burrowis past of bcfoir, it being fundin that na commissioun suld be
depoait gcvin to ony maner of persoun to conveine in the conuentioun of bur-
rowis bot to sic as ar of the merchandis estait, bering burding with the
merchandis, and having residence with tharae in thair townis; and efter
Convention of Royal Burghs. 31
ressoiiing, fynding tliat ane lolmne Dowglas, alledgit proveist of Hading-
toun, being ane cordinar of his occupatioun, to present ane commissioun
of the said toun of Hadingtoun desyring to be haid as commissionar of
the said burch, — ^the auld actis and ordinances respectit, — ^the saidis com-
missionaris all in ane voice fyndis and delyveris, that na craflisman hes
evir had, nolder aucht or suld haif, voit or commissioun amangis thame ;
Quhairfoir thay decemit the said lohnne Dowglas, cordiner, to remove
himself fra thair society, and, for his pairt, the said commissioun to be of
nane availl ; and in his place, for the said toun of Hadingtoun, admittis
lohnne Seyttoun, bailie thairof, and nane vthair; and ordanis in all thair
names ane commissioun to be send to the said toun of Hadingtoun that
na commissioun be gevin be thame to ony craflisman heireftir vnder the
pane of i*^. lib.
The samyn day, efler ressoning vpoun the act and ordinance sett furth Extents iij»
in the last conventioun of burrowis, haldin at Edinburch the xxv day of '°*^*
lulij last, bering that tliair suld be ane extent of thrie thousand merkis
liflit and vptakin fra the haill fre burrowis of this realme, for satisfjdng
and paying of ane thousand merkis to Nicolas Vdwart, ane of the bailies
of the town of Edinburgh, for downgetting of ten sows of the twn of
wyne in Burdeaulx, and for satisf3ring and paying of dyueris vtharis greitt
sowmes debursit be the said toun of Edinburch, Henry Neisbitt, and
lohnne Farguissoun, and vtheiis, send be commoun consent in Frans and
Ingland, for the commoun welth of the estaitt of merchandis, and for
furthsetting of ane schip and bark for resisting of Inglis pyrattis vpoun the
sea, as at mair lenth is contenit in the said act, — the saidis commissionaris
now convenit thinkis not neidfuU that the schip and bark be set furth
now at this present, in respect of the wynter seasoun approchit^ and
vtharis causes moving thame ; and thairfoir ordanis that of the said thrie
thousand merkis thay salbe onlie vpliftit and imbrocht twa thowsand
merkis alanerly, to be delyverit to the thesaurar of Edinburch, to be
furthcummand vpoun compt to be randerit in the nixt conventioun. And
gif it beis fundin that the dettis awand to the said Nicolas Vdwart, and
toun of Edinburgh, sail exceid and gang aboue the said sowme of twa thou-
sand merkis, the commissionaris efter subscryvand, takand the biuxling
vpoun thame for thameselfis and thair burrowis, oblissis thame to refound
and pay the supei-plus to the said toun of Edinburch, or thair thesaurar in
32 Convention of Royal BurgJis.
thair name, at quhat tyme the same salbe requyrii And siclyik giflT it
Kalbe fundin that thair beis not restand awand to the said Nicolas, and to
the said toun of Edinburgh [so much] as the said sowme of twa thousand
merkls, the superplus thairof that salbe fundin restand awand salbe delyverit
in the said conventioun to quhome it salbe thocht guid in that assemblie,
and the commissionaris of Edinburcli, eftir subscryvand, obleissis thame
heirto. And becaus the thesaurar of Ediiiburch hes alreddy ressavit fra
certane of the burrow is thair extentis, sett efler thrie thousand merkis, the
saidis commissionaris of Edinburgh obleissis thame that the thrid pairt
ressavit be the said thesaurar salbe refoundit agane to thame quha hes
maid pament according to the said thrie thowsand merkis, the acquit-
tances of the ofHciaris, resavaris thairof, being producit and delyverit to
the said thesaurar of Edinburgh ; and incais ony of the burrowis refuissis
to mak pament of thair pairtis of tlie said tua thousand merkis, all in
ane voice grantis and consentis that the lotteris, alreddy purchest for pay-
ment of the said extent, salbe putt to executioun aganis the dissobeyaris,
or vtharis letteris raisit of new, as the said toun of Edinburgh sail think
maist expedient; attour the commissionaris in the said nixt conventioun
to be auditouris, or nominat sic auditoris as thay pleis, to heir the saidis
comptis of Edinburch.
SaiinginFian- The samyn day, cfter lang ressoning vpoun the act of parliament maid
^*"**- be King lames the Fyft, of guid memory, bering that na viages salbe
maid nor schippis saill furth of this realme in the cuntrey of Flanderis,
bot twyiss in the zeir, viz., to the Pasche mercat, and Rude mercat in
September, all in ane voice vottis and concludLs, that the said act of
parliament hes bene devysit and set furth for the oommoun weill of auld
burrowis, and is maist neidfuU, alsweill for the commoun policie as com-
moun commoditie, to be obseruit in all tymes curaming : Thairfoir thay
decerne and ordane, that na schippis pas furth of this realme to the saidis
pairtis of Flanderis, chargit with hyde, woU, skin, clayth, or siklyik stapill
guidis, bot at the ternies aboue oppoyntit, vndir the pane of twenty
pundis, to be vpliftit and takin of every party ti*ansgressand and brekand
this presant ordinance, to the provest and bailies of the burch quhair the
said transgressor hes his remaning, to be imployit to the commoun weill
of the said burch ; and this without preiudice of the pane and vnlaw
appoyntit for our Souerane Lordis vse in the said act of parliament; pi-ouyd-
Conve7itio7i of Royal Burghs. 33
ing alwayis that this present ordinance do nocht preiudge the fre mer-
chandis of Me burrowis^ to trafique in the saidis pairtis of Flanderis at
all tymes convenient, by and attour the saidis twa mercat dayis, with all
vtharis waris, (the said stapiil guides exceptit), and consentis and grantis
that letteris be raisit heirvpoun for vplifting of the saidis panis and
vnlawis aboue specifyit.
It£M, The saidis commissioneris, efter lang ressoning vpoun the ordi-
nltDces maid for alteratioun of the auld stent roUis, continewis the said thelromaT'^ ^^
alteratioun vnto the xvth day of lulij nixtocum, in thair conventioun to
be haldin at Dundie the said day, and in tlie meyntyme dischargis all
taxatioun and stentis to be rasit vpoun the saidis burrowis befoir the
said day ; and ordanis the commissionaris of Edinburgh to cause produce
and be presentit in the said conventioun at Dnndie, the principall buik
bering the actis and statutis of burrowis, togidder with the auld extent
rollis, to the effect that efter advysment thairwith, the said alteratioun
may be the mair perfytlie ordanit and sett furth ; and incais the saidis
commissionaris of Edinburgh faiize thairintill, ordanis the remanent that
salbe convenit to alter the saidis rollis according to guid conscience ; and
vpoun that thair alteratioun, ordainis letteris to be raisit to compell the
haill burrowis to obey the samyn for the space of thre zeiris nixt thair-
eftir alanerly, provyding alwayis that this present ordinance be na im-
pediment or defens aganis the taxt sett, and letteris obtenit thairvpoun
for vptaking of the twa thousand merkis befoir mentionat.
Item, Becaus the princes of guid memory hes bene in vse of setting of
taxatiounis, and vplifting of sowmes of the haill estatis of this realme, for f^"^^^***^^
sic caussis as dois occur for the tyme, to the granting of the quhilkis extentt.
taxatiounis it is speciallie provydit be the act of parliament that the
commissionaris of burrowis or maist pairt thairof, salbe convenit for thair
consent to be had thairto. And incais the lyik occasioun heirefter follow-
and, the saidis estaitis happin to be burdenit with oiiy taxatiounis, becaus
the necessitie may swa requyre that the tyme may nocht be sparit for
abyding vpoun the haill commissionaris off burrowis : Thairfoir the
commissionaris efter subscryvand, all in ane voice consentis, grantis, and
concludis that the commissionaris of Edinburgh, Stry veling, Lynlythqw,
Hadingtoun, and Dundie, Air, Perth, Abirdene, Sanctandrowis, or Coupar,,
or ony four or sax of thame, with Edinburgh, grant and consent to sic
Vnlawis.
34 Convention of Royal Burghs.
taxatiounis as salbe sett for the tyme be the remanent estaitis, for the
Weill of oure Souerane Lord, and commoun weill of this realme ; and that
the stent grantit for the pairt of the burrowis sett without the consent of
the said toun of Edinburch the nomber foirsaid be of na strenth and
effect without their presens as said is, thay being dewly requyrit thairto,
and being requyrit and refusand to cum to the stent, sett be the vtharis
to be sufficient.
Item, Becaus be the small nombre of commissionaris off burrowis in
thair generall conventionis, the principall caus concerning thair estait is
ovirsene, diferrit and dilayit, to the greit hurt of thair commoun weill :
For remeid quairof, the commissionaris presentlie convenit, statutis and
ordanis, that all sic burrowis as hes been sufficientlie vaimit to haif
comperit in this present conventioun, or that heirefter salbe vaimit, and
hes not or dois not compeir, and in speciall, the burrowis eftir following^
that is to say, Dumbartan, Bugling, Dumfreis, Lanark, ledburch, Selkirk,
Peblis, Northbervik, Lawder, Abirdene, Banff, Carreil, Forfar, Brechin,
Monros, Elgyn, Culane, Forrest, Name, Thane, Djrsart, Kirkaldy, that
of every ane of thame thair salbe vpliftit and tane the pane and vnlaw of
X lib., but favouris, to be imbrocht to lames Ros thesaurar of Edinburgh,
for all the townis absent on this syide of Forth, and be Alexander
Scrimgeor of Dundie, of all the townis vpoun the coist syide, and benorth
Forth. And the said lames Bos and Alexander Scrimgeor to caus
letteris to be raisit for imbringing of the saidis panis and vnlawis, and
thay or the commissionaris of Dundie to be haldin to mak payment and
ansuer thairof in every conventioun, and to be accusable vpoun thair
diligence.
Item, It is statutit and ordanit, that all tymes giff ony firie burch of
bS^ ^^ ^"^ *^ realme haif ado in law, the toun of Edinburgh and the haill vtheris
burrowis of this realme sail fortifie, assist, concur, and supplie thame in
thair actiounis lawfull, as neid sail requyre, swa that it salbe fundin that
for the incress of amitie, luiff, and commoun welth of thair estaitt, thair
lawfull actiounis, liberties and fredomes salbe tender and deir till vtharis,
and of the "haill fauoris, and supportit as with the glory of God, commoun
welth foirsaid, and the law sail aggre ; and becaus of the commoun con-
traversie and questionis debetable amangis mony of the burrowis concern-
ing thair saidis liberties, quhairby is not only greit hatrent, ungenerant.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 35
contentionis, uid stryiff, bot alsua bayth tyme and guidis spendit in the
law and vtherwayis ; For remeid quhairof, it is fundin guide be the saidis
commiBsionaris that all actiounis amangis burrowis, not intentit or
depending in the law, sail, befoir all proces or pley, be proponit in the
generall conventionis of burro wis, and the samyn amieablie referrit to
tbrie or four that salbe chosin be commouii consent to decyde thairintill,
and the pairtyis oblissit to abyde at thair delyveraunce, without appella-
tionn or reclamatioun ; and quha that refuisis the iudgis chosin, gevand
thair aythis amicable to decyid as said is, but feid or favour, the pairty
refusar salbe nocht of that nomber quhais mantenance may iustlie be
cravit of the haill burrowis quhen thay haif ado.
Item, The saidis commissionaris requeistis the nychtbouris of Edinburgh Sondayis mer-
in the nixt assemblie of the Kirk to the remanent burrowis, desyring all °*^
Sondayis mercattis dischargit at kirkis ; in land wart, as thay ar aJreddy in
the burrowis. And to that effect to giff command to the ministeris to
discharge the samjn at thair kirkis ; faikeand that, the generall kirk be
nocht offendit ; that sic vther burrowis as ar greitlie hurt thairby kep
thair mercattis vpoun Sondayis, as thay had wont ; and this petitioun
being of the kirk obtenit, desyris thair said nychtbouris of Edinburch to
caus letteris to be raisit thairvpoun, and vpoun the actis of parliament,
discharge all sic mercattis, and the samyn to be delyverit in every burch
that is desyrous thairof
Item, To remember to be proponit in the nixt assemblie, giflF, for Vnfre tounis.
releiff of the decayit burrowis, the vnfre townis vpoun the coist syde salbe
ressauit into the society of fire burrowis, to beir burding with thame
or not.
Item, In lyikmaner that it be proponit in the nixt assemblie, giff it RewMiuing of
salbe for the commoun weill of merchandis that nane be ressauit in gyld giidbretiier.
brothir bot sic as hes beine, or salbe, prenteissis be the space of zeiris
to ane fre merchand, trafiquar of merchandice.
Item, The commissionaris foirsaidis ordanis ane wry ting to be send to oonseruator.
thair conseruator in Flanderis, gevand him thankis for his guid seruice,
willing his continewance in hoip of rcM'^aird, and, forder, to desyir him to be
at thair nixt conventioun of Dundie, bringand with him his comptes of
bis taxatioun grantit to Edwart Lytill and vmquhil George Luiff And,
in the meyntyme, dischargeing all sic dewtie fra ony forther vptaking of
the saidis schippis be him or ony vther in his name.
36
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Nixt Conven-
tioiiiL
Item, The haill commissionaris of burrowis efter subscryvand, ordanis
thair nixt conventioun to be haldin at Dundie, the xv day of lulij nixto-
cum, and ordanis the provest and bailies of the said toun of Dundie to
direct thair letteris to the haill buiTOwis of this realme, aduertising thame
of the said day and sett conventioun, willing thame to keip the sam jn be
thair commissionaris, qualefeit men, merchandis, induellaris within thair
townis, instructit with thair myndis of all sic things as dois conceme the
merchandis estait, with thair consent to the alteratioun of the auld taxt
rollis for relieff of decayit burrowis for cei*tane zeris to cum, with sic
vther instructiounis as they sail think needfull, according to the auld
ordour. And swa for this present, the saidis commissionaris concludis thair
said conventioun, craving continewance of luiflF and charitie amangis
thame selfis, humble and trew obedience to God and our vndoutit
Souerane. And ratifiis and approvis all actis made in the conventiounis of
befoir, be thir presentis subscryvit with thair handis, as efter foUowis.
Sic aubacrihitury
Nicolas Vdwart.
Mr. lohnne Prestoun.
Henry Neisbitt.
Alexr. Guthrie.
Robert Forest of Balquhan,
provest.
Williame Norwell.
lohnne Leishman.
Alexander Scrimgeor.
lames Fynlasoun.
Adame Hall of Fullair, comisr.
of Eanfrew.
lohnne Somervell be Alexander
Guthrie.
Nicol Thownis, comisr.
Oliuer Peblis, dene of gild.
George Elphinstoun, bailie,
lames Flemyng.
lohnne Lockart, provest of Air.
lohnne Seytoun, comisr. of
Hadingtoun.
Williame Scott, bailie of Irre-
wing.
Robert Foirestar, bailie of Kir-
kudbryt.
Michaell M'Kracane.
lohnne BoswelL
Robert Pattouu.
Williame Cudbert, provest of
Innemes.
Mr. Alexander Sybbald, com-
issionar for Sanctandrs.
Alexr. lamesoun.
lohnne lamesoun for Cowpar.
Dauid Persone and lohnne
Tyrie for Aberbrothok.
Patrik M'Gowane, provest of
Quhithome.
Moreis Lawder, bailie of Dum-
bar.
Alexander Kay, comissr. of
Lynlytqw.
Conve?ition of Royal Burghs. 37
Decimo septimo mensis Octohris 1575.
The quhilk day comperit the commissaris vnderwrittin, and brocht
with thame thair commissionis, vnder the seillis of thair tovnis, as at the
day appoyntit to convene in this burgh of Edinburgh : That ar to say,
for the said burgh of Edinburgh, Nicolas Vduart, lames Eos, thesaurer
of the said burgh, and Alexander Guthre, commoun dark, as commissaris
thairof ; for Sterveling, Robert Forester, provest, and Ihonn Auchmowty ;
for Dondie, lames Lovell, Robert Kyd ; for Glasqw, lames Flemyng and
George Elphinstoun ; for Sanctandrois, Thomas Walwod ; for Cowper,
Ihonn Jamesoun ; for Montros, Robert Gark ; for Dumfreis, Harbart
Ranyne and Thomas M*Meneis ; for Air, George Hamyltoun ; for Had-
ingtoun, Dauid Forrest and lohnn Seytoun, [the sowter repudiat] ; for
Linlithqw, Alexander Ka, NicoU Tovnis ; for Wigtoun, Williame Gor-
doun, Ihonn Martyne ; for Dunfermeling, Ihonn Boiswell ; for Craill,
Ihonn Lesselis, Ihonn Bousy ; for Lawder, Gilbert Lawder ; for Kingome,
Ihonn Kirkcaldy, Robert Cunynghame, lames Logane ; for Dumbar,
Cuthbert Kelly; for ledburch, the provest commissioun gevin to Edinburgh.
The commissaris abouewrittin, knawing the haill burrowis of this Bouizeoun.
realme to be vnder summondis for non payment of the bouizeoun thir many
zeris past, contenit in the actis of parliament. And foirseing the daj-nger
that maye follow thairvpoun gif the mair hastie ordour be nocht talking
with my Lord Regentis Grace : For the mair haistie remeid thairof, they
all in ane voce concludis and delyueiis that they will delyuer to his grace
for thame selues, haill burrowis of this realme, the sovme of ten thousand
merkis — ^the ane half thairof at Whitsonday nixt, the vther half betuix
and Mertymes nixt thairefter, for discharge of all thing that may be laid
to thair chargis concerning the said bouizeoun for all zeris past and in-
during owre souerane lordis les age Jind his" regiment. And to mak and
geve this offer to his Grace, they nominat thair belufit nychtbour lames
Ross, thesaurer of Edinburgh, Alexander Guthre, commoun dark,
Robert Forest, provest of Stirveling, and Robert Kyd, commissar of
Dondie, Promesand ferme and stabill to abyde at this direction of X™
merkis^ the premisis grantit. Quhilkis personis incontinent past to my
Lord Regentis Grace and offerit the saidis X™ merkis for the caussis aboue
writtin, and his grace refusit the samyn.
38 Convention of Royal Burghs.
xxvij^ Octobris 1575.
The quhilik day, in presence of the commissaris before writin, and
maist pairt of the substantious merchanttis of this burch of Edinburch,
comperit Maister George Hacquet, conseruitour, and efter lang resonyng
Wrvti to th ^^ ^^^ eflFaris and troublis presentlie in Flandaris hurtfull to the estait of
Conseruatour merchanttis, he proudicit the Avriting efter following, send to him furth
n e B, ^£ this realme, frome the last conventioun of burrowis haldin at Striueling
— willing the samyn to be ressonit, considerrit, thairefber to be registrat
in this conventioun buke, and ordour to be taikin concemyng thair
promissis and rewaird thairintill contenit, and to gyf him thair ansuer.
Tlie writing beginning this : Rycht honorabill, Efter allhartlie commenda-
tioun in this oure conventioun haldin at Striueling, zour lettir, resauit
frome oure nychtbouris the commissaris of Edinburgh, the samyn being
red and considderrit, we all togidder do acknaulege zour stedable and
gude seruice, and do esteme zow thairfor worthye of rewaird, quhUk, God
willing, sail be sufficientlie prouidit for zow, and sould haue taikin effect
at this present conventioun, gif we had bene of full nomber or the maist
pairt of burrowis convenit. We have set ane new conventioun to be
haldin at Dondie, the xvth day of lulij nixt, at the quhilk day, gif ze
may gudelie, we pray zow be with us, nocht onlie for zour awin com-
moditie, bot for zour counsall to be had in sic thingis as we have ado in
the pairtis quhair ze ar ; and in the menetyme wiUis zow to tak in gude
pairt this dilay of tyme. Ze sail wit that it is iugit be the maist pairt
of oure nomber at this present, that the sovme grantit to Eduard littill
and vmqhill George Lufe is, with the mair, collectit alraddy, as oure
nychtbouris of Edinburgh wrait to zow of befoir. Quhairfoir we will that
na sic dewtie be forther claimit or vptakin of owre schippis, and dis-
chargis the samyn vnto oure nixt conventioun, at quhat tyme we luke
for zow, as said is, with zour comptes of the collection. And sua for
this present, desyring zour continniance in gude seruice, the Lord be with
zow. Off Striveling this xxviij of October 1 574. Etsic subscribitur be
zour friendis, the commissaris of burrowis, subscryvit be the clark of
oure conventioun, at oure commandis, — Johannes Graham clericus curie
burgi de Streveling, etc.
CanvefUion of Royal Burghs, 39
Die quinto mensis Nouembris j™ v^ lxxv°.
The quhilk day the maist pairt of the coinmissaris of burrowis in this
thair present conventioun, haJdin at Edinburgh, and begun the day aboue
writtin, with the avyse and consent of the multitude of tlie principall ^°"*
merchandis of the said burgh of Edinburgh, — efter lang resonyng vj>on
the troubilsum estait in Flanderis, quhair sumtyme was thair commoun
tred, and now considering the same at this present nowyes abill to be
sustenit without the laubouris, paynis, and greit travell of the Rycht
honorabill Maister George Hacket thair conseruatour, be quhais avyse and
oounsall thay have taikin sic ordour at this tyme as maist liklie is to be
observed uid followit, as at ferther lenth is contenit in certane articles
interchangeablie subscryvit betuix thame and thair said conseruatour, by
and attour thair privileges of auld, — and considering his paynis and
laubouris to be greit, in respect of the dangerous tymes, as said is, Thay
all in ane voce liberally, frielie, and of gude will, grantis, gevis, and
disponis to thair said cbnseruator, for sustenyng of his honorable chairges,
ane schilling greit of euery sek of thair gudes that sail ary ve within the
pairtis of Manderis, by and attour the twa stures of the sek quhilk is
his dewtie of auld ; the first payment thairof to be begyn and taikin vp
of the schippis and gudes that first sail aryve to the saidis pairtis of
Flanderis, and fira thyne to endure to the feist of Witsonday in the zeir of
God, i°^ v° thre scoir sevintene zeris, and fra thyne to ceis and expire and
be of ane effect, without the new consent of the burrowis of the rcalme, or
maist pairt thairof in maner foirsaid, be had and obtenit thairto. And
ordainis the said Maister George to poynd, areist, and distrenzie at his
plesour, be himself and his officiaris, thairfoir, sa oft as neid sail requyre.
In witnessing heirof the sadis commissionaris and merchantis hes causit
this present, autentikly extractit be Alexander Guthre, commoun dark
of the said burgh, vnder his signe and subscription manuell, to be
delyuerit to the said Conseruatour.
Followis certane articles gevin to the said Conseruator be the Articuiosti)tho
saidis commissaris, quhilkis thay adione to him to be obseniit and °'^™* *^"'^*
kepit in tymes cuming, for the weill of the haill merchantis of
this realme, quhilkis thay ordane him to subscrjrve, and the
40 Convention of Royal Burghs.
said Alexander Gutbre to geve him the copy thairof for his
warrand.
Item, That the said Conseruatour, in quhatsumeuir pairtis of Flanderis
within the boundis of his office, quhair it sail happin the merchantis of
this realme, skipperis, marinaris, thair schippes and gudes to be in
danger, for quhatsumeuir occasion, that he sail, at the vttermest of his
powar, travell and mak laubouris for thair ayde and relief, vpon thair
resonabil chairgis, according to his accustomat ordour.
Item, He sail do exact diligence throw all the pairtis of Flanderis
quhair it salbe possibill to him to travell, for tryall of the fels cunzie
bfocht in this realme, and of the bringaris thairof, sua that the merchantis
of gude name and honestie may be dischargit of sclander brocht vpoun
thame, and the gilty made knawin, and thair names gevin to oure
Souerane Lordis Aduocat.
Item, He sail suffer na maner of personis bant nor vse the tred of
merchandis in the pairtis foirsaidis, bot sic as ar fre merchantis, knawn to
him of fame and honestie, and bringand with thame the testimonial of
thair fredome and licence to saill frome ane frie port or hawin quhair
thay inbark, vnder the subscription of the iuge of the poirt ; and that na
mairinar, nor na vther, transport ony stapill gudes, nor vther merchandise,
vnder pretence of thair awin or vtheris.
Item, That he salbe present at the loissing of euery schip be himself or
his speciall seruand, for quhome he salbe haldin to ansuer, incais ony
forboidin gudes pertenying to merchant, marinar, or ony vther, be found
or apprehendit thairintill ; the quhilkis gudes he sail keip vndisponit
quhill aduerteisement heirof, and of the awneris of the samyn, be maid to
oure Souerane Lordis Thesaurer or Aduocat.
Item, he sail keip, and cause be keipit, all and syndry the actis, statutis,
and privileges gran tit to oure nation, contenit in his commissioun of auld,
and siclike to cause and compell oure said natioun to obserue and- keip
all the auncient statutis iniunct to thame, for honestie and commenda-
tion of this realme.
Item, That thair be summer iustice betuix merchant factouris and
marinaris, or vtheris to quhome he is iuge, and cause executioun of his
decreitis be had with expeditioun, but dilay.
Item, Incais ony factour appeill frome the iugement of the said
Convention of Royal Burghs. 41
Conseruatour, this factour to be dischargit be him of all factoury witli
cure natioun ; and in lykemaner the merchantis dischargit of all haifing
ado with him.
Item, That the factouris be nocht assissouris, nor sit in iugement with
the said conseruatour, becaus commounlie thay ar pairty to the mer-
chantis, and thairfoir, in tyme of neid, he adione with him the maist
discreit merchantis, that salbe ^urgit of affection or particularitie, and vse
the counsall of sic, and nocht of the saidis factouris.
Item, That the said Conseruatour, be himself, nor nane in his name,
by ony foirbodin gudes cummand furth of this realme, bot, according to
the actis befoir, escheit the samyn, and male compte thairof as said is;
and gif ony sic beis fundin with him or his, to be accusit thairof as
brekaris of the lawis and statutis maid be oure Soueranis of gude mynde
that restis with God.
Apud Edinburgh xof die mensis Januarij 1575.
The quhilk day, in the convention of burro wis appoyntit to be haldin
at this burgh of Edinburgh, the xx** day of Januar J^ v^, thre scoir fy ve-
tene zeris, for taking of ordour with my Lord Regentis Grace concerning the
boulzeoun, comperit the commissaris of burrowis vnderwrittin, havand
with thame thair commissionis, vnder the seillis of thair tovnis, to the
effect following : That ar to say. For Edinburgh, Ihonn Arnott, Robert
Kar, bailies, lames Ros and Ihonn Robertson of the counsall, or ony thrie
of thame ; for Stirveling, Ihonn Auchmowty and Andrew Cowan ; for
Dondie, Richart Blythe and Peter Clahillis ; for Perth, Williaine Flem-
yng ; for Cowper, Ihonn Patersoun, provest, and Paitrik Glasfurde ; for
Carraill, WiUiame Annand ; for Anstruther, Ihonn Anstruther ; for Mon-
tros, Robert Leighton and Robert Clark ; for Hadingtoun, Robert Nesbet
and^Ihonn Aytoun ; for Dumbar, Williame Bonkill ; for Dunfermeling,
Alexander Nicoll ; for Wigtoun, Williame Gordoun and Ihonn Martyne ;
for Kirkcudbrycht, lames Makcartnay ; for Dumbartan, Ihonn Hardrig ;
for Lawder, Andro Lawder ; for Aberbrothok, Dauid Peirsoun.
42 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Vigesimo tertio January 1575.
The commissaris foirsaidis, efter lang reselling vpoun the action of
lommiseioun bulzcoun, findis nocht gude to enter in the law with my Lord Begentis
be Uo^eoun^ Grace concerning the said actioun, bot rather to seik and crave of his
Grace sum i-esonabill composition to be grantit to thame for the said bool-
zeoun for all tymes bypast and dureing tUe tyme of his regiment ; And
to this effect thay nominat the personis following to pas to his Grace, and
enter in resoning with him, and to report thair ansuer the mom, viz.,
Ihonn Arnott, Robert Rar and lames Ros foir Edinburgh ; Richart
Blythe and Peter Clayhillis, commissaris for Dondie ; Williame Flemyng,
commissar for Perth ; Ihonn Patersoun and Patrik Glasfurde, commissaris
for Cowpar ; Ihonn Auchmowty and Andrew Cowan, commissaris for
Stirveling ; Robert Leychtoun and Robert Clark, commissaris of Montros;
to quhome, or ony sax of thame, thay geve full power and commissioon
for thame selues and the haill burrowis of this realme, with my Lord
Regentis Grace, compositioun to mak, sovmes of money to offer, dayes of
payment to grant and set, for discharge of the boulzeoun, as said is, and
all and syndry vther thingis to do thairanent that thay micht do thame
selues gif thay war present in proper persoun ; promesand ferme and stabill,
haldand and for to hald, etc
Vigesimo sexto Januarij 1575.
Granting of "^^^ quhilk day the personis abouewrittin, according to the commis-
'» ^?**^? sioun gevin to thame, efter lang resonyng with my Lord Regentis Grace,
ouizeon. grantis and consentis to geve to his Grace the sovme of ten thousand
poundis for discharge of the bulzeoun bygane and during the tyme of his
Grace regiment, and in houpe of his Grace favouris and manteinance of
the libarties of burrowis in tyme cuming, to be payit at the termes fol-
lowing, viz., the ane half thairof at the feist of Witsonday'in the zeir of
God j"^ v° threscoir saxtene zeris, the vther half at the feist of Mertymes
nixt thairefber. Quhilk offer acceptit of his grace, the saidis haill com-
missionaris ratefeis and apprevis the samyn, and ordanis ane taxatioun to
be bett heirfoir, to be vplifled of the haill burrowis of this realme, regalities.
ConveiUion of Royal BurghH. 43
and vtheris, but exception of pereonis that traffecquis and vsis mei-chan-
dise. And this taxatioun to be sett efler tlie chakker and custome rollis
of euery burgh, tovne, or sea poirt, quhair trafficquaris hantes or bes thair
remaning. And for setting of Uiis extent according to the saidis rollis,
knawl^e and gude conscience, thay nominat Ihonn Arnott, Robert Kar,
lames Ros, commissaris for Edinburgh, or ony twa of thame ; Eichart
Blythe, Peter Clayhillis, commissaris of Dondy, or ony ane of thame ;
Williame Flemyng, commissar of Perth ; Ihonn Patersoun, Patrik Glas-
fiirde, commissaris of Cowper, or ony ane of thame ; Ihonn Auchmowty,
Androw Cowane, commissaris of Stirveling, or ony ane of tham ; Robert
dark, Robert Lychtoun, commissaris of Montros, or ony ane of thame ;
Ihonn Aytoun, Robert Nesbett, commissaris of Hadingtoun, or ony ane
of thame. Quhilkis persones salbe swome the said extent to sett con-
forme to the saidis custome roUis, thair knawlege and gude conscience,
but feid or fauour, and the burding heirof vpoun thame to accept.
Vigesimo septimo Jannarij 1575.
The saidis commissaris, efter lang resoning, as said is, Findis that this
extent of ten thousand pundis can nocht gudlie be set at this present in nurrowist<i
defalt of the custome rollis and custome bukes of the tovnis, burro wis, »«°d the cus-
and portis foirsaidis, and thairfoir continewis this thair convention and Betting of tho
forther proceeding hereintill to the feird day of Marche nixttocum ; and ^Jjz^un.^*
ordanis letteris to be direct to the haill burro wis of this realme to send
thair speciall commissaris, with thair ampill commissionis and custome
rollis and bukes, to this burgh of Edinburgh, the said feird day of Merche,
for setting of the said extent, and that the provest and baillies of Edin-
burgh send speciall letteris to all pairtis neidful for keping of the said day
and setting of the said extent, w^ith certificatioun to thame that dois
nocht compeir the commissaris comperand will sett the said extent vpoun
thame for thair pairtis according to thair knawlege and conscience, and
will purches and obtene letteris of homing or poynding vpoun the non
comperaris for obedience and payment of thair pairtis as they salhappin
to be sett ; and quhat expensis salhappin the provest and baillies of Edin-
burgh, or Uiair thesaurer salhappin deburs in obtening of letteris directing
44 Convention of Royal Burghs.
of missiues or vtherwayes in this actioun, the saidis commisRaris oblissis
tharae and thair burrowis to refound and pay the samyn agane to the
said thesaurer of Edinburgh, euery burgh according to thair pairtis,
togiddir with the expensis debursit for conveuyng the commissaris to the
samyn effect, the xvij of October last, and failing theirof, consentis and
grantis that letteris of poynding or horning be raisit on thame and thair
burrowis for the samyn.
Ab°f ^ r*k-' "^^^^ samyn day, anent the actioun debatabill in the law betuix the
customiB. tovne of Abirbrothok, Dondy, and Perth, tuyching the pittecustum of the
said tovne of Abirbrothok, the commissaris of the saidis tovnes referis the
mater to be decydit at the nixt conventioun of burrowis be the com-
missaris that salhappin convene for the tyme. In the menetyme, the
saidis commissaris of Dondy and Perth oblesis thame that na customes
salbe acclamit of the inhabitantis of Abirbrothok, and baith the pairties
askit instrumentis.
ProtoRtatioun Th.e samyn day Ihonn Anstruther, commissar of Anstruther, askit in-
^ ^^' stni mentis of the acceptatioun of him and his commissioun, and that he
glaidlie consentit, as commissar foirsaid, to beir burding with the
remanent burrowis in all thair resonabill effaires according to the habilitie
of the inhabitantis of the said tovne of Anstruther, and protestit that
this his acceptation n and admission be registrat in the conventioun buke
of burrowis, and the extract gevin him thairof autentiklie vnder the signe
and subscnptioun of the dark, vpoun his expensis, and Williame Annan,
commissar of Carraill disassentit.
Letteris to tho The samyn day the saidis commissaris vnderstanding the seals to be
replenischit with piratis and sea revaris, and in speciall with Flessingaris
and. vtheris vnder the Prince of Orange dominioun'; quhairfoir thay
ordaine letteris to be sent to the said Prince, with Captaine Balfour,
Coronall, desyring him to put sic ordour to his pepill as oure natioun be
nocht trublitt be thame in tymes cuming, and to will the said Prince to
send his ansuer to the provest and baillies of Edinburgh.
Iti-im, Thay statute and ordanes, and for ane generale law to be keipit
TuichiDg tho in all tymes cuming concludes, that incais ony schippis be pilleitt the
MhippL *^ gudes saiff sail contribute scatt and loitt for the relief of the personis
dampnefeit, bay th schip and gudes according to thair wairing ; and gif
neid beis, ordainis the magistratis of the poirtis within this realme
Coiivention of Royal Burghs. 45
quhair the saidis schippis sail bappin te ai-yve, to sett ane scatt and
extentt for releif of the persoiiis dampnefeit as said is, and to arreist
poynd or comprise the schippis and gudes of thame that refusis for
obejring of the said scatt, euery man according to his pairt as he sail be
sett, and the samyn ordour to be kepit anent the gudes casten for saiftie
of lyfe and gudes vpoun commoun consent.
Robert Ker, I. Anstruther, Notar Commissar of
Wilzeam Flemying. Anstruther.
Ihon Aytoun. Andro Lauder be Alexr. Guthrie.
Robert Nysbet be Alexr. Guthrie. Ihonn Auchtmowty for Sterllyng.
WiUiame Bonkle,Commissionarof Richarde Blyth.
Dumbar. Peter Clayhillis.
The Conventioun of Burrois haldln at Edinhurch the feird
day of Merche^ /*" V Ixxv, etc.
Apud Edinburgh, viij*^ Martij 1575 : — The quhilk* day the commis-
aris efter subscryvand ratefeis and approvis thair actis and statutis maid p*^^ *"*"
in thair last conventioun, haldin at the said burgh of Edinburgh the
xxth day of Januar last bypast, and eikis to the aucht personis nominat
in the said last conventioun for setting and extenting of the haill bur-
rowis and traffecquaris of this realine, for payment of the contributioun
of ten thousand pundis grantit to my Lord Regentis Grace, for discharge
of the boulzeon, Maister George lohnnstoun, commisar of Abirdene, and
George Elphinestoun commisar of Glasqw. And the saidis haill commis-
saris taking the burding on thame, for thamselues, thair tovnis, and
occupearis thairof, bynds and oblesis thame and thair saidis tovnes to
fulfill, obey, and cans be fulfillit, quhaisumeuer stentis or sovmes of money
thay salbe sett to be the saidis ten pei-sonis or aucht of thame ; and ar
content and conseutis taking the burding on thame as said is, that vpoun
this present act and ordinance, lett^ris executoriallis of poynding or
homing be obtentit befoir the Lordis of Secreitt Counsall or Sessioun,
46 Convention of Royal Burghs.
vpoun thame, thair saidis tovnes, occupearis thairof, and vtheris personis
quhatsumeuer, to burgh or land, regalitie or ryaltie, that salbappin to be
extentit be the saidis extentouris for the causis foirsaidis, and for the
fulfilling, obeying, and keping of quhatsumeuer act or statute it salhappin
thame to mak for the causis foirsaidis, and commoun weill of the bur-
rowis of this realme ; gevand thame full commissioun thairto, promesand
ferme and stabill haldand, and for to hald, all thingis neidfull ia the
premissis, but reuocatioun or agane calling quhatsumuever.
.i« cimze. The same day the commisaris foirsaidis, for talking away of the sclander
and fouU brute raisit vpoun the burrowis of this realme for hamebringing
of fals cunzie, and for eschewing of the danger the saidis burrowis ar into
for careing away of talloun, flesche, and vther forbodin gudes, contrair to
the actis of parliament, hes fund gude and concludis, that ane or ma pei^sonis,
at the discretioun of the saidis extentouris, be send away to Flanderis or
vtheris pairtis, quhair thay sail think gude, for tryall of the said faJs
cunzie and hame bringaris thairof, as alsua for cersing and trying of the
transportaris of the saidis forbodin gudes, vpoun the commoun charges by
and attour the said extent of ten thousand pundis ; and the saidis haill
commisaris bynds and oblesis thame to do thair exact diligence for tryell
of the saidis offendarLs within the boundis of thair iurisdictions or vtheris
places, quhair thay may gett knawledge, and to mak the provest, baiUies,
and counsall of Edinburgh to be aduerteist thairof with diligence |K)S8ibill,
incais of the absence of the saidis extentouris, and this aduerteisment to
be maid betuix and the first day of August nixt.
Followis the names of the saidis extentouris : — for Edinburgh, Robert
Kar, Ihonn Amot, baillies, lames Eos, Ihonn Robertsoun, of the coun-
sall, or ony twa of thame ; Dondie, Richart Blythe ; Perth,
for Streveling, Williame Norowell, bailzie ; for Glasqw, George Elphing-
stoun ; for Abirdene, Maister George lohnnstoun ; for Hadingtoun, Ihonn
Carkettill ; for Cowper, Patrik Glasfurde ; for Montros, Robert Clark.
«ptAtioimof The same day the extentouris present hes acceptit the burding of the
lett ^he°ex- Setting of this extent on thame, and hes gevin thair aythis, without r^aird
jt of the of thair a win pai'ticularis, according to thair knawlege and conscience, to
set the samyn, and hes promeist euery day to convene be vij houris in the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 47
morning, and remaine quhill x or xi bouris, and fra ane efber none quhill
iiij efler none, or langer at thair plesour.
The haill commisaris of burrowis foirsaidis, decemis and concludis that Appointing of
the ordour of this extent gall nocbt be obseruit in tyme earning, naither *enUoun*^'*"
be ane privilege to ony vnfrieman, or ony vnfrie tovne heirefter, and
ordainis ane new coventioun to be sett and haldin at the tovne of Dondie,
the day of nixttoccum, and the commiBsaris of Edinburgh
to bring with thame the auld extent rollis, for reformatioun of the extentis,
conforme to the actis and statutes maid of befoir, and to wryte to euery
burgh for tryell of the hamebringaris of fals cunzie, and transportaris of
forbodin gudes.
Robert Ker. lohne Lowth.
lohnne Arnote. Herbert Ranyng.
lames Lowell. Dauid Peirsone.
Maister George lohnston. Patrik Glasfurd.
Wm. NorwelL lohnne OarkettilL
George Elphynstoun. Robert Pryd.
Richarde Blytha George Hamyltoun.
Thomas Andersona Robert Pattoun.
WiUiame Bonkle. Tames Mwriesoun.
Thomas MychelL Dauid Clark.
la Bannatjme.
Alexander Ka, for linlythqw ; Ihonn Lindesay for Glasqw ; Alexander
Scot for Banf ; Nychole laksoun for Renfrew, with oure handis, led at
the pen be Alexander Guthre, noter, at oure command.
A. Guthre.
Walter Scot, Wrytar in Edinburgh. lamus Twedy.
Robert Cunningaym. lohnne Anstruther, commisar.
Robert Clark. Mr. Williame Broun, Commissar of
lamis Thayne. Pittinweme.
Wellzem Gordoun.
FoLLOWis the copy of the extent roll, for payment of the sovmes
grantit to my Lord Regentis Grace, for discharge of the bul-
zeoun, for the charges of men to be send in Flanderis, for
tryell of the falis cunzie, and for recompance of the expensis
debursit and to be debursit for ingathering of the same.
48
Convention of Eoyal Burghs.
Edinburgh, iiij™ij<^lxxxx lib.
Dondie, j'^i^^vii lib. vij s. j d.
Perth, viij^xxviij lib. ij. s.
Abirdene, vj^iiij**xix lib. xviij s.
Air, iij^lvij lib. x s.
Glasqw, iij^ij lib. x s.
Sanctandrois, iij^xxx lib.
Striueling, j<^lxxxxij. lib. x s.
Disart, ij^lij lib. xix s.
Kircaldie, ij^xx lib.
Pettinweme, j^xxxvij. lib. x s.
Craill, j^xxxvij lib. x. a.
Anstruther on the eist syde of the
burn, j^xv lib. x. s.
Anstruther on the wests yde of the
burn, Ixxiiij lib. v. s.
Sanctmynanis, iiij^^ij lib. xs.
Cowpar, Ixviij lib. xv s.
Montros, j^xvij lib. v. s. vj d.
Erowene, iiij^^xiiij lib. x s.
Leith on the south syde of the brig,
Ixvj lib.
Cannogait and Leith on the north
syde of the brig, vj'^^xvij lib. x s.
Innernes, j*^x lib.
Elgene, Ixxxij lib. x s.
Bruntiland, xxxiij lib.
Prestoun and Prestounpanis, iiij**ij
lib. X s.
Dunfreis, j*^lxxxxij lib. x s.
Linlithqu, Ixviij lib. xv s.
Hadingtoun, Ixxiij lib. ix s.
Selkirk, xxij lib.
Somma, xj"^
Lanairk, xxiiij lib. xv a
Peiblis, XXXV Ub. xvij a
Abirbrothok, xviij lib. vj a viij d.
Dunibar, xxvij lib. x a
Jedburgh, xxxvi lib. xiiij a
Wigtoun, xxvij lib. x a
Dumbartan, xxvij lib. x a
Kirkcudbricht, xxxv. lib. xvij a
Culros, xxvij lib. x a
Dunfermeling, xx lib.
Quenis ferrie, xviij lib. yj a viij d.
Innerkething, xj lib.
Kingorn, xliiij lib.
Banff, xxvij lib. x s.
Forfar, xj lib.
Brichan, Iv lib.
Wester Wemys, xvi lib. x s.
Forres, xxvij lib. x s.
Fersoche, Iv lib.
Weik, xxvij lib. x a
Dornoch e, v lib. x a
Abirnethie, v lib. xiij s.
Kelsow, xxxiij lib.
Dalkeith, xj lib.
Annan, xj Ub.
Renfrew, xj lib.
Quhithom, xiij lib. xv s.
Northbervik, viij lib. v s.
Lawder, xj lib.
Name, v lib. x s.
Crummatie, viij lib. v a
Thaine, viij lib. v a
Chanonrie of Ros, vi lib.
lib. xiiij. a
ConveffiUon of Royal Burghs. 49
xvij*^ Martij 1575.
The quhilk day the commiflaris and extentouris foirsaidis, ratefeis and
apprevis the extent befoir writtin, and for collectioun thairof nominatis
Mongow Russell, thesanrer, burges of Edinburgh, together with powar to
him to dispone thairvpoun, conforme to the directioun ellis gevin and to
be gevin to him be the saidis commisaris. And sua for this present
desoluis this thair conventioun to the day contenit in the act befoir
writtin.
lohnne Amote. Robert Ker.
Richarde Blytha Maister George lohnstoun.
George Elphinstoun. Wm. Norwell.
Patrik Glasfurd. Robert Clark.
lohnne Carkettill.
The conventioun of burrowis, haldin at Edinburgh the
xxiiij of Apprih \bll^ for suting of redres of the
guddis pylleit he the pyrattis of Ingland.
The quhilk day comperit in the Tolbuyth of this burch of Edinburch,
Adam Foullertoun and lohnne Amot commissaris for the burch foirsaid,
Richert Blythe and Patrik Clayhillis for Dunde ; Forster, prouest
of Striueling ; lames Cokburri, thesaurer of Haddingtoun ; lames Bowsy,
for Craill ; Andro Lauder for Lauder ;
Q
50 • Convention of Royal Burghs.
Tertio Maij 1577.
Sending of ''^^ quliilk day, George Douglas of Parkheid, provest of the burgh of
^ri""to^*T d ^*^^^l^"^g^» Robert Kar, zoungar, Maister lohnn Marioribankis, lames
for stoying of Adamsouu, Maister Michaell Chesliolme, Mungow Russell, lohnn Amott,
pirattis. Robert Kar, elder, Adam FouUartoun, Alexander Barclay, and James
Zoungof the Counsall ; together with Richarde Blythe, Thomas Dauidsoun
and Peter Clayhillis for Dondie ; lohnn Hacquet, for Kirkcaldy ; Maister
George lohnstoun for Abirdene ; Robert Forester, provest of Striveling,
for Striveling ; lames Cokbum for Hadingtoun ; Androw Lawder, for
Lawder ; and lohnn Bowsy, for Craill. Fyndis that Adam FouUertoun
be dispeschit with all jdiligence to Ingland, for suting of redres of the
schippis and gudes pilleit be the Inglischmen fra the merchantis of this
realme, and tliat thairfoir thair be ane extent of tuelf hundreth merkis
sett to be vplifted of the haill burrowis of this realme, viz : nyne hundreth
merkis thairof to be delyueiit to the said Adam, instantUe in hand, for
making of his expenssLs, and ane hundreth and aucht merkis to pay for
ane zeiris interest thairof, according to the raitt of tuelf for the hundreth,
and the rest of the said sovme for ingathering thairof And gif there
be ony superplus, mair nor makis the saidis expenssis, 'the tovne to be
ansuerabill thairfoir gif the haill beis ingottin, and ordanis lames Ross,
thesaurer, to aduance the said sovme of nyne hundreth merkis instanUie
to the said Adam vpoun the interest foirsaid.
Tertio Febrmi/ 1577.
Commission- The quhilk day, in the conventioun haldin at Edinburch the day
•ri»D*mis. aboue writtin, comperit the commissaris efter following, and producit
thair commissionis, Villiam Norwell for Striueling ; lames Ros, thesaurer
of Edinburch, Henry Nysebet, lohnne Amot, Maister lohnne Prestoun,
for Edinburch ; Richert Fyscher, for Dunbar ; for Dunfermeling, Robert
Co7iventio7i of Royal Burghs. 51
Pantoun ; Maister Thomas Forret, for Craill ; for Perth, Dyonece Con-
queror, baillie ; Henry Adamsoun, for Dundie ; Alexander Skrymgeour,
William Man for Sanctandrois ; lames Smyth for Linlythqw ; Alexander
Kar, Patrik Seller, for Abirdene ; Maister George Ihonnstoun, and the
prouest for Glasqw, George Elphinstoua
xij^ February anno i)rediet<).
The quhilk day the commissaris befoir writin, vnderstanding the causse CommwMon-
of this conventioun to be for ordoure to be taikin tuiching the placeing of deria.
the stapill in the pairttis of Flanderis, at the desyre of my Lord Regentis
Grace, for the caussis contenit in the missivis direct to thame from this
burch of Edinburch, xviij*^ Decembris, anno predicto. Efler lang avise-
ment and ressonyng with my said Lord Regentis Grace, and disputatioun
amangis theme selues, it is concludit that nocht onlie for the commoun
Weill of the merchant estait and honestie of the natioun, bot alsua for
the bundin dewtie and ol>edience aiicht to oure Souerane Lord, in
obseruing of his Hienes lawis statutes and ordinances, maid tuyching the
careing away of forbodin gudes to the greit hurt and preiudice of his
Hienes customes, and commoun weill as said is, that thair be electit and
chosin sum speciall man of honestie, gude fame and vnderstanding, to be
sentt with ampill and full commissioun to the pairtis of Flanderis, sic as
Antuerp, Campheir, Bruges, Berry, Middilburgh, and vther places neidful,
to enter in commoniug with the principallis of the tovnis foirsaidis
tuyching the said staipill, and with thir commissionis to tak with thame
my said Lord Regentis Grace wrytingis in thair fauouris, together with
his Hienes instructionis and informationis, and ouris the saidis commisaris,
be the quhilkis thay salbe rowlit and ordourit, keping the samyn for
thair warrand.
Item, that the conseruatour, qha is now present in this realme, becaus Oonaeruatour.
be the authoritie of his oflBce he is knawing to be ane man, abill and
qualefeit to be helpful in this actioun, addres him to depairt with the
said commissioner, and assist and ayde him be his counsall and credite,
for furthering of the purpois in placeing of the said stapill in place maist
commodious, and appeamnd proffitabill for the honour of the natioun
52 Convention of Royal Burghs.
and commoun weill of this realme ; for the quhilk cause it is concludit,
statute and ordainit be the commissaris of burrowis foirsaidis, tliat the
augmentatioun of sex stures of the sek grantit to the said conseruatour, by
and attour the twa stures of auld, in the moneth of Nouember 1575,
continow and indure to be vptaikin of euery sek of all manner of gudes
pertening to Seottismen, alsueill cuming from Flanderis as vtherwayes,
vnto sic tyme it salhappin the saidis burrowis in generall conventioun
discharge him of tlie samyn. And this present ordinance to tak effect
and be obeyit in all poyntis conforme to the said ordinance in Nouember,
as said is.
mMo^T^to Item, It is concludit and ordanit that for sustening of the said
Fiauderis. commissioner that salbe send to the pairtis of Flanderis forsaidis, thair
sail be vpliftit and gadderoit the sowme of fourtye pundis greit, in maner
as folio wis, viz : — that samekle be taikin of the sek, bayth of merchanttis
guddis and marineris fi-aucht of euery sek of guddis, quhill the said
sowme be payit, or vtherwayis to aggre with sum particular man that will
deburse the said sovme, and to gyf him xij nobillis, viz: tua hundreth
and fourtye pundis Scottis thaiifoir betuix and Witsounday ; and further
granttis that ane taxatioun be lyftit for payment thairof, and euerye
burch to send thair aw in paii-t to ane of the baillies of Edinburch, and
that becaus the saidis commissaris referris the qualificatioun, fame and
honestie of the man that salbe send in commissioun to the provest, baillies,
and counsale of the said burch of Edinburch.
Item, Tlie xviij day of Fabruer, the provest, baillies, and counsale of
Edinburcli being convenit in thair counsalhous, and efter ressonyng vpoun
the qualificatioun of the man that salbe send in commissioun to Flandaris
for placeing of thair stapill, thay nomiuat Nicholace Vddert, merchant, as
maist meit, and ordanis him to be fumist for his charges conforme to the
ordinance aboue writtin.
Convention of Royal Burghs, 53
In tJie parliament haldin at Striueling the xviij day of lulij
P* P, thi^e score auchtene zeris.
The quhilk day it is concludit be tlie commissaris of burrois, efter Discharge con-
subscrivand, that the procuratioun and power obtenit be Maister George uJ^x gtur^^
Haquet, conseruatour, vnder the Greit Seill, for establishing of the stapill ^^
for the Scottis natioun in Flandaris, salbe presentlie be thame cansellit and
brokin.
Item, Decemis, concludis and ordanis, that myssiue letteris sail be direct
be Edinbureh, Dunde, and Aberdene to the conseruatour, commanding
him to desist and ceis fra forther vplifling or taikin of the sowme of sex
stures of euer ilk sek of guddes grantit vnto him in the last conventioun
of burrowis, to endure enduring thair willis, quhilk they discharge be thir
presentis ; and incais the said conseruatour lift or cause be taikin ony
pairt thairof efter he be dischargit be ony of the foirsaidis tovnis as said
is, in that cais that he be persewit thairfoir at his nixt hamecuming in
Scotland And gif mister be that he be warnit at the instance of ony
person or personis quhome he sail preiuge, in this cais to ansuer accord-
ing to the act of parliament.
Item, Concludis decemis and ordanis that the staipill salbe transported RtapUiinthe
to the tovne of Campfeir, and ordanis Henry Nesbett, burges of Edin-
burgh, to pas with diligence vnto the said tovne, to confer with the
magistratis and counsall thairof, and to conclude wnth thame vpon sic
thingis as he sail think gude for the weill of the merchant estait, and to
seik the counsall and assistance of my Lord Conseruatour and Alexander
Segait to this ejBfect. And quhat the said Henry sail do herein, we bynd
and obleiss us coniunctlie and seueralie to hald ferme and staibill be thir
presentis. And ordanis the said Henry Nesbett to have to mak ane
pairt of his charges the sovme of tuenty-four pundis greit, to be vplifted the sek.
and tane of eueiy sek of gudes that sail cum in Flanderis, the sovme of
ten stures, quhill the said sovme of xxiiij lib. greit be payit compleitlie ;
and incais the said Henry be nocht thankfullie payit as said is, or that
ony obstacle or impediment be maid to him, or ony in his name, in the
ressait thairof, we the commissionaris, efter subscryuand, bindis and obleis-
sis ws coniunctlie and seueralie to pay to the said Henry the sovme of
54
Convention of Royal Burghs.
sevin scoir fyve pundis Scottis money, at quhat tyme he or they sail re-
quyre the sam, provyding alwayes the said Henry Nesbett produce the
roll of ressait quhat salbe tane fra euery schip, gif ony be.
Appoyntis the last day of October nixttocum to convene in the tovne
of Dondie, to foirse sic thingis as salbe found gude for the weill of
burrowis.
Item, Decernis and ordanis that, in all conuentionis and parliamentis
in tyme cuming, all the commissionaris of burrowis salbe convenit be the
provest or commissionaris of the tovne quhair they sail convene, and
thairefber sail pas altogether to the place appoynted for parliament or
conventioun. Et sic subscnbitur,
Alex^ Vduart.
Robert Forester, provest of
Sterling.
Oliver Peiblis, dene of gild.
Dioneis Conquerour, baillie for
Perth.
Alex' Anand.
Alex' Scrymgeour, for Dondie.
Gilbert Menzeis, of Petfoddelis.
Ihonn Lokhart, provest of Air.
Eduard Wallace, baillie of Air.
lames Cokburn.
lohnn Aytoun.
Alex' Chalmer.
lames Fleschour, commissioner
for Coupar.
Alex' Carstairis, commissionar
for Sanctandrois.
Richart Rutherfurd, provest of
ledburgh.
George Halywall, baillie in Sel-
kirk.
W™ Bonkill, commissionar of
Dumbar.
Androw Lawder, commissioner
for Lawder.
Gilbert Twedy, commissioner
for Peiblis.
Tliomas Lawder, commissionar
for Northbervik.
Richart Aleson, commissionar
for ledburgh.
Henry Nesbett.
W™ Annand, commissionar for
Craill.
Dauid Mair.
Hew Campbell, provest of
Irowyne.
This is the trew copy of the wryting producit be Henry Nesbett befoir
the provest, baillies, mid counsall of the burgh of Edinburgh, efter his
returning from Stirveling, quhairof he hes the principall himself: —
Co7iventio?i of Royal Burghs. 55
The copy of the commissioun send and granted to Henry Nesbet, for
placing of the staipill in the Campfeir, baith in Scottis and
Latene, quhairof the principallis ar sent to him as followis : —
Amplissimis et nobilissimis dominis, consulibus, burgimagistris, scabinis,
decarionibus aliisque judicibus et magistratibus ciuitatis Yerensis in
Zelandia, amicis nobis charissimis, prepositus, balliui, et consules Edin-
burgensis ciuitatis, in regno Scotie, salutem, cum mense lulio proxime
preterito in vrbe Striuelingensi haberentur pene omnium huius regni
ciuitatum publica comitia, que pro veteri nostro iure et consuetudine et
priuelegijs a serenissimis huius regni principibus cuiusque ciuitatis
ordini mercatorio concessis, per procuratores (quos burgorum eommissarios
nominamus) sepius fieri solent, vt de rebus omnibus, que ad rem vtili-
tatemque et commodum totius ordinis facere posse videbuntur, libere
statuant et concludant, inter cetera, que his comitijs acta sunt de regni
emporio in idoneo loco constituendo satis prolixa habita est disputatio
tandem vero vestre ciuitatis incidit memoria cuius vetus amicitia inuio-
lata, ac benevolentia que nobiscum retroactis temporibus cum summa
animorum coniunctione intercessit emporium nostrum quod per hos ciuiles
tumultus qui totam pene Flandriam iamdiu multumque obnoxiam tenue-
runt incertis locis vagabatur in vestram ciuitatem solitam et antiquam
sedem magno omnium consensu reuocauit, quo autem id possit commodius
perfici, Henricum Nisbet mercatorem conciuem nostrum virum fide et
probitate longoque rerum vsu satis commendatum hisce rebus tractarum
abl^andum censuerunt — hunc itaque dictarum ciuitatum procuratores seu
commissarii nobiscum, vna voce et consensu earum legitimum actorem,
fiictorem, syndicum, commissarium specialem negotiorum gestorem con-
stituerunt, nominarunt et elegerunt ei plenam potestatem facultatem et
mandatum speciale concedentes tractandi deliberandi et vobiscum con-
cludendi de hoc publico regni emporio in cuitate vestra constituendo, per
id temporis spatium quod in articulis instructionibus seu directionibus
hac de re iUi datis iniunctis et impositis continetur, atque etiam, vt im-
munitates libertates et priuelegia nostro mercatorum ordini concessa
renouanda postulet, que preterea vobis promissa impetret alique his
maiora tutioraque quantum fieri possit addenda procuret sicut is a vobis
petiturus est, in eamque rem securitates et cautiones ad certiorem pacto-
rum fidem exigat et componat, et in genere vt ea anima dicat agat gerat
56 Convention of Royal Burghs.
et exerceat, ac que ad totius ordinis utilitaiem et commodum spectabuut,
que ad officia procuratoris actons syndic! commissarii et negotiorum
gestoris de jure pertinere noscuntur, queque ipsimet constituentes plenis-
sima vti fuerant suarum ciuitatum authoritate instructi presentes agere
facere possunt ratum gratum firmum et stabile id omnino habituri quod
ab eo in premissis rite gestum fuerit, sub pena et obligatione omnium
bonorum mobilium et immobilium presentium et futurorum — ^Volumua
tamen vt is opem consilium et autlioritatem Magistri Georgii Hakkett
priuelgiorum nostre gentis in Flandria vindicis et Alexandri Segat ciuis
vestri imploret exigat et sequatur quantum publice cauSe inseruiant. In
quorum omnium, etc.
The provest, baillies, and counsaile off the burgh of Edinburgh in
Scotland. To the mychtie and nobill lordis, burrow maisteris, judges,
and maeistrates of the citie of Campfer in Zeland, willis guid health, For-
samekill as in ane assemblie, maid and haldin in the towne of Striueling
of the maist pairte of all the cities of this realme, in the moneth of Julij
last bypast, be thair procuratouris lawfuUie constitute to that effect,
quhilk ar commonlie callet the commissaris of burrois, conforme to the
la wis and priueledges graunted be owre Souerane Loird the Kingis Maiestie
to his lieges, callit the estait of merchandis, for reasonyng and concluding
wpoun thingis concemyng thair commoun weill, quhair amongis vther
thingis quhilk wes resonit, votit, and concludit in the said assemblie.
That in respect off the auld freindschip lang and mutuall lowe haid betuix
ws the merchand estait, and zow the inhabitantis of the towne of Camp-
fer, to send this owre belouit nychtboure, Henry Nisbet, merchand, com-
burges, and induellar of oure towne of Edinburgh, ane man of fame,
honestie, and guid name, for placing of the commoun stapill of this realme
with zone in the auld place, quhair it wes of befoir duiing the commis-
sioun and space thairintill contenit, quhilk hes bene waquant and removet
to syndrie places this tyme bypast, throwe the occasioun of the ciuill
tumultis, quhairwyth the maist pairte of the cuntrie off Flanderis hes
bene thir dyueris zeires occupiit to the huii of mony; to the quhilk
Henry Nisbet, the saidis commissaris and we, all in ane voce, hes grauntet
and givin full commissioun, with zowe the judges and magistrates of the
said towne of Campfer to reasoun, treitt, and conclude wpoun the placing
of the said stapill, and to that effect constitutis, makis, and nominatis
Convention of Roycd Burghs. 67
him oure factoure, actor, and special! erand berar, to quhome we have
givia and graunted full and fiie power, spedall mandement, and charge,
to do, awys, treitt, resone, and conclude the placing, establiasing, and
oonseruing of the said stapill of the haill merchantis of this oure realme
in the citie of Campfer, during the space contenit in the instructionis and
directionis givin to him thairupoun, and to desyre all and syndrie the
immunities and priveledges graunted to us of befoir, and vtheris to be
Tenewet conforme to zoure promisis to be fulfiUit, augmentit as oure said
commissioner sail require, and fynallie to desyre cautioun and all securi-
ties for obseruing of the leag and band to be maid betuix ws ; and gene-
rallie to do, say, vse, and exeroe all and syndrie thingis that may redund
to the vtilitie of the commoun weill of the merchandis of this realme, and
all that to the office of ane procuratour or commissioner of burgh, actor,
&ctor, or spedall erand berar in sic caissis is knawin to appertene, quhilk
the saidis haill commissaris of burrowis mycht do gif thai wer present
thame selffis, haueand ftill power to that effect ; promisand ferme and
stabill haldand, and for to hald, all and quhatsimieuer thingis the said
Henry thair commissioner in the pi-emLsses thinkis neidfuU to be done,
takand with him the help, counsale, and assistance of the Rycht Honora-
bill Maister George Hakket, conseruatour and judge of oure natioun in
the partis of Flanderis, with the heipe off Alexander Segait, zoure dtezane,
in witness off the quhilk thing, etc.
Instructiones off the thingis to be desyret of the magistrates off the
towne off Campfer, for informatioun of Henry Nisbett, commis-
sioner, direct thair for placing of the stapill in the said towne of
Campfer, during the commissaris of burrois wiUis of this realme of
Scotland.
Item, In the first, to desyire that all priveledges and fredomes graunted
to the stapill off Scotland of befoir in the said towne of Campfer, be the
Erlis off Flanderis, Dukes of Brabant, Emperor Charlis the Fyft, his sone
the King of Spaynie, and vtheris princes in the Low Cuntries, be ratifiet^
approwet, and of new graunted, obseruit, and keipit, without violatioun
or diminutioun off ony pairte thairof
Item, To desyire of new the redressing off thair townis and heidis, and
marking off the beet deip for the mair assurit entrie of oure schippis. .
H
58 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Item, To haue ane place in the hawin for oure schippis to los and ladiu
in ; or at the last, command givin to the key maister to mak place to
oure schippis for lossing and ladnjmg, noctwithstanding the nummer of
fyschearis being in the said hawin, sua that oure merchandis or marinellis
haue na occasioun to enter in termes or contrauersie with the fyschearis,
and als to se the schoir be weiU ordorit and reparit.
Item, That ordour be taikin with the customer, that he submitt him
self to the iudgment of the judges of the towne, incais of ony wariance
betuix him and ony of oure natioun concemjmg thair customes.
Item, That ane lyst be givin to the conseruatour be the customer off
the dewtie off all sortis off geir, als reasonabill as it may be procurit.
Item, That thair be procurit that ane place be designit for the payment
of few custome, als weill for the incummyng of oure schippis
as for the guidis bocht in Antuerp in the outpassing, that oure natioun
may be fre for anis paying thair custome, and nocht compellit to pay
tuys.
Item, That oure natioun may be absoluit frome all kynd off conuoy
gilt, als in the incummyng as the outpassing, and siclyke for this paying
or ony other new toll sett on the guidis ; and incais ony new impost or
taxatione be put, or heirefter salbe put on the guidis in incummyng or
passing furth, that the said towne off Campfer salbe thair procurement
mak the samyn fre and releis oure natioun thairof
Item, Tliat ordour be taikin of the warkmen, awneris of sellaris, lofbis,
pak-houssis, and wyth the skipperis of the schippis and hoyes for trans-
porting of persones or guidis, and that the samyn pas be list and inuen-
toure, subseryuit be deaconis of thair craftis and the towne, quhairof ane
autentik copy salbe givin to oure conseruatour, and that for awoyding of
all ewill consequence.
Item, That guid ordour and competent waiges be appoyntit to the
fyschearis and pylatis, incais oure natioun or particular suppost thairof
haue to do for inbringing thair schippis outpassing or conuoying about
the He.
Item, That ze awys with the conseruatour, quhither it sail be maist
commodious for oure natioun to haue sex houssis appoyntit to thame fre "
of excis and all impost, alsweill auld as new, or to haue ane hous
togidder, quhair thai all sail resort, referring to zour discretioun quhilk
Convention of Royal Bui^ghs. ^ 59
of thai tua salbe best, that ane ordour may be taikin quhat salbe payit
for the melteth.
Item, That the houssis of the factour, quhair oure natioun sail maist
resort, sail be fre from ludging, and in commotatioun of soldiouris or men
of weir.
Item, That incais ony wariance betuix ony suppost of oure natioun
and ane of the towne, or ony of the kingis subiectis, for ony ciuiU or
criminall caus, that the conseruatour be callit to heir the reasonyng and
alledgeanee of bay th the pairteis, and to give his opinioun, befoir defini-
tive be pvin out, and that for keiping off preveledges in tbair awn
integrite.
Item, That in criminall actiones betuix the suppostis of oure ifatioun,
the judges handis of Campfeir may be seeludit, and the decisioun and
punischment thairof reseruit to oure conseruitour, lykas in all ciuill
actionis the same is dew to him.
Item, That ane place of puuischement or presone be appoyntet to the
commandment of the said conseruatour, quliairintill he salbe obeyit
alsweill for imputting as releiving, and that without ony knawledge or
askyng at the baillie of scout, according to the auld custome.
Item, That ane honorabill and commodious place be appoyntit for
preching and prayeris, according to the religioun professet within this
realma
Item, Becaus off the ewiU air within the lill, ingenerit to the deid and
loist of mony of oure natioun, quhilk be apperance saU gretumlie incres,
incais the salt pannis in the feir be nocht remowit and taikin away,
quhadrfoir ze sail desyire the samyn to be dimolisit.
Item, That it be procurit to impetrat of the magistratis of Antuarp,
tua or thre houssis, calUt hoist houssis, to be excist fre thair, and to
desyire aJl preveledges to be renewit, quhilk we haue had grauntet be
thame to ws of befoir, conforme to the commissioun quhilk we haue with
zow. Farthir, in thir and all vthir thingis we sail haue to do con-
cemyng the weill and quietnes off oure natioun, we refer to zoure awin
judgment, praying zour consult and awys with the conseruatour, and tak
his opinioun thairintill. And incais it sail happin, as God forbid, that
newe weiris or trublis rys in the cuntrie, it salbe lesum to zoue to
depairt thairfra^ that the judges and pepill of the towne of Campfer sail
60 Convention of Royod Burghs.
a 'sist, fortdfie, and aid sowe at thair wtter pouer. And fdclyk, thai giff
it sail happin zow to contract with them, that ze keip zowr self sua frie
that it salbe lesum to zowe to depairte quhair ze lyk wpoun the occa-
sioun of ewill interteniment, extorciones, or inuiries that sail happin to
be done, the breaking of oure priveledges, or ony paii-te thairof Farther
and last, we refer to zowr awn discretioun, and the Lord be with zow.
We desyire maist hairtlie, that ze remember, with the assistance of the
iudges of Campfer, to procure at the Princes handis the redres of the
gaidis pylleit be thame of Flisaing frome oure nychtbouris Mongo Russell,
Allexander Clerk, Allexander Russell, Maister lohne Frowand, lohne
Henrysoun, Mark Kar, etc. For this purpois we haue send zow the
extract of the pace betuix Emperour Charles and ws, quhilk declaris that
oure guidis can nocht be lauchfull prys be the ordour off ony waris past.
Item, To desyire the towne of Handwarp, be procurement of the towne
of Campfer, that oure natioun may hawe hoyis for transporting of thair
giudis fra Handwarp without impediment or ony regaird haid to thair
places or rowmes, and that thai may haue the priveledg to fraucht hoyes
as thai can best aggrie, but stop as said ia
The Copye of the Commissioun and Procuratioun giwin be the toun of
Campfeir, concerning the stapill their, as foUowis : —
Nos Consules Scabini et reliqui Senatores Ciuitatis Verensis in Zehadia^
etc, notum fitcimus omnibus et singulis quorum hec scire interesse potent
quod ordinauimus et commisimus Alexandrum Segait illique plenam et
specialem auctoritatem dedimus vt nostro et totius corporis huius duitatia
nomine profidscatur, et se transferat in regnum Scotie, ibique cam no-
bilibus et deputatis siugularum vibium senatoribus dusdem regni agat
illisque apenat et proponat seria et grauia negotia que ad preseruationem
et salutem huius oppidi spectent in iisdemque rebus prout sua fert opinio
suam sententiam pronuncet, omnia secumdum iUius instructionem illi a
nobis ea de causa in scriptis datam, et preterea generaliter et spedaliter
in agendis negotiis antedictis sese exerceat atque preheat quemadmodum
fidelem commissarium decet, promittentes nos vel vnuroquemque nostrum
pro firmo et rato habituros vel habitunim quicquid in re predicta a pre&to
nostro commiseario secundum substantiam materiel illius instmctionia
Convention of Royal BurgJis. 61
actum transactum vel resolutum fuerit, idqae quantum ad nos nostrosque
Bubditos pertmet fideliter in omnibus partibus exequuturoa In cuius rei
testimonium sigillum ad causas predicte ciuitatis his appendi jussimus
aecundo die mensia lunii anno 1578. £t sic subscribitur.
In absentia secretarii subscripsit J. Smit.
The Copy of the Instructionis efler the quhilk Alexander Segait salbe
reuUit in the effaires committit vnto him be the tovne of Campfeir,
to entreit or handill with my Loirdis Commissionairis or Deputes of
Estaitis of the gude tovnes of Scotland.
Item, in the first, he sail present vnto thair wisdomes and gudnessis
our maist effectuall commendationis, Mrith oure offeris of seiniice at all
tymes, quhensoeuer occasioun sail serue, or quhen we salbe requyrit be
ihame thaii-to.
Thanking thame maist hertfuUie of thair gude ancient lufe and affec-
tion bom at all tymes towardis ws, and now as we vnderstand at this
present they haue and beris towartis ws, be report of the said Alexander
Segait
Beseking thame that they will continew thair gude will towart ws
and oure tovne, the maist mutual ancient lufing affection quhilkis we haif
bom aither towartis vtheris of auld tymes.
Elxcusing ws, alsua, that we have na qualefeit persoun of ouris for this
tyme to send to thame to be at the dyet of thair assemblie, quhilk we
vnderstand to be haJdin at Edinburgh in the moneth of Julij nixt 1578,
for to intreit with thame vpoun the returning and estableisment of thair
merchantis of thair stapil within this oure said tovne.
Vtherwyes, to schaw thame that we had na vthir persoun qualefeit
amangis ws that was prompt or perfyte of the Scotis langage, except
George Eincaid, quha haid sindiy tymes of befoir being requyrit be ws to
accept the sam charge, hes excusit himself, declaring for syndry his parti-
cular busynessis, he mycht nocht wait vpon the said weyage, and he beand
for the present in Handwarp, and we nocht certan of his return againe,
quhairthrow the weyage of the said Alexander Segait mycht be hinderit,
quhilk we desyre to be maist forderit and avancit.
Alsua, we haif thocht gude for the fidelitie and auld
62 Convention of Royal Burghs.
ancient lufe born towardis ws lyke as we vnderstand he zit bens to ws
and quhorae we beleve hes na les credit with zour lordschipa Thairfoir
fyndis proper and meit that he sail handill and treit with zour lordschips
in this effaires, quhilk we pray ze will accept and interpreit to the best
pairt. This done, the said Alexander sail cause thair lordschips vnder-
stand, in the best maner or forme that he can, that the magistratis of the
tovne of Campfeir sail do thair devoir and vtter diligence, to the end that
the Scotis nation may be mantenit in thair auld ancient privileges, frie-
domes, and liberties, nocht alanerlie that they had and bruikit of auld
tymes, bot alsua that they vsit and joysit the tymes of thair last frequen-
tation heir, — althocht or howbeit ony quairell or actioun suld happyn
or mycht fall betuix ony of the said natioun and subiectis of this cuntrie,
ather ciuiU or criminall, quhither it be of the eifaires or actions criminallis
amangis the merchantis of the Scotis nation alanerlie, — bot alsua to promeis
thame alsweill for the pairtis of the saidis magistratis, as particularlie for
the pairt of the present baillie, to quhais charge the estait and office of
the effiiires appertenis mair nor vtheris, that nocht alanerlie they salbe
confennit or avancit of thair auld ancient rychtis and privelegis vsit heir,
bot alsua that they salbe accomodat and helpit in all thingis resonabill
heirtofoir rehersit, sua that the honour and ayth of the said baillie and
magisti-atis be nocht violentit nor interest.
Forther, to assure thame that we sail agrie with thame for the place of
ane hous for the natioun, of fyve or sax principall houssis of factouris,
quhairof we refer the naming or chosing to the discretioun of the com-
missioneris of thair saidis tovnes, or to the conseruatour and the foir
namit George Kincaid, quhither they pleia.
And alsua that we vnderstand and promeis that the saidis houssis salbe
exemit and frie frome ludging or intertenyng of ony soldartis or men
of weir.
And as tuyching the friedome of the excyse or ony kynd of impoist,
alsweill vpon the wyne as vpon the beir, sail schaw vnto thame that they
salbe fi-ie of sic ane quantietie of barrellis according to thair houssis and
houshaldis, lykeas the said conseruatour and George Kincaid, together
with the Magistratis of the tovne of Campfeir sail fynd convenient for the
sam, to the end they salbe contentit with resoun, and greitlie to thank the
liberalitie of the said magistrat of Campfeir mon agrie thairfoir, and mak
Convention of Royal Burghs. 63
payment of the samyn to the estaitis of Holland againe to the last
penny.
And geve peraventour it suld happin that ony question suld ryse at
thair cnming betuix ony merchantis of the said nationn, and the customer
of the said tovne, lyk as oft tymes befoir hes happynit, assuring thame
that we sail laubour so far with the said customer, that he sail submit
the said action in the handis of the magistrat of the said tovne of Camp-
feir, the quhilk we sail nocht suffer on na manor of way that nane of the
said natioun, zet nochtyeles of thame sail suffer ony dommage, hurt, or
evill intertenement. And to the end that they sail knaw quhat they sail
pay to the said customer, we sail geve to the conseruatour ane iust copy
of the said custome roll.
Schawing thame akua, that at this tyme, at cure requeist and persute,
the ordour is tane with the generall estaitis of the Low Countries for the
ressait of the custome of Zeland be provisioun maid within the tovne of
Handwarp efter the auld vse and custome.
And geve they desyre or requyre to be excusit fra the paying of the
convoy gilt or license, quhilk is very liklie to be done, schaw vnto thame
that we ar besy solistand for the exemption of the sam, in the sam
maner and soirt lykas the natioun of Ingland hes already, and lykas we
vnderstand is aggreit, and as we hald almaist done and endit, away ting
daylie for oure commissioner with the octroye or ordinance of the sam.
Alsua, ze may assure thame that the channell entrie or gate of Camp-
feir is for the present sua gude as ever it was, and, nochtwithstanding,
tm help and accommodat thame forther, we have put oure tunnis and
markis in the said gat, alangis all places neidfull and accustomat.
How aLsua we vnderstand surelie ordour to be tane for help of the
said channell be laubour of dyking and mending of the heides and
bekynnis, in all places neidfull and accustomat.
Augmenting alsua> that we haif procurit that they of Flussing hes
taikin ordour of the pylot, for entring and outpassing of schippis at thair
tovne ; and as tuyching otheris, thay salbe helpit and accommodat in all
reson to thair contentment.
As for the accommodating of thaim and thair schippis in our tovne
and havin, for to help them forther, we sail cause oure awin schippis, and
fischaris, and vtheris, to mak thame place.
64 Ckmvention of Royal Burghs.
And gif it suld happin that thay doubt at oure warkmen, maisteris
of schippis, or vtheris, wald exaction or tak mare for thair laubouris nor
resoun, assure thame that we will nocht suffer the sam on nauyes, how
that we ar begvn already and labouring to tak ordour for the sam to be
publest and ordanit, of the quhilk, alf^ua, we sail delyuer ane copy to the
sade conseruatour, in sic soirt, that thay sail haif na occasioun to
plenzie, and inlykmaner better cheip seruice nor thay haif bene in
vtheris places.
Fynally, in quhat manor of wy we may help, plesour, or benefite the
said nation, in generall or particiilar, that we sail nocht faill to lat thame
vKderstand be oure doingis, with als gude hert or will as ever we did
plesour or seruice to ony man in this warld.
Because of th& publict exercyse of thair religion, as it is vsit for the
pre-sent in Scotland, quhilk aucht to be the end and principall of all
thingis, thay ar surelie informit and assurit be our letteris send to thame,
quhairof thay neid nocht doubt.
And quhairas sum of the nation wald think to conceave unhelsimi air
of the saltpannis, quhilkis ar biggit and set in ane nuik of the tovne,
tliey sail knaw be experience of thair cuming, that thair is litil reson for
the samyn.
And for the occasioun of the saltpannis, thay sail' nocht find thame-
selues to be sua miscontentit, as thay ar persuaded, because thair is
bot ano wynde from the north that makis ony reik, the quhilk apperandly
blawis north euery day. And aboue that, the pannis gangis bot
ane season of the zeir. Nochtheles, the natioun beand heir, thay sail zit
be accommodat and helpit in sic soirt, that thay salbe contentit with
resoun, insamekill that we vnderstand, with litill expenssis and skayth
the awner of the saidis pannis may be remedit and helpit ; In the quhilk
foirsaid, befoir the cuming of the said natioun, it can nocht be brocht to
effect without skayth, etc. etc,
Convention of Royal Burghs, 53
In the parliament haldin at Striueling the xviij day of lulij
/"* F^, thrie score auchtene zeris.
The quhilk day it is concludit be the commissaris of burrois, efter DischaiTfe con-
subscrivand, that the proeuratioun and power obtenit be Maister George uesax sLrL'^"
Haquet, conseniatour, vnder the Qreit SeUl, for establishing of the stapill ^^
for the Scottis natioun in Flandaris^ salbe presentlie be thame cansellit and
brokin.
Item, Decsemis, concludis and ordanis, that myssiue letteris sail be direct
be Edinburch, Dunde, and Aberdene to the conseniatour, commanding
him to desist and ceis fra forther vplifling or taikin of the sowme of sex
stnres of euer ilk sek of guddes grantit vnto him in the last conventioun
of burrowis, to endure enduring thair willis, quhilk they discharge be thir
presentis ; and incais the said conseniatour lift or cause be taikin ony
pairt thairof efter he be dischargit be ony of the foirsaidis tovnis as said
is, in that cais that he be persewit thairfoir at his nixt hamecuming in
Scotland. And gif mister be that he be warnit at the instance of ony
person or personis quhome he sail preiuge, in this cais to ansuer accord-
ing to the act of parliament.
Item, Concludis decemis and ordanis that the staipill salbe transported stapiii inthe
to the tovne of Campfeir, and ordanis Henry Nesbett, burges of Edin-
burgh, to pas with diligence vnto the said tovne, tg confer with the
magistratis and counsall thairof, and to conclude with thame vpon sic
thingis as he sail think gude for the weill of the merchant estait, and to
seik the counsall and assistance of my Lord Conseniatour and Alexander
Segait to this effect. And quhat the said Henry sail do herein, we bynd
and obleiss us coniunctlie and seueralie to hald ferme and staibOl be thir
presentis. And ordanis the said Henry Nesbett to have to mak ane * . *. ,
pairt of his charges the sovme of tuenty-four pundis greit, to be vplifted the sek.
and tane of euery sek of gudes that sail cum in Flanderis, the sovme of
ten stures, quhill the said sovme of xxiiij lib. greit be payit compleitlie ;
and incais the said Henry be nocht thankfullie payit as said is, or that
ony obstacle or impediment be maid to him, or ony in his name, in the
ressait thairof, we the commissionaris, efter subscryuand, bindis and obleis-
sis ws coniunctlie and seueralie to pay to the said Henry the sovme of
54
Convention of Royal Burghs.
sevin scoir fyve pundis Scottis money, at quhat tyme he or they sail re-
quyre the sam, provyding alwayes the said Henry Nesbett produce the
roll of ressait quhat salbe tane fra euery schip, gif ony be.
Appoyntis the last day of October nixttocum to convene in the tovne
of Dondie, to foirse sic thingis as salbe found gude for the weill of
burrowis.
Item, Decernis and ordanis that, in all conuentionis and parliamentis
in tyme cuming, all the commissionaris of burrowis salbe convenit be the
provest or commissionaris of the tovne quhair they sail convene, and
thairefter sail pas altogether to the place appoynted for parliament or
conventioun. Et sic subscribitur,
Alex^ Vduart
Robert Forester, provest of
Sterling.
Oliver Peiblis, dene of gild.
Dioneis Conquerour, baillie for
Perth.
Alex' Anand.
Alex' Scrymgeour, for Dondie.
Gilbert Menzeis, of Petfoddelis.
Ihonn Lokhart, provest of Air.
Eduard Wallace, baillie of Air.
lames Cokburn.
lohnn Aytoun.
Alex' Chalmer.
lames Fleschour, commissioner
for Coupar.
Alex' Carstairis, commissionar
for Sanctandrois.
Richart Rutherfurd, provest of
ledburgh.
George Halywall, baillie in Sel-
kirk.
W°* Bonkill, commissionar of
Dumbar.
Andrew Lawder, commissioner
for Lawder.
Gilbert Twedy, commissioner
for Peiblis.
Thomas Lawder, commissionar
for Northbervik.
Richart Aleson, commissionar
for ledburgh.
Henry Nesbett
W™ Annand, commissionar for
Grain.
Dauid Mair.
Hew Campbell, provest of
Irowyne.
This is the trew copy of the wryting producit be Henry Nesbett befoir
the provest, baillies, and counsall of the burgh of Edinburgh, efter his
returning from Stirveling, quhairof he hes the principall himself: —
Convention of Royal Burghs. 55
The copy of the commissioun send and granted to Henry Nesbet, for
placing of the staipill in the Campfeir, baith in Scottis and
Latene, quhairof the principallis ar sent to him as foUowis : —
Amplissimis et nobilissimis dominis, considibus, burgimagistris, scabinis,
decurionibus aliisque judicibus et magistratibus ciuitatis Yerensis in
Zelandia, amicis nobis charissimis, prepositus, balliui, et consules Edin-
burgensis ciuitatis^ in regno Scotie, salutem^ cum mense lulio proxime
preterito in vrbe Striuelingensi haberentur pene omnium huius regni
ciuitatum publica comitia, que pro veteri nostro iure et consuetudine et
priuelegijs a serenissimis huius i*egni principibus ctiiusque ciuitatis
ordini mercatorio concessis, per procuratores (quos burgorum commissarios
nominamus) sepius fieri solent, vt de rebus omnibus, que ad rem vtili-
tatemque et commodum totius ordinis fSeu^re posse videbuntur, libere
statuant et concludant, inter cetera, que his comitijs acta sunt de regni
emporio in idoneo loco constituendo satis prolixa habita est disputatio
tandem vero vestre ciuitatis incidit memoria cuius vetus amicitia inuio-
lata, ac benevolentia que nobiscum retroactis temporibus cum summa
animorum coniunctione interceasit emporium nostrum quod per hos ciuiles
tumultus qui totam pene Flandriam iamdiu multumque obnoxiam tenue-
runt incertis locis vagabatur in vestram ciuitatem solitam et antiquam
sedem magno omnium consensu reuocauit, quo autem id possit commodius
perfici, Henricum Nisbet mercatorem conciuem nostrum virum fide et
probitate longoque rerum vsu satis commendatum hisce rebus tractarum
ablegandum censuerunt — hunc itaque dictarum ciuitatum procuratores sen
commissarii nobiscum, vna voce et consensu earum legitimum actorem,
fiictorem, syndicum, commissarium specialem negotiorum gestorem con-
stituerunt, nominarunt et elegerunt ei plenam potestatem facultatem et
mandatum speciaJe concedentes tractandi deliberandi et vobiscum con-
cludendi de hoc publico regni emporio in cuitate vestra constituendo, per
id temporis spatium quod in articulis instructionibus seu directionibus
hac de re illi datis iniunctis et impositis continetur, atque etiam, vt im-
munitates libertates et priuelegia nostro mercatorum ordini concessa
renouanda postulet, que preterea vobis promissa impetret alique his
maiora tutioraque quantum fieri possit addenda procuret sicut is a vobis
petiturus est, in eamque rem securitates et cautiones ad certiorem pacto-
rum fidem exigat et componat, et in genere vt ea anima dicat agat gerat
56 Convention of Royal Burghs.
et exerceat, ac que ad totius ordiois utiliiatem et commodum speciabuut,
que ad officia procuratoris actoris syndici commissarii et oegotiorum
gestoris de jure pertinere noscuntur, queque ipsimet constituentes plenis-
sima vti fuerant suarum cinitatum authoritate instructi presentes agere
facere possunt ratum gratum firmum et stabile id omnino habituri quod
ab eo in premissis rite gestum fuerit^ sub pena et obligatione omnium
bonorum mobilium et immobilium presentium et futurorum — ^Volumus
tamen vt is opem consilium et authoritatem Magistri Geoi^ Hakkett
priuelgiorum nostre gentis in Flandria vindicis et Alexandri Segat ciuis
vestri imploret exigat et sequatur quantum publiee caude inseruiant In
quorum omnium, etc.
The provest, baillies, and counsaile off the burgh of Edinburgh in
Scotland. To the mychtie and nobill lordia, burrow maisteris, judges,
and maeistrates of the citie of Campfer in Zeland, willis guid health, For-
samekill as in ane assemblie, maid and haldin in the towne of Striueling
of the maist pairte of all the cities of this realme, in the moueth of Julij
last bypast, be thair procuratouris lawfullie constitute to that effect,
quhilk ar commonlie callet the commissaris of burrois, conforme to the
la wis and priueledges graunted be owre Souerane Loird the Kingis Maiestie
to his lieges, callit the estait of merchandis, for reasonyng and concluding
wpoun thingis concemyng thair commoun weill, quhair amongis vther
thingis quhilk wes resonit, votit, and concludit in the said assemblie.
That in respect off the auld freindschip lang and mutuall lowe haid betuix
ws the merchand estait, and zow the inhabitantis of the towne of Camp-
fer, to send this owre belouit nychtboure, Henry Nisbet, merchand, com-
burges, and induellar of oure towne of Edinburgh, ane man of fame,
honestie, and guid name, for placing of the commoun stapill of this realme
with zone in the auld place, quhair it wes of befoir duiing the commis-
sioun and space thairintill contenit, quhilk hes bene waquant and removet
to syndrie places this tyme bypast, throwe the occaaioun of the ciuill
tumultis, quhairwyth the maist pairte of the cuntrie off Flanderis hes
bene thir dyueris zeires occupiit to the hurt of mony; to the quhilk
Henry Nisbet, the saidis commissaris and we, all in ane voce, hes grauntet
and givin full commissioun, with zowe the judges and magistrates of the
said towne of Campfer to I'easoun, treitt, and conclude wpoun the placing
of the said stapill, and to that effect constitutis, makis, and nominatis
Convention of Boycd Burghs. 57
him oure fiictoure, actor, and spedall erand b^ar, to qohome we have
giyia and graunted full and fiie power, spedall mandemeni, and charge^
to do, awya, treitt^ resone, and condnde the placing, estabUssdng, and
conseming of the said stapill of the haill merchantiB of this oure lealme
in ihe dtie of Gampfer, dozing the space contenit in the instractionis and
directionis givin to him thairupoon, and to desyre all and syndiie the
immonities and priveledges graunted to us of befoir, and yiheris to be
renewet conforme to zoure promisis to be fulfillit, augmentit as oure said
commissioner sail require, and fynallie to desyre cautioun and aU securi*
ties for obseruing of the leag and band to be maid betuix ws ; and gene-
rallie to do, say, vse, and exerce all and syndrie thingis that may redund
to the vtiUtie of the oommoun weUl of the merchandis of this realme, and
aU that to the office of ane procuratour or commisdoner of burgh, actor,
fibctor, or spedall erand berar in sic caissis is knawin to appertene, quhilk
the saidis haill commissaris of buirowis mycht do gif thai wer present
thame selffis, haueand fiill power to that effect ; promisand ferme and
stabill haldand, and for to hald, all and quhatsumeuer thingis the said
Heniy thair commisdoner in the preuiLises thinkis nddfull to be done,
takand with him the hdp, counsale, and assistance of the Bycht Honora*
bill Maister Qeorge Hakket, conseruatour and judge of oure natioun in
the partis of Flanderis, with the heipe off Alexander Segait, zoure dtezane,
in witness off the quhilk thing, eta
Instmctiones off the thingis to be desyret of the magistrates off the
towne off Campfer, for informatioun of Henry Nisbett, commis-
doner, direct thair for pladng of the stapill in the said towne of
Campfer, during the commissaris of burrois willis of this realme of
Scotland.
Item, In the first, to desyire that all privdedges and firedomes graunted
to the stapill off Scotland of befoir in the said towne of Campfer, be the
ErUs off Flanderis, Dukes of Brabant, Emperor Charlis the Fyft, his sone
the King of Spaynie, and vtheris princes in the Low Cuntries, be ratifiet^
approwet, and of new graunted, obeeruit, and keipit, without violatioun
or diminutioun off ony pairte thairof
Item, To desyire of new the redressing off thair townis and heidis, and
marking off the beet deip for the maar assurit entrie of oure schippis. ,
H
58 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Item, To baue ane place in the hawin for oure Bchippis to los and ladiu
in ; or at the last, command givin to the key maister to mak place to
oure Bchippis for lossing and ladnyng, noctwithstanding the nummer of
fyschearis being in the said hawin, sua that oure merchandis or marinellis
haue na occasioun to enter in termes or contrauersie with the fyschearis,
and als to se the schoir be weill ordorit and reparii
Item, That ordour be taikin with the customer, that he submitt him
self to the iudgment of the judges of the towne, incais of ony wariance
betuix him and ony of oure natioun concemyng thair customes.
Item, That ane lyst be givin to the conseruatour be the customer off
the dewtie off all sortis off geir, als reasonabill as it may be procurit.
Item, That thair be procurit that ane place be designit for the payment
of few custome, als weill for the incummyng of oure schippis
as for the guidis bocht in Antuerp in the outpassing, that oure natioun
may be fre for anis paying thair custome, and nocht compellit to pay
tuys.
Item, That oure natioun may be absoluit frome all kynd off conuoy
gilt, als in the incummyng as the outpassing, and siclyke for this paying
or ony other new toll sett on the guidis ; and incais ony new impost or
taxatione be put, or heirefter salbe put on the guidis in incummyng or
passing furth, that the said towne off Campfer salbe thair procurement
mak the samyn &e and releis oure natioun thairof.
Item, That ordour be taikin of the warkmen, awneris of sellaris, loftis,
pak-houssis, and wyth the skipperis of the schippis and hoyes for trans-
porting of persones or guidis, and that the samyn pas be list and inuen-
toure, subseryuit be deaconis of thair craftis and the towne, quhairof ane
autentik copy salbe givin t<o oure conseruatour, and that for awoyding of
all ewill consequence.
Item, That guid ordour and competent waiges be appoyntit to the
fyschearis and pylatis, incais oure natioun or particular suppost thairof
haue to do for inbringing thair schippis outpassiDg or conuojring about
the He.
Item, That ze awys with the conseruatour, quhither it sail be maist
commodious for oure natioun to haue sex houssis appoyntit to thame fre
of excis and all impost, alsweill auld as new, or to haue ane hous
togidder, quhair thai all sail resort, referring to zour discretioun quhilk
Convention of Royal Burghs. ^ 59
of thai tua salbe best, that ane ordour may be taikin quhat salbe payit
for the melteth.
Item, That the houssis of the factour, quhair oure natioun sail maist
resort, sail be fre from ludging, and in commotatioun of soldiouris or men
of weir.
Item, That incais ony wariance betoix ony suppost of oure natioun
and ane of the towne, or ony of the kingis subiectis, for ony ciuill or
criminall caus, that the conseruatour be callit to heir the reasonyng and
alledgeanee of bayth the pairteis, and to give his opinioun, befoir defini-
tive be givin out, and that for keiping off preveledges in thair awn
integrite.
Item, That in criminall actiones betuis: the suppostis of oure li^tioun,
the judges handis of Campfeir may be sedudit, and the decisioun and
punischment thairof reseruit to oure conseruitour, lykas in all ciuill
actionis the same is dew to him.
Item, That ane place of punischement or presone be appoyntet to the
commandment of the said conseruatour, quhairintill he salbe obeyit
alsweill for imputting as releiving, and that without ony knawledge or
askyng at the baillie of scout, according to the auld custome.
Item, That ane honorabill and commodious place be appoyntit for
preching and prayeris, according to the religioun professet within this
realma
Item, Becaus off the ewill air within the lill, ingenerit to the deid and
loist of mony of oure natioun, quhilk be apperance sail gretumlie incres,
incais the salt pannis in the feir be nocht remowit and taikin away,
quhadrfoir ze saU desyire the samyn to be dimolisit.
Item, That it be procurit to impetrat of the magistratis of Antuarp,
tua or thre houssis, callit hoist houssis, to be excist fre thair, and to
desyire all preveledges to be renewit, quhilk we haue had grauntet be
thame to ws of befoir, conforme to the commissioun quhilk we haue with
zow. Farthir, in thir and all vthir thingis we sail haue to do con-
cemyng the weill and quietnes off oiure natioun, we refer to zoure awin
judgment, praying zour consult and awys with the conseruatour, and tak
his opinioun thairintill. And incais it sail happin, as God forbid, that
newe weiris or trublis rys in the cuntrie, it salbe lesum to zone to
depairt thairfra^ that the judges and pepill of the towne of Campfer sail
% 4UK {u?ii!k iniL u si^n K -i^uur v^^ksr >:iusi Aid wi^ic tiuk .pF
j: Mil lars.^^ s-^ m •rjinTii'r -nrj. -Lifin. iiiic je k^^ii: iwr *rLt soa ia»
«iuin. '^ ^vul jUitfVtmiiuaiL •ssr.iirLiiiiisaL ir TnTirtr^ ^3jk sJ. jarpnr lu
vt li>!Ut "lift ir»a«caAr *f inn* irr'-it-Lr^A ir 'iij Taii-^ "riarri£ Jirsnir
1F^ inrrr^ TfTHHT 3flar:kL& :;jac s y?nt^?nfMnr wtna '£us^ wwnamg it ^nn
aiiiiiFa rf jBttnTHT « ^nrnr^ ac ii* Praice* i;int::,^ 'zia :»irfai jf ':3a
H.^ai7v.»iiL Miirac 51ir, -iSL ?*r tli-^ ztttz*}^ ^n iii:i»* <s«^ii «rw^ :si«
VBK ^D<a» 'fiui !UV!njC r>i lanrhniJ. ':rv^ :e :;ai£^ ir^L or if jny ^vacs pi^K.
tea: T; ieno'jyt mIa 'iiw^e ";i Eimihrii-: '^e grjcTiTHuifiig it a» ^wve
rf ^AnVLziv 'iiaJL •wn<5 naci on aiay isv^ inr^-a ir ^zaauwrcn^ it zhair
iriijiia ^ Biiuivan wichnnt; iznya^im^c ir mj R^rurd Msii » ^a«i£r
(laaia '*r rftWHi aad skoft ^aai may 1 iiiw iab prrs«tti«ic «u TTnrtig ttiL-yes
aa siiflK «Hi fea( ^^^ ^oi^ ■bip ai ao&ii &
Toe C^[?7^ •? iift G.TnmiHffictci asui Pr-^rjErwdcuTL z?'*^ ^ ^i* sjiei if
?kvi O^-otfi j» Srsi^iini ^ Rilivii 3eiiaci:t<a •Zridsft;^ V<x«ms st T.M^m^^^
At. irj;*!:;!! 4«iaina ':ina "-,n» ei ^in<riia Tuimaa ^e xsre iaaaciBa >:c«r5
mfA '.rtiruaauziiift «»( tr.mm Himoa AJsxaciincii Snriifi Hlfcie p>^**»«m» «(
ar,miuA jr-yunaiaciir es a^ seuacezas ei r?£:i3iii Sroca*. fccvriie eaai »>-
iLiibv-^ ^f^jiX. ^ jir.roBfli lera *t zE»c5a aec^cfa ^^-iid ai pnsaistfa^riiieDB
mxjnt <a o^ ca-aia za 4<!7if<iB ^^la- <t treaerea s>rsxzalii«r <t sc^daocer
A a^^rrfuia aAsrxLa aiLV^ii?^ a»e f^ffrrai ac.^-^e pr>iC«ai q^xcs^iaKsiam
tfTjkiifam <r.ci=i;MMirf«=L ieccs, penciiaflciea coa t^ Taair%^:ae£^::Tae cMstrvHi
|ir> ina^ 4t nrt^ ir^.agraa t«i ta£.aufaaL qoicq;!!)! in i« rtedkta a pcv&io
KcaDCJSK ff^h^accaai Basenet illias uBtrKUocka
Convention of Royal Burghs. 61
actum transactum vel resolutum fuerit, idque quantum ad nos nostrosque
Bubditos pertinet fideliter in omnibus partibus exequuturoa. In cuius rei
testimonium sigillum ad causas predicte ciuitatis his appendi jussimus
secundo die mensia lunii anno 1578. £t sic subscribitur.
In absentia secretarii subscripsit J. Smit.
The Copy of the Insiructionis efler the quhilk Alexander Segait salbe
reuUit in the effaires committit vnto him be the tovne of Campfeir,
to entreit or handill with my Lnirdis Commissionairis or Deputes of
Estaitis of the gude tovnes of Scotland.
Item, in the first, he sail present vnto thair wisdomes and gudnessis
our maist effectual! commendationis, with oure offeris of sei*uice at all
tymes, quhensoeuer occasioun sail serue, or quhen we salbe requyrit be
Uiame thairto.
Thanking thame maist hertfullie of thair gude ancient lufe and affec-
tion bom at all tymes towardis ws, and now as we vnderstand at this
present they haue and beris towartis ws, be report of the said Alexander
Segait
fieseking thame that they will continew thair gude will towart ws
and oure tovne, the maist mutual ancient lufiug affection quhilkis we haif
bom aither towartis vtheris of auld tymes.
Excusing ws, alsua, that we have na qualefeit persoun of ouris for this
tyme to send to thame to be at the dyet of thair assemblie, quhilk we
vnderstand to be haldin at Edinburgh in the moneth of Julij nixt 1578,
for to intreit with thame vpoun the returning and estableisment of thair
merchantis of thair stapil within this oure said tovne.
Vtherwyes, to schaw thame that we had na vthir persoun qualefeit
amangis ws that was prompt or perfyte of the Scotis langage, except
George Kincaid, quha haid sindry tymes of befoir being requyrit be ws to
accept the sam charge, hes excusit himself, declaring for syndry his parti-
cular busynessis, he mycht nocht wait vpon the said weyage, and he beand
for the present in Handwarp, and we nocht certan of his return againe,
quhairthrow the weyage of the said Alexander Segait mycht be hinderit,
quhilk we desyre to be maist forderit and avancit.
Alsua, we haif thocht gude for the fidelitie and auld
62 Convention of Royal Burghs.
andent lafe bom towardis ws lyke as we vnderstand be zit beris to ws
and qubome we beleve bes na les credit with zour lordscbipa. Tbairfoir
fyndis proper and meit that he sail handill and treit with zonr lordscbips
in this ef&ires, quhilk we pray ze will accept and interpreit to the b^t
pairt This done, the said Alexander sail cause tbair lordscbips vnder-
stand, in the best maner or forme that he can, that the magistratis of the
\A)\ne of Campfeir sail do tbair devoir and vtter diligence, to the end that
the ScTitis nation may be mantenit in tbair auld ancient privileges, frie-
doracH, and liljerties, nocht alanerlie that they bad and bruikit of auld
tymeH, Uit alsua that they vsit and joysit the tymes of tbair last frequen-
tation heir, — althocht or bowbeit ony quaiTell or actioun suld happyn
or rnyclit fall l^etuix ony of the said natioun and subiectis of this cuntrie,
ather eiuill or criminall, quhither it be of the elfaires or actions criminallis
arnangis the nierehantis of the Scotis nation alanerlie, — hot alsua to promeis
tbaroe alsweill for the pairtis of the saidis magistratis, as particularlie for
the pairt of the present baillie, to quhais charge the estait and office of
the efdires appcrtenis mair nor vtheris, that nocht alanerlie they salbe
c^mfennit or avancit of tbair auld ancient rychtis and privelegis vsit heir,
bot alsua that they salbe accomodat and heli)it in all thingis resonabill
beirtofoir rehersit, sua that the honour and ayth of the said baillie and
magistratis be nocht violentit nor interest
Forther, to assure thame that we sail agrie with thame for the place of
ane hous for the natioun, of fyve or sax principall houssis of factouris,
quhairof we refer the naming or chosing to the discretioun of the com-
missioncris of thair saidis tovnes, or to the conseruatour and the foir
namit George Kincaid, quhither they pleis.
And alsua that we vnderstand and promeis that the saidis houssis salbe
exemit and frie frome ludging or intertenyng of ony soldartis or men
of weir.
And as tuyching the friedorae of the excyse or ony kynd of impoist,
alsweill vpon the wyne as vpon the heir, sail schaw vnto thame that they
salbe frie of sic ane quantietie of barrellis according to thair houssis and
houshaldis, lykeas the said conseruatour and George Kincaid, together
with tlie Magistratis of the tovne of Campfeir sail fynd convenient for the
sam, to the end they salbe contentit with resoun, and greitlie to thank the
liUiralitie of the said raagistrat of Campfeir mon agrie tbairfoir, and mak
Convention of Royal Burghs. 63
payment of the samyn to the estaitis of Holland againe to the last
penny.
And geve peraventour it suld happin that ony question suld ryse at
thair cuming betuix ony merchantis of the said natioun, and the customer
of the said tovne, lyk as ofb tymes befoir hes happynit, assuring thame
that we sail laubour so far with the said customer, that he sail submit
the said action in the handis of the magistmt of the said tovne of Camp-
feir, the quhilk we sail nocht suffer on na maner of way that nane of the
said natioun, zet nochtyeles of thame sail suffer ony dommage, hurt, or
evill intertenement. And to the end that they sail knaw quhat they sail
pay to the said customer, we sail geve to the conseruatour ane iust copy
of the said custome roll.
Schawing thame alsua, that at this tyme, at cure requeist and persute,
the ordour is tane with the generall estaitis of the Low Countries for the
ressait of the custome of Zeland be provisioun maid within the tovne of
Handwarp efter the auld vse and custome.
And geve they desyre or requyre to be excusit fra the paying of the
convoy gilt or license, quhilk is very liklie to be done, schaw vnto thame
that we ar besy solistand for the exemption of the sam, in the sam
maner and soirt lykas the natioun of Ingland hes already, and lykas we
vnderstand is aggreit, and as we hald almaist done and endit, awayting
daylie for oure commissioner with the octroye or ordinance of the sam.
Alsua, ze may assure thame that the channell entrie or gate of Camp-
feir is for the present sua gude as ever it was, and, nochtwithstanding,
till help and accommodat thame forther, we have put oure tunnis and
markis in the said gat, alangis all places neidfull and accustomat.
How alsua we vnderstand surelie ordour to be tane for help of the
said channell be laubour of dyking and mending of the heides and
bekynnis, in all places neidfull and accustomat.
Augmenting alsua^ that we haif procurit that they of Flussing hes
taikin ordour of the pylot, for entring and outpassing of schippis at thair
tovne ; and as tuyching otheris, thay salbe helpit and accommodat in all
reson to thair contentment.
As for the accommodating of thaim and thair schippis in our tovne
and havin, for to help them forther, we sail cause oure awin schippis, and
fischaris, and vtheris, to mak thame place.
64 GonverUion of Royal Burghs.
And gif it said happin that thay doubt at oure warkmen, maisteris
of schippis, or vtheris, wald exaction or tak mare for thair laubouris nor
resoun, assure thame that we will nocht suffer the sam on nauyes, how
that we ar begvn already and labouring to tak ordour for the sam to be
publest and ordanit, of the quhilk, alfiua^ we sail delyuer ane copy to the
sade conseruatour, in sic soirt, that thay sail haif na occasioun to
plenzie, and inlykmaner better cheip seruice nor thay haif bene in
vtheris places.
Fynally, in quhat maner of wy we may help, plesour, or benefite the
said nation, in generall or particular, that we sail nocht faill to lat thame
viiderstand be oure doingis, with als gude hert or will as ever we did
plesour or seruice to ony man in this warld.
Because of the^ publict exercyse of thair religion, as it is vsit for the
present in Scotland, quhilk aucbt to be the end and principall of all
thingiB, thay ar surelie informit and assurit be our letteris send to thame,
quhairof thay neid nocht doubt
And quhairas sum of the nation wald think to conceave unhelsum air
of the saltpaDuis, quhilkis ar biggit and set in ane nuik of the tovne,
they sail knaw be experience of thair cuming, that thair is litil reson for
the samyn.
And for the occasioun of the saltpannis, thay salt nocht find thame-
selues to be sua miscontentit, as thay ar persuaded, because thair is
hot ano wynde from the north that makis ony reik, the quhilk apperandly
blawis north euery day. And aboue that, the pannis gangis hot
ane season of the zeir. Nochtheles, the natioun beand heir, thay sail zit
be accommodat ^nd helpit in sic soirt, that thay salbe contentit with
resoun, insamekill that we vnderstand, with litill expenssis and skayth
the awner of the saidis pannis may be remedit and helpit ; In the quhUk
foirsaid, befoir the cuming of the said natioun, it can nocht be brocht to
effect without skayth, etc. etc.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 65
In the parliament haldin at Striueling^ the xviij of
lulij 1578.
The quhilk day, in the assemblie and conventioun of burrois haldin
the said day. It is statute and ordanit be the hale commisaris of bums of
Scotland, that thair stapill be placit and sett doun in the Campheir,
induring thair willis, conforme to thair commissioun and procuratiouii
granttit and gevin to the richt honorabill Heniy Nysbet, thair commissar,
and ane of the counsale of the burch of Edinburgh, with the avise and
counsale of Maist«r George Hacquet, conseruatour for the Scottis natioun
over all the pairtis of Flandaris. And to this effect ordanis the said
Henry and Maister George to mak this present ordinance to be publischit
in all the pairtis of Flandaris, and to charge ail the Scottis factouris in
tha pairtis with deligence to addres thame, togidder with all Scottis mer-
chantis with thair schippis, guddis, and merchandice to the said toun of
Campheir, to mak thair exchange and remanyng thair fra the nixt feist of
Mychaelmes furch, quhill forther ordour be taikin. "And that thair be
vpliflit ten stures of euerye sek of guddis pertenying to the saidis mer-
ehantis, to be deliuerit to the said Henry in recompance of his panys,
ay and quhill the sowme of tuentye foir pundis greit be payit to him
thairfoir. And, gif neid beis, ordanis the said Maister George, thair con-
seruatour, to waird, poynd, or arreist thairfoir, and mak the names
of the dissobeyaris, with thair duelling, knawin to the saidis com-
missaris in thair nixt conventioun, to be haldin in the toun of Dunde
the last of October nixt, that thai may suffer punischement in thair
bodeis and guddis for thair dissobedience. And that the saidis Henry
and conservatour be haldin to mak compt, reknyng, and payment of the
sowmes thay ressaue, and intromit with na forther fra the said xxiiij li.
greit be payit as thay will ansuer.
6G Convention of Royal Burghs.
Conventio hurgorum regni Scotice tenia in pretorio hurge
de Dondie^ ^>er commissionanos hurgorum subscriptes
vltimo die mensis Octohris^ ac primo tertio quarto et
quinto diehus Nouembris anno 1578, etc.
At quhilk tyme comperit Maister lohnn Preston and Henry Chair-
teids, commissioneris of Edinburgh ; Alexander Culane, coiumissioner for
Abirdene ; Williame Norowell, commissioner for Striveling ; Dioneis
Conquerour, commissioner for Perth ; Walter Quthre, commissioner for
Montrois ; Charles Drummond, provest, and lames Hamylton, baillie,
commissioneris for Linlithqw ; Harbart Ranyng, commissioner for Dum-
fireis ; lohnn Ayton, commissioner for Haddington ; Williame Bonkill and
and Williame Kelly, commissioneris for Dumbar ; Williame Hey, commis-
sioner for Elgyne ; lohn Lathreische, commissioner for Dysart ; Williame
Annan and Dauid Ramsy, commissioneris for Craill ; lames Anderson and
lames Fleschour, commissioneris for Cowpar ; lohnn Traill, commissioner
for Forfar ; lames Eamsy, commissioner for Abirbrothok ; lohnn Hakket
and John Lowdan, commissioneris for Kirkcaldy ; Thomas Lawder, com-
missioner for Northbervik ; and Alexander Scrymgeour, William Forester,
and Peter Clayhillis, commissioneris for Dondie ; be virtu of the seuerall
burghiscommissionis aboue speceifeit, specialliec onstitute,convenit for thair
dewfuU and trew obedience to oure Souerane Lord the Kingis Grace, and
for the commoun weill of the estait of the burghis of the realme of Scot-
land, hes concludit, maid, statute, and ordanit, as efter followis, etc. : —
Aiterationn of. In the first, Forsamekill as the alteratioun and change of the auld
taxt roll hes bene concludit vpon in dyueris conventions of the estait of
burrowis, to the effect that the dekyit bunowis may be releuit, and the
importabill chairges be stentis and taxations be the burghis incressit in
riches be proces of tyme, according to equitie and gude conscience. And
specially in the convention haldin at Striveling the xxv day of October
1574 zeris, it was concludit, statute, and ordanit, alsweill with consent
of the commissioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh, and the remanent of
the commissioneris of burrowLs than being present, that the auld taxt
the taxt rolles
Cmivention of Royal Burghs. 67
roll suld be alierit and cbangit at the nixt convention of the saidis
estatis to be haldin in the burgh of Dondie, and the commissioneris for
the said burgh of Edinburgh to bring with thame to the said convention
the saidis auld taxt rollis, to the effect the samin mycht be alterit, and
equalitie maid for releif of the dekayit burrowis, in maner aboue writtin,
and to endure for the space of thre zeris, or quhill new occasion of the
reformation of the said taxt rollis war offerit. And gif the commission-
aris of Edinburgh failzeit in bringing of the said auld taxt rollis to
the effect abouewrittin, that it suld be lesum to the remanent commis-
sionaris of vtheris burrowis to be convenit at Dondie, or ony sax of
thame to be electit and chosin be voit of the saidis commissionaris, to
alter and change the said auld taxt roll, as the said act at mair lenth
proportis, quhilk suld haif tane effect and executioun befoir ony vtheris
materis had bene handelit at this present conventioun ; bot in respect
that the saidis Maister lohnn Preston and Henry Charteris, commission-
eris for Edinburgh, declairit planelie that they culd on nawayes at this
present obtene the saidis aid taxt rollis, and that be reson of the procla-
matioun maid for the raid of ledburgh and Dumfreis, quhaiithrow they
supponit na present convention suld haif bene within this burgh, and
als thair dark quha hes the saidis rollis in keping wes havelye vexit with
infirmitie at thair departing fra Edinburgh, sua that the said roll culd
nocht be had. And the saidis causis being fund resonabill, the saidis
commissionaris now convenit, alsweill of Edinburgh as vtheris, hes all in
ane voce concludit, statute and ordanit, that the auld actis preceding,
and speciallie that quhilk was maid at Striveling the day foirsaid, the
said auld taxt roll suld be alterit and reformit at the next convention to
be haldin at the burgh of Cowpar in Fyfe, the saxtene day of Marche
nixttocum, and that the commissioneris of the said burgh of Edinburgli to
bring with thame the said auld taxt rollis to be alterit and reformit, in
maner foirsaid. And for the alteratioun and reformatioun thairof, the saidis
commissioneris convenit lies electit and chosin thair honorabill nycht-
bouris efter following : to wit, the said Maister lohnn Preston, commissioner
for Edinburgh ; Alexander Culane, commissioner for Abirdene ; William
Norowell, commissioner for Perth [Striveling]; Walter Guthre, commissioner
for Montros ; James Fleschour, commissioner for Cowpar ; lohnn Ay ton,
commissioner for Hadingtoun ; and Patrik Clayhillis, commissioner for
68 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Dondie, or ony sax of thame that salliappin to be present at the said
nixt convention. And gif thir personis foirsaidis, or ony of thame, beis
absent at the said nixt convention, the first person contenit in ilkane in
the saidis burghis commissions as saidis elected sail supplie the place of the
saidis absentis, and proceid to the said alteratioun and reformatioun of the
said auld taxt roll, and that alsweill vpon the copy of the said auldtaxt roll
now had be the commissioneris of Perth and vtheris burrovris, as vpon
the said auld taxt roll itself, gif it war presented and raised be the com-
missioneris of Edinburgh, without all forther dilay renuncing all cause
or allegeance that mycht be maid in the contrair ; and all the saidis
commissioneris be thir presentis consentis that the Lordis of oure Soue-
rane Lordis Counsall direct letteris of homing vpon the said jiew taxt
roll to be maid in maner fou-said, for obedience thairot vpon all burrowis
within this realme, siclike as was directed of befoir vpon the said auld
taxt roll.
Anoni the Item, It is coucludit and ordanit that ane supplicatioun be maid and
tobBOTows^ gevin in to the Kingis Grace and Lordis of Secreit Counsall be the commis-
P*J^.Wfj^^®» sioneris of Edinburgh, Dondie, Sterveling, Perth, and Lynlythqu, concem-
nont raids. ing the charges gevin to the burghis of this realme to pas to Wairdan or
Lieutennend raidis expres aganis the privileges of burrowis, and thair
accustomat liberties in the tyme of King lames the Fyft and his maist
nobill progenitouris, quhen the saidis burrowis war frie of all sic raidis,
and onlie subiect to pas quhair the Kingis awin proper persoun past him-
self, or quhen the haill body of the realm war chairgit to pas aganis
forain ennemeis, and to seik remeid thairin.
Aneni the vn- Item, It is statute and ordanit, that in respect of the act of parliament
maid for discharging of all tovnis vnfrie using the traffique and libertie
of frie tovnis, in the quhilk act there is na payne nor penaltie maid
aganis sic personis as contravenis the samyn, and zit, nochtwithstanding
of the said act, thair is dyueris tovnis in the coist syde and vtheris that
handlis and vsis the libertie and friedome of frie burrowis. Thairfoir at
the nixt parliament, or at oure Souerane Lord and Hienes Counsall that ane
penaltie or payne be maid aganis all thame that occupeis vniustlie, as said
is, the libertie and friedome foirsaid, to be execute but fauouris, be reson
the saidis burghis ar nocht onlie privilegat be the King oure Soueranis
maist nobill progenitouris, bot aLsua ar subiect to all taxationis, imposi-
frie townis.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 69
tionis, and chairgis for the commoun weill of the realm, quhairof the
saidis vnfirie tovnis ar fiie and delyuerit.
Item, It is statute and ordanit, that in respect of the greit hurt sus- Sonday mer-
tenit be the frie burrowis of this realme in balding of oppin merkatis at *^
landwart kirkis vpon the Sonday, quhilk is baith aganis the law of Qod
and actis of parliament, that the bun*owis hurt and adiacent to the saidis
landuart kirkis rais letteris of the lordis aganis the inhabitantis of the
tovnis quhair sik merkatis ar haldin, and als vpon the personis that
bringis ony geir to be sauld thairat, to be callit at particular dyettis and
pvneist for thair demerites for breking of the saidis actis of parliament,
and that letteris may be gottin fra the Kingis Grace and Lordis of Sccreit
Cotinsall nocht onlie to dischairge the saidis merkatis simpliciter, bot alsua
to confiscat the gudes that salbe apprehendit in the saidis mercatis, the
ane half to oure Souerane Lordis vse, and the vthir half to thame that
puttis the letteris to execution, and that the execution is may be producit
befoir the commissioneris of burrowis at ilkane of thair conventionis,
that na diligence be omitted quhill the fynall abolesing of the saidis
merkatia
Item, It is statute and ordanit that na merkat be haldin vpoun the Anent Sonday
Sonday in na frie burgh within the realm of Scotland according to the ™®"^^-
act of parliament, and quhat burgh or tovne that contravenis this present
ordinance the burgh failzeing sail pay ten pundis sa oft as they failzie,
and the samyn to be triat, and the payne to be collected be the dene of
gild of Edinburgh of aU burghis and tovnis fra the watter of Foii'th, and
be the burgh of Cowpar in Fyfe, betuix the watter of Forth and Tay, and
be Dondie fra Tay to the watter of Die, and be Abirdene fra Die in all
the north pairts, and that thay send thair executionis and diligence at the
nixt convention of burrowis, together with the money collected, to the
effect the samyn may be applyit at the sicht of the saidis commissioneris,
and letteris to be raisit aganis the burrowis contravening this present
ordinance, that the samyn may be put to execution but fauouris, etc.
Item, It is statute and ordanit that the act maid of befoir concerning Tabiesofpittie-
the vniformatie of all pitte-customes lifted within the Kingis Maiesties bummil^
frie burrowis of this realme be put to executioun, and that the commis-
sioneris of Edinburgh bring with thame thair taibillis of pittiecustomes
70 Convention of Royal Burghs.
the nixt convention to be haldin at Cowpar the day foirsaid, with the
quhilkis the saidis commissioneris of Edinburgh ar content.
Outiand bur- Item, They ratefic and appreve the act maid for charging of burgessis
^^^^^^ remanand without the burgh to resoirt to the tovne thay ar maid fne-
men within fourty dayes nixt effcer thaii* chairge, vnder the payne of tyn-
sall of thair fredomes, and that the said act be put to executioun im-
mediatlie.
Ratificatioun of Item, Ratcfeis and apprevis the actis efter following, and ordanis the
^^^^^ samyn to be put to execution with all diligence, to wit, the act maid of
the concurrance and assistance of ilk frie burgh in thair defence of thair
privilege ; als the act anent tlie taking of vnfiiemenis gudes vnder the
cullour of their awin, and handeling and traffecquing thairwith.
Conseruatour: Item, It is statute and ordanit, that the conseruatour in Flanderis be
chwSt^*^ discliargit simpliciter of ony vptaking of ony dewtie fra the Scottis
schippis thair arryvand, alsweill he is dischargit of the vplifting of the
sax stures of the sek.
The burrowis Item, It is statute and ordanit, conforme to the act maid at Striveling
fore°Uk^^riia- tuiching the convention of burrowis, that quhairever the parliament is
»neut haldin, or convention of the nobilitie or estaitis of the realme, that the
provest of the burgh quhairin the samyn is haldin sail mak aduerteisment
to the remanent burrowis or thair commissioneris thar being present,
that thay may convene together and pas to the parliament or convention
for vttering and declaring of thair materia concerning the commoun weill
of thair estaitis.
Ten thousand Item, The saidis commissioneris be thir presentis consentis that the
Pwth brig. fl^t of parliament maid at Striveling tuiching the vplifting of ten thou-
sand merkis for support of the brig of Perth, be obeyit and vpUfted as
eflferis.
Nixtconven- Item, This convention being concludit and endit, the commissioneris
Cowpar. foirsaidis hes appoynted thair nixt convention to be haldin at Cowpar in
Fyijff, the saxtene day of Merche nixttocum, and ordanis the said burgh
of Cowpar to direct thair missives to the remanent haiU burrowis of this
realme for making of thame dew and lawfuU wairning to compeir the said
day and place, specialie for reformatioun of the auld taxt rollis and vther
materis concerning the Kingis obedience, and weill of burrowis ; and what
burgh failzeis to compeir salbe poyndit imediatlie for the sovme of ten li.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 71
In witnes of the quhilk thing the saidis commissioneris hes subscryuit
thir presentis with thair handis. Extractum de libro statutorum dicte
coniientioniB per me Alexandrum Wedderbum seribam communitatis dicti
bnrgi de Bondie sub meis signo et subscriptione manualibus. £t sic
subscribitur.
A. WEDDERBURN.
Apud Dondie, tertio die niensis Nouembris, 1 578.
The quhilk day the commissioneris of burrowis in thair conventioun staipui in
presentlie haldin in the burgh of Dondie, hes all in ane voce concludit *™^ ^^^'
the staipill of the haill merchandis of this realme resoirtand to the pairtis
of Flanderis be estaiblescht in the tovne of Campfer, according to the
commission granted to Henry Nesbett, burges of Edinburgh, at the last
parliament to that effect, and in to na vther place, quhairvpon Maister
lohnn Preston and Henry Charteris, commissioneris for Edinburgh, askit
actis and instrumentis. Extractum de libro statutorum dicte conuentionis
per me Alexundrum Wedderbum scriba communitatis dicti burgi de Dondie
sub meis signo et subscriptione manualibus. Et sic subscribitur.
A. WEDDERBURN.
At Cowpar, in the convention of burrowis haldin thair the xxiiij, xxv, Cowpar.
xxvj, xxvij, and last dayes of Februar, the zeir of God, I™ V^ Ixxviij zeris,
comperit the commissioneris vnderwrittin of the bun*owis of this realme
be thair commissionis vndir thair commoun seillis, and pairt thairof vnder
the subscriptionis of the common clarkLs thairof, off quhome thair names
efter followis : Edinburgh, Maister lohnn Preston, lames Ros ; Striveling,
Williame Norowell ; Dondie, lames Forester, dene of gild, Peter Clayhillis;
Olasqu, Gawine Grahame ; Perth, Dioneis Conquerour ; Sanctandrois,
Williame Ferry; Cowpar, Schir Dauid Lyndesay, hone pro vest, Alexander
lameson, lames Peterson ; Innemes, Williame Baillie, George Ros ; Dum-
freis, Harbart Ranyng ; Air, Robert Campbell, baillie ; Lynlithqu, Andn)W
72 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Kar ; Hadington, lohnn Aytoun ; Dunbar, Maureis Lawder, Williame
Bonkill ; Forfar, lohnn Traill ; Breichan, Kobert Kynair ; Rugling, Daoid
Spens, baillie ; Northbervik, lohnn Spens ; Montros, Walter Guthre ;
Aberbrothok, lames Ramsay ; Kirkcaldy, lames Littilihon, lohn Lowdon,
Pettinweme, lohnn Carsaw.
Aiteratioun of The QUHiLK DAY, Forsamekill as in the conventioun of burrowis haldin
be the commissioneris thairof in the tovne of Dondie, the last day of
October, the first, secimd, thrid, feird, and fyft dayes of Nouember, 1578
zeiris, it was statute and ordainit that in the conuentioun of burrowis, to
be haldin in the burgh of Cowpar the nixt day, that the taxt roUis of the
burrowis of this realme suld be alterit and reformit in sic soirt that the
dekeyit burrowis of this realme decrest in substance suld be empairit and
diminischit, and the vther burrowis thairof incressit in substance to be
augmentit in the saidis roUis ; and to the effect the samyn mycht be
alterit, they have ordainit the commissioneris of Edinburgh to bring with
thame in the foirsaid nixt convention the auld taxt roUis of the burghis
of this realme to the effect foirsaid ; and for aiteratioun of the saidis
rollis, the saidis commissioneris convenit in the foirsaid convention haldin
at Dondie, hes electit thair honourabill nychtbouris efter following : —
Maister lohnn Pi*eston, commissioner for Edinburgh ; Alexander Culane^
commissioner for Abirdene; William NorOwell, commissioner for Striveling;
Dioneis Conqucrour, commissioner for Perth; Walter Guthre, commissioner
for Montrois ; lames Fleschour, commissioner for Cowpar ; lohnn Ayton,
commissioner for Hadington ; and Patrik Clayhillis, commissioner for
Dondy ; or ony sax of thame that suld happin to be present in the said
convention to be haldin in Cowpar, and gif ony of the saidis personis
war absent in the foirsaid convention, in that cais the first person
contenit in ilk ane of the thrie burghis commissionis elected as said is,
sail supplie the place of the absentis, and proceid to the aiteratioun of the
saidis rollis, as the said act at lenth proportis ; conforme to the quhilk,
comperit the said Maister lohnn Preston, commissioner for Edinburgh,
and hes producit the auld taxt roll of ane hundreth pundis to be
collectit of the haill burrowis of this realme, vnder the subscription of
Alexander Guthre, commoun dark of Edinburgh, quhilk the said Maister
lohnn declairit vpon his conscience the samyn to be the trew extract of
the principall taxt roll foirsaid, quhairvpon they devyde the haill
Convention of Royal Burghs. 73
exientis and taxationis vpoun the burrowis of this reahne, qulien taxa-
tionis occurris and ar imposit vpoun the burrowis of this re«lme, and
thidrupon asket instrumentis. And the said Maist#r lohnn Preston,
commissioner foirsaid, Williame Norowell, Dioneis Conquerour, Walter
Gathre, lohnn Ayton, Patrik Clayhillis, and Alexander Jameson eommis-
sionar for Cowpar, present in place of the said lames Fleschour, be reson
of the commission of Cowpar and absence of the said lames, quhilkis
commissioneris foirsaidis of the burrowis aboue rehei-sit respectuie, acceptit
reformatioun and alteratioun of the saidis taxt roUis vpon thame in
presence of the haill commissioneris foirsaidis, and hes maid fayth to do
the samyn lealelie and ti*ewlie conform to thaii' knawlege ; sua that they
efter lang avysement thair be thame thairanent, haifand God and gude
conscience befoir eis, hes altogether refformit the saidis roUis, as they ar
particularlie vnderwritten vpon ilk burgh in speciall vpon the sovme of
of ane hundreth pundis to be tane and collected of the haill burrowis.
And this reformatioun to stand for the space of thre zeiris nixt heirefter
following, and ay and quhill the samyn be new reformit and alterit be
the commissioneris of the burrowis appoyntit and convenit to that effect
efter lawfull aduertisement maid to the hailL And the saidis commission-
eris hes assignet for collection of ilk hundreth pundis of tax foirsaid
thretty schiUingis and ane penny, and quhatsumeuer taxatioun salbe
heirefter lemated and ordainit to be tane of the burrowis of this realme,
the samyn to be stentit be Edinburgh conforme to the said new reformit
roD, and vpon na vtheris ; and that oure Souerane Lordis ^ letteris of
homing directit vpon the said new taxt roll for obedience thairof, as was
ever at ony ty me directit vpon the auld taxt rollis.
The alteratioun of the taxt^ roll, alterit and reformit at Cowpar, the
penult day of Februar, the zeir of God 1578, be the commis-
sioneris of burrowis of this realme appoynted thairto, and of the
sovme of ane hundreth pundis money to be coUectit of the haill
burrowis of this realme.
tnprimis, Edinburgh with Kingorn Rugling, viij s.
and Innerkething, xxviij li. Air, iij li. vij s. iij d.
Striveling, xlyj s. vi d. Irrewing, xxvij s.
Linlithqu, xxiij a viij d. Glasqu, xliiij s. vj d.
71
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Rothesay, x s.
Dumbartan, xvij s. ix d.
Eanfrew, xx s. iij ^
Laneark, xvj s. ix d.
Jedburgh, xxiij s.
Selkirk, xiij s. vj d.
Peiblis, XV s. j d.
Hadingtoun, xl s.
Northbervik, v s.
Dumbar, viij s.
» Lawder, viij s.
Dumfreis, xxxvij s. vj d.
Abirdene, ix li ix s.
Dundie, xj li xvj r. viij d.
Perth, vj li. xvj a
Banff, xiij s. vj d.
Dunfermeling, xvj s.
Craill, XXX s.
Kirkcudbrycht, xvj a
Wigtoun, xvj 8.
Quhithom, xvj a
Forfar, x s. j d.
Breichan, xxx s.
Montrois, xliij s.
Elgyne, xxvj s. viij d.
Innemes, xxx s.
Abirbrothok, xx a
Sanctandrois, iij li x a
Cowpar, XXXV a vj d.
Culane, vj s. x d.
Forres, xvj s. ix d.
Nairn, vj a x A
Thayne, x a j d.
Dysart, xxx a
Kirkcaldy, xxa
Pittinweme, xiij a iiij d.
Sumina totalis, ane hundreth ane pundis ten schillingis ane penny, and
this ane pund ten a ane penny for the collection thairof Et sic sub*
scribitur.
Maister lohnn Preston, commissioner for Edinburgh.
Peter CSayhillis, commissioner for Dondie.
Dioneis Conquerour, commissioner for Perth.
Wm. Norowell for Striveling.
Walter Guthre, commissioner for Montros.
*Ihonn Ayton, zounger, commissioner for Hadington.
Alexr. lameson, commissioner for Cowpair.
J. ANDERSON.
Tikket of mer- The QUHILK DAT the saidis commissioneris statutis and ordanis that
SSTndto ^^m- *^^' ^ ^^® wryting dii-ected be the tovne of Edinburgh to the tovne of
pbeir. Campfeir, that ilk merchant within this realme that arryvis thairin
produce to the said Conseruatour ane tikket vnder the subscription of
the dene of gild, baillie, or dark of the tovne that thay saill furth of,
testefeing thame to be irie merchantis and gild brethir, and quha dois
Convention of Royal Burghs. 75
vtherweyis, the Conseruatour to intromet with thair geir thair present,
escheit the samyn, as ane vufriemannis geir.
And ilk persoun merchant of this realme bring with thame ane tikket
vnder the subscription of the dene of gild, baillie, or clark of the tovne,
they ar frie burgesses and gild brethir and induellaris in the tovne
quhairof they resave the said tikket, to be presented be thame befoir the
magistratis of the burgh or tovne they saill furth of, and quha dois nocht
the samyn to be haldin as vnfriemen, and stoppit and debarrit fra the schip
they pretendis to saill in.
Item, That thair be na commissioner direct furth of the burgh to the Commissioii.
parliament or convention of burrowis, bot sic as ar frie merchantis and ^^uo*b«frie
ild brethir traffecquaris thairin as ane frie merchant, and quhat burgh ^"rg^sia.
directs ony vtheris, the commissioner contenit in the said burghis com-
mission to be repellit fra the societie of the remanent of the commis-
sioneris of the saidis burrowis, and the burgh directar of thame to be
pvneist thairfoir at the discretion of the remanent of the commissioneris of
the saidis burrowis, and nocht to be admitted in societie with thame
quhill thay be of new ressauit in the fauouris of the remanent burrowis.
Item, That na merchant within this realme, vnder the pi-etence of Cuionngvufne
culour of dissimulatioun, tak in company with him ony vnfriemennis ^^
geir, nocht gild brethir, to be sauld or interchangit be him to the vnfriemen,
nocht gild, and quha that dois vtherwyes, to be haldin as periure and
defamit, and neuer to bruik office in the tovne they ar frie in.
Item, Ordanis ane article to be maid to the parliament to be haldin in woii,etc.traua-
Striveling the x day of Merche nixttocum, that na woll be transportit poking.
furth of this realme for the space of thre zeris nixt efter the dait heirof,
nor zit ony butter, naither Orknay nor meil butter.
Item, To desjdr the act of parliament to be put to executioun anent Fische.
the filscheris quhilk slayis fische vpon the coistis of Scotland, and that
thay sell nocht the samyn bot to frie merchantis of this realme.
Item, That ane speciall supplicatioun be directed to the King andSerche«iurw:
Lordis of his Hienes parliament be the commissioneris of burrowis to be ® ^ ^
convenit thair in Striveling the day foirsaid, for desyring of reformation
to be put to the sersouris vplifland ane extraordinar dewtie of x s. of ilk
chalder of salt passing furth of this realme, to the greit hurt and preiudice
76 Convention of Royal Burghs.
of all oure Souemne Lordis lieges, quhilk dewtie they onlie apply to
tliame selues.
Sercheouris: Item, To desyre in the said parliament that remeid be socht aganis
forbiddin guide gersouris quhilkis ouerseis the forebodin wairis of this realme, to be trans-
ported or careit furth of the samyn, and that ane penaltie be maid vpon
thame quhilkis takis brybis or rewairdis for the said ouersicht
Merchant to Item, To desyro that na stop nor impediment be maid to sic personis
Korway with ^f ^\^ realmc as passis to Noroway with schone, salt, malt, or lynning
clayth, for hamebringing of tyinmer, bot they to be frie to transport the
saidis wairis thaii-to.
ingiis clayth. Item, To be rcmomberit to be proponit in the said parliament that na
peraon in this realme bring hame Inglis clayth furth of Ingland to this
realme to be sauld thairin, becaus the samyn is ane greit hurt to the
realme, and is the occasion of mony vagabund women to pas ydill thairin
for laik of woll, laubouring and making of clayth.
Fai8 litt Item, Ordanis euery burgh within this realme to tak ordour anentis
thame quha hantis the litting of Ms litt, sic as blew brissell, ochart litt,
or ony vther fals litt, quhilk is ane greit hurt and dessait to the Kingis
lieges, and thairfoir the committeris thairof to be pvneist at the disci*e-
tioun of the magistratis of the burgh they are tano in.
Now inipoistis Item, To dcsyre the tovne of Edinburgh in all thair names ane suppli-
iii France. catioun to the Magistratis of Deip in France, desyring reformatioun of
the new impoistis raisit vpon the lieges of this realme arryving thairait,
quliairthrow they ar compellit to pay to the pylatis and vther customaris
sic extraordinar chairges within the samyn as ar to the greit hurt of the
treddaris thair, and to crave remeid thairanent.
Dags and Item, To propone in Parliament that thair be na dagis nor lang hak-
hakbuts. butis worn within burgh, vnder sic payne as salbe thocht gude be the
* Kingis grace and Lordis of- Parliament.
Wechts. Item, That all burrowis within this realme haif thair wechtis, sic as
stane, half stane, pund, and half pund, the trone wecht, according to the
stane of Laneark, to be maid of bras, and markit with the tovnis stamp
of the burgh the samyn is in, and that na person by nor sell ony geir
vAih ony vther mesour nor that quhilk salbe maid of bi*as ; And that
uniuersally throw the haill burrowis of this realme, euer ilk tix)is wecht
keip the iust wecht of xvj vnces for the pund, conforme to the Frenche
Cmivention of Royal Burghs. 77
wecbt, and that the Magistratis of euery burgh put this present ordinance
to execution betuix the dait heirof and the first day of September nixt-
tocum. And quhat burgh failzeis thairin to paj*^ x li. toties quoties.
Item, That ilk burgh within this realme haif thair furlotis and mesouris Furlots and
conforme to the staine of linlithqu in all soirtis, and that na maltman
haif nor vse ony half boll metis, exce[)t they be brokin and markit with
the tovnis mark quhairin the samyn is, vnder the pyne of x li.
Item, This convention being concludit be the commissioneris foirsaidis, Nixt conven-
hes appoynted thair nixt convention to be haldin in Glasqu the xxiiij day Jji^^ ^ **
of Februar 1579 ; And ordanis the said burgh to direct thair missives to
the remanent burrowis of this realme for making of dew and lawfuU
waiming to thame to compeir the said day and place for trcitting vpon
sic thingis as tend to the glorie of God, dew obedience of oure Souerane
Lord, and estait and weill of buiTowis. And quhat burgh failzeis to com-
peir to pay X li. In witnes of the quhilk thing the saidis commissioneiis
hes subscryuit the samyn with thair handis as efter foUowis.
Mr. lo". Preston, commissioner for Edinburgh.
lames Ros, commissioner for Edinburgh, with my hand at the pen
led be lohnn Guthre notar at my command. Ita est loannes
Guthre notarius de mandato dicti lacobi scriberi nescientis
ut asseruit teste meis signo et subscriptione manualibus.
lames Forrester, commissioner for Donde.
Peter Clayhillis, commissioner for Dondie.
Dioneis Conquerour, commissioner for Pei-th.
W™. Norowell, commissioner for Striveling.
Gawine Gmhame, commissioner for Glasqu.
D. Lyndesay, commissioner for Cowpar.
Alex^. lameson, commissioner for Cowpar.
Walter Guthre, commissioner for Montrois.
78
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Followis the Actis and Staiviis maid at Strivding the fytt
day of August the zeir of God /*". V". threscoir nym-
tene zeiris. The commissioneris of hurrois convenit
in the Tolbuith of the same, quha eondvdit and deliherit
vpon the articles following, in maner as is efter
deduirede.
Conventioan
befoir the
parliament
Campheir :
salt pannis ;
loist mailles.
Conseniatour i
In the first, The commissioners of burrowis presentlie convenit aggreis
and voitis that thair be new meitting and conuentioun of burrois com-
missioneris in quhatsumeuer place it salhappin the nixt parliament to be
haldin in, fyve days befoir the first day of Parliament, to the effect deli-
beratioun may be tane vpoun particularis of burrois.
Secoundlie, It is aggreit that the prouest, baillies, and counsale of Edin-
burgh write effectuouslie to the toun of Campheir anent the demoliscbeing
of the salt pannis thairof sa far as thai ar troubilsome, as alsua tuiching
the loist mailles, and werkmen quhairin diners ar extortionat be the
tousting vsit vpoun thame be thair compromit maid thairanent.
As alsua write to Maister George Halket dischargeing him of receaving
c^mpt"tEairo? ^^ ^^® ^^^ sturis of the seek in all tyine heirefter ; and likewayis that he
bring himself, or send be his commissioner, his comptis sen the last receav-
ing of his commissioun, and that betuix and the xv day of October nixt-
tocum.
Thridlie, It is aggreit that the toun of Edinburgh, prouest and baillies
thairof, tak ordour anent the payment of frauchting of schippis, and thai
to prescryve the same as they think maist expedient.
Feirdlie, It is votit that commissioun be grantit to ane or tua of Edin-
burch, or tua of Dunde, Peirth, Striveling, Abirdene, to tak ordoure anent
the vsing of the excise beir and wyne in Campheir.
Articlis following remittit to the nixt meting of burroia
Item, Forsamekill as be the exhorbitent toust of marineris and schip-
maisteris of guidis imput in schippis not of tun mesour, nor that be the
same the fraucht may be payit, ordour is to be tane thairin the xv day of
October nixt. And in the menetyme the commissioneris present to
Frauchting of
schippis.
Canv€ntio7i of Royal Burg lis. 79
report the discommoditie thairof to thair nychtbouris and haue thair
adtiise agane the said day.
Anent the supplicatioun gevin in be the prouest, baillies, counsale, andNichtbomisof
communitie of the burch of Edinburgh, makand mentioun that it is nochtq^^^^Jim-
unknawin how thair was sevin nichtbouris of Edinburgh put and detenitP"*®^*-
in waird vpoun materis concerning weilfair of burrois, and in speciall con-
cerning the bolleheoune, and thairfoir desiring the mater may be resonit
amangis the assemblie present, that thair menis expenssis maid in thair
wairding may be rembursit, as the supplicatioun beris, the commissioneris
convenit remitts the ansuer heirof to thair nixt conventioun ; and in the
menetyme ilk commissioner to confer with thair nichtbouris as efferis.
Ferder, Remittis the suplicatioun direct be Alexander Segat tuichingMiniateTin
the uphald of ane minister in Campheir to the nixt assembley as said is. Campheir.
Followis the namis of the commissioneris for the burrois efter declairit,
covenit day and place foirsaidis.
Gilbert Dik, baillie for Edinburgh. Robert Raning, Drumfreis.
Henrie Nesbet. Moreis Lauder, Dumbar.
Henrie Charteris. Tliomas Lauder, Northbervik.
Alexander Scrymgeour, bailie, Dunde. lames Cokbume, Hadingtoun.
Dioneis Conquerour, Perth. Robert Sempill, Dumbertane.
Andro Balfoure, Sanctandrois. Hew Campbell, Irving.
Gawane Grahame, Glasqw. Hew Neuen, Irving,
Thomas Murray, Striviling. Adame Moflfet, baillie, Peiblis.
Williame Norwell, Striviling. Gilbert Tuedie, Peiblis.
Andro Buke, Abirdene. Robert Waus, Innernes.
Williame Stewart, Air. Dauid Brintoun, Lanark.
Schir David lindesay of Mounth, Rolland Mwir, Lanark.
Cowper. lohne Traill, Forfar.
lames Flescheour, Cowper. lohne Ramsay, Carreill.
Charles Drummond, prouest, Lin- Robert Cuik, Pettinveyme.
lithgw. lohne Barclay, Pettinveyme.
This is the iust copie of the procedingis in the assemblie befoir writtin,
oollationat be the principall, subscriueit be me, lohne Muschet, clerk
thairto, witnessing my signe and subscriptione manual! Et sic subscri-
bitur.
I. MUSCHETT.
80 Convention of Royal Burghs.
FoUoms the actis and statutis maid he the commissioneris
of hui^owis assemhlit to the Parliament haldin at
Edinburgh in October 1579, as alsita the articules
gevin in be thame thairto.
For Ediuburgh, with commission seillit and subscryvit, Alexander
Clark, pro vest, Henry Nesbett, baillie, and Maister lohnn Preston; Perth,
Dioneis Conquerour, Williame Flemyng ; for Dondie, with commission,
Alexander Scrymgeour, Peter Clayhillis ; for Craill, Williame Bowsy,
Williame Annand, with commission ; for Striveling, Thomas Murray,
baillie, Robert Alexander, dene of gild, without commission producit ; for
Dumbar, Williame Bonkill, commission schawin ; for Abirdene, Gilbert
Meinzeis, pi'ovest, Williame Meinzeis, his brother, and Alexander Kuther-
furde, baillie, without commission schawin ; Sanctandrois, Maister Dauid
Kussell, without commission ; Hadingtoun, lames Cokburn, and Williame
Broun, baillie, but commission ; Cowper, Dauid Patersoun, without com-
missioun schawin ; Pettinweme, Maister Thomas Beinston, without com-
mission, and William Bowsy, commissioner for Craill, protested this the
said Maister Thomas* admission suld nocht preiuge thame in thair liber-
ties ; Forfar, lohnn Ti-aill, without commission schawin ; Elegene, lohnn
Annand, provest, but commissioun ; Dumfreis, Harbert Banyng, Archi-
bald Makbrair, provest, but commission ; Laneark, the auld Laird of
Carmichaell, but commission ; Irewing, Hew Campbell, provest, but com-
mission ; Dumbarton, lohnn Hardrig, without commission ; Glasqu,
George Elphinston, Williame Cunynghame ; Linlithqu, Chairles Drum-
mond, provest, Andrew Ker, dark, thairof; for Abirbrothok, Adame
Peirsoun; for Northbervik, Thomas Lawder; for Dunfermling, Robert
Pawton ; for Air, Edward Wallace.
Dondie vniawit The samyn day the commissioneris of burrowis abouewrittin, being con-
'^af'JI^itinVenit in the Nether Tolbuyth of the said burgh of Edinburgh, all in voce
commissioun. fyndis the tovne of Donndie suld pay ane vnlaw of fourty pundis
for contravening of thair act maid at thair convention in Cowper in
Februar 1578, anentis the election of thair provest, the tutour of Petcur,
Convention of Royal Burghs. 81
nocbt beand ane merchant trafficquar, in commission at the convention
baldin at Striveling in August last bypast.
The aamyn day Alexander Scrymgeour, commissioner for the said Protestatioun
tovne of Dondie, in name thairof protested the act abouewrittin suld tak ^^°^^'^^'^-
na effect, insefar as the commissioneris now convenit for the maist pairt
heB scbawin na commissioun to treitt vpoun the effaires of burrowis, bot
onlie war convenit to the Parliament.
Itek, The saidifl commissioneris statutis and ordanis that zeirlie at the JedgeniaiBteris
feist of Michaellmess, quhilk is the ordinar tyme of the electioun of
ofiiciaris in burrowis, thair be elected and chosin certan jedge maisteris at
every sea poirt within this realme for setting of all gudes nocht of tun
mesour, and the jedgis of euery burgh and sey poirt to be conforme to
the jedge of the burgh of Edinburgh, to quhome they geve full commis-
inon to mak the samyn. And the jedge maister to have for jedging and
setting of euery tun jedgit and mett be him tuelf penneis, quhairof the
ane half to be payit be the skipper, and the vther half be the awner of
the gadea.
Item, Anentis the des3n'e of the commissioneris of Glasqu, desyrit the pesyreof heip-
heipit mettis uniuersalie to be reformit, and that ane Act of Parliament Giwqu.
war maid thaLrrpoun, sua that all fourletis, pekis, and vther mesouris war
maid of the lairgnes of the heipit mett, to be straikit and nocht heipit ;
Fyndis the mater of sic importance, and the tyme sua impertinent for this
present^ as at this t}rme na resolutioun can be had thairof, continewing
alwayes the samyn to thair nixt conventioun.
Item, It being proponit be the commissioners of the burgh of Edin- ExpenMia
buigh that the answer to be gevin to thair supplicatioun presents befoir l^bui^hf ^
the commissioneriB of biurowis last convenit in Striveling, anentis the
rembarsement of thair nychtbouris chairges sustenit be thame the tyme
of thair imprisonment in the Palace of Linlithqu, Dern of Monteith, and
Dumbarton, for defence of the commoun cause of burrowis, and in speciall
the boulzeon, the tyme of the Erie of Mortounis govemement, was con-
ionewit to this present conventioun, as ane act maid thairvpoun proportis ;
Condudis that at the nixt conventioun of burrowis quhilk is to be in
Glasqu the xxiiij day of Februar nixt, resolute ansuer salbe gevin to
thame thairanent^ and promesis euery ane for their awin pairt, thatt thair
commissioneris to be sentt to the said convention salbe sufficientlie in-
82 Convention of Royal Burghs.
8tructed to that effect, and have speciall commission thau'to ; and this
becaus the commissioneris now assemblit, in defalt and negligence of the
commissioneris convenit at Striveling, nocht being aduerteist be thame,
brocht na commission to determyne thairvntill.
Kxtentt to be Item, Efter lang resonyng with ane act producit befoir thame be the
bureing of the saidis commissioneiis, quhairby it was ordanit that Adame Fullerton suld
STE^nbu^h" l>^ dispeschit with all diligence to Ingland for suting of redres of the
intheburrowisggljippig ^^^ orudes piUcit be the Infflismen fra the merchandis of this
names to * *^ . .
•Adame Foul- rcalme, and that for making of his chairges thair, thair suld be ane geno-
^^ rail extent of tuelf hundreth merkis sett to be vplifted of the haill
burrowis of this realme, viz., njnie hundreth merkis thairof to be de-
lyuerit than instantlie to the said Adam for making of his expenssis as
said is, and ane hundreth and aucht merkis to pay for ane zeris interest
thairof, according to the rate of tuelf for the hundreth, and the rest of
the sovme for the ingathering thairof ; as the samyn insert in counsall
buke of the said burgh of Edinburgh, extractit furth thairof be Alexander
Guthre, common dark, vnder his subscription of the dait at Edinburgh
the thrid of Maij 1577, proportis. The saidis commissioneris for the
maist pairt fyndis the tovne of Edinburgh debursaris thairof suld be rem-
bursit thairof, and that the said extent suld be sett and vplifbed with
diligence of the haill burrowis of this realme conforme to the tennour of
the said act to that effect. And the commissioneris of Perth, Sanctan-
drois, Cowpar, Dumbartan, and Dumfreis dissa^sented to the making
heirof.
The conmiissioneris present continewis the resonyng vpoun the placing
of thair estaipill in Flanderis into thair nixt convention, to be haldin at
Glasqu the day abouewrittin, and promesis that the commissioneris to be
direct to the samyn salbe sufficientlie instructit and haif commissionis to
that effect to se all things promesit be the iuges of Campfeir be obseruit,
and ordanis the tovne of Edinburgh to wryte to the conseruatour to be
at the said conventioun.
Alex"" Clark. lames Cokbum.
Henry Neisbett. Williame Browne.
Alx^ Scrymgeour. • Maister Dauid Russell, dissas-
Robert Alschindir. senting to the penult artikle.
George Elphynstoun. Eduard Wallace.
Conve7itio7i of Roycd Burghs. 83
Hew CampbeL Williame Bonkle, commissioner
Thomas Lauder. of Dunbar.
Dawid Peirsone. H. Ranyng, of Drumfreis.
Rolland Mwir.
FoUouns the actisj statutis, and conclusioivn^ maid and taikin ?^*«i^-
at GlasqUy in the convention and assemblie of hurrovris
haMin thairat, the xxiiij\ xxv^ xxnj\ and xxvij dayis of
February 1579, he the commissioneris thairof vndiriorit-
tirij quha presented thair commissionis pairtlie vender
thair commoun seillis^ aud ane vther pairtt vnder the
svbsainptions of the common clarkis of the saidis hur^
rowis^ of quhome the namis foUoims :
Edinburgh, Henry Nesbett, baillie, Henry Chairteris; Air, George
Lokkart, George Cocheran ; Cowper, Dauid Philp, thesaurer ; Irowyne,
Hew Campbell, provest, Gawane Nasmyth ; Craill, Dauid Eamsay ; Ljm-
liihqu, Androw Kar ; Striveling, Robert Alexander ; Perth, Dioneis Con-
querour, Maister Patrik Quhytelaw of Newgrange; Laneark, Dauid Bryn-
toun, Williame Wilkene ; Ruglene, Dauid Spens ; Dondie, Alexander
Scrymgeour, baillie, Richartt Blythe ; Hadington, Robert Nesbett, pro-
vest, Alexander Synison ; Dumbartan, Maister Williame Houstoun ;
Glasqu, George Elphinestone, Williame Cunynghame, baillies ; Peebles,
Gilbert Twedy, thesaurer ; Dumbar, Maurise Lawder, Williame Kelly ;
Abirdene, Williame Menzeis ; Sanctandrois, Maister Dauid Russell ;
Pettinweme, Stevin Martyne ; Ranfrew, Adam Hall, Patrik Jaksoun.
The quhilk day, comperit lohnn Wyce, burges of Glasqu, and producit Commiaaion-
ane commission to compeir for the tovne of Wigtoun, and desyrit to be wgtouiJ^^
admitted commissioner for thame, quhilk desyre the haill commissioneris
abouewrittin thocht nawayis resonabill, and repellit the samyn, becaus
he was na burges of the said tovne of Wigtoun, and that thair comperit
na burges thairof thairwith instructed be thame, and thairfoir the said
tovne was vnlawit as absentt.
84 Convmtion of Royal Burghs.
Commission- The samyn day, comperit Nicoll Palmer as ane messenger direct be the
Misiwe. baillies and communitie of Dunfries, and presented ane letter of ratifica-
tion of all thingis to be done in this present conuention to be concludit on,
subscryuit be thair commoun clark, quhilk the commissioneris accepted,
bot nocht as ane com mission.
Protestatioun Siclike, compcrit Stcvin Martyne, and producit ane commissioun fra
CraiU. the baillies counsall and communitie of Pettinweme, and desyrit to be
admitted as commissioner for thame, quhome the baill commissioneris foir-
• saidis, together with his commission, admitted, without preiudice of the
burgh of CraiU, and the action intented and dependand betuix thame,
presentlie befoir the Lordis of Sessioun : And Dauid Bamsay, commis-
sioner for Craill, protested thatt the recept of the saidis commissioner of
Pettinweme and his commission suld nocht preiuge thair richt or privel^e,
nor zit the action dependand betuix thame thairupoun befoir the Lordis
of Session, becaus, as he allegit, Pittenweme was and is within the boundis
friedome and libertie of Craill, and heirvpon askit instrumentis.
Ratificatioun, Alsua, comperit Alexander Scrymgeour and Richart Blythe, commis-
oUht^wjfm*2id sioneris for Dondie, and ratefeit and aprevit the act maid at Striveling
in sterveiing. in the Convention of burro wis haldin thair the xxv of October, 1679,
bering that quhatsumeuer contention beis betuix burrowis concerning
thair liberties salbe proponit in generall conuention of burrowis, and re-
ferrit to certan to be chosin be thame thairfoir, as in the said act at lenth
is c^ntenit; And lykewyis Dioneis Conquerour and Maister Patrick
Quhytelaw, commissioneris for Perth, ratefeit and apprevitt the samyn,
and thairupon the saidis commissioneris of Perth take note with provision
thatt the said ratificatioun, maid be thame of Perth, preiugit thame nocht
touching the prioritie of thair place, albeit they be second in ratification
as said ia
Protestatioun, The samjm day, Robert Alexander, commissioner for Striveling, pro-
^* °^' tested thatt quhatsumeuer thing beis done or decemit betuix the barghis
of Dondie and Perth tuiching the second place of burrowis clamit be
ather of thame, preiugit nocht Striveling and the privilege it hes to the
second place of burrowis, and thairupoun askit instrumentis.
Dcmdy, Pertii. Item, Forsamckill as be act of parliament maid at Edinburgh in Octo-
ber last, the question and debait betuix Perth and Dondie anent thair
place in parliament was referrit to the decision of commissioneris of bur-
rowis, to be decydit at this convention now in Glasqu, and efter lang
Ckmvention of Royal Burghs. 85
resohyng thairwitb be the saidis commissioneris, it wafi emistlie requestit
be tbame, in respect of the wechtie materia now to be treittit tuiching the
weilfare and libertie of the haill burrowis, that the saidis commissioneris
of Perth and Dondie Buld tak vp, in boip of concord, the said mater, and
all vther materis debatabill and questionabill betnix the saidis tua bur-
rowis, sua thatt perpetuall amitie may heirefter reroane amangis thame :
At the quhilk emist requeist, and for the causis foirsaidis, the saidis com-
missioneris of Perth and Dondie hes obeyit, and the saidis haill commis- ^
sioneris hes continewit thaii* conclusioun thairin quhill thair nixt conven-
tion, with consentt of pairtis as the mater standis now, butt preiudice of
the act of parliament thairanent, and ather of thair rychtis ; And thair-
Ibir the saidis commissioneris of Perth hes promeist to cawse thre honest
induellaris, gild brethir of the samyn tovne, to cum to the kirk of Raitt
on the Wednisday immediately preceding Palme Sonday nixt, and inlyke
wayis the saidis commissioneris of Dondie hes promeist in lykemaner to
cauBe thre honest men induellaris, gild brethir of thair tovne, to cum on
the said day to the said kirk of Raitt, and the saidis thre, or twa of
thame, on ilk syde, as the counsallis of the saidis burghis sail think ex-
pedient, to accept the decision of the saidis materis on thame, together
with ane ouerisman to be chosin in this maner : thatt ather Dondie sail
cheis fyve burgessis, induellaris within seueral burghis, of quhilkis Perth
salbave the chois of ony ane of thame, or giff it happynnis Perth to
nominatt the fyve men, Dondie to have thair chois of ony of the saidis
fyve men to be ouerisman as they salhappin to agrie vpoun, — twa tikketis
to be put in ane hatt, the ane to contene fyve mennis names, and the vther
nane, and quhilk of the tovnis gettis the tikket contenaud the names
thatt tovne sail nominatt the men, and the vther tovne salhave thair
chois quhilk of the fyve men they will cheis to be ouerisman for thame
baitb, and the iuges and ouerisman to decreitt thairanentt as they sail
agrie, within sic space as they sail appoynt at thair meting ; provyding
the wryting of the names of Perth or Dondie in this present act preiuge
nane of thame in the prioritie of thair places clamit.
The commissioneris foirsaidis hes with ane consent promeist to pas Act for vniaw-
altogether to StriveUng in proper personis, at the leist for euery tovne ^^ n(Sht to
ane commissioner, and Edinburgh twa, to geve thair ansuer to the ^*^^®^»-
Kingis Maiestie, to his Hienes petitionis, and to pas furth of this tovne
of Qlasqw on Sonday nixt, the xxviij of Februar instant, to be thair
86 Convention of Royal Burghs.
that nycht, God willing, ilk tovne presentlie conuenit vnder the payne of
tuenty pundis.
ExteE^^ui- ^^^ commissioneris foirsaidis hes maid creat and constitute Henry
2«oun. Nesbett, baillie, Henry Charteris, commissioneris of Edinburgh, Kichart
Blythe in Dondie, George Lokkart in Air, George Elphinestoun in Glasqu,
Moreis Lawder in Dumbar, Robert Nesbett provest of Hadington, and
Alexander Symson, commissioneris and procuratouris to pas to Edinburgh,
and thair to persew crave and sute Mungow Russell for compte rekning
and payment, to be maid be him to the bun-owis of the superplus and
rest of the extent of the boulzeon gatherit and collected be him, and
immediatlie to pas to that effect furth of Striveling and performe the
samyn, with power to substitute procuratouris, and ak to thame to pro-
pone and agrie thairupon, and to geve dischargis of thair ressait in ample
forme, and thair expenssis to be tane of the superplus of the said compte,
and the rest that happynis to be recouerit to be furthcumand to the haill
burrowis, and brocht in to thame at their nixt convention ; provyding
thair expenssis exceid nocht tuenty pundis.
Sglto^* ^*^' Item, The commissioneris foirsaidis hes found the tovne of Hading-
toun hes transgrest the act maid at Striveling, the xxvth of October
1579, in persewing the towne of Dumbar befoir the Lordis of Sessioim,
nocht being first menit or complanit on in the conuention of burrowis,
becaus they baith be thair commissioneris war present at the making of
the said act ; and thairfoir the haill commissioneris of burrowis present,
with consent of baith the saidis burrowis contendantis, hes depute and
chosin thir personis following, viz : Henry Nesbett, baillie of Edinburgh,
lames Olephant, lohnn Wilsoun, Henry Chairteris, burgessis of Edin-
burgh, or ony twa of thame, as iugis for Hadingtoun ; and Maisteris
Robert Glen, lohnn Prestoun, Frances Lynton, and lohnn Amott
burgessis of Edinburgh, or ony twa of thame, iuges chosin for Dumbar ;
and incais of variance, with power to the four iuges, acceptaris, to cheis
ane odman and ouerisman, and to decyde vpoun the questionis mouit
betuix ather of the saidis tovnis, and specialie concerning the contentis of
the twa lybellit summondis raisit be aither of thame aganis vtheris
befoir the Lordis of Sessioun, hinc inde, as salbe contenit in dames.
And the saidis iuges to convene in Edinburgh vpon the ix day of Merche
nixt, and to decern thairanent betuix and the xx day thairefber, with
power to the saidis iuges and ouerisman to prorogat for aucht dayes nixt
Conventiwi of Royal Burghs. 87
tbairefler. Provyding incais the provest, baillies, and counsall of Hading-
ton condiscendis vnto this present compromit, and aprevis the samyn,
the haill commissioneris of burrowis present absoluis thame fra the
penaltie for breking of the said act maid at Striveling, vtherwayis baith
the saidis pairties eontendantis to be frie for persute and defence of thair
summondis, hinc inde, as they ar intented, and as they mycht haif done
befoir this present act making, and in that cais the tovne of Hadington
to incur the penaltie of the act maid at Striveling, and the haill
burrowis to tak pairt with the vther pairty conforme thairto, etc.
Item, The haill commissioneris of burrowis presentlie conuenit hes Anentisaction-
ratefeit and aprevit, etc., the act maid in the conuention of biuTOwis ^^ ^'^
haldin at Striveling thexx\th of October 1574, beringthatt all commoun
contrauersies and questions debatubill, and actions amangis burrowis
concerning their liberties, salbe, befoir ony proces or pleyis, proponit in
the generall conuentioun of burrowis, and the samyn amicablie referrit
to thre or four that salbe chosin bo common consent to decyde thair-
intUl, as in the said act at mair lenth is contenit, quhilk they ordane to
be obseruit inuiolablie in all tymes cuming ; that the thre or four to be
chosin to decyde the contrauersies betuix the burrowis contendand salbe
chosin be consent of the maist pairt of the conmiissioneris present at the
conuentions quhen they sail occur, albeit the pairties contendand consent
nocht thairto, and als that the pairtie contravenar of the said act, by
the payms contenit in the actis ellis maid, sail pay of penaltie to the
pairtie willing to abyde at the samyn the sovme of ane iiundrith IL
money, for coistis skaythis and dampnages sustenit and to be sustenit
thairthrou.
Itebi, The commissioneris of Hadingtoun dissassented fra the appoynt- Protestatioun,
ing of the said sovme of penalty that it preiuge thame nocht, and thair- ^"^ ^^'
vpoun askit instrumentia
Item, Anent the complaynt gevin in be Hew Campbell provest, and Extentt irow-
Gawine Nasmyth, commissioneris of Irowyne, first gevin in to the Kingis "^®-
Grace and Lordis of Secreit Counsall, and thairfra remitted to be decydit
in this present conuention, tuiching the abuse of the taxatioun and stent
roll making within the tovne of Irowing, alleging the samyn to be sett in
quarteris of the tovne, nocht having respect to thame that has the gudis
thairinto, as in the said complaynt was at mair lenth contenit. The haill
commissioneris of burrowis present having consideratioun thairof, and
88 Convention of Royal Burghs.
avysing tbairwitb, ordaiuis quhen ony tazationis salbappin to occur that
the said tovne of Irowing suld be stentit and taxt^ and ane taxt roll
maid thairof, conforme to the vse of vther burrowis, to wit, the provest,
baillies, and counsall thairof sail cause and depute certan suom men of
the tovne to taxt euery ane within the samjm according to their habilitia
Protestatioun, Item, Maister Williame Houstoun, commissioner for Dumbartan.
iioiiston com- ' '
miseioner protested that the said ordinance be nocht preiudiciall to the said burgh
of Dumbartan anent thair vse of stenting, and thairupoun tuke note.
Laneark, Rug- Item, Anent the Complaint gevin in be Dauid Biyntoun and Williame
lene. Wilkyne, commissioneris of lianeark, aganis the provest, baillies, and
counsall of Buglene, comperand be Dauid Speus thair commissioner,
committed be thame in making of ane greit nomber of cuntrie landwart
men, nocht duelland nor willing to duell within thair burgh, burgessia
and frieman with thame, as was at large contenit in the said complaynt ;
the haill commissioneris of burrowis present, having consideratioun of
the complaynt, ordanis the provest, baillies and counsall of Ruglyn to
cause vame and charge all and sundrie personis quhome they have maid
fremen, nocht duelland within thair tovne, to cum, duell, and remane
within the samyn within fourty dayes efter they be chairgit thairto,
with certificatioun gif they failzie that they salbe put furUi of thair
rollis, thair friedomes tynt doun, and to have na privilege nor libertie in
thair burgh be thair fredome in all tymes thairefter ; and to repoirt thair
diligence and decreitis aganis thame to the nixt conuention of burrowis,
vnder the payne of ten lb. And in tyme cuming ordanis thame to
receave nor admitt na burgessia bot according to actis of parliament and
lawis of burgh.
ContinuatioQii Item, Anent the supplicatioun gevin in be George Lokkart, for him-
fXbui^^of ^^ ^^^ lohnn Lokkart, Robert Chalmer, Eduard Wallace, and George
Air. Kennedy, burgessis of Air, desyring suppoirt and contributioun for the
greit expenssis maid be thame in manieinance and persute of thair
privilege tuiching the chesing of thair prouest and bailies aganis the
Schiref of Air, as in the said supplicatioun is at mair lenth contenit.
The haill commissioneris present ordanis ilk commissioner now presentt
to declair and oppin, euery ane to thair nychtbouris respectiue, and
repoirt thair ansueris, and be fiillie instructed quhat they will do thair-
anent at the nixt convention of burrowia
Convention of Royal Burghs. 89
Itebc, It is statute and ordanit be the haill commissioneris of burrowis ^ fl!^^"®*?||
present, that the provest and baillies within euery burgh, fra Glasqu weiu oakkit
west, quhair ony sahnond keilling or vther fisches ar pakkit, sail dili- bSid? *^^*^
gentlie vesie and se thatt the barrellis and treis quhairin the saidis
fisches ar pakkit be of iust mesour, conforme to auld vse and wont, and
the samyn to be bryntt or markit with the mark of thair tovne ; and
thatt all fisches that ar to be saltit be weill and suffieientlie salted, and
the samyn veseit be the office men in euery tovne, to quhome it
apertenis, or salbe appoynted thairto be the provest, baillies, and counsall
thairo^ vnder sic paynis to the transgressouris as the provest baillies
and counsall sail appoyntt.
Item It is statute and ordainit be the haill commissioneris of burrowis acSbo? PaSL-
present, for execution of the actis of Parliament granted to the libertie "?*»»* ^ ex«cu-
and privilege of burrowis, and concerning the privilege gevin to the
provest and baillies of burrowis within thair awin iurisdiction, that the
sudis provest and baillies sail cause execute the saidis actis, conforme to
the tennour of the samyn, and to be ansuerabill thairfor in euery
conventioun of burrowis, as they salbe accusit thainipon, vnder the payne
of tuenty pundis.
Itebc, The haill commissioneris of burrowis presentlie convenit, at the Continuatioun:
requeist and desyre of the Kingis Maiestie, continowit and supersedit, ^'^^"^
as they continow and supersedis, all preceding aganis Maistcr Grcorge
Hacquett^ Conseruatour in Flanderis, quhill the nixt convention of
burrowis.
Item, The haill commissioneris present hes promest to assist, fortifie, and ^IJJr P^ST
concur with the tovne of Peiblis in defence of the cawse persewit
contrar thame be my Lord of Newbothhill, as becumis thame to do, con-
forme to the actis of burrowis maid of befoir.
Item, The conmiissioneris of burrowis present ordanis the tovnis that Visiiaaouii,
111 .1 "I • A -r-i-i n J ."1 . • • Hawin : Sanct-
ar appoynted to vesy the hawin of £lay, sail, at thair convemng in androia.
Sanctandrois, vesy the schoir and hawin of Sanctandrois, and tak cogni-
tion gif the haill money appoyntit for the reparing thairof be wairit,
and to requiest the provest, baillies, and counsall of Sanctandrois to cawse
the collectour of this extent to mak compte and rekning quhow he hes
bestowit the sam money vpon the reparing of the said schoir, certefeing
the saidis provest, and baillies counsall gif they failzie, the haill com-
M
conTentiouii.
90 Conventio7i of Royal BurgJis.
missioneris of burrowis will complene to the Kingis Grace and his Coirn-
sall, for ordour to be tane thairanent.
S'^^to^a^ Item, The haill commissioneris of burrowis present hes found eueiy
eentt fra the ane of the tovnis following to have ineurrit ten lb., for the payne and
vnlaw for thair non comperance to this present conuentioun, as they
quha war lawfuUie vamit thairto, according to the act maid in the last
convention at Cowper, viz : — Innemes, Elgene, Forres, Montrois, led-
burgh, Dumfreis, Kirkcudbrycht, Quhithom, Lawder, Northbervik,
Kirkcaldy, Dysert, Forfar; and for vptaking of the saidis vnlawis,
ordanes Edinburgh to cawse letteris be raisit for poynding thairfoir, and
sum officer of armes to inbring the samyn, and Edinburgh to be fiirth-
cumand and comptabill thairfoir at the nixt conuention of burrowis.
C5onYeS5o^Qto Item, The haiU commissioneris of burrowis present hes apoynted that
luUj nixt j.jjQ jjj^^ conuention of burrowis be haldin in the burgh of Edinburgh
the alevint of lulij nixttocum ; and the prouest, baillies, and counsall of
the said burgh to mak dew vaming to the haill burrowis to oompeir
thair the said day, with continuation of dayis, for treitting vpoun sic
thingis as sail tend to the glorie of God, and common weill of burrowis,
and quhat burgh failzies to compeir, being vamit, thair commissioneris
to pay ane vnlaw of xx lb. money, euery ane nocht comperand, to be
bestowit on the common weill of burrowis.
Apud Striveling^ tertio Martij^ 1579.
The commissioneris of burrowis vnder subscryvand, nochtwithstand-
ing the last act anentis thair conuentioun to be haldin in Edinburgh,
maid at Glasqu, dispensis thairwith, and for sindrie causis moving thame,
hes appoynted thair said conuentioun to be haldin in Abirdene the alevin
of lulij nixt, and the tovne of Abirdene to mak dew aduertisement as
efferis, and that becaus at thair last conuention in Dondie the samyn was to
be haldin thair be commoun consent; quhairvnto Maister Williame
Houston, commissioner for Dumbartan dissassented, and thir subscriptionis
aprevis onlie this act.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 91
Alexr. Sciymgeour. Andro Ker.
M. P^trik Quhytlaw. Dauid Philp.
Richard Blyth. Dauid Bamsay.
Robert Alschunder. Stewin Martyne.
Dionis Conquerrour. ^ George Lokhart.
Maister Dauid Russell. George Elphynstoun.
Dauid Brintouu.
Quinto Marti/ 1579.
The quhilk day the commissioneris of burrowis appoynted at the Se^^5Sleon!^
last conuentioun of Glasqu to heir the comptes of Mongow Russell,
bulges of Edinburgh, collectour of the extent of the boulzeoun, as ane
act maid be the commissioneris of the maist pairt of the saidis burrowis
in the said tovne of Glasqu the xxvj of Februar last propoirtis, to wit,
Henry Nesbett, baillie of Edinburgh, and Henry Charteris, Ihonn Amott,
and Robert Kar eldar, for Edinburgh, William Meinzeis for Abirdene,
Richart Blythe for Dondie, George Lokhard for Air, George Elphinestoun
for Glasqu, ordanis the acquittance vnderwrittin to be registratt, quhairof
the tennour followis : — We, lames Erie of Mortoun, Lord of Dalkeith,
R^ent to oure Souerane Lord, his realme and lieges, grantis us to have
ressauit fra Mongow Russell, thesaurer of the burgh of Edinburgh, the
sovme of nyne thowsand sevin hundreth fourty sevin pundis sax schillingis
four penneis, in pairt of payment of ten thowsand pundis granted be
the haill burrowis of this realme to oure Souerane Lord and ws, his
Regent foirsaid, for discharge of all dewtie of boulzeon restand awand
be the merchantis of the saidis burrowis, in ony tyme bygane, or that
may be damit heirefter during the tjrme of oure regiment, or of oure
said soueranis les age, and be delyuerance of the said sovme in pairt of
payment foirsaid to oure seruitour, George Auchinleck of Balmanno ; oflF
the quhilk sovme of nyne thowsand sevin hundreth fourty sevin pundis
sex schillingis four penneis, in pairtt of payment of the said sovme of
ten thowsand pundis, as said is, we hald us weill content and satisfeit.
92 Convention of Royal Burghs.
quyte clamis, exoaeris, and discharges the said Mongow Russell, ihesaurer
foirsaid for himself and for the haill burrowis of this realme of the
samyn for euer, be thir presentis subscryuit with oure hand at Dalkeith,
the fourt day of Marche the zeir of God j™ v<^ Ix sextene zeris, befoir thir
witnessis oure weilbelouit brother George Douglas of Parkheid, Capitane
of Edinburgh Castell and Provest of Edinburgh, Archibald Douglas,
Constabill of the said Castell, Alexander Jardan and Alexander Lawson
oure seruitouris, with vtheris dyueris. Et sic subscribitur.
JAMES REGENT.
The Compte of Mongow Russell, thesaurer of the burgh of Edinburgh,
in anno 1575, of his intromissioun with the boulzeon syluer
ordanit to be vplifted of the haill burrowis of this realme the tyme
of the Erie of Mortouns regiment, — chairge and dischairge, as fol-
lowis, maid the day oflF Marche, 1579.
AUDITOURIS.
Henry Nesbett, baillie, Henry Chairteris, Robertt Kar, eldar, and Ihonn
Arnott for Edinburgh ; Williame Meinzeis for Abirdene ; Richartt Blythe
for Dondie ; George Elphinestoun for Glasqu ; George Lokhartt for Air ;
Robert Nesbett, provest, and Alexander Symson for Hadingtoun.
Charge.
Item, The Comptar chargis him with the haill
extentt of the boulzeoun syluer, by and
attour the sovme of money eikitt thairto
for making of the expenssis on the collect-
ing thairof, and vtheris the saidis burrowis
extraordinar effidres, as the Roll beris in
particular, xj°^ 11 xiiijs. '
DiSCHAIRGK
Item, The said Comptar is to be dischargitt with
the sovme contenit in the acquittance on the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 93
vtber syde, subscryuit be my Lord Erie of
Mortoun, Regent for the tynie, of the dait
the fourt day of Maix^he, 1576, extending
to ix'"vij*^xlvij li. vjs. iiijd.
Item, The said Comptar is to be dischargitt with
the sovme quhairto the tovne of ledburgh
was extented vn resauit be him, for non-
payment quhairof they ar putt to the horn,
as the executionis thairof bens, xxxvj li. xiiijs.
Itebc, He is to be dischargitt with the sovme
quhairto the tovne of Dalkeith was ex-
tented, quhilk is putt to the horn as the
executionis producit beris, xj 11.
Item, With the half of the sovme quhairto North-
bervik is extented, in respect of the execu-
tionis of homing producit, iiij li. ijs. vjd.
Item, With the sovme quhairto Annand is extented,
be resoun of the executionis of homing
producitt, xj li.
Item,!) With the sovme quhairto the tovne of
Sanctmynnanis is extented, be resoun of the
executionis of homing producit, iiij^^ij li. xs.
Item, With the sovme quhairto Weik in Caitnes
wes extented, in respect of the executioun
producitt, xij li. vjs. viiijd.
Item, With the sovme quhairto Abimethy is ex-
tented, inj respect of the executionis of
homing producit, v li. xiijs.
Somme of the Comptaris discharge of the
tounis putt to the horn for non-pajrment
of their pairtLs of this extentt, extending
to j^'lxiij li. ^s. ijd.
Item, The Comptar is to be dischargitt with the
sovme of sex li. for directing of letteris to the
burrowis, the first of December 1675, vj li.
94 Convention of Boyal Burghs,
Item, At the second tyme for sending of letteris
thairto, iiij li xs.
Item, To officeris of armes for charging the haill
burrowis to bring with thame the custome
roUis and custome buikis of euery burgh
for setting of this extent, xlvj li. xiijs. iiijd.
Item, For signeting of aucht letteris, xla
Item, Drink syluer to the clarkis suerandis, xxiijs. uijd.
Item, To lames Makcartney, for sycht of the
custome buikis at twa syndrie tymes, vj li. xvjs. viijd.
Item, To Williame Lagane, pursuiuant, and
Williame Forsythe, as thair acquittances
beris, for ingathering of the extent of the
boulzeon on this side of Forthe, j^xl li. xjs. vjd.
Item, To Patrik Dauidson for ingathering of this
extent be north Abirdene, j^ li
Item, to lames Furdy for collection of this extent
betuix Forth and Abirdene, j*^lij li. js. viijd
[tem. To the ix commissaris of burrowis awaitt-
ing on the setting of this extent, ix" li.
Item, To Alexander Guthrie dark, and his sone,
be ane precept, for thair paynis in wiyting
the roUis, xliij li.
Item, To ane procuratour to assist aganis the
Cannogaitt for non-payment of thair pairt
of this extent, iij li
Item, For leyeran polkis to put the syluer in xxxixs.
Item, For ane decreit aganis the Cannogait, xls.
Item, For wryting of copies of letteris for suspen-
sioun thairof, xiijs.
Item, To the maseris, xxs.
Item, To the wryteris seraandis, xxvs.
Item, For the Oomptaiis expenssis in awaiting
vpoun the getting of the acquittance of the
boulzeon in Dalkeith, liiijs.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 95
Item, Deducit to the tovne of Edinburgh for
certan wad careit fiirth of the reahne, ij^lxxvij li.
Item, To Mongow Russell, Comptar, for his paynis
and inlaik of money, 1 li.
Item, To ane man sentt to Flanderis for sersing
of the transpoirtaris of foirbodin gudes ac-
cording to the act of burrowis, Iv li. xiijs. iiijd.
Item, For expenssis maid be the said Comptar
vpoun wairningis, letteris, and obtening of
decreit aganis the tovne of Preston, xj li.
Summa of the comptaris discharge is
x^^ix^iiij^^xix li. xiijs. iiijd.
Decimo Martij, 1579.
The quhilk day the Comptis of Mongow Russell, burges of Edin-
burgh anentis his intromissioun and collectioun of the extent of elevin
thowsand pundis, fourtene schUlingis, sett vpoun the baill burrowis and
traffequaris of this realme, for payment of the boulzeon syluer to James
Erie of Mortoun, Regent for the tyme, of all zeris bygane, and induring
oure Souerane Lordis les age, and for making of vther extraordinar expens-
sis as the samjm in particular proportis, being be the commissioneris
of burrowis vnderwrittin, auditouns appointed thairto, at lenth hard, sene,
and avysitlie considerit, they fynd the said Mongowis charge to extend
to the sovme aboue writtin, and his discharge to the sovme of ten
thowsand nyne hundreth four scoir nyntene pundis threttene schillingis
four penneis, and sua the saidis comptes to be sic eque ; and ordanis the
extract of this present act to be delyuerit to the said Mongow, vnder the
subscriptioun of thair dark, quhilk salbe to him ane sufficient dischaige,
etc.
Henry Neisbett. George Elphynstoun.
Henrie Charteris. A. Symsone.
Richard Blythe. Robert Nesbett, with my hand led
Williame Menzeis. be Ihonn Quthre notar. I
George Lokhart. . Guthre.
96 Convention of Eoyal Burghs.
booizeoD deiy- Th® samyne day, the Erie of Mortonis acquittance of the boulzeon,
N«Bbet ^^"^ together with the haill execntionis of homing aganis the burrowis nocht
payand, and vtheris wrytes vsit be Mongow Russell for his dischai^e, at
command of the commissioneris, auditouris of the saidis Mongowis
comptes, delyuerit to Heniy Nesbett baillie of Edinburgh, and he to be
ansuerabill to the burrowis thairfoir ; and the saidis commissioneris ar
content the said acquittance be put in the Charterhous of Edinburgh£to
remane thair in sure keping, efber the samya be producit afoir the Lordis
of Chakker, incais it be requyrit.
Decimo Quarto Martij, 1579.
Biking of the The QUHILK DAY the commissioneris of burrowis efkir following, to
nutrids in the wit, Henry Nesbett and Henry Charteris, for Edinburgh ; Richartt
maSs for ex- Blythe for Dondie ; William Meinzeis for Abirdene ; George Elphinstoun
a*Stonite' *^f ^^^ Qlasq^ ; a^<i George Lokhartt for Air, Having condudit all sic
the buizeonn thingis as they had in directioun gevin to thame in Glasqu and Striveling
comp «• jjj Februar last and Merche instant as the actis beris to treitt vpoun,
and vnderstanding Mongow Russellis comptes of the boulzeon to be sic
eque, quhairby thair expenssis during thair awaitting in the said tovne
on the hering of the saidis comptes and Adame Foullertonis, be the
space of saxtene dayes, can nocht instantlie be pyit to thame, Thairfoir
hes ordanit the provest, baUlies, and counsaU of the said burgh of
Edinburgh to eik thair extentt of tuelf himdreth merkis to be vplifted
of the haill burrowis for rembursing of the said tovne of Edinburgh
thairof, quhilk was delyuerit at thair commandis to Adame Foullerton
^or making his expenssis in Jngland, as the actis of burrowis beris, the
sovme of thre hundreth merkis to the effect abouewrittin, and the said
tovne of Edinburgh to be ansuerabill thairfoir to the commissioneris of
burrowis at thair conuentioun to be haldin in Abirdene in Julij nixt,
deducand thairof to the commissioneris abouewrittin, and Ihonn Guthre
thair clark, the sovme of sax scoir pundis, to be equalie devydit amangis
thame, and this for the paynis and traveU tane be the said Ihonne
Guthre in wryting and forming of thair actis, comptes, and vtheris
wrytingis enduring the said space.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 97
Henry Neisbett. Williame Meinzes.
Henrie Charteris. George Elphynstoua
Richarde Blythe. George Lokhart
At Abirdene, in the Conuentioun and Assemblie of Burrowis haldin
thair the xj, xij, xiij, xiiij, xv. and x'vj dayes of lulij, 1580 zeris,
comperit the commissioneris vnderwrittin of the burrowis of this realme,
efter specifeit, be thair commissionis under thair seillis of caussis, and
pairt vnder the subscriptionis of thair commoun clarkis, off quhome thair
names efter followis ; — Edinburgh, Henry Charteris, lames Nicoll ;
Perth, Dioneis Couquerour, Henry Adamson ; Dondie, Alexander Scrym-
geour, George Spens, Alexander Annand; Abirdene, Gilbert Menzeis,
provest, Alexander Rutherfurde, baillie; Sanctandrois, Ihonn Wod, dene of
gild, Ihonn Thomesoun ; Linlithqu, Androw Kar ; Innemes, Williame Haillie,
provest, George Ros ; Glasqu, Archibald Lichtoun ; M ontrois, Williame
Murray; Cowpar, Dauid Peterson, dene of gild; Abirbrothok, lames Ramsay.
The commissioneris of burrowis presentlie assemblit and convenit hes inlawing bar-
^ rowis abeentt.
found and fyndis everie ane of the tovnis and burrowis following to have
incurrit the sovme of tuenty pundis ilk burgh, for the payne of thair
vnlaw for non comperance to this present conuentioun as they quha war
lawfully vairnit thairto, according to the act maid in the last conuentioun
of burrowis at Glasqu, in Februar last bypast, viz., Striveling, Dumbartan,
Renfrew, Rugline, Air, Irowine, Kirkcudbrycht, Wigtoun, Laneark, led-
burgh, Peiblis, Craill, Forfar, Breichan, Elgyne, Forres, Nairn, Dysartt^
Kirkcaldy, and Pettinweme ; and for vptaking of the saidis vnlawis,
ordanis Edinburgh to rais letteris for poynding thairfoir, and to send the
saidis letteris to Glasqu and Abirdene for putting of the samyn to dew
executioun in the west and north pairtis of this realme, — Edinburgh to
be ansuerabill for the vnlawis of the burrowis absent of the south cuntrie,
Glasqu of the west, and Abirdene for the haill burrowis be north the
same, at the nixt conuentioun of burrowis.
Anent the supplicatioun of Williame Baillie provest and George Ros Innomefc
N
98
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Vnlawing
Dambar ab-
soutt.
Burgeesis.
commissioneris for Innernes, desyring the vnlaw of ten li. to be remitted
and dischargitt to thame for non-comperance at the last conuentioun of
burrowis haldin at Glasqu in Februar last bypast, bering thatt they war
nocht lawfiiUy vairnit thairto, and the said burgh lay far distant fra the
said tovne of Glasqu, and the sesoun of the zeir tempestuous. Quhilk
supplication being thocht resonabill, the commissioneris of burrowis
present remitted and dischargitt the said vnlaw to the said tovne of
Innernes, they gevand thair comperance in the assemblies and conuen-
tionis of burrowis heireflir to be aflSxt, being vairnit thairto ; to the
quhilkis the said Williame and George, commissionaris for the said burgh
of Innernes, granted.
Item, Anent the supplicatioun gevin in for the tovne of Dumbar, for
thair excuse of thair absence fra this conuentioun, berand in effect that
be resoun of the greit contrauersie and debait laitlie fallin out betuix
thame and Hadingtoun anent thair rychtis and privil^es, quhilk debait
hes lyin and presentlie lyis in the law befoir the LonUs of Sessioun, zit
dependent vndiscusit, and that be resoun of the principall burgessis of
the said tovne of Dumbar, quha ar awating on the said pley in the
tovne of Edinburgh, and for vther lattis and impedimentis, they gudelie
without thair greitthurt culd nocht cum nor send theireommissionerisfullelie
instructed to this present conuentioun, as in the said supplicatioun at mair
lenth was contenii The haill commissioneris of burrowis present, being
throwlie avysit with the said supplicatioun, repellit the desyre thairof,
and ordanit the said tovne to be vnlawit as absent.
Forther, efter lang resoning vpoun the complaint gevin in anent the
greit multitude of fi-e burgessis and gild brether maid and created within
dyueris burghis of this realme, quhilkis duelt and remanit forth of the
burgh quhairof they war frie, and maid na residence thairin, tending to
the greit hinderance of the inhabitants of the burgh, and na less disad-
uantage of the estait of merchantis, as the said complaynt mair fullelie
purportis; for remeid quhairof the commissioneris of burrowis present
hes statute and ordanit, and in ane vniforme consent aggreitt, that the
provest and baillies of ilk burgh of this realme sail cause mak lawfuU
citatioun and vaiming, vpoun the premonition of fourty dayis, to all and
sundrie personis quhome they have maid fremen and gild brether, nocht
duelling within the tovne quhairof they ar frie, to cum duell and mak
Convention of Royal Burghs. 99
thair actual residence with their wyfis baimis familie fyre and flett,
within the burgh quhair they ar fne, hald. stob and staik within the
samyn, scatt, loitt, watche, walk and waird with the inhabitantifi
thairof, betwix this and the xvth day of December nixttocum^ and &illing
thairof, to heir and se thameselues and ilk ane of than^e decemit to
have tynt thair firiedome and privilege of the burgh quhairof they ar
frie, putt furth of the rollis thairof, and to haue na libertie nor privilege
within the burgh in na tyme thairefter ; and ordanis ilk burgh to repoirt
thair diligence and decreit aganis thame to the nixt conuentioun of bur-
rowis, vnder the payne of fourty pundis ilk burgh.
Item, For avoyding of the greit and infinit nomber of foirstalleris, andFoi™*»Ueria.
for restraning of vnfriemen, quhilkis importis greit hinderance to the frie
merchantis of frie burrowis of this realme, it is statute and ordanit be
the haill commissioneris of burrowis ])resentlie assemblit, that gif it sail
happin ony foirstaller, being attechit, to flie out of the boundis and juris-
dictioun of ane frie burgh to the jurisdictioun and boundis of ane vther
frie burgh, the burgh quhairto the foirstaller is fled, being aduerteist be
the vther burgh quhilk attechit the foirstaller of befoir, sail rander the
said foirstaller agane to the burgh within quhais jurisdictioun he was
attechit, to be caJlit, conuict, and pvneist for his demeritis ; and the
burgh aduerteist be the vther, failling to rander the said foirstaUer to the
effect foirsaid, sail pay the vnlaw o( the foirstaller, and be ansuerabill
thairfoir in the nixt conuention of burrowis.
The commissioneries of burrowis presentlie convenit hes ratefeit andA."®?*^^®^
apprevit and be thir presentis ratifeis the act maid in the conuention of
burrowis haldin at Edinburgh the xxvij day of Januar 1576 zeris,
berin in effect, that incais ony schippis be pilleit the gudes saiff sail con*
tribute scatt and loitt for releif of the personis dampnefeitt, baith schip
and gudes, according to thair waring, and that the magistratis of all sea
poirttis within this realme, quhair the saidis schippis salhappin to
arryve, sail sett ane scatt and extentt for releif of the personis damp-
nefeitt, and sail arreist, poind, and comprise the schip and guidis of
thame, gif neid beis, that refuissis the said scat, euerie man according to
his part as he salbe set, and the samin ordour to be keipit anent the
guidis cassin for saiflie of life and guidis ; quhilk act thai ordane to be
observit inuiolablie in all tyme cuming, with this addition, that no
100 Convention of Royal Burghs.
cloithis nor vther geir quhatsumeaer within sey kistis cassin or pilleit sail
scatt and lot with the vther guidis and merchandreis cajssin or pilleit, as
alsua no vther gudis imput in the schip ai ony vther port> vther nor at
hir ladinning port, salbe haldin to scat and lot.
CommisBion- The commissioneris of burrowis presentlie convenit hes with ane con-
ensto Ian- ^^^^ ^^^.^ ^^^ aggreit, statute and ordanit the tounis of Edinburch,
Peirth, Dundie, Abirdene, Glasqu, Sanctandrois,
to send the commissioneries, ilkane of thame ane qualifeit persoun at the
leist fullelie instnictit^ to Flanderis, agane the Michaelmes mercat nixt,
to tak ordoure anent the vsing of the excise of beir and wyne in Cam-
pheir, and anent the salt pannis thairof safer as thai ar trowbilsum ;
and sik ordour as happynnis to be taikin thairanent be ony thre of the
saidis tounis, the commissioneris of burrois present assentis and aggreis
thairto, and obleissis thame to abyde thereat, etc
paris and^- Item, For eschewing of the greit inconveinencis and intolerabill skaith
^Gris of flsche. that in tymes bigane and now laitlie has happynnit to the merchandis
and trafiecquaris of this realme, of the new inventit craft and felset commit-
tit and done dailie be the cowperis, pakkaris of salmound, throuche pakking
of roustie and insufficient salmound fische, quhairthrowch thair is greit hurt
and dampnage nocht onlie sustenit be the byeris thairof but alsua be the sel-
leris of the samyn, and no less sclander sustenit be the haill natioun throuch
deMt of the said salmon pakkeris, For remeid thairof, the haill commis-
sioneris of burrowis presentlie convenit hes statute and ordanit that fra
this furth, in all burrowis of this realme be eist Glasqw, quhairin thair is
cowparis, salmound pakkeris, that the cowper pakker salbe sworne to
vse his office lelelie and trewlie, and sail set sikker caution and souertie
actit in the tounis buikis that he sail pak no salmound fische, but fische
quhilk ar gude and sufficient, and no grilses with salmound, bot sax
grilses in ane barrell at the maist, viz., thre in ilk heid thairof, and to
pay the dampnage and skaith to the merchand that it salhappin him to
sustene at the mercat in the pakkeris defaJt, other throw pakking of in-
sufficient salmound or be insufficiencie of the trie and barrell ; and that
he sail bime and mark ilk barrell immediatlie efter the pakking thairof
with his awin proper mark, and thairefter the same to be brent with the
tounis mark, and the cowpar pakkir failzeing in the premissis, being callit
and convict thairfoir, beside the skaith and dampnage to be payit be him
to the merchand and awner of the fische, sail pay ten pundis of penaltie,
Convention of Royal Burghs. 101
and be discbargit for euer in pakking be the prouest and baillies of the
burgh qiihair he duellis, and the penaltie to be payit to thame.
The haill commissioneris present aggreit votit and condescendit the sovme ^^^Jrifbouf-
of ane hundreth pundis be gevin to Henry Nesbett, Henry Chairteris, in zeon comptes.
Edinburgh ; Richard BIythe in Dondie ; Williame Menzeis in Abirdene ;
George Elphineston in Glasgu ; George Lokhart in Air ; and Johnn
Guthre, clark, for thair expenssis in remaning in Edinburgh on the
hering of Mongow Russellis comptes of the boulzeoun, and Adam Fuller-
tonis comptes, to be payit of the rest and superplus of the said Mongowis
comptes thairof, four scoir twa pundis ten schillingis to be payit of
the extent of the tovne of Sanctandrois of thair pairt of the boulzeon,
the acquittances thairof being delyuerit to the saidis personis.
Alsua, the saidis commissioneris aggreit votit and condiscendit that ^^^^^^^^^
Henry Chairteris and James Nicoll, commissioneris of Edinburgh, sail <>' ^® ^"^®"
1 1 . Tx. . ^ , Vr A 1 . . ^ . ^oun to Perth.
delyuer to Dioneis Conquerour and Henry Adamsoun, commissioneris of
Perth, the letteris and executionis of homing gevin vp be Mongow Rus-
sell, general coUectour of the extent of the boulzeon, vpoun the burrowis
restand awand the said extent, and the saidis commissioneris of Perth to
repoirt thair diligence aganis the burrowis denuncit for the said extent,
and be ansuerabill and comptabill for payment, or ellis the saidis letteris
and executionis, at the nixt conuentioun of burrowis.
Tlie haill commissioneris of burrowis presentlie conuenit, efler lang te^i^^i sup-
resoning on the efFaires concerning the common weill of the estait oiv^^p^^^
merchantis, hes condiscendit and aggreit, and alsua votit, that the tovnis remeding of
of Edinburgh, Dondie, Perth, Abirdene, Cowpar, Montrois, Sanctandrois teuit b^e**"
pas together to Sanctandrois, or quhair it salhappin the Kingis Maiestie ^^>^™^i«-
to be, vpoun the xxiij day of Julij instant, and thair to desyir his Hienes
and Grace Secreit Counsall to tak ordour with the toust lifted and gatherit
for the repairing of the schoir and hawin of Sanctandrois, quhilk as zit is
vnrepairit, and cause the collectour of the said extent to mak compte and
rekining quhow the same is bestowit to the burrowis. As alsua to requyre
his Maiestie and his Grace Secreit Counsall foirsaid for ordour to be tane
with the lait pilleit gudes of the merchantis of this realme, sic as Dondie,
Perth, Abirdene, Innemes, Montrois, Cowpar, Sanctandrois, and alsua
Edinburgh, be the piratis of the Inglis natioun, and vtheris gudes pilleit
of befoir be the said natioun fra the trafficquaris of this realme ; And for
102 Convention of Royal Burghs.
ordour to be taikin anent the distructioun of cruvis and zaiiis, and spe-
cialie within the boimdis and schirefdome of Innemes quhair greit clannis
and surnames prevaillis ; As to requyre his Hienes alsua, and his Counsall
foirsaid, for taking of ordour with euery parochyn to land wart for sus-
tening of thair awin pure people and impotent personis, according to the
act maid in his Grace last Parliament, quhilk hes bene as zit neglected,
without the quhilk impossibill it is to the burrowis to tak ordour thair-
anent, being oppressit with ane greit and infinit nomber of Strang and
extraordinar beggeris nocht bom nor bred within the saidis burrowis :
And ordanis the comraissioneris of burrowis efter specefeit, at the leist sa
mony of thame as salhappin to be conuenit to the effect foirsaid, in name
of the haiU burrowis of this realme, to geve in and present to the Kingis
Grace and his Hienes' Secreit CounsaU foirsaid supplicationis ane or ma
vpoun the premissis ; and namelie ane supplicatioun for getting and
obtening of Maister George Hacquet, conseruatour of the Scotis natioun,
dischargit of the vplifting of the extraordinar stent taikin be him by auld
vse and wontt, as salbe specifeit in the said supplicatioun ; Ab alsua ane
vther to be gevin in to his Hienes and Counsall foirsaid anent compte and
rekoning to be maid of the intromission with the syluer collectit and
gathered for releif of the captives Scottismen in Moroco taikin be the
Turkis ; and efler as the saidis coramissioneris, to the effect foirsaid con-
uenit, resavis the Kingis Hienes ansuer and counsall foirsaid, the haill
commissioneris presentlie convenit in this present conuention aggreis,
votis, and condiscendis in ane voce, that the commissioneris of the bur-
rowis aboue specifeit, or sa mony of them as salhappin to be conuenit, or
at the leist four or sax of thame, with the tovne of Edinburgh, sail sett
ane extent and toust throw the haill burrowis of this realme for seking of
redres of the pilleit gudes foirsaidis, be sending of commissioneris ane or
ma to Ingland for restitutioun of the samyn, gif, efter the Kingis Grace
and Secreit Counsallis ansuer, it beis fchocht expedient. And als ane sup-
plication to be gevin concerning the cunzie.
Putting of the Item, It is statute and ordanit be the haill commissioneris of burrowis
ment moid for present, for exccution of the actis of parliament granted for the liberties
bmrowistoex-*^^ privilegis of burrowis within thair awin boundis and iurisdictioun,
ecution. and Concerning the privileges gevin to the provest and baillies of bur-
rowis within thair awin boundis and iurisdictioun, sail fra this furth
Convention of Royal Burghs. 103
cause execute the actis of parHament, and specialie the actis maid in oure
Souerane Lord King James the Saxt last twa parliamentis, to wit, anent
the pvneisment of Strang and idill beggeris, — anent bering, wering, and
schuting of culueringis and daggis within burrowis, — for pvneisment of
rogratouris and foirstalleris, — anent the destruction of cm vis and zairis,
— anent the dischai-ge of mercatis on Sondayis, and labouring thairon, or
playing and drinking in tyme of sermon, — anent pakking and peilling of
lierring, and quhyte fische, — anent transporting of coillis furth of the
realme ; for pvneisment of thame that tynis plies within burgh, conforms
to the tennour of the saidis actis in all poyntis, and to be ansuerabill
thairfoir in euery conuention of burrowis, as they salbe accusit thaii-
upoun.
The commissioneiis of burrowis efler subscryvand, fynding thame Anentthemak-
greitlie preiugit be the inlaik of ane genei-all buke quhilk suld contene the LmU bukefoil-
haill lawis and constitution of burrowis, all in ane voce gevis full com- *®^^.^?® ^*^
missioun and power to the burgh of Edinburgh to cause the said buke ro^w-
be maid, and to the effect the samyn may be the mair perfytelie practesed,
the sjiid burgh of Edinburgh, quhairin they ar to hald thair nixt conuen-
tion, to mak dew and lawfuU aduerteisment to the haill burrowis parti-
cularlie to send the extract of quhatsumeuer lawis, actis, and constitu-
tionis maid in the conuentioun of burrowis haldin in thair burrowis
concerning the weilfair of burrowis in ony tyme bygane, to the said
burgh of Edinburgh, betuix this and the first day of September nixi-
tocum, vnder the payne of xxx li, to be vplifted of euery buigh failzeing
to send the saidis actis at the tyme presciyuit ; And alsua ordanis the
said burgh of Edinburgh, as they will ansuer to the commissioneris of
burrowis at the said nixt conuentioun vpoun thair diligence, to have in
radynes the said buke and haill actis send to them and insert and
registrat thairin, and unto thair nixt conuentioun continewis all forther
resoning vpun the artikle producit be the commissioneris of Aberdene
heiranent, to wit, towardis the custodie of the said buke quhen it is
maid, in quhais handis the samyn salbe gevin in keping; And ordanis
alsua the said burgh of Edinburgh, quhair the said assemblie of burrowis
is appoynted to be haldin, to diiect thair missives to the haill burrowis
of this realme to send thair commissioneris, mai^t ancient and wysest,
fullelie instructed to the said nixt conuention,' for approbatioun, ratifica-
104 Convention of Royal Burghs.
tioun, and confirmatioun of the actis and constitutionis insert and regis-
tmt in the generall buke foirsaid ; And ordanis tuenty pundis to be gevin
to Ihonn Guthre, clark, for wiyting of the said buke, to be payit of the
first end of the superplns of the boulzeoun.
innernea, The Said day, anent the complaynt gevin in be the tovne of Innemes
g^K^ . tuiching the usurping of the libertie, tred, and traffique of merchandise of
mar^. all kynde staipill gudes of the said burgh, be the tovnis and villages of
Dingwall, Chanonrie, Eoismarky, Cromarty, Domoche, Weik, sa tending
to the lairge detriment of the said burgh of Innemes, as at mair lenth is
contenit in the said supplicsatioun gevin in thairupon. The commission-
eris of burrowis present, having exactlie considerit the said supplieatioun,
and being rypelie avysit thairwith, fyndis and dedairis that the saidis
tovnis and villages of Dinguall, Chanrie, Roismarky, Crummaty, Domocht,
and Thurso ar na frie burghis, and that in respect they ar nocht in the
societie of the remanent frie burrowis, naither enroll] t in thair rollis, nor
zit pay the extent and contributio\m with the frie burrowis ; and pro-
mesis to concur and assist with the said tovne of Innernes quhen
they have ado in the law for defense of thair liberties, conforme to the
actis of burrowis maid thaii'anent of befoir.
Innemes, The said day, the commissioneris of burrowis presentlie assemblit
Thayne. ordanis the tovne of Edinburgh to direct missives in thair names to the
tovne of Thayne to compeir befoir the commissioneris of burrowis of this
realme, in thair conuention to be haldin in the said tovne of Edinburgh
vpon the xvij day of Aprile nixttocum, for ansuering to the complaynt
of the tovne of Innemes producit aganis thame, and exhibitioun of the
said tovne of Thaynes rycht, charter, and privilege, quhairby they ar
erected in fre burgh, gif they ony have, to the effect the commissioneris
conuenand at the said conuention may cognosce thairupoun, with certifi-
catioun to the said tovne of Thayne that gif they compeir nocht, being
lawfully vaimit to the effect abouewrittin, the commissioneris of burrowis
present at the said nixt conuentioun will decern according to justice.
Anent LittU- FoRTHER, efter lang resonyng and disputatioun anent the article gevin
taris and Malt- j^ |^ commissioneris of Abirdene, berand in effect that the common weill
of the said burgh sustenit great detriment, and the haill lieges of this
realme mekill preiugit^ be the littistaris and maltmen thairof seking
emistlie dekynis to be granted to thame as to vther frie craftis, quhilk
Convention of Royal Burghs. 105
is cOiie noualtie. The commissioneris present having exactlie considderit
the said article, and being throwlie a\^sit thairwith, fy^^des and declairis
that it has nocht bene the receavit custome of the burrowis of this reahne,
nor zet thair antecessouris, provest bailliea and magistratis of burrowis,
hes at ony tyme heretofoir ony wayes receaved ony dekin or admitted of
the sad is craftis of littisteris and maltmen, and be admitting and receav-
ing of the samyn the common welth of this realme is havelie hurt, and
the haill commonis to be mekill preiugit thairby, and to sustene intoler-
abill skaith, Thairfoir, all in ane voce hes statute and ordanit that na
dekyn salbo granted receaved nor admitted to the saidis littistaris and
maltmen within ony burgh of this realme, but they salbe repute as na
craftis in all tymes herefter, conforme to the act of parliament.
The said day, the commissioneris of burrowis presentlie assemblit hes ^^^°^^ **'
ratefeit and apprevit, and be thir presentis ratefeis and apprevis, the act
maid in the conuention of burrowis haldin at Striveling the xxvth of
October 1564 zeris, makand mention that na schip suld pas furth of this
realme to the pairtis of Flanderis chairgit with hyde, woll, skyn, claith,
or siclike staipill gudes, bot twyse in the zeir, viz., to the Pasche merkatt
and Rude merkatt in September vnder the payne of tuenty li, to be
vplifted and taikin of euery pairty transgressand and brekkand this pre-
sent ordinance, to the provest and baillies of the burgh quhair the trans-
gressouris hes his remaning, to be applyit to the common weill thairof, and
that but preiudice of the frie merchandis of frie burrowis to traffecq in
the saidis pairtis of Flanderis at all tymes conuenient, by and attour the
twa merkatt dayes, with all vther wairis, the saidis staipill gudes excepted,
— quhilk act the saidis commissioneris decemis statutis and ordanis to be
obseniit inuiolablie in all tymes cuming. And als hes statute and ordanit,
and be thir presentis ordanis, and for ane law and ordinance in tymes
cuming to be obseruit, concludis that it sail nocht be lesum to na fiiemen,
merchantis, brether of gild, trafficquaris, to fraucht ony schip in ony tyme
heirefter to France, Flanderis, Suadin, Denmark, or vther pairtis quhat-
sumever bezond sea, bot in presence of the dene of gild of the burgh
quhair the schippis salhappin to be frauchtit, and in his absence in pre-
sence of the baLQies of the said burgh, and the contravenar of this ordi-
nance to incur the penaltie of xx li., to be applyit in maner as is aboue
expremit.
o
106
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Elgyne,
Forres.
lonemes
excyse boU.
EiDgiB Grace
Conseruatour
Burro wis
letter.
Comperit certan merchantis, burgessis of gild, trafficquaris of this
realme, quha resoirtis to the hawins and tovnes of Elgyne and Forres
with boittis chargit with wyne^ salt and vther merchandise, transported
fra sindrie poirtis of this realme to the said tovnes of Elgyne and Forres,
and being menit be thame thatt by and attour all lovabill vse obseruit
within vther burrowis of this realme that [be] the magistratis, proveet and
baillies of Forres and Elgyne, the saidis merchantis war compellit to mak
offer of the salt, wyne, and vther merchandise to the saidis hawins to the
provest and baillies of the saidis Elgyne and Forres, desyring remeid to
be put thairto. The commissioneris present for the tyme ordanis Edin-
burgh, quhair the nixt conuention of burrowis is appoynted to be haldin,
to mak dew aduerteisment be thair missives to the saidis tovnis of Elgyne
and Forres for keping of the nixt conuentioun, to be haldin the xvij day
of Aprile nixt in the said tovne of Edinburgh, in sending thair conunis-
sioneris thair fullie instructed to ansuer to the accusation foirsaid, with
certificatioun as efferis, eta
Comperit lohnn Wod and lohnn Thomsoun commissionaris for Sanct*
androis, and complenit vpon the provest, baillies, and counsaJl of Innemes
for the wrang done and committed be thame in lifting and taking of the
excyse boll of salt transported fra the poirt of Sanctandix)is to the hawin
and burgh of Innemes aganis the lovabill vse of vtheris burrowis, desyr-
ing the commissioneris present to tak ordour thairanent. And the saidis
commissioneris being rypelie avysit thairwith, and considering the ansuer
maid thairto be WiUiajne Baillie provest and George Bos commissioneris
for Innemes, personalie present, ordanis Innemes to send thair commis-
sioneris fullie instracted to the nixt conuention of burrowis, to be haldin
vpon the xvij day of Aprile within the burgh of Edinburgh, with thair
titilis rychtis and defenssis anent the vplifting of the said excyse boll,
with certification as efferia
The commissioneris presentlie convenit devysit and ordanit ane ansuer
to be send to the Kingis Grace of the letter delyuerit to thame be Patrik
Fyldour anent the desyir of ane ansuer to his Hienes towartis certan
heidis presented to the commissioneris of burrowis in the conuention haldin
at Glasqu last bypast, and als tuiching his Hieness desyr anent the '
continuatioun to be granted concerning Maister George Hacquet, conser-
uatour, quhilk letter the commissioneris of burrowis ordanit Maister
Conversion of Royal Burghs. 107
Thomas Mollysoun, dark of this present conuentioun, in thair names and
at thair commandis to subscrjrva
Efter lang resonyng vpoun the desyir of the expenssis of the nycht- Oontinnatioii
bouris of Edinburgh, quha war detenit and imprisoned in the castellis of bomS^o?Sun-
Doun, of Monteith, linlithqu, and Striveling, be the Erie of Mortoun, ^'^'^^
Regent to oure Souerane Lord for the tyme, to be rembursit to thame,
diuerstie of opinionis in the said mater being had, and in consideration
of the small nomber of burrowis conuenit in this present assemblie, and
for vtheris caussis, the commissioneris of burrowis presentlie convenit hes
continewit, and continewis, the said desyre and article in the same
strenth force and eflfect as it is now, to the nixt conuentioun of burrowis,
and to be rememberit in the missiues Jbo be sent thairto.
Lang disputatioun being had vpoun the contrauersie and debait de- l>ondi«» Perth,
pendant vndiscussit betuix the tovnis of Perth and Dondie anent
prioritie in place of parliament, counsall, and conuentioun, remitted be
act of parliament to have bene discussit in the last conuention haldin
at Glasqu in Februar last bypast, and thairfra continowit to this
present conuention to haif bene decydit thairin, The commissioneris
of burrowis presentlie conuenit, vpon dyueris considerationis moving
thame, and specialie becaus the nomber of commissioneris of burrowis
heir assemblit is feu and small and the mater wechtie, with expres con-
sent and assent of Alexander Scrymgeour, Alexander Annand, and Geoi^
Spens, commLssioneris for Dondie, Dioneis Conquerour and Henry
Adamsoun for Sanctiohnstoun, continewit the said mater in the same
forme, force, strenth, and effect as it is now, but preiudice of aither of the
pail-ties and thair rychtis thairanent, to the nixt conuention of burrowis
ap|)oynted to be haldin within the burgh of Edinburgh vpon the xvij day
of Aprile nixttocum, or quhatsumeuer day it salhappin the said conuen-
tion to be, and the said mater to be first handlit, resonit, and discust
thairin, and aither of the saidis pairties to produce and exhibit thair
allegeances defenssis and ressonis in writt qualefeit, together with thair
ryclitis and tytUlis writis and documentis quhilk thay will vse in the
said cawse, at the said nixt conuention ; and ordanis the tovne of Edin-
burgh to direct thair missiues to the haill burrowis of this realme to have
thair commissioneris fuUie instructed to the effect foirsaid, and with sure
informatioun anent the ranking and placing of all vther burrowis in par^.
108 Convention of Royal Burghs.
liament convention or counsall^ in cais it salbappin thame to sute the
samyn, and this without preiudice outher of the act of parliament or
vther actis maid of befoir,
Deeoiuing of Last, the haill commissionaris of burrowis presentlie convenit hes in
tiuflwnuen- ^^^ vniforme consent apunctit the nixt conuention of burrowis to be
haldin in the burch of Edinburgh the sevintein day of Aprile nixttocum,
and oixlanis the prouest, baillies, and cownsall of the said burch to mak
dew warning to the haill burrowis of this realme to compeir thaire the
said day, with continuation of dayis ; and ordanis the dark of the burch
quhair the conuention is apunctit to be haldin in all tyme heirefter to
direct the missives to everie burch in particular, insert and wryt the name
of the berer of the missive and quhat day he delyuer the same in ane
bulk, and present the said buik to the nixt conuention, quhilk sail hawe
&yth and be haldin sufficient citatioun^ nochtwithstanding quhatsumeuer
excuis of absence maid in the contraire ; And in cais betuix l^his and the
said sevintein day of April, apunctit for the nixt conuentiouu of burrowis
to be haldin in the said toun of Edinburgh, thair happinis to intervine
ane parliament affixit and proclamit to be haldin and begin within ony
burch of this realme afoire the said sevintein day of Aprile, or ony
vther wechtie mater of grytt ccmsequens concerning the veilfare of this
realme and estait of burrowis to occur in the mid tjmtie requyring ane
assemblie of burrowis, in that cace the toun of Edinburch to aduerteis
be thair missive the haill burrowis of this realme for convening tham
thrie dayis afoir the parliament, or quhatsumeuer vther day afoir the
said sevintein day of Aprile, for treating of materis of gryt consequens,
tending to the commoun estait of burrowis and weilfaire of the samen
requyring expeditioui;i as saidis ; and quhat burch faillies to compeir, being
warnit as said is, to incur the unlaw and pane of threttie pundis, to be
bestowit upoun the commoun weill of burrowis. In witnes of the quhilk
the saidis commissionaris hes subscry wit thir presentis with thaire handis,
and sua it is subscryvit
Henrie Charteris. Ion. Thomsoun.
lames Nicoll. Andro Kar, commissionar for
Alexr. Scrymger Lythgow.
George Spens. Archibald Lyoun.
Alexr. Annand. Wm. Baillie.
Co7ivention of Royal Burghs. 109
Dionis Conquerour. Wm. Murray.
Henrie Adamsoun. Dauid Petersouu.
Gilbert Mengzes. lames Ramsay.
Alexr. Rutherfurd. George Roa
Ion. Wod.
Et sic subscribitur.
Ita est Magister Tliomas Mollison, scriba dicte conuentionis manu
propria.
At SanctandroiSy vUimo Ivlij 1580.
The commissionaiis presentlie convenit and vnder subscryvand, con- Exteiittv«'lib
forme to the act maid at Abirdene in thair last conuentioun haldin
tliairat, all in ane voice concludis that ane extent of fyve hundreth lib.
be sett v{X)un the haill borrowis of this realme, and vniuersalie collected
and ingathered of thame with all diligence, and that for making of the
menis expenssis to be sent in Ingland for seking of redres of the gudes
pilleit be the Inglismen ; and the toun of Edinburgh, according to the last
rollis maid at Cowpar in thair conventioun haldin thairat in Februar last
bygane ane zeir, to be the settaris and the ingatheraris thairof ; And that
the sowme of money abouewritten be deuydit in manor following, to wit,
ane hundreth merkis for making of the mennis expenssis send from
Dondie and Sanct lohnestoun to Newcastell for trayell of thair gudes
pilleit in lu last, incais they obtein the gudes pilleit as said is at
this present jomay, sax hundi*edth merkis for making of the mennis ex-
penssis to be sent in Ingland for seking redres as is aboue written, and
the vther fifty merkis for the lane of the said principall sowme quhill
the sowme may be ingatherit ; And incais the said men to be sent beis
found superexpendit, and that the sowme of sax hundreth merkis beis
nocht sufficient to mak thair expenssis induring thair remanyng in Ing-
land, that thaire superexpenssis salbe rembursit to thame at thair hame
cuming, provyding that the samyn exceid nocht the sowme of ane hun-
dreth pundis at the sycht of the rollis.
110 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Item, Concludis that Dondie mak aduerteisment to the haill burrowis
to conuein in Striveling vpoun the xxiiij of Agust nixt, incais thai fynd
the maronaris thairof insist in thair persute at the said day anens the
contributioun to be maid of schip and gudes pilleit, and that the bur-
rowis failling to conuein the said day salbe vnlawit according to the act
maid at Abirdene in Julij instant. Et sic subscribitur.
Henrie Charteris. lohne Thomesoun.
Wm. Fairlie. Alexr. Bamsay.
Henry Adamsoun. Patrick Lyoun.
lohne Couthbert of Kyrkcaldy, Dauid Ridawcht.
subscryuit be lohne Guthre loannes Bonkle clericus ciui-
notar at my command. tatis Sanctiandree.^
Edinbwgli. ^ *'^® Conuentioun or Parliament of Burrowes haldin and begun at
Edinburgh the xvij. day of Apryle the zeir of God 1°^ V° fourescoir ane zeirs,
and continuand to the xxiij day of the said moneth, Comperit the com-
missioneris of the burrowis quhais names followis, and producet thare
commissionis, pairtlie \nder the seillis of their burghis, and pairtlie
subscriuit be thair commoun clerkis, viz. : for Edinburgh, Alexander
Clerk, provost, Henry Nesbet, and Henry Chairteris ; for Glasgw, Ihonn
Grahame, balllie, and Maister Henry Gibsoun ; for Montrose, William
Murray ; for Linlythqw, Andrew Ker, thesaurer ; for Dumbartane,
Donald Conyngham, baillie; for Dunfermeling, William Mekilihone,
Robert Pawtoun; for Elgein, lohne Annand, provost; for Selkirk,
Gavine Wilkyne ; for Lawder, Andrew Lawder ; for Striueling, William
Noruell ; for Dunbar, William Boncle ; for Peblis, Ihone Hay ; for Kirk-
caldy, Alexander Dalzell, William Lamb ; for Cowper, Dauid Petersoim ;
for Perth, Maister Patrick Quhytlaw, Dioneis Conquerour, Henry Adamson ;
for Caraill, Dauid Ramsay ; for Innemes, William Cudbert ; for North bervik,
Hew Baillie ; for Ruglein, Dauid Spens ; for Dundie, Alexander Scrym-
geour, James Finlawsoun ; for Hadingtoun, James Cokbume ; for
Lanark, William Wilkyne ; for Forfaire, Walter Lyndsay ; for Pittin-
weme, Stevin Mairtene ; for Abirdene, Gilbert Meyngzeis of Petfoddellis,
Convention of Royal Burghs. Ill
provost, Dauid Moir, Alexander Rutherfurde, William Meyngzeis ; for
Dyzart, Archibald Meluile, Johnn Luthrisk.
At Edinburgh xviij° Aprilis I"* V<^ Ixxxj^.
The quhilk day, anent the complaynt maid in the last conuentioun at Forrest, Eigein.
Aberdene vpoun the burrowes of Eigein and Forest for compelling the Frie merohants
merchandis of frie burrowes arryvand at their ports with wyne, salt, and l^^^guidBy'
vther merchandise frome uther frie ports of the realme to make ane offer di«chwrgit
to thame of the same, and the decision heirof being referrit to this present
conventioun, The commissioneris of burrowes befoir rehersit, in pre-
sence of Ihone Annand, provest and commissioner for the burch of Eigein,
and in penam contumacie of the said burch of Forrest, fyndis the
saidis burrowes to haif done wrong in the premissis, and, tharefore dis-
charges thame in speciall, and all vther burrowes in generall, to cans or
compell any frie merchant cummand with his guids firome ane frie port
within the realme to mak offer to them of the samyn ; but thatt it salbe
lesum to the saidis merchants to dispone vpoun thair saidis guidis
frielie but impediment or offer making in tyme cuming, without preiu-
dice alwayes to the liberty of the burch.
Item, Quhairas it wes ordanit in the said last conuentioun halden at Ontiand bor-
Aberdene that ilk burch suld discharge thare outland burgessis, and to *^*"^
repoirt thare diligence heirvpoun to this present conuentioun, the burch
of Edinburgh, for thair diligence, declairit be thair commissioneris that they
had na owtland burgessis exerceing tuaffique, or doand contra the liberty
of the burch, and zett had be thair decreit decernit thame in generall
quha repairit nocht to the burch vpoun xl days waiming to beir
ordinare chai*ges to haif forfalted thair fr^edome ; the commissioneris
of Perth gaif in alswa thair generall diligence by letteris of the Lordis ;
the commissioneris for Glasgw and Eigein, Invemes, and Lanerk gaif in
thair diligence aganis thair outland burgessis, with thair names in speciall
quha ar discharget thair fredome ; and therefor the commissioneris
ordanis ilk burch, speciallie sic as ar on the coist syde, to haif the
attentik roll of the burgessis dischairget, and euery ane requestis ane
uther as thai wald be carefull of thair freedome to sa the act aboue
112 Convention of Royal Burghs.
mentionat obseruit and putt to executioun in all poynts ; and ordanis
the burch of Edinburgh to send aduertisement to Kingorn and Inner-
kething that thai dischairge thair owtland burgessis and gif in to thame
the rail of thair names with diligence, beeaus thai vnderstand thair
nowmer to be verray gritt and hurtfuU to the friedome of burrowea
GeneraU bulk. Item, Anent the making of ane generall buik of the haUl acts of thair
conventionis conforme to the act maid at Abirdene, apprevis the said act
in all poynts, and continewis the questioun vpoun the custody of the
said buik to the nixt conventioun that the said buik be perfyttit; agane
the quhilk tyme thai ordane ilk burch, but speciallie Lynlythqu, to serche
furch the acts of the conventiouns haldin within thame, and send . the
same to Edinburgh with expeditioun, and Jhonn Guthre, cl^k, to con-
tinew in his diligence for writting and compleitting of the said buik, and
to present the same to the said next conventioun, at the quhilk tyme
thae promeist to se him satisfeit for his paynis. And the commissioneris
for Dundie and Cowper exhibit sic acts as thai declarit was in thare
burchis, and nocht contenit in the buik of Edinburgh, and delyuerit
thame to the said Ihon, and thairvpoun askit instrumentis.
Vigesimo Aprilis, V^ V^ Ixxxj*'.
Hadingtoun, The QUHILK DAY, in presence of the commissioneris of burrowes, com-
^°''*^' perit William Boncle, commissioner for Dumbar, and declairit that albeit
ha had on Tysday last compromitt the debaittabil mater betuix his
burch and Hadingtoun, zitt sensyne he was dischairgit thairof be the said
burch of Dunbar, and thairfore culd nocht abyde at the said compromitt,
bot renunceit the saymn ; and the commissioner for Hadingtoun declairit
that thai wald willinglie vnderly the iugement of the remanent burrowes,
or of the arbitratouris and owersman ellis nominat and chosin, and thair-
vpoun askit instrumentis, and vpoun the said renunciatioun and declara-
tioim maid be Dunbar.
Dnndie, Perth. The SAME DAY, Anent the questiouu depending betuix the burrowes of
Perth, Dundie, and Stirling for the priority of place and dignity, quhilk
wes referrit to this last conventioun, with the generall ordour to haif
been tane for ranking and placing of the haill burrowes, as is contenit in
Convention of Royal Burghs. 1 13
ane act of the last conventioun of burrowes at Abirdene, The saidis com-
missioneris being of mynd to half begun at the particular debaitt betuix
the saidis twa burchis of Dundie and Perth before the generall questioun
wes decydit, and efter lang debaitt and controuersie had betuix the saidis
twa burchis and thair commissioneris yesterday, and bayth thair ressouns
and allegatiouns being producit this day in writt, and the samyn hard
red and at lenth avysitlie considerit, the saidis commissioneris of bur-
rowes fyndis be the said ressouns geven in that the particular questioun,
as als the generall toward the ranking and placing of the haill burrowes,
will be swa debaitabill and intricat on ilk syde, and forther redound to
the particulare of ilk burch quha wiU clame the like prerogatiue befoir
vther for the same self ressouns, that as thai can nocht be iuges in thair
awin caussis swa thai may nocht decyde this present questioun ather in
general or in particular betuix the saidis twa burchis, and therefore hes
votit and concludit the decisioun heirof to be remitted to the vther twa
estaitts in the next parliament or generall counsale and conventioun, or
to the Kingis Maiestie and Lordis of Secrett Counsal as maist proper
iudges heirvnto ; and, in the meane tyme, ordanis the saidis twa burchis
contendant to stand in the same estaitt as thai now presentlie remayne,
but preiudice the ane of the vther and ayther of thair richtis and priue-
leges or prerogatiues ; to the quhilk premisses the commissioneris for Perth
dissentit, and William Noruell commissioner for Stirling protested that
this be nocht preiudiciall to his said burch, and to the discussing of thair
richt and place conforme to the act of parliament, bot that they may bruik
and posses thair place next Edinburgh as secund thairto in parliament ;
lykewayis the commissioneris for Linlythqw and Abirdene the sam
preiuge thame nocht toward the thrid place as dew vnto euery ane of
thame, as thai allegeit.
The sam day, for executioun of the first act of the last conventioun in For execniioun
'^ .of the acts ox
Abirdene toward the vnlawes of the burrowes absent, and for the mair burrowes.
reddy executioun and obedience of the haill acts and constitutiouns of
the parliament or conventionis of burrowes maid or to be maid con-
cemyng the weill of thair estaitt, and nocht contmir to the lawes of the
realme, and for vplifting of the vnlawes amerciaments and penalties of
the sam, gif ony wald presume to violat ony pairt thairof, appoynts and
nominats Henry Charteris, Henry Adamsoun, and Alexander Scrymgeour
114
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Ezoyse and
B< pannis in
Oampheir.
Bestis of the
bulzeoun.
Salraond and
herring bind.
to caus forme and devyse ane bill to be geviu in to the Secreitt Counsale,
and ane vther to the Lordis of Sessioun, for obtening our Souerane Lordis
letteris for concurrance of his Hieness authority and officiares to the exe-
cutioun of the saidis acts, and vpliftiiig of the paynes before rehersit.
Item, The saidis commissioneris of burrowes fyndis the act of the last
conventioun anent sending of commissioneris to Flanders for ordour to be
tane anent the excyse of here and wyne in Campheir, and anent the salt
pannis thair swa far as thai ar trubilsum, nocht to haif tane sufficient
effect, and thairfor of new ordanis Edinburgh, Perth, Dundie, Abirdene
and Glasqu and Stirling, or any thre of thame, to send ilk ane an-e com-
missionar to Flanders in the first schippis for intreatting heirvpon, and to
that effect to send to Edinburgh, within ten days nixt heirafler, the names
of the peiTSonis quhome thai lyke best for this purpose, quha are to pas to
Flanders, And the said burch in name of the haill burrowes to direct ane
commissioun vnder their seill of caus with sufficient instructioun to the
saidis persouns to be gevin in and nominat to thame, as said is, and to
resaue the report of thair ansuer heirvpoun.
Item, For inbringing of the restis of the extent of the bulzeoun grantit
to the Erie of Mortoun, ordanis Henry Charteiis to delyuer to Maister
Patrik Quhytelaw the letteris of horning and executiouns thairof vpoun
the burrowes and towns awand ony pairt of the said extent, and the said
Maister Patrik hes promist, vpoun the expenssis of the burrowes, to
caus denunce the saidis bruchis and townis of new, and register the sam
in the schireffs bulks ; for the quhilk caus thai ordane the said Maister
Patrik to vplift the saidis sowmes restand, and of the fii-st and reddiest
thairof to pay the auditouris of the bulzeoun comptis the sowme of ane
hundredth pundis for thair expenssis, specially of St. Minanes pairt of the
said extent, conforme to the act maid heiranent in the last conventioun, —
in the quhilk act, quhair mentioun is maid in the end thairof of Sanct-
androis, thai fjnid it owcht and suld be St. Minanes, — And the said Maister
Patrik to be comptabill for the rest of the saidis sowmis swa far as he
sail intromett ather for the money or hornings, alwayis thai will him to
supersede the executioun aganis Northbervik, becaus thair commissioner
hes promist ather to schaw guid acquittances, or to mak payment betuix
this and the thrid of May nixt.
Item, The saidis commissioneris approuis the act of the said last con-
Convention of Royal BurgJis. 115
ventiouii toward the salmond bind, cowparis and pakkeris of fische ; and
ordanis ilk burch to serclie and seik within thair selffs quhair the sam is
brokin, and to be diligent for executioun thairof in all poynts Eikand
heirto that thair be na diuersity in the salmond bind, bot that the salmond
barrells be of ane bind vniuersally throw the hail I realme, and ilk barrell
to contene twelf gallouns, siclyke of the hering bind, and that the sam be
of Flemys bind, confc»rme to the actis of parliament.
Item, For suppressing of the multitude of vnfrie traffiquers, thai ordane "^'^« trafflq-
ilk burch within thair selff to vse thair priueleges and execut the acts of
parliament heiiunent, or vtherwayes that thai send the names of the saidis
vnfrie traffiquers, als weill within thair selffis as in the schyre quhair
thair burch lyes, to the burch of Edinburgh, that thai may delyuer the
saidis names to the Kingis thesaurer, serchour, or vther officiaris, for
executionis of the acts of parliament and priueleges of burrowes aganis
the saidis personis, and that vnder the payne of ten pund to be tane of
the burch failzeand heirvnto.
Item, Thai ordane the commissioneris of the burrowes of Edinburgh, Croivos aad
Abirdene, Perth, Dundie, Stirlinjr., Linlythqw, Hadingtoun, Cowpar, and Hakkett con-
Innernes, to cans mak ane bill in name of the haill burrowes, and gif the 8®™**^^'^-
sam in to the Kingis Grace and Secreit Counsale, and to obtene ansuer
heirvpoun for executioun of the act of parliament anent destroying of the
cruvis and zairis. As alswa complening vpoun Maister George Hakkett,
conseruatour, for vplifting of the dewty of ten stuiris dischargeit, and for
nocht repairing to this cuntrey conform to the act of parliiiment, and
thairforc desyring his Grace concurrance with letteris to Campheir for
dischairging him of his office, and putting ane mair diligent man in his
place, and that he may be callit to cum hame and mak compt of his
iiitromissioun, and to ansuer vpoun the poynts of his office.
Item, Becaus tlie burch of Thayne lies sent na commissioner to this pre- nmemet,
sent conventioun, ather to intreatt of the effi^iris of thair estaitt, or zet to
ansuer to the compla^Tit of Innernes, and for exhibitioun of their ereo-
tioun in ane frie burch and thair rycht thairof, Ordanis the burch quhair
the nixt conventioun beis haldin to remember thame heirof in thair mis-
siues, and to wame the said burch of Thayne to compeir at the said nixt
conventioun to the effect foirsaidis, with certificatioun, gif thai tailzie, thai
sail lienor be repute ane frie burch nor half voitt amangis thame, And
116 .
Convention of Royal Burghs,
Edinb
xijci
Foullertonn.
Innemes
exoysebol].
that this citatioun may the better cum to thair eares, ordanis the said
lettir or missiue and waiming to be delyuerit to Innemes, and thai to se
thame dewly waimit, and tak witnes heirvpoim, and report the sam to the
said nixt conventioun, And the said commissioner of Innemess protestit
that the placing of Thayne in the taxt rollis of the said burchis mak
thame nocht thairfoir to be ane frie bnrch gif thai haif na vther rychty
and that the sam preiuge thame nocht in thair actioun aganis Thayne.
Item, The saidis haill commissioners of burrowes quhilk wer present
and convenit in the towne of Edinburgh, except the commissioners fol-
lowing, fyndis the haill burrowes to be addettit to the said burch of
Edinburgh in the sowme of twelf hundreth merkis for dyuers commoun
effaires of the buiTOwes, principally for the sowmes debursitt for Adame
FuUertoun's expenssis to Ingland, conforme to sindiy acts in sindry con-
ventiouns maid at sindry tymes heirtofoir, and thairfoir hes willinglie
votit and consentit to remburs, content, and pay the sam to the said
burch for thair pairtis thairof, according to the taxt rolls of burrowesw
The burchis dissentand heirto are Montros, Selkirk, Cowpar, Carraill, and
Ruglein, and Perth.
Itkm, Anent the act of the last conventioun, quhair it wes complenit of
Innemes for taiking the excyse boll of frie burgessis, for anything schawin
or producit be the said burch the haill commissioners of burrowes dis-
chairgeis thame in all tyme cuming of taking of the said excyse boll of
ony mauer of guids pertening to the burges of ane &ie burch, without it
be fund that the said burch of Innemes haif guid rycht thairto be the
lawes of the Maiestie, as wes alleget be thair commissioner thame to haif.
Vigesimo primo Aprilis I"^. V*^. Ixxxj^.
Vnfrie oraftto- The QUHILK DAT, it being desyret be the commissioner of Perth that
S^biOToweSr** 8^^^°^ remeid mycht be fund and devysitt aganis the vnfrie craftismen
working and dwelling in the suburbs of thair burch, and dyuers vtheris
burrowes of the realme, to the greitt hurt of the frie craftismen bemnd
chairges within the burch, the commissioners presentlie convenit ordanis
the same to be rememberit in the articles to be gevin in to the nixt parlia-
ment, and to the conventioun quhilk will preceid the samyn, and in the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 117
meanetyme that ilk burch be diligent to serche and try thair richts and
priueleges that may withstand this greit innormity, as thai wald schaw
thame selffis cairfuU of thair awin estaitt and weilfair.
Item, Quhair it wes meiiit and proponit be the burch of Edinburgh that New impoet on
thai ar suiily aduertist be the factoures of Deip that the King of France France!^
intendLs to raise ane new impost vpoun all Scotts clayth arrivand within
liis dominionis, and schew the said factoures bill direct to thame thair-
anent, Quhilk being oppinly red, and the preiudice thair to follow thair-
vpoun considderit and weyit, thai ordane the commissioners of burrowes
appoyntit to gif in the supplicatioun concerning the acts and penalteis,
and concerning MaLster George Hakkett, amangs the rest to meane this
mater to the Kings Grace, and to seik his Hienes avyse and help for
remeid heirof in tyme.
Item, Anent the supplicatioun gevin in. for the pairt of the skipperis SJ"^]^" °'
and awners of schips of the burch of Dundie desyring the articles vnder- PiUeit guids-
written to be eikit to the acts of burrowes maid anent the scajiting and
lotting for pilleit and cassin guids, to wit, that gif it sail happin any
schip to be laidin furch of France or Flanders with Rowane or Flanderis
wairis and siclyke coistlie guidis and merchandice, and the schip to be
pilleit be pirats, in that case that the schip be nocht haldin to scatt or
contribute, but onely hir fraucht, Alsua gif ane schip cumand fra Bur-
deaulx beis pilleit in hir veyage, that it sail be in the optioun of the
gevar quhidder the schip or fraucht saU contribute with the guids pilleit,
Als if it sail happin the appareling and geir of the schip, as ankers,
caibills, saillis, ordinance, or ony vther geir pertening to the schip, or
airmour being thairin for defence of the merchants guids, to be pilleit
and taikin, the schip and guids to be haldin togidder to contribute with
the same, Attour gif it happinis any schip laidin or licht to be constray«
nit, be tempest or vehemencie of wedder, or be men of weir, to be putt
vpoun the schoir for saifty of the schip, merchants guids, and mennis
lyves, in that case the schip and merchants guids togidder to contri-
bute all damnage and skayth that happinis to faU thairthrow. And gif it
happinis ony merchant or mariner to be hurt or mutilate in defence of the
schip and guids, in that respect uniuersall contributioun to be had of the
haill schip and guids to the support of that persoun hurt or mutilat ; as
at lenth is contenit in the said supplicatioun. The commissioneris pre-
118
Co7ivention of Royal Burghs.
Elgein, Forest,
Naime. CJom-
niifisioiiers.
Vnlawos.
Captiues in
Maroco.
Dundie.
Perth.
sentlie assemblit declaris this to be ane new mater quhairof thai haif
nocht the avyso and ansuer of thair burrowes, and thairfoir continewis
thair ansuer heirto to the nixt eonventioun, and ordanis the sam to be
rememberit in the missiues to be direct befoir the said eonventioun.
Item, In consideratioun of the supplicatioun gevin in for the pairt of
the burchis of Elgein, Forest, and Naime, mening the fitr distance of thair
burchis and poverty of thair commoun rents to merite fauour in thair
bypast vnlawes for non comperance, and desyring that vther burchis may
haif thair vote in tymes to cum, Fyndes the vnlaw of Elgein to be dis-
ponit in the last eonventioun, and thairfore can nocht now be retreittit
As for the rest, thai remitt and dischaii'ge to thame thair vnlawes of this
present eonventioun and all vther conventionis bypast, thay schawand
thair diligence in amendement for tyme to cum, bot declairis thai will on
na wayes alter the ordour to suffer ane burch to haif the voitt of ane
vther absent.
Item, For compt to be had of the imployment of the money coUectit
for redemptioun of the captiues in Maroco, thai ordane Maister Patrik
Quhytelaw, being present, to speik the Clerk of Register and inquyre of
his lordschip quha hes ressauit the sam, that forther ordour may be tayne
thairanent, and the same bestowit to the vse quhairfor it wes coUectit, or
ellis randerit thame.
Item, The commissioners presentlie assemblit beand chargeit be delyuer-
ance of the Secreitt Counsale to decyde the questioun of priority in place
betuixt Perth and Dundie befoir the dissoluing of this present eonven-
tioun, vnder paynes of horning, and with certificatioun letteris suld be
direct simpliciter, and the sam beand veray hard to do in respect of the
interloquitur befoir rehersit, the commissioneris of Perth being instantlie
requeistit to stand content with the first ansuer, and refusand the samyn,
bot at last offerand to abyde thairat gif the priority suld be grantit to
thame quhill the questioun were decydet, but preiudice of Dundy, Stir-
ling, or any vther pairtie contendant, and the commissioners for Dundy
aUuterly dissentand heirto. Baith the saidis pairteis beand remouit, the
mater votit and debaittit, and thai incallit agane, the commissioners of
burrowes foresaidis, for feir of the said horning and to eschew the samyn,
for the maist pairt votis and concludes and als decemis and ordanis the
burch of Perth to haif the priority and first place before the burch of
Convention of Royal Burghs. 119
Duadie qiihill the nixt parliament or conventioun of estaitts, and quhill
the questioim be deeydib be the saidis estaitts or Kings Grace and Lordis
of Secreitt Couusale, Prouyding alwayes that the sam nawayes preiuge
the said burcli of Dundie in thair richt and title to the said priority na
mair not gif this present ordinance had neuer bene maid votit or con-
cludit. And that the burrowes be na fortlier troublit with this thair
debaitt and contrauersy, vtherwayes thai will euery ane of thame to be
in thair awin wontit place, and that pairt of the former interloquitor to
stand. And the saidis commissioners of Dundie alluterly dissentit heirto
as before, protesting for remeid, and desyring the mater to be decydit
aither as it wes first concludit, or ellis confonne to the act of parliament
and act of the last conventioun of burrowes ; And William Norwell,
commissioner of Stirling, protestit that the sam preiuge nocht thame
anent the secund place nixt Edinburgh quhilk he aJlegeit to pertene to
thame, and siclyke that it preiuge nocht the decisioun of this mater for
the pairt of thair burch as it wes ordanit be act of parliament. Attour
the commissionei's of Abirdene, Linlithqu, Lanrik, Haddingtoun, Cowper,
and divers of the remanent burrowes protestit that the premissis preiuge
nocht thair burchis in the places quhilk thai merite as mair ancient nor
the burchis contendant, as thai allegeit, and heirvpoun askit instru-
inentis.
Item, The saidis haill commissionares affirmes ratefeis and apprevis the ^fPt??^^!i"j^^
haill acts and constitutionis of the last conventioun haldin at Abirdene, the last con-
with all claussis and articles contenit thairin, swa far as thai ar conso- ^*^
nant to the acts and articles of this present conventioun, and ordanis the
sam to be obseruit and kepit in all tymes cuming.
Item, Thai adiuge and decerne the burrowes vnderwrittin, and euery vniawing of
ane of tliame, to half incurrit and to incur the payne and vnlaw of JJj^^^^®*
threttie pund for thair absence and contumacie from the present conven-
tioun, thai beand lawfully waimit thairto, that is to say the burrowis of
Rothesay, Ranfrew, Air, Erewin, Kirkcudbrycht, Wigtoun, Quhithom,
ledburch, Dunfreis, BanflT, Brechein, Abirbrothok, Sanctandrois, Culane,
lliayne And thairfore ordanis the saidis vnlawes to be
vpliftit with all rigour, conforme to the acts of burrowes maid thair-
anent, be the burrowis appoyntit thairto in thair quarters of the realme,
and thai to be ansuerabill and comptabill vpoun thair diligence thairfore.
120
ConvevMon of Royal Burghs.
Nixt conven-
tioun.
Pettinyeme.
Guthre.
vnder the payne of payment of the sam of thair awin purssis at the nixt
conventioun.
Item, The haill commissioners presently convenit hes with ane consent
and assent affixit and appoyntit the nixt conventioun of burrowes to be
haldin in the burch quhair the nixt parliament of the haill estaitts beis
sett, gif ony beis, within ane zeir nixt heirefter, and ordanis that burch
of the parliament to mak lawful! wairning to the burrowes to convene
within thair burch sex dayes at the leist befoir the day of the parliament,
vnder the payne and vnlawes contenit in the acts of burrowis ; And gif
na parliament beis sett within ane zeir, thai haif agreitt, votit, and con-
sentit the nixt conventioun of burrowes to be haldin within the burch of
Perth, and to begyn the aucht day of Maij in the zeir of God j™ v**
Ixxxij® zeris, and ordanis the said burch of Perth to mak lawfuU wairn-
ing to the remanent burrowes as vse is, and to remember in their mis-
siues the heids and articles presently appoyntit to be rememberit resonit
and concludit in the said nixt conventioun, that ilk burch may cum
instructit with the information of thair nichtbouris in the saidis articles.
Item, Vpoun the complaynt of the commissioner of Pittenweme,
berand that Id all extents the counsale of thair burch omittis thame-
selffis thair freinds and the maist substantious men, and lays the chairges
on the puir, Ordanis the baillies and counsale of the said burch to follow
the ordour of all the remanent burrowes in chesing of thair extentouris
and setting of thair extenttis in tyme cuming, swa that thai pretermitt
nane that awcht to beir chairges according to thair substance but feid or
fauour, according to thair conscience and knawledge, as thai will ansuer
vpoun thair allegeance vnto oure Souerane Lord and remanent burrowes
of this realme.
Item, The said commissioners of burrowes assignis and disponis to
Maister Alexander* Guthre, clerk of this present conven^oun, for his
lawbour and paynis, the sowm of threttie pund to be tane of the reddiest
of the vnlawes of the burrowes absent fra this present conventioun, and
of ony of thame that he sail lyke best to cheise, and fidlzeand of ene, to
cheise ane vther, quhill he gett payment of the said sowma
Alex^ Clark of Balbimye pro- Dauid Petersone baillie of Cow-
vest of Edinburch. per.
Henrie Charteris. Ihone Aiunand provest of Elgin.
Convention of Royal Burghs.
121
W™ Norwell for Stirlyng.
Dioniis Conquerour.
Henry Adam son.
Willeam Cuthbert for Innernes.
lohnne Hay.
Stewin Marty ne for Pettinwem.
loline Grahame.
M^ Henry Gibson scripsit.
William Browne for Hadding-
toun.
Donald Cunynhame bailze of
Dumbertana
Villiame Boncle commissionar
of Dumbar.
Dauid Ramsay belle of CrailL
Grawin Wilkia
Archbalt Maluile for Dysart.
William Wilkin.
Andro Ker for linlythqu.
In the convcntioun or parliament of burrowes haldin and begun at Edin-
burgh the xvij day of October I'" V° Ixxxj** zeiris and contenewand to
the xxvj day thairof, Comperit the commissioneris of burrowes vnder-
speeefeit and gaif in thair commissionis, pairtlie vnder thair seill of caus,
and pairtlie vnder the subseriptioun of thair commoun clerk of thair bur-
rowes, to wit ; for Edinburgh, Alexander Clark of Balbimy prouest,
Ilobei-t Ker zounger baillie, and Maister Ihoun Prestoun ; for Air, Robert
lamesoun ; for Dunfermeling, William Wilkyn ; for Hadingtoun, William
Broun provest, James Ramsay ; for Selkirk, Gawin Wilkyn ; for Cowper
in Fyfe, lames Petersoun dene of gild ; for Dunbar, Moreis Lawder ; for
Kingorn, lohne Kirkcaldy, Ihonn Boswell ; for Kirkaldy, Alexander Dal-
zell ; for Lanerk, William Wylkyne, Thomas Gray ; for Thayne, Andro
Rysie; for Fores, Thomas Vrquhart; for Innernes, William Baillie prguest;
for Northbervick, Ilione Spens ; for Abirbrothok, Dauid Peii-soun ; for
Dysart, W^alter Scott, George Ciystiesoun ; for Elgein, Ilione Annand
prouest ; for Pei-th, Henry Adamesoun, Dyoneis Conquerour, Maister
Patrick Quhitelaw ; for Renfrew, Ihone Knox, Ihone laksoun ; for Mont-
r(3se, Robert Leichtoun ; for Lawder, Androw Lawder zounger ; for Lin-
lithqw, Androw Ker.
Q
122 Conventio7i of Royal Burghs.
Apud Edinburgh xx Octobris V^ V^' Ixxxj*'.
Anent the The Quhilk Day the commissioneris of burrowes presentlie convenit,
Sfor^he^cap^ vnderstanding that thair wes dyvers gfeitt sowmes of money vpliftit of
tiue3 in Ma- the burrowes be umquhill Androw Buk in Aberdene, to haif bene imployet
for redemptioun of certane of oure natioun lyand in miserabill captiue
vnder the Turk at Argiers, and zett nather ar thai redemit nor conipt
maid of the said money, Thairfore thai ordane Maister Patrik Quhytelaw
and Ihone Broun, in Edinburgh, to persew the airis and intrometteris with
the guidis of the said vnquhill Andro for compt, rekning, and payment to
be maid to thame of the said sowm in name of the haill burrowis, gevand
thame thair full power and commissioun thairto be thir presents, with
power to vplift and ressaue the said money, and thai comptabill thairfor,
and the expenssis maid be thame to be allowit in the first end of the said
sowm, provyding thai accept, nor do nathing heirinto by the avyse and con-
sent of the prouest and baillies and counsale of Edinburgh, quhome thai will
and desyreis to fortifie and assist the saidis persouns in persuitt of the
said cans.
At Edinburgh xxj^. Octobris V^. V^. Ixxxj^.
Buiyessw: The QUHILK DAY the foresaidis commissioners of burrowes, for suppress-
ing of the greitt multitude of owtland burgessis, conforme to dyvers acts
maid thairvpoun of before, Ordanis that ilk burch within the realme call
in before thame the saidis persouns be thair names in particulare, and
depryve thame of thair liberty, and at the nixt conventioun bring and
produce ane sufficient and attentik rolment and decreitt of couii gevin
aganis thame to that effect, contening particular names, that thai may be
knawiu to ilk burch and vsit heirafter as vnfriemen ; And siclyk that the
acts maid of befor anent gevin of tikketis to all saillers to vther cimtreyes
be inviolablie obseniit and putt to executioun, with this additioun, that in
all burchis quhair thair is ane dene of gild na tikkett nor testimonial! be
gevin bot sic as sail be subscryuet be the dene of gild and clerk of the
burch, and quhair thair is na dene of gild to be subscryuet be the baillies
of the towne and clerk thairof, all vther testimonialles to mak na fayth.
SailleriB.
Convention of Royal Buryhs. 123
and that thai be gevin only to sic as actually remanis within the burch,
walking wairding scatting and lotting and beiring all vther chairges
witliin the said burch and resident within the samyn, and to na vtheris.
And their testimoniallis to be renewet and tayne of new be ilk frieman
swa aft as lie saillis, and the awld to mak na vther fayth bot for that
vayage allanerly. Quhilk new testinionialls thai will at ilk tyme to be
presentit and schawin to the conseruatour be sic as passis in Flanderis,
quhonie thai ordane being personallie present to serche and trye furth
diligentlie of all sic persouns as traffiques and saillis without ane testi-
monial, conforme to the act of parliament maid be King James the Fifk,
and xxvij act thairof, in all poynts, and to sequestratt thair guidis, and
aduerteis the townc quhairfm thai come, that forther ordour may be tane
witli tlie saidis personis.
It KM, Thai ordane the discharge obtenit be Capitane Cokbume of the Capitnne
ten sowlz quhilk wes vpliftit at Burdealx of ilk twn wyne, quhilk thai ^^^^^
vnderstand to be in the handis of the burch of Edinburgh, to be insert Edinburgiu
and regis trat in this present bulk, and maid patent to all that sail haif
ado thaii-with.
Item, The saidis commissioners fyndes the burch of Innemes to haif innemes
na rycht to vplift the excyse boll of frie burgessis, nochtwithstanding the ^*®y^ ^"*
La wes of the Maiesty, quhilk wes presently schawin be the commissioner
of Innernes, and red oppinly, and contenit nathing that mycht mak for
thame.
xxiij^. Octobris V^. V^. lxxxj°.
Item, The saidis commissioners fyndes and declairis the burrowes Vniawing the
vnderwrittin and euery ane of thame to haif incurrit and to incur the absent^
payne and vnlaw of xxx li. for thair contumacie and absence fra this present
cunventi<jun, thay beand cytit and wairnit thairto be the missiues direct
to that effect, that is to say, Innerkething, Stirling, Rothesay, Dunbartane,
Ruglein, Irrewyne, Glasqw, Kirkcudbrycht, Wigtoun, Quhithome, Jed-
burch, Dunfreis, Dundy, Bamff, Carraill, Forfar, Sanctandrois, Brechein,
Culane, Nairne, Pettinweyme. And thairfore ordanis the said payne and
vnlawes to be vpliftit with diligence conforme to the acts maid thairanent
of befor.
124
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Capiiues of
Haroco.
xxiiij**. Octobiis I™. Y^. lxxxj°
GeneraU iadge. Item, Anent the act of buFTowes maid at Edinburgh in October 1 579
tuicheing the iadge of guidis nocht of the twn mesour, ratefeis and approvis
the sam in all poynts ; and ordanis Edinburgh to caus mak ane generall
iadge, and to report the sam to the nixt conventioun.
Item, Being enterit of new in resouning concerning the captiues at
Argieris, In presence of the conseruatour, referris vnto him to trye and
inquyre gif thai be for lyfe or nocht, quhat pairt thai ar in to, and quhat
sowmes may be redeme thame, and to report the sam to the burch of
Edinburgh with diligence. Lykewyes ordanis the prouest of Abirdene
beand present to gett knawledge of the sowmes vpliftit be vmquhill Andro
Buk and his airis, and siclyke Edinburgh to inquyre of the speciall
sowmes delyuerit to Michaell Gilbert, and Maister James Lowsoun, And
this to be reportit to the nixt conventioun, agane the quhilk tyme thai
continew all forther ordour to be tane in this mater.
xxiiij^ Octobris I™. V^. Ixxxj^.
Perth Dundie. Item, The Commissioners of burrowes foresaids and vndersubscryvand,
anent the contrauersie betuix the burchis of Perth and Dundie twicheing
the dignity and priority of place, quhair it wes desyrit be Alexander
Scrymgeour, for the pairty of the said burch of Dundie, that the said
question n wer zitt decydet be the saidis commissioners at this present
conventioun, conforme to the act of parliament maid anent ranking and
placeing of burrowes, Dyones Conquerour and Henry Adamsoun commis-
sioners for Perth being lykewyis present, the said mater resonit and votitt,
the pairteis remouit and incallit agane. All in ane voce ratefeis and
apprevis the last act maid heiranent in the conventioun haldin at Edin-
burgh the xxj of Aprile last, and zitt as before fyndes, decemis, and
declairis the said burch of Perth to haif and bruik the priority and first
place before the said burch of Dundie quhill this present parliament, and
quhill the said questioun be decydet be the Estaitts, the Kings Grace,
and Lordis of Secreitt Counsale, to quhome the said debaitt is remittit,
Conve7itian of Eoyal Burghs. 1 25
confonne to the said act in all poynts ; Quhairvpoim the saidis commis-
sioners of Perth askit instruments, And the said Alexander Scrymgeour
dissa«sented heirto, allegeing the said questioun nocht to be decydet con-
forme to the said act of parliament, and thairfore protestit for remeid of
law, Alswa William Norwell commissioner for Stirling protestit that the
premissis suld nocht preiuge his burch anent the priority and dignity of
the secund place to voit nixt Edinburgh, quhilk he allegeit to pertene to
the sam, and thairvpoun askit instrumentis, And in lykemaner, Gilbert
Meinzeis, provest and commissioner for Abirdene, protested that this act
suld nocht preiuge the said tovne anentis the prioritie of the thrid place,
and disassentod to the former actis maid betuix Perth and Dondie
thairanent.
Item, The saidis commissioners hes affixit and appoyntit the nixt con- Nixt conven-
ventioun to be begun and haldin at Perth the fyftein day of lune nixt, ***^^*
in the zeir of God P^ V*^ Ixxxij zeiris, and continewis the materis lyand
ower and nocht presently decydet to the said conventioun. And ordanis
the said burch of Perth be thair missiues to mak aduertisement to the
remanent buiTowes in dew tyme, and to remember thame to bring suffi-
cient power and informatioun to vote and conclude in speciall vpoun the
said caussis depending, to sie that the haill burchis be lawfuUie waimit,
the wairnings at the said conventioun dewlie instructit and verefeit,
that the absents may be vnlawet, and thair vnlawes coUectit and vpliftit
with regour.
Vigesimo quinto Octi^bris 1581.
Item, The foirsaidis commissioneris of burrowis, anent the ten sturis of Consoruatour.
ilk sek of gudes giantit of befoir to Henry Nesbett for his expenssis in
establisching the staipill at Campheir, and vplifted be my Lord Conser-
uatour thir zeris bygane, and his particular comptes thairof being hard
sene and avysitlie considerit, and the said Henry Nesbett being payitt of
the sovme of tuenty four pundis greitt thairof for his expenssis foirsaidis,
Fyndis the said conseruatour to be restand awand to the burrowis of
this realme, of the said dewtie, the sovme of four scoir li. greitt, Flemis
money, zitt be gude occasionis, and for gude seruice done and to be
1 26 Convention of Royal Burghs.
done, they frielie remitt and dischairgis to the said conseruatour the said
sovme of four scoir j)undis greitt in all tyme cuming, and als for his
obtening of certan writis evidentis and privilegis granted be the King of
Spayne vnder his greit seill, for the weilfair of the Scotis natioun,
quhilkis he hes in his handis.
Conseruatour. Item, In considoratioun of gude seruice foirsaid done and to be done
be the said conseruatour, and for his mair honorabill sustentatioun
according to the dignitie of his office, frielie and of thair awin accord, all
in ane voce grantis and consentis that the said conseruatour sail tak and
resave of ilk sek of gudis arryvand at thair staipill in Flanderis furth of
this realme, the sovme of tuelif stures, quhairof aucht stures of the mer-
chandice, and the vther four stures of the schip and company, begynnand
the payment of the said dewtie of tuelfT stures of ilk sek of gudes foir-
saidis at Mertymes nixtt, and fra thyne to endure for the space of ane
zeir nixtt thairefter alanerlie, And dischairgis the said conseruatour, being
personalie present, of all taking of ony vther dewtie of ony schippis and
gudes arryving as said is, specialie of the ten stures granted to Henry
Nesbett, together with the vther dewtie of sax and twa stures granted to
the said conseruatour of befoir, sua saifand and reseruand to him alanerlie
the said dewtie of tuelfF stures befoir mentionat.
Alex'' Clark provost. Robert lamesone for Ayr.
Robert Ker zoungar bailzie. Ihone Bowsy for Carell.
M^ lohn Prestoun. Ihone Barclay for Pittinvem,
Henry Adamson, Perth. Ihone Craill for Forfar.
Dionis Conquerour. William Wilkin for Lanark.
Andro Ker for Linlithqw. lohne Knox for Renfrew.
Pjjrth. In the conventioun of burrbwis haldin at Perth the xv, xvj, xviij, xix, xx,
xxj, xxij, and xxiij dayis of lunij the zeir of God I™. V^. four scoir twa
zeiris comperit the commissioneris of bunowis quhais names foUowis, and
producit thair commissionis, paii-tlie vnder the seillis of thair burghis, and
pairtly subscryuit be thair commoun clerkis, viz., for Edinburgh, Henry
(]Jhairteris baillie, Androw Sklater and lohne Ihounstoun ; Perth, Maister
Patrik Quhytelaw of Newgrange, Henry Adamsoun, Dioneis Conquerour,
Convention of Eoyal Burghs. 127
Oliver Peiblis ; for Dondie, Alexander Ramsay, Alexander Wedderburn
and Alexander Scrj'mgeour ; Striveling, Williame Norowell, Duncan
Leicbeman ; Abirdene, Alexander Culane ; Linlithqu, Andrew Kar ; Air,
George Cocheran ; Glasqu, lohne Idndesay ; Hadingtoun, lohne Aytoun ;
Cowpar, lames Andersoun ; Montrois, Williame Murray ; Abirbrothik,
Maister Archibald Peirsoun ; Sanctandrois, Maister Williame Cok ; Inner-
nes, Williame Baillie, proveist ; Duixifreis, Mathow Diksoun, Williame
Gledstanis ; Dunfermeling, lohnn Boiswell, Robert Pawtoun ; Craill,
Williame Annand ; Briechan, Dauid Dempstar ; Disartt, Alexander Criste-
soun ; Dumbar, Robert Lauder ; Laneark, Williame Dauidsoun ; Renfrow,
Heniy Fynnesoun ; Pettinweme, Stevin Martyne ; Kingom, lohne Kirk-
aldy, Wilbame Boiswell ; Innerkething, Williame Blackburn ; Kirkcaldy,
Alexander Dalzell.
Decimo octauo lunij 1582.
The quhilk day, it being cum to the knawlege of the commission- Extent of i=»
eris of burrowis abouewrittin, that in diuers and sindry tounia quhair ^^ding of ane
the merchantis of this realme resoii-tis within the dominionis of France, commissionor
. , .to France to
thai r is dyueris new customes exactionia and imposts raisit to the grit get the new
hurt of the saidis merchantis resortand thairto, as said is, and in speciall ^n^Su d?8-
within the toune of Deip, For remeid quhairof it is thocht expedient <5i»»"*Ki^
statute and ordanit be the commissionaris foirsaidis, that the colnmission-
eris of the burghis of Edinburgh, Striueling, Perth, Dondie, Abirdene,
Sanctandrois, and Cowpar geve in to the Kingis Maiestie and Lordis of
his Hienes Secreit Counsall, at the conventioun to be haldin at the said
burgh of Perth the last day of this iuvstant lunij, ane supplicatioun in all
thair names for his Hienes support to the doungetting and dischairging of
the customes exactions and impoistis abouementionat ; Efter the ansuer
quhairof that the magistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh foirsaid send ane
of thair maist honest and substantious burgessis, ane merchant and
traffecquair, to pas to the King of France for seiking l)e all meins possi-
bill of ane dischairge of the customes exactionis and impoistis foirsaidis,
For making of the quhilk commissioneris expenssis to be sent as said is
to the pairtis abouewritten, thay all in ane voce grantis and consentis
128 Convention of Royal Burghs.
that ane general! extent of ane thowsand merkis be sett vpliftit and
raisit be the said burgh of Edinburgh in thair names of the haill borrowis
of this realme betuix and the feist of Lambmes nixtt, and that executori-
allis of homing vpoun ane simple charge of sax dayis warning pas vpoun
the burrowis refusand to pay thair pairts of the said extentt at the day
prefixtt, And incais the said extentt be sett and vplifbed be the said burgh
of Edinburgh, and nocht bestowit be thame vpoun the commissioner to
be sent to France, as said is, in that cais the &aid burgh of Edinburgh to
mak the samyn furthcumand to the burrowis at thair nixtt conventioun,
quhairsoever it salljappin thame to convene.
' Cnstodie of the Item, Efter lang resonying vpoun the custodie of the generall buke of
' pevhTto ^^* burrowis, contenying the haill lawis actis and constitutionis maid be thair
; Edinburgh, predeccssouris in tymes past, quhilk buke was presented to the commis-
sioneris foirsaidis be Ihoun Guthre dark, wrytar thairof, conforme to ane
act of continuatioun maid thairvpoun in thair conventioun haldin at
Edinburgh the xviij day of Apryle 1581, thay all in ane voce fyndis
and delyueris thatt the said burgh of Edinburgh salhave the samyn in
keping induring the saidis burrowis willis alanerlie, and that the samyn
in all tyme cumyng be brochtt be the commissioneris of the said burgh
of Edinburgh to euery seuerall conventioun of burrowis ])arliament or
estaitis of this realme, quhairsoever the samyn beis haldin. And becaus
the wanting of the said buke hes bene in tymes past the cawse of greitt
ignorance and confusioun amangis the maist pairtt of the haill burrowis
of this realme, and to the effect they may the better be acknawledgitt of
sic lawis and constitutionis as hes bene maid be thair predecesaouris for
the weilfair of thair estait in tyme bygane, Thaiifoir they statute and
ordane thatt the said burgh of Edinburgh, or thair clarkis depute be
thame, sail mak and delyver to every e burgh, sutand the extract or copy
of the said buke, ane buke of the same self volume, contenyng the haill
' lawis and constitutionis of burrowis mentionat thairin to the desoluing of
' this present conventioun alanerlie, and that the saidis clarkis, wrytar
thairof, salhave ten merkis for euery ane of the samyn. attour incais ony
] of the burrowis foirsaidis haif ado heirefter with the extract of ony parti-
cular act or protestatioun contenitt in the said buke, that the samyn be
delyueritt to thame be the saidis clarkis for payment of thre schillingis
four penneis ilk pece alanerlie, and for the extract of the haill actis of
Convention of Royal Burghs. 129
ony seuerall actis maid at ilk conuentiouii threttene schillings iiijd, And
siclyke, vnderstanding the said Ihonn Guthre as zit nocht to be payitt of GutUre.
the sovme of tueutypundis, promeist to him be the commissioneris conuenitt
at Abirdene in the moneth of lulij 1580, for his paynis and travell tane
in wry ting of the said generall biike, naither to have resauitt the sovme
of tuenty merkis inlykemaner promeist to him for his paynis and travell
tane for suting, writing, and forming of the comptes of the boulzeoun,
and vther seruiees done be him to thair predecessouris of befoir, Thairfoir
they ordane the pro vest baillies and counsall of the said burgh of Edin-
burgh, and thair thesauraris, havaiis in thair handis of the tovne off Sanct-
monanis paii*tt of the extent of the said boulzeoun, extending to four
scoir twa pundis twa schillingis sax penneis, to delyuer and pay to the
said Ihonn Guthre, of the first and rediest thairof, the saidis sovmes of
tuenty pundis and tuenty merkis extending in the haill to fifty merkis,
for the causis abouewrittin, and this present act and ordinance salbe thair
wanand. And incais the said tovne of Sanctmynanis pairt of the boul-
zeoun be alrady vtherwayis disponit on, in thatt cais they fynd and de-
lyuer the said Ihonn Guthre salbe payitt of the sovmes abouementionatt
off the first and reddiest of the said boulzeoun extentt butt delay.
Item, The commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis vnderstanding that Commissioun
thair was dyueris and greitt sovmes of money vplifted for the burrowis to perrowfor
of this realm e, be dyueris and sindiy coUectouris appoynted thairto, for^?Jff^^^[g§°^
releif of cei-tan Scottismen lyand in miserabill captiuitie vnder tlie Turk the pnsoneris
att Argeris, and zitt nather ar they redemit nor compte maid of the said
money be the havaris thairof in thair handis, Thairfoir thai ordane the
provest baillies and counsall of the burgh of Edinburgh, in thair names,
to persew all and quhatsumever personis, havaris of or detenaris of the
saidLs sovmes of money, for compte, i-eknyng and payment to be maid to
thame of the samyn in name of the burrowis foirsaidis, and grantis and
gevis to the saidis provest baillies and counsall of the burgh of Edin-
burgh, or ony vtheris quhome they sail depute to thatt effect, thair full
power and commissioun to vplift, crave, and resave the saidis sovmes of
money, and they to be comptabill thairfoir, and the expenssis to be sidpperis sail-
maid be thame in the persute and recouery thairof to be allowitt in the tS?reaime°to
first end of the saidis sovmes. tSkLhi??'"
Item, Ratefois and apprevis the act and statute maid at Edinburgh butt testimoni-
R
130 Convention of Royal Burghs.
the XX day of October 1581, quhairby it was statute and ordanitt tbatt
ilk burgh within this realme, the dene of gild and dark thairof, suld geve
testimoniallis vnder thair subscriptionis to all saillaiis out of the cuntry,
and quhair thair is na dene of gild to be subscryuit be the baillies and
clark thairof, and all vtheris testimonallis to half na fayth ; and thatt the
samyn be gevin only to sic as actually remanis and hes thair residence
within frie burrowis, walking, wairding, scatting, Hotting, and bering all
vther maner of portabill charges with the saidis burghis, and to nane
vtheris, and thir testimoniallis to be renewitt and tane of new be ilk
Meman and saillar sua oft as he saillis, and the auld to mak na fayth bot
for ane veyage alanerlie, quhilk new testiraoniaUis they will at ilk tyme
to be presented to the conseruator be sic as passis in Flanderis, quhome
they ordane, than being personallie present, to serche and try furth dili-
gentlie all sic personis as traffecquis and saillis butt testimoniallis, con-
forme to the xxvij act of parliament maid be King lames the Fyfb, and
to sequestrat thair gudes, and to aduerteis the tovne quhairfra they come
thatt forther ordour may be tane with the saidis personis ; with this
additioun thatt na maner of skipper att ony tyme heirefter tak vpoun
hand to resave in his schip ony maner of personis in traffecque of mer-
chandise without ane speciall testimoniall, as said is, be had of the per-
sonis abouewrittin, vnder the payne of payment of the sovme of tueuty
pundis, and tynsall of his friedome ilk frie skipper, and of ilk vnfrie
skipper fourty pundis, sa oft as they salbe found contravenand this pre-
sentt ordinance, and that ilk vnfrie skipper, befoir his departing furth of
the realme att ilk veyage fynd ane honest and substantious firieman
within the burgh or sea poirtt quhair he laidis cautioun for observing of
this presentt ordinance vnder the paynis foirsaidis; And ordanis the
magistratis of ilk burgh and sea poirtt within this realme to se this act
and statute putt to dew executioun in all poyntis, and to vplift the
vnlawis abouewrittin of ilk persoun contravenand the samyn butt favouris,
with certificatioun to thame and they failzie or beis found negligentt
heirin, they^ sail incur the double payne contenitt heirin.
Begistratiiig The samyn day they ordane, zitt as of befoir, the discharge obtenit be
soiz in^ur-*^ Capitane Cokburn of the ten solz quhilk was vplifted at Burdealx of ilk
tun of wyne, quhilk they vnderstand to be in the handis of the burgh of
doaU.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 131
Edinburgh, to be insert and registrat in this presentt buke, aiid maid
patent to all sic as salhave ado thairwith.
Item, Anent the act of burro wis maid at Edinburgh in October 1579 Edinburgh to
tuiching the iedge of gudes of the tun mesour, Ratefeis and apprevis the ™* **^* *^*
samyn in all poyntis, and zitt as of befoir ordanis the burgh of Edin-
burgh to raak ane generall ledge, and to repoirtt the samyn to the nixtt
conventioun, and to thatt effect gevis and disponis to the said tovne of
Edinburgh the vnlaw of the burgh of Peiblis for thair absence fra this
presentt conventioun.
The samyn day ratifeis and apprevis the act maid att Abirdene in Pakking and
lulij 1580, anent pakking peilling the bind of salmond barrellis, bimyng P®*^***^'
and marking thairof, and to have full execution in all tymes cuming.
Item, The commissioneris foirsaidis ratefeis and apprevis the act and Rasing of let-
statute maid at Sanctandrois, in the conuentiouH haldin thairatt in the w'^i^^d^^^
zeir of God 1570, anentt the rasing of letteris be euery frie burgh within p^"^« outwith
, . ...... . , , . 1 .ii» fne buiTowis.
thair awm lurisdictioun vpoun sic as pakkis and peiUis outwith nie bnr-
rowis, and in sic caissis to put thair awin actis and statutis foundit
vpoun the act of parliament and conforme to thair liberties and privi-
legis to dew executioun, vnder the payne of tuenty pundis to be collected
and vptaikin of euery burgh that faillis to do the samyn ; And becaus
the vplifting of the said vnlaw hes bene still, sen the said zeir of God
1570, ouersene be the coUectouris appoynted thairto the tyme foirsaid,
quhairby the said act is left unexecute, to the greitt hurtt and detrimentt
of all the frie burrowis within this realme, Thairfoir, as of befoir, for col-
lecting and vptaking of the said payne and vnlaw of all burrowis negli-
gent heirin, from Carrenmouth to Bervik, they nominatt and appoynt,
for the burgh of Edinburgh, Hary Smyth, gif the said Hary wiU accept
the samyn, vtherwayis the magistratis of the said tovne of Edinburgh at
thair discretioun to cheis ane vther in his roome ; from Carranmouth
throw the haill west partis, Dauid Craufurde in Air, and Mathow
Fallowsdaill in Dumbartan, and incais they refuse, the magistratis of the
said tovnis to cheis ane vther ; frome Alloway to the watter of Tay
athortt the haill coist syde, Stevin Martyne ; from Tay to Spay, lames
Carmicliaell burges of Dondy, and incais of his refuse sic vther as the
magistratis thairof sail pleis appoynt ; and frorae Spay north, William
Baillie provost of Innerness ; And thatt the saidis vnlawes be vpUfted of
1 32 Con vention of Royal Burghs.
the buiTowis failling, be the pereonis aboue expremitt immediJitlie efter
the intimatioun and publicatioun of this present oi"dinance ; And grantis
and consentis that letteris be obtenit befoir the Lordis of oure Souerane
Lordis Sessioun to mak the saidis coUectouris obeyitt of the saidis sovmes,
vnder sic pajmis as they think gude, Provyding alwayes that the saidis
coUectouris nominatt or to be nominatt mak compte and rekning to the
commissioneris of burrowis at euery conuentionis of sic sovmes as it sal-
happin thame to resave, vnder the payne of payment of tuenty pundis,
ilkane of thame, sua oft as they failzie, to be vplifted of thame but
fauouris, and the magistratis of the burrowis quhairin they duell to Jbe
ansuerabill thairfoir.
xxij lunij 1 582.
CommiMioan Item, The commissioneris foirsaidis appojmtis the commissioneris of
rowis to resoun Edinburgh, Perth, Dondy, Abirdene, Striveling, Air, Sanctandrois, Cow-
iment^the^w P*^» Qlasqu, Hadingtoun, Dysart, and Kirkcaldy to convene quhair and
cuatomifl. quhen it sail pleis the Kingis Maiestie to command, to haif the difference
betuix his Hienes and buiTowis of this i-ealme anent the new custome
roUis intreittit vpon, with full power to the saidis commissioneris to
conclude thairin as to the weilfair of the estaitis of the saidis burrowis
salbe be thame thochtt maist expedientt, Promesand to hald ferme and
staibill all and quhatsumever thing the saidis commissioneris, or ony
aucht of thame, sail think neidfuU in the premissis to be done ; with
certificatioun to euery ane of the tuelff burrowis in generall, nochtt con-
venand, aduerteisment being maid to thame be the said burgh of Perth,
that they and euery ane of thame sail incur the payne and vnlaw of
tuentie pundis to be vplifted of thame but fauouris.
Perth to wryte Item, They ordain the said burgh of Perth, in thair names, to direct
ansuerTo Ae ^^^ missive to the Kingis Maiestie, quhairby his Hienes may vnderstand
King- thair myndes in the mater abouewrittin, according to the directioun
gevin to the commissioneris of the said burgh of Perth thairanent.
AdmiMdoun of Item, Becaus thair is dyueris and sindry merchantis of this realme
FUndoris. greitumlie hurtt, and vtheris alluterlie wrakkit and hereit, be the playing
of bankeroutt of sundry factouris within the cuntrie of Flanderis, Thair-
Convention of Royal Bunjlis. 1 33
foir it is statute and ordanit that at na tyme heirefter na maner of per-
soun be admitted, sufferritt, or permitted to vse or exerce the office of
factory in the pairtis of Flanderis, ather in Zeland, Holland, or Brabantt,
be the conseruatour, bot sic as ar professouiis of the trew religioun of
lesus Christ oppinlie publeschitt in tliis realme, and they befoir thair
admissioun thairto, outher be thame selues or vtheris in thair names,
fynd sufficientt cautioun and souei-ty within the burgh of Edinburgh to
the magist! atis thairof for mantening of the said trew relligioun to the
vttermest of thair poweris, and that they salbe ansuerabill to all and
quhatsumeuer personis with quhais glides it salhappin thame induring
thair office of factory to intromett with, and the samyn salbe att all
tymes furthcumand to the awneris thairof quhensoever they pleis requyre
thairfoir, and thatt the said conseruatour se this act and ordenance dewlie
execute and fulfillit in all poyntis, with certificatioun to him and he
failzie, he salbe haldin to refound to all maner of personis dampnefeitt or
defraudit he the saidis factouris all and quhatsumever dampnage and
skaith itt salhappin thame to sustene in ony wayes, and salbe depryvitt
of his office of conseruatour but fauouris.
ITie samyn day, vnderstanding dj^ieris and sindry thair comburgessis Factouris iu
and vtheris merchantis and traffecquaris within this realme resorting to ^^^'
France, Flanderis, and vtheris pairtis, to be conuersant and daylie hand-
laris with sindry factouris quha ar nocht professouris of the trew relli-
gioun of lesus Christ, bott altogether ignorant and coniurit papeistis, and
manefest contempnaris and ennemeis to the trewth, quhairby greitt and
abbominabill errouris may ensue exceptt haistie remeid be provyditt
thairto. For eschewing quhairof, and to the effect na sic occasioun may
occur in tyme cuming, it is statute and ordanitt that na merchant traffec-
quar or ony frie burges of ony burgh within the realme of Scotland
fra thyne furth tak vpoun hand to have ony maner of tred. or
ony wayis to have ado, hantt or vse the company of ony sic personis as
ar nochtt of the trew relligioun of lesus Christ, opinly publischit within
this realme as said is, certefeing all sic as salhappin to transgres this pre-
sentt ordinance in ony tyme cuming, thatt they and euery ane of thame
efter dew tryell be had thairof sail incur the payne and vnlaw of fourty
pundis, and that the samyn salbe vplifted of thame but fauouris quhow
oft they failzie, and ordanis the magistratis of ilk burgh and sea poirtt
134 Ccnivention of Royal Burghs.
within this realme to vplift the said vnlaw, and att euery seaerall con-
uentioun to repoirtt thair diligence heirvpoun, vnder the payne of pay-
mentt of the lyke sovme sa oft as they salbe foond negligentt in the
executioun of this ordinance, but fauouris.
Vnlaw Forfar The samyn day the commissioneris foirsaidis grantis gevis and dis-
l!bk£othok. P^^^s ^ ^^® tovne of Abirbrothok the vnlaw of the tovne of Forfar qnha
comperit nocht to this presentt conaentioan of burrowis, provyding the
samyn be bestowit vpon the vpbigging of the Kirk of the said tovne of
Abirbrothok, peir and schoir thairof, and Maister Archibald Person com-
missionar thairof promeist to se the samyn done.
Auditonris Roe Item, The saidis commissionaris of burrowis vnderstanding be the corn-
extent of%*«n. missioneris of Edinburgh that lames Ros, sumtime thesaurer of the said
™*'^*°** burgh, had nocht maid compte and rekning of his intromissioun with ane
extentt of thre thousand markis sett and vplifted of the haill burrowis of
this realme in the zeir of God 1574, for suppressing [pyrattis] and that
he had refusitt to gave compte thairof to the said burgh of Edinburgh, he
being oftymes requiritt be thame thairto, Thairfoir tliey nominatt and
appoynttis four of the maist discreitt men of the counsall of the said
burgh of Edinburgh, sic as sail best pleis the magistratis thairof to elect,
together with the commissioneris of Linfithqu, with all diligence possibill,
in name of the haill burrowis, to sute compte and rekning of the said
lames Ros of his intromissioun with the extentt foirsaidis, will full powar
to thame the said lames comptes to heir and diligentlie examyne, allow
and disallow, according to thaii* knawlege and consciences, and as to the
Weill of the haill burrowis salbe be thame thocht maist expedientt ; And
the saidis commissioneris of burrowis promesis faithfuUie in name of the
rest, and for thame selues, to hald ferme and staibill all and quhatsumever
thingis the auditouris befoir mentionatt dois in the premissis, provyding
alwayis they repoirtt thair diligence heiranentt at the nixtt conuentioun
of burrowis ; and gif it beis fundin be thame thatt the said lames Ros
hes ony rest of the said extentt in his handis, thatt the samyn be furth-
cummand at the nixt conuentioun, as said is.
Ccmtiniiatioun Item, Anent the supplicatioun gevin in to thame be the commissioner
bartan*^^"™^^ Dumbartan, they continew the ansuer geving thairto vnto thair nixtt
conventioun, And ordanis the burgh quhair the said nixtt conuentioun
beis haldin to remember the burrowis heirof in thair missives, and to
Convention of Royal Burghs. 135
desyre thair commissioneris to cum fullie iastructed quhatt support they
will mak to the said burgh of Dumbartan for repairing of thair dekayitt
hawin and stopping of the watter thairof
Item, Towart the desyir of the commissioner of the burgh of Hading- Hadingtoun.
toun, quhairas he desyris the concurrance of the burrowis nixt adiacentt
thairto to accompany the said burgh in ane perambulatioun betuix thame
and certan gentilmen of the cuntrie quha wald reve thame of thair richttis,
they requeist the commissioneris of Edinburgh to desyir the inhabitantis
of thair burgh, vpoun mutuall societie and gude nychtbourheid, to assist
the said burgh of Hadington, quha tuke thame to aduyse with the pro-
vest baillies and counsall of Edinburgh foirsaid, quhether they mychtt do
the samyn butt danger of law or nochtt.
The samyn day the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter aduysementt with Ely hawin.
the supplicatioun gevin in to thame be Thomas Dishingtoun of Airdros,
quhairby he cravis thair supportt and assistance to the vpbigging of the
hawin callit the Ely, and vnderstanding the samyn to be ane very com-
modious barbery, gif the samyn war weill vpbiggitt, for all schippis and
boittis saifty in stormes of wether, Thairfoir they grant and consentis thatt
the sovme of thre hundred merkis be eikitt to the extentt of ane thowsand
merkis ordanit to be vplifted of the*haill burrowis of Scotland for making
of the commissioneris expenssis to be sentt in France for doungetting of
the new customes thair, And ordanis Alexander Christesoun, commissioner
for Dysartt, to resave the samyn sovme of thre hundreth merkis quhow
sone the samyn beis ingatheritt, and be the aduyces of the magistratis of
the said burgh of Dysartt, Cowpar, and Sanctandrois, to se the samyn
Weill bestowitt vpoun the vpbigging of the said hawin of the Ely, Pro-
vyding alwayis the said laird of Airdros wair of his awin gudes the sovme
of iij^. merkis vpon the vpbigging of the said hawin, as said is. And the
commissioneris of Air, Dumbertan, and Renfrew dissassented heirto,
insafar itt was na actioun of burgh etc., and the saidis thre hundreth
merkis to be beslowitt vpoun the said hawin of the said lairdis efler the
daitt heirof.
13(5
Convention of Royal Burghs,
Vigesimo tertio lunij 1582.
Supplicatiouii
to the King
aganis f rie-
inen culloring
vnfrie gudis.
Statute that
nane pas fra
the conven-
tiounis quhUl
the dcHoluing
thairof.
All cominis-
Bionoris to
convene the
firet (lay of the
convcntioun.
The QuniLK day the commissioneris of buiTowis foirsaidis ordanis ane
supplicatioun to be gevin in to the Kingis Maiestie and his Hienes
Secreitt Counsall that ordonr may be tane anent sic as ar vnfriemen and
vsis merchandise, and anent merchantis friemen quha vnder cullour trans-
portis vnfriemenis geir furth of this realme, and inbringis the samya
agane to the commoditie of the saidis vnfriemea
The samyn day the commissioneris foirsaidis concludis, statutis, and
ordanis thatt in all tymes cuming, quhair ony commissioneris of the bur-
rowis presentis thair commissioun, it sail nocht be lesura to that commis-
sioner in ony way is to depairtt frome the said conuentioim quliiU the
samyn be desoluitt haillelie, except special licence be granted thairto, and
incais they do in the contrair, it salbe coequiuolant as Chey had nochtt
comperit, and salbe decernit to vnderiy the vnlaw of non comperantis,
And gif ony licence of away passing beis granted, thatt the commissioner
to quhome the same is gevin sail compeir befoir the dark of the conuen-
tioun for the tyme, and, of his awin grantt and consessioun, ratefie and
approve all thingis thatt salbe concludit on at the said conuentioun, Pro-
vyding alwayes this act sail nocht haif executioun vpoun the burrowis
disassenting be thair speciall protestation is aganis the sovme of tuelff
hundreth mcrkis granted to the burgh of Edinburgh for the expenssis
maid be Adame FouUertoun in his being in Ingland, quhais names dis-
assentaris foUowis, Abirdene, Cowpar, Sanctandrois, Montrois, and vtheris
burrowis quhilkis war nocht presentt and nocht wairnit att the conclu-
sioun thairof protested they aucht to have the lyke privilege as the
disassentaris, And this act to be extendit for all occasion byganis with
the reseruationis foirsaidis.
Item, It is statute and ordanitt thatt in all tymes cuming the commis-
sioneris of burrowis convene the fii-st day of ilk conuentioun thairof
appoynted, and presentt thair commissionis, and quha comperis nochtt the
said first day salbe decernit in ane vnlaw of tuenty pundis, and vplifted
of thame as gif they had nocht convcnit, and thatt in aU tymes cuming,
the first day of ilk conventioun be vpon the Mononday or the beginning
of the oulk.
Convention of Royal Buryhs. 137
Item, That the haill burrowis, being lawfullie waii-nit to compeir at ony piuraiitio of
conuentioun heirafter, the plui*alitie of voitis of thame that comperis toL^*^^*^®
have pla<?e and to mak lawis and constitiitionis, provyding thatt Edin-
burgh, Perth, Striveling, Dondie, Abirdene, Sanctandrois, Air, Glasqu,
Linlithqu, and Cowper, or ony sax of tliir ten, be of the nomber of thame
that convenis.
The quhilk day, foi*samekill as thair is dyueris and sindry tovnis, Edinburgh to
vilhiges, and sea portis within this reahne quhilkis vsurpis the liberty and KingS^regteter
privilege of frie burrowis as gif they war erected thairto, quhairby the |^3' ^^^'^ "^
frie burrowis nixtt adiacentt to the saidis vnfrie tovnis, willages, and sea burrowis.
portis ar gretumlie hurtt and preiugitt, For reineid quhairof it is statute
and ordanit that the magistrntis of the burgh of Edinburgh, in all thair
names, sail with all possibill diligence cawse luke furth oure Souerane
Lordis register, quhairby knawlege may be had quhilkis of thame ar
erected in frie burghis, to the end sic as salbe knawin to be sua may be
compellit to scatt, lott, and beir all maner of portabill chairges with the
remanent frie burrowis of this realme, And lykewayis that the saidis
niagistratis of Edinburgh cers furth all the vnfrie tovnis within this
realme, and persew thame be the law as accords, to the doing quhairof
tlie commissioneris foii*saidis grantis full power and commissioun to the
said burgh of Edinburgh, j>'^oniittendo de rato, and promesis to refound
and pay to the magistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh foirsaidis all and
quhatsumever resonabill expenssis itt salhappin thame to mak vpoun
execution of the premissis, and ordanis the said commissioun to stand
quhill thair nixt conuentioun alanerlie, at quhilk tyme repoirt thair dili-
gence heiranent, and in tlie menetyme thatt all frie burrowis repres the
vnfrie tovnis nixtt adiacent to thame safar as they may of law.
Item, Appoyntis the commissioneris nominat to geve the ansuer to the Certan bur-
Kingis Maiestie anentis the customes to be the alteraris of the taxtt roll, ©d to alter the
and they to resoun vpoun the samyn, and to repoirt thair diligence at ^^^^^ ''®"**-
tlie nixt conuentioun that fynall conclusioun may be tane thairanent.
And in the menetyme the present taxtt concluditt on to be sett according
to the last roll maid at Cowper ; And the commissioneris of Edinburgh
disassentt from ony continewatioun of ony alteratioun of the said extentt
roll, and offeritt thame rady to the remane quhill the samyn was done,
[ind forther protestis thatt incais ony extentt in the menetyme intervene
s
1 38 Convention of Royal Burghs.
thatt they salbe extentit according to the auld roll maid preceding the
last alteration maid at Cowper, and Sanctandrois in the lykemaner, and
George Cocheran, commissioner for Air, protested thatt in respect the
alteratioun of the last taxtt roll att Cowper, quhilk was onlie ordanit to
stand for thre zeiris, suld be now reformed according thairto, or vtherwayis,
thatt na executoriallis suld strek vpon his said burgh quhiU the said roll
war alterit in the coUectioun of ony extent condiscendit vpon, and
Maister Patrik Quhytelaw in the name of the haill rest, as moderator, in
the contrair, in respect of the actis maid of befoir, quhairto the said
George consented, as alsua thatt the prefixtt tyme of thre zeris was
apoynted be the conuention of buiTOwis, and now alterit be thame in
respect of thair continwatioun.
Vnia^ng bur- The samyn day, Fyndis the burrowis efter following be thair non com-
perance to this conuentioun to have incurritt euer ilk ane of thame the
vnlaw of tuenty pundis, being lawfullie vaimit thadrto as was sufficientlie
verefeitt, to wit, Rothesay, Ruglene, Irrowyne, Kirkcudbrycht, Quhithom,
ledburgh, Selkirk, Peiblis, Lawder, Elgyne, Culane, Forres, Name, Banff,
Forfar, and Thane ; and ordanis the act of parliament to be putt to execu-
tion aganis thame and euery ane of thame be the burgh of Edinburgh,
and they to be comptable thairfoir at the nixt conuentioun, except
Irrowyne quhilk is disponit to Air, Lawder to Northbervik, Forfar to
Aberbrothok, and Peiblis to Edinburgh, for making of the iedge, and
Ruglene to Glasqu for vpbigging of thair calsy, and Elgyne to Ihonn
Guthre, dark, wrytar of the acts maid at this present assemblie ; and
appoyntis Selkirk to Kinghom for vpbigging of Petticur, etc.
Desoiuing of The commissioneris foirsaidis desoluis this thair conuentioun ; and
tioun. appoyntis thair nixt conventioun to be haldin att Air the tentt day
of lunij 1583 zeris, and the said tovne of Air to direct thair missiues as
efFeris, etc.
Henrie Charteris.
Andro Sklatter. William Blaikbum.
Henry Adamsone. George Cochrane dissassented to
Alex' Cullen. the first act.
W™ Norwell. lohne Aytowne.
D. Leschman. I. Andersone.
M. William Cok. Robert Lawder.
Convention of Rofjal Burghs. 139
Williame Murray. Alexander Christeson.
Mr Archuibald Peirsoune. lohne Bosuell.
Alex'' DalzelL ' Robert Watsoun.
William Ann and. Ihon Spens.
Stewin Martyne. Ibone KyrkcaJdy.
Ibonn Lindesay, Robert Adame, commissioneris of Glasqu, and Patrik
Fyunesoun for Renfrew, with thair handis at the pen led be the notar
vnderwrittin at oure commandis becaus we can nocht wryte ourselues.
I. GUTHRE.
In the conventioun of hw^owis efter following , haldin at'^
Edinburgh the audit day of Nouemher the zeir of God
jm yc j^y^^ scoir tioa zeriSy Comperitt the commissioneris
of bnrrowis vndei^rittin and producitt thair commis-
sionisy pairtlie vnder the seillis of thair tovnis, and
pairtlie vtider the subscriptionis of thair commoun
clarkis, quhais names followis :
Commissioneris namea
Edinburgh, Alexander Clark of Balbimy provest, Ihoun Ihonnstoun,
Heniy Charteris ; Perth, Henry Adamesoun ; Dondie, Ihonn Fynlasoun ;
Abirdene, Alexander Forbes; Air, Henry Oisbum; Glasqu, Robertt Adame;
Dysartt, Alexander Christesoun ; Kirkcaldy, Ihonn Lowdoun ; Craill,
Thomas Kay bail lie ; Pettinveme, Stevin Martyne.
The samyn day the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis decemis the Vniawing bur-
buiTOwis efter mentionatt, to witt, Hadingtoun, Sanctandrois, Strive- ^rg© Edin-
ling, and euer}' ane of thame, in respect of thair noncomperance to this ^^^ Neebett
present conventioun, to have incurritt the payne and vnlaw of tuenty pundis,
and this becaus they war lawfuUie wairnitt be missives sentt and de-
lyueritt to thame be sic as Edinburgh direct to that effect to have comperit,
i\a was cleirlie vnderstand to the saidis commissioneris, be the provest,
baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh, directaris of the saidis missives, and
comjieritt nochtt ; and assignis to Henry Nesbett burges of Edinburgh
140 Convention of Royal Bury /is.
the samyn vnlawis, for payment to the burgh of Edinburgh in name
of the haill commissioneris of burrowis of fourty merkis thairfoir, he
alwayis makand the expenssis vpon the ingathering thairof; for the
quhilk sovme of fourty merkis the said burgh of Edinburgh sal mak
compte and rekning to the haill eommissioneiis of burrowis at thair nixtt
conventioun, to be haldin at Air the tent day of lunij nixtt ; and the
said Henry Nesbet oblessis him to relief the said burgh thairof at the saidis
burrowis handis.
Apud Edinburgh octauo Novembris 1582.
statute for vp- Xhe QUHILK DAY, the commissioneris of burrowis befoir mentionatt
tan dewties of vnderstanding thameselues and the haill merchantt estaitt of this realme
gudL^tortifl- ^^ be gretumlie dampnefeit be paymentt of the intolerabiU customes
SJeRLimeto' laitUe raisitt and vplifted within the dominions of France vpoun syndrie
the making of soirtis of wairis transported thaii-to, hes statue and ordanitt, and all in
rionSS^expen- ane voce for thame selues and havand powar of the burrowis, concludis
for*^tting^^e ^^^ delyueris, that for the making of certau commissioneris expenssis to
new customis be sentt be thame to the King of France and his Previe Counsall, to seik
git redres herein, thair salbe vplifted fra the feist of Mertymes nixt vnto the
feist of Meiiiymes in the zeir of God j™ v*^ four scoire three zeris, and
langer as the necessitie of the cawse sail requyre, at all the sea poirttis of
this realme, of all maner of wairis passing furth thairof, the dewties efter
following, to wit, of ilk tun salmond four schillingis ilk tun, claith aucht
schillingis ilk tun, hydis four schillingis ilk tun, skynnis four schiUingis
ilk tun, wly and butter four schillingis ilk tun, herring and keilling
saxtene pennies, — ilk sek gudes to Flanderis to be estimatt to twa tunnis,
and ilk serpleth gudes to Danskyne and the eistar seals to be estimatt be
the tun, — and the said Thomas Kay baillie and commissioner for Craill, for
him selff and the remanentt burrowis of the coist syde, protested in re-
spect of their consentt gevin heirto thatt incais at ony tyme heirefter it
salhappin ony new customes to be raisitt vpon sic wairis as they com-
monlie tred with, and in speciall fische, the hail burrowis of this realme
in lykemaner to contribute with tham for doungetting and discharging
thairof: Quhairvnto the commissioneris forsaidis for thame selfis and in
Convention of Eoyal Burghs. 141
name of the haill remanent bnrrowis of this realme consented. For
sure collecting of the quhilkis dewties, the magistratis of euery burgh
and sea poiiit of this realme, to wit, the provest baillies and counsall
of Edinburgh sail depute for thame selues; the tovnis of Kingom,
Innerkething, Queinsfery, Burntiland, and Prestoun pannis, collectoures,
ane or ma ; the magistratis of the tovne of Perth, ane collectour to
vplift and ingather the dewties foirsaidis of all maner of gudes boittitt
at the said tovne peir and schoir theirof alanerlie ; the tovne of Dondy
and thair collectour, the dewties of all maner of gudes schippitt at the
poirtt and hawin of the samyn, — the tovne of Perth onlie exceptit ; Abii--
dene for thame selues ; the tovnis of Montrois, Banflf, Elgyne, Innerness,
Crummaty, and the remanent sea portis be north thame; Air, Dumbartan,
Irrowyne, Wigtoun, Kirkcudbrycht, Dunfreis, to depute collectouris
within thair awin boundis, euery ane for thair awin burghis ; Craill and
thair collectouris to vplift the dewties schippitt outwai-tt att thair poirtt
and hawin, and att ony poirtt and hawin be eist Levinesmouth, and of
Anstruther be west the burn, — Pettenweme only exceptit, quha sail depute
ane collectour to the effect abouwritten within thame selues ; Sanctandrois
ane collectour for thame selues ; Kirkcaldy for thame selues ; and Dysartt
ane collectour for thame selfis and all poirttis and hawinis to Levines-
mouth ; For the quhilkis collectouris the burrowis particularlie abouemen-
tionatt and magistratis thairof sail be haldin to ansuer to the remanentt
burrowis of this realme, that they sail diligentlie collect and ingather the
dewties forsaidis dewlie as efferis, and att the nixtt conventioun and
generall assemblie of burrowis to be halden at the burgh of Air the tentt
day of lunij nixtt mak instant compte rekniug and paymentt thairof to
the commissioneris of burrowis to be convenitt thairatt. As alsua thatt
the magistratis of ilk burgh and sea poirtt geve diligentt attendance
that ilk skipper and maister of ony schippis, boittis, or crairis passing
furth of the realme, befoir thair departing furth thairof, resave from the
saidis collectouris thair acquittance of the payment of the dewties foir-
saidis, and keip the samyn for thair warrand, and quhatsumever be thatt
wantis the samyn, thatt he be compellitt be the magistratis foirsaidis to
pay to the said collectour ten schillingis for ilk tun thatt salhappin to be
vnpayitt. Forther for the mair sure putting of this act to dew execu-
tioun aganis all maner of personis transporting ony maner of gudes furth
of this realme, at ony burgh or sea poirtt within the samyn, that the
1 42 Convention of Royal Burghs.
magistratis tliairof within the boundis prescryuitt to thaine rais letteris
of homing vpovn this presentt act and ordnance, and see the samyn
dewlie execute aganis the transgressiours thairof to the effect forsaid, And
for the mair baisty expeditioun to be had in dispesching of the commis-
sioneris foirsaidis according to the necessitie of this cawse, quhilk, for the
dangerous preparative to follow gif the saidis new customes in France sail
continew, may nochtt abyde the lang delay of the incuming of the dewties
abouerehersit, it is thairfoir thochtt maist neidfull thatt the sovme of tuelff
hundreth markis be borrowit fra sic as for the zeill of the said cawse may
be movitt to avance the samyn, to be delyueritt to the saidis commis-
sioneris for making of their chargis as said is, to the quhilk persoun,
aduancar of the said money, tlie commissioneris of Edinburgh obleissis
thair said burgh for payment to him of sevin hundreth merkis thairof
betuix and the fyvetene day of lunij nixtt, and the commissioneris of
Pettinweme, Craill, Kirkcaldy, Dysartt obleissis thair saidis burghis con-
iunctlie to releve the said burgh of Edinburgh of the sovme of ane hun-
dreth merkis of the said sovme of sevin hundreth merkis ; the saidis
commissioneris of Dondie to be bundin for twa hundreth merkis ; and the
said tovne of Abirdene for thamseluis, Montrois, and all vther tovnis and
sea poirtis be north thame, twa hundreth merkis ; and the remanentt
commissioneris of burrowis presentlie convenitt for thair said burrowis,
and in name and behalf of the haill remanent burrowis of this realme,
becumis acted bundin and obleist to releve and keip skaythless Edinburgh,
Perth, Dondie, and Abirdene of thair and the saidis haill burrowis pairtis
of the said sovme of tuelff hundreth merkis at the said day of paymentt
'thairof to the persoun fra quhome the samyn is to be borrowitt, but
langer delay, and ar content and consentis thatt letteris of horning and
vther chargis neidfull be obtenitt and execute vpoun the burrowis refus-
and vpoun ane simple charge of thre dayis alanerlie ; Attour the commis-
sioneris of burrowis aboue rehersitt, efter lang resouning vpoun the
qualificatioun of dyueris and sindiy merchantis quhome in thair opinioun
they micht have thochtt maLst meitt for executing of thair commissioun
in the saidis pairtis of France at the handis of the King and Previe Coun-
sall thairof, to the doungetting and obtening of the new customes foir-
saidis dischargitt, all in ane voce, but variance, hes elected and nominatt
Henry Nesbett burges of Edinburgh thair commissioner, to quhome they
Convention of Royal Burghs. 143
will and grantis that the provest baillies and counsall of Edinburgh in
thair names, and in name of the haill remanentt burrowis of this realme,
geve to him sic ample commissioun and instructionis vnder thair seill of
cawse as to the weilfair of thair estait and furtherance of this mater salbe
be thame thochtt maist expedientt, and promesis for thame selues and
thair burrowis, and in name of the haill remanentt burrowis, to held
ferme and stabill all and quhatsumeuer thing the saidis provest baillies
and counsall of Edinburgh, and the said Henry Nesbett commissioner in
the premises, thinkis neidfull to be done, vnder the payne of all thair
gudes muvabill and vnmovabill, presentt and to cum, And thairefter com-
peritt the said Henry Nesbett, quha, for the gude zeill he beris to the
aduancement of all sic thingis as may tend to the weilfair of the merchantt
estaitt, nochtwitlistanding thatt the burrowis of this realme hes bene very
vnmyndfull of his guid seruice done to thame in the pairtis of France and
Flanderis at dyueris tymes of befoir, accepted in and vpoun him thair
said commissioun, and voluntarly promeist for the space of thre raonethis
nixtt heirefter frielie to execute the samyn to the vttermost of his power,
provyding thatt efter the ische thairof he micht have allowitt to him all
and quhatsumever his resonabill charges, alsweill of his habilzements as
vtherwayes during the said space, and forther as occasioun suld serue, sua
being the samyn did nochtt exceid the sovme of twa thousand firankis, and
incais be his laubour and sute he may nocht in the said space of thre
monethis cum speid in the cawse foirsaid, and thatt for the weilfair
thairof itt be neidfull to him to mak langer residence in the pairttis foir-
saidis, in thatt cais the* commissioneris (of) Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie,
Abirdene, Glasqu and Air bindis and obleissis thame to the said Henry to
se him resonablie rewarditt for his paynis, to quhais discretioun in this
cais he submittis him selfF.
Alexr. Clark, provest. Ihonn Findlasoun.
Ihonn Ihonstoun., Alexander Christesoun.
Henrie Charteris. Ihone Lowdin.
Henry Adamsoun, Perth. Stewin Martyne.
Alxr. Forbes. Henry Osborne.
Thomas Kay.
Robert Adame with my hand at the pen led be Ihonn Guthre notar
at my command becaus I can nocht wryte my selflf. I. GuTHRR
144 Conve7ition of Royal Burghs.
Apud Edinburgh decimo sexto Nonemhris 1582.
Actt for reieiff The quhilk DAY, the commissioneris of burrowis vnder subscryaand,
obibt to EdTn^ ^^^ sindry particularis concerning the weilfair of thair estaitt, causitt the
burgh for j*" li. provest bailUcs and counsall of Edinburgh to borrow the sovme of thre
hundreth inarkis, quhilk makis, with the sovme of tuelff hiindreth markis
contenit in the act preceding of the dait the auchtt day of this instant
Nouember, ane thousand li., for paymentt quhairof euery ane of thame
for thame selfis, and takand the burding on thame for thair saidis bur-
rowis respectiue, faithfully bindis and obleissis thame and thair burrowis
foirsaidis for tliair pairtis vnderwritten to thankfully contentt and pay to
the saidis pro vest baillies and counsall of Edinburgh and thair success-
ouris the particular sovmes following to witt, the said tovne of Edinburgh
for thame selfis, quhilk they tak in thair awin hand, the sovme of auchtt
hundreth markis, quhairof the burrowis of Kirkcaldy, Dysart, Pettinweme
and Craill to releve the said burgh of Edinburgh of sax scoir markis ; the
the burgh of Perth, sax scoir ten markis ; Dondy, twa hundreth fourty
markis; Abirdene for thame selfis, the burgh of Montrois, and all burrowis
and sea poirtis be north thame, twa hundreth and thretty markis ; and
the burgh of Air for ane hundreth markis, extending in the haill to the
said sovme af ane thousand pundis, betuix and the first day of Julij nixtt,
but langer delay fmud or guyle or ony exceptioun of the law to be pro-
ponit in the contrau* : As alsua the commissioneris foirsaidis bindis and
obleissis thame and thair saidis burrowis to refound content and pay
to the saidis provest and baillies and counsall of Edinburgh and thair
successouris all and quhatsumever expenssis, coistis, skaithis, dampnages,
and interestis itt salhappin thame to sustene mak or incur in the persute
and recouery of the sovmes aboumentionat, at the liquidation of the
magistrates of the said burgh of Edinburgh, and declaratioun of thair
consciences thairvpoun ; And forther, becaus the said burgh of Edinburgh
is bundin and obleist for thameselfis and in name of the commissioneris
foirsaidis to Henry Nesbett commissioner for the haill burrowis, to pay
vnto him all and quhatsumever necessar expenssis and vther sovmes of
money it salhappin him to deburs for thame and thair eflSdres induring
Conventwn of Royal Burghs. 145
the time of his commissioun mair nor the Rovrae of ane thowsand frankis
instantle resauit be him extendis vnto, thairfoir the saidis commissioneris
of burrowis, for thamselues and thair saidis burrowis, bindis and oblessis
thame to thankfully content and pay to the said provest baillies and
counsall of Edinburgh and thair successouris, the sovme of auchtene
schillingis for ilk frank thairof, provyding the said Henry in his haill
expenssis exceid nochtt the sovme of twa thowsand frankis, and sail
content and pay to thame and thair foirsaidis all and quhatsumever
coistis and expenssis it salhappin thame to mak in the persute and
recovery of the said Henries expenssis, vpoun compte and reknyng
alwayis to be maid be thame thairof to the commissioneris of the bur-
rowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, Abirdene, Qlasqu, and Air, vpoun
quhais aduerteismentt, or maist pairtt thairof, the said Henry Nesbett
commissioner oblessis him to return frome the saidis pairtis of France,
butt making thairefter ony maner of obstacle or delay quhe'n, quhat tyme,
and quhowsone he is requyrit be the saidis burrowis, or maist pairt of
thame, thairto.
Alex'^ Clark, provest. Ihonne Ihonstoun.
lohnn Findlasoua Henry Adamson, Perth.
Henry Osborn. Alex' Forbes.
Henrie Charteris. Stewin Martyne.
Thomas Kay. Alexander Christesoun.
Eobert Adame with my hand at the pen led be the notar vnderwrittin
at my command becaus I can nocht wryte my selflf. Ita est Joannes
Guthre notarius de mandato dicti Roberti scribere nescientis ut asseruit
teste meis signo et subscriptione manualibus. I. GuTHBE.
In the conventioun of burrowis efter following, haldin and begun at Edinburgh.
Edinburgh the sevintt day of December 1582 zeris ; comperitt the
commissioneris under subsciyvand, and presented thair commissionis
pairtlie vnder the seillis of thair tovnis, and pairtlie vnder the subscrip-
tionis of thair commoun clarkis, quhais namis foUowis : Edinburgh,
T
J 146 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Alexander Clark, provest, Ihonn lolmnston, Henry Charteris, Henry
Nesbett ; Perth, Henry Adamson ; Dondy, Peter Clayhillis, Patrik Lyon,
Ihonn Fyndlasoun ; Abirdene, Gilbertt Meinzeis, provest ; Striveling,
Williame Norowell ; Glasqu, Robertt Adanie ; Air, Ihonn lohnnston,
Henry Oisbum ; Cowpar, lames Anderson; Montrois, Williame Mumiy;
Sanctandrois, William Ferry ; Craill, Thomas Kay ; Hadingtoun, Robert
Nesbett ; Linlithqu, Henry Auld ; Pettinweme, Stevin Martyne; Dumbar,
William Lawder ; Dysartt, Alexander Cristesoun ; Kirkcaldy, Ihonn
Lowdon, Ihonn Hacquett ; Dumbartan, Ihonn Hardrig.
th?^S^^mAid The QUHILK DAY the commissioneris foirsaidis all in ane voce ratefeis
in the conven- and apprevis the actis maid in the conventioun preceding:, anentt the
tioun preccniDg , , * , .
and annulling vplifting of certan dewties of all maner of gudis transported furth of the
atPe^ ™" realme, to the making of ane commissioneris expenssis to France for
doungetting of the new customes thair, and anent the security of the
burgh of Edinburgh and vtheris burrowis quha becom souerty for the
payment of the sowmes advancitt for making of the said commissioneris
expenssis to France to the personis aduancaris and lennaris thairof, and
willis and grantis, and als decerns and ordanis, thatt the act maid in the
convention of Perth the auchtene day of Junij last for vplifting of ane
extentt of ane thowsand markis of the haill burrowis to the same efFectt
be cancellatt and destroyitt, and fra thyne furth be of na strenth force
nor effectt foirsaid, in respect of the saidis actis maid at Edinburgh the
viij and ix dayis of Nouember last.
Apud Edinburgh octauo Decembris 1582.
Vniawingbur- The samyn DAY, the commissioneris foirsaidis fyndis the burghis of
rowifl absentt - . itii . .f -.i ^
Ijaneark and Irrowyne to have incurntt the payne and vnlaw of tuenty
pundis for thair non comperance to this presentt conventioun, in' respect
of thair lawful! citatioun verefeitt be the burgh of Edinburgh and thair
thesaurer, and ordainis the act of parliament be execute agaiiis tbame be
the said burgh of Edinburgh, and to repoirtt thair diligence at thair nixtt
conventioun in Air.
Convention of Royal Burghs, 147
Apud Edinburgh decimo tertio Deceinbris 1582.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris abouewrittin all in ane voce
concludis and aggreis thatt the supplieatioun vnderwrittin salbe presented
to the Kingis Maiesty, and his Hienes Secreit Counsall, quhairof the
tennour followis : —
Vnto zour Maiestie and Lordis of zour Hienes Secreitt Counsall, maist p^nt^tethe
huniblie menis zour Hienes and Lordschips maist humbill and obedient Kin^iTMaiea-
seruitouris the commissioneris of buiTOwis presentlie convenit at Edin- tie anentis the
burgh, Foi-saraekill as be the senister report maid of ws and the
remanentt zoure Maiesties burrowis of zoure realme anentis the defraude
of the commoditie of zoure Hienes customes, quhairby itt was geyin zoure
Hienes to vnderstand the samyn be oure occasioun to have bene in greitt
and large sovmes of money hurtt and preiugitt, for avoyding quhairof
and to the effectt zoure Hienes suld perfytlie knaw na sic defraude to
have bene maid l)e ws and oure estaitt thairin, bott that we as loving
and obedientt subiectis, att all tymes respecting zoure Hienes commoditie
as oure awin, hes be oure selues and oure predecessouris payitt to zoure
Grace customeris the iust and dew paymentt of oure gudes, quhairof the
dewties and customes belongit to zoure Maiestie, thir twa hundreth zeris
past, Thairfoir and to the end zoure Hienes and Lordschips may the
better be Jissured of oure fidelitie and gude will to sett fordwartt zoure
(iraco effaires in all thatt in oure meane estaitt or power may consist,
and for relietf of the pure merchantis fra quhome thir dyueris zeris past
thair w^ynis hes bene t<aikin and vplifted be zoure comptrollaris semlaris
and vtheris zoure Hienes ofBciaris, but ony maner of paymentt, thairfoir
we willinglie, vpoun provisioun zoure Hienes will sett in tack and
jussedatioun to ws and oure successouris zoure Maiesties haill customes of
zoure realme vnto zoure Hienes be of the aige of xxj zeiris compleitt, for
paymentt zeirlie during the said space according to the custome rollis of
the last zeir of the dewties mentionatt thairintill, but alteratioun thairof
in ony poyntt, will by and attour the samyn zeirlie pay to the fiimesing
of zoure Hienes hous during the space foirsaid of the having of the
customes foirsaidis in oure handis alanerlie tuenty-sax tunnis Burdealx
148 Convention of Royal BurgJis.
wynis frielie, but ony paymentt thairfoir, provyding 'all takkis and
assedationis maid or sett be zoure Hienes of zoure customes foirsaidis or
ony pairtt thairof to ony maner of persoun or personis of qubatsomever
estaitt be reuokitt and declairitt null, and sail in zoure Hienes bandis,
and thairefler in ouris your Grace fermeraris thairof, to be vplifted
collected and ingatheritt be ws and oure successouris during the said space
alanerlie, and thatt gif itt salhappin ony zoure Hienes comptrollaris,
sersouris, semlaris, Captanis of zoure Maiesties castellis quhatsumever,
maisteris of househald or vtheris zoure Grace ordinar seruandis, during
the tyme aboue expremitt to tak and vplift ony wynis to zoure Hienes
behufe by and attour the saidis xxvj tunnis wyne frielie granted to zoure
Hienes, as said is, thatt the samyn be payitt to the awneris thairof off the
first and rediest of the dewties and customes foirsaidis, according as the
wynis salhappin than commonlie to be said, and the samyn be allowit to
ws in the chakker comptes zeirlie. And heirvpoun zoure Hienes and
Lordschipps ansueris maist humblie we beseik.
Followis the Lordis of Secreitt Counsallis ansuer written on the back
of the said supplicatioun be Ihonn Andrew thair dark : —
Apud Halyrudehous decimo quinto Decembris 1582.
The Lordis of Secreitt Counsall thinkis this offer sumquhatt generall,
thairfoir willis the commissioneris within writtin to condiscend vpoun
a special zeirlie dewtie for the tak within specefeitt, quhat tyme to be
thair entry thairto, and quhatt sovmes to be payitt in name of girsum,
and thairefter sail resave ansuer as appertenis. Forther the Lordis
vnderstandis that thair wilbe spentt zeirlie in the Kingis Maiesties hous
fifty tunnis of wyne, to the furnesing quhairof it is necessar they agrie.
Decimo tertio Decembris 1582.
Vniawing Tlie commissioneris abouewritten haelelie aggreis thatt the burgh of
^^ Linlithqu salbe vnlawitt with the remanentt burrowis nocht compeiund
at this conuentioun, and this becaus Henry Auld commissioner for the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 149
said tovne, on tlie second day after his comperance past hame butt licence
or ony lawfull excuse maid to tliame, and retumit nocht heirto.
Apud Edinburgh decimo septimo Decembris 1582.
The quhilk day the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis efber aduys- ConUnuatiouii
mentt with the supplicatioun gevin in to thame be lames Betoun of mrany.
Balfour, quhairby he desyritt the tovne of Kilrany to be erected in ane
frie burgh, and enroUitt with the remanentt frie burrowis of this realme,
according to the erectioun thairof in ane Parliamentt haldin at Edinburgh
the day of the zeir of God zeris, as
be the actt of parliamentt maid thairupoun, and vtheris his richtis in-
stantlie producitt to the saidis commissioneris, apperitt. Continewis the
ansuer geving thairto vnto thair nixtt conventioun to be haldin att Air
the ten of lunij nixtt, and ordanis the commissioneris of the said burgh of
Air to mak mentioun thairof in thair missiues to be direct to the haill
burrowis for keping of the said conuentioun thair, to the effectt the com-
missioneris to be sentt may cum fullie instructed to determene heirintill,
according to the said lames rychtis than to be producitt and agane
schawin, and as to the weilfair of burrowis salbe foimd aggreable.
In the conventioun of burrowis haldin at Edinburgh the xxv day of Edinburgh.
Februar 1582, comperitt the commissioneris vnderwrittin and producitt
thair commissions, pairtlie vnder the seillis of tliair tovnis, and vther
pairt vnder the subscriptionis of thair commoun clarkis, quhais names
followis : Edinburgh, Alexander Clark of Balbirny, provest, Henry Chan-
teris, lohn Ihonnston ; Perth, Dioneis Conquerour; Dondie, Alexander
Ramsay, Alexander Scrymgeour; Abirdene, George Knowis, Alexander
Hay ; Striveling, Williame Norowell ; Linlithqu, Andrew Kar ; Glasqu,
Robertt Adame ; Sanctandrois, Williame Ferry ; Montrois, Dauid FouUer-
ton ; Cowpar, lames Anderson ; Dunfreis, Ihonn Merschell ; Dumferme-
ling, Robertt Pawtoun ; Irrowene, Hew Campbell, provest, Ihonn Broun ;
150 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Breichan, George Arrott ; Kirkcaldy, Ihonn Hacquett ; Dysartt, Archibald
Meluile ; Craill, William Bowsy, Thomas Kay; Pettinwerae, Stevin Mar-
tene; Rothesay, IhoDn Stewartt of Rosland baillie; Selkirk, George
Haly well ; Ruglene, Walter Fary ; Dumbartan, Maister Williame Hous-
toun ; Kingoni, lames Logane ; Kirkcudbrycht, Harbartt Gledstanys
baillie thairof ; Air, George Cocheran.
Apud Edinburgh vigesimo septimo Februarij 1582.
Vniawing bur- The quhilk day, the commissioneris abouewrittin fyndis the burrowis
rowisabeentt ^^ g^^g. Elgy^^^ Forres, Innernes, Renfrew, Wigtoun, Quhithom, Peiblis,
Thane, Laneark, ledburgh, Northbervik, Dumbar, Hadingtoun, and
Lauder to have incurritt the payne and vnlaw of tuenty li, ilk ane of
thame, for thair non comperance to this presentt conventioun, being law-
fully citatt thairto be Mongow Russell thesaurer of Edinburgh, as was
verefeitt be him to the saidis commissioneris this day, and ordanis the
saidis vnlawis to be vplifted be the said burgh of Edinburgh, and the
act of parliamentt maid thairanentt execute aganis thame, and to repoirtt
thair diligence heiranentt at the nixt conuention in Air.
Licence to Sei- The samyn day, grantis and gevis licence to the commissioneris of
i^etopos"^ Selkirk and Ruglene to pas hame in respectt of the poverty of thair
hame. burghis, quha ar nocht abill to mak thair expenssis heir, and the saidis
twa commissioneiis promesis to hald ferme and staibill, in name of thair
saidis burrowis, all and (luhatsumeuer thing the remanentt commissioneris
dois in this presentt conventioun, and willis Ihonn Guthre, .clark, to
subscryve in thair names.
Apud Edinburgh nono Martij 1582.
Decreitt arbi- The quhilk day, the commissioneris of the burrowis efter following to
and irrowyne. witt, Henry Cliartcris for Edinburgh, Dioneis Conquerour for Perth,
Alexander Scrymgeour for Dondy, George Knowis for Abirdene, Maister
Wilhame Houstoun for Dumbartan, and Williame Bowsy for Craill, being
desyritt be George Cocheran commissioner for Air, and Hew Campbell
Convention of Royal Burghs. 151
and Thomas Broun commission eris for Irrowyne, to acceptt in and vpoun
tbame the decLssionn of certan materia questionable betuix the saidis twa
bun'owis coiitenit in ane compromitt subscryuitt be ather of them at
Edinburgh the fyftone day of Februar last, efter thatt the saidis commis-
sioneris of Air and Irrowyne had ratefeitt and apprevitt the said com-
promitt, and faythfullie promitted to abyde and fulfill the decreitt and
fynall sentence arbitral 1 to be pronuncit be the saidis commissioneris of
burrowis as iuges, arbitouris, and amicabill componitouris equalie chosin
be the saidis twa burrowis contendant, and neuer to reclame thairfra
vnder all hiest payne thay mycht incur be the law, accepted in and
vpoun thame the saidis materis debatabill, and efter inspectioun of the
said compromit, quhairby they submitted thame selves and thair burrowis
to the arbitrement and fynall sentence of arbitrall to be pronuncit be the
saidis commissioneris of burrowis, anent the letteris of horning and execu-
tioun thairof purchest be the said burgh of Air aganis the said burgh of
IiTowyne, vpoun ane vnlaw and penalty for thair allegit absence fra the
last conuentioun of burrowis haldin at Perth, and siclyke anent the
letteris of horning aganis the said burgh of Air for allegit non payment
of thair brig stent, and for all actionis that hes followit or may follow
thairupoun for ather of the saidis actionis and cawsis. All in ane voce,
butt variance, efter avysement with the said compromitt and the rychtis
resonis and allegationis of baith the saidis pairties being be thame at
lenth hard and avysitlie considderit, Fyndis and delyueris the said burgh
of Air, in respect of the taxatioun quhilk they suld haif payitt to the
burgh of Perth quhairfra they war exemit be the procurement of the
said burgh of Irrowyne, to be addebted to the said burgh of Irrowyne in
the sovme of thretty sevin pundis sax schillingis auchtt penneis, as for
the said burgh of Airis pairtt of the extentt raisit vpoun thame and the
hail inhabitantis of Kyle, Carrik and Cunynghame for vpbigging of the
dekayitt brig of the said tovne of Irrowyne, off the quhilk sovme they
fynd the said burgh of Air to have payitt to Adam Corbett messenger,
tuenty merkis in name of the said burgh, and ordanis the samin to be
allowit in the first end of the said sovme, together with fourtene pundis
as for the said tovne of Irrowenis vnlaw for thair absence fra the said
conuentioun at Perth, quhilk they will to be allowit in the said principall
sovme, and sua as zitt decemis the said burgh of Air to pay to the said
152
Convention of Royal Burghs.
burgh of Irrowyne the so\Tne of ten piindis in fiill and compleitt payment
of the said principall sovme of thretty seven li. sax schillingis anchtt
penneis, and ordanis the letterii hinc inde purchest be ather of the bur-
rowis contendant for the cawsis abouewrittin to be dischairgitt^ and that
the samyn be in all tyme cuming null and of na effectt, and sic mntuall
amitie to be manteinit be ather of thame as was at ony tyme befoir the
occasioun of the contraversies foirsaidis.
Apud Halyrudehoos nono Martij 1582.
Air.
Acceptatioan The QUHILK DAY the commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh,
of^mngis p^^Ij^ Dondy, Abirdene, Glasqu, Air, Cowpar, Dumbartan, Montrois,
Protestationn, Irrowyne, Sanctandrois, Craill, Pettinweme, and Harbartt Gledstanys
baUlie for Kirkcudbrycht, all in ain voce aggreis vnto the taking of the
Eingis Maiesti^ costomes in tak and assedatioun for the space of four
zeris nixtt followand the first of October last, for payment zeirlie thairfoir
to his Hienes of the sovme of iiij™. pundis, together with thretty tunnis
Burdealx wynis, conforme to the tennour of ane contract to be maid
thairvpoun, and heirvnto George Cocheran commissioner for Air disassen-
titt, and protested in name of the said burgh of Air that for this presentt
zeir they suld be frie of ony maner of intromitting with the customes
foirsaidis, or in comptrolling of the customeris putt thairfoir for this zeir
alanerly, as alsua that the said burgh suld nawyis be astricted to the
payment of ony wynis to the Kingis Maiestie vnto sic tyme the burrowis
war peceably possest in the vplifting of the saidis customes, and pro-
tested they mycht be freed of all commodite or discommodite mycht
ensew thairupon for the first zeir alanerly, etc.
Apud Edinburgh vndecimo Martij 1582.
CommissioTin
to four bur-
rowis to end
the contract
^B^^Mjdesti '^®"^®' Irrowyne, Montrois, Kirkcaldy,
and burrowis Kingom, efter lang resoning vpoun the heidis and articlis to be mentionat
anent the cua-
tomes. •
The QUHILK DAY the commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh,
Perth, Dondy, Abirdene, Air, Glasqu, Cowpar, Dumbartan, Craill, Pettin-
Dysartt, Kirkcudbrycht, and
Convention of Royal Burghs. 153
in the contract to be maid betuix the Kingis Maiestie and Lordis of his
Hienes Secreit Counsall and thame anent the taking of his Hienes cus-
tomes in tak and assedatioun for the space of four zeris nixtt and im-
mediatlie followand thair entry thairto, quhilk was and began the first
of October last, for paymentt of the sovme of four thousand pundis,
together with thretty tunnis Burdealx wyne zeirlie thairfoir, at the
tennis specalie to be contenit in the said contract, and forsamekill as the
commissioneiis of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, and Abir-
dene in thair names, and at thair emist requeist and desyir, for the gude
zeill and favour they beir to the furthsetting and aduancing of the com-
moun Weill of burrowis, ar content and consentis to becum souerties in
the haill burrowis names for performing of thair pairtt of the contractt
to be maid betuix the Kingis Maiestie and thame, Thairfoir the saidis
haill commissioneris for thame selues, and in name of the haill burrowis
of this realme, gevis full power and commission to the commissioneris of
the saidis four burrowis fynallie to determine in the premissis as to the
weilfair of thair estaitt salbe be thame thochtt expedientt, and promesis
faithfiiUie for thame selues and thair saidLs burrowis, and in name of the
remanentt burrowis of this realme, to hald firme and staibill all and
quhatsumever the saidis four commissioneris of burrowis heiranentt sail
think neidfull to be done, vnder the payne of all thair gudes movable and
vnmovable, presentt or to cum, and forther bindis and obleissis thame and
thair successouris, euery ane for thair a win pairttis, zeirlie at the tennis
of paymentt to be contenit in the said contract, to mak gude and thank-
full paymentt to the saidis four burrowis, and thair commissioneris in
thair names, of all and quhatsumever customes itt salhappin thame or
thair customeris to be elected be thame in during the said tak to intro-
mitt with, and of thair seuerall pairtis of the sovme of iiij™. pundis, and
of the thretty tunnis wynis zeirly to be payitt be the haill burrowis to
the Kingis Maiestie, and forther in cais the haill customes of this realme
extend nocht to sa greitt ane sovme as may mak paymentt to the Elingis
Maiestie zeirlie of the said sovme of four thowsand pundis, and of the
saidis thretty tunnis wyne, in thatt cais the saidis commissioneris of bur-
rowis, for thameselues and thair saidis biurrowis, and in name of the
remanentt burrowes of this realme, sail euery ane for thair awin pairtis
releve the saidis four burrowis of all and quhatsumever sovmes of money,
u
154 Conve7ition of Royal Burghs.
coistis, skaythis, dampnage, or expenssis, itt salhappin thame to mak or
sustene thairthro w, and thatt at quhatt tyme, quhow sone, ani quhow oft
they be requyritt be the saidis four burrowis thairto, vnder all hiest payne
and charge they may incur be the law, and ar content and consentis thatt
letteris of homing or poynding be raisitt and execute againis the bur-
rowis refiisand to performe the premissis, als oft as neid sail requyre,
vpoun thre dayis vaiming alanerly, and becaus a greit pairtt of the bur-
rowis of this realme ar nochtt presentt for geving of thair consent heirto,
thairfoir the saidis commissioneris presentlie convenit decemis and
ordanis the burrowis absentt to releve for thair pairtis the saidis four
burrowis of the sovmes particularlie aboue mentionatt, and wynis foir-
saidis, and of all and sindry thair pairtis of the said contract, and all
thatt may follow thairupoun at all tymes neidfuU.
Apud Edinburgh, xij Martij 1 582.
Vniawing bur- The quhilk DAY, the commissioneris presenthe convenit fyndis the
Sfor/tbB^end^ burrowis of Striveling, Sanctandrois, Dunfermeling, and Breichan hes
of theconven- incurrit eucry ane of thame the payne and vnlaw of tuenty IL, and this
becaus they desoluit fra this conuentioun without licence or excuse maid
or obtenit of the burrowis, and ordanis the burgh of Edinburgh to vplift
the samyn and mak compte thereof to the burrowis at thair nixt conuen-
tion in Air, vnder the paymentt alsweill heirof as of the vnlawis at Perth
and sensyne of thair awin guidis.
ConBcruatoTir. The samyn day, vnderstanding the conseruatour in Flanderis, nochtt-
withstanding the expyring of the space prescryuit be thame to him in
thair actis for vplifting of the dewties of ilk sek gudis arryving to
Flanderis, to continew still in vplitting thairof, to the greit hurtt of the
haill merchant estait of this realme, fyndis thatt the burgh of Edinburgh
sail with all gudelie diligence dischairge him of ony forther vplifting of
the saidis dewties, and to be heir at thair nixt conuentioun in Air, and
the said burgh of Air to remember the burrowis in thair missives to
direct thair commissioneris fullie instructed to tak ordour with the said
conseruatour heiranent.
Alexr. Clark, provest. George Cochrane.
Ihone Ihonstoun. Maister Wm. Houstoun.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 155
Henrie Charteris. lames Logane.
Dionis Conquerour for Perth. Ihone Hakkat
I. Aiidersone. Stewin Martyne.
William Bowsy. Hew Campbel.
Archibald Maluill. Alexr. Haye of Abirden.
Harbert Gledstanyis, Walter Fary, Dauid Foullertoun, and Robert
Adam with oure handis at the pen led be lohnn Guthre notar at
cure command.
I. Guthre.
Apud Edinburgh vigesimo Martij I". P. Ixxxif.
The quhilk day, Alexander Clark of Balbirny, provest of the burgh Registrating of
of Edinburgh, and Henry Charteris and Ihonn Ihonnatoun, commissioneris contracu^*^-
for the said burgh of Edinburgh ; Dioneis Conquerour, commissioner for ^^^^ ^burroww
the burgh of Perth ; Alexander Scrymgeour, commissioner for Dondy ; auentt his cus-
and Alexander Hay, commissioner for the burgh of Abirdene; Ordanis the keping thairof
contract maid betuix the Kingis Maiestie, with aduyse of the Lordis off^h.*° **'
his Hienes Secreit Counsall, and the haill burrowis of this realme anentis
the sett of his Maiesties customes to thame to be registratt in this thair
conventioun buke of biliTOwis, and the copy thairof to be delyueritt to
euery particular burgh sutand the samyn, vpoun thair resonabill expenssis,
and efter thatt the samyn is registratt, to be delyuerit to the provest,
baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh, to be keipitt be thame in thair
chairterhous, and maid furthcumand to the burrowis quhen they pleis
requyre thairfoir ; And becaus the commissioneris of the four burrowis
abouementionatt ar bundin, obleist, coniunctlie and seuerallie, zeirlie at
the terms contenitt in the contractt foirsaid, to mak paymentt in name of
the haill remanentt burrowis of this realme to the Kingis Maiestie his
Hienes comptroller and somlaris of the sovme of four thowsand pundis
and thretty tunnisfullBurdealxwynis,byaud attour certan ordinar pensionis
for the sett of the saidis customes, as in the said contract att full lenth is
contenitt, Thairfoir the saidis commissioneris of the saidis four burrowis
ri
156 Convention of Royal Burghs.
bindis and oblessis thame coniunctlie and serualie to releve hinc inde
vtheris of all and qubatsumeuer sovmes of money itt salhappin thame or
ony vtberis in thair names, induring the space contenit in the said tak,
to intromitt with, vptak or lift fra the remanentt burrowis of this realme,
thair commissioneris or customeris to be depute be thame. And forsamekill
as the saidis four commissioneris of the saidis burrowis of Edinburgh,
Perth, Dondy and Abirdene, as souerties and principall debtouris foirsaidis,
ar instantly chargitt be the comptrollar to mak paymentt to him of the
Candilmes terme last bypast of the saidis customes, extending to ane
thowsand pundis, nocht withstanding that neither they nor nane of the
haill burrowis hes as zitt vptaikin or vplifled ony sovmes of money sen
thair entry to the said tak, and thatt in respect thairof itt behovis thame
to borrow the said sovme vpoun entres to the effect abouewrittin, and
becaus the commissioneris of the burrowis of Perth, Dondie, and Abirdene
hes nocht sic moyen in thair pairtis to aduance the said sovme of ane
thowsand U. as hes the magistratis of the said burgh of Edinburgh,
quha for the guid zeill and favour they beir to the aduancement and
furthsetting of the common effaires of burrowis, at the ernist requeist and
desyir of the saidis thre bun-owis, hes accepted the burding on thame in
name of the haill burrowis to borrow the said sovme of ane thowsand
pundis payand for entres and proffeit thairfoir, as with sic as the samyn
is to be borrov^-itt att they may best and esiest aggrie, and that it is
neidfuU to thame to have special commissioun of the burrowis to thatt
effectt to contractt and appoyntt, Thairfoir the saidis commissioneris of
the burrowis of Perth, Dondie, and Abirdene, for thame selffis and thair
saidis burrowis, and takand the burding on thame for the remanentt
burrowis of this reaJme as havand thair power and commissioim, gevis
full power and commissioun to the provest baillies and counsall of the
burgh of Edinburgh, in name of the haill burrowis, to contractt appoyntt
and fynallie aggre with ony manor of persoun or personis quha may be
movitt to len and aduance the said sovme of j™ li. vpoun entres as said
is, and to geve thame sic securitie thairfor as they resonablie may desyre
or requyre, and generallie heiranentt all sic thingis in name of the haill
burrowis to do, vse, and exerce, as the saidis haill burrowis mychtt do
thamselues gif they war personali presentt, promesand ferme and stabill
haldand and for to hald all and qubatsumeuer thingis the said
Convention of Moyal Biti^ghs. 157
provest baillies and counsall of Edinburgh in the premissis thinkis neid-
fuU to be done, vnder the hiest payne and charge they may incur be the
law ; Attour inaafar as it behovis the saidis provest baillies and counsall
of Edinburgh to niak expenssis vpoun the performing of the effaires
abouewrittin, and thatt they att the desjdr of the saidis thre burrowis,
as alsua of the remanentt burrowis convenitt at this conuentioun sen the
begynning thairof and sensyne, hes to the effect abouementionatt
aduancitt and debursit in thair names and to thair behufe dyueris and
sindry sovmes of money, quhairof as zitt they haue resauitt na paymentt,
thairfoir the saidis commissioneris of the thre burrowis aboue expremitt,
for thame selues and in name and beh'rdf of the haill remanentt, takand
the burding on thame and havand commissioun as said is, willis and
grantis thatt the said provest baillies and counsall of Edinburgh and
thair successouris frielie intromitt with, vptak, and lift the Kiugis Maiesties
customes for thair said burgh, and mak thame selues paymentt of the
first and rediest thairof, with full power to thame to retene the
samyn in thair awin handis, ay and quhill they be payitt and relevitt of
the said sovme of ane thowsand pundis, entres, and proffeitt to be payitt
thairfoir, and of all and quhatsumever expenssis, coistis, skaythis, or
dampnages alrady maid or sustenitt be thame, or quhilkis itt salhappin
thame, for the cawsis foirsaidis concerning the saidis customes and
poyntis of the said contractt maid thairupoun, heirefter to mak, vnderly,
or sustene, vpoun compte and rakning alwayis to be maid be the said
burgh of Edinburgh and magistratis thairof to the saidis thre burrowis,
in name of the remanentt burrowis of this realme ; quhilkis comptis the
commissioneris of the saidis thrie burrowis, in name and havand com-
missioun as is aboue specefeitt, promesis to cawse be allowitt to thame in
the first end of the customes foirsaidis be the haill burrowis of this
realme, and forther bindis and oblessis thame and thair saidis burrowis,
takand the burding on thame for the haill burrowis as saidis, to releve
for thair pairtis the said burgh of Edinburgh of all and sindry the
premissis, quhen and quhow oft they be requyritt be thame or thair
successouris thairto, butt obstacle, impedimentt, or ony contradiction n to
be maid in the contrair ; provyding alwayis the making of this presentt
actt and ordinance be nawayis prejudiciall to the saidis thre burrowis of
Perth, Dondie, and Abii'dene, or the remanentt burrowis of this realme
158 Convention of Royal Burghs.
anentis the said burgh of Edinburghis pairtt in all thingis befoir
mentionat, and thatt they nochtwithstanding the premissis ar haldin and
astricted to beir charge and releve for thair pairtt, as said is, the saidis
thre burrowis and remanentt burrowis, alsweill of the zeirlie dewties to
be payitt to the Kingis Maiestie for the sett of his Hienes customes, as
expenssis maid or to be maid thairvpoun.
Alexr. Clark, provest. Dionis Conquerour.
Henrie Charteris. Alexr. Scrymgeour.
Ihone Ihonstoun. Alexr. Hay, burgh of Abirden.
Followis the tennour of the Kingis Maiesties sett and tak of his
Hienes customes of this realme, maid be his Maiestie, with awyse
of the Lordis of his Graces Secreit Counsall and Chakker, to the
haill frie burrowis thairof
The contract At Halyrudhous the fourtene day of Marche the zeir of God j™ v*'
^n^g?8 MaUse- ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ zcris, It is appointed aggreitt and fynallie enditt betuix
tie and the the Richtt Heich, Richtt Excellent, and Michtie Prince lAMES be the
tis his Hienes grace of God king of Scottis oure Souerane Lord, be the speciall aduyce
thufrwihne. ^ ^^^ consentt of the Lordis of his Secreitt Counsall and Auditoyris of his
Chakker, and Ihonn Fentoun his Hienes Comptroller, on the ane pairtt,
and Alexander Clark of Balbimy, provest, Ihonn Ihonstoun, and Henry
Charteris, commissioneris for the burgh of Edinburgh ; Dioneis Conquer-
our, commissioner for the burgh of Perth ; Alexander Scrymgeour, com-
missioner for the burgh of Don die ; and Alexander Hay commiasioner for
the burgh of Abirdene, to the effectt vnderwrittin, for thame selues, and
takand the burding on thame for all and sindry oure said Souerane
Lordis frie burrowis lyand within this realme, vpoun thatt vther pairtt,
in maner, forme^ and effect following, That is to say, oure said Souerane
Lord with speciall aduyse and consentt foirsaid, for gude and wechtie
considerationis tending to his vtilitie and profFeitt, hes sett, and be the
tennour of thir presentis settis and in assedatioun lattis to the Provest,
Baillies, and Counsall of his Hienes haill burrowis now presentt and thair
successouiis, havand the liberty of merchandise, and beand in vse to beir
Coitvention of Royal Burghs. 159
charge with the saidis frie burrowis, All and Haill his Hienes customes
appartenyngand belonging to his Maiestie of all gudis custorabill,and nochtt
prohibitt, presentlie careitt furth of thisrealme or imported within the samyn,
quhilkis have bene in vse to pay custom e to his Maiestie or ony of his pre-
decessouris at ony tyme heirtofoir, as alsua of all forbiddin gudes incais his
Maiestie salhappen to toleratt or grantt licence to transportt ony in tyme
earning, for all the space, zeris, and terms of four zeris nixtt and immedi-
atlie followand thair entry thairto, quhilk was and begun vpoun the first
day of October last bypast in the zeir of God j™ v*^ four scoir twa zeiris
instantt, during the quhilk tyme thair salbe na restraintt of ony gndes^
now permitted to be transported, With power to the saidis Provest,
Baillies, and Counsall and their successouris foirsaidis, ilkane respectiue
for tliair awin pairtis, according as the speciall boundis salbe appointed to
euery ane of thame within the quhilkis they salbe customeris, and be the
aduyse of the saidis commissioneris of the haill burrowis, to sett, estab*
leische and appoyntt particular customeris att every frie poirtt quhair
customeris are presently sett, and haif bene thir tymes bypast, and as sail
seme gude and expedientt to the saidis burrowis in tyme cuming, to the
quhilk they ar and salbe astricted be the tennour heirof, and it shall nocht
be lesum to the saidis customeris, during the said space of four zeris, to
alter change or augmentt the quantitie of the saidis customes, bot thatt
they sail resave the samyn of thatt same quantitie as they have bene thir
foui-ty zeris bygane, and to that effectt the saidis Provest, Baillies, and
Counsall of BuiTowis now presentt, and thair successouris foirsaidis, may
frielie bruke and ioyse the saidis customes during the space foirsaid, oure
said Souerane Lord with aduyse and consentt abouespecefeitt sail with fiill
effectt mak all t^is and assedationis of the saidis customes or ony pairtt
thairof to be retroactitt, annullitt, and extinct, and sail cause the takismen
reallie and with effectt nocht only desist, and ceis fra melling with the
saidis customes in tyme cuming during the said space of four zeris, bott
als sail cause and compell thame to mak compte rekning and payment to
the Commissioneris of the saidis Burrowis and vtheris havand commissioun
and power of thame of all customes resauitt be thame of quhatsumever
gudes or quhilkis they mychtt have resauitt sen the first day of October
last bypast, and saJl cawse and compell the customeris presentt to delyuer
the half seilles and stampis to the saidis commissioneris to the effectt foir-
160 Co7ivention of Royal Burghs.
said ; and the saidis customaris sail alwayis concur with the clarkis and
keparis of the coquettis, and sail cawse all gudes customatt to be
coquettit, and to thatt effectt his Maiestie sail cawse his clarkis and
keparis of his coquetis to be rady att all tymes for passing of the coquetis
butt delay or frustratioun of his lieges in thair weyages, and thatt they
vse na extortioun nor exactioun by thair auld dewty vnder the payne of
deprivatioun of thair offices ; And incais be thair abuse, aither in non re-
sidence or extortioun, occasioun be oiFerit to oure said Souerane Lordis
lieges to complene, the tryell of thair faultt and iugementt of thair depriva-
tioun is to be thir presentis committed to the Comptroller, Aduocatt, Clark
of Register, the Provest of Edinburgh now presentt or being for the tyme,
or ony twa of thame, quha sail tak tryell tbairanentt and putt reforma-
tioun thairto as efferis. And the saidis Commissioneris of Burrowis for
thame selffis and takand the burding as said is, sail, nochtwithstanding
the said tak and assedatioun, mak compte zeirlie in the Chakker of the
haill customes according to the consuetude obseruitt befoir, and sail pay
zeirlie for the saidis customes the sovme of foure thowsand pundis vsuall
money of this realme alanerlie att four termes in the zeir, viz. Alhalowmes,
Candilmes, JBeltan, and Lambmes, quhither the saidis customes efter
compte and rekning extend to mair or les, begynnand the first termes
paymentt att the feist of Candilmes last bypast ; And forther sail zeirlie
delyuer thretty tunnis full Burdealx wynis to oure said Soverane Lordis
vse at the chose and contentmentt of his Hienes somlieris, and gif ony
mair wynis beis resauitt be his Maiesties somlieris, masteris af houshald,
keparis of his Hienes castellis, or ony vtliers his Hienes officiaris, be war-
rand and command of his Hienes Comptroller, nor extendis to thretty
tunnis, the samyn saJbe zeirlie defalkitt to the saidis takismen and thair
successouris in the payment of the said zeirlie dewty of four thowsand
pundis specefeitt in the said tak, and als defalkand allowand to the saidis
takismen and thair successouris foirsaidis customeris abouewrittin, sic
sovmes as may be evicted fra the saidis takismen and thair foirsaidis be
the law; provyding alwayis the saidis Burrowis and thair customeris sail
nochtt be astricted to ansuer nor obey ony preceptt or directioun quhat-
sumeuer (exceptt befoir exceptitt) vnto sic tyme the haill wynis be payitt
that salhappin to be tane vp be ony persoun to his Maiesties vse be war-
rand and command of his Comptroller fra ony merchantt of this realme,
Convention of Royal Burghs. 161
by and attour the thretty tunnis foireaid ; And for sure paymentt of the
saidis four thowsand pundis zeirly at the termes abouewrittin, and als of
the saidis thretty tunnis wyne, thatt letteris of horning or poynding be
directt at the instance of his Hienes Comptroller aganis the Provest,
Baillies and Counsall of the saidis burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Donde,
and Abirdene, eoniunctlie and seueraJie ; And they to have the lyke letteris
aganis the provest, baillies and counsall of the remanentt burrowis in forme
as efferis ; Attour his Maiestie with aduyse foirsaid, and the saidis commis-
sioneris of burrowis ar contentt and consentis that this presentt contractt
and asscdatioun be acted and registratt in the buikis of counsall to have
the strenth of ane actt and decreitt of the Lordis thairoi^ and that
letteris and executoriallis be directt heiropoun in forme as foirsaid
In Witnessing quhairof the Kingis Maiestie, with aduyse and con-
sentt of the saidis Lordis of his Previe Counsall and Chakker, and the
saidis Commissioneris of Burrowis, hes subscriuitt this presentt contractt
with thair handis as foUowis, day, zeir, and place foirsaidis, befoir thir
witnessis, nobill and michtie Lordis, Colyne Erie of Argyle Lord Campbell
and Lorn, chancellar, Williame Erie of Gowry Lord Ruthven, thesaurer,
Ihonn Erie of Montrois Lord Graham, Hew Erie of Eglinton Lord Mont-
gomery, George Bishop of Murray, Adam Bishop of Orknay, Robertt Com-
mendatour of Dunfermeling, lames Commendatour of Pitenweme, Adam
Commendatour of Campuskenneth, collectour generall, Ihonn Fentoun,
comptroller, Maister Dauid Makgill of Nesbett, aduocatt, and Alexander
Hay, dark of register, with vtheris dyueris. Et sic mbacribUur. TAMES R.
Argyle, Gowry, R Dumfermeling, Moravien, Culros, Ad. Orcaden, Mr
Dauid Makgill, Cathcartt, lames Halyburton, ACambuskenneth, Ballenden,
Blantyre, Ihonn Fenton, comptroller, A Hay, Alexr. Clark provestof Edin-
burgh, Henry Charteris, Ihonn Ihonston, Dioneis Conquerour, Alexr.
Scrymgeour, Alexr. Hay burges of Abirden.
162 Convention of RoyaJ Burghs.
Air. In the Conveiitioun of Burrowis haldin at Air, the tent,
elevintj tuelth, threitteint, fourteint, fifteint, semnteint
and atichtene days oflunijin the zeir of God /* V^four
scoir thre zeris, comperit the commissioneris of bur-
rowis following, and producit thair commissionisy
pairtlie vnder thair seillis of cawsis and pairtlie vnder
the suhscriptionis of thair commoun clarkis viz. :
For Edinburgh, Henry Chairtyeris, Michiaell Gilbert; Perth, Dioneis
Conquerour ; Dundie, Alexander Skrymgeour ; Striveling, Williame
Norowell; Air, Robeai; Campbell, provest, Archibald Fergashill, and
Dauid Crawfurde ; linlithqu, Andrew BLar ; Oowpar, lames Andersoon ;
Hadingtoun, Ihon Aytoun ; Dumbartan, Maister William Houstoun ;
Glasqu, Archibald Hiegait ; Wigtoun, Bichart Campbell ; Dunfreis, Ihon
Merschell, baillie, lames Ihonstoun; Kirkcudbrycht, Harbertt Gledstanys ;
Irrowyne, Thomas Broun ; CraiU, Ihoun Meluile ; Kingom, Ihonn Kirk-
caldy ; Laneark, William Wilkyn ; Quhithom, Williame Houstoun ;
Dunbar, Robert Lawder; ledburgh, George Douglas, Ihonn Hensly;
Peiblis, Patrik Dicksoun ; Dumfermeling, Robert Pawtoun ; Kirkcaldy,
Ihonn Hacquett ; Lawder, Androw Lawder ; Innerkething, Thomas
Michell ; Dysartt, Dauid Gaudin ; Pettinweme, Stevin Martyne ; £lgyne»
Alexander Boynd ; Northbervik, Thomas Lawder, baillie ; Innemes,
laspartt K3mning ; Forres, Williame Dalgleische ; Renfrow, Ihonn Hous-
toun ; Ruglene, Alane Pinkarton, Dauid Spens.
Decimo lunij 1583.
Protestatioim, The quhilk day, in the conuentioun of burrowis haldin and begun at the
cm^rfw' ^i^ burgh the day abouewrittin, comperit Adam Dumbar as procuratour
^•^fdrd of for Robert Monro off Foulis and producitt ane lettir of procuratory maid
be the said Robert to him as he allegit, thairby as apperit gevand him
power to compeir befoir the commissioneris foirsaidis the day abouewrittin
for sic cawses as war speciallie mentionat, and in respect of the said
Adamis comperance protested Ihonn Amott souerity for the said Robertt
Monrow of Foullis suld be fred of his cautionarship, and heirvpon askit
instrumentis.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 163
Vndecimo lunij 1583.
The quhjllk day, Dauid Crawford, ane of the coimnissioneris of the Protartatioun
burgh of Air, askitt instnimentis vpoun the productioun of the towne of ^™^|^"®^'
Edinburghis commissioun be Henry Chairteris and Michaell Gilbertt, Edinburgh,
commissioneris thairin contenitt, and protested thatt the said burgh of
Edinburgh, in respectt of the contravening of thair actis maid at Edin-
burgh the xvth of lulij 1574, sidd incur the payne and vnlaw of ane
hundreth pundis thairin contenit.
The sanjyn day, laspartt Kynning, commissioner for the burgh of In- Protestatioun,
nemess, protested thatt the enrolling of the tovne of Thayne amongis the ^"tw^**"
remanentt fide burrowis, and calling and vnlawing of thame at euery
seuerall conventioun, suld nocht preiuge the said burgh of Innemes anentt
thair liberties and actioun, quhilk thay haif or mycht have aganis the
said tovne of Thayne for vsurping as he allegit of their liberties.
The samyn day, coraperitt Ihonn Stewartt, schireff of Bute, provest of Apprevingof
the burgh of Rothesay, and voluntarlie in name of the said burgh and ^thewy!*
inhabitantis thairof, obleist him to abyde att and ratifie all and quhat-
sumever lawis constitutionis and vtheris actis maid or to be maid at this
presentt conuention, lykeas be by thir presentis ratefeis and apprevis the
samyn in name and behalf abouewritten.
The sam3m day, Ihonn Houstoun, allegitt wobstar, commissioner for Houstoun com-
the burgh of Renfrew, befoir his admissioun in commissioun for the said 2^"^^^ ^
burgh, renuncitt liLs occupation of wobster craft and gaif his aith he hes "^°°**' *^
nocht of lang tyme bygane vsitt or exercit the samyn, lyke as in tyme
cuming he sail nocht vse nor exerce the said crafb, quhairvpoun Robertt
Campbell provest and ane of the commissioneris of the said burgh of
[Air] in name of the haill burrowis as Moderatour to this conuentioun
askit instnimentis ; in respect quhairof the said lohnn Houstoun was
resauit in commissioun, etc.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris forsaidis fyndis and decemis the Vnlawing bur-
burrowis of Abirdene, Sanctandrois, Selkirk, Banff, Forfar, Breichan, ~^" •***"**•
Culane, and Thayne, in respect of thair non comperance to this presentt
conuentioun, being lawfully citet thairto be the provest and baillies of
the burgh of Air, as was sufficientlie verefeitt be thame, to haif incurritt
euery ane of thame the payne and vnlaw of tuenty pundis, quhilk thay
ordane to l)c vpliftcd of thame butt favouris, and the actt of parliament
1 64 Convention of Royal Burghs.
maid tbairanent to be putt to do executioun ; and laspar Eynmng cpm-
missioner for the burgh of Innernes protested thatt the vnlawing of the
said Burgh of Thayne as ane frie burgh suld nocht preiuge the said burgh
of Innernes in thair previlegis and actioun^ as is contenit in ane act and
protestatioun maid of befoir.
Duodecimo lunij 1583.
ProteetatioTm ^^ QUHILK DAY, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis fynds the
Oharteria, com- burgh of Edinburgh to half incurritt the payne and vnlaw of ane hun-
E^buTgh. dreth pundis for contravening of thair act maid at Edinburgh the xrth
of lulij anno 1574, in respectt of thair sending in commissioun of Michaell
Gilbertt goldsmyth, contrair the tenour of the said actt, and admittet for
this presentt conventioun alanerlie Henry Charteris and the said Michaell
as commissioneris for the said burgh of Edinburgh, but preiudice of the
Edinburgh ad- actt foirsaid and vtheris the liberties of burrowis, and thatt in respect of
I . i h^dreth^* - ^^^ Souerane Lordis letteris and charge gevin to the saidis commission-
dis for present- eris be Ihonn Scherar messenger to thatt eflFectt, and for feir and obedi-
oSbert gold- cuce of the samyu and na vtherwayis ; and Henry Charteris commissioner
^mmilSonn, foirsaidis, in name of the said burgh of Edinburgh, protested thatt
quha for obedi- thay suld nawayis incur the said payne and vnlaw of ane hundreth
Hingis chax^ pundis, nor zett be compellet to pay the samyn, in safar as for obedience
of oure Souverane Lordis decreitt arbitrall gevin and pronundtt be his
Hienes as ourisman and certan vtheris iugis, arbitouris betwix the mer-
chantis and craftismen of the said burgh, they war compellit to obtemper
and obey the samyn; and the said commissioneris of burrowis ordanitt
the saidis letters and charge to be registrat in thair conuention buke, of
the quhilkis letteris the tennour followis: James be the grace of God King
of Scottis, to our louittis lohnn Scherar etc. messingeris, oure schreffis in
thatt pairtt coniunctlie and seueralie specialy constitute, greting, For-
samekill as we of laitt considdering the greitt diuisioun and contrauersie
thatt hes bene betwix the merchantis and craftismen of oure burgh of
Edinburgh concerning aither of thair previlegis, and fynding thatt the
contrauersie thairof waa likelie to have movit greitt trubill and inconve-
nient amangis thame, to the hindering of oure seruice and contempt of
ws and oure authoritie, for preventing thairof, and thair eis and satisfiax;-
tioun. We, with aduyse of certane personis to quhome all the saidis con-
waaresauit.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 166
trauersies war submittit, haif sett doun ane forme and ordour quhow and
in quhatt inaner they sail vse thame selues in tyme cuming, in the quhilk
it is specialie provydit that ane of the merchanttis, and ane vther of the
craftis estaitt salbe commissioneris att all parliamentis and conuentionis
generall in tyme cuming, Oure wUl is heirfor and we charge zow straitlie
and commandis that incontinent thir oure letteris sene ze pas and in oure
name and auctorite command and charge the commissioneris of oure bur-
rowis, quhilkis ar to convene at oure burgh of Air vpoun the tentt of
lunij instantt, to ressaue and admitt sic personis to be of their nomber
and to haif place and voitt with thame as salbe authoresitt with commis-
sionis from oure said burgh of Edinburgh to the said conventioun, and to
mak na refuse excuse nor impediment thairof be virtu or vnder cullour of
oure actis of parliamentt or vtherwayis, quhairanentt for quyetnes cawse
we have dispensitt and dispensis be thir presentis, as the saidis commis-
sioneris and ilk ane of thame will ansuer to ws vpoun thair obedience at
thair vttermest charge and parrell, and vnder all hiest payne cryme and
offence they may committ and meyn aganis oure Maiestie in thatt behalff.
The quhilk to do we commit to zow coniunctle and seueralie oure full
power be thir oure letteris delyuering thame be zow dewlie execute and in-
doi-sett agane to the berar. Gevin vnder oure signett and subscryuit with
oure hand at Falkland the saxt day of lunij, and of oure reigne the xvj zeir.
The samyn day, anentt the supplicatioun gevin in be Dauid Clark contimuitioun
and Maister Hercules Balrany induellaries in the tovne of Bruntiland, g^*^^^
quhairby thai desyritt the samyn, being ane burgh of regalite and doted suppUcatioun
with the lyke previlegis as is the tovne of Dunfermeling, quhairvpoun Sixt conven-
confirmatioun is past be oure Souerane Lord with aduyse of vmquhill ^^^^'
lames, sumtyme Erie of Mortoun, Begentt to his Hienes lieges and realme
for the tyme, vnder his grace Greitt Seill, to be enroUet with the rema-
nentt frie burrowis of this realme and to beir with theme all maner of
portabill chargis requisit. The saidis commissioneris, insafar as they cam
nochtt instructed to thatt effectt, continewis the ansuer geving thareto
vnto thair nixt gen^tdl conventioun and assembly of burrowis qubairso-
euer it salhappen the samyn to be baldlh, and ordanis the provest and
baillies of the burgh quhair the said conuentioun is to be appoynted to
remember the haUl burrowis in thair missives to be sentt to thame for
keping of the said conventioun, to send thair commissioneries iullie in-
structed to give ansuer thairto.
166
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Making of
oommwrirmerti
totakonloiir
ftBenttba
Kinglt
eofiomla.
The same day, efter lang resoning vpoun the taking of oidonr with
the Kingis Maiesties customes, quhairvnto the haill boirowis of this
reahne ar takismen, the sadis commissioDeris makis and oonstitatb the
commiasioneris of the burghis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, Striveling,
Air, Irrowyne, Kingom, and Craill to convene the mom be sevin hooris
in the morning, for establisching of ane fynall ordonr thairanentt and
coUectioun of the samyn, and willis that lames Andersonn dark and com-
missioner of Cowpar assist thame in this behalff Quhilkis commissioneris
appoynted as said is accepted in and vpon thame the said office of corn-
missionary, and the saidis haill remanentt commissioneris of burrowis
promesit to bald ferme and stabill ^ all and quhatsomever thingis
anent the premissis the saidis commissioneris appoynted to the effect
foirsaid thinkis needfull to be done, eta
Decimo tercio lunij 1583.
Ooraioht to
Quhiihom to
remane from
conTentionia
(or thre leris.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis efler adays-
ment with the supplication gevin in befoir thame be Williame Hou^oun
commissioner of the burgh of Quhithom, quhairby he humblie cravit the
same to be excmit fra keping of conventionis in respect of thair greit
poverty, as in the said ^upplecatioun at lenth is contenit, The saidis com-
missioneris for the caw8i8 foirsaidis dispensit and dispensis with the com-
I)erancc of the said burgh of Quhithom to thair conventionis for the space
of thre zeris nixt heirefter, and willis they be ouersene thairintill during
the said space, provyding alwayis the said burgh send thair commission
with the burgh ewest the sauiyn to ilk convention as they salbe varnit
thairto for ratefeing and appreving of sic actis lawis and constitutionis as
salliapi)in to be entreitit and concludit thairatt, and this but preiudice of
the keping be the remanent burrowis of all maner of conventionis quhen-
soeuer the samyn sail occur.
Decimo cpiarto lunij 1583.
CommiMion-
eris appointit
to alter thn
Uxt rolUf .
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis efter lang resoning
anent the alteration of the extent rollis of buirowis maid at Cowpar in
Februar 1578 zeris, qnhilk was than ordanit to indure for thre zeris
Convention of Royal Burghs. 167
thairefter, and langer ay and quhill the samjm war reformit, conforme to
ane act maid thairanent, Fyndis and delyueris in respect of dyueris actis
and continuationis maid anent the alteratioun foirsaid sensyne, and thatt
the saidis zeris ar of lang tyme bypast expjnritt, as alsua of dyueris and
sindry com play ntis gevin in be sindry comraissioneris of burrowis quha
ar decrest in substance for alteration and reformation of the samyn, and
that the saidis burrowis war ordanit to send thair commissioneris to this
convention fullie instructed to thatt effect, thatt the said taxt roll maid
att Cowpar salbe instantlie in this presentt convention afoir the desoluing
thairfra alterit and reformit, and for alteration and reformation thairof
appo3mtis and nominatis Henry Charteris, ane of the commissioneris of
the burgh of Edinburgh, Dioneis Conquerour commissioner for Perth,
Alexander Scrymgeour commissioner for Dondie, William Norowell com-
missioner for Striveling, Archibald Fergushill ane of the commissioneris
for Air, Androw Kar commissioner for Linlithqu, lames Anderson com-
missioner for Cowper, Maister William Houstoun commissioner for Dum-
bartan, Ihouti Aytoun commissioner for Hadingtoun, Harbertt Gledstanis
commissioner for Kirkcudbrycht, and Stevin Martyne commissioner for
Pettinweme, quha acceptit in and vpon thame the said alteratioun, and
gaif thair aythis dewlie, but feid or favour as they wald ansuer to God,
to do the samyn, and the saidis haill remanentt burrowis for thame selues,
and in name of the haill burrowis of this realme, promesis to hald ferme
and stabill all and quhatsumever thingis the saidis commissioneris
appoyntit to the alteratioun foirsaid thairanent sail think neidfull to be
done, etc.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis fynding thame selffis and B(ilnbuigh
thair estait gretumlie preiugitt of thair liberteis be the Lordis of oure seik redns for
Soverane Lordis counsall, quha at euery occasioun of extentt takis vpoun ^^JJi^£°'
thame the taxting of the burrowis by thair consentis, Ordanis the magis- S^*i?^°'
tratis of the burgh of Edinburgh with all gudlie diligence to geve in ane saU.
complayntt to the Kingis Maiestie and his Hienes Secreit Counsall for
reformation thairof, and that in name of the haill burrowis of this realme,
and to repoh*tt thair diligence at the nixt conuention as they tender the
weilfeir of thair estait. h!^^y^'
The samyn day, in the conventioun of burrowis haldin at the said tottrwrBobertt
burgh, being presentt the commissioneris of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, PouUa, anentis
byninciui-
tomis.
168 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Striveling, Air, Linlithqu, Cowpar, and remaaent commissioneris of bur-
rowis, comperitt Adam Dumbar as procuratour for Robert Monro of Foullis
and offerit to thame the sovme of ane hundreth pundis money of this
realme as for the dewtie as he allegit of the customis of Innemes of the
terme of Mertymes last bypast, conforme to ane allegit tak maid to the
said Robertt thairof be vmquhill Schir William Murray of Tullybardin,
Knycht, sumtyme comptroller to oure Souerane Lord, together with twa
half seillis of the coquett of Innernes, baith of ane prentt, and contening
ane superscription about the samyn, viz, Innemes having the pictour and
prentt of oure lady, and thatt for obedience as he allegit of oure Souerane
Lordis letteris raisit at the instance of the commissioneris of Edinburgh,
Perth, Dondie, and Abirdene aganis the said Robertt thairanent, To
quhome it was ansueritt be the saidis commissioneris thatt they culd
nocht resave the said sovme and seillis foirsaidis as was offeritt, in respect
the said Adam producit na compte of the said Robertis intromissionis with
the saidis customes sen the first day of October last conforme to the saidis
letteris, and offerit thame rady to ressave the said sovme and seillis as
ane pairtt of the fulfilling of the saidis letteris, sua being the said Adam
wald produce ane compte aa said is sen the said day, and requyritt the
said Adam to delyver the saidis seillis to thame, quha alluterlie refusit
exceptt thatt the same and sovme foirsaid war resauitt together according
to his offer abouewrittin, and heirvpoun the said Adam, and als Robert
Campbell provest of the said burgh of Air in name of the haill commis-
sioneris as modei*ator, sfikitt actis and instrumentia
CJontinuatioTin The samyn day, the commissioneris befoir namitt efler lang rescuing
cTuSn^ Bup^" with the supplicatioun producitt to thame be Ihonn Guthre dark, quhair-
pU<»tioBii to by he requyritt thatt his paynis and travell tane be him thir dyueris
ventioun. zeris past in their effaires suld be according to his merit dewlie recom-
pensit, as alaua thatt they suld geve him to vnderstand quhither they war
of mynd to employ him forther in thair effaires or nocht, quhilk gif they
war myndit to do thatt sic dewtie suld be modefeit to him as the oursichtt
of his commoun oflice, tynsall of the commoditie thairof induring his
awaiting on thame, and pajmis heirefter to be tane be him in thair
effaires, quhensoeuer occasion salbe offeritt, mycht be respectitt, as in his
said supplicatioun and articlis gevin in thairupoun at mair lenth is contenitt,
Fyndis thatt befoir thair desoluing the said Ihonn salbe dewlie rewardit
Convention of Royal Burghs. 169
for his paynis and travell tane be liim in tbair effaires preceding this con-
ventioun, and that he vnto thair next generall conventioun diligentlie
awaitt vpoun sic chargis as in the menetyme sail intervene ; and becaus
the commissioneris presentt ar nochtt instructit to geve dew ansuer to the
supplicatioun foirsaid, they ordane the magistratis of the burgh quhair
the said nixtt generall convention salbe appoyntit to be haldin, to remem-
ber the haill burrowis direct thair commissioneris fullie instructed for
ansuering to the said Ihonnis supplicatioun, and in the menetyme quhatt
paynis and travellis it salhappiu him to tak in thair effaires they fayth-
fullie promeist to see him thankfullie recompansit thairfoir, als oft as be
salbe eraployitt be thame thairto.
The same day, Ihonn Merschell commissioner for Dunfreis askitt instru- Offer Dunfreia
mentis thatt he ofierit him in name of the said burgh, incais they weld tomis.
grantt to thame the Kingis Maiesties customes thairof, to tak the samyn
and to fynd cautioun to geve als mekill thairfoir, and to be als ansuerabill
to the burrowis, as ony vtheris sutaris thairof
Decimo quarto lunij 1583.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, for resonabill cawsis Vnkwiaofcer-
moving thame, dispensis with the extremitie of the letteris raisit be the reiStut^^^^
burgh of Edinburgh in thair names for vplifting of the vnlawis of Inner-
nes, Forres, Elgyne, and Name for thair absence fra the conventionis
specialie mentionat thairin, the commissioneris of the saidis burrowis dis-
pensit with presentlie satefeand the officeris executouris of the saidis
letteris dewlie as efferis, and ordanis Ihonn Guthre thair dark to direct
tikketis to the saidis oflSceris to the effect abouewrittin.
The same day, fyndis that sic commissioneris as salbe direct to the Commfssioii-
Kingis Maiestie in thair effaires sail remember to be aduysit with the ^t with Peib-
complaint gevin in befoir thame be the tovne of Peiblis anentt the greit ^ complaint,
iniuries done to thame be the four clannis of Ihonstonis, Grahamis,
Ellotis and Armestrangis, and quhat redres may be ressonabliest obtenit
thairof
Y
170 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Decimo quinto lunij 1583.
Eatificatioiinof The quhilk DAY, it being menit be the commissioner of ledburgh tbatt
at^tMs conven- for obedience of oure Souerane Lordis letteris they behovit to convene
S^M^dthey vp^^^ ^^ bordcris vpon the xx day of this instant lunij, the saidis com-
lioenciat to pas missioncris in respect thairof grantis and licentiatis the said commissioner
to depairtt hame to his burgh, quha, befoir his away passing ratefeit and
appro vit all and quhatsumever thingis suld be intreittit and concludit on be
the remanent burrowis at this present conuentioun, and specialie the
ordour to be taikin anent the customes and taxtt rollis, and the saidis
haill commissioneris presentlie assemblit requeistis the said burgh of
Edinburgh to fortefie and assist the said tovne of ledburgh aganis the
vnfrie tovne of Hawik, vsurparis of thair liberties.
Licence Tlie same day, gevis and grantis licence to the commissioner of Peiblis
fSbiis so des- to desolue fra this presentt assemblie^ in respect of the raid abouewrittin,
fdtt'^e^^^ ^"^^ ratefeitt and apprevitt, and be the tennour heirof ratefeis and
apprevis, all and quhatsumever thingis alsweill concerning the alteratioun
of the taxt rollis customes as vtherwayis to be entreittit on at this pre-
sent conventioun, etc.
CJontinuatioun The same day, anentis the complayntis of the burghis of Edinburgh
burgh^and " ^^^ Dondy aganis the burgh of Elgene, quha compellis the friemen of
^*>?^^ ^°*" ^^® saidis burrowis to sell and geve vp the entressis of thair gudes as
vnfriemen, as alsua in purchessing of lordschip outwith burgh for man-
tening of thame in vpstreking of durris within thair said burgh, and
violentt away taking of certane friemenis gudis and salmond furth
thairof, Fyndis the samyn to be rememberit at thair nixtt generall con-
uentioun, and that the burrowis send thair commissioneris thairto fuUie
instructed to tak ordour thairanent, and to be contenit in the missiues to
be sentt to the saidis burrowis. ••
Certanbur- The Same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis in respect of the distance
todcBoiuefra of boundis of the burrowis of Elgyne, Innemes, Forres, Dunfermeling,
tioun^hT' Innerkething, Lawder, Northbervik, Laneark, Ruglene, Wigtoun, as alsua
'^tii"*^^^^ of thair povertie, grantis and gevis licence to the commissioneris thairof
to pas hame fra this presentt conuentioun, quha ratefeitt and apprevit and
be the teuour heirof ratefeis apprevis all and quhatsumever thingis
Convention of Royal Burghs. 171
intreitit on at this conuentioun, alsweill concerning the Kingis customes
taxtt rollis as vtherwayis.
The same day, for caussis moving thame, dispenis with the tovne of Lawderdispen-
Lawder for thair vnlaw incunit be thame be thair absence fra ane con- Jit^itt ^^
uention of burrowis haldin at Edinburgh in Febniar last, they satefeand
the officeris executouris of the letteris raisit to thatt effect dewlie as
efferis, and ordanLs Ihonn Guthre clark to subscryve in thair names ane
discharge to the saidis officeris.
The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis gevis and disponis to the VdIaw Mon-
burgh of Elgyne the vnlaw of the burgh of Montrois for thair absence tTEig^^**
fra this present conuentioun as they that war lawfully citat thairto, as
was sufficientlie verefeitt, the said tovne of Elgyne making all manor of
expenssis in suting thairof.
The same day, remittis to the burgh of Irrowyne thair vnlaw incurrit irrowenis yn-
be thame be thair absence fra ane conuentioun haldin at Edinburgh in
December last, they payand the expenssis maid vpoun the letteris raisit
thairanent, and suspendis simpliciter the samyn.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis statutis and ordanis thatt Act thatt the
the commissioneris nominatt for taking of ordour with the Kingis aiterans of the
Maiesties customes and alteration of the taxtt rollis sail nochtt depairtt ^^"deBoiwl*
furth of this burgh of Air quhill fynall ordour be tane thairanent, and
the samyn perfytlie concludit, and that vnder the payne of ane hundreth
pundis to be tane of thame quha salhapin to contravene this present
ordinance, provyding alwayis the alteration of the said extent roll be
first entreittit on and nane vtheris quhill the samyn and customes foir-
saidis tak dew resolutioun.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis fyndis thatt befoir thair Commiarion-
desoluing commissioneris salbe directt fra thame to the Kingis Maiestie pointed for an-
for ansuering to his Hienes thre missives presentit to thame be Patrik Kwf Aii^*
Fyldour his Grace seruitour. miesivea.
Decimo septimo lunij 1583.
The QUHiLK DAY, the commissioneris of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, Pro^»utio^
Striveling, Air, Cowpar, Linlithqu, Hadingtoun, Dumbai-tan, Pettinwcme, Conaeruatour.
172 Conventhn of Royal Buryhs,
and Kirkcudbrycht, commissioneris nominatt for alteratioun of the taxtt
roUis of burrowis, being conuenit in the tolbuyth of the said burgh of
Air to thatt eflFect, comperit Patrik Fyldour, seruitour to the Kingis
Maiestie, and protestit in name of Maister George Hacquett conseniatour,
thatt na thing concludit at this presentt conuentioun concerning the said
conseniatour suld preiuge him ather in his office of conseruatory or
anentis the dewties belonging thairto.
Moderator re- The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis fyndis thatt Robert
™°^ Campbell provest of Air, moderator of this presentt conuentioun, sail re-
move him selffe as the remanentt commissioneris thairof, quhill ordour
be tane anent the altemtion of the taxtt roll of the said burgh of Air
alanerly, quha removit him selff according heirto, quhairvpoun Alexander
Skrymgeour commissioner for Dondie askitt instrumentis, etc.
Proteetatioun, The samyn day, Henry Charteris ane of the commissioneris of the
mS^r*^""" burgh of Edinburgh protested thatt, in the alteratioun of the taxtt rollis
Edinburgh of burrowis, the commissioneris of the said burgh mycht have twa voitis
' thairintill according to the act of parliament and thair auld vse, quhair-
vnto the commissioneris foirsaidis maid ansuer that in this cais of alter-
atioun of the extentt roll of the saidis burrowis he onlie was elected, and
that thairfoir na man culd have vote in the said alteratioun bott onlie he
quha wes chosin thairupoun, as said is, lykeas wes practesitt in the
alteratioun of the last taxtt roll alterit at Cowpar the penult day of
Februar the zeir of God 1578 zeris ; efler quhilk ansuer gevin to him in
maner abouewrittin be the saidis commissioneris, he inlykemaner pro-
testit thatt this thair ordinance suld nocht preiuge the said burgh of
Edinburgh in ony tyme cuming in ony vtheris or the lyke thair effaires
anent thair liberties and previlegis, granted to the said burgh be cure
Souerane Lordis maist nobill progenitouris, and apprevit be his Hienes
and the estaites of this realme in his Maiesties actis of parliament maid
thairanent, concerning twa voittis dewlie belonging to the said burgh, as
be allegit, in all the effaires of burrowis, generall conuentionis thairof, and
parliamentis.
Alteratioun ex- The Same day, forsamekill as vpoun the xiiij day of lunij instant the
tenttro commissioneris of burrowis conuenit at this conuentioun be thair act and
ordinance than fiind and declarit that the taxtt roll of burrowis maid at
Cowpar suld be alteritt and reformitt at this presentt conuentioun afoir
Convention of Royal Burghs. 173
the desoluing thairof, and for alteratioun and reformatioun quhairof thay
appoynted elected and nominatt Henry Chaii;eri8 for Edinburgh, Dioneis
Conquerour commissioner for Perth, Alexander Skrymgeour commissioner
for Dondie, William Norowell commissioner for Striveling, Archibald
Fergushill commissioner for Air, Androw Kar commissioner for Linlithqu,
lames Anderson commissioner for Cowpar, Maister William Houstoun
commissioner for Dumbartan, Ihonn Aytoun commissioner for Hading-
toun, Harbert Gledstanyis commissioner for Kirkcudbrycht, and Stevin
Martyne commissioner for Pettinweme, quhilkis personis commissioneris
foirsaidis accepted the reformatioun and alteratioun of the saidis taxtt
roUis in and vpoun thame in presence of the haill commissioneris, and
hes maid fayth to do the samyn lelelie and trewlie, but feid or favour,
conforme to thair knawlege and conscience ; and thay, efter lang advyse-
ment tane be thame thairanent, havand God and gude conscience befoir
ee, altogether reformit the saidis rollis as they ar particular efler writtin
vpoun ilk burgh in speciall, vpoun the sovme of ane hundreth pundis to
be tane and collected of the haill burrowis ; and this reformatioun to
stand for the space of thre zeris nixt heirefter following, and ay and
quhill the samyn be new reformit and alterit be the commissioneris of
burrowis appoyntit and conuenit to thatt effect, efter lawfuU aduerteis-
ment maid to the haill, and the saidis commissioneris hes assegnit for the
coUectioun of ilk hundreth pundis of the taxtt roll foirsaid twa pundis
fourtene schillingis; and quhatsumever taxatioun salbe heirefter leviated
or ordanit to be tane of the burrowis of this realme the samyn to be
stentit be Edinburgh conforme to the saidis rollis reformit at this conven-
tioun as said is, and na wtherwayis ; and that oure Souerano Lordis
letteris of homyng be direct vpoun the said new taxtt roll for obedience
thairof, as wes ever at ony tyme beirtofoir vpoun the auld taxtt rollis.
The alteratioun of the taxtt roll alteritt and reformitt at Air the xvij
day of lunij 1583 zeris be the commissioneris of burrowis of this
realme appoyntit thairto, and that of the sovme of ane hundreth
pundis to be collected of the haill burrowis of this realme, etc.
Item, Inprimis, Edinburgh with Kin- Dunbar, x s. Extent Boll
gom and Innerkething thretty Lawder, vj s. viij d.
pundis. Drumfreis, xl s.
174
Convention of Royal Burghs.
In payment qubairof fyndis thatt
Eingom according to thair ac-
customat pairt aucht to be dimi-
nischitt.
Striveling, xlvj a viij d.
Linlithqu, xxiij s. viij d.
Rothesay, vj s. viij A
Dumbarton, xv s. v d.
Renfrow, xx s. iij d.
Rutbuglen, viij s.
Air, xlvij s. iiij d.
Irrowyne, xxvij s.
Glesgow, iij li. x s.
Kircudbright, xvj s.
Wigtoun, xxiiij s.
Quhithome, viij s.
Lanerk^ xvj s. ix d.
ledburch, xxvj s. iiij d.
Selkrik, xiij s. vj d.
Peblis, XV s. j d.
Hadingtoun, xl s.
Northbervik, v a
Suvima totalis j^ ij li. xiiij s. ;
tioun thairoE
Abirdene, ix li. ix s.
Dundie, xj IL
Perthe, vj li.
Ban£^ xiij s. vj d.
Drumfermeling, xvj s.
Craill, XX s.
Forfair, x a j d.
Brechine, xxviij a
Montrois, xliij a
Elgyn, XXX a
Innemes, xxvj a viij d.
Abirbrothok, xx s.
Sanctandrois, iiij li.
Cowper, XXXV a vj d.
Cullane, vj a x d.
Fores, x s.
Name, v s.
Thayne, x a j d.
Dysert, xl s.
Kirkcaldy, xxiiij a
Pettinweme, xx s.
and this ij li. xiiij a is for the coUeo-
Burrowii a\ig-
mentitt.
The burrowis eikit and augmentit
Edinburgh with Kingorne and Innerkething xl a, in payment quhairof
the commissioneris findis that Kingorne aucht to be deminissit according
to thair accustomat pairt.
Glesgow, XXV s. vj d. Elgyn, xl d.
Ruglen, viij a Sanctandrois, x s.
ledburch, iij s. viij d. Dysert, x s.
Dunbar, ij s. Kirkcaldy, iiij a
Drurafreis, xxx d. Pettinweme, vj a viij d.
S^imma v li. xv a viij d.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 176
The burrowis deduceit and impairit niachitt.
Air, XX s. Craill, x s. *
Quhithome, viij s. Name, xxij d.
Lawder, xvj s. Forres, vj s. ix d
Dundie, xvj s. viij d. Dunbartane, ij s. iiij d.
Perth, xvj Brechine, ij s.
Innernes, xl d.
SuTYiina iiij IL xj s. vij d.
xvij lunij Ixxxiij.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis being present, Alex- D^,Idie*i^nBt
ander Scrymgeour commissioner for Dundie protestit that the voiting of Perth.
Dioneis Conquerour commissioner for Perth afoir him as commissioner
for Dundie foirsaid, nor na vtheris creatit at this present conventioun,
quhilk may authorice the pretendit decreit gevin aganis the said toun of
Dundie anent prioritie of place, in na wayis preiudge the said burch of
Dundie anent the reductioun of the said pretendit decreit as law requyris,
bot that thai as geve the said decreit had nocht bene gevin mycht haue,
but preiudice of the said reductioun, sic access to thair iust persute as
geve the said decreit had nocht beine gevin. ^nhMnmio omwuBfi^ tho
Bftid iommifiiiinaa af iPeath thai ia ■jcpsii 8f 4ho "d— »ti^i"fthwglyiyit
be;feuijL fchii Huiidiii buiiuwij uf Puiljhu uiud Duudiu uf lihaiii' pciooftiitiisuu tfc
the oeound plaoi pint BAiabnigb aiafomio tkoigio rt8 iWiUyietantntinnn
qmeh^ no ftniiiii^
This deleitt in respect 7ia cmsuer wes maid. Subscryuit be tlte com-
missioneris of Edvahurgh, Air, Cowpar, and Kvngom.
Henrie Charteris. Dauid Crauffurd.
Michaell Oylbert. L Andersone.
Ihone Kyrkcaldy.
The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis frelie remittis the twa
vnlawis incurrit be the burch of Edinburgh for thair non comperance to
the conventionis speciallie contenit in the letteris raisit at the instance of
176 Convention of Royal Burghs.
the burch of Edinburgh, aa heavand commissioun of the haill remanent
burrowis of this reahne, againis thame, Quliairanent thay in all tymis
cuming dispensis and willis the executioun of the saidis letteris ceis and
haue na forder eflTect.
xviij lunij 1583.
Kingorn Ex- The quhilk DAY, the commissionens of the burch of Edinburgh,
**°*"* * Perth, Dundie, Stirling, Air, Lynlithcow, Cowper, Dunbartane, Glesgow,
Dunbar, Craill, Kingorne, Kirkcaldy, Irvin, Pettinweme, Dysart. North-
bervik, and Kirkcudbrycht, appointis the commissioneris ordanit to tak
ordour anent the placeing of custumaris within the burch of Edinburgh
and vtheris burrowis of this realme, to wit, the said burchis of Edin-
burch, Perth, Dundie, and Abirdene, to taxt and extent the said burch
of Kingorne according to thair knawledge and conscience, except the
provest baiilies and counsale of Edinburghe schaw ane reasonabill cans
quhy the samyn aucht nocht to be done. And Henry Charteris ane of
the commissioneris of Edinburch dissasentit thairto in name thairof^
and protestit the samyn suld nocht preiudge the liberteis and privileges
quhairin thay haue bene in possessioun as be allegit past memorie of
man.
Ordour pros- The Same day, the commissioneris appointit for taking of ordour with
toidiig^orfour ^^® Kingis Maiesties custumeis, quhairof the burrowis of this realme ar
of thecostomes. tacksmen, as alsua the remanent commissioneris abouewrittin, hes thocht
gude that thair be custumaris appointit in ilk frie burch of this realme
quhair cokatis hes beine accustomat of auld, or quhair as it salbe thocht
be thame maist proper meit and commodious to be placeit; and for
placeing of the saidis custumaris the saidis pertis ordanis the commission-
eris of the burch of Edinburgh, Perth, Dundie, and Abirdene, or sic
vtheris as the saidis four commissioneris sail appoint, to pas throw the
haill burrowis of this realme vpoun the reasonabill expensis of the haill
burrowis of this realme for placeing and inputting in ilkane of the foir-
nameit burrowis quhaiifra the saidis cokkattis hes bene in vse to be
directit, or vtherwayis maist commodious and ewest rowmes adiacent
thairto, qualefeit suflScient and honest custoraaris, quha sail haue thair
residence and remaneing within burghe, for collecting of the saidis cus-
Convention of Royal Burghs. \11
tomeis, and that vnto the first of October nixt, and frathyne to endure
quhill the first day of October nixt thairefter, in the zeir of God
jm vc Ixxxiiij yeris, and ay and quhill ane bettir and mair sub-
stanceous ordour may be tane for the weill of burrowis ; and thir
foirsaidis customaris and thair comptroller to be specialie aggreit
and condescendit on be the provest baillies dene of gild and counsale
consolidatlie with the saidis commissioneris of that burgh quhair the
samyn salhappin to be placeit; and geve the saidis provest baillies
dene of gild and counsale togidder with the saidis commissioneris aggreis
nocht vpoun the persoun of the customaris and comptrollaris to be
nominat as said is, in that caLs and na vtherwayis it salbe lesum to
the saidis commissioneris to input in that burghe ane sufficient qualefeit
persoun to be customar and his comptrollar as thay sail think maist meit
and expedient ; and incais the commissioner of Abirdene will na wayis
concur assist and pas with the remanent commissioneris for vsing and
perfyiting of the said ordour, in that cais it salbe lesum to the saidis
commissioneris of Edinburgh, Perthe, and Dundie, to elect nominat and
cheis the commissioner of quhatsumeuir vther burch of this realme thay
pleis, quha sail beir equal commissioun and charge with the saidis vtheris
thre burrowis, as tlie said commissioner of Abirdene mycht or suld haue
done ; and the saidis customaris being input be the saidis commissioneris
of burrowis appointit to that effect be the aduyse of the saidis magistratis
as is abouewrittin, or vtherwayis in maner and forme aboue rehersit, that
thair salbe gevin to thame the ordour maner and forme of the coUectionis
of the saidis customes, conforme to the claus of the tak and assedatioun
set to the saidis burrowis, and that to be vniuersalie vsit and exercit,
according to thair liberteis and auld preuilegeis, and the saidis customaris
to be ansuerabill of thair intromissionis with the saidis customeis as thay
salbe requyrit thairto be the coUectour, and to mak iust compt rekning
and payment of thair intromissionis thairwith at ane tyme in the yeir,
as thay salbe appointit be particular dyat to the samyn, and that to the
saidis burrowis and generall collectour as said is : As alsua that the
saidis four burrowis, at the day of the general assemblie and conventioun
of the burrowis of this realme, sail produce befoir thame the compt
buikis of the saidis haill customeis, and that the generall collectour
appointit for the collection thairof mak iust compt rekning and payment
of his intromissioun with the saidis haill customes in presence of the
z
]'<ii
OjHcefitioH of Eoyal Burghs
49»M;r ^u4 Iff-
c/jutiutwit
ViiHfting WW
tb^ XeXMmh nisit tLairmDeDt be fdinpliciter suspendit in tyme cmning, and
tliAt lolmne Otitbersy derk bend aoe tickat to the oflbxris execoUiis cC
tbe Ckaidw letU;rii» for diiscfaargeing thairoC
Anerit tbe supplicationis of the townes of Dnnbutane mnd Cnill for
tbe ffijpfM/rt era veil be thame to tbe reparatioon of thair decayit heibofcs
and biilwarkls, contenewis tbe ao.<uer ge\'ing tbairto to thair nixt oon-
verjtioun U/ 1^ Ijaldin at Lynlitbcriw id lulij anno e^^ Ixxxiiij.
Tlje fsaine ^iay, anent tbe sapplicationis gevin in be the toons of Kirk-
caldy and DLsart, raakand mentioun of oertane eztortionis and new exac-
tion us rai>)it aganis tbame in tbe pairtis of Ingland vpoun bering, salt, and
vtberis gijdis, as at lentb Ls contenit in tbair supplicationis gevin in thair-
vjj'^un, Tfje fyjininisHioneris present continewis tbe ansuer geving thairio
vnto tliair nixt conventioun to be baldin at Lynlitbcow tbe day abooe-
writtin, and ordanLs the provest and baiUies of tbe said bureb to remon-
U^r tbe sarnyn in tbair missives to be sent be thame to the barrowis for
keping of the said conventioun.
'llic same day, anent the support craveit be tbe burcbis of Glesgow and
Irvin for rejiaring of the Kirk of Glesgow and brig of Irvin, continewis
the ansuer geving tbairto to thair nixt conventioun, and ordanis the
Hamyn to Uj rememberit in thair mi'ssives in maner abonewrittin.
The sauie day, ajipoi litis as of befoir the commissioneris of tbe burcbis
of Edinburgli, Lynlitbcow, and Hadingtoun to convene vpoun tbe xv day
of August nixt in E>linburgh, to heir lames Ros comptis of tbe stentis
mentionat in the actis maid at Perthe thairanent, with the elyk power to
thame as they had of befoir.
Tlie same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis ordanis the burch of Edin-
burgh U) rais letteris at thair instances for vplifbing of the vnlawis of the
burrow is amerciat for thair iion comperance at this present conventioun,
and that thai geve and dispone, lyk as the saidis commissioneris bes pre-
sentlie gevin and disponit, the vnlawis of the burcbis of Abirdene and
Hanctandrois to lohim Gutherie and lohnn Masoun clerkis, quhairof ibe
twa pairt to the said lohnn Gutherie, and the thrid pairt to the said
lohnn Masoun ; and siclyk hes disponit to the toun of Northbervik tbe
vnlaw of the toun of Brecliine, thay makand expenssis impetrating thair-
of, and willis that the said toun of Northbervik vse the said toun of
Hrochine discretlie be the a<:hiyse of the toun of Dundie.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 181
The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis desoluis thair conventioun, D«oi«ing con-
and appointis the nixt generall conventioun to be haldin at the burch of
Lynlithcow the xij day of lulij in the yeir of God j™ v^ Ixxxiiij*^, and
ordanis the magistratis of the said burch to direct the missiveis concern-
ing the speciall caussis of thair conventioun to the haill burrowis of this
realme as efferis.
Decimo nono lunij 1583.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis at the emist requeist of Edinburgh,
Henry Charteris etc., remitis to the burgh of Edinburgh thair vnlaw of S^^'®"
ane hundreth pundis incurrit be thame for the cawses contenit in the
actis maid thairanent, provyding they wair and bestow the samyn vpon
the reparation of thair College.
Henrie Charteris. Thomas Broun for Irwyn.
Michaell Gylbertt. Robert Lawder.
Dionis Conqueriour. lohne Melwyll for Craill.
I. Andersone. Ihone Hackat.
Wm. Norwell. Thomas Lawder, Northberwik.
I. Aytowne. Ihone Kyrkcaldy.
Andro Ker. Alexr. Scryrageour.
Dauid Crauffurd. Stewin Martyne.
Archibald Hegait for Glasgw.
Dauid Gardyn and Herbert Gledstanis with our handis at the pen led
be Ihonn Masoun notar.
L Masoun.
the Conventioun of Burrowis haldin at Edinhurghy the Bdinimigh.
xij\ xiij\ xiiijy XV, and dayis of Nouember [1583]
Comperit the commissioneris vnder suhscryvand and
producitt thair commissionis, pairtlie "vnder thair seillis
of cawsis, and pairtlie vnder the subscriptionis of the
clarkis of the saidis hurrotvis, as followis, etc. : —
1-1
(^ ou v*- uUijH of Hoy a I Bu rghs
mur-.*^ ^•uht-
• 1". f'itrt na„
»-//
Im^
tAA::;i««rvit.
t*j^ ^«^s^(^ nd^it tliainuipiit be «diiii»liciter su>peDdit in trme CQmii^ and
tuu I >Lxii*e (jruX\jtfT9j clerk fcend ant; tickat to the offioeris ezecutaris of
tL^ iiil ii* iett^Kn* for di«<iiarg'eiiig thairc»£
A'-r^Lt tb*r STiy»j.!icationis of the townes of Danbaitane and Oafll for
tbe ^rz'.itf.tl en veil be tliame to tbe refArat^-^un of thair decajrit herborea
ac«d \ _ii-ari:>. <r*iitrrLewis tbe an^uer giving tfaairto to tbair nixt ocm-
T*^-*.l rm Uj tjt Laldin at LjTilitLc<-»w in lulij anno etc. Ixxxiiij.
Tit^ *AZL0^ day, aritriit the sapplicationis gevin in be the toons <^ Kiik-
*SL. iy ikZsi I/isart, niakand meutioun of oertane extordonis and new ezac-
il'-\}h Tix^'zx a^<ims tbame in tbe pairtis of InglAnd vpoon Bering, salt, and
Til^m*^ g^-'^S •« «t leiitb is contenit in tbair supplicationis gevin in thair-
Tp,*aiL TL*r e.'iLmii.-ioDeris present oontinewis tbe ansuer geving thairto
mto tLair nixt eonventionn to be haldin at Lvnlitbcow tbe day abooe-
WTittin, and ordanis the prr>ve>t and baillies of tbe said buich to remem-
\jffT tbe aauj yn in tbair mLssives to be sent be tbame to the barrowia for
kej i'-g of tbe said oonventioun.
Tbe 6ame day, anent tbe support craveit be tbe bnicbis of Gleagow and
Ir\-in for rejjarirjg of tbe Kirk of Glesgow and brig of Irvin, oontinewis
tbe an.%aer geving tbairto to tbair nixt conveutiomi, and oidanis the
haroyn to be retnemberit in thair mL«<sives in maner abonewrittin.
Tbe same day, app^/intis as of befoir tbe commissioneris of the burchia
of Edinburgh, Lynlitbcow, and Hadingtoun to convene vpoun the xv day
of Augast nixt in Edinburgh, to heir lames Roe comptis of the stentis
mentionat in the actis maid at Pertbe thairanent, with the elyk power to
thame as they bad of befoir.
Tbe same day, tbe coramissioneris foirsaidis ordanis the burch of Edin-
burgh to rais letteris at thair instances for vplifling of tbe vidawia of the
burrowis amerciat for tbair non oomperance at this present oonventioun,
and that thai geve and dispone, lyk as the saidis commissioneris hes pre-
sentlie gevin and disponit, tbe vnlawis of tbe burcbis of Abirdene and
Sanctandrois to lobnn Gutberie and lohim Masoun clerkis^ qubaiiof tbe
twa pairt to the said lohim Gutberie, and the thrid pairt to tbe said
lobnn Masoim ; and siclyk hes disponit to the toun of Northbervik the
vnlaw of tbe toun of Brecbine, thay makand expenssis impetrating thair-
of, and willis that the said toun of Northbervik vse tbe said toun of
Brecbine discretlie be tbe aduyse of tbe toun of Dundie.
Conveffition of Royal Burghs. 181
The same day, the commissioiieris foirsaidis desoluis thair conventioun, Deroiuing con-
and appointis the nixt generall conventioun to be haldin at the burch of
Lynlithcow the xij day of lulij in the yeir of God j"^ v** Ixxxiiij^, and
ordanis-the magiatratis of the said burch to direct the missiveis concern-
ing the speciall caussis of thair conventioun to the haill burrowis of this
realme as efferis.
Decimo nono lunij 1583.
The quhilk dat, the commiasioneris foirsaidis at the emist requeist of Edinburgh,
Henry Charteris etc., remitis to the burgh of Edinburgh thair vnlaw of S^^*^
ane hundreth pundis incurrit be thame for the cawsee contenit in the
actis maid thairanent, provyding they wair and bestow the samyn vpon
the reparation of thair College.
Henrie Charteris. Thomas Broun for Irwyn.
Michaell Gylbertt. Robert Lawder.
Dionis Conqueriour. lohne Melwyll for CrailL
L Andersone. Ihone Hackat.
Wm. Norwell. Thomas Lawder, Northberwik.
I. Aytowne. Ihone Kyrkcaldy.
Andro Ker. Alexr. Scryrageour.
Dauid Crauffurd. Stewin Martyne.
Archibald Hegait for Glasgw.
Dauid Gardyn and Herbert Gledstanis with our handis at the pen led
be Ihonn Masoun notar.
L Masoun.
Ill the Conventioun of Burrowis haldin at Edinburgh^ the Bdinimigh.
xij\ xiijj xiiijy xvy and dayis of Nouember [1583]
Comperit the commissioneris vnder svhscryvand and
prodtLcitt thair commissionis, pairtlie vnder thair seillis
of cawsis^ and pairtlie vnder the subscriptionis of the
clarkis of the saidis biirrowls, as follotvis, etc. : —
182 ConverUioa of Royal Burghs.
Edinburgh, Henry Charieris, Robert Henrison chirurgean ; Perth,
Dioneis Conquerour; Dondie, Alexander Scrymgeour; Abirdene, Alex-
ander Scrymgeour be commission ; Streveling, William Norowell ; Glasqu,
lames Flemyng ; -Linlithqu, Androw Kar ; Hadingtoun, Alexander Sym-
soun ; Crail, Ihonn Bamsay.
xiiij** Nouenibris 1583.
Commiwottnto The quhilk DAY, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis being con-
die to mak offer vcnit for ansnering to the heidis of twa wry tingis sentt be the Kin^s
Seytoun^of ij« Maiestie to the magistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh, for frauchting of
mari^ to ob- ane schip pertening to Andrew Lamb, for careing of George Lord Seytoun
tomis in France to the pairtis of France as Embassadour for the Kingis Maiestie of this
*^^^ realme, to entreitt vpoun sic thingis with the King of France as ar to be
gevin him in directioun, and in speciall towartis the new customes raisitt
\T)on the mei-chandice cuming to and fra the samyn, gevis full power and
commissioun to the commissioneris of the burghis of Edinburgh, Perth,
and Dondy, in thair names, and in name of the remanent burrowis of
this realme, to mak offer vnto the said Lord Seytoun of twa thousand
merkis to be gevin to him be the saidis burrowis, quhow sone he obtenis
the saidis customes in France dischargitt, and the samyn delyueritt to
thame in dew and autentik forme.
CommisBionn The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, vnderstanding thame
to^^^wiS? selues and the remanentt burrowis of this realme as takismen to the
the creditouris Kincds Maicsties customes to be addetted in certan sovmes of money
of wvne.
awand to sindry merchantis, quha lies aduancit to Iheromy B)wy som-
lier to his Hienes behuiff certan wynis quhairof they as zitt are nocht
satefeitt, willis and grantis, and als for thame selues and the remanentt
burrowis of this realme gevis thair full power and commissioun to the
magistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh, or thair conunissioneris to be
directt, to compone, transactt, and aggre with the creditouris of the
saidis wynis as best and esiest they may to the welfair of the haill
burrowis ; promesand for thame selues and the said haill burrowis to
hald fenne and stabill all and quhatsumever thingis the saidis magis-
tratis of the said burgh of Edinburgh or thair commissioneris anent the
premissis thinkie neidful to be done, provyding they extend nochtt for
Cojiverttion of Royal Burghs. 183
ilk tuu of the wynis awand four scoir pundis for this zeris wyne alaner-
lie, quhill forther ordour be tane.
Apud Edinburgh xv*^ Nouembris 1583.
Tlie quhilk day, the commLssioneris foirsaidis ordanis lohnn Guthre Miadves to be
thair dark to direct missives in name of the burrowis of Edinburgh, burrowia for
Perth, Dondie, and Abirdene, as havand full power and commissioun of ^J^ cuatomee
the haill remanentt burrowis of this realme, to the provest, baillies coun-
sall and customeris of all burghis and sea portis within the same to com-
pere befoir thame vpoun the xv*^ day of December to mak compte
rekning and paymentt of thair intromissioun with the Kingis Maiesties
customes sen thair entry to the tak and sett thairof ; As alsua that sic
as hes intromettitt with the impoist raisitt vpoun merchandises passand
furth of this realme for making of Henry Nesbetis expenssis to France
be aduerteist be the saidLs missives to compeir the said day, and mak
compte rekning and payment to the saidis four burrowis thairof, and
forther to bring with thame the particular sovmes quhairto they ar sett
for rembursing of the burgh of Edinburgh of the sowme af xij° merkis
aduancit be thame to Adame Foullertoun, conforme to sindry actis of
burrowis maid thairanent. And
The samyn day, Androw Kar and Alexander Symsoun, commissioneris
for the burghis of Ldnlithqu and Hadingtoun, protested incais ony contri-
butioun war maid or extentt raisitt vpoun the burrowis of this realme
for the inlaik of the Kingis Maiesties customes and dewties awand to his
Hieness thairfoir, quhairvnto they ar takismen, that the samyn war sett
and raisitt v})oun the inhabitants of thair burghis na vtherwayis nor
according to thair customes thairof And Henry Charteris, commissioner
for the burgh of Edinburgh, in name of the said burgh and the burrowis
of Perth, Dondie, and Abirdene, as souerteis to the Kingis Maiestie for
payment of the dewties awand to his Hieness for the sett and tak of the
saidis customes, protested in the contrair, and thatt they suld be relievitt
of thair souertiship be the haill burrowis conforme to the commissioun
184
Convention of Royal Burghs.
gevin to thame be the saidis haill burrowis and tak of the saidis
customes.
Henry Neisbet, bailie.
Henrie Charteris.
Dionis Conquerour.
Alex'' Scrymgeour.
lames Flemyng.
W°» Norwell.
Andro Ker.
Robert Henryson.
A. Symsone.
Liniithqw. In the Conventioun of Burrowis haldin at Ldnlithqu the xiij^
xiiij^ XV y xvj\ and xvij dayis of lulij the zeir of God i«
P four scoir four zeris, Comperitt the commissioneris
of hurrowis vnderiarittin^ pairtlie he thair commissionis
vnder seillis of cawsis^ and vther vnder subscriptionis
as followisy etc. : —
Edinburgh, Henry Nesbett, Alexander Oisteane ; Perth, Dioneis Con-
querour; Dondie, Peter Clayhillis, desoluit befoir the conuentioun but
leve ; Streveling, William Norowell ; Linlithqu, Ihonn Forrest provest,
Charles Drummond, Alexander Kaa ; Glasqu, Archibald Hiegaitt ; Air,
George Cocheran ; Rutliuglen, Alane Pinkcartoun ; Selkirk, Qawine
Wilkyne ; Dumbar, Robert Lawder ; Hadingtoun, Ihonn Aytoun ; Dun-
freis, Symon Ihonnstoun ; Craill, William Bowsy ; Kingorn, Androw
Broun ; ledburgh, Ihonn Layng ; Peiblis, Patrik Dikkesoun ; Dumferm-
ling, William Mekilihonn ; Montros, Ihonn Kay ; Innemes, William Cuth-
bertt provest; Dysartt, lames Hacquett; Pettinweme, Ihonn Corsaw;
Kirkcaldy, Ihonn Hacquett ; Elgyne, lames Douglas ; Northbervik, Thomas
Lawder ; Laneark, Robert Levingston, William Mowett ; Innerkething,
Thomas Michell ; Wigton, Archibald Tailliefeir, Ihonn Edzear ; Renfrow,
Henry Fynnesoun.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 185
Apud Linlithqu xiiij^ lulij 1584.
The quhtlk day, the commissioneris of burrowis befoir mentionatt, Admisdoun,
arientt the continiwatioun maid att Air to this presentt conventioun, be totiieburrowU.
the commissioneris presentt thaimtt, to Ihonn Guthreis supplication n, all
in ane voce hes concluditt nominatt and creatt the said Ihonn Guthre
thair commoun dark and kepar of thair generall buke for ane zeir nixtto-
cum, with power to the said Ihonn vpoun the reasonabill expenssis of the
saidis buiTOwis, according to ane ordinance maid at thair last conuention
at Perth, all and sindry the actis, lawis, and constitiitionis mentionatt in
the said buke to extract subscryve and geve furth vnder his subscriptioun
manuell to sic burrowis or burgh requjrring the same ; and ordanis the
said Ihonn to bring with him to the nixtt generall conuention of bur-
rowis, quhairever the samjm salhappin to be, the said generall buke, to
be presented and redelyueritt to the saidis burrowis, and, at thair optioun,
than to be gevin In custodie to sic dark as salbe tlian appointed of new.
For the quhilk zeris stepend hes appoynted and appoyntis the sovme of
ane hundreth pundis gude and vsuall money of this realme, to be tane of
the first and rediest of the vnlawis of the burrowis absentt and amerciatt
in this thair generall conventioun, and for the mair sure paymentt to
him of the samyn, the saidis commissioneris hes gevin and gevis to tho
said Ihonn thair full power and commissioun, lettres vpoun the saidis
burrowis vnlawitt and amerciat as said is to rais, the samyn to dew exe-
cutioun to putt aganis the refusaris to pay, and generallie thairanentt all
and sindry vtheris thingis to do vse and exerce thatt they mycht do
thame selues gif they war personalie presentt, proraittendo de rato, eta,
Deducand and allowand alwayis to the said Ihonn the expenssis to be
maid be him in the impetratting, obtening, and executioun of the saidis
letteris and ingathering of the saidis vnlawis of the superplus of the samyn
restand over his said zeiris stipend, and to be comptabill and ansuer-
abill of sua mekiU as salbe restand thairof, — his said zeris stipend and ex-
penssis foirsaidis being allowitt at the nixt generall assemblieof burrowis
be the commissioneris thairof than to be assemblitt thairatt. Provyding
alwayis thatt the said lohnn Guthre sail nochtt be astricted vpoun his
awin expenssis to koip ony conuentioun or aBsemblics of burrowis indur-
2 A
18C ConventioH of Royal Burghs.
ing the said zeir exceptt within Edinburgh, and gif it salhappiu him to be
eniployitt in ony vther burgh to keip ony conuentioun, his expenssis in-
during his remaning tliairatt salbe vpoun the charges of the haill burrowis,
quhilk they obleis thame to pay att euery conuentioun befoir the desoluing
thairof
Ediuburgh, The samyn day, anncnt the continiwatioun of the ansuer to be gevin to
FiuiiertLun! the burgh of Edinburgh for rembursing to thame of the xij*' merkis payitt
to Adame FowUertoun, the commissioneris of the burgh of Perth, Glasqu,
Air, Montros, Selkirk, Peiblis, ledburgh, disassented and disassentis fra
ony paymentt thairof, nochtwithstanding the consentis of certan thair
commissioneris consenting thairto of befoir, and thatt becaus at the first
directioun of the said Adam and appoynting of the said sovme to him for
making of his expenssis in Ingland thair was nocht sax of the principaJl
burrowis thairatt, as they allegitt, nor zit ony of thair commissioneris
presentt thair ; and Henry Nesbett, commissioner for the said burgh of
Edinburgh, protestis thatt the disassenting of the commissioneris foirsaidis
be nochtt prciudiciall to the consent gevin of befoir be the commissioneris
of the saidis burrowis for the tyme to the paymentt thairof, as in sindry
actis maid thairanent at full length is contcnitt.
Lord Seytonn, Tlie samvn day. the commissioneris foirsaidis ratefeis and apprevis the
actt maid be the commissioneris of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, Abirdene,
Striveling, Linlithqu, Glasqu, Hadingtoun, and Craill, at Edinburgh vpoun
the xiiij day of Nouember last, anentt paymentt to my Lord Seytoun of
twa thowsand markis money incais he repoirtt in autentik forme ane dis-
charge of the King of France and his Secreitt Counsall of certan new ex-
actionis raisitt vpoun merchandise thair ; and becaus the burgh of Edin-
burgh lies aduanceitt and payitt the said sovme, and payis ane zeirlie
interes of xij of the hundreth thairfoir, quhairof they and the commis-
sioneris of Perth and Dondy cravis rembursementt and releiff, the com-
missioneris presentt in respectt they come nocht instructed to give ansuer
thaiiix), continewis the same to thair nixtt generall assemblie of burrowis ;
and the commissioner of Air, insafar as thair was na commissioner for
them at the conclusion thairof, disassented heirto, etc.
Protestatioun, llie samyn day, Peter Clayhillis commissioner for the burgh of Dondie
Perth. ^^ protested that the resauing of Dioneis Conquerour commissioner for the
burgh of Perthis voitt befoir him nixtt Edinburgh suld na wayis preiuge
Conve?ition of Royal Burghs. 187
the said burgh in thair second place and prioritie in voting befoir the
said burgh of Perth, nocht withstanding ony decreitt obtenitt in the con-
trair, in respect, as the said Peter allegit, that the said burgh of Dondies
adinissioun be the Kingis Maiestie and his Grace Estaitis in second place
in voting in Parliament nixt Edinburgh, and insafar as the said decreitt
obtenit be the said burgh of Perth lyis vnder reductioun, quhairupoun he
was mynditt, as commissioner for the said burgh of Dondy, to complene
to the Kingis Maiestie and Secreitt Counsall helrin ; and William Noro-
well commissioner of Streveling inlykwayis protested of new for the said
second place nixtt Edinburgh, in manor as is contenit in ane act and pro-
testatioun maid at Edinburgh the fourt of October 1581.
The samyn day, anent the extraordinar dewtie vplifled be Maister Conserviitom
George Hacquett, conseruatour in Flanderis, of the merchantis of this on^farSor nor
realme resorting thairto, contrair the tennour of the actis laitlie maid ^* s^^u^ee.
thairanentt, quhairof the ane maid at Edinburgh in the last generall con-
uentioun thair, be the said conseruatouris awin aduyse, bering tuelff
stuns to be vplifted be him of euery sek of gudes, quhairof aucht of
the merchant and four of the skipper, for ane zeir nixtt thairefter
alanerlie, as in the said act of the daitt at Edinburgh the fyft of Octo-
ber 1581 zeris at lenth is contenit, — the vther maid at Air in the last
conuentioun haldin thairatt, discharging the said Maister George of forther
nor nyne stures of the sek alanerlie, quhairof sax of the merchant and
thre of the skipper. ITie saidis commissioneris vnderstanding him contrair
the tennour thairof to continew in vplifting of fy vetene stures of ilk sek
gudes, to the greitt hurtt and preiudice of all personis resorting to the
saidis pairtis of Flanderis, hes dischargitt and dischargis the said conser-
uatour of new of ony forther vplifting fra thyne furth of ony forther
dewtie of ilk sek gudes nor sax stures alanerlie, quhairof four frome the
merchant and twa of the skipper, discharging and inhibeting all mer-
chantis and skipper of ony paying to him heirefter forther nor the saidis
sax sturis ; and to the effect the said Maister Gteorge pretend na ignor-
ance heirof, ordanis Ihonn Guthre thair dark, in thair names, to extract
and draw furth this their ordinance, and send the samyn together with ane
missive to him with all expeditioun, to certefie him thairby, incais he
contravene or contemp this thair said ordinance be vplifting fra thyne
furth ony forther nor the saidis sax stures, thatt letteris salbe purchest and
188 Convention of Royal Burghs.
execute aganis him with all rigour ; and ordanis the burgh of Ekiinburgh in
thair names, incais of his contraventioun, to raise and execute the samyn,
and the expenssis to be maid be thame thairupoun salbe rembursitt vpoun
thair compte at thair nixt generall assemblia
Walkoris an- The samyn day, continewis to thair nixtt generall assemblie the ansuer
SrnUtt"wie^ geving to Andrew Walker in Deip anentis his recompance cravit for the
noi convon- doungetting of certan impoistis vplifted in France vpon certain mer-
chandise thair.
xvlulij 1584.
BiuTowis, KU- The samyn DAT, anentt the supplicatioun gevin in be Ihonn Betoun of
^^y- Balfour, desyring thairby the tovne of Kilrany to be enrollitt amangis the
remanentt fide burrowis, and to beir burding with thame according to thair
habilitie, Comperitt Robertt Strang and Thomas Clark, commissioneris in
lus and the said tovnes name, and producitt for instructioun of the said
supplicatioun ane chartour of the erectioun of the said tovne in ane fiie
burgh, gevin and maid be Patrik, Archiebischop of Sanctandrois, off the
daitt the auchtt day of lulij 1578 zeris, together with the Kingis Maiesties
confirmatioun past tliairvpoun vnder his Hienes Greitt Seill of the daitt
the xxiiij of Januar the zeir of God foirsaid, as alsua ane actt of parlia-
mentt vnder the subscriptioun of Alexander Hay, Clerk of Register, of the
daitt at Edinburgh the x day of Nouember 1579 zeris, desyring conforme
thairto thair said tovne to be enrollit as said is amangis the remanent firie
A Dt and turrowis, and William Mackartney, agentt for the said is burrowis in thair
Oraiiiis protee- customes, protested contrair thatt pairtt of the chai'tour producitt, in
speciall concerning the dispositioun of the customes of the said tovne of
Kilrany to Ihonn Betoun of Balfour be the said Bischop, alleging the
samyn auchtt nocht be resauit nor admittitt, nather the said tovne en-
rollit, as said is, becaus thair is decreitt past at the instance of the bur-
rowis takismen to the Kingis Maiestie of his Hienes customes befoir the
Lordis of Chakker aganis the said Bischop anentis the saidis customes in
speciall, and sua thai appreving the said chartour, confirmatioun, and act
of parliamentt, the samyn mycht preiugo thaine in thair tak and sett
quhilk they have of the saidis customes ; and siclyke WiUiame Bowsy,
Cmivention of Royal Burghs. 189
commissioner for the burgh of Craill, protested that befoir ony enrolling
of the said tovne amang the remanent frie burrowis they mycht have in-
spectioun of thair ryehtis, and ane competent day assignit to him to op-
pone aganis the samyn, insafar as he allegit the said tovne was within
the boundis of thair iurisdictioun and libertie. In respect of the quhilkis
protestationis, and thatt thatt clans contenit in the said chartour concern-
ing the customes and coquett is preiudiciall to [the] Kingis Maiestie,
and the burrowis, his Hienes takismen, the saidis commissioneris refussis
the enrolling of thame in the nomber of burrowis, or admissioun of thair*
titillis, exceptt the said chartour be reformitt in that pairtt concerning the
customes and coquettar ; and the saidis commissioneris of Kilrany allegit
tliatt the said agentt in name of the burrowis, nor zitt the said commis-
sioner 01 Craill, aucht nocht be hard to oppone or protest contrair thair
titillis producit, and the desyir of the said supplication, insafar as the bur-
rowis as ane of the thrie estaitis hes consentitt thairto in parliamentt ;
and the said agentt in the contrair, in respect of the saidis burrowis tak
of the saidis customes and of the said decreitt past aganis the said Bischop
sen the said act of parliament ; and the saidis commissioneris of Kilrany
tuke thair saidis peces and past away thairwith.
The samyn day, anent the desyir of Ihonn Anstruther induellar thairin, Protcstatioun,
commissioner for the tovne of Anstruther, of enrolling of the same in the AnBtnither,
nomber of frie burghis, the commissioneris presentt, in respect of the ^^ontinewitt.
allegeance maid be William Bowsy, commissioner for the burgh of Craill,
alleging the liberties contenit in the said tovne of Anstrutheris chartour
to be gevin and doted of auld to thame, as be thair evidentis sail cleirlie
appeir, quhen as it saU pleis the saidis burrowis to sicht the samyn, and
thairfoir desyritt continiwatioun mycht be of the enrolling of the said
tovne in ane frie burgh to the nixt generall assemblie of burrowis, insafar
as he com nocht instructed to oppone aganis the said tovne and thair
ryehtis, and nather wist nor was waimit thairto, Continewis the ansuer
geving thairto vnto thair said nixtt generall conuentioun of burrowis, and
ordanis the said burgh of Craill than to send thair commissioner fuUie in-
stinicted to this effectt, with certificatioun to thame and they faUzie, they
will proceid heirin as accordis with resoun.
The samyn day, anentt the supplicatioun gevin befoir thame be the Dysartt
commissioner of the burgh of Dysartt, craving thair assistance in thair
190 Convention of Royal Burghs.
seking to be redrest of the oppressioms done to the magistratis and officeris
of the said tovne in the executioun of thair offices be certan gentilmen of
the cuntrie, Fyndis gude the magistratis of the said burgh of Dysartt sail
intentt actioun aganis the saidis oppressouris befoir the iugis competentt,
and to repoirtt the rolmentt of courtt to the conuentioun befoir the^nixt
parliament, quhen as they promis to the said burgh thair mutuall concurr-
ance and assistance in seing ordour putt thairto as accordis with
iustioe.
Piapenaatioim, The samyn day, anent the desyir of the commissioner of Innemes crav-
fdtt^thT^T ^"^S ge^erall exemptioim from conuentionis of burrowis in respect of thair
pouertie, except at the burghis of Edinburgh, Perth, or Dondy, quhen
as the conuentionis sallhappin thair to intervene, exeming alwajds
thair said burgh from the nixt generall conuentioun in Edinburgh, in
cais the samyn be appoynted to be haldin thairatt ; the commissioneris
presentt grantis thair desyir, provyding alwayis they keip conuentionis be
noi-th Perth and Dondy, they alwayis being astricted to send with the
ewest burgh vndispensit with thair missiue autentiklie subscryuit to ap-
preve all and quhatsumever thingis salbe entreittit at the conuentionis foir-
saidis, induring the space of thrie zeiris alanerlie, protesting the calling of
the town of Thayne as enroUit in ane frie burgh preiuge nocht thair
liberties, conforme to thair protestationis in syndry conuentionis maid of
befoir.
Civatio, Cuth- Item, the comuiissioneris presentlie assemblitt, vniversally, in ane voce
injMmw!^'"^'^ but discrepance, appoynfcis William Cuthbei-t, commissioner for the burgh
of Innemes, thair customer to the Kingis Maiesties customes fra eist Coulsi-
oychell, Walter of Dornoche, Dinguall, Beawling, and the watter and burgh
of Innemes, as alsua of all vther his Hienes customes of all maner gudes and
geir betuix Caithnes and Momy (the Ylis and Lochis exceptit), his entry
thairto to be and begyn at the day and daitt heirof, fra thyne to indure
to the first of October 1585 zeiris, quha, accepting vpon him the said
office of customary, gaif his ayth for dew administratioun thairof, and
obleist him conforme to the ordour prescryuit to the remanent customaris
to mak dew comptc rekning and payment of his intromissioun, as he salbe
requyritt be the four burrowis souerties for the payment to the Kingis
Maiestie of his Hienes customes, cum potestaie suhstihtend etc. And this
Act to be extend in sic ample forme, extracted and delyucrit to the said
Convention of Royal Burghs, 191
customer, as to the weilfair of the burrowLs salbe neidfuU, promittendo de
Vido, etc.
Tlie samyn day, etc, Symon Ihonston commissioner for the burgh ^^ ^^^^j^^^f®
Dunfreis maid offer to the saidis commissioneris of the thrid penny mair Dunfreisbe tiio
for the ciistomes of the said burgh nor presentlie is payitt be lames Geddes thairof.
customer thairof, Quhilkis commissioneris, respecting his gude and profit-
abill offer, ordanis the said lames, present customer, to be chargitt to com-
peir in Edinburgh vi)on the xviij day of October nixtt, thair to mak his
compte to the burrowis to be appoynted to the hering and allowing
thairof, discharging him of ony forther vsing or exercing of the said oflSce
from the said fii-st of October nixtt, and that at the said day of liis comptis
l)e delyuer to the additouris of the samyn the half seill or stamp being in
his possession, and that the said magistratis of the said burgh of Dunfreis
tlian present in Edinburgh [name] ane suflficient customer and comptroller,
for quhome they salbe ansuerabill for the dew executioun of thair oflSices
to the burrowis foirsaidis the said auchtene of October nixtt, quhairvnto
tlie said Symon consented etc.
The samyn day, the commissionerisof burrowis, respecting the poverty Rutlierglendis-
of Rutlierglcn, dispcnsis for thrie zeris heirefter with thair keping of ^;J*Sjre'^^
generall conventionis of burrowis, provyding they send with the ewest
burgh to the saidis conventionis thair missive appreving all thingis in the
menetyme salhappin to intervene, etc.
The samyn day, dew consideratioun being had of the laitt act of parlia- Laitt act parlia-
ment publeschitt at the mercatt croce of Edinburgh and vther places neid- SSd^^peii-
fuU, anent the pakking and peilling of herring, quhyte fische, and vther }|jjf ^ ^^^tt"
fi&che mentionat thairintill, slayne be the inhabitantis of ather sydis of with prouis-
the watter of Forth, vpon the occasion of complayntt gevin in thairanentt
be dyueris burrowis of the coist sydes, Fyndis the said actt gude in all
poyntis, except that pairtt thairof being ane special chairge thatt all fisches
and herring and vther fisches thairin contenit to be brochtt to the poirtis
of Leith or Craill, tlmir to be graithitt and handlitt in maner as is men-
tion att in the said act ; for reforming of the quhilk pairtt of the said act,
all in ane [voce] consentis ane generall supplication be gevin in all thair
names desyring reformatioun of that pairtt of the said act, becaus they
vnderstand preiudice to dyueris vtheris frie burrowis to ensew thairvpon,
and that it may be lesum to bring the saidis merchandise to all and
192 Convention of Royal Burghs.
quhatsumever frie portis within this realme, thair alwayis they obe3ring
and obtempering all the remanent poyntis of the said act ; provyding
alwayis euerilk burgh vpon the coist sydis fynd dew cautioun to the burgh
of Edinburgh for pakking and peilKng of sufficientt herring and vther
fisches foirsaidis, and for fulfilling of all vther heidis contenit in the
said act and lettres raisitt thairupon, vnder the paynis thairin contenitt ;
as alsua thatt, in the supplicatioun to be presented and gevin in to the
nixtt parliamentt, it salbe cravitt thatt the burrowis of Glasqu, Air, Irro-
wyne, and vther burrowis be west Clyde, be nocht subiect to that pairtt
of the act concerning the taking or vsing of the iedge from Edinburgh, in
respect of the laik of tymmer amangis thame, they alwayis submittand
thame to all the remanent poyntis of the said act as is aboue expremitt.
Bispcnsatioun '^^^^ samyn day, dispensis with the burgh of Elgyne in maner as is dis-
Eigyno. pensit with Innemes.
The samyn day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis fyndis the
rowiBabsentt burrowis of Abirdonc, Sanctandrois, Cowper, Rothesay, Dumbartan, Irro-
wyne, Kirkcudbrycht, Lawder, Forfar, Forres, and Breichan to have in-
curritt, be thair noncomperance to this present convention, being lawfully
citatt thairto be the thesaurer of the burgh of Linlithqu as wes suflScientle
verefeitt be him, euery ane of thame the payne and vnlaw of tuenty li ;
as alsua Dondy, for thair disoluing fra this day without licence, in vther
tuenty li., and the toun of Hadington in tliretty li., viz. in ten li for
passing away at Ayr and nocht subscryuing of the actis maid thairatt,
and tuenty li. for thair disoluing fra this conuention but licence, and nocht
remaning vnto the subscription of the actis and desoluing of the saidis bur-
rowis, provyding incais he cum bak and subscryve to the clark as zitt he salbe
dispensitt with ten li. thairof ; and fyndis, and but reuocatioun concludis,
thatt nane of the saidis burrowis be ather dispensitt, dimirtischitt or
superseditt with the saidis vnlawis, bot thatt Ihonn Guthre vplift the
the samyn but favouris, as he will ansuer to thame vpon his seruice, con-
forme to his commission gevin to him thairanentt.
Decimo sexto luHj 1584.
touri^^iT^tt" "^^^ QUHILK DAY, vpon the complajmtt of Robert Gourlay, general col-
customeria. Icctor of the customcs, mcning that contrair the burrowis ordinance the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 193
customeris of euery burgh makis nocht paymentt to him of the Kingis
customes, quhairof the saidis burrowis ar fermoraris, att sic tymes as is
prescryuit in the act and ordinance maid at Air in Junij last thairanentt,
upon his lawfull requisition thairof, quhairthrow they are putt to greitt
chargis in suting the same, Thairfoir for better ordour to be obseruitt in
tyme curaimg, and for mair reddy and thankfull pay men tt heirefter, it is
concluditt and statute, that quhatsumever customer beis waimit be the
said generall coUectouris wryting to cum in, and ather bring or send his
customes, or at the leist sa mekill thairof as he salhappin to have
customed, att four seuerall tymes in the zeir, refusing sua to do, shall
incur the danger of all the expenssis and chargis maid be the said generall
collectour in craving thairof, and refond the samyn to him butt excuse,
quhilk is the vnlaw often li., vsitt of befoir to be vplifted of the nocht pay-
aris at the saidis four seuerall tymes befoir the Lordis of Chakker, pro-
vyding alwayis compte and compleitt payment be maid anys in the
zeir.
The samyn day, the commission eris foirsaidis ratefeis and apprevis the Ratificationn
commission gevin be the four burrowis to William Mackartnay, agentt for agenUmTcon-
thame in thair commoun effaires, specialie in the customes, and continewis SSTirfiu
him agentt for ane zeir nixtt followand October nixtt, vpoun the lyke
conditionis mentionat in his said commission, provyding alwayis he be
diligent in the execution of his oflSce and trubill na frie burgh nor cus-
tomaris thairof in the executioun of thair effaires concerning the custom-
ing of sic gudis as they audit and suld resave custome of in thair
boundis.
The samyn day, the saidis commissioneris nominatis and of new electis pawder cna-
•' •' , tomer, Dunbar.
Robert Lawder commissioner and customer of Dumbar, within the
boundis thairof and to Bervik, customer for the space of ane zeir nixt
followand October nixtt, quhilk he promeist fay thfullie to do, etc.
The samyn day, compte being maid be Selene Mackgill of hir intro- ^c'Sto^^
mission with the customes of Idnlithqu sen the first of October 1582 to
the daitt of thir presentis, the samyn is found to extend to sax li. sax
schillingia aucht penneis vnpayitt as zitt, and fra thyne forth dischargis
hir.
The samyn day, exemis the burgh of Northbervik fra keping of con- Northbervik,
uentionis for tlu-e zeris nixtt heirefter in quhatsumever burgh owtwith <^»P«>»**»o™^
2 B
194
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Dumfermling,
£<linburgh
fzUiDtt pirai
Bchipe.
Lowthiane, obseruing the provisioun specialy contenitt in the remanentt
burrowis now dispensitt with.
The samyn day, anent that pairt of the supplicatioun of Dumfermling
concerning the charge of homing gevin to thair burgh for paymentt of
ane taxatioun ap[>oynted to the furthsetting of ane schip and bark aganis
the Inglis pyratis, willing they suld be dischairgit thairof insa&r as the
samyn tuke na effect, the commissioneris of Edinburgh promitis they
salbe dischargitt of sainekill of thatt extentt for outreking of the saidis
schip, and of all executioun of lettres raisitt aganis thame thairanentt.
Sc'llar olcctid
castomar LiH'
lithqUf Kar
coniptroliar,
and Tbovnis
coquettar.
CoTnTniBsiotm
to ccrUn bur-
rowin to beir
customcris
coDiptiH, etc
Decimo septimo lulij 1584.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of the burrowis presentt hes, be
the aduyse of the provest baillies and counsall of linlithqu, nominatt and
constitute Patrik Sellar burges of the said burgh, customer of all the
Kingis customeH \*dthin the boundis pertening to the said burgh of Lin-
lithqu, viz. betuix the watt^ris of Almond and Avyne on the syde of
Forth, fra the day and datt heirof to the first of October 1585 zeris
alanerly; and becaus Helene Makgill, kepar of the custome seill of
befoir, refuisit to delyuer the same, thairfoir ordanis William Macartney
thair agentt to sie ane half seill new maid of pei-fyte tyn, bering this
presentt zeir of God, according to the quantitie of the coquett seil in-
stantly delyuerit be Nicol Thownis to the said agent, and with impres-
sioun of the Kingis Maiesties armes and superscriptioun vsitt in sic seillis ;
and being maid, the custome seill to be gevin to the said customer, and
the coquett seill to the said Nicoll ; and appoyntis Androw Kar comp-
troller to the said customer, and that na maner of gudes be customed out-
with his or his deputes presences, quha gaif thair ay this de fideli adminia-
tratione, according and in maner as the remanent customeris ar elected.
The samyn day, the commissioneris of the burrowis foirsaidis fyndis,
and for aduancing of thair libeiiiea, concludis, thatt the burrowis of Edin-
burgh, Perth, Dondie, Abirdene, Striveling, Linlithqu, Hadingtoun, or the
maist pairtt of thame convene att Edinburgh the xviij day of October
nixttociyn, thair to resave and allow the comptes of all the customeris of
this realme, quha ar ordanit be this presentt actt to convene the said day.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 195
vpoun, the aduerteisment of the said burgh of Edinburgh, vnder the
penalty of the act maid at this presentt convention thairanent, with
power to the saidis burrowis to considder be the comptes of the CoUectour
Generall'of the saidis customes for this instant zeir 1584 quhairin the
burrowis ar deterioratt or aduancitt thairby, and of the restis of the zeir
preceding, alsweill of the saidis customes as of the taxatioun of thre thow-
sand li., and to place and displace customeris for the zeir to cum alan-
erlie, conforme to the tennour of the act maid thairanent at the last
generall convention att Air ; Forther, vpoun the inlaik of the saidis cus-
tomes, taxationis vpoun the saidis burrowis to sett, lettres of homing to
rais and cawse execute vpoun the burrowis refusand to pay within ten
dayis nixtt efler thai be chargitt the particular sovmes they salbe sett
and extented to ; and gif ony frie burrowis plesis with the burrowis
presentlie nominatt the day and place to the effect foirsaid to convene,
bringand with thame sufficient commissioun, they to have the lyke place
to heir, voitt, and conclude as the saidis burrowis appoynted as said is ;
and ordanis the burgh of Edinburgh to mak dew aduerteismentt to the
saidis bun'owis to keip the said day and place, ilk burgh vnder the payne
of tuenty li. vnforgevin.
The samyn day, comperitt Peter Clayhillis commissioner for the burgh Dondy, Perth,
of Dondie, and producit the Kingis Maiesties letter, charging thairby the
saidis commissioneris to rank and crave his voitt befoir the commissioner
of Perth nixtt the burgh of Edinburgh, nochtwithstanding ony decreitt
impetratt or obtenit in the contrair, as the said letter of the daitt at
Falkland the tentt of this instant subsciyuit be his Hienes, the Lordis of
Dovin and of Pettinweme, proportis, and cravit obedience thairof ; and
Dioneis Conquerour commissioner of Perth producitt ane decreitt obtenit
be the said burgh in thair favouris of prioritie of place and voting befoir
the said burgh of Dondy, nixtt Edinburgh, pronuncit and gevin be the
commissioneris of burrowis vpon the day of lunij 1582 zeris,
alleging the said writing producit be the said Peter to be contrair to the
narrative of his said decreitt, and in respect thairof, as alsua of ane decreit
of befoir pronuncitt in fauouris of the said burgh of Perth, in Edinburgh,
be the saidis burrowis, decerning thame the prioritie and nixt voitt to
Edinburgli as said is ay and quhill ordour had been tane thairintill, and
siclyke be reson of thair possessioun thairof past memory of man thatt
196 Convention of Royal Burghs.
they aucht nocht be displacitt befoir the reductioun of the saidis decreitis,
and that the said letter, as prevelie purchest be the said Peter, suld haif
na place, and he amerciatt for purchessing lordschip contrair the lovabill
actis and constitutionis of burrowis maid thairanentt, as alsua thatt the
said Peter suld nocht be hard, becaus be past away but licence befoir the
desoluing of this conuention and was vnlawit thairfoir as the actis pro-
portis ; nochtwithstanding the quhiikis allegeances the said Peter cravitt
ansuer of the said writing, quhairvnto Ihoun Forrest provest of the said
burgh of Linlithqu, moderatour to the said conventioun, in name and att
command of the saidis commissioneris, efter thair voittis and dew resolu-
tioun had, ansueritt thatt all substantiall materis war coucluditt and
votitt vpon befoir the said Peteris productioun of the said wryting,
quhairby na occasion of placing or voting was offeritt, thairfoir continewitt
the ansuering thairto vnto the nixtt parliamentt, quhen as the haill bur-
rowis suld, be aduyse of the Kingis Maiestie and his Hienes Estaitis,
geve ansuer thairto. And the said Peter disallowitt all thingis instantly
concludit on at this present conventioun, protesting na thing done thairatt
preiuge the said burgh of Dondy, other in thair priorite of place granted
to thame in the last parliament, or vtherwayis ; and the said commis-
sioner of Perth anserand to the said decreitt and all(^eances maid thair-
upoun in the contrair, etc.
Norweii,pro- The quhilk day, William Norowell commissioner for the burgh of
teetatioun. Streveling protested as of befoir thatt thai be nocht preuigitt in thair
second place nixtt Edinburgh, nochtwithstanding the protestationis foir-
saidis, and Linlithqu in the thrid, and Laneark in the fourtt, eta
Suapensioun The commissioueris foirsaidis suspendis all executioun of the act maid
acttT^^^""* at this conventioun concerning the Conservatour, and the vplifting of sax
stures alanerlie, as in the samyn att lenth is contenit, to the parliamentt
nixt, for dew and resonabill consideration is moving thame thairto, etc.
Charges cub- The samyu day, ordanis the commissioneris appoynted to the hering of
freS^' ^°" the custome comptes in October nixtt to charge the customer of Dum-
freis to be in Edinburgh vpon the xviij day thairof, to mak his comptes
thairof, and thatt he bring than with his custome stamp or seill, and to
be dischargitt of his office from the fii-st day of the said October, and
that the provest baillies and counsall at the said xviij day presentt, pre-
sent to the saidis burrowis twa sufficient and qualefeitt personis to be
Convention of Royal Burghs. 197
customer and comptroller fra the said first day of October nixt vnto the
first day of October nixt thairefber, conforme to the ordour.
The samyn day, dispensis with the burgh of Wigtoun for the space of ^^|^*^°^
tvva zeiris nixt frome keping of assemblies, they sending with the burgh
nixt adiacent thairto thair autentik missive approving all thingis to be
concludit on be the remanentt burrowis convenand in the menetyme, and
thatt vnder the pain of xxli. sa oft as they failze.
It is alsua statute and ordainit that gif it salhappin ony tovne to be statute vnfrie
erected in ane frie burgh within the boundis, limitis, and libertie of ane ^^
vther frie burgh, the haill burrowis sail interpone thair poweris in con-
trair thairof
The samyn day, ordanis Ihonn Guthre, coUectour of the vnlawis, to^^^^J^*^^^
delyuer to Androw Kar and Nicoll Thovnis, ckrkis of Linlithqu, ane vnlaw LinUthqu.
of twenty li. for thair paynis and travellis tane in this thair conventioun,
and the samyn salbe allowit in his comptes.
The quhilk day, the commissioun of burrowis, vpoun the com- ^^!^ ^^
playntis gevin in befoir thame be the burrowis efter following, ordanis i)ianiti8 oon-
the samyn to be rememberett and gevin in in ai-ticlis to the nixtt parlia- pariiamentt
mentt, viz., anentis supportt cravitt for reparing of the dekyitt harberres
and biiggis of Cmill, Renfrow, Kirkcaldy, Peiblis ; and siclyke, it may be
impetratt thesaid nixtt pariiamentt that nafrie barroun, in na pairttoutwith
ane frie burgh, have within ane barronyonyma nor ane of euery craft, accord-
ing to the auld lawis of the realme past thairupoun, and that a commission of
iusticiary may be gevin to the magistratis of the heid burgh of ilk schyre to
call and convene the contravenars thairof, and anentt remeid to be cravit of
the new exactionis raisitt in Ingland vpon Scotis merchantis resorting thair,
as alsua the supplicatioun of Dauid Home, and ane articule aganis Kirk-
cudbrycht and Quhithorn, for ressait of piiutis, and anent ane merkatt of
quheitt, beir, aitis and vther wictuall to be cravitt to be in Linlithqu as
the heid burgh of the schire, and anentis Orknay and Schyteland, for the
wrangis done thair.
The samyn day, the Commissi oneris foirsaidis desoluis this thair con- Desoluing con-
ventioun, and appoyntis the nixt generall assemblie to be haldin at
Hadingtoun the alevint day of Julij nixt in anno 1585, and ordanis the
said burgh to remember the haill burrowis be making of thame dew ad-
uerteismentt be thair missives, to keep the said conuentioun vnder the
paynis contenit in thair actis.
198 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Henry Nisbett for Edinburgh. Thomas Lauder.
Alex' Oisteane be Ihoun W°^ NorwelL
Guthrie Clark. I. Guthre. lohne Forrest
Dionis Conquerour. Archibald Hegait
George Cochrane. William Bowsy.
Archibald Tilzefeir. lames Douglas.
Patrik Dykson. lohnne Corsaw commissioner for
Robert Lauder for Dumber. Pettinwem.
Gawin Wilkin for Selkerk. Robertt Livingstoun for Lanerke.
lohne Layng commissioner for lohnef Kay for Moutros.
Jedburch. A. Broun for Kingorna
lames Hackat for Dysert Ihone Hackat for Kyrkcaldy.
Thomas Mychell for Innerkethin.
Alexander Kaa, William Meiklihonn for Dumfermling, Henry Fynne-
soun for Renfrow, Symon Ihounstoun for Dunfreis, with our handis
, at the pen led be the notaris vnderwrittin at oure commandis because
we can nocht wryte ourselues, eta
Ita est loahnes Guthre notarius de mandatis dictorum personarum
scribere nescientes ut asseruerunt teste meis signo et subscriptione
manualibus. I. Guthre.
Ita est Andreas Ker co-notarius testis in premissis subscripsi et
signam. A. Ker.
Conventioun of the Burrowis of this realme^ haldin at Had-
ingtoun vpoun the xij and xiij dayis of lulij 1585, he
the Commissioner is efter folloiving, quha producit thair
commissionis^ pairtlie vnder the svhscriptionis of thair
commoun clarkis of thair hurghis, and vther pairtt
vnder thair seillis as followis^ etc. :
Hadingtoun. Edinburgh, Henry Nesbett baillie, George Hereott goldsmytli, counsal-
Convention of Royal Burghs. 199
lour ; Linlithqu, Andrew Kar, dark ; Hadingtoun, Ihoun Wilsoun, Alex-
ander Symsoun, dark ; Irrowing, Thomas Harvy, baillie ; Craill, Dauid
Meldrum, baillie, William Bowsy ; Dumbar, Ihoun Kelly zongar, Ihoun
Acheson ; Lawder, Alexander Home ; Northbervik, Thom&s Lawder.
Apud Hadingtoun xiij^ lulij 1585.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis abouewritten being
convenit for resoning thair commoun efFaires, Fyndis the burrowis of
Stirveling, Laneark, Dondy, Perth, Ruthuglen, Air, Dumbartan, Wigtoun,
Dunfreis, Kirkcudbrycht, Quhitliorn, Renfrow, Cowper, Sanctandrois,
Pettinweme, Kingom, Kirkcaldy, Dysart, Innerkething, Dumfermling,
Peiblis, ledburgh, Elgyne, Innemes, Abirdene, Forres, Glasqu, Selkirk,
Forfar, Breichan, and Montros, euery ane of thame to have incurritt the
payne and vnlaw of tuenty 11 for thair non comperance to this present
conventioun, being lawfully citat thairto be Alexander Symson dark of
the said burgh of Hadingt<:»un and vtheris mentionat in the diligence
producit, and verefeit befoir thame this day thairupon; to the coUectioun
and ingathering quhairof, as alsua of the vnlawis of the absentis frome
the last generall conventioun at Linlithqu, as of befoir appoyntis Ihonn
Guthre thair dark collectour, and be the aduyse of William Makcartney
and Androw Mekill, quhome they ordane to caus rais lettres of homing,
and, conforme to the said act maid at the said burgh of Linlithqu in all
poyntis, to cawse execute the samyn but favouris ; off the reddiest and
first quhairof they ordane the said Ihonn to satefie him selff of his zeiris
fie of ane hundreth pundis, and to delyuer to the saidis William Makcart-
ney and Androw Mekill euery ane of thame tuenty li. for thair paynis
and travellis tane in ingathering of the saidis vnlawis, vpoun prouisioun
alwayis thatt they produce befoir the commissioneris of burrowis to be
conuenit at thair nixt generall conuentioun, quhaireuer it salhappin the
samyn to be haldin, sufficient diligence [of the] ingathering thairof, and
the expenssis necessarjlie to be de]bursit be thame thairfoir to be allowit
and dedu[cit to the] saidis lohnn Guthre, William Makcartney, and
Androw Mekill, quha bindis and oblissis thame to mak iust compte
rekning and payment .to the saidis burrowis at thair said said nixt gene-
200 Convention of R^j^iJ BarjJ'S
ran eonoention of the snperplos of the sudis vnUwis, dedoeuid and
allowaiid to thame as said t&
The samyii daj, the commi&^ioneri^ foiisai«iisL in respect of thair small
nomher presentlie conoenit, qohairby th^ can n«jcLt gndelie determine,
resotin, or conclude vpon sic niateris as thair coQoeati-.*an was arr*:*ynted
for, and vtheris ooDcemiDg the estait and weiliAir c»f bam:>wisv d«;s«>Iius
this thair conaentionn, and in respect of djntrris occasionis craving hai>tie
lesolatioon and gretumlie tending to the furtherance of thair estait,
ai^yntis thair nixt connentioun to be haldin at the bar^h of Edinburgh,
provyding God of his mercy remove this present plaig of pest {rc*m thame,
and incais Ttherwajis, at StriTeling Tpi>an the fii^ of Nonembo- nixtt,
and that the magis-tratis of the said bongh of Edinborjfa direct thair mis-
sives to the saidis borrowis to thatt effect as thev will ansner vpoon thair
diligence, and as they tender the weiliair of the said estait of bunovia.
Henry Nisbett bailie Daoid Meldrom.
Geoirge HeireoL William Bowsy.
Andro Ker for Linlithqa. Thomas Harry o^mmissioner for
lohne Kelly. Irrowing and Alexander Home
lohne WilL<on. commissi* »ner for Lawder with
Thomas Lander. ouie handis sntiecryuit be loknn
A. Symsone. Guthre dark. ' L Guthie.
Conventtoun of Burrowis hahJin at Linlithqu in the Parlia-
ment to be haldin thairatt the firsts SiOJndj thrid^ fourt,
and dayis of December 1585, quhairto convenitt
the Commissioneris of Burroicis efier following, etc.: —
Linfithqv. EdinboTgh, Nioon Tdwartt. dene of gild, Michaell Gilbertt» goldsmyth,
coansallour.Maister Alexander Guthre, principall dark; Perth, James Dnim>
mond; Dondie, William Rollok, Alexander Wedderbam ; Streveling, Anthoyne
Bnioe, Ihonn Mnschett; Abirdene, Alexander Rutherfurde; Dunfieis,
Convention of Royal Burghs. 201
Alexander Maxwell of Newlaw, provest, Maister Homer Maxwell, and
Harbert Ranyng, twa of the baillies thairof, lames Rig, thair conburges ;
Hadingtoun, lames Cokburn, William Broun, thesaurer; Craill, Ihonn
Douglas, William Bowsy ; Montros, lohnn Wilsoun ; Pettinweme, Ihonn
Corsaw; Lawder, Charles Murray; Innerkething, William Blaikburn,
Mathow Greg, baillies ; Linlithqu, Ihonn Forrest, provest, Androw
Kar, etc.
Primo Decembris 1585.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis abouewrittin being Emouth, Res-
convenit etc. Comperit Alexander Wilkeson and William Broun induellaris ^Jtomie!^
in Emouth, quha for thame selues and in name of the haill inhabitantia
oif the said tovne, producitt ane decreitt obtenit be thame and the remsr
nent personis mentionat thairintill agania Alexander Home of Manders-
toun vplifting for the time ane vnresonabill vnaccustomed and extraordinar
dewtie vpoun the wictuall and vtheris wairis transportitt fra the said
tovne and portt and hawin thairof, as the samyn decreitt, of the daitt at
Halyrudehous the xvij day of Merche 1581 zeris, vnder the subscriptioun
of lohnn Androw dark to the Secreitt Counsall proportis, craving thairby
the concurrance and mutuall assistance of the saidis commissioneris to
have ane certan pretenditt gift of the saidis dewties granted to the Laird
of Restalrig in September last annuUit and destroyitt, in respect of thair
said decreitt, as alsua thatt the vplifting of the saidis dewties grantit to
the said Laird of Restalrig is nocht onlie heirschip to thame, bott alsua
ane preparative to extortioun all oure Souverane Lordis liegis transporting
wictuallis and vtheris wairis fm the said portt and hawin of Emouth,
Quhairvnto the saidis commissioneris, willing, according to the saidis com*
plenaris desyris, remeid suld be found out, hes concludit the saidis com-
plenaris sail mene be supplicatioun to the Lordis of Parliament heirof,
and they for thair pairtis sail fortefie and assist thame safar as accordis of
ressoun, but preiudice of thair firiedomes and liberties.
The samyn day, it being cum to the knawlege of the saidis commis- B°un^^l^d"*
sioneris thatt certan the inhabitantis of the vnfrie tovne of Bruntiland,
sic as Dauid Clark, Ihonn Claiphan, Hary Loche, Dauid Dury, and
, inhabitantis of the samyn, war of mynde in this present
2c
200 Convention of Royal Burghs,
rail conuention of the superplus of the saidis vnlawis, deducand and
allowand to thame as said ia
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, in respect of thair small
nomber presentlie eonuenit, quhairby they can nocht gudelie determine,
resoun, or conclude ^-pon sic niateris as thair conuentioun was appoynted
for, and vtheris concerning the estait and weiJfair of burrowis, dL^snlius
tliis thair conuentioun, and in respect of dyueris occasionis craving haistie
resolutioun and gretumlie tending to the furtherance of thair estait,
appoyntis thair nixt conuentioun to be haldin at the burgh of Edinburgh,
provyding God of his mercy remove this present plaig of pest from thame,
and incais vtherwayis, at Striveling vpoun the first of Nouember nixtt,
and that the niagistratis of the said burgh of Edinburgh direct thair mis-
sives to the saidis burrowis to thatt effect as they will ansuer vpoun thair
diligence, and as they tender the weilfair of the said estait of burrowis.
Henry Nisbett bailie. Dauid Meldrum.
Geoirge Heireot. William Bowsy.
Andro Ker for Linlithqu. Thomas Harvj'^ commissioner for
lohne Kelly. Irrowing and Alexander Home
lohne Willson. commissioner for Lawder with
Thomas Lauder. oure handis subscryuit be lohnn
A. Symsone. Guthre dark. • L Guthre.
Conventioun of Burrowis haldin at Linlithqu in the Parlia-
ment to he haldin thairatt the firsts second^ thrid^ fourt,
and dayis of December 1585, quhairto convenitt
the Commissioners of Burrotvis efter following^ etc. : —
Edinburgh, NicoU Vdwartt, dene of gild, Michaell Gilbertt, goldsmyth,
counsallour,MaisterAJexanderGuthre, principall dark ; Perth, James Drum-
mond; Dondie, William RoUok, Alexander Wedderbum ; Streveling, Anthoyne
Bruce, Ihonn Muschett; Abirdene, Alexander Rutherfurde; Dunfreis,
Com^ention of Boy a/ Burghs. 201
Alexander Maxwell of Newlaw, provest, Maister Homer Maxwell, and
Harbcrt Ranyng, twa of the baillies thairof, lames Rig, thair couburges ;
Haclingtoun, lames Cokburn, William Broun, thasaurer; Craill, Ihonn
Douglas, William Bowsy ; Montros, lobnn Wilsoun ; Pettinweme, Ihonn
Corsaw ; Lawder, Charles Murray ; Innerkething, William Blaikburn,
Mathow Greg, baillies ; linlithqu, Ihonn Forrest, provest, Androw
Kar, etc.
Primo Decembris 1585.
The QUHILK day, the commissioneris of burrowis abouewrittin being Emouth, Res-
convenit etc. Comperit Alexander Wilkeson and William Broun induellaris ^^JomSu^
in Emouth, quha for thame selues and in name of the haill inhabitantis
of the said tovne, producitt ane decreitt obtenit be thame and the remsr
nent personis mentionat thairintill aganis Alexander Home of Manders-
toun vplifbing for the time ane vnresonabill vnaccustomed and extraordinar
dewtie vpoun the wictuall and vtheris wairis transportitt fra the said
tovne and portt and hawin thairof, as the samyn decreitt, of the daitt at
Halyrudehous the xvij day of Merche 1581 zeris, vnder the subscriptioun
of lohnn Androw dark to the Secreitt Counsall proportis, craving thairby
the concurrance and mutuall assistance of the saidis commissioneris to
have ane certan pretenditt gift of the saidis dewties granted to the Laird
of Restalrig in September last annullit and destroyitt, in respect of thair
said decreitt, as alsua thatt the vplifting of the saidis dewties grantit to
the said Laird of Restalrig is nocht onlie heirschip to thame, bott alsua
ane preparative to extortioun all oure Souverane Lordis liegis traasporting
wictuallis and vtheris wairis fi*a the said portt and hawin of Emouth,
Quhairvnto the saidis commissioneris, willing, according to the saidis com*
plenaris desyris, remeid suld be found out, hes concludit the saidis com-
plenaris sail mene be supplicatioun to the Lordis of Parliament heirof,
and they for thair pairtis sail fortefie and assist thame safar as accordis of
ressoun, but preiudice of thair ifriedomes and liberties.
The samyn day, it being cum to the knawlege of the saidis commis- jj^n^^^i^d"*
sioneris thatt certan the inhabitantis of the vnfrie tovne of Bruntiland,
sic as Dauid Clark, Ihonn Claiphan, Hary Loche, Dauid Dury, and
, inhabitantis of the samyn, war of mynde in this present
2c
202 Convention of Royal Burghs.
parliament to have thair said tovne, vpoun ane pretenditt gift obtenit be
thame of laitt, erectitt in ane frie burgh, quhilk will be very preiudiciall
to the haill frie burrowis of this reahne, and in speciall to the burghis
and tovnis of Innerkething, Dumfermeling, Kirkcaldy, within quhaia
boundis and iurisdictionis the said tovne of Bruntiland is, Ordanis the
commissioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh, with all diligence possibill, to
direct to the said burgh of Innerkething ane missive to be subscryvit be
lohnn Guthre thair dark in thair names, desyring thairby the said burgh
to send thair commissioneris fullie instructed to this present convention
and parliament, and thair evidentis and vther rychtis to be brochtt with
thame, for impeding of the said tovne of Bruntilandis pretenditt erectioun
in ane frie burgh ; to the ansuer of the quhilk missive they continew
forther resoning heirintill, etc.
Secundo Decembris 1585.
stpeveiing, The QUHlTiK DAY, the commissioneris foirsaidis anentt the supplicatioun
^^ gevin in befoir thame be the commissioneris of the burgh of Striveling,
craving assistance, and that on thair supplicatioun to the Eingis Maiestie
and thre Estaittis of this presentt parliament the greitt wrak and slauch-
ter the samyn hes in tymes bypast sustenitt mychtt be lamentitt, and
thairunto help and supportt cravitt, thatt they mychtt in a pairtt be
recompansitt of thair said hurtt, ar content to assist for thair pairtis
herintUl, provyding, incais vpoun the pro[>ositioun heirof ony taxatioun
for supportt of the said burgh be granted be the Kingis Maiestie and bis
Hienes Estaitis, the burrowis be nawajris burdenit for thair pairttis
thairof, bot frielie exemitt thairfra, and for thair better assurance thatt
the saidis commissioneris of Striveling, proponaris heirof, sail immediatlie
efler the grant to the saidis taxatioun geve to the saidis burrowis ane
sufficient discharge of thair pairttis thairof, and warrandice of thame
thairfra, sua thatt they be thair granting thairto sail nochtt be astricted
to pay thair saidis pairtis of the samyn, and for thair releif incais ony
forther inconvenient follow thairvpoun.
Convention of Boyol Burghs. 203
Tertio Decembris 1585.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis being convenit for c^S'^^tn?
resoning vpoun thair commoun effaires, Comperitt William Blaikbum BrunUiand.
and Mathow Greg commissioneris for the burgh of Innerkethiug, and truSS-r °*"
producitt ane charter maid to thair predecessouris in the nyntt zeir of
King Robertt, quhairby they war infeft in all the boundis Ubertie and
iurisdictioun within the boundis frome Dovane to Levinsmouth, with als
ample previlege as ony frie buigh hes or ar infeft within the boundis of
the iurisdictionis of thair frie burrowis, and siclyke producitt ane decreitt
of oure Souerane Lordis Se&sioun vnder the quarter seill aganis the burgh
of Dysartt vplifbing customes within the boundis foirsaidis, and thairfoir
desyritt the saidis burrowis concurrance and assistance in thair defence
aganis the vnfrie tovne of Bruntiland, of lang vsurping thair previl^s,
and now of mynde to have in this presentt parliament thair said tovne
erected in ane frie burgh, to the greitt preiudice and vtter wrak of the
said burgh of Innerkething, except remeid war found, quhilkis charter
and decreitt being oppinlie red befoir thame, and thairby respecting the
said burgh of Innerkethingis richtt to obiect aganis the said tovne in
the admissioun thairof in ane firie burgh, As alsua it being menitt to the
saidis burrowis be Ihonn Douglas commissioner for Craill, thatt thair
was ane pretendit gift impetratt be the Laird of Anstruther and
inhabitantis of the vnfrie tovnis of Anstrather and Kilrany, to haif
the saidis tovnis in this present parliament erectitt in firie burrowis,
nochtwithstanding the samyn ar subiect to the iurisdictioun of the said
burgh of Craill, and is within the boundis of the samyn, and that be
the saidis vnfrie tovnis admissioun greitt preiudice is to follow to the
said burgh of Crail, except remeid war found and cravitt presently be the
haill burrowis : Fyndis and concludis that generall approbatioun of the
haill liberties of burrowis in this presentt parliament be had and obtenit,
and ane act of parliament maid thairupoun, with this additioun, thatt all
previe wrytingis and giftis purchest heirtofoir in preiudice of the saidis
burrowis salbe maid null and of na effect, and heirefter nane sic to be
granted to ony maner ourlord or vtheiis personis quhatsumever outwith
parliament, and special consent of the thre Estaitis had [and] obtenit
204
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Duufreis, cus-
tomes.
Pittiuwonie,
p\kking of
tischo.
thairunto, and the burrowis aduerteist thairof, to the effect they may be
hard to obiect aganis ony sic to be purchest, according to the ancient
lawis of this realme, thair richtis and actis of parliament, maid anent the
apreving of thair previlegis, as ane of the thre Estaitis of this realme.
The same day etc., anent the article and petitioun proponit be the
saidis commissioneris of Dunfreis, thairby makand mentioun thatt thair
said tovne was and is gretumlie preiugitt in thair liberties and previlegis,
insafar as lames Geddes, being ane stranger and gentilman of the cuntrie,
hes bene in tymes bypast preferrit to the said tovne anent the tak of the
Kingis Alaiesties customes of the said burgh, quhairvnto the saidis bur-
rowis ar takismen, quhilk is conti-air to all gude resoun, and thairfoir the
saidis commissioneris of Dunfreis desyritt the commissioneris of burrowis
presentlie convenit to this present parliament to mak thame richtt and
titill of thair saidis customes, lykeas the rest of the burrowis hes alrady
obtenit the samyn, ather to be vnder compte thairof, or vtherwayis vpoun
ane speciall sovme. Quhilk article the commissioneris foirsaidis hes found
resonabill, alwayis continewing all farther resoning thairintill quhill thair
nixt generall conuentioun, in respect they ar nocht now cum presentlie
instructed nor hes brochtt with thame commissioun to determine thairin-
till, bot alanerlie ar cum and convenitt to entreitt vpoun the effidres of
parliament ; and hes ordanit thatt the commissioneris of Dunfreis be pre-
sent at the said nixt generall conventioun to propone the said article,
quhen as they salbe preferrit to the said lames Geddes or ony vther
extranear in thair richtt and tittill to the saidis customes to be maid to
thame in ample forme, they payand thairfoii' at the sichtt and discretioun
of the saidLs burrowis, as best may accord to the proffeit of the samyn,
and thatt they salbe preferrit to ony vtheris in the bruking and posses-
sioun thairof, vpoun the conditionis aboue expremit, quhairvpoun the
saidis commissioneris of Dunfreis askitt instrumentis, etc.
The samyn day etc., fyndis thatt be speciall article, it salbe proponit
in parliamentt in thair names quhow the act of parliament laitUe maid
and publeschitt at the mercatt croce of Edinburgh and vther places neid-
full, anent the pakking and peilling of herring, quhyte fische, and vther
Rsches mentionatt thairintill, slayne be the inhabitantis on aither sydis of
the watter of Forth, quhairby it is expresslie provyditt thatt all the saidis
fisches be brochtt to the portis of Leith and Craill alanerlie, thair to be
Convention of Royal Burghs. 205
gr-aithitt and handlitt in maner as is contenit in the said act, is very
l)reiudiciall and hui-tfuU to the remanent frie burrowis and sea portis on
aither sydis of the said watter of Forth, and that thairfoir the said act
may he reformit in this maner viz., that it salbe lesum to bring the saidis
fisches to ony of the saidis frie portis alsweill as to ony of the saidis
portis of Leith or Craill, nochtwithstanding the said act of parliament
maid of befoir, dispensand thairwith for ever, be ane new act to be maid
in the contrair ; quhairvpoun Ihonn Corsaw, commissioner for the burgh
of Pettinweme, askitt instruments etc.
The samyn day, the commissi oneris of the burrowis foirsaidis dispensis Burrowia de-
with all the burrowis nochtt chosin to be Lordis of Articles in this pre- w^SS^^"
sentt parliament, and gevis thame licence to depairtt hame to thair bur- °®™8 ®*<^
rowis, and the saidis burrowis licenciat to pas hame gevis full commis-
si oun to the saidis [commissioneris] of burrowis presentlie to be chosin to
be Lordis of Articles for the haill burrowis [to] appoynt ane day of gene-
rall conventioun of burrowis, quhilk, vpoun the aduerteisment of the
burgh quhair the samyn salbe appoynted to be haldin, they obleis thame
be thair commissioneris fullie instructed to cawse be kepitt, Batefeand
presentlie for thame and thair saidis burrowis all and sindry the actis
preceding presentlie maid, as alsua aU and quhatsuever thingis the saidis
Lordis Articles of Burrowis sail in this presentt parliament consent vnto
concerning thair weilfair.
Decimo die Decembris 1585.
The quhilk day the commissioneris of burrowis vnder subscryueand, Desoiuiug
aprovand the actis abouewrittin, apoyntis thair nixt conventioun to be
haldin at Couper in Fyfe the first day of Maij nixttocum, and gif ony
])arliament sail intervene in the menetyme, in that cais to convene at the
]ihce of the said parliament foure dayis before to intreat vpoun the mater
of the Kingis Maiesties customes, for reformying of the abuses in parlia-
ment contrair the weill, honour, and dignitie of the estait of burrowis, the
payment of lohne Guthreis stipend, anent the reknyng of the burrowis in
thair avvin places, and generaly vpoun all vther heidis concernyng thair
estait, and the burgh of the conventioun at the said day or of the parlia-
206 Convention of Royal Burghs.
ment quhilk may intervene to mak lauchfull aduerteisment to the re-
manent burrowis of the premissis, and the toun of Edinburgh or lohn
Guthre to intimet this present act to the said burgh of Couper, or of the
parliament, quhair it salbe haldin. Et sic aubscribUur.
Nicolas Vduart. + the merk of Anthone Brace
Miehaell Gilbert. for Striveling.
Alex. Wedderburne for Dundie. lohne Douglas for CndlL
Alex'" Rutherfurde for Abirdena lohne Forrest provest of Lin-
lohne Corsaw commissioner for lithqu, etc.
Pettinveme.
Convention of the Burrowis haldin at the Burgh of Cowpar
vpoun the secound^ thrid, fourt and fyft day is of Maij
the zeir of God /"* F*" four scoir sax zeirs^ Quhairvnto
convenit the Commissioneris of the Burrouris efter follow-
ing^ and produdtt thair commissionis to the samyn^
etc.
Cowper. Edinburgh, Henry Charteris, Ihonn Robertsoun, Edward Galbraith,
and Patrik Sandelandis ; Perth, Oliver Peiblis ; Dondie, Alexander
Scrymgeour, Alexander Wedderbum ; Streveling, Williame Norowell ;
Abirdene, George Gordoun ; Air, Dauid Crawfurde ; Linlithqu, Andrew
Kar ; Cowpar, Schir Dauid Lyndesay lyoun herald, lames Andersoun ;
Sanctandrois, Henry Lawmonth, Maister Dauid Russell ; Glasqu, Robertt
Boyde ; Hadingtoun, James Cokburn ; Dumbartan, Robertt Watson ;
Irrowyne, Ihonn Peiblis ; Renfrew, Ihonn Houstoun ; Elgyne, lames
Douglas ; Craill, William Bowsy, Ihonn Ramsay ; Dunfermeling, William
Mekilihonn ; Dumbar, Robertt Cragy; Montrois, lames Guthre ; Breichan,
Ihonn Ramsay ; Forfar, William Thomsoun ; Laneark, Ihonn Ballenden ;
Selkirk, George Haly wall ; Lawder, Alexander Home ; Disartt, Archibald
Meluile; Kirkcaldy, Alexander Dalzell; Kingome, William Cunnyng-
Convention of Royal Burghs. 207
liame, Andrew Broun ; Innerkething, George Duiy ; Pettinweme, Thomas
Kingzow, baillie ; Dumfreis, Harbertt Ranyng ; Thayne, Fynlaw Man-
sioun, quha askitt instrumentis vpoun the productioun of his commissioun
and admissioun thairof; Culane, Maister William Lesly ; Forres, Thomas
Urqubart ; Name, the said Thomas Vrquhartt J^e commissioun ; North-
Berwick, Kobertt Olevar.
Apud Cowpar tercio Maij 1586.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis vnderstanding CommiBnionn
thair tak of the Kingis Maiestis custoraes of this realme, quhairvnto they uk of the
are takismen, to expyre vpoun the first of October nixtt, quhairby the ^^^ andTto
occasionis quhairfoir the samyn war of first tane of his Hienes (ar exceptt f?'**^ '^"2!Ttt
remeid be found) to ensew, and the saidis burrowis apperandlie to incur roll, etc
and sustene the danger thairof, to the greitt preiudice of thair haiU
astaitt ; efler lang resonyng, quhairvpoun, and for avoyding and eschewing
the samyn, all in ane voce for thame selues thair saidis burrowis, and in
name and behalf of the burrowis absentt, coneludis thatt the four burrowis,
souerties for the payment to the Kingis Maiestie of the dew ties mentionatt
in the tak maid to thame be his Bienes with aduyse of his Secreit Counsall
of the saidis customis sail, in thair names and behalf, betuix and the said
fii-st day of October nixtt, sute of his Maiestie and his Graces Secreitt
Counsall ane new tak of the saidis customes in sic maner as they best sail
think agreable to the weilfair of thair said estaitt of burrowis, provyding
they exceid nocht the dewties in the auld tak, Qeving to the saidis four
burrowis thair full power and commissioun to thatt effect, promesand
ferme and stabill etc., vpoun the conditiouns alwayis following, and na
vther wayis, viz Incais of the grantt of the said tak, thatt the taxatioun
quliilk salhappin to be impositt vpoun thair haill nomber of frie burrowis
for payment of the inlaik of the principall sovme zeirlie to be payitt, and
of the prices of the wynis to be promeist to his Hienes thairfoir, be sett
vpoun euery burgh according to the tred of merchandise vsitt within the
same be the inhabitantis thairof alanerlie ; for making of ane taxtt roll
quhairof, gevis full power and commissioun to the burrowis of Edinburgh,
quha salhave twa voitis, Perth, Dondy, Abirdene, Air, Striveling, lin-
208 Omvention of Rofjal Burghs.
litbqu, Cowpar, Hadingtoun, Elgyne, and Breichan, be thair cominis-
sioneris fuUie instructed to convene at the said burgh of Edinburgh vpouii
the last day of October nixtt, but forther citatioun or vaming to be maid
to thame to the effect foirsaid, vnder the pajTie and vnlaw of twenty li.
to be vplifted of every burgh of the said alevin burrowis nochtt con-
venand the said day and place, but favouris. The commissioneris heir
presentt for thame selues and thair saidis burrowis accepted in and vpon
thame the burding of the premissis aboue expremitt, and the saidis haill
burrowis aboue rehersit pi'omiseruiU de rato, etc,
hocM^^' The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis vnder-
rowi» to gere standing be certan burrowis sentt for be the Kingis Maiestie in Apryle
Kingis Mai- last thatt they had promeist vpoun the saxtt of Maij instantt to repoirtt
Me^embosM^ vnto his Hieucs thair ansuer to his sute, craving of thame to funieis the
dourto Den- expcussis of ane embassadour to be sentt be his Hienes to the pairtis
of Denmark with ansuer to the king thairof to sic heidis as be his em-
bassadour in Julij last was proponit to his Maiestie and Estaitis in Sanct-
androis, Concludis thatt the haill commissioneris of burrowis be south
Forth now conuenit, together with the commissioneris of Perth, Dondy,
and Abirdene sail, befoir thair hame passing to thair burrowis, pas vnto
the Kingis Maiestie quhair his Hienes is, and lament vnto his Grace the
greitt poverty of thair estaitt, nochtwithstand quhairof thatt they salbe
rady according to thair habilitie to contribute with the remanentt estaitis
aboue writtin for thair pairtis, quhow sone his Maiestie raisitt ane taxa-
tioun to thatt effect ; gevand the saidis burrowis to be sent thair full
power heirto, promitte^iclo de txiio etc,
Thatt euery The samyn day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis, efker the
presentt aduer- hcring of Robert Gourlay general! collectouris comptes of his intromissioun
mOTis^to^^mak** ^^^ ^^^ Kingis customcs, finding thame superexpenditt thairof be the
payinentt of nochtt making of certan customeris comptes and paymentt to the said
cuBtomes, etc. collcctour of thair intromissioun with the saidis customes of the zeris past,
Ordanis euery particular commissioner of the burrowis now conuenit to
aduerteis thair nichtbouris and customeris, betuixt and the last day of
this instant moneth of Maij, to cum to the said burgh of Edinburgh and
mak compte, i*ekning, and payment of thair saidis bygane intromissioun
to the foirnamit coUectour, with certificatioun to thame thatt failzeis, the
said day being bypast, the lettres of horning alrady pbtenit aganis thame
Conventmi of Boy al Burghs. 209
salbe execute but delay or favour, and ordanis the said Robert Gourlay,
collectour, to cawse execute the samyn aganis the contravenaris heirof, and
tlie expenssis to be maid be him thairupoun salbe allowit to him in his
comptcs.
The commissioneris foirsaidis gevis full povrar and commissioun to ihonn Robort-
Ihonn Robertsoun, ane of the commissioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh, customeris
to resave tlie aitliis of all the customeris of Abirdene sen the sett of thair tjMsetl
tak of the Kingis Maiesties customes, gif thair comptis sentt to the gene-
rail collectour be trewlie vpgevin, and nathing omittitt be thame induring
thair offices, quhairof they mycht haif aduantagit the burrowis takismen
thairof, according to vse vsitt to the remanent customeris befoir the her-
ing of thair comptis.
The samyn day, efber lang resoning vpoun thatt heid of the missive Actforcouyen-
sentt to thame to convene at the said burgh of Cowpar, concerning the Smentls aSd^'
abusis in Parliamentt be the nochtt conuening and resoning vpoun sic ^^'^^"^^onis
heidis as they ar commounlie sentt for to entreitt thairatt befoir the
entering with the Kingis Maiestie and hLs Hienes Estaitis in conference
and conclusioun thairof. For remeid of the samyn hes statute and ordanitt,
thatt in all tymes cuming ilk burgh send to euery genemll conuentioun
of the nohilitie , or parliamentt, being vaimitt be the Kingis Maiesties
missives or vtherwayis, thair commissioneris fullie instructed tfaairto,
quha sail convene att sic place as the samyn salbe appoynted to be haldin
att, tvva dayis befoir ilk conventioun, and thatt the magistratis of thatt
burgh quhair the conventioun or parliamentt salhappin to be, convene
the commissioneris of burrowis sentt thairto att ane certan place to be
appoynted be thame daylie induring thair remaning thair, as occasioun
sail serue, quhair they sail resoun, entreitt, and conclude be thame selues,
befoir thair inpassing to the saidis conuentionis or parliamentis, vpoun sic
thingis as salbe proponit to thame to determine or resave knawlege of to
be entreittit thairatt, to the effectt thatt efter dew resolutioun had
thairof, thair voitis be nochtt different or disaggreand as heirtofoir, bott
sua vniforrae and aggreand all in ane, as, butt discrepance and diuisionLs,
the samyn may accord with resoun. And becaus sic difference of
opinionis in tymes past hes bene be the sending be saidis burrowis of
this realme of vnskilfull commissioneris altogether nather faurrand nor
practesitt in the effaircs of the estaitt of burrowis, naither of the rank of
2 D
210 Conventioii of Roycd Burghs.
honest conburgessis, haifing na actuall residence nor trafficque, nor sus-
tening portabill chargis with the remanentt conburgessis of thatt burgh
quhairfra they ar direct in commissioun, thairfoir in lykewayis it is
statute and ordanit thatt euery burgh attempting the lyke in tyme cum-
ing, and geving commissioun to ony vther nor sic as ar of thair nomber
and rank, supporting the chargis befoir mentionatt, sail pay to the re-
manent burrowis ane vnlaw of tuenty pundis sa ofb as they faibde ; as
alsua thatt the magistratis of thatt burgh quhair the conventioun sal-
happin to be haldin, nochtt attendand daylie induring the same as occa-
sioun sail intervene, and assisting the commissioneris than convenand with
thair societie, best counsall, and fortherance, qiihairby in thair defaultt
negligence may ensew, sail pay ane payne and vnlaw of fourty pundis
vnforgevin. .
Article to bo Item, that ane speciall article be proponit in the nixt parliament or
IwSament generall conuentioun of the Kingis Maiestie and his Hienes Estaitis be
burrowis"^ *^* ^^® commissioncris of burrowis to be convenit thairto, to crave redres of
voitis. the greitt abuse vsitt of laitt be the vther twa Estaitis concluding actis
thairatt, by the voitt and consentt of the estaitt of burrowis, and they
afferming the samyn in the narrative of the saidis actis to be vniuersallie
concludit be the thre Estaitis consentis thairto, as alsua be the denyall be
the clarkis to the saidis burrowis of thair particular protestationis and
actis concerning the weilfair of thair said estait ; vpoun the mair perfyte
forming of the quhilk article they ordane the magistratis of the burgh of
Edinburgh to aduyse with the maist expertt, thatt the samyn may the
better to thair fortherance cravitt and obtenit, etc.
Eanidng bur- The samyn day etc., continewis the ranking of the burrowis to thair
memberit in^ ^^^ generall conucntioun, quhen or quhair it salhappin the samyn to be
tUn^*^^"^^^"^" ^PPoy^*^^ ^^ ^® haldin, quhairvnto they ordane ilk commissioner wairnit
to the keping thairof to cum fullie instructed resolutlie to determine
heirin, and that the samyn be rememberitt in the missives to be direct
be the burgh quhair the said conuentioun salbe appoynted to be haldin ;
and the commissioneris of the burrowis of Abirdene and Perth, dissassent-
ing to ony submissioun, askitt instrumentis thairupoim.
Vniawis Had- The samyn day, the commissioneris all in ane voce dischargis simplici-
cLargitt tcr all cxecutiouu of the lettres raisitt for vplifting of the absentis vniawis
from the last conventioun at Hadingtoun in respect of the pest than
Convention of Royal Burghs. 211
being in djnieiis pairttis of Louthiane quhairby they mycht nocht obserue
the samjTi, but preiudice alwayis of the actis maid of befoir anentis the
conuening of burrowis to generall assemblies, and vnlawing of the absent
burrowis, being lawfully citatt and waimit thairto, be the burgh quhair
the saniyn salbe appojmted to be haldin.
The samyn day, continewis the ansuer geving to the petitioun of the Edinburgh xijc
commissioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh, craving rembursment of the vmquUiii^Lord
twa thowsand merkis to the outred of Adam Fowllertoun to Ingland, as ^t!SS|fJr
alsua of vther twa thowsand merkis in thair names debursitt for my
Lord Setoun embassadouris outred of his schip to France, and of the
interest payitt be thame zeirlie for the lane thairof, to thair nixtt generall
conuentioun of burrowis, att quhat tyme resolute ansuer ather negative or
affirmative, butt forther continuatioun, salbe gevin, and ilk commissioner
of the burrowis now present to send thair commissioneris fuUie instructed
to that effectt, and the burgh quhair the next conuentioun is to be haldin
to remember the samyn in thair missives to be direct to the saidis haiU
burrowis for keiping thairof, but preiudice of ony thing may be said thatt
day etc. ^
The samyn day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis being surelie in- Edinburgii to
formit thatt Maister George Hacquett, conseruatour in Flanderis, hes con- coMenmtou/of
travenit thair actt and ordinance maid at thair last generall conventioun *^* **^**** *^'
haldin at Linlithqu, vniuersally, as of befoir, conforme thairto dischargis
him of ony forther dewty vplifting nor the sax stures mentionat in the
said actt, and thatt he be sumond be the magistratis of the burgh of Edin-
burgh, in name of the saidis haill burrowis, vpoun thair resonabill ex-
penssis, to compeir before thame in the said burgh the last of October
nixtt, bringand with him his bygane com])tis of his bygane intromissioun
with the said dewtie of sax stures, with cei-tificatioun and he failzie to
compeir the said day and place to the effectt abouewritten, the commis-
sioneris than appoynted to convene to discharge him allanerlie in thair
haill names fra thyne furth in ony forther vplifting of the samyn, Gevand
thame thair full power heirto, as alsua to tak ordour with the excyse beir
and abuse thairof, promesand fenne and stabill etc.
The samyn day, the greitt abusis of merchantis and vther Scottismen ^'^1^°'^° ^^'J
resortand to the tovne of Campfer in Zeland, thair ordinar stapill in be rememberitt
Flanderis, being havelie lanientitt, insafar as they besyde thair vncumlie oonueutioun.
212
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Agent contiu-
ewitt
Article, Sei^
soui'is.
Edinburgh.
Clarkis, Cliak-
ker, Gourlay.
Edinburgh,
Abirdoue, Im-
jxnst, Excyse
boll.
tehaviour in thair civill lyfe and outwartt manneiis, contrairthe lawis of
God and civil] polecie, hes na maner of regard of conscience or relligioun,
Thairfoir for remeid thairto, condiscendis liailelie thatt with sic diligence,
as may be possibill ane Scottis kirk be erected in the said tovne, and ano
minister to be chosin to serue the same vpoun the commoun charges of
nierchantis and traffecquaris, or vtherwayis as they may spy out the moyen
thaiifoir, quhilk they continew to thair nixt generall conuentioun ; and to
thatt effectt ordanis the commissioneris of the burrowis now presentt, to
cawse send thair commissioneris fullie instructed the tyme abouewrittin,
to conclude and determine heirin, as alsua that the magistratis of the
burgh quhair the said nixtt conuentioun of burrowis salbe appoynted to
be haldin remember the same in thair missives to be sentt, that ilk burgh
send as said is thair commissioner fullie instructed heirto.
The samyn day, continewis William Makartney in agent to the haill
burrowis vnto the last of October nixtt, geving power to the commission-
eris appoynted to convene at Edinburgh the said day to continew or dis-
place, promittendo de rato.
Item, thatt att the nixt generall conuentioun of the Estaitis or parlia-
ment remeid may be cravitt and obtenitt, be special article to be proponit
thairatt, vpoun generall sersouris vndescreitlie sersing forbodin gudes, and
omitting the vpgeving of ane compte thairof, to the greitt preiudice of the
Ivingis Maiestie, and his Hienes lieges, in all pairtis quhair they resortt.
The samyn day, etc., gevis full power and commissioun to the magistratis
of the burgh of Edinburgh to appoynt and aggrie with the Clarkis of the
Chakker craving thair lies thairof, for the sovme of fourty merkis or les
for all byganes, and gif they aggre, ordanis Robert Gourlay collectour of
the customes to ansuer the samyn, quhome they promeis to refond at thair
nixt hering of his comptia
The samyn day, the commissioneris of Edinburgh having menit vnto the
saidis burrowis the vplifling as zitt of the impoist granted to Henry Nes-
bett, etc., ordanis compte, rekning, and payment thairof to be maid Ihonn
Robertsoun at his cuming to Abirdene. As coucerning Sanct Nicolas
mett and the assise boll, ordanis the commissioner of Abirdene to pro-
duce befoir the commissioneris of burrowis to convene at Edinburgh the
last of October nixt, quhatt rycht or tittill they have to tak vp the samyn,
and gevis the saidis burrowis power than to cognosce thairintill, promit-
tendo de rato.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 213
The samyn day, it being menit be the commissioneris of the burgh of Traill, North
Crdill, quhow, to thair preiudice and greitt hurtt of all treddaris and occu-
pearis in the north ylis of this realme, thair is greitt extortioun vsitt upoun
thame be the country men within thais boundis, in thatt thatt within tliir
nyne or ten zeiris bypast ane boitt of the burding of ten lastis payitt
alanerlie sax pundis for customes, ankerage, wod lief, ground lief, and all
vther dewties, quhairas now ane boitt of the lyke burding payis be com-
pulsioun extraordinaily mair nor fourty li., besydis the reving fra thame of
thair wictuallis, Concludis tlmtt the said burgh of Craill geve in thair
supplicatioun to the Kingis Maiestie and his Hienes Secreit Counsall,
craving remeid heirintill, and that the magistratis of the burgh of Edin-
burgh, with the remanentt burrowis on the coist syde and vtheris pairttis
preiugit heirby, concur and fortefie thame to the effect foirsaid.
The samyn day, anent the complaynt gevin in befoir thame be lames Moiitroi8,char-
Guthre commissioner for the burgh of Montrois, declaring the inhabitantis ^enti8*«emp^
of the said burgh to be previleritt and doted of auld with the immuni- ^o^^^^^mpay-
X o xncnt cuBiomeS)
ties, fredomes, and exemptionis from all maner of customes of saltt, salt, etc
schorlingis, scaldingis, futefallis, lentroun wairis, lambes, toddis, cun-
ningis, calfis, otteris and foumart skynnis, as in thair said donatioun pre-
sentlie sene, red, and considerit be thame, at full lenth is contenit,
quhairvpoun be cravitt the said burrowis attestatioun to the effect thair-
vpoun, vpoun the productioun of the autentik extract thairof the saidis
inliabitantis of the said burgh mychtt be exemit, butt productioun of
thair principall evidentt, from all payment to ony customer of this i^ealme
of ony customes thairfoir, Quhilk the saidis burrowis fyndis resonabill,
and ordanit thair dark to geve and delyuer to him, or sic vtheris as had
ado heirwith, the autentik extract of vpoun thair resonabill expenssis ;
and ordanis the commissioneris appoynted to convene at the burgh of Liniithqu,
Edinburgh the last of October nixtt, vpoun the sichtt of the charteris of ^*^*'^^^'>-
Linlithqu, Iladingtoun, and sic vtheris burrowis having the lyke previ-
lege, to geve vnto thame the lyke attestatioun, etc.
The samyn day, the commissioneris of the burrowis foirsaidis, in Forres ex-
resi)ect of the poverty, of the burgh of Forres, dispensis with thair con- ®™'*''
ventioun to generall assemblies and keiping thairof for the space of
tlire zeris heirefler, exeming the said burgh tfaairfra, sending to all
vtheris conuentionis thair missive with the burgh ewest vndispensit
214 Convention of Royal Burghs.
with autentiklie subscryuit, appreving all quhatsumever thingis salbe
entreittit thairat as gif they war presentt.
Lawder, Sei- The samyn day, etc., exemis from generall conuentionis for the space of
bervik, ex- thre zciis the burghis of Lawder, Selkirk, and Northbervik, provyding
emitt, etc ^\^Qy j^^^jp jj| conuentionis in Edinburgh, Striveling, Hadingtoun, or
Peiblis, and forther vpoun the conditionis aboue expreinitt, etc.
Burrowis toxtt The samyn day, ordanis ane complayntt to be presented to the Kingis
Maiestie and his Hienes Secreitt Counsall, anent the taxting of burrowis
be the Clark of Register and vtheris Lordis, to the preiudice of the
liberties of burrowiH and actis of parliament maid thairanentt etc., and
be the commissioneris to be conuenit at the burgh of Edinburgh the
last of October nixt etc.
Quinto Maij 1586.
ConUnnatioun The quhilk day, anent the supplicatioun gevin in be lohne Cleipan,
Stts^theris iJ^dueller in Bnintiland, in name of the inhabitantis thairof, declaring
Buppiicationis. thamc to be erected in the last parliament haldin at Linlithqu in Decem-
ber last be the Kingis Maiestie and his Hienes thre Estaitis in ane fre
burgh regall, and thairfoir to be enrollit with the remanent frie burrowis
in thair generall taxtt rollis, to sustene all sic resonabill chargis as thai
may gudelie do with the saidis burrowis eta And in respect the saidis
commissioneris com nocht fullie instructed to geve resolute ansuer to
thair said supplicatioun, continewis the samyn, be consent of the said
lohnn, to thair nixtt generall conuentioun, quhen as with the first they
sail have resolute ansuer thairto, and ordanit the samyn to be remem-
berit in the missives to be directt to the saidis burrowis, thatt euery
particular burgh compeir instructed to thatt effect. And siclyke anentt
the tovne of Anstrutheris complayntt anentt the Jyke desyir, to be
rememberit in maner abouwrittin, etc.
Ordourofwair- The samyn day, statutis and ordanis tliat in all tymes cuming all
row1s*to con- missivcs quhilk salhappin to be directed be the burgh, quhair the gene-
ventioms. j^jj conuentioun of burrowis salbe appoynted to be haldin, thatt the
samyn salbe directed lawfully and in dew tyme to ilk burgh, quhairby
na ignorance be allegit in the contrair, for the quhilk they ordane the
said burgh to have ane vnlaw of tuenty li. assignit to thame for thair
Convention of Royal Burghs. 215
dew vsing thairof, and incais they be fiind negligent thairintill, tbatt
the burgh quhairfra the saidis missives ar to be directed sail pay tuenty
pundis for ilk burgh absentt, incais the samyn beis found to be in thair
defaltt etc.
The same day, ordanis all sic buiTOwis as hes vplifted the impoist J^^_^®^
appoynted for Henry Nesbettis expenssis making in Flanderis, to bring chwrgitt
in thair comptes of thair bygane intromissioun thairwith at the last day
of October nixt to the commissioheris appoynted to convene thairatt in
Edinburgh, and the comraissioneris of ilk burgh now presentt to mak
dew aduerteismentt to thair burrowis heirof, and dischargis all maner of
vplifling of the said impoist in all tyme cuming etc.
The samyn day, nominatis and appoyntis Thomaa Kingzow, now com- Kingzow
missioner for the burgh of Pettinweme, in comptroller to the customes Pettmwomo.
thairof vnto the first of October nixt, and willis that the remanent
baillies and counsall of the said burgh assist him thairintill etc.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis remitis to the burghes of ^J^**^^,
Breichan and Cowpar thair vnlawis for thair non comperance to the lAwis dwpen-
• sitt with*
conuentioun haJdin at the last generall conuentioun of burrowis in lin-
lithqu, for resonabill cawsis moving thame, and gif the said vnlaw of
Breichan is alrady tane vp, they to be recompansit thairfoir at thair said
nixt generall conuentioun.
Item, anentis the taxatioun of Kingom, the burrowis continewis forther ContinTiationn
resoning thairanent vnto thair nixt generall conuentioun of burrowis, omia extent
ordaning the burgh of Edinburgh to send thair commissioneris fiillie ®**^
instructed to defend thairintill, and thatt the samyn be rememberit in
the missives etc., but preiudice of thair actioun depending thairof befoir
the Lordis of Sessioun etc.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis ordanis Williame -A-gentt ooiieo-
Makartney agentt to vplift, aganis thair nixt generall conuentioun, the
vnlawis of the burr^jwis absent frome this conuentioun, as alsua of all the
burrowis in the conuentionis preceding, except sic as ar alrady vplifted,
dispensit with, or remittit, and thatt he mak compte of his intromissioun
thairwith at the said conuentioun ; and the expenssis to be maid in in-
getting thairof salbe allowed to him in his comptes etc.
Continewis the ansuer geving to Innerkethingis supplicatioun towart Innerkethingig
the customing of schippis passing vp the narrow waiter to thair nixt tinewit
216 Convention of Royal Burghs.
generall conuentioun, and the samyn to be rememberit in the mis-
sives etc.
^^U^^"" Continewis the ansuer to Strevelingis supplicatioun craving support
for thair lois laitlie sustenit etc, to thair said nixt generall conuentioun,
and to be rememberit in the missives ; as alsua towart Irrowyne, craving
supportt to thair dekayitt hawin etc., and to be rememberit in lykewayis
etc. ; and siclyk to remember in the missives the reparatioun of North -
bervikis decayitt harberie etc.
vSiAw^^ttit '^^ commissioneris foirsaidis remitis Hadingtoun of thair vnlaw of ten
li., for thair desoluing from Linlithqu etc.
^'^^T^S^^ The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis fyndis the burro wis of
Kirkcudbrycht, ledburgh, Peiblis, Aberbrothok, Banif, Wigtoun, Ruthu-
glen, Rothesay, to have incurritt the payne and vnlaw ilk ane of tuenty
pundis for thair non comperance to this presentt conuentioun, being law-
fully waimit thairto, as was sufficiently verefeitt be lames Anderson
dark of Cowpar ; and ordanis William Makartney as of befoir to rais let-
teris heirvpoun and ingather the saidis vnlawis, and to be comptabill
thairfoir as is abouementionatt, etc.
Desoluing con- The commissioneris foirsaidis desoluis this thair conventioun, and
appoyntis thair nixtt generall conuentioun to be haldin at the burgh of
Dondy vpoun the second day of lulij in anno j™ v^ four scoir sevin zeris ;
and ordanis the magistratis of the said burgh to mak lawfull citatioun to
the haill burrowis conforme to the actis maid thairanentt, vnder the
paynis contenit thairin, etc., with certificatioun to thame as is befoir
rehei-sitt ; and that the vnlawis salbe vplifted, alsweill of the burrowis
nocht conuenand, as of the said burgh of Dondy, incais they do nocht
diligence in waiming, etc.
Henrie Charteris. W™ NorwelL
Eduard Galbraith. George Gordoun.
Oliuer Pebles. Robert Boyd Qiasgw.
Alex'^ Wederbum. Dauid Crauffurd.
Andro Ker for Linlythqu. lohne Ramsay.
lames Cokburn. I. Guthre.
lames Douglass for Elgyn. I. Andersone.
Alex'' DalzelL Welzem Cuninghem.
Mr Dauid Russell. Archbald Maluille.
nentioun.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 217
William Bowsy. Thomas Kingzow.
Harbert Ranyng. Ihone Banatyne.
Robei-t Craige. Ihon PeblLs.
A. Broun. Robert Watsoun.
George Hallewell. Robert Olifeir.
lolme Houstoiin. George Durie.
Alexander Home with my hand at the pen led be Ihon Guthre
notar at my command. I. GUTHRR
Vponn the fourt of this instant the commissioneris foirsaidis remittit Symsonn cus-
lohn Symsoun customer of Craill etc. to have his supplicatioun tane
ordour with be the commissioneris appoynted to convene in Edinburgh
the last of October nixt, quhome they ordane than to satefie as accordis
with resoun, and promcsis to abyde thairatt etc.
Conventioun of Burrowis haldin at Edinburgh the firsts
secwidj thrid^ fourtt of August the zeir of God 1^ V'
four scoir sax zens he the commissioneris efter follow-
ing^ viz. : —
Edinburgh, Ihonn Robertsoun, Henry Charteris, lames Nicol, William Edinbni-gh.
Huchesoun, Alexander Oisteane ; Perth, Robert Andersoun ; Dondy,
Peter Clayhillis ; Abirdene, Alexander Forbes ; Sanctandrois, Dauid
Watsoun ; Craill, Ihonn Ramsay ; Cowpar, Thomas Williamesoun ;
Kirkcaldy, Patrik Hog, Alexander Auchmowty ; Dysartt, Dauid Symsoun,
lames Hacquett ; Hadingtoun, Williame Broun ; Pettinweme, Thomas
Watsoun ; Linlithqu, Andrew Kar.
Apud Edinburgh, quarto [die] mensis Augusti 1586.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis vndersub-
scryvand, foirseing the greitt lois to ensew and follow to the haill mcr-
2 E
218 Convention of Royal Burghs.
statute for chantt estaitfc of this realme be the laitt edict publeschit and abady
certan°^wtie8 practesitt in the partis of Flanderis, vpoun dyueris schippis passing heir-
gdd^to^be'^*^'^™ to the paii-tis of France throw the narrow seais, with salmond, herring,
traMported and vther fisches, quhaii*with they haif bene in vse to trafficque att all
realme to the tymes heirtofoir butt impediment quhill of laitt, tliat vnderstanding, be
cOTMSfsionerisP^rfy^® and sure informatioun, the Quene of Ingland hir Lieutenant in
dfrect^th Flanderis the estaitis and tovnis of thair factionis resolute mynde to con-
haUi burro wis tincw in the executioun of the said edict maid for staying of schippis and
rS^o^^ho crairis cuming fra this cuntrey with the saidis wairis, and mynding to
foande^^in^ transportt the samyn throw and to the saidis pairttis, quhilk vndoubtedlie,
the narrow incais Tcmeid be nochtt in haist cravitt and obtenit, will redound to the
gieechemen cnorme detriment of the said haill estaitt of merchantis, as said is ; and
^^^'^^jjj^i^thatt to thatt effect maist neidfull it is to have commissioners direct to
^tion in the Said pairtis of Ingland and Flanderis with lettres from the Kingis
thair passing Maicstic in tliair favouris, to the annulling thairof, or exeming of his
nan-ow seais to ^i®^^ licgis thairfra, quhilkis commissioneris expeussis and forther
France, Ac recompancc it behovis thame for thair better furtherance to mak, Thair-
foir hes statute and ordanit, and all in anc voce for thame selues and
acceptand on thame the burding for the haill remanentt burrowis of this
realme, and as havand power of thame to the effectt vnderwrittin, Con-
cludis and delyneris thatt for making of the saidis commissioneris expenssis
to be sentt to the Quene of Ingland hir Lieutenentt in Flanderis, and estaitis
and tovnis thairof, to seik redres heirin as said is, thair salbe vplifted fra
the tentt d ay of this instantt moneth of August vnto the tentt day of Au-
gust in the zeir of God 1°^ V^ four scoir sevin zeris, and langer as the neces-
sitie of this cawse sail requyre, at all the sea portis of this realme, off all
maner of wairis passing furth thairof, the dewties efter following, to witt,
of ilk tun salmond four schillingis, ilk tun claith auchtt schillingis, ilk
tun hydis four schillingis, ilk tun skynnis four schillingis, ilk tun vly and
butter four schillingis, ilk tun hening and keilling saxtene penneis, ilk
sek gudes to Flanderis to be estimatt to twa tunnis, and ilk serpleth
gudes to Dunskyne and the eistar seais to be estimatt be the tun. For
sure collectioun quhairof, the magistrattis of euery burgh and sea poirtt
of this realme, to witt, the provest, baillies and counsall of Edinburgh sail
depute for thame selues, the tovnis of Kingorn, Innerkething, Queinsfery,
Bruntiland, and Prestonpannis, collectouris ane or ma ; the magistratis of
Convention of Royal Burghs. 219
the burgh of Perth, ane coUectour to vpliffc and ingather tlie dewties foir-
saidis of all maner of gudes boititt at the said burgh peir and schoir
thairof alanerlie ; the burgh of Dondie and thair colleetour, the dewties
of all maner of gudes schippit at the poirtt and hawin thairof, the burgh
of Perth onlie exceptit ; Abirdene for thame selues, the tovnis of Montros,
Banff, Elgyne, Innernes, Crummaty, and the remanentt sea porttis benorth
thame ; Air, Dumbartan, Irrowyne, Wigtoun, Kirkcudbrycht, Dunfreis,
to depute collcctouris within thair boundis, euery ane for thair awin
burghis ; Craill and Elie collectouris to vplift the dewties sehippitt out-
wart at thair poirtt and hawin, and at ony poirtt and hawin be eist
Levinsmoutli, and of Anstruther be west the burn, Pettinweme only
exceptit, quha sail depute ane colleetour to the effect al)ouewrittin within
thame selues ; Kirkca^ldy for tl)ame selues ; Sanctandrois ane colleetour
for thame selues ; and Dysartt ane colleetour for thame selues, and all
portis and hawins to Levinsmouth. For the quhilkis collectouris, the
burrowis particularly abouementionatt, and magistratis thairof, salbe haldin
to ansuer to the remanent burrowis of this reJilme, thatt they sail dili-
gentlie collect and ingather the dewties foirsaidis dewlie as efferis, and at
the nixt general conuention and assemblie of burrowis, to be haldin at
the burgh of Dondy the secund day of luly nixtt, mak iust corapte
rekning and pay men tt thairof to the commissioneris of burrowis to be
conuenitt thairat ; as alsua thatt the magistratis of ilk burgh and sea
portt geve diligentt attendance thatt ilk skipper and maister of all schippis,
boitis, and crairis passing furth of this realme, befoir tliair departing furth
thairof, resave from the saidis collectouris thair acquittance of the pay-
mentt of the dewties foirsaidis, and kei]) the samyn for thair warrand ;
and quhatsumever he be thatt wantis the samyn, thatt he be compellet
be the magistmtis foirsaidis to pay to the said colleetour ten schillingis
for ilk tun quhilk salhappin to be vnpayitt. Forther, for the mair sure
putting of this act to dew executioun aganis all maner of personis trans-
porting ony maner of gudes furth of this realme att ony burgh or sea
poirtt within the samyn, thatt the magistratis thairof, within the boundis
prescryuib to thame, rais lettres of horning vpoun this presentt act and
ordinance, and se the samyn dewlie execute aganis the transgressouris
thairof, to the effectt foirsaid. And for the mair haisty expeditioun in dis-
pesching of the commissioneris foii'saidis, according to the neeessitie of this
cawse, quhilk for the dangerous pieparative and greitt lois to follow, gif the
220 Cotweiition of Eoyal Burghs.
said edict, conforme to the eontentis of the samyn, continew and be putt
to ony forther executioun, may nochtt abydo the long delay of the incum-
ing and coUectioun of the dewties abouerehersitt, it is thairfoir thocht
maist needfull that the sovme of ane thowsand pundis alanerly be
borrowit fra sic as for the zeill of the said cawse may be movitt to
aduanoe the samyn, to be delyueritt to the saidis commissioneris for
making of thair chargis, as said is ; to the quhilk aduancer of the said
money the commissioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh obleissis thame for
thair said burgh for paymentt to him of auchtt hundreth fifty merkis
betuix and the tentt day of August in the zeir of God I™ V^ four scoir
and auchtt zeris, and the commissioneris of Craill, Pettinweme, Kirk-
caldy, and Dysartt obleissis thame and thair saidis burroMds coniunctlie
to releve the said burgh of Edinburgh of the sovme of sax scoii' ten
merkis of the said sovme of auchtt hundreth and fifty merkis ; the saidis
commissioneris of Dondy to be bundin for twa hundreth thre scoir
merkis ; the commissioner of Perth for sax scoir ten merkis ; and the
said tovne of Abirdene for thame selues, Montrois, and all vther
tovnis and sea porttis be north thame, twa hundreth thre scoir
markis ; and the remanentt commissioneris of burrowis presentlie con-
uenitt, for thair saidis burrowis, and in name and behalf of the haill
remanentt burrowis of this realme, becomis acted bound and obleist to
releve and keip skaitliles the saidis buiTOwis of Edinburgh, Perth,
Dondy, and Abirdene of thair and the saidis haill burrowis pairttis of the
said sovme of ane thowsand pundis, at the said day of paymentt thairof,
to the persoun fra quhom the samjm is to be boiTowitt, but langer delay,
fraud or guyle, or ony exceptioun of the law to be proponitt in the con-
trair, and ar contentt and consentis that letteris of homing and vtheris
chargis neidfull, gif neid beis, be obtenit, raisitt, and execute vpoun the
burrowis refusand, vpoun ane simple charge of thre days alanerlie.
Attour, becaus the magistratis of the said burgh of Edinburgh, at the
emist desyre and requeist of the commissioneris foirsaidis, vndersub-
scryvand as said is, hes boiTowit the said sovme of ane thousand pundis,
and thairupoun hes gevin and delyuerit to the person aduancar thairof
thair sure band and obligatioun for thankfull refounding to him his airis
executouiis and assignayis of the samyn att ane certan day mentionatt
thairintill, thairfoir, for thair releif, the commissioneris of the burrowis of
Edinburgh, Perth, Dondy, and Abirdene, for thame selues and in name
Convention of Royal Burghs. 221
and behalf of thair said is burrowis, bindis and oblesLs thame and thair
burrowis foirsaidis to tbankfullie i-efound, contentt, and pay to the saidis
provest, baillies, and counsell of Edinburgh and thair successouris, the
particular sovmes following, to wit, the said tovne of Edinburgh, for thame
selues, quhilk they tak in thair awin hand, the sovme of auchtt hundreth
and fifty nierkis, quhairof the burrowis of Kirkcaldy, Dysartt, Craill, and
Pettinweme to releve the said burgh of Edinburgh of sax scoir ten
merkis ; the burgh of Perth, sax scoir ten merkis ; Dondy, two hundreth
thre scoir merkis ; Abirdene for thame selues, the burgh of Montrois, and
all vther burrowis and sea portis be north thame, twa hundreth thre scoir
merkis, extending in the haill to the said sovme of ane thowsand pundis,
betuix and the tentt day of August the zeir of God 1^ V^ four scoir and
auchtt zeris, butt langer delay, fraud, or guyle, or ony exceptioun of the
law to be proponitt in the contrair. And the saidis burrowis of Edin-
burgh, Perth, Dondy, Abirdene, Sanctandrois, Ci-aill, Cowpar, Dysartt, Had-
ingtoun, Kirkcaldy, Pettinweme, and Linlithqu, as havand power of the haill
burrowis of this realme, conforme to thair actis and ordinances maid
thairanentt, ordanis the haill remanentt of burrowis, nochtt conuenitt to
this present conuentioun, to releve for thair pairttis the saidis four bur-
rowis of the said principall sovme of ane thowsand pundis, and incais of
thair refusal, that letteris and executoriallis in name as said is, be raisitt
and execute butt fauouris. Forther the commissioneris of burrowis aboue-
rehersitt, efter lang resoning vpoun the qualification of dyueris and sindiy
personis quhome, in thair opinionis, they mycht haif thochtt maist aptt
and meitt for executing of thair commissioun abouewrittin in the pairtis
thairunto requisitt and behovabill, at the handis of the personis and to
the effect aboue expremitt, all in ane voce, butt variance, hes elected and
nominatt, and for thame selues thair saidis burrowis, and in name and
behalf of the haill remanentt burrowis of this realme, electis and nomi-
natis the rycht honorabill Maister George Hacquett, conseruatour for the
Scotis natioun in Flanderis and thair commissioner, adionyng vnto him
Ihonn Gourlay, burges of the burgh of Edinburgh, to quhome they will
and grantis thatt the saidis provest, baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh,
in thair names and in name of the saidis haill burrowis, geve to thame
sic ample commissioun vnder thair seill of cawse, or vtherwayis as efferis, as
to the weilfair of thair estait and fortherance of this mater salbe be thame
tliochtt maist meitt and expedientt, and promesis faythfuUy for thame-
222 Co7ivention of Royal Burghs.
selues and tbair saidis burrowis, and in name and behalf of the haill
burrowis of this realme, and thair successouris, to bald feime and stabill
all and qnhatsumever thing the saidis provest, baillies, and counsall of
Edinburgh in the pi-emissis thinkis neidfull to be done, vnder the payne
of all thair gudes, movabill and vnmovabill, present and to cum eta
And last, the comniissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis, for thame selues and
in name and behalff of the rcmanentt burrowis of this realme, bindis and
obleissis thame to refound, contentt, and pay to the magistratis of the
said burgh of Edinburgh and thair successouris, all and quhatsumever
necessar debursmentis itt salhappin thame, by and attour the principall
sovme abouewrittin, to mak vpoun the forther furtherance and furthset-
ting of this cawse, gif the necessitie thairof sail sua requyre, provyding
they exceid nochtt the sovme of ane hundreth merkis money aboue-
expremitt, etc.
of^Sstor^ The samyn day etc., in presence of the commissioners foirsaidis, corn-
George Hac- peritt the richtt honorabiU Maister George Hacquett, conseruatour for
quoit conserva- , o x '
tourincommifl- the Scotis uatioun in Flanderis, to quhome Ihonn Gourlay burges of
bunwis^ to^ ^'^^ burgh of Edinburgh is adionit, quha, for the gude zeill he beiris to
rncTFianferT^ ^^^^ aduanccmcntt of all sic thingis as may tend to the weilfair of the
merchantt estaitt of this realme, accepted in and vpoun him the office of
commiasionary for the haill burrowis of this realme, in passing heirfra
with all possibill diligence to Londoun, or quhair it salhappin the Quene
of Ingland to be for the tyme, and to travell with hir Hienes and
Counsall for restitutioun of the gudes tane laitlie furth of the Scotis
schippis passing to Deip be certan Inglismen, throw cullour of ane pre-
tenditt proclamatioun of the Quene of Inglandis Lieutenand in Flanderis
maid thairanentt, and to obtene discharge of the said pretendit proclama-
tioun or edict; and thairfra to pas to the pairtis of Flanderis or Holland,
quhair it salhappin the said Lieutenand to be for the tyme, and siclyke
to the Counsall of the Estaitt of the said cuntrie, and thair to travell for
the cawsis forsaidis ; and foi*ther voluntarly promitted to execute the said
commissioun gevin to him to the effect abouewrittin to the vttermest of
his power, as to the weilfair of the said estait of burrowis may be aggre-
abill, as alsua to reportt his diligence thairanent with all gudelie expo-
ditioun to the magistratis of the said burgh of Edinburgh, or thair succes-
souris, for thame selues, and in name and behalf of the haill remanentt
Convention of Royal Burghs. 223
burrowis of this realme. For the quhilk cawsis the said Maister George
grantis him to have receavitt the sovme of ane thowsand merkis gude
and vsuall money of this realme, as full contentatioun for his saidis
travcUis and making of his and the said Ihonn Gourlayis chargis, quha is
adionit to him in all his journey, alsweill hamewartt as afield, vnto the
repoirtt of the diligence abouewrittin eta
Ihone Kobertsone. Dauid Symsoun.
Williame Hutcheson with my Peter ClayhiUis.
hand led be lohnn Guthre notar Dauid Watson,
at my command. I. Guthre. Andro Kcr for linlythqu.
Kobart Anderson for Perth. Patrik Hog.
Alex^ Forbes. Thomas Watsoun.
George Hacket.
Followis the tennour of the tak of the Kingis Maiesties
customes of this realme sett be his Hienes to the frie
hu7T0ivts thairof
At Halyrudehous the tuentie day of Januar the zeir of God I™ V^ four Tak ottte
scoir sex zeiris, It Ls appoyntit, aggreit, and fynalie contractit betuixt the tis customes for
Richt Heiche, Rycht Excellent, and Michtie Prince James be the Grace of ^^^^'j^^
God King of Scottis, oure Souerane Lord, with auise and consent off the burrowis.
Lordis of His Hienes Secreitt Counsale and Auditouris of his Chakker,
and of Androw Wod of Largo, his Maiesties Comptrollar, on that ane
pairtt ; and William Littill, provest, lohne Arnott, baillie, and Alexander
Oistiane, burges of Edinburch, commissioneris for the burgh of Edin-
burgh ; Robert Andersoun, burges of Perth, commissioner for the burgh
of Perth ; lohne Traill, burges of Dundie, commissioner for the burgh of
Dundie ; and Alexander Rutherfurd, burges of Abirdene, commissioner
for the burgh of Abirdene, to the effect underwrittin, for thame selffis
and takand the burding on thame for all and sindry oure Souerane
Lordis frie Burrowis within this realme, in maner, forme, and effect as
224 Convention of Royal Burghs.
efter followis : That is to say, Oure said Souerane Lord, with speciale
auys and consent foirsaid, for glide and wechtie considerationis tending
to his Hienes vtilitie and proffitt, hes Sett, and be the tenour of thir pre-
sentis Settis and in assedatioun Lattis, to the Prouest Baillies, and
Counsale of his Maiesties haiU Burrowis now present, and thair succes-
souris haveand the libertie of the saidis frie Burrowis. All and SiNDRlE
his Hienes customes appertening and belonging to his Maiestie off all
guidis custuraabill, nocht prohibitt, presentlie to be careitt furth of this
realme or importit within the same, quhUkis haue bene in vse to pay
custome to his Maiestie or ony his predecessouris at ony tyme heirtofoir.
As ALSUA of All and Sindry forbodin guidis, incais his Maiestie salhappin
to tollerat or grant licence to transportt ony in tyme cuming. For all
the dayis, zeiris, termis, tyme, and space of thre zeiris nixt and im-
mediatlie following thair entrie thairto, quhilk wes and began vpoun the
first day of October last bypast in this, instant zeir of God j°^ v® foure-
scoir sex zeiris, during the quhilk tyme thair salbe na restraint of ony
guidis now permittit to be transportit WiiH POWER to the saidis provest
baillies and counsale and thair successouris foirsaidis, ilk ane of thame
respective for thair awin pairtis, according as the speciale boundis salbe
appoyntit to euery ane of thame, within the quhilkis thai salbe custo-
meris be the auise of the commissioneris of the haill burrowis, to sett
establische and appoynt particular customeris at euery frie portt, quhair
customaris ar presentlie sett and hes bene thir tymes bypast, and as sail
seme gude and expedient to the saidis Burrowis in tyme cuming, to the
quhilk thai ar and salbe astrictit be the tennour heirof And it sail nocht
be lesum to the saidis customeris, during the said space of thre zeiris, to
alter, change, or augment the quantitie of the saidis customes, bot thai
sail resaue the same for the samyn dewtie as thai haue bene thir fourtie
zeiris bygane, And to the effect the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsale of
Burrowis now present, and thair successouris foirsaidis, may brouk
and ioyse the saidis customes during the space abouespecefeit, oure said
Souerane Lord, with auise and consent foirsaid, sail with full effect mak
all takis and assedationis of the saidis customes, or ony pairt thairof, to
be retreitit, annuUit, and extinct, and sail caus the takismen, realie
and with effect, nocht onlio to desist and seis fra melling with the saidis
customes in tyme cuming during the said space of thre zeiris, bot als sail
Contention of Royal Burghs. 225
caus and compell thame to mak compt, rekining, and payment to the
Commissioneris of the saidis burrowis, and vtheris haveand power and
commissioun of thame, off all customed ressauit be thame of quhatsumevir
guidis, or quhilkis thae mycht haue ressauit sen the said first day of
October last bypast, and sail caus and compell the customeris present to
delyuer the halfe seillis and stampis to the saidis Commissioneris to the
effect foirsaid, and the saidis customeris sail alwayis concur with the
clarkis and keparis of the coquettis, and sail caus all guidis custumat to
be coquettit, and to that effect his Maiestie sail caus his clarkis and
keparis of his coquettis to be redy at all tymes for passing of coquettis,
but delay or finstratioun of his lieps firome thair veyages, and that thai
vse na extortioun by the auld dewitie, vnder the pane of deprivatioun of
thame frome thair offices ; And incais be their abuse, ather in nocht
residence or extortioun, that occasioun be offerit to oure Souerane Lordis
liegis to complene, the tiyell of thair fiedt and iugement of thair depriva-
tioun is, be thir presentis, committit to the Comptrollar, Aduocatt, Clark
of Register, and Prouest of Edinburgh, now present and being for the
tyme, or ony twa of thame, quha sail tak tiyell thairanent, and put
reformatioun thairto, as effeiris. And the saidis Commissioneris of
Burrowis, for thame selffis, and takand the burding on thame, as said is,
sail uochtwithstanding the said tak and assedatioun mak compt zeirlie in
the Chakker of the saidis haill customes according to the consuetude of
auld obseruit. And sail pay zeirUe to our Souerane Lord and his comp-
trollaris for the tyme, for the saidis customes, the sowme of foure thow-
sand pundis vseuale money of this realme allanerlie, at foure tymes in the
zeir viz., Alhallowmes, Candilmes, Beltan, and Lambes, quhidder the saidis
customes, after compt and rekning, extend to mair or les, begynnand the
first tenuis payment at the feist of Candilmes nixtocum, And forther sail
zeirlie delyuer thretty twnis of full Burdealx wyne and Burdealx bind
to oure said Souerane Lordis vse at the chois and contentment of his
Maiesties symblaris, and gif ony mair wynis beis ressauit be his Hienes
symbleris, maisteris of houshald, keparis of his Hienes castellis, or ony
otheris his Maiesties officiaris, be warrande and commandment of his
comptrollar, nor extendis to threttie twnis, the samyn salbe zeirlie defalkit
to the saidis takismen and thair successouris abouewritten in payment of
the said zeirlie dewtie of foure thowsand poundis contenit in this present
2 F
226 Convention of Royal Burglis.
tak ; and als defalkand and allowand to the saidis takismen and tliair
snccessouris, oommissioneris abouewritten, sic sowmea of money as may
be evictit fra thame be the law be ony personis haveand gift, pensionis,
or vther rent furth of the saidis customes : Provtdino alwayis the saidis
burrowis and thair customeris sail nocht be astrictit to ansuer nor obey
ony precept nor directioun quhatsumevir (except befoir exceptit) vnto sic
tyme the haill wynis be payit that salhappin to be tane vp be ony persoun
be warrand and commandement of the coratrollar to his Maiesties vse,
fra ony meixjhand of this realme, by and attour the threttie twnis wyne
foirsaid defalkit in payment of the said zeirlie dewtie. Antd forther oure
said Souerane Lord, with auise foirsaid, willis, grantis, and consentis be
thir presentis, that incais ony wyne sail happin to be awand to ony
merchand within this i^rae, by and attour the threttie twnis of wyne
foirsaid, at the ische and outrynning of this present thre zeir tak, swa
that the wyne tane exceid the zeirlie dewitie abouespecefeit, that than
and in that cais, ather the comptrollar present and that salhappin to be
for the tyme sail mak payment of the prices of the saidis wynis at the
ische of the said tak, or than the haill customes foirsaidis sail remane
with the saidis Burrowis ay and quhill the prices of the same wyne be
compleitlie payit to the merchantis quhome to the samen salhappin to be
awand. And the saidis Oommissioneris ar content that for sure payment
of the saidis foure thowsand poundis zeirlie at the termis abouewrittin,
and als of the threttie twnis wyne, letteris of horning or poynding be
direct at the instance of the said comptrollar aganis the prouest, baillies,
and counsale of the saidis burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, and
Abirdene coniunctlie and seueralie, and thai to have the lyke letteris
aganis the prouest, baillies and counsale of the i-emanent burrowis, for
thair relief in forme as efFeris. Attour owre said Souerane Lord, with auys
and consent foirsaid, is content and consentis and giffis full power and
commissioun to the saidis Oommissioneris of Burrowis, be thir presentis, that
incais ony guidis, nocht prohibit be the lawis of this realme, salhappin to be
transportit forth of the samen at ony tyme heirefter, during the tyme of this
present tak, vncustumat be the oommissioneris appoyntit be the saidis bur-
rowis, to confiscat and escheit the guidis vncustumat, the thridpairtquhairof
salbe applyit to oure Souerane Lordis vse, and the fourt pairt of the
samen to the saidis Burrowis awin vse, present takismen of the saidis
customes ; and als to persew the skipperis and maisteris of schipis,
Convention of Royal BurgJis. 227
quhairia tbe somen guidis salhappin to be transportit, for the ressaueing
be thaDie and tbair clerkis of the saidis vncustumat guidis, for the sowme
of ane bundreth merkis money, quhilk his Maiestie with auise and consent
foirsaid ordanis to be taikin of the^saidis skipper and maisteris as ane
penaltie for thair offence foirsaid, the thrid pairt quhairof salbe lykewise
applyit to oure Souerane Lordis vse, and the fourt pairt of the samen to
the saidis Burrowis awin vse ; with power be thir presentis to ony of the
saidis Commissioneris of Burrowis to persew thairfoir befoir the Lordis of
oure Souerane Lordis Secreit Counsall or Auditouris of his Hienes Cheker
as iuges competent appoyntit be thir presentis for tryell thairoff. And
to the effect that this may haue the better executioun, oure said Souerane
Lord, with auise foirsaid, giffis full power and libertie to the saidis Com-
missioneris to mak sercheouris of thair awin at ilk portt and havein within
this realme, quha, with his Hienes awin sercheouris appoyntit be his comp-
trollar, sail serche all schipis and guidis laidnit thairin, and try gif the
samen be dewlie customat or nocht, and to that effect, geveand thame
power to lois the guidis being in bodum als oft as thai sail think expedi-
ent, alwayis but preiudice of our Souerane Lordis vtheris sercheouris for
forbiddin guidis, bot thai sail CKcrce the said sercherie as they haue done
of befoir, and that the sercheouris to be appoynted be the saidis Com-
missioneris sail do nathing in the premissis without the concurrence and
assistance of his Maiesties sercheouris foirsaidis, at the leist to be na
further astrictit nor to require thame to that effect, and alsua it is ap-
poyntit and ordanit be this present contract, that tbe clerkis of the co-
quettis of ilk burgh and poirtt quhair customeris ar sail zeirlie compeir
personalie, bring and produce with thame thair cocquettis and cocquet
buikis with tbe customeris appoynted be the saidis Burrowis, befoir the
Commissioneris thairof, and mak compt to thame of the guidis that thai
haue gevein cocquet vpoun, and that na cocquottar sail giff generale
cocquettis to ony maner of schipis or veschellis passand furth of the
realme, but that the samyn be gevein in speciale vpoun ilk particular
quantitie of guidis, with tbe personis names, awneris thairof, contenit
tbairin, conforme to tbe ordour vseit within the burgh of Edinburgh, to
tbe effect that tryell may be the better had of the transporteris of vncus-
tumat guidis; and that na guidis be custumat, but quhair the samyn ar
schippit and boittit, that gude and sufficient tryell may be tane thairof
228 Conventiofi of Royal Burghs.
be the customeris and sercheouris appoyntit thairfoir; and gif the saidis coo-
quetteris delyvcr generate cocquettis after dewpublicatioun and intimatioun
of thir presentis maid to thame, oure said Souerane Lord, with auyse foirsaid,
declairis the samyn to be of nane availl, and that the saidis customeris sail
nocht be haldin to ressaue the samyn^bot thesaidis guidis salbe confiscate and
the skipperis and maisteris of schipis or vther vescheUis quhairin the saidis
guidis contenit in the generale cocquettis ar schippit or boittit sail pay the
penaltie abouewrittin in the samyn maner and forme, and to the [effect]
abouespecefeit, as gif the saidis guidis had nawyis bene custumai Attoub
oure Souerane Lord, with auys foirsaid, willis, grantis, and permittis that
incais it salhappin the saidis commissioneris of burrowis to be superexpendit
at the fute of thair comptis to be maid of his Hienes customes of the zeiris
begane contemit in thair former tak and assedatioun of the samen, in that
cais the samen superexpenssis salbe allowit to thame in the first zeiris
dewitie of this present tak and assedatioun. And fynalie oure said Souerane
Lord, with auys foirsaid, promittis that this present contract, tak, and
haill conditionis thairof, salbe ratifeit and appreveit be act of his Hienes
nixt Parliament or Conventioun of the Estaittis. And als his Maiestie,
with auyse foirsaid, and the saidis Commissioneris of Burrowis are content
and consentis that this present contract and assedatioun be insert and
registrat in the Buikis of Counsale, and decemit to haifif the strenth of
ane act and decreit of the Lordis thairof; and thatletteris and executori-
allis be direct thairupoun in forme as effeiris. And for acting and regis-
trating heirof makis and constitutis
thair vndouttit procuratouris coniunctlie and seueralie
in vberior procurationis forma, promittend to abyde ferme and stabUl etc.
In Wftnes of the quhilk thing oure said Souerane Lord, with auyse foir-
said, and the saidis Commissioneris of Burrowis hes subscryuit thir
presentis with thair handis, day, zeir, and place abouespecefeit befoir thir
witnessis. Sir lohne Maitland of Thirlstane knycht, Vice Chancellar and
Secretar to oure Souerane Lord; Mark, Commendatour of Newbottill,
Maister Robert Dowglas, prouest of linclowden, coUectour generale ; Sir
lames Home of Coldinknowis knycht ; Maister Dauid Camegy of
CoUuthy ; Alexander Hay of Eister Rennet, Clerk of Begister; and
Maister Peter Young of Seytoun, his Hienes elemosinar, with vtheris
diuers. Et aic aubscribitur, Luces R., Thyrlstane, NewbotUe, Golden-
Convention of Royal Burghs. 229
knowis, Lynclouden oollectour. Largo comptrollar, CoUuthy, Mr Almoisar,
A. Hay, rger, Williame littill provest, I. Amote commissioner for Edin-
burgh, Alexr Oisteane be lohne Guthre notar at my command, I. Guthra
Robert Andersoun commissionar for Perthe, lohne Traill commissionar
for Dnndie, Alexander Rutherfurd commissioner for Abirdene.
In the Conventioun of Burrovns haldin and begun at the
burgh of Dondy the thrid day of lulij the zeir of God
i"* V'four scoir sevin zerisj Comperitt the Commissioneris
of Burrowis vnderwrittin and producitt the commis--
sionis efter follovring, etc. : —
Edinburgh, Thomas Aikinheid, Williame Huchesoun; Kingom, Dondy.
Williame Cunnynghame ; Innerkething, George Dury ; Linlithqu, Andrew
Kar ; Dumbartan, Maister Williame Houstoun ; Renfrow, Ihonn Hous-
toun ; Ruthuglen, Dauid Spens ; Air, Dauid Crawfurde ; Irrowyne, Hew
Broun ; Glasqu, Ihonn Lindesay, Williame Cunnynghame ; Kirkcudbrycht,
Robert Forester eldar ; Wigtoun, Robert Dalzell ; Laneark, Robert
Levingstoun ; ledburgh, Thomas Henresoun ; Hadingtoun, Williame
Broun, Ihonn Wilsoun ; Northbervik, ane missive with Hadingtoun eta ;
Dumbar, Maister Alexander Kelly; Dunfreis, Ihonn Bryce ; Dondy,
Alexander Scrymgeour, Robertt Kidd ; Perth, Robertt Andersoun, lames
Adamesoun ; Banff, Thomas Ogilvy ; Dunfermeling, Robertt Pawtoun ;
Craill, Williame Bowsy ; Forfisw, Walter Lindesay provest, George Sutty ;
Breichan, Dauid Dempstar, Robertt Kineris ; Montrois, Robertt Lichtoun,
lames Guthre ; Elgyne, Thomas Hay ; Innemes, lespard Kymming ;
Sanctandrois, Maister Dauid Russell ; Culane, George Moresoun ; Selkirk,
be Ihonn Ballenden souerty for thame ; Forres, lames Dumbar of Tarbett
provest ; Cowpar, lames Andersoun ; Name, Thomas Hay commissioner
of Elgyne catioun for appreving the actis ; Thayne, Williame Makartnay
agent, catioun they suld approve ; Dysartt, Henry Young, Ihonn Lum-
bisden ; Kirkcaldy, Robertt Hay ; Pittinweme, Ihonn Corsaw ; Brunt-
iland, Dauid Clark, Maister Andrew Wilsoun.
230 Convention of Royal Burghs.
EiocUo Moder- ^^ quhilk day, the commissioneris befoir meDtionatt^ aocording to
thair actis and statutis maid anentis the nominatioun and electioon of
the moderator in all generall conventiounis, nominatis and electis
Alexander Scrymgeour, principall in commissioun for the bui^h of Dondy,
in moderatour to this presentt conventioun ; and Bobert Andersoun and
lames Adamesoun commissioneris for Perth disassentitt to the admitting
of him in the office of moderatourschip in the actioun betuix thair borgh
and the said burgh of Dondy.
Dondy, Perth. The Same day, Robertt Kid commissioner for the burgh of Dondy pro-
ducitt ane supplicatioun of the provest, baillies, counsall, and communitie
thairof, desyring the commissioneris presentt to declair ane pretenditt
decreitt gevin and pronuncitt in thair last generall assemblie of burrowis
haldin in the burgh of Perth, in the moneth of lunij 1682 zeiris, to be,
for the causis mentionatt in the said clame, declaritt null befoir they
enter to the particular ranking of the haill burrowis of this i-ealme, now
deuoluit and put in thair handis be virtu of ane act of parliamentt, and
the Kingis Maiesties missive presentlie producit be the provest of the
said burgh of Dondy, as also conforme to the act of continuatioun maid
for ranking of the saidis haill burrowis to this present conventioun, and
quha war lawfully summonitt to that effectt ; and Robert Andersoun and
lames Adamesoun, commissioneris for the said burgh of Perth, affemiitt
and allegitt the placing and ranking of the burrowis of Perth and Dondy
to be alrady discust and adiugitt be the saidis commissioneris of burrowis,
be previlege of oure Souerane Lordis actt of Parliamentt maid be his
Hienes with aduyce of the three Estaitis quhilk is daittit at Edinburgh
the penult day of Nouember 1581 zeris, and the said burgh of Perth and
thair commissioneris decemit to have the prioiitie and first place, rank,
and voitt in all oure said Souerane Lordis and his Hienes successouris
parliamentis and generall conventiouns of the Estaitis and burrowis, in
aU tymes to cum, befoir the said burgh of Dondy, and the said burgh of
Dondy to desist and ceis fra all troubling and molestatioun of thame
thairinto, as the copy of the said decreitt past be the saidis commission-
eris of burrowis, and act of parliamentt foirsaid, presentlie producitt for
verefeing heirof, proportis ; and thatt thairfoir the commissioneris presentt
nawayis may alter the said decreitt nor preiuge the said burgh of Perth
nor commissioneris thairof in placing nor ranking, thatt mater being
Convention of Royal Burghs. 231
alrady adiugitt in the awin strenth, and thatt na previe letter, purcbest
of his Maiestie, may preiuge the said burgh of Perth, nor decreitt gevin in
thair fauouris be previlege of his Hienes actt of parliament and' estaittis
foirsaidis, protesting, thairfoir, gif the saidis eommissioneris does in con-
trair thairof, thatt thair proeeding sail nochtt be hurtfull to thame, nor
thair said decreitt, and for remeid thairanent in tyme and place as accordis
of the law, quhairvpoun the saidis eommissioneris of Perth askitt instru-
mentis ; quhairvnto itt was replyitt be the commissioner of the said
burgh of Dondy, thatt the former friuoll and informall allegeance meittis
nawayis the said burgh of Dondeis desyir, bot standis in tennis direct
repugnantt thairto, lyke as the samyn nather meittLs nor evacuattis ony
resoun contenit in the said clame, and acceptis the hail foirsaid allegeance
sa far as makis for thame. And the foirsaidis clame, decreitt, and actt of
parliamentt again resauit vp be the saidis eommissioneris of the saidis
burrowis of Dondy and Perth.
The samyn day, the foirsaidis eommissioneris of burrowis fyndis the biurowi^ '
sovme of ane hundreth pundis to be awand be thame to Ihonn Guthre thair
generall clark for his last zeris stipend preceding the daitt heirof, quhairof
they ordane him to be payitt ; and continewis him for ane zeir to cum in
the said generall office of clarkschip to thame, ordaining him to have ane
hundreth pundis thairfoir, and vpoun the conditionis mentionatt in the
first actt of his admissioun in the said office, continewing alwayis the
■ maner of paymentt of the said stipend bygane and tecum to the mom,
quhen as the samyn salbe sett doun with the first
The same day, the foirsaidis eommissioneris of burrowis vnderstanding Ranking bur-
the greitt confusioun quhilk hes enteritt and continewitt amang thame thir toledinbSpghf
dyueris zeris bypast be certan stryffis and contentiounis of sum particular
burrowis acclamand pre-eminence and priori tie in thair rank and voitting
in cure Soueranis parliamentis, and vtheris conventionis of the estaittis
and burrowis of this realme, and thatt the decisioun and determinatioun
of the saidis contentionis, with the ranking of the saidis haill burrowis,
is remittitt simpliciter and diuoluit in thair awin handis be ane act of
oure Soueranis parliament haldin and begun att Edinburgh the penultt
day of Nouember the zeir of God I™ V*' four scoir ane zeris, quhilk being
men it in the last conventioun of the saidis burrowis, haldin at Cowper in
the moneth of Maij the zeir of God 1586 zeris, was than thochtt maist
232 Convention of Royal Burghs.
necesfstar to be handlitt, and be resoun of vtheris wechtie efiaires concern-
ing the saidis burrowis quhilkis they had in handis, continowit the
same and ranking of the saidis haill burrowis to this thair conuentioun to
be haldin at the said burgh of Dondy; and besyde the foirsaid continua-
tioun, the saidis commissioneris being movitt to entreitt the foirsaid
purpois tuiching thair ranking be ane favorabill letter and charge direct
to thame be his Maiestie to thatt effectt — efter lang resoning and dew
consideratioun of the same, in respectt of the speciall entres thatt eueiy
ane of thame in particular hes in the said matter, and of the difficultie
to purge thame of affectioun or partialitie towarttis thair awin burghis in
particular, hes thairfoir, be thir pi-esentis, remittitt and simpliciter remittis
the decisioun of the saidis contentionis and ranking of the haill burrowis
of this realme to thair honorabill and weilbelouit nychtbouris the provest,
baillies, and counsall of the burgh of Edinburgh, to quhome they for
thame selues and thair saidis burrowis respectiue, be the tennour heirof,
gevis fuU power and commissioun to the effectt abouewrittin, as the saidis
provest, baillies, and counsall sail think maist expedient, aither respecting
habilitie or actorite, and thatt efter sic forme and maner as the saidis
conmiissioneris mycht have done thame selues be virtu of the said actt of
parliamentt, lyke as the saidis commissioneris faithfullie promittis to
abyde att all and quhatsumever thingis the saidis provest, baillies, and
counsall of Edinburgh salhappin to do in the premissis, but ony grudge
or reclamatioun.
The same day, in presenice of the foirsaidis haill commissioneris,
tiS^^^*^"**'comperitt Robertt Andersoun, commissioner for the burgh of Perth,
and protested solempnitlie thatt the commissioun granted in this presentt
assembly be the saidis commissioneris of burrowis to the provest baillies
and counsall of the burgh of Edinburgh for diremptioun and taking away
of the contrauersies standing betuix certan particularis of the nomber of
the saidis burrowis anentt thair preeminence in rank and voitt, and als
for ranking of the haill burrowis of this realme, suld onnawayis be pre-
iudiciall to thatt decreitt of burrowis pronuncitt in the last conuentioun
of burrowis haldin at Perth in fauouris of the said burgh of Perth, tuich-
ing thair prioritie in rank befoir the burgh of Dondy, and thairupoun
askitt instrumenttis eta
Convention of Royal Burghs. 233
The same day, befoir the commissioneris foirsaidis, comperitt Thomas ^*?***^^"^
Aikinheid commissioner for the burgh of Edinburgh, and be thir presentia
disassentitt to thatt burding impositt and committitt to the provest baillies
and counsall of the said burgh of Edinburgh be the commissioneris of
tlie burrowis, for decisioun of all contrauersies standing betuix ony of
the particular burrowis foirsaidis tuiching thair rank, and for ranking of
the haill burrowis of this realme, as the commissioun gevin in this
presentt assembly beris, and thairupoun askitt instrumentis. As alsua
the commissioneris of the burrowis of Dumbartan, Irrowyne, Innernes,
and Culane, vpoun thair disassenting, lykewyis askitt instiiimentis.
Quarto lulij, 1587.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis abouewrittin hes Burrowis
amerciatt and Vnlawitt the burrowis of Abirdene, Striveling, Abirbro- ?tt ^^ ^ ^*
thok, and Peiblis, for ^thair absence fra this presentt conuentioun, being
lawfully citat and waimit thairto according to the actis, as was sufficient-
lie verefeitt be the magistratis of the burgh of Dondy, and ordanis euery ane
of thame to pay the vnlaw of tuenty pundis according to the tennour of
the actis maid thairanentt, and that letteris of horning be purchest heir-
vpoun as efferis etc.
The same day, in presence of the commissioneris foirsaidis, comperitt Ballonden,
Ihonn Ballenden burges of Edinburgh, and acted him selff of his awin to/' ^^tMx^
consentt for the burgh of Selkirk to repoirtt and exhibitt at the nixtt §^^* aroro-
assemblie of burrowis ane actt maid be the magistratis of the said burgh, bationta.
be comraoun consent, ratefeing and afferming the haill procedings of this
presentt assemblie, and all that may follow thairon etc., Lyke as Thomas
Hay, commissioner for the burgh of Elgyne, acted him as souerty for the
burgh of Name, to the effect and in maner aboue expremit etc.
The samyn day, comperitt Dauid Clark and Maister Androw Wilsoun, AdmiBrioun of
commissioneris for the burgh of Bruntiland, be virtu of ane special com- anefale burgh,
missioun granted to thame be the baillies and counsall of the said burgh
exhibite to the saidis commissioneris, and desyritt thame as conmiission-
eris foirsaidis to be receavitt and admittit in the nomber of the commis-
sioneris of the burrowis foirsaidis, and thair said burgh to be enrollit with
2 G
234 Cohventwn of Royal Burghs.
the frie burrowis of this realme, according to thair erectioun and liberties
granted be oure Souerane Lord and his Hienes predecessouris to the said
burgh, ratefeitt and confermit in parliamentt, and according to letteris of
homing, be delyuerance of the Lordis of Secreitt Counsall, purchest thair-
upoun, quhairwith the saidis haill commissioneris ar chargitt to the
effectt abouementionatt ; Efter avysementt quhairwith, the foirsaidis
commissioneris, for feir and obedience of the saidis letteris of horning,
admittit and admittis the foirsaidis commissioneris in thair nomber and
societie, and ordanis the said burgh of Bruntiland to be enrollitt be thair
clarkis in the nomber of the remanentt frie burrowis of this realme
instantly, according to the saidis letteris, and to the effectt mentionatt
thairin, and this withoutt preiudice to the allegit richtis, tittillis, and pre-
Ed^DborgMn- vil^g^ ^^ ^^^ burgh of Innerkething, or Edinburgh, or ony vther burgh,
nerkething. qj. \^ Q,jy actioun thatt the saidis burghis in particular hes or may move
aganis the said burgh of Bruntiland ; quhairvpoun the saidis commission-
eris of Bruntiland, and Thomas Aikinheid commissioner for the burgh of
Edinburgh, and George Duiy commissioner for the said burgh of Inner-
kething, respectiue, askitt instrumcntis.
Eiectioun of ^^^ Same day, anentt the desyir of the merchantis of this realme,
ane minister to trafficquaris in the pairtis of Flanderis, for erectioun of ane Scotis kirk
in Campfeir. in the tovnc of Campfer in Zeland, and appoynting of ane minister for
seiniing thairin, the foirsaidis commissioneris, efter gude digestioun of thatt
matter, and considemtioun of the necessitie of the same, hes with ane
consentt aggieitt and accorditt thatt ane minister salbe electitt and
appointed for teching of Godis wourd within the said tovne of Campfer,
and thatt he be sustenitt, aither vpoun thatt benefite granted be the said
tovne of Campfeir, the tyme of the estaiblisching of the Scotis staipill
thairin, anent the discharge of the excyse of beir, or ellis be ane impoist
of the gudes thatt salhappin to arryve to Flanderis, or be ane contribu-
tioun of the Scotis factouris resident thair, or be ony ane or twa of the
saidis meanis; committing hereby full power to the burghis of Edinburgh,
Dondy, Perth, Abirdene, Striveling, Linlithqu, Glasqu, or ony four of thame
coniunctlie, to entreitt and handill this matter specialie, and als to nominatt
and elect the foirsaid minister to seme in the said functioun, be the
aduyce of the Kii k and Assemblie thairof.
Convention of Royal Burghs, 235
Tlie same day, the foirsaidis commissioneiis, in respect of wechty and dw^'^^^fmw-
grave effaires quhilkis they have presentlie in hand concerning the weill ^ethmj? and
of thair estaitt, to be menit and entreittitt at this approachand parlia- tomeris ; and
mentt, continewis thair ansuer to the desyir of the burgh of Innerketh- f^^^n^^^
ing anent the customing of schippis passing vp tlie narrow watter of j^^F ^^^ ^^H**"
Forth, on thair syde thairof, to thair nixtt assemblie in Edinburgh, befoir
tlje said parliamentt ; as alsua the phicing and nominatioun of customeris
within the haill frie burro wis of this realme, and ordour taking with
thame, to tliair nixtt assembly foirsaid ; and forther, anentt the impost
raisitt for making of the expenssis of Maister George Hacquett and Ihonn
Gourhiy to Flanderis and Inghind in the burrowis effaris, to be entreittit
. as said is befoir the said parliament.
The same day, it is concluditt be the commissioneris of the burrowis Setting of ane
foirsaidis, thatt the burrowis nominatt and appoyntitt in the act maid in iniaik wyiiis
thair last assemblie att Cowpar for setting doun of the forme of the ^^^ customee
taxationis to be impositt and lifted of the saidis burrowis for paymentt
of the iniaik of the ciistoraes, and threttv tunnis wyne promitted to [the]
Kingis Maicstie, for the sett and tak thairof, sail convene at the said
burgh of Edinburgh befoir the said approachand parliamentt, and mak
ane peifyte roll conforme to the tennour of the said actt maid at Cowpar
as said is ; provyding thatt att the making and perfyting of the said roll
thair be ane equall nomber of diy and sea burrowis, and the samyn na
vtherwayis to be maid.
The same day, having consideratioun of the povertie of the burgh of cuiane Uoen-
Culane, and of the exemptioun granted to thame fra conuentionis, bes^^***P"
gcvin licence to George Moresoun, commissioner thairof, to depairtt and
pas hame fra the presentt conuentioun without ony danger of vnlaw to
be incurrit be him for the said burgh thairfoir ; and the said George hes
affermit the hail proceedingis of this presentt conuentioun, maid and to
be maid.
The samyn day, anentt the supplicatioun presented be lames Dumbar of Forres exemp-
Tarbett, provest and commissioner for the burgh of Forres, mening the pure suer to the re-
and simple estaitt of the said burgh, dekay of the commoun warkis thairof, S*SuSr bu^!
and greitt oppressioun and intrusioun maid be gentillmen tliair nycht- catioun.
bouris in thair commoun lan<]is, as alsua of the incommoditie and wrang
the Sciid burgh sustenis be balding of mercattis and faires att kirkis and
236 Convention of Royal Burghs.
chappellis and vtheris vnfrie places adiacent to thame, to the preiudice of
the liberties of the haill burrowis, and thairfoir desyring the said burgh
to be respected in alteratioun of the taxt rollis, and to grantt to thaine
ane exemptioun fra connentionis of the said burrowis for ane certane space,
as alsua to mene the oppressioun foirsaid to the Kingis Maiestie and
Estaitis in parliamentt, as the said supplicatioun beris, the foirsaidis
commissioneiis, efler dew consideratioun thairof, being certanlie persuaditt
of the povertie of the said burgh, hes exemitt and exemis the same fra
keping of all thair assemblies and conuentionis for the space of thre
zeris nixtt following the daitt heirof, without any danger of vnlaw to
be incurritt be thame, provyding thatt the said burgh of Forres direct
and send to euery conuentioun of the saidis burrowis to be haldin indur-
ing the said space, with the commissioneris of the ewest burgh vnexe-
mit fra the said conuentionis, thair actt or missive autentik, approving
the haill proceedingis and conclusionis of the same assemblie according to
the ordour tane thairanentt ; and continiwis thair ansuer to thatt heid
of the said supplicatioun tuiching the diminisching of the extentt of the
said burgh to thair nixtt genei^al conuentioun of burrowis, quhairin the
alteratioun of the taxtt roUis is to be handlitt ; and forther, promesis to
assist the said burgh in mening of the oppressionis foirsaidis in parlia-
ment to his Maiestie and Estaitis.
ansoer^to ^An- The Same day, anent the desyir of the erecting of Anstruther in ane
f^^eto* ^^ ^® burgh, and enrolling of the same with the remanentt frie burrowis of
this realme, the foirsaidis commissioneris, vnderstanding ane actioun and
cause depending betuix thame and the burgh of Craill concerning the
liberties of the said tovne of Anstruther befoir the Lordis of oure
Soueranis Sessioun, and as zitt vndecyditt, continwis the ansuer to be
gevin to thair said desjdr vnto the decisioun and conclusioun of the said
actioun ; quhairvpoun Williame Bowsy commissioner for Craill askitt
instrumentis, and Dauid Bumsyde and Ihonn Alexander in name of the
said tovne of Aiistruther protested for remeid.
Ordour for pay- The Same day, the commissionaris of the burrowis of Edinburch,
generaii ciarids Dundic, and Pci-th, be the tennour heirof, at the speciall desyre of the
anS^tocumand '^"^*^^°*' commissiouaris of burrowis present, bindis and oblissis thame
of his expens- and thair saidis burghis respectiue coniunctlie to thankfuUie content and
pay to Johne Guthrie generall clerk to thair conventioms the sowme of
Convention of Royal Burghs. 237
ane hundreth lib. as for his stipend and fie of the zeir last bypast ; as
alsua to content and pay to the said Johne the sowme of ane vther
hundreth lib. for his stipend and fie modefeit to him for his service in
the zeir nixt following the day and dait heirof, lyik as the remanent of
the saidis commissionaris be thir presentis bindis and oblissis thame and
thair saidis burrowis, of quhom thai haif thair commissionis respectiue,
to freith releiw and keip skaythles the saidis burghis of Edinburgh,
Dundie, and Perth of the premissis, and of all damnage and interes that
thai may sustene be the band foirsaid, and specialUe appoyntis and
assignis to the saidis thrie burrowis the haill vnlawis of the burrowis
amerciat at this present conventioun, and restand awand in tymes past,
or being in thair agentis handis for thair releiff of the premissis, with
power to thame, in name of the saidis burrowis, to purches homing and
vtheris executoriallis for p&yment thairof, and gif the saidis vnlawis sail
nochtt extend to the full payment of the saidis sowmes, nor zitt happine
to be ingottine of the burrowis addebtit thairin, the saidis commissionaris
ar contentt that samekill as sail happine to rest over the saidis vnlawis
that sail be resavit sail be payit be the extent and taxatiouhe nixt to
be sett for payment of the inlaik of the customis, and xxx twnis wynes
addebtit to the Kyngis Maiestie for the saidis custumis ; and for better and
mair swir payment to the said lohne of the saidis sowmes respectiue, the
saidis thrie particulare burrowis ar content that the Lordis of oure
Soueranes Sessioun interpone thair authoritie heirto, and direct letteris
and executoriallis as efleiris thairvpon, at the instance of the said lohne,
and remittis the modificatioun of the said lohns expenssis maid in keiping
the conventionis to the saidis thrie burrowis.
The same day, the commissioneris of the burrowis foirsaidis vpoun Vniformitie
sum complaintis maid to thame anentt the disconformitie and difference ^^^5^
of the wechtis and mesouris within the frie burrowis of this realme, be the bunowia.
tennour heirof ratefeis and afiermis thair auld actis and constitutionis
maid for the vniformitie thairof, and in speciall thatt actt maid in the
conventioun of burrowis haldin at Edinburgh in the moneth of Apryle
1552 zeris, ordaining the stane wechtt to be conforme to the stane wechtt
of Laneai'k, the pynt stoup according to the jug of Striveling, the firlott
agreable with the firlott of Linlithqu, and the elnwand conforme to the
enlwand of Edinburgh, and that na disconformitie be of the saidis wechtis
and mesouris, vnder the paynis contenit in the saidis acttis.
238
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Dondic, vnfrie The Same (lay, anentt the coraplayntt produeit be the dekynnis of
cmftis of the burgh of Dondy, l)eriDg thame to be greitlie hurtt in thair
liberties, and the haill burrowis preiugitt of thair pi'evilegis, be the resort-
ing and residence of all kynde of ciuftismen in the suburbis of frie
buiTowis of this realme, enioying thairby als greitt commoditie asfiiemen
subiect to taxationis and all burdingis impositt vpon the saidis burrowis ;
efter consideratioun of the quhilk complaynt, the saidis commissioneris
ordanis the burgh of Edinburgh to mene the same in the approchand
parHament, and to desyir remeid to be provydit thairto be the Eingis
Maiestie and Estaitis thairof
Acceptatioun The same day, the saidis commissioneris being conuenit, comperitt
Bre?chan.*^^™^ Robert Lichton, commissioner for the burgh of Montrois, and accepted that
pairtt of the clame gevin in aganis the said burgh be the commissioneris
of Breichan, proporting that the burghis of Montrois and Dondy hes had
libei-ty and previlege to handill and traffeque within the said citie and
friedome thairof friulie in tymes past, and thairupoun askitt instrumentis.
Quintolulij, 1587.
Thayne des-
pensitt with.
Kinf^ow,
Dischingtoun.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, at the special desyir of
N ane missive direct frome Williame Makartnay thair generall agent, dis-
penssis with the absence of the burgh of Tliayne fra this present conven-
tioun, and declaris thame frie of all vnlaw thairfoir, the said Williame
actand himselff thatt the said burgh be thair actt of courtt or sum vther
antentik wiitt sail approve the haill conclusiouns in this presentt conven-
tioun. And the commissioner of Innernes protested the enrolling of
thame suld nocht preiuge thame of thair liberties.
The same day, anent the contrauersie standing betuix Martyne
Deschingtoun, customer of Pittinweme,and Thomas Kingzow, bailie thairof,
his comptroller, anentt the comptes of the saidis customes of the said burgh,
baith pail-ties being present, the saidis commissioneris, in respect of the
schortness of tyme quhilk they have for intreitting of vtheris thair wechtie
effairea, remittis the said contrauersie arid coguitioun to be tane of baith
the saidis pairties comptes to the four couimissioneris of the burrowis
appoynted for hering of the generall comptis of the hail customes, with
Convention of Royal Burghs. 239
power to thame to determine tliaiiin in sic soirtt and maner as the
saidis haill commissioneria mycht liaif done in this presentt conuention ;
quhilkis commissioneris of Edinburgh, Dondy, and Perth accepted in
and vpoun thame the bnrding heirof, and assignit to baith the saidis
pairties this day ancht dayis, within the burgh of Edinburgh, to compeir
in the Nether Tolbuyth thairof and produce thair comptis ; lykeas the
saidis haill commissioneris, be resoun of sum misbehaviour of the saidis
pairties in thair presences, ordanis thame baith to fynd catioun, ilkane
vnder the payne of fyve hundreth merkis, that nather of thame sail offer
occasioun of iniuery to vtheris for the space of tuenty dayis nixtt heir-
efter, and that they sail baith compeir befoir the saidis four burrowis in
Edinburgh the day foirsaid, to the effectt abouexpremitt ; for obedience of.
the quhilk ordinance, George Adamsoun burges of Pettinveme, as cautiounar
for the said Thomas Kingzow, and Williame Bowsy burges of Craill, as
cautiounar for the said Martyne Dischingtoun, to the effect aboue contenit,
ar acted bond and obleist respectiue of thair awin consentis vnder the
paynis aboue mentionat, and the principall pairties obleist to releve the
saidis pairties of the premissis.
The quhilk day, the foirsaidis commissioneris vnderstanding the povertie ro^'exemitt
and greitt penurie of the buiTOwis of Ruthuglen, Elgyne, Wigtoun, led- ^«>nven-
burgh, Kirkcudbrycht, Banff, Forfar, Innernes, Thayne, Culane, and
Quhithorn, hes exemit, and be thir presentis exemis the saidis burrowis
respectiue fra keping of all conuentionis of burrowis for the space of thre
zeris nixtt following the daitt heirof; willing and declaring heirby that
they nor [any] of thame sail incur ony danger or vnlaw be thair absence
thairfi-a nochtwithstanding ony actis maid in the contrair, provyding that
ilkane of the saidis burrowis direct, with the commissioneris of the burgh
ewest to thame nochtt exemit, to euery conuentioun of the saidis burrowis
during the space foirsaid, ane autentik missive appieving the conclusionis
and procedings of tlie saidis conuentionis.
The same day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis, efter considera- Continuatioun
tioun of the desyris of the burgh of Edinburgh tuiching the rembursing petitionistothe
to thame of the sovme of tuelff. hundreth merkis aduancitt to Adam ai^BubUeT^'*"
FouUertoun, and of twa thousand merkis to vmquhile George Lord Sey-
toun, as alsua of ane thousand pundis debursitt and aduancitt be thame
to the comptroller at the last tak of the customes, with the sovme of twa
thowsand pundis to the fumesing my Lord Embassadour laitlie direct to
240 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Denmark, and of the interes pajritt be thame thairfoir, Finding the twa
last heidis nocht to have bene menit to thame of befoir, and thatt tyme
will nocht serue to give resolute ansuer to the first twa, conforme to ane
act of continwatioun maid in the last conuentioun of Cowper thairanent,
hes be the aduyse of commissioneris of the said burgh of Edinburgh, they
being ernistlie requeistitt thairto, continewitt and continewis thair speciall
ansuer to the haill poyntis of the said burgh of Edinburghis desyir to
the nixtt generall assemblie of the saidis bun'owis, to be haldin at the
said burgh of Edinburgh the penultt day of October nixttocum, and
ordanis the haill burrowis to direct thair commissioneris fullie instructed
to geve resolute ansuer thairto, and to be rememberitt in the missivis to
be direct to that effect.
FoUowis certan Articlis to be pennitt and gevin in att the approch-
and parliament.
Item in the first, To desyir the auld liberties and previlegis of the
to be proponit burrowis to be ratefeitt and approvin, and specialie thatt libertie and
m parliament previlege quhairby they war exemitt fra all wairdan and lieutenant
raidis.
Item, In consideratioun of the greitt travellis and expenssis quhairvnto
the inhabitantis of this realme ar oft tymes putt be the inordinatt gre-
dynes of messengers and vtheris officeris of armes in summonding thame
vpoun assysis, the mater quhairfoir nawayis being notour to thame,
thairfoir to desyir ane generall exemptioun to the haill inhabitantis of
burrowis fra all assysLs and inqueistis, except the fact be committit
within the burgh quhair they duell, or within twa mylis aboutt, as is
granted to sum particular of the saidis burrowis be the Kingis Maiesties
predecessouris.
Item, Thatt the auld actis maid anentt transportaris of forbiddin gudes
be ratefeitt, and speciallie that the transporting of coillis be simpliciter
prohibited, in respect of the decay of the heuchis, and presentt exhorbi-
tant derth thairof.
Item, Thatt the actis maid anent cowparis and foirstalleris be ratefeitt,
and ane speciall declaratour be sett doun, be act of parliament, anentt
the description of foirstalleris, cowparis, and regratouris, to the effect
inferiour [iudges] may mair esalie discharge thair offices in putting of the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 241
saidis acfcis of parliament aganis the contravenaiis thairof to executioun,
insafar as power is granted to thame thairby.
Item, To remember that the act of parliament maid anentt the estaitt
and qualities of personis within burgh suld be renewit.
Item, To mene in the said parliament thatt Maisteris of Grammer
Scoles within burrowis be onnawayis suffeiit to vse the functioun of ano
minister or notar, quhairby they ar drawin fi* thair ordinar cure, nor
ane minister to beir the office of ane scole maister or notar.
Item, To be rememberitt in parliament thatt the haJll testamentis, greitt
and small indifferentlie, be confermit be the iugis ordinar of the commis-
sariat quhair the defunctis hes dueltt, sure cautioun beand found for
gude seruice and compte of the quotis eta
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis nominatis MeUii ooUeo-
and electis Andrew Mekill, seruand to Robertt Gourlay thair generall ^^ vnUwis.
coUectouF, collectour to ingather the vnlawis of the burrowis absentt and
nocht comperand to this presentt conuentioun, and he to be comptabill
thairfoir to the burrowis, and the burrowis appojnited for hering of the
customeris comptis to modefie his fie thairfoir.
Item, That ane article be proponit in parliament for redres of the ex- -Article, saltt.
traordinar dewties tane for licence of saltt to pas furth of the realme, and
thatt the samyn be licentiatt to be transported, eta
Sexto lulij 1587.
The saidis commissioneris, vpoun repoirtt of the povertie of the burgh QnUthomto
of Quhithorn, at the desyir of Robertt Forester eldar, commissioner for gitt and uiey
Kirkcudbrycht, dischargis thair vnlaw of tuenty li, quhairin they ar ®"™^**'
eonuict for absence fitt this conuentioun, and exemis the said burgh fra
all conuentionis of burrowis for thre zeris, vpoun the conmioun proui-
sionis, etc.
The same day, continewis the setting doun of the forme of the roUis Aitemtioiiiiroi-
anent the taxationis to be imposit for inlaik of the customes and wynis, oustomes oon-
to thair nixt general assemblie of burrowis etc. tinewitt
The same rdayl, the commissioneris foirsaidis remittis and dischanns Abirbrothok
'■''■■ ^ ^ ▼nUw remittit
^ If
242 O/nventir/n of Royal Burghs.
the bargfa (j( AMrbix^tbok ane of the twa mlawis qohairm thej ^ ooouici
£/r ttiair alj^ence fix/rne this oonuentiaiiii, and the oonoentiaan of Cowpar,
jnrovjdiDg he pay the aoe thairof within the spmx of ane moneth nixt
hein^fter.
Omihr%a^f% T\te coTDinissir/neriB of burrowia fbirsaidia ordams Ihonn Gothre, in
mCdrm^^* t^iair nameH, to sabeciy ve the mistdves direct to Sanctandiois^ Thomas and
Alane L^ntronis, Laird Anstmther, and Tovne of Peitinweme, anoitis the
ffuppreiMing of piracie in the firth and vther pairttia
BmMnm furUi The fsarne day, the commissioneris of bonowis foirsaidis gevis fall
UrkUfrJuyLg power and commiflgiaan to the borrowia of Edinborgfa, Perth, and Dondy
<4 ptnuiit, ^^ ap[ioyntt and aggre in thair names with Alane Lentroon in Sanctan-
droiN, for outreking of ane schip, soffidentlie equippyit with all fumiioie
necesHar bringing or reqoisitt thairto, for suppressing of the pirattis
banting in tliix firth, and vther pairttis betoix Zarmouth, Orknay, or
Bchyteland, for the sovme of ane thowsand merkis, quhairof the saidis
baill burrowis obleissis thame to releve the saidis thre buirowis of the
said principall sovme and intres to be payitt to sic as adoancis the samyn
thaiifoir, and t<^> refound for tliair pairtis to the saidis thre burrowis the
samyn princi[>all sovme and intres, gif ony beis payitt, within twa monethis
nixtt hcirefler ; and gif the thre burrowis, for the better furthsetting of
tlie said scliip, salhappin to borrow ony ordinance, viz., four cast pecis,
they obleiwH thainc to sustene the aventour thairof, and to releve thame of
the i)rices thairof, incais the samyn be loist, and nocht redelyueritt to the
leniiiiriH thairof, in maner as the samyn is at the borrowing of the samyn
saUx5 deiyueritt, and siclyke sail refound, contentt, and pay to the foir-
namitt burrowis all and quliatsumever sovmes of money itt salhappin
tliame to deburs vpoun the outred of ane bark with thretty men to
accompany tlio said Alane in his veyagis abouewrittin, and thatt within
the spaice of twa moneth nixt heirefter foirsaidia And becaus the com-
missioneris of the burrowis of the west cuntry, sic as Glasqu, Irrowyne,
Air, Dumbartan, and vtheris salhappin to half ado for outredding of ane
schip and bark, ather for occasion of piracy presentlie commifctit or to be
committit, the saidis haill burrowis oblei&sis thame to releve the saidis
west burrowis, or ony ane of thame outredding of the said schip [and] bark,
of sic sovmes as they salhappin to deburs to thatt effectt, provyding the
samyn exceid nocht the sovmes aduancitt to the outred of the said Alane
Lcntroun and his bark, and provyding thatt the saidis west burrowis
CanvmiicM of Royal Burghs.
243
accord with the maisteris of the Bchippis quhilk they sail outred, vpoun
the same conditionis conuenit upoun with Alane Lentroun ; and the saidis
haill burrowis faythfullie obleissis thame heirto, and ar content that
executoriallis and vtheris letteris pas heirvpoun in forme as efferis, etc,
proTtiittendo deToto, etc.
The same day, the haill commissioneris of buiTowis abouewrittin con-
cludis and desolnis this thair present conventioun, and appoyntis thair
nixt generall conuentioun to be haldin at Edinburgh vpoun the penult
day of October nixtt, and the said burgh to direct missives to the haill
burrowis for waiming of thame to send thair commissioneris fullie in-
structed vpoun the speciall beidis continewit thairto, or that sal-
happin in the menetjrme to intervene, vnder the paynis contenit
in the actis, to be vplifted of the nocht comperand, and incais of non
aduerteissar, of the said burgh summondar.
Thomas Aikinheid
Wm. Huchesoun with my hand
led be the notar vndevwrittin
at my command. I. Guthre.
Robert Anderson.
lames Adamsone.
Andro Ker.
WilHame Broun.
Dauid Craufl^ird,
Ihon Lyndsay.
Willam Cunyngam.
Mr Dauid Russell
Hew Broun.
Welzom Cunninhem.
lohane Lumisdane.
Mr Alexr. Kellie.
I. Andersone.
RHay.
Robert Lychtoun.
I. Guthre.
William Bowsy.
Robert Foster.
Robert Dalzell.
lohn Bryce.
Maister Vm. Houstoun.
Robert Cusney.
Thomas Henderson.
Rot Hay.
George Durie.
lohnne Corsaw.
Mr Thomas Ogilwy.
Dauid Clark.
An. Vilsoun, 1687.
Robertt Livingstoun.
lohnn Howstoun.
Robart Pattoune.
George Sute.
Thomas Hay.
lasper Cunning.
Robert Kyd.
Alexr. Scrymgeour.
Edinburgh.
244 Convention of Royal Burghs.
In the Conimdvmn and Generall Assemblie of Burroiois
hey an and haldin at the burch of Edinburgh vpone the
penult (hxy of Oetoher the zeir of God /*" V"" fourscoir
sevin zeiris^ Comperit the commissio'neris of Burrowis
vnderwrittin and produdt thair commissionis^ pairtlie
vnder the sdllis of thair saidts hurghisy and vtheris
vnder the suhscriptianis of the magistroMis andcoramoun
clerkis thairof off the quhUkis burrowis and thair
commissioneris the names follovris.
For the burgh off Edinburgh, lohne Amot, prouest, lohne Iohnestx)un,
ane of the"*counsall, Robert Ker, ane of the baillies, Eduard Galbiuith
skynner, and Alexander ( >isteane of the counsall ; for Dundie, William
Duncan, baillie ; for Striveling, William Norvell, and Walter Cowane ; for
Abirdene, Alexander Forbes ; for Air, Dauid Craufurde, and George
Cochrane ; for Lynlytht^w, Andro Ker ; for Irwing, Hew Broun ; for
Glasgow, Robert Rowat, and lohne Lyndesay ; for Drumfreis, lohne Mer-
schell ; for Hadingtoun, lohne Wilkie ; for Sanctandi'ois, iJuncan Balfour,
and Dauid Watsone, dene of jj^ild ; for Cowpar, lames Petirsone ; for
Craill, William Bowsie ; for Montrois, Robert Lichtoun ; for Breichene
George Arrott ; for Dumfermling, lohne Bosuell ; for Elgyn, lames
Guthrie ; for Dumbartane, lohne Hardrig ; for ledburghe, Thomas
Hendersono ; for Dunbar, Maister Alexander Kellie; for Lawd^r, lames
Lawder ; for Wigtoun, lohne Edzcar ; for Innerkething, George J>ury ;
for Forfair, W^illiam Thomsone ; for Kirkcaldy, Robert Hay, baillie ; for
Dysert, lames Halkquet ; for AbirbrotlK»k, lohne Haillis ; for Selkirk,
Gawin Wilkie ; Pettinveme, Thomsus Kenzow ; for Brunteland, lohne
Clapen, provest, Maister Andro Vilsone, clerk ; for Kingome, Williame
Cuninghame ; for Northbervik, How Baillie, Robert Olipher ; for An-
struder, William Blak ; Forres be commissioun ; Banff be commissioun ;
Kirkcudbrycht be ane missive.
Conveiitwn of Royal Burghs. 245
The sayran day, the commissioneris foirsaidis according to the ordour EiecUomodera-
and actis of buiTowis, electis and nominatis lohne Arnot prouest of the ^^'
burch of Edinburgh in Modeiutour during this present conuentioun.
The samyn day, for keping of gude ordour and convening in dew tyme Actforconven-
for bettir dispesche vpone sic materis as thai haue presentlie to intreit, it tyme.
is statute and ovdanit that euerie commissioner induring this pi-esent
conuentioun, daylie, befoir none and efter, convene at the place and hour
appointit be the said modeiutour, ilk jiersone vnder the pane of vjs. viijd.,
sa oft as he failziea
Vltimo Octobris 1587.
The qukilk day, the commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Vniawing bur-
Dundie, Air, Lynlythqw, Irwing, Glasgow, Hadingtoun, Dunbar, Lawder, ^^rand^the
Breichen, Montros, Selkirk, Dunfermline, Abirbrothok, Kirkcaldy, North- ^^^ <^y <>^ ^^®
bervik, Dunbartan, Wigtoun, ledburghe, Pettinveme, and Brunteland,
iindis conforme to the actis and statutis of burrowis maid anent conven-
ing vpon the first day of the conventioun and generall assemblie, that the
burrowis of Perthe, Rothesay, Renfrew, Ruthuglen, Quhithome, Lanerk,
Peiblis, Drumfreis, Craill, Innemes, Sanctandrois, Cowpar, Culane, Thayne,
and Dysert, in respect of thair nocht comperance the said first day and
presenting be thair commissionaris of thair commissionis respectiue, that
thay and euerie ane of thame hes incurrit the pane and vnlaw of tuentie
pundis, and this in respect of thair lauchfiill citatioun and warning as
wes sufficientlie verefeit be writ be Andro Mekill seniitour to the generall
collectour of burrowis.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis for ansuering to the first Commfasiomi
heid of the missiuo direct to thame be the said bui-ch of Edinburgh at rowis to sett
command of the commissioneris of burrowis conveiiit at the burgh of ^^||°^®,/*jj*
Dundie in lulij last and actis maid thairat, and at the burch of Cowpar ^^^^^ "^ *^«
the zeir preceding, for setting doun of ane taxt roll contening quhat wynis.
euerie burgbe sail, induring the tyme of thair tak of the Kingis Maiesties
customes vpone the inlaik of the same and threttie tunnis wyne to be
payitt zeiriie to his Hienes thairfore, pay of euerie hundreth pundis quhen-
soeuir ony taxatioun suld occur be the inlaik of the saidis customes to
246 Convention of Royal Burghs.
be impoisit vpone thame, hes electit and nominat the commifisioneriB ot
the burghe of Edinburgh, Dundie, Glasgow, Lynlythqw, Hadingtoun and
Breichene to set doun the said roll vpone euerie particular burghe as said
is, conforme to the tennour of the act maid thairanent at the said burghe
of Cowpar the thrid day of Maij 1586 zeris, to quhome thay for thame-
selffis, and as hawand speciall commissioun of the haUl remanent burrowis
of this realme, gevis full powar and commissioun to that effect, promis-
ing ferme and stabill etc., but preiudice alwyis of the generall taxt roll to
be alterit at this present conuentioun befoir the dissolving thairof. The
commissioneris of the quhilkis burrowis viz. for Edinburghe, Ihone
Ihonestoun, and Eduard Galbraith, for Dundie, William Duncan, for
Glasgow, Robert Rowat, for Lynlythqw, Andro Ker, for Hadingtoun,
lohne Wilkie, and for Breichene, Greorge Arrott, acceptitt in and vpone
thame the setting and forming of the said roll, and to that effect gaue
thair aithis conforme to the tennour of the said act at Cowpar, according
to thair knawlege and conscience to do the samyn, and hes appointit twa
houris eftir none to convene for ending thairof. In the menetyme willis
that the remanent commissioneris of burrowis convenit be hering the
comptis of the custumaris of this realme, to quhome thay giff full powar
to that effect; as alsua to heir the comptis of Martene Dischingtoun
sumtyme custumar of the burch of Pettinveme comptrollit be Thomas
Kenzow, baillie, and comptrollar thairof, as wes assignit to thame hi/nc
inde at this conventioun to haue comperit to that effect, promising ferme
and stabill etc.
Taxt Roll, in- The forme and maner of ane Taxt Eoll set be the burrowis befoir
Jj^j^^™^"* mentionat, quhat euerie burghe of this realme suld pay of euerie
hundreth pundis of all taxationis to be imposit vpone thame
induring ane zeir to cum alanerlie, of the Kingis Maiesties
customes, vpone the inlaik thairof and threttie tunnis of wyne to
be payit be thame zeirlie to his Hienes thairfore as foUowis : —
Edinburch, xxxviij li. ijs. viijd. Peiblis, vj a
Dundie, ix IL x s. viij d Abirbrothok, ij a viij d.
Perthe, vij li. xij s. Dunbar, x s.
Abirdene, vij li. iiij s. ledburgh, x s.
Air, 1 a iiij d. Wigtoun, iiij a
Convention of Royal BurgJis.
247
Glasgow, liij b. iiij A
Sanctandrois, Ivj s.
Stiiveling, xxvj s. viij A
Dysert, iij li. iiij s.
Kirkcaldie, 1 a
Pettinveme, xl a.
Craill, xxxij s.
Anstnider be eist the
bume, xlviij s.
Cowpar, xvj a
Montrois, xls.
Innernes, xxxvj s.
Elgyn, xxxij s.
Brunteland, xxx b.
Drumfreis, xxxij s.
Lynlithgow, x s.
Hadingtoun, xiiij a
Selkirk, iiij a
Lanerk, vs. iiij d.
Siunma of this Roll is j^. ij li..
Dunbartane, xvj a
Kirkcudbrycht, xb,
Irving, xij a
Dumfermling, v s. iiij A
Innerkething, vj a
Kingome, xx s.
Banff, xiij a iiij A
Forfair, xvj A
Breichen, xij s.
Forres, iiij a
Eanfrow, ij s. viij A
Quhithome, iij a
Bothesay, va
Northbervik, xij d.
Lawder, xvj A
Name, viij A
Thayne, xvj A
Culane, iij s. iiij A
Ruthuglen, x\j A
and this ij IL for ingathering thairof.
The quhilk day, in presence of the commissioneris abouewrittin, com- ProteBtatioun,
pent Dauid Crawfurde, commissioner for Air, and protested thatt forsa-
mekill as at the last generall conuentioun of buiTowis haldin att Cowper
it was concludit thatt gif new tak war tano of the customes thair suld be
ane taxtt roll sett be the burrowis for payment of the inlaik thairof and
thretty tunnis to be payitt zeirlie to [the] Kingis Grace thairfoir, for
making of the quhilk roll and taxtt thair was certan burrowis specialie
nominatt to thatt effect, of the quhilk the said burgh of Air was ane, as
burgh maist expertt of the burrowis trafficque in the west pairtis, as alsua
in the last conuentioun haldin at Dondy the said tovne was lykewyis
provyditt to the doun setting of the roll foirsaiA and now to the same
effect being specialie cum to this presentt conuentioun, protested in respect
of the alteratioun of the ordour concludit in baith the saidis former
conuentionis in placing of commissioneris of particular burghis, vnexpertt
of estaitt and trafficque of the burrowis in the west pairtis, and displacing
248 Convention of Royal Burghs.
of the commissioner of Air foirsaid, quha offerit him selff rady befoir
the setting doun of the said Boll or performing thairof, thatt the
setting thairof preceditt thaiiintill suld be null and of na effect, and that
the said burgh be sim])liciter exemit thairfra and of all executioun
mycht follow thairupoun in respect of the premissis.
Oommissioun The quhilk day, comperit Olipher Peiblis burges of Perthe and pro-
o e re usitt ^^^j^ ^^^^ commissioun direct frome the counsall thairof desyring him to
be admittit as commissioner thairfore, quhilk they i-efusit to admit insafar
as the samyn is onlie direct be the counsal of the said burch without
consent of the provest and baillies of the samyn, quhairfore they &nd the
said burghe as of befoir, nochtwithstanding the compeirance of the said
Olipher and productioun of the said pretendit commissioun, to be wnlawit
in the said sowme of tuentie pundis ; quhairvnto the said Olipher
disassentit, and wpone the productioun of the said commissioun and thair
refusall of the admissioun thairof askit instrumentis, and thairefter
ressauit the same wp again with thair ansuer thairto on the bak of the
samyn.
Cowpftr, Dy- ITie samyn day, findis that the burghis of Cowpar and Dysert, nocht-
rioneiS°*™*^ withstanding the productioun be thair commissioneris of thair commis-
sionis, that the acceptatioun thairof sail nocht preiuge the haill burrowis
of the saidis twa particular burghis vnlawis, incais the commissioneris
thairof pleis to remane and keip this present conventioun ; and siclyk
toward Forfair.
Primo Nouembris, 1587.
mi88?oiv»ri8°of '^^ quhilk day, compeirit lames Guthrie commissioner for the burghe of
burrowis com- Elgyn, Williamc Norvell commissioner for the burghe of Striveling, lohne
ce^ittTutT Merschell commissioner for the burghe of Drumfreis, Dauid Watsone com-
SiiSp^LildB. iiiissioner for the citie of Sanctandrois, William Bowsie commissioner for
the burch of Craill, and Alexander Forbes commissioner of the burghe of
Abirdene, with the commissionis of thair burghis respectiue foirsaidis,
quhilkis the remanent commissioneris of burrowis ordanes to be ressauit,
but preiudice of the wnlawis incurrit be thame for thair nocht compeirance
the first day to this present conuentioun.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 249
Secundo Nouembris, 1587.
The quhilk day, the maist pairt of the buirowis presentlie convenit, ^^SaS"*"
efter lang ressoning vpoun ane ansuer to be gewin to the propositioun l^^v^f*'
and desyir of. the richt honorabill the Justice Clerk and Sir Robert Meiuiie.
Mehiill direct frome the Kingis Maiestie, for lending to his Hienes of ane
certane sowme of money for furnisment and outtredding of ane new
Imbassadour to Denmark, in respect they came nocht instructit nor had
commissioun of thair burrowis to that effect, disassentit thairto.
The quhilk day, because, the haill number of the burrowis presentlie p^^tloim *
convenit ar chairget to pass doun to the Kingis Maiestie for gewing of s2^]^bS?^^
thair particular ansueris toward the propositioun of the saidis Justice MeiuOi and
Clerk and Sir Robert Meluill, Findis that induring thair absence that ane to heir oomptis.
of the commissioneris of the burch of Edinburgh, Striveling, Glasqow,
Air, Sanctandrois, togidder with William Makartnay, agent, and Andro
Mekle, seruand to the generall coUectour, sail convene in the Nethir
Counsalhous of this burch be xj houiis befoir none and remane quhill ewin
thairin vpone the hering of sic custu maris comptis as ar heir presentlie to
mak the samyn, Quha, according to thair directioun, hard the comptis of
Striveling, Air, Sanctandrois, Dysert, Pettinveme, and Dundie.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis having woittit quhidder SlT^I*^™'
of the sowmes of fywe thowsand, sex thowsand markis, or fywe thowsand m^rkia.
pundis suld be grantit to be lent to the Kingis Majestic for furnisment of
liis said Imbassadour to Denmark, the haill grantis to the lending of sex
thowsand markis to that effect, vpone sic securitie as salbe devysit, nawyis
exceding the same ; and hcii-to, or to the lending of ony vther sowmes of
money. Hew Broun commissioner for the burch of Air, disassented.
The samyn day, Alexander Young, familiar seruand to the Kingis ^^^^' ^**"
Majestic, presentit ane writing sent be Maister James Meluill, minister at
Pettinveme, desyring thairby that Mertyne Dischingtoun and Thpmas
Kenzow, induellaris thair, be thair aduises vpone sic differences as wes
betwix thame suld be reconseillit ; quha to that effect willit the commis-
sioneris of the burrowis of Kirkcaldy, Sanctandrowis, Craill, and Brunt-
eland, to confer with the saidis pairties, and thair myndis thairanent the
mornc to repoirt.
2 T
250 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Tertio Nouembris 1587.
SSSoJm.^^ The quhilk day, the saidis Mertene Dischingtoun and Thomas Kenzow
Bubmittit thame voluntarlie of thair awin consentis to the decisioun of the
burrowis foirsaidis anent sic differences as hes resultit vpone the making
and comptrolment of the said Mertenis comptis and vtherwayis ; and the
saidis haill burrowis siclyk remittit for thair pairtis thair actioun thairin
to the decisioun and conclusioun of the saidis burrowis nominat to that
effect, promising ferme and stabill, etc.
CoMenting to The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis for the gude zeill and affec-
the KinK for tioun they bcir to the Eingis Maiestie and furthsetting of his Hienes efiairis,
embi^adour'** and houppiug thair requeist for relieff of the nychtbowris of Sanct
to Denmark. lohnestoun furth of waird, as alsua that the commoun weilfair previlegis
and liberties of burrowis salbe the rather be his Hienes mantenit, aggries .
to the lenning of four thowsand pundis to his Grace for fumisment of ane
Imbassadour to Denmark, nawyis exceding the foure, and for making
to his Hienes of ane offer thairbf, gewis full power and commissioun to the
prouest of the burch of Edinburgh, the commissioneris of the burrowis of
Striveling, Air, and Lynlythqw, and quhat thay do thairanent promissis
to hald ferme and stabill, etc.
Enrolling An- fhc samyii day, compeirit William Blak commissioner for the towne of
the bum in ane Anstruder be eist the bume, and desyrit the same, — according to the ercyc-
® ^"^ tioun thairof in ane frie burghe refill vnder the Kingis Maiesties Qreit
Seill, and approbatioun maid thairanent be his Hienes and thrie Estaittis
of this realme in the twa last parliaments haldin at Lynlythqw and Edin-
burgh respectiue, — that the samyn, conforme to the tennour of the saidis
erectioun and actis of parliament, suld be inrollit amangis the remanent
frie burrowis of this realme, to beir sic portabill chairges with thame in
all tyme cuming as to thair habilitie and powar thay mycht, as at lenthe
is contenit in thair supplicatioun gewin in thairanent, Quhairwith the
saidis commissioneris being ryplie auisit, the commoun weilfair of thair
estait Weill foirsene, and the richtis foirsaidis of the said toun of Anstruder
deulie and exactlie considerit, all in ane voce (the toun of Craill onlie ex-
cept) ordanes the said toun of Anstruder to be inrollit be thair clerk
Convention of Royal Burghs. 251
amangis the remanent of thair number of frie burrowis eonforme to the
erectioun thairof and actis of parliament proeeding thairupone, lyk as thay
causit him inroll the samyn, vpone the conditionis mentionat in the said
burghis supplicatioun, and prouyding that, incaLs the said burch of Craill
prevail! aganes thame in the actioun of thair liberties depending befoir
the Lordis of oure Souerane Lordis Sessioun, that this thair enrolment be
null, now as than and than as now, quhairwpone the said William Blak qJ^l****^
commissioner for the said burch of Anstruder askit instrumentis. And
the said William Bowsie, commissioner for the said burch of Craill, pro-
testit that this the said toun of Anstruder is inrolling amangis the remanent
frie burrowis suld nawyis preiuge the said townis actionis depending befoir
the Lordis agane thame, nor thair liberties questionabill thairanent
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis efter lang resonyng vpoun Anguor bur-
the ansuer geving to thatt heid of the missive direct to thame concerning commisaion-
the rembursing to the burgh of Edinburgh off twa thousand merkis aduan- b—^'^rf
cit be the magistratis of the said burgh for outredding of Androw Lambis Setouniflij™
schip in Leith to the transporting of the vmquhill Lord Seytoun as embas-
sadour to the Kingis Maicstie to the pairtis of France, as is at lenth
contenit in the actis maid thairanent, the haill disassentis to the agane
paying thairof, in respect of thatt clause of the principall act bering quhow
sone the said vmquhill Lord obtenit the customes of France than extra-
ordinarly vplifted of the haill merchantis resorting thairto dischargitt, and
ane discharge delyuerit to thame thairvpoun, he suld half in thatt cais
had the said sovme and na vtherwyis ; and in respect the said discharge
was nochtt reportitt nor obtenit, and sua thatt clause of the said
act nawyis fulfillit, they culd nocht as is aboue expremit consent to the
rembursing of the said sovme to the said burgh of Edinburgh as said is.
The samyn day, etc., disassentis to the rembursing to the said burgh Ansuer to
of twa thowsand pundis aduancit be the magistratis thairof to the outred i^SS^^onr
of the last cmbassadour to Denmark, and thatt becaus they knew na *<> Denmark,
thing thairof naither gaif thair consentis thairto.
The sarajrn day, vnderstanding the sovme of ane thowsand pundis J^*^ ^m^'
aduancitt be the magistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh in thair names to
my Lord Comptroller the tyme of the last taking of the Kingis Majesties
customes of this realme to thair behufe, as zitt nocht to be agane payitt
252 Convention of Royal Burghs.
to thame, quhairby the interes to be payitt thairfoir lynnis onsatefeitt
alsweill be payment of the principall as interes, etc., consentis to the
continwance of the said interes, and thatt the samjm in the extent to be
raisitt of the haill burrowis vpon the inlaik of the saidis customes and
payment of thretty tunnis wyne be includitt and adionit thairto.
Commiasion to The samyn day, etc., respecting the greitt lois sustenit be the burghis
is to alter the decFCst in substancc be the nochtt altering of thair generall taxtt roll sein
taxttroUis. ^^ j^^ altcratioun and tyme prescryuet thairto att the burgh of Air, as
the same and actis maid thairanentt proportis, and thatt be commoun con-
sent att the last generall assemblie of burrowis att Dondy in lulij last
the samyn was continewitt to this presentt generall assembly for remeid
thairto ; And to the alteratioun of the said generall taxtt roll hes electitt
and nominatt the commissioner of the burgh of Edinburgh, viz. Henry
Charteris, for Dondy William Duncan, for Abirdene Alexander Forbes,
for Air Dauid Crawfurde, for Glasqu Robertt [Rowat,] for Dunfreis
Ihonn Merschell, for Hadingtoun Ihonn Wilky, for Cowpar lames Peter-
son, and for Kirkcaldy Robertt Hay ; Quhilkis personis commissioneris
foirsaids accepted in and vpoun thame the alteratioun and reformatioun
of the said taxtt rollis maid att Air as said is, and hes maid faith lelelie
and trewlie to alter and reforme the samyn butt feid or favour conforme
to thair knawlege and consciences. And efter lang resoning thairupoun,
the habilitie and presentt inhibilitie of the saidis burrowis dewlie and
diligently considerit, having as said is God and gude conscience befoir [ee],
and nathar feid nor favour respectitt, altogether, butt discrepance or
diuision, hes reformit and reformis the said taxtt roll, as the roll particular
efter writtin vpoun ilk burgh in speciall of the sovme of ane hundreth
pundis to be tane and collected of the haill burrowis proportis ; and this
reformatioun to stand and continew for the space of thre zeris nixt
heirefter following, and ay and quhill the samjm be of new reformit be
generall consent as said is, be sic commissioneris as salhappin to be
appoyntitt to thatt effectt, vpoun lawfull premonition to be maid to the
haill burrowis thairanentt. And the saidis commissioneris, reformaris and
alteraris of the said taxtt rollis, be commoun consent of the remanent
commissioneris of burrowis presentlie conuenit, for collectioun of ilk
hundreth U. of the taxtt roll foirsaid hes assignit and assignis the sovme
Convention of Royal Burghs.
253
of tlire li. twa penneis ; and quhatsumever taxatioun salbe heirefter, in-
dunng the space aboue expremit, lifted or ordanit to be collected of the
haill burrowis of this realme, the samyn to be stented be the magistratis
of the said burgh of Edinburgh presentt and to cum conforme to the said
roll presentlie reformitt, and na vtherwyis ; and thatt oure Souerane
Lordis letteris of homing be direct vpoun the said new taxtt roll as was
ener at ony tyme heii-tofoir vpoun the auld taxtt roUis.
FoUowis the maner and forme of the alteratioun of the Generall Taxtt
Roll of burrowis alteritt and reformit at the burgh of Edinburgh the
day aboue wiittin be the commissioneris of burrowis appoynted
thairto, and of the sovme of ane hundreth pundis to be collected of
the haill burrowis of this realme, etc.
The generall Taxt Roll of an
hundreth li. :
Edinburgh with Kingorn
and
1 8. Selkirk, xij s.
Inncrkething, xxix li. :
KV 8.
1 9. Peibles, xvj s.
quharof Inncrkething
sax
20. Hadingtoun, xxxviijs.
schillingis, and Kingorn
four-
21. Northbervik, vs.
tene schillings.
22. Dumbar, xs.
4. Striveling, xls.
23. Lawder, vj s. viij d.
5. Linlithqu, xxs *
24. Dunfreis, xxxv s.
6. Rothesay, viij s.
25. Abirdene, ix li iij s. iiij d.
7. Dumbaitan, xx s.
26. Dondie, xli. xvs.
8. Renfrow, xviij a
27. Perth, vj li.
9. Ruthuglen, vj s. viij d.
28. Banff, xij s.
1 0. Air, xliij s. iiij d.
29. Dumfermling, xvj s.
1 1 . Irrowy^fie, xxiij s.
30. Craill, XX 8.
1 2. Glasqu, iij li. v s.
31. Forfar, ixs.
1 3. Kirkcudbrj^cht, xx s.
32. Breichen, xxviij s.
14. Wigtoun, xxs.
33. Montrois, xxxviij s.
15. Quhi thorn, xs.
34. Elgene, xxviij s.
1 6. Laneark, xviij s.
35. Innernes, xxx s.
17. ledburgh, xxiiij s.
36. Abirbrothok, xxs.
Alteratioun
taxt roll, last
att Air.
254
Convention of Royal Burghs.
ProteeUUo,"
Air, rollis, in-
laik ciiBtoines,
Bnmtiland, &o.
37. Sanctan(irois,ujli. xs.iiijd.
38. Cowpar, xxxij s.
39. Culane, \j s. x A
40. Forres, x s.
41. Name, v s.
42. Thayne, x s.
43. Dysartt, Is.
44. Kirkcaldy, xxvj s.
45. Pettinweme, xxiiijs.
46. Bruntiland, xij s.
47. Anstruther be eist
the bum xl s.
8v/mma totalis j° iij li. ij d.
and this iij li ij d. for ingathering
of the rest, etc.
The same day, Dauid Craufurde
commissioner for Air disassented to
the setting of the roll of the inlaik
of the customes, becaus thay, being
nominat at Cowpar to be ane of the
alteraris thairof, haifing oiferit him to
thatt effectt, was refusit, and befoir
the ending thairof protested for re-
meid ; lykeas, Maister Androw Wil-
soun for Bmntiland disassented lyk-
wyis thairto, becaus the samyn re-
sulted sen the enrolling of the said
burgh in an frie burgh, eta
Erectioun of
ane kirk and
minister in
Carapfer, and
ordour thair-
anent remittit
to ccrtan bur-
ro wis.
The samyn day, anentt the continwatioun to this presentt conuentioun
of ane ansueir to the desyir of certan merchantis of this realme, traffic-
quaris in the pairtis of Flanderis, for erectioun of ane Scottis kirk in the
tovne of Campfer in Zeland, and appoynting of ane minister to seme
thairin, the saidis coramissioneris, as was concluditt of befoir att the last
generall assemblie of burrowis haldin at Doiidy in lulij last, as zitt con-
discendis and concludis to the erectioun of the said Scottis kirk in Camp-
feir and appoynting of ane minister thairto, and thatt his intertinement
and sustenyng salbe vplifted zeirlie of the reddiest of the excyse of beir
and wyne granted be the said tovne of Campfer to the Scottis natioun
the tyme of the estaiblesching of the staipill thairin, sua thatt the samyn
salbe exchangitt fra the vse quhairto the samyn was and is presentlie
applyitt to the vse aboue expremit, and quhatt superplus or excrescence
beis thairof, the samyn to be furthcumand and return to the generall vse
of the estaitt of burrowis ; committing heirby fuU power and commis-
sioun for thame selues and remanentt haill burrowis of this realme to the
burrowis of Edinburgh, Dondie, Perth, and Striveling, to prescryve ane
manor forme and ordour of doing and performing thairof, and quhatsum-
ever thairanent itt salhappin thame to do, promesis to allow and ferme
and staibill to hald, etc.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 255
Tlie samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis vnderstanding thame Pl^ng of cus-
selues and thair burrowis in tymes bypast induring thair tak of the
Kingis Maiesties customes to have bene gretumlie preiugitt be the cus-
tomeris thairof in nochtt being sua dewlie and narowlie comptrollet of
thair comptis as neid requyritt, sua thatt greitt lois and inlaik hes ensewit
thairby, for remeid quhairof, findis gude thatt zeirlie in tymes cuming
induring thair present tak of the saidis customes the provest baillies and
counsall of burrowis quhairas the saidis customeris hes thair residence,
and vplifbis the customes quarterlie or ofter as they sail be chargitt or
requyritt be thame be auditouris thairto, to quhome they salbe haldin to
ansuer and mak compte quarterlie or ofter as said is vnder the payne of
deprivatioun of thair offices ; and for the mair sure comptrolment of the
saidis customeris of thair comptis, ordanis the saidis provest and baillies
and counsall to elect and nominatt ane sufficient deligent and qualefeitt
comptroller quha saU at all tymes attend with the customer in euery
burgh quhen and quhow oft occasioun sail requyre, for quhome they
salbe haldin to ansuer to the saidis burrowis for dew executioun of his
office ; As alsua thatt the act maid att the last generall assembly att Air
be obseruitt be the saidis customeris in maner and forme as the samyn is
sett doun conforme to the tennour thairof in all poyntis. And becaus
the tyme of the saidis customeris offices is expyritt vpoun the first of
October last, thairfoir, and for the better obseruance of thair ordour in
electioun, hes electitt and nominatt in all the burrowis castomeris to
seme thairin, quha for dew executioun of thair offices saJbe haldin, sa
mony as hes nochtt alrady gevin thair aythis, to geve the samyn to the
provest and baillies of thaii* burrowis thatt they sail diligently collect and
ingather the saidis customes, mak compte rekning and paymentt to the
personis appoynted to resave the samyn quhen and quhow oft they be
requyritt be thame to thatt effectt ; and the tjnne of thair office to
endure for the space of ane zeir fra the first of October last, as said is
alanerlie, viz., Robert Gourlay customer of Edinburgh continewit in his
office of customary to the first of October nixt in anno 1588; Dondy,
Maister Ihonn Lovell of befoir customer remittit to be continewit or ane
vther placitt in his rovme at the will of the provest baillies and counsall
of the said burgh, and gif itt pleis thame to have him displacit and ane
vther placit in his rovme, ordanis the custome seill to be delyueritt be the
256 Convention of Royal Burghs.
said Maister Ihonn to sic as salbe placit, and incais he refuse to delyiier
the same thatt letteris be raisitt and execute a^anis him confonne to the
tennour of thair tak ; Montrois, Robert lichtoun continewit in his office
of customary for the space abouewrittin ; Innemes, the customeris comptes
thairof being hard he to be displacit ; Banff, the customer thairoff dis-
chargitt ; Perth, Oliver Kar placit in customer quha gaif his aith, etc. ;
Abirbrothok, Dauid Peii*soun customer of auld continewit for ane zeir to
cum ; Sanctandrois, Dauid Watsoun customer of auld of new electitt to
the office thairof to the first of October nixtt, quha efber the geving of
his aith for dew executing of his office accepted in and vpoun him the
sarayn, with prouisioun he suld nocht att the making of his generall
compte be subiect to cum thair with himselff to Edinburgh, bott the send-
ing thairof dewlie subscryuit be the baillies and counsall of the said
burgh and himselff to be als valuabill as he had comperit and pro-
ducit the same in proper persoun, incais his laisure may nochtt seme
to thatt effect ; Craill, Ihonn Symsoun of new elected in customer
thairto ; Anstruther, Williame Symsoun, quhais aith they ordane the
baillies and counsiill thairof to resave, and him in the said office, vpoun
the conditionis abouementiouatt, to admitt vnto the first of October
nixtt; Pettinweme, Thomas Kingzow admitted in customer thairto for
the space and vpoun the conditionis foirsaidis, vnto the watter of Levin,
quha gaif his aith for dew administratioun thairof, and ordanis Alexander
Mertyne customer the last zeir to delyuer to him the custome seill, and
incais of refusall to rais and execute letteris of homing in dew forme as
etferis, etc. ; Cowpar, remitis the chesing and placing of ane customer
thairin to the provest baillies and counsall thairof, provyding the Lyon
Herald be nocht admittit thairto in respect of his slaknes in compte and
payment making the tyme he bruikit the office thairoff, quhome they
ordane conforme to delyuer to the saidis magistratis the custome seill to
be of new delyueritt to sic as salbe promouit in the said office be thame,
and vpoun refusall letteris as said is to rais and caus execute ; Dysartt,
Walter Scott of new electitt for the space and vpoun the conditionis foir-
saidis, quha, efter the acceptatioun thairof, gaif his aith for dew executing
of his office, etc. ; Kirkcaldy, Ihonn Hacquett continewit in his office for
the space and vpoun the conditionis aboue rehersitt, quhais aith they
ordane the magistratis of the said burgli to resave, and ane sufficient
Convention of Royal Burghs. 257
comptroller with him to place ; Kingom, the electioun and admissioun of
ane customer thairto for the space and vpoun the saidis conditionis
remittit to the baillies and counsall thairof, eta ; Bruntiland, remittis the
electioun and admissioun of ane customer vnto the first of October nixt
thairto vpoun the conditionis foirsaidis, provyding they admitt nane
thairin bott sic as salbe comburges thairof, and haif his actuall residence
thairin, and bering all portabill chargis with the remanent comburgessis
of the samyn, discharging all vtheris of ony forther exercing of the said
office within the boundis prescryuit thairto, and ordanis the last customer
thairof to delyuer to the saidis provest and baillies his custome seill, to
the effect they may delyuer the samyn to sic as salhappin thame to place
of new, and incais of refusall ordanis thame to rais and caus execute
letteris of horning conforme to the tennour of thair tak of the saidis cus-
tomes ; Innerkething, the electioun and admissioun of ane customer
thairin remittit to the baillies and counsall thairof vpoun the conditionis
and induring the space aboue expremit ; Culros, George Bruce customer
of auld of new electitt vnto the first of October nixt in customer thairto,
provyding quarterlie, and ofler as he salbe chargitt be baillies and coun-
sall of the burgh of Innerkething, he mak compte of his intromissioun
with the customes thairof, and the baillies and counsall of the said burgh
to place ane comptroller for quhais dew executioun of his office they
salbe haldin att the nixt generall assemblie to be ansuerabill for, etc. ;
Striveling, William Norowell of new elected in customer thairto, quha,
efter he gaif his aith for dew vsing the office thairof, accepted in and
vpoun him the samyn ; Dumbartan, Walter Watsoun of new admittit in
the office of customar thairto to the first of October nixt in anno 1588,
quhais aith they ordane the provest and baillies of the said burgh to
resave for dew executing of his office, and thatt he sail four tymes in the
zeir mak compte and rekning to the saidis provest and baillies, and ofter
as he salbe requyritt be thame, and they to place ane comptroller for
quhome they salbe haldin to be ansuerabill vpoun dew executing of his
office to the burrowis ; Air, Dauid Crawfurde of new electitt in customer
thairto for the space and vpoun the conditionis, quha, efter the geving of
his ayth for dew vsing of the office thairof, acceptit in and vpoun the
samyn for the said space ; Irrowyne, the electioun and admissioun of ane
customer thairto remittit to the provest baillies and counsall thairof, eta ;
2 K
258 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Diinfreis, the electioun and admissioun of ane customer thairto remittit
to the provest baillies and counsall thairof, dischargmg all vther
customeris of ony forther exereing of the said office, quhome they
ordane to delyuer to the saidis provest baillies and counsall his cus-
tome seill, to be gevin of new to sic as it salhappin thame to place
vnto the first of October nixt thairin^ and incais of refusall letteris of
homing aganis him to cans rais and execute, etc. ; Dumbar, Robert
Lawder continewit in the office of customary thairto, vnto the first of
October nixtt, -^dthin the boundis contenit in the gift of his first admis-
sioun, and becaus he is nochtt obeyitt thairin ordanis him to cause rais
and execute letteris of horning aganis the refusarls to pay thair customes,
and the expenssis to be debursit be him thairon salbe allowit to him in
his comptis, and the saidis baillies and counsall of the said burgh to
reuave his aith of new for dew executing of his office, and that he sail
four tymes in the zeir, and ofter as he salbe requyrit be thame, mak
compte and rekning to thame of his intromission thairwith, and for
obseruance of all vther conditionis prescryuit to him at his first admis-
sioun in the office thaiix)f ; Linlithqu, Patiik Sellar customer of auld con-
tinewit in his office thairof vnto the said first of October nixt vpoun the
conditionis befoir rehersit, quhais aith at the new acceptatioun of his
office ordanis the provest baillies and counsall of the said burgh to resave
in dew forme as efferis, etc. ; Achesonshawin, Mark Acheson customer of
auld continewit vnto the first of October nixt in the office thairof, to
quhome they ordane the provest and baillies of Edinburgh to adione ane
comptroller, his and the said comptrolleris aithis for dew executioun of
thair offices to resave, and for making of his comptis to thame four
tymes in the zeir to the saidis provest baillies and counsall, and ofter as
he salbe requyntt thairto be thame, etc. ; Hadingtoun, Ihon Carkettill
continewit vnto the first of Ocf-ober nixt in the office of customary thairto
vpoun the conditionis abouementionat, quha acceptit in and vpoun him
the samyn ; Wigtoun, the electioun and admissioun of ane customer
thairin remittit to the provest baillies and counsall thairof etc. ; Quhit-
hom, the electioun and admissioun of ane customer thairin remittit to
the provest baillies and counsall thairof, etc.
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Quarto Novembris 1587.
The quhilk day, the commiasioneris foirsaidis ratefeis and apprevis the Coiitiiniati<wi
act maid at Edinburgh vpoun the fourtt of August j™ v*' four scoir sax poiat for miJc-
zeris anentis the vplifting of the impoist mentionatt of all gudes tran-ge^to^^d
spoi-titt furth of this realme, for the making of my Lord Conseruatour and l^^J^ ^^^T"
Ihonn Gourlayis expenssis to Ingland and Flanderis for seking of redress
of the enormities committit be the subiectis of the saidis cuntries aganis
the merchant estaitt of this realme passing throw the narrow seais,
Quhairvnto the commissioneris of the burrowis of Air, Irrowyne, Dum-
bartan, Bruntilaud, and Anstruther disassented, becaus thay war nochtt
at the conclusioun and setting doun thairof, naither was the samyn con-
cludit in ane generall assemblie of burrowis ; and becaus the collectioun
of the said impoist hes bene negligentlie omittit in dyueris and sindry
burrowis of this realme, quhairby the samyn will nocht extend to sa
greitt ane sovme as the sovme of ane thowsand pundis and interes thair-
of will extend vnto, quhilk it behovis the magistratis of the burgh of
Edinburgh to sustene as souerties for the saidis burrowis to sic as the
samyn was borrowit the tyme abouewrittin, Thairfoir hes concluditt and
agreitt to the continuatioun of the vplifting of the said impoist in manner
as is sett doun on the said actt vnto the nixtt generall assembly of bur-
rowis, and thatt to thatt effect euery commissioner presentt aduerteis the
magistratis of thair burrowis to [see] the samyn dewlie coUectitt, and sic
as hes nocht comperitt be thair commissioneris to this presentt conuen-
tioun, quhairas the said dewtie suld be vplifted, to be aduerteist be the
agentt, or Androw Mekill seruitour to the generall collectour, to the effect
thatt in all pairtis quhairatt the said dewtie is ordanit to be vplifted the
magistratis thairof may to thair said nixt generall assembly send thair
commissioneris fuUie instructed with the vplifteris and collectouris of the
dewtie foirsaid to mak than iust compte rekning and payment thairof, as
alsua of the dewtie of auld ordanit inlykemaner vplifted in the pairtis and
in maner foirsaidis for making of Henry Nesbetis expenssis to Flanderis,
and thatt the magistratis of the burgh quhairin it salbe appoynted the
said nixt generall assembly to be haldin remember this presentt act in
260 Convention of Royal Burghs.
the missues particularlie to be direct to the haill burrowis of this realme
for obseruing and keping thairof.
^glwiri^uiier- "^^^ quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis continewis thair ansuer
tounia xij* geving to the petitioun of the magistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh,
nixt generaii cfaving rembuFsenient of the sovme of tuelf hundreth merkis aduancitt to
asaemblie. Adame Foullertoun, vnto thair nixtt generaii assemblie of burrowis, and
the samyn to be rememberitt in the missiues to be direct for keping
thairof.
Ansuer burro- "^^^ samyn day, Williame Fairlie baillie of Edinburgh and Thomas
wistothecoun, Aikinheid of the counsall thairof being direct thairfra to the commission-
bureh for ii™ eris prescntlie conuenit to sute of thame ansuer for rembjirsmentt of the
g^rkiB and ij» ^^^ thowsand markis debursitt be the saidis magistratis to the outred of
ane schip with the vmquhill Lord Seytoun to France, as aJsua of twa
thowsand pundis sensyne debursitt be thame to the outred of the last
embassadour to Denmark, — as of befoir the saidis commissioneris adheris
to the ansuer gevin zisterday to the commissioneris of the said burgh
thairanentt.
Guthre gener- The samyn daj', vnderstanding Ihonn Guthre, thair generaii dark, sen
penssiB to be the admissioun of him in the office thairof, to haif kepitall thair generaii
mg of general! assemblic of burrowis butt ony making be thame of his expenssis thairatt,
conventionis quhairto they ar be his said actt of admissioun subiect to the paying
lidmburgh, thairof, fyndis him thairfoir to be payitt of the sovme of thre scoir pundis
Dondy to vpiift °^oney of this realme for his keping of the saidis generaii conuentioun,
the vniawu, ^^^ ]^\q g^id admissioun vnto this presentt generaii assemblie exclasive,
and pay nun .
the same. and ordanis the magistratis of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Dondy, and
Perth to mak him dewlie and in dew tyme paymentt thairof off the first
and rediest of the vnlawis of the absentis att the last generaii conuen-
tioun at Dondy, and this presentt conuentioun, and to thatt effect to sie
the samyn vplifted but delay or fauouris vnder the payne of paymentt
thairof of thair awin expenssis, and that of the superplus of the samyn
they report compte rekning and paymentt to thair said nixtt generaii
assembly of burrowis; and the commissioneris of the said burgh[s] of Edin-
burgh and Dondy accepted in and vpoun thame the samyn, and gif neid
beis ordanis letteris and executoriallis of homing vpoun ane simple
charge of sax dayis wairning to pas heirvpoun in forme as efferis.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 261
The samyn day, vnderstanding Maisfcer Alexander Wedderburn, dark ^^^1^°''^^'^"
of the burgh of Dondy, to be vnrecompansitt for his paynis and travellis Dondy to be
tane in directing of missives to the burrowis of this realme for keping of Su-k thairof.
the last generall assemblie lialdin thairatt on luly last, and thatt thair-
foir, according to thair act maid at thair last generall assemblie haldin at
Cowper, the dark directar of the missives was ordanit to have payitt to
him ane vnlaw of tuenty [pundis] of the burrowis absentt thairfra, thair-
foir, and in consideratioun thairof, and of his vther paynis tane in form-
ing of dyueris vther wrj'tingis in thair effaires, hes assignit and assignis to
him the vnlaw of Abirbrothok, ordanit to be vplifted thairof in the
conuentioun of Dondy foirsaid, and incais of thair refusall thairof the act
maid thairanent at the said conuentioun to cause execute, and letteris
thairupoun to cause rais but fauouris.
The same day, efber lang resonyng vpoun thatt heid of the missive ^^^ ^m
di^-ect to thame concerning the debursment maid be the magistratis of to Aiane L©n-
the burgh of Dondy of the sovme of ane thowsand markis money of this
realme for outredding of Alane Lentroun with his schip for staying of
piratis in the pairtis mentionat in the indentour maid thairanentt, and
the said burgh of Dondies craving together with the interes payitt thair-
foir rembursment thairof, all in ane voce agreis thatt ane extentt of alevin
hundreth markis tuenty markis be raisitt and vplifted of the haill bur-
rowis of the samyn as for paymentt of the said principall sovme aduancitt
and lentt be the said burgh as said is, including the entres to be payitt
to the said burgh for the lane thairof vnto the feist of Witsonday nixtt
thairintill, and gif the samyn beis nochtt payitt betuix and the said feist •
of Witsonday to the said burgh thatt the interes to be payitt be thame
zeirlie thairfoir continew and rin on, and the saidis burrowis astricted in
payment of the samyn ay and quhill the said principall sovme be payitt
as said is. And becaus they vnderstand the said Alane Lentroun to
haif maid na compte of his procedingis as be his indentour foirsaid he wes
astricted thairto vnto the burrowis contractouris with him, thairfoir
gevis full power and commissioun to Williame Makartney thair agent,
vpoun thair expenssis, to persew the said Alane for performing of his
pairtt to thame of the said indentour ; and heirvpoun and vpoun the
delyuerance of the said indentour to the said agent the said commissioner
of Dondy askitt instrumentis, and to be extenttitt vpoun the haill bur-
262 Convention of Royal Burghs.
rowis, and the sovme foirsaid to be ingatherit brocht in agane the feist
of Witsonday nixt.
h^^^TOnren- Th® samjm day, the commissioneris foirsaidis voderstandiug be the
tioonis for ttire supplicatioun producit befoir thame be lames Guthre commissioner for
seiris,and thair * * '
presentt vniaw the burgh of Elgyne, in name of the provest baillies and counsall thairof,
"™' ® the greitt oppressioun committit be sindry lairdis and gentilmen circum-
adiacent, doing thatt may ly in thame, by all ordour of iustice, violentlie
to bereve thame of thair liberties and privilegeis and commounties men-
tionat thairintiU, for suting of redress qubairof it behovis the said burgh
to persew thame be ordour of iustice, and nochtt having quhairvy)Oun to
do the samyn in respect of thair greitt pouerty; Quhilk supplicatioun
being dewlie and exactlie considderit with be the saidis commissioneris,
hes thairfoir exemit and exemis the said burgh fra keiping of ony maner
of assemblies or conuentionis besouth the watter of Tey for the space of
thre zeris nixtocura alanerlie, provj'ding tlie foimamit burgh be thair
commissioneris be astricted to keip sic conuentionis as sail in the mene-
tyme intervene and be haldin in any burgh be north the said watter of
Tey, and be thair missive with the burgh ewest vndispensitt within induring
this thair exemptioun send the same authoresing all and quhatsumeuer
thingis beis entreittit att any conuentionis generall to be haldin be south
the said watter of Tey as said is ; and forther, for the respectis aboue
specefeitt hes remittit and remittis to the said burgh thair vnlaw of
tuenty li., incurrit be thame for nocht comperance and presenting of
thair commissioun vpoun the first day of this conuentioun conforme to
the actis maid thairanent, sua thatt heirby the said burgh of Elgyne
esteme the granting heirof to be as supplementt for thair pairtis conforme
to the commoun societie and actis of burrowis maid at Striveling thair-
anent.
Cufltomerifl The samyn day, finding the vplifbing of ony customes in Caithnes,
ohargitt? Sutherland, Stranaver, and boundis limitat to the customer sumtyme
thairof to be vnproffitabill, and that be the nochtt attendance compte
rekning and paymentt thairof they haue bene sen thair tak of the Kingis
Maiesties customes gretumlie preiugitt thairby, hes thairfoir, induring the
tak of the samyn, dischargitt and dischargis all maner of. customing thair-
att, sua thatt the customing of the guidis in vse of befoir to be customatt
in the saidis pairtis sail now induring thair said tak be customatt at the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 263
poirtis quhairto thairfra itt salhappin the samyn to arryve be the custom-
eris depute thairatt, quha salbe haldin to mak compte rekning and pay-
mentt thairfoir in maner and forme as thay ar astricted in thair actis of
admissioun, etc.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis gevis full power and com- to^Aiexwder
missioun to Alexander Forbes, commissioner for the burgh of Abirdene, Forbee com-
be the aduyce of the dene of gild thairof, to place in thair names as takis- the dene of gad
men of the Kingia Maiesties customes, and haifand be the tak thairof pJ^^^J^^.***
powar to that effect, ane customer to vplift the customes quhairever the eriflthaiiin.
samyn within' the boimdis prescryuit thairto hes bene in vse to be vplifted,
discharging all vtheris customeris of befoir of thair offices in that pairtt,
and with expres prouisioun thatt the provest now presentt nor his
deputtis be nawyis admitted in customeris thairto in respect of thair aige,
inhibilitie, evill payment of thair intromissiouns, and nocht obedience of
the saidis burrowis takismen in tymes bypast ; and for the mair sure
compte rekning and paymentt to be maid be the customer to be admitted,
hes found gude thatt efler his aith taikin and acceptatioun of his office he
sail sett doun sure cautioun acted within the burgh of Edinburgh for
zeirlie and quarterlie compte rekning and paymentt of sic sovmes itt sal-
happin him to intromett with vplift and tak induring his office, quhilk is
alanerlie to indure vnto the first of October nixtt in anno 1588. And
forther gevis thair full power and commissioun to the saidis commissioner
and dene of gild of Abirdene, the custome seill of the said burgh frome
the customer presentt to resave, to be delyueritt to sic as it salhappin
thame to inputt or place in the said office of customery, to be keipitt be
him induring the tyme thairof aboue expremit alanerlie, and incais of re-
fusall and nocht delyuerance efter dew requisitioun be the said commis-
sioner and dene of gild thairof, ordanis letters to be raisitt and execute but
fauouris aganis the refusar.
The samyn day^ the commissioneris foirsaidis in respect of thair nomber Guthre to eub-
gevis full power to Ihonn Guthre to subscryve the comptes in thair names S?;^TOmptifc
of the generall coUectour Robert Gourlay, promittendo de rato, etc.
The samyn day, etc., having dewlie considerit the complaynt gevin in GowSyciMto-
to thame be Ihonn Wilky commissioner for Hadingtoun aganis Robertt ^ <>' Edin-
Gourlay customer of Edinburgh, ordanis the said Robertt to resave the
coquetis direct from the said burgh vpoun sic gudes as it salhappin thame
boril^li*
264 Convention of Royal Burghs.
heirefter to bring to Leith dewlie customed and pakkitt, sua that they be
na farther troublitt be him as of befoir.
Diligence, Mr The quhilk day, Maister George Hacquett, conseruatour, for schawing
quettconserua- of his diligeijce done be him in the effaires of burro wis, being direct be
Gourlay °^ thame with Ihonn Gourlay in commissioun to the pairtes of Ingland and
Flanderis, for seking of ane discharge of ane certan edict raisit be the
Quene of Ingland and Estaitis of Flanderis for staying of Scotis schippis
passing throw the pace to France and vtheris pairttis thair bezond, ex-
hibitt and producit certan pecis and writtis exponing the contentis thair-
of att lenth, quhairof thair is ane letter patent of the libertie obtenit to
the merchantis of this realme frielie to pas thairthrow butt molestatioun
or impediment. Quhilk expeditioun, negotiatioun, and diligence was
thankfullie allowit and acceptit be the saidis burrowis, quha randeritt to
him greitt thankis thairfoir. And thairefter in thair audience he pro-
ponit vnto thame in name of the magistratis of the tovne of Campfer the
contentis of ane certan missive sentt vnto the magistratis of the burgh of
Edinburgh, declaring the brek of the contract sett doun be the burrowis
of this realme and thair commissioneris in thair names agreing thairto,
and the said tovne of Campfer, be transporting be dyueris and sindry
merchantis of thair saidis burrowis of thair gudes to vtheris poirttis in
Flanderis than the said tovne of Campfer, place destinatt as stapil to
thame, — quhairof the saidis commissioneris being nawyis acknawlegit fand
greitt faltt thairwith, and thairfoir for ratificatioun of the said contractt
the^bun-owifl^ ^^ Statute and ordanitt thatt thair said estapill in the pairtis of Flandeiis
CaSf^eH ®^^^ ^®' according to the setting thairof, att the said tovne of Campfer be
Flanderis. thair commissioneris foirsaidis as place appointed alanerlie thairto, and
ordanis the samyn to remane and be kepitt thairatt ay and quhill it be
vtherwyis concluditt and sett doun be generall consentt of the haill bur-
rowis of this realme. And to the effect thatt nane of thair nomber ather
in generall or particular sail pretend ignorance heirof, ordanis the com-
missioneris presentt to intimet this presentt act to the magistratis and
inhabitantis of thair particular burrowis, and thatt letteris of inhibitioun
be obtenitt and direct to the haill nomber of the estaitt of burrowis,
charging all traffecquaris within the pairtis of Flanderis to keip the said
tovne of Campfer as place appointed for thair estaipill, vnder the payne
of ane hundreth pundis Scottis sa oft as they sail be found doing in the
Conversion of Royal Burghs. 265
contrair. And to mak the tennour of this presentt actt mair notour to
the saidis magistratis of Campfer, ordanis Thonn Guthre thair generall
dark to subscryve ane missive to be direct with diligence thairto in thair
names, promittendo de rato, etc
Sexto Nouembris, 1587.
The quhilk day, Robertt Hay, baillie and commissioner for the burgh Protortation,
of Kirkcaldy, protested thatt the said burgh suld nochtt be astricted to Kirkcaldy con-
pay ony extentis for their pairttis to be impositt vpoun the burro wis be ^'i^lJSkof °^
the inlaik of the Kingis Maiesties customes, quhensoever occasioun thair- cuatome^
of suld be offeritt, vtherwys than according to the last generall taxtt roll
alterit att this burgh of Edinburgh, disassenting alluterlie to the sovme
quhairto they are sett of euery hundreth pundis be the roll presentlie sett
doun vpoun the inlaik of the saidis customes and wynis.
The samyn day, ordanis the letteris of horning purchessitt aganis the TodonunoetUo
customeris wairnit to haif comperitt to mak compte rekning and paymentt nocbt comper-
of thair bygane intromissioun with the Kingis Maiesties customes to this aSd vtSiris^hee
presentt conuention to be putt be thair generall coUectour to dew execu- nochtpayitt
tioun, viz,, Innemes, Abirdene, Culros, Bruntiland, Irrowyne, Dunfi-eis,
Kirkcudbrycht, Wigtoun, Quhithorn, Achesonshawin.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis allowis to the auditouris Auditouriscus-
of the comptes thatt ar to be gevin herefter be the customeris viz. to teafiee etcT^
Abirdene fyvetene IL, Dondy ten 11, and to Perth ten li, zeirlie gif they
convene particularly to that effectt ; and gif it salhappin the burgh of
Edinburgh to convene with thame in thair tovnis, to have the lyke allow-
ance, provyding gif the saidis comptes salhappin to be maid in presence
of the haill burrowis in their generall assemblie the saidis burrowis,
Edinburgh, Perth, and Dondie, to haif na allowance thereatt ; and thatt
at sic tymes as itt sallhappin thame to convene for hering of the saidis
comptes thatt thair said allowance be deducit of the first end of the
comptes of their saidis burrowis respectiue.
The samyn day, after lang rescuing vpoun the roll presentlie set doun EoU inlaik ou»-
vpoun the occasioun of the inlaik of the King's customes and wynis, — for ane xeir ai-
quhairas the samyn be the commissioneris appoynted thairto is ordanit ^"^'^^y-
2l
266 Convention of Royal Burghs.
to remane vnaltcrit during the tyme of thair tak of the customes, hes
concluditt the samyn to indure for the space of ane zeir next herefter
alanerlie.
Ordourofoon- The quhilk day, the commissioneris forsaidis hes statute and or-
remng. (Janitt thatt in all tymes cuming the burrowis nocht convenand the first
daj^ of thair generall assemblies, being lawfully citatt thereto, sail as of
befoir incur the payne and vnlaw of tuenty li., with prouision that gif
they compeir the second day and remane to the desoluing of the gene-
rall conventioun and subscryve their generall buke, in that cais they sail
alanerlie incur the vnlaw often li.
VnUwing bur- The samyn day, vnlawis the burrowis of Lawder, Jedburgh, and
Lftg^^^ve. Dysartt, euerilk ane of thame in ane vnlaw of tuenty li. for their desolu-
ing butt leve frome this presentt conuentioun and nocht subscryuing of
the actis concluditt thairatt.
KingoiT^ The samyn day, remitis vnto the burgh of Kingom thair vnlaw of
tuenty li. incurrit be thame for thair nocht comperance the first day, in
respect of the diuersitie than standai\d betuix the provest and combur-
gessis thairof, as alsua for the requeist of Ihonn Amott, provest of Edin-
burgh, declaring the samyn to be of veritie.
Bnrrowia The samyn day, the burrowis of Abirdene, Dunfreis, Craill, Sanctan-
hSf^tti*^. drois, Cowpar, ar adiugit in ane vnlaw of ten li. for thair nocht comperance
to this presentt conuention vpoun the first day thairof
Mackartnay, The samyn day, ordanis William Makartney, agent, to direct letteris
iSteris ▼poun vpoun the haill burrowis vnlawit at the burgh of Dondy, and this pre-
viUi^?iiS^o£ scTitt conuentioun, at the instance of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Dondy,
and Perth, and for paymentt to be maid thairof to the generall collectour,
and ordanis him to pay to Maister Alexander Guthre, dark of Edinburgh,
tuenty IL for his paynis in directing of the missives for keping be the
burrowis of this generall conuentioun.
^jn^g^j^ ^ The samyn day, assignis to Thomas Kingzow, baillie and customer of
« u. Pettinweme, the tuenty li. quhairin Mertyne Dischingtoun is adiugit be
the iugis arbitouris nominatt [be] the burrowis and thame, and this in
full satiffactioun of ane act maid to him be thame the tyme of the de-
pendance of the comptrolment of thair comptis, and letteris to be raisit
in name of the burrowis be the agentt, etc.
Northbervik. The samyn day, the commissioneris of burrowis consentis thatt the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 267
baillies and counsaJl of North Bervik sail intromett with samekill of the
vnfriemennis [guidis ?] as may concern thair pairtt be ordour of law, for
ane zeir to cum alanerlie.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes of new elected Electlo, Gour
Robert Gourlaw in generall coUectour to thame of the haill cnstomes, ex- ^neniL
tentes and vnlawis of burrowis, for the space of ane zeir to cum and for-
ther quhill he be dischargit be thame ; and assignis him zeirlie for his fie
fourty li., but forther allowance, and to Andrew Mekill his seruand,
zeirlie for his laubouris, tuenty pundis ; and ordanis the pro vest or ane
of the baillies of Edinburgh, together with thair generall agentt and coUec-
tour, Henry Charteris, or ony thrie or twa to heir the customers compte
vnresauit ; to the quhilkis auditouris they gif thair full power etc., pro-
mittendo de rato, etc.
The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes modefeitt for ilk tun- Modefeitt
nis price of the wyne furnesit to the Kingis Maiestie the zier by past, to P™^ wynte.
be payitt be the said generall coUectour to the awneris thairof
of the extent following at the ingetting thairof for ilk tun
ourheid, better and war, seven scoir U,, and thatt vpoun considdera-
tioun to be had of the saidis prices be the counsaU of Edinburgh con-
forme to thair prices sett doun thairanentt, and thair tikket thairvpoun to
be directitt to the said coUectour ; and assignis to the burgh of Dondy,
for paymentt of the wynis resauit frome thair merchantis, thair pairtt of
the extentt to be sett vpoun thame, Abirdene, Montrois, and Abirbro-
thok, and they to mak paymentt to thair nichtbouris pro rata, according
to the said burgh of Dondies prices ; provyding, incais the pairtis of the
saidis burrowis extentis exceid thair prices of the wynis awand to the
said burgh and merchantis thairof, thatt they salbe comptable and
ansueiuble to the said coUectour generaU of the saidis extentis.
The samyn [day], the commissioneris foirsaidis ordanis the burgh of getting extent
Edinburffh to sett ane extentt of thre thousand sax hundreth pundis !*J".ji* ^-^ .
o ^ inlaik wynifl.
vpoun the haiU burrowis of this realme for paymentt of the Kingis
Maiesties wynis the zeir bypast, to be coUectit of thame be thair said
coUectour generaU with all dUigence.
The quhilk day, the saidis commissioneris assignis to the burgh of Twa vnlawis
Abirbrothok ane vnlaw of tuenty li. for supporting of thair kirk wark, to be XSSrothok
payitt be the coUectour of the saidis vnlawis at his next comptes thaicof. *^d innerketh-
268 Convention of Royal Burghs.
And siclyke assignis to the burgh of Innerkething ane vther vnlaw of
tueoty li. quhairin the burgh of Dysartt is presentlie adiugit for desoluing
fra this presentt conuention but leve, and for support of the said burgh of
Innerkethingis dekayitt barbery.
Deeoiuing pre- The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis desoluis this thair conven-
ticwm and^ap^ tioun generall, and appoyntis the nixtt generall conventioun to be haldin
S^wl^fjSliu* att the burgh of Glasqu the second day of luly nixttocum in anno 1688
zeris ; and ordanis the commissioneris presentt of the said burgh to
aduerteis the magistrates thairof to direct in dew tyme their missives to the
haill burrowis of this reahne for keping be thame be thair commissioneris
fullie instructed of the said nextt conuentioun, with certificatioun to
thame and they failzie they salbe haldin to pay the vnlawis of the
burrowis that beis nocht be thame lawfully wairnit thairto.
Ihone Ihonstoun Alxr. Forbes
William Duncan Robert Lychtoun
Dauid Watson Ion. Bosuell
lames Peterson Mr Alexr. Kellie
William Bowsy Ihone Wilkie
H. Broun Ihone Halis
George Durie George Arott
lames Guthrie Welliam Cunningham
Gawin Wilkin Rot. Hay
Robert Olifeir Ihone Mairehell
Eduard Galbraith Thomas Eingzow
Walt. Cowane An. Wilaouns, Brunt^ disassent-
Glasqu, Robert Rowat. and to the roll of the inlaik
Ihonn Edzear be Ihonn Guthre customes
notar. Ihonn Hardrig for
Dumbartan etc
We the commissioneris of Ayr ratefeis the haill actis set doune in this
present conventioun, saive only the alteratioun of the roll tweiching the
inlaik of customis and impost, to the quhilkis we disassent in respect of
the heidis contenit and specifeit in dure protestationis.
George Cochrane
Dauid Craufurd.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 269
]n the Conventioun of Burrowis haldin at Edinburgh in the
moneth of Fehruar 1587 zeris, vpoun the saxtt^ sevint, Edinburgh.
auchtt^ nynt^ and ten^ and xij dayis thairof comperit
the Commissioneris of Burrowis vndenaritten :
Edinburgh, Ilionn Arnott, provest, and Edward Galbraith; Dondie,
Alexander Scrymgeour, Ihonn Finlasoun ) Perth, Oliver Peiblis ; Abirdene,
William Meinzeis ; Linlithqu, Charles Drummond, Andrew Ker ; Glasqu,
Robertt Boyde, Robert Chirnsyde ; Cowper, Thomas Williamsoun ;
Sanctandrois Dauid Watsoun ; Anstruther, Alexander Blak.
Apud Edinburgh die viij^ mensis Februarij 1687.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis vndersubscryvand, efter Direotioim to
lang resoning vpoun the contentis of ane missive presented to thame be new^SpSSi
the provest^of the burgh of Edinburgh in name of the magistratis thair-
of, and sentt to thame be the factouris in the tovne of Deip subscryvand
the samyn, quhairby itt was havelie raenit thatt they as doaris for the
estaitt of merchantis, together with sindrie of the said nomber being in the
said tovne of Deip for the tyme, had bene and zit ar gretumlie trublitt
and persewitt alsweill in Rowan, the tovne of Deip, as Newhawin in
France, for payment of sundry new impoistis quhilkis are now of laitt
risin and never of befoir war in vse to be payitt, and speciall ane crovne
of the sone of the tun, ten solz of ilk hundreth frankis, for all strangeris
geir sauld or trochitt thairatt, and thatt they ar nocht permittit to ressave
their saidis merchandise, or zitt the schippis lattin to depairtt thairwith,
befoir the samyn be payitt or otherwayis assured of paymentt, with ane
declaratioun gevin of the haill gudes arryving to thatt effect; quhilk
being oursene and sufferit to have place lykeas sundry vtheris of greitt
importance hes bene, and in speciall the xx solz of ilk d' of hydes, sax
frankis of ilk polk of woU, fyve solz for ilk hundreth skynnis, fyvetene
solz for ilk quhyte wob, and fourty fyv® solz for ilk hundi^eth cairsy.
.f
270 Convention of Royal Burghs.
by and attour sindry vther impoistis payitt in Rowan, Deip, and djrueris
pairtis of Bretaigne and vtheris pairttis in France, sail redound to the
greitt hurtt of the said estaitt of merchantis; and seing the samyn
mycht liaif bene remeditt and ar altogether oursene, the vplifting thair-
of being proffitabill and of befoir vnknawin is the occasioun of the greittar
baldness in continewing daylie to seek ma, pretending schortlie to have
ane solz forther of ilk frank of all fische, and this for laik of guid
ordour and defens in dew tyme; to the vplifting quhairof, the saidis
factouris at the requeist of sindrie merchantis as saidis, taking the burding
on thame for the remanent merchantis of this realme, vncertain alwyis
of the burrowis myndis thairin had to their poweris resisted, refusing
to pay ony of the foirnamit laitt impoistis, appeilling to the Previe
Counsall, quhill the samyn be decemit, and forther having send ane
honest man express to oure Souerane Lordis embassadour to thatt
effect, hes aduancitt greit sovmes of money in persute thairof quhilk as
zitt in thair opinionis behovis to continow quhill the saidis impoistis be
obtenit dischargitt, as at raair lenth is contenit' in the said missive sent
and subscryuit be the saidis factouris, as the samyn of the daitt at Deip,
the last of Nouember last, and presented to the magistratis of the said
burgh of Edinburgh vpoun the tweltt day of Januar last, proportis. For
suting of redres and discharge of the quhilkis new impoistis att the
handis of the King of France and Previe Counsall thairof, it is be the
saidis commissioneris of burrowis thochtt maist neidfuU acid expedientt
thatt, with oure Souerane Lordis letteris of recommendatioun vnto his
Hienes embassadour in France, my Lord Archbischop of Glasqu, thair
weilbelouit Henry Nesbett merchantt and burges of Edinburgh, ofttymes
of befoir employitt in the lyke adois as maist skilfuU and diligentt, be
sentt in commissioun to the said embassadour to the effect abouewrittin ;
for quhais paynis and travell to be tane in awating thairupoun it is con-
cludit statute and ordanit be the commissioneris of burrowis presentlie
conuenit, thatt the dewties presentlie consented to be thame, and particu-
larlie mentionatt in thair act of burrowis maid in the lyke cause at Edin-
burgh the auchtt day of Nouember 1582, sail, efter the expyring of the
vplifting of the samyn, continow to be vplifbed and tane in maner and
forme as is contenit in the said act ay and quhill the sovme of money to
be payitt to the said Henry for the caussis foirsaidis be rembursitt to the
burgh of Edinburgh presentt souerity thairfoir. Quhilk Henry Nesbett
Convention of Royal Burghs. 271
comperand personallie befoir the saidis commissioneris, at thair and Ihonn
Amott provest of the burgh of Edinburghis desyris, accepted in and vpoun
[him] the said commissioun, and promitted faythfullie to accompleis his
dewtie in the adois aboue expremit for the space of sevin oulkis efter his
any vail to Pareis in France, or quhair it stilhappin the said embassadour
to be, and thatt for the sovme of fyve hundreth pundis to be payitt to him
be the magistratis of the said burgh of Edinburgh betuix and the first
day of August j"^ v^ four scoir nyne zeris ; provyding incais he obtene
haistear dispesche nor the tyme prescrjndtt thatt he sail rebaitt propor-
tionally of the sovme abouewrittin efferand to the tyme he salbe schortned
thairin ; as alsua thatt efter the ische of the saidis sevin oulkis, incais the
saidis adois beis nochtt exped, he mayliaif allowit to him all and quhat-
sumever his necessar expenssis and resonabill chargis, alsweill in habulze-
mentis as vtherwyis it salhappin him to deburs during the space of his
remaning, and forther as occasion sail serue, sua being the samyn exceid
nocht the sovme of ane thousand frankis ; Lykewyis incais be the said
Henries laubour and sute he may nochtt in the said space of sevin oulkis
cum speid in the causes foirsaidLs, and that for the weilfair thairof itt be
neidfuU to him to mak langer residence in the pairtis foirsaidis, in thatt
cais the commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondy, and
Abirdene obleisses thame to se tlie said Henry iresonablie rewarditt for his
paynis, to quhais discretioun in this behalf he submittis him selff. And
becaus the magistratis of the said burgh of Edinburgh ar becumin and
becumis be thir presentis souerties and principall debtouris to the said
Henry Nesbett for paymentt to him of the said sovme of fyve hundreth
pundis att the day aboue expremit, thairfoir for thair releif of the samyn
in maner and forme as they are obleist to the said Henry, the commis-
sioneris of the burgh of Perth, Dondie, and Abirdene, for thame selues
and thair saidis burrowis, bindis and obleissis thame coniunctlie to relieve
in maner efter following the said burgh of Edinburgh thairof, viz., the
said burgh of Edinburgh acceptand in and vpoun thame of the said
sovme principall of fyve hundreth pundis, four hundreth tuenty five
markis ; the saidis commissioneris of Dondie obleist for ane hundreth and
thretty markis ; the commissioner of Perth for thre scoir fyve markis ;
and the saidis commissioneris of Abirdene for ane hundreth and thretty
markis, — and for forther proportionally incais the said Henry remane
ony langer nor the said space of seven oulkis vpoun prouision foirsaid.
272 Co7ivention of Royal Burghs.
And the remanent commissioneris of burrowis presentlie con venit, for thair
saidis burrowis and in name and behalff of the haill remanent burrowis
of this reaJme, becumis actit boundin and oblist to releve and keip
skaythles the saidis burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, and Aberdene,
of thair and the saidis haill burrowis pairtis of the said sowme at the
said day of payment thairof ; and ar content and consentis that letteris
of homing and vtheris charges neidfull be obtenit and execute aganis
the burrowis refuseand vpoun ane simple charge of thre dayis aUanerlie
to perforrae the premissis or ony poynt thairof. And in respect the
necessitie of this case is as zit vnknawin to the maist pairt of the number
of the saidis haill burrowis, quhairby without dew aduerteisment maid
to thame of the samin, some contradiction may aryse, thairfoir the saidis
commissioneris presentlie convenit hes ordanit the contentis off this pre-
sent act and ordinance to be summarlie contenit in the missives to be
direct be the magistrattis of Glasgow to the haill number of burrowis,
and thai thairby aduerteist to send thair commissioneris to the said burgh
to the next generale conventioun of burrowis to be haldin thairatt in
lulij next for fullie authoresing the setting doun and concluding heirof
in all contentis of the samin.
Glasgow to re- The samin day, ordanis the commissioneris of the burgh of Glasgow,
thaS misdves P^s^^^^li® convcnit, to remember in the missives to be direct be the
the burrowis to magistrattis thairoff to the haill burrowis that thai send thair commis-
to nominatt sioneris fullic instructitt to condiscend to the doun-setting of ane act,
u^oo^^de ^^^^ ^^ ^ tymes cuming, in materis concerning the weilfair of thair
at au tymee estait, ane certane of thair number be nominatt and condiscendit vpoun
necessar ypoun , *■
concluding, to haue fuU powcr and authoritie in name of the saidis haiU burrowis to
conclude and fullie determine vpoun the samin quhensoeuer occasioun
sail serue or thatt it salhappin ony of thair adois outwith generall con-
ventionis to intervene, and that the saidis haill burrowis be oblist be the
said act to be sett doun, but coutradictioun, to abyde at and fulfill all and
quhatsumevir actis lawis and constitutionis salbe be the said number to
be appoyntit heirefter maid or condiscendit vnto, alsweUl in setting of
taxt, ordaning of impostis to be vpliftit, or otherwayis vpoun ony vther
necessar occasiounis concerning the weilfair of thair estait.
Lettre of re- The samin day, ordanis ane lettre of recommendatioun in thair and the
tioun^to foe- ^^^' remanent burrowis of this realme to be maid and sent with Henrie
touria in Deip. Nesbet to the Bischeope of Glasgow, imbassadour for oure Souerane Lord
Convention of Royal Burghs. 273
in France, contening thairin atie requeist to further and credeit the said
Henrie in thair present adois, and to rander vnto his lordschip thairby
hartlie thankis for his gudewill alreddy schawin in thair effairis heirto-
foir. As alsua that ane wrytting in thair names be sent to the factouris
in Deip, declairing thair commissioun gevin to the said Henrie Nesbet to
tak ane vew of the comptis of the expenssis allegit deburait be thame in
the burrowis effairis, and for thair panis imployit to rander thame thankis,
with requeist to continew in thair gudewillis as thae wald wis thair
fauouris to be extendit to thame at the nixt generale conventioun at
Glasgow, vpoun the report to be maid be the said Henrie of the effect of
thair saidis debursmentis and travellis tane.
The samin day, the commissioneris foirsaidis vnderstanding thame and
the haiil burrowis of this realme to be grittumlie indomageit be the
extraordinar expenssis making vpoun letteris and executionis raisit and
execute aganis the burrowis refusand to pay thair customes, extentis, im-
postis, and vnlawis ; thairfoir that it be remember in the missives to be
sent be the burch of Glasgow to thair haill number that the commission-
eris to convene the nixt generale assemblie cum fullie instructit to the
making of ane act, that the burrowis quhilkis heirefter sail gif occasioun
to the making of ony expenssis in default of payment of the saidis
customes, extentis, impostis, and vnlawis sail be haldin nocht onlie to re-
found to the saidis burrowis the saidis expenssis, bot alsua ane vnlaw to
be modifeit be the commissioneris of burrowis to convene at the said nixt
generale conventioun at Glasgow.
Apud Edinburgh duodecimo die mensis Februarij 1587,
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis vndersubscryveand,
ordanis lohne Guthre, clark, in thair and the remanent burrowis names
of this realme to subscry ve the missives to be sent to the Kingis Maiesties
embassadour in France and factouris in Deip, and instructionis gevin to
Henrie Nesbet, thair commissioner to the saidis pairtLs of France, and
Willis and ordanis that the said Henrie to tak with him to the saidis
pairtis of France the haill writtis gevin be the Kingis of France in
2 M
274 Convention of Royal Burghs.
favouris of the merchandis of Scotland anent thair privelegeis quhilkis a
now in his awin handis.
I. Arnote, commissioner for R Chimsyd commissioner for
Edinburgh. Glasgw.
Eduerd Galbraith commysseoner Robertt Boyd for Glasgw.
for Edinburgh. Wm. Menzeis for Abirdene.
Oliuer Pebles commissenor of Henry Nisbett.
Perth.
Alex*" Scrymgeour.
In the Conventioun and Generall Assemhlie of Burromis
haldin and begun at the burgh of Glasqu vpoun the
Gifwqu. second day of lulij the zeir of God T^ P four scoir
auchtt zeris, Comperltt the Commissioneris of Burrowis
vnderwrittz7i, quhaproducit thair commissionis in maner
following^ etc.,
Edinburgh, Henry Nesbett, George Hereott, goldsmyth, and with thame
Roger Maknacht, and Williame Smaill, etc. ; Kingom, Andrew Broun,
dark ; Innerkething, George Dury ; Striveling, Walter Cowan ; Lin-
lithqu, Andrew Kar, dark ; Dumbartan, Peter Houstoun ; Renfrew, lohnn
Houstoun ; Air, Williame Knox ; Irrowyne, Hew Broun, dark, Thomas
Harvy ; Glasqu, lames Flemyng, Williame Cunynghame ; Quhithom,
Alexander Galbraith ; Laneark, Robertt Levingstoun ; ledburgh. Thomas
Henrisoun ; Peiblis, Alexander Williamesoun ; Hadingtoun, Thomas
Spottiswod ; North bervik, be ane missive appreving, presented be Hading-
toun ; Dumbar, Robertt Craig ; Lawder, Williame Hoppringill ; Dunfreis,
Roger Gordoun ; Abirdene, Alexander Cullane ; Dondie, Williame Dun-
can ; Perth, Robertt Anderson n ; Banff, be missive with Abirdene; Dum-
fermeling, Ihonn Boiswell ; Craill, Ihonn Bowsy ; Forfar, be missive
with Dondie ; Elgjme, be missive with Abirdene ; Abirbrothok, be missive
Conveiition of Royal Burghs. 275
with Dondie ; Sanctandrois, Dauid Watsoun ; Cowpar, lames Andersoun ;
Culane, be missive with Abirdene ; Dysartt, lames Hacquett ; Kirkcaldy,
Alexander Dalzell ; Pettinweme, Thomas Kingzow ; Bruntiland, Maister
Alexander Coustoun ; Anstruther be eist the burn, Ihonn Anstruther,
dark ; Kirkcudbrychtt, be missive presented be Robertt Hall thair ; Wig-
toun, be ane commissioun presented be Ihonn Ahannay provest.
Apud Glasqu die secundo mensis lulij 1588.
The quhilk day, in presence of the commissioneris abouewrittin, Ihonn ^"^^*«.^^<>
Bowsy commissioner for the burgh of Craill protested thatt the enrolling ther. '
and calling of Anstruther as ane fiie burgh suld nawyse be preiudiciall
to the said burgh anent thair liberties thairof nor actioun depending
tbairfoir befoir the Lordis of oure Souerane Lordis Sessioun in Edinburgh.
Tlie samyn day, lames Flemyng, principall in commissioun for the Fiemyng, Mo-
burgh of Glasqu, is elected in moderatour to the commissioneris conuenit ®'*'°^'
induring the tyme of thair conuentioun, conforme to the actis maid
thairanentt.
The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis for dew conuening of yJjJSg ** daiUe
thame daylie induring the said conuentioun, hes statute and ordanit induring ♦*»»
thatt ilk day of preching they sail conuene in the Over Tolbuith of the ^^^^ **^°'
said burgh be sax houris in the morning, and remane thairin to the gang-
ing to of the said preching, and efber none to conuene be twa houris
and sitt quhiU sax houris, and ilk vther day induring thair said conuen-
tioun to convene at the said place appointed be auchtt houris in the
morning and sitt quhill tuelff houris, and efter none, at twa houris and
to remane quhill sax houris, — ilk commissioner nochtt conuenand at the
saidis houris appointed daylie at the said place vnder the payne of sax
schillingis auchtt penneis sa oil as they failzie ; ratefeand and appre-
vand the act maid at the last generall assemblie in Edinburgh in
Nouember last in all poyntis, etc.
The samyn day, efter resoning vpoun the first heid of the missive sent Altering roik,
be the magistratis of the said burgh of Glasqu to the haill burrowis of mes contino-
this realme, willing thame to send thair commissioneris fullie instructed ^neraif wn***
to the alteratioun of the generall roll maid at the last generall assemblie ventioun.
276 Conventmi of Royal Burghs.
in Edinburgh, of the inlaik of the customes and thretty tunnis to be
payitt to the Kingis Maiestie for the sett and tak of the saidis customes,
as at lenth is contenit in the same, Findis as of befoir the samyn to
remane vnalteritt in the same maner as it is sett doun be the commission-
ens chosen thairto vnto thair nixt generall assemblie and conuentioun of
burrowis quhairever the samyn salbe appointed to be haldin, becaus the
tyme ordanit thatt the samyn suld endure is nochtt to expyre quhill the
last day of October nixt.
The commis- fii^ quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis efber lang resoninec
sionens of ^ » ^ . •• -r^i. i i . J?
Edinbur^, vpouu the contcntis of ane act maid att Edmburgh m ane generall
and striveiing asscmblic haldin thairatt vpoun the tlirid of Nouember last be the
^ueriromeUmir commissioncris of buiTOwis conucnit thairto, geving thairby to the bur-
counaaU anentt rowis of Edinburgh, Dondy, Perth, and Streveling thair power and
iug with the commissioun for thame selues and haill remanent burrowis of this realme
sl^ot^fsSrk *?n ^ prescryve ane maner forme and ordour of doing and performing of the
Fianderis and ercctioun of ane Scottis kirk in Campfer and appoynting of ane minister
to. thairto, quhais intertinement and sustentatioun was thairby ordanit to
be vplifted zeirlie of the reddiest of the excyse of beir and wyne granted
be the said tovne of Campfer to the Scottis natioun the tyme of the
estaiblisching of thair estaipill thairatt, as at mair lenth is contenit in
the said act of the daitt abouewrittin ; and fynding the samyn to be for-
zett for laik of the acceptatioun of the commissioneris of the saidis four
burrowis to accompleis and performe the same, Thairfoir as of befoir hes
ordanit the saidis four burrowis to accept in and vpoun thame the said
commissioun granted to them be the act abouewrittin. The commission-
eris presently conuenit quhaiiof, nochtt haifing commissioun of thair
particular burrowis to burdene thame thairwith, they alwyis respecting
the samyn to be very godlie and necessar to be done, obleissis thame att
the desoluing of this presentt conuentioun and thair hamecuming to thair
saidis burghis, to geve in ane supplicatioun to the magistrattis of thair
saidis burrowis vpoun the contentis of the said actt, thatt the samyn
may be putt to poyntt, and to repoirtt ane perfyte ansuer of the saidis
magistratis to the saidis burrowis agane thair nixtt generall conuentioun
of burrowis, quhairever the samyn salbe appoynted to be haldin, or souer,
as it salhappin ony vther conuentioun to intervene.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 277
The same day, it being meanit be the commissioneris foirsaidis be Guthre, dark,
Ihonn Bowsy, commissioner for the burgh of Craill, thatt Ihonn Symsoun simsoun custo-
customer thairof, had, contrair the forme of estaiblesching of customeris in ^^f/^'Jmi^
euery frie burgh and sea poiitt, past furth of the said frie burgh of Craill reeidenoethair-
to the vnfrie tovne of Kilrany quhair he makes his residence, being obleist,
at his eleetioun be the burrowis in customer to Crail, to haif his remain-
ing induring the said oiBce of customary within the said frie burgh and
noehtt ellis quhair, Ordanis Ihonn Guthre thair dark to direct ane
missive in thair names, vpoun the aduerteisment of the said burgh
of Craill, att the said Ihonn Symsonis hamecuming frome the saill, to desyre
him to repair agane to the said frie burgh of Craill, and induring his
office of customary to mak residence thairin alanerlie vnto the first of
October nixtt, certefeing him gif he failzeis to do the same thatt the
commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, and Abir-
dene, in thair names sail imediatlie efler his refusall depryve him of his
said office and place ane vther in his steid thairintill vnto the said first
day of October nixtt, to the quhilkis commissioneris of four burrowis
the saidis haill commissioneris presentlie convenit gevis thair full power
and commissioun to thatt effect, etc.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter lang resoning CommiBsioan
vpoun thatt heid of the missive bering euery particular burgh to send wis toheircua^
thair commissioner fullie instructed to this presentt conventioun for hering ^5»Btou^*^
the customeris and collectouris comptis of thair bygane intromissioun comptis.
with the Kingis Maiesties customes quhairto they ar takismen, a§ alsua of
the impoistis taxationis and vnlawis bygane, finding that nochtwithstand-
ing of dew aduerteisment maid to the saidis commissioneris to the effect
foirsaid thatt the saidis customeris and collectour war noehtt waimitt to
compeir to this presentt conuentioun for making of thair saidis comptis,
quhairby vnto sic tyme as they be lawfully waimit to ane particular
day na thing can be procedit heirintiU, For remeid of the samyn hes
elected nominatt and chosin, lyke as they all in ane voce be thir presentis
electis nominatis and chusis the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie,
and Abirdene, with sic vther burrowis as sail pleis convene with thame
be thair commissioneris fullie instructed to convene at the said burgh of
Edinburgh the tuenty twa day of September nixtt, quhairat being con-
uenit to sute compte rekning and payment of all bygane customes vnto
278 Convention of Royal Burghs.
the first of October nixtt, and efter the comptis be hard to place and
displace customeris in all the burro wis and sea poirtis of this realme frome
the said first day of October nixt vnto the first day of October in anno
1 589 zeris,a8 alsua to tak ordour with placing of ane customer of Caithnes;
with power lykewyis to the saidis four burrowis and vtheris abouemention-
att to resave compte rekning and payment of the bygane intromissioun and
vplifting of the impoistis vplifted for making my lord conseruatour and
Ihonn Gourlayis expenssis in Flanderis frome the first estaiblisching thair-
of, viz., frome the tent day of August in anno 1586 vnto the said tuenty
tua day of September nixt ; and of the impoistis of befoir ordanit to be
vplifted at euery burgh and sea poirtt as said is for making of Henry
Nesbettis expenssis to France, being sent thairto in commissioun be the
saidis burrowis in anno 1582, as be the act maid and sett doun thair-
aneujit at Edinburgh the auchtt of November in the zeir of God foirsaid
att lenth will appeir ; ordaning heirby, to the eflect abouewrittin, ilk
magistratt of euery burgh and sea poirtt of this realme viz., of Edinburgh,
Perth, Dondy, Abirdene, Montrois, Innemes, Sanctandrois, Craill, An-
struther, Pettinweme, Dysart, Kirkcaldy, Kingom, Bruntiland, Inner-
kething, Air, Irrrowyne, Dumbartan, Kirkcudbrychtt, Quhithorn, Wig-
toun, Dumfreis, Banff*, to send the collectouris and intromettoris thairwith
to be comptabill to the saidis burrowis day and place aboue expremit
for the valour of the saidis impoistis conforme to thair custome buikis of
all zeris bygane as said is vnto the said tuenty tua day of September
nixt, and ilk burgh and sea poirtt nochtt making compte rekning and
paymentt the said day to incur the payne and vnlaw of tuenty pundis
to be vplifted of thame butt fauouris, and to this effect, eueiy commis-
sioner presentt of the burrowis quhaiiTis the saidis dewties auchtt to be
vplifted obleissis thame to aduerteis the magistrattis of thair saidis bur-
rowis to se the samyn dewlie coUectit, and att the said tuenty tua day
of September nixt to mak iust compte rekning and paymentt thairof,
sua mekill as is collectit or that auchtt and suld half bene coUectitt, con-
forme to the saidis custome rollis ; and sic as hes nocht comperitt to this
presentt conuentioun be aduerteist be thame, or in sic vther burghis or
sea portis as no commissioneris ar present to be, be the agent or Androw
Mekill seruand to the general collectoui*, to compeir day and place aboue
Convention of Royal Burghs 279
specifeitt, to the effect aboue rehersitt. And Maister Alexander Coustoun
commissioner for the burgh of Bruntiland, and Ihonn Anstruther com-
missioner for Anstruther be eist the bum, protested that thair said burgh
be na forther astricted in making compte rekning and paymentt with the
saidis impoist forther nor sen thair erectioun and enrolling amangis the re-
manentt. Attour the commissioneris foirsaidis, for thame selves thair saidis
burro wis and in name and behalf of the remanent burrowis of this realme,
gevis full power and commissioun to the saidis four burrowis of Edinburgh,
Perth, Dondy, and Abirdene, with the remanent burrowis aboue expremit,
to sute compte rekning and paymentt att the said tuenty tua day of
September next off the generall intromissioun with the saidis customes,
impoistis, taxationis, and vnlawis, intromettit with or that suld have bene
collected be Robertt Gourlay thair generall coUectour, off all zeris bygane
vnto the first of October nixt sen his first estaiblesching in the office of
generall collectoury to the saidis burrowis. Efter the hearing of the
quhilkis comptis of customary, and finding the samyn nocht to extend to
sa greitt ane sovme as will mak paymentt of the principall four thousand
pundis and thretty tunnis wyne to be payitt to the Kingis Maiestie for
thair sett and tak of the saidis customes of this last zeir, viz frome the
first of October four scoir sevin to the first of October foir scoir auchtt,
to sett doun ane extentt vpon the inlaik conforme to the generall roll
maid at Edinburgh vpon the last of October last, to be vplifbed of the
haill bunowis in maner and forme a8 hes bene befoir prescryuit, and
quhatsumever burgh pleses to send thair commissioner instructed to cum
to the doun setting heirof to the said burgh of Edinburgh thair saidis
commissioneris to have with the saidis four burrowis voitt heirin. And
becaus the saidis commissioneris for the maist pairtt hes nocht hard the
said generall coUectouris comptis, alsweill of his collectioun of the
customes, impoistis, vnlawis, aw taxationis bygane sen his first electioun
as said is in his said office of generall collectoury, thairfoir hes ordanit
and ordanis the saidis four burrowis, efter the hering of the samyn, to
bring with thame to the nixtt generall assemblie of burrowis, quhairever
it sallhappin the samyn to be appointed, the saidis coUectouris comptes
to be sene and considderit, to the effect that they mak their particular
burrowis certefeitt of the haill proceedingis and effect thairof, and thatt
280
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Burrowis
rnlawit for
Docbti com-
perance.
the samyn be rememberitt in the missives to be direct to the said next
geQerall assemblie. With power lykewyis to the foimamit four burrowis
and burrowis to be conuenit, efter the hering of the said collectuoris
comptis, to continew him for the zeir to cum in his said office of collectoury ,
and vpon his refusall to accept the same to place ane vther. And last, hes
allowit and allowis to the saidis four burrowis the expenssis particularly
mentionatt in ane act sett doun thaiiunent in ane act maid att the last
generall assemblie of burrowis the saxtt of Nouember last bypast, ordauing
thair collectour presentt and to cum to mak to thame and every ane of
thame dew paymentt of the samyn, of the first and reddiest of the saidis
customes and impoistis. And for the mair sure doing and performing be
the saidis four burrowis of the premissis, and euery poynt heirof, the saidis
commissioneris presentlie conuenit, for thame selves and remanett bur-
rowis of this realme, promesis to hald ferme and stabill all and quhatsum-
ever thing it salhappin thame to do leid or exerce heiranentt, and ar
content and consentis that letteris and executoriallis be obtenit and execute
aganis the contravenaris heirof in forme as efieris etc.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis findis the burrowis of
Selkirk for nocht sending ane missive, Montros, Breichan, for nocht com-
pearance and vnexemit, Forres, Innemes, Name, and Thayne, nocht sending
missives, and Rothesay nocht comperand, being lawfully wairnit be the
magistratis of the burgh of Glasqu a^ was suffieientlie verefeit to have
comperit to this presentt generall assemblie and nocht comperand, to have
incurrit the payne and vnlaw of tuenty pundis euery ane of thame,
quhilk they ordane thair generall collectour to cans be vplifted but
fauouris.
Tercio luUj 1588.
Kdinburgh,
FouIIertouDiB
xije markis con-
tinewit to the
nixt conTen-
tioun, and to be
rememberitt in
tbe miesive to be
direct thairto.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis being in resoning
vpoun thatt heid of the missive quhair as itt was cravitt be the magis-
tratis of the burgh of Edinburgh thatt they suld be rerabursitt of the
sovme of tuelfi* hundreth markis aduancit and lentt be thame to Adame
FouUertoun, as be dyueris actis of continuatioun maid thairanent will ap-
peir, Henry Nesbett and George Hereott, commissioneris for the said
Convention of Royal Burghs. 281
burgh of Edinburgh, protestis thatt in the ansuer geving be the saidis
burrowis thairto thair suld be na admissioun of the actis foirsaidis maid
thairanentt, and thatt the said burgh suld resaue resolute ansuer of the
haill substance of the contentis of the samyn concerning the haill effectt
of thair demand, quhilk is rembursementt of the said sovme principal],
and in teres payitt thairfoir sen the first aduancing thairpf in the zeir of
God j™ v^ thre scoir sevintene zeris, Vpoun the quhilk demand and heid of
the said missive, efter the removing of the saidis commissioneris of Edin-
burgh, voting of euery particular commissioner presentlie conuenitt being
past, they, for the maist pairtt hes disassented and disassentis to ony
ansuer geving to the petitioun al)Ouewrittin in respect of thair miasives
sentt to thame be the magistratis of the said burgh of Glasqu bering
alanerly the sovme of twa hundreth markis, quhairas the sovme of tuelve
hundreth markis is cravitt be act of continuatioun maid in ane generall
assemblie of burrowis haldin at Edinburgh in Nouember last, and sua
they, nochtt instructed of thair particular burrowis to give ansuer to foi-
ther nor is contenit in thair saidis missives concerning that pairtt thair-
of, continewis in maner forme and effect as of befoir ony ansuer geving
thairto to thair next generall conventioun of burrowis, quhairever the
samyn salbe appointed to be haldin, and the samyn to be rememberit in
the missives to be directt thairto, that the commissioneris of burrowis
than to conuene cum instructed to geve ansuer to the said burgh of Edin-
burgh thairintill, and this but preiudice of burrowis of befoir and now
disassenting ; quhairvnto and to all forther continuatioun the saidis com-
missioneris of Edinburgh disassented and protestis for remeid of law,
alsweill in payment to thame be the saidis burrowis of the said principaJl
sovme of xij° markis and interes payitt thairfoir sen the first aduancing
and debursment thairof.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes continewit and con- Guthre, ciark^
tinewis Ihonn Guthre, thair generall dark, in his office of clarkschip for hiToffloe^and
the space of ane zeir to cum, vpoun the conditiounis mentionatt in the ^en^of^h^sa-
actLs of his first admissioun, and sensyne maid thairanent, and ordanis his pend, andby-
ordinar fie of ane hundreth pundis to be payitt be the coUectour of the f^T^ ^*^*^
first taxatioun of the first and reddiest of the samyn, quhensoeuer and
qnhow sone the samyn bcis ingottin ; and as concerning the said Ihonns
extraordinar expcnssis a wand to liira be the saidis burrowis, conforme to
2 N
282
ConvetUion of Royal Burglts.
the octu) Rett doun thairanent at the last conuentionis of Dondie and
Edinburgh, incais be be nochtt payitt thairof be the vnlawis to be vplifted
be the gcnerall coUectour, quhilkis they ordane him to cause be vplifted
with all diligence, findis the saidis foure burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth,
and Dondy sail cause him be payitt thairof be the said first taxatioun
occurring.
Kirkcudbryoh-
tiit tnlMlvo ap-
proving oio.
Itatcfoinff
H«iiry Ncsliott
Bonding to
Franco and ftott
maid ihainm-
onttt wiUi
iK)wror to four
iMirrowifl to
Srorogcatt
owtlof otc
Quarto lulij 1588.
The quhilk day, couiperitt Robertt Hall burges of the burgh of Kirk-
cudbrycht, and prescntitt thair missive appreving all and quhatsumever
thingis suld be done at this presentt conuentioun, in respect quhairof and
of thair excmptioun instantlie schawin and producit, reraitis vnto the said
burgh thair vnlaw of tuenty pundis quhairvnto thai war adiugit for
nocht sending of the said missive conforme to the tennour of thair said
exemptioun etc.
Tlio samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, after lang resoning vpoun
thatt heid of tlie missive quhairas the haill burrowis war warnit to
send to this present conuentioun thair commissioneris fullie instructed to
the ratcfeing of ano actt and ordinance maid be the commissioneris of
burrowis convenit att Edinburgh in the moneth of Februar last bypast,
quhairby Henry Nesbett burges of Edinburgh was direct in thair and the
haill burrowis names in commissioun to France for the causes thairin
contenit, for the making of quhais expensis the magistratis of the said
burgh of Edinburgh become cautioun for payment to the said Henry of
the Hovmo of fyve hundreth pundis att ane day mentionatt in the said
actt, for the quhilk burgh of Edinburghis relief of thair suretieschip to
the said Henry the commissioneris of burrowis than conuenit, for thame
solves and remanent burrowis of this regime, in manor as is sett doun in
the said actt, are obleist ; as alsua thairby itt was concludit thatt the
imi>oist coUectitt for making of the Conseruatour and Ihonn Gourlayis
exi>ens8is suld, efter the expyring thairof, continow to be vplifted and
tane in maner and forme as is contenit in ane actt maid the auchtt of
Nouemlx^r 1582, ay and quhill the said sovme of fyve hundreth pundis
war payitt and rembursitt to the said bui^h of Edinburgh, souerties
Co7iventio7i of Royal Burghs. 283
thairfoir, as at lenth is coatenit in the said act maid at Edinburgh in
Februar last, Hes ratefeitt and apprevit, for thameselues and remanent
burrowis of this realme, the foirnamit actt maid anent the said Henry
Nesbetis sending to France as said is in all poyntis, geving heirby for
thame selves, thair saidis buiTowis and remanent burrowis foirsaidis, fiill
power and commissioun to the burrowis, Edinburgh, Perth, Dondy, and
Abirdene, at thair conuentioun appoynted to be haldin at Edinburgh
vpoun the xxij day of September nixtt, efter the hering of the custo-
meris and generall coUectouris comptes of thair intromissioun with the
bygane customes, extentis, impoistis and vnlawis, incais the samyn be
found be thame to extend to ane greittar sovme nor will sateffie the
Kingis Maiestie and vtheris debtis to be payitt thairby, mentionatt in
sindry actis maid thairvpoun, thatt of the excrescence and super^Jus of
the samyn the said burgh of Edinburgh sail than be payitt of the said
sovme of fyve hundreth pundis for the quhilkis they ar souerties to the
said Henry, and gif the saidis customes, impoistis, taxationis, and
vnlawis, extendis nochtt to the said sovme, in that cais the saidis four
burrowis prorogatt the vplifting of the saidis dewties mentionat in the
said Conseruatour and lohnn Gourlayis act sua lang as the paymentt
thairof beis necessar to be vpliflit for the causis aboue rehersitt ; promes-
and forme and staibill all and quhatsumever thingis the saidis four bur-
rowis thinkis neidful to be done, etc.
The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis disassentis to the making Disassentin^ to
of ony actt quhairby any power may be granted to ane certan nomber of nc^sto anf oer-
burrowis to conclude and fullie determine in materis concerning the weil- *"» to conclude
^ on fnfttgrrg) etc.
fair of thair estaitt quhensoever ony tliair adois outwith generall conven-
tionis sail intervene, for dyueris inconvenientis att full lenth respectitt be
thame etc.
The same d«ay, the commissioneris foirsaidis vnderstanding thame selves Sic as abydis
to be gretumlie hurtt be the debursmentt maid of dyueris greitt and ex- to pay ten H.
horbitiintt expenssis vpoun the ingetting of thair customes, taxationis, im- *"" expensms.
poistis, and vnlawis, be the disobedience of sic as ar addettit thairin, hes
halelie, for remeid thairto, concluditt, statute, and ordanit thatt sic of
thair nomber as abydis the denunciatioun of hornyng for nonimymentt of
the saidis dewties sail, after tryell tane of thair disobedience befoir thame
in every thair generall assemblies, being found culpabill thairin, contentt
284 Convention of Roycd BurgJts.
and pay the sovme often li., of vnlaw with the expenssis debursitt in thair
defaltt sa oft as they failzie etc.
Ratefeing N(»- The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis findis thair commissioner,
inFiuncr'*^ Henry Nesbett burges of Edinburgh, being sentt in thair names to
France in thair effaires to the Kingis Maiesties cmbassadonr thair, for
labouring to the doungetting of certan impoist misitt vpoun the Scottis
natioun in the said cuntrie ef France and dyueris pairttis thairof, as is
particularly mentionatt in his act of directioun maid thairanentt, hes
done his exactt diligence thairintill conforme to the tennour of the said
ambassadouris letteris of recipe and missive presentlie red to thame,
quhilkis they ordane to be registratt in this thair buke of conventioun,
quhairof the tennour foUowis.
Followis the said Lord Embassadouris letteris of recipe etc. :
Emb^^ouris We lames, be the mercy of God Archbischop of Glasqu, Embassadour
*br "ti*^ f ^^^ ^^^ Kingis Maiestie besyde the King of France, grantis ws to have
un i>cci» of the ressauitfra Henry Nesbett burges of Edinburgh, directt fra the Burrowis
tisTirparoiliie- of Scotland to ws for the effaires of the customes, ten pecis of writtis in
Henry N^bett parchcment, quhairof tvra letteiis paten tes gevin and granted to the mer-
chantis of Scotland be King Frances the First of gude memory (King of
gudc memorie) King of France grantitt in anno domini j™ v*'. and auch-
tone zeris, and four pecis of wiyttis for verefeing and appreving of thame,
be the Chalmer of Paris, Thesaurer of France, General Counsall of Finances
of France, and the fourtt apjirobatioun be the Eleuz for the effaires of
the weiris ; Item, thre patentis granted be King Henry of gude memory,
King of France, ratefeing and appreving quhatsumever was granted to
the Scottis merchantis be his Maiesties father, with additioun, with their
admission is and approbatiounis of sic to quhome they are direct, and thatt
notitt vpoun twa of the patentis, red publischitt and registratt in the
Court of Parliamentt of Rowen in the Chalmer of Comptis thair, in the
Coui-tt des Aydes and Finances thair, and all thir subscryuit be the
former Kingis in Counsall, subscryuit be ane of the Secretaris of Com-
mandmentis and past the Chancellary, and thir grantitt be King Henry
in anno 1554 and 1555 ; Item the tentt pece, bering ane sentence of
the Court des Aydes in Normandy, that the Scottis merchantis suld find
cautioun to haif libertic to carry thair merchandise onlie to Scotland,
Convention of Royal Burghs. 285
that suld haif the commoditie to be customit in the auld maner etc. — the
haill effectis of thir writtls bering that the Scottis merchantis sail be frie for
ever of the merchandise thatt theysall transpoirtt of the Duche of Normandy
to Scotland, paying onliefour deniers for fmnk, according as was payitt of auld ;
(juhilkia ten pecis of letteris we promeis to delyuerto the said Henry, orony in
his name randeiing vnto ws thir presentis, be this presentt subscryuitt with
oure hand, at Paris in France, the auchtenedayof Maijanno domini j™ v*' four
scoir and aucht zeris, etc., first and second baith to ane effect. Et sic
subscidbitur, G LASQU.
Followis the tennour of the said Embassadouris missive direct on the
ba<;kthairofin this maner: E^CSSonris
To our weilbelouit freindis the provest and baillies of Edinburgh and in Frances mis-
commissioneris of the burghis, etc. rowis and
Weilbelouit friendis, efter our maist hertlie commendation is, we have ^^^ ^^ '
receavitt letteris be the berar heirof, Henry Nesbett, fm the Kingis
Maiestie oure Souerane, willing ws to travell with the King of France
and his Counsall for reforming of tlie exhorbitantt customes tane and
raisitt within thir few zeris vpoun our natioun, alsweill inwartt as out-
wartt. We have resauit alsua, the thrid of Apryle last, fra the said berar
zour letteris to the sarnyn effectt with creditt, quhilk he hes faithfullie
communicat vnto ws, with the pecis thatt ze haif of auld of the Kingis of
France, concerning zour liberties and previlegis heir, with the ratificationis
thairof. We haif sichtitt and considerit the same, and laikis na gude will
to haif randeritt zow satefeitt of zour desyiis insafar as lyis in our power
gif the tyme had bene proper, and assures zow sail do our vtter diligence
in the furthering of zour effaires and for the augmenting of zour previlegis,
nor vtherwyis, confoime to his Maiesties command and zour desyir. We
had na littill hoip, be the moyen of sic as fauouris our natioun, to haue
brocht the mater to sum gude point schortlie, war nochtt the inconveni-
entt thatt is laitlie interuenit heir, quhairof the said berar will and can
informe zow sufficientlie, and thaiifoir we haif thochtt it meittest, in res-
pect of the malure of tyme, thatt he suld return hamewartt quhill better
occasioun be offeritt ; and in the menetyme we sail nochtt omitt, indur-
ing our residence in this courtt, to do thatt we may for the aduancementt
of zour effaires, and sail aduerteis zow quhen it salbe neidful he, or sic
286 Conventio7i of Royal Burghs.
vther as ze sail think gude, salbe seatt heir to solist quhatt salbe granted
put in pi^acteis and executioun. We have resauit zour foirsaid mentionatt
pecis fra him and hes gevin cure recepisse thairof in double forme. Re-
mitting the rest to his sufficiency We pray the eternal Lord God to hav?
zow in his everlasting protectioun, From Paris this xxij day of May 1588.
Et sic subacribitur, zour assured and affectionat and lufing freind at power
I A. Archbischop of Glasqu. And efter the registring to be redely ueritt
agane to the said Henry, quha be thir presentis grantis the ressaitt thairof
frome Ihonn Guthre clark to the burrowis, efter the registring of the
samyn in maner as is aboue expremit.
Kirk^d^^^"* The Same day, Alexander Dalzell commissioner of the burgh of Kirk-
caldy protested the said burgh war fred of all payment of the sovme of
ane hundreth four pundis alevin schillingis twa pennies, as for the said
burghis jjairt of the extenttis of iij™ sax hundreth pundis imposit for
payment of the thretty tunnis wyne contenit in the tak of the customes
for tliis instant zeir of God 1 587 zeris, and for thair pairtt of the extentt
of j™ li. and ane zeris proffeitt thairof impositt for outredding Alane
Lentronis schip and bark for repressing of piratis, in respect of the pay-
ment maid be him to Robert Gourlay general collectouris acquittance
thairof presentlie schawin aud producit and agane tane vp be him, as the
samyn vnder the said Robertis subscriptioun, as apperit, of the daitt at
Edinburgh the saxtene of Marche last bypast at lenth proportis, etc.
Burrowis ^^^ samyn day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis for the maist
nochtt payand pairtt findis that the burrowis nochtt haifing payitt thair pairtis of the
Ahme^on-^ ° cxtcntt of ane thousand pundis impositt vpoun thair haiU nomber for
tiounto^mythe o^^reging of Alane Lentronis schip and bark for repressing of piratts, be-
Witsoiiday last foir the feist of Wiisonday last, particularlie as they ar extentitt vnto, sail
thair protesta- pay for releitf of the burrowis quha hes alrady payitt thair pairtis of the
contii^irl eti samyn preceding the said feist of Witsonday the sovme of fourty pundis,
as for the 8«iid termis intcres of tlie said principall sovme ; Quhairvnto
the commissioneris of the burrowis of Perth, Sanctandrois, Cowpar, Craill,
Laneark, Pettinweme, and Glasqu, etc., dissassentit alluterlie, becaus the
personis votaris aboue expremitt, alleging thatt the said haill interes suld
be raisitt vpoun the burrowis dissassenting, allegitt nocht making pay-
mentt of thair pairtis of the said extentt, and thatt they haif for thair
awin releif of the samyn maid and sett doun the conclusioun aboue ex-
Convention of Royal Burghs. 287
premitt. ' Secundlie, the said burgh of Perth allegitt thair pairtt thairof
to be payitt akady to lames Mathesoun messenger, quha waa directitt
frome Robertt Gourlay principall coUectour appointed to the coUectioun of
the said sovme. And the said burgh[is] of Sanctandrois, Cowpar, Craill,
Laneark, et<;., ar contentt to pay beneuolentlie the interes foirsaid efferand
to the raitt and quantitie of the foirsaid sovme impossit vpoun thame,
and dissiissentis that ony mair be askitt or sutit of thame. As alsua the
said burgh of Cowpar allegitt they suld nochtt pay ony interes for the
said sovme, forsamekill'as they ofihrit to the said lames Mathesoun mes-
senger to pay him thair pairtis of the extentt befoir the feist of Whitson-
day last, quhais ansuer was itt suld serue and stand for paymentt be-
caus he was passand to the northland, and itt wald be trubilsum to him
to cary the said sovme with him, and thatt at his returning thairfra he
suld resave the samyn, and sua in effectt the samyn was as payitt befoir
the said terme, and offerit thame to pay the saidis sovmes impositt of the
said contiibutioun on thame gif the samyn be nocht as zett payitt, quhilk
he vnderatandis to be payitt, and thairfoir suld be fted of forther interes,
and gif ony forther may be suted of Cowper, they can nawyis be forther
addettit bott pro rata efferand to the pairtt of the sovme they ar
addettit to pay, and thaiifoir dlssassentis to the said conclusioun of the
said interes of the terme to cum. And forther the saidis burrowis dis-
assenting protestis agane the said conclusioun and for remeid thairof, and
thatt the samyn be nawyis hurtfuU nor preiudiciall to thame, nor that
they incur the paynis contenit in the samyn. And Androw Kar, com-
missioner for the burgh of Linlithqu, in name of the said burgh, protestis,
incais they haif nocht payitt thair pairtis of the said taxatioun, quhilk he
vnderstandis to be payitt, thatt they be astricted in na forther interes for
the Witsonday terme last nor efferand to the raitt of thair pairtt of the
said taxatioun, incais itt be found they ar addettit to pay ony, and dis-
assentis fra the samyn pretenditt actt and conclusioun of paymentt of the
saidis interes as is sett doun thairintill, and protestis for remeid of law.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis ordanis tlie magistratis of ^*^?^J?^ *? .
the burgh quhair the nixt generall assemblie of burrowis salbe appointed conventioim
to be haldin to aduerteis the magistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh toge^ceeto. **"
send thair commissioneris thairto with Henry Nesbettis diligence of his
commissioun vsitt in thair names in the pairtis of France in anno J 582.
288 Convention of Royal Burghs.
'^^'l *^tro^*^ "^^ samyn day, efter aduyBenient with the supplicatioun presented to
thame be Dauid Watsoun, commissioner for Sanctandrois, in name of
Thomas Lentronn citinar thairof, findis that, nochtwithstanding the said
Thomas desyir of continuatioiin of the proces depending aganis Alane
Lintroun his sone at thair instances befoir the Lordis vnto his hamecuming,
thatt William Makartnay agentt sail insist in the persute thairof quhill
decreitt be obtenitt.
Pour burrowis The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis gevis full power and
be M^etftt^of commissioun to the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, and Abirdene
money etc ^ cause ansuer Williame Makartnay thair agentt, of sic sovmes of money
as ar debursitt or to be debursitt to the aduocatis and clarkis in thair
effairis, vpoun compte to be gevin be him to the saidis four burrowis
thairof.
'^w b^* ^^s '^^^ samyn day, ordanis Williame Makartnay, thair agentt, vpoun thair
reside for expenssis, to pcrsew Kirkcaldy and vtheris burrowis of regalitie, and the
gudei*^ "^ *^ customeris thairof, for paymentt to the collectour of the customes of Inglis
gudes, and remitis to the saidis four burrowis and him to cause persew
the transportaris of forbiddin gudes and quhyte fische befoir thair iuge
ordinar.
Quinto lulij 1588.
uer to^ pro" '^"^ SAMYN DAY, the commissioneris ordanis ane ansuer to be writtin and
vest of Edin- gevin to the provost of Edinburghis missive sentt, contening thair hertlie
sive. thankis to his lordschip for his paynis and travell tane in thair effairis,
and to certifie his lordschip thairby that the restis awand of the extentis
be sa mony of the bun*owis as ar conuenit and debtbound thairin salbe
with all diligence, efter thair hamecuming, thankfuUie randeritt and payitt
to his lordschip, and to requeist his lordschipp thatt he wald nocht tak
in evill pairtt the laug delay of paymentt, insafiir as, gif they befoir thair
heircuming had knawin or bene certifeit thairof, they suld to thair power
in euery thair particular burgh sene the samyn vtherwyis remedit and
payitt.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 289
The saniyn day, the commiasioneris of burro wis presentt, within quhais Burrowis to
hurghis or sea portis customeris to the Kingis Maiesties customes, quhairof thair^*cu8tom-
the haill burrowis ar takismen, ar estableschitt, obleissis thame in name of ^.^^^p^^
thair saidis burrowis to cawse, induring the tyme of thair said tak of the
customes, to cause lawfully sumond in presence of notar and witnessis
the customeris particularly within thair burrowis and sea poirtis foirsaidis
to cum to the burgh of Edinburgh the tuenty twa day of September
next, for making of compte rekning and payment of their intromissioun
with the bygane customes vnto the first of October nextt, and thatt to
the four burrowis nominatt and appoyntitt auditouris thairto, ilk burgh
under the payne of tuenty pundis, to be vplifbed of thame and euery ane
of thame failzeand heirintill butt fauouris, and thatt letteris and execu-
toriallis be raisitt and execute be thecoUectourvpon the burrowis [ilk ane of]
thame gifneid beis in maist ampill forme as efieris; and ordanis the burrowis
absentt to be waimit day place and to effect abouewrittin, within the
quhilkis or sea poirtis thairof customer is ar estaiblest, ilk burgh vnder
the payne and ^nlaw aboue expremit, viz., the burghis of Montrois and
Abirbrothok to be wairnit be commissioner or magistratis of Dondy;
Invemes and vther burrowis nochtt presentt to be waimit be thair
collectour generall, vpoun the saidis burrowis expenssis, to be refoundit
alwayis, being lawfully waimitt be thame in maner as is aboue
rehersitt.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes statute and ordanit yt - ^ ^
thatt the provest baillies and counsall of burrowis, euery ane within thair burrowis and
awin burghis and sea poirttis, induring the tyme of the tak of the Kingis ^i^'^tom-
Maiesties customeis, salbe ansuerabill for their customeris for dew Jjj^^' m^"*^
collectioun and paymentt quarterlie of their intromissioun with the paymenttqi
saidis customes to thair generall collectour, with certificatioun to thame collectour,
and euery ane of them that failzeis hereintill they sail incur the payne ^Suw" ^'
and vnlaw of tuenty pundis sa oft as they failzie, to be vplifted of thame,
butt fauouris and letteris and executoriallis to be raisitt and execute
aganis the magistratis of burrowis being found sleuthfull or negligent
herein ; as alsua, that ilk customer being lawfuUie requyritt be their
saidis magistratis and refusand to pay their saidis bygane customes, efter
they be adiugit in the said vnlaw of tuenty pundis be thair contrauen-
2 o
uar-
le
2i)0 Convention of Royal Burghs.
tion of the premissis, salbe lialdin but fauouris to i)ay the samyn to the
saidis magistratLs for thair relief thairoff
TOreow"Ioid The quhilk day, anentt the complaint gevin in befoir thame be
c'T ^'bef • ^^^^"^ Flemyng, merchantt and burges of Glaequ, aganis Nicoll Beid,
Uieconseni- factour in the tovne of Campfer, makand inentioun that quhair he being
^^'' laitlie in the pairtis of Flanderis in the said tovne of Campfer, sentt be
Robertt Flemyng, his father, merchant and burges of the said burgh, as
factour and doar for him, to sute compte rekning and paymentt of the
intromissioun and wrangous detentioun be the said Nicoll of certan
gudes mentionatt in the said Nicollis missives this day presented and red
befoir thame, efter he was lawfully requyrit in presence of notar and
witnesses thairto, refusitt to geve the samyn, as be instrumentis and
documentis tane in the handis of Neil Kaa, notar and depute to the conserua-
tor, did appeir, quhairby he and his father foirsaid ar gretumlie hui-tt and
preiugitt, and except remeid war putt thairto it suld be impossibill to him
or ony vther merchantt of this realme to have traffecque in the saidis
pairtis, in respect thairof and of mony vther greit abusis of last vsitt,
nochtt onlie be the said Nicoll bott vtheris the factouris of Campfer, as at
mair lenth is contenit in the said Nicollis complaynt thairanent ; efker
dew and rype avysement quhairwith the saidis commissioneris findis the
said Mathow with all diligence sail persew the said Nicoll for his
wrangous refusall of compte rekning and paymentt befoir the Conserua-
tor of the Scottis natioun thair, as his onlie iuge ordnar, and ordanis the
said Conseruator, according to his office, butt delay, to cause minister iustice
to the said complenar as he will ansuer to thame.
Article to iiie The samyn day, it being menit be the said Mathow thatt by all con-
^tou5SFikii- science the factouris of Campfer had vsurpitt the tred of merchandise
S? b^ na'scoUs ^^^ P^* *''^® ^'^'^ ^° practeis in als liberally traffecquing with all soirtis of
wairweto. wairis cuming frome this cuntre as ony merchantt within the same,
omitting thairthrow their ordinar and dewtiful cure of factoury, a maist
dangerous preparative to the estaitt of merchantis except remeid war
prouyditt, by and attour sindry vther thair vnlesum attemptatis particu-
larlie mentionatt in certan ai*ticles gevin be the said Mathow thaiiunent ;
the saidis commissioneris findis gude thatt the samyn be proponitt be
speciall articles and gevin into the next parliamentt for craving of redres
thairto, and in the menetyme to geve in ane supplicatioun to the Kingis
Convention of Royal Burghs. 291
Slaiostie and Secreitt Counsall for obtening of ane act tbairof thairupoun,
decerning the saidis factouris herefter to desist and ceis frome sic vnlaw-
full deilling vnder the penaltie as itt sail pleis his Maiestie be aduyce foir-
said to adoine ; and in the menetyme, nor at na tyme heirefter thatt na
mauer of persoun be eniployitt in the office of factoury be ony merchant
of this realme without sufficient fynding of souerty be the said jEEictour
for refrayning frome all bying of Scotis wairis, and the meixjliantt employar
of ony factour in contrair hereof sail pay ane vnlaw of fourty pundis sa
oft as lie failzeis bott fauouris.
The samyn day Henry Nesbett, burges of Edinburgh, procuratour ^^^^^^
lawfully constitute be oure Souerane Lord the Kingis Maiestie, presented procuratour for
to the commissioneris foirsaidis his Hienes procuration n vnder his Graces ieatie, anent
subscriptioun butt daitt, geving thairby to the said Henry, procuratour j'^ H^«i^u?e
foirsaid, power in His Hienes name to propone and notefie to thame the barrowis to be
ovirtouris given in be Eustachius Roogh, Flemyng, and to cause be red, Grace to Eusta-
sichtitt, and considderitt the forme of ane contract sett doun betuix his Flemyng,^. '
Maiestie and Lordis of Secreitt Counsall on the ane pairtt, and the said
Eustachius on the vther pairtt, to resoun thairupoun, and efter dew con-
sideratioun thairof to requyre and desyre the saidis commissioneris
presentt, for thame selues and takand theburding on thame for the haill
reraanentt burrowis of this realme, to becum cautionaris and souerties for
performance and fulfilling of his Hienes pairtt of the said contract to the
said Eustachius, and for thatt eflfect to authorise the samyn with thair
subscriptionis as efferis, and vtherwyis to repoirtt to his Hienes and
Counsall thair resolutioun and ansuer thairanentt, as in the said pro-
curatioun, subscryuit in maner aboue reliersitt, at lenth is contenit ; con-
forme to the tennour quhairof the said Henry Nesbett, in name of oure
Souerane Lord the Kingis Maiestie, desyritt ansuer thairto according to
the contentis of the samyn. Quhairwith the saidis commissioneris of
burrowis, efter lang resoning thairupoun, being rypelie aduysitt, findis
they can geve na ansuer thairto, becaus the samyn concernis the body of
cuery burgh and na thing can be concluditt thairintill withoutt the par-
ticular aduyce of euery burgh as said is.
Tlic samyn day, the haill remittis the vnlaw of Abirdene, incurrit be ,^birdene vn-
., ^ , , . . , - , ,, - ,. law remitutt,
thame tor nocht compering m dew tyme to the last genemll assemblie etc
haldin at Dondie in lulij 1587, and dischairge all executioun aganis
thame thairfor.
292
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Provost, Wig
ton, raiefeiit
actu
The samyn day, IhoQQ Ahannay of Eirkdaill, provest of the burgh of
Wigtoun, producitt ane commissioun vnder the seill of the said burgh,
and subscriptioun of the commoun clark thairof, quhilk, in respect of
thair exemptioun was resauit and admitted, and he in name of the said
burgh thairby ratefeitt and apprevitt all and quhatsumeuer thing salbe
conciuditt at this presentt generall assembly.
Coiioctour to The samyn day, anent the desyris of the commisaioneris of the burrowis
lawiii bygane of Abirdeue, Sanctaudrois, Cowpar, and CraiU, desyring thair half vnlawis
and prwentt ^ -^ remittlt to thame, quhairin they war adiugit att the last generall
assemblie in Edinburgh haldin thairatt in Nouember last for the caussis
thairin contenit, the haill findis, in respect of the said act alrady sett
doun, thatt they can nocht retreit the samyn, and thairfoir ordanis thair
general coUectour to cause vplift the samyn together, with the remanentt
vnlawis mentionatt in the summondis raisitt thair\'pouu, and to mak
paymentt of the reddiest thairof to the personis to quhome ane pairt
thairof is assignit, as be the acttis maid thairanentt in the said lastt
generall assemblie at Edinburgh and now presentlie will appeir, and of
the superplus thairof, to mak compte rekning and paymentt to the four
burrowis auditouris appoynted to the customes, taxationis, impoistis, and
vnlawis foirsaidis, att the day appoynted in the actis maid and sett doun
iustantlie thairvpoun ; as alsua thatt the said collectour cans rais letteris
aganis the burrowis vnlawitt att this present conuentioun incais of thair
refiisall to pay the samyn, etc.
Sexto lulij 1588.
Exemptioun, The commissioncris foirsaidis hes exemit and exemis the burgh of
"'^' Renfrew frome all keping of conuentionis for the space of thrie zeris to
cum, provyding the said burgh send thair missive at ilk generall conuen-
tioun in the menetyme intervening, with ewest burgh vndispensit with,
appreving all actis, statutis, and conclusiounis, thairatt to be concluditt,
etc.
pSnt kTbere^ "^^^ commissioneris foirsaidis ordanis the desyre of the bill gevin in
'"®^^"** *? befoir thame be Hew Broun, commissioner for the burgh of Irrowyne,
niissivee, and , , ® . .
8iciyk all yther conceming the supportt cravitt be thame for reparreling of thair hawm
dwkayitt ber-
beries.
1
Converdion of Royal Burghs. 293
and dekyitt brig, to be rememberit in the missives to be direct for keping
of the nixt general! conuentioun etc., and siclyke towartt Dysartt, the
remanent dekyitt herberis, Sanctandrois, Craill, etc.
The commissioneris of burrowis presentlie conuenit, remitis vnto the eark ^mittitr
burgh of Laneark thair vnlaw of tuenty IL, quhairin they war iudgit for ®*°*
nochtt compearance to the last generall conuentioun att Edinburgh, in
respect of the Kingis Maiesties charge, and thair personall seruice with his
Hienes the tyme of the said conuentioun, and dischargis thair collectour
of ony forther troubling of the said burgh thairfoir ; and siclyke exemis
the burgh Ruthuglen frome payment of thair vnlaw for the lyke causis,
etc ; and siclyke Renfrew, etc.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes exemit and exemis Ij??^^**^*"'^
for the space of thre zeris to cum the burgh of Peiblis frome all keiping
thair conuentions, they sending att euery generall conuention thair missive
apreving the actis and conclusionis to be concludit thairat, eta
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis desoluis this thair conven- Deroiuing pre-
tioun, and appoyntis thair nixt generaU assemblie of burrowis to be haldin uoim^nd^nixt
at the burgh of Sanctandrois the last of lunij in the zeir of God I"^ V^ ^^^ ®*"®*^
four scoir nyne zeris ; and ordanis the commissioneris present of the said
burgh to aduerteis the magistratis thairof in dew tyme be thair missives
to the haill burrowis of this realme for keping be thame be thair commis-
sioneris fullie instructed of the said nixt generall conuentioun, with certi-
iicatioun to thame and they failzie they salbe haldin to pay the unlawis of
the burrowis that beis nocht be thame lawfully waimit thairto.
Henry Nisbett commissioner for Robert Anderson for Perth.
Edinburgh. Alexr. CuUen commissioner off
Geoirge Heireot commissioner for Aberdene.
Edinburgh. William Cunyngam, Glasgw.
William Duncan commissioner off Andro Ker commissioner for lin-
Dundie. lythqw.
Wm. Knox for Air. I. Guthre. Thomas Kingzow commissioner for
A. Broun for Kingorn. Pettenveme.
George Durie for Innerkething. Walter Cowane commessener for
H. Broun commissioner for Irwing. Sterling.
I. Anstruther comesioner of the Alexr. Dalzell commissioner of
burch of that ilk. Kirkcaldy.
294
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Ihone Bowsy.
Robertt Livingstoun for Lanerk.
I. Andersone commissioner for Cou-
per.
Thomas Spotiswod commissioner of
Hadington.
lohne Bosuell commissioner of Dum-
fermling.
Mr. Alexr. Coustoun for Bruntyland.
lohne Howstoun far Renfrow.
Dauid Watsoun.
Peter Howston for Dombarton.
Robert Craige for Dumbar.
Thomas Henderson for Jedburch.
Dauid Hall for Rutherglen.
Roger Gordoun for Drumfires,
lames Hackat for Dysert
Williame Hoppringill, for Lawder.
I. Gnthre.
Alexr. Williamesoun for Peiblis.
I. Guthre.
SanctHndrois.
In the Conventioun of Burrowis holdin at the hurgh of
Sanctandrois vpoun the tentt, alevint, tuelt and fourtene
dayis of Apryle 7"* P four scoir nyne zeris^ Compei^itt
the Commissioneris of Burrouois vnder suhscryvand^ etc.^
quha producitt the commisdonis and missives efter
specefeity etc^
Edinburgh, Henry Charteris, Maister lames Ihonnstoun, Edward GaJ-
braith, and Ihonn Harlaw ; Kingorn, Androw Broun, dark ; Innerketh-
ing, George Dury, dark ; Striveling, Walter Cowane ; Linlithqu, Androw
Kar, dark ; Dumbertan, lames Smollett ; Renfrow, Adam Mudderrell ;
Air, George Gocheran ; Irrowyne, Hew Broun ; Glasqu, Maister Ihonn
Ros ; Kirkcudbrycht be missive ; Wigtoun be missive and procuratioun
apprevand ; Quhithorn be missive to the pro vest of Sanctandrois ; Lane-
ark, Dauid Bryntoun ; ledburgh, Tliomas Henresoun ; Selkirk be mis-
sive and procuratoury ; Peiblis be ane missive ; Hadingtoun, William
Broun ; Northbervik be ane missive ; Dumbar, Maister Alexander Kelly ;
Lawder, William Hoppringill ; Dunfreis, Roger Gordoun ; Abeixlene,
Maister Ihonn Cheine ; Dondy, Robertt Fleschour, Ihonn Traill ; Perth,
Co7iventio7i of Royal Burghs. 296
Dioneis Conquerour ; Dumfermling, Ihonn Boiswell, Ihonn Makesou ;
Craill, Hary Lindesay, Ihonn Bowsy ; Forfar, George Suitty ; Breichan,
Ihonn Ramsay ; Montrois, Williame Patiy ; Elgyne, Williame Gibsoun,
baillie ; Innernes, lasper Kymniing ; Aberbrothok, Ihonn Haillis ; Sanct-
androis, lames Lermonth of Dairsy, provest, Maister Williame Cok, Dauid
Watsoun ; Cowpar, lames Petersoun ; Culane, ane procuratioun admitted
as missive ; Forres, Maister lames Dumbar ; Name, Williame Tulloche ;
Dysartt, lames Law ; Kirkcaldy, dispensit with in respect of the seiknes ;
Pettinweme, Tliomas Kingzow ; Brunteland, Ihonn Claipan ; Anstruther
be eist the burn, Ihonn Anstruther, dark, and Ihonn Bowsy protested
this thair enrolling and calling suld nocht preiuge thame in thair
actioun anent thair liberties, quhilk is in dependence befoir the Lords of
Sessioun.
The same day, Maister Ihonn Chene, ane of the baillies of Abirdene ^|^^^i^!
and commissioner thairof, producit his commissioun seillit be the common Biouer Abir-
seill of the said burgh, and subscryuit be Maister Ihonn Kennedy princi-
pall dark, and thairvpon askitt instrumentis, as alsua vpoun the present-
ing of ane missive be the provest of Sanctandrois direct to his lordschip
and commissioneris presentt be xiiij nychtbouris subscryvand the same,
quhilkis nychtbouris thairby disassented to his admissioun in commis-
sioner, as the said missive, vnder the subscriptionis foirsaidis of the daitt
at Abirdene the auchtt day of Aprile instantt, proporttis ; and the saidis
commissioneris continewis the ressaving of the said Maister Alexander
quhill the mom att thair convening, quha resauit vp his pecis, etc.
The same day, Henry Charteris, commissioner Tor the burgh of Edin- Thaynis vniaw
burgh, producitt ane missive dii-ect be the burgh of Thayne to the com-
missioneris presentt, quhilk they find nochtt to be ressauit, insafar as the
samyn is nocht subscry vit be na vther nor Schir Williame Keith, provest,
and thairfoir to be vnautentik and contrair to thair ordinances, alwyis
adiugis thame in xx IL vnlaw, quhilk in respect of thair poverty and ex-
emptioun they remitt, provyding the said burgh committ nochtt the lyk
in tyme cuming, quhilk gif they do the vnlaw to be incurrit be thame to
be vplifted but fauouris.
The same day, according to the ordour obseruit in conuentionis, hes in absence of
noininatt and electitt lames Lermonth of Dairsy, provest, in moderatour MaJteter^i^
to this presentt assembly, quha be his ressonabill excuse of his behuiffit ^^^j.^°^™^®'
296 Conveftition of Royal Bu?yhs.
passing to tlie raid as cliairgitt be oure Souerane Lord, desyrit Maistert
William Cok, baillie, suld supplie his place of moderatorschip, quliome the
saidis coinmissioueris hes elected in modemtor induring this presentt con-
uentioun as he quha is second in commissioun for the said burgh.
uenSg.^" The quhilk day, the commissioneris [ordanis] the mom be ix houris
befoir none to convene, and fra thyne to sitt quhill tuelflf att none, and
fra twa houris thairefter to sitt quhill sax liouris att evin ; and quha
coroperis nocht imediatlie efter the houris streking and calling of the roll
to pay saix schillingis auchtt penneis vnlaw but fauouris.
Vndecimo Aprilis 1589.
^™^J^^ The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis resauit George Cocheran
as commissioner for Air with his commissioun, with quhais nochtt com-
perance the first of the conuentioun they dispens in respect of the stay of
the passage att the Queinsferry.
AdmiBsioun The samyn day, efter lang resoning vpoun the ressauing of Maister
Chene'in own- Ihonu Chenc as commissioner for Abirdene, and having exactlie consid-
Ablnienl'**'^ dcrft his commissioun, and thairwith, together with the missive of certan
nychtbouris of Abirdene, being rypelie aduysitt, for the maist pairt aggreis
to the ressauing of the said Maister Ihonnis commissioun nochtwithstand-
ing the contentis of the said missive, and this in respect the said com-
missioun is direct vnder the seill of cause of the said burgh and subscript
tioun of the commoun dark thairof
Burrowis The Same day, finding the burrowis of Rothesay, Ruthuglen, and Banff
to have bene lawfully waimit to have comperit to this presentt conuen-
tioun, as was suflBciently verefeitt be the magistmtis of this burgh of
Sanctandrois, and they nochtt comperand, thairfoir hes adiugit thame and
euery ane of thame in the payne and vnlaw of tuenty pundLs, quhilk they
ordane thair coUectour to cause vplift, and gif neid beis heirvpoun letteris
of homing to rais and execute, and be comptabill at the next hering of
his comptis to the burrowis thairfoir.
The same day, etc., Walter Cowan, commissioner for the burgh of
Streveling, accepted in and vpoun him the commissioun of the haill bur-
rowis (of the haill) for thame and in thair names to travell with the tovne
Convention of Royal Bnrghs. !297
and factouris of Campfer in Zeland, to the obtening of sure knawlege of mMon^erfor
thame of the worth of the excyse of beir and wyne granted to the Scotis stLrv«iing to
natioun for the evstaiblesching of thair staipill at the said tovne, as alsua worth of th©
to try quha will geve maist thairfoir, and to repoirt to the haill burrowis and^w>'Be^"^
at the next conuention thairof imediatlie efber his hamecuming, his ansuer Campfor.
heiranent, referring heirby to the magistrates of the burgh of Edinburgh
the geving to the said Walter of sufficient informatioun and instructionis
in thair names ; and continewis all forther resoning vpoun the contentis
of the act maid at Glasqu in luly last anent the setting doun of ane ordour
for the erectioun of ane Scottis Kirk in Flanderis, and remanentt contentis
mentionatt thairintill, to the making to thame be the said Walter of his
repoirtt heiranentt.
Tlie samjm day, continewis the vplifting of the vnlaw of the burgh of Commissioner
Forres for thair absence from the conuentioun at Glasqu in luly 1588 atttodisoiue
vnto the next generall assemblie of burrowis, quhen as they ordane the J^^^*^^*^^*"*^
commissioner of the burgh of Glasqu to bring with him thairto the veri-
ficatioun of the said burgh of Forres lawfuU citatioun ; and gevis heirby
licence to Maister lames Dumbar, commissioner for the said burgh of
Forres, for the caussis schawin to thame, licence to diaolue fra this pre-
sentt conuentioun, quha in name of the said burgh ratefeis and apprevis
all and quhatsumever thing is or salbe concludit heiratt ; and Maister
Ilionn Ros commissioner for Glasqu protested in respect the waiming was
verefeit sufficientlie, incais the samyn be now tintt, sail nocht preiuge the
said burgh.
The same day, anentt thatt heid of the missive quhairas the commis- Power'to four
sioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Dondy, Perth, and Abirdene, cii^JIiJ^r^^*^''
auditouris of the generall collectouris comptis, war ordanitt at the last ^^^.^"^^^^^
generall conuentioun haldin att Glasqu in luly laSt to have brocht with have the same
thame to this presentt conuentioun the said generall collectouris comptis, L^eVhrnixt
to the effect the commissioneris now conuenitt mycht mak thair particular ^^atsumever
burrowis certefeitt of the haill proceding and effect thairof, and finding ^^
thatt without the personal presence of the said collectour or his depute
they culd nocht insist heirintill, thairfoir hes continewitt and continewis
the ressouing and hering of the saidis comptis to the nixt conuentioun of
the astaitis to be haldin at Edinburgh the xxiiij day of this instantt, and
incais the samyn hald nochtt, to the nixtt conuentioun quhatsumever of
2p
298 Convention of Royal Burghs.
lie saidis burrowis ; geving beirby power to the saidis four burrowis.
with sic vther burrowis as pleissis to ony the saidis conventions to con-
vene, than to heir and sute the saidis comptis ; and ordanis the commis-
sioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh to cause mak wairning to the said
collectour and his deputes precesly to have agane the said first conuen-
tioun quhatsumer his saidis comptes in radyness, and to keip the said
conuentioun aither be thame selues or thair sufficient procuratouris haif-
and thair sufficient powar to thatt effectt to produce sufficient diligence
or pay men tt but excuse or delay.
Coutinuatioun, The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter lang resoning vpoun
fulL^^remburs- ^1^^^^ hcid of the missive concerning the craving to the magistratis of the
meuttofxijc burgh of Edinburtrh of rembursmentt of tuelff hundreth markis and
niArKiSi anci in**
ten«payitt intercs payitt thairfoir aduancitt to Adam Fowllertoun, as be dyueris actis
nixt general ^ of burrowis wiU appeir, hes continewit and continewis as of befoir all
oonventioun of ansucir geving thairto to thair next generall assemblie of burrowis, quhen
as they ordane the magistratis of the said burgh to produce the contract
and instructionis gevin be thame to the said Adam the tyme of his first
sending to Ingland, to the effect they may be certefeit of the said Adamis
diligence and procedingis in the effiiires quhairfoir he was sentt, and
ordanis this presentt to be contenit in the missives to be direct to the
burrowis to the effect thatt at the nixt generall assemblie of burrowis
resolute ansuer may be gevin heirto ; and the commissioneris of befoir
dissassenting now lykewyis disassentis, lyke as the commissioneris of the
said burgh of Edinburgh disassentis to all forther continuatioun, craving
conforme to the tennour of the last act of continwatioun maid at Glasqu
in luly last the saidis burrowis fynall ansuer heirintill, and vpoun thair
refusall askitt instrumentis protesting for remeid of law, alsweill for pay-
mentt of the said principall sovme of xij^ markis as interes sensyne payitt
thairfoir.
Apud Sanctandrois xij** Aprilis 1589.
Co^uuatioyn The quhilk DAY, the foirsaidis commissioneris respecting^ the diligint
in his office of and agrcabill seiniice done to thame and thair predecessouris in the
ano^^zeir^mn. office of generall clarkschip to the burrowis thir mony and dyueris zeris
Convention of Royal Burghs. 299
bypast be Ihonn Guthre thair generall dark, hes continewit and contine-
wis lura for the space of ane zeir frome the moneth of luly next thairin-
ill, referring his said zeris stipend to the gude will, modificatioun, and dis-
cretioun of the commissi oneris of burghis to convene att thair nixtt generall
conventioun quhairevcr the samyn salbe appointed to be haldin, ordan-
yng the said Ihonn, or he pas furth of this tovne, to extract to euery par-
ticular commissioner the actis maid at this presentt conventioun vpoun
the prices appointed to him thairfoir and mentionatt in the act maid at
Pei-th in anno 1 582 zeris, sua being they requyre of him the samyn and
mak paymentt thairfoir. And as towartt the paymentt to him of his
bygane stipend, viz., frome the moneth of luly last in the zeir of CJod j"™
v^ Ixxxviij zeris to the moneth of luly nixt in this instant zeir of God
jm yc fQur scoir nyne zeris, extending to ane hundreth pundis, ordanis
him to be payitt and satifeitt thairof of the first and rediest of the cus-
tomes, impoist, and vnlawis ingathering, quhensoeuer and quhowsone the
samyn beis collectitt, and thatt be the coUectour thairof, and this pre-
sentt ordinance together witli the said Ihonnis discharge sail serue for
ane discharge to him of the samyn, butt preiudice alwyis of payment to
the said Ihonn of thre scoir pundis awand to him be the said collectour
in compleitt paymentt of his zeris stipend of ane hundreth pundis frome
luly in the zeir of God 1 587 to luly last in anno 1588 zeris ; and as for
paymentt to him of his ordinar bygane expenssis frome the generall conuen-
tion last haldin att Edinburgh in anno 1587, continewis the ordour tak-
ing thairanentt to tliair next generall assemblie quhairever itt salhappin
to be haldin.
The same day, anentt the continuatioun of ane ansueir to the burrowis CoMenting
of Sanctandrois, Craill, and Dysartt, craving supportt to thair dekayitt drois, CwSu, '
barberies, consentis thatt for reparrelling thairof sic dewty of schoir syluer ^uff g^dew-
sall for thre zeris nixttocum be vplifted att thair particular poirttis of ^o for thre
sic gudes as salbe induring the said space transported furth thairof as is lifted att Don-
vplifbed att the poirtt and hawin of Dondy, in maner and forme as thair tuK^^^i^^e-
collectour vplifbis the samyn ; provyding alwyis thatt at the ische and ^7*" ^^^'
outrunnyng of the saidis thre zeris the saidis burrowis sail desist and ceis
from ony forther vplifbing thairof, and be astricted to compte to the saidis
burrowis of thair bestowing of the said dewtie vpoun the beitment of
thair saidis dekayitt barberies ; and incais the samyn be nocht employ itt
300 Convention of Royal Burghs.
thairupon to find cautioun the samyn salbe furthcumand to the commoun
affaires of burrowis, and gif need beis thatt letteris and exeeutorialis
alsweill at the said burghis instance as haill burrowis be raisit, purchest,
and execute heirvpoun in forme as efferis ; and dischargis the said burgh
of Craill from this day furth of ony forther vplifting of the dewtie ap-
pointed to be vplifted for making of Henry Nesbetis expenssis to France
for the caussis mentionat in the actis maid thairanentt, provyding the
saidis burrowis gevin in thair supplicatioun to the Kingis Maiestie to
thatt effect, and obtene of his Hienes of the samyn etc
The samyn day, efber aduysementt with the supplicatioun presented to
thame be Hew Brown, commissioner of the burgh of Irrowyne, craving
thair consentis to the vplifting of ane certan dewtie for reparrelling of
thair dekayitt brig, condiscendis thatt for the space of fyve zeris nixtocum
the magistratis of the said burgh, be thameselues and thair collectouris,
vplift of euery laid on horsbak cuming lang thair said brig four pen-
nies, and of euery mannis burding cuming langis as said is twa penneis ;
quhilkis dewties to be collected the saidis burrowis ordanis to be be-
stowit vpoun the beitting and mending of the said dekajritt brig as said
is, and ordanis ane supplicatioun to be gevin to the Kingis Maiestie
heirfoir.
Liniithquis The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes remittitt and remittis
rn aw remi t. ^^ ^^ burgh of Linlithqu thair vnlaw of tuenty pundis, qqhairunto they
war adiugit for nocht vsing of the diligence mentionatt in the act maid
att luly last, anentt the wairning of thair customer to half comperitt and
maid compte of his intromissioun with the bygane customes of the said
burgh to the auditouris conuenit in September last to the hering thairof,
and this in respect Andrew Kar, commissioner for the said burgh, verefeitt
sufficientlie the doing of the diligence contenit in the said act as said is.
Continuatioun The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis for the maist pairtt con-
*«r8iSe,*Aiane tinewis the ansuer to Thomas Lentrounis supplicatioun and persute of
pen
Lentroun.
the actioun depending att the instance of the four burrowis of Edinburgh,
Perth, Dondy, and Aberdene aganis Alane Lentroune sone to the said
Tliomas, vnto thair nixtt generall conventioun of burrowis, and the samyn
be rememberit in the missives to be direct to the burrowis for keping of
the said nixt generall conuentioun ; and heirvnto the commissioneris of
Convention of Royal Burghs. 301
fclie saidis four burrowis, as contractouris and persewaris of the said Alane,
disassented.
The same day, the foirsaidis commissioneris aprevis the vplifting be Pettinwemes
the burgh of Pettinweine of the fourtt pairtt of ane pek of euery laid or p^ ^^um-
sekful of wietuall mett within thair said burgh, provyding all oure Soue- ™^*
rane Lordis liegis bringing wietuall thairto be seruitt hous maill frie
thairof, with canvess and siffis, but ony forther dewtie nor the said fourtt
pairtt, craving thairfoir ; quhairvpoun Maister Alexander Kelly, commis-
sioner for Dumbar, askitt instrumentis.
The same day, the commissioneris suspendis the vplifting of the burgh Namis ynlaw
of Narnis vnlaw for thair absence frome thair last conuention generall at SSSquia pro-
Glasqu in luly 1588 vnto thair nixt generall conuention quhairever *®"**^*^"^*
the samyn salbe appoynted to be haldin ; and Maister Ihonn Ros, com-
missioner for the burgh of Glasqu, protested thatt nochtwithstanding the
said suspensioun the same suld be nawyis preiudicial to the said burgh
of Glasqu, insafar as thair lawfuU citatioun to have comperit thairto was
sufficientlie verefeitt, etc.
The same day, anent the support cravitt be Ihonn Clapan, commis- SuppUcatioiin
sioner for the burgh of Bruntiland, craving support to the vpbigging of to be remem-
ane kirk within thair said burgh, continewis the ansuer geving thairto to ^y^ ^^ "*""
thair next generall conuentioun of burrowis, and to remember the same
in the missives to be direct thairto that the commissioneris than to con-
vene cum instructed to determine thairintiU.
The same day, remittis vnto the burgh of Kingom thair vnlaw of Kingomls vn-
tuenty pundis incurrit be thame for nocht causing of thair customer to mak vpoim'proui-
his comptes of the bygane customes thairof to the auditouris appoynted *<'°»®*°'
thairto to haif hard the samyn att Edinburgh in September last, provyd-
ing the said burgh bestow the samyn to the beittiment of dekayitt schoir
of Petticur, certefeing the magistratis thairof incais the samyn be nocht
bestowit in maner foirsaid, and suflScient compte nocht maid at thair
next generall conuention of burrowis of the bestowing of the samyn
vpoun the beitmentt of the said schoir, thatt the said vnlaw salbe than
ordanit to be vplifted but fauouris, and Ihonn Boiswell, commissioner of
Dumfermling, souerty the same salbe done, eta
The same day etc., the commissioneris foirsaidis remittis vnto lames Cow«ur yuiaw
Andersoun, dark of Cowper, the vnlaw of ten li., incurrit be the said
302 Convention ofJRoyal Burghs.
burgh for nocht making be him as customer thairof of his comptes of
customary in Edinburgh in September last, and this in respect of the
making and payment thairof sensyne, and thatt his diseis of seikness was
impediment than thatt he maid nocht the samyn.
Continu»tioim The Same day etc. continewis the ansuer geving to Schir William
Thayne. Keith, provest of Thayne, gevin in be him in name of the magistratis
and inhabitants thairof
striveiingis The Same day, remittis Streveling thair vnlaw of tuenty li. for nocht
vniaw remittit sending thair commissioner to Edinburgh in September last, and nocht
making be thair customer than of thair comptes, in respect of the try ell
of the said customeris diseis than, and gaif the samyn to the said Wil-
liam in respect of his gude seruice done befoir.
Augmenta- The Same day, aggreis thatt vnto the dewties mentionatt in Irrowinis
irrowingie ^ act for supporting thair brig thair be eikitt the dewties following, viz.
^^' ane penny of ilk fute man, twa penneis of ilk ox and kow, ane penny of
twa schiep, of ilk hors but burding twa penneis the man being compre-
hendit, and this to indure the said space of fyve zeris etc., provyding
they mak zeirlie at the generall conuentioun compte of the bestowing of
the saidis dewties vpoun thair said dekayitt brig, and thatt the said
burgh geve in thair supplicatioun to the Kingis Maiestie for obtening
ane gift thairof
xiiij Aprilis 1589.
Narne exemitt The Same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes exemit and exemis the
from kepin^ of burgh of Name from keping of all conuentioun of burrowis for the space
conventions. ^£ ^^xyq zeiis nixtocum, provyding thatt at the next generall assemblie
thairof they send thairto quhairever the samj^n salhappin to be haldin,
with the burgh ewest vndispensitt with, thair autentik missive seillit
and subscryuit be the provest baillies couusall and dark in name of the
communitie thairof, appreving all and quhatsumever actis, lawis, or con-
stitutionis beis in the menetyme att ony conuentionis intervening con-
cludit on ; certefeing WDliam TuUoche, presentt commLssioner for the
said burgh, thatt incais the said missive be nocht sentt to the said next
generall conuentioun thatt the samyn salbe vnlawit in ane vnlaw of
tuenty li. as burgh nocht comperand.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 303
The same day, etc., exemis the burgh of Abirbrothok frome keping of Abirbroihok
all conuentionis for the space of thre zeris nixtocum, provyding att the SE^^risfrome
nixt generall assemblie of burro wis Ihonn Haillis, presentt commissioner ^P^^^®^**"
for the said burgh, cause suflScient cautioun be found thatt the sovme of
thre scoir pundis be employitt Vpoun the vpbigging of thair kirk, and
thatt ane autentik missive sufficientlie seillit and subscryuit thatt indur-
ing the tyme of the exemptioun the provest baillies counsall and com-
munitie of the said burgh sail thairby appreve all and quhaisumever
lawis and constitution is beis in the menetyme concludit on, and incais
the said missive and cautioun beis nocht sentt and found to the said
nixt generall assemblie that the said burgh salbe adiugit in ane vnlaw of
tuenty pundis as nocht comperand.
The same day, the commsssioneris foirsaidis statutis and ordanis, A<?tt for row-
and for ane law perpetuallie to be obseruit vniuersallie throw all the moun° gudes
buiTOwis of this realme concludis, decemis, and ordanis, that na possessour TO»mbu?^^
within burgh nor outwith the same of ony pairtt or portioun of the ^^^J^ zeiriie of
commoun landis, commoun gudes, customes alsweill small as greitt, mylnis, and repoirtt
fischingis, and vther commoun casualities quhatsumeuer of burgh, pre- Beue»ii*^gener^
surae or tak vpoun hand to hinder or stay the rowping thairof vnder *^ ^'*'**'^^*^"°
pretence of kyndnes, possessioun, or vtherwyis inordinarly contrair the
weilfair and commoditie of the burgh, bot that the samyn salbe rowpitt
and putt to the vtter and best availl, without contradictioun of ony
persoun inwith or outwith the saidis burrowis, vnder the payne of tyn-
sall of thair libertie and fredomes and never fra thyne furth to bruik
office thairin, provyding alwaj'is that the titularis provyditt to takis or
fewis of the samyn or ony thairof be nochtt preiugitt heirby, and thatt the
prouest baillies counsall and communitie of the saidis burrowis sail sett
and putt to vtter availl and proffeitt thair saidis commoun landis, commoun
gude, and customes alsweill small as greitt, mylnis, fischingis and vther
casualities quhatsumeuer, alsweill namit as vnnamit, to the incres of the
saidis burrowis and euery particular burgh, as they and euery ane of
thame wilbe ansuerabill to the Kingis Maiestie. As alsua thatt the saidis
commoun revenues befoir the setting thairof be rowpitt thre seuerall dayis,
aucht dayis interceding betuinx euery ane thairof, and the space of the thre
seueral days rowping continew frome auchtt houris to tuelff houris befoir
none, and incais ony pairty oppone thame selues in the contrair heirof,
304 Convention of Royal Burghs.
the haill buiTOwis presentlie conuenit for thame selueR, and remanentt of
tbair nomber absentt, promesis concurrence and assistance to se the con-
travenaris dewlie pvneist in thair personis and gudes, conforme to iustica
Foi-ther, to the effect the executioun heirof may be att euery seuerall
generall conuentioun maid notour to the commissioneris of burrowis thair-
att to convene, ordanis the magistrattis of burrowis, quhair commoun
rentis ar, to send thair commissioneris fuUie instructed to euery ane of
the saidis generall conventionis to repoirtt thair diligence of the dew exe-
cuting of this actt and contentis thairof Siclyke, thatt the provest,
baillies, counsall, and communitie of ilk burgh zeirlie, anis in the zeir,
perambulat thair haill marchis, sua thatt they be nochtt preiugitt be
ony persoun thairin, and thatt vnder the payne of tuenty IL to be vp-
lifted of ilk burgh failland, but fauouris, and thatt lykewayis, vpoun this
thair perambulatioun zeirlie to be vsitt, att euery seurall generall convuen-
tioun as said is, dew repoirtt be maid be the commissioneris appoynted to
convene thairto.
To remember The same day, etc., ordanis the maedstratis of Abirdene to cause waime
the alteratioun .ii. .?..
of taxttroiiisin the burrowis to send thair commissioneris instructed for alteratioun of
miasives. ^^ generall taxtt roll of ane hundreth IL, and to remember the same in
missves to be direct thairto.
Na chepmen to The quhilk day it is statute and ordanit thatt na maner of chepman
wairis^in^^ut ^^ 'vtheris vnfrie personis inwith or outwith burrowis presume or tak
orsmaU. vpoun [hand], within the samyn, in oppin mercattis or vtherwyis, to sell
ony maner of staipill gudes in greitt or small, vnder the payne of confis-
catioun and escheting thairof be the dene of gild of the burgh quhairas
the samyn beis apprehenditt, or vtherwyis in the burrowis quhairin na
dene of gild is electitt be the magistratis heirof, and thatt ilk burgh mak
publicatioun of this presentt ordinance thatt nane pretend ignorance.
Snppiicatioun The sam}^!! day, ordanis thatt att the nixt generall conuentioun of the
to the'^ingis Estaitis thair be ane speciall article or supplicatioun maid, lamenting the
uittoLforcun-S''®^^*' ^^^^ sustenit be the insufficiencie of cunzie, quhairby the inhabi-
zie. tantis of His Maiesties burrowis and vtheris his Hienes leigis ar gretum-
lie preiugitt and hurtt, and thatt itt wuld pleis his Grace and Estaitis to
provyde remeid thaiito.
^v^*^*be"*re^ "^^ samyn day ordanis the burrowis to send thair commissioneris
niemberitt in fiiUie instnicted to the nixtt generall assembly of burrowis to geve
Convention of Royal Burghs. 305
ansuer to the supplicatioun gevia in to thame be the commissioner of
Forfar aganis the burgh of Dondie.
The same day, assignis to Patrik Bonkill, dark to the burgh of Sanct- ^^tt ^*
androis, the vnlaw of the burgh of Bamff for thair nochtt comperance to 5^*^^ a^^
this prosentt conuentioun being lawfully waimit thairto, as was sufficient-
lie verefeitt be writt be the dene of gild of the said citie, quhilk vnlaw
extendis to tuenty li.; and this conforme to the actis maid of befoir
thatt euery dark of the burgh quhair the burrowis convenis to thair
generall assemblies suld haif for the wrjrting of the missives direct to
burrowis ane vnlaw for wryting thairof
The same day, exemis the burgh of Lawder frome keping of all conuen- Lawderia ex-
tionis during the space of thre zeris, except the samyn be haldin be south S«^^^ '*^*^
Forth, and vpoun the vther prouisionis mentionatt in the exemptioun of
the burgh of Name, etc.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis finding thame selves ^^^^*^^™jj^
gretumlie hurtt be the extenting be the Lordis of Secreitt Counsall of thair dischArging
particular burrowis att all tymes quhenas ane generall extentt of the tent the bur^
Esfcaittis occurris, expres contrair thair liberties, hes ordanitt thatt to the ^"^^
nixtt generall conuentioun of the Estaitis foirsaidis ane supplicatioun be
maid craving remeid heirto, and thatt they may be reponitt to thair
ancient privilegis in extenting of thame selues and be na vtheris.
The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes statute and ordanit Thatt the ma-
thatt na maner of pirattis be ressett or interteneitt att ony frie sea poirtt g^st^^o' ^
within this realme, or be ony persoun or persounis duelland thairin, nor pirattis.
be furneist in ony maner of viuers or vther necessaris quhatsimiever, aa
alsua that nane beir or hant thair compainie ; certefeing all sic as con-
travenis this presentt ordinance that they salbe condinglie pvneist in
thair personis and gudes thairfoir be the magistratis of the saidis sea
poirtis quhairas heirefter itt salhappin the saidis pirattis to arryve ; and
incais the saidis magistratis beis found negligent in putting of this pre-
sentt statute to dew executioun to the suppressing of the foimamit
pirattis thatt they and euery ane of thame sail incur the payne and vn-
law of ane hundreth pundis sa oft as they faibde ; and the magistratt
doing his vtter diligence for putting of this act to dew executioun and
the inhabitantis of the sea poirtt quhairas occaaioun salbe offerrit of assis-
tance nochtt assisting, thatt the refusaris to assist sail incur the said
2Q
306 Convention of Royal Bury Its.
payne and vnlaw of ane hundi-eth pundis, and the samyu to be vplifted
of thame and euery ane of thame butt fauouris.
Oommiflrion- The same day, it is ordanit thatt euery commissioner presentlie con-
thairm»gi»- venit waime the magistral is of their particular burrowis to vse the
Seciwtomeri^ wairning mentionatt in the act maid at Glasqu in July last, for waiming
topaythairby-of thair customaris to cum to the burgh of Edinburgh and mak pay-
mentt to the collectour of the Beltan terme of thair intromissioun bygane
with the Kingis Maiesties customes, vnder the paynis contenit in the
saidis actis.
pJint^ to heir Tl^© quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis nominatis and appointis
^^touris**^ the burrowis of Edinburgh, Dondy, Perth, and Abirdene, with sic vther
comptis. burrowis as plesis to convene, to be auditouris of the customeris comptis
of this realme and of the collectouris comptis of his bygane intromissioun
with the bygane customes, vnlawis, extentis, taxationis, and impoistis,
and to convene to thatt effect att the burgh of Edinburgh vpoun the
tuenty day of October nixt; ordaining the said collectour, vpoun the
burrowis cliargis, to cause rais letteris for summoning of the saidis pairties
and euery ane of thame to compeir day and place abouementionatt to the
effect aboue expremit, vnder the paynis contenit in the actis maid of befoir.
Supplicatioraa^ ^^^ Same day, vnderstanding Maister George Hacquett, conseruatour, to
to the Kingifl be in poyntt of death, quhairby incais of his deceis the previlege in
coMenmtoi]^ electing of ane new conseruatour is, except ane vther in tyme be nocht
tobeplacitt. provyditt, to be preiugitt, to the greitt hurt of burrowis. thairfoir ordauis
ane supplicatioun to be maid and presented to the Kingis Maiestie, desyr-
ing in thair names thatt efter the deceis of the said Maister George, Geoi^
Kincaid factour in Campfeir, be his Hienes aduyce, be placit in his rovme,
or vtherwayis that sic vther as salbe found mair qualefeit to the functioun
of the said office of conseruatour may haif the samyn be his Hienes and
thair aduyces, att the nixt generall assemblie of the Estaitis occurrand.
to'Ee^mafd'for "^^^ samyn day, ordanis ane supplicatioun in thair names to be gevin
transporting in to the Kingis Maiestie, desyring the restraint of transporting of hydis
^ ^' furth of this realme to be annullit, seing the samyn is ane greit hurtt to
the merchant estaitt and na thing helpfull to the liegis of this realme.
uTEemaicTfor The Same day, ordanis ane supplicatioun to be made and gevin in to
to™n^ chtboii^ ^^^ Kiugis Maiestie and Estaitis, mening the greit lois of laitt sustenit be
ris, laitiie pii- Alexander laflrey burges in Abirdene, Alane Lentroun citinar of Sanct-
leittboDun- "^ ^
kirkeria.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 307
androis, Alexander Selkirk and Charles Methwen thair, Thomas Man in
Dondy, and dyueris vtheris, in thair hamecuming from Ingland, be the
pilleage of their gudes and misusing of thair personis be certan piratt
Dunkirkeris, and thatt it wald pleis his Hienes to grant letteris to arrest
all personis and vesehellis belonging to the said tovne, to remane quhill
remeid be found for the greit lois sustenit as said is ; as alsua thatt his
Hienes wald direct his fauorabill missive to the Prince of Farm to se the
saidis complenaris restoiritt to thair gudes pilleitt, or availl thairof. And
anentt the forther ansuer, concerning supportt craving be the saidis com-
plenaris, continewis the same to the nixtt generall assemblie of Estaitis
to be haldin at Edinburgh the xxiiij day of this instantt moneth of
April.
The samyn day, anentt the suppoirtt cravitt be the commissioner of Suppiwatioun
Dumbartan in name of the inhabitantis thairof, craving ane certan impoist be remembentt
of gudes for ane certan space to be grantitt to thame for helping of thair ^^ ™^*^®®-
college, continewis ansuer geving thairto to thair nixt generall assemblie of
burrowis and ordanis the samyn to be contenit in the missives to be
direct thairto.
The same day, Dauid Watsoun, commissioner for the burgh of Sanct- Wateoim, com-
, , ° missioner for
androis, producitt the Kingis Maiesties missive direct to the said burgh SancUndroia,
for conuening of the commissioneris of burrowis att the said burgh vpoun ties missive,^
the tentt day of this instantt Aprile, nochtwithstanding the appointing be andarticiea,&o.
thame at thair generall assemblie haldin at Glasqu of the balding of the
samyn at the said burgh of Sanctandrois in luly nixt, as alsua producitt
certan his Hienes articles lykewyis direct to the saidis commissioneris as
the said missive, redelyuerit to the said Dauid, of the daitt the
day of Februar 1588, and the saidis articles lykewyis redelyuerit to him,
of the daitt the xiiij day of the said moneth of Februar, at lenth proportis,
quhilkis missives and articles he daylie, induring this presentt conuen-
tioun, presented to thame. The saidis commissioneris haiffing continually
sen the said tentt day of Apryle abiddin the heir cuming of his Maiesties
Comptroller or Auditouris of his Maiesties Chakker for thair conference
thairanentt, and thai nochtt comperand, and siclyke haifing consideratioun
of the effect of the saidis articles quhairwith they culd nocht be resoluit
without conference with the said Comptroller or Auditouris foirsaidis,
disoluit this thair conuentioun for this present ; quhairvpoun and vpoun
308
Convention of Royal Burghs.
the diligence done be the magistratis of the said dtie for conuening of
the saidis burrowis, Dauid Watsoun, commissioner and producar foirsaidis,
askitt instrumentia.
TO^coni^^' The quhilk day, the commissioneris of buirowis presentlie connenit
tiopn and ap- desoliiis this thair conventioun, and appoyntis thair nixt irenerall con-
pointing ane rr ^ o ^ ^
vther att Abir- ventioun to be haldin at Abirdene vpoun the aucht day of lunij in the
zeir of God j"^ \^, four scoir ten ; and ordanis the commissioner of the said
burgh of Abirdene to aduerteis the magistratis thairof to cause mak law-
full wairning to euery ane of the burrowis to send thair commissioneris
fullie instructed to convene day and place abouewrittin, vnder the payne
of tuenty pnndis.
Henrie Charteris.
Eduerd Galbraith.
Dionis Conqueriour.
Dauid Vatsoun.
Mr I. Boss.
Mr Alex^ Kellie.
H. Broun.
Dauid Brentoun.
I. Bamsay.
Williame Gibsone.
I hone Bowsy.
lames SmoUatt.
William Paitria
Ihone HaJis.
lo'* Bosuel.
I. Anstruther.
George Durie.
lasper Cuning for Innemes.
Bobert Flescher.
Mr Ihon Cheane.
Andro Ker.
George Cochrane.
Walter Cowane.
lames Peterson.
George Sutty, Wm. Hop-
pringill, Adam Mudder-
rill, with oure handis
&;c., I. Guthrie.
A Broun.
Thomas Hendersson.
Williame Browne.
Thomas Kingzow.
Boger Gordoun.
Ihone Qepan.
lames Law.
Wm. TuUoc
Convention of Royal Burghs. 309
Apiid Edinburgh penultimo Au^usti annoj"^ t;^ hcocxix"*.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of the burrowis vndersubscryrand ^ uorfa^t
being: sentt for be the missives direct to thame be his Hienes for further- tobe vpiiftedof
ance of his Maiesties manage, hes, att his graces desyir, for thame selues for f artheranoe
and haill remanent burrowis of this reahne, concluditt thatt with all Maieeties'a^
diligence possibill thair salbe ane generaJl extentt of tuenty thowsand ^*^ ®*°'
pundis sett and vplifted of thair haill nomber according to the generall
extentt roll of burrowis. For collectioun and ingathering of the quhilk
extent, condiscendis thatt Ihonn Amott, provest of the said burgh of
Edinburgh, sail nominatt and appoint ane coUectour for quhome his
lordschip salbe haldin to ansuer to the burrowis for dew executioun of
his office of collectoury. And the saidis commissioneiis willis for thame-
selues, and thair remanent society of burrowis thatt vpoun this presentt
actt and ordinance letteris and executoriallis of homing be obtenit and
execute in due forme as efferis etc. The commissioneris names convenand
ar: for Edinburgh, Ihonn Arnott provest; for Perth, Dioneis Conquerour ;
for Dondie, William Duncan ; for Glasqu, Maister Ihonn Ros ; for Lin-
lithqu, Androw Kar ; for Dysartt, lames Hacquett ; for Innerkething,
George Dury ; for Kingom, Androw Broun ; for Cowpar, Peter Petersoun ;
for Sanctandrois, Alexander Carstairis ; for Striveling, Walter Cowane ;
for Grain, lames Geddy ; for Dunfermling, Patrik Murray ; for Kirkcaldy,
Androw Young ; for Hadingtoun, Alexander Symsoun ; for Dumbar,
Maister Alexander Kelly ; for Anstruther, Ihonn Anstruther.
I. Amote, provest. William Duncan, commissioner
Dion is Conqueriour, commissioner. for Dundie.
G. Durie. James Hackat commissioner for
Andro Ker. Dysert.
I. Anstruther. M. lohne Eos commissioner for
A. Broun commissioner for Glasgw.
Kingorne. A Zoung commissioner for
Kirkcaldy.
Abirdene.
310 Convention of Royal Burghs.
In the Conventioun of Bm^rowis havldin and begun at the
hu7^gh off Ahirdene the aucht day of lunij^ and con-
tinewing to the fyvetene day of the said moneth of
Iunij\ the zeir of God /*" Vfourscoir ten zei?^^ Com-
perit the Commissioneris of Burrotots following^
vnder suhscryuand^ quha producit thair commissionis
and the missives efter specefeit
Edinburgh, Maister lames Ihonnstoun, and George Heriot ; Kinghorn,
lohnn Kirkcaldye ; Innerkethining, George Dune ; Striuiling, Walter
Cowan ; Linlythqw, Androw Kar ; Ranjfrow be ane missive produicit be
lohnn Farquhar commissioner for Glasgw ; Rutherglen be ane missive :
Glasgw, lohnn Farquhar ; Wigtoun be commissioun produicit be the said
lohnn Farquhar ; Jedburch, be ane missive presentit be Maister lames
lohnnstoun ; Peiblis be ane missive produicit be the said Maister
lames ; Haddingtoun, lohnn Aytoun ; Northberuik, Robert Oliver ; Dun-
bar, Maister Alexander Kellye ; Abirdene, Maister Thomas Menzes of
Dome prouest, and Alexander Rutherfurd; Dondye, lames Auchinlek;
Perth, Dioneis Conquerour ; Banff, Alexander Currour ; Dunfermling,
William Pratons ; Graill, lohnn Makesoun ; Forfar, Androw Huntar ;
Breichin, Dauid Dempster ; Montrois, lames Makene ; Elgyne, lohnne
Annand ; Innernes, Thomas Kur ; Abirbrothok, Thomas Persoun ; Sanct-
andros, Dauid Watsoun ; Coupar, Peiter Petirsoun ; Foitcs, Thomas Vr-
quhart ; Name, be ane commissioun sent be the commissioner of Elgyn ;
Dysert, lames Hacquett; Kirkcaldye, lohnn Hacquett; Pettinweme,
Thomas Kingzow ; BruntiUand, Maister Androw Wilsoun ; Anstruther be
eist the bum, lohnn Alexander.
Apud Abirdene Octauo lunij 1590.
Mademtour.*^^ "^^^ QUHILK DAY, the commissionaris forsaidis electis and nominatis,
in absence of Maister Thomas Menzes of Dome prouest of the burch of
Convention of Royal Burghs. 311
Abirdene, Alexander Rutherfiird secund in commissioun, in moderatour to
this present assemblye and conventioun of burrowis, conforme to the aetis
maid and sett doun thairanent in all conventiounis of burrowis.
The same day, findia that nochtwithstanding of the produetioun of ane Dunbartan vn-
certane excuise allegit be Walter Cowan, commissioner for Striuiling, for
the burch of Dunbartan, seing the burch of Dunbartan is nocht exemit,
that thay haue incurit the pane and vnlaw of tuentye poundis, for thair
absens fra this present conventioun.
Tlie same day, anent the contenewatioun and ordinance maid and insert Abirbrothokis
in this buik of conventioun touardis the diligence to haue ben reportit to ^ repOT?t»«^-
this present conventioun be the commissioneris of Abirbrothok quha n^oniteu to the
, , , * nixt ooiiY6n-
war ordanit at the last generall conventioun hauldin at Sanctandrows, to tioan.
haue reportit be thair commissioner, to haue bene sent heirto, thair dili-
gens vpoun the bestowing of the sowme of thrie scoir poundis vpon the
reparrelling of thair kirk, Thomas Peirsoun present commissioner for the
said burch, as cautioner thairfoir, obleissis him at the nixt generall assem-
blye of burrowes to report thairto the bestowing thairof, vnder the
forme of ane autentik testimoniall, as alsua to send to the said conven-
tioun nixt approachand thair misseue appreving all thingis salhappin to
be concludit thairat, prouyding this his compeirance be na wayis preiu-
diciall to thair exemptioun hauldin at Sanctandrows last.
The same day, findis the lauchtfull warning maid be Maister Thomas Diligence,
Mollysoun, and vtheris in his name, to the haill burrowes of this realme, ning bmrowlfc"
for thair conventioun to this present assemblie, to be valeid, and, in re-
spect of thair lauchfull citatioun, the burrowis absent to haue incurit ilk
ane of thame the sowme of twentye poundis. And vpoun the said dili-
gence of warning the said Maister Thomas askit instrumentis, eta
The same day, etc., conforme to the ordour obseruit in general conven- ^i^o^'' »»»?*
-i 1 ... ^ , . the convening
tiounis, ordanis and statutes, that all commissionens presentlye convemt, at thia conven
convene thame selffis day lye induring thair remaining, on the preich- ^^^
ing dey be ten houris before none to sitt quhill tuelff houris, and to
convene thairefter at tua houris efber none and sitt quhill sax houris,
and on the vther deyis at nyne houris in maner before expremit, vnder
the pane of sax s. viij d. to be vpliftit, butt fauouris, of euerye commis-
sioner contrauenand this present ordinance.
312 Convention of Royal Burghs.
ch^iT***^*''* The quhilk day, comperit Maister lohnn Cheyne for him selflF, and as
commifldon&ris burges of the burch of Abirdene, and ana of the counsall thairof, and in
^ ^^' name and behalf of the communitie of the samin, as he allegit, protestit
that Maister Thomas Menzes of Dome, and Alexander Rutherfurde be na
wayes ressaiut commissioneris for the said burch, at this present conven-
tioun, in sa far, as he allegit, thay ar na wayes chosin be sound of bell,
consent of the communitie, nor ony publicatioun preceiding thair pre-
tendit electioun ; as alsua, in respect that the saidis persounis ar suspitious
to be commissioneris for the said burch, for ressonis to be gevin in be
him and the remanentis names : To quhome the saidis commissioneris
assignis tua houris efter none, to give in, before thame, the same. And
the said Alexander Rutherfurde, as commissioner for the said burch pro-
testit in the contrair, in sa for as he hes producit ane sufficient commis-
sioun, autentiklye subscryuit be the commoun clerk of the said burch, and
givin vnder the seill of cans thairof, conforme to the ordour and consti-
tutiounis of burro wes, ressauit and admittit, and he thairby in absence
of the prouest, as secund in commissioun, electit moderatour to this pre-
sent conventioun.
Certane res- The Same day, efter aduysement vpoun the desyir of the protestatioun
be°Se procuri^ aboue expremit to be admittit be Maister Ihonn Cheyne for him selff,
*owi8 for ane and in name of the communitie of the burch of Abirdene, contrair the
munitie of electioun and admissioun of Maister Thomas Menzes prouest, and
is the "p^OTt Alexander Rutherfurde, commissioneris for the said burch, findis that,
oo^^^^u tiiaS-^ nochtwithstanding the allegeances proponit in the contrar be the said
of. Maister Ihonn and Androw King procuratouris for ane certane of the
communitye off Abirdene, that in respect of the saidis burrowis auld
lawes and constitutionis maid anent the admissioun of commissioneris at
euerye thair generall and suerall convontionis of burrowes, the saidis
Maister Thomas and Alexanderis commissioun is valede and effectuall, and
thairby to be admittit conforme to thair act aboue expremit, becaus the
said commissioun is gevin vnder the seill of caus of the said burch,
and vnder the subscriptioun of the commoun clerk thairof, and thay
chosin be the prouest, baillies, and counsall of the said burch, as all
commissioneris, chosin to conventionis generall and suerall of burrowe^
according to the custome of vtheris burrowes of this realme ar chosin; and
thairefler the said Androw King ressauit vp his procuratioun producit.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 313
dissasseDting to the admissioun of the said commisaioneris, and that thair
ressonis, presentlye producit, may be registrat and insert in this thair
generall buik of conventioun in forme as efferis, to be gevin and extractit
vnder thair generall clerkis subscriptioun ; off the quhilkis resounis the
tennour followes : We Androw Scherar, Dauid Dudeaucht, Alexander
Howysoun, Androw King, William Gray, George Forbes, Maister lohnn
Cheyne, George Laing and lohnn Layng, George Gordoun, Alexander
Ewyn Robertsoun, George Elphynstoun, Laurence Mercer, lohnn
Saunders, Mathow Guild, Alexander Stewin, Alexander Patersoun,
Androw Myln, Androw Henresoun, Androw Leslye, and William Hay,
all persounis, counsall, burgessis of Abirdene, decannis and craftismen of
the samin respectiue, for oure selffis, and in name and behalff of the
remanent afflictit memberis of the pure commoun welthe of this burch,
desyris zour wisdomes for the tender mercyes of God, zour awin honouris,
and as ye will ansueir to his Maiestie, and eueit the gryte perell that
may fall in your awin commoun weillis, be suffering of the liberteyes of
burch to decay, that ye will tack deligent held to our maist humble and
ressonabill suplicatioun, to the propositioun quhairoff we are vrgit be
plane necessitye, and nocht vpon ony lycht inconsiderat motioun, having
oftymes callit reparatioun, and albogidder refusit. Item to the effect
that we be nochtt preiugit in the begynning of zour maist honorabill
conventioun, we desir that ane lauchfull commissioner, chosin be the
maist pairt of the voitis of the toun, be ressauit, and that Maister Thomas
Menzes of Dome, and Alexander Rutherfurde, pretending thame selffis
commissioneris be remowit, first, becaus thay haue chosin furth thame
selffis, or at leist ar onlye chosin be ane few number of thair awin
freyndis priuatlye, without sound of bell, or conventioun of commouneltie,
for advysement of thair awin turnis, quhairanent questioun is debatit
befoir your wisdomis betwixt the communitie and thame, specialy for
inhaJeing of thame selffis, thair awin kyn, freyndis, and alyes, in the
cheiff offices off the toun, as it war thair awin particular heritages, con-
tenewit in thair personis thir dyuers zeiris togider, by the actis of his
Maiesties parliament, quhairby this pure burch is alradeye impouar-
agit, and liklye to incur His Maiesties wreth and importabiU punisment,
and for maintenance and appropriating of the commoun guidis and
and commoun landis and caaualityes of this burch, quhilk is, and hes bene
2 R
314 Convention of Royal Burghs.
this moDy zeiris in thairis and thair freyndis handis, onropit, according
to the custome of vther burrowes to putt ony maner of pi"offit or dewtye
jMiyit thairfor ; Item, in speciall, Maister Thomas Menzes of Dome can
na wayes be commissioner, becaus he as tutour to Gilbert Menzes hes
brother or hes withauldin fra the commoun weill of the said toun, the
saill small customes thairof, the syss bollis the mettis of coalis, lyme, and
salt, the land takis of the said burch, and vtheris commodities of the
said burch, without ony payment of ony dewtye, obscuris the haill
euidentis of the toun, violentlye mantynes him selfF as clerk of the toun
without electioun. Item, the said Maister Thomas, being ane landuart
baiToun, na merchant nor trafficquer, only brocht frome landuert for the
mentenence of his freyndis, and continewing of the office of prouestre in
thair name, be the assistance of dyueris landuert barrownis hes intrui-
sit him selff in the office of prouestrie, and violentlie continewit him
selflF thairin, be the spaice of tua yeiris togidder, as his predecessouris hes
done continewalye be the space of fyftie yeiris and ma, thairby drawing
the estait of His Maiesties frie burch to the similitude and forme of ane
burgh of barroney, nocht only aganis his Maiesties lawes bot also
aganis the suorne aithis of the haill toun, publictlye convenit at the
Michealmes electione of prouest and magistratis in anno fourscoir and
sevin yeiris, as the act and ordinance of thair awin builds will testefye,
to the vtter wrak of this haill toun, quhilk act beris in speciall, thay,
electar of magistratis for ma yeiris than ane togidder, sail tyne thair
fredomes, and incur the paine of periurye, and sa can nocht be commis-
sioner ; And for the said Maister Thomas is second thrid feird and nocht
in grie defended with the maist pairt of thaus aganis quhome the puire
communitie of this toun is to mene thame selfFs befour your wisdomis,
anentis the wrangis sustenit be the saidis pure commoundis, for repara-
tioun of the dissipat and waistit commoune guid of this burch. Item,
the said Alexander Rutherfurde is in the lyk condition of the said
Maister Thomas awin sister sone, and hes mareit his dauchter, agaiiis
quhom also the communitye hes actioun of pui-prisioun, for vsurping of
ane gryt pairt and quantetye of the commoiin landis of the said burch,
and thairfor he can nawayes be commissioner of the said burch for ws and
communitye foirsaid ; And thairfor desyris your wisdomes to give ws
ane lauchtfull indifferent electit commissioner, that we may the mair
Convention of Royal Burghs. 315
fryley and fairlye mene our vnsufferabill wrangis to your wisdomes; And
in caice it micht be allegit that the prouest baillies and counsall of
Edinburgh, and vtheris certane burro wes of this realme, ar in vse to elect
thair commissioneris, the lyk is nocht the cace in Abirdene, becaus nocht
onlye is the commissioneris in vse to be chosin with consent of the haill
communitie, without quhais consent nane hes bene in vse to haue bene
chosin, and althocht sua war as it is, yet the personis nominat ar suspect
and can nocht be admittit commissioneris for the ressonis forsaidis; And
incaice your wisdomis will admitt thame, we protest for remeid of law,
and we the said communitye of Abirdene be nocht hauldin to leid on or
agitat oiiy of thair caussis befoir your wisdomes. To the quhilkis pre-
tendit ressouns, contening certane friuoll obiectiounis aganis the validitye
of the commission producit be Maister Tliomas Menzes, and Alexander
Rutherfurde, commissioneris for Abirdene, the said Alexander Ruther-
furde ansuerit, that the samin in effect was proponit befor the saidis
Maister lohnn and Androw King, and that the said commissioun is
alradey admittit and found guid, in sa far as thay war chosin be the
prouest baillies and counsall of the said burche according to the custom
obseruit in all vther bnrrowes of this realme, anentis the chesing and
electing of commissioneris of burrowis to conventiounis and parliamentis,
and according to the forme of all commissionis ressauit fra the commis-
sioneris of burrowes, and admittit this day, and heirtofore.
The same day, efter ressouning vpoun that heid of the missiue concern- Fouliertouuls
ing the burghe of Edinburghes desyre of rembursment of xij*^ merkis and continewit to
enteris peyit thairfor and aduancit be thame in name of the burrowes, as r»u convenUon
thai allegit, to Adame Foullertoun, in thair efiairis to England, as in aLd'tobTre^
dyueris actis sett doun obefoir thairanent at lenth is contenit, and in memberittin
speciell in ane act maid in the generall assemblye of burrowes at Sanct-
androis the elevint dey of Apryle 1 589, quhairby the commissioneris of
Edinburgh, than present, war ordanit to produce and bring to this pre-
sent conventioun the contract and instructiounis gevin be thame to the
said Adame the tyme of the first sending of him to Inglande in the
efferis forsaidis, to the effect the burrowes mycht be c«rtefeit of the said
Adames deligence and proceidinges in the said mater, continewis all an-
suer geving thairto, as obefoir, to thair nixt generall assemblye of bur-
rowes, quhaireuer the samin salhappin to be appoyntit to he hauldin, be-
316 Cmivention of Royal Burghs.
caus thai haue nocht satifeit the desir of the said last act maid at Sanct-
androis, and thairfor can nocht give ansuer to the desir of the said sup-
plicatioun ; ordaning the commissioneris of the said burch, now present,
as they wald be exped and have ansuer to thair supplicationn at the
said next generall conventioun of burrowes, to satiifye the desyr of the
said act maid at Sanctandrois, and ordanis the saidis burrowes to send
thair commissioneris instructit thairto, and to be rememberit in thair
misseves ; quhairvnto, and to all continewatioun, the commissioneris of
Edinburgh dissassentit, protesting that in respect of the money deleyis
haid heirintill, that the persuit heirfor be the law suld na wey be ofTen-
sabill to the saidis burrowes, but that thai micht suit reddress herein.
Nono lunij 1590.
Guthre, Gene- Tlic samc day, the commissioneris forsaidis efter lang ressoning vpoun
Sirrowis.*** that held of the misseue, quhairvnto thay war ordanit to cum instructit
to give ansuer concerning the continewatioun of lohnn Guthrie, thair
generall clerk, in his office of clerkschipe to thame, and maner of pey-
ment of his bygane stypend, and expenssis in keiping of thair generall
conventioun, as is at leynth sett doun in ane act maid at Sanctandrois
the xij day of Aprj'le 1589, findis, in respect of the said lohnnes guid
and deligent seruice heirtofor done be him in thair effaris at all tymes
quhen occasioun seruit, that for the spaice of ane yeir frome the monetb
of lulij nixt vnto the moneth of lulij in anno four scoir alevin yeiris, he
salbe continewit, lyk as thai continow him in the said office of generall
clerkschipe, vpoun the conditiounis mentionat in his first act of ad-
missioun. And finding the said lohnnis st3q)end of ane hundreth
poundis from lulij four scoir nyn to the moneth of lulij next tocum to
be restand awand vnto him, as alsua his ordinar expenssis in keiping of
generall conventiounis sen the conventioun hauldin at Edinburch in
November four scoir sevin, that of the first and raddiest of the vnlawes
incurrit be the burrowes absent frome this conventioun, he sail, with all
deligence possibill, be peyit of his said stepend of ane hundreth poundis,
and of the sowme off* thrie scoir poundis for his bygane expenssis in the
keping of the conventiouns aboue expremit
Convention of Royal Burghs. 317.
The same day, the commissioneris forsaidis hes adiugit and adiugis the Vniawing bur-
burrowes of Lawder, Irrewene, Air, Dinfres, Kirkcubricht, Quhithome, II^Taasignft-*
Rothesay, Dumbartan, Banfrow, Ruthuglen, Cullan, and Thayne, to haif ^"bliJSfto
incurit, ilkane of thame, the pane and vnlaw of tuenty poundis for thair G«thre clerk,
nocht comperance to this present generall conventioun, the maist pairt of Abirdene,
thairof, as nocht exemit thairfra, and the rest being exemit, tobecdSwtour
in the nocht obseruing of the tenour of thair act bering that tti«irto-
thai at euerye senerall generall conventioun suld send thair misseue
appreuing the haill actis to be concludit thairat, and this in re-
spect of the lauchtfuU citatioun vsit, schawin, and producit be Maister
Thomas Mollysoun, clerk of Abirdene, to quhome, according to thair actis
for sending and serving of the saidis missives direct to the keping of
this present conventioun, they assigne the sowme of tuentye poundis, as
for the vnlaw of the burch of for thair nocht comperance
to this present conventioun, and for collectioun thairof, and of the haill
vnlawes aboue expremit, ordanis the agent to be nominat for the bur-
rowes to be coUectour thairof, and gif neid beis, letteris and executoriallis
to rais and execute aganis the refuisaris to pey, to the effect that of the
first and i-addiest thairof, the said lohnn Guthre, dark, mey be peyit of
his bygaue stepend and expenssis modefeit, and the said Maister Thomas
of the vnlaw foirsaid ; the said coUectour alwayes being comptable to the
saidis burrowes at thair said nixt generall conventioun vpoun the in-
gathering and peyment of the saidis vnlawes, deduicing the assignatiouns
forsaidis, and his ordinar expenssis, to be debursit for recouery of the
samyn.
The same dey, anent the continewatioun of ane ansuer to haue bene Lentronis ao-
gevin to ane certane supplicatioun gevin in be Allane Lentron, citiner in Lordis of See-
Sanctandrois, to the commissioneris of burrowed convenit thairat in the ^^ diachar-
moneth of Apryle 1589, craving the actioun depending befor the Loirdis
of oure Souerane Loirdis Sessioun, at the instance of the four burrowis of
Edinburgh, Peii;h, Dondy, and Abirdene for rembursing to thame, in name
of the remanent bun'owes, the sowme off ane thousand merkis givin to
him for suppressing of certane piratis being on this coast and Ingland,
quhairinto he was ordanit to haue reportit his diligens, and nane, as thai
allegit, was' producit, quhairvpoun actioun was intentit and dependand
befoir the saidis Lordijs. Findis that the intenteris thairof, in respect of
the said AUanis deligence, now at this present conventioun maid notorious
318 Convention of Royal Burghs.
to thame, sail desist frome all forder persuit, and remittis the said AUane
simpliciter, and all that he micht haue incumt thairby, sua that he sail
incur na danger nor persuit thairfbr heirefter, bot simpliciter, as said is,
dischargis the said Alane of the said persuit and actioun for euer.
Protesta^nes The Same day, compeirit Androw King for him selff, and sic as ar con-
in name of the tenit in the procuratorie producit vpoun the aught day of this instant
AwSene^n- moncth lunij, and than tane vp be him, as alsua for the remanent com-
Uiliei^^nr*^ munitye of Abirdene as he allegit, vnder protestatioun iiocht authoresand
counaeii of the and allowand Alexander Rutherfurd in commissioun for the said burch,
nor na thing that he other dois or precidis in this general conventioun of
burrowes, that the samin be nathir preiudiciall to him nor communitie
forsaid, disallowing, for him selff and in thair nameis, all things done or
to be done be the said Alexander in the said conventioun, in sa far as he
is na weyis chosin nor admit in commissioner be consent of the commu-
nitie of the said bui-ch, according to the obseruit ordour vsit and obseruit
continewalye vnto this present conventioun generall, and vnder this pro-
testatioun desyrit the commissioneris of burrowes presentlye convenit to
sett and assigne to him and communitye forsaid ane certane day, befor
thair desoluing, to give in thair complentis, sic as thai will vse befor
thame at this present conventioun, or els to schaw ane cans quhy thay
will vse na cans befor thame, and heirvpoun desirit thair wisdomis ansuer.
And the said Alexander Rutherfurd protestit in the contrar, in respect
that he is commissioner alraddy ressauit be the commissioneris of bur-
rowes, and his commissioun found guid be thame, it being givin be prouest
baillies and counsall of the said burch, givin vnder the Eeill of caus, and
subscryuit be the commoun clerk thairof, according to the forme of vther
burrowes ; quhilk protestatioun of the said Alexander, the saidis commis-
sioneris thocht ressonabill and cogent (?) ; and forder the said Alexander
askit instrumentis vpoun the said Androwis comperrance, but procuratioun
for the communitye allegit, and but ony procuratory givin be thame, bot
bo him selff alanerlye, adherand to the actis preceiding approving his
admissioun and commissioun thairintill conteinit. And the said Androw
King ansuerit that the said AJexander Rutherfurdis allegens suld be
repellit, in respect of the procuratioun yisterday schawin, quhilkis the
saidis commissioneris repellis, in respect of the vptaking thairof, and
assignis to the said Androw the mome be thrie houris efter none to
Convention of Royal Burghs. 319
report his ansuer quhidder he will, for him selff and communitie forsaid,
submitt or nocht, as alsua the said Alexander Rutherfurd to report the
counsallis ansuer thairvpoun ; quhilk assignatioun and submissioun the
said Androw King aluterlye refuisit, adherand alanerly to his allegenssis
forsaidis.
Apud Abirdene decimo lunij 1590.
The quhilk day, the prouest of the burgh of Abirdene, at the desyre Licence to the
of the commissioneris presentlye convenit, gave and givis licience to Mais- 2Su3^*to °'
ter lohnn Cheyne, and remanent communitye of the said burch, to assemble convene with
, twa baillies
and convene thame selffis, with Alexander Forbes and lohnn CoUysoun, thairof.
tua of the baillies thairof, in the kirk of the samin, to the effect thay may
' give ansuer touard the submissioun cravit be the said is burro wes, in the
mater debaitabill betuixt the prouest baillies and counsall, and thame.
The same day, the commissioneris forsaidis, efter ressoning vpoun that Continnatioun
heid of the missiue desiring and decerning thame to haue come instructit rou'to the nixt
for altering of the generall taxt roll of ane hundreth pound ; finding the fentiaanand
tyme thairof nocht prescryuit nor outrun vnto the thrid dey of Novem- to be remem-
ber nixt, thairfor, at the desyre of the commissioneris of Edinburgh, con- nves.
tenewes the alteratioun thairoff into the . nixt generall conventioun of
burrowes, quhaireuer it salhappin the samin to be appojrntit to be haldin,
and ordanis missiues to be direct for waiming than the commissioneris to
convene to cum fully instructit to that effect.
The same day, continewis the ansuer giving to ane supplicatioun givin Oontinnatioun
in befoir thame be certane merchantis of the burrowes of Edinburgh, J^pikatioun
Striuiling, Anstruther, and vtheris, contenit thairintill, craving remeid of ny^^jS^JuiB of
the saidis burrowes be thair support to be grantit, in maner as is contenit i^burgh,
in thair said supplicatioun, for obtening of redres of the spoliatioun of thair to the nixt
wynis this last yeir be the pennour of Neuhevine to thair nixt generall con- f^Stioun!^"'
ventioun of burrowes, quhair the samin salhappin to be haldin, and to be
rememberit in thair misseues.
The same day, the commissionaris forsaidis conforme to the tennour of Rowane, relict
ane act maid and sett doun be the commissionaris of the four burrowes of ^^^^^'^^^y*
Edinburgh, Perth, Dondy, and Abirdene, ordanis thair generall collectour
to mak pejrment to Mariorye Rowane, relict of vmquhile William M'Kart-
320 Convention of Royal Burghs.
ney, sumtyine thair agent, of the sowm of fyftye merkis thairintill con-
tenit ; and efter consideratioun haid of the said vmquhile Williamis guid
seruice to thame in thair effeiris, induiring the tyme of his office of
agenerye, givis, grantis, and disponis into hir the sowme of vther fyflie
merkis, in recompance of his said seruice, quhilk they ordane to be peyit
to hir of the first and raddiest of the vnlawes, quhilk salhappin to occur
at thair nixt generall assemblye of burrowis.
The same day, Andrew Huntar, commissioner for the burch of Forfar,
o AT, on e. gj^^g jj^ ^^^ supplicatioun aganis the magistratis of the burch of Dondye,
craveing reformatioun of the vplifting be thame frome the inhabitantis and
burgessis of Forfar, of certane customis contenit in the said supplicatioun :
Efter the reiding quhairof, and of ane certane decreit arbitrall givin be
certane iudges, contenit tharintill, betuixt the saidis tua burrowes, lamee
Auchinlek, commissioner for the said burch of Dondy, protestit in name
of the communitie thairoff, that the commissioneris presentlie oonvenit
suld nocht proceid in forder nor is contenit in the said decreit, quhilk^ gif
thay did, for remeid of law. And the saidis commissioneris, in sa fieu: as
na complaynt was givin in be the burch of. Forfar, nather was the said
decreit abefoir schawin or producit, quhairby the commissioner of Dondye
micht have cum to this conventioun instructit to haue givin ansuer thair-
to, thairfor continewes all proceiding heirintill into thair nixt generall
assemblye of burrowis, quhan as thai ordane the said burcht, be thair
commissioneris to be sent thairto, to give ansuer to the samin ; and or-
danis ane copye of the said burch of Forfaris complaynt to be givin to
the said lames Auchinlek as commissioner forsaid. And the said com-
missioner of Forfar resauit vpe the said decreit, quhairof they ordane him
at the requisitioun of the said commissioner of Dondy or magistratis
thairof, to delyuer inlykmaner to him or thame gif neid beis ane auton-
tik copye thairof, and ordanis the contentis heirof to be rememberit in
thair misseves, etc.
Articles com- The samo day, Maister lohnn Cheyne, for himselff and as procuratour
den^'^^r^X for the communitie of the burch of Abirdene, gave in certan articlis con-
CounSji**^ ceming the gouernement thairof, oflT the quhilk the tennour followis :
tiiAiro^- The articlis concerning the ciuile gouernement of the burch of Abirdene,
quhairanent the communitie thairof, personis of counsall, burgessis, crafiis-
men, and decanis thairoff desyris reformatioun and ordour to be takin be
Convention of Royal Burghs. 321
the commissioneris of burrowes convenit in this maist honorabill as-
semblye. In the first, it is to be rememberit, that [by] the actis of his Mai-
esties Parliament, and predecessouris of maist nobill and heich renoun na
man lauchfulye mey bear office bot for ane yeir, and that partiality and
maistersehipe (quhilk is vndoing of burrow es) in the electioun thairof
aucht to haue na plaice ; as also, that na man lesumlie may be chosin
prouest baillies or eldermen to burgh, bot that ar honest and substan-
tious burgessis, merchantis, and induellaris of the said burch ; and that
na man aucht to trubill or give feir and drede to his nichtbour in elec-
tioun of thair magistratis ; that the commoun guid of burch aucht to be
yeirly roupit, at the maist sett for the spaice of thrie yeiris ; and that
finalye, the euidentis, commoun buikis, wreitis, artailzeary, and jowellis
of the toun aucht to be putt in sure and publict custodye. And it is
trew that all thir heidis ar transgresit within the miserabill bowellis of
this commonwelth, and be sa far as his Maiesties fre burch hes bene
thrallit to seme ane raice of pepill, as it war ane burch of baronaye, neuer
halving ony prouest or counsall changit be the spaice of fyftie yeiris by-
gane, except it war be death, and in that caice, ane of the same rais, as it
war ane stait of inheritance, succeiding thairto ; na persoun of burch bot
thai knawing ony thing concerning the custody of the euidentis or
jouellis of the toun, nane bot thai haveing entres to the dispositioun of
the rentis thairof ; na commoun guid roupit be the spaice of xxx yeii-es
bygane ; — quhairfoir, we desyre, seing thair is na counsall chosin this yeir as
yitt, nor hes bene be lang spaice obefoir, that we mey haue plaice to
cheis furch ane vnsuspect counsall of the maist worthiest substantious
merchandis, craftismen of the maist worthiest of the haill body of our
toun, as vse is in vther weill reformit tovnis, and in competent number.
Item, the leytis for electioun of the prouest nocht to be restranit to the
name of Menzess, thair freyndis and allyais, bot to be extendit to ane
number of the maist worthye of burch that knawis the estait thairof,
and be the aduyse and voit of the haill toun, ane thairof to be chosin,
and he that is chosine onlye to beir office for ane yeir. Item, the dene
of gyld to be yeirlye chosin be the toun, and haue fiill iurisdictioun as he
hes in vther tounis. Iteme, the tounes seillis to be putt in the custodye
of tua vnsuspect mennis handis, yeirlye at ilk electioun, be the voitt of
the haill tovne. Item, ane ordour to be sett doun how the tounis buikis,
2 s
322 Convention of Royal Burghs.
euidentis, piiblict courtis, saisingis, and jowellis pertening to the toun to
be putt in the keiping hous, quhair thai war obefoir, in ane kist with
four lockis, and four vnsuspect persouns to be keiparis thairof ; and in
the midtyme, the euidentis to be sichtit be sic competent number of vn-
suspect persouns as your wisdomis sail appoynt thairto. Item, your wia-
domis act, maid at Sanctandrows, anent the rouping of the commoun guid
to be putt to executioun betuixt this and the day of
nixt etc. Eftir the ingiving and productioun of the quhilkis articlis and
reiding thairof, assignis to the prouest and Alexander Rutherfurde, for
thame selffis and in name of the said burch of Abirdene, the mome to
mak ansuer thairto, and to geive the ansuer Itinc inde, ather of the saidis
pairteis, quhidder they will submitt or nocht.
Appreving act Tlie same day, ratefeis and appreves the act maid and sett doun at the
with additiair^ ^^st conventioun, hauldin at the burch of Sanctandrois vpoun the four-
tene dey of Apryle 1 589 yeiris, anent chapmen and vnfrie persouns, als-
weill outwith and inwith burrowes, banting and traffequing with the
seall of stepill guidis in gryt and small, with this aditioun, that ilk deane
of gj'ld within euerye frye burch quhair ony ar electit, and quhair nane
is, that the niagisti*atis thairof see the said act put to dew executioun,
vnder the pane of xx^ libris to be vpliftit of thame incaice thai feillye.
And for sure knawlege for the dew executioun thairof, ordanis that at
ilk generall conventioun of burrowes ilk commissioner of the samin re-
poii thairto the diligens vsit be the saidis deane of gyld and magistratis
in executing the said act, certefeing the contravenaris heirof, as alsua in-
caice ony complant beis maid be ony maner of persoun vpoun the deane
of gyld and magistratis foi-saidis, thai being found culpabill, that the
lyk pane and vnlaw of xx libris salbe lykueyis vpliftit of thame, but
fiiuouris.
Burrowis and The same day, the commissioneris forsaidis finding {hame selffis and
in fTj^derSf ^^^^ saidis burrowcs and haill estait of merchandis gretumly preiudgeit
and dampnefeit be Maister Robert Dannistoun, pretendit conseruatour of
the office of conseruatoury, nocht onlye in vsurping be him of the said
office, bot alsua in extortiouning of all traffequaris resorting to the pair-
tis of Flanders, thairfoir discharges heirby all the saidis trafFequeris of
ony ansuering or peying to him at ony tyme heirefter of ony maner of
dewty, nor that nane of thame acknowlege him in conseruatour, sen he
ConventKrn of Royal Burghs. 323
hes nocht thair authoritie interponit thairto, as haiving iust richt of elec-
tioun of him and ony vtheris thai pleis in the said office of conseruatorye,
bot hes violentlye intrusit himselff, by thair consentis or electioun be
thame of him, in the said office. And for dew obseruing heirof, ordanis
publicatioun to be maid be the magistratis of euerye burch of this pre-
sent act and ordinance, to the effect the traffeqiiaris within the samin may
be maid acknawlegit heirof, and the saidis traffequeris pretend na ignor-
ance, certefeing the saidis merchandis and traflFequeris, in caice thai will-
ingly, but compulsioun, acknawlege the said conseruatour, or pey to him
ony dewtye, and the saidis magistratis, incaice publicatioun be nocht
maid heirof and dewlye putt to executioun, that thai and euerye ane of
thame, contraueneris heirof, sail incur the pane and vnlaw of twentye
poundis ; and that the saidis traffequeris quhan and quhow oft thai
be compellit be the said conseniatour to pey to him ony sic dewtye,
repoii ane sufficient testimoniell thairvpoun, vnder the said pane and
vnlaw of XX libris sua oft as thai faillye ; and ordanis ane missiue to
be maid and formit to be subscryuit be thame, warning the said pretendit
conseruatour to compeir at Edinburgh vpon the day of
nixt, to ansuer befoir the commissioneris of the burrowes
of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondye, Abirdene, Striuiling, Sanctandros, Hading-
ton, and sic vther burrowes as plessis thame to convene, and efter his
arryuell and heir cuming that the magistratis of the said burch of Edin-
burgh mak dew aduerteisment to the saidis burrowes to send thair com-
missioneris fullye instructit to convene at the said burch at sic dey as
salbe appoyntit be the saidis magistratis of Ediaburch to thame for tak-
ing of ordour with the said conseniatour, certefeing the burrowes nocht
conuenand efter dew aduerteisment maid as said is, that thai and euerye
ane of thame, sail incur the pane and vnlaw of xx libris. And forder,
as toward the taking of ordour with the excyse of beir and wyne in the
toun of Campfer, for the caussis contenit in ane act maid and sett doun
at Sancttmdrois in Apryle 1 589 yeiris, givis full pouer and commissioun,
for thame selffis and remanent burrowes of this realme, to the saidis sevin
burrowes to sye the said ordour sett doun and establischit, and the said
excyse putt to maist availl ; as alsua, in thair and remanent burrowes
names, to tak sic ordour with the said conseruatour at his hame cuming
as to the welfair of thair cstait salbe be thame thocht expedient, promis-
324 Convention of Royal Burghs.
sand ferme and stabill etc. And vpoun the diligence to be done hcirin,
ordanis the saidis buiTOwes to send thair coramissioneiis fuUye instructit
to thair nixt generall conventioun of burrowes to report the same, and
to be rememberit in thair misseues, etc.
Vndecimo lunij 1590.
Ansueris be The quhilk DAY, in presens of the commissionaris forsaidis, Maister
and^bSmeeof Th^°^8^ Menzcs of Dome, prouest of Abirdene, and Alexander Ruther-
Abirdenetothefurde, Commissioners thairof, producit ansuers to the articlis givin in be
arUcuiee thair- Maister lohnn Cheyne, for him selff and in name of the communitie of
^^' the said burch, of the quhilkis ansueris the tennour foUowis : We, prouest,
baillies, counsall, of the burch of Abirdene, ancient citizans and burgessis
thairof, with the grytest pairt of the communitie of the samin, ansuering
to certone articlis givin in and presentit befoir yow, my lordis commis-
sioneris of burrowes, assemblit at Abirdene the tent of lunij 1590 yeris,
craveing refonnation of the ciuile gouemement of the said burch, sayis:
It is commoun to all persouns provokit to bauld raschnes, namelye to the
raacall multitude, seilcing the alteratioun innouating and altering of the
ciuile gouernement of any burch or commoun welth quhilk sa lang hes
florischit in ciuile polesye, quyetnes, and tranquilitye, and sa lang hes
bene gouemit throcht the obseruing and keping of louabill constitutionis
and guid lawes sett doun of auld, to all sic, we say, to couer thair desyr
and interprys in, vnder sum honest pretence, desiring, as it war, ane bet-
ter forme of gouemment to be introducit thairin nor at ony tyme sen the
erectioun of that burch hes bene embracit and ressauit, ewin swa it is
with the adherantis to the saidis articlis, seing that trew it is, contenewaJye
sen the said burch of Abirdene was erectit be his Maiesties maist nobill
progenitouris of guid memorye in ane frye regall burch, doiting the samin
with dyuers liberties, immuniteis, and priueleges, and cheiflye with the
priuilege of fiye electioun of prouest, baillies, counsall, deanis of gyld,
thesaurer, clerkis, and vtheris ordinar ofRcieris within the samin, quhilkis
preuileges all togidder be the saidis articlis ar cravit to be abrogattit. The
settlit forme [and] lang continewit estait of gouernment of the said burch in
cheising and electing of thair magistratis and officieris forsaid in na tyme
Convention of Eayal Burghs. 325
heirtofoir sen the erectioun of the said burch, hes bene alterit or changit,
bot the samin to this dey and tynie hes bene foUowit out and inviolablye
obseruit, according to the saidis priuileges, allowit and apprevit be his
Hynes and his Maiesties predicessouris frome tyme to tyme, nochbwith-
standing of his Graice actis of parliament, The forme of the electioun of
the prouest, bailleis, and counsall, thesaurer, deanis of gyld within the
said burch, cravit be the saidis articlis, is the alterating and inverting of
the said setlit stait and lang continewit forme of gouernement within the
said burch, nawayes thocht meit be his'Maiestie to be alterit or changit,
bot be his Hyenes frome tyme to tyme allowit and authoresit as said is,
the altering quhairof, but aU peraduentur, salbe ane exampill pemitious
and dangerous sequel), the fontain occasioun of all confusioun to enschew
thairvpoun, with the abrogating of the antient liberties and priuileges of
the said burch, and thairunto give we suld consent and agrie, doutles we
suld schaw our selffis disloyall subiectis, and proud dissobeyaris and con-
temptneris of his Maiesties wiU, declaiiit and publischit frome tyme to
tyme thairanent vpoun the lyk and complentis maid to his
Maiestie be certane nichtbouiis of the said burch, craveing to haue had
the said settlid forme of gouernement and electioun alterit. Seuerall
burro wes hes seuerall constitutionis and customis, found onmeit be his
Maiestie to be alterit and changit without guid aduyse and deliberatioun.
The craftismen to crave or vsurpe ony forder libertie nor thay or ony of
thair predicessouris hes euer haid or injoyit within the said burgh in ony
tyme bygane, namlye to be of the counsall of the said burch, hes neuer
bene hard heirtofore, nor yitt can we be persuadit that thai or ony of the
merchand estait of the said burch will craue or desyre the same, seing it
is of veritye that thai ar secludit fra all seiking of offices within the said
burch, or to be on the counsall thairof, be ane finall decreit and appoynt-
ment maid betuixt the prouest, bailleis, and merchandis, on that ane pairt,
and the saidis craftismen on the vther pairt, anent the settling of all con-
trauei^syes betuixt the merchandis estait and thame, We dout nocht bot
your wisdomis, vnderstanding perfytlye that thair is nocht ane vniforme
ordour nor vniformitye obseruit amang the haill burrowes of this realme
vniuersalye, in the forme of gouernement of thair burchis tovnis and cities
anent the chesing and electing of thair magistratis and officieris, bot dyuers
burrowes hes dyuers customis, as is aboue mentionat, nather yit is the
326
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Burrrowie,
Erlisfeny.
Licence to
Hadingtonn,
etc, to desolae.
Wilsoun, com-
missioner for
Bruntilandf
vnlawit.
Crailland Ans-
iruther to re-
levo Pettin-
wome of thair
impoist
actis of parliament maid anent the chesing and electing of magistratis
vniuersalye obseruit amangis the haill burrowes, bot that the cheif
and maist principall burrowes of this realme, notour to your wisdomis,
lies thair cheif magistratis, sic as thair prouest, continewit in office nocht
for ane yeir onlye but for ma yeris, worthye men of wisdome for weill
meriting in commoun weillis, guid seruice done be thame thairinto, and
aduanceing of the liberteis of tovnis, quhairin thai buir, and beiris office,
hes bene continewit in thair office for mony and dyueris zeris, without
seassing or intromissioun, euer electit and chosin of new at the apoyntit
tyme, how be that befoir the electioun thay demitt thair offices, as vse
is, sum hes bene prouestis of cheif and principall burrowis (we mein
nocht now of Abirdene) thay and thair predecessouris of ane rais, sur-
name and bluid, be the spaice of thrie scoir yeris with the mair, sum
fourtye, sum threttie, and sum fewar yens.
The same day, comperit Dauid Strachin, and producit ane suplicatioun
for him selff as commissioner for the tovne of Erlisferrye and inhabi-
tantis thairof, desiring the samin to be admittit and enrollit in ane frye
burgh amangis the remanent frie burrowes of this realme, conforme to the
Kingis Maiesties gift of erectioun schawne, producit, and tane vp agane
be the said Dauid ; Quhilkis commissioneris findis the said suplicatioun
nocht to be now entreitit vpoun, in respect of thair knawlege of the
inhabilitye of the said toun, quhilk incaice of thair admissioun suld be
veray preiudiciall to the haill estait of frye burrowes.
The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis givis licence to the com-
missioneris of the burrowes of Haddingtoun, Brechine, Northbervik,
Forfar, and Dunbar to disolue frome this conventioun, quha ratefeis and
apprevis all lawes constitutiouns and quhatsumeuer thingis beis con-
cludit heirat.
The same day, findis Maister Androw Wilsoun, commissioner for the
burch of Bruntyland, to haue incurrit ane vnlaw at the modificatioun of
the moderatour, for making of ane bal to the commissioner of the vnfrie
toun of Erlisferrye, and procuring thairfoir, aganis the welfair, actis, and
statutes of burrowes, but licience obtenit.
The same day, findis, decernis, and ordanis that the magistratis of the
burch of Craill and thair collectour of the impostis ordanit to be vpliftit
thairat, for the caussis mentionat in the actis sett doun thairanent, sail
relieve the burch of Pettinweme, and pey vnto thair collectour sic sowmis
Convention of Royal Burghs. 327
of money as is coUectit be the saidis magistratis of Craill and thair
coUectour sen thair first intromissioun thairwith, as alsua, that the
magistrates of the burch of Anstruther be eist the bume sen thair erec-
tioun in ane fiye burch sail do the lyk ; and vpoun thair refusall, or-
danis the coUectour of the said burch of Pettinweme to cans rais and
execute letteris of horning vpoun the saidis burrowes expenssis, quhilk
salbe allowit in his comptis.
Duodecimo Junij 1590.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis vnderstanding the ^ne*,^™iiec,
heiring of the generall coUectouiis comptis to be deleyit, in respect that 1?""^^^"^^
at the last tyme of the heiring of the customeris comptis, the customis, agent,
impostis, vnlawes, and taxatiouns war nocht haillelye ingottin be him,
thairfoir, for heiring of the samin, hes electit and nominatt the burrowes
of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondy, Abirdene, Sanctandrois, Striuiling, and
Hadingtoun, to be auditouris to the said generall collectouris comptis, to
quhom thai give full pouer and commissioun to heir, allow, or disallow
the samin at thair plesour, as to the weilfair of burrowes be thame salbe
thocht expedient, and to convene to that effect at Edinburgh at «ic day
as thai ar to convene for taking of ordour with the pretendit conseruatour
in Flanders. At quhilk day they ordane the magistratis of the burro-
wis of Abirdene, Dondy, Sanctandrois, and Pittenweme to compeir and
mak compte, rekning, and peyment of thair bygane intromissioun with
the saidis impostis, ilk burch vnder the pane and vnlaw of tuentye
poundis, by and attour the peyment of the interes of ane annuell of four
scoir poundis yeirly, peyit be the burrowes for nocht redeming of the
principall sowme of xij<^ merkis gevin and debursit for the caussis men-
tionat in the act sett doun thairanent. And Tames Auchinlek, com-
missioner for the burch of Dondy, in name thairof, protestit that incaice
it be found that peyment is maid of thair pairt of the said impost preceid-
ing the feist of Witsonday last that thai be exemit fra the penaHyo and
interes foirsaid. And becaus the saidis burrowes findis thame grytumly
preiudgit be the inlak of ane generall agent to attend vpoun thair efferis,
thairfoir hes gevin, and'gevis full pouer and coramissioun to the saidis
328 Convention of Eoyal Burghs.
sevin burrowes to elect and nominatt ane sufficient qualefeit agent for
the spaice of ane yeir nixt efler liis electioun, vpoiin the conditiounis
and fye peyit to vmquhile Willeam Makcartnay, thair last agent, pro-
mitt^ndo de rato, etc,
Che^^**^^in Th^ Same day, Maister lohnn Cheyne, for him selff and the commu-
coramimitie*of ^^^^^ ^^ ^^® burch of Abirdene, gave in aganis the prouest, baillies, and
Abirdene. counsall of the samin the protestatioun following, quhairof the tennour
followis: The quhilk day, Maister lohnn Cheyne and Androw King,
burgessis of Abirdene, having, at the requeist of the commissioneris of
bunowes, bene licenciat be the prouest of Abirdene to convene in the
paroche kirk thairof, with lohnn CoUysoun and Alexander Forbes
baillies, for conferance to bene haid with certane thair nichtbouris, bur-
gessis and craftismen of the said burch, for knawing of thair myndis anent
the vptaking and submissioun to the saidis commissioneris of sic questioun
and contrauersie as hes stand and presentlye standis betuixt thame and
the saidis prouest, counsall, and dyuers magistrates of the said burch
anent the ciuill gouernement of the samin, eftir lang conferance haid with
the saidis nichtbouris and communitie, in presens of the saidis tua bailleis,
returnit againe, and befoir the saidis commissioneris exponit and declarit
that the said communitie of ane agreing mynd consent and will was
glaidly contentit to submitt all questiounis betuix thame and the magis-
trates of the said burch to the decisioun of the commissioneris of bur-
rowes forsaidis, and for the better declaratioun of thair intentioun thair-
anent, gave in certane articlis at the saidis commissioneris desyris to be
treitit vpoun be thame, incaice the saidis prouest and counsall and thair
adherance grantit to the said submissioun for thair pairtis, and incaice
thay refusit, desyrit maist reuerentlye the said commissioneris, as thay
quha ar iudges ordinar in sic caices be vertew of thair offices, to tak
ordour and proceed in the said mater as efferis, protesting solempintly
that incaice the mater cum to forder dispute befoir his Maiestie, Lordis of
Secreitt Counsall or Sessioun, or befoir the saidis commissioneris of
buiTowes, or vtheris iudges quhatsumeuer, that the said communitie be
nocRfT?esapted authouris or occasioun of the expenssis to be maid thair-
anent, nor o^'■'8«^y commotioun that mey succeid or follow
thairvpoun in onytiipe heireftir ; desyring with all humanitye the saidis
commissioneris to beu^^dew record to his Maiestie of the saidis pure
Convention of Royal Burghs. 329
commoundis laucbfull offir and desyre, and that zour wisdomis will of
equitye hald, haue, concur, and assist ws thairanent, as tyme and occa-
sioun sail require, and thairin desyrit actis and instrumentis. And the
saidis coram issioneris assignis to the prouest, in name of baillis and
counsall of the said burch of Abirdene, to ansuer thairto partibus
citatLs.
The same day, continewis the ansuer giving to the burch of Aberbro- Ck)ntiniiRtionn
thokis suplicatioun, craveing support to the reperralling of thair decayit broThok's sup-
herberye, to the nixt generall assemblye of burrowes, and to remember pii<»*i«>">^
the samin in the messeues to be sent thairto.
The same day, findis the burch of Irrewing to haue incurrit ane vnlaw Vnlawinglrro-
of tuenty poundis for nocht reporting of thair deligence vpoun the be- fomochtw^*
stowing of the dewtyes mentionat in ane act maid and sett doun at Sn^^fe^ofthe
Sanctandrois in the last conventioun haldin thairat in Apryle 1 589, for dewtiesfor
vphalding of thair decayit brig, and ordanis ane misseue to be sent to
thame to send thair commissioneris instructit to mak compt, at the nixt
generall assemblye, of the bestowing of the dewties foi'saidis vpoun the
said brig, and, incaice thai report nocht compt or deligence to the said
nixt conventioun, than the saidLs dewties to expyre and be dischargit.
The same day, hes exemit and exemis for the spaice of thrie yeiris the exemitfor
burch of Northberuik frome all keping of conventiounis, sendiug to euerye *^^ y®^™"
ane thairof thair missues, with the ewest burch vndispensit with, apprev-
ing all thingis concludit and sett doun thairat.
The same day, the commissioneris forsaidis promissis thair ayd and Burrowis,
concurrence to. the suplicatioun to be givin in be Alexander Kempt, qjI^S^.^^^'
bm-ges of the burch of Abirdene, to the estaitis of the parliament nixt,
craveing redres of thame for the wrangous spoilling fra him, and vtheris
merchaudis of the said toun, of certan guidis apertening to thame be cer-
tane piratis in thair weyage from Caleis to Deipe, in the moneth of Merche
last.
The samin dey, the commissioneris forsaidis hes givin licence to the ^^^roti^ock
commissioner of the burch of Abrothoke to dissolue frome this conven- to denoiue.
tioun to pas hame, quha ratefeit and aprevit all tbingis to be concludit
thairat.
The same day, the commissioneris forsaidis hes exemit and exemis for ?*"? exemit
J * , for thre yeins.
the spaice of thrie yeiris nixt heirefter, the burch of Banff frome all keip-
2 T
330 Convention of Royal Burghs.
ing of conveiitioiinis, the said burch sending with the burch ewest, on
dispensit with ane missiue autentiklye subscryuit, appreving all thingis
to be concludit at the conventiouns intervening. And vnderstanding
the said burghe to haue bene vnlawit at the last generall assemblye haldin
at Sanctandrois, for thair nocht comperance thairto, in ane vnlaw of xx
poundis, qiihilk is peyit be thame to the clerk of the said eitye, nocht-
withstanding that thai vsit deligence to haue approvin the lawis and con-
stitutiounis than concludit, and that thair misseue maid and sent to
Alexander Rutherfurde was in his default on producit, thairfor, for re-
pairing and refounding to thame off the said vnlaw, hes assignit and as-
signis into thame ane of the vnlawes that salbe incurit at the nixt gene-
rall assemblv of burrowes.
Decimo tercio lunij 1590.
Hacquett com- The quhilk DAY, anent the suplicatioun givin in be lames Hacquett,
Si^^striveimg Commissioner for the burch of Dysart, agaias the burch of Striuiling,
®^* craving rembursement of the sowme off fourscoir sevin poundis ten schil-
lingis, as for the said burch of Striuilingis pairt of ane extent of aucht
hundreth poundis raisit vpoun certane bun'owes for outredding of ane
schip to Denmerk, findis and decernis the said burch of Striuiling sail,
within XV dayes efter the hamecuming of the said commissioner of Striui-
ling thairto, pay vnto the said burch of Dysart the sowme aboue expremit,
togidder with the sowme of thrie poundis of expenssis, with certification n
to the said burch, and [thai] mak nocht peyment of the samin at the dey
appoj-ntit, that thai sail refound and pay to the said burch of Dysart all
forder expenssis it salhappin thame to deburs in the suiting heirof, vpoun
lames Hacquett, present commissioner for Dysartis conscience and modi-
ficatioun.
innemes vn- "^^^ Same day, findis the burch of Innernes, for suspending, be ane
ia>\ it for BUS- wrang nerretiue, the letteris raisit be the generall collectour in thair names
i^ etc ^ ^ for peyment of the said burchis pairt of the extent raisit for the price of
XXX tvnis wyne, vpoun the inlak of the customes, hes incurit the pane
and vnlaw of tuentye poundis, quhilk thai ordane to be vpliftit incaice,
vpoun the said coUectouris first requisitioun, thai mak nocht peyment
Convention of Royal Burghs. 331
dewlye of thair pairt of the said extent, and, gif neid beis, ordanis letteris
to be raisit and execut aganis the said burch for the said vnlaw, incaice
of refusal as saidis.
The same day, anent the suit of the commissioneris of the burch of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, craving rembursment of the sowme of tuentyefyve hundreth biTrernent of
merkis givin to Maisteris lohnn Skeyne and William Fowlar commission- "n^^^J^!*
eris to Denmerk, and, as the said commissioneris of Edinburch allegit, in
the burrowes effaris, ordanes the said burch of Edinburgh to send thair
commissioneris instructit to the nixt general assembly of burrowes, and
to bring with thame the act contening the maner of thair commissioun,
to the effect the saidis burrowes mey knaw gif the samin was in thair
effares or nocht, and to be rememberit in the misseves to be direct in the
nixt conventioun.
The same fdayl anent the sowme of tuentyetwa thousand merkis or- Edmburgii,
. . .... . xxijm merkis
dan it to be givin to the Kingis Maiestie be the burrowes, to the collectioun coutinewit to
quhairof lohnn Aimott, prouest of Edinburgh, was ordanit to deput ane ventioun^be
coUectour, ordanis that at the conventioun appoyntit to be hauldin at ^^^^^ thairatt
Edinburgh be the sevin burrowes, for the caussis of the conseruatour, or
soner as ony conventioun of the estaites intervenis, produce the act of
Secreit CounsaU sett doun thairanent to be producit be the commission-
eris of the bmchis of Edinburgh or Perth, and the saidis sevin burrowes,
be thair commissioneris than to convene, to tak sic ordour heirwith as to
the weilfair of the estait of burrowes salbe be thame thocht maist ex-
pedient.
The same day, Dauid Watsoun, commissioner for the burch of Sanct- Watsoun
,.,.... . , . « commissioner
androis, oblissis him at hes hamecuming thairto to cans mak peyment of Sauctandrois
the sowme of sevin scoir poundis restand awand be thame for thair pairt ment of^air
of the extent raisit for peyment of the threttye tvnis wyne awand to the i^^^^tenT
Kingis Maiestie of the fourscoir aucht yeir of God, and that betuixt and wynist«the
the fyft day of lulij nixt, and ordanis the said coUectour to send to the lectour.
said Dauid the letteris of homing raisit and execut aganis the said burch
for non-peyment of thair pairt of the said extent, and this for saffitye of
ane vnlaw of xx poundis quhilk the said burch incurrit throch non-pay-
ment thairof as said is.
332 Convention of Royal Burghs.
to^concur^Hj^ The same day, the eommissioneris foirsaidis promissis to concur and
innernee in assist the burch of Inncrncs in thair suitt to be maid to the Kingis
for thair decay- Maiestie and Estaitcs for support to the mending of thair decayit brig,
* ^^^' be vplifting of sic dewties, for the spaice of sevin zeris aJanerlye, as is
vpliftit be the burch of Irrewing, prouyding, incaice of grant thairto, the
said burch of Innernes send thair eommissioneris instructit zeirly to thair
generall conventiounis to mak compt of the bestowing of the saidis
dewtyes on the brig foirsaid, vnder the payne of xx poundis.
Forres exeroit The Same day, anent the supplicatioun presentit to thame be the com-
tionis fo" to Kiissioner of Forres, craving the burrowes concurrance to the suitting of
s»ri8- redres of sum gryt men quha oppressis thame, adheris to thair act sett
doun thairanent at Sanctandrois, and promissis concurrance quhen as
occasioun sail serue ; and as touard the support cravit to the reparrelling
of thair kirk, exemis thame frome keping of conventioun of burrowis
for the space of thre zeires, vpoun the prouisionis and conditiouns men-
tionet in the actis maid anent vtheris exemit burrowes, and that the
vnlawes quhilk thai micht haue incurit be thair absence be bestowit
vpoun the reparrelling of thair said kirk as said is, and remittis thair
vnlaw of XX libris incurit be thame for absence fra the conventioun at
Glasgow, quhais commissioner was ordanit to rejx)rt the lauchtfiill cita-
tioun of the said burch of Forres at the nixt generall assemblye.
Ansueris to the The quhilk day, etc., Maister Thomas Menzes of Dome, prouest of
Articles of Abirdene, and Alexander Rutherfurd ane of the counsall of the said
ma^tniti?*^^ burch, commissioncris for the said toun of Abirdene, for thame selflis and
thaSrof, etc. in name of the baillies, counsall, antient burgessis, and gryt pairt of the
commonaltye thairof, compeiring, ansuerit to the former protestatioun
maid be Maister lohnn Cheyne and Andrew King, burgessis thairof, for
thame selflBs and thair adherentis of the commonelty of the said burch,
that trew it is and of veritye that the forme of governement presentlye
vsit within the said burch is, in the forme of rewll and governement, and
cheising of magistratis, that euer was and hes bene exerceisit and vsit
within the samin fra the begynning sen euer the samin was ane burch ;
and that the desjrre of the saidis Maister lohnn and Androw is the
alterating and abrogatting of the haill constitutiouns obseruit within the
Siiid burch, auld settled forme, and lang continewit stait of gouemement,
anent the cheising and electing of the magistratis, counsall, deanis of
Conventio7i of Royal Burghs. 333
gyld, and thesaurer, kepit, followit out, aad inviolably obseruit within
the said burch in all tymes bygane sen the first erectioun of the samin
in ane regall firye burch, from tyme to tyme allowit and apprevit be his
Maiestie and his Grace predecessouris, fiu the quhilkis auld constitutionis
and forme of gouernement of the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall
hes onywayes fallin, or thairfra has maid ony defectioun, and nocht kepit
the samin in the auld integritye, lyk as thai hau done : To verifye the
quhilk thay oflTerit thame raddy to produce the tovnis buikis to beir
record to the samin, war contentit that the commissioneris of burrowes
presentlye assemblit suld tak tryell thairintill, and gif it war found be
thame that the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall had transgressit the
said auld constitutiounis and setlaid forme of gouernement vsit frome
tyme to tyme within the said burch sen the erectioun of the samin, to
be reformit be thame in that poynt, according to the antient constitu-
tiouns of the said burch, and to be reducit agane thairvnto gif thair be
ony decadence thairfiu. And fordermair war content to submitt to my
lordis commissioneris of burrowes, with this condititoun, hat thair wis-
domes suld sett doun and conclude ane vniformitie of gouernement ciuilye
of tlie haill burrowes of this realme, offering thame selflSs willingly to
receive the samin, seing it is notour to thair wisdomis that thair is nocht
twa burrowes, having dyueris customis and constitutiouns, found
onmet to be alterit or changit; and protestit that this thair protestatioun
be na wayes preiudiciall to the band and contract maid betuixt the pro-
uest, bailies, counsall, and merchandis of Abirdene on that ane pairt, and
the craftismen of the said burch on the vther pairt, beiring that na
craftismen of the said burch sail vsurpe ony office within the said burch
nor seik to be on the counsall thairof, bot that the said contract and
apoyntment haue its awin streynth, force, and effect, in all poyntis ;
desyring thairfoir the saidis commissioneris to beir record to thair
ressonabill offir, and that thair wisdomis wald of equitye, hauld, concur,
and assist the saidis prouest baillies counsall, antient burgessis of the
said burch, to assist thame in the mantening of thair auld constitutiouns,
as tyme and occasioun sail requyre; vpoun the quhilkis the saidis Maister
Thomas and Alexander askit instrumentia
The same day, anent the desire of the commissioneris of the burghe of Burrowis to
Abirdene, for thame selffis, counsall, and communitie thairof, exponing STcra^n^^SJ^
fairos yeirlie
thiiirto.
334 Co7iventio7i of Royal Burghs.
and schawing the sarain, of the Kingis Maiesties nobill progenitouris of
guid memorye, doitit to dyuers liberties preuileges and immunities,
namely e, with the liberty of tua frie faires or mercattis to be haldin
yeirlye within the said burch, the ane at Michealmes, quhilk indurit for
the space of fourtene deyis, the vther at Sanct Nicolas dey, the saxt of
December zeirlye, quhilk was caus and occasioun of the resort of ane gryt
number of his Hyenes legis fra all pairtis to the said burcht, and the
caus of grit tred and handling thairin, quhilkis tua commoun faires lies
nocht bene obseruit nor keipit thir mony and dyueris yeiris bygane, to the
gryt hurt of the said burch, and decay of tred and handling within the
samin. Tlie commission eris foirsaidis promissis to ayd and assist thame in
the suting at the Kingis Maiestie and Estaites, his Hyenes act and
letteris thairvpoun, ordaning the saidis tua fairis to be yeirly keipit with-
in the said burcht at the tymes aboue writtin, according to the auld vse
and wount, and thair liberties gran tit and gevin to thame as is aboue
specifeit.
Montrois &c^ The samc dey, anent the desyre of lames Makene, commissioner for
taxAtioun ouu ^^^ burch of Montros, craving that the prouest, baillies, and counsall of
redofane8chip|j[jg burch of Abirdcne sail mak compt of thair intromissioun with the
extent of thrye thousand merkis raisit and vpliftit of the said burch of
Montros, Dunbar, Breichine, Northberuik, Elgyne, Name, Fores, and
Banff, for outred of ane schipe to be sent to Denmerk for conveying of
the King and Quenis Maiesties thairfra to this realme, alsweill of the
outward outred as of the necessaris and superplus of the said extent,
restand as he allegit in thair handis, The said lames in presence of the
commissioneris of the said burch of Abirdene, for him selff and his said
burch, and the burrowis of Dunbar, Breichine, and Northberuik, sub-
mittit for his and thair pairtis the heiring of the saidis comptis to the
commissioneris presently e convenit, and to na vtheris, renunceing all
vtheris iudges or auditouris thairto, quhairvpoun he askitt instrumentis.
Lykeas Alexander Rutherfurd, commissioner for the said burch of Abir-
dene, touard the referring be the commissioneris of the burrowes of Inner-
nes, Elgyne, for thame selffis, and Name, Forres, and Banff for thame
selffis and thair saidis burrowis, of the heiring of compt and rekning and
peyment, give ony superplus beis found awand be the said burch to thame,
for thair pairtis and thair consentis, that the said burch of Abirdene sail
Convention of Royal Burghs. 335
iudge thairin as thai think expedient, askit instrumentis, and protestit
that in respect this contributioun is nocht liftit be vertew of ane act
contenit in the burrowes buikis, bot only vpoun ane act of the Secreitt
Ck)unsall, quhairvpoun letteris ar direct, the saidis commissioneris,
presentlye conveuit suld nocht iudge or decer-ne herein ; Nochtwithstand-
ing of the quhilk protestatiounis maid be the said Alexander, in name
of the said burch of Abirdene, the saidis commissioneris fyndis thame
iudges to desyd in the heiring of the saidis comptis and decerning thair-
vpoun, and ordanis ane particular compt to be givin in befoir thame, as
iudges ordinal thairto, the morne efter the efter nonis preiching, to^ be
hard be sic four burrowes as salbe appoyntit to convene than to that
effect, cei*tefeing the commissioneris of the said burch of Abirdene, and
thai fallye, be nocht giving in of the saidis comptes at the tyme appoyntit,
thai will modefye and sett doun sic prices vpoun the outred of the said
scliip as vtheris schippis send in the lyk effairis, and of the lyk binding
war outred and send out.
The same day, Maister lohnn Cheyne and Andro King, for thame magist^tis of
selffis and as procuratouris for sic of the communitie of Abirdene as thai tesuitio^.^^^
haue power to compeii' for, producit ane ansuer to the prouest [and]
bailleis of the said burch of Abirdenis protestatioun this day producit,
quhilk thai ordane to be insert in this thair bulk of generall conventioun,
with the ai-ticlis and protestatiouns on athir pairtis of the saidis conten-
dantis, of the quhilk ansuer the tenour followes : Ansuerit for the pairt
of the said commonaltye, persounis of counsall, and baillye craveand re-
formatioun, that the propositioun of the said Maister Thomas and his ad-
herentis contenit in thair forsaidis allegenssis, reposing thame selffis vpoun
the antient and inviolablie obseruit forme of governement within this
burch, manifestis thair willingis to submitt, and gif thay sail demene as
semis to be expressit thir wordis, the saidis desyreris of reformatioun ar
content that the commissioneris of burrowes present haue plaice to con-
sidder the antiatye of thair allegenssis, monumentis of this burch concern-
ing the samin, actis of his Maiesties parliament, statutes of burrowis, and
commoun weill of merchandis, and thairefter sett doun sic satlid ordour
as the saidis craveris of reformation may lesumlye vse, Bot na wyes
befor submissioun anent the disput of equitye, inequitye of thair
caus, except your wisdomis wald without submissioun proceid as ye
336 Convention of Royal Burghs.
lesumly may, qnhilk gif your wisdomis plesis to do, the saidis cravens
of reformatiouii maist humly requyris the samin, and saU, God willing
mani&stlye proue the govemement of this [burch] deelynit fra the first
integritye of the same and fallin in sic absurd decadence as may heirefler,
without remeid be put thairto, cum to the gryt preiudice of the vniuersaty
of burrowes. And gif the said Maister Thomas meynis hot schiil and
delay, vnder cullour of ambyguous tennis and limitit conditiounis, the
said commonalty emaist humly desyris your wisdomis as obefoir to respect
the equitye of thair cans and maist humble suit, and to tak sic ordour
that the samin may be decydit befoir your selffis, at the leist thai mey be
saife from invasioun and hostilitye quhill his Maiestie put ordour thairto,
and the communitye contentit with ane vniuersall ordour as the com-
missioneris will set doun. Efter the production of the quhilk ansuer the
said Maister Thomas Menzes of Dome prouest, and Alexander Ruther-
furd, commissioneris for the said burch of Abirdene, admititt be the
commissioneris presentlye convenit and thair commission n found be thame
guid and sufficient, replyet ansuering to the aboue writtin desyre as is
ansuerit to the protestatioun givin in be the said Maister lohnn and
Andrew obefoir, and, adherand to thair former ansuer maid to the said
protestatioun heirin, desyrit actis and instrumentis.
Burrowifl to The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter lang ressoning vpoun
pairty in4idar the dififerenssis aboue expremit, articlis, ansueris, protestatiounis, and re-
^e^qoertioun^ ptycs resultand thairvpoun, as is particularly insert in this their generall
betuixt the buik of conventioun, for the pairties aboue expremit, finding the manner
A^iene and of thair submissioun to be variabill and diferent, the ane pairtye, to wit
ihSro?.^^ the saidis Maister lohnn Cheyne and Andro King, for thame selflBs and
remanent communitie of the said burch of Abirdene, absuletlye submittand
to the saidis commissioneris of burrowes the decisioun of the saidis difer-
enssis, and the vther pairtye, to witt the saidis commissioneris of Abirdene
for thame selffis, the prouest baillies and counsall and ane gryt pairt of
the communitie of the samyn. submittand conditionalye, Findis in respect
thairof that thai can nocht accept the decisioun of the contrauersyes
aboue expremit, bot remittis the samin to sic iudges as salbe found com-
petent thairto. Alweyis, for keiping of quyetnes betuixt the tua pairteis
contendand, according to the auld lawes and constitutiouns of burrowes
maid anent the decisioun of materis questionabill within or betuixt bur-
Convefntion of Boyal Burghs. 337
rowes, and fering the inconuenient of tumult and discord be the . delay of
decisioun of the saidis materis sail aryse betuixt the pairteis forsaid, thair-
for, doing that mey ly in thame to haue the sainin avoydit, promittis and
declaris that the pairtie mollester or persewar of vtheris, vtherwayis than
be the law, sail find the haill burrowes to concur and assist with the pair-
tie offendit vnto, certefeing lykwayes the pairtie molestar or trublar of
vtheris, vtherwayes nor as law will as saidis, that the pane and vnlaw of
ane hundreth poundis salbe vpliftit but &uouris of thama
The same day, efter ressoning vpoun the complaint givin in be the S^**Kirit-"
commissioneris of the burchis of Dysert, Kinghorn, and Kii-kcaldy, aganis JjJ^^ij^^t
the magistratis of the burch of Bruntylland vplifting of euery schipe of the ▼pUfting
ary veing to the herberye thairoff thrye schillingis four penneis by all ^ ^^ '
ordour of richt, discharges the said burch in ony forder vplifting of the
samin, fra thine furch vnto sic tyme as thai produce thair richt thairo^ at
the conventioun of the sevin burrowes appoyntit to convene at Edin-
burgh, vpoun the magistratis aduertesment thairo^ for taking of ordour
with the conseruatour, generall agent, and generall collectouris comptis,
ordaining the saidis compleneris, incaice than it salbe foxmd that the said
burch hes rycht to vplift the dewty forsaid, to find cautioun for peyment
of the samin, as alsua the saidis defenderis lykueyis to find cautioun, that
incaice it salbe found at the said conventioun that they haue wrangouslye
heirtofor vpliftit the dewtye forsaid, for restitutioun thairof to sic as hes
bene damnefeit thairbye. Quhairvnto Maister Andrew Wilsoun, commis-
sioner for the said burch of Bryntylland, dissassentit, na wayes apprevaud
the commissioneris of burrowes iudges heii-to bot as law wald, and that
in respect the pretendit mater hes neuer bene hard in this conventioun,
nather hes the commissioneris of burrowes nor the said Maister Andrew
cum instructit thairvpoun, and seing the magistratis of the said burch of
Bruntylland war neuer aduerteist, nather is the samin ane held of the
missive, conformo to the ordour keipit continewalye in thair conventiouns,
to witt, that quhat complaynt beis givin aganis ony pairtye, thai nocht
being instructit, the samin is ordanit to be ane article in the missiue to
be send to the nixt generall assemblie occurrand, protestand thairfor for
remeid of law. Quhilk protestatioun the forsaidis commissioneris, in re-
spect of this thair ordinance, refuissis to admitt ; and heirvpoun ather of the
saidis pairteis askit instrumentis.
2 u
338 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Continuatioun, The same day, anent the suplicatioun givin in be certane the mer-
merehanUs ^ chandis and inhabitantis of the burch of Abirdene, makand mentionn that,
^i^oun^tT q^^®*"^ confomie to the auld and antient custome of burrowes thay haue
the nixt gen- bene in vse of trafFequing frome burch to burch, pairtlye be thair mojran
lie "**°* ^ and credyt in Edinburch and vtheris burrowes of this realme, be bying of
Frensch, Flemls, and Inglis wairis, and bringing of the samin to this thair
awin burch of Abirdene, quhill laitlye in the moneth of Februar or thairby,
thair being ane gryt part of thame having the forsaid tred, to the nummer
of fourtye persouns, summond to Edinburgh vpoun the assyse of Maister
Robert Chalmer, the prouest bailies and counsall of the said burch hes sett
doun ane act and ordinance in thair buikis discharging thame and euerye
ane of thame to pas to ony burch or toun to by ony sort of geir aboue
the sowme of ane hundreth poundis, as is reportit, vnder sic panis as thai
haif sett doun in the said act, to thair gryt hurt, and apperandlye tendand
to the rewing of the induellaris and merchandis forsaidis within this
burch, and preiudice of the haill burrowes, without remeid be prowydit,
desyring thairfor thair wisdomis to cans produce and exhibit the said act
befor thame, and decern the samin null and of nane availl in tyme cum-
ing, as at leynth is contenit in the said suplicatioun and compleint for-
saidis : Hes continewit and continewis all ansuer giving thairto to thair
nixt generall assembly of burrowes, quhair euer it sail happin the samin
to be appoyntit, and to be contenit in the missiues to be direct thairto, to
the effect the commissioneris than to convene mey cum than instructit
and resoluit to give ansuer to the aUowing or disallowing of the said act,
requesting the magistratis of the said burch of Abirdene to ouersye the
executioun of the said act to the nixt generall assembly as said is, — quhair-
vnto the saidis commissioneris condisceudit.
for^Sure^^elris* "^^^ samin day, the commissioneris forsaid hes exemit and exemis the
burch of Elgyne from all keiping of conventiounis for the space of thrie
yeiris nixt heirefter, vpoun the prouisioun mentionat in the actis of exemp-
tioun, and that the said burch sie the vnlawes quhilk thai mycht haue
incurit be thair absens frome the saidis conventiouns [wairit] vpoun the
reparrelling of thair tua brigis and tolbuith
Guthre Clark to The samin day, ordanis lohnn Quthre, thair clerk, to remember in the
mSSyes ^ihe missevas to be sent for keiping of the nixt generall conventioun, that the
vnfrie tovnu. yufrye toun of Anstruther be wast the burne, and vtheris vnfryc tovnis of
Convention of Royal Burghs. 339
this realme, be wamit to compeir and produce thair riclitis of thair apro-
priating of the liberty of frie burro wes, and to send thair commissioneris
thairto instructit to give ansuer to the complayntis than to be givin in
aganis thame.
The same day, it is statute and ordanit be vniuersall consent of all the statute thatt
commissioneris of the burrowis present, in name of thair burchis, for cur in voittis
vniforme ordour and to.be kepit amangis thame selffis in all I^y^e of*ane
tymes cumingis, that at quhat tyme or how oft soeuer it salhappin thame, ^^^^^SJ?* ^ii^^
or ane number of thame, to be chargit or writtin for be his Maiestie or his
Secret Counsall to give thair consentis to taxatiouns or quhatsumeuer
vtheris burding to be imposit vpoun thame, that thai first emistlye
ressone and concluid thairvpoun togidder, and, being sua ressonit and
concludit be thame, that thai sail remane constant at thair awin conclu-
sioun, but ony diuisionn or varietye, sua that na thing sail be yeildit or
grantit into be ony ane, tua, thrie, or ma of thame, contrair to the con-
clusioun of the haill or maist pairt convenit, and that the burch or
burchis of the commissioneris contrauenand sail incur the paine and vnlaw
of ane hundreth poundis, to be vpliftit but fauouris, and gif neid beis that
letteiis be raisit and execut aganis thame.
Apud Abirdene decimo quinto lunij 1590.
The quhilk day, it is statute, ordanit, and agreit vpoun be the haill com- SuppKcatioun
missioneris of burrowes presentlye convenit, for thame selffis and in name -^ ^am? ofliw
of thair saidis burrowis and remanent burrowes of this realme, becaus i>?^^^ *« *^«
mxt conven-
sindry new exactiounis ar raisit be the Admirall and his deputis, alsweill tioun of the
vpoun strangers as traffecqueris of this realme, and alsvsurping of iudica- SLnent foraut-
tour of caussis of burgessis tane vp be the said Admirall and his deputis j^lg^^gitt
na thing pertinent to thame, that quhensoeuer thay salbe chargit to con-b©theAdmiraU
vene at parliament or ony vther generall conventioun of the estaitis nixt thame.
heirefter, that the burrowes sail compeir, be thair commissioneris, thre
deyis befoir the dey apoyntit to the said parliament or conventioun of
estaitis, and sett doun ane suplicatioun craving redres of the said new
exactioun and vsurpit iudicatour; and siclyk, for setting doun of sic
vtheris articlis as mey tend to the weilfair of thair estait, and als to give
340 Convention of Royal Burghs.
in suplicatioun^ in maner as saidis, that nochtwithstanding quhatsumeuer
procurit letteris, charges, or requestis, direct be his Maiestie in fauouris of
lordis, erlis, barrounis, and vtheris gentilmen, to dyuers burrowes of this
realme for chargeing or requesting thame to elect the saidis erles eta,
magistratis, contrar the liberties of burrowes grantit be his Hynes predi-
cessouris of auld, and contrar dyuers actis sett doun in parliament thair-
anent, and the miinicipall lawes of burrowes, quhilkis chai^ges or letteris
the burrowes, charget thairwith for feir of homing or vtheris painis con-
tenit thairin, ar compellit to obey to thair gryt hurt as said is, to desyr
thairfor, be suplicatioun as saidis, that it mey be sett doun, be act of par-
liament or conventioun of the thre estaitis^ that the dissobeyaris of the
saidis letteris or charges purchest in maner forsaid sail incur na paynis
contenit thairintill
^^curr^M "The same day, because dyuers grit men, having thair duellingis and
sio as waid be- laodis nixt adiaccnt to the commoun landis of burrowes, hes at dyuers
Slh" lanSI ° tymes bypast oppressit certane pure burchis, nocht abill to defend thair
awin merchis and landis, be raising of thair merches, ryfeing out of thair
landis and commountye, casting and pasturing thairon, to thair gryt
wrak : For remeid quhairof, it is statute and ordanit that all the bur-
rowes of this realme concur, ilk ane with vtheris as ane bodye, in defens
of thair iust and honest caussis, thair landis and liberties, alsweill be law
as vtherwyes, in defending the samin be way of deid to thair poueris, be
repressing of the saidis gryt oppressouris, as thai salbe requyrit be thair
nichtbouris being oppressit ; saifand alwyes thair dewtyfull obedience to
his Maiestie and his Hyenes auctoritya
To cmve po- The same day, becaus it is found be the saidis haill commissioneris of
paring the bur- burrowis that the iurisdictioun of dyuers burrowes ar impairit be the
ti^^ Admirall, his deputis, and be the commissaris erectit in dyuers pairtis of
this realme, as alsua be the schrefis and thair deputis of dyuers schrife-
domis, quha vsurpis the saidis burrowes iurisdictioims vpoun thame be
sitting and cognoscing vpoun caussis and actionis propirlye belonging to
the prouest and bailies of burrowes : Heirfor the commissioneris of bur-
rowes present statutes and ordanis that the magistrates of euerye burch
sett doun sic strait ordour amangis thame selffis, and within thair burchis,
as mey preserue thair iurisdictioun within thame selffis, vnder the pane
of fourtye poundis to be peyit be the burch quhais magistrates oontravenis
Convention of Royal Burghs.
341
this ordinance totiea quoties; and the repoi-t thairof to be maid at euery
seuerall conventioun be the commissioneris convenand thairto.
The quhilk day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowes grantis concur-
rance to the suplicatioun, givin in be certaue nichtbouris of Dondy to
the Kingis Maiestie and Estaitis, for redres to be haid of the skayth sus-
tenit be thame be the piUeing of ane schipe and guidis thairintill, callit the
Rait of the said toun.
The same dey, the forsaidis commissioneris hes exemit and exemis
the burch of Innemes, for the spaice of thrie yeiris nixt following the dait
heirof, the said burch sending thair missiues to thair generall conven-
tiounis, quhair euer thai salhappin to be haldin, with the ewest burch
onexemit, etc.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris forsaidis presentlye convenit desoluis
this thair conventioun, and appoyntis thair next generall conventioun to
be haldin at the burch off Montrois, vpoun the saxtene day of lunij in the
yeir of God j™. v^. four scoir and alevin yeiris ; and ordanis the commis-
sioner of the said burch present to caus mak lauchtfuU warning to euery
ane of the burrowes to send thair commissioneris fiiUy instructit concern-
ing all materis referrit thairto, to convene day and place aboue writtin,
vnder the pane of tuenty poundis.
Gonounmnoe to
oertan nycht-
bonrit of Don-
die.
Innemes ex-
emit for thre
zeiris.
DeeoIningCon-
ventionn and
the nixt ap-
pointed atlfon-
trosthe xvj of
loniinixt
Mr lames lohnestoun
Geoirge Heireot
Dionis Conquerour
Alexander Rutherfurde
Dauid Watsoun
lohne Farchir
lohne Makesone
Ihone Annand
lames Maken
Williame Pratus
Walter Cowane
Thomas Urqchart
Alexander Currour
lames Hackat, commessioner.
Thomas Kingzow
Ihone Kyrkcaldy
Ihone Hacket
lames Auhinlek
G. Durie
Peter Peterson
Andro Ker for Lynlythqw
Thomas Ear for Invemes
lohnne Alexander
An. Vilsoun.
342 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Edinburgh. /^ if^^ Conventioun of Sevin Burrovns haldin and begun
att Ediriburgh vpoun the xxviij day of September 1590,
Comperitt the Commissioneris of the Burrowis follow-
ing and presented their commissionis a^ follows ^ viz. —
Apud Edinburgh vigesimo octauo Septembris 1590.
Edinburgh, Maister lames lohnnstoun, Henry Charteris, and George
Hereott; Dondy, lohnn Traill, be commissioun ; Abirdene, Alexander
Rutherfurde, Alexander Forbes, with commissioun.
xxix of September 1590.
Perth, Patrik Blair, be commissioun; Streveling, Walter Cowan, be
commissioun ; Hadingtoun, Ihonn Wilsoun, be commissioun, etc.; Sanct-
androis, Dauid Watsoun.
Eiectio Mode- The same day, the conmiissioneris foirsaidis, according to the ordour,
^^^^' hes elected Ihonn Amott, prove<^t of Edinburgh, in moderatour, and fidll-
ing of him, Maister lames lohnnstoun, and in absence of the said Maister
lames, Henry Charteris bailie.
A meridie.
Sanctandroifl Dauid Watsoun, Commissioner of Sanctandrois, quha producit his com-
r^mtofthair jjjjggjQ^jj^ quhilk, nochtwithstanding of his vnlawing befoir none, is re-
mittit thairof in respect of his lawfuU excuse, he having his brother in
law slajnie culd cum na soner.
Vltimo Septembris 1590.
CoUectouris Androw Mekill, in name of vmquhill Robert Gourlay, coUectour, maid
tentt 1688. compt of the cxtcntt raisitt vpoun the inlaik of the wynis fix)m the first
of October 1587 to the first of October 1589, and the said coUectour
found restand to the burrowis the sovme of twa hundreth fiftie sevin
pundis nyntene schillingis thre penneis, quhairwith he hes chairgitt him
Convention of Royal Burghs 343
in the fute of custome comptes from the first of October 1588 to the first
of October 1589 ; quhilkis comptes, efter the hering thairof, war rede-
lyuerit to the said Androw, quhill the doubill thairof war givin to Ihonn
Guthre generall clark to the burrowis.
The same day, the said Androw MekiU, in name of his said vmquhill ^^^^^^
maister, maid compte of his collectioun of theKingis Maiesties comptes from ousiomee 1689.
the fii*st of October 1588 to the first of October 1589, the rest aboue-
writtin, and vther sovmes contenit thairin, the charge thairof extending
iiij"^. viij*^. xxix li. ane s. iij d. and his discharge extending to iiij™. viij*'.
Ixij li. fyvetene s. iiij d., and sua the said collectour is superexpendit in
xxxiij li. xiiij s. j d., and this compte lykewyis redelyuerit, efter the sub-
scriptioun thairof, to the said Androw Mekill ; quhilkis thretty thre li.
xiiij s. j d. is payitt to the said Androw of the collectioun of the impoist
of 1582 yeris, as the compte beris.
A meridie.
The commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Dondy, Perth, JJ^JiJjJ^riia^
Striveling, Sanctandrois, and Hadingtoun being conuenit in the baiche tour of his gift
Counsalhous of the said burgh of Edinburgh, comperitt Maister Robert
Dennielston, conseruatour for the Scotis natioun in Flanderis, and pro-
ducit his admissioun be the Kingis Maiestie, vnderhis Hienes Previe Seill,
to the oflSce of conseruatoiie in the countrie of Flanderis, efl^er the reding
quhairof the samyn was redelyuerit to him, and he thairefter wiUinglie
offerit to obey such instructionis as the burrowis presentlie convenit,
vnfringand his said gift, wald adione to him for keping the previliges of
the said natioun ; and appointis the mom be ten houris to convene, and
the moderatour to aduerteis the nychtbouris, traflecquaris in Flanderis,
than to be presentt for thair consultatioun and aduyse to be had thairin.
Piimo Octobris 1590.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of the burrowis foirsaidis being
conuenitt in the Counsalhous of the said burgh, finding the last extentt
of the wyne, extending to four thowsand puhdis, as yitt vnsett down, and
344 Convention of Boyal Burghs.
The ex^tt of thatt frome the first of October 1588 to the first of October 1589, be-
xiij 8. iij d.'for caus they ar send for to be at the Kingis Maiestie and Hienes Secreitt
^m^'^^ifaiee- Counsall for resoning vpoun sic thingis as than salbe proponit to thame,
Ues inUik of hes ordanit Henrj' Charteris, thair moderatour, and Thonn Guthre, thair
from the first clark, to sett doun the said extentt agane thair vpcuming, quhilk extendis,
to^ttw^refof ^^ collectioun thairof being includit thairin, to four thowsand four scoir
October 1689. ^^^ libris thretten schillingis four penneis, and ordanis the collectour to
be nominatt to se thair agentt rais and execute letteris vpoun thair
charges for dew and haistie ingetting of the samyiu
Secundo Octobris 1590.
b °® ^ ^ ^® The commissioneris foirsaidis being conuenit in the place abouewrittin,
names concern- efter lang conference had with Maister Robert Dennelstoun, conseruatour
8«niatoiur*to ^ ^'^ Scottis natioun, be thame selues, and the dene of gild of Edinburgh,
S?e°morn*^'*^ and dyueris vtheris merchantis traffecquaris in Flanderis, ordanis, at his
desyir, ane act to be formit towartt thair willis anentt the fyvetene stures
contenit in his ^fl, and of thair myndes towartis him in sic heidis as ar
mentionat thairin«
Apud Edinburgh, tercio Septembris 1590.
Anent the ex- The QUHILK DAT, the commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh,
andwynein Dondy, Perth, Sanctandrois, Striveling, and Hadingtoun, effcer lang reson-
maner^oUhe**^ ^^6 vpoun thatt held of ane actt, maid and sett doun at Abirdene be the
distributioun commissioncris of burrowis conuenit in ane generall assemblie halden
the conserua- thairat vpoun the tentt of lulij last bypast, gevand tharae powar, for
coiiectow^*** thame and thair saidis burrowis and haill remanent burrowis of this
of^McoiUd*^' ^^^^» thairby to tak ordour with the excyse of beir and wjme in
ane^ministeris Campfcr, for the caussis coutcuit in ane actt maid and sett doun att Sanct-
^^^^^"^ androis in ane generaU assemblie of burrowis haldin thairat in Aprile j"*'
v^ four scoir nyne yeris, and to se the samyn, as said is, sett doun and
establischit, and the said excyse putt to the maist availl for providing of ane
ministeris stipend to serue in ane Scottis kirk in the said tovne of Camp-
Convention of Royal Burghs. 345
fer to be erected, and thatt of the rediest money of the said excjrse of
beir and wyne, in sic quantitie as salbe thocht be thame agreablie to his
functioun: Findis, for thame seines and thair saidis burrowis, and as
havand commissioun of the remanent burrowis of this realme, that of the
rediest of the money of the said excyse of sax lastis beir and twa tnnnis
and ane half of wyne he salbe yeirlie ansueritt and thankfullie payitt,
and the remanentt ten lastis of beir and twa tunnis and ane half of wyne
proportionally to the Scottis natioun resorting the said tovne of Campfer,
conforme to the informationis and instructions to be gevn be thame, or sic
as they sail depute, to the conseruator of the Scottis natioun foirsaid, quha
salbe astricted to se zeirlie the lawful distributioun thairof, and yeirlie
at the genei-all assemblie of burrowis, aither be him selff or his procura-
touris, to mak compte to thame of the samyn. And becaus thair is nochtt
ane minister presentlie appoynted to serue in the said Scotis kirk at
Campfeir, thatt the said conseruatour salbe lykewyis astricted, as he wilbo
ansuerabill to the saidis haill burrowis vpoun his office, to se the stipend
foirsaid of the money of the excyse of the saidis sax lastis beir and twa
tunnis and ane half of wyne dewlie collected and ingatheritt, and be comp-
tabill to the saidis burrowis thairfoir, as alsua to mak the samyn furth-
cumand to thame at thair requisitioun, and ay and quhill the said minister
be appointed as said is; and the en trie of the said conseruatouris coUectioun
thairof to be and begyn at the feist of Mertymes nixtt. Forther, for sure
payment to the said conseruatour to the effect aboue expremitt of the saidis
excyse money of the saidis sax lastis beir and twa tunnis and ane half
of wyne, that befoir the ressauing thatt he tak the factouris and awneris,
occupearis of frie houssis, straitlie obleist to resave the samyn, and thair-
efter, at his requisitioun, to mak to him or sic as he sail depute dew and
thankful payment thairof, and this in respect of the assignatioun of the
samyn to the said minister for his stepend as said is ; quhilk, gif it beis
nocht gevin to him to be payit to the said conseruatour, quha sail mak
the samyn furthcumand to the burrowis, the saidis factouris and awneris
and occupearis of the saidis frie houssis, contraveneris heiroff, to be imme-
diatlie thairefter depriuit be the said conseruator of thair office of factorie,
or ony vther benefeitt quhilk thai may or mycht haue ioysit be vertew
of the contract maid betuix the magistratis of the said toun of Campheir
and haill burrowis of this realme thairanentt. Attour, it is speciallie
2 X
i
346 Convention of Royal Burghs.
prouidit that the payment of the j)rice of the said excyse of the saidis sex
lastis beir and tua tunnis and aue half wyne be conforme to the price
of the excyse of Inglis beir and wyne tane vp be the raagistrattis of the
toun of Campheir foirsaid, and ordanis the extract heirofF to be gevin to
the said conseruatour, be thair generall clerk, to the effect he pretend na
ignorance heiroff.
PetSnweme^^ "^^^ ^^^^ day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter the hering of vmquhile
Tuiawitj^Uk Robert Gourlay generall collectouris comptis, presentlie maid be Androw
in XX It, and MekiU his seruand, and finding that, of the impost coUectit for the outred
^^uaSi^ of vmquhile Maister George Hackquet, conseruatour, and lohne Gourlay, to
•fonre Bcoir w^q pairtis of Flandcris in the effairis of burro wis, thair is awand to the
poundi|. qanill *■
fiie»cbfuU said collectour the sowme of ane hundreth fiftie sex poundis to compleit
ihairoS. °™* ^^e sowme of aucht hundreth poundis, with the haill interes bigane pre-
ceding the day and daitt heiroff, and that the samyn is awand in default
of compt^ rekning and payment making of the intromissioun be the bur-
rowis of Abirdene and Pettinweme of thair pairtis of the said impost,
quha, at the last generall assemblie of burrowis haldin at Abirdene in the
moneth of lunij last, thair commissioneris wer than ordanit to haue cumin
to this present conventioun to haue maid compt rekning and payment of
thair bygane intromissioun with the impostis foirsaidis, ilk ane of thame
vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of xx. li., by and attour the payment of ane
yeirlie annuall of foure scoir poundis yeirlie payit be the burrowis for
nocht redeming of the principale sowme of aucht hundreth poundis gevin
and debui-sit for the caussis abouementionat, as at lenth is contenit in the
principale aetset doun thairanent; quhilkis tua burrowis, the commission-
eris foirsaidis, for them selffis their saidis burrowis and haill remanent
burrowis of this realme, conforme to the tennour of the said act maid and
set doun at Aberdene the xij. of lunij last, deccrnis ilk ane of thame in
ane vnlaw of tuenty poundis for the nocht making of thair comptis of
thair bygsme intromissioun with the saidis impostis, as alsua to pay the
annuall foirsaid sa lang as the samin is vnredemit, ay and quhill the
lauchfuU redemptioun thairoff, and incais thai refuis to pay the saidis vn-
lawis, as alsua the annuall foirsaid, that letteris of homing be purchest and
execute againis thame thairfoir sa ofk as neid sail requyre ; And Dauid
Watsoun, commissioner for the burch of Sanctandrois, and lohne Ti-ailJ,
commissioner for the burgh of Dondie, qulia wer lykewyis ordanit be the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 347
act foirsaid, maid at Aberdene in lunij last, at tliis conventioun to haue
maid conipt rekning and payment of thair bigane intromissioun with the
said impost, vnder the panis befoir mentionat, protestit that in respect
thai had maid to the said generall collectour and liis deputtis compt
rekning and payment of the samyn, as be the acquittances schawin an4
produceit be the saidis commissioneris wes cleirlie vnderstand, that thai
sould be assolzeit fra all payment of the said vnlaw and annuall foirsaid ; .
quhilk protestatioun the saidis commissioneris admittit and assolzeit
thame and thair saidis burrowis thairfra.
Tlie samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, for thame selffis, thair £*E^^^"h
saidis burrowis, and as haueand fuU power and commissioun of the rema- tooiecifaiieooi-
nent buiTowis of this reaJme to elect and nominat, be deceis of vmquhile ^
Robert Gourlay, collectour, ane vther in his place, and becaus the samyn
can nocht now gudlie be done, nather may thai await langer vpoun the
doing of the samyn, thairfoir thai, for thame selffis, thair saidis burrowis
and remanent burrowis of this realme, geveis full power and commissioun
to the provest baillies and counsale of the burgh of Edinburgh to elect
and chuse ane sufficient collectour to ingadder quhatsumevir restis a wand
to the haill buiTOwis, and to appoynt to him, in thair names, sic fie and
stepend for sic space as thai sail think expedient, vpoun sic condition is and
instructionis as salbe gevin to him be the saidis provest baillies and counsale
of Edinburgh, and agreabill to the weilfair of burrowis, and in speciaU that
thai sie the said collectour to be nominatt with all diligence collect and in-
gadder the extent of four thowsound fourescoir twa pound is threttene schil-
lingis four pennies sett doun vpoun the saidis burrowis, as for the prices of
thretty twnis wyne, delyuerit to the Kingis Maiestie vpoun the inlaik of his
Hienes customes frome the first of October 1 5 8 8 to the first off'Oct^ber 1589;
as alsua that he collect and ingadder the restis awand and contenit in the
said vmquhile generall coUectouris comptis, and generalie all vther restis
awand to thame, and that the saidis provest baillies and counsale tak
the said collectour actit and oblist, yeirlie at the generall conventioun of
burrowis, to mak compt rekning and payment of the intromissioun had
with the restis foirsaidis, and sic vther sowmes of money as it salhappin
to intromet with enduring the tyme of his collectorie ; And the saidis
commissioneris, for thame selffis and remenant burrowis, promissis to haJd
ferme and stabill all and quhatsumevir thing the saidis prouest baillies
348 Convention of Eoyal Bunjhs.
and counsale of EdiiiburgL, anent the premissis, sail think neidfuU for to
be done e^. And the saidis commisHioncris, efter forder aduysement vpoun
the nominatioun of the said coUectour, finding Henrie Charteris maist
qualifeit, thaiifoir hes nominat and electit the said Henrie to be tliair
coUectour generall vpoun the conditionis befoir specefeit.
BieoticsWinra- The samyn day, the commissioneiis foirsaidis, for thame selffis, thair
theboiTowis. saidis burrowis, and as haueand full power and commissioun to elect and
chus ane generall agent to attend vpoun thair effairis, and in all thair
actionis to persew and defend quhensoeuer occasioun salbe offerit, hes
nominat maid and constitute, and be this present act nominatis makis
and constitutis thair weilbelouit lames Winrame thair generall agent and
attender ouer all thair efiairis, with power to him, in thair names and
vpoun thair expenssis, to rais letteris and summoundis vpoun quhatsum-
evir thair actis for recovering and ingetting of quhatsumevir rcstis or
dettis awand to thame, according to sic informationis and instructionis as
salbe gevein to him be sic as thai sail depute to that effect, and in spe-
ciall, that he cans with all diligence possibill rais letteris and execute the
samyn aganis the burrowis vnlawit at the last generall assemblie at
Aberdene, and that he collect and ingadder the samyn, and of the first
and rediest thairoff mak payment to sic as ar to be payit thairof, con-
forme to ane act maid and sett doun at Aberdene the ix of lunij last bi-
past thairanent, and of the superplus of the saidis vnlawis he salbe comp-
tabill at the nixt generall assemblie of burrowis thairfoir. And the said
agentis office to indure for the space of ane yeir nixt efter the day and
dait heiroff, and forther induring thair willis, ay and quhill he be dis-
chargeit thairoff; to quhome, for his yeirlie fie, they assigne ane hundreth
merkis to be payit be thame to him, and ordanis thair generall coUectour,
to be nominat, to satiffie for the letteris raisit or to be raisit, and officiaris
expenssis for executioun thairoff or vtherwayis, quhensoeuer it salhappin
him to haue ado with money, in persute or defence of the saidis burrowis
actionis, that the said coUectour ansuer him thairoff, and the samyn salbe
aUowit to him in his comptis ; and ordanis the extract heiroff and of the
saidis instructionis, quhen the samyn salbe maid, to be gevin to thair said
agent, vnder the subscriptioun of thair generall dark.
Oonectour to The samyn day, ordanis thair coUectour to writ vnto the toun of In-
neik nemes to mak payment of thair pairtt of the extent raisit for the price
Convention of Royal Burghs. 349
of threttie twnis wyne vpoun the inlaikis of the eustomes, quhilk gif thai
refuis to pay, that he caus rais and execute letteris aganis the said burch
for ane vnlaw of xx li., quhairin thai war adiugeit at the last generall as-
semblie of burrowis, haldin at Aberdene the xiij day of lunij last, and
that for thair suspending, vpoun ane wrang narrative, of the letteris raisit
be vniquhile generall coUectour in thair names for payment to him of
thair pairtt of the extent foirsaid, and that vpoun the refuisall lames
Winrahame, agent, persew the said suspentioun with all diligence possibill,
vpoun the saidis burrowis expenssis, and the collectour to ansuer him of
sic sowmes of money as he sail half ado with to that effect, quhilk salbe
allowit to him in his comptis.
The samyn day, anent the sowme of twenty twa thowsand markis lent Tuenty twa
be the saidis burrowis to the Kingis Maiestie, the commissioneris foir- merWs^eut to
saidis, haueing past doun to the Abbay to his Maiestie Secreitt Counsall ^®-5!?^®.
to haue had payment thairoff, agane ressauit na ansuer in respect thair fuissit
wes na full number of the said Secreitt Counsall.
The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter ressoning vpoun ane Bruntiiand dia-
act maid at the last generall conventioun haldin at Aberdene in luniji^fofif of li] ^
last, quhairby vpoun the complaint of the burrowis of Kingome, Kirk- ^|^^^"gf -^
caldy, and Dysart aganis the burch of Bruntiiand vplifting thre schilling lycht thairof at
foure penneis of ilk schip, quhairvnto the said burch, as thai allegeit, had mU oonyfn-^'
na rycht, nor neuer wes in vse of befoir be ony rycht to vplift the samyn, ^^^^
the said burch of Bruntiiand wes dischargeit of ony forther vplifting
thairoff, and wer ordanit to haue compeirit to this present conventioun
to haue produceit thair rychtis, gif ony thai had thairto, and nocht haue-^
ing compeirit nor produceit the samyn, thairfoir hes dischargeit and
dischargeis, as of befoir, conforme to the tennour of the said act maid at
Aberdene, the said burgh of Bruntiiand off ony vplifting of the dewitie
foirsaid fra this furch, and that thai be waimit to produce- thair rycht, gif
ony thai haiff thairto, at the nixt generall assemblie of burrowis, to be
haldin at Munros, with certificatioun to thame, and thai failze, thay sail
incur sic pane and vnlaw as salbe adioynit to thame be the commis*
sioneris to be convenit at the said nixt generall assemblie, to be haldin at
Munros as said is ; and ordanis ane copy heiroff to be sent and gevein to
the magistrattis of the said burch of Bruntiiand to the effect thai pretend
na ignorance.
350 Convention of Royal Barglis.
^T^Z^?^^' The samyn day, the commissioneris foireaidis being convenit in the
coimsalhouA of the burch of Edinburgh, for taking of ordour with Maister
Robert Danielstoun, conseruatour »of the Scottis previlegeis in Flanderis,
havand full power and commissioun of the remanent burrowis of this
realme to that effect be thair act and ordinance maid at tbair generall
conventioun in Aberdene in the moneth of lunij last bipast, as the samyn
at mair lenth beiris, Comperit the said Maister Robert, and exponit and
declarit to thame that he had obtenit the gift of the oflSce of conserua-
torie at the Kingis Maiestie, and of simplicitie, nocht knawand the bur-
rowis to haif sic entres thairin as he now vnderstandis thame to haif,
purchest the said gift, with speciale libertie and power contenit thairin,
to tak and vplift tuelf sturis of euerie sek of guidis that salhappin to
arryve in Flanderis of the merchand, and thrie stureis fra the maister and
awneris of the schip ; and yit neuertheles, gif thai find thame selffis in
eny way hurte or preiudgeit thairby, he wes content to be reformit be
thame, as persones quhom to the samin properlie pertenit, according to
thair gude will and plesour, and submittit himselff haillelie thairto.
Quhilk being hard and considderit be the commissioneris foirsaidis, fand
that the burrowis of this realme wes gretelie hurt and preiudgeit, insa-
mekile as he purchest ony dewitie to be taikin and vpliftit of thair guidis
by thair consentis, as alsua fand fault with sum vther claussis contenit in
the said gift tending to thair preiudice ; and thairfoir the said Maister
Robertt, confessing his awin oursicht in the vptaking of the dewtie con-
tenit thairin, by the avyse and consent of the burrowis, hes renunceit and
dischargeit, and be their presentis renunceis and dischargeis, that pairt
of his said gift geveand him power to vptak fra the merchandis tuelff
sturis vpoun euery sek of guidis, and all and sindry vther claussis con-
tenit thairin tending in ony way to thair hurtt and preiudice, and sub-
mittit himselff haillielie to thair willis towartt the vptdcing of the dewitie
in tyme cuming, and oblissis him neuer to sute nor obtene na maner of
gift in ony tyme heirefter that may be preiudiciall to the burrowis'
liberteis and previlegis thairoff by thair awin consentis had and obtenit
thairto, bot sould ressaue at their handis quhatsumevir instructionis and
communicationis that thai waJd gif him for the honour and weilfisdr of the
natioun, as his predecessouris had done of befoir. And thairfoir the com-
missioneris foirsaidis, vnderstanding as appeirit to thame that he wes of
Convention of Royal Burghs. 351
glide will and mynd to satiffie thame in all thingis that could be resson-
ablie craveit of him, and to gif him occasioun to be the mair diligent in
thair effairis in all tymes heirefter, for thaime selflSs, and takand the
burding vpoun thame for the remanent haill burrowis of this realme,
havand power thairto grantit to thame be the saidis burrowis in maner
foirsaid, be thir presentis gevis grantis and disponis to the said Maister
Robertt tuelfF sturis of euerie sek of guidis that salhappin to arryve
within the pairtis of Flanderis in tyme cuming for his lyfetyme, and gevis
him fiill power and libertie to vptak the samyn fra the merehandis, and
gif neid beis to poind and distreuzie thairfoir. Anisiclyke consentis and
is content, safer as thair power may extend to, that the vptaking thre
sturis of the maisteris and awneris of schipis, of euerie sek of guidis that
salhappin to arryve in the saidis pairtis of Flanderis, as said is ; and or-
danis the autentik extractt heiroff to be gevein to the said conseruatour,
vnder the subscriptioun of lohne Guthre thair generall dark.
R. Deniston : Conser.
Tlie samyn day, it is statute and ordanit be the commissioneris foir- fjj^touris^to
saidis, for thame selffis their saidis burrowis, and as haueand power and accompany the
• • t* l^ 1 .11 1 . ^ , . 1 1 Conseruatour
commissioun of the remanent haul burrowis of this realme, that quhenso- vnder the pane
euer or howoft the rycht honorabill Maister Robert Danielstoun, conserua- ***•*• ^^^
tour, salbe desyreit, ather be the magistratis of the toun of Campheir or
ony vther counsall within the He of Waiter, to cum and consult with
thame vpoun ony mater or materis concerning the estait of merehandis, or
<juhen.soeuer he him selff desyreis the samyn with ony of the afoirsaidis, as
he sail fynd it necessar for the mantenance of the Scottis previlegeis or
honour of the office of conseruatorie, or for ony vther generall or particular
caus of merehandis or \'tlierwayis, and howoft the samyn sail interuene
or occur, that, vpoun his charge and command, the factouris in generall, or
samony as he sail think necessar and expedient, sail accompany and
assist his lordschip qulien and howoft thai salbe requirit or chargeit be
him, and quha refuissis to obey tlie samin, that immediatlie thaireftcr
the said conseruatour vplift of ilk refuisar and dissobeyar of his charge
foiirtie schillingis grite, to be uptaikin ^)f thame and eueiy ane of thame
sa oft as thai failze but fauouris.
352 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Apud Edinburgh quinto Octobris 1590.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis ordanis lohn Quthre,
thair clark, to send the extract of the act maid anentis Aberdene and
Pettinweme for nocht payment of thair impostis, togidder with tua mis-
sives in thair names, certifying the saidis burghes thairby, incais thai
satiffie nocht the said impost immediatlie efber the ressauing thairoff, that
the panis and ynlawis contenit in the .said act salbe vpliftit of thame but
fauouris.
Henrie Charteris I. Yilsoune
Qeoirge Heireot lohnne Traill
Patrik Blair Dauid Watsone
Walter Cowane I. Wjmrame, agent.
Montroifl. /^^ ^/^g Couventiouu of Barrowis haldin at the burgh of
Montrois the saxtene day of lunij j^ '^' four scoir
alevin zeriSj and continewand to the xxj day ihairof
Comperitt the Commissioneris of Burrouns vnder
subscryvand, quha producitt thair commissionis and
missives of the hurghis dispensitt vnth efter follow-
ing, viz.y
For Edinburgh, lames NicoU and Edward Galbraith ; Kingom, Wil-
liame Cunnynhame ; Innerkething, George Dury ; Striveling, Walter
Cowan ; linlithqu, Androw Ear ; Benfrow, be ane missive presented be
the commissioner of Glasqu ; Rutherglene, be ane missiue presentit be
the commissionar of Edinburgh ; Aire, Alexander Mowet ; Irruwing,
Williame Scot; Dumfermeling, Thomas Couper; Qlasquo, Robert Adame ;
Kirkcudbrecht, Daniel Haire ; Lanerk, Robert Levingstoune ; ledburght,
Convention of Royal Bitrghs. 353
Thomas Hendersone ; Hadingtoun, lohne Wilsone ; Northbervick, be ane
missiue presentit be the commissionar of Hadmgtoun ; Dunbar, Maister
Alexander Kellie ; Lawder, be ane missiue presentit be the commissionar
of Jedburght ; Dumfres, Harbert Rening ; Aberdene, Alexander Ruther-
furd ; Dundie, Williame Duncane, lohne Traill ; Pearth, Patrik Blair ;
Banfe, Alexander Currour, but preiudice of the exemptioun at Aberdene ;
Grain, lohne Bousie ; Forfar, George Sutie, Robert Diksone ; Brechen,
Dauid Dempster, Williame Ramsay ; Montros, Robert Lichtoune, Maister
lames Wishart ; Elgene, Alexander Annand, but preiudice of their exemp-
tioun ; Invernes, be ane missiue, %tc. ; Aberbrothok, Thomas Peirsone ;
Sanctandros, Maister Dauid Russell ; Couper, lames Petersone ; Fores, be
ane missiue presentit be Alexander Annand commissionar of Elgine ;
Name, be ane missiue presentit be ane commissionar of Edinburgh ;
Dysairt, lames Hacqueit ; Kirkcaldie, lohne Hacqueit, Michall Kirk-
caldie ; Pettinveme, Thomas Kingzow, quhais commissioun was refussit
as he quha is rebell and wnlawit in respect thairof ; Brintiland, lohne
Orroke ; Anstruther be eist the bume, lohne Alexander.
Apud Montros die decimo sexto mensis lunij 1591.
The QUHiLK DAY, the commissionaris foirsaidis hes ellectit and nominat Eiectio, mode-
Robert Lichtoune, as principall in commissioun for the burght of Mon- ^'
tros, in moderatour to this present conuention during the tyme thairof,
etc.
Tlie same day, compeirit Maister lohne Scheine, and as procuratour Protestatio,
as he alledgit for the communitie of the burght of Aberdene, and pro- Scheme,
testit that the commissioun of Alexander Rutlierfurd, as commissionar for
the said burgh, and provest bailzeis counsell and communitie thairof, suld
nocht preiudge the said communitie in ony actioun dependand betuix
thame befoir the Lordis of our Souerane Lordis Sessioun.
Tlie same day, the commissionaris foirsadis ratiefieis and apprevis the Act of Con-
act maid and sett doune at the burght of Pearth, anentis thair convening fieit with addi-
vpoun the first day of thair generall conventionis, with adition that ilk **°'*'^-
commissionar compeir the said first day be twelf houris befoir nvne,
wnder the paine thairin contenit, prouiding awayis incaice thei compeir
2 Y
354 Convention of Royal Burghs.
be tua hoaris efler nwne immediatlie thairefter and present their com-
missionis to incure allanerlie ten pundis of wnlaw.
tw»™nuwi-* The sam day, etc., the commissionaris foirsaidis hes statut and ordanit
^^ that ilk ane of thame convene induring this present conventioun ilk day
be aucht houris in the morning, and efler nwne be twa hoaris, wnder
the paine of sex schillingis viij d. ilk commissionar, etc.
DiiiiKeoce of The samin day, etc., the commissionaris foirsaidis findis Thomas Per-
sone, commissionar for the burght of Aberbrothok, to haue producit suffi-
cient dillegence vpon the bestowing of iij" piindis in the apparrelling of
thair kirk, and thairby the first heid«of the missiue to be sattiffieit.
WnUwin^ of The samin day, the commissionaris foirsaid, for obserwing of the statut
flSoDMiBn^ht abouewrittin anentis the comperance of ilk commissionar at the houris
ojmpeiiund at thairin appointit, hes adiugit the commissionar of Forfer, Brechene, and
puiotit Elgene in the wnlawis thairin contenit, quha payit the samin to Bobert
Lichtoune moderatour, for thair nocht compeirance the said day be tua
houris efler nwne.
xvij lunij 1591.
WnUwingbur- The quliilk day, the commissionaris foirsaidis has adiugit and adiugis
TOW18 a u , ^j^^ burrowis of Dunbartane, Wigtoune, Quhithorne, Peblis, Selkreg, Pet-
tinweme, Cullane, and Thayne, ilk ane of tbame in ane paine and wnlaw
of XX pundis for their nocht compeirence at this present conventioun,
being laucbtfullie citat and wainiit thairto as was sufficientlie veriefieit
be lames Guthrie, clerk to the said burch of Montros, quha heirvpon, and
wpon the lauchtfiill citatioun of the remanent haill burrowis, askit instru-
mentis ; and ordanis lames Winrahame, thair agent, to wplifl the saidis
wnlawis, and wpoun the refusaris to pay tlie samin to rais letteris and
executoriallis, etc.
Anmier t<> Tlic sam day, etc., anentis the ansuer to be geving to the burght of
xxv« merkis. Edinburgh, craweing the rembursment be the burrowis of the sowme of
tuentie fy we hundreth merkis aduancit be thame in name of the burrowis,
as thei aJledgit, for the cawsis and to the effect mentionat in the act set
doune thairanent at Aberdene in the last generall assemble haldin thairat
in lunij 1 590, the haill commissionaris forsaidis disasentis thairto, becaus
Convention of Royal Burghs. 355
the aduanceing thairof was by thair consentis and knawlege ; and lames
NicoU, commissionar for the saidis bnrghfc of Edinburgh, protestit for
actioun and remeid of law.
The samin day, etc., the commissionaris foirsaidis, efter dew considera- ariTa^pointed
tioun had of the incres and decrest of the haill burrowis of this realme, 'or aitemtioun
01 the generall
and finding the thrie yeiris of the last generall taxt roll of ane hundreth taxt roll,
pundis to be expirit, thairfoir hes vniuersalie concludit to the reformatioun
thairof, and to that effect hes nominat the commissionaris efter following
to be setteris downe of the samin, viz., for Edinburgh, lames Nicoll ; Lin-
lithgow, Andrew Kar ; Aire, Alexander Mowet ; Dumfres, Harbert Ren-
ning ; Aberdene, Alexander Rutherfurd ; Dundie, Williame Duncane ;
Montros, Maister lames Wischart ; Couper, lames Petersone ; and Sanct-
andros, Maister Dauid Russell ; to quhome, for thame selffis and haill
remanent burrowis of this realme, they gif full power and commissioun to
the downe setting of the said taxt roll wpon euerie perticullar burght,
according to knawlege and conscience, but feid or fauour ; quha, being
solempnitlie swome to that effect, acceptit in and wpoun thame the
alteratioun of the said taxt roll ; and the saidis commissionaris promi-
serunt de raio etc
Apud Montrois die decimo octauo lunij 1591.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis ratefeis and apprevis ane Appreiying of
act maid att Glasqu, in ane generall conventioun of burrowis haldin thair- curenM^Laid"
att, vpoun the xxv day of Februar 1579, bering all commoun contrauersies *'*?^J?^i!^t^_
and questionis amangis burrowis concerning thair liberties to be amicablie pretatioun
referrit to thame, or sic thre or four of thair nomber as salbe chosin to
decyde thairintill, as at full lenth is contenit in the said act of the daitt
foirsaid, wnder the panis thairin contenit, and interpretis the foirsaidis
word, amangis, to extend and be extendit wpon the foirsaidis questionis
alsweill within the bowellis of thair particular burghtis as betuix burght
and burgh, concerning the commoun weill libertieis and weilfair thairof,
and the saidis burrowis in thair actionis debetable alsweill within as be-
tuix thame, to be iudgit be the commissaris of burrowis conwenand to
the generall assembleis thairof, quhen and quhow oft sic ane occatioun
356 Convention of Royal Bunjhs.
Balbe offerit, wndei; the painis as said is contenit in the said act at
Glasgow.
Abirdene dis- The Same day, Alexander Rutherfurd, commissionar for the burght of
ilct'^©MkUngr Abirdein, in name of the provost baillieis and counsell thairof, disasentit
to ane act preceiding, in that the word, amangis, thairin continet, suld
[nocht] conceme ane burght in perticular, in questioun debetable within
the samin, bot allanerlie betuix burght and burght, and adheret to that
pairt of the first act of concurence maid at Strewiling, wnto the quhilk the
secund act maid at Glasgow as he allegit is rellatiwe, that is, that all
actionis intentit befoir the said act suld ressaue decisioun be the Lordis of
Session, befoir quhame the actioun debettable betuix the said provest
baillis and counsell of the said burght of Aberdene and communitie thairof
is dependand.
Edinbnrght to The samin day, etc., the commissionaris foirsaidis, for thameselffis and
muSflter*to remanent haill burrowis of this realme, gifis full power and commission
Campheir. ^^ ^j^^ provest bailzeis and counsell of the burght of Edinburght to agrie
with ane minister to the kirk to be erectit in the towne of Campheir, and
wpon his stipend to condisend, conforme to the conditionis set downe irt
ane act maid at Edinburght in October last, and generallie all and quhat-
sumeuer thingis heirin to do, exerce, and vse, that thei micht do
thame sclffis gif thei war porsonallie present, promissand ferme and
stable &c.
^^f to^hiS- ^® samin day, etc., the commissionaris foirsaidis requeist the magis-
Imrgh, etc. tratis of the burght of Edinburgh direct ane missiue or suplicatioun in
thair names to the magistratis of the townis of Midilburght, Flischen,
Estaitis in Flanderis, and sic townis thairof as the conseruatour sail gif
thame informatioun, for sutting of redres at the saidis magistratis handis
of the guidis pileit frome the Scottis natioun thir zeiris bygane, cdnforme
to the inventure to be maid be the said conseruatour thairof, promfiitteTido
de rato, etc,
Continewatio The samin day, etc., anent the supplicatioun gifin in be the commis-
faris suppiica- sionar of the burght of Forfar aganis the burght of Dundie, craweing
DuiSe to *Si6 thairby reddres of the said burght for the wpliftiog fra thame of ane
Son. ^^^®'^" laidilfuU of euerie laid of victuall brocht in be the inhabitantis of the said
burght of Forfar to the mercat of the said burght of Dundie, quhilk thei
war neuer in vse to pay quhill within this sex zeiiis, as thei allegit, the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 357
said burght of Dundie hes, contrair all riclit, wnto the grit preiudice of
the said burght of Forfaris preuilieg and rycht, vsurpit the wplifting
thairof, as at mair length is contenit in thair said supplicatioun gifin in
thairanent, continewis all farder proceiding heirintill to the nixt general!
assemble of burrowis quhaireuer it sail hapin the same appointtit to be
haldin, and ordanis that in the meane tyme na sick dewitie or custume of
ony kynd of victual to be presentit be the inhabitantes of the said burght
of Forfar to the said mercat at Dundie be wpliftib or wptane be cus-
tumaris thairof, bot that onlie ane invintar to be maid of the samin be
thair said custumar of the quan title of the said victuall, the manis sur-
name of the presenteris thairof, and thei to find cawtioun that, in caice the
richt and preuiliege of the said burght of Dundie be fund mair valid and
eflectuall than the rycht of the said burght of Forfar, that then and in
that caice, at the said nixt generall assemble of burrowis, the saidis inhabi-
tantes of Forfar and thair cawtionaris salbe ansuerable and pay thair
saidis custumis, conforme to the said inventur, to the said c.ustumaris of
Dundie ; and gif the said burght of Foifaris richtis beis fund mair valid
nor the said burght of Dundeis, the samin to haue full effect thairefter,
and the said burght of Dundieis to be annullit and fra thine forth dis-
chairgit of ony farder wplifting of the custum and dewtie foirsaid ;
quhairwnto Williame Duncane, commissionar for the said burght of Dun-
die, disasentit. And ordanis the tennour of this act to be rememberit
in the missiues to be direct for keiping of the said nixt generall
assemble.
The samin day, etc., continewis all ansuer gifing to the conseruatouris ContinjBwa-
sut crewing reambursment of the burrowis of sic sowmes as he hes de- ^^^^^^[il^
pui-sit in the generall effairis of the estait of merchandice trafiqueand in *<>^-
the Law Cuntreis to thair nixt generall assemble, quhaireuer the samin
salbe appointit to be haldin, and to be rememberit in missiues to be
direct thairto.
The samin day, etc., agreis to the thrid articule gifin in be the Con- * ^^j. ^
seruitour and desyrit be him to be set doune in act be thame for the eoruAtonr.
Weill and commoditie of the merchandis ; as alsua agreis to the first, fyft,
sevint, aucht, and nynt articulis to be requirit be the saidis commissionaris
of burrowis of the Burrow Maisteris of the toune of Campheir, as the
samin in particular lying in lohne Guthrieis generall clerkis handis pro-
358 Conveidion of Royal Burghs.
portis, qubom thei ordane to extract and delyuer to the said Conseruatour
in thair names, and this present salbe his warand
ci»i»men^ be "^^^ samin day, etc., ordanis that ilk burght sail send thair commis-
««*wii* ^ *^® sionaris fullilie instructit to report at the nixt generall assemble of bur-
rowis thair diligence in writ wpon the execution of the act maid at Sanct-
andros, wnder the panis thairin contenit, and ordanis' the samin to be re-
memberit in thair messiues, quhilk act was maid aganis chapmen and
vtheris resorting to frie burrowis, etc.
Ruthergiene The samin day, eta, hes exemit and exemis the burght of Rutherglen
SS™yeiiL frome all keiping of conventionis for the space of thrie yeiris nixt heirefter,
wpon the conditionis contenit in the actis of exemptioun, and remittis
wnto the said burght the wnlaw of xx lib. incurit for non compeirence to
the last generall assemble haldin at Aberdene ; as alswa gifis licence to
the said burghtis present commissionar to disolue, quha promeist to hald
firme and stable and quhatsumeuer suld be concludit eta, and geue com*
mand to lohne Guthrie, clerk, to subscryue the generall buik for him.
Exemptio, The samin day, etc., exemis the burght of Kirkcudbrecht frome keiping
Kirkcudbrecht ^£ conventiouLS for the spaice of thrie yeiris nixtocum, wpon prouisioun
foirsaid, and that the sowme of thrie scoir pundis be bestowit wpoun the
reparelling of thair tolbuth, and thei to mak compt thairof to the bur-
' rowis at the expyring of the said thrie yeiria
Apud Montros decimo nono lunij 159 J.
nwI^liS^but "^^^ quhilk day, it wes statut and ordanit that all merchandis resortand
tikittte. to France, Flanderis, or any pairt of the Easter seyis, sail at na tyme heir-
efter depairt fra ony burght or sey port of this realme without speciall
tikitis^ wnder the subscriptionis of the denis of gild quhair thei ar, and
quhair nane is, to be subscryuit be the magistratis of the burght or sey
portis quhaii-fra thei pas; and the saidis tikitis to contene speciall men-
tioun of thair fredome and actuall residence within frie borrowis or sey
portis as said is ; and that ilk merchand present thair saidis tikittis to the
Conseruitour in Flanderis, to be anis sene and buikit in his buikis allanerlie ;
and in vther pairtis, sic as France and easter seyis, to be schawin and
producit to the maist discreit merchand beand in the schippis for the
tyme, passing to ony of the portis thairoi^ quha salbe haldin to mak re-
Convention of Royal Burghs. 359
port of his delligence to the deine of gild or raagistratis of the burght
and sey portis quhairfra he passis as said is.
The sarain day, efler lang ressoning wpon the allowing or disallowing Anuiiingof ane
of ane act maid and set doune be the provest baillieis and counsell of the Aberdene
burght of Aberdene aganis certane of the merchandis comburgessis thairof ^l^J^^^*^*
anent the bying of Inglische claithe frome burght to burght within the t^i«>f.
realme, as at lenth is contenit in ane act maid and set doune at the said
burght of Aberdene in the last generall assemble haldin thairat, all in
ane voce findis the said act maid be the said magistratis of Aberdene
aganis the merchandis foirsaidis thairof to be dischairgit, and dischairgis
the samin, and at na tyme heirefter to haue ony effect, bot to be nulle in
the selff and of na executioun as gif the samin had never bene maid, in
sa far as the contentis thairof was nocht onlie preiudiciall to the saidis
haill merchandice bot generallie to the frie burrowis of this realme. -,
The samin day, etc., hes exemit and exemis the burght of Aberbrothok Aberbrothok.
frome all keiping of conventionis for the spaice of thrie yeiris nixt heirefter,
wpon the conditionis mentionat in the remanent actis of exemptioun, with
prouisioun that the sowme of thre scoir pundis be employit wpoun the
reparelling of thair decayit harbrie, and to he comptable thairfoir to the
saidis burrowis at the ische and outryning of the saidis thrie yeiris.
The samin day, the commissionaris foirsaidis hes contenewit and con- tioun of lohne
tenewis lohne Guthrie in the office of generall clerkschipe to the burrowis ^^^jj^j^*^®"
for ane zeir to cum, wpon the conditionis and for the feis and dewities
mentionat in his first act of admissioun, and for payment of the rest of
the saidis lohnis bigane ordinar stipend and expensis wnto the first day
of lulij nixt, findis thame awand to the said lohne the sowme of nyne
scoir four pundis money of this realme, and ordanis him to be payit
thairof as foUowis, to wit, in pairt of payment thairof instantlie to res-
saife frome lohne Simsone, sumtyme customar in Anstruther, the sowme of
ane hundreth merkes, and the rest to be payit, be the generall collectour
or adgent, of the first and reddiest of quhatsumeuer sowmes that sail
hapin to be ingottin be thame or ony ane of thame at the instance of the
buiTOwis ; and to remember in the missiues to be dii-ect for keiping of
the nixt general assemble that the commissionaris to be send thairto cum
fuUie instructit how he salbe payit of his sti])end and ordinar expensis
frome the said moneth of lulij nixt to the moneth of lulij 1592.
360 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Atfunta The samin day, ordanis lames Winrahime, agent, in thair names to gif
Hyiuijono. subsciyue and delyuer to lohne Symsone, sumtyme custumar in An-
struther, ane dischairge of the sowme of ane hundretb merkes to be pay it
be him to lohne Guthrie thair generall clerk for the causis mentionat in
the last act, at his resseit of the samin, as alsua of the sowme of fouriie
pundis restand awand be him to the saidis burrowis of the rest of his
haill custume comptis, to the effect the said lohne may be relaxit frome
the home, prouiding the said lohne be obleist to pay the said rest to the
saidis burrowis at thair first requisitioun of the samin.
Proteetatio, The saidis day, compeirit Maister lohne Cheyne and Alexander Rid-
thocommu- doche in Abirdene, be vertew of ane procuratorie, as thei allegit, sub-
d6ne.° ^ ^' scryuit with the maist pairt of the burgessis and craftismen thairof, haueing
presentit ane suplicatioun concerning the reformatioun of the heretable
counsell within the said burght, compt and rekning making of thair in-
tromissioun with the commoun gud thairof the spaice of threttie zeiris
bygane, as thei allegit, and vtheris articulis contenit in ane missue direct
be the said communitie to the burrowis, for taking of ordour thairanent,
desyrit the foirsaidis commissioneris to tak cognitioun in the saidis mater
according to the actis of parliament and positiue lawes of burrowis, sum-
marlie, or to appoint iudgis to tak odour theiranent wpoun the saidis
communitieis expensis, becaus periculum est in mora, the new electioun
approcheand incaice ony farder delay be maid ; and the saidis procura-
touris offerrit to proceid befoir the commissionaris of burrowes, ather be
submissioun in freindlie maner, or be ordour of law, as the saidis commis-
sionaris wald appoint, and protestit incaice thair ressonable desyre be
refussit, pro deiiegata justitia as thei allegit, and that thei micht haue
place to insist in thair actionis intentit or to be intentit befoir the lordis
without doing of wrang or incuring of wnlaw.
Dimdie^**^' The samyn day, compeirit Williame Duncane, commissionar for the
burght of Dundie, and, in name of the provest bailzeis counsell and com-
munitie thairof, desyrit the saidis commissionaris of burrowis to direct
thair commissionaris to concure fortifie and assyst thame in talking of
inventar, losing, and housing of certane coper, mader, quheit, and vther
geir, wranguslie intromettit furth of ane schipe of Danskeyne be Thomas
Ogilwee, lames Hay, and thair complices, wpon ane pretendit lettre of
mark, for eschewing of the perell and danger quhairinto the saidis quheit
Conveyition of Royal Burghs. 361
and vther geir presentlie standis be ouer lang remaning vpon the bodum
of the schipe quhairinto it is ; siclyk for reambursing to thame of the
sowme of thre scoir sevintene pundis xvij s. vj A depursit be thair the-
saurer for annulling of the saidis lettre of mark, officeris fieis, and vther
his necessar adois thairanent, according to ane compt producit thairwith,
quhilk was taikin wp and wpliftit bak agane be the saidis Williame
Duncane, and that becaus the taking away of the saidis lettre of mark
as he allegit, and eschewing of the parell quhairinto the saidis geir pre-
sentlie standis, was pertenent to the haill estait of burrowis : To the
quhilk desyr the commissionaris foirsaidis, but discrepance or diuisioun,
all in ane voce alluterlie refussit, and findis thame selffis nawayis obleist
thairto, and this conforme as the said commissionar of Dondie allegit to
be gevin be ane charge to certan burrowis contenit thairin, etc.
The quhilk day, etc., assignis the burght of Bamfe the wnlaw of the SnlTILi^'t
burght of Cullaine, instantUe incurit be the said burght for thair . nocht *<^ ^"^®"
compeirence to this present convention, being lauchtfullie citat theirto,
and that for the said burght of Bamfis relleife of their wnlaw incurit be
thame for nocht compeirence to the last general assemble hauldin at
Sanctandros, quhilk was assignit to Patrik Bonkle clerk thairoC
The same day, etc., forsamekle as the commissionaris of burrowis pre- of^the^ST-^^^^
sentlie assemblit in this present conventioun to treit, consult, and con- moun gud of
clud in whatsumeuer materis concerning the aduancement and furtherence best awaiii.
of the common weill of the estait of burrowis, quhairby thei may be the
mair able at all tymis to prosecute and performe all tumis necessar in
quhatsumeuer thair effairis, remembring and considering with thame
selffis that in the conuentioun of burrowis haldin at Sanctandros in the
moneth of Apryle the zeir of God j™ v^ Ixxxix zeiris, it was statut con-
cludit and ordanit that in all and quhatsumeuer boundis within this
realme, quhair thair was ony commoun landis ather within or without
burght, properlie aperteining thairto, the samin suld be valuit roupit and
put to the vtermost awaill and profeit it Ynicht be fund to be worth,
quhairby the common gud of the said burght micht be aduancit and aug-
nientit, and inhabitantis thairof mair able to serue in all thair effairis in
tyme of neid, to the glorie of God, thair awin honour, and aduance-
ment of thair awin natywe cuntrie, and that the commissionar of
ilk burght suld, in thair nixt genirall conuentioun, report thair diUigence
2 z
362 Convention of Royal Burghs.
beiranent, that the gad niynd and expectatioun of the saidis commision-
aris ftuld nocht be frustrat ; quhilk act thei find bes tane full effect in
sum burghtis, and sum gud succes followit thairvpon, to their grit com-
fort and aduancement of their commoun weil, and in sindrie vther
burghtis na dilligence scliawin thairin, to the grit hurt and hinderence of
their commoun weill, quba hes bene sleuthfull and negligent in prosecu-
tioun of the said tume : Heirfoir it is statu t, concludit, and ordanit, be
the haill commissionaris all in ane voce, but varience, that in quliatsum-
euer burght within this realme haueand ony commoun landis, ather
within or without the samin, appertening to thame, they, with
all possible diligence, cans valour, roup, and put the samin to the
vtermaist awaill and profeit, for the aduancement of thair common weil
to the effect foirsaid, be setting the samin ather in tak or few, be the
provest bailzeis and counsell of the burght, with the aduyse of the com-
munitie thairof, as thei sail find maist profitable for thair weill ; and
that the Kingis Maiestieis authoritie be crevit to be interponit heirto
with executorialis thairvpon to charge the inhabitantis in quhatsumeer,
burghtis, to conciire, consent, and agrie heirto wnder the paine of rebel-
lioun, and the dissobeyaris to be denuncit rebellis, and that the commis-
sionaris of ilk burgh to report their dilligence heiranent to the nixt
generall conuention of burrowis wnder the panis contenit in thair actis.
Forfaris »c- The same day, anent the supplicatioun presented be the commissioner
tlS* MjSut of ^^ *^^ burgh of Forfar, for concurring and assisting of the said burgh in
Glammia. the actioun dependand befoir the Lordis of Sessioun for the wrangis done
be the Maister of Glammis to the inhabitantis thairof, to thair greitt
hurtt and preiudice of thair liberties, and dangerous preparative to the
haill estaitt of burrowis incais he prevaill thairin, as thair supplicatioun
foirsaid in the selff at full lenth proportis ; findis the said actioun gre-
tumlie to concern nocht onlie the said burgh bott thair haill estait,
quhairfoir for the maist pairtt hes aggreitt and condiscenditt thatt thair
salbe fumeist be thair agent or coUectour generall the sovme of fourty li
of the sovmes of money to be ingottin fra sic as restis awand the same
to thame, to be gevin to the said burgh for defence of thair said actioun,
the provest and baillies of Edinburgh awyis to be oursearis to the des-
tributioun thairof; quhairvnto the commissioneris of Edinburgh dissas-
sentit except alanerlie to concur and assist the said burgh, butt deburs-
ing of ony money.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 363
The same day, exemis the burgh of Dumbar from keping of all conuen- Dumbw ex-
tionis be north Forth for the space of thre zeris nixt heirefter, vpoun the ^^ ^^^ *^'*
conditionis mentionatt in the remanentt actis of exemption, and with
prouision thatt the sowme of thre scoir IL be employitt vpoun the re-
parrelling of thair dekayitt harberie, and to be comptabill thairfoir to
thame at the expyring of the saidis thre zeris.
The same day, etc., Thomas Peirson, commissionar for the burgh ofLieeitieti to
Abirbrothok, licentiat to desolue, quha ratefeitt all thingis to be concludit desoiue quhn
at this presentt conuention, et promisit de rato, etc. ratefeitt, etc
The same day, etc., ratiefieis the act maid at Edinburch in the generall ^l^burehii
assemble of the burrowis haldin thairat in the moneth of the zeir act for Adam
of God J"" v^ fourscoir zeris, anentis the rembursing to the said with commaua
burch of xij<^ merkes for Adame Foulertoun, etc., and now as than, and Qutbrie^derk
then as now consentis to the payment to the said burch thairof, in maner ^ ™»k ano
as is contenit thairin, and disassentis simpliciter fira payment of ony mcaice of
interest thairfor, becaus thei ar nocht haldin thairfoir nor obleist thairto, ^^a^Uwirin?
and, in caice of thair refusall to ressaue the said sowme of xij® merkes
but interest, ordanis lohne Guthrie thair clerk to forme and subscryue in
thair names ane sufficient power to lames Winrame thair agent, and sik
vtheris as he sail appoint, to defend in the said matter, promisand firme
and stable, etc. ; and quhatsumeuer sowmes of money the said agent
depursis heiranent to be allowit to him in the first end of his comptis,
vtherwayis to be reambursit to him incaice he depurs out of his awin
purs.
The samin day, the saidis commissionaris ratiefieis and appreuis the i^n^''^^^^
act of admissioun of lames Winrahame thair agent, and allowis to him
the sowme of ane hundreth merkis for his fee frome October fourscoir
ten to October four scoir ellevin, togidder with the sowme of tuentie
pundis for keiping of this present conuentioun, quhairof thei ordane him
to pay him selff* of the rediest sowmes that salbe gottin in.
The samin day, etc., exemit and exemis the burch of Naime, at the Naime •xemit
requeist of lames Nicoll, ane of the commissionaris of Edinburgh, frome
keiping of all conuentionis for the spaice of thrie zeiris nixt heirefter,
wpon the conditionis contenit in the remanent actis of exemptioun.
364
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Vigesimo prinio lunij 1591.
Inrolling An-
•truther be
west the burne
in the generall
roil of bur-
ro wis.
Protfibtatio
CraiU.
Cowperis com-
plent to be re-
uiemberit in
the missiues
togider with
Craillis.
Act apprevine
the extent roU
following.
The quhilk day, anent the commissioun presentit to Andro Melwell,
commissionar for the bailzeis counsell and communitie of Anstruther be
west the burne, the saidis commissionaris findis the said commissioun nocht
to be guid, in respect thei wnderstand nocht that the saidis towne of
Anstruther be west the burne is erectit ane frie burgh, insafar as thair
allegit erection is nocht producit, neither is the said towne enrollit in the
nummer of frie burrowis, ordaning thairfoir the same to send com-
missionaris to produce thair said erectioun befoir the provest and
bailzeis of Edinburgh wpon the tent day of lulij nixt, quhen as thei or-
dane the commissionar of the burght of CraiU to aduerteis the magistratis
thairof to send thair commissionaris fullie instructit to oppone aganis the
erectioun foirsaid ; or vtherways the said burght of CraiU, and sick vther
burrowis as may be preiudgit thairby, to send thair commissioneris to the
nixt generall assemble of burrowis instructit to that effect, and the said
towne of Anstruther than to produce thair said richt to be enrollit
thairat ; and the said Andrew Melvill, as procuratour and commissionar
for the said towne, is content the samin be inroUit in the generall taxi
roU following, and to pay thair pairt thairof according to thair habilitie,
and as the said burght is set doune in the samin ; quhairwnto lohne Busie,
commissionar for the burght of CraiU, disasentit and protestit that the in-
rolling of the said toune of Anstruther be west the bunie in the genemll
taxt roll suld nawayis preiudge the samin in the liberteis and preiuleges
thairof, and that thei micht be hard to opone aganis the said townis
richtis quhen as the samin suld be producit.
Tlie samin day, etc., ordanis to remember in the missiwes the complent
of the burght of Cowper aganis Anstruther, Pettinweme, and vtheris, and
thei to be waimit to send thair commissionaris to the nixt generall as-
semble to ansuer thairto ; as alswa that the towne of Anstruther be east
the burne be wairnit to ansuer to the complent of the burght of Craille,
at the said nixt generall conuentioun, and to cum instructit thairto to
that effect.
The quhilk day, the extentouris nominat to the alteratioun of the
Convention of Royal Burghs.
365
generall taxt roll of burrowis, wpon the sowrne of ane hundreth poundis,
lies alterit and reformit the samin in maner as followis, quhilk alteratioun
the cornmissionaris presentlie conuenit, for thame selffis and remanent
burrowis of this realme, conforme to ane act set doune at this present
eonuention, ratiefieis and apprevis ; and gif neid beis ordanis lettres and
exeeutorialis to be raisit and execut aganis the refussaris to pay the ex-
tentis to be set conforme thairto, and that for the spaice of thiie yeiris.
Followis the Generall Extent Roll of ane huiidreth pundis presentlie
alterit in maner efler speciefieit.
Edinburght with Kingonie and Innerkething xxix li. xv. s. quhairof
Kingonie fourtene schillingis and Innerkething sax schillings
Streviling
xls.
Abirdene
viij
li.
vj 8. viij d.
Linlithquo
xviij s.
Dondie
.
. X li. XV 8.
Rothesay
viij s.
Pearth
vj
li.
xiij 8. iiij d.
Dumbartane .
xviij s.
Bamfe .
.
xs.
Renfrew
xviij s.
Dumfermling
xvj s.
Rntherglene .
vs.
Craille
,
xvj s.
Aire
xls.
Forfar
.
ixs.
Irrowing
xxvj s. viij i
Breichane
. xxviij 8.
Glasquow
. iij li. X s.
Montross
.
xxxj 9
Kirkcudbrcht
XX s.
Elgyne
XXV 8.
Wigtoune
XX 8.
Innemes
,
. xxxij 8.
Quhithorne
X 8.
Aberbrothok
xviij 8.
Lanerk
xviij s.
Sanctandrois
i'J
li.
iij 8. viij d.
Jedburght
. xxiiij s.
Cowper
. xxxij 8.
Selkirk
«ij s.
Cullane
, ,
vs.
Peblis
xvj 8.
Forres
vj 8. viij d.
Hadington
xl s.
Nairn
vs.
Northbervik .
vs.
Thayne
.
xij 8.
Dumbar
xs.
Dysart
xlvj 8. viij d..
Lawder
vj 8. viij d.
Kirkcaldie
. XXXVJ 8.
Dunfieis
XXXV 8.
Petti nweme
XX 8.
366 Conveiition of Royal Burghs.
Bruntiland . xvj s. Anstruther be west the burne x s.
Anstrutherbeeasttheburne xxxvjs. Culros . . . xs.
SuMMA of the haill Roll is j^ ij li. xix. s. iiij d.. and this tua pundis
xix 8. iiij d. for ingadering thairof.
Protestationis, Tho Same day, Patrik Blair, commissioner for Perth, protested that
ton, Kirkcai- the prcsentt extentouris be nochtt electitt at the nixt alteratioun of the
Btruther be"" Tollis, in rcspcct the saidis burrowis extentouris lies, as he allegis, extra-
ureat the biirn. ordinarly Sett doun the said alteratioun forther nor the said burgh ex-
tendis vnto, and Hadingt<)n and Kirkcaldie inlykemaner, as alsua Androw
Meluile for the tovne of Anstruther be west the bum. The personis
nominatt to extentt, finding thame iniuritt be the protestationis maid be
the conmiissioneris of sic burrowis as hes protestit aganis thair extenting,
seing they war appointit to pas vpoun the said extentt be the haill com-
missioneris presentlie assemblit, protestis for |>enaltie to be inionit aganis
the saidis protestaris incontrar of the roll, desyring interlocutor and
censment of the haill commissioneris hervpoun ; and thairefter the saidis
protestaris and haill extentouris being removitt, and the remanentt com-
missioneris being rypelie aduysitt with the saidis protestationis,findi8 thame
to have done wrang in vsing thairof, and ordanis thame and ilk ane of
thame publictlie to pas fra the saidis protesta-tionis, and grant thair said
statute exteut- wrang commitit be thame to the saidis extentouris. In respect quhairof,
statutes and ordanis quhasoeuer dois the lyke in tyme cuming sail incur
the vnlaw of xx li. to be vplifted of thame butt fauonris.
Assignation The samc day, assignis to lames Guthre, dark of Montrois, ane vnlaw
to'cluthro** * ^f tuenty pundis for his paynis tane in wryting the missives direct to the
Clark of Men- prescntt commissioncris conuenand and remanentt absentt, and of sic par-
ticular burgh as is presentlie amerciatt his option and plesour.
Aiiditouris Tlic Same day, hes nominatt and electit twa of the baillies of Edin-
comptisr** burgh to be auditouris of Thomas Kingzows comptes, and Androw Mekill
to be wairnit to convene thairto anentis the bygane impoist rasit be him,
and gif the saidis baillies acceptis nocht the hering thairof, betuix and the
tent of lulij, the said Thomas Kingzow voluntarly hcirby obleissis him to
sute na suspension of the lettres of horning obtenit aganis him, etc^
Cotiventioti of Royal Burghs.
367
The same day, etc., the commissioncris presentlie conuenit desoluis this Desoiuing pre-
86Dtt con Veil—
thair coriuention, and appointis thair nixt general assemblie to be haldin tioun.
at the burgh of Kirkcaldie vpon the tuelt of lunij nixt in the zeir of
God j*" v*'. four scoir tuelff yeris, and ordanis the commissioner of the
said burgh to aduerteis tlie magistratis thairof mak lawful! wairning to
euery ane of the frie burrows and sea portis of this realme to send thair com-
missioneris fuUie instructed to treitt, reson, and conclude vpon sic thingis
as salbe proponit thairatt, vnder the payne and vnlaw of tuenty li.
lames Nicolle
Eduard Galbraith
Patrik Blair
Alexander Rutherfurd
Mr. Dauid Russell
Andro Ker for Linlythqu
Alex^. Mowat
Williame Scott
Thomas Hendirson
lohne Alex^ submit him
vnder yok of oppressioun
William Cwnninghem
Robert Livingstoun
lames Peterson
G. Durie for Innerkething
Herbert Ranying for Di-um-
freis
Mr Alex*-. Kellie
Ihone Wilson u.
I hone Hacket
Daniel 1 Hair
lames Hackat
William Duncan commissioner
for Dundie
Walter Cowane.
Alex"". Currour for Banff
Alex'. Annand
Robeil Lychtoun
Ihone Orrok.
Robert Adam, I. GuTHRE
Ihone Bowsy.
Dauid Dempster.
Tliomas Cowper.
Apud MontroR die vigesimo primo lunij 1591.
The quutlk day, the commissionaris foii-saidis efter lang ressoning wpon Burrowia,
the horiable and schamfull offence committit be lobne Alexander, com- commiaaioner
missionar for Anstruther be eist the burne, in subsciyweing of this gen- '^r Anstruther.
erall buik and actis presentlie concludit thairat in maner following, to
wit, lohne Alexander submittis him wnder the yok of oppressioun, nocht-
withstanding that the said lohne Alexander, being admittit commissionar
368
Convention of Royal Burghs.
for the said burght of Anstruther, and beand hard to declair the estait
thairof, afoir the alteratiouu maid presentlie of the general tax roll, to the
eommissionaris suorne and adraittit thairvpon, and that tliei lykwaj'is
tuik tryell be the eommissionaris of the burght nixt adiacent to the said
burght of Anstruther, and movit be the said lohneis declaratioun of thair
estait, as also be the tryall tane be thame, deminisehit thair extent iiij s.
of the hundreth pundis. And tlie said lohne, being accusit heirvpoun in
presence of the saidis haill eommissionaris, confessit the saidis subscrip-
tioun, and allegit that he was movit thairto be reasone of alteratioun of
the extent roll, nochtwithstanding tlie said extentouris deminisehit the
said burglit as said is : Heirfoir, in respect thairof, hes adiugit and ordanit
the said lohne to deleit his saidis subscriptioun witli his awin hand, and
to be wairdit witliin tlie tolbuth of this burght of Montros, thairin to re-
mane wpon his awin expensis ay and quhill he pay to the generall agent
the sowrae of xx 11, as for his wnlaw incurrit be him for the offence foir-
Siiid ; and forder, never to be ressauit nor presentit as commissioner heir-
efter, and ordanis iutimatioun thairof to be contenit in the missiwes to
be direct to the nixt generall conventioun, makand intimatioun to the
said burglit of Anstruther, that incaice he be sent as commissionar for
thame, thei sail incur the lyk paine of xx 11 to be wpliftit of thame but
fauouris, besyd the wnlaw of thair absence. And the saidis eommission-
aris assignit the saidis wnlaw, thairof twenty merkis to be giffin to the
puir of the hospitall of the saidis burght of Montros, and ten merkis
thairof to the officiaris of the saidis burght.
lamis Nicolle. Herbert Ranyng.
William Duncan. Dauid Dempster.
Alex''. Rutherfurd. Andro Ker.
Mr. Dauid Russell. Ihone Hacket.
Alex'^. Currour. lames Hacket.
Robert Lychtoun. Williame Scott.
Alex''. Mowat. Williame Cwnninghem.
Ihone Wilsoun. Alexr. Annand.
lames Peterson.
Convention oj Royal Burghs. 369
In the General Assemhlie or- Conventiouri of Burrowis^ Kirkoaidie.
haldin and begun at the burgh of Kirkcaldie vpoun the
tueltt day of lunij^ the zeir of God /"* J^ four scoir
tueljf zeiris^ ConiperiU the Commissioneri.s thairof efter
following^ and presented thair commissionis in maner
as folloivis :
Edinburgh, Ilionn Robertsoun, Edward Galbraith ; Kingorn, Capitane
Dauid Boiswell ; Innerkething, George Durie ; Striveling. Walter Cowane ;
Liulithquow, Andrew Kar ; Dumbartan, Robertt Watsoun ; Renfrew,
Ibonn Houstoun ; Air, George Cocheran ; Irrowyue, Williame Scott ;
Glasqu, Robertt Adam ; Kirkcudbricht, be ane missive presented be
Harbert Ranyng ; Wigtoun, Robert Dalzell ; Laneark, Williame Wilkene ;
Jedburgh, Thomas Henrisoun ; Selkirk, lames Scott ; Peiblis, Patrik Dik-
soun ; Hadingtoun, Ihonn WiLsoun ; Northbervik, be ane missive pre-
sented be the said Ihonn Wilsoun ; Dumbar, be ane missive presented
lykwayis be the said Ihonn ; Lawder, Ihonn Smith ; Dumfreis, Harbertt
Ranyng provest ; Abirdene, George Knowis, baillie ; Dondie, Williame
Duncan, baillie ; Perth, Patrik Blair, baillie ; Banff, ;
Dumfermeling, Dauid Broun ; Ciuill, Jhonn Douglas, Ihonn Makesoun ;
Forfar, George Suttie, Ihonn Traill ; Breichan, W^illiame Ramsay ; Mon-
trois, Maister lames Wischai-tt ; Elgene, Alexander Annand ; Innemes,
Alexander Cuthbertt, lames Cuthbertt ; Abirbrothok, be ane missive
presented be Williame Ramsay ; Sanctandrois, Dauid Watsoun ;
Cowpar, lames Andersoun ; Forres, Robertt TuUoche ; Nairn, be ane mis-
sive presented be Alexander Annand ; Thayne, Walter Ros ; Dysartt,
Patrik Sinclar, lames Hacquett ; Kirkcaldie, Robert Hay, Michell Kirk-
caldie ; Pettinweine, Tliomas Kingzow ; Bruntiland, Ihonn Orrok ; An-
struther be eist the burn, Thomas Watsoun ; Anstruther be west the
burn, Androw Meluille ; Kilrany, Robert Strang, baillie ; Culane, lames
Lawtie.
The same day, Androw Young, dark of Kirkcaldie, producit his dili- Young^oUrkof
gence of the lawfuU waiming of the haill burrowis of this realme, to haiff 5^][^^^*%£
sentt agane the day abouewrittin thair commissioneris fullie instructed to wairning, etc.
.S A
Convention of Royal Burghs. 371
askitt instrumentis, butt preiudice alwayis of the burgh of Craillies richtis
and previlegis quhilk they haif of the said burgh of Anstruther be west
the bum ; to quhais enrolling Ihonn Makesoun, commissioner for the said
burgh of Craill, disassented, and protested for remeid of law ; to quhome
the saidis commissioneris reseruis actioun, provt de jure be ressoun of the
said burgh of Craill is productioun of thair principall infefbmentt, sene and
red, etc.
Apud Kirkcaldy die decimo tercio mensis, lunij, 1592
The quhilk * day, coraperitt Robert Strang, baillie of Kilrany, and pro- |5j^°* ®'
ducit ane commissiouu direct be the remanent baillies counsall and com-
munitie thairof, seillit and subscryuit as the samyn proportis, and desyrit
the said tovne of Kilrany, conforme to thair erection presentlie sene and
exhibit, to be enroUit amangis the remanentt frie burrowis of this realme,
quhairwith, and ratefeing thairof in parliamentt, efter the same was red
and aduysit, findis thair desyre foirsaid resonabill, quhairfoir they have
enrollit and enroUis the samyn amangis thair nomber as is requyrit ;
quhairvnto Ihonn Makesoun, commissioner for the burgh of Craill, disas-
sented, and protested that the said tovne of Kilranyis enrolling amangis
the nomber of frie burrowis suld nocht preiuge the said burgh of Craill in
thair previlegis, conforme to ane chartour, sene and producit, and agane
resauit be the said commissioner of Craill, to quhome they reserue actioun
aganis tlie said burgh of Kilrany prout de jure.
The sam6 day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter lang rosonyng vpoun The agenu to
that heid of the missive, ordanyng ilk burgh of this realme to send thair men, and ane
comraissioneiis fullie instructed to repoirtt at this presentt conuentioun a^uTbe Mtf
thair diligence in writt vpoun the executioun of ane act, maid att Sanct-^^^^***
androis, aganis chepmen and vtheris resorting to frie burrowis, vnder the
paynis contenit in the said actt, with sic wairis as ar gretumlie preiu-
diciall to thair liberties and previlegis, granted be his Maiesties maist
nobill progenitouris to thame of auld, and efter dew inquisitioun maid of
the richt vse and abuse thairof, hes found the maist pairtt of the haill
burrowis of this realme to be gretumlie preiugitt and burtt be the saidis
chepmen, foirstalleris, regratouris, and vtheris vnfriemen, makand and
havand thair residence outwith frie burrowis, vsurpand the lawfull tred
372 Convention of Royal Burghs.
of friemen be bying of hydis, selling and topping of staipill wains, and
all soirtis tliairof generallie, and keping of oppin buitlns in landward
tovnis, villagis, and burghis of banony, sailland lykewayis fuith of the
cuntrie with staipill gudes, sua that the estaitt of burrowis is becum
greitlie to decay, and the said tred of merchandise in dyueris frie bur-
rowis of this realme almaist left of for laik of change, be the occasionis
foirsaidis, and be proces of tyme apperaudlie vndone, be the attemptatis
foirsaidis, except opoi-tune remeid be the mair haistlier provydit thairto ;
for remeid quhairof, the haill commissioneris presentlie convenitt all in ane
voce hes concludit statute and ordanitt, thatt the pro vest and baillies of all
the burrowis of this realme, and vtheris the inhabitantis hurtt and
preiugit heirby, sail geve in the names of the pereonis vsurpand the
liberties within thair boundis to lames Wiurhame thair generall agent,
betuix and the fyftene day of August nixt, to the effect lettres of homing
may be raisit and execute at the instance of oure Souerane Lordis Aduocatt,
and the said lames Winrhame in thair names, and in name of the haill
burrowis of this realme, to quhome they geve full power and commissioun
to that effect, aganis all and sindrie the saidis chepmen, vtheris vnfrie-
men, saillaris in speciall, and vnfrie personis quhatsumever in generall, the
tred and traffecque properlie and alanerlie to be vsitt be friemen induel-
laris in frie burrowis and berand the commoun chairges thairof, ih sic
straitt forme for restranyng of thame thairfra, in all tymes cumming, as
efferis or may be done be law ; and to the effect the samyn may be with
the gretar diligence done and followit out, insafar as the premissis con-
cemis the haill estaitt of burrowis of this realme, thatt thair be ane generall
extentt of twa hundreth pundis maid and sett doun vpoun the haill
burrowis, conforme to the last extentt roll maid at Montrois in the moneth
of lunij 1591, for making of expenssis vpoun the persute foirsaid be the
said lames Winrhame, agent, be the aduyce of the magistratis of the burgh
of Edinburgh, and the samyn to be ingatherit betuix and the fyvetene
day of August nixtt, and ilk commissioner presentt to send agane the said
day thair pairttis of the said extentt, together with thair complayntis, and
the names of sic personis as ar to be complenit mentionat thairintill; and
forther that ilk burgh be aduerteist be missives to send thair commis-
sioneris vpoun the said act maid at Montrois anentis chepmen to execu-
tioun, vnder the paynis thairin contenit, and thatt at the nixt generall
assemblic of bunowis, quhairever the samyn salbe appointed to be haldin.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 373
and the said agentt than lykewayis to repoiiiit his diligence of his persute
of the saidis vnfriemeu.
The same day, efler lang resonvne: vpoun that heid of the missive con- ^"P»ng oi
/••nil i» 1 • • commoun g^de-
cernyng ane act of ilk burgh rowping of thair common gude, and putting and perambui-
of the same landis and vther rentis thairof to the maist avail, and vpoun to^^remem-^
the dew executioiin of the command att ilk generall conuentioun to send ^^^ ^^ ™**'
tliair commissioneris to repoirtt thair diligence in writt, and fynding the
contentis thairof be ane very few nomber satefeitt be writt, as alsua thatt
the samyn be dyueris burrowis is sett outt to gentilmen, remaning out-
with burgh, expres contrair the tennour of the actis sett doun thairanentt,
tliairfoir, as of befoir, they ratefie and appreve the saidis actis in all pointis,
ordanyng heirefter thatt nocht onlie the saidis actis 1}e the magistratis of
ilk burgh resaue dew executioun, bot alsua thatt they anis in the zeir
perambulat and ryde thair merches, vnder the payne of tuenty li. to be
vptane of ilk ane of the saidis magistratis sa oft as they failzie, and thatt
they at ilk generall conuentioun and asserablie of burrowis repoirtt thair
diligence, nochtt onlie in rowping of thair said commoun gude, bott alsua
in perambuling of thair saidis merches, anis in the zeir as said is.
The same day, aneut the complaynt gevin in be lames Andersoun, Cowpar, Ans-
coiiimissioner for the burgh of Cowper, aganis the burghis of Anstrutheris eist and west
eist and west, and Pettinweme, for troubling and poinding of the inhabi- Pettinwem^to
tantis of the said burgh of Cowpar for payment to thame of certan small ^ remeberitt
customes, the samyn being ane frie burgh, as at lenth is contenitt in the
supplicatioun gevin in thairanentt, continewis all forther proceeding
heirintiU vnto thair next generall assemblie of burrowis, quhairever it
salhappin the samyn to be haldin, quhen as they ordane aither of the
saidis burrowis contendantt to send thair commissioneris fullie instructed
with aither of thair richtis to resaue finall decisioun heirof, ordanyng in
the menetyme thatt nane of the saidis burrowis vplift ony dewtie of
vtheris, vnder the payne of ten li. to be taikin of the paiity contravenar,
bot that onlie ane inuentor be maid of the samyn be their customeris of
the quantitie thairof, and they to find caution thatt incais the richtt and
previlege of the said burgh of Cowper be found mair valide nor the saidis
burrowis of Anstrutheris Eister and Wester and Pettinweme is, to refound
and pay the saidis customes conforme to the said inuentar to the pairty
beinir found at the said nixtt generall conuentioun to haif maist richtt
374
Convention of Royal Burghs,
Agent^ IXm
comraissiouer
for Thayne
Statute thatt
nane be cUosin
to be ane here-
tabill magistat
within burgh
Innerketbing,
Culros.
thairto. And to the effect that than ane generall ordour be sett doiin
for vptaking of pittiecustomes throuchoutt the haill burrowis of this
realme, ordanis the commissioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh, att thair
hamecuming thairto, to aduerteis the magistratis thairof to send, with
thair commissioneris to be sentt to the said nixt generall convention, thair
roll of the saidis pittiecustomes, as they tender the weilfair and
quyetnes of the estaitt of burrowis, but preiudice alwayis of vplifting be
the saidis burrowis hiiic incle of vtheris of the saidis customes in tyme of
faires and oppin merkatis. And Androw Meluile, commissioner for
Anstruther be west the bum, and Tliomas Watsoun, commissioner for
Anstruther be eist the burn, protested thatt quhatsumever thing was
done and concludit on in this presentt act, to the hurtt and preiudice of
thair richtis and previle^s, suld nawayis dirogatt the samyn, as thair
protestatioun gevin in to Ihonn Guthre, generall clerk, in writt, mair fullie
proportis ; and the tennour of this presentt act to be rememberitt in
missives.
The same day, Walter Ros being sentt in commissioun for the burgh
of Thayne, and the samyn, in respect the said tovne was at the horn for
nocht paymentt of twa vnlawis to the generall agentt, repellit, vnto sic
tyme as he fand sufficient cautioun to pay to him the samyn, repoirtit
Daiiid Claipan induellar in Leithis obligatioun, quhilk the burrowis ad-
mitted, provyding that incais the ane of the saidis vnlawis extending to
tuenty pundis war nocht payitt betuix and Michaelmes nixt to the said
agentt, thatt efler the expyring thairof the said Dauid suld be haldin
to pay the haill, and this obligatioun delyueritt to the said agentt, quhome
they ordane, at the ressait of the said sovme, to delyuer to the said
Dauid or Walter his acquittance heirvpoun; and efter the geving of the said
obligatioun, the said Walteris commissioun resauitt, etc.
The same day, it is statute and ordanitt thatt at all tymes heirefter na
magistratis within the burrowis be ressauitt in heretabill richtt to ony the
offices within the same, contrair the tennour of owre Souerane Lordis actis
of parliamentt, and liberties of frie burrowis, seing the same is very preiu-
diciall and hurtl'ull to the saidis actis of parliament and liberties foir-
saidis, bot thatt they be zeirlie electit thairto.
The same day, comperitt George Bruce in Culros, and producit ane
erectioun gevin be the Kingis Maiestie and Estaitis for erecting of the
Conve7ition of Royal Burghs. 375
said tovne in ane frie burgh regall, and conforme thairto desyritt the
same to be enrollit amangis the frie burrowis of this realme; quhairvnto itt
was obieetitt be George Dury, commissioner for the burgh of Innerketh-
ing, thatt the same culd nochtt be gmnted, insafar as the samyn tenditt
greitlie to the hui*tt and preiudice of the said burgh of Innerkething ;
and effcer lang resonyng heirvpoun, decernLs and ordanis thame .of their
asvin [consent] to conipeir in the burgh of Edinburgh, the nyntene day of
luly nixt, briugand with them aitlier of thair richtis and tittillis, to be
sene and considderitt be the provest baillies and counsall of the said
.burgh of Edinburgh, and to abyde thair sentence and determinatioun, to
quhome the saidis burrowis, presentlie convenitt, gevis thair full power
and commissioun to decyde heirintill, promittendo de txjUo ; lykeas, the
saidis pairties promittit to hald ferme and staiblil, etc., quhome they ordane
to aduerteis the saidis provest and baillies of Edinburgh twa dayis befoir
the saidis nyntene day of luly nixt.
The same day, anentt thatt heid of the missive wairning the burgh of ^™*»j*^
Bruntiland to send thair commissioneris fiillie instructed to ansuer to the D;r8artt,
complaintis gevin in aganis thame be the burrowis of Kirkcaldy, Dysartt, ^°"'*
and Kingorn, for vplifting be the said burgh, frome sindrie the inhabi-
tantis of the saidis burrowis, of the ankeragis, and schoir syluer, quhairvnto
they have na richtt, as was aJlegitt, as at lenth is contenit in the saidis
burrowis complaintis gevin in thairvpoun : Comperitt Ihonn Vrrok,
commissioner for the said burgh of Bruntiland, on the ane pairtt,
Michaell Kircaldie, commissioner for the said burgh of Kirkcaldie, Patiik
Sinclair, commissioner for the said burgh of Dysai-tt, and Capitane Dauid
Boiswell, commissioner for the said burgh of Kingorne, on the vther pairtt,
and taikand the burding on thame for their bun-owis respectiue foirsaidis,
fiielie submitted them to the decisioun of the saidis haill burrowis, prome-
sand to hald ferme and staibill all and quhatsumever thing suld be
concludit heiranentt ; and the saidis pairties being removitt, efter rype
aduysementt, and dew consideratioun had of aither of the saidis pairties
richtis and complayntis, all in ane voce, but discrepance or diuisioun,
decernis and ordanis the said burgh of Bruntiland, in all tyme heirefter
fra Andersmes nixttocum, to vptak and vplift of euery schip within
thre scoir tunnis, arryving to thair poirtt and hawin, sax schillingis
aucht pennies, and of euery schip of three score tunnis and aboue, ten shil-
376 Convention of Royal Bnrglts.
lingis, and of euery schip and crair of tuentie tunnis, fourty penneis, and
of small boittis and veschellis withoutt top mastis, tuenty penneis, and of
euery sebip of ane hundreth tunnis and aboue, threttene-schillingis four
penneis. And forther the saidis burrowis, having consideratioun of ane
certain supplicatioun presentit be the said lohnn Vrrok, commissioner for
the said burgh of Bruntiland, to tharae, craving thairsupportt to the bigging
of thair kirk, and vphalding of thair schoir, grantis full libertie and licence
to the said burgh of Bruntiland to impetratt of the Kiiigis Maiestie and
Lordis of Secretit Counsall, ane gift for vplifting of all schippis arryving
to thair poirtt and hawin foirsaid, loissitt within the same with tymmer,
for the space of sevin zeris nixt heirefber, off euerie hundreth ane to be
applyitt to thair awin particular vse and commoditie, in maner as is
aboue rehersitt ; provyding alwayis thatt at the ische and outrunnyng of
the saidis sevin zeris, they be comptabill to the burrowis vpoun the des-
tributioun thairof ; and the saidis commissioneris of Bruntiland, except
this act be generall, disa.ssented and protested, etc.
impoist: Ana- The same day, anentt the complaynt gevin in be Androw Meluile,
cl^uuir^^- commissioner for Anstruther Wester, aganis Thomas Watsoun, commis-
truther Wester, siouer for Anstruther Eister, anentt the vplifting of ane impoist of the
inhabitantis of the said burgh of Anstruther Wester, and vtheris resortand
to thair harberie, ordanis the said Thomas Watsoun to produce, att the nixt
generall assemblie of burrowis, his said burghis richtt and tittill, quhair-
foir they vplift the said impoist, vnder the payne of tuenty pundis.
Apud Kirkcaldie decimo quarto lunij 1592.
Dumbartanis "^HE QUHILK DAY, the Commission cris foirsaidis remittis the burgh of
▼niaw remittit. Dumbartan of ane vnlaw of tuentie pundis, incurrit be thame for thair
absence frome the conuention haldin at Montrois in lunij 1591, provyding
the samyn be employitt vpon the reparrelling thair ruynous tovne, and
be comptabill of the wairing thairof thairon, at the nixt generall assemblie
of burrowis.
Act that the The samc day, efter lang resonying vj)oun the contentis of ane missiue
Conseruator g^jj^ ^ \\^q h^\\\ commissioneris of burrowis, bo the factouris of Cam])heir,
mak compte of , . ' , ' , '
excysebeirand concerning the excyse of beir and wyne, and maner of distributioun thairof,
wyno.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 377
all in ane voce fiudis, thatt the act maid and sett doun at Edinburgh in
anno 1590 thairanent, in the haill contentis thairof, salhave full effect, and
ordanis the magistratis of the bui-gh of Edinburgh, in thair names, to send
ane missiue to the Conseruatour, with the copy of the act foirsaid, and of
this presentt act, to cum hame to the said burgh of Edinburgh, to mak
compt, rekning, and payment of his bygane intromissioun with the said
excyse of beir and wyne, betuix and the first day of September nixttocum,
with certificatioun, and he failzie, he salbe be dischairgitt of ony forther
intromissioun thairwith ; and siclyk, that he be chargitt, at the same'selff
day to compeir and geve in his diligence of the maner of the distributioun
of the ten lastis beir, and twa tunnis and ane halff wyne. Efter the
expiring of the quhilk first day of September, incais of the said Conserua-
touris nocht compeirance, ordanis the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth,
Dondie, Striveling, Glasqu, and Sanctandrois, at the tuenty day of the
said moneth of September nixt, to convein at the said toun of Edinburch,
for setting doun of ane finall ordour vpon the haill excys of beir and
wyne, and the said burgh of Edinburgh makand dew adwerteisment to
the burrowis foirsaid is to send thair commissionaris instructit to convein
thairat, to the effect aboue expremit ; and quhatsumewir thing it sail
hapin the saidis commissionaris, than to convene, to determein heirin, the
haill commissionaris presentlie convenit promittit to hauld ferme and
stable, etc.
The sam day, anent that haid of the missive beiring the burch of Compromit,
Dondie to send thair commissionaris fullie instructit to ansuer to the com- ForfaJr.***
plent of the burch of Forfair, for the vplifting of the ladill full of victuall
of ewirrie saik thairof brocht in to be sauld in the said burch of Dondie,
contrar to the tennour of the mutuall iudenter maid betuix thame and the
said burch of Forfair, as is allegit ; efter the maneir of the summar
decisioun of the said debaitable qucstioun was sufficientlie ressonit, baithe
the saidis pairteis, viz., William Duncan, commissionar for the burch of
Dondie, and George Suttie and Ihone Traill, commissionaris for the said
burch of Foirfair, compromittit the said mater, in the burch of Montrois and
Couper of Fyff, for the said Dundies pairt, and the burchis Perthe and
Breichane, for the pairt of the said burch of Forfair, and incais of dis-
cripance or diwisioun, the prowest of the burch of Edinburgh, present
thane for the tyme to be oursman for the tyme, at quhais determinatioun
3 B
378 Co7iventio7i of Royal Burghs.
the saidis pairteis contendand ar suome, but reuocatioun, to abyd ; and
the commissionaris present of the said four burrowis acceptit in and vpon
thame the decisioun thairof, and appointis to convein at the said burch
of Dondie vpon fyftein dayis warning, to be maid be the said commis-
sionaris of Forfair to the commissionar of the said burch of Dondie, to the
effect ather of the saidis pairteis may adverteis thair arbitouris to convein
at sic day as they sail aggrie on. And in the mentyme, suspendis the
said burch of Dondie fra all vptaking of the said dewtie of the ladill, or
vsing of ony nouatioun of customes vpon the said burch of Forfair, and
the said burch setting down cawtioun to the said burch of Dondie, that
gif it be fund be the saidis arbitouris and oursman that the said dewtie
of the said ladill full of victuall sould be vpliftit, for payment thereof to
the said burch of Dondie, at sic tyme as sail be appointit be the arbitouris
and oursman forsaidis, and to decerne heirin betuix and the nixt generall
conventioun of burrowis, with power, gif neid beis, to prorogat. And the
saidis pairteis hinc inde ressauit vp thair indentouris and peicis producit
in proces.
^^TwremiSit ^'^® ^™ ^^Y' re^i^t/is to the bui*ch of Dimbartane thair vnlaw of xx
Agentis com- Ubris, incurit be thame for nocht compeirance to the generall conventioun
hauldin at Montrois 1591, the commissionar of the said burch payand to
the generall agent sic expenssis as he debursit vpon the resing and exe-
cutioun of lettres of horning aganis the said burch. Quhilk agent pro-
ducit his compt of his intromissioun and debursingis sen the tyme of his
electioun to the dait heirof, quhilk being sein and considderit, the saidis
burrowis ratefeit and apprewit the samin in all punctis.
Apud Kirkcaldie decimo quinto lunij 1592.
Craiii, Anstru- The QUHILK DAY, Ihone Makesone, commissionar for the burch of Craill,
Se buriT^ gaif in ane suplicatioun aganis Andro Meluill, commissionar for Anstruther
be west the bume, desyring the said burch to be dischargit of haulding of
ane pretendit merkit, in preiudice of the said burch of Craillis richtis pre-
sentlie schawin and producit ; Quhairvnto it was ansuerit be the said
An(?ro Meluill, that in respect of the dependence of the said mater befoir
the Lordis of oure Souerane Lordis Counsall, the samin could nocht be
Convention of Boyal Burghs. 379
decydit be the commissionaris presentlie convenit, quha remittis the sara
to the iudgis foirsaid.
The aam day, ordanis ane suplicatioun to be giffin in in thair names ^^'f***^*^
befoir the Lordis of Chaker, be adwys of the burch of Edinburgh, for the coquit
ordour taking with the extortioun vsit be the derkis of coquitis, in taking
of sic dewtie as they plais, as also in hendering and deleying of the mer-
chandis of thair veagis, throu thair slouthe and wilfuhies, and ordanitt to
be rememberitt in the missives to be direct be Edinburgh to the saidis
burrowis appointit to tak ordour with the excyse of beir and wyne.
The sam day, anent the complent giffin in be Thomas Keinzow, com- inwern«Mo be
missionar of Pittinwem, aganis Alexander Cudbert, prowest and commis- ^g^°^^* ^
sionar for the burch of Inwemes, for vplifting of ane excys boll of salt of
the burgessis of the said frie burch of Pittinweim, to the greit preiudice
of the liberteis thairof : Continewis all forder ressoning thairin, and taking
ordour thairwith, quhill the nixt generall assemblie of burrowis, quhair-
ewir it sail hapin the samin to be hauldin, but preiudice alwayis of the
vptaking of the sam dewtie, in the mentyme, and ordanis ather of thame
to send thair commissionaris fullie instructit for productioun of thair
richtis at the said nixt conventioun, vnder the pane of the vnlaw of xx
libris ; as also, that the said burch of Inwemes sail send to the said nixt
conventioun thair commissionar fullie instructit to ansuer to the complent
to be giffin in be the burch of Craill, and this to be rememberit in
missiwes.
That sam day, ordanis the burch of Abirdein to send thair commis- ^'^^•??f
sionar fullie instructit to the nixt conventioun to ansuer to the complent dein to be ro-
of Inwernes, Elgane, Forres, Pittimweim, Anstrutheris Ester and Wester, Slssiwei*'^
and Craill vnder the pane of xx libris, and this to be rememberit in mis-
siwes, and siclyke aganis (and) Abirdene for ane excyse boll of saltt.
The sam day, findis that the burch of Inwemes sail pay to the agent J^^^^^n"^^®^
the sowme of xx libris vnlaw, awand be thame, with ten pundis and Young, dark,
expenssis of the lettres and chargis, prowyding, mcais they pay xx libns
betuix and the first day of September, vtherwayis to pay the haill ; and
as to thair exemptioun, the samin can nocht be grantit, becaus they ar
ordanit to compeir the nixt conventioun to ansuer to sic complentis as
sail be speciall in missiwis ; and this vnlaw to be gevin to Andrew Young,
dark, directar of the missiues.
380 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Compientis The Same day, anent the complent giflBn in be the comraissionaris of
cowbrik to be Air, Glasquow, Vrwing, and Dunbartane, aganis the burch of Kirkeowbrik,
tbTmiMiwift* for vplifting ane extortioun of thame, being frimen, in taking four boUis
greit, salt, land missure, of ilk schip and bark that arrivis within thair
harbrie, ordanis the said complenaria, togidder with the said burch of
Kirkeowbrik, to compeir to ansuer heirto the nixt conventioun, and to
that effect, to cans warne the burch of Kirkeowbrik to compeir vnder the
pane of xx libris, and this to be rememberit in missiwis.
K?ngS^wreti^^* '^^^ ^°^ ^^y» compeirit Ilione Chisholme, and presentit oure Souerane
^ing- Lordis missiwe, desyring him to be imployit and send to Ingland for
seiking redres of ane particular man and his deputtis had and obtenit of
the Quein of Ingland ane gift for bying of all salt cuming out of Scotland
to the pairtis of Ingland, the commissionaris declaris they com nocht in-
structit to that effect, and thairfoir can nocht gif ansuer.
That sam day, the burrowis exemis the burrowis of Vrwing, Forres,
of burrowis. Wigtoun, Brintcland, outwith the boundis of Fife and Louthiane, Pibillis,
Cullane, frome all keiping of conventionis for the space of thre zeiris nixt
heirefter, prowyding they send thair saidis exemptiounis, and missiwis
. apprewing all thingis to be concludit thairat, with the burch vwist ondis-
penssit with, as also that gif the buiTOwis haif necessarlie to do and
adwerteiss thame to compeir sail be hauldin to compeir, nochtwithstand-
ing thir exemptionis.
a»r"tI!o*tounTf "^^ ®^™ ^^^^ compeirit Patrik Sinclar, burges of Dysert, and becom
CuiUn. obleist to content and pay to Mariorie Rowane, relict of vmquhiU William
Makartnay, the soum of xx libris, in pairt of payment of ane mair sowm
awand to hir be the burrowis, as for the vnlaw of the burch of Cullane,
to be payit betuix and Michelmes, to quhas payment she acceptit and
dischargit the burrowis thairof, as also the said burrowis dischargis the
said burch of Cullane of all vnlawis bygane.
Sancu^oul'' '^^ "^^ ^^^^ rcmittis the vnlaw of Banff of the vnlaw of xx libris,
andPebUiisre-becaus of thair obedience ; and siclyk the burchis of Sanctandrous and
Pebillis of ten pundis, ilk ane of thame, but preiudice of wptaking of all
vtheris contrawinand heirefter of the lyk vnlawis.
Impost, SftDct- The sam day, anent the supplicatioun giffin be Dauid Watsone, com-
itn rout. missionar for the burch of Sanctandrous, desyring suport to thair brig
appeirandlie to decay, and thairfor that licence may be crawit of his
Convention of Royal Burghs. 381
Maiestie of ane certane impost for vphauld of the sainyn, the commission-
aris of burrowls foirsaid volunterlio grantis the samyn, viz., to the vptak-
ing of ij.d. for ilk laid, ij d. of ilk beist sic as hors, etc., ilk kow and ox
ane penny, ilk fit passinger fyve pennyis, etc., prowyding the said gift to
be obtenit of his Maiestie be presentit be the commissionar of the said
burch of Sanctandrous to the nixt generall conventioun, quhairewer it sail
hapin to be hauldin, and na mair to be contenit thairin nor the dewteis
foirsaid.
The sam day, anent the complent giffin be the commissionar of Lenerk, Lenarids com-
aganis the burch of Glesquo vplifting of the nichtbouris thairof of ane &SqSoto*be
ladill full of ilk laid of victuall, and ane neif full of ewirrie wecht of voU JJj|Ji{^'**^
or ane fleische of the pak, ordanis the commissionaris of the said burch
of Glesquo to send thair commissionar fullie instructit to ansuer to the
said complent at the nixt generall conventioun of burrowis, and the samyn
to be remimberit in missiwis.
The sam day, grantis licence to the commissionar of the burch of Licence, Forres
Forres to depairt frome this present conventioun, prowyding that at the
ourcuming of the generall clerk he subscryve the generall buk, vnder
the pane of doubling of ane vnlaw of xx libris, quhairvnto he volunterlie
consentit.
The sam day, ordanis the commissionaris of the burrowis of Sanctan- chartouris coi-
drous, Perthe, Brinteland, Anstruther be est the burne, and sa mony l^drouk^*^^^"
vther burrowis as ar restand ony money to Henry Chertaris, genewdl P®"^®* J^™**"
coUectour of the Kingis wyne siluer, for the zeir of God 1588 zeiris, to
mak thankfull payment of the samyn betuix and the tent day of lulij
nixt tecum, and that ane missive be direct in name of the haill burrowis
to George Adamsone and Stewin Mertein, requiring thame to mak gud
the sowme of fiftie tua libris of the said wyne siluer delyuerit be thame
to Ihone Broun, messinger, in the said Henryis name, and that the samin
be'maid in currant mone of this realme, and to ressaue sic vnlawfull gold
and siluer agane as they delyuerit to the said Ihone Broun ; and the said
Henry is content to tak William Symsones tuentie aucht pundis, ressauit
be him in the lyk sort of mone, in his awin hand. And quhilk of the
saidis burrowis or persones foirsaidis failleis to mak dew and thankfull
payment, at the day foirsaid, to the said Henry, of the sowmes quhairin
they ar addettit, to incure the sowme of ten pundis, ilkane of thame, as for
382 Convention of Royal Burghs.
expenssis liquidat to be sustenit in compelling of thame heirto. And
forder ordanis the generall clerk to wrett ane missiwe in the haill burrowis
names, requesting the Lyoun Harrald to do iustice to the said Henry
aganis sic messingeris as hes nocht execut the lettres purchest aganis
certane burrowis quha hes nocht payit thair pairtis of the wyne siluer
foirsaid.
Huciioun, bur- The sam day, compeirit Dauid Huchoun, skiper in the burch of Kirk-
caldie, and, vpon certane considderatiouns and motiwis mowing him,
faythfuUie promittit to the commissionaris presentlie convenit nocht to
follow furth nor insist in the letter of mark and his Maiesties letter direct
to the buiTOwiB thairanent vnto his nixt hamecuming frome the pairtis of
Ingland, quhairto he is presentlie, God willing, boun.
Grant of The same day, grantis ta the burch of Dysei*t thair consent to the ob-
jxJIt ' ""' tening of ane new gift of his Maiestie for the space of thrie zeiris nixt,
efter the expyring of thair last gift, of ane impost of befoir vpliftit be
thame to the reparatioun of thair decayit herbrie, and findis thai haif
suflicientlie bestowit the said vmpost in tymes bygane vpon the repairing
of thair said herbrie, as said is.
Apud Kirkcaldie die decimo septimo lunij 1592.
Ratifelneof ane The quhilk day, the commissionaris foirsaidis ratifeis and appriwis ane
Kainburgh to act maid and set doun be the commissionaris of the burrowis of Edinburgh,
Windrem, Perthe, Dundie, Air, Vrwing, ledburch, Cuh-ois, and Kirkcaldie, at the
Clerk of Regis- said burch of Edinburch, of the saxt of lunij instant, quha efter lang
Sciiarpe. ressoning vpon ane recompance to be giffin to the Clerk of Register, and
Maister William Scot wretter, for the ample forming of the actis of par-
liament presentlie concludit vpon conserning the weilfair of the estait of
burrowis, quha fand the sowme of ane hundrethe pundis to be giffin to
the said Clerk of Register, and ten crounis of the sone to the said Maister
William Scot, and ordanit Ihone Gourlay, customar of the burch of Edin-
burch, collectour to the saidis burrowis for the tyme, to delyuir to lames
Drummond, commissionar for the burch of Perthe, the sowme of aucht
ftcoir ten pundis as for the pryce of tua tuns of wyne awand to the said
burch ; lykas they than ordanit lames Windrem, agent, to ressaue the said
Convention oj Royal Burghs. 383
sowmeof aucht scoir ten pundis fra the said lames Drummond, he delyuerand
to him ane acquittance thairof in name of Olepher Car, customar of Perthe,
according to the said Olepheris rest of his last .thrie zeiris comptis of the
said burch of Perthis customes, and to be alio wit in the rest thairof; and
the commissi onaris than present, for thameselwis and remanent burro wis
of this realme, lykas the haill commissionaris presentlie convenit, oblissis
thame to warrand the said Ihone Gourlay of the sowme aboue expremit,
at the handis of quhatsumewir persone haifand entres thereto ; and the
said lames Windrem, efter the ressait thairof, was ordanit to be delyuerit
to the said Clerk of Register the foirsaid sowme of ane hundrethe pundis,
togidder with the said ten crounis of the sone to the said Maister William
Scot, and tua rois noblis and ane croun of the sone to Maister Ihone
Scharp, for his paynis tane in forming of the burrowis articklis presentit to
the last parliament, hauldin at Edinburgh in the monethe of lunij foirsaid ;
quhilk sowmes was instantlie delyuerit be the said lames to the persones
foirsaidis, quhilkis they than allowit to the said lames, lyk as the com-
missionaris present allowis the samyn in his comptis.
The quhilk day, in presence of the saidis commissionaris of burrcTwis,
comperit Maister Ihone Schein and Andro King, procuratouris for the mmSiea^auU
communitie of the burch of Aberdein, and producit ane act of ouro ®*^
Souerane Lordis last parliament, maid with adwys of his Hienes thre prowest
Estaitis, be the quhilk hes Hienes and Estaitis foirsaid remmittis to the i>aiUei8, and
saidis commissionaris of burrowis ane suplicatioun of the said communitie, communitie of
insert in the said act of parliament, and haill contentis thairof, anentthefrie '^^*'^'*®*^-
electioun of thair magistratis the nixt zeir, and that they may be electit
in sic ci Weill maneir in tymes cuming as best aggrewis with the common n
and municipall law of this cuntrie, ordaning the saidis commissionaris at
this thair conventioun to tak sic ordour thairwith as all forder occasioun
of contrawersie betuix the communitie and vtheris of the said burch may
be extinguizit ; and quhat ewir it sould hapin the saidis commissionaris
to decyd thairintill, sa far as concernis the electioun of magistratis and
counsall foirsaid, be the said act is ordanit to stand as ane law and act of
parliament to the said burch of Aberdein in tyme to cum ; as the said act,
extractit out of the buik of act of parliament be Alexander Hay, Clerk of
our Souerane Lordis Register, vnder bis signe and subscriptioun, of the
dait the fyft day of lunij the zeir of God 1592 zeiris, at lenthe beiris ;
384 Conventio7i of Royal Burghs.
and togidder thairwith producit ane patent letter direct fra his Hieness
to the saidis commissionaris of burrow is to decyd thairintill, as they wald
ansuer to his Hienes vpon thair obedience, befoir thair desolwing, and
according thairto desyrit the saidis commissionaris to proceid and tak
ordour anent the said electioun. And George Knowis, commissionar at the
said conventioun for the said burch of Aberdein, compeirand for the coun-
sall thairof, allegit the said contrawersie alreddie decydit be the Lordis
of Sessioun, and, for instructioun of his allegance, producit ane decreit of
the said Lordis of the dait at Edinburgh the tuentie day of Maij the zeir
of God 1592 zeiris, and als allegit that the pro west bailleis and counsall
of Aberdein sould haif bein lawfuUie sitat to haif ansuerit to the said com-
monitie, quhilk was nocht done, in respect quhairof the saidis commis-
sionaris of burrowis could nocht proceid thairin ; and the saidis procnra-
touris for the said communitie, in the contrar, in respect of the act of par-
liament foirsaid, set doun sen the said pretendit decreit, and that Maister
Thomas Malysone, commissionar for Aberdein, was present thairat, and
thairthrow the saidis prowest bailleis and counsall coud pretend na ignor-
ance, and als in respect of his Maiesties letter foirsaid direct to thame to
decyd thairintill, and in respect also of the comperance of the said George
in name of the said counsall : Quhilk allegance foirsaid, maid be the said
George in name of the said counsall, being repellit, in respect of the act
of parliament foirsaid, his Maiesties letter, and of the ansueris maid be
the saidis procuratouris for the said communitie, and in respect also of
the ^id Georgis comperance in name foirsaid ; as also the saidis commis-
sionaris vnderstanding the said questioun and contraversie to haif bein at
dyveris conventiouns mowit to thame be the saidis procuratouris for the
said commonitie,and that, be delay of decisioun thairintill, intestein warience
is liklie to fall out within the bowellis of the said burch of Aberdein, be-
tuix the present magistratis thairof and counsall thairof, and the said
communitie : In respect quhairof, the saidis commissionaris, all in ane
voce, efber lang deliberatioun heirintill, with the actis of parliament, muni-
cipaU and ceweill lawis and constitutiouns within this realme, and of the
burrowis thairof, obseruit in the electioun of thair counsall and magistratis,
and als being mowit be ane confusioun knawin to thame vsit in the said
burch of Aberdein, thir mony zeiris bygane, of continewatioun of ane
standand counsall of ane certane number of persones altemua termis et
Convention of Royal Burghs. 385
vkihus in the saidis offices ; for obedience of the said act and ordinance
of parliament foirsaid, his Maiesties letter direct thairvpon, and for
awoyding of the greit debaitis liklie to fall out within the said burch,
they half tane and set doun the ordour following, as best aggreis with the
commoun and municipall lawis and actis of parliament within this
cuntrie, in the electioun of the counsall and magistratis of the said burch,
to wit, the saidis commissionaris of burrowis, all in ane voce, ordanis that
the present counsall of Abirdein sail, vpon the ordinar day preceiding
Michelmes day nixt to cum, elect and cheis ane new counsall of the said
burch of the number of tuelff persones, allenerlie ; and for reforming of
the confusioun vsit of continewatioun of ane counsall and magistratis thir
mony zeiris by past, ordanis the present prowest, four bailleis, dane of
gild, and thesaurer of the said burch viz., Alexander Ruderfurd prowest,
George Knowis, Ihone Lingstoun, Master Richartt Vrwing, Dauid Menzeis,
bailleis, lames Seytoun, dane of gild, and Dauid Fergisson, thesaurer, to
be sewin of the said number of tuelff of the counsall for the nixt zeir,
becaus the saidis commissionaris ordanis the said present prowest, baillies,
dane of gild, and thesaurer to be changit and alterit fra the saidis offices,
for reforming of the said confusioun, and nocht be chossin in ony vther
office within the said burch, bot vpon the counsall allenerlie, for the zeir
nixt following Michelmes nixt to cum ; and for compleiting of the said
number of tuelff persones of the counsall, ordanis the said present auld
counsall to cheis thre mercheandis traffectaris, induellaris of the said
burch, furth of the nyne persones following, to wit, Thomas Donaldson,
William Gray, Robert Andersone, Ihone Layng, Maister George Andersone,
George Gordoun, Alexander Ewing, Alexander Crukshank, Dauid Camgill,
and tua craftismen of the said burch, to compleit the said number of tuelff,
furth of thir sax craftismen following, burgessis induellaris of the said
burch, to wit, George Elphingstoun, Alexander Rannaldsone, Ihone Frissall,
Ihone Sanderis, Robert Sanderis, Laurence Merser ; aud the said counsall
being sua chossin and suorne, the saidis haill commissionaris in ane voce
ordanis the said present auld counsall, togidder with the new counsall
foirsaid, at the ordinar day of electioun of thair prowest, bailleis, dane of
gild, and thesaurer, at Michelmes nixt to cum, to elect and chus ane new
prowest, new bailleis, new darie of gild, and ane new thesaurer, furth of
the number of the leittis following, namit and giffin vp be the saidis
3 c
386 Convention of Royal Buryhs.
commissionaris of burrowis, of the best and wirdiest mercbandis, traffec-
taris, induellaris within the said biirch of Aberdein, the present pro west,
bailleis, dane of gild, and thesaurer, being changit and alterit as said is,
nochtwithstanding that for obserwing of the forme, thair names be insert
in the saidis leittis, viz., the eleittis of prowestrie, Alexander Ruderfurd,
George Forbis, Maister Patrik Schein ; and for the leittis of the bailleis,
the four present bailleis, and to be eikit to thame sax of the saidis mer-
cheandis traffectaris, that sail remain onchossin of the saidis leittis of
counsall, and ane of the saidis tua that sail be onchosin in the said
prowestry, to wit, ather the said George Forbis, or Maister Patrik Schein,
and William Lorimer, mereheand, adionet with thame, to compleit the
number of tuelff vpon the said leit of bailzearie ; and in the eleittis of
dane of gild, and thesaurer, the present dane of gild, and thesaurer, and
the four persones of the eikit eleitis of the bailleis foirsaid, that sail remain
onchossin, out of the quhilk four persones ane new dane of gild and
thesaurer to be chossin at the said ordinar tyme for the zeir nixt thair-
efter following. And ordanis, as said is, that the said present prowest,
bailleis, dane of gild, and thesaurer be changit at the said ordinar tyme,
and to be electit in na vther office for the nixt zeir efter the said nixt
Michelmes, bot allenirlie vpon the counsall. And the saidis commissionaris
of bun'owis ordanis this thair said foime set doun be thame to the said
burch of Aberdein, anent the electioun of thair counsall and magistrates
foirsaidis, to stand for ane ordour and law to thame for electioun of thair
counsall -and magistrates at Michelmes nixt to cum, and zeirly in tyme
cuming, becaus the samyn forme is consonant and aggreand to the muni-
cipall lawis, constitutis, and actis of parliament of this realnie, set doun
anent the electioun of counsall and magistrates within burch. And George
Knowis, commissioner for the burgh of Abirdene, disassented to the said
ordinance and decreitt, and protested the samyn be nawyis preiudiciall to
thair richtis and consuetudes allowit be decieit of the Lordis of Session,
and for reductioun of the said decreitt, and nuJlitie thairof, and for remeid
of law, etc.
Guthre to sub- The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis ordanis Ihonn Guthre, thair
forme ane mis- gcuerall clark, to formc an missive in thair names to be direct to the
chop*and*i^n- Bischop and minister of Abirdene to hald hand to the executioun of the
wter of Abir- decreitt befoir writtin, and to requeist the magistratis of the said burgh,
in all quyetnes and peceabill maner to vse thame selues heirin, as they
Convention of Royal Burghs. 387
tender tliair awin quyetnes, obedience of oure Souerane Lord, and his
Hienes actis of pailiamentt, etc.
That sam day, the commissionaris foirsaid hes continewit and continewis uoun^orSione
Ihone Guthrie, thair generall clerk, in the office thairof, frome the day and ^?^^"® P®"®"^
dait of this present act vnto the monethe of lunij nixt in the zeir of God officse thereof
jm yc fourscoir threttein zeiris, extending to the space of ane zeir to cum, mimberitin'*"
vpon the conditiouns, and for the fees and dewteis mentionat and con- ""^^'^"^
tenit in his first act of admissioun, and for sur payment to him of his
ordinar stipend and expenssis frome. the first day lulij last vnto the first
day of lulij nixt heirefber, findis thame restand awand to the said Ihone
the sowme of sax scoir pundis, quhairof they ordane him to be payit of
the first and reddiest of tlie sowmes of money and restis mentionat and
continet in lames Windrem, agent, comptis, quhome they ordane to pay
to the said Ihone the sarayn at the first ingathering thairof ; and for his
zeiris stipend to cum, frome lulij nixt to lulij nixt thairefter in the zeir
of God j*" y^ four scoir threttein zeiris, viz., incais it sail hapin ony
taxatioun to interwein betuix this and the nixt generall conventioim of
burrowis, his said stipend and expenssis to be includit thairintill, and the
generall collectour thai roff present and for the tyme, to mak him dew and
thankfull payment of the first and reddiest of the said taxatioun, vther-
wayis his stipend foirsaid to be payit be the haill bunowis pro rata, ilk
ane for thair awin pairt proportioanlie, conforme to the generall taxt roll
of the burrowis, and quhair it sail hapin the said nixt geneiull conventioun
to be hauldin, the samyn to be remimberit as ane speciall haid in thair
missiwis to be direct to ewerie perticular burch, alsweill exemit
as nocht exemit, and they to send with thair commissionaris thair
perticular pairtis of the said Ihones stipend and expenssis jn^o
rata, conforme to the said stent roll, and ilk burch failleand to pay or
send thair pairtis, as said is, to the said nixt generall conventioun, the
commissionaris compeirand thairto, nocht to be reasauit, and to pay ane
vnlaw of tuenty pundis ; and the bun-owis missiwis to be sent, nocht
bringand or sendand with the commissionaris of burrowis thair pairtis of
the said Ihones stipend, conforme to the said stent roll, lykwayis nocht to
be ressauit, and to incure the lyk pane of tuenty pundis, to be vpliftit of
thame and ewirrie ane of thair burchis, but fauouris.
The same day, ordanis lames Windrane, agent, for his bygane stipend Windreme,
Agent
388 Convention of Royal Burghs.
of four scoir saxtein pund threttein schillingis four penyis, frome October
jm yc fourscoir elewin to October riixt to cum the zeir of God j"^ v° foui-
scoir tuelff zeiris, to be payit in maiieir as is contenit in the act aboue
expremit.
Craiilifl com- That same day, ordanis the complent giffin in be Ihone Makiesone, com-
Anstrather to missionar of CraiU, in name of the prowest, bailleis, and counsall thairof,
in^misBiwes. aganis the inhabitantis of Anstruther be eist the burne, for certane customes
and ankeragis, quhairin, as they allege, they haif bein in pecible posses-
sioun past memorie of man, as at lenthe is contenit in the said complent,
to be remimbrit in the missiwis to be direct to the nixt generall con-
ventioun, and the said burch of Anstruther to be warnit to send thair
commissionaris fuliie instructit with thair richtis to ansuer thairto.
improt iq^ntit 'pjj^ same day, anent the suplicatioun presentit be Harbert Reinyng,
prowest and commissionar for the burch of Dunfreis, crawing suport to
the reparling of thair decayit brig, gi-antis thame licence to impetrat at
the Kingis Maiestie and Secreit Counsall, ane gift of sic vmpost as is of
befoir grantit to the burch of Irrowyne, and Air, nocht exceiding the
dewteis thairin contenit, they being alwayis comptable to the burrowis, at
the ische and outrunning of thre zeiris, to mak to thame dew compt and
rakning vpon the bestowing of tlie dewteis foirsaid, to the effect aboue
expremit, and the said burgh to exact na tiling be his Maiesties gift be
first obtenit, etc.
Appunctinp of The samc'day, ordanis to be includit in the taxatioun of tua hundrethe
pundistobe pund, the sowme of ane hundreth pundia, makand in the haill tlire
formerextontof huridrethc pundis, quhilk last hundreth pundis is for payment of Mariore
' u* d i8°MaS?rt- ^'^^^^ relict of vmquhill William Makcartnay, sumtyme thair agent, the
nay, Forfar, sowme of fourtic sax punds threttein schillingis four pennyis, in full and
compleit payment of the sowme of ane hundreth merkis grantit to the
said Mariorie, as for the rest of hir said vmquhill husbandis semice, and
in recompance thairof; vnto the coUectioun of the quhilk extent and in-
gathering thaii*of, they, as of befoir, nominatis lames Windrem, thair agent,
collectour, and of the first and reddiest of the samyn mak the said Mairorie
payment betuix and the feist of Mertymes nixt, togidder with the sowme
of fourtie pundis to the burch of Forfar for suport of thair persuit in the
actioun and cans dependand befoir the Lordis of «)ure Souerane Lordis
Sessioun aganis the Maister of Glames, suppressing thame in thair libertcis,
Concention of Royal Burghs. 389
with prowisioun alwa^is, the said agent be nocht astrictit to pay ony of
the paii-teis aboue expremit the sowmes appimctit to be payit be him to
thame vnto the tyrae the haill extent of thre hundrethe pundis be fullie
coUectit and ingatherit.
That same day, hes exemit and exemis the burch of Lesftrk fra alljL&iider^ThaDe,
keiping conventiouns for the space of thre zeiris benorthe Tay, and siclyk exemit for thre
the burchis of Lauder and Thane, vpon the prowisiouns mentionat and*®^™*
contenit in the forraar actis of exemptiouns.
That same day, continewis all ahsuer giffing to Ihone Chisholme, andContAuatjoun
the awnaris of panis and traffectaris with salt, to the nixt generall con- holme/ to be
ventioun of burrowis, and to be remimbrit in missiwis. mSdw^T** "*
That same day, the commissionaris foirsaidis grantis for thair pairtLs impost,
that the burch of Kirkcaldie obtein sic gift of his Maiestie of the lyk
impost as is vpliftit be the toun of Dysert in all punctis, prowyding that
they be zeirlie comptable thairfor to the burrowis, for the dew bestowing
thairof vpon thair decayit harbrie.
That same day, the commissi onaris ordanis lames Windrem, agent, to Agent to per-
caus execut the lettres of horning and tressone aganis Thomas Ken^w^'J^^™^
and Alexander Forrat in Pittinweme, for the sowme of threscoir ane pund, ^t^^ Forrett,
with all extremitie ; and also the said agent to persew all and sindrie
hornaris to be ingiffin to him, as he will be ansuerable thairfoir, suspend-
ing the execution heirof for twa monethis heirefter, alanerlie.
The same day, it is speciall statut and ordanit, efter dew considdera- -A^ot aganis the
tioun had of the suplicatioun presentit to thame be Andro . . . . land and cus-
customar to oure Souerane Lord of his Hienes customes within [the]^*™ ^'
burch of Kirkcaldie, for him selff and in name and behalfF [of] the mari-
naris and vtheris, traffectaris thairof, crawing ordour to be tane with the
toun of Brinteland and customar thairof, vplifting custumis of Ingles gudis
and vther wairis arrewing to thair said port and hewin, with contrarius
windis drewin in thairto, as at lenthe is contenit in the said Andro and
the said marinellis suplicatioun, that, incais at ony tyme heirefter, ony
gudis or geir be delyuerit and tane furth of ony schip and crear into botis
or vther weschallis to be transportit to ony vther herbrie, nocht landit
vpon the schoir, thane and in that cais, the awneris of the said gudis
and geir sail on nawayis be astrictit in payment of customes thairfor, bot
onlie of thair ankerage in quhatsumewer port of this realme, vnto the
3t)0 Convention of lioyal Bunj/ts,
said geir atlier be left in thair awin herbrie or sum vtber port, quhair
thay sail pay tbair dew customes; and gif the magistratis and thair
officeris in quhatsumewer burch assist in the contrar heirof, to incur the
penultie of xx libris vnlaw.
Gicuquo contra The Same day, anent the suplicatioun giffin in be the burgh of Gles-
remembrit in ff '^w aganis the burch of Air, for vptaking of greitter dewteLs grantit to
missiwi*. thame for vphalding of thair brig nor is contenit in thair gift, ordanis the
saidis burchis to send thair commissionaris fullie instructit with thair
richtis, speciallie the said burch of Air to produce thair gift of the said
impost, that the samin may be tryit and considderit be the said buiTOwis,
and to be remimbrit in missiwis.
Act, Kcnzow Thc Same day, Ihone Makesone, commissionar for the burch of Craill,
and Craill. j^^ name of the maiestratis thairof, past simpliciter fra the suspensioun
ressit be thame aganis Thomas Kenzow in Pettinweim, for ane pairt of
the impost, and thairfor ordanis the said Thomas to persew for the said
impost befoir the saidis magistrates of Craill, quhairwith the said Thomas
Kenzow stood content, and the saidis magistrattis of Craill to do iustice,
as they will be ansuerable to the burrowis.
Four burrowia The Same day, forsameikle as the agent of burrowis, with Henry Char-
appumait to touris and vtheiis, collectouris appunctit be the burrowis, has complenit
approtioria the i i i /. -i-» i i i i i n ^ »
inhabitantiH of vpou the burch of Rothcsay that tliay nather mak payment of thair
tbair gxidiB." cxtentis nor vnlawis, nor keipis conventiouns, as vtheris buiTowis dois,
and thairfor ordanis that the burrowis of Air, Vrwing, Glesquow, and
Dunbartaue sail apprehend the saidis burgessis of Rothesay, thair gudis
and geir, fens and arrest the samin vnto the tyme, thai find sufficient
cawtioun to content and pay to the agent and collectouris quhatsumewer
bygane stentis and vnlawis, quhairto the saidis haill assemble grantis to
the saidis four burrowis full power and commissioun, and nocht to estenie
nor vse tlie saidis burgessis of Rothesay as frimen ; and the saidis burrowis
to be ansuerable vpon thair diligence heirotf, vnder sic panis as sail be
imposit aganis thame be the burrowis ; and in the mentyme, that the said
burch of Rothesay be adwerteissit to compeir in Edinburch be thair com-
missionar, the tuentie day of September nixt, befoir the prowest, bailleis,
counsall, and vtheris commissionaris appunctit to convene thair the said
day, for making compt, rekning, and payment of thair saidis extentis and
vnlawis, and to ansuer for nocht keping conventiouns, with expres com-
missioun, that, incais the said burgh of Rothesay, at the said conventioun
Convention of Royal Burghs.
391
appoynted to be haldin at Edinburgh, compeir nocht, to incur the vnlawis
foirsaidis, and ordanis thair dark to subscryue ane seueir missive to be
sentt to the said burgh of Rothesay to this effect, etc.
Tlie same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis for thair pairtis grantis ^erth, brig
that the burgh of Perth impetrat and obtene of the Kingis Maiestie ane
ceHan devvtie, as Irrowyne hes, for suppoirtt of the dekayit brig of Ern.
The same day, the commissioneris desoluis this thair present conven-
tioun and appoyntis thair nixtt generall conventioun to be haldin at the
burgh of Dysartt vpoun the allevintt day of lunij nixtt, in the zeir of
God j^ \^ four scoir threttene zeris, and ordanis the commissioner of the
said burgh to aduerteis the magistrates thairof to cans mak lawfull
wairning to warne euery ane of the frie burrowis of this realme to send
thair commissioneris fullie instructed to treitt, resoun, and conclude vpoun
sic thingis as salbe proponit thairatt, vnder the payne and vnlaw of tuenty
pundis.
Eduei'd Galbreith
William Duncan
G. KnoUis, exceptand the decreitt
A. Ker for Linlythqw
George Cochrane for Ayr
Alex^. Annan d
Williame Scott
Will. Rfimsay for Brechin
I. Wilsone
Dauid Broun for Dunfeimlyne
Patrik Dykesone
Master lames Wischert for Montross
lohne Makesone
Robert Tulloch for Fores
lames Scot
lohnne Smyth
Robert Dalzell
H. Ranyng
Walter Ros for Tayne
Thomas Kingzow
lohne Robertsone
Patrik Blair
Walter Cowan for Stirling
Dauid Watsone
I. Andersone
Daved Bosuell
Robert Watsoun
Thomas Henryson
George Sut«
Thomas Watsone
William Wilkin
I. Lautie
Patrik Sinclar
M. Kircaldie
Ihone Orrok for Bryntiland
Allr. Cutbert
lohne Howstoun
G. Durie
Andro Mel u ill
Robert Adam for Glasqu.
I. Guthrie
392 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Edinbui^h In the Conventioun of Burrovns haldin at Edinburgh vpoun
the xxiif xxiiijj xxv^ and xxvj dayis oflanuar^ the zeir
of God f V* foure scoir tuelff zeiris, Compeirit the
Commissioneris of Burrovns efter following^ viz.^
For Edinburgh, lohnne Robertsoun, Eduard Galbraytb ; Perth, Oliveir
Young, Henry Balnais ; Dondie, lames Auchinleck, lohnn Traill ; Glas-
quow, Robert Chymesyde ; Sanctandrois, Dauid Watsoun ; Striveling,
Anthone Bruce ; Linlithquow, Andro Ker ; Dysarte, lames Hacquett ;
Pettinweme, William Sympsoun ; Selkirk, lames Scott ; Elgene, Alex-
ander Annand ; Craill, lohnne Makesoun ; Northberuick, Thomas Lauder ;
Peiblis, lohnne Hoppringill ; Anstruther Wester, lohnne Cuke ; An-
struther Eister, Robert Clapane ; Kirkcaldie, Abrahame Thomsoun ;
Irrowine, Alexander Dunlope ; Air, Robert lamesoun ; Hadingtoun,
lohnne Wilsoun ; Innerkeithing, Robert Broun ; Dunbartane, Williame
Cunninghame ; Dumfreis, Maister Homer Maxwell ; Laneark, Robert
AUesoun ; Culros, George Bruce ; Dunbar, Maister Alexander Kellie,
William Lauder ; ledburgh, Richart Alleson ; Renfrow, Ihonn laksoun ;
Montros, Maister lames Wischartt ; Cowpar, Ihonn lamesoun ; Kirkcud-
bricht, Ihonn Mekill ; Ruthuglen, Walter Fairy ; Abirbrothok, Thomas
Peirsoun.
The same day, the haill commissioneris of burrowis abouewrittin, for
thame selues and remanentt burrowis of this realme, aggreis all in ane
voce thatt the burgh of Edinburgh sail tak vp on proffeitt the sowme of
nyne hundreth and fyftie poundis, with vther f^ie poundis as for ane
termes proffeitt thairof, extending in the haill to ane thowsand poundis,
for sustenyng of ane hundreth souldiours and thair commanderis to his
Maiestie for ane moneth. And for releiff of the said burgh of Edinburgh,
grantis to thame full powar to vplift of euerie burgh within this realme
thair pairttis of the said haill sowme, conforme to the last stentt roll sett
doun, and sa mony as payit nocht thair pairtis thairoff, that thay salbe
astrictit in the proffeitt pro rata, during the non payment of thair pairttis
Convention of Royal Burghs.
393
of the said sowmes ; and that lames Windrhame, thair agentt, vpoun the
haill burrowis expenssis, sail raise lettres for ingetting of the said sowme
and proflfeitt, aganis thame quha pajds nochtt thankfullie thair pairttes
thairofF, efter chairgis, befoir the feist of Witsonday nixtt ; provyding gif
the hundreth horsemen be not vpliftit be the barronis, that the burrowis
be nocht astrietit in payment of the said sowme and proffeitt.
lohne Robertsone
Eduard Galbrath
Olipher Young
lames Auchinlek
R Chimsyde
Dauid Watsoune
lohne laksone
lames Scot
lohnne Meikill
Robert Elison
Robert Broun
Richert Aliesoun
Andro Ker for Linlythqw
Anthoyne Bruce subscryuit be
I. GUTHRIR
lohnne Traill
Robert lamessone
Alex, Annand
Alex'. Dunlop
lames Hackat
William Connynhame
Ihone lamesone
lohnne Pringill
Walzm Syinsone
Mr Alex'. KeUie
Abraham Thomsson
Robertt Liuingstoun
lohne Makesone
Thomas Peirsoun
In the Generall Assemblie or Conventioun of Burrovns'Ojt^Ti,
haldin and begun at the burgh of Dysart the alevint
day of lunij the zeir of God f v* four scoir threttene
zeiriSy Compeirit the Commissioneris efter following
and presented commissiouns in maner as follows ^ etc. :
Edinburgh, lohnne Robertsoun, Eduard Qalbrayth ; Blingome, Capitane
Dauid Boiswell ; Innerkeithing, George Durie ; Striveling, Walter Cowane ;
Linlithquow, Androw Ker ; Dunbartane, Williame Cunynghame ; Renfrew,
3 D
394
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Brunt Hand
▼nlawit
Eleotioun of
Moderatour,
and daylie
conrentioun.
Williame Somervell ; Rutherglen, be atie exemptioun producit be Robert
Adam, but missiue ; Air, George Cocheran ; Glasquow, Robert Adame ;
Wigtoun, be ane missiue presented be Robert Adame commissioner for
Glasquow ; Lanerk, Williame Wilkine ; ledburgh, Thomas Henrysoun ;
Selkirk, lames Scott ; Peebles, lohnne Stewinsoun ; Hadingtoun, lohnne
Wilsoun ; North beruick, Thomas Lauder ; Dunbar, be an missiue presen-
ted be lohnne Wilsoun ; Lauder, be ane missiue presented be Tliomas
Henrysoun ; Abirdene, Maister lohnne Cheyne ; Dondie, Robert Flesch-
eoure ; Perth, lames Adamsoun, Patrik Blair ; Dumfermling, Robert
Pawtoun ; Craill, lohnne Douglas ; Forfair, George Swtie ; Sanctandrois
Dauid Watsoun ; Coupar, lohnne lamesoun ; Thayne, be ane missiue
presented be Henry Young clark of Dysart ; Kirkcaldy, Robert Hay,
lohnne Hacquet ; Pettinweme, Thomas Kingzow ; Anstruther be eist
the bume, Robert Clapane ; Anstruther be west the bume, Andro Melvile ;
Culane, be ane missiue presented be Capitane Dauid Boiswell ; Dysartt,
Maister lohnne Wemis ; Culros, George Bruce ; Montrois, Mr James
Wischartt ; Forres, be ane missiue presented be ;
Brunt Hand, lohnne Sympsoun.
1. The same day, etc., compeirit Henry Young, dark of Dysartt, and
maid his declaratioun of the delyuering of the missiue billis direct for
citatioun of the haill commissioneris of burrowis of this realme to this
presentt conventioun.
2. The same day, etc., findis the burgh of Brunt Hand to have incurit
the pane and vnlaw of ten poundis, for thair nochtt compeirance to this
presentt conventioun befoir tuelff houris befoir none, conforme to the act
maid at Montrois thairanent, quhairvnto lohnne Sympsoun, merchant of
Bruntiland, disasentit, and presentit his commissioun quhilk wes resauit,
butt preiudice of the said vnlaw.
3. The same day, lohnne Lauthrisk, as principall in the burgh of Dy-
sarttis, commissioun, is elected in Moderatour to this presentt conventioun,
be the aduyse of the haill commissioneris presently convenit ; Appoyntis
thair daylie conventioun to be and begin at auchtt houiis in the mornyng,
quhan the bell sail ring to that effect, and efler none at the ringing of
the bell, quhilk sail begyn at half hour to tua ; and the personis absent
at the ceissing of the beU, and calling of the roll, to incure ane vnlaw of
sax schillingis auchtt pennyis vnforgevin, etc.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 395
4, The same day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaid haueand red '^^®'** ^* ,
•^ * prayer in the
aad pervsit the forme of prayer underwrittin, presented vnto thame, they pegynning of
approveit and alio wit the same, and thairfoir hes statute and ordanit, thattioi^"^*'*
in the beginning of all thair conventiounis in tyme cuming, and daylie
induring the tyrae of thair conventioun, at thair meittingis, the said
prayer be red and vsitt, quhilk thay ordanit to be insertt and registratt
in thair conventioun buke ; off the quhilk, the tennour foUowis : Seying,
Lord, thair is nathing can prosper or happelie succeid without thi speciall
blissing, thairfor, we, thi servands presentlie assemblit in thi name to
intreatt vpoun the effairis of oure estaitt, distrusting in oure selffis alto-
gidder, be ressoun of that corruptioun and waiknes that lyes in oure
nature, and depending haillie vpoun thi bountefull guidnes and mercy,
maist humelie beseikis thy haly Maiesty to wowtchaif thi merciful! pres-
ence in the myddis of ws, that we may be assuret of thi blessing in the
beg^mning, progres, and end of this wark. Furneis ws with thi awin
graces, quhairby we may habiU, faythfullie and cairfully in sum mesure
to dischairge oure dewteis. Lichtin oure daik and dwU senses and witts
w ith the licht of thi Haly Spreitt from aboue, and inform ws, in thir evill
dayes, be thi awin wisdome, quhat is meittest to be done, quhat is lawfull
and maist expedient in every thing. Reform oure hairts also, O Lord,
be the power of that sam Spreitt, that we may eschew the evill, and
zealouslie persew the guid. Oure awin affection ns, oure caldnes, and
ignomnces, Lord, we man confes ar the grittest enemeis we haif in euery
guid wark, and iustlie may we now also suspect thame ; Thairfore we
maist humely beseik thi Maiestie to richt oure vnrewlie affectiouns, and
expel this caJdnes and ignorance, that, setting apairt all partialitie and
self love, we may do all things with wisdome and zeale, and in all sin-
cerity and vprichtnes of hairt. Fill ws with thi Guid Spreitt, that in
this haill actioun we seik nathing bot thi Maiesties glorie, the commoun
Weill of oure estaitt, and the quyetnes of this puir cuntrey : Wowtchsaif
Lord thir things, and all other things thi Maiestie thinks neidfull at this
tyrae to the accomplischement of this wark, for oure Lord Jesus Chryst
saik, to quhom with the, and the Hailly Ghaist, be all praise and glorie
for euir.
5. The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis findis the burrowis vn- Burrowis
derwrittin, and ilk ane of thame, to haue incurit the pane and vnlaw ofc^rgeagcnt.
396 Convention of Royal Burghs.
tuentie poundis, for nochtt sending of thair commissioneris to this presentt
conventioun, being lawfully wairintt thairto, as wes sufRcientlie verifeit
be Henry Young, dark of Dysartt, directar of the missiues, and ordanis
James Winrhame, thair generall agent, to inbring and coUeot the samin,
togither with the half vnlaw abouewrittin, and gif neid beis to rais and
execute lettres in forme as effeiris, to witt the burrowis of Irrowyne,
Kirkcudbrycht, Dumfreis, Bamff, Brechene, Innemes, Abirbrothok, Name,
Elgene, Quhithome.
Anentthe 6. The samyn day, etc., anent the first heid of the missiue, concerning
^commoun gudethe diligence to be schawin in rowping of thair commoun gude and setting
ing uflircom" thairof, and pertfmbuling of thair merches, as at mair lenth is contenit in
moun lands, auc act maid thairvpoun at thair last conventioun : the commissioneris of
the burgh of Edinburgh producit ane act of thair counsall to that effect ;
the commissioneris of Lanerk producit ane instrument of rouping of thair
common gude ; Hadingtoun lykewayis producit thair diligence be ane act
of thair counsall ; the commissioner of Air producit ane attestatioun of
thair commoun dark ; — quhilkis writtis wes red in audience of the said
conventioun, and the rest of the saidis commissioneris seuerally maid ane
verball repoirtt of the estaitt of thair commoun guidis, and forme of rowp-
ing and perambuling. With the quhilkis, the saidis haill commissioneris
of burrowis, being aduysit, be thir presenttis statutis and ordanis that at
the nixt conventioun of buiTowis, ilk burgh be thair commissioneris pro-
duce and repoirtt mair speciall diligence in writt, anent the rowping and
setting of thair commoun gude, and perambuling of thair merches, con-
forme to the act maid at Sanctandrois in anno 1589 thairanent, quhilk
act thay ordane ilk seuerall burgh to extract, and cans be insertt in thair
court buikis, and this to be done vnder the pane of tuentie libris ilk
burgh in tymecuming, and to be rememberit in the missiues ; and absoluis
the burrowis fra penaltie heiroff, in tyme bygane.
Cowper contra 7. The Same day, anent the secund heid of the missiue, and first pairtt
AnstantheiB. ' thairof, conccmyng the eomplayntt of Coupar aganis Pettinweme and
MifiBiue. Anstruther Eister and Wester, for troubling of thame in certane small
customes, as is contenit in the act of the last conventioun maid thairvpoun :
Compeirit Andro Meluile, commissioner of Anstrutlier be west the burne,
and, nawayis affermand the competencie of this presentt iurisdictioun to
cognosce vpon the titelis of the said toun, and adherand to his former
Convention of Royal Burghs. 397
protestationis maid at Kirkcaldy, alwayis for obedience, producit the ex-
tract of ane act of parliamentt beirand the erectioun of the said burgh,
of the daitt the fyft of Junij 1592, togither with his Maiesties gift of
fundatioun of the said toun, quhilkis wes red, and delyuerit vp agane to
the said Androw ; and the rest of the saidis pairtejs, being alsua presentt
be thair commissioneris," the saidis commissioneris of burrowis, of consent
of pairteis, continewis the said matter in the same estait to the nixt
generall conventioun, according to the said last act sett doun at Kirkcaldy,
suspending in the mene tyme all vptaking of the small customes men-
tionat in the said act, and ordanis the haill commissioneris presently
convenit to cum fullie instructed to the nixt assemblie, to conclude in the
said mater, as alsua to repoirtt thair awin consuetudis and rychtis,
quhairby thay tak ony small customes, burgh fra burgh, and quhat is the
quantity thairof, that thay may the mair resolutely conclude heirinto, and
that ane vniuersall ordour may be sett doun heiranent throw all the
burrowis ; and this to be rememberit in the nixtt* missiues.
8. The same day, anent the thrid heid of the said missiue, concemyngpittinweyme,
the complayntt of Pettinweme contrair Innernes for vplifting of anejf^®™^'
excyse boll of saltt, as at mair lenth is contenitt in the actt of the last C^^**^ *s«»*-
conventioun maid at Kirkcaldy, quhairintill the said burgh of Innernes
wes ordanit to compeir and produce thair rychtis at this conventioun,
quha being aft tymes callit and nochtt compeirand, thairfoir the saidis
commissioneris decernis the said burgh of Innernes in ane vnlaw of tuentie
poundis to be vpliftit be thair agentt, and, in the meane tyme, ordanis
the said burgh to be wairnit to compeir the nixt generall assemblie fullie
instructed with thair richtis and resounis, to ansuer to the said complayntt,
with certificatioun, and thay fuilzie, thay sal be decernit simpliciter to
desist and ceis fra all vptaking of the excyse boll of saltt mentionatt in
the said act of conventioun, and complayntt, to be rememberit in the
missiues.
9. The same day, anent the fyft heid of the missiue, concernyng the -A^^''* Q^»<ijj»o^»
complayntt of Air, Glasquow, Irrowyne, and Dunbartane agains Kirk- bartane' con/m
cudbrycht, for vplifting of thame, being friemen, of foure boUis greittj^cht^Mis-
saltt, land mesour, of ilk schip and bark arryueing within thair barbery, "^«^ Charge
as at lenth is contenit iu the actt of the last conventioun, the commis-
sioneris of the said burgh of Air, Glasquow, and Dunbartane being presentt.
398 Convention ojRofjal Btirghs.
and the said burgh of Kirkcudbrycht being aft tymes callit, and nochtt
compeirand, the said commissioneris decemis the said burgh of Kirkcud-
brycht in ane other vnlaw of tuentie poundis, to be vpliftit be thair agent,
for thair nocht compeirance to ansuer to the said complaynt, being lau-
fullie wairnit thairto be the commoun missiue, and ordanis the said burgh
to be wairnit of new to the nixt generall conventioun, quhaireuer the
samin salhappin to be haldin, to ansuer to the said complaynt, bringaud
with thame thair rychtis and resounis, with certilicatioun, and thay failzie,
thay salbe decernit simpliciter to desist and ceis fra all vptaking of the
said foure bolls greitt saltt, and this to be rememberit in the missiues.
Duodecimo lunij 1593.
Lanrik, Gias- 1 0. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis being
quow. Missiue. g^jj^gjjj^^ anent the saxt heid of the missiue concemyng the complaynt of
Lanerk aganis Glasquow, for vplifting of ane laidill full of euery laid
victuall, and ane neiff full of euery wechtt woU, or ane fleice of ilk pack,
as at mair lenth is specifeit in ane act of the last conventioun, bayth the
saidis pairteis compeirand be thair commissioneris, and the defender
denyand the vptaking of the said fleice, thairfoir, and of his consent, the
saidis commissioneris of burrowis decernis the said burgh of Glasquow to
desist and ceis fra all vptaking of the said fleice in all tyme cuming, and
continewis, of consent of paiiteis, the rest of the said complaynt to the
nixt conventioun generall, according to the tennour of the last act, or-
danyng thame to produce and allege the saidis rychtis and resounis, the
said tyme, vnder the pane of xx libris, and this to be rememberit in the
missiues.
Craiii contra 1 1 . The Same day, anent the auchtt heid of the missiue, concemyng
Miwiue. ^' ^^^ complayntt of Craill aganis Anstruther be eist the burne, for vpliftr
ing of certane ankerrages and small customes, at mair lenth specifeit in
ane actt of the last conventioun, bayth the pairteis being presentt be
thair commissioneris, the said commissioneris of burrowis, of bayth thair
consenttis, in hoipe of concord, continewis the said matter to the nixt
conventioun in the same estait according to the said last act maid at
Convention of Royal Burghs. 399
Kirkcaldy, ordanyng thame than to produce and allege thair rychtis and
resonnis, and this to be rememberit in the missiues.
12. The same day, anent the nyntt heid of the said missiue, con-Giasguow
cernyng the complayntt of Glasquow aganis Air, for vplifting of greittar Agent
dewteis nor is contenit in their gift, for vphalding of thair brig, at lenth
specifeit in ane act of the last conventioun, baith the pairteis being pre-
sent be thair commissioneris, the commissioner of the said burch of Air
producit his gift of the said dewteis, vnder the Privie Seill, quhilk wes
red in audience of the said haill commissioneris, quha being aduyseit
thairwith, efter the samyn wes delyuerit to him agane, ordanit him to
produce forther richtis anent the saidis dewteis for thair better
informatioun, and he allegitt that be productioun of the said gift
he haid satifTeit the desyre of the missiue, be the quhilk he is nocht
astrictit to produce' ony further, and als allegit that he wes nocht
instructit be his toun sua to do, and that he being quarrellit heirvpoun
of befoir, in ane generall conventioun halden at Glasgow, was appoyntit
to produce his haill rychtis at Sanctandrois, quhilk he did, and als de-
clairit that his burgh haid the guid will and consent of the haill burrowis
to tlie obtenyng of his gift with ane act of parliament gevand commissioun
to certane noibill men to visite their decayit warkis, be the advyse of
landwartt gentillmen and burgessis maist ewest to their toun, to consultt
thairanent, and to send ba^ik reportt to the Secreitt Counsall, quhilk
reportt thay lykeways haue, and offerrit in name of the toune of Air to
produce the samyn, nocht withstanding thay were producit of befoir, at
thair first privat or generall assemblie, being laufuUy wairnit to that
effect vnder sick penalteis as the commissioneris wald inione ; he willis
thame onnawayis to pretend ignorance heirof proceid in his contrair, seing
his tounis rycht resulttis vpoun thair awin consenttis, and act of parlia-
ment ; and gif thay did ony thing to his preiudice, mair nor is contenit
in the said missiue direct from Dysartt, protested for remeid of law. It
beand considderit that he wes only quaiTellit for taking of hiear dewteis
nor his gift, quhilk he vtterly denyitt, and offerit him to the tryall of the
saidis burrowis thairvpoun, lykeas ane tickett being presently gevin in be
his pairtie of the dewteis tane, the samyn aggreit haliely with his gift,
and sua his pairteis complayntt is tane away. Attoure the saidis com-
missioneris desyrit the said commissioner of Air to geve his aith gif he
haid ony forther writtis heir presentt, quha wald nocht geve the same.
400 Convention of Royal Burjhs.
allegand that he wes nochtt astrictit thairto, for the resonnis befoir
rehersit, and that he wes willing to geve his aith that there were sum
writtiB necessar to his cause quhilk he haid nocht presently ; and tbair-
fore in resf>ect of his refuis foirsaid, and also that he reftiisit to dedair
quhat writtis he haid and qnhat he wanttit, the saidis commissioneris
suspendis all warrand quhilk he can pretend of the burrowis, and orduiit
thair agent to concure with the pairtie complenar in obtenyng suspen-
tioun of his gift, and for annuUing thairof in the nixt parliament, and
that the commissioneris of burrowis to be direct to the parliament be
rememberitt of the same be the said agentt.
Kingom, 13- The Same day, anent the tentt heid of the missiue, concemyng
D* Muil*^^/ the complaynt of Kingome, Kirkcaldy, and Dysart aganis Brint Hand, for
Brint lUod. taking of forther dewteis of schippis, boittis, and crearis arryund within
their barbery nor is contenit in ane act of the last conventioun of bur-
rowis maid at Kirkcaldy thairanent, the saidis burrowis compleneris com-
peirand be thair commissioneris, the said burgh of Brint Dand compeirand
be Jolmne Sympsoun thair commissioner, thair resounis hard and con-
sidderit, and thair\*'ith being aduysit, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis
decernis and ordanis the burgh of Brint Hand to desist and ceis fra all
vplifting and resaueing of hiear dewties off ony schippis, boittis, and
Cleans arryueand within thair harbery nor is specifeit and contenit in
the said act, in all tyme cuming, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of fourtie
[M>undis zeirly to be payit to the saidis burrowis ; and the said commis-
sioner of Brint Hand dissentit heirto, reclameand fra the act and decreitt
of the saidis burrowis maid at Kirkcaldy insafar as the matter hes bene
submittit vnto thame.
Iniiprnofc 1^. Il^c samc day, anent the fourth heid of the said missiue, con-
riuinwf*'"^'''^^"^y^^S ^'^® complaynt to be gevin in be the burghis of Innemes, Elgene,
AiiHtrutheri FoiTcs, Pettiuweme, Anstruther Eister and Wester, and Craill aganis
tbno. MliwiuoAbirdene, mentionatt in ane act of the last conventioun generall, the
saidis buiTOwis of Anstruther Eister and Wester, Pettinweme, and Craill,
cr>mpleneris, and the said burgh of Aberdene, defenderis, compeirand be
thair commissioneris, the compleneris gaive in thair complaynt aganis
Abirdene for the wrangous taking fra thame being friemen, of ane excj'se
1h)11 gieitt saltt of thair boittis and crearis arryueand within thair harbery
and poirtt, and siclyk of ane boll of saltt of Sanct Nicolas mett, as at mair
Convention of Royal Burghs. 401
lonth is contenit in the said supplicatioun. The saidis coinmissioneris of
burrowis continewis the decisioun of the said matter to the nixt generall
conventioun of burrowis, and ordanis the burgh of Abirdene to send their
commissioneris fully instructed with thair rychtis and resounis, to ansuer
to the said complayntt, with certificatioun, and thay failzie, thay will
deceme the said burch to haiff na rycht thairto, in the meane tyme sus-
pending the vplifling thairoff quhill the matter be tryit, and this to be
rememberit in the missiues.
15. The same day, in presence foirsaid compeirit George Bruce, com- Ouiroe, inner-
missioner for the toun of Culros, and takand the burding upon him for MiLinf'
the said toun on that ane pairtt, and George Durie, commissioner for the
burgh of Innerkeithing, as for himselff, and takand the burding, as said
is, on the uther pairtt, and wer content and consentit to abyde, fulfill,
and vnderly the sentence and decreitt arbitrall to be gevin be the prouest,
baillies, and counsall of the burgh of Edinburgh, or maist pairtt of thame,
anent all questionnis and matteris debetabill betuix the said * burgh and
toun ; and the saidis commissioneris of burrowis ordanit thame, of thair
awin consenttis, to compeir befoir the saidis prouest, baillies, and counsall,
the fyft day of August nixttocum, bringand and produceand with thame
thair submissioun in mair ample forme, with thair clames, richtis, and
resounis, and willis and desyris maist afiectuouslie the said prouest,
baillies, and counsall, as thay tender the weilfair of the estaitt of burrowis,
vnitie and incres thairof, to acceptt the said matter in and vpoun thame,
and decyde thairintill, within auchtt dayis nixt efter the said fyvetene
day of August. To the quhilk baith the saidis pairteis hes aggreit, and
als consentit that the pairtie absent, and nocht compeirand with his
rychtis, the said fyft day of August, sail pay to the pairtie compeirand the
sowme of tuentie poundis. And incais it salhappin that the saidis
prouest, baillies, and counsall will nocht accept the said matter vpoun
thame, they wer content and consentit, that the same were decydid be
the commissioneris of burrowis in thair nixt conventioun generall, and to
produce thair rychtis and resounis befoir thame, incais foirsaid, and this
to be rememberit in the missiues.
3 E
i
402 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Decimo tertio lunij 1593.
sutute anent J 6. The quhilk day, the commissioners foirsaidis being convenit, it is
de^^ thocht expedient, statute, and ordanit, and, for ane vniformitie to be haid
amang thame selues, vniuersally aggreit, that quhensoeuer it salhappin
ane burges and frieman of ony burgh, be the magistrates and counsall
thaiiof, to be depryuet simpliciter of his libertie and friedome within the
samyn, for vsurpatioun contrair the commoun weill of thair burgh, brek-
ing of his ayth, or for ony vther iust and resonabill cause quhilk mycht
mereit the said paine of deprivatioun, that than, and in that caice, na
vther burch in this realme, knawand of his deprivatioun foirsaid, tak
vpoun thame to resaue him in thair fellowschip and admitt him thair
burges, vnder the pane of ane hundreth poundis to be payit to the burgh
in the quhilk he wes depryueit ; and quhow sone it salhappin his depri-
vatioun to be notifeit vnto thame that salhappin to hauc resauit him,
nocht knawing of the saymn befoir, that they incontinent call him befoir
thame and depryue him of his libertie resaueit, vnder the pane aboue-
written, to be payit as said is.
Anent the tared 17. The samc day, anent the bill gevin in befoir thame be Maister
payne. William Murray, minister of this burgh, in name of the Generall Assem-
blie of the Kirk of this realme, desyring that, according to ane act of the
said Assemblie, haldin at Dondie, and presentlie red and schawin, the
presentt tred and trafficque of merchandise with the dominiounis of Spayne
mycht be discheargeit, or, at the leLst, suspendit, quhill libertie wer
obtenit to haue the same without perell of conscience ; with the quhilk
the saidis commissioneris of burrowis being aduysit, findis that thai ar
nocht presently Instructed with sufficient powar of thair burghis to gevo
ane resolute ansuer in this matter of sua greitt consequence, zit neuirthe-
les thay haue concludit, aggreit, and conseiitit, that ilk burch, be thair
commissioner sufficiently instructit to this effect, with thair commissioun
or letter missiue, subscryueit be thair prouest, baillies, and counsall, or
be thair commoun dark, sail geve thair resolute ansuer to the said bill to
the prouest of the burgh of Edinburgh vpoun the auchtt day of lulij
nixttocum, and the ansuer being gevin, resaue ane tickett thairvpoun from
James Windrhame, agent, in taikin of thair diligence, vnder the pane of
Convention of Royal Burghs. 403
ane vnlaw of tuentie poundis, to be vpliftit of the burgh nochtt gevand
thaii* direct ansuer the said day be the said James Windrhame, agent,
quhome thai ordane to raise lettres for vplifting of the said vnlaw, to be
employit to weill of burrowis ; and, for the better vnderstanding of the
will and desyre of the ministrie, ordanis ilk commissioner present to tak
and haiff ane copy of the act of the General Assemblie maid heiranent, to
informe thair nychtbouris heirofF.
18. The same day, anent the complaynt of the commissioner of the Cowper, Cndii,
burghis of Coupar, CraiU, Pettinweme, and Anstruther be eist the bume^J^^,^5er^
aganis Anstruther be west the burne, for the laitt raiseing vpoun thame^*®*^^^
ane novatioun of ane laidilfuU of ilk laid victuall cumand to thair mer- Wester,
kett, bayth the saidis pairteis being presentt, the saidis commissioneris of "*
burrowis continewis all ansuer geving tjiairof to the next conventioun
generall of burrowis ; at the quhilk tyme, thay ordane the pairtie
defendand to compeir sufficiently instructit with his rychtis and resounis,
to ansuer to the said complayntt, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of xx
libris, and this to be rememberit in the missiues.
19. The same day, for gude and resonable causeis moveing thame, dis- vniatris of
chairgis all executioun of the lettres raisit for the vnlawing of the burghis f^jj^'^^j^^^".
of Perth, Sanctandrois, Glasquow, and Striveling, for non compeirance atqy»ow, suriing,
Edinburgh the xx day of September last, for taking ordour with the ^^^
Conseruatour, the saidis burrowis payand to James Winrhame, thair
agent, agane the expenssis deburseit in raising and executing of the saidis
lettres, according to the said James conscience.
20. The same day, anent the secund pairtt of the secund heid of the Anstruther
missiue concernyng the complayntt of the burghis of Anstruther Wester, q[^^^^;
Coupar, and Pettinweme aganis the burgh of Ansti-uther Eister, for vplift- ^®^'»^'^"^®
ing of certane ankerrages and hevin-siluer, and als certane pittie customes, Anstruther
baith the saidis pairteis being presentt be thair commissioneris, the said^^*®^' ^^ ''"'"'*
complenaris gaive in thair speciall bill of complayntt thairvpoun, and the
saidis defeuderis producit our Souerane Lordis gift vnder the Privie Seill
for certane impostis for reparatioun of their hevin gi^antit for the space of
fyve zeiiis fra the daitt thairof, quhilk is the fourth of December 1590
zeiris ; with the quhilk the saidis commissioneris of burrowis being aduysit
findis the said gift will expyre the fourth of December 1595 zeiris and
thairfoir grantis licence and powar to the saidis defenderis to vplift and
404
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Statute, act of
parliament
anent the
vnfriomen
trafficquarifl,
suburbs.
Sanctandrois
contra
Northbervik.
Hissiue.
Culros inrollet
raise the saidis dewteis according to thair said gift for the zeiris to run
thairof; quhilk being expyrit dischairgis thame of all forther Vplifbing of
the same, and that thai purches na vther new gift thairof in tyme cuming
without speciall licence of the burrowis haid and obtenit thairto, vnder the
pane of ane vnlaw of ane hundreth poundis, to be payit to the saidis
burrowis, and tynsall of thair new gift. And as to the rest of thair said
comi)layntt concernyng the ankerrages, ordanis thame to bruke, haue, and
vplift the samyn according to the actt sett doun in the last conventioun
halden at Kirkcaldy in favouris of the burgh of Brint Band, concernyng
thair ankerrages, and hevin-siluer. And as concernyng the pittiecustomes,
continewis the decisioun thairof to the nixt conventioun of burrowis,
according to the act maid anent the secund heid of the missiue, and this
to be remimberit in the saidis missiues.
21. The same day, the act of parliamentt maid in lunij 1592 zeiris
in fauouris of frie burrowis aganis vnfrie trafficquearis and craftismen in
the suburbis of burrowis, being red and considderit, ordanis that the saidis
commissioneris mak aduerteisment to thair buiTowis to cause the samyn
be pute to dew executioun, and elect commissioneris and coUectouris to
that effect, vnder the pane of ten poundis ilk burgh, and at the nixt
general conventioun that thai repoirtt thair diligence thairvpoun, vnder
the pane foirsaid.
22. The same day, anent the complaynt gevin in be the burgh of
Sanctandrois aganis the burrowis of North beruick and Hadingtoun, for
vplifting and raising vpoun thame, within this tua zeiris, of ane new exac-
tioun of tua schillingis ilk pock woU at Northberuick, and at the said
burgh of Hadingtoun, xvjd. for ilk pock woU, passand throw thair townes, —
bayth the saidis pairteis being presentt be thair commissioneris, the
saidis commissioneris of burrowis continews the decisioun of the said
mater to the nixt conventioun generall, at the quhilk tyme thay ordane
the saidis defenderis to compeir and ansuer to the said complaynt, suffi-
ciently instructit with thair rychtis and resouuis, vnder the pane of ane
vnlaw of tuentie poundis, and lykewayis, gif thay failzie, to be decernit
to desist fra all forther vptaking thairof, and this to be rememberit in
the missiues.
23. The same day, compeirit George Bruce, ane of the baiUies of the
toun of Culros, and producit the act vnder written, subscryueit be the
ConverUion of Royal Burghs. 405
baillies and counsall thairof, and thair clark, as followis, quhilk being red
and considderit, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis ordanit the samyn
to be registrat in this presentt buke ad perpetuam rei mernoriam, off the
quhilk the tennour followis : At THE BURGH OF CuLRoS the thretteue
day of lunij the zeir of God j"^ v^ four scoir threttene zeiris, the quhilk
day we the baillies and counsall of the burgh of Culros, be the tennour
of thir presenttis, for ws and oure successouris, baillies and counsall of
the said burgh, abydis at the infeftment obtenit be ws of our Souerane
Lord the Kingis Maiestie, in erectioun of oure burgh in ane frie regall
burgh, off the daitt the fyft day of lunij 1592 zeiris, vnder his Maiestieis
Greitt Seill, and sail onnawayis innovat the samyn bott abyde thairat,
. according to the tennour thairof in all poynttis, and renuncis, for ws and
oure successouris, all and quhatsumeuer infeftmentis obtenit be ws, con-
cernyng oure foirsaid erectioun, of anterior daittis preceiding the said
daitt ; and gif that ather we or oure foirsaidis disclames thairfra, or fm the
claussis thairin contenit, ar content and consenttis be thir presenttis that
we and oure said burgh be removeit furth of the inrolment of the bur-
rowis off this realme, and fra thair societie ; to the quhilkis premissis, we,
be thir presenttis, faythfully bindis and oblissis ws and oure successouris
be thir presenttis to be extendit in ample forme. Subscryueit be oure
hand, day, zeir, and place abovewrittin, Et sic subacribitur, George Bruce,
baillie, lohnne Blaw, baillie, lames Blaw, baiUie, Androw Gibsoun, ane of
the counsall, Alexander Coustoun, ane of the counsall, Archbald Prymrois,
Robertt Maistei-toun, ane of the counsall, Androw Broun, ane of the
counsall, lohnne Forrett, clark of the said burgh, and nottar publict sub-
scryueand thir presenttis, at command of the rest of the counsall.
And siclyke producit the new erectioun of the said toun in ane frie Enrolling
burgh regall, vnder his Hienes Greitt Seill off the daitt aboueexpremit, '^
together with ane commissioun of the said toun, quhairby thay constitute
the said George thair commissioner to this present conventioun. With
the quhilkis the saidis commissioneris of burrowis being rypely aduysit,
all in ane voce butt variannce, hes enroUit and acceptit, and be thir pre-
senttis enrollis and acceptis, the said toun of Culros in thair number, as
ane frie burgh regall, according to thair said erectioun, with all immvni-
ties and privilegis belangand thairto ; quhairvpoun the said George,
commissioner foirsaid, askit instrumentis, but preiudice of the burgh of
Innerkeithingis ryclit, as accordis of law.
406
Conve7ition of Royal Burghs.
Dundie,
Forfar.
Hadingtoun
contra North-
bervik.
Missiue
Brint Hand.
MiMiue
24. The same day, aiient the contraversie betuix the burghis of Dondie
and Forfair, mentionat in ane act of the last conventioun haldin at Kirk-
caldy, be the quhiik the samyn wes compromitit in the burghis of Mon-
trois and Coupar of Fyfe, for the pairtt of Dondy, and the burghis of
Perth and Breichene, for the i)airtt of Forfair, as at length is contenit in
the said actt, and vnderstanding that the samyn hes tane na effect, thair-
foir ordanis the iudges mentionat in the said act, of consent of the com-
missioneris of bayth the saidis burrowis, being presentt, to convene and
decyde in the said matter according to the tennour of the said act, and
that the said burgh of Forfair mak aduerteisment to the said burgh of
Dondie to be in reddynes betuix and Michaelmes nixt, vnder the pane '
of tuentie poiindis, and the pairtie wairnit and nochtt compearand to
pay ane vnlaw of tuentie poundis to the pairtie keepand ; and, in the
meane tyme, suspendis the said burgh of Dondie fra all vptaking of the
dewtie contenit in the said act maid at Kirkcaldy, and fra vsing of ony
novatioun of customes vpoun the said burgh of Forfair, cautioun being
fund in maner specifeit and contenit in the said act.
25. The same day, anent the complaynt of the burgh of Hadingtoun
aganis Northberuick, for raising ane novatioun vpoun tharae, within thir
sax or sevin oulkis, in vplifting of tua schillingis of ilk pack of woU and
uther merchandise cumand to thair burgh, baith the saidis pairteis being
present be their commissioneris, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis
continewis the decyding of the said matter vnto the nixt generall conven-
tioun, at the quhiik tyme thay ordane the pairtie defendant to compeir
and ansuer to the said complaynt, sufficiently instructed with his rychtis
and resounis, in the meane tyme suspending all vplifting of the saidis
customes, etc. And the said commissioner of Hadingtoun is becura
souertie for payment of the said cnstome, according to the iust inventar
to be maid, incais the said defenderis rycht salbe fund mair valide nor
the said burgh of Hadingtounis, and, incais of non productioun and com-
peirance, salbe decernit to ceis simpliciter in all tyme cuming ; and this
to be rememberit in the missiues.
26. The same day, anent the ample supplicatioun gevin in be the
commissioner of the burgh of Brint Hand, for licence to haue ane imppist
and schoir leiwe within thair barbery for the space of nyne zeiris of all
schippis arryueand to and fra the samyn, and for suspending of thair last
Convention of Royal Burghs. 407
ordinances maid at Kirkcaldy anent the ankerrages and small customes,
the saidis commissioneris continewis all ansuer geving to the said appli-
cation to the nixt conventioun genei-all, at the quhilk tyme they ordane
the haill commissioneris of burrowis to cum fuUie instructed to give
ansuer to the said supplicatioun, and the samyn to be rememberit in the
missiues, exceptand alwayis the saidis ankerrages, anent the quhilkis the
saidis commissioneris abydLs be thair formar decreitt.
27. Tlie same day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis ordanis ilk Payment of the
burgh that is awand ony pairtt of the extent of ane thousand poundis,jmiibris.
granted at Edinburgh in lanuar last, to mak thankfuU payment of the^^'^®*^®'*^
samyn with the proffeitt thairof, to lames Winrhame, agent, betuixe this
and the tentt day of lulij nixttocum, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of ten
poimdis to be vpliftit of the burgh failzeand.
28. The same day, anent the supplicatioun gevin in be the burgh of CraOi. Missine
Craill, desyring that trauell may be tane with lohnne Arnold, gudeman of
Wodmylne, for disponing wnto thame of ane pece of ground adiacent to
thair burgh, with thair libertie callit Pinkertoun, for founding and erecting
of ane new barbery to thair toun, thay gevand the vtter availl of the said
ground : the saidis commissioneris of burrowis ordanis the commissioneris
of Dondie, Sanctandrois, Coupar, Pettinweme, and Anstruther be west
the burne, to trauell eamestlie with the said lohnne Arnold for obtenyng
fra him of the said ground, and that thay mak thair repoirtt heirvpoun
to the commissioneris to be convenit to the parliament, that forther
ordoui-e may be tane heiranent ; and as to the suppoirt desyrit be the
said burgh of Craill to the bying and bigging of the said barbery to the
said burgh of Craill, continewis thair ansuer geving vnto thair nixt
generall conventioun, at the quhilk tyme thay ordane the commissioneris
of Uk burgh to cum sufficiently instructit to ansuer thairto, and the
samyn to be rememberit in the missiues.
xiiij° lunij 1593.
29. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of bun-owis being convenit, Taxt roiiis.
findis that the alteratioun of the general taxt roll of burrowis is to^*^"*"*
expyre, and thairfoir ordanis ilk burgh to send thair commissioner fuUie
408 Coiweution of Royal Burghs,
instructed to the next generall conventioun for ane new alteration to be
maid of the saidis rollis, and this to be rememberit as ane special heid in
the * missiue to be direct to the nixt generall conventioun, quhaireuer it
salhappin to be haldin.
Conseniatour. 30. The Same day, anent the heid and article gevin in be lames Winr-
chau^e A^nt '^ftoi®* agent, vpoun Maister Robert Dennalstoun, conseruatour of the
Scottis privilegis in Flanderis, desyring the saidis commissioneris to cause
the said Maister Robert to mak compt, reckonyng, and payment of the
excyse of sax lastis beir and tua tunnis and ane half wyne, of the zeiris
bygane, and to tak gud ordour for payment thairof in tyme cuming, and
to geve in compt quhow the rest of the excyse beir in Flanderis is dis-
tribute, and this according to the actis of burrowis sett doun heiranent
of befoir, and specially in the act maid at Edinburgh in October 1590,
dewly intimett to the said Maister Robert, and according to the citatioun
maid to the said Maister Robert to haue compeirit to that effect : The
said Maister Robert, now being personally presentt, his resounis and
allegatiounis hard and considderit, and thairwith being rypely aduysit,
and saidis commissioneris of burrowis findis and delyueris that the said
Conseruatour, be vertew of the acttis foirsaidis, is haldin to mak compt,
reckonyng, and payment to the saidis burrowis of the excyse of sax
lastis beir and tua tunnis and ane half wyne zeirly, and ilk zeir, for the
space of tua zeiris and ane half bygane, to witt, fra Mertimes 1590 to
Witsonday last, the said excyse zeirly extending to tuentie schillingis
greitt ilk barrell beir, and fyue poundis greitt ilk tun wyne, the sowme
of the said haill excyse, during the said space, extending the haill to tua
hundreth alevin poundis fyue schillingis greitt, and in Scottis money, at
fyue poundis Scottis ilk pound greitt, to the sowme of ane thousand fyftie
sax poundis fyue schillingis Scottis ; and thairfoir ordanis the said Maister
Robert to mak compt, reckonyng, and payment of the said sowme to the
said lames Winrhame, thair generall agent, to be furthcumand to the saidis
burrowis ; and siclyke ordanis him to give in to the said lames the compte
of the distributioun of the rest of the said excyse beir and wyne the
saidis zeiris, extending zeirly to the excyse of ten last beir and tua tunnis
and ane half wyne, to be sene and considderit be the saidis burrowis that
forther ordoure may be tane thairwith. Attoure the saidis commission-
eris of burrowis ordanis the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, Lin-
Convention of Royal Burghs. 409
lithquow, Kirkcaldy, Hadingtoun, and Glasquow to send thair comrais-
sioneris fully instructed to convene at Edinburgh the auchtt day of lulij
nixtt, and thair to sett doun ane gude and substantiall ordoure for the
payment and distributioun of the said excyse beir and wyne, frae the feist
of Witsonday last bypast to Witsonday nixttocum, gevand thame or the
maist pairtt of thame convenand full power and commissioun to that
eJBTect, and the burrowis nocht convenand to pay ane vnlaw of tuentie
poundis. And ordanis the said Conseruatour, being personallie presentt,
to compel r befoir thame the said day and place, and resaue, vnderly, and
ftilfiU sick ordoure and iniunctiounis as they sail geve to him concernyng
the said excyse beir and wyne.
31. Item, anent the article givin in be the said lames, agent foirsaid, Consernatour
desyring the Conseruatour to be dischairgit to tak ony dewtie of his
natioun, transporting wynes or wairis outt of Danskyne, Burdeaulx, Scot-
land, or ony vther place quhatsnmeuer, to Middilburgh, or ony pairtt in
Flanderis, off ony vnstaipill gudis ; and craueand redres and restitutioun
of that quhilk Ls vpliftit, the saidis commissioneris, haueing hard and
considderit the resounis and allegannces proponit be the said Conseruatour,
findis and delyueris that he auchtt nor sould haue na conseruatour lie of
ony vnstaipill guidis bott of sick as cumis furch of Scotland to Campheir
allanerly.
32. Item, anent the article gevin in be the said lames, desyring the Conscruntour
said lord Conseruatour to cause tak gude ordour in tyme cuming with thejjo™™^"
factoures and commoun houssis in Campheir, of the selling of the beir and
wyne, and quhow the natioun sould be honestlie intertanyit, the said lord
Conseruatour wes content to do thairin as the saidis burrowis sould pre-
scryue. The saidis Commissioneris of burrowis referris the ordour to be
tane thairanent to the sevin burrowis abouementionatt, appoyntit to con-
vene at Edinburgh the auchtt day of lulij nixtt.
33. Item, anent the article gevin in be the said agentt desyring the saidis Conseruatour
burrowis to sett doun ane resonable dewtie vpoun the balding of the said
Conseruatouris courttis and extracting of his actis ; efber conferrance haid
with the said Conseruatour thairvpoun, findis that he auchtt to haue na
extraordinar fie for balding of his courttis within the Campheir, becaus it
is ane pairt of his office for the quhilk he lies his ordinar fie ; and as to
his dark, granttis to him fyue schillingis greitt for ilk decreit, and for
. 3 F
410 ^ Convention of Royal Burghs.
ane act of proces and extracting thairof tua schillingis greitt for his
dewties.
namw[?fio!^'^' 34. Item, anent the article gevin in be the said generall agent aganis
him for raising of ane dewtie of tuentie fyue schillingis greitt, to
witt, XV 8. thairof for the guidis, and xv s. for the schip, to be gevin to ane
comnioun aduocat in Middilburch ; the said lord Conseruatour declairit
that thair wes only tane xv s. greitt of the haill, and that he haid nocht
meddilit thairwith sen be wes dischairgit be Edinburgh, and wes content
to desist and ceis thairfra in tyme earning, thairfoir the saidis commis-
sioneris of bunx)wis dischairgit the said dewtie simpliciter.
rn>te«UiUouu, 35 The same day, my lord Conseruatour protested that nathing done
againis him in this presentt conventioun sould hurtt or preiuge him in
bis office and privilegis thairof, quhairin he and his predecesaouris hes
bene in vse and possessioun, and thairvpoun askit instrumentis.
ro^wrufttour, 3(} Item, anent the complaynt maid be Robert Mure, merchant and
burges in Kirkcaldy, vpoun the said Conseruatour, for taking fra him in
Apryle j™ v® four scoir tuelff of tua angill noibilis and tua crownes of
the sone, wrangouslie, for nochtt haueing ane tickett of his burgescbip to
sohaw, and for staying him ten or tuelff dayis (rom delyuering his geir
eft«r the selling thairof, and refusing simpliciter to accept ather cautioun
or ploge quhill he haid presentit his tickett, the saidis commissioneris of
burn^wis decemis and ordanis the said lord Conseruatour to refoond and
\v\y to the said Robert the said tua angill noibillis and tua crownes of the
sone, deiluceand the amseruatour fie gife ony be awin to him, becaus the
said lonl Conseruatour confessand the taking of the said gold, and alleg-
and that the samin wes done for ane vnlaw for wannting of his coquett
and non productioun of his tickett, it wes sufficiently trj'it and verifieit
to tlie saidis commissioneris of burrowis that the said Robertis guidis wes
Irtufully coquett, and that he was ime burges of the said burgh of Kirk-
caldy.
wilS^r 87. The same day. anent the eomplayntt gonn in befoir thame be the
burgh of Kingonie aganis Williame Kirkcaldy, thair conburges, for pur-
ohe^ng of lorJsehippis contxair the fredome of the burgh, and taking ane
gift irf the watter bailliery of thair hevin and poirtt of Pettycure, with ane
im|HMSt of xvjd. of ilk ferry boittis fnuichtt, and troubling of thame be
the law. and thairfoir dosyring the saidis burrowis to ordane them to call
KirkcttMv.
^
Convention of Royal Burghs. 411
}iim befoir thame selues for diBcharging him of his libertie ; and .secoundly,
desyring the saidis burrowis to adiuge him iu ane vnlaw of ane hundreth
poundis, according to the acttis of thair conventioim for contravening
thairof, the said burgh of Kingorne compeirand be thair commissioner,
and the said William Kirkcaldy, being waimit at his dwelling place
to this day to haue ansuerit to the said complaynt, and nochtt compeirand,
the saidis commissioners of burrowis findis that the said burch of Kingorne
or ony vther burgh may convene thair burges in thair awn court for con-
travening thair aith and statuteis of the burgh ; and as to the secund
heid, ordanis the said Williame to be laufuUy vamit to compeir befoir the
commissioneris of bun'owis in thair nixt generall conventioun, to ansuer
thairto, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of ane hundreth poundis.
xv° lunij 1593.
38. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis ordanis Precept^ ^nt,
lames Winrhame, thair agent, to pay to Mariorie Rowane, the relict of ^^'^ °^'
vmquhile Williame M'Kai-tney, the sowmes awand to hir, mentionat in
the act maid at Kirkcaldy, of the reddiest of the last extent of thrie
hundreth poimdis, nochtwithstanding of the prouisioun contenit in the
said actt ; and siclyke to pay to George Swtie, commissioner of the
burgh of For&ir, the sowme of fourtie poimdis, alsua contenit in the said
act. Attoure ordanis the haill burrowis quha hes nocht payit thair
pairttis of the said extent of iij^ poundis, to pay the same to the said
agent, betuix and the auchtt day of lulij next, vnder the pane of ten
poundis to ilk burgh failzeing.
39. The same day, efter lang resonyng vpoun the supplicatioun gevin DumbartAiio,
in be the commissioner of Dunbartane, for ordoure to be tane be the \^^ MiShi©.
saidis burrowis, thatt ane only forme of grammer wer vniuersally teichit
in all the grammer scuiles of the saidis burrowis, the commissioneris of
burrowis ordanis ane lettre to be direct to the ministrie of Edinburgh,
and ane vther to the Presbiterie thairof, requeisting of thame to tak
ordoure for making and corapleitting of the first and secund pairttis of
grammer with expeditioun ; and gevis full powar and commissioun to
Henry Charteris, merchant burges of Edinburch, to insist thairvpoun.
412 Convention of Royal Burghs.
and craiwe ansuer thairof ; and ordanis ilk burgh to direct thair coramis-
sioneris, fuUie instructed to the nixt generall conventioun to ansuer to
the said supplicatioun and desyr of Dunbartane concernyng the said
only forme of gramnier. and this to be rememberit in the missiues.
Consoruatour, 40. The same day, compeirit Maister Robert Dennalstoun, Conserua-
^^^ ' tour, and, of his avvin consent, obleist him selff to pay to Walter Cowane,
burges of Striveling, the sowme of tuentie thrie poundis greitt, Flemis
money, at the leist samekle as is restand awand to him be the relict and
cxecutrice of vmtiuhile Robert Fyte, factoure in Campheir, and that
within foure monethis nixt heirefter.
Count Maw- 41. The same day, the said lord Conseruatoure producit tua lettres
tSur Factourfs' uiissiucs, direct, the ane from Compte Moreis, and the vther from the
Missiue. towne of Campheir, concernyng the factouris of oure natioun, quha,
nocht content with thair office of factourie, ar becum merchantis in
byeing and selling to thair awin behuiffe, quhairby the merchantis of
this realme ar greitly hurtt and preiugeit in the proffeitt of thair mer-
chandise and wairis arryueand at Campheir. With the quhilk the
saidis commissioneris of burrowis being aduyseit, findis that the saidis
factouris auchtt and sould content thame selues with thair office of fac-
tourie, and thairfoir ordanis thame to desist and ceis fra all byeing and
selling of ony Scottis wairis to thair awin behuiffe bott allanerly to the
Weill and proffeitt of thair merchandis, to quhome they ar subiect to mak
compte thairof, vnder the pane of tynsall of thair said offices, and that
my lord Conseruatour sie this presentt act and ordinance putt to dew
execution n. And for geving of ony ansuer to the saidis tua letteris,
quhilk thay haue ordanit to be registrat in this buke ad fuhirani rej
TYieonariavi, referris the making and pennyng thairof to the scvin bur-
rowis appoynted to convene at Edinburgh the auchtt day of lulij next ;
and, in the letter to Campheir, willis thame to desyre ane augmentatioun
of the nomber of excyse beir and wyne. And forther for the mair solide
ordour to be haid concernyng the saidis factouris, ordanis ilk burgh to
send thair commissioneris fullie instructed with the mynde and will of
thair burgh, gif thay find it gud or nochtt that ane of ilk burgh of this
realme be elected, ane or ma, young men of gude qualiteis, for quhome
the burch salbe haldin to ansuer, to pas to Campheir and exerce the
office of factourie to thair natioun, ay and quhill thay be callit hame or
Convention of Royal Burghs. 413
discliairgit, or els quhill thay be mareit, and in thir caices vtheris to be
Kend in tliair places ; and this to be reraemberit in the missiues.
42. The same day, it is thoeht expedient, statute, and ordanit that in statute, violent
all caussis of violent occupatioun within burgh, the pairtie decernit to b^^E?
remove sail pay to the obtener of the decreitt of removing, for ilk day
that he hes wanntit the proffitt of his landis or houssis, the sowme of
xxs., but preiudice alwayis of the executioun of the decreitt of remove-
ing ; and that ane article be gevin in heirupoun to the nixt parliament.
43. The same day, anent the complayntt of the burch [of] Air aganis Air contra
lohnne Boyde, generall jedger, for neglecting of his office, and neuirthe- °^ ®*
les taking vp the dewteis thairof rigorouslie, ordanis him to be wairnit
to the nixt generall conventioun to ansuer to the said complayntt, and
the burrowis to cum fullie instructed to decyde thairanent, to be remem-
bent in the missiues.
44. The same day, it is thoclit expedient, statute and ordanit, for statute—
avoj'^ding of greitt inconvenientis within burgh that the prouest, baillies, ^^"tnitl
deane oiF gild, thesaurer, and counsall of ilk burgh be nocht chosin bott coramoun
according to the acttLs of parliament and statu teis of burrowis, and offices, lord-
na vtherwayis ; and als that na commoun clarkis within burgh be ^ngfburge&^is
elected and chosen for ony langer space nor induring the townes will making,
allauerly, dischairging all electioun of the saidis clarkis for thair lyfe-
tymes as vse hes bene of befoir ; and the burgh contravenand the
premissis to pay ane vnlaw of fyue hundreth poundis to the remanent
burrowis sa oft as thay tailzie, and the persoun vottand in the contrair
to tyne his friedome and that quhilk he hes of the burgh ; and that nane
within burgh purches vottis to ony office within the samin to thame
selues vnder the pane of tynsall of thair friedome ; and siclyke that na
induellaris within burgh presume to purches lordschippis or auctoritieis
outwith the burgh, to witt, fauouris and assistaunce of landit gentilmen,
aganis thair magistratis and nichtbouris, or yet to advaunce thame selffis
to ony offices within burgh, vnder the pane of tynsall of thair liberteis,
and to bo banischit the burgh be the magistratis thairof. Attoure that
na burgh admit or resane ony persoun to be thair burges in tyme
cuming that is nocht ane actuall induellar thairof, vnder the pane of ane
vnlaw of ane hundreth poundis to the burrowis ; and quhair ony sic
])ersounis ar ulreddy admitit, that thay be callit and causit to cum and
414
Conventt07i of Royal Burghs.
Cowpar, Sanci-
Androis, mettis
and mesouris.
Missiue.
Anent thame
in burgh in-
iaret efter
exptyring of
thair offices.
Dondie, Im-
post
Statute pro-
ceding in
Conventiounis.
remane within the burch or els depryvett of thair libertie, vnder
the pane foirsaid, and ilk burgh to repoirtt thair diligence heirvpoun in
the next generall coriventioun of burrowis, vnder the pane of tuentie
poundis.
45. The same day, ordanis the burghis of Coupar and Sanct Androis
to reforme all wonntit abusis of thair mettis of pect and farlott, and
to conforme the samyn to the stane of Linlithqnow, according to the
actis of parliament, vnder the pane of ane vnl^w of fourtie poundis to be
pay it to the burrowis ; and that ilk burgh within thame selves mak
diligentt serching and seiking quhair ony sick abuse is and cause the
samyn be reformit as said is, vnder the pane foirsaid, and to repoirtt
thair diligence thairvpoun in writt, subscryueit be thair prouest and
baillies or commoun dark, at the next conventioun generall, vnder the
pane of tuentie poundis, and this to be rememberit in the missiues.
46. The same day, it is thocht expedient, statute and ordanit, quhan
it sal iiappin ony persounis that hes borne office within burgh efter the
expyreing thairof to be iniurit be his uichtbouris or vtheris for doing his
lawfull dewtie in his office, that he meane himselif to the magistratis for
the tyme, quhome thay ordane to ponische the offender and cause him
mak satiffactioun to the pairtie greiwit ; and quhair the offender duellis
outwith the burgh that the said burghe and magistratis geve thair for-
tificatioun and mantenance to thair nichtbour offendit, vnder the pane of
ane vnlaw of ane hundreth poundis, to be payit to the burrowis be the
saidis magistratis, being requjrreit as said is and neglectand or refusand to
do thair dewtie.
47. The same day, grantis thair gude will and consent to the burgh
of Dondie to impetrat of our Souerane Lord ane gift for vplifting of euery
tun of geir that cumis or pasis to or fra thair poirtt, quhairof the mer-
chant sail pay xvjd. and the skipper viijd., and that for the space of thrie
zeiris nixt heirefler following, provyding alwayis that all sclaittis and
coillis be exemit from payment of the said impoist.
48. The same day, it is thocht expedient, statute and ordanit, that
at the begyning of ilk conventioun generall that the acttis of the con-
ventioun last preceiding be red and pervsitt, and compte tane of the
executioun thairof, and tliat sick matteris thairin contenit as lyis ovir be
first decydit, and quhair ony particular conventioun hes intervenit be
Convention of Royal Burghs. 415
speciall commissioun or vtherwayis that the burch quhair the samin wes
haldin mak adverteisment to the burgh of conventioun generall of thair
proceidingis, and cause the matteris vndecydit to be rememberit in the
generall missiues.
49. The same day, anent the supplicatioun gevin in befoir thame be Innerketbing,
the burgh of Innerkeithing, craweing supportt to the reparatioun of thair SSrh»rbery.
barbery, ordanis ilk burgh to send thair commissioner fullie instructed M^»"«-
at the nixt generall conventioun, quhaireuer it sal happin the same to be
haldin, to geve ansuer thairto, and this to be rememberit in the missiues.
In the meantyme the said burgh of Innerkeithing doing diligence to the
advauncement of the wark according to thair powaris and schawand the
comptis thairof at the said conventioun.
50. The same day, gevis and disponis vnto the burgh of Brunt Iland Brunt iknd,
thair half vnlaw often li., incurit be thame for non compeirance to this to thame selffls.
present conventioun in dew tyme, to be imployit vpoun the commoun
wark of thair kirk.
6 1 . The same day, anent the supplicatiounis gevin in be the burrowis Northbervik,
of Northberuick, Dunbartane and Renfrow, cmweing support of the bur- ing support
rowis to the reparatioun of thair harbereis and decayit places of thair Si^hie?**^**
townes respectiue, continewis all ansuer geving to the nixt generall con-
ventioun of burrowis, quhairas thay ordane ilk burgh to send thair com-
missioneris fully instructid to that effect, and this to be rememberit in
the missiues, etc. And forther, findis expedientt that ane article be
gevin in to the nixt parliamentt craweing supportt of the haill realme to
the decayit burrowis.
52. The same day, exemia the burghis of Forfair and Selkirk fraEx«inptio,For-
keiping of conventiounis for the space of thrie zeiris, provyding alwayis **^'
that thay at euery generall conventioun send thair missiue of ratificatioun
with the burgh ewest vndiapertsit with, and alwayis gif the burrowis
haue necesjsaris to do, and thay citat to compeir, thay salbe haldin to do
the same, nochtwithstanding of this thair exemptioun.
53. The same day, dischairgis Thomas Kingzow, commissioner for P«oept, agent,
Pittinweme, of the sowme of fyvetene poundis fyvetene schillingis of ane ^*^^*
mair sowme restand be him to the burrowis of ane impoist, and ordainis
the same to be allowit to lames Winrhame in his compttis.
54. The same day, it is thochtt expedient, statute, and ordanit be the st&tute, m-
lawifl in burgh.
41 G Convention of Royal Burghs.
saidis commissioneris of burrowis with ane consent, that all and quhat-
sumeuer vnlawis quhilk sal happin to be vpliftit within burgh be the
magistrattis thairof, or quhilk thay auchtt or sould vplift in tyme
cuming, for quhatsumeuer caussis, salbe dedicate to the commoun vsis of
the burgh, and zeirly comptt maid thairof amangis the rest of the com-
moun gude ; and that nane presume to convert the saniin to thair awin
privatt vseis and comraoditeis, vnder the pane of fourtie poundis, to be
vptane of the magistratis contravenaris of this presentt ordinance, besyde
the vnlaw of ane hundreth merkis to be tane of the burgh sufferand the
same to be done, quhilk vnlawis ar to be payit to the saidis burrowis ;
and that the commissioneris at ilk conventioun generall mak repoirtt of
thair diligence in keiping this presentt ordinance inviolablie, vnder the
pane of xx poundis.
Kirkcaldy 55, The Same day, anent the complayntt of the burgh of Kirkcaldy
iiaud. ™° aganis the burgh of Brunt Hand, for compelling of thame to tak in thair
ballast at ane full sea, and nocht suffering thamo to tak ballast furth of*
ane veschell to ane vther, and als taking of dok-siluer and raising sindrie
novatiounis, bayth the saidis burrowis being presentt be thair commis-
sioneris, thair resounis hard and considderit, the saidis commissioneris of
burrowis findis that ony schip may lawfully ballast out of ane vther,
keipand the barbery cleane, and als thatt thay may tak the ballast
quhair thay pleis, and thairfoir ordanis the said burgh of Brunt [land to
desist and ceis fra troubling and impeding the compleneris in maner foir-
said ; and siclyke dischairgis thame of all tjiking of ony dok-siluer, or
raising of ony novatiounis within thair harbeiy befoir thay produce thair
rychtis thairof befoir the burrowis, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of
fourtie poundis. Quhairvnto the commissioner of Brunt Hand disasentit,
and protestit for remeid.
xvj lunij j™ v*^ Ixxxxiij*'.
statute, Com- 56. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis be thir
moun Register, pj^ggg^^^jg coucludis, deccmis, and ordanis, that the principall and
originall register buke of thair conventiounis salbe delyuerit to the com-
missioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh, off this presentt conventioun, to
Convention of Royal Burghs. 417
be keipit be the toun of Edinburgh vnto the nixt conventioun of bur-
rowis, and than to be delyuerit agane at the nixt conventioun, quhair-
euer it salhappin the samin to be.
57. The same day, haiveand consideratioun of the lang seruice maid Guthre clerk,
be lohnne Guthre, genemll clark of thair conventiounis, being now seik^p^agen[||*'
and diseasit, and that Maister Alexander Guthre his brother, quha hes^^^^®-
supplieit his absence at this presentt conventioun, hes tane vpoun him to
serue the burrowis in his place the. tyme of his seiknes, according to the
forme and actis sett doun by the burrowis, for the expenssis contenit
thairintill : Thairfoir the saidis commissioneris of burrawis continewis
the said lohnne in his office foirsaid to the nixt conventioun generall, and
as for his stipend for the zeir tocum, ordanis the same to be payit be
the burrowis at the said conventioun generall, ilk ane for thair awin
pairttis, in cais na extent intervene in the meane tyme, in the quhilk
caice thay ordane the same be eikit incais ony extent be sett doun, and
this to be rememberit in the missiues, and to cum instructit quhat ordour
salbe tane concernyng the electioun of thair clark in tyme cuming, and
the burgh nochtt bringand the said lohnnes stipend to pay ane vnlaw
of ten li to the burrowis.
68. The same day, for resonabill consideratiounis moveing thame, re-EigenevnUwit
mittis and dischairgis the vnlaw of tuentie lib. to the toun of Elgene, "°*^*^*
incurit be thame for thair non corapeirance to this presentt conventioun.
59. The same day, decernis the burrowis of Kirkcudbrycht, Dumfreis, Kirkcud-
Banff, Brechene, Aberbrothok, Nairne, Quhithome, and Culane, euery ane/^^Bamf?"^'
of thame, for non paymentt of lohnne Guthreis stipend at this Presentt ^^°^®jy^Aj^
conventioun, conforme to the act maid att Kirkcaldy thairanent, in ane QoWtborne,
vnlaw of tuentie poundis ; and ordanis lames Winrhame, agent, to raise et, chairgo
lettres for ingetting thairof vpoun the "burrowis expenssis. *^®'^*
60. The same day, etc., decernis the burrowis of Irrowyne and Inner- irwyna Inner-
ness, euery ane of thame, in ane vnlaw of tuentie poundis, for non pay-andi^^t
mentt of lohnne Guthreis stipend, conforme to the act maid at Kirkcaldy
thairanent ; neuirtheles in consideratioun that the commissioner of Air
hes payit for Irrowyne, and the Commissioner of Sanct Androis etc., for
Innemes, they remitt and dischairge the saidis vnlawis.
61. The same day, etc., decernis and ordanis Thomas Kingzow, com-outhre,
missioner for Pittinweme, to pay to lames Guthre, clark of Montrois, for^^**^^^'
3 G
418 Convention of Royal Burghs.
his service at the eonventioun haldin thairat, the sowme of threttie sevin
poundis fyve sehillingis, betuix this and the feist of Mertimes nixtt ; pro-
vyding incais the said Thomas pay the sowme of sevintene poundis fyve
sehillingis betuix this and the sevint day of October nixt, than the said
Thomas to be frie of the said xxxvij li. v s., vtherwayis nochtt bott that
he be astrictit to pay the same principall sowme.
NixtgeneniU 62. The samyn day, the saidis coramissioneris of burrowis hes ap-
conventioun. poyntit and appoynttis the nixt generall eonventioun to be and begyn
Prayer in the at the buFgh of Strcvcling the xxvij*' day of lunij nixtocum in the zeir
eonventioun of Qod J"' v*^ four scoir fourtene zeiris ; and ordanis the commissioneris of
the said burgh to mak laufull aduerteismenttof the samin to the magis-
tratis thairof, and that thay cause laufull vamyng to be maid to the
remanent burrowis be thair missiues to compeir the said day and place
to vott and conclude in all matteris to be proponit thairatt, and specially
vpoun the heidis ordanit to be rememberit in the saidis missiues and to
be insertt in the samyn, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of tuentie poundis
for ilk burgh absentt. And thairefter the saidis commissioneris of bur-
rawis causit the prayer vnderwrittin to be maid and red, and quhilk thay
ordanit to be registratt in this buke, and vsit at the end of all generall
conventiounis, off the quhilk the tennour foUowis : — We man confes, O
Lord, that we haif fund thi presens in sum mesure amangis ws at this
tyme, and in ane greitter mesure suld we haif fund it war nocht oure
synnis and ingratitude stayes the cours of thi gudnes. Lord forgif ws
oure slaknes and negligent handling of this wark, cover oure imperfec-
tiounis and manyfawld inlaikes in ws with the coverture of thi mercy in
Chryst. We thank the, and we craif hairts to thank the, for thi assist-
ance at this tyme, beseiking the mair and mair to inabill ws be thi
Spreitt to this wark, in sic sort that als oft as we convene for this tume
we may find the growth of thi Spreitt in ws. Bles oure King and Queynis
Maiesteis with a happie governament ; suppres the rebelUs and thairis
in this cuntrey ; quenche this commoun fyre of civill seditioun ; estab-
leis the trone of thi Sone Chryst, demoleische the trone of the Antechryst
euery quhair, and cheiflie in this countrey. And fynallie Lord, gif ws
grace to pas the cours of this oureKpilgramage heir in thi feir, that heir-
after we may dwell with the for euir in that glorie that Chryste hes
purchest to ws be his pretious deyth, to quhome, thairfore, with the and
Convention of Royal Burghs,
419
the Haly Ghaist, be all prayse, honoure, and glorie, for euir and euir.
Amen.
63. The same day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis hes a^ignitAsdgnatio
and assignis to Henry Young, clark of this burgh, the vnlaw of the burgh B^Sina
of Brechene for thair absence from this presentt conventioun, extending ^^'^^
to the sowme of xx IL, and that for his seruice at this presentt conven-
tioun ; and ordanis lames Winrhame, agent, to cause him be ansuerit
thairof.
64. The sam day, ordanis lames Wynrame, agent, of his awin consent, Prooept, Agent,
to pay lohnn Guthre his stipend awand of the rediest of the sowmes^^***^
pertening to the burrowes and beand in his handis etc., and the said
lames to gif in his compt of his diligence and intromissiounis at the
nixt conventioun.
65. The same day. assignis to lohnne Cuthbert, mariner in Kirkcaldy, Preoept Agent,
for his supportt of his presentt necessitie, the vnlaw of the burgh of ^^*^'^'**
Dumfreis, incurit be thame for thair non comperaunce to this presentt
conventioun, extending to the sowme of tuentie poundis, and ordanis
lames Winrhame agent to cause him be ansuerit thairof.
Ihone Lathreysk, Moderatour
lohne Robertsone
R. Flescher, commissioner for Dun-
die
Dauid Watsone
G. Durie, commissioner for Inner-
kething.
Ihone lameson, for Cowper
Robart Pattone, for Dunfermling
William Wilkin
W. Somervill, for Renfrew.
I. Wilsoune
Thomas Lauder, for North Berwick.
Robart Clapin, wyth my hand
lames Scott, for Selkirk
Andro Meluill, for Anstruther be
wast the bum
lo^. Steweinsoun, for Peblis
Ihone Symsoun, for Brunteland
M. Eduard Galbraith
Mr. lohne Cheyne, commissioner
for Aberdein
Mr. lames Wischert, for Months
Daved Boswell
Walter Cowan, for Sterling
Andro Ker
Thomas Kingzow
George Cochrane, commissioner
of Air
Mr. Ihone Wemis, commissioner
for Dysert
Wm. Conynghame, for Dunbar-
tane
420 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Robert Adame, commissioner of Glasquow, and George Swttie commis-
sioner of Forfar be Maister Alexander Guthre at oure command, because
we cannot writt oure selffis. Ita est M. Alexander Guthre notarius pub-
licus ac scriba dicte conventionis in premissis de mandato dicte person-
arum scribere nescientes vt aflirmerunt testat ac mea subscriptione manu-
alibus
A. Guthre
Ihone Douglas Ihone Hacket for Kyrkcaldy .
The copy of the Lettre sent be the Burrowes to the toun of Campheir
mentionat in the Act of this last Conventioun.
A Messeigneurs Messeigneurs les Deputez des Villes d' Escosse.
Messeigneurs, — Nous auons trouu^ expedient et n^cessaire pour Tar-
rangement augmentatioun et conseruation du liberty trafficque et com-
merce de la nation de Escossoise et vostre ville remonstrer avos seigneuries
que de toute anciennet^ les merchands de ce pays sont accoustemez en
grand nombre frequnter vostre ville pour en achepter de la dicte nation
toutes marchandises et denreez arriuans icy du Royalme d' Escosse par-
quoy les dictes merchandises denreez monterent a grand priz k I'auantage
et proffict de la dicte nation Dont la mesme nation est k present frustre
& cause que factoures de la dicte nation demourans en ceste ville se sont
auanchez depuis quelque temps en 9a et s anancent encores joumellement
(pardessus leur factorie ordinaire) d' achetter et leur approprier tous les
dictes marchandises et denrees si cost qu*ilz arriuent en ceste ville telle-
raent que les merchans de parde^a ne peuuent jamais venir en temps pour
en achepter de marchandises des marchans Escossois porquoy les marchans
de pardesa ayans et a bon droict prenans occasion de ne plus frequenter
icy au moins pas en si grand nombre comme ilz souloyent (k nostre grand
regret et interest) les dictes factourez ont moyen d*achetter et leur appro-
prior les marchandises de leurs maistres k petit priz Jouissant ainsi le
proffict et gain que leurs maistres aultrement poulroyent et deburoyent
jouir contre tout bon ordre de factorie et directement contre le conti-act
fait entre nous et la dicte nation par lequele ilz jouyssent tant des preu-
Convention of Royal Burghs. 421
ileges franchises libertez et auttres grand auantages et d*autiant que telle
contrauention et tout ce que dessus tende et reconde non seulement au
grande dammage et preiudice du diet libre trafficque et commerce en ceste
ville et par consequence de diets marchans de parde^a et nos bourgeois
mais aussi m^mes au grand desauantage et interest des mai-chans Escossois.
Prions bien afFectueusement qu'il plaise k vos seigneuries de mectre ordre
que les dictea facteurs de cy en auant ilz n'ayent k s'entremetter ou
s'entremester que de leur factorie sans y conioindre aulcun train de mar-
chandise en trafficque de leur propre auttant que touche Testaple de leur
nation ou aultrement qu'ilz soyent tenuz et subiectz & tous frais despens
et charges comme les naturelz bourgeois et auttres habitans du ceste ville,
parquel moyen la dicte trafficque et commerce viendra areches a florie k
Tauantage de la dicte nation aussy de son extr^miti^ comme Marquiz de
ceste ville et de nous qui debuons supporter tant de frais et despens pour
I'entre tennement de la dicte nation en leur susdictes franchises libert^ et
aultres grand aduantaiges qui sera Tendroict au apres nous auoir recom-
mendez bien affecteuseraent aux bonnes graces de voz seigneuries prions
le tout puissant vous
. Messeigneurs donner en sante vie bonne heureuse et longue. Escripte
la ville de Campher le xv de Maij 1 593.
De voz, seigneuries
Les bien affectiounez Bourgmestres et Eschennis de la ville de Campher
De vos.
FoLLOWES the Lettre direct be Count Maureis be the saidis Burrowes
mentionit in the said Act
Messieurs, Messieurs les Deputes des Villes du Royaume de Escossa
Messieurs, — Ayant de tout temps assez cognu combien vous affeo-
tionnez Tamiti^ et bonne correspondence des subiectz et habitans du
royaulme d'Escosse auecq ceulx des Provinces Vnies de ce Pays Bas, et le
desir que vous auez tousiours eu a ce que Ventre cours de la traffique
d'entre les subiectz et marchans Escossois et ceulx de parde9a
pouisse auoir et continuer son train libre et accoustum^ principalle-
ment en ma ^dlle de Campheir en Zelande suiuant m^mes les traiet^
422 Convention of Royal Burghs.
et accordes sur cecy deuant faicta et passes, C'est cause que je ne
veulx obmetre de vous dire comme j*ay ^t^ presentement occasion
ne de faire par mes lettres entendre au Serenis&ime Roy d'Escosse les
plaincts et doleances que les Borgmestre et aultres du magistrats de ma
dicte ville de Campher m*ont fisiict de la contrauentioun dont en la dicte
ville auroit depuis quelques ann^es en 9a dicte vse au regard du libre
traffique et commerce des biena denrees et marchandises accoustum^
illeoq arriuer d'Escosse et ce a cause de maniers et famous de fair
invsit^s et cy deuant non accoustum^ ny ouyes dont les facteurs de
la nation Escossoise residens en ma ville sudicte ont depuis aulcun temps
en 9a procede et procedent journellement k Tendroict, lachapter des
denrees et maixjhandises venans de Escosse ainsy que je Tescrips plus
amplement k Sa Maiestie et luy en sera encores plus particulierement
represents par lettres du magistrat de ma dicte ville. Quo me gurdera
d'en faire en joy redite seullement vous prieray Messieurs qu' apres auoir
sonde le fond de ccst affaire mectans en bonne consideration le grand pre-
judice intSr^st et dommage que non seullement les merchans de parde^a
mais aussy les subiects de Sa Maiestie maistres des dictes factours vien-
droient au courir et endurer en cas que les dictes facteurs continuent h,
achaptre et s* approprier k eulx les biens et marchandises de leurs maitres
venans d'Escosse k Testaple de Campher vous vueilles tenir la bonne maine
vers Sa Maiestie a fin que son bon plaisir soit d'y ordonner et disposer
ainsy que pour le bien de ses subiects pour la continuation de la trafficque
et nSgociation entre iceulx et les marchans de parde9a et Tentretement
des accords et traictes cy-deuant faicts et pass^ entre les subiects de Sa
Maiestie et le magistrat du dicte Campher sa dicte Maiestie trouuer k con-
venir deuans les facteurs susdictes d'aultant moins d'occasion d'exceder le
termes de susdictes accordz et traitez veu les priueleges exemptions fran-
chaises etantres grands adnantages dont en vertu d'iceulx ilz jourissent
estants ce pendant les bourgeois et aultres mes subiects au dicte Campher
tenez de porter toutes les charges y . Qui sera Fendroict auquel
vous presentant bien affectueuses recommendatiouns en vos bonnes graces
je suppliera Dieu vous conseruer
Messieurs, longuement en tout bon heur et prosperity,
Lescript au Camp deuant Geertray Denberghe le iij"'® de Maij 159S.
Vostre tres affection^ k vous faire seruice.
Maurice de Nassen.
Convention of Boyal Burghs. 423
In the Conventiowi of Burn^owis, begun and haldin at ^Ae Edinburgh.
hurch of Edinburgh^ the nynt of lulij, the zeir of God
jm ycj^Quy^^ 5co^V thretteinj and continewand to the
day of the said moneth of IuUj\ quhilk wes before and
in the tyme of Parlament haldiii at the said burch^ and
for the effairis thairof; Comperit thepersounis vnder--
writtin as Commissioneris of the Barrouns follovring^
that is to say :
Edinburgh, Ihonn Robertaoun, Eduard Qalbrayth ; Perth, lames Drum-
mond, Olipher Young ; Dundie, Patrick Lyoun ; Abirdene, Thomas
Meynzeis ; Stirling, Arthour Bruce ; Glasquow, James Stewart ; Air,
George Cochraine ; Lynly thqow, Androw Ker ; Montrose, Maister James
Wyschert ; Haddingtoun, Ihonn Wilsoun ; Kingome, William Cvning-
hame ; Irewyne, Hew Scott ; Selkirk, lames Scott ; Forfare, Ihone Traill ;
Lanerk, William Wilkyne ; Kirkcaldy, Ihonn Hacquett; Dysert, Wil-
liame Carmichail ; Sanctandrois, Dauid Watsoun ; Innerkething, William
Blaikbume ; Craill, Ihonn Mathesoun ; Cowper, lames Andersoun ; Peblis,
Ihonn Stevinsoun ; Anstruther Eister, Robert Clapen ; Pittinweyme,
Nicolas Strang ; Euglein, Ihonn Riddell ; Innemes, Ihonn Cudbert ;
Brunt Hand, Androw Wilsoun ; Culros, George Bruce ;
xiiij^ lulij 1593.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foresaidis being convenet, George coiroat.
Bruce commissioner of the burch of Culros wes content and consentet to
pay to Roger Maknacht, merchant burges of Edinburch, the sowmes
quhilk the said burch is extentet for the Kingis Grace wynes and customes,
quhairto the said Roger is coUectour, nochtwithstanding the sam wes sett
before thair admissioun in ane fiie burch ; and the saidis commissioneris
in consideratiouu thairof remittis and dischairges vnto the said burch thair
pairt of Adam Fullertounis extent.
424 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Co*'**' tour "^^ ^^ ^^y* ordanis lames Wynrarae, agent, to tak cawtioun o{
Maister Robert Danielstoun, conseruetour, for obseruing the buirowes
decreitt gevin at Dysart and fulfilling thairof, anent the excyse beir and
wyne of thre zeiris bygane, and for keiping the act maid at the said con-
ventioun concerning his conseruatour fie of vnstaipill guidis, that he sail
tak na mair nor is inioynet him.
Agent, Inner- The sam day, dischairges lames Wynraime, agent, fra vptaking of the
twa vnlawes of Innernes at the last conventioun vnto the nixt generall
conventioun, provyding that the said burch in the meyne tyme desist fra
the vptaking of the excyse boll of mentionat in ane act of the
said last convention, to the quhilk Ihonn Cudbert, commissioner of the
said burch, agreit and consentit.
xvj^ lulij 1593.
Agent, The quhilk day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowes convenit to this
roweTfrahim. prescut parliament, grantis and confessis thame to haif borrowet and resauet
fra lames Wjmrame, thair agent, vpoun profieitt, the sowme of audit scoir
poundis money, bestowet be thame for the weill of the haill burrowes of
this reaJme for the avancement of thair eflkires in this present parliament,
quhilk sowme thai faythfullie bind and obleis thame to delyuer to the
said lames in Edinburch fourtein dayes preceding Mairtymes nixtt, and
becaus it wald exceid the said sowm to collect the sam throw the haill
realme, thay bynd and obleis thame and thair burchis, failzeand to send
thair pairtis of the said sowme thankfuUie to the said lames, the day
foresaid, to pay to the said lames with thair pairtis of the said sowme the
vnlaw of twenty pundis money, and also decemis the burrowis absent in
the sam sowme of vnlaw failzeing to pay thair pairtis the day foresaid,
beand lawfullie aduerteist heirof, and that the said lames rayse lettres of
horning for compelling the saidis burrowis heirto gif neid beis.
xvij*' lulij 1593.
u^M^lane ^® quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowes foirsaidis wer content
iropout.
^
Convention of Royal Burghs. 425
and consentet that the burch of Lynlythquow sail haif and purches of oure
Souerane Lord ane gift of ane impoist or dewtie of twa schillingis, to be
tayne of ilk cairt paasand alangis thair brig, to be imployet for support of
thair brig and mending the fuird, and this gift to indure for the spaice of
fjrve zeir allanerlie.
The sam day, the commissioneris of burrowes foirsaidis wer content and AWrden^
consentit that the bm*ch of Abirdene obtene of our Souerane Lord and taxatioun.
thre Estatis of parliament, ane taxatioun to be vpliftet of the Schrefdomes
of Abirdene and Bamf, to be imployet vpoun the repajndng of the Brig of
Don.
The same day, the burchis following ar vnlawit for non payment of Burroww
thair pairtis of thre thowsand pundis according to thair awin consentis to
the act maid at Dysard/ viz. : — The burrowis of Jedburch, Sanct Androis,
Kyngome, Pettiuweme, and Selkirk, ilk ane of thame in the sowme of ten
pundis, to be vpliftit be the said lames Wynrame, agent, provyding gif
the saidis burrowis payis befoir thair depairting of this burch to be frie of
the saidis vnlawis.
Eduard Galbraith. lohne Robertsone.
lohne lacksone for Renfrew. Olipher Young, balye.
An. Vilsoune. I. Andersone.
lo*^* Stewensoun. A Ker.
I. TrailL Dauid Watsoune.
Hew Scott. Robart Clapin.
Thomas Kingzow. Johne Hacket.
W. Carmichall. Dauid Wand.
Apud Edinburgh xx° lulij 1593.
The quhilk day, the haill commissionaris of burrowis on the vther
syd subscryueand, haveand hard and considderit the actis, following
pen nit in paper becaus thai war nocht to remane, being weill content
thairwith ordainit the same to be buikit off the quhilkis the tenour
followis : —
The quhilk day, the commissionaris of burrowis convenit to this present OoMeiratour
3h ^•-
426 Convention of Royal Bnrghs.
parliament, being in conference with my lord conseruatour of syndrie
commoun affairis belanging to tliair estait, and lie allegeand that he had
gude richt to vplift his conseruatour fie of all jVnstapill gudes cumand to
ony pairtis of Flanderis, quhilk he offerit to produce and verifie befoir
thame, and thai nocht being of mynd to preiuge him in his rychtis any
way : Thairfoir gevis power and commissioun to the burrowis of Edin-
burch, Perthe, Dundie, Glasquow, Striviling, Sanct Androis, Dysard, and
Lynlythqu,to convene in tlie said burgh of Edinburgh vpoun aduerteisment,
and viseit his rychtis quhatsumeuir concerning his conseruatour fie of
vnstapill gudis, and thairvpone to decerne and conclude according to
equitie and gude conscience, and the burch fayilzeand to pay ane vnlaw
of XX lib; and tlie said lord conseruatour wes content and consentit to
send for his buikis concerning the said matter and to produce thame be-
foir the saidis burrowis to be tiyet by thame as accordis.
And lykwayis, anent the mater of the excyse of beir and vyne in Cam-
pheir, gevis power and commissioun to the burrowis aboue mentionat to
convene at Edinburgh and decyde thairin vpoun aduerteisment ; and my
lord conseruatour wes content to report vnto thame the will and mynd of
the toun of Campheir thairanent, that the saidis burrowis mycht the
better tak ordour with the same.
At Edinburgh the second day of November the zeir of God
j"^ v"" Ixxxxif.
The quhilk day, the commission eris of burrowes vnderwritten, that is
to say : for Edinburgh, Henry Nesbet, Edward Galbrayth ; for Perth,
Excyse beir Adamc Andcrsoun ; for Dnndie, lohnn Fynlawsoun ; for Glasquow, Robei-t
and wyne. Rowatt ; for Sanctandrois, Dauid Watsoun ; for Dysart», William Car-
Factoures in Hiichael ; being convenit at the said burgh to intreatt and conclude vpoun
Can.phoir. the materfs of the excyso beir and wyne and of the consei-uatouris fie,
conform to the power and commissioun gevin to thame be the remanent
Convention of Royal Burghs. 427
burrowes, be ane act maid at Edinburgh the xx day of lulij last, with
ane act maid at the generall conventioun at Dysart, — my lord consenia-
tour being present, — after lang consideratioun and ressouning had with
him and amang thame selffis anent the said mater of the excyse here and
wyne, the saidis commisBioneris for the maist pairt hes votet, condiscendet,
and agreit, that the said excyse heir and wyne sail be distributed amangs
the factouris and commoun howssis in the toun of "Campheir, for the
rcssett and intertenement of the merchantis of oure natioun repayriug to
the staipill thair, be my lord conseruatour, with avyse of ane commis-
sioner of Edinburgh, haiffand power to that effect, with ane commissioner
of Dundie and Sanct Ihonestoun, incais thai be thair for the tyme, haiffand
lykewayes commissioun thairto, with this provisioun and conditioun
alwayes, that the saidis factoures and commoun howssis sail be subiect to
ease the merchantis trafficquand and repaymnd within the said toun of
Campheir vpoun sic pryces for thair meltethis as sail be agreit be the
avyse of the said lord conseruatoure and commissioner, be ressoun the
saidis factoures and commoun howssis hes the excyse fre for the natioun s
cans ; and this ordoure to stand and continew quhill the nixt conventioun
of bun^owes generall, and for the saidis commissioneris opinioun thay offer
to gif in the saidis factoures and commoun howssis be the merchant
ludgeit thairin for thair denner, haiffand guid and suflScient intertenement,
(gif thai pleis to dyne) fyve stwires drink and Inglis beir, and for his
supper, candill, and bed, sevin stwiris, and gif thai sail drink ony wyne to
pay for it excyse frie, quhilk is estemit abowt the thrid penny doun : and
incais the saidis merchantis and trafficqueris haif desyre to drink at mome,
afternone, or efter supper, vpoun discreitt moderatioun, to haif the samyn
excyse frie, and nane of the saidis factoures or commoun howssis to haif
any pairt of the excyse beir and wyne except he agrie to the conditiounis
aboue writtin.
Als thai fynd it expedient and ordanis, that my lord conseruatour Angmenta-
and commissioneris passand to Campheir sail travell to get ane aug- excyse bein
mentatioun of aucht last mair of beir, excyse frie, or mair and les as
thai can obtene, becaus the quantitie grantet is nocht habUl to serue the
natioun.
Item, anent my lord conseruatoures fie of vnstaipiil guidis cumaud to Oontematouris
ony pairtis of Flanderis, for dyuers guid and resonabill caussis moving *•*
428 Convention of Royal Burghs.
thame, fyndis it maist expedient to remitt, and be thir presentis remittis,
the samyn to the decesioun of the general! conventioun of burrowes.
Eduard Qalbreith. Henry Nisbett.
lo. Findlasoun. Adam Andersoun, commissioner
Dauid Watsoune. for Perth.
W. Carmichaell.
In the Generall Conventioun of Burrovns^ begun and haldin
at the burgh of Stirling the xxvij of lunij] the zeir of
stiriNf- God J" v' foure scoir fourtene zeiris, Comperit the
Commissioneris of Burrowis vndenmnttin^ and pro-
ducet thair particulare commissiounis following, That
is to say :
Edinburgh, Henry Charteris, Eduard Galbrayth ; Perth, James Adame-
soun ; Innerkething, George Dury ; Kingorne, Androw Broun ; Stirling,
Anthone Bruce, Dauid Forester ; Linlythquow, Androw Ker ; Dumbar-
tane, Robert Watsoun ; Renfrow, William Ranfrow ; Ruglein, Walter
Fairie ; Air, George Cochraine ; Irrewyne, Niniane Barclay ; Glasquow,
Thomas Mure, Maister Henry Gibosun ; Kirkcudbricht, lohnn^ Mekill ;
Wigtoun, William Makgowne ; Quhythorne, James Makcall ; Lanerk,
William Mowatt ; Jedburgh, Thomas Henrysoun ; Selkirk, be thair
missiue presentet be Dumfreis ; Peblis, Patrick Vaitche ; Haddingtoun,
Ihonn Wilsoun ; North Bervik, Thomas Lawder ; Drumfreis, Harbert
Raynie ; Abirdene, Alexander Forbes ; Dundie, William Duncane ; Bamf,
Alexander Currour ; Dumfermeling, William Pratus ; Craill, lohnn Mak-
kesoun ; Forfare, be thair missiue presentet be Montrose ; Brechane,
Thomas Wynzets ; Montrose, William Mvrray ; Elgeyn, Alexander
Annand ; Arbroth, be thair ratificatioun presentet be ; Sanct Androis,
Convention of Royal Burghs. 429
Maister Dauid Auchmowtie ; Cowper, James Andersoun ; Culane, be thair
missiue presentet be Rimf ; Forres, be thair missiue presentet be Edin-
burgh ; Kirkcaldy, Ihonn Hakkett ; Pittinweyme, Ihonn Corsaw ; Bruut-
Iland, Ihonn Symsoun ; Anstruther Eister, Ihonn Anstruther ; An-
struther Wester, Androw Meluile ; Culros, George Bruce ; Kilraynie,
Robert Strang ; Lawder, William Pringell > Dunbar, William Kellie ;
Dysart, Ihonn Lvmisdaill ; Rosay, James Stewart.
1. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foresaids electet, creat, and con- j^^««*»o«» o'
stetute Anthone Bruce, commissioner first nominat in the commissioun of
this present burgh of Stirling, thair moderatour during the tyme of this
present conventioun, conforrae to the actis maid thairanent.
2. The sam day, the commissioneris foresaids dispensand with the de- statute anent
fectiouns and imperfectiouns of certane commissiouns of burrowes producet ^d m^S^^
before thame, for the present statutes and ordanis, for the better ordoure ojratificatioun.
and formalitie to be obseruet heirafter, that na commissioun of any burgh,
at the generall or particulare conventiouns, be admittet and resauet with-
out the sam be formallie maid and gevin vnder the autentik seill of the
toun, and subscryuet be the prouest and baillies, or be thair commoun
clerk, and that all burrowes exemit cans be producet be the commissioneris
of the nixt burgh the act of thair exemptioun, togidder with thair missiue
of ratificatioun, attentiklie subscryuet as said is ; and quha sa dois in the
contrair heirof to be comptet as absent and vnlawet, and ilk burgh to be
aduertist heirof in the generall missiue of the nixt conventioun that thai
pretend na ignorance.
3. The sam day, appoyntis and affixes the houres of thair conventioun Houres of con-
within the Tolbuith of this burgh, induring the twa dayes to rin of this
present publict fast, to be and begyn at allevin houris before none, and to
continew quhill the second bell of the aftemone sermone ; and thair
meittings fra thyne furth, induring this present conventioun, to be at ten
houres before none, and to continew quhill fyve houres at evin, and the
commissioners absent at the precise houre to pay ane vnlaw of half ane
merk but favoure.
4. The sam day, comperit Kingis Grace
secretare to oure Souerane Lord, and declayret that he wes direct g^^^^d
frome his Maiestie to the saidis commissioners to schaw vnto thame J^®*?^«
banketis.
that his grace having to provyde for the honorabill intertenement
of the forayne imbassadouris that ar to repair within the realme to
430 Convention of Royal Bunjhs.
the baptisme of the Pry nee, and considderand that the generall taxatioun
can nocht be haistelie inbrocht as the necessitie requyres, the barrouns
and gentilmen hes willinglie agreit to gif and furneis to the bankets ky,
oxin, scheip, wyld meitt, and sum syluer wark ; and thairfore desyret the
saidis burro wes, for schawing thair guid will and afFectioun to his
Maiesteis honoure and seruice, to furneis liberallie the spye« and wjTie to
the saidis bankets. With the quhilk the saids commissionares being
avyset, after thai had schawin to his lordschip that thai had na power or
commissioun of thair burghs to bring any burdein vpoun tharae, at lenth
agreit and ordanet that ilk commissioner at his returning sail mak his
burgh aduertist heirof, and desyre thame to send thair ansuer in writt to
the provest, bailHes, and counsall of the burgh of Edinburgh agane the
fyflein day of lulij nixt, that the said provest and baillies may report the
same to his Maiestie.
Vniawing the 5. The sam day, Ihonn Mvschett, coramoun clerk of Stirling, verefeyet
sent the lawful! directioun of the missiues and citatioun of the burrowes to
this present conventioun, and fyndis that he hes done his diligence, and
that the burrowes vnderwrittin, and euery one of thame, for thair con-
tumacie, hes incurret the payne and vnlaw of twenty pund : that ar
to say, .......
Lvmisdaill,
agent, Wynes.
xxviij^ lunij j™ v*' Ixxxxiiij.
6. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foresaidis beand convenit, com-
perit Ihoun Lvmisdaill, commissioner and burges of the burgh of Dysart,
and acted, band, and oblist himself, his aires, executouris and assignayes,
to content and pay to lames Wynrame, genei-all agent, in name of the
burrowes, the sowme of sex scoir audit pund allevin schillingis, restand
awand be the said burgh of Dysart of thair pairt of the last taxatioun of
the wynes and customes, betuix and the first day of August mixttocum,
togidder with the sowme of fourty pund as for the expenssis, damnage,
and entres liquedat, and agreit vpoun be consent of the said Ihoun, incais
Eowpping he failzie in payment of the said principall sowme at the day foresaid.
oon^oun y rpj^^ ^^^ ^^^^ anent that heid of the generall missiue concerning the
rowpping of the commoun guids, and perambulation n of the merches of
Convention of Royal Burghs. 431
commoun lands of burrowes, at lenth specifeit in the sext act of the
last conventioun, the saidis coramissionaris, except the burrowis following,
having producet and schawin thair diligence in writt thairvpoun, it is
fund that the burgh of Innerkething hes nocht done thair exact diligence inn^rknhing
in putting thair commoun guid to the best awaill, conform to the actis of
parliamene and statutes of burrowes, be ressouu that sen the act of Sane-
tandrois thay haif sett ane nynetein zeir tak of certane thair commoun
lands and maid na augmentatioun of thair reutale, and thairfore hes ad-
iudgeit and adiudgeis the said burgh in ane vnlaw of twenty pund to be
peyet to lames Wynrame, agent, in name of the saids burrowes ; and
ordains the burghes of Ruglein, Kirkudbricht, Renfrew, Wigtoun, to schaw Rugipin, Ben-
and produce, at the nixt generall conventioun, mair sufficient dihgence Kiricudbncht^
anent the rowpping of thair commoun guid and perambuling thair mairches, M*^^"*^«*
in writt, vnder the payne of twenty pund ilk burgh, and to be aduertist
heirof in the missiue.
8. The samyn day, the saids commissioners of burrowes ratefeis and statute. Leit-
approvis the acts and statutes made at Sanctandrois inAprile, anno 1589, gimls.
and at Montrose in lunij 1591, anent the rowpping of commoun lands ^*®**^"®*
and perambuling the merches [of] burrowes ; and for the better declara-
tioun and executioun thairof, of new statutes and ordsinis, that the
customes, fyscheings, mylnes, mylne lands, and ambill lands pertening to
any burgh be sett in tyme cuming be sett to fremen, inhabitants of
the burghes, and berand burding within the sam, and thair subtennents
of na hiear degreis nor thamselffis, and to na othera, and that for the zeiiis
following allanerlic, to witt : — the customes of burrowes to be rowppet
zeirlie ; the mylnes, mylne lands, and fyscheings for thre zeiris ; and the
lands alreddy mannret and putt to the vttermest proffeitt for fyve zeiris,
and for na langer spaices ; and this vnder the payne and vnlaw of fourty
pund, to be payet be ilk burgh contra venand this present ordinance to the
commissioneris of burrowes, and thair agent in thar name^, zeirlie, at ilk
generall conventioun, swa lang as the tjiks sett for ma zeiris nor is ex-
pressit in this pi'esent act and statute sail happin to stand and in dure ;
and that tryell may be tayne of the keipping of this act at ilk conventioun
generall, ordanes euery bui-gh to mak thair report thairof, and this to be
rememberit in the missiues zeirlie ; and as concerning the waist landis of
burrowis, fyndis that ilk burgh may sett the samyn in few or lang taka
as the burgh to quhom the sam perteinis plesis, to thair best weill
432 Conveyition of Royal Burylis.
Protostatio, The samyn day, George Cocliraine, commissionar of Air, protested that
the act before writtin suld nocht be preiudieiall to thair burgh anent
thair ancient custome of setting in rentall of thair commoun landis of the
barony of Allay, and thairvpoun asket acts and instruments,
small customes 9. The samyn day, anent that heid of the missiue, contenit in tlie
liiMiu^^*^ sevint act of the last conventioun, for reporting the consuetude and richtis
quhairby ilk burgh taks vp thair small customes, burgh fra burgh, and
quhat is the quantity thairof, fyndis that the burgh of Edinburgh hes bene
ordanet at dyuers conventiouns, bayth of awld and of laitt, to produce
thair custome rolles and hes nocht done the samyn as zitt, and thairfore
ordanes the said burgh, zitt of as before, to exhibit and produce before the
commissioners of burrowes, at their nixt generall conventioun, the extract
of thair custome rolles within thair burgh and at thair port of Leyth,
attentiklie subscryuet, vnder the payne of ane vnlaw of twenty pund ;
and Henry Charteris and Edward Galbrayth, commissioners of the said
burgh, tuik protestatioun that thai, in name of the said burgh, offerit the
sicht thairof to any persoun that pleset, havand commissiouu thairto of
his burgh, and dissentit to the said penalty ; and the saids commissioners
of burrowes in the meynetyme continewes the decisioun of that mater
vnto thair nixt general conventioun, and ordains ilk burgh to bring and
produce thair richtis and titles thairto as of before, and this to be remem-
berit in the missiue.
Cowper contra X 0. The sam day, anent the complaynt of Cowper aganis Pettinweyme
and An- and Anstruther Eister and Wester, for trubling of thame in exacting of
stru era. ccrtane small customes, as is contenit in the missiue and sevint act of the
last conventioun, the commissioners of the said burghis beand all present,
the saids commissioner of Cowper past fra the perswitt of Pittinweyme
pro loco et tempore, scdua actione ; and the saids commissioners of bur-
rowes continewes the decisioun of the said complaynt to thair nixt generall
conventioun, and ordains the saids burghes of Anstruther Eister and
Wester to bring and produce thair richts and titles to the said conven-
tioun, under the payne of xx li., and suspendes thame fra all vptaking of
the said customes in the meynetyme, dischairgeing thame thairof vnder
the payne foresaid, and Ansti-uther protestet in the contrair and Anstruther
Wester siclyk.
1 1. The sam day, anent the complaynt of Pittinweyme contra Innemes,
Convention of Royal Burghs. 433
mentionat in the said missine and contenit in the aucht act of the last Pittinweyme
conventioun, con tine wes the decisioun thairof vnto thair nixt generall nes. Missiue.
conventioun, and ordaines the said burgh of Innernes to be of new wairnit
to ansuer tliairto, suspending thame in the meynetyme fra all vptaking of
the excyse boll mentionat in the said act.
1 2. The samyn day, anent the complaynt of Lanerk aganes Glasquow, ^j^j^ contra
for vplifting ane laydilfull of euery laid victuall, and ane neiffull of ilk
wecht of woU speciteit in the said missiue and act of the last
conventioun, the commissioners of bayth the said burrowes being present,
Maister Henry Gibsoun, commissioner of Glasquow, producet ane decreitt
of the Lords of Counsall and Sessioun, be the quhilk it is fund that the
said burgh hes guid richt to vplift the said laydillfull of ilk laid victuall,
and thairfore the saids commissionera of burrowes, assolzeis thame simpli-
citer fra that pairt of the said complaynt ; and as to the rest, he producet
his allegeance in writt, bering in effect that the said burgh hes bein [in]
vse and posscssioun of vptaking and resaving of the said neiffull of woll,
without trubill or impediment, past memoure of man, as the said alle-
geance, delyuerit to him agane, at lenth beyris ; quhilk the said burrowes
fynds relevant and thairfore admittes the samyn to his probatioun and hes
assignet to him the day of , in thair nixt generall
conventioun, for preving thairof i^Hihiis apud acta citatia,
1 3. The sam day, Maister William Makgowne, commissioner of Wig- Wifftoun,
toun, and commoun clerk thairof, beand callet and desyret to schaw the **^°^.°
diligence of the said burgh in rowpping and setting of thair commoun guid
to the best availl, and in perambling thair mairches, conform to the actis
of burrowes, producet na diligence thairanent ; and thairafter comperit
Ihonn Hannay, burges of the said burgh, and gaif in his complaynt for
himself and the remanent nichtbours of the said burgh, aganis the said
Maister William, and aganis William Gordoun, Robert Dalzell, Ihonn
Edzear, Rolland Thomesoun, burgessis of the said burgh, for disponing of
certane thair commoun lands to the hurt and preiudice of the burgh, and
for vereficatioun thairof producet ane instrument of sesing of the samyn
maid and gevin to , upoun ane precept of sesing
contenit in the end of the few chairtour of the samyn, and the said instru-
ment vnder the note and subscriptioun of of the
daitt the day of proports ; and siclyke producet the
3 I
wnei
commiBsioii-
are.
434 Co?we7t(io7i of Royal Burghs.
lawful! citatioun of the saidis persouns to compeir before the saids com-
missioners the xxvij of this instant to ansaer to his com play nt, — quha
being callet, nano comperit except the said Maister William. Quhilk
instrument of sesing beand red to the said Maister William, and he
ansuerand to the said complaynt, confest and grantet that he had sub-
scry vet the few chairtour of the lands mentionat in the said instrument
at command of the laird of Carleis, provest, and ane of the baillies, and
that thai commandet him to do the samyn in the name of the community
and counsall, and that thair wes na act of counsall maid thairvpoun,
quhairvpoun the s^iid Ihonn Hannay asket actis and instrumentis, and
the said Maister William protestet that nathing to be done or proccdet be
the said commissioners aganis the said Robert Dalzell, William Gordoun,
Ihonn Edzear, Rolland Thomesoun, suld be preiudiciall to him or to the
laird of Carleis.
Makgowne, 14. The sam day, the said commissioners, in respect of the protesta-
dwchairget * tiouns and oppositiouns maid be Maister William Makgowne, to the i)reiu-
dice of the burrowes, and of his insufficiencie and inhabilitie, dischairget
him of thair society, and of all bering of commissioun amangis the bur-
rowes in tyme cuming, and ordanet lames MakcuUo, commissioner of Wig-
toun, to intimy the samyn to the burgh of Wigtoun, and in thair names
to dischairge the said burgh to send him in commissioun for thame heir-
after.
xxix lunij j™ v^ Ixxxxiiij.
Gias<juow, Air, ] 5^ The quhilk day, the commissioners foresaids being convenet, anent
bartane, contra the complavnt of Air, Glasquow, Irewj'ng, and Dunbartaine, aganis the
rkcudbnc t j^m.g|^ q£ Kirkcudbricht, for vplifting fra thame of the custom of foure
bolles greitt salt, land mesure, of ilk schip and bark arryvand in thair
barbery, as at lenth is contenit in the nynt act of the last conventioun at
Dysart, bayth the saidis pairteis beand present ; the said commissioner of
Kirkcudbricht producet his ansuer in writt to the said complaynt, to the
quhilk the compleners ansueret be writt vpoun the bak thairof ; and the
saidis commissioners of burrowes beand advyset thairwith thay admitted
the said exceptioun to the said defenders probatioun, specially quhair it is
Convention of Royal Burghs. 435
allegeit that thai ar and hes bene in vse of vpHfting of the said custome
of the quantity foresaid fra friemen of burrowes, and assignes to thame
the twenty se\'in day of lunij nixttocum, in the nixt conventioun gene-
ral! at Perth, for preving thairof ; and the saids compleners at the desyre
of the pairty gaif thair ayth de calumnia that thai haif just caus to deny
the said exceptioun ; and the saids comniissioneris with consent of the
Raid commissioner of Kirkcudbricht, defender, ordanes the said burgh of
Kirkcudbricht to refound the said custome swa far as thai sail get fra
the daitt heirof, incais thai succumb in preving the said exceptioun.
1 6. The sam day, anent the complaynt of Innernes, Elgein, Forres, innemea^
Pittinweyme, and Anstruthers Eister and Wester aganis the burgh of Peftinwey^
Abirdene, for taking ane excyse boll of greitt salt of all boitis and crearis ^^tJ![J*^®"*
arryvand in thair port, and ane boll of salt of Sanct Nicolas mett, as is Abirdene.
contenit in the xiiij act of the last conventioun, the commissioners of Elgein,
Pittinweyme, and bayth the Anstruthers on the ane pairt, and the com-
missioner of Abirdene on the other pairt, beand present, and the rest of the
persewers beand absent, — the commissioner of Elgein past fra his perswitt.
The said commissioner of Abirdene, defender, ansuerand to the said com-
playnt, allegeit, jis to the Sanct NicoUas mett, that thai tak the sam of
thair awin nichtbouris onelie and of na otheris, and thairfore the saids
commissioners deccrnes the said burgh, of consent of the said commissionar,
to desist and ceiss fra vplifting of the same fra the said compleneris in
tyme cuming ; and as to the excyse boll, he ofTerit him to preif suffi-
ciently that the said burgh he^ bene in vse and possessioun peacebill
thairof past memour of man of all fiie burrowes ; quhilk allegeance thai
referrit to his probatioun, and assignes to him the xxviij day of lunii nixt
to cum, in the nixt gcnerall conventioun, quhair the sam sail happin to be
affixet, for preving thairof; and the said commissioner of Abirdene is
becum souerty to refound the said custome fra the daitt heirof to the
saids compleners incais he succumb in preving the said allegeance, and
bayth the saids parties ar wayrnet apud acta,
1 7. The sam day, the commissioners of the burghes of Innerkething innerlwihing
and Culros, takand the burding vpoun thame for thair said burrowes, sub-
mitted all contraverseis betuix thame to the amicabill decisioun of the
commissioners of the burgh is of Sanctandrois, linlythquow, Dundie,
Cowper, or maist pairt of thame, promesand to abyde at thair decreitt but
liissiue.
436 Convention of Royal Burghs.
reclamatioun. Quhilkis arbiters acceptet the said mater with consent of
the commissioners of burrows, qulja ordanet thame to decyde thairin
before the dissolving of this present conventioun, and the party reclamand
to pay j° IL, the ane half to the burrowes, and the other half to his
party
Su^Su"' 18. The sam day, it is thocht expedient and ordanet that ilk burgh
sail, at the nixt conventioun generall, quhaireuir the sam sail happin to
be set, produce and schaw forder diligence in putting to executioun, euery
ane within thair awn bounds, of the act of parliament maid in lunij 1592
aganes vnfiie trafficque and the crafts in suburbs, and this to be ane heid
of the generall missiue.
Aiteratioun of 19. The sam day, the saidis commissioneris hes electet, creatt, and con-
stitute, and be thir presents electis, creats, and constitutes, the persouns
underwrittin thair commissioners for aiteratioun of the generall extent roll
of burrowes, gevand thame thair fuU power and commissioun thaii-to, and
promesand to hald ferme and stabill : that is to say, Henry Chairteris,
commissionar of Edinburgh ; James Adamsoun, commissionar of Perth ;
William Duncane, commissionar of Dundie ; Alexander Forbes, commis-
sionare of Abirdein ; Dauid Forester, commissionar of Stirling ; Ihonn
Hacquet, commissionar of Kirkcaldy ; Maister Dauid Auchinowty, com-
missionar of Sanctandrois ; Harbert Raynie, commissionar of Dumfreis ;
George Cochraine, commissionar of Air ; quhilk persouns acceptet the sam
in and vpoun thame, and gaif thair ay this for setting thairof trewlie and
lawfull, but feid or favour, according to thair conscience and knawledge ;
and the saidis commissioners of burrowes ratefeyes the act maid at Mon-
trose aganis thame that sail happin to protest or repyne aganis the deter-
minatioun of the saidis persouns appointit to sitt vpoun the aiteratioun
of the said extent roll, with the penalties contenit in the said act, to be
vpliftet with rigour vpoun the brekkares thairof.
^oJJJjj.Jjjocnc® 20. The sam day, the saidis commissioneris grantis and gevis licence to
the commissionar of Peblis to depairt before the dissolving of this present
conventioun, for the vrgent caussis and necissaris schaw in be him, quha be
thir presents ratefyis and apprevis aU things done or to be done in this
present conventioun.
pundie,^For- 21. The sam day, the commissionares of Dundie and Forfare submittis
all contraverseis betuix thame, zitt as of before, to the amicabill decisioun
to depairt
fare. Missiup.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 437
of the burrowcs mentionatt in the act maid thairvpoun at Kirkcaldy, in
all things as is contenit in the sai:l act, and in the act maid at Dysart,
and hes appointet and affixet thair meting to be at Dundie vpoun the
premonitioun of aucht dayes, to be made be the burgh of Forfare to the
burgh of Dondie, and the paii*tes nocht convenand to pay to the pairteis
convenand the vnlawes mentionat in the said acts ; and in the
mejme tyme the saidis commissionares of burrowis suspendis the
said burgh of Dundie fi*a all vptaking of the dcwty contenit in
the said act at Kirkcaldy, and fra all vsing of novatiouns vpoun the
said burgh of Forfare, cawtioun beand fund in maner specefeit in the said
act ; and in cais the said mater be nocht agreit be the saidis arbiters the
commissionares ordanis bayth the pairteis to compeir, sufficientlie iustructet
to ansuer to vtheris complaynts, at tlie nixt conventioun, and this to be
ane heid of the generall missiue.
Primo lulij, j™ v^ lxxxxiiij°
22. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foresaids being convenit, anent Exemptio
the supplicatioun gevin in before tha^ne for the pairt of the burgh of Dum-
bartane, desyring the said burgh to the exemit fi*a conventiouns of burrowes
for the spaice of thre zeir ; the saids commissioners being advyset thair-
with, in respect of thair povertie, grantit thair desyre, vpoun the condi-
tiouns contenit in the former acts maid anent exemptiouns.
23. The sam day, anent the complaynt of the burgh of DumbartaneDnnbartane,
aganis the burgh of Glasquow, for resaving of vnfriemen and regratouris, ^^***i"°^*
and for suffering thame to haif tredd within thair burgh, to the hurt of
the prevaleges of Dunbartane, the commissioners ordanis the said burgh
of Dunbartane to preife thair biill and to report to the nixt conventioun
the names of the vnfriemen quhom vpoun thair compleyne, and this to be
heid of the nixt missiue.
24. The same day, anent that pairt of the last missiue twicheing the Mets, Mosurefc
productioun of diligence done in the vniformety of mets and mesures, con- ^®*
form to the 45 act of the last conventioun of Dysart, — ^the saids commis-
sioners beand advyset thairwith, ordanet swa mony of the burrowes as
satisffeit nocht the act to produce thair diligence sufficientlie done betuix
438 Convention of Royal Burghs,
the dait heirof and the tuentie aucht day of lunie nixttocum, in thair nixt
conventioun generall, with ane attestatioun of the clerk of Lynlythquow
vpoun thair ressaitt of the iust mesoure of furlett, pek, and half pek, vnder
the payue of xx li. and ordanes the said burgh of Lynlythquow to delyuer
to ilk burgh desyrand the samyn ane iust furlett, with twa bands and ane
croee band in the boddum of irne, with pek and half pek without irne,
thay payand onelie sex pund thairfore, and this to be rememberit in the
general missuie.
M^sttiae. 2^- '^'^^ ^^^^ ^^Y* anent the supplicatioun gevin in be the toun of
Turreff, desyring to be inrolled amangs the number of frie burrowes, the
said commissioners ordanis thame to produce thair erectioun at the nixt
conventioun generall, and the burghis of Abirdene and Banff to be wairnet
for thair entres to ansuer thairto, and this to be ane heid of the missiue.
Jj"P9^^ ^^"^^ ^^- '^^^^ ^^ ^''^y* ^'^^^^ ^^® supplicatioun gevin in before thame be the
commissionar of the burgh of Bi-untiland, schawand of the necessitie and
decay of thair barbery, and thairfore desyring licence to purches and haif
ane impost for biggiug and repayring thairof, — the saids commissioneris,
being advyset thairwith, grantis and gevis licence to the said burgh to
impetratt and purches ane gift for vptaking and resaving of euery twn of
geir, laid vpoun thair schoir to be schippet and to pas to ony forayne
cuntrey, and of euery twn of geir that sail happin to cum fra fomyne
natiouns and lose vpoun thair schoir, twelf penneis, and for ilk chalder
victuall that sail happin to be Rchippet, athcr be boitt or layet vpoun tlie
schoir to be transportet furth of the countiy, threttie twa penneis (and the
hunder); and this licence and gift for the spaice of thrie zeiris allanerlie to
indure, with prouissioun ai.swa that it sail nocht be lesum to the said
burgh to vptak or resaue any impoist for na kynd of geir cumand to thair
toun or schoir or fra thair schoir or harbeiy, ather be boitt or vtherwayes,
to ony pairt within the realm, nather trubill nor molest nane that trans-
ports any kynd of geir ower the watter or otherwayes within this realme
as said is, except the that passis furth of the cuntrey in maner
foresaid, and at the ische of the saidis thre zeirs sail mak compt to the
saids commissioners at their first conventioun thairafter of thair resaving
and imploying thairof, and sail nocht vplift the same na langer nor the
saids thre zeiris, vnder the payne of ane hunder pund, to be payet to the
saids burrowes.
Convehtio7i of Royal Burghs. 439
27. The sam day, Ihoim Wilsoun, commissionar for the burgh of Had- ^^j;J?J*^^^
dingtoun, protested that quhatsumeuir richt or prevelege the saidis com-
missioners suld happiii to grant and consent to in fiivouris of the burgh of
Northbervik, that tlie samyn suld nocht be preuidiciall to the said burgh
of Haddingtoun, and thairvpoun asket acts and instiiiments.
Secundo Julij j"* v^ Ixxxxiiij^.
28. The quhilk day, the commissioners foresaids being convenit, lames Charterig,
Wynrame, agent, acted band and oblist himselff as souerty and principallMakuacht
dettoure for lames Stewart, commissionar of tlio burgh of Rosay, to content
and pay to Henry Chairteris, commissioner k){ Edinburgh, the sowme of
ten pund rescind awand to him be the said burgh of Rosay, of ane taxa-
tioun of the wyncs and customes, betuix this and Andermes nixttocum,
and als quhatsumeuir sowmcs tlie said burgh is restand awand to Roger
Maknacht, burges of Edinburgh, as coUectour of the last extent of the
buiTowes for the wynes, and of thair extent for Adam Fullertoun, or that
thai ar awand to the burrowes for any cans bygane, to mak thankfull
payment thairof betuix and the said day ; and the said lames Stewart
oblist himselff to pay to the said lames Wynrame the said sowmes for his
releif at the said day, and gif he failzeis to pay to the burrowes the sawme
of fourty pund.
29. The sam day, the saids copimissioners of burrowes hes exemit, and ExempUouns
be thir presents exemia, the burrowes vnderwrittin fra all generall conven-Dumbar, '
tiouns for the space of thre zeiris nixttocum, — that is to say : the burgh EWin^iTw-
of Kilraynie fra all conventiouns be north Dundie, be west Stirling and ^^^^^ ^^^fJ^^*^
be Edinburgh; Dunbar and Northbervik from beyond Dundie fro w, iJamf,
and be west Stirling ; Elgein from be sowth Tay ; Lawder from beyond i^rae! *"
Forth; Ruglein siclyke ; Nairne fra be sowth Tay ; Renfrew be north
Forth ; Bamf, Rosay, Quhithorne, frome all conventiouns induring the
said spaice; provyding alwayes that thai send to ilk conventioun, with the
commissionar of the nixt burgh, thair attentik lettre of ratificatioun of all
things done in the said conventiouns, togidder with all sowmes that it
sail happin thame to be restand awand for the tyme to the burrowes for
clerkis fies, agent fies, or any other caus, otherwayes to be vnlawet aa
440 Convention of Royal Burghs.
absents ; and that the expensis quhilk thair cammissioners micht haif
coist thame be bestowet vpoun thair brigs, harberis, tolbuitliis, kirks, or
other maist necessar commoun warks, and compt to be gevin thairof to
the burrowes at the end of the said exemptioiins, vnder the payne of ane
vnlaw of xl li.
Brechein, 30. The sam day, grantis and gevis licence to the burgh of Brechein to
impos ^ impetratt of oure Souerane Lord the gift of ane impoist to be tayne at
thair brig of sowth Ebk watter for repay ring of the decay et places thairof,
— that is to say : of ilk horse laid of merchandice and woll passand the
said brig foure penneis, of ilk futeman haiffand ane burding of merchandice
twa penneis, and of ilk kairt that passis tlie brig aucht penneis ; and that
for the spaicc of thre zeiris fra the daitt thairof; provyding alwayes that
the said burgh mak compt zeirlie to the burgh is of Dondie and Montrose
of the collecting and fruitfull bestowing thairof, vnder tlie pane of ane
vnlaw of XX li. to be payet to the said burrowes swa oft as thai failzie.
Craiii, impost. 31. The sam day, anent the supplicatioun gevin in before thame be
Ihonn Makkesoun, commissionar of the burgh of Craill, in name of the
prouest, baillies, counsall, and community thairof, aganis craving ane
taxatioun to be imposet vpoun the burrowes of this realme to the support
of the bying and bigging of ane new barbery to the said burgh ; the
commissionares of burrowes cfter advysement thairwith, fand the effect of
the said supplicatioun to be maist resonabill, bot becaus nather wer the
saids commissionares instructed be thair particulare burrowes to condiscend
to ane taxatioun, nor zitt haif thai will to induce sic ane preparatiue
among thamselffs, thairfore the saids commissionares lies remittet the
said supplicatioun and effect thairof to be presentet in name of the said
burgh to the prouest, baillies, and counsall of ilk burgh within this realme
pai-ticularelie, and desyres in that maner that the said burgh of Craill may
be liberallie supported to the performance of the said wark, and ordanis
the commissioners present at this conventioun to mak thair burghis weill
informet of the necessitie heirof ; and siclyke the saids commissionares,
for better support of the said wark hes gevin full power and liberty to the
saidis prouest, bailUes, and counsall of Craill to purches oure Souerane Lords
gifts for vplifting be thameselffes or thair factouiis in thair names from
the persoun or persouns quhatsumeuir resorting to the barbery of Craill,
byai-es and lossares of schips, creares, or boits, or laidining thairof thairin.
Conve7ition of Royal Burghs. 441
of the guids vnderwrittin, the sowmea of money after specifeit, viz., of ilk
last heyring fyve schillings, of ilk tun wjme fyve schillings, ilk chalder
salt ij d, ilk last takill fyve schillings, ilk last lint v s, ilk last hemp iij s,
ilk last oyle vj s viij d, ilk chalder victuall passand of the cuntrey vj s viij d,
and remayning within the cuntrey xxxij d, ilk last pik or tar iij s, ilk
thowsand salt fysche vj s viij d, ilk thowsand dry fysche iiij d ; item, of ilk
hunder of all kynd of tymmer ane ; and this for all the dayes, spaice, and
zeiris of sevin zeiris after the daitt heirof, and ordanis the said burgh to
appoynt ane speciall collectoure for vpliftmg of the said exactiouns, and
that at the zeirlie conventioun of burrowes thai mak compt thairof and of
the bestowing of the samyn, provyding alwayes thay bye the said new
harber}^ and enter in haist to the bigging thairof, and incais the said
prouest and baillies desist frome expeditioun of the said wark thai sail be
haldin to refound to the burrowes agent, in name of the said burrowes,
the sowmes as sail happin to be gevin to thame be ony of the saidis bur-
rowes be liberality, togidder with the exactiouns vplifted be thame be
vertew of the said gift, to be furthcumand to the burrowes, and the said
gift to be null thairefter.
32. The sara day, the saids commissioners grantis and gevis licence to^*'^^^™*-
the burgh of Northbervik to impetrat of oure Souerane Lord ane gift of
the imposts following to the reparatioun of thair decayet barbery : That
is to say, of ilk last hering arryving within thair barbery fyve schillings,
of ilk twn wyne fyve s., ilk chalder salt ij s., ilk last taikill v s., ilk last
lynt V s., ilk last hemp iij s., ilk last oylie vj s. viij d., ilk chalder victuall
passand of the cuntrey vj s. viij d., and remayning within the cuntrey
xxxij d., ilk last pik or tar iij s., ilk thawsand salt fysche vj s. viij d., ilk
thowsand dry fysche iiij s,, item of ilk hunder of all kynd tymmer
ane, and be tane of ilk stayne of woll of vnfriemen ij d., and of
fremen j d., and the quantity of the burding or laid to be est^mit vpoun
the conscience of the awner ; and this licence to indure for the space of
fyve zeir, provyding alwayes that thai mak compt to the burrowes zeirlie
at their generall conventioun of the imployment thairof
33. The sam day, the saids commissionares gevis full power aud com- Conseruatour.
missioun to the prouest, baillies, and counsall of the burgh of Edinburgh,
or sic of thair toun or number as thai sail depute, vnsuspect, to
confer with my lord conseruatour vpoun the mater of augmentatioun
3 K
442
ConcentioH of Royal Baryhs.
Agent.
Factouris in
Camplieir.
quhilk the saids commissionares wald half gmntet to the said conseruatour
of his dewteis, and vpoun the heids quhilk the saids burrowes requyres of
him thairfore, at lenth specifeit and contenit in ane act quhilk the saidis
commissioneris hes cawset pen thairvpoun, and to perfyitt and end the
samyn in thair names, keippand alwayes the substance of the said act and
na wayes altering the meyning thairof, as it wes pennit before the margen-
ing and skoiring out, maid be the said conseruatour, and ordanis the pre-
sent commissionares of the said burgh to requyre the said proves t, baillies,
and counsall to accept the said mater vpoun thame, and to perfyte the
samyn betuix this and the xx day of lulij instant, that all variance
betuix the said burrowes and the said conseruatour may tak ane end, and
in cais it sail happin thame to agrie with him thaimnent, in that caise
the saids commissioners, than as now and now as than, grantis and disponis
vnto the said lord conseruataur ane dewty of ane schilling greitt, to be
vpliftit be him of ilk barrell of the excyse beir, grantet be the toun of
Campheir to the natioun, and this induring the will of the saids burrowes
allanerlie ; as alswa thai be thir presents suspendis in that caise all execu-
tioun of the decreit gevin aganis the said lord conseruatour at Dysart for
compt, rekning, and payment to the saids burrowes of the pryce of certane
excyse beir and wyne, quhill the nixt generall conventioun, and incais the
saidis provest, baillies, and counsall and thair deputs can nocht agrie with
him the saids commissionares ordanis lames Wynrame, thair agent, to
insist in defence of the actioun betuix the burrowes and the said conserua-
tour, and to persew him for all things the said burrowes may lay to his
chairge, and that vpoun the commoun expenssis of the saids burrowes,
quhilk expenssis thai ordanes the said lames to mak and deburse, and gif
neid beis to borrow money vpoun profFeitt, and thai sail cans the sam to be
refoundet to him vpoun compt and rekning, with all other sowmes alreddy
deburset be him in defence of the said caus.
34. The sam day, anent the act maid at the last conventioun of Dysart,
concerning the factouris of Campheir vsand merchandice, the saids com-
missionares ratefeyis and apprevis the samyn, and ordanis my lord conser-
uatour to caus the samyn to be putt to execu tioun in all poynts, and to
report his sufficient diligence thairvpoun be himself or any others in his
name to thair nixt generall conventioun, vnder the payne of twenty pund,
Flemys, to be payet to the saids burrowes, and that thair generall clerk
Convention of Royal Burghs. 443
delyuer to him ane extract thairof and of this present ordinance
that he pretend na ignorance ; and anent the last pairt of the said act, for
sending furth of ilk burgh ane or ma zoung men, for quhom the burgh sail
ansuer, to be factouris for ane certane spaice, the saidis commissionares of
buiTOwes fyndis and declayres, and for thameselffis agreis and consents,
that ilk burgh that plesis sail and may send ane qualefeyet persoun of
thair toun to that effect, provyding alwayes that thai be first presentet to
the saids burrowes in thair conventioun generall to be tryet and lyket
of be thame, and to resaue sic instructiouns as thai sail inioyne, and the
burgh to be actet in the conventioun buikis as souerteis for his intromis-
sioun and for doing his dewty.
35. The sam day, anent the ordour to be tayne with the excyse beir Exoyaobeirand
and wyne, the saids commissioners of burrowes ordanes the burghis of ^^'^**
Edinburgh, Perth, Dundie, Stirling, Lynlithquow, or ony thre of thame, to
direct thair commissioners fullie instructet to convene at Edinburgh the
first day of August nixtocum, and thair, in name of the saids burrowes, to
elect ane suflScient and responsall persoun to be direct in thair names to-
ward the Campheir, with speciall power and commissioun to intromet with
the haill excyse beir and wyne in tyme cuming, begynnand at Lambes
nixtt, and of the first and reddiest to reteyne and keip the foure scoir pund
greit zeirlie, to be imployet at the directioun of the burrowes to ane
minister for the natioun, and to haif ane resonabill stipend for his paynes
at the modeficatioun of the saids fyve burrowes or ony thre of thame con-
venand, quha sail alswa tak ordour for distributioun of the rest and
superplus thairof, and to tak cawtioun of the said persoun for his intro-
missioun and diligence, and for making compt thairof zeirlie to the com-
missioners of burrowes zeirlie ; for doing of the quhilkis premissis the saids
commissioners of burrowes gevis thair full power and commissioun to the
saids burghis, or ony thre of thame convenaiid as said is, ordaning thair
present commissioners to intimy this present act to thair saidis burghis
and cans the samyn tak efiect, as alswa ordanis the agent to direct missiues
to the saidis fyve burrowes wayming thame to convene thairupoun.
36. The samyn day, ratefejds and apprevis the acts maid of before for Minister in
establisching ane minister to serue the natioun in the toun of Campheir, and ^""P^®*'-
ordanis the samyn to tak effect in all poynts, gevand power and commis-
Moun to the burgh of Edinburgh, with avyse of the Presbitery thairof, to
444 Convention of Royal Bunjhs.
fynd owt the personn that sail be ane minister at Campheir and to agrie
with him fynallie thairvpoun, and generallie to do all things thairinto that
the saids burrowes micht do thameselffs.
feftetio^^^^ 37. The sam day, comperit Maister William Erskyne, persoun of Campsy,
and seruitour to his Maiestie, and Maister Patrik Symsoun, minister of this
burgli, and exponet and declayret that the King's Maiestie, for the zeale
and airnest affectioun he beyris to the advancement and establissing of the
throne of Chryst within this his grace realm intendis to prosequute be actioun
the sentence of forefalture laitlie pronunceit in parliament aganis William,
sumtyme Erie Angus, George, sumtyme Erie Huntly, Frances, sjimtyme
Erie ErroU, and Schir Patrik Gordoun, sumtyme of Auchindoun, knycht,
declayrit enemeis to the trew rellegioun, his hienes estaitt, croun, and this
haill natioun, and be his Grace lettres direct to the Presbitery of Stirling
hes declayret his grace will thairanent, and des^Tct the said Presbitery to
notifie the sam to all his grace lieges and to steir and prepair thair harts
to be in reddynes to be employet in swa acceptabill ane wark, as the
said lettre, publictlie red, at mair lenth proports ; and thairfore thai re-
quyret the saids burrowes, and euery ane of thame in particulare, that as
his Maiesty hes begun this maist godly wark that thai wald be in full
reddynes with resolute and willing mynds to be imployet vpoun his hienes
aduei-tisement in swa acceptabill ane wark; with the quhilk the saids
commissioners of burrowes being avyset, thay all in ane voitt but discre-
pancies hes voittet and agreit, and be thir presents avowes, bynds thame-
selffis, and promesies that vpoun his Maiesties dew aduertisement to the
prouest baillies and counsall of thair burgh, thay sail concur and assist
with his hienes to thair vttermest power in persequiting of the saids
coniurit enemeis to Chryst his maiesty and realm, as it becumis thame to
do, and as his Maiestie sail pleis to command thame or thair ranks amangs
the rest of his grace trew and faythfuU lieges, and quhatsumeuir freynd-
schip sail be vtterit in favouris of the saidis apostats within thair burghis
thay sail accept it as enemity aganes thame and pvneis the doares thairof
with all extremety of law, and also promesis that gif any of the saidis
apostats sail be fund within thair burghis that incontinent thairafter
thai sail be apprehendet and presented to his Maiesteis iustice, wysche-
ing at God that his Maiesty micht proceid in suppressing the saidis
enemeis to God's glory with sic celerity as the cans requyres, and as the
zeall and affectioun of the saidis commissionaires is inclynet thaiito,
Convention of Royal Burghs. 445
«
quhairby thair wikket and ingodlie devyses micht be preventefc, and the
godlie intention of his Maiestie and the ministrie fullie satisfeyit, and to
the end that nane pretend ignorance heirof, the saids commissioners
ordanis thir presents to be publist at the market croces of euery burgh
within this realm e.
Tertio luilj j™ v° Ixxxxiiij*'.
38. The quhilk day, the commissionares foresaids beand convenit, innerkething,
vnderstanding that the provest, baillies, and counsall of the burgh of Inner- ^^^'^**^'
kething, in contrair the acts of parliament, lawes and statutes of burrowes,
hes set thair commoun lands to sindry particulare inhabitants far within
the availl, and sum sett for xix zeir taks, to the greitt hurtt of the said
burgh, thairfore the saids commissionaires of burrowes ordancs George
Dury, commissionar of the said burgh, vnder the payne of xx li., to aduer-
teis the provest, baillies, and counsall thairof to rayse summondis of reduc-
tioun of the said taks before the Lordis, and to insist in perswitt thairof
with all diligence, begynnand the sam before the rysing of the sessioun,
vnder the payne of ane vnlaw of ane hunder pund, to be vpliftet be the
burrowes agent within xl dayes nixt heirafter gif thai failzie within the
said spaice, and the said agent after the ressait thairof to se the sam
bestowet vpoun the barbery of the said burgh, or ellis that thai caus the
said takismen, for augmentatioun of thair dewty, to pay to thame the
sowme of twa hunder pund, to be bestowet be the said provest and baillies
and counsall vpoun the said barbery, togidder with the sowme of xx li.
vnlaw incurret be thame at this present conventioun, quhilk the saidis
burrowes dispones vnto thame to that effect, and that the said burgh mak
compt to the burrowes at the nixt conventioun genemll of the employment
of the saidis sowmes in maner foresaid vnder the payne of xx li.
39. The sam day, the saidis commissioneris [vnden?tanding] that quhairPorrestraynt
bumecoill is deylie transportet furth of the realme, contrair the acts of bu^^liaj^***^
parliament, and to the greitt hurt of the lieges, the said coill decayand
aud growand skant daylie, and the cuntrey apperand to be destitute of
fewall in schort spaice, Chairfore thai ordanes the provest and baillies
within ilk burgh to putt the acts of parliament maid thairanent to scherp
executioun, and vse the office of serchery within thair bounds, vnder the
payne of ane vnlaw of twenty pund to be payet to the burrowes be thame
446
Convi^idion of Roijal Baryhs.
CouBeniatour
MinUtcr at
Campheir.
Impoist of
coilles.
Protestatio
Dysart.
Commissioner
of Stirlinf;.
Oath and Bur-
gessis missiue.
Flemyng
Transporting
woU 1)0 vn-
fricincn.
that sail be fund negligent heirin, and that thai suffer na frieman to pur-
ches any licence for transporting thairof, and sic as dois the sam that thai
discharge thame of thair fredomc and caus thame pay ane vnlaw of xx IL
swa oft as thai failzie, and that thai set furth publict proclamatioun thair-
vpoun throw thair burgh, and als that ilk commissioner report at the nixt
generall conventioun the diligence of thair burgh in doing heirof under
the payne foresaid ; attour the saids comraissionares for the better restraynt
of the said coilles, be thir presents grantis vnto my lord conseiiiatour ane
dewty of twenty foure stwires of euery sek of coilles that sail happin to
arryve within the Law Cuntreyes, quhidder thai pertene to frie or vnfrie,
and quhidder thai haif licence or want the same, and this without preiu-
dice of the said conseruatour to escheitt the said coilles quhair he may
lawfully do the samyn ; siclyke thai ordayne the collectour that gall
happin to be nominat for vplifbing of the excyse beir and wyne to tak
and haif the dewty of ane thowsand wecht of euery schip of fourty twn
and aboue, arryvand in the Law Cuntreys with coilles, and sex hunder
wecht of euery schip wdthin the said xl twn, to be gevin to the ministers
hous that sail be placet in the Campheir, and that the said collectour mak
zeirlie compt heirof to the buiTowes.
The sam day , commissionar for Dysart, protested that the
act aboue writtin suld nocht be preiudicall to thair burgh, seying the Lord
Sincler is thair ower lord and hes licence of his Maiestie as he allegeit.
40. The sam day, the saids comraissionares admits Walter Co wane,
burges of Stirling, commissioner for the said burgh, to vote with thame
and to be on the extent roll, in absence of Dauid Forester thair commis-
sioner ordiner.
4L The sam day, the saids comraissionares ratefeyis and apprevis the
latter pairt of the fourty foure act maid at Dysart, «ganis sic as ar ad-
mitted burgessis in any burgh and ar nocht actuall indwellare thairof,
ordaning ilk burgh to putt the sam to executioun and to direct thair com-
raissionares to the nixt conventioun with thair diligence in writt schawin
thaimnent vnder the payne of xx li., and this to be ane heid of the
missiue.
42. The same day, the saids commissioners, vnderstanding that ane
lames Flemying, sumtyrae burges of Perth and now dwelland in Flanders,
repayris zeirlie to this realnie, and with his awin geir and with the sub-
Convention of Royal Burghs. 447
stance of cuntreymen of Flanders, amassis in sindry pairts of the realme
ane intoUerabill quantity of woll and transports the same furth of the
cuntrey, thairfore statutes and ordanes that the niagestrats of ilk burch
tak diligent heid heirto, diligently serche and seik quhair he or ony others
of his rank hes ony woll to be transportet, and discharge all schips to
r-esaue the samyn in thair boddome, and impose ane greitt payne vpoun
the brekkares, and als that thai cans the said woll, quhaireuir the samyn
may be apprehendet, to be putt vnder arreistment quhill cawtioun be fund
that the samyn sail nocht be careit furth of the realme, vnder the paine of
escheitt of the pryce thairof, for the saids burro wes vnderstandes that the
said lames is depry vet of his liberty for non-residence ; and gif any sus-
pensiouns beis rayset in the contrair heirof, ordanit thair agent to concur
with the burgh charge t, and to defend thairin vpoun the expenssis of the
said burgh.
43. The sam day, the saids commissioners hes statute and ordanet that Transporting
the magestrats of ilk burgh caus the acts of parliament maid aganis the eruidis.
transporting of nolt, scheip, or ony other kynd of forbiddin guidis to be **^"®
putt to scherp executioun, quhidder the guidis be transported furth of the
realme be sey or be land, and escheitt the saidis guidis according to the
said acts but favour, and that thai set furth thair ordinance be oppin pro-
clamatioun dischargeing in speciall all thair burgessis and fremen thairof
vnder the payne of tynsall of thair fredom, quhidder thai haif licence
thaii-to or nocht, besyde the confiscatioun of the guidis, and caus thair act
and ordinance thairof be straitly keipet, with cei*tificatioun to the
burrowes that beis neglegent heirin and sail happin to be convict thairof
thay sail be decernet in ane vnlaw of ane hunder pund to the burrowes
swa oft as thai failzie, and that ilk commissioner mak aduertisement to
thair burgh of this act, and this to be ane heid of the mLssiue.
44. The sam day, the saids commissionares statutes and ordanis that Statute
na commissionar in tyme cuming tak vpoun hand to gif in any particulare ^^^^ ^°®"
complaynts and supplicatioun, or to propone any particulare maitter con- Complaynta.
ceming his burgh onely, without he produce and schaw thairwith ane
speciall and seuerall commissioun of his burgh vnder the payne of ane
vnlaw of X li., and to be in the missiue of the nixt generall conventioun
ane speciall heid thairof.
45. Tlie same day, the saids commissionars of burrowes continewes thair
448
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Support of
cortanu
burruwes
Mifisiue.
Statute wayrn-
ing particulare
peraouns
Defore the
burrowea.
Protestation
Abirdene and
certane
bnrrowes.
Gild Brother
bura^essis and
craftismen of
Dunfermling.
anfiueris to the particulare supplicatioiins of the burrowes following to
thair nixt generall conventioun, and orilanis the sam to be rememberit in
the niissiue : that is to say, the supplicatioun of Pittiuweyme anent the
8u))port of thair harbery, and ordanis the burrowes nixt adiacent to visy
the same be thair commissioner and report the necessity thairof to the
burrowes ; the supplicatioun of Quhythorne for support to thair ;
the supplicatioun of Dunbartane for ane impoist of stmyngera cumand be
boitt with guids ; the supplicatioun of Irrewing for support to the bying
and bigging of ane harbery, and to be rememberit in the missiue.
46. The sam day, the saids commissionars statutes and ordanes that
quhen any particulare person n, burges or indwellar of any frie burgh, is
lawfully wayrnet to compeir before the commissionares of burrowes in any
of thair generall or particulare conventiouns, at the instance of any party,
for any thing done to the preiudice of the burgh or burrowes or to the
hurt of his nichtbour, that the cans be contenit in his citatioun, and that
the sam beir the payne of xx IL incais he compeir nocht, quhilk payne
incais of non comperance thai ordane to be exactet and rayset.
47. The sam day, the commissi oneres of the burghes of Abirdene, Stir-
ling, Cowper, and Air, for thamselffis and in name of the rest of the haill
burrowes that will assist thame, protestet that na thing to be proceidet
betuix the gild brether and craftismen of Dumfermeling sail be hurtfnll or
preiudiciall to thair prevelegeis, awld vse, and fredome, nor zitt induce any
prepai-atiue aganes thame.
48. ITie sam day, anent the com play nt gevin in before thame be lames
Reid, lames Cudbert, George Peirsoun, Thomas Cowper, Robert Pawtoun,
and remanent gild brether of the burgh of Dumfernling, aganis Patrik Fre-
land, saidler, lames Mochrie, wobster, and remanent craftismen of the said
burgh, for the molesting and trubling of the said gild brether in thair
gildrie, be the violent and maisterfuU vsurping vpoun thame, be force and
be way of deid, the vse, prevelege, and fredom thairof, be handling and
selling of merchandice and staipill way res, quhilk onelie pertenis to the
said gild brether and thair successoures, and vsing alswa thair awin bandie
crafts and occupatioun, besyde intending thairby to deface the ordour of
the said gildrie and to bring in ane meir confusioun within the said burgh
be making of cadgeares kairteris of fuilzie and all sort of pepill equall in
fredome and society with thame, and zitt sail nocht onnawayes meyne to
Convention of Royal Burghs. 449
enter in society with thame, nather skatt and lott with thame, in all neces-
sar adois belanging thairto, albeit that the said gild brether ar content the
saidis crafts enter in lyke fredome with thame, thai payand thair entres
according to the act of burrowes and the ordinance of the said gildbrether
maid thairanent, desyring thairfore the saids commissionares to tak sic
ordour heirintill as may stand with the lawes of the burrowes of this
realme as at mair lenth wes contenit in the said complaynt ; and siclyke
anent the haill complaynt gevin in be the haill deiknis, craftismen, and
burgessis of the said burgh, vpoun the haill gildbrether and merchants of
the samyn, for the wrangus debarring of the saidis craftismen and bur-
gessis fra all bying and selling of wayres and metchandice as thai may
win to be thair puir substance, quhilk is occasioun of thair decay and
pouerty, quhairvpoun hes procedit and rayise trubbill and cummer, and
ane of the saidis craftis number slayne, and thairfore, seying it is nocht
lesum to the saidis crafts, be the guid acts of the burrowes, to compleyne
to na other iuge vpoun sic controuerseis bot to thair wisdomes, desyring
thame to haif respect to the standing of sic ane ancient and awld toun,
quhilk standis be thame the craftismen and burgessis thairof, and to tak
sic ordour with the said gild brether that the saids craftismen and bur-
gessis may haif the lyke liberty as is grantet to craftismen and burgessis
of Edinburgh, Perth, and Glasquow, and others the speciall burrowes of
this realme, and that the form of the handling and liberty of the saids
burgessis and craftis, quhow far the sam sail extend, may be sett doun in
particular, that all trubill and cummer may be removit amangs thame, as
at mair lenth wes contenit in the said complaynt. The said gild brether
comperand be the said Thomas Cowper and Robert Pawtoun, quha pro-
ducet ane procuratioun subscryuet be certane of the said gildbrether, and
be Dauid Broun noter ; and the said craftismen comperand be the saidis
Patrik Freland and lames Mochrie, quha alswa producet ane procuratioun
subscryuet be the said noter, in name of certane of the saidis craftis, thair
rychts, ressonis, and allegeances beand hard and considderit, the saids com-
missioners of burrowes decemis and ordanis all burgessis and craftismen
of the said burgh that ar singell burgessis to desist and ceiss fra all vsing
and exerceing of any pairt of the liberty and fredom of the said gildbrether
vset in the said burgh, without thai be admittet and resauet thairto, and
ordanes the dene of gild of the said burgh and his brether of thair consent,
3 L
450 Convention of lioyal Burghs.
contenit in the said complaynt, to admitt and resaue the said burgessis
and craftismen to thair gildrie, thai beand fund qualefeyet and worthie
thairof, for the payment of the dewty of twenty pund, and the dene of gild
and his brether refusand the samyn to pay the payne and vnlaw of fyve
hunder merkis to the said burgessis and craftismen, quha sail alswa pay,
thai and euery ane of thame, to the said dene of gild and his brether the
sowme of twenty [pund] swa oft as thai or ony of thame sail contravene
this present act, and this without preiudice of the act of burrowes maid
anent the resaving of gild brether for the dewty of fourfcy pund, and als
to be na preparatiue to ony other burrowes of the realme, hot thai to stand
in thair awin consuetude and liberteis as thai wer before this present
decreitt, and in cais the craftismen of the said burgh at ony tyme heir-
after vse ony convocatioun of thair craftis aganes the said gild brether for
stopping, staying, and impeding of this present ordinance and decreitt or
ony pairt thairof, than and in that caise the haill commissioners of bur-
rowes present faythfullie promittes to concur and gif thair fortificatioun
at the vttermest of thair powers to persew the sam contraventioun be
law.
Wigtoun ^9- The sam day, the saids commissioners remitts and dischargis vnto the
Tniawremittet burgh of Wigtoun thair vnlaw of xx li., qubairin thai were adiudget at
this present conventioun for nocht schawing thair delegence anent thair
common n gmd.
Certane burro- 60. The sam day, the saids commissioners decemis the burghs of Inner-
Ag^Jt *^^*' kething, Lawder, Bamf, Elgein, ledburgh, Dysai-t, Thayne, Innernes, Name,
Forres, Culane, ^orfar, Arbroth, and euery ane of thame, in ane vnlaw of
ten pund, in cais thai mak nocht payment to lames Wynrame, agent, of
thair pairts of the said lames and Ihonn Guthreis stipends.
Guihre gene- 51. Tlie same day, the saidis commissioneris makis, constitutis, and
Missful^ ordanis Maister Alexander Guthrie, commoun clerk of Edinburch, thair
generall clerk to all conuentionis of burrowis, generall or particuler, for the
space of ane zeir nixt to cum, for the quhilk they grant vnto him the
soume of ane hundredth pundis in naim off stipend, to be payit to him be
the commissioneris of burrowis at thair nixt generall assemblie, ilk burgh
for thair awin pairte according to the new extent roll, and ordanis ilk
commissioner to bring the samyn with him at the said conuentioun togidder
with thair agentis stipend, ilk ane vnder the pane of x li., and this to be
Convention of Royai Burghs. 45 1
ane held of the nixt misseve, attour they grant to the said Maister Alex-
ander, for the extract of ilk particuler act of thair conuentionis xl d., for
the extract of the haill actis of ony conuentioun ane merk, and for the
dowble of this booke of thair conuentioun the soume of tuenty merkis.
Quarto lulij j™ v® Ixxxxiiij^
«
52. The quhilk day» the foresaids commissioners gevis full power and Commissiotin
commissioun to the fyve burrowes, appoyntet to convene at Edinburch for ^j^^^
the excyse beir and wyne, or maist pairt of thame, to heir the compts of
lames Wynrame, agent, and to set doun ane moyane quhow he sail be
satisfeyet incais he be fund superexpendet, as alswa to sett doun the way
of defence and perswitt aganes the conseruatour incais hes mater be
nocht agreitt.
53. The sam day, the saids commissionares assignLs and dispones to Miuchett,—
Ihonn Mvschett, commoun clerk of Stirling, for his seriuce to the burrowis ^Mthome.
in directing the last missiues and at this present conventioun, all and
quhatsumeuir vnlawes awand to the saids burrowes be the burgh of
Quhythome for ony caus bygane, ordaning him to be ansueret and obeyet
thairof, and discharges lames Wynrame of all trubbling of the said burgh
thairfbre, nochtwithstanding ony security maid to him thairanent.
64. The sam day, remitts and dischairges to the burgh of Irewyng thair iwwing.
vnlaw of twenty pund quhilk thai incurret for thair absence fra the con-
ventioun of Dysart, bycaus thai vnderstand the said burgh wes dissauet
be the report of thair commissioner.
55. Folio wes the Qenerall Extent Boll of Burrowes, of ane hunder Genenii uxt
pund, presentlie alterit be the extentouris electet thairto in maner ^
following : —
Edinburch
xxviij li XV s
Lanerk . . .
. xviij s
Dundie
. . X li XV s
Arbroth . . .
XV s
Perth . .
. . yj li yj s viij d
Brunt Hand
xxvj 8 viy d
Abirdeyne
. . viij li
Peblis . . .
XV B
452
Convention of Royal Burghs
Glasquow . .
iiij li X s
CraiU
xvj s
Sanctandrois .
iij li
Kingorne
XX s
Dysart . . .
xlvij s viij d
Thayne ....
X s
Stirling . . .
xls
Selkirk . . .
X s
Air
xls
Anstruther Wester
xij s
Haddingtoun
xls
Culross ....
xiij s iiij d
Kirkcaldy . .
xxxiiij s
Dumbar ....
X s
Montrose . .
xxxiij s iiij d
Bamf
ix s
Cowper . . ,
xxxij s
Quhytborne . .
vj s viij d
Anstruther Eistei
xls
Forfar ....
vj s viij d
Dumfries . . .
xxxij 8
Rosay ....
vj s viij d
Innernes . . .
XXX s
Forres ....
vj s viij d
Breehein .
XXV s
Ruglein ....
iiij s
Irewyng . .
xxiiij s
Northbervik . .
vj s
Elgein . . .
xxij s
Culane . . .
iiij s
ledburgh . .
xxij s
Name
v s
Kirkudbricht .
xviij s
Lawder . . .
vj s viij d
Wigfcoun . .
. xviij s
Innerkething .
X s
Pettinweyme .
XX s
Kilrayne . . .
V s
Lynlythquow .
xxij s
Summa of the haill j^ iij li., and
Dumfermeling
xviij s
this iij li.
for inggadering
Dumbartane .
xviij s
thairof
Renfrow .
xvj s
The sam day, the saids commissionares ordanis the estaitt and poverty
of the burgh of Lynlythquow to be consideritt at the nixt setting doun of
the extent roll
Galloway 8 lulij, 1630 enroUet and stentet to 4s. and Kirk-
cudbricht to 148.
{Two FoUoa of the Record are here wanting.)
Convention of Royal Burghs. 453
Vigesimo Septimo lunij 1595. ^
4. The quhilk day, the saidis commissioneris, for keiping of semlie ordour statuMpeUdng
amangis them selffis with quyetnes, and for better depasche of thair effaeres,
statutis and ordanis that nane tak speche vpoun hand by the moderatour
vnrequret, nor intterupe nor trubill the woitting after ressoneing haid,
vnder the pane of xl s. sa oft as thai failzie.
5. The samyn day, lohnne Mackie, comissioner of Peblis, oblesset him liaknaoht
selff in name of the said burgh, to schaw and produce to Roger M'Mathe, eSen^a^
coUectour of the tua extentis of the burrowis for the wyneis and Adame Bnmteiand
, , vniawit.
FouUertounis dett, ane suflScient discharge of the said tounis pairt of the
samyn betuixt and the feist of Lambes nixt, and faelzeing thairof to pay
to him the said extent in Edinburgh, extending to vj li viij s., and lames
Andersoun comissioner of Couper oblesset him selff in lykmaner forsame-
kill of the said burghis extent as is restin. Item lames Wynraham, agent,
oblesset him selff as souertie for the comissioner of Forfar in the samyn
maner ; and the saidis commissioneres decernis the burgh of Brunteland
in ane vnlaw of xx li for non payment of thair taxatiounis foirsaidis, and
zet in consideratioun of thair commoun werkis, the saidis commissioneris
declaires, incais the said burgh mak payment of thair extent to the said
Roger betuixt and Lambes nixt, that thai salbe fre of the said vnlaw, and
this conditioun to be na preparatiue to vtheria
5. The samyn day, anent the first held of the missiue and act of the Bowppingof
last conwentioun, concerning the rowpping and setting of comoun guidisSS^^^^
and rydding of mercheis, ane gret pairt of the saides comissioneris haweand
schawing thair delegence, pairtlie be word and pairtlie be writ, pairtlie in
generall and pairtlie in particular, the saidis comissioneris of burrowis, for
better executioun of the actis maid heiranent, findis expedient, statut and
ordanis, that in the nixt conwentioun ilk brugh schaw and produce ane
attentick writ, subscrywet be thair comoun clerkis, of the rowpping of
thair comoun guidis and rydding of thair mercheis, and the samyn to con-
tene mair particularie the quantitie of thair landis, renttis, and the soumeis,
with the daittis.and yeiris to ryn of the takis, quhair ony is sett, vnder the
pane of xx li., and this to be ane heid in the nixt missiue ; and the com-
missioner of Aberdein protestet in the contrair and disasentit thairto.
454
Convention of Rojjal Btuyhs.
Vnfrie traf-
fiqueris,
BUDI
suburlML
Miiisuie.
7. The samyn day, anent the thrid hoid of the missiue and act of the
last conwentioun, concerning the executioun of the act of parliament aganis
vnfre treffiqueris and craftis in suburbs, findis them selffis to hawe bene
verry slak and jiegligent thairinto in tyme by gane, and thairfoir findis
expedient, statut and ordanis, that in the nixt conwentioun the commis-
sioneris of ilk brugh sail schaw and produce mair particular delegenee
thairvpoun in writ, to witt the creatioun of iudgeis coUectouris, and the
deductioun of proces aganis the vnfremen, alsueill craftis in suburbs as
vnfre traiSqueris, vnto the finall sentence, or that thai haue raset lettres of
homeing and arreistement aganis the saidis persouns, executioun following
thairvpoun, and quhair the pairtie hes purchesset ony suspensioun that
thay inforine the agent in dew tyme, quhome thai ordeane to persew the
said suspensioun vpoun the chairgis of the haill burrowes, and the brugh
fund neglegent heirinto to be decemit in ane vnlaw of xx li., and this to be
ane heid of the nixt missiue.
8. The samyn day, anent the fourt heid of the missiue and act of the
last conwentioun, concemeing mettis and mesouris, ordanis ilk burgh to
schaw forder delegence at the nixt conventioun thairvpoun, nocht onlie in
ressaueing the iust mesour from Lynlythquow, bot als in vsing and putting
the samyn to practeis and executioun within thair boundis, vnder the pane
of XX li., and this to be ane heid in the nixt missiue ; and the commis-
sioneris of the burghis of Wigtoun, Kircudbricht, Dumfreis, and ledburgh
declairit that the vsuall mesour of thair countrey is and has bene of lang
antietie mair and of glitter mesour than the mesour of Lynlythquow, sua
that it lyis nocht in thair powir to alter the samyn, and thairfoir dissentit,
protesting that this present ordinance be nocht preiudiciall vnto thair con-
suetude of aid ; and the commissioner of the brugh of Lynlythquow pro-
testit in the contr^r, in respect of the lawis of the realme makand ane
vniformitie of all mesouris without exceptioun.
9. The samyn day, anent the saxt heid of the missiue and act of
Ontiands bur- the last conwentioun, concerneing outlandis burgessis, findis the brugh of
Brunteland nocht to hawe done sic exact delegence as neid war in de-
pryweing of certane thair burgessis nocht remaining within thair brugh,
and thairfoir ordanis the said brugh, within the space of four scoir dayis
efter desolueing of this present cx^nwentioun, to mak citatioun of thair
burgessis nocht actuallie resident with them for tyneing of thair liberteis
Mettis and
mesourijs.
Missiue.
geflBis.Missitios.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 455
and ' gewe furthe thair decreit thairvpoun, and delyuer the sarayn to the
agent within xx dayis nixt tbairefter, or ellis to gewe the said agent
sufficient attestatioun of the obedience of the saidis outlandis burgessis in
making thair actuall residence and fynding of cautioun, vnder grit painis, to
contenew in the samyn, and this vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of xl li. to
be payet be the said brugh, and forder ordanis the haill burrowis to schaw
forder delegence of depriwatioun of thair outland burgessis at the nixt
conwentioun vnder the pane of xx li. and this to be ane heid of the
missiue.
1 0. The samyn day, anent the sewint heid of the missiue and act Forbiddin
of the last conwentioun, concerneing the transporting furthe of the realm be Missiue.
sey or land of nolt, scheip, or ony vther forbiddin guidis, the saidis comis-
sioneris mtefeis and apprewis the samyn, ordaneing ilk brugh within thair
boundis to vse delegent executioun thairof, and specialie the brughis maist
ewest to the borderis, and als that the brugliis of Breichin, Dundie, Perth,
Stryveling, Kingorae, Brunteland, or ony vther brugh quhair the quantite
or nomber of nolt or scheip passis throw thair boundis, that thai mak
arreistement thairvpoun quhill caution be fund that thai sail nocht pas in
Ingland, nor be sauld to Inglisman, or at the leist that ane testemoniall be
schawin of the prouest and bailleis of the brugh quhair the dryueris or
awneris remanLs or duellis, and of na vther persoun, anent the place and
mercatt quhair thai ar boun to with the saidis guidis.
11. The samyn day, anent the complaint of Air, Glasquow, Irewin, and Air, DumUrt-
Dumbartane aganis Kirkcudbrecht mentionat in the xv act of the last irewjDTconu*'
conwentioun, compeirit Robert Hall, comissioner of Kirkcudbrecht, and, for ^^J^cudbncht
proveing of the exceptioun admitet to his probatioun in the caus persewet
be the saidis burrowis aganis the said brugh of Kii kcudbricht, producit
Roger Makmathe merchand of Edinburch and Robert Dalzell baillie of
Vigtoun, quha was sworne and ressauet in thair presens, and als producet
delegence be our Souerane Lordis lettres dewlie execute and indorset as
appeird quhair lames Lidderdaill of the He, William M'Clenen of Auchlen,
William M'Clenen of Bydding, William M'Clenen of Gregorie, Henrie
Arnot in Kirkhoist, lohne Tuibling in Tymer hill, Dougall Tombilling thair,
lames Tobling seruand to the said lames Lidderdaill, Androw Rane in
Kirkcandros, lohnne Pauling in Kessotoun, Thomas Rane fleschour, Thomas
Broun, William Gordoun, burges of Vigtoun, Archibald Tailzeplieir thair.
456 Convention of Royal Burghs.
lohnne Edzear thair, Roger Dougalstoun elder, Roger Dougalstoun zounger,
lohnne Dougalstoun, lohnne Macneishe, Androw Torbrek, burgessis of Ed-
inburch, Johne M*Kyll in Leith, lames Forsyth burges of Edinburch,
Robert Grahame thair, lohne M'Gill writter thair, lames Hairstaneis
thair, lohne Mwre in Leith, Dauid Walker in Kirkcaldy, war laufullie
summondit wamet and chairgit be the saidis lettres to haif comperit this
day, the xxvij day of lunij instant, in the houre of caus, before the cora-
issioneris of burrowis, vnder the pane of rebellioun alanerlie, and thai com-
perit nocht, and the saidis persewaris protestit quo ad alias prouides, and
assignis the thrid day of lulie in the nixt generall conwentioun to do farther
delegence on the saidis witnessis, and baith the saidis pairteis is waimit
apud acta.
Vigesmo octauo lunij j°^ v*^ Ixxxxv.
Small customis. 12. Tlie quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis being conwenit
^*"®' anent the sevne heid of the niissiue and nynt act of the last conventioun,
concerneing the small customeis tane be brugh fra brug^h, the commis-
sioneris of Edinbrugh, for schawing of thair delegence, producit the princi-
pall chairtour of thair sey customis togidder with the tabill of thair pittie
customeis at thair said brugh, quhilk was red and delyuerit agane to thame,
and the rest of the commissioneris being askit of thair delegence declairit
that thair infeftementis war general in that point, and producit na speciall
custome rollis thairvpoun, in respect quhairoff it is fund that the said mat-
ter can nocht be weill presentlie decydit, and thairffoir contenewis the
said mater quhill the nixt generall conventioun, ordaneing ilk brugh to be
wameit be the general missiue to exhibit and produce thairat the speciall
rollis of the customeis quhilk thai ar in vse to tak, brugh fra brugh, and
to cum resoluit quither it salbe mair expedient that ilk brugh salbe fre
with ane vther of all land customeis or that thair be ane speciall custome
roll set doun of vniformite of customeis brugh fra brugh, and that sic as
hes infeftementis of any speciall customeis that thay bring and produce the
samyn, that ane finall ordour may be tane in this mater, without preiudice
alwayes of the said speciall infeftementis and of the preuelege of fre fairis ;
and the comissioner of the brugli of Abirdein otferit to produce presentlie
\
Convention of Royal Burghs. 457
Bic as lie hes, alegeing the samyn to beir this general! clause, cum custumia
tolloneia,
1 3. The samyn day, findis and decerneis the brugh off Banff to hawe in- Bamf Tniawet,
currit the pane and vnlaw of xx li., nochtwithstanding the productioun of °**"'*®**^*"
thair missiue be the commissioner of Culane, in respect thay haue nocht
payit thair bygane extentis of the wyneis and Adame FouUertoun to
Roger Makmatht collectour thairof, and ordanis the generall agent to Abinieyne
vplift the samyn and to be chairgit thairwith, and als ordanis the said ^mf miMiue.
brugh to be wameit agane to the nixt conwentioun to ansuer to the com-
plaint of Aberdein and of the said agent for admitting and nocht depryue-
ing of thair burgessis that ar nocht actuall residentis within thair brugh,
vnder the pane of xx 11, and this to be the held of ane missiue.
14. The samyn day, anent the declaratioun maid be writt vnto them be EiaterWejrme*
lames Coluell of Eister Veymiss, of his trauellis tane in the pairtis of ISum^** ^
France for renewing the ancient liberteis of oure natioun, and specialie the
merchand estait within the samyn, and thairfoir desyuering thair concur- CommiMion to
rence in his guid wark sa far adwancet, and to be word endit to him, that rowee*thair"
thairby hes painis alreddie tane may be acknawlegeit and he maid abell "®"**
to imploy his farther trauell to the finisohing of the samyn tume, and
that thai wald presentlie consider the seruice done and to be done thair-
into; with the quhilkis the saidis commissioneris being awyseit, hesthocht
expedient statut and ordanit that ilk commissioner at his retumeing hame
propone this mater to his brugh, to witt gif thai think it guid to imploy
the said Laird or ony vther in the said mater, and specialie for doun getting
of the new raissit customeis in France, renewing the ancient liberteis of
the natioun, and restoring of the guidis wrangouslie takin, and securite of
thair peciabill trefBk in tyme cuming, and to aduerteis thair brugh that
gif thai agre thairinto it is thocht guid be this present conventioun that
the chairgis of that negotiatioun salbe tane of the merchandrice passand
furthe of the realm to the pairtis of Pickardie and Noimandie, and to
chairge thair brugh to send thair ansuer in writ to lames Vynreham,
thair generall agent, to the brugh of Edinbrugh, betuixt this and the xxv
day of lulij nixtocum, vnder pane of ane vnlaw of x li. to be tane of ilk
brugh failzeand heirinto, and the said agent to delyuer the saidis ansueris
to Richard Dobie, baillie and present commissioner of Edinbrugh, to be
presentit be him to the counsall thairoff, and gif it salbe fund be the saids
3 M
458 Convention of Royal Danjlis.
ansueris that the maist paii-t of the saidis burrowis hes agreit to iinploy
the said Laird or ony vtheris in the said negotiatioun, the saidis cominis-
sioneris of burrowis geweis thair full powir and commissioun to the
bnighis of Edinbrugh, Stry veling, Dundie, Sanctandrois, Perth, Kirkcaldie,
Lynlythquow, or maist paii-t of them convenand, to intreat and conclud in
the said mater, and to sett doun the speciall pointtis of the privilegis
quhilk thai think guid to be renewit, and ordanis the said brugh of
Edinbrugh immediatlie efter the ressait of the saidis lettres or ansueris fra
the saidis burrowis to direct thair missiues to the saidis brughis of Stry-
viling, Dundie, Sanctandrois, Perthe, Kirkcaldy, and Lynlythquow, to send
thair commissioneris sufficientlie instrucet thairvpoun, and to conwene at
Edinbrugh vpoun the first day of August nixtocum, vnder the pane of ane
vnlaw of XX li. ilk brugh, and as salbe concludet be thame or maist pairt
of them, owther anent the persoun to trauell in this mater or anent his
chairgis and rewaird, the saidis comissioneris of burrowis promittis to hald
ferme and stabill, with powir alsua to the saids burro wes convenand to
deceme and adiuge the burrowes [nocht] sending thair ansuer or nocht
conveneand in the vnlaw thai prom it to hald ferme and stabilL
And becaus this wilbe expensiue to the brughis conweneand, it
is thocht guid and agreit that thair saidis chairgis salbe tane of the
vnlawis of the buiTOwis nocht sending thair ansuer or nocht conweneand
as saidis, and gif thair beis na vnlawis that the samyn be refoundit of the
nixt casualiteis of the bun-owis.
Pittinweym 15. The samyn day, anent the complaint of Pittinweme, Anstruther
contm AW^- ^istcr and Wester, aganis the brugh of Aberdein, mentionat in the
deyne Missiue. saxtcTie act of the last convcntioun, comperit Maister lohne Cheyne, com-
missioner for the said brugh of Aberdein, and, for preweing of the excep-
tioun admitet to his probatioun in the cans persewit be the saidis bur-
rowis aganis the said brugh of Aberdein, producit ane Chairtour maid to
the said brugh be King Robert Bruce, beirand this clause, cum Tninutis
cuatumia, quhilk he imediatlie tuik vp agane, nocht allowand, as he
alegeit, the iurisdictoun of the burrowis in this caus, bot as law will
alanerlie, and als producet William Doncane, baillie of Dundie, quha was
sworne and ressauit in presens of the saidis persewaris, and als producit
lames Mackune commissioner of Mwnros, with Alexander Annaud com-
missioner of Elgyne, quha was repellit, with delegence on lohne Irewing
Convention of Royai Burghs. 45 1
ane heid of the nixt misseve, attour they grant to the said Maister Alex-
ander, for the extract of ilk particuler act of thair conuentionis xl d., for
the extract of the haill actis of ony conuentioun ane merk, and for the
dowble of this booke of thair conuentioun the soume of tuenty merkis.
Quarto lulij j"^ v® Ixxxxiiij**
52. The quhilk day, the foresaids commissioners gevis full power and Commiarioun
commissioun to the fyve burrowes, appoyntet to convene at Edinburch for ^^^
the excjrse beir and wyne, or maist pairt of thame, to heir the compts of
lames Wynrame, agent, and to set doun ane moyane quhow he sail be
satisfeyet incais he be fund superexpendet, as alswa to sett doun the way
of defence and perswitt aganes the conseruatour incais hes mater be
nocht agreitt.
53. The sam day, the saids commissionares assignls and dispones to Muachett,—
Ihonn Mvschett, commoun clerk of Stirling, for his seriuce to the burrowis QuwThome.
in directing the last missiues and at this present conventioun, all and
quhatsumeuir vnlawes awand to the saids burrowes be the burgh of
Quhythome for ony caus bygane, ordaning him to be ansueret and obeyet
thairof, and discharges lames Wynrame of all trubbling of the said burgh
thaii*fbre, nochtwithstanding ony security maid to him thairanent.
64. The sam day, remitts and dischairges to the burgh of Irewyng thair irewing.
vnlaw of twenty pund quhilk thai incurret for thair absence fra the con-
ventioun of Dysart, bycaus thai vnderstand the said burgh wes dissauet
be the report of thair commissioner.
55. FoUowes the Qenerall Extent Boll of Burrowes, of ane hunder GeneraU uxt
pund, presentlie alterit be the extentouris electet thairto in maner ^^
following : —
Edinburch
xxviij li XV s
Tianerk . . .
. xviij s
Dundie
. . X li XV 8
Arbroth . . .
XV 8
Perth . .
. . vj li yj s viij d
Brunt Hand
xxvj s viy d
Abirdeyne
. . viij li
PebUs . . .
XV 8
452
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Glasquow
. iiij li z s
Craill
xvj 8
Sanctandrois .
. iij li
Kingome . . .
XX 8
Dysait . .
xlvij s viij d
Tbayne ....
X 8
Stirling . .
xls
Selkirk . . .
X 8
Air. . . .
xls
Anstrutber Wester
xij 8
Haddingtoun
xls
Culross ....
xiij 8
iiij d
Kirkcaldy .
xxxiiij 8
Dumbar ....
X 8
Montrose
xxxiij 8 iiij d
Bamf
ix 8
Cowper . .
xxxij B
Quhytborne . .
vjs
viij d
Anstruther Eister xl s
Forfar ....
Vj 8
viij d
Dumfries . .
xxxij B
Rosay ....
vj s
viij d
Innernes .
XXX s
Forres ....
vj 8
viij d
Brecbein . .
XXV B
Ruglein ....
iiij B
Irewyng . .
xxiiij B
Nortbbervik . .
vj 8
Elgein . . .
xxij B
Culane ....
iiij 8
Jedburgh . .
xxij B
Name . . .
V 8
Earkudbricbt .
xviij B
Lawder . ...
vjs
viij d
Wigtoun . .
xviij s
Innerkething .
X 8
Pettinweyme .
XX 8
Kilrayne . . .
V 8
Lynlytbquow .
xxij s
Summa of tbe haill j^ iij 1
i., and
Dumfermeling
xviij 8
ibis iij li.
for inggadering
Dnmbartane .
xviij 8
tbairof
Renfrow . .
xvj 8
Tbe sam day, tbe saids commissionares ordams tbe estaitt and poverty
of tbe burgb of Lynlytbquow to be consideritt at tbe nixt setting doun of
tbe extent roll
Galloway 8 lulij, 1630 enrollet and stentet to 48. and Kirk-
cudbriebt to 1 4a
{Two FoUoB of the Record are here wanting.)
Convention of Royal Burghs. 453
Vigesimo Septimo lunij 1595. ^
4. The quhilk day, the saidis commissioneris, for keiping of semlie ordour statuMpeiking
amangis them selffia with quyetnes, and for better depasche of thair efiaeres, '** ^°* "^*
statutis and ordanis that nane tak speche vpoun hand by the moderatour
vnrequret, nor intterupe nor trubill the woitting after ressoneing haid,
vnder the pane of xl s. sa oft as thai failzie.
5. The samyn day, lohnne Mackie, comissioner of Peblis, oblesset him Maknaobt
selff in name of the said burgh, to schaw and produce to Roger M'Mathe, exSnUs^
roUectour of the tua extentis of the burrowis for the wyneis and Adame Brunteiand
Foullertounis dett, ane suflBcient discharge of the said tounis pairt of the
samyn betuixt and the feist of Lambes nixt, and faelzeing thairof to pay
to him the said extent in Edinburgh, extending to vj li viij s., and lames
Andersoun comissioner of Couper oblesset him selff in lykmaner forsame-
kill of the said burghis extent as is restin. Item lames Wynraham, agent,
oblesset him selff as souertie for the comissioner of Forfar in the samyn
maner ; and the saidis commissioneres decernis the burgh of Brunteland
in ane vnlaw of xx 11 for non payment of thair taxatiounis foirsaidis, and
zet in consideratioun of thair commoun werkis, the saidis commissioneris
declaires, incais the said burgh mak payment of thair extent to the said
Koger betuixt and Lambes nixt, that thai salbe fire of the said vnlaw, and
this conditioun to be na preparatiue to vtheris.
5. The samyn day, anent the first heid of the missiue and act of the Bowpping of
last conwentioun, concerning the rowpping and setting of comoun guidisSj^u^^*
and rydding of mercheis, ane gret pairt of the saides comissioneris haweand
Bchawing thair delegence, pairtlie be word and pairtlie be writ, pairtUe in
generall and pairtlie in particular, the saidis comissioneris of burrowis, for
better executioun of the actis maid heiranent, findis expedient, statut and
ordanis, that in the nixt conwentioun ilk brugh schaw and produce ane
attentick writ, subscrywet be thair comoun clerkis, of the rowpping of
thair comoun guidis and rydding of thair mercheis, and the samyn to con-
tene mair particularie the quantitie of thair landis, renttis, and the soumeis,
with the daittis.and yeiris to rjm of the takis, quhair ony is sett, vnder the
pane of xx li., and this to be ane heid in the nixt missiue ; and the com-
missioner of Aberdein protestet in the contmir and disasentit thairto.
462
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Glasquow
. iiij li X s
CraiU
xvj 8
Sanctandrois .
. iij li
Kingome . . .
XX 8
Dysart . .
xlvij 8 viij d
Thayne ....
X 8
Stirling . .
xls
Selkirk . . .
X 8
Air. . . .
xls
Anstruther Wester
xij 8
Haddingtoun
xls
Culross ....
xiij 8
iiij d
Earkcaldy
. xxxiiij 8
Dumbar ....
X 8
Montrose
xxxiij s iiij d
Bamf
ix 8
Cowper . .
xxxij B
Quhythorne . .
vjs
viij d
Anstruther Eister xl s
Forfar ....
vjs
viij d
Dumfries . .
xxxij 8
Rosay ....
vjs
viij d
Innernes .
XXX 8
Forres ....
vj s
viij d
Brechein . .
XXV 8
Buglein . . .
iiij 8
Irewyng . .
xxiiij 8
Northbervik . .
vj 8
Elgein . . .
xxij 8
Culane . . .
iiij 8
Jedburgh . .
xxij 8
Name . . .
V 8
Earkudbricbt .
xviij 8
Lawder .
vjs
viij d
Wigtoun . .
xviij 8
Innerkething
X s
Pettinweyme .
XX 8
Kilrayne . . .
V s
Lynlytbquow .
xxij 8
Summa of the haill j"^ iij 1
i., and
Dumfermeling
xviij 8
this iij li.
for inggadering
Dumbartane .
xviij 8
thairof
Renfrew . .
XVJ 8
The sam day, the saids commissionares ordanis the estaitt and poverty
of the burgh of Lynlytbquow to be consideritt at the nixt setting doun of
the extent rolL
Galloway 8 lulij, 1630 enrollet and stentet to 48. and Eirk-
cudbricht to 148.
{Tvjo FoUoB of the Record are here ^uanting,)
Convention of Royal Burghs. 453
Vigesimo Septimo lunij 1595. j
4. The quhilk day, the saidis commissioneris, for keiping of semlie ordour statuMpeiking
amangis them selffis with quyetnes, and for better depasche of thair efiaeres, ^^ ^°^ ^^'
statutis and ordanis that nane tak speche vpoun hand by the moderatour
vnrequTet, nor mtterupe nor trubill the woitting after ressoneing haid,
vnder the pane of xl s. sa ofl as thai &ihEie.
5. The samyn day, lohnne Mackie, comissioner of Peblis, oblesset him Maknaobt
selff in name of the said burgh, to schaw and produce to Roger M'Mathe, eS^tia*"
collectour of the tua extentis of the burrowis for the wyneis and Adame BrunteUnd
Foullertounis dett, ane suflBcient discharge of the said tounis pairt of the
samyn betuixt and the feist of Lambes nixt, and &elzeing thairof to pay
to him the said extent in Edinbui-gh, extending to vj li viij s., and lames
Andersoun comissioner of Couper oblesset him selff in lykmaner forsame-
kill of the said burghis extent as is restin. Item lames Wynraham, agent,
oblesset him selff as souertie for the comissioner of Forfar in the samyn
maner ; and the saidis commissioneres decernis the burgh of Brunteland
in ane vnlaw of xx 11 for non payment of thair taxatiounis foirsaidis, and
zet in consideratioun of thair commoun werkis, the saidis commissioneris
declaires, incais the said burgh mak payment of thair extent to the said
Koger betuixt and Lambes nixt, that thai salbe &e of the said vnlaw, and
this conditioun to be na preparatiue to vtheris.
5. The samyn day, anent the first heid of the missiue and act of the Bowpping of
last conwentioun, concerning the rowpping and setting of comoun guidisiiSSu^^*
and rydding of mercheis, ane gret pairt of the saides comissioneris haweand
schawing thair delegence, pairtlie be word and pairtlie be writ, pairtlie in
generall and pairtlie in particular, the saidis comissioneris of burrowis, for
better executioun of the actis maid heiranent, findis expedient, statut and
ordanis, that in the nixt conwentioun ilk brugh schaw and produce ane
attentick writ, subscrywet be thair comoun clerkis, of the rowpping of
thair comoun guidis and rydding of thair mercheis, and the samyn to con-
tene mair particularie the quantitie of thair landis, renttis, and the soumeis,
with the daittis.and yeiris to ryn of the takis, quhair ony is sett, vnder the
pane of xx li., and this to be ane heid in the nixt missiue ; and the com-
missioner of Aberdein protestet in the contmir and disasentit thairto.
454
Convention of Royal Burghs.
fi "uotL^™'" *^' "^^ samyn day, anent the thrid held of the missiue and act of the
8i^arb& last coDwentioun, concerning the executioun of the act of parliament aganis
vnfre treffiqueris and craftis in suburbs, findis them selffis to hawe bene
veny slak and jiegligent thairinto in tyme by gane, and thairfoir findis
expedient, statut and ordanis, that in the nixt conwentioun the commis-
sioneris of ilk brugh sail schaw and produce mair particular deiegenee
thairvpoun in writ, to witt the creatioun of iudgeis collectouris, and the
deductioun of proces aganis the vnfi-emen, alsueill crafbis in suburbs as
vnfre traffiqueris, vnto the finall sentence, or that thai haue raset lettres of
homeing and arreistement aganis the saidis persouns, executioun following
thairvpoun, and quhair the pairtie hes purchesset ony suspensioun that
thay informe the agent in dew tyme, quhome thai ordeane to persew the
said suspensioun vpoun the chairgis of the haill burrowes, and the brugh
fund neglegent heirinto to be decemit in ane vnlaw of xx li., and this to be
ane heid of the nixt missiue.
8. The samyn day, anent the fourt heid of the missiue and act of the
last conwentioun, concemeing mettis and mesouris, ordanis ilk burgh to
schaw forder deiegenee at the nixt conventioun thairvpoun, nocht onlie in
ressaueing the iust mesour from Lynlythquow, bot als in vsing and putting
the samyn to practeis and executioun within thair boundis, vnder the pane
of XX li., and this to be ane heid in the nixt missiue ; and the commis-
sioneris of the burghis of Wigtoun, Kircudbricht, Dumfreis, and ledburgh
declairit that the vsuall mesour of thair countrey is and haA bene of lang
antietie mair and of glitter mesour than the mesour of Lynlythquow, sua
that it lyis nocht in thair powir to alter the samyn, and thairfoir dissentit,
protesting that this present ordinance be nocht preiudiciall vnto thair con-
suetude of aid ; and the commissioner of the brugh of Lynlythquow pro-
testit in the contn^ir, in respect of the lawis of the realme makand ane
vniformitie of all mesouris without exceptioun.
9. The samyn day, anent the saxt heid of the missiue and act of
Outknds ba]> the last conwentiouu, concerneing outlandis burgessis, findis the brugh of
gessu. iflBiuee. g^jj^ia^jij nocht to hawe done sic exact deiegenee as neid war in de-
pryweing of certane thair burgessis nocht remaining within thair brugh,
and thairfoir ordanis the said brugh, within the space of four scoir dayis
efter desolueing of this present conwentioun, to mak citatioun of thair
burgessis nocht actuallie resident with them for tyneing of thair liberteis
Mettis and
mesouriis.
Missiue.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 455
and ' gewe furthe thair decreit thairvpoun, and delyuer the 8am}'n to the
agent within xx dayis nixt tbairefber, or ellis to gewe the said agent
sufficient attestatioun of the obedience of the saidis outlandis burgessis in
making thair actuall residence and fynding of cautioun, vnder grit painis, to
contenew in the samyn, and this vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of xl li. to
be payet be the said brugh, and forder ordanis the haill burrowis to schaw
forder delegence of depriwatioun of thair outland burgessis at the nixt
conwentioun vnder the pane of xx li. and this to be ane heid of the
missiue.
1 0. The samyn day, anent the sewint heid of the missiue and act Forbiddin
of the last conwentioun, concemeing the transporting furthe of the realm be Huuiue.
sey or land of nolt, scheip, or ony vther forbiddin guidis, the saidis comis-
sioneris ratefeis and apprewis the samyn, ordaneing ilk brugh within thair
boundis to vse delegent executioun thairof, and specialie the brughis maist
ewest to the borderLs, and als that the brughis of Breichin, Dundie, Perth,
Stryveling, Kingome, Brunteland, or ony vther brugh quhair the quantite
or nomber of nolt or scheip passis throw thair boundis, that thai mak
arreistement thairvpoun quhill caution be fund that thai sail nocht pas in
Ingland, nor be sauld to Inglisman, or at the leist that ane testemoniall be
schawin of the prouest and bailleis of the brugh quhair the dryueris or
awneris remanis or duellis, and of na vther persoun, anent the place and
mercatt quhair thai ar boun to with the saidis guidis.
11. The samyn day, anent the complaint of Air, Glasquow, Irewin, and Air, DumUrt-
Dumbartane aganis Kirkcudbrecht mentionat in the xv act of the last irewiDToonuu*
conwentioun, compeirit Robert Hall, comissioner of Kirkcudbrecht, and, for ^^^oudbncht
proveing of the exceptioun admitet to his probatioun in the caus persewet
be the saidis burrowis aganis the said brugh of Kii kcudbricht, producit
Roger Makmathe merchand of Edinburch and Robert Dalzell baillie of
Vigtoun, quha was swome and ressauet in thair presens, and als producet
delegence be our Souerane Lordis lettrea dewlie execute and indorset as
appeird quhair lames Lidderdaill of the He, William M'Clenen of Auchlen,
William M'Clenen of Bydding, William M'Clenen of Gregorie, Henrie
Arnot in Kirkhoist, lohne Tuibling in Tymer hill, Dougall Tombilling thair,
lames Tobling seruand to the said lames Lidderdaill, Androw Rane in
Kirkcandros, lohnne Pauling in Kessotoun, Thomas Rane fleschour, Thomas
Broun, William Gordoun, burges of Vigtoun, Archibald Tailzepheir thair,
458 Convention of Royal Burghs.
ansueris that the maist pairt of the saidis burrowis hes agreit to itnploy
the said Laird or ony vtheris in the said negotiatioun, the saidis comiius-
sioneris of burrowis geweis thair full powir and commissioun to the
brughis of Edinbrugh, Stry veling, Dundie, Sanctandrois, Perth, Kirkcaldie,
Lynlythquow, or maist pairt of them convenand, to intreat and conclud in
the said mater, and to sett doun the speciall pointtis of the privilegis
quhilk thai think guid to be renewit, and ordanis the said brugh of
Edinbrugh immediatlie efler the ressait of the saidis lettres or ansueris fra
the saidis burrowis to direct thair missiues to the saidis brughis of Stry-
viling, Dundie, Sanctandrois, Perthe, Kirkcaldy, and Lynlythquow, to send
thair commissioneris sufficientlie instrucet thairvpoun, and to conwene at
Edinbrugh vpoun the first day of August nixtocum, vnder the pane of ane
vnlaw of XX li. ilk brugh, and as salbe concludet be thame or maist pairt
of them, owther anent the persoun to trauell in this mater or anent his
chairgis and rewaird, the saidis comissioneris of burrowis promittis to hald
ferme and stabill, with powir alsua to the saids burrowes convenand to
deceme and adiuge the burrowes [nocht] sending thair ansuer or nocht
conveneand in the vnlaw thai promit to hald ferme and stabilL
And becaus this wilbe expensiue to the brughis conweneand, it
is thocht guid and agreit that thair saidis chairgis salbe tane of the
vnlawis of the burrowis nocht sending thair ansuer or nocht conweneand
as saidis, and gif thair beis na vnlawis that the samyn be refoundit of the
nixt casualiteis of the burrowis.
Pittinweym 15. The samyn day, anent the complaint of Kttinweme, Anstruther
contnTAbir- ^^^^ ^^^ Wester, aganis the brugh of Aberdein, mentionat in the
deyne Missiue. saxtcTie act of the last couventioun, comperit Maister lohne Cheyne, com-
missioner for the said brugh of Aberdein, and, for preweing of the excep-
tioun admitet to his probatioun in the cans persewit be the saidis bur-
rowis aganis the said brugh of Aberdein, producit ane Chairtour maid to
the said brugh be King Robert Bruce, beirand this clause, cutyi minviia
custumia, quhilk he imediatlie tuik vp agane, nocht allowand, as he
alegeit, the iurisdictoun of the burrowis in this caus, bot as law will
alanerlie, and als producet William Doncane, baillie of Dundie, quha was
sworne and ressauit in presens of the saidis persewaris, and als producit
lames Mackune commissioner of Mwnros, with Alexander Annaud com-
missioner of Elgyne, quha was repellit, with delegence on lohne Irewing
Con vent 1071 of Royal Burghs. 4 59
in Brunteland, lohne Kay in Cmill, Thomas Dauidson, George Blak,
Ricliart Cokburae, Maister Robert Chalmer, William Chalmer, William
Jak, Androw Soberer, Andrew Brabriner, Walter Culane, Alexander
Rowane, Dauid Andersoun, lohne Robertsoun, Dauid Mathow, and Maister
Thomas Malesoun, clerk of Aberdein, witnessis lawfuUie summondit,
warned and chairgit be oure Souerane Lordis lettres to half compeirit
this day before the commissioneris of bun*owis to haif borne leill and
suithfaist witnessing in sa far as thai knew or salbe speiret at thame, for
proving of the exceptioun admitit to thair probatiounis in the cans per-
sewd be the saidis brughis of Pittinweme, Anstinither Eister and Wester,
and thai comperd nocht and assignis the day of lulij in the nixt
generall conventioun to do farder delegence on the saidis witnessis j^^'''-
tibits citatis.
16. The samyn day, anent the complaint of Pittinweme aganis Innernes, Pittinweyme
mentionat in the alewint act of the last conventioun, baith the paii-teis ^.^"MSsTue.
being personlie present, contenewis the decesioun thairof into the nixt
generall convention, and ordanis the compleneris to produce thair com-
plaint the said day, and the defenderis thair richt quhair by thai vplift
the dewteis and customeis complenit vpoun, with thair ressouns and
ansueris aganis the said complaint, with ceiiefecatioun and thai falize thai
salbe decemit to decist and ceis in all tymeis cuming, and in the mein-
tyme, with consent of the said commissioner, suspendis thame fra all
vplifting of the saidis customeis quhill the said day.
17. The samyn day, the commissioneris of the brughis off Dundie and Dundie, Foi>
Forfar submittis all contrauerseis betuix thame, zit as of before, to the ^' ^^"*
amicabill decisioun of the commissioneris to be appointet be the blnighis
of Mwnross, Couper of Fyfe, for the pairt of Dundy, and of the bi-ughis
of Perth and Brechin for the pairtis of Forfar, conforme to the actis
maid thairvpoun of before, and baith the saidis pairteis ar ordanit to con-
vene at the toun of Couper in Angus the xx day of August nixtocum, but
forder premonitioun bringand with them thair arbritrouris, vnder the
pane of ane vnlaw of xx li., to be payit be the pairtie absent to the pairtie
convenand, and incais the said mater be nocht agreit be the saidis arbi-
trouris, ordainis baith the pairteis to compeir sufficientlie instructit to
ansuer to vtheris, and to produce thair richtis in the nixt generall con-
ventioun of burrowifl, vnder the pane foirsaid, and this to be ane heid of
the missiue.
i
460
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Crafto of Abir-
deyne contra.
The Mages-
trats. llissiae.
Cmftu of
Sanctandrois.
contra
Magestrats.
Cowpcr, Edin-
buroh. Agent,
18. The samyn day, anent the complaint gevin in before thame for the
pairt of the craftismen and handie laubouroris of the brugh of Aberdein
aganis the merchand gild brethcr thairof, for the alegeit setting doun in
thair counsale certane intoUerabill actis and statutis to the hurt and pre-
iudice of the saidis craftis, as at lenthe is contenit in the said complaint
and artikillis gevin in thairwith, lohnne Messour procuratour for the
saidis compleneiis, and Maister lohnne Cheyne commissioner for the said
brugh being present, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis contenewis the
decisioun of the said complaint vnto the nixt generall conventioun of bur-
rowis, and ordanis baith the saidis pairties to compeir sufficientlie thairatt,
instructit with thair richtis, ressouns, and allegatiouns, and that nane of
them mak ony innovatioun aganis vtheris quhill the said day, vnder the
pane of ane vnlaw of xl IL, and ane particular missiue to be direct heir-
vpoun to baith the saidis pairties.
19. The samyn day, ane complaint being presen[tet to] them be Ar-
thour Mylne, deykin of the wrichtis of the Cete of Sanctandrois, and alegeit
commissioner constitut be the deykin and bretherein of the craftis thairof,
aganis the prouest and bailleis of the samyn, for alegeit setting of lang
takis of thair commoun rent vpoun vnressonabill conditiounis, to the hurt
and preiudice of the haill Cete, the saidis comissioneris of burrowis ordanis
ane missiue to be direct in all thair nameis to the saidis prouest and
bailleis requeisting thame to amitie, and to submit thais controuersie to
newtrall men, and to declare that the burrowis will haid hand to the
pail-tie fund maist ressonabill thairinto.
20. The samyn day, anent the supplicatioun gevin in before thame be
lames Andersoun, commissioner of the brugh of Couper in Fyfe, meneing
that thair heritabill richt of thair commoun myln and landis callit Russellis
Myln is querrellit before the Lordis be lames Clapen, seruitour to my
Lord Comptroller, for nocht haweing ane seaseing thairvpoun, quhilk will
induce ane strange prepratiue aganis the haill estait of burrowis gif he
preuaill, as at lenthe is contenit in the said supplicatioun, the saidis com-
missioneris requeistis effecteouslie the prouest and bailleis of Edinbrugh
in all thair nameis to trauell with the Kingis Magiste and Lordis of
Sessioun in favouris of the said brugh of Couper, and to be eimest thairinto
as gif it war thair awin cans, and as it may be giflF this preparatiue tak
place, and ordanis thair generall agent to solist, trauell, and concwr with
thame in defence thairof
Convention of Royal Burghs. 461
21. The samyn day, granttis and gewes licence to the brugh of Pittin- |*Htiiiweyine,
weine to impetrat of oure Souerane Lord ane gift for vplifting of ane impost
at thair port and heawin, conforme to the licence grantit to the brugh of
Craill at thair last conventioun haldine at Stryveling, and that for the
space of thre zeiris alanerlie, prouyding thay bestow the samyn vpoun the
reparatioun of thair herbrie and mak zeirlie compt thairof to the burrowis
at thair generall conventioun, vnder the pane of xx li., totius quotiiua,
22. The samyn day, findis it expedient and ordanis that it be ane heid Compt of im-
of the general missiue at the nixt conventioun that all burrowis that hes ^^ "**"^'
ony licence of impost gi-antit to them produce thair comptis of thair ressait
and imployement thairof at the said conventioun, vnder the pane of ane
vnlaw of XX li.
23. The samyn day, granttis and gewis licence to the brugh of Ire win irewyne
to impetrat of oure Souerane Lord ane gift of the impost following, to *^^*
indure for the space of sewin zeiris, and to be tane at thair brig, that is
to say, of ewerie hors and meir to and fra the mercatt to be bocht and
sauld sax penneis, of ilk ox and kow foure penneis, ilk scheip ane peny,
ewerie tua lambis ane pennie, ewerie hors haifand ane pak woll vpoun
him tuelf penneis, ilk hors haifand ane pak skynis or claith tuelf penneis,
ilk daiker hydis sax penneis, ilk schip with top cumand within the her-
berie xiij s iiijd, ilk bark exceidand xx twn vj s viijd, ilk boit thre schilling
iiij d., ane man with ane burding on his bak ij d., ilk hors laid wittuall,
salt, irne, butter, cheiss, hering, lyng, or vther merchandrice, foure pebneis ;
prouyding that thai bestow the samyn vpoun reparatioun of thair brig
and mak compt zeirlie thairof to the burrowis vnder the pane of xx li.,
and the said commissioner of Irewin renouncit presentlie, cutit and can-
cellat the awld gift pnrchessit be the said brugh of before without consent
of the burrowis vpoun hear dewteis.
24. The samyn day, the commissioners of burrowis hes exemit and be Exemption
thir present exemis the bmghis of Forres and Culane from all generall oSm^
conventiouns for the space of thre zeiris nixtocum, prouyding awayis that
thai send to ilk conventioun, with the commissionar of the nixt brugh,
thair attentick lettres of ratificatioun of all thingis to be done in the said
conventiouns, togidder with all soumeLs that sail happin thame to be
restand awand for the tyme to the burrowis for clerkis fieis and agent feis
or any vther cans, vtherwayis to be vnlawd as absentis, and that the ex-
462 Convention of Royal Burghs.
penssis qiihilkis thair comraissioneris inicht haif coist them be bestowifc
vpoun thair brigis, liarbereis, tolbuithes, kirkis, or vther maist necessar
comoun verkis, and compt to be gevin thairof to the burrowis at the end
of the said exemptioun, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of fourtie pundis.
stirHugr^j^s- -^- 1'^® samyn day, anent the complaint gewin in before them be the
«"«• commissioner of Culros agimis the brugh of Stryviling for alegeit taking of
vnfremenis customeis at thair brig, to witt of ilk hors laid ij d., ilk burdein
j d., the commissioners of buiTowis contonewis the samyn quhill the nixt
conventioun, and ordanis baith the saidis pairteis to compeir suflBcientlie
instnictit to ansner to the said complaint vnder, the pane of ane vnlaw of
XX 11, and this to be ane heid of the missiue.
Vltimo lunij j™ v*^ Ixxxxv.
vnfrie traffic- ^^- "^'^^ quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis present[lie con-
quers and venit], haifing tane ane occasioun to enter in forder considera[tioun and]
ressoneing anent the act of parliament maid aganis vnfrie traffiqueris and
craftis in suburbs of fre burrowis, that nocht onlie ratefeis and apprewis
the actis of burrowis maid thairanent of before, bot aLs for the better
obseruing and excuting of the said act of parliament to the grit weill of
thair estait, quhilk is sua hieelie hurt and preiudgeit be ane number of
regratouris, foirstalleris, and kowperis, vnfremen and of vnfre craftis in all
Extent of ij li. the pairtis of the realm contraueneand the said act without controUment ;
Bunlwif^* thairfoir it is thocht expedient statut and ordanit that lames Vynraham
thair generall agent sail with all possibill delegence, vpoun the comoun
expenssis of the haill burrowis, impetrat and purches ane commission of
the Lordis of Sessioun of cei'tane iudgeis delegat for calling and persewing
before thame of the saidis foirstalleris, regratouris, couperis, vnfre traffiqueris,
and vnfre craftismen, and putting of the said act of parliament to execu-
tioun aganis thame ; and gif the said commission can nocht bo obtenit
that he rais and execut lettres aganis the saidis persounis conforme to the
said act, prosecut and follow the suspensiouns raiasit or that salbe raissit
aganis the samyn vnto the finall decesioun thairof, and orcanis ilk brugh
to send to the said lames betuix this and the xxv day of Julij nixt with
thair ansuer toward the Laird of Veymis ane sufficient catoUog of the
Convention of Royal Burghs. 463
names of the saidis vnfre traffiqueris, vnder the pane of ana vnlaw of x li.,
and that ilk comissioner aduerteis his brugh heirof and cans the samyn be
done with delegence vpoun the ressait of the quhilk 'cattolog the said
lames to rais lettres or preceptis and send the samyn to ilk brugh, and
thay to cans execut and indoi-se and send the samyn bak agane to the
said lames to be vsit and followit furth be him in maner foirsaid ; and
for doing heirof thay haue willinglie a^reit and grantit to ane extent of
tua hundreth punds, oixlaneing ilk brugh to send thair pairt thairof ac-
cording to the last extent roll at Stryveling with the cattellog of the said
names agane the said day to the said lames, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw
of XX li. to be tane of ilk brugh failzeand, without preiudice of the payment
of thair pairt of the said extent ; and the commissioneris present to
aduerteis his brugh thairof as saidis, and the said lames to ressaue the
Siiid soume and to be comptabill thairfor to the burrowis at the nixt con-
wentioun, and gif he salbe fund super expendit the saidis commissioneris
of burrowis promittis vpoun compt and rekning to refound to him the
samyn, and the premisses to be done without preiudice of ilk brugh to call
follow and persew before thair awin iudges at hame sua far as thai may
of law vpoun thair awin chargis, conforme to the former actis maid heir-
vpoun, and gif ony persounis sail happin to oppone themselffis be way of
deid to the executioun of decreittis to be gevin and pronunceit in the
said materis, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis ordanis ilk brugh to
concur, fortefe, and asist ilk ane vtheris aganis the saidis persounis ; and
that this present ordour may the better cum to the knawlege of the bur-
rowis absent, ordaneing the present commissioneris of the brughis maist
ewest to them to mak thame laufull aduerteisement of the samyn.
27. The samyn day, the commissioneris of burrowis gewis power and Commission,
commission to the sewin burrowis or maist pairt of thame conveneand, J^wm, ooiiser-
appointit to convene at Edinbrugh the first day of August nixtocum for U^/^^^inJ^^
the mater of the Laird of Weymis, to sit vpoun the materis following, at Campheir.
consult, treit, and conclud thairvpoun at thair melting as thai sail fynd
maist expedient to the weill of the estait, to witt, that thai try the estait
of the matter betuixt the burrowis and conseriiatour, tak ordour thairwith
and put the samyn to ane point ; item the excyse beir and wyne in
Campheir, and the placeing of ane minister' of the natioun thair, according
to the actis of burrowis maid heiranent of before to be sane and considerit
be thame.
464 Conventioyi of Royal Burghs.
Factourisin 28. The samyn day, anent the 34? act of the last conventioun con-
Missiue. cemeing the factouris in Campheir, quha byis the Scottis wairis to thair
awin behuiff aiiA mak merchandice thairoff, ordanis ilk brugh to send thair
commissioner fullie instructet to the nixt conventioun with thair deliberat
ansuer gif the ordour alreddy tane thairanent sail stand and contenew or
nocht, and that Edinbrugh bring and produce with them the appointement
maid betuixt the Burrowis and Campheir anent the stapell, and this to be
ane heid of the nixt missiue.
sutute, Burne 29. The samyn day, anent the 39 act of the last conventioun, con-
^nblSjh** cemeing the transporting of bumecoU, the commissioneris ratefeis and
Missiue, Con- appreuis the samyn in all pointtis, and ordanis the samyn to be put to
further executioun, and to that effect ilk brugh at the nixt conventioun to
report thair delegence thairvpoun, and of the vptaking of the penalteis
mentionat thairinto, vnder the pane of ane hundreth pundis, and this to
be ane heid of the nixt missiue ; forder thai ordane lames Vynrahara thair
generall agent, with awyse of Edinbrugh^ to remember this matter to his
Majiste and Secreit Counsale, and to caus ane lettre missiue to be direct
in all thair nameis to my lord conseruatour desyring him sa far as he may
to escheit the burne coll arrywand within his boundis and aperteneing to
vnfremen, and als to aduerteis the burrowis or thair said agent of bis pro-
ceidingis thairinto, and to send the nameis of the schipis and maisteris
thairof arrywand thairwith from Scotland with the quantite of burne coll
thairin, and quhat port thai cum fra, to be presentit and schawin to the
burrowis at thair nixt conwentioun.
Anent the 30. Tlie samyn day, the saidis comissioneris hes statut and ordanit that
vo?i^^d^r-° ^^® magistratis of ilk brugh caus the actis of parliament maid aganis
M^ine^^ tralisporting of woll furth of the realm to be put to schairp executioun
within thair boundis, quither the transporting be be sey or land, and
vpoun licence or without licence, and vplift the penalteis presentlie with
all delegence, and that thai set furthe thair ordinance be oppin proclama-
tioun threw thair brugh inhibiting and dischargeing thair nichtbouris,
burgessis and fremen, of that kynd of tred, and of all purchessing and
vsing of ony licence or dispensatioun to that effect, vnder the pane of
escheit of the woll or pairt thairof and tynsell of thair fredomeis for euir,
and that ilk brugh at thair nixt generall conventioun schaw and produce
thair delegence in proceiding aganis thair nichtbouris contrauenearis heirof.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 465
and in vplifting of the said penalteis and depryueing thame of thair
liberteis, and to that eflFect to exhibite and produce thairwith to the saidis
biUTOwis the speciall nameis of thair nichtbouris contrauenearis, with cer-
tefecatioun to ilk brugh that salbe fund remis or negligent heirvnto thai
salbe decernit in ane ^adaw of fy ve hundreth merkis to the saidis bur-
rowis, and this to be ane heid of the nixt missiue, and the commissioneris
of Edinbrugh dissasentet heirto for the ressouns presentlie alegeit.
31. The samyn day, anent the complaint gewin in before them be thair ^^.^^^jj'^l^
agent and vtheris aganis the brughis of Kirkcudbricht, Wigtoun, and Wigtoun,
Innemes, for owerseing and componeing with vnfremen and foirstalleris to g'J^tnte?**
by and sell woll, skyn, hyd, and all vther vnstapill guidis within thair
boundis, speciale the said brugh of Kirkcudbrycht in rowpping the said
owirsicht as comoun guid, quhilk beand sufficientlie veryfeit before the
saidis burrowis thay fand the saidis brughis to haif done wrang thairinto,
and inhibitis and dischargeis thame and all vther brughis in tyme cuming
of all owerseing and componeing with the said vnfremen rOwpping and
taking thair commodite thairfoir, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of fyve
hundreth merkis sa oft as thai failze, and vnder the pane of ane hundreth
pundis to be tane of the fremen takeris of the gift of the said owirscht,
and ordanis the commissioneris to intimet this present ordinance to thair
saidis brughis.
32. The samyn day, the commissioneris of burrowis gewis power and Commission,
comission to the commissioneris of the brughis of Edinbrugh, Perth, Dun- ^^^ ^™^
die. Air, Stryviling, Lynlythquow, to convene the mome be vj houris in
the momeing and tak in the haill comptis of lames Vynram, agent, of his
ressait and discharge sen his last comptis at Kirkcaldie, and to perfyte,
end, and subscryue the samyn, allow and disalow, as thay sail fynd
expedient.
33. The samyn day, anent the supplicatioun gewin in before them be Fyschear
Thomas Fisher, merchand burges of Edinbrugh, for himselflf and in name ^^^^
and behalf of William Smale and William Cwininghame burgessis thairof,
and Patrik Andersoun burges of the brugh of Dondy, for refounding to
them of foure hundreth. [frankis debursit] be thame to Andrew Walkar in
Deip for .... of the effairis of thair estait in France and Impost in
preuelege thairof, and debursit agane be the said Androw vpon the Laird p^hear.**^*
of Eister Yeymis, and vtheris thair awin expenssis in trauelling thairinto,
8 N
466 Convention of Royal Burghs.
with the qubilk the saidis commissioneris being awyssit, thai fand them-
selflSs of equitie and richt adetit to the saidis persounis of the said soume,
and thairfoir for payment of the samyn thay haif willinglie grantit and
agreit to the impost following, to be tane of the guidis efter specyfeit per-
tening to Scottis men and arryuand at the port and herberie of Deip, or
ony vther portis of Normandie or Pickardie, fra Scotland, or ony vther portis,
being Scottis menis guidis : That is to say, of ilk twn salmond, hyd,
skynns quhatsumevir or woll, ten sowz, of ilk tua twn hering or keling
ten sous, ilk twn claith twentie sous, ilk twn lynt, hempt, cabilzame, ten
sous, ilk twn wax twentie sous, ilk tua twn pik or tar ten sous, ilk twn
taJloun ten sous ; and the collection of this impost to be and begyn at the
first day of lulij nixtocum and to contenew quhilk the fiflene day of Maij
nixt thairefter 1596. And for collecting and inbringing thairof makis
constitutis and ordanis the said Thomas Fisher thar lauchtfull vndoutit
fiEictour and coUectour, with powir to him be himselflF or his deputtis, for
quhome he salbe happin to ansuer, to intromet thairwith vplift collect and
imbring the samyn, to be gewin and imployit for refoundin to him and
his coUegis of the soume foirsaid ; and the said Thomas compeirand acceptit
the samyn and oblissit himselff to vplift and collect the said impost, and
thairwith refound and pay the said foure hundreth frankis, sa far as the
samyn will extend to, and to freith and relewe the saidis burrowis of the
samyn, and the supperplus, gif ony beis, to mak compt rekning and pay-
ment thairof at the nixt conventioun generall, as alsua to rander vnto
them ane perfyte compt of the maner of the deburssing of the said foure
hundreth frankis ; and becaus the said Thomas can nocht guidlie direct
ony persoun or persouns for collecting of the said impost at the saidis
portis of Pickardie and Normandie vther nor Deip, it is thocht expedient
statute and ordanit, that the skipper of ilk schip arryvand at the saidis
vther portis sail collect the samyn quhen as he cumis to the portis, to-
gidder with his frawcht, and to be comptabill thairfoir to the said Thomas
and to mak payment to him of the samyn immediatlie efter thair retum-
eing from thair veyageis ; and for the mair securite ordanis the magis-
trattis of ilk sey port within this realm at the out passing of ony of the
said schipis to the portis of Pickardy and Normandie vther nor Deip for
payment to the said Thomas of the said impost at thair retumeing, and
ilk commissioner present or ellis the said Thomas himselff to intimit this
present ordinance to the saidis magistrattis.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 467
34. The samyn day, compeirit lohnne Boyd, burges of Edinburgh, alegeitBoydo, Udger.
iadger, visitour, and marker of the haill burrowis salmond, hering and
quhyt fische, packit and to be packit within this reabn, and exhibit and
producit the pretendit gift maid to him and vmquhile William Macairtney
of the said office be oure Souerane Lord vnder the Priuie Seill, daititt at
Dalkeyth the tent day of December 1587, togidder with his lettres raissit
thairvpoun, and of his awn fre will renunceit and gaif ower the said gift in
the handis of the saidis burrowis, with all richt titell atid entres that he
hes or may pretend to the said office be wei-tew of the said gift or ony
vther richt or titell in tyme bygane, in favouris of the saidis burrowis, to
be vset and disponit vpoun be thame as thay think guid, conforme to the
lawis of this realm and actis of parliament maid thairanent, and submitet
himself haillelie in the will of the saidis burrowis for the purchessing and
vsing of the said gift and lettres.
Primo lulij i"* v^ Ixxxxv.
35. The quhilk day, the foirsaidis commissioneris [beand] convenit vii^cr-^yMa'JM, rest
standing that the persouns [appointet] to the heiring of the comptis of
lames Vynrame [agent] fund the said lames to be super expendit [and
the] burrowis to be awand to him de cla/ro of all . . . . sen his last
comptis to the day and dait heiroff the sovme of thre hundreth fourteneCoiiiini«io
pundis thre schillings quhill forder ordour be tane for payment thairof,iowi8.
ordanis the said lames to compeir before the sewin burrowis appointit toBest of gene-
convene at Edinburgh the first day of August nixt, and to exhibite and "^ •***"*',
produce before them the burrowis extent roll of thair pairt of the' generall
extent of ane hundreth thousand pundis grantit be the Estaittis to the
Kingis Grace, togidder with his compt of the collectioun of the said bur-
rowis extent, and gewin commission n and power to the said sewin buighis
to tak ordour thairanent.
36. The samyn day, findis the honour of thair estaitt greitlie preiud- Statute oowp-
geit be ane certane number of burgessis and fremen of burrowis quha^ toaS, Girnei-
leweing all vther tred, hes laitlie tane thame to the foirstalling, regraitting^^''"^*"^'^*'
and kowpping of al sort of wittuall and thairby the derth of sic necessar
viweris daylie incressit, for remeid quhairof the said commissioneris of
468 Convention of Royal Burghs.
burro wis hes thocht expedient statut and ordanit, that na burgessis and
fremen of burrowis tak vpoun hand to by ony kynd of wittuall in the
cuntrey to kowp and sell the samyn agane in ane fre burgh, with-
out he convert the samyn be his awin handie werk and labour in ane
vther forme, that is to say, the beir in malt, the quheit in floure, and
hawe bocht of the aittis of before quhairof he maikis the meill, vnder the
pane and vnlaw of xx li. to be payet be him sua oft as he failzeis to the
brugh quhair he salbe apprehendit heirwith, besydis the paynes con ten it
in the actis of parliament, prouyding awayis that this present ordinance
be nocht extendit to ony wittuall transportit be sey, sua that the boundis
quhair the wittuall is boclit be north Montros ; Forder it is alsua thocht
expedient statut and ordanit, that na freraan quha sail happin to girnell
any kynd of wittuall bocht within the realm huird and keip the samyn
to ane derth, bot thay haif thair girnellis and selleris patent at all tymeis
to all oure Souerane Lordis leigis, and mak mercatt thairof with all dele-
gence howewir the priieeis gang, to wit, that thay sell the meUl compleit-
lie within ane moneth efter the girnelling thairof, and the humill come
within tuentie dayis, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of xl li. totius quotiiua
to be payit to the magistrattis of the brugh and boundis quhair he gir-
nellis the samyn, and ordanis the commissioneris of ilk brugh to intimie
the present ordinance to the magistratis of thair brugh and thay to put
the samyn to executioun vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of ane hundreth
merkis sua oft as thai salbe fund remis and negligent heirvnto.
Burrowig 37. The samyn day, ordanis lames Vynraham, thair generall agent, to
to the nixt remember the burrowis at the next Parliament or generall Conventioun to
parliament, forme ane artikill to the Estaittis for ordour to be tane in favouris of the
magistrattis of burrowis that thai be nocht trublit as thai haif bene be
occasioun of lettres of captioun and incwr na pane thairthrow without the
pairtie purchessour of the lettres and his officer pas with thame fute for
ftite and schaw to thame the persoun lyand at the home ; item to foiine
ane artikle for obtening the act of parliament maid anent tmblis and dis-
obediencis in Edinburgh to be extendit to the haill burrowis ; item ane
artikle aganis the abuise of walkeris in kairding aud raxeing of claith, and
mony vther pountis of thair craft, to the preiudice of the biirges and dis-
honour of the natioun; item ane artikle in favouris of the fre burrowis
that na erectioun in ane fre brugh be grantit to ony brugh of barronie or
Convention of Royal Burghs. 469
kiik clachenns without the awyse [and consent] of the fre burrowis and
that the fre [burrowis] adiacent be first hard to say aganis the
vtherwayis the erectioun to be null. Item [ane artikiU] anent the san-
deil poilkis in the west .... of hering is distroyit.
38. The samyn day, it is thocht expedient statut and ordanit, that na?t»Y**-5*7^°^
burges of ony brugh, nor na partikulare brugh be thair commissioner, to parliament
presume to gif in ony maner of artikle to ane parliament or conventioun Soum7*^'
generall of the estaittis without thai first comwnicat the [samyn] to the
commissioneris of burrowis than convenit and obtene thair speciall awyse
and consent thairto, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis
to be payit to the burrowis be the brugh offendand, and tynsell of his fre-
dome to the particular burges.
39. The samyn day, vnderstanding that thair is dyuers persouns within Statute
sindre burrowis that the tyme of thair beiring of publict office within the with the com-
samyn intromettis with the comoun rent thairof, vsis and disponis theJJJJ^"^^^^'
samyn at thair plesour, for remeid quhairof it is thocht expedient
statut and ordanit that na brugh tak vpoun hand to elect or nominat ony
persoun to beir office of magistrat or consuloure in the samyn that standis
addetit to the brugh in ony soumeis of money, without he hawe maid first
actuall and reall payment thairof, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of ane
hundreth pundis to be payit to the burrowis be the brugh that electis
him, and the present comissioneris to intimie this present ordinance to thaij:
brugh at thair retumeing.
40. The samyn day anent the desyre of the brugh of Lanerik desyring Lanark
the burrowis to ressaue of thame the iust quantite of the stane wecht and ^^^ ^^
to thair mesouris according thairto, the saidis burrowis ordanisg^^^®^
thame to send and present thair iust to the sewin burrowis ^^»rro^«-
appointed to conwene at Edinbrugh and thai to try and examyn the
samyn and mak report thairof to*the nixt conventioun, and the commis-
sioneris to cum fullie instnictit with thair mynd and ansuer of thair
brugh to the said desyre of Lanerik, and this to be ane heid of the
missiue.
41. The samyn day, ordanis ane missiue to be direct to the prouest, Giaw^uow
baiUeis, and counsall of Glasquow in name of the haill burrowis, schawand **
that the saidis burrowis is nocht a litill ofiendit that thai conforme nocht
themselffis to the comlie ordour of vther fre burrowis in haifing ane dejme
470
Convention of Royal Burghs.
of gild and electing of gild brother and thairfoir desyring thame to send
tua commissioneris for the merchandis and tua for the craftis to compeir
at Edinbrugh the first day of August nixt before the commissioneris of
the sewin burrowis appointit to conwene thairatt to informe thame mair
fullelie of thair estaitt, ressoun, and confer with thame thairvpoun for
forder ordour to be tane thairanent, to quhome the saidis burrowis gewis
powir and commission to that effect.
42. The samyn day, gewis commissioun to the sewin burrowis appointit
to convene at Edinbrugh the first day of August nixtocum to tak ordour
innerkething. with the desyre of the brugh of Innerkeithing for licence to set in few
certane thair comoun landis and to try gif the samyn be for the comoun
Weill of the said brugh, quhome thai ordane to send foure of thair nicht-
bouris'to Edinbrugh to informe thame sufficientlie thairof.
43. The samyn day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis hes exemit
and exemis the brugh of Wigtoun fra al conventiounis be north Forth for
the space of tua zeiris nixtocum prouyding awayis that thai send to ilk
Commession
Sevin
burrowea
Exemptio
Wigtoun.
Exemptio
Peblis.
convention n with the commissioner of the n
of ratificatioun of all thingis done in the said conventioun togidder
feis agent .....
vnlawit as . . ...
commissioner micht ....
vpoun thair brigis herbereis tolbuiths .
maist necessar commoun werkis
thairof to the burrowis at the end
vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of
44. The samyn day the saidis commission
hes exemit and exemis the burgh of .
conventiouns be north Forth for the .
zeiris nixtocum prouyding alwayis
conventioun with the commissioner of the
attentek lettre of ratificatioun of all
the said conventioun togidder with all
that it sail happin thame to be rest
the tyme to the burrowis for clerkis - ..
xt brugh thair attentik lettre
Conventiofi of Royal Burghs.
471
or ony vther caus vtherwayis to be .
And that the expenssis quhilk thai
half cost thame be bestowet vpoun thair
herbereis tolbuithis kirk and vther maist
commoun werkis and compt to be gevin thairof
burrowis at the end of the said conventioun
the pane of ane vnlaw of xx li.
45. The samyn day, the commissioners of burrowis
and exemis the burghis of Arbrothe and Innemes
fra all conventiouns besouthe Tay for the
zeir nixtocum, and remittis vnto them thair vnlaw
ilk burgh quhilk thai incurrit at Dysart they
samyn on thair herberie, and als ordanis thame
compt thairof to the burrowis at the ishe of the
zeiris and als of all impoistis grantit to them
of bestowing on thair commoun werkis of the
. of ane vnlaw of
generall thai send with
nixt burgh thair attentik lettre
cation of all thingis done in the said conventioun
togidder with all soumes of money restand awand
thame for the tyme to the burrowis for the clerkis
agent feis or ony vther caus vtherwayis to be vnlawit as
absenttis.
The samyn day, grantis and gewis licence to the burgh of Quhithome
to impetrat of oure Souerane Lord the gift of the impost and dewteis
following for reparatioun of thair for the space
of thre zeiris alanerlie, viz., for the ankerage of ilk schip that sail happin
to arryive to the herbeiie xiij s. ij d.,. for ilk bark sax schillingis . . . d.,
for ilk boit iij s. iiij d, to be payit of all persouns alsweil fre as vnfre ; and
siclyke granttis the impost foDowing to be tane of all vnfremen discharge-
ing thair laidning within the said herberie, viz., of ilk schip tua bollis salt,
watter mett, of ilk bark ane pek salt, Vigtoun mesour, ilk bark vUis tua
barrell, ilk boit inch rungis (?) half ane hundi*eth, of ane boit ....
ExempUo
Arbrothf
Innerncs,
▼ulawis
remittit.
At Aberdein.
472 Convention of Royal Burghs.
treis ^ ilk bark ladin with jeistis and sparis ane
jeist tua sparis, of ane boit hering ane hundreth, provyding awayis that thin
impost, except ankerage, be allanerlie vplifted of vnfremen and sic as sal
happin to discharge within the herberie and na vtheris.
The samyn day, anent the complaint of Anstruther Eister and Craill and
Pittinweme aganis the brugh of Sanct Androis for nocht suffering the
nichtbouris of the said bnighis to repair to thair mercatt
the samyn doun to tua houris efter none to thair grit hurt, in contrair the
statutes of the burro wis, as at mair lenth is contenit in the said complaint;
baith the saidis pairteis being personalie present the said commissioneris
of burrowis contenewis thair ansuer geving thairto quhiU the nixt generall
conventioun, and ordanis baith the saidis pairteis to produce thair rychtis,
and this to be ane heid of the missiue.
[The second volume of the Recm^ds of the Convention ends here, a
poHion being evidently VJanting. The latter paH of the
volume hears evidence of having long lain in an unbound state,
and the cancluding leaves are much frayed and obliterated.']
In the Generall Conventiouns of Burrowis^ begun and haldin
at the brugh of Aberdein^ the first day of lulijf t;'
foure scoir saxtene zeij-is, Competrit the Commis''
sioneris of Burrowis^ and produdt thair commissiouns
in maner following : To ivit,
Edinbrugh, Richart Dobie, merchand, Eduard Galbraith, skynner; Perth e,
Henrie Adamesoim ; Dondie, William Doncane, merchand ; Aberdein,
Thomas Meinzes of Dome, provest, Alexander Rutherfuird ; Glasquow,
Thomas Pittigow ; Sanctandrois, Dauid Awerie ; Stirling, Walter Cowane,
Lyulythquow, Andrew Ker, clerk; Air, George Cocherane; Hadingtoun,
Conveiition of Royal Burghs. 473
lohn Carkettill ; Kirkcaldie, lohnne Halkett ; Mwnros, lohnne Vilsoun ;
Anstruther Eister, lohne Anstruther, clerk ; Dumfries, be thair missiue and
lettre of ratificatioun presentit be Vigtoun ; Innernes, Alexander Cuthe-
bert, prowest ; Breichan, William Bamsay ; Elgyne, Alexander Boyne ;
Kirkcudbricht, William Makgie ; Vigtoun, lohnne Hannay of Kirkdaill ;
Dumferling, Robert Patoun ; Dumbartane, thair exemptiouns and instruc-
tiouns producit be Walter Cowane, commissioner of Stirling ; Renfrow, be
thair missiue ' and exemptioun, producit be James Wynram ; Arbroth,
Abraham Creichtoun, baillie ; Brunteland, lames Clerk ; Peblis, be thair
missiue and exemptioun producit be the agent ; Craill, lohnn Dowglas ;
Kingorne, Androw Brown, clerk : Dumbar be thair missiue and exemp-
tioun producit be Hadingtoun ; Banff be thair exemptioun and missiue
producit be Maister Tliomas Malisoun ; Quhithome be thair missiue pro-
ducit be Kirkcudbricht ; Forfar, Androw Hunter ; Ruglein be thair missiue
producit be lames Vynrame ; Northeberuik be thair missiue and exemp-
tioun producit be Hadingtoun ; Lauder, Alexander Wod ; Culane be thair
exemptioun and ratificatioun ; Innerkeything, George Durie, clerk ; Kil-
ranny be thair missiue producit be Anstruther Eister.
2. The samyn day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis electis, Moderatour
creattis, and constitutis, Thomas Meinzes of Dome, prowest of Aberdein,
as first in commissioun thairof, thair moderatour induring this present con-
ventioun.
3. The samyn day, Alexander Wod, commissioner of Lauder, ratefeis Batificatio,
all thingis to be done in this conventioun, and, in respect of the said ^*^^®''-
brughis exemptioun, gmnttis him licence to depairt fra this conven-
tioun.
4. Tlie samyn day, Maister Thomas Malysoun, commoun clerk of tlie Ciutioun
brugh of Aberdein, veryfeit the laufull citatioun of the burrowis to this ^®" ®^®**
present conventioun, and producit the delegence in writt thairvpoun.
5. The samyn day, decernis the brughis vnderwrittin, and ewerie ane of Burrowet
thame, in ane vnlaw of xx li. for non compeirance to this present conven- chaiiTge' agent
tioun be thair commissioneris, that is to say, the brughs of Dysart, Couper,
Irewin, ledbrugh, Pittinweyme, Lanerick, Thane, Selkirk, Anstruther
Wester, Culros ; and ordanis the said vnlaw to be payit to James Vnrame
thair agent in name of the burrowis, and he to vplift the samyn and rais
3 O
474 Cwivention of Roytil Baryhs.
letfcres to that effect, quhairwith he is to be chairgit thaii-with in Lis
comptis.
BTiTrowes Q^ The samyn day, decemis the brughis of Perthe, Forfar, Quhithome,
M'Nachts , and ewerie ane of thaine, in ane vnlaw of xx li.. to be pay it
CUairge agent. ^<^ lames Vynram thair agent in thair nameis, and that for non payment
to Rodger M'Matht, eollectour of thair pairts of the lajst extent of the
vyneis and customeis, and of Adame FouUertouns extent, thay being sua
mony tymeis requyrett thairto and dissobeyit ; and ordanLs the said agent
to vplift the samin, quhairwith he is to be chargit in his comptis ; provid-
ing awayis that, gif thai mak payment to the said Rodger of the saidis ex-
tentis bctuixt this and the fyftene day of August nixt, that thai be fre of
the saidis vnlawis.
statute. 7. The saymn day, appointis the houris of thair meitting during this
conventioun, conveutioun to be at viij houris in the momeing ilk day, and to contenew
Bpeikmg. quhill xij houris, and at ij houris efternone, and to contenew quhill sax
houris at even, and the persouns absent or depairtand without licence to
pay ane vnlaw of vj s. viij d. ; and that [nane] presume to speik quhill he
be speirit att be the moderatour, vnder the said pana
Rowpping of 8. The samyn day, anent the sax act of the last conventioun conceme-
guids. ing the rowpping and setting of comoun guidis, and lyiding of marcheis,
ro^^vnUwet. fyndis the commissioneris presentlie convenit, exceptand as foUowis, to
Chairge agent ^auc schawin and producit thair sufficient delegence thairvpoun in writt,
and fyndis the commissioneris of Glasquow,Sanctandrois,Craill,Hadingtoun,
and Forfar, na vayis to haue sateffeit the tennour of the said act, and
thairfoir decernes thame, and ewerie ane of thame, in ane unlaw of xx li.
to be payit to thair agent and vpliftit be him, and he to be chairgit thair-
with in his comptis ; and ordains thame, zit as of before, to produce at the
nixt conventioun thair exact delegence in writt in obseruing the said act,
and the lyk to be done be the burro wis absent at this conventioun vnder
the pane contenit in the said act ; and this to be ane heid of thair
missiueis.
innerkethingj 9. The samyn day, anent the fouitie tua act of the last conventioun,
CommUdof" quhairby certane burrowis was appointit to tak ordour with the desire of
the brugh of Innerkei thing for licence to sett in few certane thair com-
moun landis, and to try gif the samin be for the commoun veill of the said
brugh, and to direct foure of thair nichtbours to informe thame sufficientlie
Con vention of Royal Burghs. Alb
tbairvpoun ; and anent ane complaint presentlie gewin in be lolm Daue-
son, lohn Swyntoun, and certaine vfclieris thair coUegis, burgessis of the
said brugh, aganis Thomas Micbell, lohn Broun, Mark Swyntoun, and cer-
tane vtherLs thair coUegis, burgeisses of the samyn, for intending to sett
in few thair commoun ^guid within the awaiU, and to appropriatt the
samyn to thair awin vsis, as at lenthe is contenit in the said complaint :
The saidis commissioneris of burrowis, haweing consideratioun of the act
and complaint foirsaid, fyndis the said brugh nocht to have obseruit the
said act for thair pairt, and thairfoir gewis commissioun to the brughis oflf
Edinburch, Perth, Dundie, Lynlythquow, Montrose, or ony foure of thame,
to deput certane of thair nichtbouris to tak cognitioun of the said com-
plaint and decyid thairvpoun, with power to tak ordour with the present
estait of the commoun rent and landis of the said brugh, and to se the
samyn put to the best awaill and profeit ; and to the effect abouewrittin
ordanis thre of the saidis defenderis compeir att Edinbrugh the xxj day of
lulij nist before the commissioneris, to persew and defend in the saidis
materis, and to informe of the estait of the saidis commoun landis and
commoun guid ; and in the meintyme the said brugh to decist and ceLs fra
all foiiher setting or disponeing of the saidis commoun landis or commoun
guid and mylnnis quhill the said mater be decydit.
10. The samyn day, the saidis commissioneris, vnderstanding that cer- statute. Pay-
tane burrowis hes of lait bene in vse to pay thair pairt of the Kingisuouuswith
Maiesties taxatiouns with the reddiest of thair commoun guid, findis the^^^lJI^JJ)*'^
samyn verray hurtfuU to the commoun veill of burrowis, and abill be pro-
ces of tyme to exhaust the patremonie thairof : For remeid of the quhilk
thing thay, be thir presenttis, haue statute and ordanit that na maner of
burgh tak vpoun thame to deburse ony pairt or portioun of thair comoun
rent vpoun the payment of taxatiouns that salbe grantit to his Mageste or
his successouris, bot the saidis taxatiouns to be payit be commoun contri-
butioun amangis the nichtbouris of the brugh, and the commoun guid
maid fre thairof to be imployit vpoun the commoun verkis, and this vnder
the pane of ane vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis sa aft as thay failze, to be
payit to the burrowis ; and ilk commissioner to mak his burgh certefeit of
tliis present ordinance.
476
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Secundo lulij j™ v*' Ixxxxvj.
Anent ynfre
trafficquers,
crafts of su-
burbs, fore-
stallers, cow-
pers.
Missiue.
Statute. Land
xnessouria,
water nieeour.
Missiue.
11. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foii'saidis being
convenit, anent the sewintt and nynt actis of the last conventioun concern-
ing the vnfre traffiqueris and craflis in suburbs and outland burgessia,
findis that the actis of parliament, lawis, and preuelegis of burrowis con-
cerning the samyn, and concerning the foirstalleris, regratouris, and cow-
peris ar nocht put to sic spedie and scherp executioun as the necessitte of
the caus requyreis, quhairby the multitude of vnfremen, kowperis, and
foirstalleris of all sortis of merchandice within the realme is gritlie incres-
sit in the north and all vther pairtis of the realme, sa that with proces of
tyme the haill cuntrey wains will fall in said vnfremenis handis to be vsit
at thair plesour : For reraeid quhairof the saidis commissioneris of bur-
rowis fyndis it expedient, statutis, and ordanis that ilk brugh within theni-
selffis put the saidis actis of parliament statutis and preuelidgeis of bur-
rowis to mair spedie and scherp executioun, conforme to the saidis sewint
and nynt actis of the said conwentioun in all pointis, and report thair
mair speciall delegence in wrytt thairvpoun to the nixt conventioun ; and
this to be ane heid of the missiue, and inspeciall that thay gewe vp the
nameis of the saidis kowpperis, forstalleris, regrattouris, and vseris of mer-
chandice within or without the realme, to lames Vynram, agent, quhome
thay ordane to persew and obtene decreittis aganis thame before the iugis
competent, and send the decreittis obtenit thairvpoun to the saidis burrowis
to be put to executioun be thame ; and als ordanis the said James to caus
call, follow, and persew the suspensiouns quhair ony is ralssit be the said
vnfremen, and to schaw his delegence thairvpoun at the nixt conventioun ;
and the burrowis failzeand to fulfill thair pairt of this present ordinance
to pay ane vnlaw of xl 11 to the burrowis without favouris.
1 2. The saymn day, anent the aucht act of the last conventioun con-
cerning mettis and messouris, the maist pairt of the saidis commissioneris,
haueing schawin sum delegence in conformeing thame selffis to the iust
stand of Lynlythquow, for better prosecuting in the said mater, and taking
away of the grit diuersite of the land mesouris of pek and fiirlott, it is
thocht expedient, statu t, and ordanit be the saidis commissioneris, that the
said land mesour throw all the burrowis of this realm salbe maid and vsit
Convention of Royal Burghs. 477
in all tyme cuming coiiforme to the stand and mesour of the furlott of
Lynlythquow, and the mesour of the pek to be correspondent to the said
furlett, to witt, foure pekis, and na mair nor les, to mak the furlott ; and
sua the said furlott to be equallie and iustlie dewyidit in the said foure
pekis, and ilk brugh to cans this act be put to guid executioun be vnlaw-
ing and pvnisching of thair nichtbouris, contravenaris thairoff ; and the
brugh fiiilzeing thairinto, and being accusit and convictit thairof in the
convention n of burro wis, to pay ane vnlaw of xx li. to the saidis buiTOwis,
exceptand awyis the Nyddisdaill mett, quhilk is ordanit to stand in the aid
forme quhairin it is in vse. And anent the watter mett of vittuall and
salt tane fra forane cuntreyis, it is thocht expedient, statute, and ordanit
that the mesour of the boll thairof salbe and contene auchtene pekis of the
land mesour of Lynlythquow, and na les nor mair, and the samyn to be
deuyidit in haill boll, half boll, and quarter boll proportionalie ; discharge-
ing be thir presenttis all vther watter mettis of vittual and salt foirsaid
nocht agreand heirwith ; and this present watter boll mett and na vtheris
of the wairis foirsaid be keipit and vsit in tyme cuming baith in ressaveing
and delyuering be fremen and sti*angeris vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of
XX li. toties quoiiis, to be vptane of ilk persoun contraueneand the samyn,
to be payit to the commoun weill of the brugh quhair the fait is done, and
that ilk brugh amangis thame selffis cans this present act to be keipit and
put to schei'p executioun, vnder the pane of xl li. to be payit be thame to
the saidis burrowis sa oft as thay failze ; and that ilk brugh reporte and
schaw thair delegence heii'vpoun at the nixt generall conventioun, and this
to be ane heid of the missiue.
13. Tlie samyn day, ordanis the brugh of Brunteland to schaw and pro-^™*»^*'»<i-
duce forther delegence in writt, at the nixt conventioun, of the deprjrueing
of thair outlandis burgessis, conforme to the sext act of the last conven-
tioun, and specialie vpoun William Trumbill, merchand, vnder the pane of
ane vnlaw of xx 11
14. Tlie samyn day, anent the xxix act of the last conventioun, con- Bume coUl
ceming the transporting of bume coll furth of the realm, quhairby it is ^u^t^**^"^
ordanit that ilk brugh at this conventioun sould reporte thair delegence ^***jJJf®jW"*-
thairanent vnder the pane of ane hundreth pundis : Findis the brughis of Comissio.
Dysart and Culros to haue schawn na delegence thairanent, and thairfoir
decernis thame, and ilk ane of thame, in ane vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis.
478 Convention of Royal Burghs.
to be payit to the saidis burrowis, and to be persewit and coUectit be thair
agent, and he to be chairgit thairwith in his comptis ; and ordanis ilk
brugh within quhais boundis the burne coll may be careit away, to schaw
to the nixt conventioun thair forther delegence in writ in putting to
executioun the said act, and actis of parliament concerneing burne coU,
vnder the \m\Q of ane vnlaw of tua hundreth pundis, and this to be ane
heid of the nixt missiue, and ordanis lames Vynrame, agent, and sic vther
burrowis as sail haue ony commissioun gevin to thame be this present
conventioun to convene at Edinburgh, that thai recomend this mater to
his Mageste and Lordis of Secreit Oounsall and Cheker, vse all possibill
moyane for balding at hame of the said burne coll,
portSiVwoiT J 5- Th® samyn day, anent the threttie act of the last conventioun, con-
Comiseia Mis- ceming the transporting of woll furth of the realm, ratefeis and apprewis
the samyn, and ordanes ilk brugh to caus the samyn within thair boundis
be put to forther executioun, and report thair delegence in writt agane
the nixt conventioun, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of fywe hundrethe
merkis, and this to be one heid of the nixt missiue ; and the commission-
eris that salbe appointit to convene at Edinburgh, trauell with his Maiestie
Secreit Counsall and Cheker for balding of the said woll within the realm.
Fyscbeare im- 16. The samyn day, anent the xxxiij act of the last conventioun, con-
ComL^o wT^cemeing the impost grantit to Thomas Fischer in Edinburch and his coUegis,
burrowes. f^j. renibursing to thame of foure hundreth frankis debursit be tharae to
Androw Walker in Deip for awancement of the effairis of the burrowis
estait in the pairtis of France : Findis tyme of the collectioun of the said
impost to be expyreit vpoun the fyftene day of Maij last, and thairfoir
dischargeis him and his collegis or thair deputtis of all forther vplifting
thairoff, and that he giue in his comptis off his intromissioun with the
said impost to the commissioneris that sail convene att Edinburgh, and the
said brugh to aduerteis him thairof ; and gewis power and commissioun
to the saidis burrowis to ressaue compt rekning and payment of him of
the samyn.
conu^^s-^ 17. The samyn day, anent the complaint of Sanctandrois aganis the
truther Wester. brugh of Austruther Wester for exacting of ane excyse boll fra lames
burges of Sanctandrois, the commissioneris ordanis the said brugh
to cum sufficiently instruct at the nixt conventioun to ansuer to the com-
plant, vnder the pane of xx li., and this to be ane heid of the missiue.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 479
18. The sainyn day, gewis commissioun to the present commissioneris Agents rest of
of the brughis of Edinburgh, Perthe, Dundie, Aberdein, Lynlythquow, Air,m^u)/ ^
and Stiriing, to convene the morne at sax houris in the momeing, and to
se how lames Vynram, thair agent, salbe payit of the rest of his last com-
ptis extending to iij*^ xiiij li. iijs., mentionatt in the 35 act of the last
conventioun, als quhat he his done toward his discharge of his intromissioim
with the burrowis pairt of the last generall extent of ane hundreth thou-
sand pundis, mentionat in the said act ; togidder with his con pt of the
extent of tua hundreth pundis, grantit for calling of the regratouris, con-
forme to the xxvj act of the last conventioun, and the saidis commission-
eris to report the samyn to the saidis burrowis.
19. The samyn day, anent the mater of the burgh of Glasquow con-Q^]™^^^^
cerneing thair gild brether, mentionat in the xlj act of the last conventioun: Agent,Mi6«iue.
Findis the said brugh hes nocht obeyit nor obseruit the said act in ony
point, and thairfoir ordanis ane missiue to be direct in all thair nameis to
the said brugh calling the said mater to thair rememberance, and fynding
fait with thair misordour and disobedience, to desyre thame to send tua
commissioneris for the merchandis and tua for the craftis, to compeir att
Edinburgh the twenty day of lulij instant, before the commissioneris that
salbe appointit to convene thairatt, to confere, ressoun, and intreit vpoun
the said mater and to heir and se ane ordour of gildre to be estabillishit
within thair brugh, or ellis to alege ane ressonabill cans in the contrair,
vnder the pane of ane hundreth pundis, to be payit be the said brugh or
pairtie fail^eand in sending thair commissioneris to the said brugh. to be
payit to the burrowis ; and with certefecatioun to thame, and thai failze,
that the burrowis at the nixt conventioun sail proceid and decerne thame
to conforme thameselffis to the estait of the rest of the burrowis ; and
gewis powir and commissioun to the saidis burrowis quha sail meit in
Edinburgh the said day to intreit conclude and decerne in the said mater,
and vnlaw the pairteis absent, and ordanis lames Vynram, agent, to ressaue
ane bill to be direct to baith the saidis pairteis to this effect, and to report
in wryt thair delyuerance thairoff.
20. The samyn day, gewis powir and commissioun to the bmchis ofCommisaio,
Edinbrugh, Perthe, Dundie, Stirling, Lynlythquow, Glasquow, Couper, Excyeo beir!''
Sanctandrois, or ony foure of thame with Edinbrugh, to convene at Edin- ^^^^^
brugh, vpoun aduertesement of the said brugh, for intreitting of the mater
480 Conventhu of Royal Btmj lis.
of the excyse heir and wyne in Campheir, and all vther materis that the
haill burrowis hes ado with my lord Conseruatour, woit, conclude, and
deceme thairintill for the weill of thair estaitt, and ordanis lames Vynram
agent to rais lettres chairgeing the said Conseruatour to compeir vpoun
thre scuir dayis wairning at Edinburgh, the last day of September nixt,
before the saidis aucht burrowis or ony fyve of thame, to mak compt,
rekning, and payment of the vsing and distributing of the said excyse
beir [and] wyne, and heir and se forther ordour tane thairanent, and forder to
ansuer to sic vther thingis as salbe layit to his chairge, vnder the pane of
depriwatioun, and payment of the said excyse beir, or with sic vther
certefecatioun that the said lames may obt^ne in -the saidis lettres, quhilk
thai ordane the said lames to cans publeis and proclame, and, gif neid
beis, ane speciall missiue lettre to be direct to the Conseruatour to this
effect.
Tertio lulij j™ v^ Ixxxxvj.
CommiBdo, 21. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis being convenit, it
of^the^wcSr"^ was reportit vnto thame, be the commissioneris depute to haue coixvenit
E^nburd!"* this day at sax houris in the momeing to consult vpoun certane comptis
betuixt the burrowis and lames Vynram, thair agent, mentionatt in the
1 8 act of this present conventioun : that, anent the compt of the burrowis
pairt of the generall extent of ane hundreth thousand pundis for the Princes
baptisme, thair wilbe restand of excresens the soume of fyve hundreth
pundis mair nor the extent rollis quhilk is payit; and thairfoir ordanis
the commissioneris quha sail convene at the nixt particular conventioun
to remember the samyn, and to try in quhais handis the samyn is, and to
tak ordour thairwith, that it may be maid furthecumand to the saidis
burrowis ; and gif thai failze to put that mater to ane point, that it be
ane heid of the nixt missiue to tak compt of the brugh of Edinbrugh how
thai haue payit thair pairt of the said generall extent, and the said brugh
to be wairnitt to the nixt generall conventioun to that effect : and the
present conmiissioneris of the said brugh disasentit to this present act in
all pointis for the ressouns preseiitlie alegeit be thame.
Conventio7i of Eoyal Bur^yhs. 481
22. The samyn day, findis the burrowis vnderwittia to haue failzeit in roTOTvniawet
payment making of thair pairtis of the soume of tua hundreth pundis of Chairge agent
extent grantit for making of tlie chairgis and expensis in persewing of the
foirstalleris, regratouris, vnfre traffiqueris, and vnfre craftis, mentionatt in
the xxvj act of the last conventioun, and sua to haue incurrit the pane
and vnlaw of xx li. contenit in the said act, and thairfoir decernis thame,
and ewerie ane of thame, to mak payment of the samyn to lames Vynram,
agent, in name of the burrowis, and he to rais lettres aganis thame for pay-
ment of the samyn, and he to be comptabill thahfoir to the saidis bur-
rowis, that is to say, the bmghis of Perthe, Glasquow, Sanctandrois, Couper,
Dumfreis, lunernes, Irewin, ledbnigh, Dumbartane, Renfrew, Lanerik, Ar- Perthe payit ;
brothe, Peblis, Craill, Thane, Selkirk, Anstruther Wester, Culros, Banff, Glasquow,
Quhithorne, Forfar, Rosay, Ruglein, Northeberuik, Naime, Lauder, Dysart: AbroSfpebUs,
Prouvdinor awayis that ffiffsamony of the commissioneris of the said bur- Quhithome,
• 1? ^ ^1. • • • 11 .r XI . ^ u r Forfar, Lauder,
rowis quha ar present pay thair pnncipall soume presentlie thai to be tre aiipayit;
of the said vnlaw, and failzeing thairof they to be subiect to pay the said sanctandrois.
vnlaw togidder with the said principall soume ; and as to the rest that ar
absent, gif thai pay the principall soume betuixt and the first day of Au-
gust nixt, thay to be fre of this said vnlaw, and the said day being by-
past thay to be subiect in the said vnlaw with the principall soume.
23. The samyn day, ordanis lames Vynram, thair general agent, to pay I'recept, agent.
to Henrie Adamesoun, commissioner of Perthe, the soume of ten pundis ;
and to And row Ker, commissioner of Lynlythquow, the soume of thre
pundis ; to Walter Cowane, commissioner of Sterling, sax pundis ; and, to
the commissioner of the brugli of Sanctandrois, the soume of sex pundis, in
name of the brugh, and that for chairgis and expenssis maid in conveneing
at Edinbrugh the first day of August last for the mater of the Laird of
Eister Weymis, mentionat in the fourtene act of the last conventioun, ac-
cording to the said act and the samyn to be allowet to the said lames in
his comptis.
24. The samyn day, efter forder ressoneing concerneing the mater of the Factounsin
factouris in Campheir vsand merchandrice, mentionat in the 28 act of the Miasiu^
last conventioun, ordanis ilk brugh to send thair commissioner fullie in-
structet to the nixt generall conventioun, with thair deliberatt ansuer gif
the ordour tane thairanent sail stand or nocht ; and this to be ane heid of
the nixt missiue.
3 o
482
Convention of Royal Buryhs.
statute.
Wechts.
Elvand.
Gommiflsio i
borrowes.
25. The samyn day, vnderstanding thafct thair is anegrit diuersitie and
vnequalite of wechtis within diuers burrowis of the realm, to the grit hurt
of the lidgeis and sclander of the estait of burrowis : For remeid quhairof
it is thocht expedient, statute, and ordanit, that all Scottis wayris be
ressauet, sauld, and delyuerit with the iust wecht, according to the stane
of Lanerik, pund and half pund, and vtheris efFeirand thairto, conforme to
the actis of parliament maid thairanent ; and the wecht of all forane
wayris to be correspondent to the siller wecht, quhilk is saxtene vnce for
the pund ; and forder that the lenth and mesour of the elwand within
brugh be vniuersalle maid and vsit conforme to the mesour and stand of
Edinbrugh, and na vther wayis ; and the deyne of gild of ilk brugh to se
this present ordinance put to scherp executioun in all pointtis, and pvneis
and vnlaw the transgressouris thairof, according to the lawis of the
realm, actis and statutis of burrowis.
^ 26. The samyn day, gewis powir and commissioun to the brughls of
Edinbrugh, Perthe, Dundie, Aberdein, Lynlythquow, Mwnros, or ony foure
of thame, be thame selffis or thair commissioneris electit be thame, to con-
vene at the said brugh of Edinbrugh the tuentie day of lulij instant, with
contenewatioun of dayis, to confer, intreatt, deliberatt, ressoun, voit, and
conclude, in maner efter specyfeit, vpoun the heidis and caussis efter fol-
lowing to witt : — ^To deill with his Maiestie Lordis of Secreit Counsall and
Cheker anent his Grace customeis for balding the samyn vnraysit or
alterit from thair former estait, be sic meanis as thay think expedient.
Item, In name of the saidis burrowis, tak ordour with his Maiestie and
Lordis foirsaid, anent the seruice of his Mageste in the raid appointit to-
wardis the Illis agane the first day of August nixt.
Item, To confere and ressoun with his Maiestie and Lordis foirsaidis,
anent the artikle direct to the saidis burrowis, for sending ane number to
inhabite and duell in the mowth of Lochqiihaber, and sum vther pairt of
the Ileis.
Item, to intreatt and confere in name of the saidis burrowis with his
Maiestie and Lordis foirsaidis anent the sending to France to renew the
leaug with the antient liberteis of the merchand estait ; quhilkis foure
heidis and pointis are contenit in certane artekillis send to this present
conventioun be the brugh of Edinbrugh at command of the saidis Lordis.
limerkething. Item, To intreit and decyid vpoun the mater of the brugh of Inner-
1.
Kings Cus-
tomes.
BaidtothoUea
8.
Inhabiting
Lochquhal?er
and the lies.
4.
Irabaasage to
France.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 483
keything concemeing the setting in few thair commonn myln and com-
moun landis conforme to the act of this present conventioun.
Item, To trauell with his Magiste and Lordis foirsaidis for halding ofv7oii,Bume
the woll and burne coll within the realm. ^*^^
Item, To call in before thame Thomas Fischer, merchand, biirges ofFyschew.
Edinbrugh, and all vtheris haifand entres and ressaue compt, rekning, and
payment of him and thame of the impost in France grantit to him be ane
act of burrowis and to discharge the collecting thairof in tyme earning fra
the day expyreit in the said act.
Item, To tak ordour with the fyire hundreth pundis of excresens of the vc li. of the
burrowis pairt of the last generall extent of ane hundreth thousand puiidis,^J^^^jjPJ2{
conforme to the act of this present conventioun, promesand totaxt.
hald ferme and stabill quhatsumever thay or ony foure of thame conveneand
thinkis nedfull.
9.
Item, To seik redres at his Maiestieis handis and Lordis foirsaidis, anent Erectiouns of
the preiudice done to fre burrowis in erecting priuatlie of brughia of bar-*"^®^^*^^**
roneis, kirkclachanis and vtheris small villageis, with als grit liberteis as
the fre burrowis hes ; with speciall powir to the saidis burrowis, or thair
commissioneris, samony as sail happin to convene the said day, to decerne
the commissioneris absent and nocht conveneand the first day, ewerie ane Vniawing
of thame in ane vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis,- to be vpliftit be the agent
to the commoun vse of the saidis burrowis ; and quhatsumewir expenssis Precept ageat
it sail happin the saidis commissioneris conveneand to deburse, ordanis
lames Yynrame, thair generall agent, to ressaue thair compt and mak
thame payment of the samyn, quhilk salbe allowit to him in his comptis.
27. The samyn day, anent the complaint of the commissioner of theCompiayntof
brugh of Wigtoun vpoun the erectioun of the willageis of Straunawer andinnemee
Ballanclath in fre brughis purchest be the laird of Kinhilt and Thomas
Hay of Park ; as alsua anent the complaint of the commissioner of Inner-
nes vpoun the erections of the Chanorie in ane fre brugh, purchest be
M'Eainze ; becaus the saidis burrowis be thair authoritie can nocht repair
the samyn thay will and desyre the saidis compleneris to seik redres
thairoff before the iudge competent, and promittis thair asistance and for-
teficatioun sua far as thay may of law, as alsua to remember the samyn in
the nixt parliament, and that thai sail nocht admit the saidis touns ir\
484 Convention of Royal Burghs.
thair societie qtihill thjtj saidis compleneris be first hard and thair consent
haid thairto.
Air, Giasquow, 28. The samyn day, anent the complaint of the brughis of Air, Glas-
^Tton^contro quow, Irewin, and Dumbartane, aganis the brugh of Kirkcudbricht, men-
Kirkcudbricht ^ionat in the act of the last conventioun, the commissioneris of
the brughis of Air and Glasquow being personle present, and William
Makgie, commissioner of the brugh of Kirkcudbricht, being lykwyis pre-
sent, quha producit lohn Edzear, merchand in Vigtoun, quha was suorne
and ressauit, with delegence vpoun lames Lidderdaile of the He, William
M'Clenen of Auchlen, William M'Clenen of Balmargan, William M'Clenen
of Gregorie, Henre Arnot in Kirkhoist, lohn Tombling in Tymer hill.
Dougall Tymbling thair, lohn Tomling seruitour to the said lames Lidder-
daill, Andrew Lidderdaill, Androw Rowane in Kirkcandirse, lohn Pauling
in Kissoktoun, Thomas Rowane, fleschour, Thomas Rowane, William Gor-
doun, burgessis of Vigtoun, Archbald Tailzepheir, Rodger Dougalsoun
eldar, Rodger Dougalsoun younger, lohnne Dougalsoun, lohn M'Neishe
Androw Cuthebert, burgessis of Edinbrugh, lames Forsyith thair, lohn
M'Gill in Leith, Robert Gratham, lohn Makgill writter, lames Hairstaneis,
lohn Mwre in Leith, Dauid Walter in Kirkcaldy, witnessis ressauit of
befoir to the said brugh of Kirkcudbricht, quha war laufullie summondit
warned and chairgit be oure Souerane Lordis lettres to haue compeirit this
day before the commiasioneris of burrowis to haue bene examenat for
proveing of the exceptioun admitit to the said brugh of Kirkcudbrychtis
probatioun, aganis the complainit persewit be the saidiis burrowis aganis
thame, and that vnder the pane of rebellioun of and putting of thame,
with certefecatioun to thame and thai failzet his Hienes vtheris lettres
sould be direct sympliciter to put thame thairto, and thai compeirit nocht,
and assignis the day of in the nixt generall conventioun
to do farther delegence vpoun the saidis vitnessis and the commissioneris
foirsaidis is wairnitt apud acta.
Agent, Abir- 29. The samyn day, anent the complanit of lames Vynrame, agent, and
^mfl."'"*"' the brugh of Aberdein, aganis the brugh of Banff, for thair outland bur-
Chairgo agent, gessis, the saidis compleneris being present, and the saidis defenderis being
laufullie wairneit be the generall missiue vnder the pane of xx li. and
nocht compeirand, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis decernis the said
brugh in ane vnlaw of xx li., and ordanis the said generall agent to vplift
Conventimi of Royal Burghs. 485
the sarayn quha is to be chairgit thairwith in his comptis ; and ordanis
the said brugh to be wameit be the generall missiue to compeir and ansuer
to the said complaint vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of j*^ li.
Quinto lulij j™ v°, Ixxxxvj.
30. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burro wis being conwenit,^?J^^^^m
anent the complaint of the brughis of Anstruther Eister and Craill aganis contra Sanct-
the brugh of Sanctandrois, for not suffering the nichtbouris of the said tute.
brughis repair to thair mercatt bot balding the samyn doun to tua houris
efternone, as at lenthe is contenit in the xlvij act of the last conventioun,
baith the saidis pairteis compeirand be thair commissioneris, thair resouns
hard and considerit, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis decemis and
ordanis the said brugh of Sanctandrois to begyn and hald thair mercattis
of vittualle on the vsuall dayis thairof at the houris following, that is to
say, thair meill mercatt at ten houris before none, the beir mercatt at xj
houris, and the quheit mercatt at tuelf houris, and for ane houre efter
ilk ane of the saidis houris respectiue the samyn to be preuelegeit for
seruing of the inhabitantis of the said brugh and na vtheris, quhilk houre
being expyreit that it be lesum to the nichtbouris of all vther fre burrowis,
and all vtheris our Souerane Lordis liedgeis, to by in the samyn to thair
awin vseis, and incais thair be ony foirstalling for transporting of vittuall
furthe of the realm, the fremen of burrowis and vtheris suspect thairof
that thai put thame vnder cautioun for decisting thairfra, and tfiat the
said brugh of Sanctandrois mak publication n of this present ordinance
throw thair brugh at mercatt tyme of day to the countrey, and obsenie
and keip the samyn vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of xx li., to be payit
to the saidis burrowis sa oft as thay failze.
31. The samyn day, ratefeis and apprewis the act of burrowis maid Trafflcque in
aganis the traffik and negotiatioun of burrowis within the dominiouns of ^J^f ^* ^^'
Spayne, as at mair lenthe is contenit in the said act maid at Edinbrugh
the tent day of lulij 1593 zeiris, and ratefeit in the Conventioun atPerthe
the first day of lulij 1595, albeit nocht insert in thair conventioun buik,
ordaneing the samyn to be obseruit and keipit be all the burrowis fra
the tyme of this present to thenixt generall conventioun in all pointis and
486 Convention of Royal Burghs.
circumstanceis thairof vnder the paneis thairin coiitenit ; and the commis-
sioneris present to aduerteis their brugliis of the samyn, and thay to put
the samyn to scherp executioun during the said space, and report thair
delegence thairof at the nixt generall conventioun, with the uameis of the
contrauenearis and penulteis vpliftit fra thame, vnder the paneis contenit
in the said act ; and this to be ane heid of the nixt missiue.
Abirdeyne. 32. The samyn day, granttis and gewis licence to the brugh of Aber-
dein to impetrat at our Souerane Lord ane gift of the impost and dewteis
following, for reparation of thair heawin and herberie, and to indure for
the space of fywe zeiris alanerlie fra the dait of the said gift, that is to
say, of ilk twn guidis loissit in the said heawin tak and haue tua schiUin-
gis at the incuming, and att the laidining and outgangeing tua schillingis,
and of the weschell tuelf peneis for the twn at the incuming, and xij d.
at the out gangeing, and this of all sort of geir exceptand coll, lyme,
sclaitt, and fre stane, quhilk is ordanit to be fre of the said impost ; Item
of ilk chalder vittuall dischargit or loissit in the said herberie, tua s. at
the incuming, and of ilk chalder vituall transportet furthe thairof tua
schillingis, and of the veshell xij d. ilk chalder in cuming or loissing, and
xij d. at hir out gangeing and laiding ; Item, ane trey of ilk hundreth
loissit or laidin within the said herberie ; prouyding awyis that thai
bestow the said impost vpoun reparatioun of the said herberie, and mak
zeirlie compt to the burro wis thairof, vnder the pane of xx li. to be pay it
to the burrowis.
Statute anent 33. The samvn day, vnderstandinff that thair is dyuerssis foirstalleris
Borting to fairs and regratouris quha resortis to fairis and mercattis of free burrowis, call-
an mer ate. -^^^ thame selffis burgessis and fremen of burrowiss, thay nathir beand
burgessis bot plane foirstalleris and regratouris, to the grit hurt and
preiudice of burrowis, and speciale of the brugh of Aberdein, at the fairis
and mercattis of the schirefdome of the samyn ; for remeid quhairof it is
thocht expedient, statute and ordanit, that all merchandis burgassis of
quhatsumevir brugh within this realm quha cummis to the somer fairis
and mercattis of the said brugh and schirefdome of Abb'dein, or to ony
vther fre fair or mercatt within the libertie of ane fre brugh, that thay
bring and produce with them owther thair ticket of burgeschip, or ellis
ane sufficient testimoniall of the deyne of gild of thair brugh testefeing
thame to be burgessis actuall induelleris and residentis of that bruch
Convention of Royal Burghs. 487
quliair thay are fre, and gif it be ane fremanis seruand that corns to the
saidis fan-is and mercattis, by and attour the tiket or testemoniall of his
niaisteris fredome and residence, to bring and produce alsua with him his
raaisteris attestatioun, beiring that he is his actuall seruand remayneing in
hous at bed and buird with him ; and quhasoewir dois in the contrair
heirof that it salbe lesum to ilk fre brugh to persew, arreist, and vse him
as ane vnfreman, regratour, or forstaller.
34. The samyn day, anent the complaint of the commissioneris of the^^^^^^^p^.
brugh of Edinbrugh aganis Dauid Awerie, commissioner for the said brugh »»<!«>»•
of Sanctandrois, in name of the said brugh, for taking of tua excyse boUis
of ry pertening to lohn Dowgall and William Naper, burgessis and fremen
of Edinbrugh, be the prouest, bailleis, and counsall of the said brugh of
Sanctandrois, thair factouris and customeris, quhilk arrj'^uit and was sauld
at the said brugh in lunij last ; the saidis commissioneris being present,
thair ressonis hard and considerit, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis
decemis and ordanis the saidis prouest bailleis and counsall of Sanctandrois
to rander and delyuer to the saidis William Naper and lohn Dowgall the
saidis tua excyse bollis ry or price thairof as the samyn was sauld, becaus
the said commissioner compeir and could schaw na ressonabill caus quhair-
fore he sould nocht haue bene decernit to rander the samyn.
35. The samyn day, anent the complaint gevin in be the commissioner Sanctandrois
of Sanctandrois, in name of Stewin Philp ane of the bailies thairof, aganis Missiue.
the prouest and bailleis of Dundy for taking fra him of tua excyse bollis
XX dayis syne or thairby, it was aleget be the commissioner of the said
brugh of Dundy that the said Stewins vituall was in bing with ten last
vittuall pertening to the skipper, being vnfre ; quhilk alegeance being
denyit be the said commissioner of Sanctandrois, the saidis commissioneris
of burrowis assignis to the said excipient the day of in the
nixt conventioun to prove the samyn peremptorily.
36. The samjm day, the commissioneris of burrowis hes exemit andExemptics
exemis the brugh of Innemes fra all convention us, be sou the Aberdein, ^'*®™®^
for the space of fyve zeiris nixtocum, prouyding awyis that thai send to
ilk conventioun, with the commissioner of the nixt brugh, thair attentik
lettre of ratificatioun of all thingis done in the said conventioun, togidder
with all soumes of money that it sail happin thame to be restand awand
for the tyme to the burrowis, for clerk fey is, agent feyis, or ony vther
488
Convention of Royal Burghs.
caus, vtherwyis to be vnlawit as absentis, and that the expenssis that
thair commissioner micht haue cost them be bestowit vpoun thair brigis,
herbereis, tolbuithis, kirk, and vther maist necessar conimoun werkis, and
compt to be gevin thairof to the burrowis at the end of the said
exemptioun, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of xx li.
Sexto lulij j™ v^ Ixxxxvj.
statute.
Lici'Dces fra
Impost
Perth.
Impost.
Linlythquow
Impost
The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis being
conwenit, findis expedient, statutis, and ordanis, that na licence be grantit
fra thyne furthe to ony brugh to impetrat of oure Souerane Lord ony
sort of impost for reperatioun of thair bulvark, schoreis, and herbereis, or
to vtheris thair commoun werkis, except it be specialie prowydit that
thai mak zeirle compt of the ressait and employement thairof to the bur-
rowis at thair generall conventioun, and quhen ony licence or gift of im-
post sail ex pyre that na new licence be grantit for renewing thairof with-
out compt and rekning be first maid to the burrowis of the former im-
post contenit in the former gift.
38. The samyn day, granttis and gewis licence to the brugh of Perthe
to impeti-at of oure Souerane Lord ane gift of the impost following, to be
tane at the brig of Erne be thame, to be imployit for vphalding and re-
paratioun thairof, that is to say ; of ilk horse passand the said brig with
ane laid ij d., of ane single hors j d., of ane horse with ane ryding man
ij d., of ilk noH j d., ilk ten sheip j d., of ane burdein j d., and of all
vther sort of guidis efFeirand to the premissis j d., and this to indure for
the space of thre zeiris nixt efter the dait of the said gift, providing
awyis that thai mak zeirlie compt to the burrowis of the imployment
thairof, and that it be contenit in thair gift that the samyn sail nocht be
renewit quhill compt be maid of the zeiris of the former gift.
39. The samyn day, granttis and gewis licence to the brugh of Lyn-
lythquow to impetrat of oure Souerane Lord ane gift of the impost fol-
lowing, to be tane at the brig of Avene be thame, for vphalding and re-
paratioun thairof, that is to say ; of ilk cairt laid passand ower the said
brig aucht penneis, of ilk twme kairt iiij d., of ilk hors laidnit iij d., ilk
hors j d., ilk ox or kow j d., ilk ten sheip j d., ane burding j d., and of
Convention of Royal Burghs. 489
all vther sort of guidis effeirand be the premissis j d. and this to indare
for the space of thre zeiris nixt efter the dait of the said gift, providing
awyis that thai mak zeirle compt to the burrowis of the imployment
thairof, and lykwyis that it be contenit in thair gift that the samyn sail
nocht be renewit quhill compt be maid of the zeiris of the former gift.
40. The samyn day, granttis and gewLs licence to the brugh of Bark- Kirkcaldy,
caldy to impetrat of oure Souerane Lord ane gift of the impost following, "P^^
for reparatioun of thair decayit herberie, to be imployit be thame for
vphalding and reparatioun thairoflF, that is to say : of ilk chalder salt yj
d., and of the ship ilk chalder iij d. ; ilk chalder vittuall xvj d., and of
the ship viij d. ilk chalder ; of ilk hundreth tymer ane, and the schip or
boitt the half daill or half trey ; ilk last fishe tua s., the ship or bark xij
d., ilk last hering ij s. the ship or bark xij d., ilk last salmond ij s., the
ship or bark xij d, ilk last oylie ij s., the ship or bark xij d., ilk daiker
hydis iiij d., the ship or bark ij d, and of all vther sort of guidis effeir-
and to the premissis ; and this to indure for the space of thre zeiris nixt
efter the dait of the said gift, providing awyis that thai mak zeirlie compt
to the burrowis of the imployment thairof
4 1 . The samyn day, granttis and gewis licence to the brugh of Inner- innemes.
nes to impetrat of oure Souerane Lord the gift of the impost following, ^™p<*^
for reparatioun of thair decayit herbere and brig, to be imployit be thame
for repai-atioun of the samyn, that is to say : of ilk kow and hors ij d.,
ilk ten sheip ij d., ilk burding j d., ilk laid geir ij d, ilk hors laid ij d, of
ilk barrell guidis arryuand within the herberie ij d, of ilk hundreth laid
tymber ane laid, and ane of ilk hundreth treyis or daillis, of ilk ship
aboue iij" twn xiij s , iiij d, ilk ship aboue xl twn vjs., viijd., ilk ship
aboue xx twn v s., ilk creyar wantand the top mast iij s. iiij d., and
of all vther guidis effeirand to the premissis, and of ilk boll salt ij
d, and this to indure for the space of thre zeiris nixt efter the dait of the
said gift, providing awyis that thai mak zeirle compt to the burrowis
of the imployment thairof
42. The samyn day, the commissioneris of burrowis hes exemit and Exemptio, Air.
eximis the brugh of Air fra all generall conventiounis be north Tay for the
space of fyve zeiris, prouyding awyis that thai send to the nixt conven-
tioun with the commissioner of the nixt brugh thair autentik lettre of
ratificatioun of all thingis to be done in the said conventioun, togidder
3 P
490 Convention of Royal Burghs.
with all Boumes of mony that it Ball happin thame to be restand awand
for the tyme to the burrowifl, for ony raaner of caus, vtherwyis to be
vnlawit as absenttis, and the expenssis of thair commissioner be imployit
vpoun thair commoun warkis, and compt to be gevin thairof to the bur-
rowis at the end of the said exemptioun, under the pane of ane vnlaw of
xlH.
CraiU contra 43. The samyn day, contenewis the complaint of Craill eontrair An-
ESter!* ^ struther Eister to the nixt generall conventioun, and ordanis baith the
MiBfiduo. pairteis to compeir suflScientle instructit with thair richtis and ansueris,
vnder the pane of xx IL, and this to be ane held of the missiue.
Precept, agent, 44. The said day, the commissionaris of burro wis ordanis lames Wyn-
ram, agent, to ansuer lohne Nesbet, serwand to Maister Alexander
Guthrie, of the sowme of ten pounds for his panes tane in this conven-
tioun, quhilk salbe allowit to the said agent in his comptis.
Eirkoudbricht, 45. The samyn day, anent the supplicatioun of the brugh of Kirkcud-
Mweiut brycht, craweing support to the biging of the brig of Dey besyd thair
brugh, ordaneis thame to reporte the guid will of the cuntrey and toun to
the nixt conventioun, and ilk brugh to send thairto thair ansuer quhat
support thai vill mak to the said werk, and this to be ane heid of the
missiue.
Commissio, sex 46. The samyn day, gewis commissioun to the sex burro wis appointit
agents compt8.to convene at Edinbrugh to heir the comptis of lames Yynrame, agents
sen his last comptis, and to tak ordour how he salbe payit of the
^^^^ Boumeis that salbe fund restand awand to him, and ordanis the said
lames to collect and inbring with all sewerite and delegence the vnlawis
of this present conventioun, and rais lettres to thatt effect, and that
vpoun the expenssis of the burrowis that ar vnlawit, with certefecatioun
to him, and he be ^nd tryit negligent thairinto before the fyve burrowis,
that he salbe depryueit of his office and ane vther put in his place.
Eigyne, 47. The samyn day, eximis the brugh of Elgyne fra all conventiounis
•xempuo. generall be south the brugh of Mwnros for the space of thre zeiris nixto-
cum with the provisionis contenit in the exemptioun of Air, and in
respect of the skaith sustenit be the said brugh be the toun of Garmok
within the boundis of the Laird of Innes declairis and promittis that the
said toun sail nocht be inroUit in thair societie before the said brugh of
Elgyne be callit and hard to say aganis the samyn and thair consent haid
thairto.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 491
48. The samya day, granttis and gewis to Maister Thomas Malysoun, Precept,
commoun clerk of Aberdein, the soume of tuenty pundis for his panis and Jf Abirdeyne.
trauellis tane in citatioun of the burrowis and at this present conventioun,
and to the officeris of the toune the soume of thre pundis, and ordanis
lames Vynram agent to mak thame payment thairof, quhilk salbe
allowit.
49. Thesamyn day, deisertis and dissolueis this present conventioun, Nixt oonven-
and appoints and affixis thair nixt conventioun generall to be begun and *'°^*
kaldin at the bnigh of Brunteland the fourt day of lulij nixt, with con-
tenewatioun of dayis, and ordanis the commissioner for the said brugh to
mak aduerteisement to the magistrates of the samyn, and thai to mak
lauchfull wairning to the burrowis be thair missiue as vse is.
50. The samyn day, anent the complaint of Kirkcaldy aganis Brunte- Kirkcaldy
land for vplifting of hear dewteis of ankerageis nor is contenit in ane jSH^d. "^
act at Kirkcaldy the xiij day of lunij 1592, the saidis commissioneris of
burrowis ordanis the said brugh of Brunteland to decist and ceis fra tak-
ing of ony hear dewteis of ankerageis nor is contenit in the said act, fra
the said brugh of Kirkcaldy nor na vtheris, vnder the pane of xx li. to be
payit to the saidis burrowis sa ofb as thai failze.
51. The samyn day, at the eimest exhortatioun and admonitioun of sutuie,di-
Maister Peter Blaikbume, minister of this brugh, thai ordane the commis- Saro^nS.
sioneris of ilk brugh quhair thair is ony grit congregatioun to desyre thair ^^iasiue.
magistrattis and counsale, in name of the saidis burrowis, for manteyneing
and propagatioun of the Ewangell and instructing of thair inhabitantis in
the grundis of Cristianity, to dewyid thair citeis in competent parisouns,
and provid sufficient pastoris thairto, according to the guid exampill of
Weill reformeit commoun weillis, and as is begun in dyuers brughis
alreddy, as thai wald schaw thame selffis zelous of Godis glorie and
acquyre ane perpetuall honour and commendatioun to thame and thair
posterite, and to schaw thair delegence thairvpoun at the nixt conven-
tioun generall and this to be ane heid of the missiue.
Thomas Menzes, moderator. lames Clarck.
Richard Doby. Robart Pattoune.
Eduerd Galbraith. William M'Ghe.
Henry Adamson, commissioner. William Duncan.
492
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Alexander Rutherfurd, commis-
sioner.
George Cochrain, commissioner
for Ayr.
I. Durie for Innerkething.
Thomas Pettegrew, commissioner.
lohne a'Hannay, commissioner
for Vigtoun.
Ihone Wilsone, commissioner in
Montrose.
Walter Cowane, commissioner for
Sterling.
Dawe* Ewery.
Andro Ker, for Linlythqw.
lohnne Carkettill.
Will. Bamsay, for Brechin.
Ihone Douglas.
A. Broun, for Kingome.
A. Boyne, commissionar of Elgyn,
Andro Hunter, for For&r.
I. Anstruther of that ilk, for
Anster.
Abraham Crechtoun.
Ihone Racket.
In the Particular Conventioun of the Commissioneris of the
sex Burrovns vnder writtin^ depute he the Generall
Conventioun of Burrovns, begun and haldin at the
hrugh of Ahirdein the first day of lulij /"* v' foure
scoir saxtene zeiris^ to intreit^ ressoun, and conclude
Edinburgh. vpoun thc matcris efter specyfeit^ conforme to the
nyntj saxtene^ nynetene^ tuentie ane^ tu^ntie sax, and
forte saXy actis of the said Conventioun Generall, and
ap])ointit to meit at Edinhrugh the xx day of the said
moneth of lulij, Comperit the said day and place the
Commissioneris of the saidis sex Burrowis, and
producit thair commissiouns, seillit and suhscryuit to
that effect. That is to say :
Convention of Royal Burghs. 493
Edinbrugh, Henrie Nesbet, Thomas Aikinheid ; Perthe, Patrik Blair,
deyne of gild, lames Adamsoun, thesaurer ; Dundy, Robertt Flescbour,
merchand ; Aberdein, Alexander Rutherfuird ; Lynlythquow, Androw
Ker, clerk ; Muntros, lames Makane.
1. The samyn day, the saidis commissioneris electit and constitut the Hodemtour.
said Henre Nesbett thair moderatour during this present conventioun.
2. The samyn [day], anent the first artikle of the xxvj act of the said King's Grace
generall conventioun, anent the kingis Magisteis customeis, efter lang ®"****™®®'
ressouning haid thairvpoun thai superceidit thair finall resolutioun to the
conferrence to be haid with the Lordis of Secreit Counsall and Cheker.
3. Item. Anent the secund artikle of the said act, concerneing the Baid to the
raid appointit towardis the lyleis, the saidis commissioneris efter resson- ^^
ing resoluit to gif thair ansuer to the saidis Lordis in this maner, that the
burrowis will obey as the rest of the cuntrey dois that ar subiect to the
proclamatioun.
4. Item. Anent the third artikle of the said act, concerning the in- lies inhabiting,
habiting of the mowth of Lochquhaber and Ileis, thair resolutioun is that,
the said Loch and Ileis beand maid peciabill, the burrowis sail fynd ana
sufficient nvmber to inhabite the samyn.
5. Item. Anent the fourt artikle of the said act, for sending to France imbassatour to
for renewing the antient legue, fyndis guid to schaw vnto his Magiste and ^'*^°®*
Lordis foirsaid that the present tyme is nocht proper for that purpois, be
ressoun the King of France is nocht zit estabilishit in his eroun, he nocht
beand at peace nather with his subiectis nor his nichtbouris ; and that
his Grace customeis are foirsauld for dyuerss zeiris to cum.
6. Item. Anent the sext artikle of the said act, concerning the woll Woii, burne-
and burnecoll, and anent the last artikle, concerning the erectioun of the ^^ Agent
new burrowis, findis guid to mejme the samyn to his Maiestie and Lordis
foirsaid, conforme to the conclusioun of the saidis artikleis and to insist
thairinto, ordaneing lames Yynram, agent, to caus mak tua billis to be
gevin in thairvpoun.
xxj lulij j™ v*^ Ixxxxvj.
7. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaid being convenit, anent
494 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Pyechewr. the sevint artikle of the xxvj acfc of the last conventioun generall, to-
Frmnoe. gidder with the xvj act thairof, concerning Thomas Fischer and the lait
impost at Deip, at lenthe mentionat in the saidis actis, compeiiit the said
Thomas Fischer and declairit that the said impost is ceissit sen Maij last,
and promitit to gif compt of the intromissioun thairwith at the nixt
generall conventioun of burrowis, or soner gif the saidis burrowis sail re-
quyre, with the qahilk ansuer the saidis commissioneris war satiffeit.
innerkething. 8. The samyn day, anent the nynt act of the said last conventioun
generall, and fyft artikle of the xxvj act thairof, concemeing the com-
moun rent of the brugh of Innerkeithing, and complaint of certane nicht-
bouris thairof, compeirit lohnne Swyntoun and Androw Sprewte, bur-
gessis of the said brugh, for thame selffis and haifand speciall powir of
certane thair nichtbouris and conburgessis, and gaue in thair complaint
aganis certane of thair beilleis and counsale for setting in few ferme of the
commoun landis, ewerie ane of thame to vtheris fiir within the valour,
and for particular guid deid and buddis and specialie the rowme callit
the Pratous^ and the peoe land callit the Greneis, as at mair lenthe is
contenit in the said complaint, the said lohne Swintoun and Androw
Sprewte being present, quha producit ane speciall contract or powir of
thair collegis on the ane pairt, and lohn Broun, baillie, George Durie,
clerk, William Blaikburne, Harie Doncane, for thame selffis and the
magistrattis and counsale compeirand on the vther pairt, efter lang
ressoneing and conference haid in the said mater, the saidis commission-
eris, be confessioun and consent of the saidis compleneris, and sua far as
thay could leme and vnderstand, findis that the commoun landis vnder-
writtin to witt : the Cruikis, the Mylne and mylne landis, Mylne hill,
Brounsyd, Dowloch, the Seikmannis zaird, and tua ruid aboue the kirk,
and generalle all thair comoun land exceptand as foUowis, ar sett to the
Weill of the toun for alewin mark and ane half zeirlie for euerie merk
thai payit of befoir and to the aid possessouris, thair being tuelf zeiris
takis to ryn at the setting ; and anent the said land of Praittdous, thay
fynd the samyn nocht to be sett sua ordourlie as neid war, in respect the
last takisman haid in effect foirfaltit his tak and na publict rowpping was
vsit, zitt the saidis commissioneris for certane consideratiouns moveing
thame, and in speciall that Harie Doncane, taker of the samyn, was
present and content and consentit, and be thir presenttis band and
Convention of Royal Burghs. 495
oblissit him, by and attour the soumeis alreddy gevin, to pay the com-
mouD guid of the said brugh the soume of ane hundreth pundis, quhairof
fifle pundis att Mychahnes nixt and the vther fifte pundis att Mychelmes
nixt thairefter, to be bestowit vpoun the vphald of the herberie ; thairfoir
fyndis thay can nocht bot approwe the few ferme sett to him of the saidia
landis according to the conditiouns of the contract presentlie red and
schawin to the saidis commissioneris ; and anent the said pece land callit
the Greneis, estemit to ten or tuelf acre, the saidis commissioneris, with
consent of the saidis pairteis, ordanis the magistrattis and counsall of the
said brugh to sett the samyn in few for the zeirlie dewtie of fourtie
pundis, to be payit to the commoun guid, togidder with the soume of
foure hundreth merkis of entires siller, quhilk entres is ordanit to be
bestowit vpoun the biging of the commoun calsay that passis throw the
saidis landis ; and vpoim all and sindre the premissis the saidis defenderis
askit actis and instrumentis.
9. The samyn day, anent the nyntene act of the last conventioun Giaaquow.
generall, concerneing the erectioun of ane gildre within the brugh of **""®*
Glasquow, compeirit Thomas Kttigrow, merchand, and lames Braidwod,
ane of the deykins of the said brugh, and producit ane commission sub-
scryuit be the provest, bailleis, and comoun clerk of the said brugh, and
vnder the commoun seill as appeirit, geweand thame powir to declair
that, for, the ressounis thairin contenit, the said mater it is thocht to be
ane grit noveltie and appeirand to bring dissensioun amangis thame, and
that thay think nane may impose that to thame bot thair superiour and
be thair consent, quhairwith thay as zit ar nocht resoluit, ane wechtie
mater that heirtofi)re hes nocht bene interpryssitt, and thairfoir to desyre
the samyn to ceis and stay quhill thai all in ane voce be suitteris and
resoluit awysetlie thairanent, as at lenth was contenit in the said commis-
sioun ; and the saidis persouns being requyreit gif thai haid ony forther
powir to intreit and resoun in the said mater, ansueret that thai haid na
forther to speik nor was contenit in the said commissioun, nather wald
thai enter in ressoneing with the commissioneris thairvpoun, alegeing thai
haid na commissioun sua to do ; quhairby the saidis commissioneris feuid
that thai refuissit to satisfe the desyre of the said generall conventioun of
biirrowis, and zit nochtwithstanding thairof the saidis commissioneris
offerit to thame the owtdrawcht of the forme of gildre vsit at Edinbrugh
496 Convention of Royal Burghs.
to be careit to thair magistrattis and counsall, to the effect thai micht
haue bene fallie awyseit thairwith agane the nixt conventioan of bur-
rowis, and thair to haue gevin ane ressoun to ewerie heid thairof ; and
thairefler the saidis tua commissioneris was at lenth content to accept the
samyn to the effect foiraaid ; in respect quhairof the saids commissioners
hes thocht guid to remitt and continew, and be thir presents remitts and
continewis, the said mater to the nixt generdU conventioun of buiTowes,
ordaning the said burch to send twa commissioners for the merchants and
crafts to the said conventioun to reasoun thairvpoun and resaue the will
and determinatioun of the burrowes thairanent for satiffeying of the said
act of the last conventioun at Abirdeyn, with certificatioun and vnder the
paynes contenit thairin ; and this to be ane heid of the nixtt generall
missiue.
Segatt 10. The sam day, anent the supplicatioun gevin in before the generall
conventioun of burrowes, haldin at Abirdeyne in lulij instant, be Alexan-
der Segatt merchant in Edinburch, makand marratiouh of his travellis
tayne to the weill of the burrowis as ane commissionar specially deputt,
for establisheing of the stapill of oure natioun in Campheir, and that vpoun
his awin expenssis, and alswa quhow that he, beand of purpose to haif
romanet at Campheir for exerceing the oflSce of ane factour thair, wes
appoyntet to him the liberty of ane last of Inglis beir and twa pvnsche-
ouns wyne excyse frie, and thairfore seying he wes now to reteir him-
selff to the said toun of Campheir and remyne and exerce the said func-
tioun, desyring ane recompance of his travellis foresaid, togidder with the
said excyse beir and wyne ; quhilk supplicatioun wes remittet be the said
generall conventioun to the present commissioners, with power to thame
to tak ordour thairwith, as at lenth is contenit in the said supplicatioun
and delyuerance thairof; with the quhilk the saids commissioners beand
advyset thay, be thir presents, grantes and gevis vnto the said Alexander
the said ane last Inglis beir and twa pvncheouns wyne excyse frie, zeirlie,
of the reddiest of the said excyse beir and wyne grantet to oure natioun
be the said toun of Campheir, ordaning the conseruatour and distributers
of the samjrn to caus him be ansueret and obeyet thairof induring the
will of the generall conventioun of burrowes, and with provisioun that he
remayne at the said toun and exerce the office of factour to the natioun
Convention of Royal Burghs. 4{)7
within the sarayn ; and as to the said recompance thay I'eferit to the eon-
sidderatioun of the nixtt generall conventioun of burrowes.
xxiij*^ lulij j"* V® Ixxxxvj^.
11. The quhilk day, the commissioners foresaid beand convenet, after ^^q^^*
resoning vpoun the ansuer to be gevin to his Maieste and Lords of '"^^^ ^^■•^^
Chekker and Counsall to the articles sent to the generall conventioun,
and be the said generall conventioun refeirit to the commissioners present,
they cawset i)en and form the ansuris vnderwrittin, at desyre of the saidis
Lords, to be gevin to tham in writt, ordaning the samyn to be registratt
in this present bulk : off the quhilk tlie tenour foil owes : —
The ansuer maid to the Kings Maiesteis Counsall he the Commis-
sioners of the Burrowes, to the four heids and articles proponet
be the saids Lords to the haill Commissioners of Burrowes,
assemblet at Abirdeyne the first of lulij 1596.
As for ansuer to the first heid proponet, concerning the customes quhair
it is desyret be thair Lordships that the samyn may be sett doun freyndlie
be way of transactioun, and nocht be any rigour on other syde, etc. ;
1. It is ansueret, the burrowes beand the meynest of the Estaitts can
nocht of ressoun nor of dewty tak vpoun thame to sett doun or transact
in any mater quhairin the haill Estaitts of the realme hes speciall and
grittest interest, and thairfore desyres that our Souerane Lord and thair
lordships may be movet to be content that the mater of the customes may
be continewet quhill ane parliament as thai ar presently payet, and pro-
ponet and decydet in the said parliament, and commissioners appoyntet
be the said parliament to that efiect, quhair the said burrowes sail do
thair debtfull dewty for his Maiesties honour and proffeitt.
2. As for ansuer to the secund heid concerning his Maiesteis seruice to
the lies agane the xx of August nixttocum,
It is ansueret : the burrowes will be reddie to serue as becumis obedient
subiects as the rest of the cuntrey dois.
3q
498 Convention of Royal Burghs.
3. As for the thrud heid, concerning of ane number to inhabite Loch-
quhaber, to quhom. his Maiesty will gif greitt preveleges, lands, and
liberteis, with help to fortify tharae selffes, and to gif protectioun aganes
the Heland men, as alswa to inhabite sum other pairt of the lies as sail
be fand commodious far trafficquing.
It is ansueret : the propositioun lykea the burro wes exceiding weill,
for mony respects and considderatiouns, honorabill and maist proffitabill to
his Maiestie and baill kingdom, and thairfore, ane overtour being maid
that thais pairts may be maid peacebill, will find owt merchants, craftis-
men, and maryners that will pas thair, as being the maist proper and
commodious pairt of the cuntry of Scotland.
4. As for the fourt heid, for sending to France and renewing the
ancient legue, and obtening the ancient liberty of merchants,
It is ansueret : that the present tyme is nocht proper for that purpose,
be ressoun the king of France is nocht zitt establischet in his crowne, he
nocht beand at peace nather with his awin subiects nor with his nicht-
bouris, and that his Grace customes ar foirsawld for dy vers zeirs to cum.
xxiiij^ lulij j°^ v^ Ixxxxvj®.
Edinbrugh. 1 2. The quhilk day, the commissioners foresaids fynds that the greitt
extent ^^ent taxatioun that wes rayset for the Prjaices baptisme extendet for the bur-
rowes pairt to xxv"™ merk, and that thair wes collectet mair nor the said
sowme, amangs the burrowes, the sowme of four hunder twenty pund
twelf schillings fy ve penneis according to the extent roll ; quhilk sowme,
the commissioners all in ane voice fynds to be restand awand in the hands
of the toun of Edinburch, and ordanis the said burch to pay the said
sowm tol ames Wynrame, agent, in name of the burrowes, or at the leist
the hunder and fourty pund thairof as dew debt awand to him preceding
the first of lulij j'" v^ foure scoir fyftein zeirs be the burrowes, conform to
his compt fittet at Perth, and the said lames beand payet thay exoners
and discharges the said burch of Edinburch of the superplus of the said
rest in thair hands, provyding alweyes thei pay the said lames betuix
Convention of Royal Burghs. 499
this and the last of August, and failzeing thairof thay ordane the said
burch to pay^the*said lames the said haill sowme of foure hunder twenty
pund twelf schilling' fyve penneis.
Henry Nisbett. R Flescher for Dundy.
Partrik Blair. Alex'. Rutherfurd.
lames Adamsone. lames Macken.
Eduerd Galbraith.
In the Particulare Conventiowi of Burrowes, appoyntet to he jj^^ ^^
begun and haldin at Edinburghe the first day of
Api^ile thezeir of Godj"^ vf" foure scoir sevintein zeirSj
for the mater of the Kings Grace cutsomes and bukioun^
be vertew of his Maiesties lettre missive direct thair-^
anentj Conwe^iit the particular commissioneris follow-
ing : —
Edinbrugh, Richard Dobie, Eduard Galbraith ; Perthe, lames Adamesoun;
Dondy, lohn Fynlason, lohn Traill ; Aberdein, Maister Patrik Cheyne ;
Glasquow, lames Bell ; Cowpar, lames Andersoun ; Dysart, William
Carmychaell ; Air, lohn Poor ; Hadingtoun, lames Kirkwod ; Dumbar,
Maister Eduard Aickyne ; Elgyne, Alexander Annand, and commissioner
for Forres ; lames Vynram for Mwnros and Thayne.
Sexto die mensis Aprillis j™ v*^ Ixxxxvij.
The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis gewis power and com- £?"*"^
missioun to the present commissioneris of the brughis of Edinbrugh, oufltome*.
Perthe, Dundy, Couper, or ony thre of thame coniunctlie, to trauell with
ony persoun or persouns quhom thai sail think expedient for sattelling of
the present questioun and mater of the Eingis Maieste custome and
500 Co7ivention of Royal Burghs.
bulzeoun, betuixt this and the fyftene day of Maij nixt, and quhatsamevir
expenss or svmeis of money it sail happin thame to mak or deburse in the
said caus, to the weill and ease of the burrowis, the cominissioneris presen-
tlie convenit for thame selffis and thair saidis biirrowis, and in name and
behalff of the haill burrowis of this realm, bindis and obliss thame and
the saidis haill burrowis to refound and pay the saidis soumeis and
expenss agane to the saidis foure burrowis, and vtheris the deburseris
thairof in thair nameis and att thair command, and that according to the
generall extent roll of the burrowis, ewerie brugh for thair pairt of the
samyn. In witnes quhairof thai haue subscryvit thir presentis with thair
handis as followis : —
Richard Doby. I. Andersone.
Eduerd Galbraith. W. Carmichaell.
lames Adamsone. lames Wynrame, commissionar
lo. Finlasoun. for Monros and Tayne.
lohnne Traill. Alex^. Annand, commissionar for
lames Kirkwod. Elgin and Forres.
lohnnne Power.
EXTRACTS FROM RECORDS
OTHER THAN THOSE OF
THE CONVENTION OF ROYAL BURGHS.
I. — Decree of the Burgesses of Berwick, Edinburgh, Roxburgh, and Stir-
ling, convened at the Abbey of Holyrood, Edinburgh, 1 0th Jcmuary
1295. — From the Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, vol. i, p. 360.
Diuisio mobilium inter heredes et alios liberos.
Decretum fuit per Burgenses de Berwic, Edinburgh, Roxburgh et
Striueling anno Domini millesimo ducentesimo nonagesimo quinto die
lune proxima post epiphaniam Domini apud monasterium sancte crucis de
Edinburgh quod naues nauicule batelle nee equi alicuius burgensis defuncti
nuUo modo hereditarie ad heredem spectabunt Set ^tantum melior pale-
fridus quem ipse burgensis habuerit spectat ad heredem dum tamen non
fuerit legatus alicui domui religiose quod si fuerit heres de racione potest
petere meliorem equm post ilium Item decretum fuit per eosdem burgensis
ibidem quod quilibet burgensis potest legare et conferre anna sua et
vtensilia sua cuicumque voluerit in lecto egrituditlis et extra saluis heredi
suo armis et vtensilibus principalibus.
[It was decretid and ordanit be the worthy and noble burges of Bere-
wyk Edinburghe [Roxburgh] and Sterling the zer of gode "^ cc and nyntte v
the monunday next efter the epiphanie of our lorde Jehu cryst at the
abbay of the haly cros of Edinburghe that is to say that schippis forcaatiB
602 Convention of Royal Burghs.
or battis na hors of ony burges dede aw on na way to pertene to the ayr
herytably bot neuer the less the best palfra fallis to the ayr and he be
nocht gyffin to the kyrke or to sume religiouse man thane may the ayr
ask the next hors best efber And it was decretyd be the saide consallze
that ilk burges may gyf and conferme his armour and his wtensely
thingis qwhar euer him thinkis in his dede bede safand to the ayr his
armoure wyth other vtensellys principall.]
IL — Decree of the CouH of Four Burghs {Edinburgh, Stirling, Lanark,
and Linlithg&iv,) held at Stirling, I2th October 1405. — From the
Acts of the Parliament of Scotland, vol. i., p. 339.
In Curia Quatuor Burgorum tentA apud Stirling xii diemensis Octobris
Anno Domini M,cccc,v decretum est quod duo vel tres sufficientes de quo-
libet Burgo domini Regis ex parte australi aque de Spey sint quolibet
anno, secum commissionen habentes, ad dictum Parliamentum quator Burgo-
rum vbicunque tenendum fuerit, ad tractandum ordinandum et determinan-
dum super his omnibus que ad vtilitatem reipublice burgorum vniversorum'
dicti domini nostri Regis et ad eorum libertates et Curiam dignoscuntur
pertinere.
[In the Court of the foure Burghes halden at Stirling the twelft day
of the moneth of October, M,cccc,v It is decreited that twa or thrie suflS-
cient Burgesses of ilk ane of the Rings Burghs upon the south side of the
water of Spey hauand sufficient commission compear zearlie to the Con-
vention of the foure Burghes to traite ordaine and determe vpon all things
concerning the vtilitie of the common well of all the Kings Burghs their
liberties and Court.]
Item quod nullus cujuscunque status fuerit replegiare poterit hominem
suum de transgressione forisstallandi, extra Curiam Burgi vel Itineris Cam-
erarij exceptis his qui habent burgum propinquum vel eis proximum ab
antiquis temporibus ad hoc privilegiatum.
[Item that na man of quhat estate he be may repledge his man for foris-
tallinge fra the Court of the Burgh or the Chalmerlane air Except them
qnha hes ane burgh neir adjacent to them hauand priviledge in auld times
in sic causses.]
Conventwn of Royal Burghs. 603
Item quod duIIus gaudeat libertate burgi nisi habuerit vnam terrain
hospitatam et distringibilem infria diem et annum post introitum.
[Item that na man sail bruke the libertie and fredome of the burgh
bot giff he haue ane land inhabit and streinzeable within zeare and day
after his entres.]
Item quod nullus burgensis rure manens habeat lot neque cavil equali-
ter cum burgensibus inhabitantibus.
[Item na burges dwelland a landwart sould have lot nor cavill with bur-
gesses dwelland within burgh.]
Item quod nullus Templarius debet se intromittere cum aliquibus
mercimonijs vel bonis pertinentibus ad gildam emendo vel vendendo infra
terram suam vel extra nisi fuerit confrater Gilda
[Item na templair sail intrometwith any merchandise or gudes perteining
to the Gilde be buying or selling within or without their awin land bot
giflF he be ane Gilde brother.]
Item quod duo homines bone fame qui audierunt et viderunt possunt
probare quamcunque summam tam excedentem quinquaginta solidos quam
infra. Servata tamen forma in lege scripta de burgense ad burgensem qui
possunt ponere se ad solum jyramentum suum si testes defuerint.
[Item twa men of gude fame quha saw and heard, may proue any summe
exceiding fourtie shillinges or within the saumine, Observing alwaies
the forme prescrjrved in the law betwix Burges and Burges quha may
sweare be his awin eath gif he hes na witnes.]
Item Ballivus potest omni die exceptis diebus festivalibus cognoscere
et corrigere supar fracturam assise panis cervisie et carnium et rebelles et
perturbatores infra villam quotiescunque opus fuerit et querela advenerit
[Item The Baillie may ilk day except it be ane halie day cognosce and
correct the breakers of the assise of bread aill and flesh and als the rebelles
and perturbers within the burgh als oft as necessitie requyres and com-
plaint is made.]
604 Convention of Royal Burghs.
III. — Ad of tfie Council and Community of Aberdeen^ appointing
Commissioners to attend a Convention of Burglts at Edinburgh on
]2th March 1491 — 7 March 1491. — From the Council Records of
Aberdeen, vol. vii., p. 243.
llie ftamyn day David Menzeis zonger and Jonbe Colisoun was cbosin
commisftionaris be the consale and communite to pass to Edinbrughe the
xvi day of Merche instant to commoun with vtheris commissionaris of
burrowis for the distructioun of the letter of merke gevin to the
be the king of Bomanis and for the gude of merchandice.
IV. — Act of a Convention of the Burghs of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth,
Dundee, and Haddington, 22d August 1491. — From the Council
Records of Aberdeen, vol. vii., p. 709.
It is avisit ande thocht expedient be the commissionaris of borrowis viz
Edinburght, Abirdene, Pertht, Dunde, Hadingtoun, thar thai be direct ane
schap clerk and tua vtheris merchandeis of fasson to the Archiduk of
Austria &c. with our Souerane Lordis autorityve writingis and perfit instruc-
tiouis for remeid tuiching the mater of the letter of merque and the Dukis pro-
claniatioun tuiching the safitt gif thar ony sic be. Tlie personis deuisit to
pass at our Souerane Lordis plesour ar thir viz. for the merchandis Schir
Thomas Tod provest of Edinburght, Schir Johne Ruthirfuird alderman of
Abirdene.
V. — Act of the Council of Aberdeen appointing Commissioners to attend
a Convention of BurgJis, 6th March 1497. — From the Council
Records of Aberdeen, vol. vii., p. 865.
The sext day of Merche the zir forsaid Schir Jonnhe Rutherfurd alder-
man Thomas Leslie, lames Colisone, and Alex*". Gray, wass chosin commis-
sionaris to pass and commoun with vtheris commissionaris of the brughs
for the gude of merchandice.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 505
VI. — Act of the Court of Parliament of Four Burghs held at Edin-
burgh, liOth November 1500. — From the Council Records of Edin-
burgh, vol. L, p. 28.
Curia parliamenti quator burgorum tenta apud Edinburgum in pretorio
eiusdem decimo die mensis Nouembris anno dominio I™ V*^ coram
nobili et prepotenti domino Alexandre dominio Home magno
camerario Scotie septa vocata curia affirmata.
The quhilk day, it is thocht expedient, and als statute and ordanit, inThatnacraftw-
this court of parliament of foure borrowis, be my Lord Chalmerlane, andchandice
with avys of his assessouris and Comissairis of Borrowis, that becaus all
borrowis hes bene greitly hourt in tymes bygane be craftismen vsand
merchandice within the borrowis, that thairfore the actis of parliament .
maid in oure Souerane Lordis tyme that last decessit of gude mynd, quhome
God assolyze, salbe obseruit and kepit in all poyntis in tyme to cum anent
craftismen vsand merchandice within the burch, that is to say, that na
craftisman sail vse ony maner of merchandice within the burch bot occupy
his awin craft, vnder the pains contenit in the saidis actis of parliament
quhilk is x li., and that thair be serchouris chosin within ilk burch, sic as
provest eldermen baillies and custumaris, to serche and seik the personis
brekeris of the saidis actis of parliament and to rais the panis contenit
vpoun thame, and to mak compt thairof in the Chakker. And als it is
thocht expedient statute and ordanit be my Lord Chalmerlane and the
saidis Comissairis of Borrowis that na persoun pas in Flanderis nor France
with merchandice bot he that is burges and induellare within the burch,
nor that na personis out burgessis occupy the fredome of the burch nor
haunt merchandice without he mak continual residence within the burch
and pay his dewteis that accordis him to do thairfore, as vtheris nycht-
bouris dois within the burch, vnder the pane of x li. to be raisit vpoun
the persoun or personis brekar of this act and statute, and that the said
pane be raisit vpoun thame be the serchouris and to make compt thairof
in lykewayis in the Chekker ; and ordanis that ilk burch tak the copy of
this act authentikly vnder the clerkis signe and subscriptioun manuell
and that thai put the saniyn to dew executioun as thai will ansour to the
506 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Kingifl Hienes thairvpoun Extractum libro actorum curie parliamenti
quatour burgorum per me Jacobum Petello clericum dicte curie sub meis
signo et subscriptione manualibus
VII. — Cliurge by the Provost of Edinburgh to the Craft of Skinners in
Edinburgh, following upon Signet Letters dated Sth January 1500,
ordaining the preceding Act to be put to execution, 4fth December
1 500. — From the Council Records of Edinburgh, vol. i., p. 28.
Quarto die Decembris, anno i" va
8t»twte— Skin- The provost, in the Kingis name, chairgit the hale skynn ariscraft that
merohandioe. thai occupie na merchandice, and thair crail efter the act.
COPIA.
Iames, be the grace of God, King of Scottis, To the provost, baillies,
and customaris of oure burch of Edinburch now present and to cum,
greting, Forsamekill as it is be our Qreit Chamerlen and Commissaris of
oure Burrowis, with avyse of thair assessouris in the parliament of oure
burrowis haldin at Edinburch, the tent daj- of Nouember, the zeir of God
i" v^ zeiris, statute and ordauit for the commoun profFeit of our burrowis,
that the actis of parliament made at the tyme of vmquhill our darrest
fader, quhome God assoloze, salbe observit and keepit in all poyntis in tyme
to cum, anent craftsmen vsand merchandice within the burch ; That is to
say, that na craftismen sail vse ony maner of merchandice within the
Rtatute— Na burch, but occupyc his awin craft, vnder the pane of ten poundis, to be
merohandice. rasit vpon the brekeris of the saidis actis, be oure sercheouris, that is to
say, provest, baillies, and custumaris within ilk burch : And als, that na
persoun pas in Flanderis nor France with merchandice, but he that is
burges and induellar within the burch, nor that na persoun out burges
occupy the fredome of the burch nor hant merchandice, without he mak
continual residence within burch and pay his dewities that accordis him to
do thairfore, as vtheris nychtbouris dois within burch, vnder the pane of
ten pundis, to be raisit vpoun the brekeris of the saidis actis and statute, be
Convention of Royal Burghs. 507
oure saidis serchouri^, and compt maid theirof in lykewa3ds in oure Chekker,
like as at mair length is contenit in the saidis actis and statute of parlia-
ment of foure burro wis thairpvoun. Our will is heirfore, and we charge
zou straitlie, and commandis that ze, with all diligence, putt the said act
and statute of parliament of foure burrowis to dew executioun in all poyntis
efter the tenour of the samyn, within the boundis of zour office ; and that
ye diligentlie serch and seik the brekeris of the said act, gif ony be, and
rais upoun thame the panys contenit thairin without fauouris, and inbring
and mak compt thairof to our Tliresaurare in our Chekker zeirlie, according
to the said act, as ze will answer to us thairvpoun ; The quhilk to do we
commit to zow coniunctlie and severallie oure full power be our lettres,
deliuering thame be zow sene and understanding and execute as efferis
agane to the beirar. Giwen vnder our signet, at Edinburgh, the viij day of
Januare, and of our reign the xiij zeir.
VIII. — Act of a Head Court of tite community of Aberdeen and of the
Town Council thairof appointing comm^ieaionera to attend a Con-
vention of Burghs at Edinburgh on \2th April 1529, — hth April
1529. — From the Council Records of Aberdeen, vol. xii., p. 537.
At a Heid Court 5 April 1529.
The said day, the haill town being conuenit within the tolbuith for the
maist pairt in thair heid court, dewisit, ordinit, and consentit, all in ane
voce that the same counsall suld pas to thair counsaill houss and dewiss
quhat commissionaris and how mony suld rid to Edinburght to compeir
afoir our Souerane Ijord his Thesaurar the xij day of April instant, with
continuatioun dais to do, determe, and decreit with the laiff of the bor-
rowis commissionaris eftir the tenour of our Souerane Lordis letters directt
thairupoun for the common weill of the merchandis of the realme, and to
prouid and fynd expensis to the said commissionaris in the esiest way thay
can, lest hurtaud the guid toun, and the said commissionaris commissioun
to be seillit with the commond seill in the best and maist scharp and at-
tentik forme to the effect forsaid, and ordinit the keiparis of the said seill
to seill the same, quhilk counsaill chesit Thomas Menzeis and Dauid Ander-
508 Convention of Royal Baryhs.
soun, baith tbair commissionaris to the effect forsaid, and dewisit and
ordinit xx lbs to be deliuerit thame to fumeiss tbair expensis and seruands,
and ordinit quhat necessar expensis tba mak mair thane the said xx lbs to
be deliuerit to thame at tbair hame cuming agane.
IX. — Minute of Convention of Burghs held at Edvnhurgh on \^ April
1529. — From the Council Kecords of Aberdeen, vol. xii., pp. 557-562.
The quhilk day, forsaraekle as the Kingis Grace and his Lordis of Coun-
saill has dewisit Maister Ihone Campbell of Lundy to pas in Flanderis to
Lady Margret and the Counsaill of Mauchlyne for renouatioun of the peax
contrahit betuix the realme of Scotland and the realmis p^ertening to the
Empirour, and sicklik for the renouatioun of the pereuilegis grantit abefor
to the merchandis of Scotland and for purchessing of wthir preuilegis
necessar for the weill of the realme, and als becauss that throgh misordour
and ourseing of the pereuilegis grantit be kingis of Scotland, quhame Gk)d
pardoun, to the merchandis tharof ar totalie hereit and the tyme of mer-
chandis brocht to confusioun to the grit skaith and dishonour of all the
realme ; tharfor it is thocht expedient be commissionaris of burrowis
convenit at Edinbrught the 1 4 day of Aprill instant that the said Maister
Ihone haue in commissioun to desyir thir prewiledgis wnderwrittin and
als that the actis of parliament and the wythir statutis deuisit and maid
be the consent of the haill commissionaris be obseruit and keipit in all
thingis as eftir foUowis in the first —
Item, it is thocht expedient be the commissionaris of burrowis that the
said Maister Ihone Campbell sail desyir the haill nacioun of Scotland to
be frie in all the Empirouris landis and bondis for anis pament of custum
for thar guidis in the toun quhar tha by and sell, and nocht to be
compeilit to pay ony forthir custum in ony wthir tounis within his
realm,
Item, at the said Maister Ihone sail desyir that the nacioun of Scotland
bruik thar auld preuilegis anent the payment of thar custum for thar
gudis within the Empirouris landis and that tha be na forthir compeilit till
pay custom than is contenit in thar auld preuilegis being in Ihon
Convent W7i of Royal Burghs. 509
Moffettys handia, conseruatour, qnliilkis custowme we understand is bot
6 grit of the sek,
Item, bccauss thar is mony raercljandis that passi-^ in Flanderis and
France quhiJkis ar wnhonest and takis witli tluiui tl.ai" ewill and wirst
clais to the dishonour of the realme, that thaifor the said conservatour of
the nacioun with awiss of the men of guld causs the .sai<] personis to mak
tbam self honest clais effi rand to thair t'acuUe, and gif tla refuiss till do
the same the conseruatour to tak of thair raciitst gudis and mak tham
honest clais accordandlie with discre-ioun.
Item, it is thocht expedient that the actis of parliament tuching salaris
be obseruit and keipit that is to say euery merchand snland sail haue half
ane last of guidis of his aw in or samekle in storage wnder the pane of
10 lib.
Item, that na manner of craftismen within brui^ht sail nor w^ss mer-
chandis in tyme to cum nether be tliame self nor tiiar seruandis in thar
name within this realme nor without wnder the panis of eschaeting of the
said merchandeis the tane half to be applyit to the K ngis wiss and the
tother half to the commond wirkis of the toun quhur tha duell without
fauoris.
Item, at na merchand man within this realme occupy of ony man of
craft bot vse his awin merchandis without pouertie or mistor constrene
him tharto wnder the pane of 10 li. to be takin ou}) of him alss oft as he
wsis the same to be disponit the tane half to the kingis vse and
the tothir half to the commond wiik of the toun And that perfit
execucioun ma be had herof it is thocht expedient that the conseruatour
haue powar to serche and seik all sic personis that salis incontrar the
tenour of the foirsaidis actis baith craftismen and vthins and quhar thar
be fundis ane merchand nocht hawand half ane last of guidis according to
the saidis act of |)arliament or ellis ane tikat of the port he cums fray
admittand him to.^ aill the said conseruatour to tak fra thar peisonis that he
findis brakand the said actis as said is 1 0 lib. Scottis the tane half to be
applyit to the Kingis grace and the tothir half to the commoun guid of
the toun that he cnmis fray.
Item, that na manner of persoun duelland without the Kingis fre
burrowis sail! nor send ony guidis nor vse ony kynd of merchandeis to saill
or send beyond seye in France or Flanderis vnder the pane of escheat of the
3 s
510 Convention of Royal Burglis.
guidis the tane half to be applyit to the Kingis vse and the tothir half
to the commond guid of the burght that he cumis fray.
Item, it is ordinit that all thame that ar maid burges within the burgh
that vsis bying and selling of merchandeis that tha cum and duell within
the burgh and hald the stob and stack within the same within 40 dais
nixt heirefter and that oppin proclamatioun be maid at the merket croces
of euery burght that all sic burges cum within the said burght and mak
thar habitatioun and duelling within the said 40 dais vnder the pane of-
tinsaill of thar fredom.
Item, that na outland chapman be maid burges within the burght for
vii zeir except ho mary ape burges dother or wiff and he bee worth ane
hundreth lib. of his awin guidis and ane lionest persoun till vse merchan-
deis and that na burges be maid without the prouest . bailzeis and
counsaill and this to be keipit vnder the pane of tuenty lib. to be tane
oup of the prouest or bailzies for euery burges that is maid incontrar
thairof and at the commissionaris of burrowis tak cognitioun quhar the
conwein of euery burght that brakis this statut and to raiss the said
panis to be disponit as tha sail think expedient.
Item, at euery burght cheiss zeirlie tua honest merchandmen to serche
and se that all their statutis and actis bee keipit and put till execucioun .
efter the forme of the same and till raiss the panis tharof alss oft as
neid beis, and to mak compt thairof as is aboun expremit now to be
chosin incontinent and at Michelmas to cheiss zeirlie new serchouris with
awiss of the prouest bailzeis and counsail and gif ony of thar personis
that ar chosin pas to the saill that tha certife tlie toun tuenty dayis abefoir
that tha ma prowid vtheris in thair places quhill thar hayme cuming.
Item, at euery brught at the frauchtying of the schipis tak souerte of
the skipeiris of tlie scbipes that tha sail ressaue na sic personis to saill in
thai said schipes without tha haue an tikat of the said serchouris vnder
thar signet admittand tham to saill vnder the pane of 40 lib. to be tane
oup of the said skiparis that salis the tane half to be applyit to the
kingis vse and the tother half to the commond wirkis of the toun for the
quhilk tha ar frauchtit.
Item, at na merchand man within this realme be merchand till ony
craftisman nor wthir wnfrie person quhatsumeuir wnder the pane of es-
chaeting of thar gudis that tha merchand to the tane half to be applyit to
^
Con venttan of Royal Burghs. 511
the Kingis vse and the tother half to the commond weill of the toun and
tinsaill of thar awin fredom.
Item, gif ony factour do falset or dissaif ony man that he is merchand
to vther in selling of his gudis or bying it beand prowit the said factour
sail pay all the skaith that ma be prowit that the merchand sustein in
his defalt of his awin propir gudis and neuir to occupy fredome nor saill
in merchandeis in tymis to cum.
Item, that na skynnaris nor thar seruandis by ony manner of skynnis
bot schorlingis and scaldingis wnder the pane of eschait to be tane be the
said serchouris the tane half to be applyit to the kingis vse and the tother
half to the commond weill of the toun.
Item, at na fleschar sell ony of thar skynnis nor hidis that tha sla nor
talloun bot to fre merchandis within the burght, wnder the pane of eschae-
ttin tharof the tane half to be applyit to the kingis gi-ace and the tothir
half to the commond wirk of the toun.
Item, that na manner of walcar nor wobster mak ony claith of thar
awin to sell agane wnder the pane of eschaeting of the same the tane half
to be applyit to the kingis vse and the tothir half to the commond wirkis
of the toun.
Item, becauss it is wnderstand that the cordiners dois grit skaith and
dissait to the kingis leigis in the ewill barkan of hidis it is tharfor ordinit
that na cordonar bark hidis in tyme [to cum] under the pane of eschait of
the said hidis fund be thame barkand as said is the tane half to be tane
to the kingis vse and the tother half to the towns vse.
Item, it is thochfc expedient be the commissionaris that sic personis be
chosin prowest and balzies zearlie that ar burges and induellaris within the
burght and nane utheris wnder the pane of ane hundreth lib. to the kingis
grace and gif ony able person beis chosin and refuss the office that tha sail
nocht be able to bruik ony preuliege or fredome of the burght in na tyme
to cum and at na burges purchess lordschip nor land nor in na thing tha
haue ado incontrar thar nychtbour wnder the pane of tinsaill of all fredom
tha ma haue of the said burght.
Item, at na Scottis merchand nethir pley nor person ane wthir in Flanderis
bot before the conseruatour efter the forme of the actis of parliament and
he to haue sic like preuileges tharfor as auld wse and wont and siclike as
is wsit amangis the burrowis of Scotland.
512 Canvention of Royal Burg /is.
Item, that the conseruatour haue of ilk sek of gudis brucht of win
skynnis hidis and and wtheris gudis four grit siclik as the skiparis
takiH his fraucht for the sekkis and that the said conseruatour have no
forther interess of the merchandis nor thar gudis bot at he abstene fra all
serching of thar gudis and coquet and frauchting bot at the merchandiB
plesuir.
Item. It is desirit be the kingis grace, for furnesing of the said Maister
Hione in the forsaid erandis, quhilkis concernis the conimond weill of mer-
chandis and for obseruing and keiping of the forsaid statutis and preuilegis
quhilkis redoundis to the peq)etuall honour of the kingis grace his realme
and veill of his merchandis, that the burro wis wald furneis for his honour
and charg forsaid the sowme of xvj hundreth vncis of siluer maid wirk, the
quhilk desyir the said commissionaris thocht resonable, nochtwithstanding
tha continewit the ansuer thairof quhill micht awisswith thar nichtbouris
of the bun'owis quharfratha war send, sua that all things ma be done with
plesour, and that the said commissionaris conwein and gif thar ansuer in
the premissis the xxiij day of Aprill instant.
X. — Act of the Town-Council of Aberdeen, appoiiithig Commissioners to
attend a Convention of Burglis at Edinburgh, on 1 oth March
1530. — Qth March 1530. — From the Council Records of Aberdeen,
fol xiii. p. 105.
Be it kend till all men be thir present lettera, wss, prouest, baillzeis,
counsall. and bnrgessis of gyld of the said burgh, at command and charge
of oure Souerane Lordis letters to wss, be lohiie Coike messingar and schiref
in that part, to hnue maid constitut and onianit. and be the tenour of thir
present letters, makkis, constituttis, and ordanis honorabill men and oure
weilbelouit niclitbouris Thomas Menyes of Petfodalis, and Dauid Ander-
soun ane of the bailzeis of oure burgh, coniunctlie and generallie, our
warray lauclifuli and vndoutit commissaris, actoris, factoris, and speciale
commissionaris, gevand grantand and committand to thame and to ilk ane
of thame our warray lauchfnll, full, fie, and plane powar, for wss and in
oure name to compear at Edinburgh the xv day of Marche instant nixt, to
cum with the laif of the commissaris of burrowis to commone treit and
Co7iventi(m of Royal Burghs. 613
conclude for the commoune weile of marchandyce, resort and residence of
marchandis, preuilegis to be had ordour and honeste thairof to be kepit,
for the weile and honour of this realme, and how the multitude of wyle
salaris may be repressit, and genaralie all and sindrye vther thingis to
commoune determe and conclude with the laif of commissaris of burrowis
that to the weile of marchandyce salbe tTiocht necessar, convenient, or
expedient, prouiding alwais that our said commissaris neithir renunce nor
ouer gif the priuilegis grantit to wss be oure maist nobill prynce, that we
salbe fre to pass and repass quhair we sail happin be best treit, hawand
and for to hald ferme and stabill all and quhatsumeuir thingis our said
commissaris in the premisses redis lauchfuUye to be done. In witnes of
the quhilk to this oure commissioun we haue affixit our sele at Aberdene
the vi day Merch the zeir of God j*** v^ and xxx zeris.
XI. — Minute of Convention of Burghs held at Edinburgh on 17 March
1533. — From the Council Records of Edinburgh, vol. i. p. 39-40.
xvij** Martij I™ V*' xxxiii^.
The quhilk day, the prouest baillies and counsale of the burch of Edin-
burch, togedder with thair commissaris of burrois vnderwrittin, viz '^^® *?'*^ *"^,
' o ^ ^ ^ commissans of
Dauid Rook and Henrye Richertsoun for Dundie ; Alexander Lindesay, bmrois.
Adam Ramsay, for Perth ; Dauid Grahame and lames Lausoun for Sanct-
androis ; Walter Cousland and Duncan Patersoun for Striueling, granttis
till pay the sowme of iiij^l IL gi*eit to the men of Myddilburch and that
the burrois be stentit for the samyn.
The quhilk day, it is auisit and concludit be the prouest, baillies and • • *
counsale of the burch of Edinburch, togedder with the commissaris of the burrois.
burrois of Dundie, Perth, Sanctandrois, Strieuling, that all the burrois
within this realme sail send thair commissaris to this toun and convene
the morn efter Sanct lames day in somer and thair till avise and deceme
anent all maner of thingis conter the commoun weill of burrois and of
merchandis and to fynd remeid for taxationis and stenttis that may
happen to cum aganis thame, and that ilk burch bring with tbame sic
articlis and writingis in qr.hat thingis thai ar hurt in, sua that reforma-
514
Convention of Boyal Burghs.
tioun and help may be put thairvntill for the vniuereale weill ; and quhat
toun sendis nocht thair commissioun the said day for the effect aboue
written sail content and pay to thame that comperis the sowme of fyve
pundis but fauouris ; and this is ordanit to be done zeirlie in all tymes
to cum sua it be thocht expedient be the saidis commissaris at thair
meting.
XII. — Exteivt Roll of the Burghs of Scotland, shoming allocation among
theTn of 5000 merles, being their proportion of an extent o/Z.20,000
Scots granted to King James V, by the three Estates for sustaining
his honourable expenses in the parts of France — 1535. — From the
volume of Extracts from the Eecords of the Town Council of Edin-
burgh, preserved in the Advocates* Library, p. 1 49.
The Extent of twenty thowsand pund grantit to our Souerane Lord be
the thre Estaitts for sustening of his honorabill expensis in the pairtes of
France in anno domini jm v*^xxxv, off the quhilk the Clergy payis x™ li
the Barrouns x™ merks and the Burrowes v"' merks, Quhilk v™ merks
being equallie devydit amangs the burrowis extendis to ilk ane of thame
as efter foUowes :
Edinburgh
Striueling
Linlythqw .
Rothsay
Dunbartane
Renfrew
Ruglein
Air . .
Irwine . .
Dunfreis
Glasqw .
Kirkcudbrycht
Wigtoun .
Quhithome
viij^ xxxiij li.
iiij" iiij li.
IIL
xxij li.
xxviij li.
. xxxiij li.
xxij li.
Ixxviij li.
xlv li.
Ivj li.
iij^ vij li.
xxxiij li.
xxxiij li.
xxxiij li.
vj s. viij d. Aberdene
vij s. vj d. Dundie .
xij s. vj d. Perth
X. s. Banff . .
ij s. vj d. Dunfermeling
XV s. Craill
X s. Forfare .
XV s. Brechein
Montros
vs. Elgein .
X s. Innernes
XV s. Aberbroth .
XV s. Sanctandrois
XV s. Cowpare
'^xxj li. xvijs. vj d.
XV li.
ij^ xlvij li. X s.
xxij li. X s.
xxxiij li. XV s.
xxij li. X s.
xvj li. xvij s.
Ivj 11 V s.
iiij*^ X li.
xxxiij li. XV s.
- Ivj li. V s.
xlv li.
iiij** X li.
vjd.
Convention of Royal Burghs.
515
Lanerk . .
xxviij li. ij s. vj d.
Culane . .
xj li. V 8.
ledburch . ,
xxxiij li. XV 8.
Fores . .
xxviij li. ij 8. vj d.
Selkrig . .
xxij li. X s.
Name . .
xj li. V 8.
Hadingtoun .
j'' j H. V s.
Thane . .
xvj li. xvij 8. vj d.
Northbervik
xj li, V 8.
Dysart . .
xxxix li. vij 8. vj d.
Dunbar .
xxij IL X s.
Kirkcaldy .
xxij li. X 8.
Lawder . .
xxij li. X s.
Peblis . .
xxij li. X a
This in the begynning of the Convict Buik begynnand in lunij 1535
quhair thair is ane vther roll of ane generall extent of vj™ li., the burrowes
j™ li. deuidit neirly the sam ordour, bot it is revin.
XIII. — Minute of Convention of the Burghs of Edinburgh, A berdeen, Dun-
dee, Perth, and St Andrews, held at Edinburgh cm 18 Dec. 1539. —
From the Council Records of Edinburgh, vol. i. p. 42.
xviij** Mensis Decembris I™ V*^ xxxix**.
The quhilk day, in presence of the prouest baillies consale and men of -^'^^^n* *«
gude of this burgh of Edinburch, that ar to say Symon Prestoun, prouest, Antuerpo.
lames Carmychell, William Rynde, Ihonne Achesoun, William Sym,
baillies, Ihonne Fouller, Robert Grahame, Robert Watsoun, Andro Mow-
bray, lames Makgill, Robert Bruce, of the counsale, Ihonne Dougall,
thesaurer, Ihonne Purwes dene of gild, William Adamsoun, Alexander
Adamsoun, William Vddert, Gilbert Lauder, Patrik Tennand, Mongow
Tennand, Thomas Vddert, Ihonn Fairlie, with the men of gude, with the
commissaris of the burrois following, viz., Thomas Meinzes prouest of Abir-
dene, and Alexander Gray, for the burch of Abirdene ; lames Wedderbum,
Henry Wedderbum, and Thomas Forster for Dunde, Ihonn Cristesoun,
William Pittillo, and Thomas Flemyng for Perth ; Maister William Arthur,
and Ihonne Mwtto for Sanctandrois, convenit be command of our Souerane
Lordis letteris directt anent thair conventioun this day, to treit and avise
anent the stapiU desyrit be the toune Antuerpe to be with thame in tyme
cuming, Comperitt Maister William Thomsoun, channoun in oure Lady Kirk
of Antuerpe, schawand and declarand in presence foresaid that, be the
516 Convention of Roycd Burghs.
letteris direct to this said toun of Edinburgh be the said toun of Antuerpe
and Lordis thairof, he bad credence be toung to schew the saidis commis-
saris of burrois, viz., that quhat priuelegis the burrois of this realme havand
thair staipill in Antuerpe dasyrit thairfor to thair natioun of the said toun
of Antuerpe wald be granttit to thame sendand thair tua commissaris to
that effect, sua that the samyn hurt nocht the commoun weill of Antuerpe,
nochtwithstanding and attour the articlis send with him in special!, and
that the said burch of Antuerpe and Lordis thairof desyrit effectuislie the
cuming and confluence of the natioun of Scotland and merchantis thairof
to thair port to fulfil thair desyris ressonable, nocht hurtand the said toun
of Antuerp thaiifor.
Staple. The quhilk day, the hale commissaris of burrois desyrit the copie of the
articlis, and delay to schew the samyn ilk ane to thair communitie of the
burch that constitute thame, and in speciall the burch of Abirdene and
commissaris thairof declarit thay on na wyse wald consent to changeing of
the stapill vnto the tyme thay had the copye of the priuelegis contenit in
the articlis, and delay to consult with thair nychtbouris of thair burch
thairupoun ; and the commissaris of Dunde declarit thair commissioun wes
nocht extendit to consent to ony change of stapill and conformyt thame
thairfor to thair commissioun and to thair nychtbouris of Abirdene ; the
commissaris of Perth and Sanctandrois offerrit thame rady to consult with
the prouest baillies of this burch for the commoun weill of the merchanttis
and desyrit the copye of the saidis articlis to the effect forsaid and dilatioun
to avise with thair nychtbouris.
Staple. The quhilk day, the prouest baillies counsale and men of gude of this burch
of Edinburch abouewrittin, consenttit to the change of thair stapill conforme
to the Concorde to be tretit and priuelegis to be granttit with the consenttis
of this burch and Antuerpe thairupoun, being alwayis vnoblist or bundin to
remane with Antuerpe at stapill bot to be fre euer thairof to pas quhair plessis
thame and beis best tretit in all tymes cuming.
^
Co7ivention of Royal Burghs. 517
XIV. Act of the Toion Council of Aberdeen, appointing a Commissioner
to attend a Convention of Burghs, 2Mh March, 1541. — From the
Council Records of Aberdeen, vol. xvj., p. 764.
25th March 1541.
The said day, the counsell ordanis ane commisioun to be maid vnder the
tovnis gryte seill, to Andro Menzies, thair commissionar in that part, to
convene with the commissionaris of 'the laity of the burrowis, and to con-
sult and deviss ane herald to be sent to the king of France for doon-getting
of the gryte [imposition] ; and to modefy his expenses for thair part, and to
consult vpon ane port in their parts of Zeland quhair all the merchandis
sell hant, and stapill beand euir frie, and nbcht bunding nor thirlet to
ane stapill, and all other things necessar.
XV. — Minute of Convention of Burghs, held at Edinburgh on 2d April
1541. — From the Council Records of Edinburgh, vol. i., p. 44.
Secundo, Apprilis 1™ vc. xli.
The quhilk day, the prouest, baillies, and counsale of the burch of Edin- stapill.
burch, with the commissaris of burrois vnderwritten, that ar to say, the
comissaris of Aberdene, Perth, Striueling, linlithqu, Dunde, comperand
anent the materis concerning the commoun weill of the hail buiTOis in the
Tolbuth of Edinburch, and in speciall anent their stapill : Consentis and
thinkis at the nixt mercat to pass to the port and toun in Flandaris of the
Dukis landis that will gyf and grant to thame maist and greitast priuelegis ;
and gyi it war the Kingis Grace plesour erar to Myddilburch nor Campheir,
sua that the toun of Campheir grantit nocht nor gaif thame larger priuie-
legis nor Myddilburch ; and anent the doungetting of the xij. d. and new Doungetting
imposition maid in France thairof upon ilk frank, consenttis that gif anep,!^^^'*"
greit personage be directit fra the Kingis Grace to the King of France for
doungetting of the saidls xij. d., that they sail extent thairfor as efferis ;
and gyf ane personage of les degre beis directit, consenttis till do thairin
3 T
518
Convention of Royal Burghs.
as the burch of Edinburch, thay being refenit thairto ; and thinkis expe-
dient till advertice oure Souerane Lord for expeditioun in the mater,
because it concernis the hale burrois and commoun weill thairo£
XVI. — Allocation among the Burghs of L,2G66. ISs. 4d. Scots, being their
proportion of an extent of Z. 16,000 Scots granted by the Three
Estates of Scotland for supplying and sustaining of the West and
Middle Borders, — From the volume of Extracts from the Records of
the Town Council of Edinburgh preserved in the Advocate s Library,
foL 150.
In the hinderend of the Convict Bulk begynnand in lunij 1535 is the
Taxt Roll following insert as foUowes :
The extent of xvj™ li. grantit be the Thre Estaittes of Scotland for sup-
pleing and sustening of the West and Middel Bordouris, viz., viij™ till be
payit be the Spirituality, v™ iij° xxxiij li. vj s. viij d. be the Barrouns of
the realme, and ij" vj*^ Ixvj li. xiij s. iiij d. be the Burrowes, till be devydit
particularlie ilk ane their awin pairt, conform till the auld stent and rollis
as after followes :
Edinburgh j™ merk.
Stirling
Linlythqu
Rossay
DumbarUine .
Ramfrow
Ixvij li. vij s. vj d.
xl li. X s.
xviij li.
Aberdene . ij^ lij U.
Dundie iij^ xxxvij li. ix s. vij d.
Ruglin
Air
Irwyne
Drumfreis
Glasgw
Kirkcudbright
Quhithorne .
Lanerk
Jedburch
xvnj 11.
xxij li. viij s. vj d.
xxvij li.
xviij IL
Ixiij li.
xxxvj li.
xlvj li.
liiij li.
xxvij li.
xxvij li.
xxij IL viij s. vj d.
xxvij li.
Perth jMiij"
Banff
Dunfermling
Carrale
Forfare
Brechane
Montrose .
Elgein
Innemes
Arbroth
11
xviij li.
xviij li.
xxvij li.
xviij li.
xiij li.
xlv li.
xij li.
xxvij li.
xlv. li.
X s.
Arbroth . xxxvj li.
Sanctandrois iiij" 11
Cowper . iij" xij li.
Culane ix li.
Convention of Royal Burghs.
519
Selkirk . xviij 11
Forais
xxij IL viij 8.
Hadingtoun . iiij" j li.
Name
ixli.
Northbervik ix. 11
Tayne
xiij li X 8.
Dunbar xviij li.
Dysart
xxxj li. X 8.
Lawder . xviij 11
Kirkcaldy
xviij li
Peblis . xviij li.
Summa lateris j" iij*^ xliiij li. vij
Summa lateris j™ iij*^ Ij li.
vj a
xd.
The haill
sowme extendis till
ii™ vi*
' iiii" XV
li xiiii 8. vii d.
yj d
In the same bulk immediately hereafter is ane taxt roll of xij^ li. grantit
be the burrowes, bot the leiff is mekill reivia
XVII. — Allocation among the Burghs o/ 2454 crovma, being their propor-
tion of a taxation o/ 2400 crowns of the sone for furnishing of
the Embassy toward the Emperor, for Peace, 2bth August 1560.
— From the volume of Extracts from the Records of the Town
Council of Edinburgh, preserved in the Advocate's Library, foL 148.
The taxatioun of xxiiij^ crownis of the sone, desyret by my Lord Gover-
nour and Counsale, for furnessing of the towart the Empriour for
peax, diuidit as followes amangis the haill burrowes of this realme. 25
Augusti 1550. This amangis the lowse leffis of this daitt.
Edinburch . .
. . vj" cr.
Striueling . .
Ix cr.
Linlythqw . .
. . xxxvj cr.
Rothesay . . .
. . xyj cr.
Dumbartane , .
XX cr.
Renfrew . . . .
xxiiij cr.
Ruglein . . . .
xvj cr.
Air
Ivj cr.
Irwyne . . .
. . xxxij cr.
Dumfreis . . . .
xxiiij cr.
Glasqw . .
. . Ixiiij cr.
Abirdene ij" xxvj cr.
Dundie iij" iiij cr,
Perth ix** cr.
Bamff xvj cr.
Dumfermling . xviiij cr.
Craill xvj cr.
Forfair xij cr.
Brechane xl cr.
Montros Ixiiij cr,
Elgein xxiiij cr.
Innemes xl cr.
i
520
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Kirkcudbrycl
it . . . xxiiij cr.
Abirbrothok . . .
xxxij cr.
Wigtoun .
. . . xxiiij cr.
Sanctandrois . . .
Ixxij cr.
Quhythom
. . . xxiiij cr.
Cowper
Iviij cr.
Lanerk .
. . . XX cr.
Culane
viij cr.
Jedburch .
xxxvj cr.
Fores
XX cr.
Selkirk .
. . . xxiiij cr.
Nairn ....
viij cr.
Peblis . .
. . . . xxiiij cr.
Thayne ....
xij cr.
Hadingtoun
. . . Ixxij cr.
Dysart ....
xxvj cr.
Norbervik
viij cr.
Kirkcaldy . . .
xxvj cr.
Dunbar
. . . xvj cr.
Hamiltoun .
XX cr.
Lawder . .
. . . xvj cr.
Summa ii™ iiii^ liiii crownis
amang the sani leiffis is ane vther extent roll of the haill burrowes on ane
lowse leiff in anno 1535.
XVIII. — Act of the Community of Aberdeen appointing Commissioners
to atteiul a Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, on i^th January
1555. — From the Council Records of Aberdeen, voL xxii., p. 211.
16 Dec. 1555.
The 8aidday,the haill tounebeand conuenit for the maist part chesit electit
Thomas Menzes prouest Maister Robert Lumsden and Gilbert Collisoune
or ony twa of them coniunctly thair commissionaris lauchfuU and irren-
scalleit to compeir and convene with the remanent commissionaris of the
free burghis of Scotland in Edinburght vpoun the xv day of lanuar nixt
to cum, conforme to ane writting of our Souerane Lady Marie Quene
Deowirar off Scotland and Regent of the same, directit and send to the
prouest baillies and communite for the said burght or quhatsumeuer vthir
day or dais place of or plaiois conuenient quhen and quhair the Quenis
Grace and commissionaris forsaid thinkis expedient for dressingof appountt-
ment and stancheyng of all debait and contrauersie betwix the fre
merchandis and craftismen of all borrowis of this realme for vnite and con-
cord to be amangis thame perpetualie in tymes cumyne ; And alsua to
consult, awyss, disput, and reasoune vpoune all sic thingis as concemis the
fredom, libertie, preuelege, and publict weltht of all borrowis of the realme
Convention of Royal Burghs. 521
and for to do, trait, determe, and conclud thainipoune for tbe coramond weill
of the same, and forthir to complayne and expoyne the hurtis, dampnage,
and skaith done in tyines bygane to the burrowis forsaid and specially to
this burght of Aberdene aganis the strynth of thair aid priuelegis and in-
feftmentis, and for to laubour remeid therein sa far as ma be had, and for
to grant to giff ane compositioune propyne and gratitud to our said
Souerane Lady as otheris commissionaris off burrowis dois, and grantis ffor
reformacioune in tyme cuming of the hurtis, dampnagis, and skaithis done
to the burrowis in tymis bygane, restitutioune of them to thair aid immun-
iteis and liberteis and approuing, ratifying, and confermyng of thair aid pre-
uilegis and infeftmentis, and generally to do all thingis concemyng the
premisses that the haill communite forsaid mycht do gyf thai war all
present in propeir personis promittand faithfully to hald ferme and stabill
all and quhatsomeuer thingis thair thrie commissionaris or ony twa of thame
coniunctly lauchfully redis to be done in the premisses, and ordanis ane
commissioun to be mad to thame vnder the tovnis commond seill thair-
upoua
XTX. — Precept by Queen Mary, dated oth June 1556, directing the
Provost and Bailies of Edinburgh to stent and ta^c the Burghs in the
sum 0/ £666 138 4(Z, granted to her Majesty on 9th May 1556, with
the Stent Roll following thereon, — From the Volume of Extracts
from the Records of the Town Council of Edinburgh, preserved in
the Advocates' Library, folio 151.
In presence of the baiUies sittand in iugement Patrik Dauidsoun pre-
sentit ane writting of the Quenis Grace of the tenour following viz. :
Prouest and baillies of Edinburgh, This owre*^vritting sene ze shall incon-
tinent after the sicht hereof convene with zoure counsall to stent and taxt
the haill burrowes of this realme to the sowme of vj*' Ixvj li. xiij s. iiij d.
grantit to us the ix day of May last bypa^^t as ze will ansuer to us thair-
vpoun. Subscryuet with oure hand at Edinburgh the 5th of lunij 1556
zeiris. Conform to the quhilk writting the baillies and counsall maid this
extent following conforme to the auld roUis viz.
522
Convention of Royal Burghs.
Edinburch j*'
Ixviij li. xiij s.
iiij d.
Abirdene . .
Ixiij IL
Striueling .
. xvj li. xvj s.
xd.
Dundie . .
Ixxxiiij li. vij s.
vjd.
Linlythgw .
X IL ij s.
vijd.
Perth . .
xlix li. X a
Bothesay
, iiij U. X 8.
Bamtf . .
iiij IL X 8.
Dumbartane
V li xij a
jd.
Dunfermling .
vj li, XV 8.
Renfrew
. VJ 11 XV s.
Craill . .
' iiij li
Ruglein
iiij 11 X s.
Forfere . .
iij li. vij 8.
vjd.
Air . .
XV IL XV s.
Brechein .
xj IL vs.
Irwyne .
. ixli.
Montrose .
xviij li.
Glasqw . .
. xiij li. X s.
Elgein
vj li. XV a
Kirkcudbrycht
vj li. XV s.
Innerness .
xj li. V 8.
Wigholm
vj 11 XV s.
Abirbrothok .
ixU.
Quthihom .
vj li. XV s.
Sanctandrois
XX IL
l^aierk
V li. xij 8.
id. 3
Cowper .
. xviij IL
ledburch
vj li. XV s.
Culane
. - xlva
Selkirk
. iiij IL X s.
Foress
V li. xij a
Peblis
. iiij li. X.
Nairn
xlva
jd.8
HadingtouD .
. XX li. V s.
Thayne
iiij li. vij a
id.
Northbervick
xlvs.
Dysart
vij ILxvij
vj A
Dunbar
. iiij li. X s.
Kirkcaldy .
iiij li. X a
Lawder
. iiij li. X a
Summa
iijc iiij li. ij a
3
Drunfreis
. xj li. X s.
Summa iij^
xxxix li. xvj s.
xjd.
Summa Totalis
I vi^ Ixxv li. xviii s.
xid. 3.
This in the Counsel buik 5
lunij.
1556.
XX. — Allocation by the Town Council of Edinburgh among the whole
Burghs of a sum o/ £21 88 1 48 8d Scots, disbursed on account of the
Burghs, 2d September 1556. — From the Volume of Extracts from the
Records of the Town Council of Edinburgh, preserved in the Advo-
cates* Library, folio 151.
The baillies and counsale vnderstanding that ane venerabill man
Gavyne Commendatour of Kylwynning and James Maxuell burges of
ConvenMon of Royal Burghs.
523
Bowane hes debursit greitt sowmes of moDey respectiue for the down
getting of the xyj deneiris of ilk frank wairing of guidis coft be Scotts
merchants in Rowane and Deip by the four deneiris payit be thame as the
said Commendatour and lames comptis respectiue hard sene and sub-
BCiyuet be certane commissioneiis of burrowes depute and the sam thairto
producet afoir the said baillies and counsale proportit be the quhilk thai
fand that the said Commendatour and lames had debursitt in the effairis
foresaidis the sowm of foure thousand ane hundreth fourty foure frankis
xlviij s. ix d. money of France, and becaus in ane ordinance maid be the haill
burrowes of before it wes ordanit be thame that the saidis compts beand
hard and considerit that ane generall extent said be set on the haill bur-
rowes for payment of the said sowmes debursit be the saidis persouns as
said is for payment thairof Quhairfore the saidis baillies and counsall ex-
tentit the said sowme particularly as foUowes vpoun the haill burrowes of
this realme conform \o the awld roUis of extent, viz. : —
Edinburch v*' xlj IL xiij s. iiij
Striueling . liiij 11 xiiij s. viij
Lynlythqw xxxij IL xviij s. j
Rothesay xiiij 11 xij s. vj
Dumbartane xviij li. iiij s. v
Renfrew . xxj li. xviij s. ix
Ruglein . xiiij li. xij s. vj
Air . Ij li. iij s. ix
Irwyne . . xxix li vs.
Glasqw . . xiiij li. xvij s. vj
Kirkcudbrycht xxj li. xviij s. ix
Wigtoun . xxj li. xviij s. ix «
Quhithome . xxj li. xviij s. ix
Lanark . xviij li. iiij s. v
ledburch . xxj li. xviij s. ix
Selkirk xiiij li. xij s. vj
Peblis xiiij IL xij s. vj
Hadingtoun . Ixv li. xvj s. iij
Northbervik vij li. vj s. iiij
d. Abirdene
d. SDundie
d.3Perth . j^
d. Bamff
d. Dunfermling
d. Craill
d. Forfair .
d. Brechane .
Montrose .
d. Elgein
d. Innemess
d. Abirbrothock
d. Sanctandrois
d. Cowper
d. Culane
d. Fores
d. Naime
d. Thayne
d. Dysart
iiij li. XV 8.
Ixxiiij li. iiij a j d.
Ix IL xvij s. vj d.
xiiij IL xij s. vj d.
xxj li. xviij s. ix d.
xiij li.
X li. xix a iiij d. 3
xxxvj IL xj a iij d.
Ixviij IL X s.
xxj li. xiiij s. ix d.
xxxvj IL xj s, iij d.
xxix li. V s.
IvxlL
Iviij IL
vijlL
xviij IL
vijli.
xU.
XXV IL
xa
vj a iij d.
iiij a
vi a iij d.
xix 8. iiij d. 3
xj a xd.3
524 Convention of Royal Burglts.
Dunbar xiiij li. xij s. vj d. Kircaldy . xiiij li. xij s. vj d.
Lawder . xiiij li. xij s. vj d. Summa j™ Ixxxx IL xiiij a viijd. 3.
Dunfreis xiiij li. xij s. vj d,
Summa j°^Ixxxxviij li.
Summa Totalis ii™ i*^ Ixxxviii li. xiiii s. viii d. 3.
Counsale Buk 2 Septembris 1556.
XXI. — Act of the Town Council of Edinlnirgh following on Order of the
Pinvy Council, dated 9ih ApHl 1557, directing them to allocate
among the Burghs £10,000, being their proportion of an exterU of
£60,000 Scots, for defraying the charges of tlie Queen's marriage
with the Dauphin of Fiunce and allocation following thereon, 6th
September 1557. — From the Volume of Extracts from the Records
of the Town Council of Edinburgh, preserveH in the Advocates'
Library, folio 152.
The prouest baillies and counsell convenit at command of the writting
vnder wrettin and presentit to thame be the Justice Clerk, off the quhilk
the tenour foUowes : Apud Edinburch ix die mensis Aprilis 1557. The
quhilk day forswamekill as the Lordis beand assemblit at the last con-
ventioun in Striueling the last day of Marche last for the honourabill
manage to be completit betuix our Souerane Lady and the Dolphin off
France and setting forward of the hie and wechtie caussis thairof and for
performing of the honourabill chairges thairof and of the nobility that sail
happin to be present at the doing of the same and for vther resonabill and
effectuous caussis contenit in the acts maid be the said Lordis, hes concludit
devyset and ordanit that ane taxt of thre scoir thowsand punds be raisit
and vplifted vpoun this realme, that ane half thairof be the Spirituall estaitt
and the vther half be the Temporall estait ; quhairof the burrowes pairt
of the sam extendis to the sowm of ten thowsand pund to be payet at the
termes following, that is to say, the sowm of ij^ v^ li. at the xv day of lulij
nixt to cum, vther ij^ v^ li. at the feist of Pasche nixt after following, vther
ij"* v*' li. at the feist of Michaelmes nixt after folio wand, and the sowm of ij^ v*'
H. in compleitt payment of said sowm of x*^ li. at the feist of Pasche nixt thair-
after followand, and hes ordanit lettres tobe direct to command and chaii^
the prouest aldermen and baillies of all the burrowes of this realme that thai
)
Convention of Royal Burghs. 525
inbring and delyuer the said sowm of ij"* v*^ li. at eueiy ane of the termes
foresaidis to , coUectour thairto and his deputs, vnder the payne
of rebellioun, and failzeing thairof ony of the said termes being bypast to
putt thame to the home, as at mair lenth is contenit in the saidis acts
maid be the said Lordis thairvpoua Thairfore the Lordis of Counsall ordanis
commands and chairges the prouest baillies and counsall of the burch of
Edinburch that thai with all diligence convene and taxt all and sindry the
burrowes within this realme, ilk ane efferand to thair pairts of the foresaid
sowm of x*** li., to be payet at the termes respectiue above specifeit, and the
samyn beand maid ordanis lettres to be direct chargeing all and sindry the
prouests aldeimen and baillies of the said burrowes that thai and ilk of
ane of thame respectiue inbring and delyuer thair pairts of the said sowm
quhilk thai sail happin to be taxit to at euery ane of the termes foresaidis
to the foresaid collectour and his deputs vnder the said payne of rebellioun
and putting of thame to our home, and failzeing thairof, ony of the saidis
termes beand bypast, to denunce the disobeyares oure Souerane Ladeis re-
bellis and putt thame to the home, provyding alwayes that ze tak con-
sideratioun of the greitt ruyne poverty and decay of the burch of Hading-
toun and mak modeflcatioun of thair taxt and augment and lay the sam
vpoun vthers burrowes nocht biyntnor destroyet and conforme to the Quenis
Grace and Lordis mynd declaret thairvpoun. Sequuntur avbscriptiones
Dominomrti Ccnisilij. Cassillis, Thesaurer. Ballexden. Quhilk beand
considerit and eiter dyuers consul tatiouns had thairupoun, and speciallie
anent the supplie to be done to the said burch of Hadingtoun conform to
the tenour of the said writting, fyndes that of the haill extent mentionat
in the said writting to be vplifted of the haill burrowes extending to x"
li. the town of Hadingtoun mon pay thairof iij*^ iij li. xij s., and for support
of the said town of Hadingtoun beand brynt and destroyet the saidis
prouest baillies and counsall hes extentit aboue the haill sowme of x™ li.
vpoun all the burrowes ilk ane efferand to thair pairt except Edinburch
the sowm of j^ vj li. iij s ; quhilk superexcressence the saidis prouest
baillies and counsall ordanis to be vplifted and swamekill tanc off the ex-
tent of Hadingtoun, and becaus thair is na superexcressence on the burch
of Edinburch by thair iust fourt pairt, and having consideratioun of the
poverty and decay of Hadingtoun ordanis vther 1 li. to be tane of the
extent of Hadingtoun and swamekill augmentit to the extent of Edinburch
3 u
526
Convention of Royal Burghs.
at this tyme allanerly, and swa the extent of Hadingtoun to be allanerly
of the haill x™ li, — 'f xlvij 11, ix s. Anent the rest of the burrowes thair par-
ticulare extents foUowes, viz : —
Edinburch . ij°^ v^ 1 11
Abirdene .
ix^ xlv li.
Striueling j° lij li. xiij vj d.
Dnndie . j
i" ij*^ Lxv li. xj s.
Linly thqw j*^ Ij IL xvij s. vj d.
Peiiih . .
vij*^ xlij IL X s.
Bothesay Ixvij li x s.
Bamff . .
Ixvij li. . X s.
Dunbartane iiij" iiij li. xviij d.
Dunfermling
. ij^ j li. V s.
Renfrew . . j^ j li. v s.
Crail . .
. . IxU.
Ruglein . . Ixvij li. x s.
Forfare
. . 1 li. xij s.
vj d.
Air . . ij^ xxxvj li. v s.
Brechane .
j^ Ixviij li. XV 8.
Irwyne . j^ xxxv IL
Montros .
. ij*^ Ixx li.
Glasqw . . ij^ ij li. x s.
Elgyn
. . j^j IL vs.
Kirkcubrycht . j™ li. v s.
Inn ernes .
j*^ Ixviij IL XV s.
Wigtoun . . j*' j li. V s.
Abirbrothok
j^ xxxv IL
Quhithom j*' j IL v s.
Sanctandrois
. . iij^li.
Lanerk . Ixxxiiij li. xviij d.
Cowper .
. ij'^ Ixx IL
Jedburch . . j*' j li. v s.
Culane
. xxxiiij li. x s.
Selkirk . . Ixvij li. x s.
Fores . .
Ixxxiiij li. xviij
d.
Peblis . . . Ixvij li. x s.
Nairn .
. xxxiiij li. X s.
Hadingtoun . j^ xlvij IL ix s.
Thayne
. . 1 li. xij 8.
vj d.
Northbervik xxxiiij li. x s.
Dysart . .
j^ xviij li. ij s.
vj d.
Dunbar . . Ixvij li. x s.
Kirkcaldy .
Ixvij li. x s.
Lawder . . Ixvij li. x s.
Dunfries . j'^ Ixxiiij IL xviij s.
XXII. — Precept by Queen Mary and the Privy Council relative to the
mode of extenting the inhabitants of Burghs allowed to remain
away from the Royal Ai^my. \%th Sept. 1557. — From the volume
of Extracts from the Records of the Town Council of Edinburgh pre-
served in the Advocates* Library fol. 153.
In presens of the prouest baillies counsall and deykins of craftis com-
perit ane werschipfull man Maister lames Macgill of Rankkelour Nether,
Clerk of Register, and producet the Queenis Grace writting subseryuet with
Cmiventiofi of Royal Burghs. 527
hir Hienes hand, off the quhilk the tenour foUowes ; Apud Edinburch xvy
Septeinbris 1557 : Forswamekill as it is vnderstand to the Quenis Grace
and Lordis of Secreitt Counsall that to the proelamatioun of the airmy the
mennis persouns ar subiect and thameselfBs haldin to pass furth conform
to the chairge ; thairfore it is thocht resonabill that gif the Quenis Grace
grantis licence to ony burrowis to remayne at hame and to that effect
takis ordour with thame that the inhabitantis be nocht stentit of the awld
fassioun of stenting within burch bot that ilk man be taxit conform to his
hability and gudis be him self quhidder he be craftisman or merchant
without respect, xvij Septembris 1557.
XXIII. — Act of the coTiimunity of Aberdeen appointing a Commisaioner to
attend a Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 7 February 1563. —
From the Council Records of Aberdeen voL xxv. p. 202.
The said day, the haill toun being warnit to this day be the hand bell,
and compeiring for the maist part within the tolbuith of the same, nominat
and electit Thomas Nicolsone, bailze, to pas to Edinburght vpon the townis
expensis, with sic commissione as sail be gewin him, vpon the contentis of
ane bill send be the pro west baillies counsall and communite of Edinburght
to this toune, and thair to concur with the commissionaris of the rest of
the borowis vpon the contentis of the said commissione for the commond
Weill of the said burght as vtheris dois at that present, and ordanis the
deyne of gild to ansuer the said Thomas of the sowme of for
making of his expensis, quhilk sallbe allowit to him in his next compt.
XXIV. — Minute of Convention of Burghs held at Edinburgh on 2^th,
25th, and, 28th February, and Uh March 1563. — From the Council
Records of Edinburgh, voL iv., p. 93.
xxiiij^ Februarij 1563.
The quhilk day, the hale commissaris off burrois being convenit
within the tolbuith of this burgh: That are to say lames Adancesoun
528 Convention of Royal Burghs.
Ccmn^riflof i^Q^ lauies BaiTOun commissaris for the burgh of Edinburgh; Robert Kid,
Richart Blith for Dunde ; Thomas Nicholsoun for Abirdene ; Thomas Wel-
lat for Sanctandrois ; Thomas Pantoun, and lohne Foras, for Hathingtoun;
George Maxwell prouest of Drumfreis; Williame Bowsie and Edward
Bane for Craill ; Diekesoun of Winkstoun for Peiblis ;
for Drumfermling, having with thame arapill and sufficient
AmbMMdonr. commissiounis vnder the seillis of cans of thair tounis, efter lang reasonyng
vpoun the effairis and commoun weill of burrowis and in speciall touch-
ing ane ambassadoure, conforme to the Quenis Maiestie will and mynd,
vpoun the sute of diners nichtbouris merchandis of Edinburgh, Dunde,
Abirdene, and vtheris burrowis of this realm, to be send to the King of
Denmark for ristetutioun of schippis, merchandice, presoneris, and ransoumis
taikin be his subiectis of diuers nichtbouris of the saidis tounis ; con-
cludis and findes gude that ane ambassatour be send to the said King,
nocht onlie the cans foirsaid bot alsua for the greit and new toUis raisit
vpoun the merchandis of this realme, obtenying of license for hamebringing
of tymer, and renewing of auld amitie etc. And grands that ane taxt be
raisit of the haill burrowis for furnesing of this ambassatour and his cum-
panie in honorabill maner as the Quenis Maiestie and hir Hienes Counsale
sail find gude, and for the purpois ordanis the commissaris of Edinburgh,
Dunde, Abirdene, Drumfreis, and Sanctandrois pas this eflernone to the
Quenis Maiestie declair hir Hienes this thair deliwerance and to will her
Grace to nominat to thame the man that scho will sail be send to the
said King to the effect that efter his estait and tryne the said taxt may
be set, and ordanis thame to report hir Hienes ansuer the morne be ten
bouris in the said tolbuith.
Vicesimo Quinto Februarii J^ V*^ Ixiij**
The quhilk day, in presens of the commissaris befoir wiittin the com-
missaris mentionat in the act aboue writtin derect to the Quenies Maiestie
reportting hir Hienes ansuer; Declairis to be her Hienes will that the haill
commissaris put in writ the namis of certane nobill men quhome thai
find meit to be send to the king of Denmark to the novmer of ten or
tuelf personis of quhome hir Grace sail cheis ane and ferther declair hir
Conveiitioii of Royal Burghs. 529
will. And the saidis comraisRaris nominatis my Lord Ruithwen the Lord
of Sanct lohne and Maister lohne Hay quhais names thai ordane to be
gevin to the Quenis Grace and hir Hienes ansuer to be reportit the
morne.
Vltimo Februarij.
The quhilk day, the Quenis Maiestie ordanis the commissaris of bur-
rowis to gif in writ to hir Grace the names of certane vther personis nor
wes contenit in the last tikat meit to be send in ambassadrie to the king
of Denmark, And thai nominat the Justice Clerk, the tutour of Petcur,
the Laird of Quhittingghame, and the Laird of Elphingtoun.
The samin day, the commissaris of Sanctandrois, Drumfreis, ledburgh,
Peiblis, Grail, Hathingtoun, Drumfermling, desirit of the vtheris commis-
saris to grant thame licence to pairt thame to thair tounis for certane
greit besynes thai had ado, and band, oblist thame for thair partis of
thair tounis to abide, fulfill, and satisfie quhatsumeuer taxt the saidis
commissaris sould set and conclude upon for furnesing of the ambassadour
to the king of Denmark, and ferther quhatsumeuer thing thai do or con-
senttis to be done for the weill of burrowis to abide at the samin as
said is.
Quai'to Martii I*" V^ Ixiij.
The quhilk day, the commissaris of the bunowis of the burrowis of
Edinburgh, Dunde, and Abirdene vnderstanding it to be the Quenis
Maiestie will and mynd that Douglas of Quhittingghame is
maist meit and convenient to be send in ambassadrie to the king of Den- Exteut Coiiec-
mark for the effairis of merchandis and vtheris besynes hir Hienes hes ^
ado with the said King, concerning the commoun well of this realme and
to haue with him aucht personis in tiyne, of quhome tua merchantis wis,
honest, and best experimentit, all in aue woce grantis and consentis that
ane generale extent of xxviii*^ merkis be vpliftit and set vpoun the haill
burrowis of this realme conforme to the auld rowis, quhairof to be deliuerit
, tiou.
530
Convention of Royal Burghs.
to the said Laird of Quhittingghame the soome of twentie five faundreth
znerkis for fumesiDg of him and his said companeis chargeis, merchantis
and vtheris, baith on sey and land, as alsua for propine or revaird and the
vther thre hundreth merkis to be disponit in maner follo\\'ing, viz. to
euer}"^ ane of the tua merchandis, beside thair chargis to be had of the said
ambassadoure, ane hundreth markis in recompance of the tinsaill of thair
traffeck the tyrae thai sail depend vpoun the said ambassadour, the vther
hundreth merkis to be given for writing of the letti-es raisit vpoun the
burrowis for paying of thair perticular taxt, the dewitie of the signet, pay-
ment of the officiaris feis, and for the inlaik of money, and ferther nomi-
natis Maister lohne Prestoun burgess of Edinburgh to be coUectour of the
said taxt, and to be satifeit thairfoir of the quhilk the ordour followis.
Followis the extent collectit for the ambassadour towart Denmark the
soume of xxviii*^ merk.
Edinburgh iiij*^ Ixvi lib. xiij s. iiij. d.
Striueling xlvi lib. xix s.
Linlithquow xxviii lib. vi s ix d.
Rothesay xiij lib. xj d.
Durabritane xv lib. xj s. iij d.
Renfrew xviij lib. xvij s. x dr
Ruglen xiij lib. xj d.
Air xliij lib. xvj. s.
Wrwene xxv lib. xvij s.
Glasquow xxxvij lib. xvj s. ij d.
Kirkcudbricht xviij lib. xvij s x d.
ix*' xxxiij lib.
Dunde ij*^ xxxvj lib. iij s. ij d.
Abirdenej*^ Ixxvj lib. viij s.
Peirth j*^ xxxviij lib. xij s.
Banf xiij lib. xj d.
Dumfermling xviij lib. xvij s. x d.
Craill xj lib. iiij s.
Forfar viij lib. viij s. xj d.
Abirbrothok xxv lib. xvij s.
Wigtoun xviij lib. xvij s. x d.
Quhithome xviij lib. xvij s. x d.
Lanark xiij lib xi d.
ledburgh xviij lib. xvij s. x. d.
Selkirk xiij lib. xj d.
Peiblis xiij lib xj d.
Hathingtoun xliiij lib.
Northberwik vi lib. x s. viij d. |
Dunbar xiij lib. xj d.
Lauder xiij lib. xj d.
Drumfreis xxxij lib. xiij. s. xj. d.
xix s. xj d.
Cowpar 1 lib. viij s.
Culane vi lib. x. s. viij. d.
Fon*est xiij lib. xi d.
Name vj lib. x s. viij d.
Thane viij lib. viij s. xj d.
Breichen xxxij lib. xiij s. ij d.
Montros xxxv lib. viij s.
Elgene xviij lib. xvij. s. x d.
Convention of Royal Burghs. 531
Sanctandrois Ivj lib. Dysart xxxij lib. xiij s. ij d.
Innernes xxxij lib. xiij s. ij d. Kirkcaldy xiij lib. xi d.
ix*' xxxvij lib. xvij s. iiij d
«
The samyn day, in presens of the commissaris of burrois Maister Peter
Strang commissar of Pettynweme producit ane charter vnder the Greit
Seill contenyng the erecting of thair said toun in fre burch gran tit be
king lames the Fift ; and desyrit to haue thair placis amangis vther fre
burrois and ofFerrit to sustein taxtis stenttis and vther portable charges
amangis the remanent burrois at all tymes neidfull and desyrit ansuer.
And Richert Bowsy and Thomas Bane commissaris for the toun of Craill,
opponand thame to the petitioun of the said Maister Richert, allegit that
the saidis commissaris could not be iuges in that mater thay had intentit
action n aganis the said toun of Pettynweme tuiching thair pretendit
priuelege and libertie befoir the Lordis of Sessioun, and the samyn as zit
Hand vndecidit . The quhilk allegeance the saidis commissaris knawing to
be of verite, continewis the admissioun of the said toun of Pettynweme
quhill the said actioun sould tak end befoir the saidis Lordis without
preuidice of thair rycht for thair paiii; And the saidis commissar of
Pettynweme protestit for remeid.
XXV. — Contract between the Town Council of Edinburgh on behalf of the
Burghs, and Ninian Cockburn, relative to discharge of Proclamation
by the King of France against Scottish Merchants trajfficking with
France, I4>th July 1570. — From the Council Records of Edinburgh,
voL iv. p. 258.
At Edinburch the xiiij day of Julij 1570. It is appointit and aggreit
betwixt the Rycht Honorabill Prouest, Baillies, and Counsall of the burch
of Edinburch, takand burding upoun thame for thameselfis and haill estait
of merchantis within this realme, on that ane pairt, and Capitane Niniane
Cokhurne on that vther pairt in maner following : That is to say forsa-
mekle as be the procurement and labouris of the Bischop of Glasguow thair
is ane proclamatioun obtenit and proclamit at the handis of the maist
532 Convention of Royal D^trghs.
mychti King of France dischargeing all maner of Scottismen with thair
schippis gudis or merchandice of all hant resort or trafique within the see
townis or vtheris pairtis of his dominions, exceptand sic as sail bring with
thame the certificat of our Souerane the Kingis moder or hir lewtennentis to
acknawledge only hir and thair authoritie in hir name and nane vtheris.
The quhilk proclamatioun the said Capitane Cockburne is in houp to gett
dischargit with all effect thairof, at the handis of the said mychti King;
the prouest, baillies, and counsall for thame selfis and in name of the
remanent burrois del3ruerand and sendand with him thair supplicatiounis
to that effect, and thairfore bindis and oblissis him with all diligence
possible to pas to the said mychti King with the saidis supplicationis to
labour procure and travell be him self and all that will do for him for
Borowis obtenyng of the said discharge, and sail gett the same expede publischit
and proclamit in Paiys, Rowan, Deip, and all vther places neidful within the
CapiUne spacc of thre monethis nixt efber his depairting of this realme, and sail send
Cokburne |.jjg samyn hame fre upoun his awin expenssis to the prouest and baillies
forsaid without ony thair chairgeis in the mentyme. Quhilk being obtenit,
gottin, proclamit, dischairgeit, and send hame as said is, or gif if it be
alreddie gottin aud obtenit, the saidis prouest and baillies takand the
burding vpoun thame as said is, bindis and oblissis thame and thair suc-
cessouris within xl dayis nixt efter the hame cuming of the discharge of
the said proclamatioun, lawfullie and sufficientlie obtenit as said is, to thank-
fully deliuer and pay to the said Capitane Cockburne his airis and
assignayis the sowme of thre hundreth crownis of the sone, current money
of France, or the hiest price the samyn gewis in Scotland at this present,
and failzeing of the hamesending of the said discharge as said is at the
tyme foirsaid, the said Capitane bindis an oblissis him his airis and assignayis
never to ask craif nor desyre the said sowme of thre hundreth crownis or
ony pairt thairof or vther recompance for his panys, bot for him and thame
and all vtheris to discharge the same for euer, and for observing of thir
premisses ar content and consentis that this present be insert and registrat
in the buikis of our Souerane Lordis Sessioun or buikis of the toun to have
the strength of their decrettis, and executorialis to pas thairvpoun as
efferis, etc.
Conve ntion of Royal Burghs. 533
XXVI. — Act of the Tovm Council of Abei^deen appointing a Commis-
sioner to attend a Convention of Burghs at Dundee on \b July
1575 — 1 July 1575. — From the Council Records of Aberdeen,
vol. xxviii. p. 503.
The said day the consell ordanit Patrik Mengzes balzie to pas as com-
missionar for this toune to the brught of Dundie vpon the xv day of lulij
instant and thair to convene with the remanent commissionaris of the bur-
rowis of this realme to consult and conclud vpon sic effeiris as concemis
the estait of the burrowis of this realme and free burgessis thairof con-
forme to the directioune and commissioune that salbe gevyn to him thair-
iipoune and ordanis him to haf tuentie merkis to mak his expenssis.
3 X
MISCELUNEOUS DOCUMENTS
RELATIHO TO THE
AFFAIES or THE BUMHS OF SCOTUND.
^
MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS
BELATINO TO THE AFFAIRS OF
THE BUEGHS OF SCOTLAND.
1 . Confirmation by King David II. of a Contract between the Burgesses
and Merchants of Scotland and the Burgesses and Merchants of Middle-
burgh, 12th November, IS-i?. — [From the Acts of the Parliaments of
Scotland, I, 156.*]
Dauid Dei gracia Rex Scottorum, Vniuersis ad quorum noticiam presentes
littere peruenerint salutem in Domino sempitemam. Quia per consilium
nostrum, tentum apud Dunde duodecimo die Nouembris anno Domini
millesimo ccc™° quadragesimo septimo, concorditer extitit deliberatum quod
burgenses et mercatores regni nostri stapulam mercandisarum habeant et
maiorem apud Myddylburgh in Selandia, prout burgenses et mercatores
regni nostri ex parte vna et burgenses et mercatores de Myddylburgh ex
altera causa negociandi melius potenint ynanimiter concordare, quam quidem
concordiam slue oontractum inter burgenses et mercatores regni nostri ac
burgenses et mercatores de Myddylburgh predictos faciendam componendam
siue vallandam in onmibus ratam habere volumus et firmam. Et dictam
concordiam siue contractum in omnibus ut premittitur approbamus ratifi-
camus et pro nobis et nostris confirmamus. Et hoc omnibus quorum interest
notum fiacimus per presentes. Quapropter omnibus et singulis ministris
ac fidelibus nostris precipimus et mandamus ne contra deliberacionem dicti
consilij nostri venire presumant, sub pena que competit in hac parte.
In cujus rei testimonium has literas nostras per vnum annum integrum
a festo Pasche proxime future duraturas fieri fecimus patentes, apud Dunde
xij. die Nouembris anno regni nostro decimo nono.
3 Y
^
1
638 Miscellaneous Documents relating to
2. Judicial Transumpt of Charter by King David the II. in favour of
the whole Burgesses of Scotland, 28th March 1364. — [Preserved in the
.Archives of the City of Ediriburgh,]
At Edinbuboh the twentie fourt daj of Maij the zeir of Gkxl j™ vj^ and
fyve zeiris, The Lordis of Counsall vnderwrittin, they are to say, Alex-
ander Erie of Dunfermehng Lord Fyrie and Urquhart, etc., Ghanoellar of
this Realme, James Lord Balmirrenoch, president, lohne Ck>mmendatar of
Halymdhous, Williame Commendatar of Toungland, Maister lohne Prestoun
of Fentounbamis, collectour generall, Maister Dauid Makgill of Cranstoun-
riddell, Maister lohne Skene, Clerk of Register, Sir lohne Gokbume of
Ormistoiin Knycht, Justice-Clerk, Sir Richard Cokbume of Clerkingtoon
Knycht, Lord Privie Seal], Archibald Douglas of Quhittinghame, Andro
Wemis of Inyrecamie, Mr Alexander Hay of Forrestersait, and Maister
Luis Craig of Wrichtisland ; anent oure Souerane Lordis lettres purchest
at the instance of the haill frie burgesses of the haill frie burrowes within
this realme of Scotland, and lames Wynrahame thair agent in thair names,
aganis lame Lord of Scone, ComptroUar to oure Souerane Lord, and Sir
Thomas Hamyltoun of Monkland, knycht, his Hienes Aduocat, and all
vtheris havand or pretendand to haue interes in the mater vnderwrittin,
Makand mentioun that quhaii* vmquhile Dauid be the Grace of God King
of Scottis, of maist worthie memorie, be his chartour vnder the Greit Seall,
gaif and grantit to the saidis persewaris frie power and facultie to bye and
sell within the libertie of thair awin burghis, forbidding that ony of thame
sail bye and sell within the boundis of the liberteis of ane vther burgh except
he be licenciat ; prohibiting alsua ony bischop or priour or vther ecclesiasti-
call persone of quhatsumeuir estait soeuir he be, to bye woll, skynnis, hydis,
or vther merchandice vnder quhatsumeuir colour, nather to sell hot alanerlie
fra the mercheandis of the burgh within quhais libertie they remane, quhome
the said vmquhile Dauid, King, hes commandit to present sic merchandice
at the mercat and crois of the burghis that the merchandis may bye and that
they produce the samyn effectualie with out fraude, and that they pay the Kingis
custome thair. His Maiestie alsua hes forbiddin be the said Chartour that na
extranear merchandis cumming with schippis and merchandice that thai sell
na kynd of mercheandice hot to the merchandis of Me burrowis, nather sit
that they by ony kynd of merchandice bot fra the handis of the merchandis
of the Kingis burrowes vnder the pane of his Hienes indignatioun, quhilkis
liberteis, privileges, and oonstitutiouns, his Maiestie be the tennour of the said
chartour hes confermit for euir to remane as in the paid chartour, of the date
at the burgh of Perth the aucht day of Marche, and of his Hienes regne the
threttie four zeir, at mair lenth is contenit. And in respect that the said char-
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 539
tour is grantit in fauouris of the haill burgessis of Scotland, and specialie
concemis thame and euerie ane of thame, and that the said chartour is of
sick great antiquitie quhairby in proces of tyme the samyn will nocht fisdll
to perische and becum vnlegivel, be the quhilk occasioun the saidis frie
burgessis of this realme haveand speciall interes thairto will be greatumlie
hurte and damnifeit and prejudgit^P thair privileges and liberteis giuntit to
thame thairby : For preseruatioun and remede quhaii*of necessar it is to the
saidis persewairis to haue the said chartour lauchfullie transumit befoir the
Lordis of Coiinsaill and the authentick doubill and extract thairof decemit be
decrite of the saidis Lordis of Counsailltobe delyuerit to the saidis fre burgessis
of the saidis burrowes and euerie ane of thame haveand enteres thairto, vnder
the Clerk of Registeris handwrytt, makand the samyn to haue als great strenth,
force, and effect in all tyme cumming in judgement and out with the samyn
as gif the said principall and originall chartour wer extant and readie at all
tymes to be produceit, conforme to the lawis of this realme and day lie practique
observeit in sic caissis. And anent the charge gewln to the saidis Lordis
Comptroller and Aduocat for oure Souerane Lords interes in the said mater,
and all vtheris haveand or pretendand to have enteres thaiiintill to haue
comperit befoir the Loixlis of Counsaill at ane certane day bigane to haue
haud hard the foirsaid originall chartour decemit to be transumit and
copeit in maner vnderwrittin, or ellis to haue schawin ane ressonable cans
quhy the samyn suld nocht haue bene done, as at mair lenth is contenit
in the saidis lettres : The saidis haill frie burgessis of the haill frie burrowes
within this realme of Scotland, and lames Wyni-ahame thair agent in thair
names, comperand be MaLster Thomas Hoip thair procuratour, and the
saidis Lordis Comptroller and Aduocat, and all vtheris haveand or pretendand
to haue interes in the said mater being lauchfullie summonit to this actioun,
oft tymes callit and nocht comperit, the foirsaidis pairtie comperand, richtis,
ressones, allegationis, togidder with foirsaid originall auld chartour, hard, sene
vnderstand, and the saidis Lordis thairwith being ryplie advysit the Lordis of
Counsaill hes transumit and transumes the said principall originall chartour
of confirmatioun, maid and grantit be the said vmquhile Dauid be the
grace of God King of Scottis for the tyme, of maist worthie memourie, to
the saidis burgessis of the saidis frie burrowes of this realme of Scotland
concemying thair liberteis and privileges abouespecefeit, of the date and
contentis aboue mentionat, and ordinis to be insert in the buikis of counsaill
in authentick forme ad perpetttam rei memoriam^ and hes interponit and in-
terponis thair authoritie thairto, and decemis and ordinis the authentick
doubill and copie thairof to be extractit and delyuerit to the saidis persewaris
vnder the Clerk of Register or his deputtis subscriptioun and handwryt, and
the samyn to haue als great strenth, force, fitith, in judgement and out-
with the samyn, in all tyme cumming, as gif the samyn wer the said princi
oW Miscellaneous Documerds relating to
pall and orii^injJl duutoor aboaespeoefeh of the qnhilk on^^nmll dttitoar ih/t
UsDXUjnr (fAlmrt» :
Ihimd Dei Gntia Rex Sootorom omnilxis |»robis hominlbiis Uj/doM terre
tii« clericii «t Uicis Salntem Scutifl nos com oonnlio conceBaase *<n^itiT
nfMtnM Uirgennbtu Sooticis iacultAtem emendi ac Teadendi libeimm Tbiqae
infra libertatem suomin bargorum, Prohibendo ne aliqois eomm infra Innik^m
libertatix alteritu emat vel vendat nisi lioentiatoji Prohibemaa edam ne e|Rs-
ooppoa aut prior, Tel persona eoclesiastica, oomesy baro Tel penona secnlaris
emat lanam pellen coria aat alia mercimonia sab qnoconqne colore coins*
comque fuerit Ktatus neqne Tendat, nisi solommodo a mercatoribos bur-
gomm infra quorum libertatem resident quibos precipimoii qnod hniosmodi
mercimonia prencmtent i^nid forum et crucem boi^gomm Tt mercatofres
emant et ipsis eflfectualiter proferant sine frande £t ibidem persolnant cos-
tomam Regis. Prohibemus etiam ne aliqui extranei mercatores com naTibas
et mercaodisis Tenientes Tendant aliquod genus mercimonioram nisi mer-
oatoribus nostorum burgorum nee aliquod emant nisi a manibos mefxsatcmim
borgorum sub pena Regie defensionis nostra Quasqnidem conceanones liber-
tates oonstitutiones perpetuo duraturas tenore presentis carte nostre con-
finna[mu]s. In coius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre confirmationia
sigiUum nostrum apponi preciplmus testibus venerabilibus in Christo patribos
Willielmo Episcopo Sancti Andree Patricio Episcopo Brechinensi CSancellario
Roberto Senencallo Scotie nepote nostro Willielmo comite de Dowg^
Roberto de Enkyne camerario nostro Apud Perth Ticesimo octauo die Marcij
anno regni nostri trigesimo quarto.
Becaus the saidis defendaris wer lauchfullie summond to hane com-
perit befoir the saidis Lordis of Counsaill at ane certane bigane to
haue hard and sene the said chartour decemit to haue bene transomit and
copeit in maner foirsaid, or ellis to haue schawin ane ressonable cause quhy
the fiamjn suld nocht haue bene done, with oertificatioun to thame and
tbey fiiilzeit thairin the saidis Lordis wald deceme as said is, and they beand
all lauchfullie summond to that effect as said is nane of thame comperit to
schaw ony ressonable cause in the oontrair, lykas wes cleirlie Tnderstand to
the saidis Ix>rclis, and thairfoir they gaif thair decrete in maner foirsaid and
ordinis lettres to be direct vpoun the premissis gif neid beis in forme as
efferis. Extractum de Libro Actorum per me Magistrum Willielmum Scott de
Elie deputatum honorabilis viri magistri lacobi Skene clerici rotulorom
registri ac consilii S. D. N. regis sub meis signo et subscriptione manualibns.
W. SCOT.
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 541
3. Translation of the preceding Charter by King David II. — [Presaged
in the Archives of the City of Edinburgh.^
Dauid by the grace of God King of Scottis To all his trew liedgeis,
alsweiU of the Spirituall as Temporall Estaitt, Be it knawin to ws be the
commoun consent of oure Counsall to ha we grantit to our bnrgessis throwcht
all Scotland frie liberty to by and sell euerie quhair within the libertyis of
thair awin brugh, expreslie discharging ony of thame to by or sell within
the boundis or liberteis of ane vther without license obteinit to that effect :
We forbyd also and discharge that na bischope, priour, or kirkman, nor erle,
barroun or other of the temporall estaitt, by well, skinis, hyidis, or ony vther
kynd of marchandice vnder quhatsumewer pretext or cuUour. We forbyd
also expreslie of quhat estaitt soewer they be they sel] nocht ony thing bot
to the marchandis of the brugh within quhais liberty thai mak thair resi-
dence, quhome we expreslie command and charge that thay present all sic
kynd of marchandrice to the merkcat place and to the cros of the brughis
that the merchand may by thair ; and that thay effectuallie pi*oduce and
offer the saidis merchandrice withoute fraud or gylle, and that thai pay the
Kingis customis. We forbyd also that na outlandis marchandis or stran-
geris that cumis withe thair schippis or merchandrice sell ony sorte of mer-
chandrice bott to the burgessis of oure bnighes ; and that thai by na kynd
of marchandrice except fra the handis of the marchandis of oure brughis
wnder the paine of oure Hines vnlaw. The quhiUds liberteis priuiledges and
constitutiounis to half thair full strenth and force throw all aigeis to cum be
the tenour of this present chartour we confirme. In witness quhairof to
this oure chartour of confirmatioun we haife commandit oure seill to be
appendit or hung to, befoir thir witnessis the richt reuerend feithers in God,
William Bischope of Sanct Androis, Patrick Bischope of Brichen oure Chanc-
lair, Robert, Marschell of Scotland, oure oy, Williame Erll of Dowglas,
Robert of Erskyne oure Chalmerlane. At Sanct lohnstoun the xxviij
Marche the zeir of oure rigine the threttie foure.
4. Act of a Parliament of King David II. held at Perth 6th March,
1 368. — [From the Acta of the Parliaments of Scotland, i. 1 49.]
Et ordinatum fiiit et statutum per dictas tres communitates congregatas
et electas, quod qiiamdiu ville de Bei'wic et de Roxbuigch detente erunt
per aduersarios nostros , Anglie, quae sunt et esse debent duo de quatuor bur-
gis qui habent ex antique curiam faccre Camcrarii semel in anno apud
542 Miscellaneous Docunients relatiny to
Hadyngton, super judiciis si que forent coram ipso in itineribus suis vbicum-
que contradicta, burgi de Lajinark et de Lythcu erunt accepti in premissia
et ex nunc premuniti sunt, quod ad hoc compareant et deseruiant interim
Ita quod tantum valeat curia tenenda vt premittitur quo ad
communem justiciam ac si nidlum esset impedimentum vel obRtaculum
de dictis duabus villis detentis per aduersarios sicut prius nostris
Ita tamen quod cum iidem duo burgi ad manus et partem Domini Kegis
peruenerint priuelegiis pristinis sine obiectu indilate gaudebunt.
6. Letters Patent by King James II. under his Great Seal, appointing
the Court of the Parliament of the Four Burghs of Scotland to be held
yearly at Edinburgh, in all time coming, as had been ordained by King
James I., 5 th November, 1454;. — [Preser^ved in the Archives of the City
of Edinburgh.]
Jacobus Dei gracia Rex Scottorum vniuersis et singulis ligiis et subditis
nostris ad quorum noticias pi'esentes litere pei-uenerint salutem : Quia
serenissimus princeps Jacobus Rex Scotorum progenitor noster, cuius anime
propicietur Deus, de auisamento et deliberacione Trium Regni sui Statuum
apud Perth concessit et ordinauit Parliamentum Quatuor Burgorum apud
Burgum nostrum de Edinburgh annuatim teneri sicut a temporibus retroactis
tenebatur : Volumus et concessimus ac presencium tenore concedimus pro
nobis et successoribus nostris imperpetuum Burgensibus nostris Burgi nostri
de Edinburgh et eorum succesoribus vt dictum Parliamentum Quatuor
Burgorum in dicto Burgo nostro de Edinburghe annuatiun pro perpetuo
teneatur et die statute post festum Beati Michaelis archangeli cum continua-
tione dierum omnino inchoetur et obseruetur : Quare Magno Camerario nostro
et suis deputatis qui pro tempore fuerint stricte precipiendo mandamus
quatenus Curiam Parliamenti Quatuor Burgorum haberi et teneri more
solito fJEU^iant in Burgo nostro antedicto, conuocatis et summonitis annuatim
ad hoc comparituris commissariis Quatuor Burgorum Principalium yidelicet
Edinburgh Striuelin Lithquo et Lanark dicte curie sectatoribus sine
accessoribus ad subeundum ordinandum et finaliter determinandum de et
super judiciis Bui-gorum vniuersalium regni nostri curiis datis sine contra-
dictis ac eciam mensuram vine ferlote siue boUe lagine et petre more solito
ligiis et communibus nostris dandnm liberandum et reipiendum : Necnon
omnia alia et singula facienda et exercenda que in huiusmodi Curia Parlia-
menti secundum leges statuta et Burgorum consuetudines sunt tractanda
subeunda et finaliter determinanda : In cuius rei testimonium has literas
nostras dictis Burgensibus nostiis eorum que successoribus pro peq)€tuo dura-
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland.
543
turas sub magno sigillo nostro fieri fecimus patentes : Testibus reuerendis in
Christo patribus Jacobo consanguineo nostro carissimo, Thoma, G^rgeo, et
Thoma, Sanctiandree, Dunnkeldensis, Brechinensis, et Candide Case ecclesi-
arum episcopis ; dilectis consanguineis nostns Willelmo comite Orchadie
domino de Sancto Claro concellario, Georgeo comite Angusie, Thoma domino
Erskyn, Willelmo domino Somervele, Willelmo domino Borthwik, Willelmo
Murray de Tulibardyn, et Willelmo Bonare nostrorum compotorum rotola-
tore : Apud Edinburgh quinto die mensis Novembris anno Domini millesimo
quadringentesimo quinquagesimo quarto et regni nostri decimo octauo.
6. Tax Broll of the Burghs north of the Forth as modified by the
Commissioners of Burghs at Edinburgh, 1483. — [From the Records of
the Town Council of Aberdeen, Vol. VI., p. 803.]
22nd September 1483.
Thir ar the names of the burghis beyond Forth that eftir folowis, and the
taxt of the samen modifiit be the commissaris of burghis the tyme of the
parliament haldin at Edinburgh the xxi dai of Marche, with continuation of
dais, the zer of God M iiij*^ Ixxxiii.
Couper
Carrale
Sanct Androis
Perth
Ouchterardour
Dundee
Forfew^
Montros
Breching
In primis.
£6
13
4
Bervy
2
0
0
Arbroth
10
0
0
Abirdene
22
4
6
Banf
1
0
0
Elgjm
26
13
4
Foras
1
6
8
Name
5
6
8
Enuemess
4
0
0
£0
10
0
2
0
0
26
13
4
3
0
0
3
0
0
6
0
0
2
0
0
10
0
0
7. A Commission to prosecute for recovery of goods taken by a Scots
ship from a ship called Sancta Maria belonging to Bruges, dated 22nd
October 1509. — Described in the Inventories of the Charters of the City
of Edinburgh. — [Vol. I., p; 212,] as follows : —
Commission made out by way of Instrument, under the Seal of the Bui-go-
544 Miscellaneous Documents relating to
masters and Council of the Town of Bruges in Flanders, Bearing, that an
honest man, James Brunean, citizen and merchant in Bruges, compeared
before them, and upon oath declared that he had heared from Ludovick de
Crooc his factor, who had lately come from the Island of Madeira, and also
had heard the same by letters from him before his arrival, that the said
Ludovick had in his own name, on the 26th of May then last, loaded at the
said Island, in a ship called the Sancta Maria fifby-four chests of Sugar and a
half, and two barrels of confections, which goods and merchandize belonged
to the Deponent and his said factor, and after paying for his said goods, and
the said Ludovick coming away in the said ship from the foresaid Island, was
taken upon the coasts of France not far from the port of , together
with the said goods and others in the said ship, by one Captain John Alber-
ton and his accomplices, subjects of the Kingdom of Scotland, in a ship called
the Lion, and carried by them to the Port of Arfleur. After this recital the
instrument bears a Commission to certain persons therein named to prose-
cute and pursue for recovery of the said goods, and contains all the usual
clauses of a general Commission, has the Seal of the Town of Bruges appended,
and bears date the 22nd of October 1509.
8. Act of the Town Council and Community of Merchants of Edinburgh,
dated 28th February 1519, relative to the establishment of the Scots
Staple in Flanders. — [Ftotyi the Records of tltt Town Council of Edin-
burgh. Vol. I., p. 12.]
Ultimo Febniarij anno Domini I" v*' xix.
Stapill, Flan- The samyn day, forsamekill as my Lord Glenluis and Maister Thomas Hay
^h"%-^*'^" Secretary to my Lord Govemour schew befoir the provest baillies counsall
and communitie of mercliantis that my said Lord Govemour thocht it necessar
that thair sould be ane stapill in the pairtis of Flanderis quhair the Scottis
merchantis mycht resort and haif ordour amangis thame siclyke as vther na-
tionis hes, and desyrit that the said communitie of merchandis wald for thair
pairt declair quhilk of thir thre townis, that is to say, Camfeir, Myddilb\u*ch
or Byrges ar maist convenient to the said stapill, with the quhilk desyre the
saidis merchandis being avysit, the men of gude of the toun for the maist
pairt than beand present, thocht the toun of Myddilburch maist convenient
toun to be thair stapill, swa that vther burrowis of the realme wald repair
thairto siclyk as the inhabitans of this toun, and thai haifemd siclyke priueleges
as wes grantit of befoir and as salbe deuysit to be desyrit at the said toun.
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 545
9. Act of the Town Council of Edinburgh, dated 28th February 1536,
relative to a supplication by the Bailies and Community of the Burgh of
Inverkeithing to have their share of the Contribution by Inverkeithing
and Kinghorn towards the taxation of Edinburgh, modified in respect of
poverty. — [From the Volume of Uxtracts from, the Records of the Town
CouTwil of Edinburgh jyi^eaerved in the Advocate' Libi^ary, p. 148.]
Ultimo Januarij anno etc. v*' xxxvj®.
The quhilk day in presens of the baillies and counsale sittand in juge-
ment Marcus Suentoun burges of InnerkethiDg in name and behalff oif the
bailUes and commwnitie thairof presentit to the saidis baillies and counsale ane
bill of supplecatioun gevin in to the Lordis of our Souerane Lordis Counsale
be the saidis baillies and commwnitie -of the burch of Innerkething, with the
saidis lordis deliuerance thairvpoim, off the quhilk the teiinour followis : My
Lordis of Counsale, vnto your lordschipis humle menis and schavis we zour
seruitouris the baillies and commwnitie of the burch of Innerkething, that
quhair in all tymes bygane quhen ony taxt account we and the inhabitouris
of the burch of Kingome wer ay ordanit to support and help the toun of
Edinburgh to pay thair pairt of the said taxt, and quhen thai wer taxt to ane
hundreth pimd we war ordanit to pay iij It thairof and Kingome xlij, howbeit
oiu* burch in all tymes bygane payit zeirlie to the Kingis Grace vj or vij^
hundreth pundis striviling of custwme, and now it is dekeyit and fallin in
povertie and pais nevii* ane penny and thair is nocht attour thre men thairin
that may pay ane penny of taxt at this tyme, howbeit we ar now taxt to
XXV li and Kingome hot to xv li and thai haif xxiij greit boittis and nyne
schippis and ar ful of ryches and we fiill of povertie and may nocht at thiij
tyme pay the taxt put vpoun ws without oure vtir heirschip, heirfoir we beseik
yoiu^ lordschipis for the caussis aboue writing put remeid to ws anent the
payment of the said taxt and tak cognitoun quhethair our burch of Kingome
richeat and quhilk of ws may gudJy pay maist and according thairto taxt
and extent ws and tharefter our power and substance or ellis gyf command
to the provest and baillies of Edinburch to do the samyn according to iustice
and your ansuer we beseik. Heir followis the saidis lordis delyueiunce of the
said supplicatioun : Apud Edinburch penultimo lanuarij anno etc. v^ xxxvj"
the lordis refferris this mater to the taxtaris of Edinburch and to the provest
bailUes thairof and counsale; be wertew of the quhllkis deliuerance the saidis
baillies and counsale of this burch of Edinburch haweand consideratioun,
perfyte cognitioun, and knawlege of the premissis, powertie of the said toun
3z
546 Miscellaneous Documents relating to
of Innerkething and ryply awyset decemis, and extentis the samyn to xvj It
viij 8. of the viij*^ xxiij li vj s. viij d. of the extent of this said burch of
Edinburch, that is to say twa pundis of the j*' li, and extentis the said twne
and burgh of Kingome to xxiiij li viij s. of the said extent of this burch of
Edinburch that is to say thre pund of the j*^ H.
1 0. Contract anent the Staple Trade betwixt the City of Antwerp and
the City of Edinburgh, dated in April 154-0. — Described in the Inven-
tories of the Charters of the City of Edinburgh [Vol, /., p. 395,] as
follows : —
Contract entered into betwixt the Burgomasters, Magistrates, and Council
of the Town of Antwei-p in Brabant, and certain Commissioners or
Deputies sent from the Provost, Baillies, and Council of E<linburgh, of the
Kingdom of Sc<jtland, on the one and other parts : Wherein is set down the
powers and Commission by the Magistrates of Edinbui-gh to their said
Deputies, to treat with the town of Antwerp anent the privileges to be
granted to the Scots Nation on account of their Staple Trade, and freedoms,
and exemptions in consequence thereof: which commission bears date at
Edinburgh the 2nd of March, 1539. After which the Contract bears. That
those of the town of Edinburgh and others, their allies of the Kingdom of
Scotland frequenting the Emperor's Dominions, having hitherto kept their
principal staple and residence in Campvere in Zealand, yet, for certain
reasons, they had agreed to seek out a more commodious place ; And having
seen and visited all the towns and harbours in the Low Countries, they did
find no Place, City, or Harbour so proper as that of the Town of Antwerp :
Which the Magisti-ates of Edinbui-gh and others of the Kingdom of Scotland
taking to their consideration, they appointed certain commissioners to com-
mune with the Burgomasters and Council of Antwerp thereanent, and after
long deliberation, the said Burgomasters of Antwerp and Deputies from Edin-
burgh and others of the said Kingdom of Scotland, agreed upon the following
Articles : —
Imprimis, That the said Nation of Scotland, being of the town of Edin-
burgh and others their adherents, should have a fair and pleasant House
appointed for the residence of their Conservator and others of the said
Nation ; in which house they might also lodge their packets and merchan-
dizes, and otherways use it at their pleasure during their residence in the
said Town.
Item, That those of the said Nation should be free and exempt from all
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 547
excise of Wine and Beer or Ale that should be drunk in the said House :
and in case of a fleet of ships coming from Scotland, and their merchants
being numerous, the Burgomasters and Council, on being advertised thereof
from the Conservator or otherways, should be obliged to order and assign one,
two, or three other houses according as their number required : and they
should in like manner be exempt from all excise of Wine or Ale drunk in
these houses, provided, that no other haunted or frequented them but those
of the said Nation.
Item, That the cognizance of all complaints, questions, and causes, that
might arise amongst themselves, viz., between one Scotsman and another,
should belong to the Conservator of that Nation. And to strengthen the
decrees of the Conservator, the Burgomasters, at his request, should give
their concurrence to see and cause the sentences by him pronounced to be
put to execution, and have their full force and effect.
And, in like manner, when any burgess or other stranger commenced a
suit against any of the said Nation, he should be obliged to bring it, in the
first instance, before the Conservator, and after judgement past by him there-
upon, the party thinking himself lesed, and willing to have a further trial,
should be holden in that case to bring his matter of appeal befoi-e the Bur-
gomasters kc. allenarly.
As also, when any of the said Nation intended to commence a suit against
any Burgess of the town of Antwerp, or against any one of any other
nation than they of Scotland, he should be obliged to bring it before the
Burgomasters, <kc., and the Conservator should no ways meddle or interfere
therein.
Item, That it should be lawful to the Merchants of the said Nation to
sell and dispose in the said town of Antwerp of all kinds of merchandize
that are accustomed to be sold there ; And particularly, salt fish packed in
lasts, half lasts or barrels, or otherways as to them should seem most con-
venient. Also that it should be lawful to them to open their bai*rels, and
sell their salt fish by retail, provided they should be first seen visited and
judged of by the Masters of Police, commonly called, Cure Masters of Fishes.
Item, That there should be set apart and ordained for those of the said
Nation, a wharf in a commodious place, to unload their ships and merchan-
dizes, as to which they should be preferred to all other Merchants.
Item, That the Deputies and Commissaries of the said Nation should visit
and inspect the streets and places of the said town of Antwerp, and having
found a proper place for tbeir dwelling and residence, the Magistrates of the
said Town should speak with the inhabitants and possessors thereof anent
the same, and the price of their houses and chambers, and should so com-
548 Mlscdlaneous Documents relating to
mune with them, that those of the Scots Nation shoidd have reason to be
contenterl with the price of the said houses.
Item, That thos<j of Scotland having chosen their place of residence, and
brought their goods and merchandize into the City, the Magistrates of the
City, with advice of the Conservator, or others of the said Nation, should
settle and regulate the wages and payment of labourers and working men in
such manner as should be to the reasonable satis&ction and content of the
said Nation.
Item, That the said City of Antwerp, upon their own chai-ges and expenses,
shoidd furnish Pilots to the said Nation : They coming along with the fleet,
as well in coming as returning, beginning to pilot them from the place of La
Vere or Flushing, according as the said fleet should arrive : of which coming
and arrival of theirs, the said Nation should be obliged to advertise the
Burgomasters, <fec., And in case the said town so advertised should not pro-
vide Pilots, when the Scots Nation should be at the said place of La Vere or
Flushing, they were to take and hire pilots at the expense of the town, in
such number as should be sufficient for the fleet : which expenses the said
Town should sustain for the space of five years ensuing : And in case there
was no ordinance for other five years, ay and while an order should be made
by the Burgomasters with regard to pilotage for the convenience and relief
of Merchants, with which the said Nation should have reason to rest satisfied.
Item, that if it should happen any ship, by the force of tyde or tempest,
or otherwise, to be thrown upon a shelve or bank of sand, between Antwerp
and the said Town of La Vere or Flushing and that by any means the said
ship taken off* from the same, the said City should be obliged to order all
possible assistance for the recovery thereof, and to contribute towards any
expenses debursed for that purpose.
Item, for as much as the Right of the Customs belonged to his Imperial
Majesty, and therefore the Burgomasters could not hinder the payment of
it : But that those of the Scots Nation might not be imposed upon, it was
to be ol)serv'e<l the Commissioners of the Receij>t of Customs had their In-
structions, which they behovwl to observe, a copy of which instructions should
be given to the Conservator, and if it should l>e found that the Commissioners
of the C.'Ustoins transgressed their instructions in exacting more than the
right, the Burgomastei-s of the town should cause restitution to be made to
the merchant.
Item, That the Burgomasters should eveiy way be assisted to the Scots
nation. That while it should please his Imperial Majesty to continue the
receipt of the Customs of Zealand in their town of Antwerp, the said
Nation should be safe to pay the said custom in Antwerp, without being any
way troubled or mollested in Ze^'iland on that account. Also, that they
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 549
should no wayB be obliged to pay the customs of Zealand more than once :
and if the officers of the Customs should use them otherwise, the Burgo-
masters engaged to cause reparation to be made to every one who should be
exacted on more than the due and ordinary right.
Item, The said town of Antwerp grants to the Scots Nation the insur-
ance from pillage of all the ships pillaged of the said Nation ; That is to say,
from the pillage that shall be done and peri>etrated between Antwerp and
La Vere or Flushing, and by the Emperor's subjects there, and no other ways :
Which pillage the said town of Antwerp should be obliged to pursue for
recovery of the goods so taken, in the same manner as if they were their
own proper goods : and in case it were imi>ossible to recover them, the said
town should be obliged to restore the value thereof
Item, That the town of Antwerp obliged themselves to keep up and
maintain with the said town of Edinburgh, and their adherents, a true,
entire, perpetual and lasting friendship and regard, in all and whatever things
lawful, reasonable, and honest, and should have a good and favourable report
of them in all places. And to demonstrate the sincere affection and good-
will they did bear to the said Nation, in case there should occur any other
affairs, than those before mentioned, wherein the said town of Antwerp could
serve and accommodate the said town of Edinburgh and Nation of Scotland,
without prejudice to the conmion-wealth ; the said Burgomasters promised,
that these affairs should be settled as well to the content and satisfaction to
the said town and nation as if they had been presently treated and agreed
upon, for which they engaged their good faith and their true and sincere love.
And as became two noble, renowned, and triumphant cities, the imperial
and royal cities of Antwerp and Edinburgh, they took one another under
their mutual and sacred care and protection without fi'aud or guile.
In testimony of which articles, thus concluded and agreed upon, and of the
whole premises, they, the said Burgomasters and Council of the said City
of Antwerp, and they the said Provost Baillies, and Council of the said City
of Edinburgh, approving and ratifying what their said Commissioners had
above done and concluded, caused the Seals of causes of the said Cities of
Antwerp and Edinburgh to be appended to these present Letters, the 1 2th of
April, 1540. To which is subjoined as follows : After the conclusion of the
which Articles, the Commissioners of the City of Edinburgh compeared before
the said Burgo-masters, <fec., of the said City of Antwerp in Council assembled,
and desired them to ratify the articles before written, which they accordingly
did, and engaged for them and their successors in office, to entertain and cause
to be entertained the said Merchants of Scotland, Edinburgh and their ad-
herents, so long as they should frequent the said Town, after the form and
tenor of the before contract in all points.
ooO
Miscellaneous Documents relating to
Which Katification and Engagement is dated at the Council Chamber of
the City of Antwerp the 20th of April and year foresaid, and ia attested by
the Clerk of the said City of Antwerp, and subscribed by him at the command
of the Burgo-masters, <kc., of the said City.
N.B. — ^The original of this Contract is in the French Language.
Fnuchting of
■chippiH—
Htapill at
Myddilburch.
Villa.
Rex, villn,
stiiple.
11. Acts of the Town Council of Edinburgh, dated 30th April and 5th
May 1541, relative to the establishment of Middleburgh as the Staple
Port. — [From tlie Records of tlce Town Council of Edhiburgh, Vol. /.,
p. 44.]
Ultimo die Mensis Apprilis 1541.
The quhilk day the pro vest baillies counsale ordanis the skipparis of Leyth
and all vtheris frauchtit be the gude toun to Flandariiij at this vayage to paa
to the port of Myddilburch with thair schippis and guddis and that they tak
na niair fraucht, &c.
The quhilk day in presence of the prouest baillies and counsale Leonard
Cornelius oblissis him to pas with his schip to the jwi-t of Myddilburch at
this vayage and lefe the guddis at the samyn port under the pane of ane
liundreth pundis grtsit to be payit to lames Henrisoun in the townes name
to be furchcummand to thair commoun gude.
Quinto Maij xlj°.
The quhilk day the pro vest baillies counsale and communitie sittand in
iugement my Lord Cardinale of Sanctandrois etc. producit oure Souerane
Lordis lettir of the tenour following direct to him vnder his grace's signet
and subscriptioun : Dousing we greit yow weill : forsamekle as we vnderstand
that thair is pairt of oure burch of Edinburgh coactit and constrene ane
vther mair pairt of oure merchanttis to pas by thair fre will and plesour to
havynnis and townys quhair thay like and constrenis als the skipparis in
semblable maner, oure will is heirfor and we pray zow if ye call before zow
oure prouest of Edinburch and communitie of the samyn and gyf ze fynd
ony constrenzeing of oure merchanttis and skipparis by thair awin fre will
zat ze in oure name relax and discharge the samyn and gyf thame fredome
to pas quliair evir thay pleis best conforme to oure priuelege granttit vnto
thame like as we haue writtin to the Duke of Arscott Erie of Berre of the
samyn. This ze failze nocht till do as oure singular traist is in zow and for
eschewing of murmure that may rise heirupoun gyf ze leif this vndone and
God keip zow. Writtin at Stnveling vnder oure subscriptioun and signett
the thrid day of Maij and of oui*e regnne the xxviij zeir. And efter the
articlis gevin in before in the name of the toun of Myddilburch wes agane
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 551
red and lang tretit of the staple in presence of my Lord Cardinale, the
prouest baillies coiinsale and communitie than present desyrit my said Lord
Cardinale to deliuer and pronounce his mynde as he had found in the mater
conforme to the saidis letteris ; to the qiihilk the said Lord declarit that he
fund the votis of the prouest l)aillies counsale men of gude and communitie
halelie applyit to the toun of Myddilburch and fand na contradictioun amangis
the hale nychtbouris hot be tua personis, that is to say Hew Douglas and
Gilbert Lauder than instant than present ganesayand, and declarit he sould
aduertice oure Souerane Lord as he had found in the mater.
1 2. Contract anent the Staple Trade betwixt the City of Middleburgh
and the City of Edinburgh and other Burghs of Scotland, dated 19 th May
1541. — Described in the Inventories of the Charters of the City of Edin-
burgh [Vol. /., p. 403] as follows : —
Contract betwixt the Burgomasters and Council of the Town of Midleburgh,
on the one part, and certain Commissioners or Deputies from the City of
Edinburgh and other Burghs of the Kingdom of Scotland, on the other part.
Bearing, That the Biu-gomasters and Co\mcil of the said Town of Midleburgh,
for the love they did bear to the said Kingdom of Scotland, Ixjing desirous
to continue the ancient amity and good will that always subsisted between
them, did therefore give and grant to the said nation, the priAdleges liber-
ties and immunities underwritten, during the time they should keep their
residence and Staple in the said City of Midleburgh.
Imprimis, To the end that those of the said nation might be the more
willing and heartily disposed to come and reside in the said City, and keep
their Staple there, they the said Burgomasters and Council promised to give
the said merchants of Edinburgh and others, and each one of them, all
possible aid assistance and advice at all times whenever they should be
required thereto.
Item, that the said merchants of Edinburgh and others of the said nation
might be the more honoiu'ed and esteemed in the said town of Midleburgh,
they the said Burgomasters, (fee, promised, at the expense of their said
town, without any charge to the Kingdom of Scotland, to provide them in a
very gentle house worthy of the said nation, in which their Conservator or
any others the said nation thought proper might lodge and be accommodated :
Which house, with the whole femily therein residing, should be indemnified
and kept free from all excises, imposts and taxes upon Ale and Wine, that
are accustomed to be paid in other houses, for the behoof of the said town of
552 Miscellaneous Documents relating to
Middleburgh ; Provided that it should not be lawful to those of the said house
to sell by measure, or otherwise forth of the said house, in prejudice of the
said City.
Item, For the further satis£eu^ion of the said nation, and the support of
their character, they promised to erect and furnish a Chapel, to the honour
of God, with an altar in the same, in whatever place ^ or Church the said
nation should think most convenient, which altar should be provided with
all necessary ornaments. * '
Item, That the said Nation in time coming might have no cause of com-
plaint against any workmen that should be employed by them : also that
the officers of the Customs might not harrass them in exacting more custom
than was due, the Burgomasters engaged to give such orders in that
respect as should free them from all such grievances, and they should have
their houses, cellars, vaults and other conveniences at the same price and for
the same rent as they used to pay at Campvere. Also, that they should pay
no more custom than what they had paid these thirty years past, or, at least,
what they paid just now at Campvere : and that they should have a Key or
Wharf. And that the merchants of Edinburgh, and others of the said nation,
might know the good affection of those of Middleburgh, the said Burgo
masters did, for their encouragement, promise, that when any merchants
frx)m thence should arrive with their merchandize, and by reason of a low
market, or bad times, could not get their goods disposed of so speedily, and
for want of money or credit could not make a timeous return of goods to
Scotland, in that case the Burgomasters should order some of their own
Burgesses, men of fortune, who should engage their credit in getting the
necessity of such merchants supplied in goods from Bruges or other places,
when tlie same could not be had in Midleburgh ; Provided, that those mer-
chants of the said nation should leave in the hands of their respondents, as
much goods, or more, than would amount to the sum for which they should
be required to answer.
In like manner, for the honour of the said nation, and to shun not only
discord and dissension, but also all suspicion and distrust, that in time coming
might arise (as God forbid) between those of Midleburgh and the said nation
of, Scotland, the said Burgomasters obliged themselves, that when any
cause or process, of whatever nature, should happen to be moved before
them, between those of the said nation and any other persons of what con-
dition soever, to the end they might have no ground of complaint for any
injustice done them, that before passing any definitive sentence in the cause,
they should take advice of Monsieur, the conservator for the time, or of any
other unsuspected person of high rank belonging to the said nation, that
should be called thereto. And that this might be no ways to the prejudice of
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 553
their dread Emperor, and because the Burgesses of Middleburgh, among other
liberties and immunities, have this privilege, that in all cases between mer-
chants, coming before the Burgomasters of their City, and which are dis-
cerned to the advantage of either party, it is in the option of the appellant,
to bring and prosecute his appeal before the Court and Council in Holland,
or without any assistance (sans moyen) before the grand Council at Mechlin,
where they judge by arrest, whose sentence should be final ; also those of
Midleburgh have this priA^ilege, that all their sentences pronounced by them,
tho* not final, may yet be executed upon sufficient caution, notwithstanding
of any opposition or appeal ; sind the said Burgomasters considering that
the said two privileges may be greatly to the advantage of the said nation of
Scotland, if, in time coming, they should have any processes before them. Did
therefore promise to secure the said nation in the exercise and enjoyment of
these privileges, as fully and freely in all respects as their own Burgesses
exerce and enjoy the same.
Item, To ease the said nation of any improfitable expenses, it was agreed
that, when they should think fit to apply to the court of his Imperial Majesty,
or his noble Council, for obtaining any of the two privileges under written,
the first of which is to have the same favour as the English fi:^quenting the
Emperor's Countries enjoy touching the exemption from custom and the
other anent goods robbed or pillage«l from the said Nation at sea, that they
might have the privilege of recovering the said goods before any judge com-
petent, at one instance allenarly ; In both these cases the Burgomasters
should be obliged to bear the equal half of the necessary charges laid out for
purchasing and procuring the said privileges.
And Further, for the better assistance of the said nation, the said Burgo-
masters promised, that upon being advertised by those of the said NatioTu
either in the coming to Midleburgh, or in their return to Scotland, o^ t)* ir
being attacked by Pirates upon any of the seas, rivers, coasts Mnl'n'n li)^
Jurisdiction of the Emperor, in that case to give them all possible .»! n; '
assistance in recovering their said goods, and the said town of K«hi»l -^.'b
should bear the half of the expenses necessary thereto.
And being willing that all ground of dissention, that might arisf? in time
coming betwixt them and the said nation, should be for ever taken away,
and that their mutual amity and good will might daily encrease : the said
Burgomasters, of their own free will and generosity, promised that the said
Good Town of Edinburgh, burgesses and merchants of the same, presently
residing, and of all others the Cities of the said Kingdom of Scotland, that
should for the future come as merchants to frequent the said city of Midle-
burgh, should be indemnified of such actions as were then depending against
them for certain damages and expenses before the High and Mighty Lords,
4 A
554 Miscellaneous Documents relating to
the President, and members of the grand Council of Mechlin, with all that
might follow thereon : Excepting alwise and expressly reserving action against
such towns in Scotland as neglected to come and keep their residence in
Midleburgh.
All which! points and articles, they the Burgomasters, Escheines and
Council of the said City of Midleburgh being desireous to keep as valid and
binding upon them, did order their Seal of Cause to be thereto appended,
and the said Articles alwise to continue in their full force, as long as the
said Town of Edinburgh and others of the said Nation should keep their
residence and staple in the said City of Midleburgh and no longer ; Reserving
also that article mentioning the action of damages and expenses above speci-
fied, of which they thereby discharged the said Town of Edinburgh, in so far
as concerned their part thereof any manner of way, and all under the good
will and pleasure of the most victorious Prince, Charles the 5th Emperor of
the Romans, their natural and most dread Sovereign.
Given at the Council House of the said Town of Midleburgh the 19th of
May, 1541.
N.B. — The original of this contract is in French Langtuige,
13. Act of the Town Council of Edinburgh, dated 14th July 1541,
undertaking to pay to King Jaiues V. £2000 on behalf of the Burgha —
[From the Records of the Town Council of Edinburgh, Vol. L, p. 45.]
xiiij*® luLj anno i" v* xlj°.
B«x, villa. The quhilk day the prouest baillies and counsale of this burch of Edinburch
oblissis thame and thair successouris to content and pay to oure Souerane
Lord the sowme of ij™ li. usuale money of this realme betuix this and Mer-
tymes nixt to cum for the tua thousand pundis lent be his grace for the hale
burrois and deliuerit to my Loixi Cardinale for expeditioun and doungetting
of the custome and new impositioun of xijd throw all the pairttis of France
new taikin £ra the merchiinttls of this realme of ilk frank waryt.
14. Act of the Town Council of Edinburgh, dated 23d August 1541,
relative to the Staple Contract with Middleburgh. — [From the Records of
the Town Council of Edinburgh, Vol. /., p. 45.]
xxiij Augusti anno i"* v* xlj°.
Villa, Myddil- The quhilk day in the presence of the pro vest baillies counsale and men
burcb, Veyr.
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 555
of gude and dekynnis for the oommunitie comperit lames Henrisoun and
oflferrit as ane of the commissaris direct fra the toun of Myddilburch in thair
names to find souertie within this burch vnder the pane of x™ It. to deliuer
the articles superaddit to his last articlis ellis confirm}^; vnder thair seill to
the gude toun within ane moneth and to that effect that the samyn salbe
obseruit in tymes cuming vnder the said pane that the sourteis salbe haldin
to rispond for the falze gyf ony beis and the pams to be applyit conforme to
his articlis, and thairby allegit that the commissaris of the Veyr viz Symon
Patersoun and Maister Gelys Bras offerrit nocht to fynd sic souertie and
thairfor desyrit thair wisdomes to considder the priuelegis and commoditeis
gevin in be thame bayth and as thay find for the common weiU to do thair-
intill.
15. Confirmation by Queen Mary in 1542 of a Grant by King James
V. to James Bannatyne and Thomas Davidson to be Searchers General
of English Ships and Goods coming to Scotland. — Described in the In-
ventories of the Charters of the City of Edinburgh [^Vol. /., p. 213,] a«
follows :
Letters Patent under the Signet, granted by Mary Queen of Scots, with
consent of James Earl of Arran, Protector and Governor of the Kingdom,
Ratifying and approving a Grant under the Privy Seal by King James the
Vth to James Bannatyne and Thomas Davidson, Burgesses of Edinburgh,
making them Searchers General of all parts of the Kingdom, of all English-
* men's Ships and Merchandize, coming within any part of the Kingdon with-
out sufficient conduct and with unlawful merchandize : Containing a new
grant of the said office to be exerced by themselves or their deputes, and to
unlifb the fees and profits in the same way and manner as they might have
done by the said King James the Vth's Letters Patent.
These Letters have the Queen's Signet appended thereto, and are under
the subscription of the Regent, and bear date the 18th of December in the
first year of the Queen's Reign, answering to the year of God 1542.
16. Act of Privy Council, dated 11th January 1555, rating the
price of Bread, Ale, Flesh, Fish, &c. — Described in the Inventories of the
Charters of the City of Edinburgh [ Vol. /., p. 21 5,] as follows:—
556 Miscdlaiteous Documents relating to
Elxtract of an Act of the Privy Council, Bearing, That whereas the Bread,
Ale, Flesh, Fish, and other victuals within the Kingdom were risen to such
an exorbitant dearth, that the lieges could not be served therewith upon
reasonable prices. The Queen and Lords of Privy Council taking delibera-
tion in what manner the same might be repressed, the Provost and Baillies of
Edinburgh being called thereto, and their opinion beared. They (the Queen
and Privy Council) devised and ordained that the boll of wheat being com-
monly sold in the mai*ket for four merks, the Baxters Freemen of Burrowia
should sell fourteen ounce of baked bread good and sufficient stuff for four
pennies, and the other Baxtci*s dwelling in the country and unfreemen should
eik an once weight for ilk penny to the quantity foresaid, they bringing
r^.'ir bread to be sold in the Market of Edinburgh, and so as the prioes of the
. ii<'at rises or diminishes the bread to be sold thereafter : And if any man
«ltli\»rs wheat to a Baxter to be baked to liim, that he receive seven score
l'»iind weight of baked bread good and sufficient stuff for each boll.
Item, That the Provost and Baillies of each Burgh shall, at the end of
each month, make proclamations at the market crosses upon what prices the
malt shall be sold in the month ensuing, conform to the prices of the bear
commonly sold in the market, and consequently what the ale should be sold
at in the same month . and whatever prices should be stated within Burgh,
that the same be universally observed as well in Burgh as in the Country,
Regality, as throughout the haill Shire, ^nd because it was difficult to put
an order on fleshes otherways, it was ordained, That for a year it should be
lawful to all maimer of persons, whether they were free in Burrows or not,
at their pleasure, to inbring upon all the days of the week, beeff, mutton,
veal and pork within Burgh, break and sell the same in all the Markets
thereof, the said Licence only to endure for the space of one year then next
to come.
Item the said Provost and Baillies shall advert that in their markets no
poultry be sold dearer than at the prices following viz. A capon twenty
pennies, an hen fourteen pennies, a gryce , a goose
two shilling, a tame duck fourteen pennies, the best couple of chickens from
Pasch a couple of doves six pennies,
There are several other species mentioned, but not legible, and this Act of
Council was to be proclaimed through all the Royal Bui-ghs, all the Shires of
Scotland, and by the Lords of Regalities within their respective jurisdictions,
and bears date at Edinburgh the 11th of January 1555.
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 557
17. Commission by the Magistrates of Edinburgh on behalf of the
Burghs of Scotland to certain persons to pursue the Collectors of the
Customs of the King of France for exacting more from the Scotch Nation
than is due, dated 27th September 1555. — Described in the Inventories
of the Charters of the City of Edinburgh [ Vol. /., p. 420,] as follows : —
Copy of a Commission by the Provost, Baillies, and Council of Edinburgh in
the Kingdom of Scotland, in their own name and the haill fellow Citizens of the
said Burgh, also in name and behalf of the whole Citizens and Merchants living
abroad in the whole Towns of the said Kingdom, and having full power
from the Deputies of each Town, whereof every one sent two to treat of the
affair affcermentioned ; Whereby the said Provost and Council of Edinburgh
made constitute and ordained Gilbert Logan indweller in Diep, and James
Maxwell indweller in Rowen in Normandy, jointly and severally, their
lawful and irrevocable Commissioners and special Ambassadors ; committing
to them full power to prosecute the Receivers and Treasurers of the most
Christian King of France his Customs and Tributes at Rowen, as well for
the years bypast as for the then present year, 1555, for their unjust Cus-
toms and Tributes levied and received by them from the said Citizens of
Edinburgh and other Merchants of the Kingdom, who had traded at Rowen,
the foresaid years, beyond the indulgences and old privileges granted to the
said Merchants of Scotland, and confirmed by the King, at the rate of
Twelve Deniers for every pounds* worth of goods, and for the restitution
thereof before whatever competent Judges, if needful even before the King
himself, his Parliament or Counsellors, conform to law, and to recover the
same and to intromit with what was recovered, and if it should be thought
more expedient, friendly to treat with the said Receivers and Officers without
any law suit, transact and agree thereanent, and on receipt to grant Discharges,
and if needful to bind the said Provost, Baillies, and Council and their suc-
cessors as Cautioners to keep the said Receivers and Officers free and harm-
less as to any thing they should treat with the said Commissaries thereanent.
In Testimony whereof their seal of cause was thereto appended at Edinburgh
the 27th of September, 1555.
18. Act of Privy Council anent the Plague from Bordeaux, dated 20th
December 1555. — Described in the Inventories of the Charters of the
City of Edinburgh.— [ To/. /., p. 21 4,] as foHows :—
^
558 Miscellaneous Documents relcitiny to
Act of the Privy Council concerning ships coming from. Bordeaux and
other places wherein the plague then raged, ordering messengers at arms to
pass to the Market Cross of Edinburgh, and Pier and Shore of Leith, and
other places needful upon this side of the Water, and command and charge
all Masters, Skippers, Mariners, and Owners of ships that had come
from Bordeaux and other places beyond Sea with wines and wares,
also merchants and other passengers, that none of them take upon hand
to land or unload any of their wines and wares until such time
they send advertisement to the Provost and Baillies of Edinburgh,
and that cognition be taken by them, if any of them were sick or any sick-
ness among them, or any disease in the voyage either departing or return-
ing, and if any danger of sickness appears ; and caution to be found that
no skaith should come of them or their wines and wares to the said Pro-
vost and Baillies a.s accords, under the pain of death and confiscation of
all their goods to be applied to the Queen*s use. And also ordained letters
to be direct to officers to pcuis, make the same proclamation on the other
side of the Water to the effect foresaid and under the pains above written,
and such persons as pleased the Queen named to take cognition as above.
This Act of Privy Council bears date the 20th of December, 1555.
19. Letters Patent by Queen Mary under the signet anent the plague
at Dantzick, dated 16th July 1563. — Described in the Inventories of the
Charters of the City of Edinburgh {Vol. /., p. 217,] as follows : —
Letters under the Signet, Bearing, that her Majesty Mary Queen of Scots
understanding that the Plague vehemently raged in Dantzick, and by the
trade of the merchants to these parts, and the ships coming therefix)m, the
Plague might be brought to this Kingdom : Therefore her Majesty strictly
commanded that all ahd simdry persons lately come home, or that should
thereafter come home from these pai-ts, to keep themselves and their goods
on ship board, at least to go to some quiet place fi'ee from Burghs or Com-
mon Ports, that none of the lieges trade or bear company, or have any med-
dling with them, and that none of them repair to any Royal Burgh, Towns,
or common passages, ay and while her Majesty declared her will and pleasure
thereanent, under the pain of death. These letters bear date the 16th of
July in the 2 2d year of Queen Mary's Reign anno 1563.
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 559
20. A Grant by Charles IX. King of France, ordering no more custom
to be taken from the Scots' nation for Wine than was due by old Treaties,
dated 20 April 1565. — Described in the Inventories of the Charters of
the City of Edinburgh [Vol /., p. 422,] as follows : —
Grant, or Letters Patent, by Charles, King of France, under his Great Seal,
and directed to the Treasurer of France, established at Ageri ; Bearing,
That it was humbly meant and shown his Majesty, by the Merchants of
Scotland trading to France, that the Receiver-General at Bourdeaux had
for two or three yean* past compelled them, and intended as yet to oompell
them, to pay ten souls for ilk Tun of Wine that they should load or take
in at the Port and Harbour of Bouixleaux, for exportation to Scotland, over
and above the twenty-one sliillings four pennies which they had been in
use to pay conform to the old composition agreed upon in the treaty made
betwixt the said nations of France and Scotland; And seeing that this was con-
trary to the said old Treaty, and that his Majesty had no intention to alter or
innovate anything therein contained : Therefore his Majesty ,^willing to reUeve
the said Scots Merchants of this burden and charge, and honestly to ti*eat
them as old Allies and Friends of his Crown, His Majesty expressly com-
manded hLs said Collector at Bourdeaux, to allow the said Scots Merchants
who should load and take away wine from the said Port of Bourdeaux and
to import into Scotland without* fraud, and from that time forth his Ma-
jesty quitted and discharged the foresaid ten souls for the ton, and all other
new taxation, except the twenty-one shillings four deniers which they had
been in use to pay, and should not be bound to pay any other thing, or that
they should be any ways troubled or molested thereanent. And it was his
Majesty's will that every one should be compelled to desist in this case by
all lawful means, notwithstanding of any opposition or appeal, for which it
was his Majesty's will that the same should not be deferred notwithstand-
ing of whtever ordinances, commandments, or defences in the contrar.
These Letters patent are granted by the King in his council, and bear
date at Bourdeaux the 20th of April, 1565, and of the King's Beign, the
6th year.
N.B. — The principal is in the French Language^ and there is a literal
Translation thereof in the old Scots Language.
5()() Miscellaneinis Donnnents relatiinj to
21. A Decree obtained before the Bailie of Dieppe, at the instance of
Robert Aikman and Henry Tod against John Edgar, Factor for John
Morison, dated 21 August 1566, with Discharge thereof, dated 28 Sep-
tember 1576. — Described in the Inventories of the Chartei*8 of the City
of Edinburgh [Vol. /., 409], as follows: —
Decreet obtained before the Bailie of the town of Diepe in France at the in-
stance of Robert Aitkman and Henry Tod, Burgesses residing in the said
Town, against John Edgar, merchant there, as factor for John Morison Mer-
chant residing in Scotland, for the snm of nine score livers, to which the
pursuers restricted their claim, being in part for their relief of certain sums,
wherein the claimants with other co-obligants had become bound, and had
been distressed on Morison *s account.
The Decreet is dated the 21st of August, 1566. And on the back there-
of there is a receipt by the claimants to the said John Morrison for one
hundred and ^\e livres, ten souls, and discharging his part of the obliga-
tion claimed on. This Discharge is dated the 28th of September 1576.
N.B. — The principal Decreet is in French, and written in a hand scarcely
legible.
On the Back, is the following indorsation, " A Decret of John Morison's
whereof the Town has satisfied."
22. Act of Privy Council anent Stamp Money, dated 18th December
1 578. — Described in the Inventories of the Chartere of the City of Edin-
burgh. Voly /., p. 219], as follows : —
Extract of an Act of the Privy Council, Bearing, that there was lately
Proclamation made commanding all his Majesty's Lieges havers in their hands
of Thirty, Twenty, and Ten Shilling pieces with the Testaine, to bring or
send the same to the King's Master Coiner betwixt and a certain day at the
prices following, y\z.^ T)ie thirty shilling piece for thirty two sliilling six
pennies, the twenty shilling piece for twenty one shilling eight pennies, and
the ten shilling piece for ten shilling ten pennies, and the Testaine for six
shilling eight pennies, to the end that such of the said money as was counter-
feit and adult<»rate might be clipt down and delivered again to the owner,
and that the true and lawful money might be marked with a crowned Thistle
and also delivered back to tlie Owner to have course in payment at the fol-
the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 56 1
lowing rates, viz., The thirty shilling for six and thii'ty shilling nine pennies,
the twenty shilling piece for twenty four shilling six pennies, the ten
shilling piece for twelve shilling three pennies, and the Testaine for seven
shilling four pennies.
That albeit there had been a great many of the said pieces marked with the
Crowned Thistle given out to have conrse and payment upon the al>ove prices,
yet several of liis Majesty's su]>jects made some difficulty to receive the said
pieces at the above prices expi'ess conti-ar to tlie tenor of the said proclama-
tion, and in high contempt of Ids Majesty's authority a) id laws ; Therefoi'e
the Lords of Privy Council ordained Letters to be direct to officers at anus,
Sheriflfe in that part, charging them to pass to the Market Crosses of the
head Burghs of the Kingdom and other places needful, and tlicre by 0]>en pro-
clamation in his Majesty's name and authority commaml and chai'gt^ all Ids
Majesty's subjects, that none of them take upon liand to refiise the foresail!
pieces marked upon the prices above written respective in ready [)ayiuent,
under whatever colour or pretence, under the pain of deuth and confiscation of
moveables.
This Extract Act is under the subscription of Jolm Andrew Depute Clerk
of the Privy Council, and beai-s date at the Civstle of Stirling the 18t]i of
December, 1578.
23. Receipt by the King's Comptroller to the Magistrates of Edinburgh
for themselves and the Magistrates of Perth, Dundee, and Aberdeen for
£1000 Scots in payment of the Candlemas terms tack duty of the Cus-
toms, dated 30th March 1583. — Described in the Inventories of the
Charters of the City of Edinburgh [Vol /., p. 220], as follows : —
Receipt by John Fenton the King's Comptroller, to the Provost and
Baillies of Edinburgh for themselves and in name of the Provosts and Baillies
Councils and Communities of the Burghs of Perth, Dimdee, and Al»erdeen,
for the sum of one thousand pounds Scots, and that in compleat payiuent of
the Candlemas term then last past of the yearly Duty owing by the said
Burghs to his Majesty for the Tack set to them of liis Majesty's Ciistoios,
conform to contract dated at Holyrood house the 1 4th of March then instant.
The discharge being dated the 30th March, 1583.
4 B
562 Miscellimeous Documents relating to
24. Equies fitted in Exchequer by the Magistrates of Edinburgh, on
behalf of the Burghs, tacksmen of the Customs of Scotland, for the seven
years from 1582 to 1589, as under : —
(1.) From 1582 to 1583. — Described in the Inventories of the Charters
of the City of Edinburgh [ FaZ. /., p. 442,] as follows : —
The Royal Burghs having got a tack fix)m the King of all the Customs of Scot-
land, for payment yearly of Four Thousand Pounds Scots and Thirty Tuns
Bourdeaux Wine, The Magistrates of Edinburgh in name of aU the Royal
Burghs fitted Equies in Exchequer for the said Money Tack Duty, the first
whei-eof is from the first of October 1582 to the first of October 1583, and
the said sum bears to be paid in to John Fentoune the King's Comptroller for
the time.
(2.) From 1584 to 1585. — Described in Inventories of City Charters
as follows : —
The next Equie fitted is for the years 1584 and 1585, extending to Eight
Thousand pounds Scots, wliich bears to be paid in to James Campbell of
Ardkinlays Knight sometime the Kings Comptroller, the said John Fentoune
being present and acknowledging the payment.
(3.) For 1586, with Discharge endorsed thereon dated 7th August 1 587.
(4.) For 1 587. — Described in Inventories of City Ch&rters as follows : —
The next Equie fitted is for the year 1586, extending to four Thousand
Pounds Scots, which bears to be paid into Andrew Wood of Largo, the King's
Comptroller, he being present and acknowledging the payment.
And upon the back of the aforesaid three fitted Equies there is an Ex-
tract of a Discharge from the Lord Auditor's Books in Exchequer, by Jerom
Bowie semblar to the King, acknowledging to have received from Robert
Gourlay, Burgess and Customer of Edinburgh, by deUverance made by cer-
tain Merchants and others, Six Score Tuns Bourdeaux Wine, in name and
behalf of the Commissioners of Burghs, Tacksmen of the Kings Customs, in
compleat payment of Thirty Tuns Wine, contained in the Tack thereof
for four Years, viz., From the 1st of October 1582 to the 1st of October
1586, which Discharge is dated and registered the 7th of August 1587.
the Affairs of the Bttrghs of Scotland. 563
And underneath the above discharge there- is an Equie fitted of the said
Customs of the Kingdom of Scotland, extending to four Thousand Pounds
Scots, from the 1st of October 1586 to the 1st of October 1587, which sum
is said to be paid in to the said Andrew Wood of Largo, the Kings Comp-
troller, the said John Fentoun being present and acknowledging the pay-
ment.
(5.) For 1588 and 1589, with Discharge subjoined thereto, dated 26th
November 1 590. — Described in Inventories of City Charters as follows : —
Item, Two other Equies fitted in Exchequer, at Four Thousand Pounds
Scots each, for the years 1588 and 1589, the said Sums being paid in to
David Seaton of Parbroath the King's Comptroller the said John Fentoune
being present and acknowledging the payment, who, by the Discharge after
mentioned, appears to have been the Comptroller's Clerk.
And subjoined to which Equies there is the Extract of a Discharge from
the Lord Auditor's Books in Exchequer, by the said Jerom Bowie, semblar
to the King, acknowledging to have received from the Provost and Baillies
of Edinbui^h, Perth and Dundee, ninety Tuns of Bourdeaux Wine for them-
selves, and in name and behalf of the remanent Burghs of the Kingdom,
Tacksmen of the King's Customs, in compleat payment of Thirty Tuns of
Wine, contained in the Tack thereof for three years, viz., from, the 1st of
October 1586, to the Ist of October 1589.
This Discharge bears date the 26th and rcgistrate as above the 27th of
November, 1590, and the same with the former Discharge are under the
Subscription of Alexander Hay of Easter Kennet, Lord Register.
25. Act of Privy Council, dated 20th March 15 94-, approving of the con-
duct of James Colvil of Easter Wemyss, who had been sent over to France,
and had got renewed all former treaties in respect to trade with that country
in favours of the Merchants in Scotland. — Described in the Inventories of
the Charters of the City of Edinburgh [VoL /., p. 423,] as follows : —
Extract of an Act of Privy Council, Bearing, That in presence of the
King's Majesty and their Lordships James Colvil of Easter Wemyss compeared
and reported his negotiations and proceedings with his Highness the King of
France, according to the commission and instructions given to liim thereanent
564 MisicUaneuus Documents.
whereupon Lis Majesty, with luhice of the said Lords, found and declared
that the sjiid James Colvil in his said procee<iings, and speciidly in returning
of Lettei-s Patent subscribed by the King of Fmnce under his great Seal
— [whereby he] ratified, approved, corroborated and confinned, all and what-
ever antient Liberties, Immunities and Privileges gninte<l by his Royal Pre-
decessors Kings and Princes of France to and in favours of his Majesty^s
subjects, and in special in favours of the Merchant state of the Kingdom, —
had thereby faithfidly and diligently used and execute the said Commission
in all points according to the instinictions given to him thereanent, desei*ving
thereby his Majesty's consideration and the good will of the said Merchant
Estate, and discharged him of the said Commission and of his duty on that
behalf, and ordained an Act to be made thereupon ad futuram rex iiumoriam.
This Act is under the subscription of John Andrew Depute Clerk of the
Privy Council, and bears date the 20th of March, 1594.
rURNBULL AMI) Sl'KAUS, PBIKTilKS^ KDINUl'RUU.
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