^~^iQSEfviS^f^*^ ' ■ 1 uWic«i»fadnHiHniuM»'i^ f5w!^'-S*J f:^^^kf^^^^^^^^^^ CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY / / w CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 1924 091 783 203 ¥}. ^^1 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924091783203 RECORDS GONYENTION OF THE ROYAL BURGHS OF SCOTLAND. 1295-1597. RECORDS gONVENTION OF THE ROYAL '^ BURGHS OF SCOTLAND, EXTRACTS FROM OTHER RECORDS RELATING TO THE AFFAIRS OF THE BURGHS OF SCOTLAND. 1295—1597. l^uMtsfreb for f^t Confaetttxon oi ^Ugal ^wrji^s nv 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 a.ssociations, known as the Hanse, was e.stablished to the North of the Grampians, a century before tlie 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 Great 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 Qitatuor 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 affaire 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 «2;i. .\Ir Inne.s' Pre- face, pp. 44, 45.] b vi Preface. iu 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 sufEcient burgesses of each Royal 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 King's Burghs, their 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 deputes 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 III., when it was enacted by the Parliament held at Edinburgh in 1487, " that zerely in tyme tocum certane commissaris of all burrowis baith south and north convene and gadre togiddir, anis in ilk zere in the burgh of Inuerkethin on the mome eflir sanct James' day" [25th July] .... and quhat brugh that comperis not the said day, be thair commissaris to pay to the costis of the commissaris five li., and zerely to haue our Souerane lordis lettrez to distrenze thairfor and for the inbringing of the samyn.* ' Acts of the Parliament of Scotland, i., 149. Page 541. ' Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, i., 339. 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. Pi^eface. 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 officer 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 pi-ovosts 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 fin« 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 505. ' Fages 508, &c. ' Pages 507, 512, 515. 520. < Page 513. ' Page 2. " Pa.ce H- viii Preface. lessness of the Burgh 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 Januaiy ] 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 heirefter, becaus thair was syndrie conventionis ap- poyntit to be in the said toun abefoir, and nocht keipit in thair defalt."'' In ] 578 the Burghs were authorized by an act of a Parliament of King James VI. held at Stirling, " to convene four tymes in the zeir for sic materis as concei-nis thair estait And that in quhat burgh it salbe thoclit expedient to the maist pairt of the saidis burrowis ; Providing alwayis for eschewing of tumultis that thair be present at the saidis conventionis for eueine burgh in nowmer ane except tlie toun of Edinburgh to haif ane ma nor tlie 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, thej' 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 G 3 1 * passed over without Conventions ' Page 16. ^ 1578 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 1 5th of July 1.326, the representatives of the Burghs are, for the first time, distinctly mentioned as being present [Acts 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 mucli 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 Parhaments of King Robert the Bruce in 1314, 1315, and 1318. Some of the Burglis were certainly parties to the ratification of the Treaty with France in 1295 [Ibid i. 97.] * There is a liiattis in the Records between Feliruary 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, " Foi-samekill," it says, '' as it wes found necessar to oure Souerane lord, and his Lines px-edicessouris, that the commissionaris of burrowis convene at sic tymes as they suld think guid, in quhat burgh they thocht maist expedient with full commis- sion : Tliairfoir," it proceeds, " oure Souerane lord with aduise of his thre Estatis of this present Parliament Ratifeis and apprevis the saidis actis. And for bettir obseruatioun of the saidis conventionis be sic bui-rowis as hes heirtofoir not send thair commissioneris at onie tyme thairto, hes statute and ordanit that in tyme cuming, qidien onie conventionis of burrowis is appointit to the maist pairt of the saidis btrrrowis, 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 burgh, quhair the said conventioun is to be haldin, or vther wayis lawfullie cytat thairto, and not compeu~and be thair commissioner sufficientlie instruct, sail pay to the chargeLs of the burghis that sail convene the sowme of twentie pundis. And ordanis the Lordis of counseU and sessioun, to grant and direct letteris of homyng or poinding aganis the burrow-is 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 burgh of Edinburgh without farther proces and caUing of pairtie thairto. The saidis Lordis seand the act auteutikle 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 ou Burghs who failed to attend to £20, and this fine was imposed on absentees from 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 Parliaments c.f Scotland, iii., I'l'l. ' Page O"- X Preface. conventions and parliaments, and to discuss by themselves separately sucli 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 of 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 general 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 16 25 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 169 2, and in 1697, 1698, 1703, and 1704, which were held respectively in Dundee, Perth, Aberdeen, and twice successively ' Pages 185, 192, 199, 21.5, 216, 211, 267, 348, &c. * Observationf5 on Acts of Paiiiament, &c., p. 206. Edin. 1686, folio. = Ihid, p. 9,S. 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 1295,^ the burgesses of these burghs, assembled at Holyrood 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 Parliament 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," kc. 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 ; 1 Kotuli Parliamentonim, 1. I(i7. ' Page Ml. xii Preface. for King James II., in his Cliarter to the Burgh of Edinburgh 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 ordinandum et finaliter determinandum de et super judiciis Burgorum vniuersalem regni nostri curiis datis siue contradictis ac eciam mensuram vine ferlote siue bolle lagine et petre more solito ligiis et communibus nostris dandum liberaudum et recipiendum . Neonon omnia alia et singula facienda et exercenda qui in huiusmodo curia Parliament! secvmdum leges statuta et Burgorum consuetudines sunt tractanda subeunda et iinaliter determinanda." And the Act 1487 c. 17 empowered the whole Burghs, at their annual Convention in Inverkeithing, " To commoun and trete apoun the welefare of merchandes, the gude rewle and statutis for the commoun profiit of borrowis, and to provide for remede apoun the scaith and injuria sustenet within burro vsris." 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 1578 c. II declared the object of their Convention to be simply "for sic materis as concerns thair estait." The Act 1581 c. 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 A'poun the weilfair of merohandis, merohandice, guide rewle, and sta- tutis for the commoun profit of burro wis, as at mair length is contenit in the actis of pai'liament maid thairanent, and anent the privelege of burrowis.'' But, after all, the Records of the Convention themselves afford the oi\\y satisfactory^ materials for ascertaining what vs^ere the subjects dealt with by tlie 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 Prefdve. 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 Evirope, 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 its minutes. Theinconvenience of this arrangement as regarded the records induced the Burghs, in their Convention at Aberdeen in July 1 58U, c XIV Preface. to pass an act whereby, "finding thame greitlie preiugit be that inlaik of ane general! bube quhilk suldcontenethe haill lawis and constitution of burrowis," 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 general Convention in Edinburgh on 18th April 1581, when the former act was renewed, and every Burgh, "but speciallie Lynlythqu," 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. The 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 buik of Edinburgh and delyuerit thame to the said Ihon and thairvpoun 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 Bnrghs, 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- = rage, p. 112. Preface. xv ing it, a book of the same size as the general 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 first volume of the MS. Records of the Convention is that prepared by Jolm 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 155 5, but the Record contains no such minute. A Convention was also appointed to be held in Stirling on 31st July 1553^, but the next minute is that of a Convention in Edinburgh on 29 th 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 tlie act of the Convention in April of that year that Conventions had been held in that Burgh, the minutes of which were then specially called for. In these circumstances, and while the present volume was passing through the press, it was considered probable that minutes or other documents connected with the Convention, of an earlier date than any of its own records, might be discovered in the Registers of other Burghs. 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 I Page, 128. ' Page, 168, 185. = Page C. ' Pago 6. » Page, 14. « Page, 15. xvi Preface. Advocates' Library containing extracts made in 1570 by Alexander Guthrie Town-Clerk, from older Eecords 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 1568, March 1588, and Jan. 1586, and Extent Kolls of the Burghs in 1585, 1545,? 1550, 1556, and 15 57. Communications were afterwards addressed to the Town-Clerks of Perth, Stirling, Dundee, Aberdeen, St. 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 disco veiy 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 Coiirts of the Burgh from 1554 to 1582, and Minutes of the Council from 24tli September 1661 to 21st January 1568. Then we have a volume of Minutes of the Council from 7th March 1587-8 to 25th January 1603, and thence downwards, except that there is a blank from 1653 to 1663, — a volume being astray. " We have an early volume of Laws and Statutes of the Burgh enacted at the Head Courts from 5th October 1550 to 30th September 1622. " Earlier than these dates there are various minutes of the Town Council to be found in the Register of Decrees, &c., 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 far 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 recprds, and the guildry minute book goes back to 1580, 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 shovsTi 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 illus- 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 contrihuted 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. If. 384], and from that paper it appears that the two earliest volumes containing Acts of the Town Council and Decrees pronounced in the Burgh Court, and Deeds of Mortification and Bequest to the Church, extend, ihe first from 6th March 1423 to 23d June 1463, and the second from June 1530 to 30th April 1555. The " Counsale Books or Acts and Statutes of the Counsale," so far as described by him, consist of three volumes, the^rs^ extending from 13th December 1554 to 3d March 1580, the second from 13th October 1 r>)Sl to November 1602, and the third from 14th January 1603 tiU 24th June 1616. None of the extracts given in this paper, however, relate to the meetings or attaiis of the Convention. xviii Preface. multifarious official and professional 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 Cleik 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 1552 till 1597. The portion of the book extending from page 5 to page 533 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 authoritj- with the earlier records of Convention. The remaining poi'tion 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 tlie 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. Prcfdce. xix Considerable progress had been made in the prepaiation 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 Belle vuE Crescent, Edinburgh, 15th May, 1866. CHEONOLO&ICAL LIST OF THE CONVENTIONS or THE BUEOHS OF SCOTLAND REFERKED TO IN THIS VOLUME. Date of Convention. PaKe. 1295. 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 the Parliaments 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 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, i. 338, 339. 1483. March. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Tax Eoll of the Burghs beyond Forth, as modified by the Coni- 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 1491, appointing Commissioners to attend that Convention, . 504 From the 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, 504 From the Council Records 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 From the Council Records of Aherdeen, vii. 865. 1500. November 10. Court of the Parliament of Four Burghs at Edinburgh. See (1) 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, following on the preceding Act, ..... 506 From the Council Records of Edinburgh, i. 28. * 1529. April 14. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See (1) Act of a Head Court of the Community of Aberdeen, and of the Town Council of that City, dated 5th April 1529, ap- pointing Commissioners to attend the Convention, . 507 And (2) Minute of Convention, .... 508 From 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 Edinburgh, 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 vtiUum statutorum. Ex antiquis libris Curiae, Edinburgi. Made by Alexander Guthrie, 1570" A volume of similar extracts made about the same time is preserved in the Advocates Library, marked 31 : 4 : 9. Chronological List. xxiii Dtite of Convention. r age. 1533. March 17. Conventiou 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 Beeords of Edinburgh, i. 42. 1541. April 2. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See (1) Act of the Town Council of Aherdeen, dated 25th March 1541, appointing a Commissioner to attend the Convention, 517 From the Coiineil Beeords of Aberdeen, xvi. 764. (2) Minute of Convention, . . . .517 From the Council Beeords of Edinburgh, i. 44. 1552. April 4. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minute of Convention, ..... 1 From MS. Beeords of the Convention of Burghs, i. 1 ; ii. 1. July 31. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minute of Convention, ..... 5 From MS. Records of the Convention of Burghs, i. 3 ; ii. 3. 1555. May 29 and 31, and June 3. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minute of Convention, ..... G From MS. Beeords 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, . . . . . 10-12 From MS. Beeords of Convention, ii. 9, 11. xxiv Chronological List. Date of Convention. 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 tliat 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 Aberdeen, 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 1 7. 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 Frovi 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 From MS. Records nf Conveiition, i. 10 ; il. 12. ChrotLological List. xxv Date of Convention. Page. 1574. July 15. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See (1) Act of Town Council of Edinburgh, appointing Commis- sioners to attend Convention, .... 24 (2) Minute of Convention, . . . . ,25 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 10 ; ii. 12. October 25. Convention of Burghs at Stirling. See Minute of Convention, ..... 30 From MS. Records of Conveniinn, i. 14 ; ii. 15. 1575. July 15. Convention of Burghs at Dundee. See Act of the Town Council of Aberdeen dated 1st July 1575, appointing a Commissioner to attend the Convention, . 533 From the Council Records of Aberdeen, xxvm. 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 ; ii. 20. March 4-8 and 17. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minutes of Con ^entibn, .... 45 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 23 ; ii. 22. 1577. April 24, and May 3. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minutes of Convention, .... 49 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 26 ; ii. 25. February 3 and 12. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minutes of Convention, . . . 50 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 26 ; ii. 25. xxvi Chronological List. Date of Convention. Page. 1578. July 18. Convention of Burghs at Stirling. See Minutes of Convention, . . . . . 53 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 28 ; ii. 27. October 31 -November 5. Convention of Burghs 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 Convention, 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 3-14. Convention of Burghs at Stirling. 6 See Minute of Convention, .... .90 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 46 ; ii. 45. 1580. July ] 1-16. Convention of Burghs at Aberdeen. See Minutes of Convention, . . . . .97 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 50 ; n, 49. Chronological List. xxvii Dnte of Couvention. Page. 1580. July 31. Convention of Burghs at Saint Andrews. See Minute of Convention, . . . . .109 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 55 ; ii. 55. 1581. April 17-23. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minute of Convention, . . . . .110 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 56'; ii. 55. 1581. October 17-26. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minutes of Convention, . . . . .121 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 62 ; ii. 61. 1582. June 15-23. Convention of Burghs at Perth. See Minutes of Convention, .... 126 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 67 ; n. 72. November 8-16. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minutes of Convention, . . . . .139 From 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 ; ii. 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, . . . . .155 From MS. Records of Convention, i. 81 ; ii. 90. xxviii Chro7iological List. Date of Convention. Page. 1583. March 17. Minute of Meeting of five Burglis at Edinburgh. See Minutes of Convention, . . . . .513 From Council Records of Edinhuryh, 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 J 3-17. Convention of Burghs at Linlithgow. See Minute of Convention, . . .184 From MS. Records of Convention, ir. 108. 1585. July 12, 13. Convention of Burghs at Haddington. See Minutes of Convention, . . . : .198 From MS. Records of Convention, ll. 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. CJironologicuJ Lid. xxix Date of Cuiiveutiou. Page. 1586. August 1-t. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, See Minute of Convention, . . . . .217 From MS. Records of Convention, n. 127. 1587. July 3-0. Convention of Burghs at Dundee. See iMinute of Convention, ..... 229 From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 133. 1587. October 30, Nov. ]-6. General Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minutes of Convention, ... . 244 Fro7n MS. Records of Convention!., ii. 141. ■ February 6-12, Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minutes of Convention, ..... 269 From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 153. 15 88. 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, 1 74. d XXX Chronological List. Date of Convention. Page. 1590. September 28-30, and October 1-5. Convention of Seven Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minutes of Convention, ..... 342 From MS. Records of Convention, n. 188. 1591. June 16-21. Convention of Burghs at Montrose, See Minutes of Convention, ..... 352 From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 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 From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 209. 1593, June 11-16. General Convention of Burghs at Dysart. See Minutes of Convention, ..... 395 From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 210. Jul.y 9-20. Convention of Burghs at Edinbui-gh, See Minutes of Convention, . 423 From MS. Records of Convention, ii. 227. November 2. Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh. See Minutes of Convention, . . . 420 From. MS. Records of Conventioii, n. 229. 1594. June 27-29, and July 1-4. Convention of Burgh,? at Stirling. Sec i\Iinutes of Convention, .... 428 From MS. Records of Convention, n. 230. Chronological List. xxxi Date of Convention. 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, iii. 1. July 1-24. Particular Convention of Burghs at Aberdeen. See Minutes of Convention, . . . . .492 Fro7n MS. Records of Convention, iii. 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 sederunt and three acts at the beginning of this Convention are wanting. A portion of the Eecord at the end is also wanting. CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF CONTENTS. 1. Decree of the Burgesses of Berwick, Edinburgh, Eoxburgh, and Stirling, Page. -^Tr_i J T:ij;_t ^T_ 1 AJ-U T lOrtK ERRATA, Page 105, line IG, fur " 1 564," read " 1574.." „ 4i'6, line 2->, for "j™ v'' Ixxxxij"," read "j™ v^ Ixxxxiij"" „ 504, line 3, for "12th," read " 1 6th " March, , 5:iO, line 16, for " 16tli," read " 1 5tli " January, y. ACT 01 tne uouncii anu v_/Oiiiiuuiuuy ui auuiubuii appuuiimg i^ouimiHsiunBrs 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 Conventionof Burghs, 6th March 1497, . . . .504 12. Act of the Court of Parliament of Four Burghs held at Edinburgh, 10th November 1500, . . .... 505 CHRONOLOGICAL 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. 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 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 EoxTjurgh as two of theFour 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 EoU 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 1 1. Act of the CouncU 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 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 Elanders, 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 16th March 1530 — 6th March 1530, ....... 612 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 proportion of an extent of L. 20,000 Scots, granted to King James V. by the Three Estates, for sustaining his honourable expenses in the parts of France, 1635, . . . 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 Kinghorn 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 ChronoJogicaJ Table of Contents. xxxv Page. 26. Acts of the Town Council of Edinburgh, relative to the establishment of the Staple in Middleburgh, 30th 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 Soots, lent by His Majesty for the whole Burghs, and delivered to the Lord Cardinal for expedition and do^vn-getting of the custom of twelve pence " through aU the parts of France, now taken from the merchants of this realm of ilk frank waryt," 14th July 1541, ......... 554 29. Acts of the Town Council of Edinburgh, relative to the Staple Contract with j\Iiddleburgh, 23d August 1541, . . . . .554 30. Abstract of Letters Patent, under the Signet, granted by Queen Mary, confirming a grant by King James V. 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, 13s. 4d. Scots, being their pro- portion of an extent of L.l 6,000 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 1545, 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. jMinute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 29th and 31st 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 Chronological Table of Contents. Page. Eousn, in Normandy, empowering them to pursue the Collectors of the King of France for exacting more from the Scottish nation thanis due. 27th September 1555, ........ 555 38. Act of the Community of Aberdeen appointing Commissioners to attend a Convention at Edinburgh on 15t'h January 1555. 16th December 15.55, ......... 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. ......... 555 40. Abstract of .an Act of the Privy Council rating the price of bread, ale, flesli, iish, 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 155-5. .... 553 41. Precept by Queen Mary, dated 5th June 155G, 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 Poll 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 deniers of each frank wairing of guides coft be Soots merchants in Eowane and Dieppe, by the four deuiers 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 extenting the inhabitants of Burghs allowed to remain away from the Poyal Army, 16th September 1557, ..... 526 45. Abstract of Letters by Queen Mary, under the Signet, regarding the plague at Dantzic, commanding all persons from those parts to keep themselves and their goods on shipboard, and not to repair to any burgh, town, or common passages, under pain of death, 16th July 1563, . 556 46. Act of the Community of jUiordeen appointing a Commissioner to attend a Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, 7th February 1563, . . 527 Chi'onologicnl Table of Contents. xxxvii Face. 47. Minute of the Convention of Burglis at Edinburgh, on 24th, 25th, and 28th Febraary, and 4th March 1563, . . . 527 Tliis ilinute contains the Allocation of an Extent of 28,000 merks granted by the Convention towards defraying the expense of Douglas of Whittinghani's embassy to the King of Denmart, " for the affairs of merchants and other business Her Highness (the Queen) has ado ivith 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 Edinburgh on 1 7th April 1567, 15 50. Contract between the Town Council of Edinburgh on behalf of them- selves and the other Burghs on the one part, and Captain Ninian Cock- bum on the other part, as to the 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, .... 531 51. Miniite of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 21st October 1570, 16 52. ilinute of the Convention of Burghs at St. Andrews on 5th January 1570, 17 63. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 23d June 1574, 24 64. Act of the Town Council of Edinburgh appointing Commissioners to attend a Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 15th July 1574, 14th July 1574, . . . . . . ' . .24 55. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 15th July 1574, 25 66. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Stirling on 25th October 1574, 30 57. Act of the Town Council of Aberdeen, appointing a Commissioner to attend a Convention of Burghs at Dundee on 15th July 1575 — 1st July 1675, ...... .533 58. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 17th and 27th October and 5t]i November 1575, . . . . .37 This Minute contains Articles to be observed and kept by the Conserva- tor in Flanders for the weall of the haiU mercliants of the realm. 50. j\Iinute of the Convention of Burghs at Eilinburgli, 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 Eoll of .£11,000, 14s., granted by the Burghs to the Eegent on 26th January 1575, for discharge of the BuUion for defraying 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 Baihe of Dieppe, at the instance of Eobert 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 1677, . . . . . . .50 64. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Stirling, on 18th July 1578, . 53 65. Commission granted by the Burghs at their Convention in Stirling to Henry Nesbett, Burgess of Edinburgh, for establishing the staple in Campvere, ... ... 55 66. Instructions to Henry Nesbett as to things to be desired by him of the Magistrates of the Town of Campvere, . . . . 67 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, . 6 1 69. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at StirHng, on 18th July 1578, 65 70. Mumte 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, . . 560 72. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Cupar, on 24th-28th February 1578, ......... 71 73. Tax Eoll as altered at the above Convention, shewing the amount pay- able by each of the Burghs in respect of every L.lOO Scots leviable from the whole burghs, . 73 Chronological Table of Contents. xxxix Paqk. 74. Abstract of Eeceipt 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. 30ch 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-14th March 1679, 90 80. Discharge by the Eegent Morton in favour of Mungo Eussell, 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 Eegent for discharge of the duty of Bullion owing by the merchants of said Burghs. 4th March 1576, . 92 81. Account by Mungo Eussell of his intromissions in 1575, with the Bullion Silver ordered to be uplifted of the whole Burghs during the Eegency of the Earl of Morton, March 1579, with docquet by the Auditors thereof, 10th March 1579, ..... 92 82. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Aberdeen on 11th- 16th July 1580, . ...... 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 1 6th November 1582, ....... .144 xl Chronological Table of Contents. Page. 89. Minute of the 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 Eealm, 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 Eealm to the Burghs for four years from 1st October 1582. 14th March 1582, ........ 1^8 96. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Ajt, 10th-19th June 1583, . 162 97. Letters by King James VL, 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 EoU, as altered at the above Convention, showing the amount pay- able by each of the Burghs in respect of every L.lOO 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- 13th July 1585, ......... 198 102. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Linlithgow, Ist-lOth Decem- ber 1585, ........ 200 Chronological Table of Contents. xli Page. 103. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Cupar, 2d-5tli May 1586, 206 104. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, lst-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 1686, . . ... 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 Parhament, . 240 108. Minute of the Convention and General Assembly of Burghs at Edin- biirgh on 30th and 31st October and 1st to 6th November 1587, . 244 109. Tax Eoll showing the amount payable by each of the Burghs in re- spect of every XI 00 of all taxations to be imposed upon them during one year to come, 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 Eoll, 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, ... 21)4 / xlii Chronological Table of Contents. Page. 116. Minute of the Convention of Burglia at Edinburgh on 30th August 1589, ... .... 309 117. Minute of the Convention of Burghs of Aberdeen, 8th-15th June 1590, 310 118. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 28th September and 5th October 1590, ...... 342 119. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Montrose, 16th-21st June 1591, 352 120. General Extent Eoll, 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 June 1593. ...... 393 124. Eorm of Prayer to be used at the beginning of each Convention, 1593, 395 125. Form 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 Eealm of Scotland relative to the same subject, 3d May 1593, . . . 421 128. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 9th, 20th July 1593, 423 129. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on 2d November 1592, 426 130. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at Stirhng, 27th-29th June, and lst-4th July 1594, ....... 428 131. General Extent Eoll, 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 1593. . . . 451 132. 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. . , . 553 Chronological Table of Contents. xliii Page. 133. Minute of the Convention of Burghs at * on 27th to 30th June, and 1st July 1595, ...... 453 134. Minute of the General Convention of Burghs at Aherdeen, lst-6th July 1596, ........ 472 135. Minute of the Particular Convention of Burghs at Aherdeen, lst-24th July 1.596, . . . . . . . .492 136. Answers made hy the Commissioners of Burghs to the Privy Council relative to certain Articles proponed hy the Council to the Commis- sioners, 1st July 1596, ...... 497 137. Minute of the Particular Convention of Burghs at Edinhurgh, lst-16th AprU 1597, ........ 499 * Two folios of the Becord coDtaining the sederunt and three acts at the beginning of this Convention are wanting. A portion of the Record at the end is also wanting. RECORDS OF THE COXYENTION OF THE ROYAL BURGHS OF SCOTLAND. HE feird day of the moneth of Aprile the zeir of God I™ Conventiounis V'' and fyffcy twa zeiris, convenit in the Tolbuith Edinburch the prouestis and commissaris of the borrois of this realme following, viz : Williame Craik prouest of r of borrois 4to "^ Appriljs 1552. 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 Nicoll Swyntoun commissaris of Hadingtoun ; lames Kene commissinar of Selkirk ; lohne Quhytelaw commissinar of Northbervik ; 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. Conventionis zeirlie. MesoTiris. Cnstomes. commissinaris of Cowpar ; William Bowsy and lohne Eamsay commissiii- aris of Craill ; William Baly commissinar of Montros; Maister Robert Lum- isdane commissinar for Abirdene; Andro Hamiltoun prouest of Glasgw^, and lobue Mvre commissinar tbairof ; Archibald Spittall, William Smart, lames Farnlie, commissinaris of Striueling with tlie 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 borrowis and commissinaris foirsaidis eftir the productionn of thair commis- sionis ratifiit and apprevit the statutis following to be vniuersalie obseruit in the haill borrowis of this burch (realm) and for verificatioun thairof snbscriuit the samyn as followis, day, zeir, and place foirsaid. Item, in the first, Becaus 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 borrowis 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 thairto ; 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 [)art less, It is concludit be the prouestis and commissaris of boi-rowis foirsaidis, that the hale borrowis of this realme ressaue their mesouris of the burghis following, quhilkis hes the iust mesouris, viz; the stane wecht of Lanark, the pynt stope of StriuiUng, 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 grete mvrmour risin vpoun the hale borrowis of this realme in rasing of nouationis and exactionis of thair pittecustomes of the bru-ch, and for stanching thairof, and that na harme nor wrang be done to oure Souerane Lordis liegis repairand thairto with sic stuf as payis custome, It is concludit be the prouestis and commissaris of borrowis foirsaidis, that all the borrowis of this realme tak the copy of the tabill Convention of Royal Bwrghs. 3 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 Ciiesing of borrowis of this realme of the maner of the chasing of tliair ofEciaris, sic as provest, baillies, thesaurer, dene of gild, and counsale, zeirlie at Michael- mes ; for eschewing thairof, and for perpetual! guid ordour to be 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 Michaelmess, that vpoun Wednisday, nixt precedand tlie 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 personis, quhilkis salbe thir, viz; The 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 calht the new counsale. QuhiLk new counsale and auld counsale to convene on Fryday thairefter, and cheis the litis to the offices, sik as provest, baiUies, 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 gild, 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 craftis, and thair to begyn at the Htis 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 aUanerle 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, baillie, 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 t, . . ■ hurt be certane personis quhilkis hes been sworn and ressauit fremen and burgessis of borrowis, and duelHs outwith the samin, and bei'is na portabill 4 Conpention 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 fi'e within ony borrowis, compere within xl dayis thairefter, and hald stob and staik therein, and walk, ward, pay extentis and skattis within the burch, conforme to thair substance; with certificatioun and thai failze thai salbe decernit to harf tynt thair fredome, and to be vsit fra thyne- furth as urrfremen ; quhilk proclamation n being maid, and xl dayis bypast, to decern as said is. And gif ony of the burrois beis fundin negligent heirin, and be notit be vtheris borrowis, thair nychtbouris, that the burch failzeing of the fii'st fait paj^ v li. and the secund fait x li. and the thrid fait xx li; and thir sowmes to be brocht in with the borrowis failzeing at the nixt conventioun efter thai be fundin culpabill, and distribute as the liaill provestis and commissaris sail devyse. Welzem Craik prouest of Edi'. lohnn Cragingelt of that ilk prowest of Steriveling. lames Danyelstov^n prowest of Linlytqw. Ihon M'Brair prowest of Drum- fres. Alexand Vrqwhard of Burris- zevdis prowest 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. Vilham Gaddrar commissinar of Elgin. Mr Alexr Douglas etc. Mr Alexr Sibbald 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 Annandof Dunde wyt my hand. Convention of Royal Burghs. 5 Arsbald Spettall of Striuelyng. lames Kaa of Linlytqw. William Smart wyt my hand 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. Partibus predictis act. dictum penultimum diem menais lulij prout in primo statute citis. Ita est vt premittitur Alexr King Notarius pnbhcus scriba curie Edinburgensis de mandato dicte loannes Ramsay et Willelmi Smart subscribens teste meis signo et subscriptione manualibus. A. King. Apud Edinburgh penultimo hdij anno etc. quinquagesiino sccimdo. The QUHILK day, at the term assignit to the haill borrowis of this TuiGMngthe mesouris. realme to convene in the burch of Edinburgh conforme to the statutis eiivaind, Edin- afoirvsTittin,comperit the commissinaris of borrowis following, viz; Williame ingfstowpe"'^ " Crake prouest of Edinburch, lohne Symsoun, and lames Carmichaell com- ^anerk, stane. misinaris thairof ; lohne Cragelt of that ilk prouest of Striueling, and lames Farnlie commissionaris 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 specifi.it in the laste statutis maid thair- anent, and offerit the mesouris thairof to all the commissinaris of borrowis that requiris the samyn; and the saidis prouestis and the haill vtheris commissinaris of borrowis aboue writtin protestit, insafer as this day wes assignit to the rest of the borrowis to convene, and to Lanark to haif producit the stane wecht, and to Linlithqw to half producit the commoun ferlot, and comperit nocht, that thai incurrit the painis 6 Convention of Royal Burghs. coDtenit in the acfcis of parliament thairupoun, and that na fait be-imput to thaim throw the wantyng of the saidis mesouris. And thaireftir the prouestis and commissinaris foirsaidis ordanit the nixt conventioun to be in the towne of Striueling the pennult day of lulij nixt tecum, 1553 zeris, and the said prouest of Striueling to aduertis and vai-n the haill bor- rowis thairof Ita est Alex^ King Notarius Publicus scriba curie Edinburgensis teste meis signo et subscriptione manualibus, A. King. Conventioun -^^ Edinburch the xxix day of Maij the zeir of God ane thousand fyve xxix Mai] 1655. iiuj2(jj-eth 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 lames Broun for Edin- burgh ; Henry Levingstoun prouest, William Norwell dene of gild, Robert Forestar baillie, lames Watsoun thesaurer, for Striueling; Robert Widdir- spvne prouest, Henry Forrest, lames Dennestoun for Lynly thqw ; William Hiegait for Glasgw; lohne Lokkart and Maister Michaell Wallace for Air; Archibald Mvre and lames Brovne for Irwyne ; Andro Dowgias, 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 Mvrray, 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 Craill ; Alexander lamesoun, and lames Carrutheiis, and lames Andersoun Alt ratiou f ^^''^ Cowper; Thomas Martyne, and Maister Alexander Sibbald for Sanctan- extent. drois ; lohne Arskin of Dvn prouest of Montros; Archibald Sandilandis for Kingorn; Compeirand for thame self, and in name and behalf and as com- missionaris of the saidis 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. 7 Sourane Lordis deceis, that last deceissit, quliome God assolze, thair is diuers and syndry borrowis of this realme that throw tlie occasioun of the saidis weir, pest, and cummeris, that ar depauperit and purit and dekeyit at this tyme thairthrow, nochttheless the auld generall extent roll of the borrowis remainis in the samyn ordour as it wes of befoir, Thairfor 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 depauperit 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 Menzeis, 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 presentis vpon thame, and be suorne to decyde thairintill eftir thair knawleee 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 Noi-well. 8 Convention of Royal Burglis. lames Watsoun. Robert Wotherspovn provest of Lynlytqw. Henre Forrest, lames Danyelstoun. Williame Hegait. Ilione Lokhart. M. Michael \A^allace. Archebald Mwre. lames Browne. Andro Douglas wyt my hand on the pen led be the notar vndii'writtin. Stewin Riddall. Ihone Makbrair. lames Rig. lames Oliphant prouyst. Ihone Forest. Adam Willsoun. Wm. Lermount. lames Wollssone. Patryk Mwray. Thomas 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 Carrutheris wyt my hand on the pen led be the Notar vndirwrittin. Thomas 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 et Archibaldi Sandi- landis, subscribens teste meis signo et subscriptione manualibus. A. King. TJltimo Maij anno etc. quinquagesimo quinto. The QXJHILK day Henry Levingstoun, William Norwell, lames Oliphant, lohne Forrest, Patrik Murray, Thomas Flemyng, Thomas Menzeis, 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 fayth to mak alteratioun of the extent contenit in the said actt eftir thair knawlege and conscience. Tertio lunij anno j^trecNcto. The quhilk day, AMlliam Craik and Maister lohne Prestoun, chosin 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 prouestis 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 maist pairt of the prouestis foirsaidis wer chosin Lordis Articlis of Parliament, and mycht nocht avait vpon the alteratioun of the 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 dehuer, and thair deliuerance to stand in als grete effect lis the haill had deliuerit. 10 Convention of Royal Burghs. Convenyng of the conimis- sioneris of borrowis. Anent tte pittecustomes and hawin syluer in bur- ro wis and vthir sea poirtis. Apiid Dundie die decimo octaiio me^isis Septemhris anno domini millesimo quingentesimo quinquagesimo quinto. CONVENIT within the burgh of Dundie, Patrik Leinnonth of Derse, pro- vest, Thomas Martene and Maister Alexander Sibbald, commissionaris of Sanctandrois ; James Oliphant, prouest, and lobne Foras, commissionaris of Hadingtoun; Andrew Annand, George Lowell, Robert Kyd, and George Vischert, commissionaris of Dundie; lohne Erskene of Dwne, provest, and Williame Panter, commissionar of Montrois; Alexander lamesone and lames Carrudris, commissionaris of Cowper; Williame Bowsie and Maister Alexander Mortoun, commissionaris of Craill; lobne Qubytlaw, commis- sionar of Nortbberwik ; 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 Bamff; Walter Baxter and Williame Cowper, commissioneris of Dunfenneling ; Thomas Kar and lohne Ramsay, commis- sioneris of Forfar, for the commoun weill and effairis of all burrowis, con- forme to the act and ordinance maid thairupoun 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 : — Item in the first, the saidis j^rovestis and commissionaris, haveino- consideratioun of the grite diuersiteis of petecustumis of burrowis, and of hewin siluer of the burrowis adiacent to the sey, seueralie vpliftit and taikin bayth of fremen and vnfremen, sum takand mair hewin siluer and small customes, and vtheris takand less, swa that puir travellouris, fremen, ar towistit as vnfremen be ignorant and gredie keparis 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 tlie samin; and for remeid thairof it is devysit, statute, and ordanit, that ane Convention of Royal Burghs. 11 ordour vniforme and quantitie of pete customes and liewin siluer be bad and vsit within all the borrowis of this realme; and in lykemaner of all vtheris customes, deweteis, and casualiteis of the samyn, and that to be after the lycht fassoun and ol-dinance of Edinburgh ; and that nane of the bor- rowis suld pretend ignorance aganis this present act, ordanis ane out draucht or copy to be maid of the petecustomes buikis of Edinburgh, of all he win siluer and dewiteis foirsaidis, and the samyn thairefter to be transumet ag-ain 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 bimselff, conforme thairto ; and gif ony burch or thair customer cumis in the contrair thairof, bot vsis extor- tionis vpoun fremen and vtheris, cure Souerane Ladeis Uegis, resortand thairto, the contravenar and brekar of this foirsaid act sail pay the sowme of fom-tie schillingis, to be ajiplyit 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 baihies of that burgh. Itkji, Becaus grite hurt is daylie done, and appeiraudlie for to be done, Anent fremen be fre men bindand thame selffis in societie with vnfremen and vtheris, wtth^TOMf- exceptand the oilice of ane merchand, being fremen to vnfremen, and cul- ™^''- loring vnfremenis geir, vnder the pretence of thair libertie, to the grit de- fraud of frie merchandis, and of the customes and hawin siluer of burrowis, allegeand at the vpgeving of thair entres the guidis and geir of vnfremen to pertene to thame, outher be ressoun that thai ar in sociatie and thair markis vpoun the samyn, or than becaus thai ar merchandis to vnfi'emen, and knawis the danger conforme to the actis of parliament to cum vpoun vnfremenis 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 fre- men of quhatsumevir burgh within this realme tak vpoun hand to keip sociatie in merchandice, or ressaif ony geir to trauffique thairwith, fra 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 vnfremeuis guidis and geir, the persone or personis, fremen, that beis apprehendit and takin thairwith sail tyne his fredome within 12 Convention of Royal Burghs. bvirgh, and thairefter his persons to be pvneist at the will of his superioris, prouestis and baillies of the burgh quhair he duellis, as accordis vnto sic defemit, mensworne, and periiirit personis. ThatnasMppis Item, Becaus diuers skipperis and awneris of schipis, alsweill fremen as befrauohtittbot ynfremen, quhilkis daylie frauchtis thair schipis with foirstallaris and m presence of ' ^ ^ p i t i * i the dene of gild, vnfremen, to the grite hurt and dampnage of the libertie and commoun without b^ Weill of burrowis, swa that fremen vseand and liantand with merchandice tikkot. 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 fraiichting of schipis, as said is, — they being alsua fre fra all chargis, stentis, and taxationis imput vpoun fr-ie 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 burgh 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 ski]:iper 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 ofEciar 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 fund negligent heiiintill, 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 assist vtheris. ^^^^ giitlie 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 iu 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. Eaiefeingoftiio Item, Forsamekill as be aduis, counsale, and consent of the haill com- alteratiouii of • i> m i theExtenttEoi- missiouaris 01 all burrowis of this realme, that convenit in the Tolbuyth lis maid at Perth. Convention of Royal Burghs. 13 of Edinbiirgh the xxix day of Waij last bypast, it wes thoclit 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 "WUliame Craik and Maister lohne Prestoun, for Edinburgh, Henrie Leivingtoun and Williame 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 burgli 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 als giite effect as the haill haid convenit and delyuerit. At the quliilk day all the foirsaidis personis being convenit in the burgh of Perth, to the effect aboue writtin, and the commissionaris of the burgli of Edinburgh departand fra the samyn conuentioun, and wald nocht apply thameselfEs 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, efter 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 uiaist pairt thairof, as at mair lenth is specifeit in this present bulk of reformatiouis, maid thairupoun, and subscryvit with the saidis commissionaris Imndis, of the dait at Perth, the fyft day of August, the zeir of God I™, 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 tlirid day of lunij, 14: Convention of Royal Burghs. foirsaid additioua aboue expremit, and conventioun at Perth, haill actis and reformationn maid be the saidis personis the tyme foirsaid, to be resonabill, consonant, agreable for the commoun weill of burrowis, Be the tennour of this present act ratifeis, and appreves, and confermis the said electioiin, nominatioun, acceptatioun, prorogatioun, and thair finell decreit and reformatioun foirsaid, togidder with the haill actis, statutis, and constitutionis contenit in this present buik, and decernis the samin to haif effect and strenth in tyme cnming, during the spaces respectiue contenit thairintiil ; and sail maintene, fortifie, and defend the samin in all poyntis, articlis, and claussis contenit thairintiU, aganis euerie burgh within this realme that wald presum to mak derogatioun thairof, as law will. Dene of Gild to Item, Bccaus the act of parliament ordanis all and sindrie borrowis be OTtUn^"^"" within this realme just wechtis, mettis, and mesouris suld be vsite within bun-owis. burgh, and ane qualifeit persone to be deput in ilk bnrch 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, liaveand bene requyrit be the prouest and the baiUies, ane or ma, sail incur the panis of borrowis, contenit in thair actis maid thairupoun of befoir. Continuatiotin The haill commissionaris of borrowis, beand at this present conventioun ventioun."" '^^ Dundie, hes affixt the last day of lunij nixtocum, to convene agane in Sanctandrois, for treitting vpoun thair commoun weillis of borrowis, and couserning of thair actis and statu tis within burrowis, confoi'me to the actis of parliament, and lawis of this' realme. And quhatsumevir bui'ch 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 han 1. Andrew Anna)id, wyt my hand. Williame Bowsie, wyt my hand. Robert Kyd, wyt my hand. M. Alex'^ Mortoun, wyt my hand. George Lowell, w_yt my hand. Walter Baxter, wyt my hand. George Wischeart, wyt my hand. Williame Cowpar, wyt my hand. Thomas Martene, wyt my hand. Stevin Riddell, wyt my hand. M. Alex'' Sibbald, wj't my hand. Alex' Wilkesone, wj't \wj 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 doniini 1"\ V'. Ixvij. The QUHILK day, Symoun Prestoun, of that Ilk, Knycht, prouest of this New Conveu- burch of Edinburch, Alexander Clerk, Alexander Vddert, baillies, with Dauid *'°°' Forstar, commissar ; Ritchert Bly th, commissar for Dunde ; Ihdnn 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 Hepburne, 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 vpoun the commoun effaiis of merchantis, 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 day, bering certificatioun to thame that comperit nocht that thay salbe haldin to abide and vnderly the statutis to be maid be thame that sail eompeir. Alexander Clark. Cragmillar, Knit. Maister lohne Prestoun. Alexander Uddartt. Patrick Menzeis. lohn Cragingelt, prowest. Alexand. Knowis. I. Forest. Robert Clark. Thomas Povntovn, 16 Convention of Royal Burghs. XXI mensis Octohris 1570. The qtjhilk day, The comissaris eftervvrittin, viz., Adam FoiiUertoun, 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, forDunfreis; 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- Levinax, of Eegentrie, etc. Efter lang resonying vpoun the proclamatioun France"^"^ ^° maid in France discharging all Scottis schippis of ony hant or trafique thair, hot of sic as 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 proclamatioun dischargit, in name of the hale burrois, sic as the provest, 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 foirsaidis ordanis a conventioun of the tion to be haid- j-jj^j^ burrois to be in Sanctandrois the secound of lanuare nixt, and m m feanctan- ... drnis. 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 tyme heirefter, 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 Sanctandrois, sexto (quinto?) die mensis lanuarij 1570. Commisaris for Edinburgh, Adame FouUertoun, dene of gild, Nichols Ydartt, thesaurer, Alexander Guthre, dark ; Stirveling, Robert For- ester, zounger, baUlie, Robert Alexander, merchantt ; Perth, Thonaas Monypenny, thesaurer ; Dundie, Alexander Scrumgeour, dene of gild, lames Lovell, merchantt ; Coupar, Dauid Lyndesay, provest, Dauid Welandis, thesaurer, lames Andersoun, dark ; Sanctandrois, Maister William Cok, baUlie, Maister Alexander Sibbald, baUlie, Maister Thomas Balfour, baillie, Alane Watsoun, dene of gild, Thomas Welwod, mer- chantt ; Linhthqu, NicoH 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 SpitteU. 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. Vt° 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, quhUk hes daylie faUin and fallis to the estait of merchantis, for non con- venying at sic tymes as hes bene appointitt for resonying vpoun thair commoun effaires, For remeid qubairof, thai haif maid the statutis efter following : — Inpeimis, Forsameikle as be the occasioun of weris and manifold trou- Aitoratioun blis that hes chansitt within this realms of laitt tyme past, ane greitt "" ^" C 18 Convention of Royal Burghs. Extentt of i^ markis. pairt of the bui-rowis, quhilkis of befoir war riche and substantious, are now becumin vnable and pure, and may nocht 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 salbe 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, Starveling, Perth, Dundy, 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 Cokburn, 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 haif the copye thairof for the resonable ex- pensis. Item, Becaus it is cum to the knawlege of the saidis commisaris, that ky^e,DeirmIik in all partis where 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 Kino- of Denmark, the magistratis of Danskyne, and vtheris neidful], 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 rasitt, conform to the Commission aris to Dans- Convention of Royal Burghs. 19 ordour to be takin at sic tymes as salbe found neidfull the samyn be done. Item, Forsamekle as itt was thocht gude be the commisaris of burrois Commiesion- in thair last conventioun halden at Edinburgh the xxj of October this 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 trafEk 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 half causitt thair thesaurer avance certane sovmes of money, and hes farther obleist thame to geve and delyuer to him at his return xv schilUngis for ilk frank sal happin him deburs in the caus foirsaid. The saidis commisaris, for the releif 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, efter the resaitt of the said Henries 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, efter lang resoning as said is, the saidis commisaris VuMe saiUeris, knawing thame selves to be greitlie hurt be the multitude of vnfremen saillaris, For remeid quhairof, thai half 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 thai wiU the regarid of their commoun weiUis. Item, ft 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 contrair the commoun weiU thereof, by 20 Convention of Royal Burghs. 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. PakMng and Item, Forther it is statute be the saidis commisaris, that every frie peiUing out- 'bura-h, \vithin thair awin ivirisdictioun, caus letteris be rasitt as said is with me bur- ^ ' ^ y ^ '^ rowis. 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 Scrumgeoiu-, 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. Making of gild iTEii, Becaus the saidis commisaris thinkis thame selves greitlie hurt 'bargh. ^ ^" be the multitude of the burgessis and gild brother, and for cei-tane causis moving thame, they haif statute and ordanit, that nane be gild brother within burgh fra this day furth 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 gildiies 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 de wties of the saidis burgeschipp and gildries, nor thai had befoir the making Convention of Royal Bimihs. 21 of the saidis ordinances, noutlier sail it be lesuni to tlaame to dispone to vtheris than to men of gude fame and honestie ; provyding alwayis this present ordinance be nocht preiudiciall to the barnis of frie merchantis and frie craftismen. Item, Becaus it is knawin to the commisaris foirsaidis, that thair is Piratt sohippis certane piratt schippis in redynes in the hawm of Leyth, and vtheris partis of this realme, to pass furth 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 desjTe the commisaris of Edinburgh, with all diligence possible, to rais letters vpoun the sxiij act of parhamentt 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 Portingalx, quhilkis ar dischargitt be the said act. Item, the saidis commisaris ordanis letters to be rasitt vpoun the j'' Conseruatour. and xiiij act of jjarliamentt haldin be King lames the feird, for hame bringing of the conseniitour 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 hening siayaris of and quhite fische, inhibeting thame of all sailling thairwith transporting quhytf flsche. of the samyn furth of the realme, or disponying thairof to vtheris nor to frie merchantis, as vse hes bene. Item, Becaus of the evill brute and sclander rasitt on the haill mer- Skynni8,hydis. chantis of this realme in France, Flanderis, and vtheris partis bezond the see, as it is aUedgitt, 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 thifteoushe stollin, to the greitt liurtt 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 aU ilesche slane to landwart be presentitt to the mercatt with the skyn and byrn 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 cunzie. 22 Convention of Royal BurgJts. escheitt, and applyitt to the commoun warkis of the toun, or to the pure, as the magistratis sail think expedientt; and ordanis this statute to be proclamitt dyueris mercatt dayis, to the effect that nane sail pretend ignorance, incace thai contravene the samyn. Anentfaiis Iteii, Becaus 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 canze, quhilk is the principall occasioun of all derth, the commisaiis foirsaidis, for purging of thame- selves, and all honest meT-chantis, maist hertlie 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 humlie craving and desyring that inquisitioun may be tane with diligence, sua tryall 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 personn remane nocht in sclander and suspicioun, and the wickitt may be pvneist wdthoutt fauouris. HaidingofwoU Item, The saidis commisaris foii'seing that it suld greitlie avance the commoun weill of the realme gif the haill woU 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 lanbouris and hand wark, be helpitt and suppleitt, bot alsua cure Soueranis cuatomis greitlie advancitt and augmentitt, Quhairfoir the commisaris foirsaidis maist herthe requeistis the provest, baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh, that this be proponit be speciall artikle the nixtt parliament, and be all menis possible procuritt to be grantitt for the causis aboue written. Anentis com- Item, To remember be speciaU artikle the nixt parliament, that it be missioneris lamentitt the greitt hurt done, nocht onlie to the burrois, bot to all oure paying 01 quot. .1., Soueranis 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 compellitt to \i'Ay quott thairfoir; and siclike, incase greitt sovmes be restand awin to the defunct, quhilkis ar ■within the cuntrie. Convention of Royal Bnrglis. 23 neuer able to be gottin, the executoiiris ar compellitt to pay quott thair- ibir. In thii- and siclike that remeid be socht as said is. Memorandum, To mak ane supplicatioun to the Lordis of Artiklis, etc., for discharging of the customes of scaldingis and schoirhng 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 priveleges, 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 birning yrne, and be haldin to ansuer thairfoir vpoun sic panis as salbe devysitt. Item, The foirjaidis commisaris efter conclusion takin be thame in sic thingis as concernis thair commoun weill aggxeing 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 compeir nocht quha ressavis letteris, that the act of poynding according to the aid ordour be extenditt vpoun thame; and to the said day suspendis all extentis, butt langer delay. Adam Fullertoun, dein of gild. lames Lowell. Nicolas Wduart, 1570. Wilzem Bowsye. Alex"^ Guthre. Ihone Ramsay, ss*. Robart Fostir, bailie. Patrik Geddey, thesaurei-. Thomas Monypenny. Thomas Kene, bailze. Ale^ Scrymgour, dene of gyld. lames Andersone. M. Thomas Balfour. Dauid Weland. W Alex'' Sibbald. Robert Alschinder, etc. Allein Watsoun. lames Forester. M. William Cok. Robert Clark. Thomas Welwod. Andrew Spettell. D. Lyndsay, provest. Hary Dauidsoun be Alex'' No. Thownis, clerk. Guthre, at my command. laines Cokburn. 24 Convention of Royal Burghs. Apud Edinhurch, xxiijo Jvnij /'"■ V''- lxxiiif°- The quhilk day the commissaris of burrois, vnder subscrivand, con- tinewis all actionis concernying thair estait to the xv day of lulij, quhilk 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 Ediuburch, Henry Neisbett. For Perth, Ihone Monypenny. Maister lohnne Preston. For Linlytqw, Ni. Thowinis, Wm. Litill. I For Air, Ihone Lokhart. lohne Harwod. For Dunfreis, Ai'chibald Makbrayr. lames Lowell. For Kirkcaldy, ... For Dundie, lames Lovell, Henry Blythe. Decimo quarto lulij. The quhilk day, the provest, baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh makis, nominatis, constitutis, and ordainis Henry Neisbet, baiUie, 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 forthei-, in all caussis concernyng the commoun weill of the merchant estait of this realme to do, as thay myoht do thame selves gif thay war personaly present, promesand firme and stay bill haldand, and for to hald, etc. A. Guthrie. Cottvention of Boyal BurgJis. 25 Apud Edinburgh, decimo quinto Juhj, /'"■ V"- Ixxiiif Comisaris for Edinburgh, Henry Neisbet, Williame Littill, Maister Ihonn Prestoun, Ihonn Harwod ; Dondy, Alexander Scrymgeour, Eichart Blythe ; Abirdene, Patrik Menzeis ; Sterveling, Ihonn Williesoun ; Coupar, Robert Pryde; Hadingtoun, lames Cokburn, Ihonn Aytoun ; Elgyne, Walter Mawer ; Kingorn, Robert Cunynghame, lames Logane ; Kyrcaldye, Williame Lamb, Ihonn Hacket ; Kyrkcudbrycht, Robert Hall, Halbert Glaidstanis ; Peiblis, Patrik Veche ; ledburch, Dauid Anislie, lames Laidla ; Glasgw, lames Flemyng ; Linlithqw, N. Thownis ; Irving, Robert Scott ; Sanctandrois, Thomas Wallet. In the conventioun of burrowis haldin at Edinburgh the xv day of lulij anno 157-i zeris. The commisaris of burrowis eftir subscryvand statutis and ordanis as foUowis, etc. In the fiest. It is statute and ordanit, that in aU conventionis, baith Auentis voting in parliament and outwith, quhair the commisaris of burrowis ar requyrit tionis. to be for geving of thair voitis in the commoun effaires, 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 half 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 his warrand that salbe choisin to vote for the haill as said is. Item, Efter rype avysement and consideratioun takin be the saidis com- Anontis sic a» P . . ,1 n • Ml- T, • sal have place misaris tor causis moving thame concernyng thair commoun weillis. It is at conventioun statute and ordanit, that na commissioun salbe gevin att ony tyme heir- °^ burrowis. 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 pundis to be vptakin of the provest and baillies of the burgh that dois in the confcrair heirof to be D 26 Convention of Royal Burghs. lubringing of the vnlawis ivboue writtin. Aiient trans- liorting of the staipill. applyit in the commoun effaires, 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 vpoun 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. Item, It is statute and ordanit, that for collecting and inbringing of the 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 euery 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. Iti<;m, The saidis commissaris, efter lang resonyng vpoun the troubilsum 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 supplicatioun be maid to my Loird Eegentis 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 traiBque frome the saidis partis of Flanderis to the tovne of Calais, for ane tyme, quhill it saU pleis God to bring that contry of Flanderis in quyetnes as it hes bene befoir ; quhilk being obtenit and grantit, that ane qualefeit man of the merchant estait, and 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 desyrit for the weill of oure natioun, and of the vtheris offerit and grantit, incais it be found gude to transpoirt the trafBque, as said is. And in the menetyme, gif ony schippis of this realme passis to HoUand or Zeland, that the merchantis and awnaris thairof vse na trafficque of thair gudes or geyr in West Flanderis, for eschewing of danger, vnto the tyme that Convention of Royal Burghs. 27 farther ordour be taikin, and ansuer gottin agane frome Calais, concemyng the premissis. Item, Efter lang resonying vpoun the contentis of the King of Den- coquettis to markis wryting, direct to cure Souerane Lord, desyring that all schippis ^°J°^^^ of oure natioun resoirting to Noroway or vtheris pairtis in his domin- ionis bring with thame, for testefeing of thair honestie and estait, his BQenes wrytingis, It is thocht gude that, be supplicatioun to my Loird Regentis Grace and Loirdis of Secreit Counsall, it be desyrit that all schippis passing to the pairtis foirsaidis half 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 sufficient ; 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 earning. Item, Inlykemaner, that it be proponit to my Loird Regentis Grace For staying of and Loirdis foirsaidis, incais the Quenis Maiestie of Ingland will grant P"^*'*'"- and consent that sum of hir schippis sail remane vpoun hir sea coistis and watteris for purging ef the samyn of pyratis, and vtheris wicked personis, That inlykewayis it may be grantit be his Grace and Loirdis foirsaidis to the merchantis of this realme, vpoun thair commoun chargis, 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 samyn be gTaatit, the commisaris of burrowis foir- saidis gevis thair commissioun and full powar to the provestis, baillies, and couusallis 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 discretioun 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 vtheiis as thay sail chuse, qualefeit abill men, that thay may imput and output at thair plesouris, 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 Boyal Burghs. Syluer to the Cxinzehoug. the seas in thir pairtis beis clengit, than the schip and bark foirsaid, vpoun the sute of the nychtbouris (of) the burrowis of the north and west pairtis, to pas for clenging of thair seals and watteris ; and sua be ordour be rady to serue quhair neid salbe gretest, be the avyce of the saidis foure burrowis. Item, It being knawin to the commisaris of burrowis foirsaidis, that my Loird Regentis Grace, vpoun Tliurisday last the xv day of this instant moneth of Juhj, had requyrit of the baillies, counsall, and merchantis of this burgh of Edinburgh, to furnels samekill fyne siluer to oure Souerane Lordis cunze hous, vpon the hiest price, as wald be the proffeit thairof releve oure said Souerane of the sovme of xxxvij™ lib. quhairintLll 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 commisaiis hailing na sic thingis proponit to thame, nor forther commissioun gevin, bot 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. To pas to the 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 gTantit for the causis aboue expremit. Item, The saidis commisaris of burrowis, daylie seing the incres of ti'oublis 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, thay all in ane voce con- sentis concludis and grantis, that ane generall extent be vplifted of the haill burrowis with all diligence possibill, for furthsetting of the schip and bark foirsaid, furnesing of the companies and necessaris thaii'of, sate- feing of Nicolas Vddart of his thousand merkis debursit for doungetting of the ten deniers, and payment to him of the money debursit to Heniy Hegentt. Extentt for debarring of pirattie. Convention of Boyal Burghs. 29 Neisbet, and this extent to extend to tlirie thousand merkis alanevlie for this present; provyding alwayis that the first and rediest of the said extent be wairit vpoun the outred of the saidis scbippis, — the superplus for satefeing of the saidis dettis, and vtlieris chairgis 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 biirrowis, oblesis thame, according to the auld roUis, to releyf for thair paii'ttis ; 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 biirrowis ratefeis and apprevis the actis, Eatificatioun statutis, and ordinances maid in thair last conventioun, haldin at Sanct- befoirwi-ittin. 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 resonabUl expensis, that letteris 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 tlie pecuniall paynis contenit in the saidis actis, ordanit to be vplifted and inbrocht be lames Ros, thesaurer 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 resonyng 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 pro vest and baiUies of Sterveling to direct thair wrytingis to the haill burrowis, makand mentioun heirof, and of the special! causis quhairfoir thay sail convene, willing euery commissar to bring his commiasioun 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 ryntene day of lulij i™ v'' Ix fourtene zeris. And 30 Convention of Royal Burghs. orclams lames Eos, thesaurer of Edinburgh, to be collectour of the stent of thrie thousand merkis foirsaidis, etc. Henry Neisbett, etc. Maister lohne Prestoun. lohne Harwod. Wm. Litill. Eichard Blyth. Alex''. Scrymgeour. Patrik Menzeis. Eobert Pryd. Thomas Waluod. Ihone Aytoun. N. Thownis. lohnne Willesoun, wyt my hand tuiching the pen led be Ni- choll Thownis, notar. Certane Actis and Statutis maid at the last Conve7itioun of Burrowis haldin at Sti^iveling, the xxv day of October, The qtjhilk day, in the conventioun of burrowis appoyntit to be haldin at Striveling the xxiij day of October instant. It is statutit and ordanit be thie commissionaris efter subscrj^vand, 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 commissioun, beand ane man having his remanjmg within the said burch, and bering charge with his nychtbouris, that principall Moderator. man to be moderator in all thingis that salbe proponit and ressonit in the said conventioun, and the particulair complaintis 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. Us, cor- Item, Efter advysement with the auld statutis in the conventiounis of diner, pron"st buiTOwis past of bcfoir, it being fundin that na commissioun suld be of H.iddington .^ ••j.l, ,• ri deposit. gevm to ony maner oi persoun to conveme m the conuentioun of bur- rowis bot to sic as ar of the merchandis estait, bering burding with the merchandis, and having residence with thame in thair townis; and efter Convention of Royal Burglis. 31 ressoning, fynding that ane loLnne Dowglas, alledgit proveist of Hading- toun, being ane cordinar of his occupatioun, to present ane commissioun of the said totin 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 craftisman hes evir had, nolder aucht or suld half, voit or commissioun amangis thame ; Quhairfoir thay decernit 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 craftisman heireftir vnder the pane of i°. lib. The samyn day, efter ressoning vpoun the act and ordinance sett furth Extentis iiji^ in the last conventibun of burrowis, haldin at Edinburch the xxv day of lulij last, bering that thair suld be ane extent of thrie thousand merkis liftit and vptakin fra the haill fre burrowis of this realme, for satisfying 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 satisfying and paying of dyueris vtharis greitt sowmes debursit be the said toun of Edinburch, Henry Neisbitt, and lohnne Farguissoun, and vtheris, 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 ia 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 burding vpoun thame for thameselfis and thair burrowis, oblissis thame to refound and pay the superplus to the said toun of Edinburch, or thair thesaurar in 32 Convention of Boyal Btirghs. thair name, at quhat tyme the same salbe requyrit. And siclyik giff it salbe 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 merkis, the superplus thairof that salbe fundin restand awand salbe dely verit in the said conventioun to quhome it salbe thocht guid in that assemblie, and the commissionaris of Edinburch, eftir subscryvand, obleissis thame heirto. And becaus the thesaurar of Edinburch hes alreddy ressavit fra certane of the burrowis thair extentis, sett efter 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 officiaris, resavaris thairof, being producit and delyverit to the said thesaurar of Edinburgh ; and incais ony of the burrowis refuissis to mak pament of thair paiitis of the said tua thousand merkis, all in ane voice gTantis and consentis that the letteris, 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. Silling in Flan- The samyn day, efter lang ressoning vpoun the act of parliament maid be Kiug 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 Kude mercat in September, all in ane voice vottis and concludis, that the said act of parliament hes bene devysit and set furth for the commoun weill of auld burrowis, and is maist ueidfuU, alsweill for the commoun policie as com- moun commoditie, to be obseruit in all tymes cummiug : Thairfoir thay decerne and ordane, that na schippis pas furth of this realme to the saidis pairtis of Flanderis, chargit with hyde, woll, skin, claytli, or siklyik stapill guidis, bot at the termes aboue oppoyntit, vndir the pane of twenty pundis, to be vpliftit and takin of every party transgressand 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; prouyd- daris. Convention of Royal Burghs. 83 ing alwajds that this present ordinance do nocht preiudge the fre mer- chandis of frie 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 stapill guides exceptit), and consentis and grantis that letteris be raisit heirvpoun for vplifting of the saidis panis and vnlawis aboue specifyit. Item, The saidis commissioneris, efter lang ressoning vpoun the ordi- nances maid for alteratioun of the auld stent rollis, continewis the said the'romar" ° alteratioun vnto the xvth day of lulij nixtocum, in thair conventioun to be haldin at Dundie the said day, and in the 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 Dundie, 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 failze 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 ^°'^"Jj^!f™ sic caussis as dois occur for the tyme, to the granting of the quhilkis extentt. taxatiounis it is speciaUie 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 foUow- and, the saidis estaitis happin to be burdenit with ony 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 subscrjrvand, all in ane voice consentis, grantis, and concludis that the commissionaris of Edinburgh, Stryveling, Lynlythqw, Hadingtoun, and Dundie, Air, Perth, Abirdene, Sanctandrowis, or Coupar, or ony four or sax of thame, with Edinburgh, grant and consent to sic E Vnlawis. Canssis of the buiTois. 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 vtharLs to be suificient. Item, Becaus be the small nombre of commissionaris off burrowis in thair generall conventionis, the principall caus concerning thair estait is ovirsene, difemt 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 vairnit to half comperit in this present conventioun, or that heirefter salbe vairnit, and hes not or dois not compeir, and in speciall, the burrowis eftir following, that is to say, Dumbartan, Rugling, Dumfreis, Lanark, ledburch, Selkirk, Peblis, Northbervik, Lawder, Abirdene, Banff, Carreil, Forfar, Brechin, Monros, Elgyn, Culane, Forrest, Name, Thane, Dysart, 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 Ros 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 frie burch of this realme half 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 lawful!, 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 fi'edomes 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. Conveutio)! of Roynl Burghs. 35 contentionis, and stryiff, bot alsua bayth tyme and guidis spendit in the law and vtherwayis ; For remeid quliairof, it is fundin guide be the saidis commissionaris that all actiouuis amangis bun-owis, not iutentit or depending in the law, sail, befoir all proces or pley, be proponit in the generall conventionis of burrowis, and the samyn amicablie referrit to thrie or four that salbe chosin be commoun consent to decyde tliairintill, and the pairtyis oblissit to abyde at thair delyveraunce, without appella- tioun 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 half 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 alreddy in the burrowis. And to that eiFect to giff command to the ministeris to discharge the samyn at thair kirkis ; failzeand 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 cans 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, giff, for Vnfrs tounis. releiff of the decayit burrowis, the vnfre townis vpoun the coist syde salbe ressauit into the society of fre burrowis, to beir burding with thame or not. Item, In lyikmaner that it be proponit in the nixt assemblie, giff it Ressauing 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 wryting to be send to conseruator. thair conseruator in Flanderis, gevand him thankis for his guid seruice, vrilling his continewance in hoip of rewaird, and, forder, to desyir him to be at thair nixt conventioun of Dnndie, bringand witli him his comptes of his taxatioun grantit to Edwart Lytill and vraquhil 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- tiomi. 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 burrowis of this realme, aduertising thame of the said day and sett conventioun, willing thame to keip the samyn be thair commissionaris, qualefeit men, merchandis, induellaris within thair townis, instructit with thair myndis of all sic things as dois concerne the merchandis estait, with thair consent to the alteratioun of the auld taxt rollis for reliefF of decayit burrowis for certane 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 luifF 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 followis. Sic suhscribitur, Nicolas Vdwart. Mr. lohnne Prestouu. Henry Neisbitt. Alexr. Guthrie. Robert Forest of Balquhan, provest. Williame Norwell. lohnne Leishman. Alexander Scrimgeor. lames Fynlasoun. Adame Hall of Fullair, comisr. of Ranfrew. 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 Innernes. 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 Quhithorne. Moreis Lawder, bailie of Dum- bar. Alexander Kay, comissr. of Lynlytqw. Convention 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 tlie said burgh of Edinburgh, Nicolas Vduart, lames Ros, thesaurer of the said burgh, and Alexander Guthre, commoun dark, as commissaris thairof ; for Starveling, Robert Forester, provest, and Ihonn Auchmowtj'; for Dondie, lames Lovell, Robert Kyd ; for Glasqw, lames Elemyng and George Elphinstoun ; for Sanctandrois, Thomas Walwod ; for Cowper, Ihonn Jamesoun ; for Montros, Robert Clark ; for Dumfreis, Harbart Ranyne and Thomas M'Meneis ; for Air, George Hamyltoun ; for Had- ingtoun, Dauid Forrest and lohnn Seytoun, [the sowter repudiat] ; for Linhthqw, Alexander Ka, NicoU Tovnis ; for Wigtoun, Williame Gor- doun, Ihonn Martyne ; for Dunfermeling, Ihonn Boiswell ; for Craill, Ihonn Lessehs, Ihonn Bovisy ; for Lawder, Gilbert Lawder ; for Kingorne, 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 dajTiger that maye follow thairvpoun gif the mair hastie ordour be nocht talking with my Lord Regentis Grace : For the mair haistie remeid thaii-of, they all in ane voce concludis and delyueiis that they will delyuer to his gTace for thame selues, haiU 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 and 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 oflFerit the saidis X™ merkis for the caussis aboue writtin, and his grace refusit the samyn. 88 Convention of Royal Burghs. xxvij° Octobris 1575. The quhilik da}', 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 ^ in the efFaris and troublis presentlie in Flandaris hurtfull to the estait of Conseruatour merchanttis, he proudicit the Avritiug efter following, send to him furth of this realme, frome the last conventioun of burrowis haldin at Striueling — willing the samyn to be ressonit, considerrit, thairefter 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. TJie writing beginning this : Rycht honorabill, Efter all hartlie commenda- tioiin in this oure conventioun haldin at Striueling, zour lettir, resauifc 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, quhilk, 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 buri'Dwis 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, hot for zour counsall to be had in sic thingis as we have ado in the pairtis quhair ze ar ; and in the menetyme willis 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 ] 574. Etsic subscribitur be zour friendis, the commissaris of burrowis, subscryvit be the dark of oure conventioun, at oure commandis, — Johannes Graham clericus curie burgi de Streveling, etc. Convention of Royal Burghs. 39 Die quinto mensis Nouembris j" v° Ixxv". The quhilk day the maist pairfc of the commissaris of burrowis in this tliair present conventioun, haldin at Edinburgh, and begun the day aboue writtin, witli the avyse and consent of the multitude of the principall °^^^^^^ °"'" merchandis of the said burgh of Edinburgh, — efter lang resonyng vpon 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 honorabiJl Maister George Hacket thair conseruatour, be quhais avyse and counsall thay have taikin sic ordour at this tyme as maist liklie is to be observed and 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 conseruator, for sustenyng of his honorable chairges, ane schilling greit of euery sek of thair gudes that sail aryve within the pairtis of Flanderis, 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 fra 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 realme, 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 bis signe and subscription manuell, to be delyuerit to the said Conseruatour. Folio wis certane articles gevin to the said Conseruator be the Articuies to tiie saidis commissaris, quhilkis thay adione to him to be obseruit and kepit in tymes cuming, for the weill of the haill merchantis of this realme, quhilkis thay ordane him to subscryve, and the 40 Convention of Boyal Burghs. said Alexander Gutlire to geve him the copy thairof for his warrand. Item, That the said Conseruatour, in quhatsumeuir pairtis of Flanderis within the boundis of his ofhce, 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 bis 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 fals cunzie brocht 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 hant 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 testimoniall of thair fredome and licence to saill frome ane frie port or hawin quhair thay inbark, vnder the svibscription of the iuge of the poirfc ; 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 special} seruand, for quhome he salbe haldin to ansuer, incais ony forboidin gudes pertenying to merchant, marinai', 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 dUay. Item, Incais ony factour appeill frome the iugement of the said Convention of Royal Burghs. 41 Conseruatour, this factour *to be discbargit be him of all factoury with oure natioun ; and in lykemaner the merchantis discbargit of all bailing 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 purgit of affection or particularitie, and vse the counsall of sic, and nocht of the saidis factouris. Itkji, 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 mak 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 Edinhurgh xx" die mensis Januarij 1575. The quhilk day, in the convention of burrowis appoyntit to be haldin at this burgh of Edinburgh, the xx*' day of Januar J™ v", thre scoir fyve- 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 Androw Cowan ; for Dondie, Richart Blythe and Peter ClahiUis ; for Perth, WUliame Flem- yng ; for Cowper, Ihonn Patersoun, pro vest, and Paitrik Glasfurde ; for Carraih, 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, WiUiame Gordoun and Ihonn Martyne ; for Kirkcudbrj'cht, lames Makcartnay ; for Dumbartan, Ihonn Hardrig ; for Lawder, Andro Lawder ; for Aberbrothok, Dauid Peirsoun. 42 Convention of Eoyal Burghs. Vigesimo tertio Januarij 1575. The commissaris foirsaidis, efter lang resorting vpoun the action of Commissioun bulzeoun, findis nocht gude to enter in the law with my Lord Regentis the toSzeoTii^'^ Grace concerning the said actioun, hot rather to seik and crave of his Grace sum resonabill composition to be grantit to thame for the said boul- zeoun for all tymes bj^past and dureing the 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 morn, viz., Ihonn Arnott, Robert Kar 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 Rnbert Clark, commissaris of Montros; to quhome, or ony sax of thame, thay geve full power and commissioun 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 T^SE quhilk day the personis abouewrittin, according to the commis- ten thousand sioun gevin to thame, efter lang resonyng with my Lord Regentis Grace, bouizeon. 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 thairefter. Quhilk offer acceptit of his grace, the saidis haill com- missionaris ratefeis and apprevis the samyn, and ordanis ane taxatioun to be sett heirfoir, to be vplifted of the haill burrowis of this realme, regalities. Coiiventioit of Royal Burghs. 43 and vtheris, but exceptioa of personis that trafFecquis and vsis merchan- dise. And this taxatioun to be sett efter the chakker and custome rollis of euery burgh, tovne, or sea poirt, quhair trafficquaris hantes or hes thair remaning. And for setting of this extent according to the saidis rollis, knawlege and gude conscience, thay nominat Ihonn Arnott, Robert Kar, lames E,os, commissaris for Edinburgh, or ony twa of thame ; Richart Blythe, Peter Clayhillis, commissaris of Dondy, or ony ane of thame ; "Williame Flemyng, commissar of Perth ; Ihonn Patersoun, Patrik Glas- furde, commissaris of Cowper, or ony ane of thame ; Ihonn Auchmowty, Androw Cowane, commissaris of Stirveling, or ony ane of tham ; Robert Clark, 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 sworne the said extent to sett con- forme to the saidis custome rollis, thair knawlege and gude conscience, but feid or fauour, and the burding heirof vpoun thame to accept. Vigesimo septimo Jannarij 1.575. 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 Bun.(„y;3 to defalt of the custome rollis and custome bukes of the tovnis, burrowis, send the ous- and portis foirsaidis, and thairfoir continewis this thair convention and setting of tho forther proceeding hereintiU to the feird day of Marche nixttocum ; and to^zeoun.*'^'' ordanis letteris to be direct to the haill burrowis of this realme to send thair speciaU 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, with 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 horning ,or poynding vpoun the non comperaris for obedience and paj^ment of thair pairtis as they salhappin to be sett ; and quhat expensis salhappin the provest and baillies of Edin- burgh, or thair thesaurer salhappin deburs in obtening of letteris directing 44 Conventioyi of Boyal Burghs. of missiues or vtherwayes in this actioun, the saidis commissaris obhssis thame 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 convenyng the commissaris to the samyn effect, the xvij of October last, and faihng theirof, consentis and grantis that letteris of poynding or horning be raisit on thame and thair burrowis for the samyn. Dondie, Perth, 'Yhe samyn day, anent the actioun debatabill in the law betuix the Abirbrotliok"" customis. 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. Protestatioun The samyn day Ihonn Anstruther, commissar of Anstruther, askit in- strumentis 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 acceptatioun and admission be I'ogistrat in the conventioun buke of burrowis, and the extract gevin him thairof autentiklie vuder the siene and subscriptioun of the dark, vpoun his expensis, and Williame Annan, commissar of Carraill disassentit. Letteris to the 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 bailhes of Edinburgh. Item, Thay statute and ordanes, and for ane generale law to be keipit Tuiching the in all tymes cuming concludes, that incais ony schippis be pilleitt the sohfppfs. " gudes saiff sail contribute scatt and loitt for the relief of the personis dampnefeit, bayth schip and gudes according to thair wairing ; and o-if neid beis, ordainis the magistratis of the poirtis within this realme Coitcciitioii of BoyaJ Barghs. 45 quhair the saidis schippis sail happin te aryve, to sett ane scatt and extentt for releif of the personis dampnefeit as said is, and to arreist poynd or comprise the schippis and gudes of thame that refusis for obeying 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. Eobert Ker, I. Anstruther, Notar Commissar of Wilzeam Flemying. Anstruther. Ihon Aytoun. Andro Lauder be Alexr. Guthrie. Eobert Nysbet be Alexr. Guthrie. Ihonn Auchtmowty for Sterllyng. Williame Bonkle,Commissionarof Richarde Blyth. Dumbar. Peter Clayhillis. The Conventioun of Burrois haldlii at Ediahurch the feird day of Merche, J™ V' Jxxv. etc. Apud Edinburgh, viij° Martij 1575 : — The quhilk day the commis- aris efter subscryvand ratefeis and approvis thair actis and statutis maid pu^ig. ^°°' 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 realme, 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 caus be fulfillit, quhatsumeuer stentis or sovmes of money thay salbe sett to be the saidis ten personis or aucht of thame ; and ar content and consentis taking the burding on thame as said is, that vpoun this present act and ordinance, letteris executoriallis of poynding or homing be obtentit befoir the Lordis of Secreitt Counsall or Sessioun, 46 Convention of Royal Burghs. vpoun thame, thair saidis toviies, occupearis thairof, and vtheris personis quhataumeuer, to burgh ox land, regalitie or ryaltie, that salhappin 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 neidfnll in the premissis, but reuocatioun or agane calling quhatsumuever. Fais cimze. The sau^c day the commisaris foirsaidis, for talking away of the sclander and foull 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 personis, 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 fals 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 offendaris 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 possibill, 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 Arnot, baillies, lames Ros, 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. Acoeptatioun of The Same day the extentouris present hes acceptit the burding of the to TeTraTex- setting of this extent on thame, and hes gevin thair ay this, without regaird tentt of the of thair awin particularis, according to thair knawlege and conscience, to boulzeon. t i • n 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 houris, and fra ane efter none quhill iiij efter none, or langer at thair plesour. The haill commisaris of hurrowis foirsaidis, decernis and concludis that Appointing of the ordour of this extent sail nocht be obseruit in tyrne cuming, naither ^"„uo^°°°" be ane privilege to ony vnjfrieman, 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 commissaris 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. Hobert Ker. lohne Lowth. lohnne Arnote. Herbert Ranyng. lames Lowell. Dauid Peirsone. Maister George Johnston. Patrik Glasfurd. Wm. Norwell. lohnne Caikettill. George Elphynstoun. Robert Pryd. Richarde Blythe. George Hamyltoun. Thomas Andersone. Robert Pattoun. WiUiame Bonkle. lames Mwriesoun. Thomas Mychell. Dauid Clark. la Bannatyne. Alexander Ka, for Linlythqw ; Ihonn Lindesay for Glasqw ; Alexander Scot for Banf ; Nychole laksoun for Renfrew, with cure 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. WiUiame 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 falls cunzie, and for recompance of the expensis debursit and to be debursit for ingathering of the same. 48 Convention of Royal 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. s. 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. SaDctmynanis, iiij^'^ij lib. x s. 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. Innemes, j'^x lib. Elgene, Ixxxij Hb. 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 s. Peiblis, XXXV Hb. xvij s. Abirbrothok, xviij lib. vj s. viij d. Dumbar, xxvij lib. x s. Jedburgh, xxxvi Hb. xiiij s. Wigtoun, xxvij lib. x s. Dumbartan, xxvij lib. x s. Kirkcudbricht, xxxv. lib. xvij s. Culros, xxvij lib. x s. Dunfermeling, xx lib. Quenis ferrie, xviij lib. vj s. 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 hb. Weik, xxvij lib. x s. Dornoch e, v lib. x s. Abirnethie, v lib. xiij s. Kelsow, xxxiij lib. Dalkeith, xj lib. Annan, xj lib. Renfrew, xj lib. Quhithorn, xiij lib. xv s. Northbervik, viij lib. v s. Lawder, xj lib. Name, v lib. x s. Crummatie, viij lib. v s. Thaine, viij lib. v s. Chanonrie of Eos, vi lib. lib. xiiij. s. Convention of Royal Burglis. 49 xvij° Martij 1575. The quhilk day the commisaris and extentouris foirsaidis, ratefeis and apprevis the extent befoir writtin, and for collectioun thairof nominatis Mongow Russell, thesaurer, 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 Arnote. Robert Ker. Richarde Blythe. Maister George lohnstoun. George Elphinstoun. Wm. Norwell. Patrik Glasfurd. Robert Clark. lohnne Carkettill. The conventioun of burrowis, ha/din at Edhihurgh the xxiiij of Apprile 1577, 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 Cokbum, thesaurer of Haddingtoun ; lames Bowsy, for Craill ; Andro Lauder for Lauder ; 50 Convention of Royal Burghs. Tertio Mavj 1577. Sending of '^^^ qululk day, George Douglas of Parkheid, provest of the burgh of Commission- Edinburgh, Kobert Kar, zoungar, Maister lohnn Marioribankis, lames ans to Ingland . , ' & ' t i a for staying of AdamsouD, Maister Michaell Chesholme, Mungow Russell, lohnn Arnott, pjra 18. Robert Kar, elder, Adam FouUartoun, Alexander Barclay, and James Zoung of the Counsall ; together with Richarde Blythe, Thomas Dauidsoun and Peter ClayhiHis for Dondie ; lohnn Hacquet, for Kirkcaldy ; Maister George lohnstoun for Abirdene ; Robert Forester, provest of Striveling, for Striveling ; lames Cokburn for Hadingtoun ; Andrew Lawder, for Lawder ; and lohnn Bowsy, for Craill. Fyndis that Adam Foullertoun be dispeschit with all diligence to Ingland, for suting of redres of the schippis and gudes pilleit be the Inglischmen fra the merchantis of this realme, and that 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, instantHe in hand, for making of his expenssis, 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 instantlie to the said Adam vpoun the interest foirsaid. Tertio Fehruij \bll. Commission- The quhilk day, in the conventioun haldin at Edinburch the day aboue wrlttin, comperit the commissaris efter following, and producit thair commissionis, Villiam Norwell for Striueling ; lames Ros, thesaurer of Edinburch, Henry Nysebet, lohnne Arnot, Maister lohnne Prestoun, for Edinburch ; Richert Fyscher, for Dunbar ; for Dunfermeling, Robert ans namis. Convention of Royal Burghs. 51 PantoTin ; 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 Elphinstoun. xij" Februarij anno predicto. The quhilk day the commissaris befoir writin, vnderstanding the causse Commission- of this conventioun to be for ordoure to be taikin tuiching the placeing of deria. the stapUl 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, xyiij° Decembris, anno predicto. Efter lang avise- ment and ressonyng with my said Lord Regentis Grace, and disputatioun amangLS theme seines, it is concludit that nocht onlie for the commoun ■Weill of the merchant estait and honestie of the natioun, hot alsua for the bundin dewtie and obedience ancht to oure Souerane Lord, in obseruing of his Hienes la wis statutes and ordinances, maid tuyching the careing away of forbodin gudes to the greit hurt and preiudice of his Hienes customes, and commoun weUl as said is, that thair be electit and chosin sum speciaU 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 commoning 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 reahne, becaus Conseruatour. be the authoritie of his office 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 appearand proffitabill for the honour of the natioun 52 Conventio7i 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, that 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 Scottismen, alsueill cuming from Flanderis as vtherwayes, vnto sic tyme it salhappin the saidis burrowis in generall conventioun discharge him of the samyn. And this present ordinance to tak effect and be obeyit in all poyntis conforms to the said ordinance in Nouember, as said is. Expenssis com- Item, It is concludit and ordanit that for sustening of the said misaionens to . .... Flanderis. commissioner that salbe send to the pairtis of Flanderis forsaidis, tharr sail be vpUftit 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 fraucht of euery sek of guddis, quhill the said sowme be payit, or vthei-wayis 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 thau-foir betuix and Witsounday ; and further granttis that ane taxatioun be lyftit for payment thairof, and euerye burch to send thair awin pairt 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, The xviij day of Fabruer, the provest, baillies, and counsale of Edinburch being convenit in thair counsalhous, and efter ressonyng vpoion 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 furnist for his charges conforme to the ordinance abovie writtin. Convention of Royal Burghs. 53 In the parliament haldin at Striueling the xviij day oflulij jm -p^ tlirie score auchtene zeris. The quhilk day it is concludit be the commissaris of burrois, efter Discharge con- subscrivand, that the procuratioun and power obtenit be Maister George tfe g^x stoiT" Haquet, conseruatour, vnder the Greit SeOl, for establishing of the stapill s''!^- for the Scottis natioun in Flandaris, salbe presentlie be thame cansellit and brokin. Item, Decernis, concludis and ordanis, that myssiue letteris sail be direct be Edinburch, Dunde, and Aberdene to the conseruatour, commanding him to desist and ceis fra forther vplifting 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 decernis and ordanis that the staipill salbe transported Rtapiii in the 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 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 Conseruatour and Alexander Segait to this eflfect. And quhat the said Henry sail do herein, we bynd and obleiss us coniunctlie and seueralie to hald ferme and staibUl be thir presentis. And ordanis the said Henry Nesbett to have to mak ane pairt of his charges the sovme of tuenty-four pundis gi'eit, to be vplifted the eek. and tane of euery sek of gudes that sail cum in Flanderis, the sovme of ten stures, quhiU 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 tyine 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 weUl 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 Petfoddelie. 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. 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 staipiU in the Campfeir, baith in Scottis and Latene, quhairof the principallis ar sent to him as followis : — Amplissimis et nobilissimis dominis, consulibus, burgimagistris, scabinis, decurionibus aliisque judicibus et magistratibus ciuitatis Verensis in Zelandia, amicis nobis charissimis, propositus, baUiui, et consules Edin- burgensis ciuitatis, in regno Scotie, salutem, cum mense lulio proxime preterite 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 cniusque ciuitatis ordini mercatorio concessis, per procuratores (quos burgorum coramissarios nominamus) sepius fieri solent, vt de rebus omnibus, que ad rem vtili- tatemque et commodum totius ordinis facere posse videbuntur, libere statuant et concludaut, 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 ciuUes tumultus qui totam pene Flandriam iamdiu multumque obnoxiam tenue- runt incertis locis vagabatur in vestram ciuitatera 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 seu commissarii nobiscum, vna voce et consensu earum legitimum actorem, factorem, 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 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 earn que rem securitates et cautiones ad ceitiorem 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 ufcilitatem et commodum spectabuut, que ad officia procuratoris actoris syndic! commissarii et negotiorum gestoris de jure pertinere noscuntur, queque ipsimet constituentes plenis- sima vti fuerant suarum ciuitatum authoritate instruct! presentes agere facere possunt ratum gratum firmum et stabile id omnino habituri quod ab eo in preuiissis rite gestum fuerit, sub pena et obligatione omnium bonorum mobilium et immobilium presentium et futurorum — Volumus tamen vt is opem consilium et avithoritatem Magistri Georgii Hakkett priuelgiorum nostra 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 bui-gh of Edinburgh in Scotland. To the mychtie and nobill lordis, burrow maisteris, judges, and maeistrates of the citie of Campfer in Zeland, wiUis 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 lawfullie constitute to that effect, quhilk ar commonlie callet the commissaris of burrois, conforme to the lawis and priueledges graunted be owre Souerane Loird the Kingis Maiestie to his lieges, callit the estait of merchandis, for reasonyng and concluding wpoun thingis concernyng 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 stapiU of this realme with zoue in the auld place, quhair it wes of befoir during 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 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 reasoun, treitt, and conclude wpoun the placing of the said stapill, and to that effect constitutis, makis, and nominatis Conventio7i of Royal Burghs. 57 him oure factoure, actor, and speciall erand berar, to quhome we have givia and graunted full and frie power, speciall mandement, and charge, to do, awys, treitt, resone, and conclude the placing, establissing, and conseruing 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 renewet conforme to zoure promisis to be fulfillit, augmentit as oure said commissioner sail require, and fynaUie 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 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, factor, or speciall erand berar in sic caissis is knawin to appertene, quhilk the saidis haiU commissaris of burrowis mycht do gif thai wer present thame selffis, haueand full power to that effect ; promisand ferme and stabill haldand, and for to hald, all and quhatsumeuer thingis the said Henry thair commissioner in the premisses thinkis neidfull 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 helpe off Alexander Segait, zoure citezane, 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 willis of this realme of Scotland. Item, In the first, to desyire that aU 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 best 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 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 witli the fyschearis, and als to se the schoir be weill 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 concernyng 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, 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 to oure conseruatour, and that for aw oy ding of all ewiU 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 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 cure natioun sail maist resort, sail be fre from ludging, and in commotatioun of soldiouris or men of weir. Item, That incais ony waiiance betuix ony suppost of oure natioun and ane of the towne, or ony of the kingis subiectis, for ony ciuUl or criminall cans, that the conseruatour be callit to heir the reasonyng and aUedgeance 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 aetiones betuix the suppostis of oure natioun, the judges handis of Campfeir may be secludit, and the decisioun and punischment thairof reseruit to oure eonseruitour, lykas in all ciuUl 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 alsweiU 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 realme. Item, Becaus off the ewill air within the lill, ingenerit to the deid and loist of mony of oure natioun, quhOk be apperance sail gretumlie incres, incais the salt pannis in the feir be nocht remowit and taikin away, quhairfoir ze sail desyire the samyn to be dimolisit. Item, That it be procurit to impetrat of the magistratis of Antuarp, tna or thre houssis, calht 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 quhUk we haue with zow. Farthir, in thir and all vthir thingis we sail haue to do con- cernyng 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 weiiis 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 60 Cofivention of Royal Burglis. a-.sist, fortifie, and aid zowe at fchair wtter pouer. And siclyk, that giff it sail liappin 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 pairte 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 iudo-es of Campfer, to procure at the Princes handis the redres of the guidis pylleit be thame of Flissing frome oure nj^chtbouris Mongo Russell, Allexander Clerk, AUexander Russell, Maister lohne Prowand, 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 guidis 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 aggiie, but stop as said is. The Copye of the Commissioun and Procuratioun giwin be the toun of Campfeir, concerning the stapill their, as followis : — Nos Consules Scabini et reliqui Senatores Ciuitatis Verensis in Zelandia, etc., notum facimus omnibus et singulis quorum hec scire interesse poterit quod ordinauimus et commisimus Alexandrum Segait illique plenam et specialem auctoritatem dedimus vt nostro et totius corporis huius ciuitatis nomine proficiscatur, et se transferat in regnum Scotie, ibique cum no- bilibus et deputatis singularum vi-bium senatoribus eiusdem regni agat illisque aperiat 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 illius instructionem illi a nobis ea de causa in scriptis datam, et preterea generaliter et specialiter in agendis negotiis antedictis sese exerceat atque preheat quemadmodum iidelem commissarium decet, promittentes nos vel vnumquemque nostrum pro firmo et rato habituros vel habiturum quicquid in re predicta a prefato nostro commissario secundum substantiam materiel illius instructionis Convention of Royal Burghs. 61 actum transactum vel resolutum fuerit, idqiie quantum ad nos nostrosque subditos pertinet fideliter in omnibus partibus exequuturos. In cuius rei testimonium sigillum ad causas predicte ciuitatis his appendi jussimus secundo die raensis lunii anno 1578. Et sic subscribitur. In absentia secretarii subscripsit J. Smit. Tlie Copy of the Instructionis efter the quhilk Alexander Segait salbe reullit in the eS'aires committit vnto him be the tovne of Campfeir, to entreit or handill with my Loirdis Commissionairis or Deputes of Estaitis of the gude tovjies of Scotland. Item, in the first, he sail present vnto thair wisdomes and gudnessis our maist efFectuall commendationis, with oure offeris of sevuice at all tymes, quhensoeuer occasioun sail serue, or quhen we salbe requyrit be thame thairto. Thanking thame maist hertfullie of thair gude ancient lufe and affec- tion born 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 born 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 sindiy tymes of befoir being requyrit be ws to accept the sara 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 Con oention of Royal Burghs. ancient lufe born towardis ws lyke as we vnderstand he zit beris to ws and quhome we beleve hes na les credit with zour lordschips. Thairfoir fyndis proper and meit that he sail handill and treit with zour lordschips in this affaires, 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 quavrell or actioun suld happyn or mycht fall betuix ony of the said natioun and subiectis of this cuntrie, ather ciuill or criminall, quhither it be of the effaires 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 effaires appertenis mair nor vtheris, that nocht alanerlie they salbe confermit or avancit of thair auld ancient rychtis and privelegis vsit heir, bot alsua that they salbe accomodat and helpit in all thingis revsonabill heirtofoir rehersit, sua that the honour and ayth of the said baillie and magistratis be nocht violentit nor interest. Forther, to assure thame that we saU agrie with thame for the place of ane hous for the natioun, of fyve or sax principall houssis of factouris, qubairof we refer the naming or chosing to the discretioun of the com- missioneris of thair saidis tovnes, or to tlie 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 friedome of the excyse or ony kynd of impoist, alsweill vpon the wyne as vpon the beir, 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 the Magistratis of the tovne of Campfeir sail fynd convenient for the sam, to the end they salbe eontentit with resoun, and greitlie to thank the liberalitie of the said magistrat of Campfeir mon agrie thairfoir, and mak Convention of Royal Burghs. 63 pa3'ment 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 betuis ony merchantis of the said natioun, 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 custom e 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 neidfuU and accustomat. How aLsua we vnderstand sure.lie ordour to be tane for help of the said channell be laubour of dyking and mending of the heides and bekynnis, in all places neidfuU and accustomat. Augmenting alsua, that we half 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 bavin, for to help them forther, we sail cause oure awin schippis, and fischaris, and vtheris, to mak thame place. 64 Convention 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 tliame 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, alsua, we sail delyuer ane copy to the sade conseruatour, in sic soirt, that thay sail half 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 v/xderstand be oure doingis, with als gude hert or will as ever we did plesour or serviice to ony man in this warld. Because of the publict exercyse of thair religion, as it is vsit for the present in Scotland, quhilk aucht to be the end and principall of all thingis, thay ar surelie inform it 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 saltpan nis, 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 sail nocht find thame- selues to be sua miscontentit, as thay ar persuaded, because thair is bot ane 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 tlie 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. 65 In the parliament haldin at Strladlng, the xviij of Mij 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 burris of Scotland, that thair stapill be placit and sett doun in the Campheir, indming thair wiUis, conforme to thair commissioun and procuratioun granttit and gevin to the richt honorabill Henry Nysbet, thair commissar, and ane of the counsale of the burch of Edinburgh, with the avise and counsale of Maister 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 all 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 vpliftit ten stures of euerye sek of guddis pertenying to the saidis mer- chantis, to be deUuerit 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, po5md, 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. 66 Convention of Royal Burghs. Conventio hurgorum regni Scotice tenia in pretorio hurge de Dondie, jper commissionarios hurgorum. suhscriptes vltimo die mensis Octohris, ac primo tertio quarto et quinto diebus Nouembris anno 1578, etc. At quhilk tyme comperit Maister lohnn Preston and Henry Chair- teris, commissioneris of Edinburgh ; Alexander Culane, commissioner for Abirdene ; Williame Norowell, commissioner for Striveling ; Dioneis Conquerour, commissioner for Perth ; Walter Guthre, commissioner for Montrois ; Charles Drummond, provest, and lames Hamylton, baillie, commissioneris for Linlithqw ; Harbart Ranyng, commissioner for Dum- freis ; lohnn Ayton, commissioner for Haddington ; Williame Bonkill and and Williame Kelly, commissioneris for Dumbar ; WilHame 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 Ramsy, commissioner for Abirbrothok ; lohnn Hakket and lohn 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 burghis commissionis aboue speceifeit, specialliec onstitute, convenit for thair dewfull 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. : — AiteratioTin of. In the first, Forsamekill as the alteratioun and change of the auld the taxt roiies ^^^^^ ^.^j-^ j^^g hene concludit vpon in dyueris conventions of the estait of burrowis, to the eifect that the dekyit buiTOwis 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 burrowis than being present, that the auld taxt Convention of Royal Burghs. 67 roll suld be alterit and changit at the nixt conveution of the saidis estatis to be haldiu 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 roycht 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 roil, as the said act at mair lenth proportis, quhilk suld half 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, quhairthrow 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 resonabiU, 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 Edinburgh to bring with thame the said auld taxt rolUs to be alterit and' reformit, in maner foirsaid. And for the alteratioun and reformatioun thairof, the saidis commissioneris convenit hes electit and chosin thair honorabUl nycht- bouris efter following : to wit, the said Maister lohnn Preston, commissioner for Edinburgh ; Alexander Culane, commissioner for Abirdene ; WiUiam Norowell, commissioner for Perth [Striveling] ; "Walter Guthre, commissioner for Montros ; lames Fleschour, commissioner for Cowpar ; lohnn Ayton, commissioner for H^dingtoun ; 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 roIi, and that alsweill vpon the copy of the said auld tast roll now had be the commissioneris of Perth and vtheris bun'owis, 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 horning vpon the said new taxt roU to be maid in maner foirsaid, for obedience thairof, vpon all burrowis within this realme, siclike as was directed of befoir vpon the said auld taxt roll. Aneuttiio Item, It is concludit and ordanit that ane supplicatioun be maid and to buSowis™ gevin in to the Kingis Grace and Lordis of Secreit Counsall be the commis- pas to Wairden gioneris of Edinburgh, Dondie, Sterveling, Perth, and Lynlythqu, concern- nent 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 haiU body of the realm war chairgit to pas aganis forain ennemeis, and to seik remeid thairin. Anent 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 trafiique 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 aU 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- Convention of Royal Burghs. 69 tionis, and cbairgis for the commoun weill of the realm, quhairof the saidis vnfrie tovnis ar frie 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 God and actis of parhament, that the burrowis hurt and adjacent 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 Secreit Counsall nocht onUe to dischairge the saidis merkatis simpUciter, bot alsua to coniiscat 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 letteiis to execution, and that the executionis may be producit befoir the commissioneris of burrowis at ilkane of thair conventionis, that na diligence be omitted quhiU the fynall abolesing of the saidis merkatis. Iteji, 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 saU 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 all burghis and tovnis fra the watter of Foirth, 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 aU 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 Tables of pitiie- the vniformatie of all pitte-customes lifted within the Kingis Maiesties bunwis." frie burrowis of this realme be put to executioun, and that the commis- sioneris of Edinburgh bring with thame thair taibiUis of pittiecustomes 70 Convention of Royal Burghs. the nixfc convention to be haklin at Cowpar the day foirsaid, with the quhilkis the saidis commissioneris of Edinburgh ar content. Outland bur- Item, Tliey ratefie and appreve the act maid for charging of burgessis remanand without tlie biirgh to resoirt to tlie tovne thay ar maid frie- men witliin fourty dayes nixt efter thair chairge, vnder the payne of tyn- sall of thair fredomes, and that the said act be put to executioun im- mediatlie. Ratiflcatioun of Item, Ratefeis and apprevis tlie actis efter following, and ordanis the preceding.*^ 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 tlie act anent the taking of vnfriemenis 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 chrrgeit!^'^" 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 Strivehng fore ilk paiiia- tuiching the convention of burro wis, that quhairever the parliament is ment. haldin, or convention of the nobilitie or estaitis of the realme, that the pro vest of the burgh quhairin the samyn is haldin sail mak aduerteisment to the remanent burro wis or thair commissioneris thar being present, that thay may convene together and pas to the parliament or convention for vttering and declaring of thair materis concerning the commoun weill of thair estaitis. Ten thousand Item, The saidis commissioneris be thir presentis consentis that the Perth brig. ^ct of parliament maid at Striveling tuichiDg the vphfting of ten thou- sand merkis for support of the brig of Perth, be obeyit and vplifted as efferis. Nixtconven- Item, This Convention being concludit and endit, the commissioneris Cowpar. foirsaidis hes appoynted thair nixt convention to be haldin at Cowpar in Fyiff, 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 lawfull wairning to compeir the said day and place, specialie for reformatioun of the auld taxt roUis 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 has subscryuit thir presentis with thair handis. Extractum de libro statutorum dicfce conuentionis per me Alexandrum Wedderburn scribam communitatis dicti burgi de Dondie sub meis signo et subscriptione manualibus. Et sic siibscribitur. A. WEDDERBURN. Apud Dondie, tertio die mensis Nouembris, 1578. The quhilk day the commissioneris of burrowis in thair convention n Steipili 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 Wedderburn 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, Cowpa,r. xxvj, xxvij, and last dayes of Februar, the zeir of God, I™ V= Ixxviij zeris, comperit the commissioneris vnderwrittin of the burrowis of this realme be thair commissionis vndir thair commoun seillis, and pairt thairof vnder the subscriptionis of the common clarkis thairof off quhome thair names efter followis : Edinburgh, Maister lohnn Preston, lames Ros ; Striveling, Williame Norowell ; Dondie, lames Forester, dene of gild, Peter Clayhillis; Glasqu, Gawine Grahame ; Perth, Dioneis Conquerour ; Sanctandrois, Williame Ferry; Cowpar, Schir Dauid Lyndesay, hone provest, Alexander Jameson, lames Peterson ; Innernes, Williame Bailhe, George Ros ; Dum- freis, Ha'rbart Ranyng ; Air, Robert Campbell, baillie ; Lynlithqu, Andrew 72 Convention of Royal Burghs. Kar ; Hadington, lohnn Aytoun ; Dunbar, Maureis Lawder, Williame Bonkill ; Forfar, lohnn Traill ; Breichan, Kobert Kynair ; Rugling, Dauid Spens, baillie ; Northbervik, lohnn Spens ; Montros, Walter Guthre ; Aberbrothok, lames Ramsay ; Kirkcaldj^ 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, secund, 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 rollis 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 i-ollis ; and to the efiect the samyn mycht be alterit, they have ordainit the commissioneris of Edinburgh to bring with thame in the foirsaid nixt convention the auld taxt rollis 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 honourabiU nychtbouris efter following : — Maister lohnn Preston, commissioner for Edinburgh ; Alexander Culane, commissioner for Abirdene ; William Norowell, commissioner for Striveling ; Dioneis Conquerour, commissioner for Perth; Walter Guthi-e, 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 roUis, 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 roU of ane hundreth pundis to be coUeetit of the haill burrowis of this realme, vnder the subscription of Alexander Guthre, commoun dark of Edinburgh, quliilk the said Maister lohnn declairit vpon bis conscience the samyn to be the trew extract of the principall taxt roll foirsaid, quhairvpoii they devyde the haill Convention of Royal Burglts. 73 extentis and taxationis vpoun the burrowis of this realrne, quhen taxa- tionis occurris and ar imposit vpoun the bun-owis of this realme, and thairupon asket instrumentis. And the said Maister lohnn Preston, conimissioner foirsaid, Williame Norowell, Dioneis Conquerour, Walter Guthre, lohnn Ayton, Patrik Clayhillis, and Alexander Jameson commis- 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 rehersit respectuie, acceptit reformatioun and alteratioun of the saidis taxt roUis vpon thame in presence of the haiU commissioneris foirsaidis, and hes maid fayth to do the samyn lealelie and trewlie conform to thair knawlege ; sua that they efter lang avysement thair be thame tliairanent, haifand God and gude conscience befoLr eis, hes altogether refformit the saidis rollis, as tliey ar particularlie vnderwritten vpon ilk burgh in speciall vpon the sovme of of ane hundreth pundis to be tane and collected of the haiU burrowis. Ajid this reformatioun to stand for the space of thre zeiiis 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 haUl. And the saidis commission- eris hes assignet for collection of Ok hundreth pundis of tax foirsaid thretty schillingis 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 roll, and vpon na vtheris ; and that oure Souerane Lordis letteris of horning directit vpon the said new taxt roU for obedience thairof, as was ever at ony tyme dii'ectit 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 burro,wis of this realme. Inprimis, Edinburgh with Kingorn Rugling, viij s. and Innerkething, xxviij li. Air, iij li. vij s. iij d. Striveling, xlvj s. vi d. Irrewing, xxvij s. Linlithqu, xxiij s. viij d. Glasqu, xliiij s. vj d. K 74 Convention of Royal Burghs. Rothesay, x s. Dumbartan, xvij s. ix d. Ranfrew, xxs. iij d. 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 s. viij d. Perth, vj li. xvj s. Banff, xiij s. vj d. Dunfermeling, xvj s. Craill, XXX s. Kirkcudbrycht, xvj s. Wigtoun, xvj s. Quhithorn, xvj s. Forfar, x s. j d. Breichan, xxx s. Montrois, xliij s. Elgyne, xxvj s. viij d. Innernes, xxx s. Abir broth ok, xx s. Sanctandrois, iij li. x s. Cowpar, XXXV s. vj d. Culane, vj s. x d. Forres, xvj s. ix d. Nairn, vj s. x d. Thayne, x s. j d. Dysart, xxx s. Kirkcaldy, xx s. Pittinweme, xiij s. iiij d. Sumina totalis, ane hundreth ane pundis ten schillingis ane penny, and this ane pund ten s. ane penny for the collection thairof. Et sic sub- scribitur. Maister lohnn Preston, commissioner for Edinburgh. Peter Clayhillis, 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- chantis cum- mand to Cam- pheir. The quhilk day the saidis commissioneris statutis and ordanis that thair be ane wryting directed be the tovne of Edinburgh to the tovne of 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 tliay saill furth of, merchantis and gild bi'ethir, and qulia dois testefeing thame to be frie Convention of Royal Burglis. 75 vtlierwe3as, the Conseruatour to intromet with thair geir thair present, escheit the samyn, as ane vnfriemannis geir. Aad ilk persoun merchant of this realme bring with thame ane tikket vnder the subscription of the dene of gild, baillie, or dark 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 Commission- parliament or convention of burrowis, bot sic as ar frie merchantis and mmt'to'be Sie ild brethir traffecquaris thairin as ane frie merchant, and quhat burgh burgessia. 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 bnrrowis, 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 pretence of Cuioring vnfiie 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 parUament to be haldin in woii,etc.,traiis- Strivehng the x day of Merche nixttocum, that na woll be transportit porting. 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 desyir the act of parliament to be put to executioun anent Fisciie. the lischeris quhUk 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 and Serciieomns : ' , . ,.^. ^ ,. ,1 ,1 • • • c 1 • i 1 dewtv of iS;ilt. Lordis of hLS 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 vpliftand ane extraordinar dewtie of x s. of ilk chalder of salt passing furth of this realme, to the greit hurt and pieiudice 76 Convention of Royal Burghs. of all oure Souerane Lordis lieges, quhilk dewtie they onlie apply to tliame selues. Sei-oiieouris: Itkm, To desypB in the said parliament that remeid be socht aganis forbiddinguids gersouris quhilkis ouerseis the forebodin wairis of this realms, to be trans- ported or oareit 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 desyre that na stop nor impediment be maid to sic personis Norway with ^f ^j^jg realmo as passis to Noroway with schone, salt, malt, or lynning clayth, for hamebringing of tymmer, bot they to be frie to transport the saidis wairis thairto. ingiis clayth. Item, To be rememberit to be proponit in the said parliament that na person in this realme bring hame Ingiis clayth furth of Ingiand to this realme to be sauld thairin, becaus the samyn is ane greit hurt to the realme, and is the occasion of mony vagabund wemen to pas ydill thairin for laik of well, laubouring and making of clayth. Item, Ordanis euery burgh within this realme to tak ordour anentis thame quha haniis the litting of fals 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 discre- tioun of the magistratis of the burgh they are tane in. New impoistis Item, To desyre the tovne of Edinburgh in all thair names ane suppli- in France. catiouu to the Magistratis of Deip in France, desjTuig reformatioun of the new^ impoistis raisit vpon the lieges of this realme arryving thairait, quhairthrow 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 half 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 with ony vther mesour nor that quhilk salbe maid of bras ; And that uniuersally throw the haill burrowis of this realme, euer ilk trois wecht keip the iust wecht of xvj vuces for the pund, conforme to the Frenche Convention of Roycd Bm^ghs. 77 wecbt, and that the Mayistratis 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 pay x li. toties quoties. Item, That ilk burgh within this realme haif thair furlotis and mesouris Furiots ana conforme to the staine of Linlithqu in all soirtis, and that na maltman haif nor vse ony half boll metis, except 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, Nixtconven- hes appoynted thair nixt convention to be haldin in Glasqu the xxiiij day qi^^^" ^^ ^' of Februar 1579 ; And ordanis the said burgh to direct thair missives to the remanent burrowis of this realme for making of dew and lawfull wairning to thame to compeir the said day and place for treitting vpon sic thingis as tend to the glorie of God, dew obedience of oure Souerane Lord, and estait and weiU of burrowis. And quhat burgh faUzeisto com- peir to pay X li. In witnes of the quhilk thing the saidis commissioneris hes subscryuit the samyn with thair handis as efter followis. Mr. lo^. Preston, commissioner for Edinburgh. lames Eos, 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 Perth. W™. Norowell, commissioner for Striveling. Gawine Grahame, commissioner for Glasqu. D. Lyndesay, commissioner for Cowpar. Alex''. lameson, commissioner for Cowpar. Walter Guthre, commissioner for Montrois. 78 Convention of Boyal BurgJis. Followis the Actis and Statutis maid at Striueling the fytt day of August the zeir of God I"". V". threscoir nyne- tene zeiris. The commissioner-is of burrois convenit in the Tolbuith of the same, quha conchidit and deliherit vpon the articles following, in maner as is efter declairede. Conventioun befoir the parliament. Campheir : salt pannis ; loist mailles. Consematour ; ten stuiris, and compt tkairof. Fraucliting of Bchippis. 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 parHament 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 pvouest, baillies, and counsale of Edin- burgh write effectuouslie to the toun of Campheir anent the demolischeing of the salt pannis thairof sa far as thai ar troubilsome, as alsua tuiching the loist mailles, and werkmen quhairin diuers ar extortionat be the tousting vsit vpoun thame be thair compromit maid thairanent. As alsua write to Maister George Halket dischargeing him of receaving of the ten sturis of the seek in all tyme 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 aggi-eit 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, Peirtb, Striveling, Abirdene, to tak ordoure anent the vsing of the excise beir and wyne in Campheir, Ai'ticlis following remittit to the nixt meting of burrois. 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 pajdt, ordour is to be tane thairin the xv day of October nixt. And in the menctyme the commissioneiis present to Convention of Royal Burghs. 79 report the discommoditie tliairof to thair nychtbouris and haue thair aduise agane the said day. Anent the supplicatioun gevin in be the prouest, baillies, counsale, and Niohtbourfs of communitie of the burch of Edinburgh, makand mentioun that it is nochtq^^^^gf i^. Tinknawin how thair was sevin nichtbouris of Edinburgh put and detenit P™"'"*- 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 suppHcatioun beris, the commissioneris convenit remitts the ansuer heirof to thair nixt conventioun ; and in the menetyme ilk commissioner to confer with thair nichtbouris as eiferis. Ferder, Remittis the supHcatioun direct be Alexander Segat tuiching Minister in the uphald of ane minister in Campheir to the nixt assembley as said is. Campheir. FoUowis the namis of the commissioneris for the burrois efter declairit, covenit day and place foirsaidis. Gilbert Dik, baiUie for Edinburgh. Robert Raning, Drumfreis. Henrie Nesbet. Moreis Lauder, Dumbar. Henrie Cbarteris. Thomas Lauder, Northbervik. Alexander Scrymgeour, baiUe, Dunde. lames Cokburne, Hadingtoun. Dioneis Conquerour, Perth. Robert SempUl, Dumbertane. Andro Balfoure, Sanctandrois. Hew Campbell, Irving. Gawane Grahame, Glasqw. Hew Neuen, Irving. Thomas Murray, Striviling. Adame Moffet, baillie, Peiblis. WiUiame Norwell, Striviling. Gilbert Tuedie, Peiblis. Andro Buke, Abirdene. Robert Waus, Innernes. Williame Stewart, Air. Dauid Brintoun, Lanark. Schir David Lindesay of Mountb, Rolland Mwir, Lanark. Cowper. lohne Traill, Forfar. lames Flescbeour, Cowper. lohne Ramsay, Carreill. Charles Drummond, prouest, lin- Robert Cuik, Pettinveyme. hthgw. lohne Barclay, Pettinveyme. This is the iust copie of the procedingis in the assemblie befoir writtin, collationat be the principaU, subscriueit be me, lohne Muschet, clerk thairto, witnessing my signe and subscriptione manuaU. Et sic subscri- bitur. I. MUSCHETT. 80 Convention of Royal Burghs. Folloivis the actis and statutis maid he the commissioneris of hurrowis assemhlit to tlie Parliament haldin at Edinburgh in October 1579, as alsua the articules gevin in be tliame thairto. For Ediuburgh, with commission seillit and subscryvit, Alexander Clark, provest, Henry Nesbett, baillie, and Maister lohnn Preston; Perth, Dioneis Conquerour, "VVilliame Flemyng ; for Dondie, with commission, Alexander Scrymgeonr, Peter Clayhillis ; for CraiU, 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, provest, Williame Meinzeis, his brother, and Alexander Ruther- furde, baillie, without commission schawin ; Sanctandrois, Maister Dauid Russell, without commission ; Hadingtoun, lames Cokburn, and Williame Broun, bailKe, but commission ; Cowper, Dauid Patersoua, 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, lohun Traill, without commission schawin ; Elegene, lohnn Annand, provest, but commissioun ; Dumfreis, Harbert Ranyng, 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 Noiihbervik, Thomas Lawder ; for Dunfermling, Robert Pawton ; for Air, Edward Wallace. Dondievniawit The samyn day the commissioneris of burro wis abouewrittin, being con •■ ftairpriylstin^enit in the Nether Tolbuyth of the said burgh of Edinburgh, all in voce 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, commissioun. oommiser Don- die. Convention of Royal Burghs. 81 nocht beand ane merchant trafficquar, in commission at the convention haldin at Striveling in August last bypast. The samyn 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 hes schawin na commissioun to treitt vpoun the effaires of burrowis, bot onUe Avar convenit to the Parliament. Item, The saidis commissioneris statutls and ordanis that zeirlie at the Jedge maisteiia feist of Michaellmess, quhilk is the ordinar tyme of the electioun of officiaris 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 fuU commis- sion 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 gudes. Item, Anentis the desjrre of the commissioneris of Glasqu, desyrit the Eesyi-e of heip- heipit mettis uniuersaHe to be reformit, and that ane Act of Parliament Giasqu. war maid thairvpoun, 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 tyme 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- Expenssis burgh that the answer to be gevin to thair supplicatioun presented befoir Edinburg™ ° the commissioneris of burrowis last convenit in Striveling, anentis the rembursement 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 governement, was con- tinewit to this present conventioun, as ane act maid thairvpoun proportis ; Concludis 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- L 82 Convention of Royal Burghs. structed to that effect, and have special! commission thairto ; 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. Extentt to be Item, Efter lang resonyne: with ane act producit befoir thame be the sett for rem- o •/ o i bursing of the saidis commissioneris, quhairby it was ordanit that Adame Fullerton suld be°EdInira4h*' ^^ dispeschit with all diligence to Ingland for suting of redres of the in the burrowis gchippis and gudes pilleit be the Inglismen fra the merchandis of this names to -"^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ °^ Adame Foul- realme, and that for making of his chairges thair, thair suld be ane gene- rall extent of tuelf hundreth merkis sett to be vplifted of the haill burrowis of this realme, viz., nyne 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 I 577, 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 vplifted 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, Cowpai', Dumbartan, and Dumfreis dissassented to the making heirof The commissioneris present continewis the resonyng vpoun the placing oi 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 sufhcientlie instructit and half 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 Cokburn. Henry Neisbett. Williame Browne. Alx'' Scrymgeour. Maister Dauid Russell, dissas- Robert Alschindir. senting to the penult artikle. George Elphynstoun. Eduard Wallace. Convention of Royal Burghs. 83 Hew CampbeL Williame Bonkle, commissioner Thomas Lauder. of Dunbar. Dawid Peirsone. H. Ranyng, of Drumfreis. Rolland Mwir. Folloivis the acti's, statutis, and conclusioun, maid and taikin '^'^'i^- at Glasqu, in the convention aiid assemhlie of burrowis haldin tit air at, the xxiiij, xxv, xxvj, and xxvij dayis of Februar^ 1579, be the cominissioneris thairof vndirtcritr- tzn, quha presented thair commissionis paArtlie vnder thair commoun seillis, and ane vther pairtt vnder the sid)Scri]ytions of the common clarkis of the saidis bur- roivis, of quhome the namis foUowis : Edinburgh, Henry Nesbett, baillie, Henry Chairteris ; Air, George Lokkart, George Cocheran ; Cowper, Dauid Philp, thesaurer ; Irowyne, Hew Campbell, provest, Gawane Nasmyth ; Craill, Dauid Ramsay ; Lyn- lithqu, Andrew 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, baiUie, Richartt Blythe ; Hadington, Robert Nesbett, pro- vest, Alexander Symson ; Dumbartan, Maister Williame Houstoun ; Glasqu, George Elphinestone, Williame Cunynghame, baiUies ; 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 quhUk day, comperit lohnn Wyce, burges of Glasqu, and producit Commission- ane commission to compeir for the tovne of Wigtoun, and desyrit to be wkrtounf"''' admitted commissioner for thame, quhilk desyre the haiU commissioneris abouewrittin thocht nawayis resonabil], 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. Commission- 'jj^g samvn dav, comperit NicoU Palmer as ane messensrer direct be the ens: Dunfreis, •' •' r -r\ i- • i ^ i ±l i- l-h Misiwe. baiUies and commurutte of Duniries, and presented ane letter ot ratmca- tion of all thingis to be done in this present conuention to be concludit on, subscryuit be tliair commoun dark, quhilk the commissioneris accepted, bot nocht as ane commission. Protestaticun Siclike, comperit Stevin Martyne, and producit ane commissioun fra Craiii. the baillies counsall and communitie of Pettinweme, and desyrit to be admitted as commissioner for thame, quhome the haill commissioneris foir- saidis, together with his commission, admitted, without preiudice of the biirgh of Craill, and the action intented and dependand betuix thame, presentlie befoir the Lordis of Sessioun : And Dauid Ramsay, commis- sioner for Craill, protested thatt the recept of the saidis commissioner of Pettinweme and his commission suld nocht preiuge thairrichtor privelege, nor zit the action dependand betnix thame thairupoun befoir the Lordis of Session, becaus, as he aUegit, Pittenweme was and is within the boundis friedome and libertie of Craill, and heirvpon askit instrumentis. BatifioatiouB, Alsua, comfierit Alexander Scrymgeour and Richart Blythe, commis- rf°tii'e act maid sioneris for Dondie, and ratefeit and aprevit the act maid at Striveling in sterreiing. iji \]^q convention of burrowis haldin thair the xxv of October, 1579, 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 contenit ; 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 ratiiicatioun, maid be thame of Perth, preiugit thame nocht touching the prioritie of thair place, albeit they be second in ratification as said is. rrotestatioun, The samyn day, Robert Alexander, commissioner for Striveling, pro- tested thatt quhatsumeuer thing beis done or decernit betuix the burghis 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. Dondy, Pertii. Item, Forsamekill 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 Co7iventio?i of Royal Burghs. 85 resonyng thairwith be the saidis commissioneris, it was ernistlie requestit be thame, in respect of the wechtie materis now to be treittit tuiching the weilfare and libertie of the haill burrowis, that the saidis commissioneris of Perth and Dondie suld tak A'p, in hoip of concord, the said mater, and all vther materis debatabill and questionabill betiiix the saidis tua bur- rowis, sua thatt perpetuall amitie may heirefter remane 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- foir 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 cause 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 salhave 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 contenand 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 baith, 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 priori tie of thair places clamit. The. commissioneris foirsaidis hes with ane consent promeist to pas Act for vniaw- altogether to Striveling in proper personis, at the leist for euery tovne iumis nooM to ane commissioner, and Edinburgh twa, to geve thair ansuer to the Stnveimg. Kingis Maiestie, to his Hienes petitionis, and to pas furth of this tovne of Glasqw on Sonday nixt, the xxviij of Februar instant, to be thair 86 Convention of Boyal Burghs. that nycht, God willing, ilk tovne presentlie conuenit vnder the payne of tuenty pundis. Extentt^Boui- '^^® commissioneris foirsaidis hes maid creafc and constitute Henry zeoun. Nesbett, baiUie, Henry Charteris, commissioneris of Edinburgh, Richart 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 burrowis 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 StriveUng and perform e the samyn, with power to substitute procuratouris, and als 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 siiperplus of the said compte, and the rest that happynis to be recouerit to be furthcumand to the haill biirrowis, and brocht in to thame at their nixt convention ; provyding thair expenssis exceid nocht tuenty pundis. ingtoun.' '^ ' 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 Sessioun, 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 Arnott 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 clames. And the saidis iuges to convene in Edinburgh vpon the ix day of Merche nixt, and to decern thairanent betuix and the xx day thairefter, with power to the saidis iuges and ouerisman to prorogat for aucht dayes nixt Convention, of Royal Burghs. 87 tliaireffcer. 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 contendantis 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. Iteii, The haill commissioneris of burrowis presentlie conuenit hes Anentisaction- ratefeit and aprevit, etc., the act maid in the conuention of burrowis haldin at Striveling thexx-vth of October 1574, beringthatt all comraoun contrauersies and questions debatubill, and actions amangis burrowis concerning their liberties, salbe, befoir ony proces or pleyis, proponit in the generaU conuentioun of burrowis, and the samyn amicablie referrit to thre or four that salbe chosin bo common consent to decyde thair- intill, as in the said act at mair lenth is contenit, quhUk 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 commissioneris 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 paynis contenit in the actis eUis maid, saU pay of penaltie to the pairtie willing to abyde at the samyn the sovme of ane hundrith li. money, for coistis skaythis and dampnages sustenit and to be sustenit thairthrou. Item, The commissioneris of Hadingtoun dissassented fra the appoynt- Protestationn, ing of the said sovme of penalty that it preiuge thame nocht, and thair- " ngtoun. vpoun askit instrumentis. Item, Anent the complaynt gevin in be Hew Campbell provest, and sxtentt irow- Gawine Naimyth, commissioneris of Irowyne, first gevin in to the Kingis '"«• Grace and Lordis of Secreit Coimsall, 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 Boyal Burghs. avysing thairwith, ordainis quhen ony taxationis salhappin 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 buiTowis, to wit, the provest, baillies, and counsall thairof sail cause and depute certan suorn men of the tovne to taxt euery ane within the samyn according to their habilitie. Protestatioun, IxEM, Maistcr Williame Houstoun, commissioner for Dumbartan, Houston com- ' ' ...,,.,i, missioner protested that the said ordinance be nocht preiudiciall to the said burgh of Dumbartan anent thair vse of stenting, and thairupoun tuke note. Laneark, Eug- Item, Anent the Complaint gevin in be Dauid Bryntoun and Williame lene. WUkyne, commissioneris of lianeark, aganis the provest, baillies, and counsall of Ruglene, comperand be Dauid Spens thair commissioner, committed be thame in making of ane greit nomber of cuntrie landwart men, nocht duelland nor willing to duell within thair burgh, burgessis 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, baUliea and counsall of Ruglyn to cause varne 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 furth of thair I'oUiS; 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 burgessis bot according to actis of parliament and lawis of burgh. Continuatioun Item, Anent the supplicatioun gevin in be George Lokkart, for him- fnCbit^ti^'^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 manteinance 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 fuUie instructed quhat they will do thair- anent at the nixt convention of burrowis. Convention of Royal Burghs. 89 Item, It is statute and ordanit be the haill commissioneris of burro wis 4?^"';" ^^™^ oil flsCilP^ nQ present, that the provest and baillies within euery burgh, fra Glasqu weiu pakku west, quhair ony salmond keilling or vther fisches ar pakkit, sail dili- Mnd? ^ ^"'^'' gentlie vesie and se thatt the barreUis 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 witE the mark of thair tovne ; and thatt an fisches that ar to be saltit be weill and sufficientlie salted, and the samyn veseit be the ofiice men in euery tovne, to quhome it apertenis, or salbe appoynted thairto be the provest, bailKes, and counsaU thairof^ 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 buiTOwis ictisof ParUa- present, for execution of the actis of Parliament granted to the libertie '^ent to exeou- and privilege of burrowis, and concerning the privilege gevin to the provest and baillies of burrowis within thair awin iurisdiction, that the saidis 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 thairupon, vnder the payne of tuenty pundis. Item, The haill commissioneris of burrowis presentlie convenit, at the Continuatioan: requeist and desyre of the Elingis Maiestie, continowit and supersedit, as they continow and supersedis, all proceding aganis Maister George Hacquett, Conseruatour in Flanderis, quhiU the nixt convention of burrowis. Item, The haill commissioneris present hes promest to assist, fortifie, and fr?"" p'Tb™" 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 commissioneris of burrowis present ordanis the tovnis that Visitatioun, ar appoynted to vesy the hawin of Elay, sail, at thair convening in androis! 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 conventioun. 90 Convention of Royal Burghs. missioneris of buiTowis will complene to the Kingis Grace and his Coun- sall, for ordour to be tane thairanent. Vniawing of Item, The haiU commissioneris of burrowis present hes found euery the tovnis ab- ' • ii _f i i Bentt fra the ano of the tovnis following to have incurnt ten lb., for the payne and vnlaw for thair non comperance to this present conuentioun, as they quha war lawfullie varnit thairto, according to the act maid in the last convention at Cowper, viz : — Innernes, Elgene, Forres, Montrois, Jed- burgh, Dumfreis, Kirkcudbrycht, Quhithorn, Lawder, Northbervik, Kirkcaldy, Dysert, Forfar ; and for vptaking of the saidis . vnlawis, ordanes Edinburgh to cawse letteris be raisit for poynding thairfoir, and sum OjEficer of armes to inbring the samyn, and Edinburgh to be furth- cumand and comptabill thairfoir at the nixt conuention of burrowis. Conventioun to Item, The haill commissioneris of burrowis present hes apoynted that luiij mxt. ^jjg nixt 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 varning to the haill burrowis to compeir 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 varnit, thair commissioneris to pay ane vnlaw of xx lb. money, euery ane nocht comperand, to be bestowit on the common weill of burrowis. Apiid 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 forsindrie causis movino- tharae 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. Scrymgeour. Andro Ker. M. Patrik Quhytlaw. Dauid Pliilp. Richard Blyth. Dauid Ramsay. Robert Alscliunder. Stewia Martyne. Dionis Conquerrour. George Lokhart. Maister Dauid Russell. George Elphynstoun. Dauid Brintoun. Quinto Martij 1579. The quhilk day the commissioneris of burrowis appoynted at the ^e bm^eon"' last conuentioun of Glasqu to heir the comptes of Mongow Russell, burges 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 Ajrnott, 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 foUowis : — We, lames Erie of Mortoun, Lord of Dalkeith, Regent 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 clamit heirefter during the tyme of oure regiment, or of oure said soueranis les age, and be delyuerance of the said so'Vme ia pairt of payment foirsaid to oure seruitour, George Auchinleck of Balmanno ; off the quhilk sovme of nyne thowsand sevin hundreth fourty sevin pundis sex sclullingis 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. qviyte clamis, exoaeris, and discharges the said Mongow Russell, thesaurer foirsaid for himself and for the haill burrowis of this realme of the samyn for euer, be thir presentis snbscryuit 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 dyneris. Et sic subscribitur. JAMES EEGENT. The Compte of Mongow Russell, thesaurer of the burgh of Edinburgh, in anno 1575, of his intromissiouu with the boulzeon syluer ordanit to be vplifted of the haiU burrowis of this realme the tyme of the Erie of Mortoun's regiment, — chairge and dischairge, as fol- io wis, maid the day off Marche, 1579. AUDITOURIS. Henry Nesbett, baillie, Henry Ghairteris, Robertt Kar, eldar, and Ihonn Arnott for Edinburgh ; Williame Meinzeis for Abirdene ; Richartt Blythe for Dondie ; George Elphinestoim for Glasqu ; George Lokhartt for Air ; Robert Nesbett, provest, and Alexander Symson for Hadingioun. 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 efFaires, as the Roll beris in particular, xj™ li. xiiijs. Dischairge. Item, The said Comptar is to be.dischargitt with the sovme contenit in the acquittance on the Convention of Royal Burghs. 93 vther syde, subscryuit be my Lord Erie of Mortoun, Kegent for the tyme, of the dait the fourt day of Marche, 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 beris, xxxvj li. xiiijs. Item, 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 li. Item, With the half of the sovme quhairto North- bervik is extented, ia respect of the execu- tionis of horning producit, iiij li. ijs. vjd. Item, With the sovme quhairto Annand is extented, be resoun of the executionis of horning 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 executiouu producitt, xij li. vjs. viiijd. lTEM,;^With the' sovme quhairto Abimethy is ex- tented, in respect of the executionis of homing producit, v li. xiijs. Somme of the Comptaris discharge of the tounis putt to the horn for non-payment of their pairtis of this extentt, extending to j° lxiij li. vjs. 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 1575, vj li. 94 Convention of Royal Burghs. Item, At the second tyme for sending of letteris thairto, iiij H. 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, xls. Item, Drink syluer to the clarkis suerandis, xxiijs. iiijd. Item, To lames Makcartney, for sycht of the custome buikis at twa syndrie tymes, vj U. xvjs. viijd. Item, To WiUiame Lagane, pursuiuant, and WiUiame Forsythe, as thair acquittances beris, for ingathering of the extent of the boulzeon on this side of Forthe, j'^xl K. xjs. vjd. Item, To Patrik Dauidson for ingathering of this extent be north Abirdene, j'' li. Item, to lames Purdy 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 payuis in wryting the rollis, 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 wiyteris seruandis, xxvs. Item, For the Comptaris 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 furth of the realme, 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 haill burrowis and traffequaris of this reahne, for payment of the boulzeon syluer to James Erie of Mortoun, Regent for the tyme, of aU zeris bygane, and induring oure Souerane Lordis les age, and for making of vther extraordinar expens- sis as the samyn in particular proportis, being be the commissioner! s of burrowis vnderwrittia, auditouris appointed thairto, at lenth hard, sene, and avysithe 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 schiUingis 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 discharge, etc. Henry JSTeisbett. George Elphynstoun. Henrie Charteris. A. Sjrmsone. Richard Blythe. Robert Nesbett, with my hand led Williame Menzeis. be Ihonn Guthre notar. I George Lokhart. Guthre. 96 Convention of Royal Burghs. toS"or,°d6iy! The samyne day, the Erie of Mortonis acquittance of the boulzeon, N "b *t° ^^^^ together with the haUl executionis of horning aganis the burrowis nocht payand, and vtheris wrytes vsit be Mongow Russell for his discharge, at command of the commissioneris, auditouris of the saidis Mongowis comptes, delyuerit to Henry 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, efter the samyn be producit afoir the Lordis of Chakker, incais it be requyrit. Decimo Quarto Martij, 1579. Eildng of tho The QUHILK DAT the commissioneris of burrowis eftir following, to rnarHs in tho wit, Henry Nesbctt and Henry Charteris, for Edinburgh ; Richartt mSs for'ex- Blythe for Dondie ; WUliam Meinzeis for Abirdene ; George Elphinstoun penssis of the for Glasqu ; and George Lokhartt for Air, Having concludit all sic the buizeoun thingis as they had in directioun gevin to thame in Glasqu and Striveling comp s. j^ 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 counsall of the said burgh of Edinburgh to eik thair extentt of tuelf hundreth merkis to be vplifted of the haill burrowis for rembursins- of the said tovne of Edinburgh thairof, quhilk was delyuerit at thair commandis to Adame Foullerton for making his expenssis in Ingland, 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 thaii* dark, the sovme of sax scoir pundis, to be equalie devydit amangis thame, and this for the paynis and travell 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 Elphynstonn. Richarde Blythe. George Lokhart. At Abirdene, in the Conuentioun and Assemblie of Burrowis haldin thair the xj, xij, xiij, xiiij, xv. and xvj 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 ; Sanetandrois, Ihonn Wod, dene of gild,Ihonn Thomesoun ; Linlithqu, Androw Kar; Innemes, Williame Haillie, provest, George Eos ; Glasqu, Archibald Lichtoun ; Montrois, Williame Murray; Cowpar, Dauid Peterson, dene of gild; Abirbrothok, lames Eamsay. The commissioneris of burrowis presentlie assembHt and convenit has ^"'^^s tur- 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, Jed- 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 innemea. N 98 Convention of Eoyal Burghs. commissioneris for Innernes, desyring the vnlaw of ten li. to be remitted aiid dischargitt to thame for non-comperance at the last conuentioun of burrowis haldin at Glasqu in Februar last bypast, bering thatt they war - nocht lawfully 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 heireftir to be affixt, being vairnit thairto ; to the quhilkis the said Williame and George, commissionaris for the said burgh of Innernes, granted. Dumbar ^ ab- Item, Aneat the supplicatioun gevin in for the tovne of Dumbar, for seutt. thair excuse of thair absence fra this conuentioun, berand in effect that be resoun of the gi'eit contrauersie and debait laitlie fallin out betuix thame and Hadingtoun anent thair rychtis and privileges, quhilk debait lies lyin and presentlie lyis in the law befoir the Lordis of Sessioun, zit dejDendent 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 culdnocht cum norsend theircommissionerisfuUelie instructed to this present conuentioun, as in the said supplicatioun at mair lenth was contenit. 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. Burgessis. Forther, efter lang resoning vpoun the complaint gevin in anent the greit multitude of fre burgessis and gild brether maid and created within dyueris burghis of this realme, quhilkis duelt and remanit furth of the burgh quhairof they war frie, and maid na residence thairin, tending to the greit hinderance of the inhabitantis 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 lies statute and ordanit, and in ane vniforme consent aggreitt, that the provest and baillies of ilk burgh of this realme sail cause mak lawfull citation n and vairning, 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 Boyal Burghs. 99 thair actual residence with thair wyfis bairnis familie fyre and flett, within the bvirgh quhair they ar frie, hald stob and staik within the samyn, scatt, loitt, watche, walk and waird with the inhabitantis thairof, bet-s^dx this and the xvth day of December nixttocum, and failling thairof, to heir and se thameselues and ilk ane of thame decernit to have tynt thair fiiedome and privilege of the burgh quhairof they ar frie, putt furth of the rolhs 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 Uk burgh. Item, For avoyding of the greit and infinit nomber of foirstalleris, and Foirstaiieria. 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 haiU. commissioneris of burrowis presentlie assemblit, that gif it sail happin ony foirstaller, being attechit, to flie out of the boundis and juris- diction n 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 callit, conuict, and pvneist for his demeritis ; and the burgh aduerteist be the vther, failling to rander the said foirstaller to the effect foirsaid, sail pay the vnlaw of the foirstaller, and be ansuerabill thairfoir in the nixt conuention of burrowis. The commission eries of burrowis presentlie convenit hes ratefeit and '^'i®^* P'^^^^s . .01 schippis. apprevit and be thir presentis ratifeis the act maid m the conuention of burrowis haldin at Edinburgh the xxvij day of Januar 1575 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 saiftie 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 quhatsumeuer within sey kistis cassin or pilleit sail scatt and lot with the vther guidis and merchandreis cassin or pilleit, as alsua no vther gudis imput in the schip at ony vther port, vther nor at hir ladinning port, salbe haldin to scat and lot. Conunission- The commissioneris of burrowis presentlie convenit hes with ane con- deria.° ^^' sent votit and aggi'eit, statute and ordanit the tounis of Edinbureh, Peirth, Dundie, Abirdene, Glasqu, Sanctandrois, to send the commissioneries, ilkane of thame ane qualifeit persoun at the leist fullelie instructit, 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 ardour 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 ancTpak- Item, For eschewing of the greit inconveinencis and intolerabill skaith kens of fische. that in tymes bigane and now laitlie has happynnit to the merchandis and traffecquaris of this realme, of the new inventit craft and falset 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 defalt 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 held thairof, and to pay the dampnage and skaith to the merchand that it salhappin him to sustene at the mercat in the pakkeris defalt, other throw pakking of in- sufficient salmound or be insufficiencie of the trie and barrell ; and that he sail birne 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 dischargit for euer in pakking be the prouest and baillies of the burgh quhair he duellis, and the penaltie to be payit to thame. The haill commissioneris present agoreit votit and condescendit the sovme ^IfP^i'.ssis au- ^ ^ o" ditoTins boui- 01 ane nundreth pundis be gevin to Henry Nesbett, Henry Chairteris, in zeon comptes. Edinburgh ; Richard Blythe in Dondie ; Williame Menzeis in Abirdene ; George Elphineston in Glasgu ; George Lokhart in Air ; and Johnn Guthre, dark, for thair expenssis in remaning in Edinburgh on the hering of Mongow Russellis comptes of the boulzeoun, and Adam FuUer- 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 delj-uerit to the saidis personis. Alsua, the saidis commissioneris aggreit votit and condiscendit that ^I'^SI^tfonis Henry Chaii'teris and James Nicoll, commissioneris of Edinburgh, sail »* ^^^ bouize- delyuer to Dioneis Conquerour and Henry Adamsoun, commissioneris of Perth, the letteris and executionis of horning 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, The haill commissioneris of burrowis presentlie conuenit, efter lang tf^^J^t s°p- resoning on the effaires concerning the common weill of the estait of p'''^^'i.o°^ *» merchantis, hes condiscendit and aggreit, and alsua votit, that the tovnis remeding of of Edinburgh, Dondie, Perth, Abirdene, Cowpar, Montrois, Sanctandrois tenit be'the'^^' pas together to Sanctandrois, or quhair it salhappin the Kingis Maiestie b™™wis. to be, vpoun the xxiij day of Julij instant, and thair to desyir his Hienes and Grace Secreit Counsall to tak ordour wiih the toust lifted and gatherit for the repairing of the schoir and hawin of Sanctandrois, quhilk as zit is vnrepaiiT-t, 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, Innernes, 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 zairis, and spe- cialie within the boundis and schirefdome of Innernes quhair greit clannis and surnames prevaillis ; As to requyre his Hienes alsiia, and his Counsall foirsaid, for taking of ordour with euery parochyn to landwart 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 iniinit nomber of Strang and extraordinar beggeris nocht born nor bred within the saidis burrowis : And ordanis the conimissioneris of burrowis efter specefeit, at the leist sa mony of thame as salhappin to be conuenit to the efi'ect foirsaid, in name of the haiU burrowis of this realme, to geve in and present to the Kingis Grace and his Hienes' Secreit Counsall foirsaid supplicationis ane or ma vpoxm 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 ; As 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 efter as the saidis coramissioneris, to the effect foirsaid con- uenit, resavis the Kingis Plienes ansuer and counsall foirsaid, the haiU 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 Edinbui-gh, sail sett ane extent and toust throw the haill bui'rowis 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 thocht 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 maid tor present, for execution of tlie actis of parliament granted for the liberties biriwis "o ex- ^°-d pi'ivilegis of burrowis within thair awin boundis and iuriadictioun, ecution. and Concerning the privileges gevin to the provest and baillies of bur- roAvis within thair awin boundis and iurisdictioun, sail fra this furth Convention of Eoz/al Bxrglts. 103 cause execute the actis of parliament, and specialie the actis maid in oure Souerane Lord King James the Saxt last twa parliamentis, to wit, anent the pvneisment of Strang and idiU beggeris,— anent bering, wering, and schuting of culueringis and daggis within burrowis, — for pvneisment of regratouris and foirstalleris, — anent the destruction of cruvis and zairis, — anent the discharge of mercatis on Sondayis, and labouring thairon, or playing and drinking in tyme of sermon, — anent pakking and peUling of herring, and quhyte fische, — anent transporting of coillis furth of the realme ; for pvneisment of th£(,me that tynis plies within burgh, conforme to the tennour of the saidis actis in all poyntis, and to be ansuerabill thairfoir in euery conuention of burrowis, as they salbe accusit thair- upoun. The commissioneris of burrowis efter subscryvand, fynding th am e Anent the mat- greithe preiugit be the inlaik of ane general! buke quhilk suld contene the erfn buke f ° i con- haill lawis and constitution of burrowis, all in ane voce gevis full com- actia'of'bur-'^'" missioun and power to the burgh of Edinburgh to cause the said buke rowis. be maid, and to the effect the samyn maybe the mair perfytelie practesed, the said burgh of Edinburgh, quhairin they ar to hald thair nixt conuen- tion, to mak dew and lawfull 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 nixt- tocum, vnder the payne of xxx li, to be vplifted of euery burgh failzeing to send the saidis actis at the tyme prescryuit ; 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 reaistrat thairin, and unto thair nixt conuentioun continewis all forther resoning vpon 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 direct thair missives to the haill burrowis of this realme to send thair commissioneris, maist ancient and wysest, fuUelie instructed to the said nixt conuention, for approbatioun, ratifica- 104 Convention of Royal Burghs. Innernes, Dinguall, Chanrie, Rois- marky. Innernes, Thayne. Anent Littis- taris and Malt- men. tioun, and confii-matioun of the actis and consfcitutionis insert and regis- ti'at in the general! buke foirsaid ; And ordanis tuenty pundis to be gevin to Ihonn Guthre, dark, for wryting of the said buke, to be pajdt of the first end of the superplus of the boulzeoun. The said day, anent the complaynt gevin in be the tovne of Innernes tuiching the usurping of the libertie, tred, and traifique of merchandise of all kynde staipill gudes of the said burgh, be the tovnis and villages of Dingwall, Chanonrie, Roismarky, Cromarty, Dornoche, Weik, sa tending to the lairge detriment of the said burgh of Innernes, as at mair lenth is contenit in the said supplicatioun gevin in thairupon. The commission- eris of burrowis present, having exactlie considerit the said supplicatioun, and being rypelie avysit thairwith, fyndis and declairis that the saidis tovnis and villages of Dinguall, Chanrie, Roismarky, Crummaty, Dornocht, and Thurso ar na frie burghis, and that in respect they ar nocht in the societie of the remanent frie burrowis, naither enrolUt in thair rollis, nor zit pay the extent and contributioun with the frie burrowis ; and pro- mesis to conciir 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 thairanent of befoir. The said day, the commissioneris of burrowis presentlie assemblit ordanis the tovne of Edinburgh to direct missives in thair names to the tovne of Thayiie to compeir befoir the commissioneris of buiTowis of this realme, in thair conuention to be haldin in the said tovne of Edinburo-h vpon the xvij day of AprUe nixttocum, for ansuering to the complaynt of the tovne of Innernes producit aganis thame, and exhibitioun of the said tovne of Thaynes ryclit, 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, beince lawfully vairnit to the effect abouewrittin, the commissioneris of burrowis present at the said nixt conuentioun will decern according to justice. FoETHER, efter lang resonyng and disputatioun anent the article o-evin in be commissioneris of Abirdene, berand in effect that the common weill of the said burgh sustenit great detriment, and the haill lieo-es of this realme mekill preiugit, be the littistaris and maltmen thairof seking ernistlie dekynis to be granted to thame as to vther fiie craftis quhilk Convention of Roijal Burghs. 105 is ane noualtie. Tlie commissioneris present having exactlie considderit the said article, and being throwlie avysit thairwith, fyndes and declairis that it has nocht bene the receavit custome of the burrowis of this realme, nor zet thair antecessouris, provest baillies and magistratis of burrowis, hes at ony tyme heretofoir ony wayes receaved ony dekin or admitted of the sadis 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- abiU skaith, Thairfoir, all in ane voce hes statute and ordanit that na dekyn salbe 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 assembht hes Pi'*."'=i;ti°g of ratefeit and apprevit, and be thir presentis ratefeis and apprevis, the act maid in the conuention of burrowis haldin at StriveUng 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, woU, skyn, claith, or siclike staipiU 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 weUl thairof, and that but preiudice of the frie merchandis of frie burrowis to traffecq in the saidis pairtis of Flanderis at aU tymes conuenient, by and attour the twa merkatt dayes, with all vther wairis, the saidis staipiU gudes excepted, ■ — quhilk act the saidis commissioneris decemis statutis and ordanis to be obseruit 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 friemen, 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 scbippis salhappin to be frauchtit, and in his absence in pre- sence of the baillies of the said burgh, and the contravenar of this ordi- nance to incur the penaltie of xx h., to be applyit in maner as is aboue expremit. 106 Convention of Royal Burghs. Elgyne, Forres. Innernes excj'se boll. Kingis Grace Oonseruatour Burrowis letter. Comperit certan merchantis, burgessis of gild, traificquaris 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 Elgj^ne 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, provest 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 commis- sioneris thair fullie instructed to ansuer to the accusation foirsaid, with certificatioun as efferis, etc. Comperit lohnn Wod and lohnn Thomsoun commissionaris for Sanct- androis, and complenit vpon the provest, baillies, and counsall of Innernes for the wrang done and committed be thame in lifting and taking of the excyse boll of salt transported fra the poirt of Sanctandrois to the hawin and b\irgh of Innernes 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 WiUiame Baillie provest and George Ros commissioneris for Innernes, personalie present, ordanis Innernes to send thair commis- sioneris fullie instructed 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 efferis. 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 desjrr anent the continuatioun to be granted concerning Maister George Hacquet, oonser- uatour, quhilk letter the commissioneris of burrowis ordanit Maister Convention of Hoyal Burghs. 107 Tliomas Mollysoun, dark of this present conuentioun, in thair names and at thair commandis to subscryve. Efter lang resonyng vpoun the desyir of the expenssis of the nycht- Continuation bouris of Edinburgh, quha war detenit and imprisoned in the castellis of bouriT'of'^din- Doun, of Monteith, Linhthqu, 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 effect as it is now, to the nixt conuentioun of burrowis, and to be rememberit in the missiues to be sent thairto. Lang disputatioun being had vpoun the contrauersie and debait de- Dondie, 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 eontinowit to this present conuention to half bene decj-dit thairin, Tlie commissioneris of burrowis presenthe conuenit, vpon dyueris considerationis moving thame, and specialie becaua 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 Armand, and George Spens, commissioneris 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 pairties and thair rychtis thairanent, to the nixt conuention of burrowis appoynted to be haldin within the burgh of Edinburgh vpon the xvij day of Api-ile nixttocum, or quhatsumeuer day it salhappin the said conuen- tion to be, and the said mater to be first handlit, resonit, and discust thaiiin, and aither of the saidis pairties to produce and exhibit thair allegeances defenssis and ressonis in writt qualefeit, together with thair rychtis and tytillis 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 fullie instructed to the effect foirsaid, and with sure informatioun anent the ranking and placing of all vther burroMas 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 acfcis maid of befoir. Desoiuing of Last, the haill commissionaris of burrowis presentlie convenit hes in this conuen- ^^q yjiiforme consent apunctit the nixt conuention of burrowis to be haldin in the burch of Edinburgh the sevintein day of Aprile nixttocum, and ordanis the prouest, baillies, and cownsall of the said burch to mak dew warning to the haUl 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 aU 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 bulk to the nixt conuention, quhilk saU hawe fayth and be haldin sufficient citatioun, nochtwithstanding quhatsumeuer excuis of absence maid in the contraire ; And in cais betuix this 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 consequens concerning the veilfare of this realme and estait of burrowis to occur in the mid tyme requyi'ing 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 grj't consequens, tending to the commoun estait of burrowis and weilfaire of the samen requyring expeditioun 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 subscrywit 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, Conventioyi of Royal Burghs. 109 Dionis Conquerour. Wm. Murray. Henrie Adamsoun. Dauid Petersoun. Gilbert Mengzes. lames Ramsay. Alexr. Rutherfurd. George Ros. Ion. Wod. Et sic subscribitur. Ita est Magister Thomas MoUison, scriba dicte conuentionis manu propria. At Sandandrois, vUimo lulij 1580. The commissionaris presentlie convenit and vnder subscry vand, con- Extentt v<:> lib forme to the act maid at Abirdene in thair last conuentioun haldin thairat, all in ane voice concludis that ane extent of fyve hundreth lib. be sett vpoun 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 maner following, to wit, ane hundreth merkis for making of the mennis expens-sis 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 jornay, sax hundredth 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 principal! 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 curaing, 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. Ramsay. Henry Adamsoun. Patrick Lyoun. lohne Couthbert of Kyrkcaldy, Dauid Ridawcht. subscryuit be lohne Guthre loannes Bonkle clericus ciui- notar at my command. tatis Sanctiandree. Edmbm-gh. In the Conuentioun or Parliament of Burrowes haldin and begun at Edinburgh the xvij. day of Apryle the zeir of God I™ 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 vnder the seillis of their burghis, and pairtlie subscriuit be thair commoun clerkis, viz. : for Edinburgh, Alexander Clerk, provost, Henry Nesbet, and Henry Ghairteris ; 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, WiUiam Lamb ; for Cowper, Dauid Petersoun ; for Perth, Maister Patrick Quhytlaw, Dioneis Conquerour, Henry Adamson ; for Caraill, Dauid Ramsay ; for Innernes, William Gudbert; for Northbervik' Hew Baillie ; for Ruglein, Dauid Spens ; for Dundie, Alexander Scrym- geour, James Pinlawsoun ; for Hadingtoun, James Cokburne ; 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, Jobnn Luthrisk. At Ediuburgh xviij" Aprilis I™ V" Ixxxj". The qxjhilk day, anent the complaynt maid in the last conuentioun at Forrest, Eigein. Aberdene vpoun the burrowes of Eigein and Forest for compelling the Frie merchants merchandis of frie burrowes arryvand at their ports with wyne, salt, and 'hair^guids'iB' vther merchandise frome uther frie ports of the realme to make ane offer disohairgit. 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 penavi contumacie of the said burch of Forrest, fyndis the saidis burrowes to haif done wrong in the premissis, and, tharefore dis- charges thame in speciaU, and all vther burrowes in generall, to cans or compeU any frie merchant cummand with his guids frome 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 Outiand bur- Aberdene that ilk burch suld discbarge thare outiand burgessis, and to s^^^^^' 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 trafSque, 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 wairning to beir ordinare charges to haif forfalted thair freedome ; 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 agania thair outiand burgessis, with thair names in speciall quha ar discharget thair fredome ; and therefor the commissioneris ordanis ilk burch, apeciallie sic as ar on the coist syde, to haif the attentik roU of the burgessis dischairget, and euery ane requestis ane uther as thai wald be carefuU 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 tliair owtland burgessis and gif in to thame the rail of thair names with diligence, becaus thai vnderstand thair nowmer to be verray gritt and hurtfuU to the friedome of burrowes. Generaii buik. Item, Anent the making of ane generall buik of the haill 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 con ventioun 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, clerk, 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 bis pajmis. 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, I™ V° Ixxxj". Hadingtoun, Dunbar. Dimdie, Perth. The quhilk day, in presence of the commissioneris of burrowes, com- perit William Boncle, commissioner for Dumbar, and declairit that albeit he 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 wUlinglie 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 a,nd declara- tioun maid be Dunbar. The same day, Anent the questioun 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 Laif 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 prodacit this day in writt, and the samyn hard red and at lenth avysitlie eonsiderit, 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 will 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, hot 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 exewitioim 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 contiair 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 p lU Convention of Royal Burghs. Excyse and Bait pannis in Campheir. Eestis of the bulzeoun. Salraond and herring bind. to caus forme and devyse ane bill to be gevin 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 ofEciares to the exe- cutioun of the saidis acts, and vpUfting 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 ane com- missionar to Flanders in the first schippis for intreatting heirvpon, and to that effect to send to Edinburgh, within ten days nixt heirafter, the names of the personis 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 Charteris 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 fynd it owcht and suld be St. Minanes, — And the said Maister Patrik to be comptabiU 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 Burg] is. 115 ventioun toward the salmond bind, cowparis and pakkeris of fische ; and ordanis ilk burch to sercbe 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 haill realme, and ilk barrell to contene twelf gallouns, siclyke of the hering bind, and that the sam be of Flemys bind, conforme to the actis of parliament. Item, For suppressing of the multitude of vnfrie traffiquers, thai ordane '^"f"^ trafflci- ilk burch within thair selff to vse thair priueleges and execut the acts of parliament heiranent, or vtherwayes that thai send the names of the saidis vnfrie traffiquers, als weiU 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 parUament 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, Cruives and Abirdene, Perth, Dundie, Stirling, Linh'thqw, Hadingtoun, Cowpar, and Hakkett oon- Innernes, to caus mak ane bill in name of the haill burrowes, and gif the ^'^'■">''"""- sam in to the Kj.ngis Grace and Secreit Counsale, and to obtene ansiier 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 parliament, and thairfore 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 the burch of Thayne hes sent na commissioner to this pre- inneraes, Thavne. sent conventioun, ather to intreatt of the eflfairis of thair estaitt, or zet to ansuer to the complaynt of Innernes, and for exhibitioun of their erec- 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 warne the said burch of Thayne to compeir at the said nixt conventioun to the effect foirsaidis, with certificatioun, gif thai failzie, thai sail neuer be repute ane frie burch nor half voitt amangis thame, And 116 Convention of Royal Burghs. Edinburgh xijo merk. Foullertoun. Iianemes excyse boll. that this citatioun may the better cum to thair eares, ordanis the said lettir or missiue and wairning to be delyuerit to Innernes, and thai to se thame dewly wairnit, and tak witnes heirvpoun, and report the sam to the said nixt conventioun, And the said commissioner of Innerness protestit that the placing of Thayne in the taxt roUis of the said burchis mak thame nocht thairfoir to be ane frie burch gif thai haif na vther rycht, 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 burrowes, principally for the sowmes debursitt for Adame Fullertoun'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 burrowes. The burchis dissentand heirto are Montros, Selkirk, CowpaK, Carraill, and Ruglein, and Perth. Item, Anent the act of the last conventioun, quhair it wes complenit of Innernes for talking the excyse boU 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 maner of guids pertening to the burges of ane frie burch, without it be fund that the said burch of Innernes haif guid rycht thairto be the lawes of the Maiestie, as wes alleget be thair commissioner thame to haif. Vigesimo primo Aprilis I"". V''. lxxxj°. Vnfrie oraftis- The QUHILK DAT, it being desyret be the commissioners of Perth that STurrowes.'^ ^ sum remeid mycht be fund and devysitt aganis the vnfrie craftismen werking and dwelling in the suburbs of thair burch, and dyuers vtheris burrowes of the realme, to the greitt hurt of the frie craftismen berand ohairges within the burch, the commissioners presentlie convenit ordanis the same to be reniemberit in the articles to be gevin in to the nixt parlia- ment, and to the conventioun quhilk will preceid the samyn, and in the Convoitioii of Royal Barijlis. 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 cairfull of thair awin estaitt and weilfair. Item, Quhair it wes menit and proponit be the burch of Edinburgh that New impost on thai ar suirly aduertist be the factoures of Deip that the King of France France!" intendis to raise ane new impost vpoun all Scotts clayth arrivand within his dominionis, and schew the said factoures bdl direct to thame thair- anent, Quhilk being oppinly red, and the preiudice thair to follow thair- vpoun considderit and wejdt, thai ordane the commissioners of burrowes appoyntit to gif in the supplicatioun concerning the acts and penalteis, and concerning Maister George Hakkett, amangs the rest to meane this mater to the Kings Grace, and to seik his Hienes avyse and help for remeid heirof ia tyme. Iteji, Anent the suppHcatioun gevin in for the pairt of the skipperis Skippers of and awners of schips of the burch of Dundie desyring the articles vnder- Piiieit guids. written to be eikit to the acts of burrowes maid anent the scatting and lotting for pijjeit 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 pdleit 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 pOleit in hir veyage, that it sail be in the optioun of the gevar quhidder the schip or fraucht sail 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 haldiu togidder to contribute with the same, Attour g-if 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 fall 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 haUl schip and guida to the support of that persoun hurt or mutilat ; as at lenth is contenit in the said supplicatioun. The commissioneris pre- 118 Convention of Royal Burghs. Elgein, Forest, Naime. Com- missioners. Vnlawes. Captiues in Maroco. Bundle. Perth. sentlie as.semblit declaris this to be ane new mater quhairof thai haif nocht the avyse and ansuer of thair burrowes, and thairfoir continewis thair ansuer heirto to the nixt conventioun, and ordanis the sam to be rememberit in the missiues to be direct befoir the said conventioun. Item, In consideratioun of the supplicatioun gevin in for the pairt of the burchis of Elgein, Forest, and Naime, mening the far 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 tynaes to cum, Fyndes the vnlaw of Elgein to be dis- ponit in the last conventioun, and thairfore can nocht now be retreifctit. As for the rest, thai remitt and dischairge to thame thair vnlawes of this present conventioun and all vther conventionis bjrpast, 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 collectit for redemptioun of the captiues in Mai'oco, thai ordane Maister Patrik Quhytelaw, being present, to speik the Clerk of Register and inquyre of his lordschip quha hes ressauit the sam, that forth er ordour may be tayne thairanent, and the same bestowit to the vse quhairfor it wes collectit, 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 tliis present conven- 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 comraissioneris 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 gran tit 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 decernis and ordanis the burch of Perth to haif the priority and first place before the burch of Convention of Royal Burghs. 119 Duadie quhill the nixt parliament or conventioun of estaitts, and quhill tbe questioun be decydit be the saidis estaitts or Kings Grace and Lordis of Secreitt Couusale, Prouyding alwayes that the sam nawayes preiuge the said burch 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 buiTOwes be na forther 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 interloquitur to stand. Ajad 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 conforme 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 allegeit 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 commissioners 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 hurchis contendant, as thai allegeit, and heirvpoun askit instru- mentis. Item, The saidis haill commissionares affirmes ratefeis and apprevis the Approbatioun ' ... of the acts m 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 deceme the bTirrowes vnderwiittin, and euery vniawing of ane of thame, to half incurrit and to incur the payne and vnlaw of ^^^^^'^"^''^ threttie pund for thair absence and contumacie from the present conven- tioun, thai beand lawfully wairnit thairto, that is to say the burrowis of Rothesay, Ranfrew, Air, Erewin, Kirkcudbrycht, Wigtoun, Quhithorn, ledbixrch, Dunfreis, Banff, Brechein, Abirbrothok, Sanctandrois, Culane, Thayne 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. Nixt conven- tioan. Pettinveme. 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 parhament of the haill estaitts beis sett, gif ony beis, within ane zeir nixt heirefter, and ordanis that burch of the parhament to mak lawfull 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 half agreitt, votit, and con- sentit the nixt conventioun of biuTOwes 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 in 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 than- 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 conventioun, 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 failzeand of ane, to cheise ane vther, quhill he gett payment of the said sowme. Alex' Clark of Balbirnye pro- Dauid Petersone baillie of Cow- vest of Edinburch. per. Henrie Charteris. Ihone Annand provest of Elgin. Conrentioii of Boycd BargliS. 121 W™ Norwell for Stirlyng. Dionus Conquerour. Henry Adam son. Willeam Cuthberfc for Innernes. lohnne Hay. Stewin Martyne for Pettinwem. lohne Grahame. ]VP Henry Gibson scripsit. William Browne for Hadding- toun. Donald Gunynliame bailze of Dnmbertane. Villiame Boncle commissionar of Dumbar. Dauid Ramsay belle of Craill. Gawin Wilkin. Arehbalt Maluile for Dysart. William Wilkin. Andro Ker for Linlythqn. In the conventioun or parliament of burrowes Haldin and begun at Edin- burgh the xvij day of October I™ V^ lxxxj° zeiris and contenewand to the xxvj day thairof, Comperit the commissioneris of burrowes vnder- specefeit and gaif in thair commissionis, pairtlie vnder thair seill of caus, and pairtlie vnder the subscriptioun of thair commoun clerk of thair bur- rowes, to wit ; for Edinburgh, Alexander Clark of Balbirny prouest, Robert 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, Morels Lawder ; for Kingom, 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 prouest; for Northbervick, Ihone Speus ; for Abirbrothok, Dauid Peirsoun ; for Dysart, Walter Scott, George Crystiesoun ; for Elgein, Ihone Annand prouest ; for Perth, Henry Adamesoun, Dyoneis Conquerour, Maister Patrick Quhitelaw ; for RenfreM?-, Ihone Knox, Ihone laksoun ; for Mont- rose, Robert Leichtoun ; for Lawder, Androw Lawder zounger ; for Lin- lithqw, Andi'ow Ker. Q 122 Convention of Royal Burghs. Apud Edinburgh xx Octobris I™ V" Ixxxj" Anenttiie The Quhilk Dat the commissioneris of burrowes presentlie convenifc, S°/OT^the'cTp- understanding that thair wes dyvers greitt sowmes of money vpliftit of tiues in Ma- roco. 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 compt maid of the said money, Thairfore thai ordane Maister Patrik Quhytelaw and Ihone Broun, in Edinbixrgh, 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 tlie haill burrowis, gevand thame tliair full power and commissioun thairto be thir presents, with power to vplift and ressaue the said money, and thai comptaliill 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 tlie prouest and baillies and counsale of Edinburgh, quhome thai will and desyreis to fortifle and assist the saidis persouns in persuitt of the said cans. At Edinburgh xxj". Octobris I™. V ]xxxj°. Bura^essis : Sailleris The quhilk day the foresaidis commissioners of burrowes, for suppress- ing of the gTeitt 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 court gevin aganis thame to that effect, contening particular names, that thai may be knawin to ilk burch and vsit heirafter as vnfrieraen ; And siclyk that the acts maid of befor anent gevin of tikketis to all saillers to vther cuntreyes be inviolablie obseruit and putt to executioun, with this additioun, that in all burchis quhair thair is ane dene of gild na tikkett nor testimoniall 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. Coitceiitlon of Boyal Bnrghs. 123 and that thai be gevin only to sic as actually remanis withia the burch, walking wairding scatting and lotting and beiring all vtlier chairges within the said burch and resident within the samyn, and to na vtheris. And their testimonialUs to be renewet and tayne of new be ilk frieman swa aft as he saillis, and the awld to mak na vther fayth bot for that vayage allanerly. Quhilk new testimonialls thai will at ilk tyme to be presentit and schawin to the conseruatour be sic as passis in Flanderis, quhome thai ordane being personallie present to serche and trye furth diligentlie of all sic persouns as traiEques and saillis without ane testi- monial, conforme to the act of parliament maid be King James the Fift, and xxvij act thairof, in all poynts, and to sequestratt thair guidis, and aduerteis the towne quhairfra thai come, that forther ordour may be tane with the saidis personis. Item, Thai ordane the discharge obtenit be Capitane Cokburne of the Capitane ten sowlz quhilk wes vpliftit at Burdealx of ilk twn wyne, quhilk thai xtow™ vnderstand to be in the handis of the burch of Edinburgh, to be insert Edinbm-gh. and registrat in this present buik, and maid patent to aU that sail half ado thairwith. Item, The saidis commissioners fyndes the burch of Innernes to haif innernes- na rycht to vplift the excyse boll of frie burgessis, nochtwithstanding the ^^°y^'^ ^°^^- Lawes 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 I™. V<=. Ixxxj". Ite3I, 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 conventioun, thay beand cytit and wairnit thairto be the missiues direct to that effect, that is to say, Innerkething, Stirhng, Rothesay, Dunbartane, Ruglein, Irrewyne, Glasqw, Kirkcudbrycht, Wigtoun, Quhithorne, 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. Generall iadge. Captiues of Maroco. xxiiij°. Octobris I™. V''. Ixxxj". Item, Anent the act of burrowes maid at Edinburgh in October 1579 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 vpliftitbe 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«- lxxxj° 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 questioun 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, decernis, and declairis the said burch of Perth to half 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. Convention of lioyal Burghs. 1 25 confovme to the said act in all poyats ; Quliairvpoun the saidis commis- sioners of Perth askit instruments, And the said Alexander Scrymgeour dissassented 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 auentis the prioritie of the thrid place, and disassented to the former actis maid betuix Perth and Dondie thairanent. i Item, The saidis commissioners hes aiExit and appoyntit the nixt con- Nixt oonven- ventioun to be begun and haldin at Perth the fyftein day of lune nixt, ''°^"" in the zeir of God I™ N" 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 inak aduertisement to the remanent burrowes 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 hciill burchis be lawfullie wairnit, 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 Octobris 1581. Item, The foirsaidis commissioneris of burrowis, anent the ten sturis of Conseruatour. ilk sek of gudes grantit 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, F3rndis 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, zitfc be gude occasionis, and for gude seruice done and to be 126 Convention of Royal Burghs. done, they frielie remitt and dischairgis to the said conseruatour the said sovme of four scoir pundis greitt in all tyme cuming, and als for his obtening of certan writ is evidentis and privilegis granted be the King of Spayne vnder his greit seill, for the weilfair of the Scotis natioun, quhilkis he lies in his handis. Conseraatour. Item, In consideratioun of gude semice foirsaid done and to be done be the said conseruatour, and for his mair honorabill sustentatioun accordins; to the dignitie of his oiSice, 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 tuelff 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 tuelff stures of ilk sek of gudes foir- saidis at Mertymes nixtt, and fra thyne to endure for the sjjace of ane zeir nixtt thairefter alanerlie, And dischairgis the said conseruatour, being personalie present, of aU 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 provest. Robert lamesone for Ayr. Robert Ker zoungar bailzie. Ihone Bowsy for Carell. ]VF lohn Prestoun. Ihone Barclay for Pittinvem. Henry Adamson, Perth. Ihone Craill for Foifar. Dionis Conquerour. William Willcin for Lanark. Andro Ker for Linlithqw. lohne Knox for Renfrew. Perth. In the conventioun of burro wis 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 burrowis quhais names followis, and producit thair commissionis, pairtlie vnder the seillis of thair burghis, and pairtly subscryuit be thair commoun clerkis, viz., for Edinburgh, Henry Chairteris baillie, Androw Sklater and lohne Ihounstoun ; Perth, Maister Patrik Quhytelaw of Newgrange, Henry Adamsoun, Dioneis Conquerour, Convcid'ton uf Boyal Biinjhs. 127 Oliver Peiblis ; for Dondie, Alexander Ramsay, Alexander Wedderburn and Alexander Scrymgeour ; Striveling, Williame Norowell, Duncan Leicheman ; Abirden^, Alexander Culane ; Linlithqu, Androw Kar ; Air, George Cocheran ; Glasqu, lohne Lindesaj"- ; Hadingtoun, lohne Aytoun ; Cowpar, lames Andersoun ; Montrois, Williame Murray ; Abirbrothik, Maister Archibald Peirsoun ; Sanctandrois, Maister Williame Gok ; Inner- nes, Williame Baillie, proveist ; Dumfreis, Mathow Diksoun, Williame Gledstanis ; Dunfermeling, lohnn Boiswell, Robert Pawtoun ; Craill, Williame Annand ; Briechan, Dauid Dempstar ; Disartt, Alexander Griste- soun ; Dumbar, Robert Lauder ; Laneark, Williame Dauidsouii ; Renfrew, Heniy Fynnesoun ; Pettinweme, Stevin Martyne ; Kingorn, lohne Kirk- aldy, Williame Boiswell ; Innerkething, Williame Blackburn ; Kirkcaldy, Alexander Dalzell. Decimo octauo lunij 15 82. The QUHILK day, it being cum to the knawlege of the commission- Extent of i-" eris of burrowis abouewrittin, that in diuers and sindry tounis quhair ^ndin" of ane the merchantis of this realme resoirtis within the dominionis of France, commissioner to i ranee to thair is dyueris new customea exactionis and imposts raisit to the grit get the new hurt of the saidis merchantis resortand thairto, as said is, and in speciall "nipoiTtis dis- within the toune of Deip, For remei^ quhaii'of it is thocht expedient ^iiairgit. statute and ordanit be the commissionaris foirsaidis, that the commission- eris of the burghis of Edinburgh, Striueling, Perth, Dondie, Abirdene, Sanctandrois, and Gowpar geve in to the Kangis 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 instant 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 be all meins possi- bill of ane dischairge of the customes exactionis and impoistis foirsaidis. For making of the qubilk commissi oneris 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 generall extent of ane tbowsancl merkis be sett vpliftit and raisit be the said burgh of Edinbui'gh in thair names of the haill borrowis of this realms betuix and the feist of Lambmes nixtt, and that executori- allis of horning 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 vplifted 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 said burgh of Edinburgh to mak the samyn furthcumand to the bun-owis at thair nixtt conventioun, quhairsoever it salhappin thame to convene. Custodie of the Item, Efter lang resonying vjooun the custodie of the generall buke of levin''to ^' ^ burrowis, contenjdng the haill lawis actis and constitutionis maid be thair Edinburgh. predecessouris 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 1.581, 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 curayng be brochtt be tlie commissioneris of the said burgh of Edinburgh to euery seuerall conventioun of burrowis jmrliament 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 predecessouris for the Wfcilfair of thair estait in tyme bygane, Thairfoir they statute and ordane thatt tlie said burgh of Edinburgh, or thair clarkis depute be thame, sail mak and delyver to everye 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 desoluine 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 half 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 Eot/al Bargl/s. 12i) ony seuerall actis maid at ilk conuentioun threttene scliillings iiijd, And siclyke, vnderstanding the said Ihonn Guthre as zit nocht to be payitt of Gutbre. the sovme of tvientypundis, promeist to him be the commissioneris conuenitt at Abirdene in the moneth of lulij 1580, for his paynis and travell tane in wryting of the said generall buke, 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 seruices done be him to thair predecessouris of befoir, Thairfoir they ordane the provest baillies and counsall of the said burgh of Edin- burgh, and thair thesauraris, havaiis in thair handis of the tovne off Sanct- monanis pairtt of the extent of the said boulzeoun, extending to four scoir twa pundis twa schiUingis 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 abouevs^rittin, and this present act and ordinance salbe thair warrand, 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 Commissiouu thair was dyueiis and greitt sovmes of money vplifted for the burrowis to persew for of this realm e, be dyueris and sindry coUectouris appoynted thairto, for J?J^j^^''J^[g;|°'j releif of ceitan Scottismen lyand in miserabill captiuitie vnder the Turk the prisoneris 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 saidis sovmes of money, for compte, reknyng 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 counsaU 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 monev and thev to be comptabill thairfoir, and the expenssis to be Skipperis eaii- ., , ., . ,, , -, ,1 • c ; 1 ti •,, • n line; furth of maid be thame in the persute and recouery thairof to be allowitt in the the reaime to first end of the saidis sovmes. thr'soMps '° Item, Ratefeis and apprevis the act and statute maid at Edinburgh t"itt testimoni- R 130 Convention of Royal Burghs. Eegistratmg discharge ten solz in Bur- dealx. the XX day of October 1581, quhairby it was statute and ordanitt thatt ilk burgh within this realme, the dene of gild and dark thairof, suld geve testimoniallis vnder thair subscriptionis to all saillaris out of the cuntry, and quhair thair is na dene of gild to be subscrjruit be the baillies and dark thairof, and all vtheris testimonallis to haif 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 nana vtheris, and thir testimoniallis to be renewitt and tane of new be ilk fiieman and saillar sua oft as he saillis, and the auld to mak na fayth bot for ane veyage alanerlie, quhilk new testimoniallis 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 Fyft, and to sequestrat thair glides, 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 tuenty 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 frieman 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. The samyn day they ordane, zitt as of befoir, the discharge obtenit be 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 Convention of Botjal Barghs. 131 Edinburgh, to be insert and registrat in this presentt buke, and maid patent to all sic as salhave ado thairwith. Item, Anent the act of burrowis maid at Edinburgh in October 1579 Edinburgh to tuiching the iedge of gudes of the tun mesour, Eatefeis and apprevis the ™^ '^'^^ ^ ^°" samj'-n in all poj'ntis, and zitt as of befoir ordanis the burgh of Edin- burgh to mak 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 barrelUs, birnyng P'""'"^' and marking thairof, and to have full execution in all tymes cuming. Item, The commissioneris foirsaidis ratefeis and apprevis the act and Easing of let- statute maid at Sanctandrois, in the conuentioun haldin thairatt in the as'mkFs'an/''' zeir of God 1570, anentt the rasing of letteris be euery frie burgh within 1"?^"^ oiitvyith ' . " , y . ^ , fne Durrowis. thair awin iurisdictioun vpoun sic as pakkis and peiUis outwith frie bur- 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- leges 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 tlie 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 will 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 CarmichaoU buries of Dondy, and incais of his refuse sic vther as the magistratis thairof sail pleis appoynt ; and frome Spay north, William Baillie provest of Innerness ; And thatt the saidis vnlawes be vpliftcd of 1 o2 Concention of Royal Burghs. the burrowis failling, be the personis aboue expremitt immediatlie after the intimatioun and publicatioun of this present ordinance ; 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 paynis as they think gude, Provyding alwayes tha:t 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 tlie burrowis quhairin they duell to be ansuerabill thairfoir. xxij lunij ] 582, Commissioun Item, The commissioneris foii-saidis appoyntis the commissioneris of rowis to resoun Edinburgh, Perth, Dondy, Abirdene, Striveling, Air, Sanctandrois, Cow- TnenUhe^Tw P*^^) Gflasqu, Hadingtoun, Dysart, and Kirkcaldy to convene quhair and oustomis. quhen it sail pleis the Kingis Maiestie to command, to haif the difference betuix his Hienes and burrowis of this realme anent the new custome rollis 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 bui'gh of Perth, in thair names, to direct ansuer'^IoTtie ^ue missive to the Kingis Maiestie, quhairby his Hienes may vnderstand K™s- thair myndes in the mater abouewrittin, according to the directioun gevin to the commissioneris of the said burgh of Perth thairanent. Admissioun of Item, Becaus thair is dyueris and sindry merchantis of this realme Fianderis!'' greitumlie hurtt, and vtheris alluterlie wrakkit and hereit, be the playino- of bankeroutt of sundry factouris within the cuntrie of Flandei'is, Thair- Coiivenfion of Eo/jal BunjJts. 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 professouris of the trew religioun of lesus Christ oppinlie publeschitt in this realme, and they befoir thair admissioun thairto, outher be thame selues or vtheris in thair names, fjaid sufficientt cautioun and souerty within the burgh of Edinburgh to the magistiatis 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 gudes 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 be the saidis factouris all and quhatsumever dampnage and skaith itt salhappin thame to sustene in ony M'ayes, and fealbe depryvitt of his office of conseruatour but fauouris. The samyn day, vnderstanding dyueris 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 manor 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 nrdanis the magistratis of ilk burgli and sea poirtt 1 34 Convention of Royal Barglis. within this realme to vplift the said vnlaw, and att euery seuerall con- uentioun to repoirtt thair diligence heirvpoun, vnder the payne of pay- mentt of the lyke sovme sa oft as they salbe found negligentt in the executioun of this ordinance, but fauouris. Vnlaw Forfar The samyn day the commissioneris foirsaidis grantis gevis and dis- granted to ponis to the tovue of Abii'brothok the vnlaw of the tovne of Forfar quha Abirbrothok. ^ . . . . ^ coruperit nocht to this presentt conuentioun of burro wis, provydmg 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 thaii'of promeist to se the samyn done. Auditouris Bos Item, Tlie saidis commissionaris of buiTOwis vnderstanding be the corn- extent of iijm. missioneris of Edinburgh that lames Ros, sumtime thesaurer of the said markis. btirgh, had nocht rnaid 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 geve compte thairof to the said burgh of Edinburgh, he being oftymes requiritt be thame thairto, Thairfoir they 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 Linlithqu, 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 thair 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 tliame 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. Continuatioun Item, Anent the suppUcatioun gevin in to thame be the commissioner bartai['°^''"'' ^'^ 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 tliair missives and to Contention of Boyal Burglis. 185 desyre thair commissioneris to cum fuUie instructed quhatt support they will niak to the said burgh of Dumbartan for repairing of thair dekayitt hawin and stopping of the watter thairof Item, Towart the desyir of tlie 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 nychtbourh.eid, to assist the said burgh of Hadington, quha tuke thame to aduyse with the pro- vest baiUies 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 Lawin. the supplicatioun gevin in to thame be Thomas Dishingtoun of Airdros, quhairby he cravis thair supportt and assistance to the vpbigging of the hawin caUit 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 bestowitt vpoun the said hawin of the said lairdis efter the daitt heirof. 136 Convention of Royal Burghs. Vigesimo tertio lunij 1582. Supplicatioun to the King aganis frie- men culloring Ynfrie gudis. Stiitute that nane pas fra the convea- tiouuis quhill the desoluing thairof. All commis- sioneris to convene the first day of the conventioun. The quhilk day tlie commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis ordanis ane supplicatioun to be gevin in to the Kingis Maiestie and his Hienes Secreitt Counsall that ordour 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 samyn agane to the commoditie of the saidis vnfriemen. 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 lesum to that commis- sioner in onj'wayis to depairtt frome the said conuentioun quhill the samyn be desoluitt haillelie, except special licence be granted thairto, and incais they do in the contrair, it salbe coequiuolant as they had nochtt comperit, and salbe decernit to vnderly the vnlaw of non comperantis, And gif ony licence of away passing beis granted, thatt the commissioner to quhome the same is goviii 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 half executioun vpoun the burrowis disassenting be thair speciall protestationis aganis the sovme of tuelff hundreth merkis granted to the burgh of Edinburgh for the expenssis maid be Adame Foiillertoun in his being in Ingland, quhais names dis- asseutaris 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 statvite and ordanitt thatt in all tymes cuming the commis- sioneris of burrowis convene the first day of ilk conuentioun thairof appoynted, and presentt thair commissionis, and quha comperis nochtt the said first day salbe decei'iiit in ane vnlaw of tuenty pundis, and vpLifted of thame as gif they had nocht convenit, and thatt in all tymes cuming, the first day of ilk conventioun be vpon the Monondaj- or the beginnino- of the oulk. Convention of Boyal Burylis. VM Item, That the haill biirrowis, being lawfullie wairnit to compeir at ony piuraiitie of conuentioun heirafter, the pluralitie of voitis of thame that comperis to p,°'*g^ '" '"''"' have place and to mak lawis and constitutionis, provyding thatt Edin- burgh, Perth, Striveling, Dondie, Abirdene, Sanctandrois, Air, Glasqu, Linlithqu, and Cowper, or ony sax of thir ten, be of the nomber of thame that convenis. The quhilk day, foreamokill as thair is dyueris and sindry tovnis, Edinburgh to villages, and sea portis within this realme quhilkis vsurpis the liberty and Kingis register privilege of frie burrowis as gif they war erected thairto, quhairby the frie'^nj^ynfrie* frie burrowis nixtt adiacentt to the saidis vnfrie tovnis, willages, and sea bun-owis. portis ar gretumlie hurtt and preiugitt, For remeid quhairof it is statute and ordanit that the magistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh, in all thair names, sail with all possibill diligence cawse luke furth cure 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 magistratis of Edinburgh cers furth all the vnfrie tovnis within this realme, and persew thame be the law as accords, to the doing quhairof the commissioneris foirsaidis grantis full power and commissioun to the said burgh of Edinburgh, promittendo Je rato, and.promesis to refound and pay to the magistratis of the but-gli 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 quhiU thair nixt conuentioun alanerlie, at quhilk tyme repoirt thair dili- gence heiranent, and in the 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- . .1 ,111 11. •I'j.ij.j.j.ii rowis appoyut- Kingis Maiestie anentis the customes to be the alteraris ol the taxtt roil, ed to alter the and they to resoun vpoun the samyn, and to repoirt thair diligence at "'''™** '"°"'^- the 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 samjm was done, and foi-ther protestis thatt incais ony extentt in the menetyme intervene s 138 Convention of Royal Burglis. thatt they salbe extentit according to the aiild roll maid preceding the last alteration maid at Cowper, and Sauctandrois in the lykemaner, and Georo-e Cocheran, commissioner for Air, protested thatt in respect the alteration n 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 esecutoriallis suld strek vpon his said burgh quhill the said roll war alterit in the collectioun 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 burrowis, and now alterit be thame in respect of thair continwatioun. Vniawing bur- The samvn day, Fyndis the burrowis efter following be thair non com- rowis abseutt. ■',.''•',. , , . .,, .„° „ ,, ,, perance to this conuentioun to have mcurritt euer ilk ane oi thame the vnlaw of tuenty pundis, being lawfullie vairnit thairto as was sufficientlie verefeitt, to wit, Rothef ay, Ruglene, Irrowyne, Kirkcudbrycht, Quhithorn, 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 bui'gh 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 Kinghorn for vpbigging of Petticur, etc. Desoiutag 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 Blaikburn. Henry Adamsone. George Cochrane dissassented to Alex"^ CuUen. the first act. W™ Norwell. lohne Aytowne. D. Leschman. I. Andersone. M. William Cok. Robert Lawder. Convention of Royal Burglis. KJO Williame Murray. Alexander Christeson. Mr Archuibald Peirsoune. lohne BosuelL Alex"^ Dalzell. Robert Watsoun. William Annand. Ihon Spens. Stewin Martyne. Ihone Kyrkcaldy. Itonn 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 conventioim of hurrowis efter following, haldin at' Edlnhurgh the aucht day of Nouemher the zeir of God /" Y\four scoir tiva zeris, Cowtperitt the commissioneris of hurrowis vnderwrittin and producitt thair commis- sionis, pairtlie vnder the seillis of thair tovnis, and pairtlie vnder the suhscriptionis of thair commoun clarkis, quhais names follotvis : Commissioneris names. Edinburgh, Alexander Clark of Balbirny provest, Ihoun Ihonnstoun, Henry Charteris ; Perth, Henry Adamesoun ; Dondie, Ihonn Fynlasoun ; Abirdene, Alexander Forbes; Air, Henry Oisburn; Glasqu, Robertt Adame; Dysartt, Alexander Chiistesoun ; Kirkcaldy, Ihonn Lowdoun ; Craill, Thomas Kay baillie ; Pettinveme, Stevin Martyne. The samyn day the commissioneris of hurrowis foirsaidis decemis the Vniawing bur- burrowis efter mentionatt, to witt, Hadingtoun, Sanctandrois, Strive- chrrge E^dSi- ling, and euery ane of thame, in respect of thair noncomperance to this turgh Nesbett. present conventioun, to have iucurritt the payne and vnlaw of tuenty pundis, and this becaus they war lawfullie wairnitt be missives sentt and de- lyueritt to thame be sic as Edinburgh direct to that effect to have comperit, as was cleirlie vnderstand to the saidis commissioneris, be the provest, baUlies, and counsall of Edinburgh, directaris of the saidis missives, and comperitt nochtt ; and assignis to Henry Nesbett burges of Edinburgh 140 Convention of Royal Burghs. the samyn vulawis, 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 commissioneris 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- The QUHILK DAT, the commissioneris of burrowis befoir mentionatt tan dewties of vnderstanding thameselues and the haill merchantt estaitt of this realme 11 f gudTs'ti-atis- t.0 be gTetumlie dampnefeit be paymentt of the intolerabill customes P°'''?^ ^"''^ °* laitlie raisitt and vplifted within the dominions of France vpoun syndrie the making of soirtis of wairis transported thairto, hes statue and ordanitt, and all in sioneris expen- ane voce for thame selues and havand powar of the burrowis, concludis fOTKettTnt'ttTe ^"^^ delyusris, that for the making of certan commissioneris expenssis to new oustoniis l3e 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 Mertymes in the zeir of God j™ v*^ four scoire three zeris, and langer as the necessitie of the cawse sail requja-e, 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 sahnond four schillingis ilk tun, claith audit schillingis ilk tun, hydis four schillingis ilk tun, skynnis four schillingis ilk tun, wly and butter four schillingis ilk tun, heri'ing 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- monhe tred with, and in speciall fische, the bail burrowis of this realme in lykemaner to contribute with tham for doungetting and discharoino- thairof : Quhairvnto the commissioneris forsaidis for thame selfis and m Co7ivention of Boi/a/ Burghs. 141 name of the haill remanent burrowis of this realme consented. For sure collecting of the quhilkis dewties, the magistratis of euery burgh and sea poirtt of this realme, to -wit, the provest baillies and counsall of Edinburgh sail depute for thame selues; the tovnis of Kingorn, Innerkething, Queinsfery, Burntiland, and Prestoun pannis, coUectoures, ane or ma ; .the magistratis of the tovne of Perth, ane collectour to vpHft 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 ; Abir- dene for thame selues ; the tovnis of Montrois, Banff, 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 outwartt 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 generaU assemblie of burrowis to be halden at the burgh of Air the tentt day of lunij nixtt mak instant compte rekning 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 thairof within the bouudis prescryuitt to thame I'ais letteris of horning vpovn this presentt act and ordnance, and see the samyn dewlie execute aganis the transgressiours thairof to the effect forsaid, And for the mair haisty 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 niaist 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, the commissioneris of Edinburgh obleissis thair said burgh for payment to him of sevin hundreth merkis thairof betuix and the fyveteue 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 Abirdeue 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 burrovns, 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 borrow! tt, 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 sindry merchantis quhome in thair opinioun they micht have thochtt maist 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, lies elected and nomiuatt Henry Nesbett burges of Edinburgh thair commissioner, to quhome they Convention of Roijal Burylis. 143 will aud graiitis 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 instrnctionis 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 hald 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 movabill and vnmovabill, presentt and to cum. And tbairefter 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, nochtwithstanding thatt the buiTowis 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 monethis nixtt heirefter frielie to execute the samyn to the vttermost of his power, provj-ding 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 f>-ankis, 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 beeaus I can nocht wryte my selff. I. GuTHEE. 144 Convention of Royal Burghs. Ajnid Edinburgh decimo sexto Nouemhris 1582. Actt for reieiff The quhilk DAY, the commissioneiis of burrowis vnder subscryuand, obSt to^EdTn- ^'^^ sindry particularis concerning the weilfair of thair estaitt, causitt the burgh for jm li. provcst baillies and counsall of Edinburgh to borrow the sovme of thre hundreth markis, quhilk makis, with the sovme of tuelff hundreth 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 thair pairtis vnderwritten to thankfully contentt and pay to the saidis provest 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 thaine, 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 fraud or guyle or ony exceptioun of the law to be pro- ponit in the contrair : 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 effaires induring Contention of Royal Burghs. 145 the time of his commissioun mair nor the Rovme of ane thowsand frankis instantle resauit be him extendis vnto, thairfoir the saidis commissioneris of burrowis, for thamselues and thair saidis bixrrowis, bindis and oblessis thame to thankfully content and pay to the said provest baillies and counsaU of Edinburgh and thair successouris, the sovme of auchtene schDlingis 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, Glasqu, 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 quhen, quhat tyme, and quhowsone he is requyrit be the saidis burrowis, or maist pairt of thame, thairto. Alex"^ Clark, provest. Ihonne Ihonstoun. lohnn Findlasoun. Henry Adamson, Perth. Henry Osborn. Alex"^ Forbes. Henrie Charteris. Stewin Martyiie. Thomas Kay. Alexander Christesoun. Robert Adame with my hand at the pen led be the notar vnderwrittin at my command becaus I can nocht wryte my selfF. Ita est Joannes Guthre notarius de mandato dicti Robert! scribere nescientis ut asseruit teste meis signo et subscriptione manualibus. I. Guthre. In the conventioun of burrowis efter following, haldin and begun at Edinburgh. Edinburgh the sevintt day of December 1582 zeris ; comperitt the commissioneris under subscryvand, and presented thair commissionis pairthe vnder the seillis of thair tovnis, and pairtlie vnder the subscrip- tionis of thair commoun clarkis, quhais namis followis ; Edinburgh, 146 Convention of Royal Burghs. . Alexander Clark, i.irovest, Ilionn lohnnston, Henry Charteris, Henry Nesbett ; Perth, Henry Adamson ; Dondy, Peter Clayliillis, Patrik Lyon, Ihonn Fyndlasoun ; Abirdene, Gilbertt Meinzeis, provest ; Striveling, Williame Norowell ; Glasqu, Robertt Adame ; Air, Ihonn lohnnston, Henry Oisburn ; Cowpar, lames Anderson; Montrois, Williame Murray; 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. the'^actis'^maid 'The QUHILK DAY the commissioneris foirsaidis all in ane voce ratefeis in the conven- ^nd apprevis the actis maid in the conventioun preceding, anentt the tionn preceding ^ ^ ^ , „ ,. and annulling vplifting of certan dewties of all maner of gudis transported furth of the of ane act maid ij__li ^ • d ... ■i.TTi c at Perth. reaune, to the making oi ane commissioneris expenssis to J? ranee lor doungetting of the new customes thair, and anent the security of the burgb 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 auchteue 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 Edinbuigh octauo Decembris 1582. Vniawing bur- The samyn DAY, the commissioneris foirsaidis fyndis the burghis of rowia absentt. ,,.., •' &""'■ Laneark and irrowyne to have nicumtt the payne and vnlaw of tuenty pundis for thair non comperance to this presentt conventioun, in respect of thair lawfull citatioun verefeitt be the burgh of Edinburo-h and thair thesaurer, and ordainis the act of parliament be execute aganis thame be the said burgh of Edinburgh, and to repoirtt thair diligence at thair nixtt conventioun in Air. Co/iventio/i of Royal Biirghs. 14" Apud Edinburgh decimo terfcio Decembris 158 2, The quhilk day, the commissioneris abouewrittin all in ane voce concludis and aggreis thatt the supplicatioun vnderwi-ittin 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 presented be the humblie menis zour Hienes and Lordschips maist humbill and obedient Kin^j^'Maies- seruitouris the commissioneris of burrowis presentlie convenit at Edin- tie anentis the burgh, Forsamekill as be the senister report maid of ws and the remanentt zoure ilaiesties burrowis of zoure realme anentis the defraude of the commoditie of zoure Hienes customes, quhairby itt was gevin 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 be 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 assured of oure fidelitie and gude will to sett fordwartfc zoure Grace effaires in all thatt in oure meane estaitt or power may consist, and for relieff of the pure merchant] s fra quhome thir dyueris zeris past thair wynis hes bene taikin and vplifted be zoure comptrollaris semlaris and vtheris zoure Hienes officiaris, but ony maner of paymentt, thairfoir we willinglie, vpoun provisioun zoure Hienes will sett in tack and assedatioun 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 furnesing 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 Burghs. 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 quhatsomever estaitt be reuokitt and declairitt null, and sail in zoure Hienes handis, and thairefter 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 comptroUaris, 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 o-irsum, 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 aoTie. Decimo tertio Decembris 1582. Vniawing The commissioneris abouewritten haelelie aggreis thatt the buro-h of '1'' Linlithqu salbe vnlawitt with the remanentt burrowis nocht comperand at this conuentioun, and this becaus Henry Auld commissioner for the Convention of Royal Burghs. 149 said tovne, on the second day after his comperance past hame butt licence or ony lawfull excuse maid to thame, and returnit nocht heirto. Apud Edinburgh decimo septimo Decern bris 1582. The quhilk day the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis efter aduys- Continuatioun ITIRllftr to mentt with the supplicatioun gevin in to thame be lames Betoun of muany. Balibur, quhairby he desyritt the tovne of Kihany 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 parhamentt 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 fuUie 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 found 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 thair 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 Eamsay, Alexander Scrymgeour ; Abirdene, George Knowis, Alexander Hay ; Striveling, Williame Norowell ; Linlithqu, Androw Kar ; Glasqu, Eobertt Adame ; Sanctandrois, Williame Ferry ; Montrois, Dauid Fouller- ton ; Cowpar, lames Anderson ; Dunfreis, Ihonn Merschell ; Dumferme- ling, Piobertt 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; Pettinweme, Stevin Mar- tene; Rothesay, Ihonn Stewartt of Rosland baillie ; Selkirk, George Halywell; Ruglene, Walter Fary ; Dumbartan, Maister WiUiame Hous- toun ; Kingorn, lames Logane ; Kirkcudbrycht, Harbartt Gledstanys baillie thairof ; Aii', George Cocheraii. Apud Edinburgh vigesimo septimo Februarij 1582. Vnlawing bm-- The quliilk daj?, the commissioneris abouewrittin fjmdis the burrowis rowis a sen . ^^ Banff, Elgjaie, Forres, Innernes, Renfrew, Wigtoun, Quhithorn, Peiblis, Thane, Laneark, ledburgh, Northbervik, Dumbai-, 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 kneto'pa^"^ Selkirk and Ruglene to pas hame in respectt of the poverty of thair tame. burghis, quha ar nocht abill to mak thair expenssis heir, and the saidis twa commissioneris promesis to bald ferme and staibill, in name of thair saidis burrowis, all and quhatsumeuer thing the remanentt commissioneris dois in this presentt conventioun, and willis Ihonn Guthre, dark, to subscryve in thair names. Apud Edinburgh nono Martij 1582. Deoreitt arbi- The quhilk day, the commissioneris of the burrowis efter following to aM iri-owyne" witt, Heniy Charteris for Edinburgh, Dioneis Conquerour for Perth, Alexander Scrymgeour for Dondy, George Knowis for Abirdene, Maister Williame Houstoun for Dumbartan, and Williame Bowsy for Craill, being de.syritt be George Cocheran commissioner for Air, and Hew Campbell Convention of Royal Bunjlif^. 151 and Thomas Broun commissioneris for IiTowyne, to acceptt in and vpoun thame the decissioun of certan materis questionable betuix the saidis twa burrowis contenit in ane compromitt subscryuitt be ather of them at Edinburgh the fyftene day of Februar last, efter thatt the saidis commis- sioneris of Air and Irrowyne had ratefeitt and appi-evitt the ss.id com- promitt, and faythfullie promitted to abyde and fulfill the decreitt and fynall sentence arbitrall 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 arbitral! to be pronuncit be the saidis commissioneris of bTirrowis, anent the letteris of horning and execu- tioun thairof purchest be the said burgh of Air aganis the said burgh of Irrowyne, 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 actiouis that hes followit or may follow thairupoun for ather of the saidis actionis and cawsis, AH 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 Eiaid burgh of Air, in respect of the taxatioun quhilk they suld half 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 decernis the said burgh of Air to pay to the said 152 Conveyition of Royal Burghs. burgh of Irrowyne the sovme of ten pundis in full and compleitt payment of the said principall sovme of thretty seven li. sax schillingis auchtt penneis, and ordanis tlie letteris 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 mutuall amitie to be manteinit be ather of thame as was at ony tyme befoir the occasioun of the contraversies foirsaidis. Apud Halyrudehous nono Martij 15-82. Acceptatioun of the Kingis cijstomes. Protestatioun, Air. The QUHILK day the commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondy, Abirdene, Glasqu, Air, Cowpar, Dumbartan, Montrois, Irrowyne, Sanctandrois, Craill, Pettinweme, and Harbartt Gledstanys baillie for Kirkcudbrycht, all in ain voce aggreis vnto the taking of the Kingis Maiesties customes in tak and assedatioun for the space of four zeris nixtt followand the first of October last, for payment zeirlie thaii-foir 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 na"svyis 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. Commissioun ,_, ,- ...„,,, .„.„ to four bur- THE QUHILK DAY the commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, thrcontact' Perth, Dondy, Abirdene, Air, Glasqu, Cowpar, Dumbartan, Craill, Pettin- En'TsMaiestie "^^™^' In'owyne, Montrois, Kirkcaldy, Dysartt, Kirkcudbrycht, and and burrowis Kingom, efter lang resoning vpoun the heidis and articlis to be mentionat auent the cus- tomes. Convention of Royal Burghs. 153 in the conti-act to be maid betuix the Kingis Maiestie and Lordis of his Hienes Secreit Counsall and thame anent the taking of his Hienes eus- tomes in tak and assedatioun for the space of four zeris nixtt and im- mediathe foUowand 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 termis specalie to be contenit in the said contract, and forsamekill as the commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, and Abir- dene in thair names, and at thair ernist requeist and desyir, for the gude zeUl and favour they beir to the furtbsetting and aduancing of the com- moun weUl 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, ge\'is full power and commission to the commissioneris of the saidis four burrowis fynaUie to determine in the premissis as to the weilfair of thair estaitt salbe be thame thochtt expedientt, and promesis faithfuUie for thame selues and thair saidis burrowis, and in name of the remanentt burrowis of this realme, to hald firme and staibiU 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 awin pairttis, zeirlie at the termis of paymentt to be contenit in the said contract, to mak gude and thank- full pajnnentt to the saidis four burrowis, and thair commissioneris in thair names, of all and quhatsumever customes itt salhappin thame or thair customer'is to be elected be thame induring 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 haUl 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 Kingis 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 burrowis, 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. coistis, skaytbis, dampnage, or expenssis, itt saihappin thame to mak or sustene thairthrow, and thatfc at quhatt tyme, quliow sone, and 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 horning or poynding be raisitt and execute againis the bur- rowis refusand 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 decernis 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 aU tymes neidfull. Apud Edinburgh, xij Martij 1582. Vniawing bur- The quhilk DAY, the commissioneris presentlie convenit fyndis the befSr'ttiT'end^ burrowis of Striveling, Sanctandrois, Dunfermeling, and Breichan hes of the conven- incurrit euery ane of thame the payne and vnlaw of tuenty li., and this becaus they desoluit fra this conuentioun without licence or excu.se maid or obtenit of the burrowis, and ordanis the burgh of Edinburgh to vplift the sarayn 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. Conseruatour. 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 buirowis 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. Andersone. Stewin Martyne. William Bowsy. Hew Campbel. Archibald Maluill. Alexr. Haye of Abirden. Harbert Gledstanyis, Walter Fary, Dauid Foullertoun, and Eobert Adam with cure handis at the pen led be lohnn Guthre notar at oure command. I. UUTHRE. Apucl Edinhnrgh vigtshno Martij I"'. V\ Ixxxij". The quhilk day, Alexander Clark of Balbirny, provest of the burgh EegiBtrating of of Edinburgh, and Henry Charteris and Ihonn Ihonnstoun, commissioneris contractt be- for the said burgh of Edinburgh ; Dioneis Conquerour, commissioner for ^^'^ Vurrowfi the burgh of Perth ; Alexander Scrymgeour, commissioner for Dondy ; anentt ^s 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 of furgh. ° 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 burrowis, and the copy thairof to be deljoieritt to euery particular burgh sutand the samyn, vpoun thair resonabill expenssis, and efter thatt the samyn is registratt, to be delyuerit to the provest, baUlies, 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 buiTOwis 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 tunnisfullBurdealx wynis,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 156 Convention of Boijal Burghs. bindis and oblessis thame coniunctlie and serualie to releve Idnc inde vtheris of all and quhatsumeuer sovmes of money itt salhappin thame or ony vtheris in thair names, induring the space contenit in the said tak, to intromitt with, vptak or Uft 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 comptroUar to mak paymentt to him of the Candilmes terme last bypast of the saidis custom es, extending to ane thowsand pundis, nochtwithstanding that neither they nor nane of the haill burrowis hes as zitt vptaikin or vplifted 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 burrowis, 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 borrowitt att they may best and esiest aggrie, and that it is neidfull 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 selfEs and thair saidis burrowis, and takand the burding on thame for the remanentt burrowis of this realme as havand thair power and commissioun, gevis full power and commissioun to the pr'ovest bailKes and counsall of the burgh of Edinburgh, in name of the haill burrowis, to contractt appoyntt and fynallie aggre with ony maner 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 hail] burrowis mychtt do thamselues gif they war personali presentt, promesand ferme and stabill haldand and for to hald all and quhatsumeuer thingis the said CoHceution of lioycd Burghs. 157 provest baillies and counsall of Edinburgh in the preiuissis thinkis neid- full to be done, vnder the hiest payne and charge they may incur be the law ; Attour insafar as it beliovis the saidis provest baillies and counsall of Edinburgh to mak expenssis vpoun the performing of the effaires abouewrittin, and thatt they att the desyir of the saidis thre burrowis, as alsua of the remanentt burrowis convenitt at this conuentioun sen the begynning thairof and sensyne, hes to the eflPect 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 behalf 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 Kingis 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, heii'efter to mak, vnderly, or sustene, vpoun compte and rakuing alwayis to be maid be the said burgh of Edinburgh and magistratis thaiiof 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 contradictiouu 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 Abirdene, 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 burz'owis 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 tins 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 Halyeudhous the fourtene day of Marche the zeir of God j™ v° Kingfs Maies- f°^i' scoir twa zeris. It is appointed aggreitt and fynallie enditt betuix tie and the the Eichtt Heich, Richtt Excellent, and Michtie Prince lAMES be the burrowis anen- tis his Hienes grace of God king of Scottis oure Souerane Lord, be the speciall aduyce tMs realme. ° ^-^d consentt of the Lordis of his Secreitt Counsall and Auditouris of his Chakker, and Ihonn Fentoun his Hienes Comptroller, on the ane pairtt, and Alexander Clark of Balbirny, 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 Dondie ; and Alexander Hay commissioner 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, lies sett, and be the tennour of thir presentis settis and in assedatioun lattis to the Provest, Baillies, and Counsall of his Hienes hail] burrowis now presentt and thair successouris, havand the liberty of merchandise, and beand in vse to beir Convention 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 this realme or imported within the samyn, quhilkis have bene in vse to pay custome 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 cuming, for all the space, zeris, and terms of four zeris nixtt and immedi- atHe folio wand 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 gudes now permitted to be transported, With power to the saidis Provest, Baillies, and Counsall and their successouris foirsaidis, ilkane respectiue for thair 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 half 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 Burrowis now presentt, and thair successouris foirsaidis, may friehe bruke and ioyse the saidis customes during the space foirsaid, oure said Souerane Lord with aduyse and consentt abouespecefeitt sail with full effectt mak all takis 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 compeU 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 sail cawse and compell the customeris presentt to delyuer the half seilles and stampis to the saidis commissioneris to the effectt foir- 160 Convention 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 ofFerit 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 thairanentt and putt reforma- tioun thairto as efferis. And the saidis Commissioneris of Burro wis 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 vsuaU money of this realme alanerlie att four termes in the zeir, viz. Alhalowmes, Candilmes, Eeltan, and Lambmes, quhither the saidis customes efter compte and rekning extend to mair or les, begynnand the fh'st termes paj^mentt 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 vthers his Hienes officiaiis, be war- rand and command of his Hienes Comptroller, nor extendis to thretty tunnis, the samyn salbe 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 Bojjal Burghs. 161 by and attour the thretty tunnis foirsaid ; And for sure paymentt of the saidis four thowsand pundis zeii-ly at the termes ahouewrittin, 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, coniunctlie and seueralie ; 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 assedatioun be acted and registratt in the buikis of counsall to have the strenth of ane actt and decreitt of the Lordis thairof, and that letteris and executoriallis be directt heiropoun in forme as foirsaid. In Witnessing quhaieof 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, nobUl and michtie Lordis, Colyne Erie of Argyle Lord Campbell and Lorn, chancellar, WilUame 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 DunfermeHng, lames Commendatour of Pitenweme, Adam Commendatour of Campuskenneth, collectour generall, Ihonn Fentoun, comptroller, Maister Dauid MakgUl of Nesbett, aduocatt, and Alexander Hay, dark of register, with vtheris dyueris. Et sic suhscrihitur. lAMES R. Argyle, Gowry, R. Dumfermeling, Moravien, Culros, Ad. Orcaden, Mr Dauid Makgill, Cathcartt, lames Halyburton, A Cambuskenneth, Ballenden, Blantyre, Ihonn Fenton, comptroller, A Hay, Alexr. Clark provest of Edin- burgh, Henry Charteris, Ihonn Ihonston, Dioneis Conquerour, Alexr. Scrymgeour, Alexr. Hay burges of Abirden. Air 162 Convention of Royal Burghs. In the Conventioun of Burrowis haldin at Air, the tent, elevint, tuelth, threitteint, fourteint, fifteint, sevinteint and auchtene days oflunijin the zeir of God h V' four scoir thre zeris, comperit the commissioneris of bur- roiois following, and producit thair commissionis, pairtlie vnder thair seillis of cawsis and pairtlie vnder the sid)Scriptionis of thair commoun clarhis viz. : For Edinburgh, Henry Chaii-teris, Micliiaell Gilbert ; Perth, Dioneis Conquerour ; Dundie, Alexander Skrymgeour ; Striveling, Williame Norowell ; Air, Robert Campbell, provest, Archibald FergushUl, and Dauid Crawfurde ; Linlithqn, Andrew Kar ; Cowpar, lames Andersoun ; Hadingtoun, Ihon Aytouu ; Dumbartan, Maister William Houstoun ; Glasqu, Ai-chibald Hiegait ; Wigtoun, Eichart Campbell ; Dunfreis, Ihon Merschell, baUlie, lames Ihonstoun; Kirkcudbrycht, Harbertt Gledstanys ; Irrowyne, Thomas Broun ; Craill, Ihoun Meluile ; Kingorn, Ihonn Kirk- caldy ; Laneark, William Wilkyn ; Quhithorn, Williame Houstoun ; Dunbai-, Robert Lawder ; ledburgh, George Douglas, Ihonn Henaly ; Peiblis, Patrik Dicksoun ; Dumfermeling, Robert Pawtoun ; Kirkcaldy, Ihonn Hacquett ; Lawder, Androw Lawder ; Innerkething, Thomas Michell ; Dysartt, Dauid Gaudin ; Pettinweme, Stevin Martyne ; Elgyne, Alexander Boynd ; Northbervik, Thomas Lawder, baillie ; Innernes, laspartt Kynning ; Forres, Williame Dalgleische ; Renfrew, Ihonn Hous- toun ; Ruglene, Alane Pinkarton, Dauid Spens. Decimo lunij 1583. Vrotestatioun, The quhilk day, in the conuentioun of burrowis haldin and begun at the ?u"rtourfOT° said burgh the day abouewrittin, comperit Adam Dumbar as procuratour ttie Laird of fQj. Robert Mom'o off FouUs 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 Arnott souerity for the said Robertt Monrow of FouUis suld be fred of his cautionarship, and heirvpon askit instrumentis. Convention of Royal Burghs. 163 Vndecimo lunij 1583. The QUHiLK DAY, Dauid Crawford, ane of the commissioneris of the Protestatioun burgh of Air, askitt instrumentis vpoun the productioun of the towiie of ^"'iTontra"^' ' Edinburghis commissioun be Henry Chairteris and Michaell Gilbertt, Edinburgh. commissioneris thairin eontenitt, 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, suld incur the payne and vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis thairin contenit. The samyn day, laspartt Kynning, commissioner for the burgh of In- Protestatioun, nemess, protested thatt the enrolling of the tovne of Thayne amongis the ^'^TCyne."" remanentt frie burrowis, and calling and vnlawing of thame at euery seuerall conventioun, suld nocht preiuge the said burgh of Irmernes 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, comperitt Ihonn Stewartt, scbireff of Bute, provest of Apijvoving of the burgh of Eothesay, and voluntarUe in name of the said burgh and itothesay!'^ 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 samyn day, Ihonn Houstoun, allegitt wobstar, commissioner for Houstoun com- the burgh of Renfrew, befoir his admissioun in commissioun for the said E^n/ "ew"^ ° burgh, renuncitt his occupation of wobster craft and gaif his aith he hes I'enunoitt his nocht of lang tyme bygane vsitt or exercit the samyn, lyke as in tyme cuming he sail nocht vse nor exerce the said craft, 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 instrumentis ; in respect quhairof the said lohnn Houstoun was resauit in commissioun, etc. The quhilk day, the commissioneris forsaidis fyndis and decernis the Vniamng bur- burrowis of Abirdene, Sanctandrois, Selkirk, Banff, Forfar, Breichan, '^"^^ ^''«^°"- Culane, and Thayne, in respect of thair non comperance to this presentt conuentioun, being lavtrfuUy 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 be vplifted of thame butt favouris, and the actt of parliament 164 Convention of Royal Burghs. maid thairanent to be putt to do executioun ; and laspar Kynning com- 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. Proteatatio\m Duodecimo lunij T58S. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis fynds the ■gh of Edinburgl: Charteris, com- ]3urgh of Edinburgh to haif incurritt the payne and vnlaw of ane hun- Edinburgh. dreth pundis for contravening of thair act maid at Edinburgh the xvth 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 Edinburgii ad- ^ctt foirsaid and vtheris the liberties of burrowis, and thatt in respect of lugitmane o\xY& Soucrane Lordis letteris and charge gevin to the saidis commission- hundretn pun- o & dis for present- eris be Ihonn Scherar messenger to thatt effectt, and for feir and obedi- Giibert gold- cncc of the saniyn and na vtherwayis ; and Henry Charteris commissioner commissioun foirsaidis, in name of the said burgh of Edinburgh, protested thatt quha for obedi- thav suld nawayis incur the said payne and vnlaw of ane hundreth enoeofthe •' •' '■ '' . „ Kingis ciiarge pundis, nor zett be compeUet to pay the samyn, m safar as for obedience was resaui . ^£ ^^^.^ gouverane Lordis decreitt arbitrall gevin and pronuncitt 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: Iames 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 tlie merchantis and craftismen of oure buro-h of Edinburgh concerning aither of thair previlegis, and fynding thatt the contrauersie thairof was 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 satisfac- tioun, We, with aduyse of certane personis to quhome all the saidis con- Convention of Royal Burghs. 165 trauersies war submittit, liaif sett doun ane forme and ordour quhow and in quhatt maner 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 coramissioneris att all parliamentis and conuentionis generall in tyme cuming, Oure will ia 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 cuUour of oure actis of parUamentt 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- dorsett agane to the berar. Gevin vnder oure signett and subscryuit with oure hand at Falkland the saxt day of luuij, and of oure reigne the xvj zeir. The samyn day, anentt the supplicatioun gevin in be Dauid Clark continuatioun and Maister Hercules Balrany induellaries in the tovne of BruntUand, 'i"^"';^ *° ,. •' . . ' Bruntislandis quhairby thai desyritt the samyn, being ane burgh of regalite and doted supplicatioun with the lyke previlegis as is the tovne of Dunfermeling, quhairvpoun nLtconven- confirmatioun is past be oure Souerane Lord with aduyse of vmquhUl *""°- lames, sumtyme Erie of Mortoun, Regentt 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 generall conventioun and assembly of burrowis quhairso- euer it salhappen the samyn to be haldin, and ordanis the provest and baillies of the burgh quhair the said conuentioun is to be appoynted to remember the haill burrowis in thair missives to be sentt to thame for keping of the said conventioun, to send thair commissioneries fuUie in- structed to give ansuer thairto. 166 Convention of Royal Burghs. anent the Kingia custorais. Making of The Same day, efter lang resoning vpoun the taking of oi-dour with to'Sordour'^ the Kingis Maiesties customes, quhairvnto the haill burro wis of this realme ar takismen, the sadis commission eris makis and constitutis the commissioneris of the burghis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, Striveling, Air, Irrowyne, Kingorn, and Craill to convene the morn be sevin houris in the morning, for establisching of ane fynall ordour thairanentt and collectioun of the samyn, and willis that lames Andersoun 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 hald ferme and stabill all and quhatsumever thingis anent the premissis the saidis commissioneris appoynted to the effect foirsaid thinkis needfull to be done, etc. Decimo tercio lunij 1583. Oursicht to Quhithorn to remane from conventionis for thre zeris. The QUHILK day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis efter aduys- ment with the supplication gevin in befoir thame be Williame Houstoun commissioner of the burgh of Quhithorn, quhairby he humblie cravit the same to be exemit fra keping of conventionis in respect of thair greit poverty, as in the said supplecatioun at lenth is contenit, The saidis com- missioneris for the cawsis foirsaidis dispensit and dispensis with the com- perance of the said burgh of Quhithorn 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 samyn to ilk convention as they salbe varnit thairto for ratefeing and appreving of sic actis lawis and constitutionis as salhappin 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 quarto lunij 1583. Commission- The QUHILK DAY, the commissionens foirsaidis efter lang resonino- traiteJ't™) ' anent the alteration of the extent rollis of burrowis maid at Cowpar in taxtroiiis. Februar 1578 zeris, quhilk was than ordanit to indure for thre zeris Convention of Royal Burghs. 167 thairefter, and langer ay and quhill the samyn war reformit, conforme to ane act maid tbairanent, 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 expyritt, as alsua of dyueris and sindry complayntis gevin in be sindry commissioneris 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 Cffwpar salbe instantlie in this presentt convention afoir the desoluing thairjfra alterit and reformit, and for alteration and reformation thairof appoyntis and nominatis Henry Charteris, ane of the commissioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh, Dioneis Conquerour commissioner for Perth, Alexander Scrymgeour commissioner for Dondie, William NoroweU com- missioner for Striveliag, 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, Ihoun 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 Edinburgii thair estait gretumlie preiugitt of thair liberteis be the Loi'dis of oure seik redres for Soverane Lordis counsall, quha at euery occasioun of extentt takis vpoun bu^J^^g^fe"^ thame the taxting of the burrowis by thair consentis, Ordanis the magis- tlie Lordis of tratis of the burgh of Edinburgh with all gudUe diligence to geve in ane sail. complayutt 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 repoii'tt thair diligence at the nixt conuention as they tender the weilfair of thair estait. bfr^procurT" The samyn day, in the conventioun of burrowis haldin at the said ^^^ ^^^ ^b'^^t* burgh, being presentt the commissioneris of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, FouHs, anentis byrun cutj- tomis. 168 Conveiition of Royal Burghs. Striveling, Air, Linlithqu, Cowpar, and remanent commissioneris of bur- rowis, comperitt Adam Dumbar as procuratour for Robert Monro of FouUis and ofFerit to thame the sovme of ane hundreth pundis money of this reahne as for the dewtie as he allegit of the customis of Innernes of the terme of Mertjanes 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, Innernes having the pictour and prentt of oure lady, and thatt for obedience as he aUegit 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 ofierit 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 as 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 moderator, askitt actis and instrumentis. Continuatioun The samyn day, the commissioneris befoir namitt efter lang resoning Guthreis sup-" "^i^^^ ^^^ supplicatioun producitt to thame be Ihonn Guthre dark, quhair- piicatioun to by he requyritt thatt his paynis and travell tane be him thir dyueris ventioun. zeris past in their efiaires suld be according to his merit dewlie recom- pensit, as alsua thatt they suld geve him to vnderstand quhither they war of mynd to employ him forther in thair eflPaires or nocht, quhilk gif they war myndit to do thatt sic dewtie suld be modefeit to him as the oursichtt of his commoun office, tynsall of the commoditie thairof induring his awaiting on thame, and pajniis 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 tbairupoun at mair lenth is contenitt, Fyndis thatt befoir thair desokiing the said Ihonn salbe dewlie rewardit CoHven.tio/i of Roijal Burghs. 169 for his paynis and travell tane be him in thair effaires preceding this con- ventioun, and that he vnto thair next generall conventioun diligeutlie awaitt vpoun sic chargis as in the menetyme sail intervene ; and becaus the commissioneris presentt ar nochtt instnictit to geve dew ansuer to the supplicatioiin 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 fuUie 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 he salbe eraployitt be thame thairto. The same day, Ihonn Merschell commissioner for Dunfreis askitt instru- Offer Dunfreis mentis thatt he offerit him in name of the said burgh, incais they wald tomis. grantt to thame the Kingis Maiesties customes thairof, to tak the samyn and to fynd cautioun to geve als mekUl thairfoir, and to be als ansuerabill to the burrowis, as ony vtheris sutaris thairof. Decimo quarto lunij 1583. The sajitn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, for resonabill cawsis Vniawis of oer- moving thame, dispensis with the extremitie of the letteris raisit be the remittit. "^^'^ burgh of Edinburgh in thair names for vplifting of the vniawis 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 letteiis dewlie as efferis, and ordanis Ihonn Guthre thair dark to direct tikketis to the saidis ofEceris to the effect aboue writ tin. The same day, fyndis that sic commissioneris as salbe direct to the Commission- Kingis Maiestie in thair effaires sail remember to be aduysit with the u™t with Peib- complaint gevin in befoir thame be the tovne of Peiblis anentt the greit ^'^ compiaiut. 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 Boyal B'urghs. Decimo quinto lunij 1583. Eatificatioun of The quhilk DAY, it being menit be the commissioner of ledburgh thatt auWs''conv™- for obedience of oure Souerane Lordis letteris they behovit to convene bS^"h^an'dthe vpon the borderis vpon the xx day of this instant lunij, the saidis com- licenoiat to pas missioneris in respect thairof grantis and licentiatis the said commissioner to depairtt hame to his burgh, quha, befoir his away passing ratefeit and apprevit 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 commission eria presentlie assemblit requeistis the said burgh of Edinburgh to foi'tefie and assist the said tovne of ledburgh aganis the vnfrie tovne of Hawik, vsurparis of thair liberties. Licence The same day, gevis and grantis licence to the commissioner of Peiblis Peibiis so'des- to desoluc fra this presentt assemblie in respect of the raid abouewrittin, f'^t'th"^*^?'^" quha 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. Continuatioim The Same day, anentis the complayntis of the burghis of Edinburgh burgh and ™" ^^^ Dondy aganis the burgh of Elgene, quha compellis the friemen of Dondiescom- ^j^g gaidis burrowis to sell and geve vp the entressis of thair gudes as plaintis. . . ... 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 giidis and salmond furth thairof, Fyndis the samyn to be rememberit at thair nixtt generall con- uentioun, and that the burrowis send thair commissioneris thairto fullie instructed to tak ordour thairanent, and to be contenit in the missiues to be sentt to the saidis burrowis. Certan bur- The Same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis in respect of the distance rowis hcentiatt _ , ^ . /> , i i • r -m x -r^ to desoiue fra ot boundis 01 the Durrowis 01 Elgyne, innernes, Forres, Dunfermeling, tk>un°q"uhr' Innerkething, Lawder, Northbervik, Laneark, Euglene, Wigtoun, as alsua lotia"" "'" 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 tenour heirof ratefeis apprevis all and quhatsumever thingis Con centlon of Royal Bunjlis. 1 7 1 intreitit on at this conuentioun, alsweill concerning the Kingis custoines tastt rollis as vtherwayis. The same day, for caussis moving thame, dispenis with tlie tovne of Lewder dispen- La\Ader for thair vulaw incurrit be thame be thair absence fra ane con- rat(?eitt. ^^ "^ uention of burrowis haldin at Edinburgh in Februar last, they satefeand the officeris executouris of the letteris raisit to thatt effect dewlie as efferis, and ordanis Ihonn Guthre dark to subscryve in thair names ane discharge to the saidis officeris. Tlie same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis gevis and disponis to the Vniaw Mon- bnrgh of Elgyne the vnlaw of the burgh of Montrois for thair absence to°Eigyn"" fra this present conuentioun as they that war lawfully citat thairto, as was sufficientlie verefeitt, the said tovne of Elgyne making all maner of expenssis in suting thairof The same day, remittis to the burgh of Irrowyne thair vnlaw incurrit ivrowenis 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 vni\i the Kingis aiterans of the Maiesties customes and alteration of the taxtt rollis sail nochtt depairtt ^o^oU^esoiul' 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 salhajjin to contravene this present ordinance, provyding alwayis the alteration of the said extent roll be first entreittit on and nane vtheris quhiU the samyn and customes foir- saidis tak dew resolutioun. The samyn day, the commissionei-is foirsaidis fyndis thatt befoir thair Commission- 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 gf™! ^{"g''^ Fyldour his Grace seruitour. missives. Decimo septimo lunij 1583. The QUHILK day, the commissioneris of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, Protcsiatio— Striveling, Air, Cowpar, Linlithqu, Hadingtoun, Dumbai'tan, Pettinwome, conseruatour. 172 Convention of Royal Burghs. aad Kirkcudbiyclit, commissioneris nominatt for alteratioun of the taxtt roUis of burrowis, being conuenit in the tolbuyth of the said burgh of Air to thatt effect, 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 conseruatour suld preiuge him ather in his office of conseruatory or anentis the dewties belonging thairto. Moderator i-e- The sauiyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis fyndis thatt Robert movitt. Campbell provest of Air, moderator of this presentt conuentioun, sail re- move him selffe as the remanentt commissioneris thairof, qiihill ordour be tane anent the alteration 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. Protcstatioun, The samyn day, Henry Charteris ane of the commissioneris of the mSner ''°°'' ^urgh of Edinburgh protested thatt, in the alteratioun of the taxtt roUis 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 ; efter 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 oure 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 buro-h, 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 lunii instant the commissioneris of burrowis conuenit at this conuentioun be thair act and ordinance than fand and declarit that the taxtt roll of burrowis maid at Cowpar suld be alteritt and reformitt at this p)-esentt conuentioun afoir tentt roUis. Convention of Royal Burglis. 173 the desoluing thairof, and for alteratioun and reformatioun quhairof tliay appoynted elected and nominatt Henry Charteris for Edinburgh, Dioneis Conqueroiir commissioner for Perth, Alexander Skrymgeour commissioner for Dondie, William Norowell commissioner for Striveling, Archibald Fergushni commissioner for Air, Androvv 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 rollis 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 efter 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 quhiU the samyn be new reformit and alterit be the commissioneris of burrowis appoyntit and conuenit to thatt effect, efter lawfull aduerteis- ment maid to the haUl, and the saidis commissioneris hes assegnit for the collectioun 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 Souerane Lordis letteiis of hornyng be direct vpoun the said new taxtt roU for obedience thairof, as wes ever at ony tyme heirtofoir 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 EoU gorn and Innerkething thretty Lawder, vj s. viij d. pundis. Drumfreis, xl s. 174 Convention of Royal Burghs. In payment quhairof fyndis thatt Kingorn according to thair ac- customat pairt aucht to be dimi- nischitt. Striveling, xlvj s. viij d. Linlithqu, xxiij s. viij d. Rothesay, vj s. viij d. Dumbarton, xv s. v d. Renfrow, xx s. iij d. Rutlmglen, viij s. Air, xlvij s. iiij d. Irrowj'ne, xxvij s. Glesgow, iij li. x s. Kircudbright, xvj s. Wigioun, xxiiij s. Quhitliorne, 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 s. Siiinma totalis j tioun thairof. Abirdene, ix li. ix s. Dundie, xj li. Perth e, vj li. Banff, xiij s. vj d. Drumfermeling, xvj s. Craill, XX s. Forfair, x s. j d. Brechine, xxviij s. Montrois, xliij s. Elgyn, XXX s. Innernes, xxvj s. viij ( Abirbrothok, xx s. Sanctandrois, iiij li. Cowper, XXXV s. vj d. Cullane, vj s. x d. Fores, x s. Name, v s. Thayne, x s. j d. Dysert, xl s. Kirkcaldy, xxiiij s. Pettinweme, xx s. ij li. xiiij s. ; and this ij li. xiiij s. is for the collec- BuiTowis aiig- mcntitt. The burrowis eikit and augmentit Edinburgh with Kingorne and Innerkething xl s., 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 s. Sanctandrois, x s. ledburch, iij s. viij d. Dysert, x s. Dunbar, ij s. Kirkcaldy, iiij s. r>rurnfreis, xxx d. Pettinweme, vj s. viij d. Svmma v li. xv s. viij d. ConventioN of Boyal J>nrMW« iior af ff i irth th tti-*hr-€> f M fcbio i ye[iilm e» quhair cokatis hes beine accustomat of- auld, orq^AaJp-as-itf awi ' bg, fc ligdit be thame maist proper meit and commodious to be placeit ;- aBd--for placeing of the saidis custumaris the saidis pertis ordanis the commission- eris of the burch of Edinburgh, Perth, Dundie, and Abirdene, oi- sic vtheris as the saidis four commissioneris sail appoint, to pas throw the haill burrowis of this realme vpoun the reasonabiU expensis of the haill burrowis of this realme for placeing and inputting in ilkane of the foir- nameit burrowis quhairfra the saidis cokkattis hes bene in vse to be directit, or vtherwayis maist commodious and ewest rowmes adiacent thairto, qualefeit sufficient and honest customaris, quha sail haue thair residence and remaneing within burghe, for collecting of the saidis cu«- Ordoui" pres- cryuit to the taking ordour Co7}ventioii of Roijal Bvrylis. 177 tomeis, and that vnio the first of October nixt, and frathyne to endure quhill the first day of October nixt thah-efter, 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 comptroUaris to be nominat as said is, in that cais and na vthevwajds it salbe lesum to the saidis commissioneris to iaput in that burghe ane sufiicient 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 the said commissioner of Abirdene mycht or suld haue done ; and the saidis customaris being input be the saidis commissioneris of burrowis appointit to that efiect 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 collectionis 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 collectour, 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, saU 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 intromissinun with the saidis haill customes in presence of the Z 178 Convention of Boyal Burghs. Act anentis the ingatherinij of the impoist for making of Hpiii-y Nes- bettisespenssis. Missives, Nes- bett, delyuerit to Gharteris. Ansuer to Home, skip- pers, supplica- tion]!. saidis haill burrowis at the said generall dyat of conventioun. Attour thai ordane the saidis four burrowis to tak ordour with the making of ane generall custome bulk, creating of ane clerk thairto, appointing for thair feyis, and generallie anent the premissis all and sundrie vther thingis in thair names, and of the haill burrowis of this realme to do, vse, and exerce, that necesserlie may be thocht be thame expedient and resonabill to the avancement thairof, and promissis for thame selfis and haill remanent burrowis of this realme to bald ferme and stabill all and quhatsumeuir the saidis four commissioneris, or sic as salbe nominat to assist with thame as said is in the premissis, thinkis neidfull to be done vnder all hieast pane and charge thay may occur be the law. The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis findis and delyueris that the provest and baillies of everie burch and seaport within this realme be charget to haue in rediness, agane the first day of August nixt, tlie im- post granted to be vpliftit of all maner of gudis passing furth of this realme for releiving of the burch of Edinburgh of the sowme of ane thou- sand pundis advanceit be thame for making of the expenssis of Henrie Nesbit thair commissioner in France, quha is procurand the doungetting of the new impost and customeis lait raisit thair. The same day, Henrye Cliarteris, ane of the commissioneris of the burch of Edinburgh, produceit certane missive billis direct frome Heniye Nesbit, togidder with the copy of sum supplicationis gevin in be him to the King of France for doungetting of the new impost raisit thair ; quhilkis wi-ytingis, being redelyuerit to him, thay ordane him to keip the samyn to be furthcumand quhenas it salhappin the burrowis to haue to do thairwith. The same day, anent the supplicatioun and humie sute of Dauid Hume skipper in Leyth, presentit to the saidis commissioneris be lohnne Kirk- caldy commissioner for the burch of Kingorne, quhairby, to the furderino- of the reductioun of ane decreit obtenit be certane Frenschemen aganis him in Burdeaux, he humblie craveit thay ather wald advance or len to him ane certane sowme of money, as at lenth is contanit in ane supplicatioun gevin in thairanent ; Ordanis the commissioneris of Edinburch, Perth, Dondie, and Abirdene, to lament his estait in thair names to the Kingis Maiestie and his Hienes Secreit Counsale, to the effect thay may obtene of his Grace the rycht of the siluer ingadderit for reliefe of certane pre- soneris in Argerea, quhilk they suppone to be in the handis of the airis Convention of Royal Banjlis. 1 79 of vmquhile Andro Buck sumtyme burges of Abeidene ; As alsua that the saidis four burrowis in thair names lament to the remanent burrowis of this realme and ministeris, in sic placeis as they sail resort to in thair progres in the placeing of the ciistomeris, the said Dauidis pure estait, and quhat sowmes of money beis obtenit and recovereit be the saidis com- missioneris, ordanis the samyn at thair discretioun to be employ it for the said Dauidis releife and support. The same day, it is concludit that the commissioneris of the burrowis Commisaiun- of Edinburgh, Perthe, Dundie, Lyalithkow, Glasgow, Cowper, Sanctandrois to"jf„s„'e"the'^ and Kingorne, pas to the Kingis Maiestie for ansuering to his Hienes Kingis mis- thre missives concerning the myneis, the conservatour, and the customar of Aberdene; and quhat it salhappin the saidis commissioneris to do thairanent, ather afflrmatiue or negative, all the remanent commissioneris of burrowis, in name and behalfe of thair burrowis and burrowis absent, oblisses thame to abyde thairat, and to be participant of all that may follow thairvpoun ather be expenssis chargeis as vther inconveinencis quliatsumeuir. The same day, the commissioneris finding thame selfis gritumlie hurt Conservatom- be the Conservatour in Flanderis be rasing and vplifting of fyfteiue sturis xv'^sturf3''and of ilk sek of gudis arryving thairto furth of this realme, in contrar the nyne sturis ap- tennour of the actis and statutis maid of befoir, dischargeis the said Con- servatour of ony forder introiuLssioun in ony tyme cuming or ony forder vplifting of ony dewitie fra the merchandis of this realme arryving to the saidis pairtis of Flanderis (except the dewiteis following) to wit, sex stureis of ilk sek of the merchandis, and thre stureis of the schip, extend- ing to nyne stureis, alanerlie. The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis geves full power and com- Comiuission to missioun to the commissioneris appointit to geve ansuer to the Kingis MiJiato"v7ii-'° Maiestie anent his Hienes requeist in favouris of Maister WUliam Leslie, Ham Leslies de- that geve the saidis commissioneris can be na meane obteine delay of his Maiestie, but that his Hienes will haue the samyn set to the said Maister William, that thai in that cais in name of the said burrowis set the saidis customis to the said Maister William vpoun sic reasonabill conditionis and iniunctionis as be thame salbe thocht gude. The same day, remittis, for reasonabill caussis moving thame, the toun Kiikcud- of Kirkcudbrycht of thair vnlaw incurrit be thame for thair non comper- renUHiu.''"''"" ance in thair last generall conventioun haldin at Perthe, and willis that 180 Convention of Boyal Burghs. CoutinuatioLin ansuer, Dum- bartane, Craill. Cuntinnatioun, ansuer to Kirk- caldy aTid Dy- sartis supplica- tiouu. Glasqu, Irro- "vvinis, ansuer continewit. AuditouHs, Eus, comptis. Vplifting vn- lawis absentt the letteris raisit thairanent be simpliciter suspendit in tyme cuming, and that lohnne Gutheray clerk send ane tickat to the officeris executaris of the saidis letteris for dischargeing thairof Anent the supplicationis of the townes of Dunbartane and Craill for the support craveit be thame to the reparatioun of thair decayit herbores and biilwarkis, contenewis the ansuer geving thairto to thair nixt con- ventioun to be haldin at Lynlithcow in lulij anno etc. Ixxxiiij. The same day, anent the supplicationis gevin in be the touns of Kirk- caldy and Disart, makand mentioun of certane extortionis and new exac- tionis raisit aganis thame in the pairtis of Ingland vpoun hering, salt, and vtheris gudis, as at lenth is contenit in thair supplicationis gevin in thair- vpoun, The commissioner] s present continewis the ansuer geving thairto vnto thair nixt conventioun to be haldin at Lynlithcow the day aboue- writtin, and ordanis the pro vest and baillies of the said burch to remem- ber the samyn in thair missives to be sent be thame to the burro wis for keping of the said conventioun. The sp^me day, anent the support craveit be the burchis of Glesgow and Irvin for reparing of the Kirk of Glesgow and brig of Irvin, continewis the ansuer geving thairto to thair nixt conventioun, and ordanis the samyn to be rememberit in thair missives in maner abouewrittin. The same day, appointis as of befoir the commissioneris of the burchis of Edinburgh, Lynlithcow, and Hadingtoun to convene vpoun the xv day of August nixt in Edinburgh, to heir lames Ros comptis of the stentis mentionat in the actis maid at Perthe thairanent, with the elyk power to thame as they had of befoir. The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis ordanis the burch of Edin- burgh to rais letteris at thair instances for vplifting of the vnlawis of the burrowis amerciat for thair non comperance at this present conventioun, and tliat thai geve and dispone, lyk as the saidis commissioneris hes pre- senthe gevin and disponit, the vnlawis of the burchis of Abirdene and Sanctandrois to lohnn Gutherie and lohnn Masoun clerkis, quhairof the twa pairt to the said lohnn Gutherie, and th« thrid pairt to the said lohnn Masoun ; and siclyk hes disponit to the toun of Northbervik the vnlaw of the toun of Brechine, thay makand expenssis impetrating thair- of, and willis that the said toun of Northbervik vse the said toun of Biechine discretlie be the aduyse of the toun of Dundie. Convention of Royal Burghs. 181 The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis desoluis thair conventioun, Desoiuing 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"^ lxxxiiij°, 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 effeiis. Decimo nono lunij 1583. The QUHILK day, the commissioneris foirsaidis at the ernist requeist of Edinburgh, Henry Charteris etc., remitis to the burgh of Edinburgh thair vnlaw of ^ttiu."" aue 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. Ibone Hackat. Wm. Norwell. Thomas Lawder, Northberwik. I. Aytowne. Ihone Kyrkcaldy. Andro Ker. Alexr. Scrj^mgeour. Dauid Crauffurd. Stewin Martyne. T^chibald Hegait for Glasgw. Dauid Gardyn and Herbert Gledstanis with our handis at the pen led be Ihonn Masoun notar. I. Masoun. /// the Conventioun of Burroivis haldin at Edinhu)-(j]i, ^/^'^ Edtuburgh. xij, xiij, xiiij, xv, and day is of Nonemher [1583] Connperit the commissioneris vnder snhscryvand and producitt thair commissiotiis, pairt/ic vnder thair sci/Iis of cawsis, and pairtUe vnder the subscriptionis of the eJarkis of tin' snidis hnrr(nvis, ns follonvs, ete. : — 182 Convention of Royal Burghs. Edmburgli, Henry Charteris, Eobert Henrison chirurgean ; Perth, Dioneis Conquerour ; Dondie, Alexander Scrymgeour ; Abirdene, Alex- ander Scrymgeour be commission ; Streveling, William Norowell ; Glasqu, lames Flemyng ; Linlitliqu, Androvsr Kar ; Hadingtoun, Alexander Sym- soun ; Crail, Ihonn Ramsay. Xlllj' Nouembris 1583. Commissiounto The QUHILK DAY, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis being con- die to mak offer venit for ansuering to the heidis of twa wrytingis sentt be the Kingis Seytoun°o{ ijm Maiestie to the magistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh, for frauchting of markis to ob- ^ue schip pertening to Andrew Lamb, for careing of George Lord Seytoun tomis in Friince to the pairtis of France as Embassadour for the Kingis Maiestie of this argi . 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 vpon the merchandice 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. Commiesioun The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, vnderstanding thame toa^riewifh ^sluBs and the remanentt burrowis of this realme as takismen to the the creditouris Kingis Maiesties customes to be addetted in certan sovmes of money a.wand to sindry merchantis, quha lies aduancit to Iheromy Bowy 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 thnir full power and commissioun to the ma.gistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh, or thair commissioneris 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 ferme and stabill all and quhatsumever thingis the saidis magis- ^ tratis of the said burgh of Edinburgh or thair commissioneris anent the premissis thinkis noidfiil to be done, provyding they extend nochtt for (oiirciitiu/i of Boyal Barglts. 183 ilk tuu of the wjnis awand four scoir pundis for this zeris wyne alaner- lie, qiihill forther ordour be tane. Apud Edinburgh xv'° Nouembris 1583. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis ordanis lohnn Guthre Missives to be thair dark to direct missives in name of the burrowis of Edinburgh, bimowis for Perth, Dondie, and Abirdene, as havand full power and commissioun of "^^"^ customes 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 saidis 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 Foullertovm, conforme to sindry actis of burrowis maid thairanent. And The samyn day, Andi-ow Kar and Alexander Symsoun, commissioneris for the burghis of Linlithqu and Hadingtoun, protested incais ony contri- butioun war maid or extentt raisitt vpoun the burrowis of this realme for the inlaik of the Kin «)™p- mission with the customes of Linlithqu sen the first of October 1 5 8 2 to the daitt of thir presentis, the samyn is found to extend to sax li. sax schillingis aucht penneis vnpayitt as zitt, and fra thyne furth dischargis hir. The samyn day, exemis the burgh of Northbervik fra keping of con- Northberyik, uentionis for thre zeris nixtt heirefter in (juhatsumever burgh owtwitli '^■'^P^satioun. 2 B 194 Convention of Royal Burghs. Bunifermling, Edinburgli extentt pirai schips. Lowfchiane, obseruing the provisioim specialy contenitt in the remanentt burrowis now dispensitt with. The samyn day, anent that pairt of the supplicatioun of Dumfermling concerning the chai'ge of horning gevin to thair burgh for paymentt of ane taxatioun appoynted to the furthsetting of ane schip and bark aganis the Inglis pyratis, wiUing they suld be dischairgit thairof insafar as the samyn tuke na effect, the commissi oneris of Edinburgh promitis they salbe dischargitt of samekill of thatt extentt for outreking of the saidis schip, and of all executioun of lettres raisitt aganis thame thairanentt. Sellar electid customf\r Liu- lithqu, Kar coTiiptrollur, and Thovjiia coquettar. Coinmissioun to certan bur- rowis to lieir custoracris comptis, 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 customer, within the boundis pertening to the said burgh of Lin- lithqu, viz. betuix the watteris 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 befoii-, refuisit to delyuer the same, thairfoir ordanis William Macartney thair agentt to sie ane half seill new maid of perfyte tyn, bering this presentt zeir of God, according to the quantitie of the coquett sell in- stantly delyuerit be Nicol Thownis to the said agent, and with impres- sioun of the Kingis Maiesties amies 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- witli his or his deputes presences, quha gaif thair aythis de fideli adminis- 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 liberties, 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 nixttocum, thair to resa^'e and allow the comptes of all the customeris of this i-ealme, quha ar ordanit be this presentt actt to convene the said day. Convention of Boy al 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 Collectour 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 general! convention att Air : Forther, vpoun the inlaik of the saidis cus- tomes, taxationis vpoun the saidis burrowis to sett, lettres of horning to rais and cawse execute vpoun the burrowis refusand to pay within ten dayis nixtt efter 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 burrowis 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 Doudy, 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 subscrjruit 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, pronuncifc 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 Edinburgh 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 noclit 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 ; liochtwithstanding the quhilkis 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 substantial! 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 Dond}^ 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 allegeances maid thair- upoun in the contrair, etc. Norweii, pro- The quliilk day, William Norowell commissioner for the burgh of es atioun. Streveling protested as of befoh- 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, etc. Suspensioun The commissioneris foirsaidis suspendis all executioun of the act maid Conservatouris .^^ ^j^jg conventioun concerning the Conservatour, and the vpliftincr of sax stures alanerlie, as in the samyn att lenth is contenit, to the parliamentt nixt, for dew and resonabill considerationis moving thame thairto, etc. Charge, ciia- The samyu day, ordanis the commissioneris appoynted to the hering of freia. ' 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 first day of the said October, and tliat the provest baillies and counsall at the said xviij day presentt, pre- sent to the saidis burrowis twa sufiicient and qualefeitt personis to be Conve/dion of Roijal Burghs. 197 customer and comptroller fra the said first day of October nixt vnto the first day of October nixt thairefter, conforme to the ordour. The samyn day, dispensis with the burgh of Wigtoun for the space of ^?P™^^''°"" t\va zeiris nixt fi-ome keping of assemblies, they sending with the burgh nixt adiacent thairto thair autentik missive appreving 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 Stsitute rnWe 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, collectour of the vnlawis, to ^^^ vnUw to til© cls^rl^is oi delyuer to Andrew Kar and Nicoll Thovnis, clarkis of Linlithqu, ane vnlaw Liniithqu. 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 pianitis con- , ,1 1 ,, n ... ,. 1. , ,, • ,, 1. tinewitt to the the samyn to be rememberett and gevm in m articus to the nixtt pariia- pariiamentt. mentt, viz., anentis supportt cravitt for reparing of the dekyitt harberres and briggis of Craill, Renfrow, Kirkcaldy, Peiblis ; and siclyke, it may be impetratt the said nixtt parliaraentt that nafrie barroun, in na pairttoutwith ane frie burgh, have within ane barrony ony ma nor ane of euery craft, accord- ing to the auld lawis of the reahne past tbairupoun, 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 piratis, and anent ane merkatt of quheitt, beir, aitis and vther wictuall to be cravitt to be in Linlitliqu as the heid burgh of the schire, and anentis Orknay and Schyteland, for the wrangis done thair. The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis desoluis this thair con- Desoiuing con- ventioun, and appojnitis 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 buiTowis 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. Gutlirie Clark. I. Guthre. lohne Forrest. Dionis Conqucrour. Aixhibald Hegait. George Cochrane. William Bowsy. Archibald Tilzefeir. lames Douglas. Patrik Dykson. lohnne Corsaw commissioner for Robert Lauder for Dumber. Pettinwem. Gamn Wilkin for Selkerk. Robertt Livingstoun for Lanerke. lohne Layng commissioner for lohne Kay for Montros. Jedburch. A. Broun for Kingorne. lames Hackat for Dysert. Ihone Hackafc for Kyrkcaldy. Thomas Mychell for Innerkethin. Alexander Kaa, William Meiklihonn for Dumfermling, Henry Fyniie- 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, etc. Ita est loannes 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. Kee. Conventioun of the Burroivis of this recdme, hcddin at Had- hvjtoun vpoim the xij and xiij duijis of lid ij 15S5, be the Cominissioneris efter folloiving, qiilui producit thair comvnssionis, pai7'tlie vnder the suhscrlptionis of thair commoun clarkis of thair hurghis, and vther pairtt vnder thair seillis as folloivis, etc. : Hadingtoun. Edinburgh, Henry Nesbett baillie, George Hereott goldsmyth, counsal- Concoitlon of Boyal Burglts. 199 lour ; Linlithqu, Aadrow 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, Thomas Lawder. Apud Hadingtoun xiij° lulij 1585. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis abouewritten beina: convenit for resoning thair commoun effaires, Fyndis the burrowis of Stirveling, Laneark, Dondy, Perth, Ruthuglen, Air, Dumbartan, Wigtonn, Dunfreis, Kirkcudbrycht, Quhithorn, Eenfrow, Cowper, Sanctandrois, Pettinweme, Kingorn, Blirkcaldy, Dysart, Innerkething, Dumfermling, Peiblis, ledburgh, Elgyne, Innernes, Abirdene, Forres, Glasqu, Selkirk, Forfar, Breichan, and Montros, euery ane of thame to have incurritt the payne and vnlaw of tuenty li. for thair non comperance to this present conventioun, being lawfully dtat thairto be Alexander Symson dark of the said burgh of Hadingtoun and vtheris mentionat in the diligence produdt, and verefeit befoir thame this day thairupon; to the collectioun and ingathering quhairof, as alsua of the vnlawis of the absentis frome the last generall conventioun at Linlithqu, as of befoir appoyatis Ihonn Guthre thair dark collectour, and be the aduyse of William Makcartney and Androw MekiU, quhome they ordane to caus rais lettres of horning, 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 luis 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 necessar[lie to be dejbursit be thame thairfoir to be allowit and dedu[cit to the] saidis lohnn Guthre, William Makcartney, and Androw MekiU, 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 lioyal Burghs. rail conuention of the superplus of the saidis vnlawis, deducand and allowand to thame as said is. The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, in respect of thair small nomber presentlie conuenit, quhairby they can nocht gudelie determine, resoun, or conclude vpon sic materis as thair conuentioun was appoynted for, and vtheris concerning the estait and weilfair of burrowis, desoluis this 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 Edinburgli, 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 magistratis 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 Harvy commis.sioner for lohne Kelly. Irrowing and Alexander Home lohne Willson. commis.sioner for Lawder with Thomas Lauder. oure handis subscryuit be lohnn A. Symsone, Guthre dark. I. Guthre. Converdioun of Burrowis haldin at Linlithqu in the Parlia- ment to he haldin. tliairatt the first, second, thrid, fourt, and dayis of December 1585, quhairto convenitt the Commissioneris of Burrowis efter following , etc.: Liniitiiqn. Edinburgh, Nicoll Vdwartt, dene of gild, Michaell Gilbertt, goldsmyth, counsallour.Maister Alexander Guthre, principall dark; Perth, James Drnm- mond; Dondie, William RoUok, Alexander Wedderbum ; Streveling, Anthoyne Bruce, Ihonn Muschett ; Abirdene, Alexander Rutherfurde ; Dunfreis Convention of Boy a/ Burghs. 201 Alexander Maxwell of Newlaw, provest, Maister Homer Maxwell, and Harbert Eanyng, twa of the baillies thairof, lames Eig, tliair conburges ; Hadingtoun, lames Cokburn, William Broun, thesaurer ; Craill, Ihonn Douglas, William Bowsy ; Montros, lobnn Wilsoun ; Pefctinweme, Ihonn Corsaw ; Lawder, Charles Murray ; Innerkething, William Blaikburn, Mathow Greg, baillies ; LLnlithqu, Ihonn Forrest, provest, Androw Kar, etc. Primo Decembris 1585. The qtjhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis abouewrittin being Emouth, Ees- convenit etc. Comperit Alexander Wilkeson and William Broun indueUaris oustomis!" in Emouth, quha for thame selues and in name of the haill inliabitantis of the said tovne, producitt ane decreitt obtenit be thame and the rema- nent personis mentionat thairintill aganis 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 tovue 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 Andrnw 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 destroy itt, 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 fra 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 friedomes and liberties. The samyn day, it being cum to the knawlege of the saidis commis- B^u^t^"*^"^ 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 2 c 202 Convention of Boyal 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 realme, and in speciaU to the burghis and tovnis of Innerkething, Dumfermeling, Kirkcaldy, within quhais 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 fuUie 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. StreveiiTig, The QUHILK DAT, 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 Kingis Maiestie and thre Estaittis of this presentt parliament the gi-eitt 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 herintill, provyding, incais vpoun the propositioun heirof ony taxatioun for supportt of the said burgh be granted be the Kingis Maiestie and his Hienes Estaitis, the burrowis be nawayis burdenit for thair pairttis thairof, bot frielie exemitt thairfra, and for thair better assurance thatt the saidis commissioneris of Striveling, proponaris heirof, sail immediatlie efter 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 Royal Burghs. 203 Tertio Decembris 1 585. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis being convenit for c^afiuratra' resoning vpoun thair commoun efiaires, Comperitt William Blaikbum Bnintiiand. and Mathow Greg commissioneris for the burgh of Innerkething, and truther. ' producitt ane charter maid to thair predecessouris in the nyntt zeir of King Robertt, quhairby they war infeft in all the boundis libertie and iurisdictioun within the boundis frome Dovane to Levinsmouth, with als ample previlege as ony frie burgh hes or ar infeft within the boundis of the iurisdictionis of thair frie burrowis, and siclyke producitt ane decreitt of oure Souerane Lordis Sessioun vnder the quarter seill aganis the burgh of Dysartt vplifting custom es 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 previlegis, 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 frie 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 Anstruther and Kilrany, to half the saidis tovnis in this present parliament erectitt in frie 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 pi-esentt parliament be had and obtenit, and ane act of parliament maid thairupoun, with this additiouu, thatt all previe wrytingis and giftis pnrchest 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] obteuit 204 Convention of Boyal Burghs. Dunfreis, cus- tomes. Pittinweme, pakking of fische. 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 Maiesties customes of the said burgh, quhairvnto the saidis bur- rowis ar takismen, quhilk is contrair to all gude resoun, and thaii-foir the saidis commissioneris of Dunfreis desyritt the commissioneris of burrowis presentlie convenit to this present pai'liament 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 special! sovme. Quhilk article the commissioneris foirsaidis hes found resonabill, alwayis continewing all forther 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 effaires 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 thairfoir at the sichtt and discretioun of the saidis 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 special! article, it salbe proponit in parliamentt in thair names quhow the act of parliament laitlie 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 fisches 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 Boyal Burghs. 205 graithitfc and handlitt in maner as is contenit in the said act, is very pi'eiudiciall and hurtfull to the remanent frie burrowis and sea portis on aither sydis of the said watter of Forth, and that thairfoir the said act may be 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 instrumentis etc. The samyn day, the commissioneris of the burrowis foirsaidis dispensis Burrowie de- with all the burrowis nochtt chosin to be Lordis of Articles in this pre- ing^actis pre- 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- sioun 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- ral] conventioun of burrowis, quhilk, vpoun the aduerteisment of the burgh quhair the samjm salbe appoynted to be haldin, they obleis thame be thair commissioneris fuUie instructed to cawse be kepitt, Ratefeand presentlie for thame and thair saidis burrowis all and sindry the actis preceding presentlie maid, as alsua all and quhatsuever thingis the saidis Lordis Articles of Burrovns sail in this presentt parliament consent vnto concerning thair weUfair. Decimo die Decembris 1585. The quhilk DAT the commissioneris of burrowis vnder subscryueand, DesoMug aprovand the actis abouevmttin, apoyntis thair nixt conventioun to be haldin at Couper in Fyfe the first day of Maij nixttocum, and gif ony parliament sail intervene in the menetyme, in that cais to convene at the place of the said parliament foure dayis before to intreat vpoun the mater of the Kingis Maiesties customes, for reforniying 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 awin 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 lauclifull 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 subscribitur. Nicolas Vduart. + the merk of Anthone Bruce Michaell Gilbert. for Striveling. Alex. Wedderburne for Dundie. lohne Douglas for Graill. Alex'' Eutherfurde for Abirdene. lohne Forrest provest of Lin- lohne Corsaw commissioner for lithqu, etc. Pettinveme. Convention of the Burrowis haldi7i at the Burgh of Cowpar vpoun the secoimd, thrid, fourt and fyft dayis of llaij the zeir of God J™ V" four scoir sax zeirs, Quhairvnto convenitthe Commissioneris of the Burrowis efter follow- ing, and producitt thair cotnmissionis to the samyn, etc. Cowpar. 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 ; Renfrow, Ihonn Houstoun ; Elgyne, lames Douglas ; Graill, 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 hatne, Andrew Broun ; Innerkething, George Dury ; Pettinweme, Thomas Kingzow, baillie ; Dumfreis, Harbertt Ranyng ; Thayne, Fynlaw Man- sioun, quha askitt instrumentis vpoun the productioun of his commissioun and admissioua thairof; Culane, Maister William Lesly ; Forres, Thomas Urquhart ; Name, the said Thomas Vrquhartt be commissioun ; North- Berwick, Robertt Olevar. Apud Cowpar tercio Maij 1586. The QXTHILK day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis vnderstanding Commissioun thair tak of the Kingis Maiestis customes of this realme, quhairvnto they tak of the are takismen, to expyre vpoun the first of October nixtt, quhairby the j^^fg^ and%o occasionis quhairfoir the samyn war of first tane of his Hienes (ar exceptt certanburrowis remeid be found) to ensew, and th^ saidis burrowis apperandlie to incur roll, etc. and sustene the danger thairof, to the greitt preiudice of thair haill estaitt ; efter 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, concludis thatt the four burrowis, souerties for the payment to the Kingis Maiestie of the dewties mentionatt in the tak maid to thame be his Hienes with aduyse of his Secreit Counsall of the saidis customis sail, in thair names and belmlf, betuix and the said first day of October nixtt, sute of bis 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, Geving to the saidis four burrowis thair full power and commissioun to thatt effect, prouiesand 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 quhilk salhappin to be impositt vpoun thair haiU 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 fuU power and commissioun to the burrowis of Edinburgh, quha salhave twa voitis, Perth, Dondy, Abirdene, Air, Striveling, Lin- 208 Convention of Royal Burghs. lithqu, Cowpar, Hadingtoun, Elgyne, and Breichan, be thair commis- sioneris fuUie instructed to convene at the said burgh of Edinburgh vpoun the last day of October nixtt, but forther citatioun or varning to be maid to thame to the effect foirsaid, vnder the payne 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 promiserunt de rato, etc. Commissioun rpj^g quhilk dav, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis vnder- to certan bur- J- •' ' pi -rr- • tit • j.- ■ a i rowis to geve standing be certan burrowis sentt for be the Kmgis Maiestie m Apryle KhTgTs Mai-*' last thatt they had promeist vpoun the saxtt of Maij instantt to repoirtt estie anentiB ^ j^^ Hienes thair ansuer to his stite, craving of thame to furueis the ane embassa- , , . . dour to Den- expenssis 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 abouewrittin for thair pairtis, quhow sone his Maiestie raisitt ane taxa- tioun to thatt eifect ; gevand the saidis burrowis to be sent thair full power heirto, 'promittendo de rato etc. Thatt euery The samyn day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis, efter the presentt aduer- hering of Robert Gourlay generall collectouris comptes of his intromissioun *'''^.*^f^''™f°' with the Kingis customes, finding; thame superexpenditt thairof be the mens to mak ^ o ' o^ i i paymentt of nochtt making of certan customeris comptes and paymentt to the said customes, eto. collectour 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, rekning, and payment of thair saidis bygane intromissioun to the foirnamit collectour, with certificatioun to thame thatt failzeis, the said day being bypast, the lettres of horning alrady obtenit aganis thame Cotiventio7i of Royal 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 the expenssis to be maid be him thairupoun salbe allowit to him in his comptes. The commissioneris foirsaidis gevis full powar and commissioun to l'i""° Hobcrt- Ihonn Robertsoun, ane of the commissioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh, customeris to resave the aithis of all the customeris of Abirdene sen the sett of thair ^'th^eto. tak of the Kingis Maiesties customes, gif thair comptis sentt to the gene- ral! collectour be trewlie vpgevin, and nathing omittitt be thame induring thair offices, quhairof they mycht half aduantagit the burrowis takismen thairof, according to vse vsitt to the remanent customeris befoir the her- ing of thair comptis. The samyn day, efter lang resoning vpoun thatt heid of the missive AotforoonTen- sentt to thame to convene at the said burgh of Cowpar, concerning the Uamentls ra? abusis in Parliamentt be the nochtt conuening and resoning vpoun sic °™^^°t'o°is heidis as they ar commounlie sentt for to entreitt thairatt befoir the entering with the Kingis Maiestie and his Hienes E&taitis in conference and conclusioun thairof. For remeid of the samyn hes statute and ordanitt, thatt in all tymes cuming ilk burgh send to euery genei'all conuentioun of the nobilitie or parliamentt, being vairnitt be the Kingis Maiesties missives or vtherwayis, thair commissioneris fullie instructed thairto, quha sail convene att sic place as the samyn salbe appoynted to be haldin att, twa 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, F.nd 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 vniforme and aggreand all in ane, as, butt discrepance and diuisionis, 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 vnskilfuU commissioneris altogether nather faurrand nor practesitt in the effaires of the estaitt of burrowis, naither of the rank of 2 D 210 Conmntion of Royal 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 oft as they failzie ; 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, quhaii'by in thair defaultt negligence may ensew, sail pay ane payne and vnlaw of fourty pundis vnforgevin. Article to ba Item, that ane speciall article be proponit in the nixt parliament or Pai-iiament generall conuentioun of the Kingis Maiestie and his Hienes Estaitis be burrowis'^ '^^ ^^^^ commissioneris of burrowis to be convenit thairto, to crave redres of Toitis. 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. Banking hur- The samyn day etc., continewis the ranking of the burrovsds to thair memberitin*'" ^^i^*' generall conuentioun, quhen or quhair it salhappin the samyn to be theuixconucn- appoynted to be 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 thairupoun. VniawisHad- The samyn day, the commissioneris all in ane voce dischargis simplici- iii'-''toiiii dis"" * . o IT ~ cLargitt. ter all executioun of the lettres raisitt for vplifting of the absentis vnlawis from the last conventioun at Hadingtoun in respect of the pest than Convention of Royal Burghs. 211 being in dyueris pairttis of Loutbiane quliairby they mycLt nocht obserue the samyn, 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 samyn salbe appoynted to be haldin. The samyn day, continewis the ansuer geving to the petifcioun of the Edinburgh xijc commissioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh, craving rembursment of the vmciuiiiii Lord twa thowsand merkis to the outred of Adam Fowllertoun to Ingland, as ^"XiretoT alsua of vfcher 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 burrovds now present to send thair commissioneris fullie 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 haill burrowis for keiping thairof, but preiudice of ony thing may be said thatt day etc. The samyn daj^, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis being surelie in- Edinburgii to formit thatt Maister George Hacquett, conseruatour in Flanderis, hes cou--coaseruatonro£ travenit thair actt and ordinance maid at thair last generall conventioun ^^^ '''"'^^ '^'^• haldin at Linlithqu, vniuersally, as of befoii-, 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 comptis of his bygane intromissioun with the said dewtie of sax stures, with certificatioun 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 haUl 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 ferme and stabill etc. The samyn day, the greitt abusis of merchantis and vther Scottismen ?''pi''°","i5'to resortand to the tovne of Campfer in Zeland, thair ordinar stapill in be remembcritt Flanderis, being havelie lamentitt, insafar as they besyde thair vncumlie Lnueiltioun. 212 Convention of Royal Burghs. A^ent contiii- ewitt. Article, Ser- souiis. Edinburgh. Cliirkis, Cliak- ker, Gourlay. EdiDburgh, Abirdeue, Im- piiist, Excyse boll. Lehaviour in thair civill lyfe and outwartt manneris, contrairthe lawis of God aad civil] polecie, hes na maner of regard of conscience or relligioun, Thairfoir for lemeid thairto, condiscendis hailelie thatt with sic diligence, as may be possibill ane Scottis kirk be erected in the said tovne, and ane minister to be chosin to serue the same vpoun the commoun charges of merchantis and traffecquaris, or vtlierwayis 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 commissioneiis 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, promitteudo 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 compfce 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 ties 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 comptis. The samyn day, the commissioneris of Edinburgh having menit vnto tlie saidis buri'owis the vplifting 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 concerning Sanct Nicolas mett and the assise boll, ordanis the commissioner of Abirdene to pro- duce befoir the commissioneris of burrowis to convene at Edinburo-h 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 redo. Conventio7i of Royal Bar gJis. 213 The samyn day, it being menit be the commissioneris of the burgh of fiiaiu, North Grain, quhow, to thair pi-eiudice 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 thir nyne or ten zeiris bj'past 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 extraordinarly mair nor fourty li., besydis the reving fra thame of thair wictuallis, Concludis thatt 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 Montrois.char- Guthre commissioner for the burgh of Montrois, declaring the inhabitantis anmtisexemp- of the said burgh to be previlegitt and doted of auld with the immuni- tio™frompay- , ..„ n I- -\ melt customes, 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 inhabitantis of the said burgh mychtt be exemit, butt productioun of thair principall evidentt, from all payment to ony customer of this realme 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 "^ >'isto"°- Liniithqu, Hadingtoun, and sic vtheris burrowis liaving the lyke previ- leo-e, to geve vnto thame the lyke attestatioun, etc. The samyn day, the commissioneris of the burrowis foirsaidis, in Fon-es ex- respect of the poverty of the burgh of Forres, dispensis with thair con- **"""■ ventioun to generall assembhes and keiping thairof for the space of thre zeris heirefter, exeming the said burgh thairfra, sending to all vtheris conuentionis thair missive with the burgh ewest vndispensit be the Lordis. 214 Convention of Boy al Burghs. with autentiklie subscryuit, appreving all quhatsumever thingis salbe entreittit thairat as gif they war pi-esentt. Lawder, Sei- The samyn day, etc., exemis from generall conuentionis for the' space of bervik^'ex-'" t^re zeris the burghis of Lawder, Selkirk, and Northbervik, provyding emitt, etc. ^]-,gy jjgjp ^11 conuentionis in Edinburgh, Striveling, Hadingtoun, or Peiblis, and forther vpoun the conditionis aboue expreinitt, etc. Bun-owis taxtt 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 burrowis 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. Contmuatioun The quhilk daj^ anent the supplicatioun gevin in be lohne Cleipan, An^trutheris indueller in Bruntiland, in name of the inhabitantis thairof, declaring suppiicationis. thame to be erected in the last parliament haldin at Linlithqu in Decem- ber last be the Kiugis 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 I'ollis, to sustene all sic resonabill chargis as thai may gudelie do with the saidis burrowis etc. And in respect the saidis commissioneris com nocht fuUie 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 auentt the lyke desyir, to be rememberit in maner abouwrittin, etc. Ordotirofwair- The samyn day, statutis and ordanis tliat in all tymes cuming all rowistocou- missives quhilk salhappin to be directed be the burgh, qul)air the gene- ventioma. ^^^ conuentioun of burrowis salbe appoynted to be haldin, thatt the samyn salbe directed lawfully and in dew tjaue 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 fund negligent thairintill, thatt the burgh quhairfra the saidis missives ar to be directed sail pay tuenty pundis for ilk bui'gh absentt, incais the samyn beis found to be in thair defaltt etc. The same day, ordanis all sic burrowis as hes vpKfted the impoist J^f^fg'."'^'^^" appoynted for Henry Nesbettis expenssis making in Flanderis, to bring ohargitt in thair comptes of thair bygane intromissioun thairwith at the last day of October nixt to the commissioneris appoynted to convene thairatt in Edinburgh, and the commissioneris of ilk burgh now presentt to mak dew aduerteismentt to thair burrowis heirof, and dischargis all maner of vplifting of the said impoist in all tyme cuming etc. The samyn day, nominatis and appoyntis Thomas Kingzow, now com- Kingzo-w- missioner for the burgh of Pettinweme, in comptroller to the customes Pettinweme. thairof vnto the first of October nixt, and wiUis 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 cowpar°vn- Breichan and Cowpar thair vnlawis for thair non comperance to the 'if-wis dispen- conuentioun haldin 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 general! conuentioun. Item, anentis the taxatioun of Kingorn, the burrowis continewis forther Contimiiitioun 1 . . n . p T . ansuer, Kiug- resoning thairanent vnto thair nixt generail conuentioun oi burrowis, omis extent ordaning the burgh of Edinburgh to send thair commissioneris fullie '^*°' 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 Agentt ooiieo- i-p • 11 • • i 11 !• tour vnlawis. Makartney agentt to vpliit, aganis thair mxt generall conuentioun, the vnlawis of the burrowis absent frome this conuentioun, as alsua of all the burrovsds 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 Innerkethingis „ , . . . ,1 ij. i ±1 • ■ , ansuer oon- the customing of schippis passing vp the narrow waiter to thair nixt tinewit. 216 Convention of Boy at Burghs. generall conuentioun, and the samya to be rememberit in the mis- sives etc. tiMwftt?tc'^°'^' 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. Haciingtoiinis '£]^q commissioneris foirsaidis remitis Hadingtoun of thair vnlaw of ten vnlaTv remittit. ... , . ® li., for thair desoluing from Linlithqu etc. Vniawing bur- file Same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis fyndis the burrowis of rowis absentt . "^ ^ Kirkcudbryclat, ledburgh, Peiblis, Aberbrothok, Banff, Wigtoun, Eutliu- 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 wairnit thairto, as was sufficiently verefeitt' be lames Anderson dark of Cowpar ; and ordanis WiUiam 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 comraissioneris 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 haiU burrowis conforme to the actis maid thairanentt, vnder the paynis contenit thairin, etc., with certificatioun to tha.me as is befoir rehersitt ; and that the vnlawis salbe ^1^1ifted, alsweill of the burrowis nocht conuenand, as of the said burgh of Dondy, incais they do nocht diligence in wairning, etc. Henrie Charteris. W™ Norwell. Eduard Galbraith. George Gordoun. Oliuer Pebles. Robert Boyd Glasgw. Alex"^ Wederburn. 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. Convention of Boijal Bimjhs. 2 1 7 William Bowsy. Thomas Kingzow. Harbert Ranyng. Ihone Banatyne. Robert Craige. Ihon Peblis. A. Broun. Robert Watsoun. George Hallewell. Robert Olifeir. lobne Houstoun. George Durie. Alexander Home with my hand at the pen led be Ihon Guthre notar at my command. I. Guthee. Vpoun the fourt of this instant the commissioneris foirsaidis remittit Symsomi ciia- lohn Symsouu customer of CraiU 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 promesis to abyde thairatt etc. Conventioiui of Burrowis lialdhi at Ediiihitrgh the frst, secund, thrki, fourtt of August the zcir of God /"' V' four scoir sax zeris he the cornynissioaeris efter foUow- Edinburgh, Ihonn Robertsoun, Henry Charteris, lames Nicol, William Edinbuigh. Huchesoun, Alexander Oisteane ; Perth, Robert Andersoun ; Dondy, Peter QayhiUis ; Abirdene, Alexander Forbes ; Sanctandrois, Dauid Watsoun ; Craill, Ihonn Ramsay ; Cowpar, Thomas Williamesoun ; Kirkcaldy, Patrik Hog, Alexander Auchmowty ; Dj^sartt, Dauid Symsoun, lames Hacquett ; Hadingtoun, Williame Broun ; Pettinweme, Thomas Watsoun ; Linlithqu, Androw 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 mer- 2 E 218 Convention of Royal Burghs. statute for chantt estaitt of this realme be the laitt edict publeschit and alrady lertanlwties practesitt in the partis of Flanderis, vpoun dyueris schippis passing heir- oi all maner off ^ ^j^g pairtis of France throw the narrow seais, with salmond, herring, guaes to D6 -t o • j_ i3c LI. n transported and vther fisches, quhairwith they haaf bene m Yse to traiiicque att ail realme to'the tymes heirtofoir butt impediment quhill of laitt, that vnderstanding, be ^^fsi'onerisPeTfyte and sure informatioun, the Quene of Ingland hir Lieutenant in expenssis Fknderis the estaitis and tovnis of thair factionis resolute mynde to con- direct be the .,,. -tp j* r -\ ' ' j haiii burrowis tinew in the executioun of the said edict maid tor staying oi scnippis and redrT^S^thJ crairis cuniing fra this cuntrey with the saidis wairis, and mynding to K^nderirin" transportt the samyn throw and to the saidis pairttis, quhilk vndoubtedlie, the narrow incais remeid be nochtt in haist cravitt and obtenit, will redound to the gieschemen enorme detriment of the said haill estaitt of merchantis, as said is ; and vthelSoTthairt^^^^* ^o thatt effect maist neidfull it is to have commissioners direct to faction in the Said pairtis of Ingland and Flanderis with lettres from the Kingis thair passing Maiestie in thair favouris, to the annulling thairof, or exeming of his n^nw^seaistoHienes liegis thairfra, quhilkis commissioneris espenssis and forther Trance, &o. recompance it behovis thame for thair better furtherance to mak, Thair- foir lies statute and ordanit, and all in ane 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 delyueris thatt for making of the saidis commissioneris espenssis 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 day of this instantt monetli of August vnto the tentt day of Au- gust in the zeir of God I™ 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 herring and keilling saxtene peiineis, ilk sek gudes to Flanderis to be estimatt to twa tunnis, and ilk serpleth glides to Dunskyne and the eistar seals 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 counsaU of Edinburgh sail depute for thame selues, the tovnis of Kingorn, Innerkething, Queinsfery, Bruntiland, and Prestonpannis, coUectouris ane or ma ; the magistratis of Conveht/0/i of Royal Burghs. 219 the burgh of Perth, ane collectour to vplift and ingather the dewties foir- saidis of all maner of gudes boititt at the said burgh peir and sehoir thairof alanerlie ; the burgh of Doadie and thair coUectour, 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, Kii-kcudbrj'cht, Dunfreis, to depute collectouris within thair boundis, euery ane for thair awin burghis ; CraiU and Elie collectouris to vplift the dewties schippitt out- wart at thair poirtt and hawin, and at ony poirtt and hawin be eist Levinsmouth, and of Anstruther be west the burn, Pettinweme only exceptit, quha sail depute ane collectour to the effect abouewrittin within thame selues ; Kirkcaldy for tliame selues ; Sanctandrois ane collectour for thame selues ; and Dysartt ane collectour 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 realme, 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 compte rekning and paymentt 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 thair departing furth thairof, resave from the saidis 'collectouris thair acquittance of the pay- mentt of the dewties foirsaidis, and keip the samyn for thair warrand ; and quhatsumever he be thatt wantis the samyn, thatt he be compellet be the magistratis foirsaidis to pay to the said collectour ten schillingis for ilk tun quhilk salhappin to be vnpayitt. Forther, for the mair sure putting of this act to dew exeeutioun 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 preseryuit 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 expedibioun in dis- pcsching of the commissioneris foirsaidis, according to the necessitie of this cawse, quhilk for the dangerous preparative and greitt lois to follow, gif the 220 Convention of Royal Burghs. said edict, conforme to the contentis of the samyn, continew and be putt to ony forther executioun, may nochtt abyde the long delay of the incum- ing and coUecfcioun of the dewties abouerehersitt, it is thairfoir thocht maist needfuI-1 that the sovme of ane thowsand pundis alanerly be boiTOwit fra sic as for the zeill of the said cawse may be movitt to aduance 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 bui'gh 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 auclitt zeris, and the commissioneris of Craill, Pettinweme, Kirk- caldy, and Dysartt obleissis thame and thair saidis burrowis coniunctlie to releve the said burgh of Edinburgh of the sovme of sax scoir 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 seines, Montrois, and aU 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 skaithles the saidis burrowis 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 samyn is to be borrowitt, 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 horning 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 ernist desyre and requeist of the commissioneris foirsaidis, vndersub- scryvand as said is, hes borrowit the said sovme of ane thousand pundis, and thairupoun hes gevin and delyuerit to the person aduancar thairof thair sure band and obligatioun for thankful! refounding to him his airis executouris 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 Bunjlis. 221 and behalf of thair saidis btirrowis, bindis and oblesis thame and tliair burrowis foiraaidis to tliankfuUie refound, contentt, and pay to the saidis provest, baUlies, and counsell of Edinburgh and thair successouiis, 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 merkis, 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 I™ 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, CraiU, 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 sindry personis quhome, in thair opinionis, they mycht half thochtt maist aptt and meitt for executing of thair commissioun abouewrittin in the pairtis thairunto requisitt and behovabdl, at the handis of the personis and to the efiect 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 rj^cht 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 thochtt maist meitt and expedientt, and promesis faythfully for thame- 222 Convention of Royal Burghs. selues and tliair saidis burrowis, and in name and behalf of the haill burrowis of this realme, and thair successoiiris, to bald ferme and stabill all and quhatsumever thing the saidis provest, baillies, and counsall of Edinburgh in the premissis thinkis neidfuU to be done, vnder the payne of all thair gndes, movabill and vnmovabill, present and to cum etc. And last, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis, for thame selues and in name and belialff of the remanentt 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^'^Maiste™ ^^^^^ samyn day etc., in presence of the commissioneris foirsaidis, corn- George Hao- peritt the richtt honorabill Maister George Hacquett, conseruatour for quett conserva- -, ^-i • • o ± ' ^>i tourincommis- the Scotis iiatioun in Flanderis, to quhome Ihonn Gourla}^ burges of burrowis'' to- the burgh of Edinburgh is adionit, quha, for tlie gude zeill he beiris to ajidHanderr*^ the aduancemeutt 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 commissionary for the haill burrowis of this realme, in passing heirfra with all possibill diligence to Londoun, or quhair it salhappin the Queue 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 Queue 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 forther 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 expe- ditioun to the magistratis of the said burgh of Edinburgh, or thair succes- souris, for thame seines, 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 travellis 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 etc. Ihone Robertsone. Dauid Symsoun. WiUiame Hutcheson with my Peter ClayhiUis. hand led be lohnn Guthre notar Dauid Watson. at my command. I. Guthre. Andro Kcr for Linlythqu. Robart 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 he his Hienes to the frie hurrowis thairof At Halyrudehous the tuentie day of Januar the zeir of God I™ V= four Tat of the scoir sex zeiris. It is appoyntit, aggreit, and fynalie contractit betuixt the tis customes for Richt Heiche, Rycht Excellent, and Michtie Prince James be the Grace of ^"^t^^^™ ^^^ 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 WiUiam LittiU, 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, bvxrges of Abirdene, commissioner for the burgh of Abirdene, to the effect underwrittin, for thame seliEs and takand the burding on thame for aU 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 Co'unsale of his Maiesties haill Burrowis now present, and thair succes- souris haveand the libertie of the saidis frie Burrowis, All and SlNDEiE his Hienes customes appertening and belonging to his Maiestie off all guidis custumabill, nocht prohibitt, presentlie to be careitt furth of this realme or importit within the same, quhilkis haue bene in vse to pay custome to his Maiestie or ony his predecessouris at ony tyme heirtofoir. As ALSUA of All and Sindiy forbodin guidis, incais his Maiestie salhappin to tollerat or gi'ant 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 With power to the saidis pro vest 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, saR with full effect mak all takis and assedationis of the saidis customes, or ony pairt thairof, to be retreitit, annullit, and extinct, and saU caus the takismen, realie and with effect, nocht onlie to desist and seis fra melling with the saidis customes in tyme cuming during the said space of thre zeiris, bot als sail Con vention 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 commissioim of thame, off all customes 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 delyner the halfe seillis and stampis to the saidis Commissioneiis 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 coquettifc, 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 frustratioun of his liegis frome thair veyages, and that thai vse na extortioun by the auld dewitie, vnder the pane of deprivatioun of thame frome thair ofdces ; And incais be their abuse, ather in nocht residence or extortioun, that occasioun be offerit to oure Souerane Lordis liegis to complene, the tryell of thair fait and iugement of thair depriva- tioun is, be thir presentis, committit to the ComptroUar, Aduocatt, Clark of Register, and Prouest of Edinburgli, now present and being for the tyme, or ony twa of thame, quha sail tak tryell thairanent, and put reformatioun thairto, as effeiris. And the saidis Commissioneris of Burrowis, for thame seiffis, and takand the buriling on thame, as said is, sail nochtwithstanding the said tak and assedatioun mak compt zeirlie in the Chakker of the saidis haill customes according to tlie consuetude of auld obseruit. And sail pay zeiilie to our Souei-ane Lovd_and his comp- troUaris 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, Candilnies, Beltan, and Lambes, quhidder the saidis customes, after compt and rekning, extend to mair or les, begynnand the first tennis payment at the feist of Candihnes nixtocum, And forther sail zeirlie delyuer thretty twnis of fuU Biu-dealx wyne and Burdealx bind to oure said Souerane Lordis vse at the chois and contentment of his Maiesties symblaris, and gif ony mair wyuis 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 comptroUar, 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 Burghs. tak ; and als defalkand and allowand to the saidis takismen and thair successouris, commissioneris aboue written, sic sowmes 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 : Provyding alwayis the saidis btin-owis 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 command ement of the comtroUar to his Maiesties vse, fra ony merchand of this realme, by and attour the thretfcie twnis wyne foirsaid defalkit in payment of the said zeirlie dewtie. And FORTHEK 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 realme, 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 comptroUar 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. Akd the saidis Commissioneris 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 remanent burrowis, for thair relief in forme as efferis. Attour owre said Souerane Lord, with auys and consent foirsaid, is content and consentis and giffis fuU power and commissioun to the saidis Commissioneris of Burrowis, be thir presentis, that incais ony guidis, nocht prohibit be the lawis of this realme, salhappin to be transportit furth of the samen at ony tyme heirefter, during the tyme of this present tak, vncustumat be the commissioneris 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 awia vse, present takismen of the saidis customes ; and als to persew the skipperis and maisteris of schipis. Convention of Boyal Burghs. 227 quhairin the samen guidis sallmppin to be transportit, for the ressaueing be thame and thair clerkis of the saidis vncustumat guidis, for the sowme of ane hundreth merkis money, quhilk his Maiestie with auise and consent foirsaid ordanis to be fcaikin^ 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 Commission eris of Burrqwis to persew thairfoir befoir the Lordis of oure Souerane Lordis Secreit Counsall or Auditouris of his Hienes Cheker as iiiges competent appoyntit be thir presentis for tryell thairoff. And to the eifect 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 saU exerce 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 forther astrictit nor to require thame to that effect, and alsua it is ap- poyntit and ordanit be this present contract, that the clerkis of the co- quettis of Uk burgh and poirtt quhair customeris ar sail zeirlie compeir personalie, bring and' produce with thame thair cocquettis and cocquet buikis with the 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 cocquettar saU 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 the personis names, awneris thairof, contenit thairin, conforme to the ordour vseit within the burgh of Edinburgh, to the 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. be the customeris and sercheouris appoyntitthairfoir; and gif the saidis coc- quetteris delyver generale 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 the saidis guidis salbe confiscat, and the skipperis and maisteris of schipis or vther veschellis quhairin the saidis guidis contenit in the generale cocquettis ar schippit or boittit sail pay the penaltie abouewrifctin in the samyn maner and forme, and to the [effect] abouespecefeit, as gif the saidis guidis had nawyis bene custumat. Attotjr oure Souerane Lord, with auys foirsaid, willis, grantis, and permittis that incais it salhappin the saidis commissioneris of burro wis to be superexpendit at the fute of thair comptis to be maid of his Hienes customes of the zeiris begane contenit in thair former tak and assedatioun of the samen, in that cais the samen superexpens&is 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 Couventioun 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 decernit to haiff the strenth of ane act and decreifc of the Lordis thairof; and thatletteris and executori- allis be direct thairupoun in foi-me as effeiris, And for acting and regis- trating heirof makis and constitutis thair vndouttit procuratouris coniunctlie and seueraKe in vberior proeurationis forma, promittend to abyde ferme and stabill etc. In Witnes of the quhilk thing oure said Souerane Lord, with auyse foir- said, and the saidis Commissioneris of Bun-owis 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 ; Marie, Coraniendatour of Newbottill, Maister Robert Dowglas, prouest of Linclowden, collectour generale ; Sir lames Home of Coldinknowis knycht ; Maister Dauid Carnegy of CoUuthy; Alexander Hay of Eister Keunet, Clerk of Eegister; and Maister Peter Young of Seytoun, his Hienes elemosinar, with vtheris diuers. Et sic suhscriUtur, lAMES R., Thyrlstane, Newbottle, Colden. Convention of Royal Burghs. 229 knowis, Lynclouden coUectour, Largo comptrollar, Colluthy, Mr Almoisar, A. Hay, rger, Williame Littill provest, I. Arnote commissioner for Edin- burgh, Alexr Oisteane be lohne Guthre notar at my command, I. Guthre. Robert Andersoun commissionar for Perthe, lohne Traill commissionar for Dundie, Alexander Rutherfurd commissioner for Abii'dene. Ill the Conventioun of Burrowis haldin and begun at the burgh of Dondy the thrid day of Iidlj the zeir of God i'" V'four scoir sevin zeris, Comperitt the Commissioneris of Burrowis vnderwrittin and producitt the commis- sionis efter following^ etc. : — Edinburgh, Thomas Aikinheid, Williame Huchesoun ; Kingorn, Dondy. Williame Cunnynghame ; Innerketbing, George Dury ; Linlithqu, Androw Kar ; Dumbartan, Maister Williame Houstoun ; Renfrow, Ihonn Hous- toun ; Ruthuglen, Dauid Spens ; Air, Dauid Crawfurde ; Irrowyne, Hew Broun ; Glasqu, Ihonn Lindesay, WiUiame Cunnynghame ; Kirkcudbrycht, Robert Forester eldar ; Wigtoun, Robert Dalzell ; Laneark, Robert Levingstoun ; ledburgh, Thomas Henresoun ; Hadingtoun, Williame Broun, Ihonn Wilsoun ; Northbervik, ane missive with Hadingtoun etc. ; 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 ; Forfar, Walter Lindesay provest, George Sutty ; Breichan, Dauid Dempstar, Robertt Kineris ; Montrois, Robertt Lichtoun, lames Guthre ; Elgyne, Thomas Hay ; Innernes, 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, Wilhame Makartnay agent, catioun they suld appreve ; Dysartt, Heniy Young, Ihonn Lum- bisden ; Kirkcaldy, Robertt Hay ; Pittinweme, Uionn Corsaw ; Brunt- iland, Dauid Clark, Maister Androw Wilsoun. 230 Convention of Royal Burghs. Biectio Moder- -pj^^ quhillc day, the commissioneris befoir meutionatt, according to thair actis and statutis maid anentis the nominatioun and electioun of the moderator in all generall conventiounis, nominatis and electis Alexander Scrymgeour, principall in commissioun for the burgh of Dondy, in moderatour to this presentt conventioun ; and Robert Andersoun and lames Adamesoun commissioneris for Perth disassentitt to the admitting of him in the office of moderatourschip in the actioun betuix thair burgh 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 1582 zeii'is, 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 realme, 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, aifermitt 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 prevUege of oure Souerane Lordis actt of Parliamentt maid be his Hienes with aduyce of the three Estaltis quhilk is daittit at Edinburgh the penult day of Nouember 1581 zeris, and the said burgh of Perth and thair commissioneris decernit to have the prioritie and first place, rank, and voitt in all oure said Souerane Lordis and his Hienes successouris parhamentis 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 awiu strenth, and thatt na previe letter, purchest 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 commissioneris does in con- trair thairof, thatt thair preceding 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 commissioneris of Perth askitt instru- nientis ; 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 termis direct repugnantt thairto, lyke as the samyn nather meittis 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 commissioneris of the saidis burxowis of Dondy and Perth. The samyn day, the foirsaidis commissioneris of burrowis fyndis the turrowis. ' sovme of ane hundreth pundis to be awand be thame to Ihonn Guthre thair generall dark 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 tocum to the morn, quhen as the samyn salbe sett doun with the first. The same day, the foirsaidis commissioneris of burrowis vnderstanding Banking bur- the greitt confusioun quhUk hes enteritt and continewitt amang thame thir lolJdinburgij" dyueris zeris bypast be certan stryffis and contentiounis of sum particular burrowis acclamand pre-eminence and prioritie in thair rank and voitting in oure Soueranis pai-liamentis, 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 haiU 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 menit 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. necesHar to be handlitt, and be resoun of vtheris weehtie efFaires concern- incr- the saidis burrowis quhilkis they had in handis, continowit the same and ranldng 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 special! entres thatt euery 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 presentis, 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 pro vest, baillies, and counsall of the burgh of Edinburgh, to quhome they for thame selues and thair saidis burrowis respectiue, be the tennour heirof, gevis full 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 commissioneris 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 salhappiu to do in the premissis, but ony grudge or reclamatioun. The same day, in presence of the foirsaidis haill commissioneris, tioun.' ^'° ''^ "comperitt Eobertt Andersoun, commissioner for the burgh of Perth, and protested solempnitlie thatt the commissioun gTanted 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 etc. Convention of Royal Bimjhs. 233 The same day, befoir the commissioneris foirsaidia, comperitt Thomas ^ratestatioun, Aikinheid commissioner for the burgh of Edinburgh, and be thir presentis "" "'^'' disassentitt to thatt burding impositt and committitt to tlie provest baUlies and counsall of the said burgh of Edinburgh be the commissioneris of the burrowis, f<;)r 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, vp(jun thair disassenting, lykewyis askitt instrumentis. Quarto lulij, 15 87. The QUHILK day, the commissioneris of burrowis abouewrittin hes Burrowis amerciatt and vnlawitt the burrowis of Abirdene, Striveling, Abirbro- ftt.^""" ^^ ^^' thok, and Peiblis, for thair absence fra this presentt conuentioun, being lawfully citat and wairnit 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 Baiienden, Ihonn Baiienden burges of Edinburgh, and acted him selfF of his awin for^' reporting consentt for the burgh of Selkirk to repoirtt and exhibitt at the nixtt ^J*"^^'' """^ P . ^ , Nanus appro - assembHe of burrowis ane actt maid be the magistratis of the said burgh, bationis. be commoun consent, ratefeing and afferming the haill procedings of this presentt assemblie, and all that may foUow 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 Andrew Wilsoun, Admissioun of commissioneris for the burgh of Bruntiland, be virtu of ane speciall com- an™rie™ui-gii" missioun granted to thame be the baillies and counsall of the said burgh exhibite to the saidis commissioneris, and desyritt thame as commission- eris foirsaidis to be receavitt and admittit in the nomber of the commis- sioneris of the burrowis foirsaidis, and thair said burgh to be enroUit with 2 G 234 Convention of Royal Bimjlis. the frie burrowis of this reahne, according to thair erectioun and liberties granted be oure Souerane Lord and his Hienes predecessouris to the said burgh, ratefeitt and confermit in parHanientt, and according to letteris of horning, be delyuerance of the Lordis of Secreitt Counsall, purchest thair- upoun, quhairwith the saidis haill cominissioneris ar chargitt to the effectt abouementionatt ; Efter avysementt quhairwith, the foirsaidis conimissioneris, for feir and obedience of the saidis letteris of horning, admittit and admittis the foirsaidis conimissioneris 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 efi'ectt mentionatt thairin, and this withoutt preiudice to the allegit lichtis, tittillis, and pre- EdinbirgCin- vilcges of the burgh of Innerkething, or Edinburgh, or ony vther burgh, nerketiiing. qj. ^q qjjj actioun thatt the saidis burghis in particular hes or may move aganis the said bui'gh of Bruntiland ; qidiairvpoun the saidis conimission- eris of Bruntiland, and Thomas Aikinheid commissioner for the burgh of Edinburgh, and George Dury commissioner for the said burgh of Inner- kething, respectiue, askitt instrumentis. _,, . ^ ^j The same day, anentt the desyir of the merchantis of this realme, ane minister to trafScquaris in the pairtis of Flanderis, for erectioun of ane Scotia kirk in Campftir. in the tovne of Campfer in Zeland, and appoynting of ane minister for seruing thairin, the foirsaidis conimissioneris, efter gude digestioun of thatt matter, and consideiutioun of the necessitie of the same, lies with ane consentt aggi'eitt and accorditt thatt ane minister salbe electitt and appointed for teching of Godis wourd within the said tovne of Campfer, and thatt he be susteiiitt, aither vpoun thatt benefite granted be the said tovne of Campfeir, the tyme of the estaiblisching of the Scotis staipill thaii'in, anent the discharge of the excj^se of beir, or ellis be ane impoist of the gudes thatt salhappin to ariyve to Elanderis, 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 thanie coniuiictlie, to entreitt and handill this matter specialie, and als to noniinatt and elect the foirsaid minister to serue in the said functioun, be the aduyce of the Kiik and Assemblie thairof Convention of Royal Burghs. 235 The same day, the foirsaidis commissioneris, in respect of wechty and de°s^°"\mrer- grave effau-es quhilkis they have presentlie in hand concerning the weill kethiug and of thair estaitt, to be menit and entreittitt at this approachand parlia- tomerif ° Tnd mentt, continewis thair ansuer to the desyir of the burgh of Innerketh- fOT^^'cLsT,™'- ing anent the customing of schippis passing vp the narrow watter of I™r ^"'^ ^'O"'- 1-1,1 : 1 • T 1 • c I . or layia expeiissis. i^ orth, on thair syde thairot, to thair nixtt assembhe in Edinburgh, befoir the said parliamentt ; as alsua the placing and nominatioun of customeris ■within the haill fiie burrowis of this realme, and ordour takino- with thame, to thair nixtt assembly foirsaid ; and forther, anentt the impost raisitt for making of the expenssis of Maister George Hacquett and Ihonn Gourlay to Flanderis and Ingland in the burrowis eflfaris, 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 '"wyni's thair last assembhe att Cowpar for setting doun of the forme of the "-""^ ™stomes taxationis to be impositt and lifted of the saidis burrowis for paymentt of the iniaik of the customes, and thretty tunnis wyne promitted to [the] ELingis Maiestie, for the sett and tak thairof, sail convene at the said burgh of Edinburgh befoir the said approachand parliamentt, and mak ane perfyte 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 dry and sea burrowis, and the samyn na vtherwayis to be maid. The same day, having consideratioun of the povertie of the burgh of cuiane Ucen- Culane, and of the exemptioun granted to thame fra conuentionis, lies ^''^*' '° P*^ gevin 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 Dumhar of Forres exemp- Tarbett, provest and commissioner for the burgh of Forres, mening the pure suer to "he re- and simple estaitt of the said burgh, dekay of the commoun warkis thairof, orSr su'^'u'' and greitt oppressioun and intrusioun maid be gentillmen thair nycht- oatioun. bouris in thair commoun landis, as alsua of the incommoditie and wrang the said burgh sustenis be balding of mercattis and faires att kirkis and 236 Convention of Royal Burglts. 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 altei'atioun of the taxt roUis, and to grantt to thame ane exemptioun fra cojiuentionis 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 commissioneris, efter dew consideratioun thairof, being certanlie persuaditt of the poveitie 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 incuri-itt 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 nussive autentik, appreving the haill proceedingis and conclusionis of the same assemblie according to the ordour tane thairanentt ; and coutiniwis thair ansuer to thatt heid of the said supplicatioun tuiching the diminisching of the extentt of the said burgh to thair nixtt general 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, ansuer to Au- The Same day, anent the desyir of the erecting of Anstruther in ane sTiJ*etc"^ '^^' ^'® hurgh, 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 vndeoyditt, continwis the ansuer to be gevin to thair said desyir vnto the decisioun and conclusioun of the said actioun ; quhairvpoun Williame Bowsy commissioner for Craill askitt instrumentis, and Dauid Burnsyde and Ihonn Alexander in name of the said tovne of Anstruther protested for remeid. Oidourforpay- The Same day, the commissionaris of the burrowis of Edinburch ment ot the -r^ t i -r* i i i general! ciarkis Duudic, and Perth, be the tennour heirof, at the speciall desyre of the fXtjfouSd ^'em'i-nent commissionaris of burrowis present, bindis and oblissis- thame ot^ liis expens- and thair saidis burghis respectiue coniunctlie to thankfullie content and pay to Johne Guthrie generall clerk to thair conventionis the sowme of Convention of Royal Bar jlis. 237 ane hundreth lib. as for his stipend and fie of tlie 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 hiia 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 half thair commissionis respectiue, to freith releiw and keip skaythles the saidis burghis of Edinburo-h, Dundie, and Perth of the piemissis, and of all damnage and interes that thai may sustene be the band foirsaid, and speciallie 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 releifi" of the premissis, with power to thame, in name of the saidis burrowis, to purches horning and vtheris executoriallis for payment 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 samekiU as sail hajjpine to rest over the saidis vnlawis that sail be resavit sail be payit be the extent and taxatioune 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 ouie Soueranes Sessioun interpone thair authoritie heiito, and direct letteris and executoriallis as effeiris 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 eomplaintis maid to thame anentt the disconformitie and difference megouria'ta of the wechtis and mesouiis within the frie burrowis of this realme, be the burrowis. tennour heirof ratefeis and aflTermis 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 155 2 zeris, ordaining the stane wechtt to be conform e to the stane wechtt of Laneark, the pynt stoup according to the jug of Striveling, the firlott agreable with the firlott of LinUthqu, 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. Doiidie, vnfrie The Same day, anentt the complayntfc producit be the dekynnis of craftismen. (.j.g^f^jj^ ^f ^he burgh of Dondy, baring thame to be greitlie Lurtt in thair liberties, and the haill buiTOwis preiugitt of thair previlegis, be the resort- ing and residence of all kynde of craftismen in the suburbis of frie burrowis of this realme, enioying thairby als greitt commoditie as friemen subiect to taxationis and all burdingis impositt vpon the saidis burrowis ; efter conaideratioun of the quliilk complaynt, the saidis commissioneris ordanis the burgh of Edinburgh to mene the same in the approchand parliament, and to desyir remeid to be provydit thairto be the Kingis Maiestie and Estaitis thairof Aooeptatioun The Same day, the Baidis commissioneris being conuenit, comperitt MchaS"^''™'' Eobert 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 bm'ghis of Montrois and Dondy lies had liberty and previlege to handill and traffeque within the said citie and friedome thairof frielie in tymes past, and thairupoun askitt instrumentis. Quinto lulij, 1587. TbajTie des- pensitt with. Kingzow, Dischiugtouu. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, at the special desyir of ane missive direct frome Williame Makartnay thair generall agent, dis- penssis with the absence of the burgh of Thayne 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 pairties being present, the saidis commissioneris, in respect of the schortness of tyme quhilk they have for intreitting of vtheris thair wechtie effaires, remittis the said contrauersie and cognitioun to be taue of baith the saidis pairties comptes to the four commissioneris of the burrowis appoynted for hering of the generall comptis of the hail customes, with Coiirc/itio/i of Royal Bm^glis. 'i^i) power to tliame to determine thairin in sic soirtt and mauer as the saidis haill commissioneris niycht liaif done in this presentt conuention ; quhilkis commissioneris of Edinburgh, Dondy, and Perth accepted in and vpoun thame the burding heirof, and assignit to baith the saidis pairties this day aucht 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 tlie 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 i-owis" xemitt and greitt penurie of the bui-rowis of Ruthuglen, Elgyne, Wigtoun, led- fpo.°" ^en- burgh, Kirkcudbrycht, Banff, Forfar, Innernes, Thayne, Culane, and Qnhithorn, hes exemit, and be thir presentis exemis the saidis biu'rowis 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 thairfra nochtwithstanding ony actis maid in the contrair, pi'ovyding 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 the saidis conuentionis. The same day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis, efter considera- Continuatioim tioun of the desyris of the burgh of Edinburgh tuiching the rembursing petitionis"totho to thame of the sovme of tuelff hundreth merkis aduancitt to Adam a^embUe"'^'^" Foullertoun, 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 furnesing my Lord Embassadour laitlie direct to 240 Convention of Royal Burghs. Denmark, and of the interes payitt 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 i-esolute 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 einisthe requeistitt thairto, continewitt and continewis thair special! ansuer to the haill poj'ntis of the said burgh of Edinburghis desyir to the nixtt generall assemblie of the saidis burrowis, 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. Followis certan Articlis to be pennitt and gevin in att the approch- and parliament. Item in the fii-st. To desyir the auld liberties and previlegis of the to be proponh burrowis to be ratefeitt and approvin, and specialie thatt libertie and m parliament, pi-gviigge quhairby tliey war exemitt fra all wairdan and lieutenant, raidis. Item, In consideratioun of the greitt travellis and expenssis qvihairvnto 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 assysis 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 ti'ansportaris 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 ofSces in putting of the Co?ivention of Royal Burghs. 241 saidis actis of parliament aganis the contravenaris thaii'of to executioun, insafar as power is granted to thame thairby. IxEsr, 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 aufferit to vse the functioun of ane minister or notar, quhairby they ar drawin fra thair ordinar cure, nor ane minister to beir the office of ane scole maister or notar. Item, To be rememberitt in parliament thatt the haill 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 etc. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis nominatis MeWii ooUeo- and electis Andrew Mekill, seruand to Robertt Gourlay thair generall '°™ vniams. collectour, coUectour to ingather the vhlawis of the burrowis absentt and nocht comperand to this presentt conuentioun, and he to be comptabill thairfoir to the burrowis, and the burrowis appoynted for hering of the customeris comptis to modefie his fie thairfoir. Item, That ane article be proponit in parliament for redres of the ex- ■^-rtid's. eaitt. traordinar dewties tane for licence of saltt to pas furth of the realme, and' thatt the samyn be licentiatt to be transported, etc. Sexto lulij 1587. The saidis commissioneris, vpoun repoirtt of the povertle of the burgh Quhithomis p -n 1 ,7 T-i , in • • ? vnlaw dischar- of Quhi thorn, at the desyir ot Kobertt forester eidar, commissioner tor gUt and tuey Kirkcudbrycht, dischargis thair vnlaw of tuenty li., quhairin they ar*^'^'^'"" conuict for absence fra this conuentioun, and exemis the said burgh fra all conuentionis of burrowis for thre zeris, vpoun the commoun proui- sionis, etc. The same day, continewis the setting doun of the forme of the roUis Aiterationnroi- anent the taxationis to be imposit for inlaik of the customes and wynis, customes oou- to thair nixt general assemblie of burrowis etc. tmowitt. The same fdavl, the commissioneris foirsaidis remittis and dischargis Abubrothok 1- ^ J' o vnlaw rermttit. 2 H 242 Convention of Royal Burghs. the burgh of Abirbrothok ane of the twa vnlawis quhairia they ar conuict for thair absence frome this conuentioun, and the conuentioun of Cowpar, provyding he pay the ane thairof within the space of ane monefch nixt heirefter. Guthre, Clark, The commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis ordanis Ihonn Cruthre, in misaivTa/^'^ thair names, to subscryve the missives direct to Sanctandrois, Thomas and Alane Lentronis, Laird Anstruther, and Tovne of Pettinweme, anentis the suppi-essing of piracie in the firth and vther pairttis. Sending turtii The Same day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis gevis full barkforXy^ng powcr and commissioun to the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, and Dondy of pirattis. ^Q appoyntt and aggre in thair names with Alane Lentroun in Sanctan- drois, for outreking of ane schip, sufficientlie equippyit with aU furniture necessar belonging or requisitt thairto, for suppressing of the pirattis banting in this firth, and vther pairttis betuix Zarmouth, Orknay, or Schyteland, for the sovme of ane thowsand mei'kis, quhairof the saidis haill burrowis obleissis thame to releve the saidis thre burrowis of the said piincipall sovme and intres to be payitt to sic as aduancis the samjm thairfoir, and to refound for thair pairtis to the saidis thre burrowis the samyn principall sovme and intres, gif ony beis payitt, within twa monethis nixtt heirefter ; and gif the thre bnrrowis, for the better furthsetting of the said schip, salhappin to borrow ony ordinance, viz., four cast pecis, they obleiss thame to sustene the aventour thairof, and to releve thame of the prices thairof, incais the samyn be loist, and nocht redelyueritt to the lennaris thairof, in maner as the samyn is at the borrowing of the samyn salbe delyueritt, and siclyke sail refound, conteutt, and pay to the foir- namitt burrowis all and quhatsumever sovmes of money itt salliappin thame to deburs vpoun the outred of ane bark with thretty men to accompany the said Alane in his veyagis abouewrittin, and thatt within the spaice of twa moneth nixt heirefter foirsaidis. 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 committit or to be committit, the saidis haill burrowis obleissis 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 Lentroun and his bark, and provyding thatt the saidis west burrowis Convention of Royal Burghs. 243 accord with the maisteris of the schippis quhilk they sail outred, vpoun the same conditionis conuenit upoun with Alane Lentroun ; and the saidis haill hurrowis faythfuUie obleissis thame lieiito, and ar content that executoriaUis and vtheris letteris pas heirvpoun in forme as efferis, etc, promittendo de rato, etc. The same day, the haiU commissioneris of burrowis abouewrittin con- cludis and desoluis this thair present conventioim, and appoyntis thair nixt general! 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 wairning of thame to send thair commissioneris fuUie in- structed vpoun the speciall heidis continewit thairto, or that sal- happin in the menetyme 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 vnderwrittin at my command. I. Guthre. Robert Anderson. lames Adamsone. Andro Ker. Williame Broun. Dauid Crauffurd, Ihon Lyndsay. Willam Cunyngam. Mr Dauid Russell. Hew BrouiL Welzom Cunninhem. lohane Lumisdarie. Mr Alexr. KeUie. I. Andersone. R. Hay. 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, 1587. Robertt Livingstoun. lohnn Howstoun. Robart Pattoune. George Sute. Thomas Hay. lasper Cunning. Robert Kyd. Alexr. Scrymgeour, Edinburgh. 244 (Jonvention of Bayed Burghs. In the Conuentioun and Generall Assemhlie of Burrowis begun and haldin at the lurch of Edinburgh vpone the penult day of October the zeir of God I" F fourscoir sevin zeiris, Comperit the commissioneris of Burrowis vnderwrittin and producit thair commissionis, pairtlie vnder the seillis of thair saidis burghis, and vtheris vnder the subscriptionis of the magistrattis andcommoun clerlds thairof, off the quhilkis burrowis and thair commissionei'is the names followis. For the burgh off Edinburgh, lohne Arnot, prouest, lohne lohnestoun, ane of the counsall, Robert Ker, ane of the baillies, Eduard Galbraith skynner, and Alexander Oisteane of the counsall ; for Dundie, WilHam Duncan, baillie ; for Striveling, William Norvell, and Walter Cowane ; for Abirdene, Alexander Forbes ; for Air, Dauid Craufurde, and George Cochrane ; for Lynlythqw, Andro Ker ; for Irwing, Hew Broun ; for Glasgow, Robert Rowat, and lohne Lyndesay ; for Drumfreis, lohne Mer- schell ; for Hading-toun, lohne Wilkie ; for Sanctandrois, Duncan Balfour, and Dauid Watsone, dene of gild ; for Cowpar, lames Petirsone ; for Grain, 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 Hendersone ; for Dunbar, Maister Alexander Kelhe ; for Lawder, lames Lawder ; for Wigtoun, lohne Edzear ; for Innerkething, George Dury ; for Forfair, William Thomsone ; for Kirkcaldy, Robert Hay, baillie ; for Dysert, lames Halkquet ; for Abirbrothok, lohne Haillis ; for Selkirk, Gawin Wilkie ; Pettinveme, Thomas Kenzow ; for Brunteland, lohne Clapen, provest, Maister Andro Vilsone, clerk ; for Kin gome, Williame Cuninghame ; for Northbervik, Hew Baillie, Robert Olipher ; for An- struder, William Blak ; Forres be commissioun ; Banff be commissioun ; Kirkcudbrycht be ane missive. Convention of Royal Burghs. 245 The saymn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis according to the ordour Eiectiomodera- and actis of burrowis, electis and nominatis lohne Arnofc prouest of the '""''■ burch of Edinburgh in Moderatour during tliis present conuentioun. The samyn day, for keping of gude ordour and convening in dew tyme Actforconven- ,•;*' r o o p J_ mg in dew for bettir dispesche vpone sic materis as thai haue presentlie to intreit, it tyme. is statute and ordauit that euerie commissioner induring this present conuentioun, daylie, befoir none and efter, convene at the place and hour appointit be tlie said moderatour, ilk persone vnder the pane of vjs. viijd., sa oft as he failzies. Vltimo Octobris 1587. The QTJHILK day, the commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Vnlawing bur- Dundie, Air, Lynlythqw, Irwing, Glasgow, Hadingtoun, Dunbar, Lawder, comperand^tho Breichen, Montros, Selkirk, Dunfermling, Abirbrothok, Kirkcaldy, North- A"^' '^^y °f *" ' ' ' ^ ^ ' "^ ' conventiouD. bervik, Dunbartan, Wigtoun, ledburghe, Pettinveme, and Brunteland, findis 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, Quhithorne, Lanerk, Peiblis, Drumfreis, Craill, Innernes, 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 lauchfull citatioun and warning as wes sufficientlie verefeit be writ be Andro Mekill seruitour to the generall collectour of burrowis. The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis for ansuering to the first Commissioun held of the missiue direct to thame be the said burch of Edinburgh at rowis to sett command of the commissioneiis of burrowis convenit at the burgh of ^°™^p"y^*^J* Dundie in lulii last and actis maid thairat, and at the burch of Cowpar ini'^ii^ »£ t'^'? . i. i n J • 1 oustomea and the zeir preceding, for setting doun oi ane taxt roll contenmg quhat wynis. euerie burghe 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 zeirlie to his Hienes thaufore, 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 nominafc the commissioneiT-S ot the burghe of Edinburgh, Dundie, Glasgow, Lynlythqw, Hadingtoun and Breichene to set doixn 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 tbay for thame- seliEs, and as hawand speciall commissioun of the haill remanent burrowis of this realme, gevis fidl 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, George 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 tiiat 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 hinc inde at this conventioun to haue comperit to that effect, promising ferme and stabill etc. Taxt EoU, in- The formo and manor of ane Taxt Roll set be the bun-owis befoir wtoS?**'"™^' 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 followis : — Edinburch, xxxviij li. ijs. viijd. Peiblis, vj s. Dundie, ix li. x s. viij d. Abirbrothok, ij s. viij d. Perthe, vij li. xij s. Dunbar, xs. Abirdene, vij li. iiij s. ledburgh, x s. Air, 1 s. iiij d. Wigtoun, iiij s. Convention of Royal Burghs. 247 Glasgow, liij s. iiij d. Sanctandrois, Ivj s. Sti-iveliEg, xxvj s. viij d. I*ysert, iij li. iiij s. Kirkcaldie, 1 s. Pettinveme, xls. Ciaill, xxxij s. Anstruder be eist the burne, slviij s. Cowpar, xvj s. Montrois, xl s. Innernes, xxxvj s, Elgyn, xxxij s. Brunteland, xxx s. Drumfreis, xxxij s. LjTilithgow, X s. Hadingtoun, xiiij s. Selkirk, iiij s. Lanark, vs. iiij d. Summa of this Roll is j". ij li., Dunbartane, xvj s. Kirkcudbrycht, xs. Irving, xij s. Dumfermling, v s. iiij d. Innerkething, vj s. Kingorne, xx s. Banff, xiij s. iiij d. Forfair, xvj d. Breichen, xij s. Forres, iiij s. Ranfrow, ij s. viij d. Quliithorne, iij s. Rothesay, v s. Northbervik, xij d. Lawder, xvj d. Name, viij d. Thayne, xvj d. Culane, iij s. iiij d. Ruthuglen, xvj d. and this ij li. for ingathering thairof The quhilk day, in presence of the commissioneris abouewrittin, com- Protestatioun, perit Dauid Crawfurde, commissioner for Air, and protested thatt forsa- mekill as at the last generall conuentioun of burrowis haldin att Cowper it was concludit thatt gif new tak war tane of the customes thair suld be ane taxtt roll sett be the burrowis for payment of the ialaik 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 ia the last conuentioun haldin at Dondy the said tovne was lykewyis provyditt to the doun setting of the roll foirsaid, 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 trafRcque of the burrowis in the west pairtis, and displacing 248 Convention of Royal Burghs. ofPertlirefusitt of the commissioner of Air foirsaid, quha ofFerit him selfF rady befoir the setting doun of the said Roll or performing thairof, thatt the setting thairof preceditt thairintill 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. Commissioim The quliilk day, comperit Olipher Peiblis burges of Perthe and pro- ducit ane commissioun direct frome the counsall thairof desyring him to be admittit as commissioner thairfore, quhilk they refusit 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 fand 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. The samyn day, findis that the burghis of Cowpar and Dysert, nocht- withstanding the productioua 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 towai'd Forfair. Co"wpai', Dy- 6artis commis Primo Nouembris, 1587. missionis re- ceavitt butt preiudice of thair vnlawis. Certane com- rpj^g qu]jil]j; Jay, compeirit lames Guthrie commissioner for the burehe of missionens of ... burrowis com- Elgyn, Williame Norvell commissioner for the burghe of Striveling, lohne Merschell commissioner for the burghe of Drumfreis, Dauid Watsone com- missioner 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 qiibilk day, the maist pairt of the burrowis presentlie convenit, ^o^itloun'"' efter lang ressoning vpoun ane ansuer to be gewin to the propositioun Jus«pe Clark, and desyir of the richt honorabill the Justice Clerk and Sir Robert MeiuiJo.'"^ Meliiili 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 propTsUi^un'^ convenit ar chairget to pass doun to the Kinaris Maiestie for eewing of ^?'*'i'"l*^i^* . . ^ . " t5 o Sir Eobert thair particular ansueris toward the propositioun of the saidis Justice Meium and Clerk and Sir Robert Meluill, Findis that induring thair absence that ane to'he?r comptis. 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 houris befoir none and remane quhill ewin thairin vpone the hering of sic custumaris 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 t^g^ xinf vj"^ of the sowmes of fywe thowsand, sex thowsand markis, or fywe thowsand markis. pundis suld be grantit to be lent to the Kingis Majestic for furnisment of his said Irnbassadour to Denmark, the haiU grantis to the lending of sex thowsand markis to that effect, vpone sic secuiitie as salbe devysit, nawyis exceding the same ; and heirto, 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 Kmgzow, Dis- . . . . - . . . climgtoun. Majestic, presentit ane writing sent be Maister James Meluill, minister at Pettinveme, desyring thairby that Mertyne Dischingtoun and Thomas 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, CraiU, and Brunt- eland, to confer with the saidis pairties, and thair myndis thairanent the morne to repoirt. 2 I 250 Convention of Royal Barghs. Tertio Nouembiis 1587. Kingzow, Dis- rj, Quiiiit day, the saidis Mertene Discliingtoun and Thomas Kenzow siibmittit thame voluntarlie of tliair awin consentis to the decisioim ot tbe burrowis foh'saidis 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 eifect, promising ferme and stabill, etc. Consenting to ^he quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis for the gude zeill andaffec- th^ "King for tiouD theybeir to the Kingis Maiestie and furthsetting of his Hienes effairis, embaladour' and houpping thair requeist for reheff of tlie nychtbowris of Sanct to Denmark. lohnestoun furth of waird, as alsua that the commoun weilfair previlegis and hberties of burrowis salbe the rather be Iris Hienes mantenit, aggries to the lenning of four thowsand pundis to his Grace for furnisment of ane Imbassadour to Denmark, nawyis exceding the foure, and for making to his Hienes of ane offer tliairof, gewis full power and commissioun to the prouest of the burch of Edinburgh, the commissioneris of the buiTOv/is of Striveling, Air, and Lynlythqw, and cjuhat thay do thairanent promissis to hald ferme and stabill, etc. Enrolling An- ipj^g samyn day, compeirit William Blak commissioner for the towne of strutter be eist '' . , , the burn in ane Anstruder be eist the burne, and desyrit the same, — according to the erec- uig . ^iQm^ thairof in ane frie burghe regall vnder the Kingis Maiesties Greit Seill, and approbatioun maid thairanent be his Hienes and thrie Estaittis of this realme in the twa last parliamentis haldin at Lynlythqw and Edin- burgh respectiue, — that the samyn, conforme to the tennour of the saidis erectioun and actis of jjarliament, suld be inroUit 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 mj^cht, 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 inroUit be thair clerk Convention, of Royal Burghs. 251 amangis the remanent of thair number of frie burrowis conforme to the erectioun thairof and actis of parliament proceding thairupone, lyk as thay causit him inroU the samyn, vpone the conditionis mentionat in the said burghis supphcatioun, and pronyding that, incais the said burch of Craill prevaill 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 Protestatio commissioner for the said burch of Anstruder asldt instrumentis. And the said WiUiam 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 Ansuer bm-- the ansuer geving to thatt held of the missive direct to thame concei'uing commission- the rembursing to the burgh of Edinburgh off twa thousand merkis advian- ^"jjjf ^"^0"^ cit be the magistratis of the said burgh for outredding of Androw Lam bis SetouQisijm in&,rlcis schip in Leith to the ti-ansporting of the vmquhill Lord Seytoun as embas- sadour to the Kingis Maiestie 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 vpHfted 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 Ansun-to of twa thowsand pundis aduancit be the magistratis thairof to the outred i^.^emtoSadonr of the last embassadour to Denmark, and thatt becaus they knew na to Denmariv, thing thairof naither gaif thair consentis thairto. The samyn day, vnderstanding the sovme of ane thowsand pundis luto-es Co'"iJ- aduancitt be the magistratis of the bui'gh of Edinburgh in thair names to my Lord Comptroller the tyme of the last taking of the Kingis Maiesties 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 rynnis onsatefeitt alsweill be payment of the principall as interes, etc., consentis to the contiawance of the said interes, and thatt the samyn in the extent to be raisitt of the haill burrowis vpou the inlaik of the saidis customes and payment of thretty tunnis wyne be includitt and adionit thairto. Commission to The samyn day, etc., respecting the greitt lois sustenit be the burghis certan burrow- , •' , , , i r. i • n is to alter tiie decrest m substance be the nochtt altering of thair general! taxtt roll sen ^To IS. ^2^^ 2^^^ alteratioun and tyme presciyuet 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 roU 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 [Eowat,j 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 roUis 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 dewhe 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 samyn 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 li. of the taxtt roll foirsaid hes assignit and assignis the sovme Convoifioii of Royal Burghs. 253 of tlire li. twa penneis ; and quliatsumever taxatiouii salbe beirefter, 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 horning be direct vpoun the said new taxtt roll as was euer at ony tyme heirtofoir vpoun the auld taxtt roll is. Followis the maner and forme of the alteratioun of the General! Taxtt Roll of burrowis alteritt and reformit at the burgh of Edinburgh the day abouewrittin 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 18. Selkirk, xij s. Innerkething, xxix li. xv s. , 1 9. Peibles, xvj s. quharof Innerkething sax 20. Hadingtoun, xxxviij s. schiUingis, and Kingorn four- 21. Northbervik, vs. tene schillings. 22. Dumbar, xs. 4. Striveling, xls. 23. Lawder, vj s. viij d. 5. Linlithqu, xx s " 24. Dunfreis, xsxv s. 6. Rothesay, viij s. 25. Abirdene, ixli. iij s. iiij d. 7. Dumbartan, xx s. 26. Don die, x li. xv s. 8. Renfrew, xviij s. 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 . Irrowyae, xxiij s. 30. Grain, xx s. 1 2. Glasqu, iij li. v s. 81. Forfar, ixs. 13. Kirkcudbrycht, xx s. 32. Breichen, xxviij s. 1 4. Wigtoun, XX s. 33. Montrois, xxxviij s. 15. Qubithorn, x s. 34. Elgene, xxviij s. ] 6. Laneark, xviij s. 35. Innernes, xxx s. 17. TedbuTgh, xxiiij s. 36. Abirbrothok, xx s. Alteratioun taxt roll, last att Air. 254 Convention of Royal Burghs. Protestatio, Air, rollis, in- laik customes, Bruntiland, &o. 37. Saiictandrois,iij li. xs.iiij d. 38. Cowpar, xxxij s. 39. Culane, vj s. x d. 40. Forres, x s. 41. Name, v s. 42. Thayne, x s. 43. Dysartt, Is. 44. Kirkcaldy, xxvj s. 45. Pettinweme, xxiiij s. 46. Bruntiland, xij s. 47. Anstruther be eist tine burn xl s. Surama 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 offerit him to thatt effectt, was refusit, and befoir the ending thairof protested for re- meid ; lykeas, Maister Androw Wil- soun for Bruntiland disassented lyk- wyis thairto, becaus the samyn re- sulted sen the enrolling of the said burgh in an frie burgh, etc. Ereotioun of The samyn day, anentt the continwatioun to this presentt conueutioun minister in of ane ansueir to the desyir of certan merchantis of this realme, traffic- ordour'tiiair^ quaris in the pairtis of Flanderis, for erectioun of ane Scottis kirk in the anent remittit tovne of Campfer in Zeland, and appoyntin>:c of ane minister to serue to oertan bur- , . . . ,. . . . '■'■•' o _ rowis. thairm, the saidis coramissioneris, as was concluditt of beioir att the last generall assemblie of burrowis haldin at Dondy in lulij last, as zitt con- discendis and concludis to the erectioun of the said Scottis kirlc 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 gTanted 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 fui-thcumand and return to the generall vse of the estaitt of bun-owis ; 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 maner 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. Coiuvnfioii of Roi/al BurgJis. 255 The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis viiderstanding thame Placing of cus- selues and thair burrowis in tymes bypast iuduring thair tak of the Kingis Maiesties customes to have bene gretumlie preiugitt be the cus- tomeris thairof in nochtt being sua dewlie and narowlie coniptrollet 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 vpliftis the customes quartei'lie or ofter as they sail be chargitt or requyritt be thame be auditouris thairto, to quhome they salbe haldin to ansuer and mak compte quarteiiie or ofter as said is vnder the payne of deprivatioun of thair oiSces ; 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 sail 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 manor 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 buiTOwis customeris to serue thairin, quha for dew executioun of thair offices salbe haldin, sa mony as hes nochtt alrady gevin thair aythis, to geve the samyn to the provest and baillies of thair 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 tyme of thair office to endure for the space of ane zeir fra the first of October last, as said is alanerUe, 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 tlie 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 delyuer the same thatt letteris be raisitt and execute aganis bim conforme to the tennour of thair tak ; Montrois, Robert Lichtoun continewit in his office of customary for the space abouewrittin ; Innernes, the customeris comptes thairof being hard he to be displacit ; Banff, the customer thairoff dis- chargitt ; Pertli, Oliver Kar placit in customer quha gaif his aith, etc. ; Abirbrothok, Dauid Peivsoun 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 efter the geving of his aith for dew executing of his office accepted in and vpoun him the samyn, with prouisioun he suld nocht att the making of his general! compte be subiect to cum thairwith 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 serue to thatt efl^ect ; Craill, Ihonn Symsoun of new elected in customer thairto ; Anstruther, Williame Symsoun, quhais aith they ordane the baillies and counsall thairof to resave, and him in the said office, vpoun the conditionis abouementionatt, 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 horning in dew forme as efferis, 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 cans 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 reher,sitt, cpihais aith they ordane the magistratis of the said burgh to resave, and ane sufficient Convention of Royal Bartjlis. 257 comptroller with him to place ; Kingorn, the electiouu and admissioun of ane customer thairto for the space and vpoun the saidis conditionis remittit to the baillies and counsall thairof, etc. ; Bruntiland, remittis the electioun and admissioun of ane customer vnto the first of October nixt thairto vpoun the conditionis foirsaidis, provyding they admitt nana 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 seUl, to the effect they may delyuer the samyn to sic as salhappin thame to place of new, and incais of refusal! 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 ofter as he salbe cbargitt be baiUies and coun- sall of the burgh of Innerkething, he mak compte of his intromission n 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 baiUies, 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, etc. ; 2 K 258 Conve7ition of Royal Bm^ghs. Dunfreis, the electioun and admissioun of ane customer tliairto remittifc to the provest baillies and counsall thairof, discharging all vther customeiis of ony forther exercing 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 horning aganis him to caus rais and execute, etc. ; Dumbar, Robert Lawder continewit in the office of customary thairto, vnto the first of October nixtt, within 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 hoi-ning aganis the refusaris 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 resave 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 thairof; Linlithqu, Patrik 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 aceeptatioun 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 requyritt thairto be thame, etc. ; Hadingtoun, Ihon Carkettill continewit vnto the first of October 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 bailHes 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 Barghs. Quarto Novembris 1587. The QUHILK day, the commissioneris foirsaidis ratefeis and apprevis the Continuatioun 1,. i.A vpliftmg ira- act maid at Edinburgh vpoun the fourtt of August j™ v" four scoir sax poist for mak- zeris anentis the vphfting of the impoist mentionatt of all gudes tran- sefuatour and sportitt furth of this realme, for the making of my Lord Conseruatour and ihonn Gom- ^ . . ' . layiB expenssis. 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, Bruntiland, and Anstruther disassented, becaus thay war nochtt at the eonclusioun 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 collectitt, 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 coUectour, 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 fullie 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 appoj'nted the said nixt generall assembly to be haldin remember this presentt act in 260 Co7ivention of Royal Burghs. the missues particulaiiie to be direct to the haill burrowis of this realme for obseruing and keping thairof. Continuatioun rpj^ quhilk dav, the commissioQcris foirsaidis continewis thair ansuer tounis xij« . geving to the petitioiin of the magistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh, nixt generaii Craving rembursement of the sovme of tuelf hundreth merkis aduancitt to assembhe. Adame Foullertoun, vnto thair nixtt generall assemblie of burrowis, and the samyn to be rememberitt in the missiues to be direct for keping thairof Ansuer burro- '^'^® samyn day, Williame Fairhe baillie of Edinburgh and Thomas Tvistothecoim- Aikinheid of the counsall thairof being direct thairfra to the commission- burgh for ijm eris presentlie conuenit to sute of thame ansuer for rembursmentt of the mar s an ij™ ^^^ thowsand markis debursitt be the saidis magistratis to the outred of ane schip with the vmquhill Lord Seytoun to France, as alsua 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 generall dark, sen penssis to be the admissioun of him in the oiSce thairof, to haif kepit all thair generall Fnjof generall assemblie of bm-rowis butt ony making be thame of his expenssis thairatt, oonventionis quhairto they ar be his said actt of admissioun subiect to the paying Edinburgh, tliairof, fyndis him thairfoir to be payitt of the sovme of thre scoir pundis Dondylo vpiift oioney of this realme for his keping of the saidis generall conuentioun, and ™'^Tfm ^®" ^^® ^^^^ admissioun vnto this presentt generall assemblie exclusive, 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 generall 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 generall 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 horning vpoun ane simple charge of sax dayis wairning to pas heirvpoun in forme as efferis. Convention of Royal Burghs. 261 The samyn day, vnderstanding Maister 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 dark thairof. the last generalL assemblie haldin 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 wrytingis in thair effaires, hes assignit and assignis to him the vnlaw of Abirbrothok, ordauit 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, efter lang resonyng vpoun thatt held of the missive ^""^g^ i\^_ direct to thame concerning the debursment maid be the magistratis of to AJane Len- 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 tbair- 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 \yitsonday 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 tlie sovme foirsaid to be ingatherit brocht in agane tbe feist of Witsonday nixt. ll^'^ml^n- The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis vnderstandiug be the tiotmis for thre supplicatioim nroducit befoir thame be lames Guthre commissioner for zeiris,and thair ■•■ *■ , p -J^-, . p i , .,t -, -\^ -i ' l' presentt vniaiv the burgh of Elgyne, m name of the provest baillies and counsall thairoi, remi , e . ^^^ gxeitt oppressioun committit be sindry lairdis and gentilmen circum- adiacent, doing thatt nyiy ly in thame, by all ordour of iustice, violentlie to bereve thame of thair libei-ties and privilegeis and commounties men- tionat thairintill, for suting of redress quhairof it behovis the said burgh to persew thame be ordour of iustice, and nochtt having quhairvpoun 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 nixtocum alanerlie, proy}'ding the 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 Strivehng thair- anent, Custonieris The samj'u day, finding the vplifting of onj' customes in Caithnes, chargitt Sutherland, Stranaver, and boundis limitat to the customer sumtyme thairof to be vnprofStabill, and that be the nochtt attendance compte rekning and paymentt thairof they haue bene sen thair tak of the Kingis Slaiesties ciistomes gretumlie preiugitt thairby, hes thaiifoir, induring the tak of the samj^n, dischargitt and dischargis all maner of customing thair- att, sua thatt the customing of the giiidis in vse of befoir to be customatt in the saidis pairtis sail now indui-ing thair said tak be customatt at the Convention of Eoyal Bunjlis. 263 pojrtis quhairto tlmirfra itt salhappin the samyn to arryve be the custom- eris depute thairatt, qulia salbe haldin to mak compte rekniug and pay- mentt thairfoir in maner and forme as thay ar astricted in thair actis of admissiouD, etc. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis gevis full power and com- £°"™^lndOT missioun to Alexander Forbes, commissioner for the burgh of Abirdene, Forbes com- be the aduyce of the dene of gild thairof, to place in thair names as takis- the dene of gild men of the Kingis Maiesties customes, and haifand be the tak thairof °|^fg^^;f™^*° powar to that effect, ane customer to v|)lift the customes quhairever the '^"s thairin. samyn within the boundis prescryuit thau'to 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 efter 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 indiire 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 tyu/e 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 sub- gevis full power to Ihonn Guthre tosubscryve thecomptes in thair names iayiscomptis. of the generall coUectour Robert Gourlay, promittendo de rato, etc. The samyn day, etc., having dewlie considerit the complaynt gevin in Gouriay°custo- to thame be Ihonn Wilky commissioner for Hadingtoun aganis Robertt ™<5r of Edin- Gourlay customer of Edinburgh, ordanis the said Robertt to resavo the coquetis direct from the said burgh vpoun sic gudes as it salhappin thame 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 diligence done be him in the effaires of burro wis, being direct be Gouri^^^'^"'^'^ 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 exponiDg 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 thankfuUie 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^bmrowis ^^^ Statute and ordanitt thatt thair said estapill in the pairtis of Flanderis Canffer^in ^^'^ ^^' ^-Ccording to the setting thairof, att the said tovne of Campfer be Flanderis. thair commissioncris 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 atlier 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, cliarging 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. 265 contrair. And to mak the teiinour of this presentt actt mair notour to the saidis magistratis of Campfer, ordanis Ihonn 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 Protestation, 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 burrowis be t™^iniaik°o£°^ the inlaik of the Kingis Maiesties customes, quhensoever occasioun thair- oustomes. of suld be offeritt, vtherwys than according to the last generaU taxtt roll alterit att this burgh of Edinburgh, disassenting alluterUe 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 To denunoe the customeris vrairnit to half comperitt to mak compte rekntng and paymentt nooht oomper- of thair bygane intromissioun with the Kingis Maiesties customes to this and vth6ri^°hes' presentt conuention to be putt be thair generall coUectour to dew execu- nochtpayitt *-i/^iT>'inT -r\ t. • thair customes tioun, viz., Innernes, Abirdene, Culros, Bruntjiand, irrowyne, Dunfi-eis, Earkcudbrycht, Wigtoun, Quhithorn, Achesonshawin. The samyn day, the commissi oneris foirsaidis allowis to the auditouris Auditouriscus- of the comptes thatt ar to be gevin herefter be the customeris viz. to tesfi™etc" Abirdene fyvetene U,, Dondy ten li., 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 saUhappin 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 samvn day, after lang resoning vpoun the roU presentlie set doun KoU inlaik cus- . ,. 1 • 1 -1 ^ ii -rr- 'J. 1 • tomes to lest vpoun the occasioun oi the mlaik oi the King s customes and wynis, — for ane zeir ai- quhairas the samyn be the comraissioneris appoynted thairto is ordanit ^^^'^'y- 2 L 266 Convention of Royal Burghs. to remane vnalteiit during the tyme of thair tak of the customes, hes concluditt the samyn to indure for the space of ane zeir next herefter alanerlie. Ordourofcon- The quhilk day, the commissioneris forsaidis hes statute and or- vemng. danitt thatt in all tymes cuming the burrowis nocht convenand the first day 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 of ten li. Vniawingbur- The samyn day, vnlawis the burrowis of Lawder, Jedburgh, and [ng^buttTeve. 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. Kingomis The samvn day, remitis vnto the burgh of Kingorn thair vnlaw of vnlaw remittit. ,. . • i i r- ^ • ^ tuenty li, mcurnt be thame for thair nocht comperance the nrst day, m respect of the diuersitie than standand betuix the provest and combur- gessis thairof, as alsua for the requeist of Ihonn Arnott, provest of Edin- burgh, declaring the samyn to be of veritie. BurrowiB The samyn day, the burrowis of Abirdene, Dunfreis, Craill, Sanctan- haif vniatv. 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 Mteris vpouD^ vpoun the haill burrowis vnlawit at the burgh of Dondy, and this pre- vnUwULetc. ^^"^^^ 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 li. for his paynis in directing of the missives for keping be the burrowis of this generall conuentioun. Kingzow, The samyn day, assignis to Thomas Kingzow, baillie and customer of Disohingtoun 3 i i- i--tu- XX li. Pettinweme, the tuenty Ii, 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 counsall of North Bervik sail intromett with samekill of the viifriemennis [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 Eieotio, Gour Robert Gourlaw in generall collectour to thame of the haill customes, ex- generail!'' °"' 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 provest or ane of the baillies of Edinburgh, together with thair generall agentt and collec- 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- Tnittendo de rato, etc. The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes modefeitt for ilk tun- Modefeitt nis price of the wyne fumesit to the Kingis Maiestie the zier bypast, to P"°®^ wynis. be payitt be the said generall collectour to the awneris thairof of the extent following at the ingetting thairof for ilk tun ourheid, better and war, seven scoir li., and thatt vpoun considdera- tioun to be had of the saidis prices be the counsall of Edinburgh con- forme to thair prices sett doun thairanentt, and thair tikket thairvpoun to be directitt to the said collectour ; 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 j^'TO 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 ansuerable to the said collectour generall of the saidis extentis. The samyn [day], the commissioneris foirsaidis ordanis the burgh of setting extent Edinburgh to sett ane extentt of thre thousand sax hundreth pundis i'i"',yi°i''. r> 1 • 1 c p 1 T7- inlaik wynis. vpoun the haill burrowis of this realme for paymentt of the Kingis Maiesties wynis the zeir bypast, to be collectit of thame be thair said collectour generall with all diligence. 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 Abi?broth°ok payitt be the collectour of the saidis vnlawis at his next comptes thairof. and l»ierketh- 268 Convention of Royal Burghs. And siclyke assiguis to the burgh of Innerkething ane vther vnlaw of tuenty 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. Desoluing pre- The Same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis desoluis this thair conven- tfoim and^ap- tioun generall, and appoyntis the nixtt generall conventioun to be haldia pointing of ane ^^^ y-^g bm-glj of Glasqu the second day of luly nixttocum in anno 1588 new m Glasqu. => ^ ... zeris ; and ordanis the commissioneris presentt of the said burgh to aduerteis the magistrates thairof to direct in dew tyme their missives to the hadl burrowis of this realme for keping be thame be thair commissioneris fuUie instructed of the said nextt conuentioun, with certificatioun to thame and they failzie they salbe haldin to pay the vnhxwis of the burrowis that beis nocht be thame lawfully wairnit thairto. Ihone Ihonstoun Alxr. Forbes WiUiam Duncan Robert Lychtoun Dauid Watson Ion. Bosuell lames Peterson Mr Alexr. Kelhe. Wilham Bowsy Ihone Wilkie H. Broun Ihone Halis George Durie George Arott lames Guthrie Welliam Cunningham Gawiu Wilkin Rot. Hay Robert Olifeir Ihone Mairchell Eduard Galbraith Thomas Kingzow Walt. Cowane An. Wilsouns, Brunf^ 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 ordy 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 oure protestationis. George Cochrane Dauid Craufurd. Convention of Royal Burghs. 2()9 la the Conventioun of Burrowis haldin at Edinburgh in the raoneth of Februar 1587 zeris, vpoun the saxtt, sevint, Edinburgh. auchtt, nynt, and ten, and xij dayis thairof, comperit the Commissioneris of Burrowis vnderwritten : Edinburgh, Ilionn Arnotfc, provest, and Edward Galbraith ; Dondie, Alexander Scrymgeour, Ihonn Finlasoun ; Perth, Oliver Peiblis ; Abirdene, William Meinzeis ; Linlithqu, Charles Drummond, Andrew Ker ; Glasqu, Kobertt Boyde, Robert Chirnsyde ; Cowper, Thomas Williamsoun ; Sanctandrois Dauid Watsoun ; Anstruther, Alexander Blak. Apud Edinburgh die viij" mensis Februarij 1587. The qtjhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis vndersubscryvand, efter Direotiouu to lang resoning vpoun the contentis of ane missive presented to thame be new^impdat^s. 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 Ij'keas 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 fyve solz for ilk hundreth cairsy, 270 Convention of Royal Burghs. by and attour sindry vther impoistis payitfc in Rowan, Deip, and dyueris 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 Ijaif bene remeditt and ar altogether oursene, the vplifting thair- of being profHtabill 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 decernit, 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 qidiilk 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 sajnyn 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 neidfuli and 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 skilfull and diligentt, be sentt in commissioun to the said embassadour to the effect abouewrittin ; for quhais paynis and travel! 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 vplifted 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 Arnott 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 arryvall to Pareis in France, or quhair it salhappin 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 prescryvitt 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 may haif 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 foirsaidis, 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 the said Henry resonablie 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 manor 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 prtjportionally incais the said Henry remane ony langer nor the said space of seven oulkis vpoun prouision foirsaid. 272 Convention of Royal Burghs. And the remanent commissioneris of burrowis presentlie convenit, for thair saidis burrowis and in name and behalff of the haill remanent burrowLs of this realme, 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 horning and vtheris charges neidfuU be obtenit and execute aganis the burrowis refuseand vpoun ane simple charge of thre dayis aUanerlie to performe 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 tlie 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, tha'S'ttdssives presentlie convcnit, to remember in the missives to be direct be the the bimowis to magistrattis thairoff to the haill burrowis that thai send thair commis- to nominatt siouerls fullic iustructitt to condiscend to the doun-setting of ane act, iiT'^to'^conchide ^'^^^ '^"^ '^ tymes cuming, in materis concerning the weilfair of thair ataiitymes estait, ane certane of thair number be nominatt and condiscendit vpoun necessar vpoxm ^ o ^^ n i • • • concluding, to haue full powcr and authoritie m name of the saidis haill 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 contradictioun, to abyde at and fulfill aU and quhatsumevir aetis lawis and constitutionis salbe be the said number to be appoyntit heirefter maid or condiscendit vnto, alsweill 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 tiX^tofec- ^^^'^ remanent burrowis of this realme to be maid and sent with Henrie lourisin Deip. Nesbet to the Bischeopc of Glasgow, imbassadour for oure Souerane Lord Convention of Royal Burghs. 273 in France, contening thairia ane 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 debursit 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 haill burrowis of this realme to be giittumlie indomageit be the extraordinar expenssis making vpoun letteris and executionis raisifc 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 quhUkis 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, dark, in thair and the remanent burrowis names of this realme to subscryve 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 pairtis 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. Wxa. Menzeis for Abirdene. Oliuer Pebles commissenor of Henry Nisbett. Perth. Alex'' Scrymgeour. In the Conventioun mid Generall Assemhiie of Burrowis haldin and begun at the burgh of Glasqu vpoun the Giasqu. second day of lidij the zeir of God B" P four scoir auchtt zeris, Comperitt the Commissioiieris of Burrowis vnderivrittin, quha producit thair commissionis in maner following, etc., Edinburgh, Henry Nesbett, George Hereott, goldsmyth, and with thame Roger Maknacht, and Williame Smaill, etc. ; Kingorn, Androw Broun, dark ; Innerkething, George Dury ; Striveling, Walter Cowan ; Lin- lithqu, Androw Kar, dark ; Dumbartan, Peter Houstoun ; Renfrew, lohnn Houstoun ; Air, Williame Knox ; Irrowyne, Hew Broun, dark, Thomas Harvy ; Glasqu, lames Flemyng, WiUiame Cunynghame ; Quhithorn, Alexander Galbraith ; Laneark, Robertt Levingstoun ; ledburgh, Thomas Henrisoun ; Peiblis, Alexander Williamesoun ; Hadingtoun, Thomas Spottiswod ; Northbervik, be ane missive approving, presented be Hading-- toun ; Dumbar, Robertt Ci-aig ; Lawder, Williame HopprinoiH ; Dunfreis Roger Gordoun ; Abirdene, Alexander Cullane ; Dondie, Williame Dun- can ; Perth, Robertt Andersoun ; Banff, be missive with A.birdene; Dum- fermeling, Ihonn Boiswell ; Craill, Ihonn Bowsy ; Forfar, be missive with Dondie ; Elgyne, be missive with Abirdene ; Abirbrothok, be missive Convention of Royal Burghs. 275 with Dondie ; Sanctandrois, Dauid Wafcsoun ; 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 Protestatio 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 thairfoir befoir the Lordis of cure Souerane Lordis Sessioun in Edinburgh. The 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 yeninR "^daiUe thame daylie induring the said conuentioun, hes statute and ordanit induring this thatt ilk day of preching they sail conuene in the Over Tolbuith of the etc. said burgh be sax houris in the morning, and remane thairin to the gang- ing to of the said preching, and efter none to conuene be twa houris and sitt quhill 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 quhiU 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 oft as they failzie ; ratefeand and appre- vand the act maid at the last generall assemblie in Edinburgli in Nouember last in all poyntis, etc. The samyn day, efter resoning vpoun the first held of the missive sent Altering roUs, be the magistratis of the said burgh of Glasqu to the haill burrowis of mes contine- this realme, willing thame to send thair commissioneris fuUie instructed generall '^oon^- to the alteratioun of the generall roll maid at the last generall assemblie ventioun. 276 Convention 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- eris chosen thairto vnto thair nixt general! assemblie and conuentioun of burrowis quhairever the samyn salbe appointed to be lialdin, becaus the tyme ordanit thatt the samyn suld endure is nochtt to expyre quhill the last day of October nixt. The oommis- ^he ouhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis efter lang resoning Edinburgh, vpoun the contcntis of ane act maid att Edinburgh m ane general! and striveiing assemblie haldin thairatt vpoun the thrid of Nouember last be the ^uerffomethair commissioneris of burrowis conuenit thairto, geving thairby to the bur- coimsaii anentt rowis of Edinburgh, Dondy, Perth, and Streveling thair power and ing with tiie commissioun for thame selues and haill remanent burrowis of this realms Scoti's Mrk in ^^ prescrj've ane maner forme and ordour of doing and performing of the Pianderis and erectioun of ane Scottis kirk in Campfer and appoynting of ane minister munster than- . ,.. . -, . i-i -i • to. thairto, qunais mtertmemeut ana 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 perfoi'me 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 quhairof, 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 buri'owis agane thair nixtt generall conuentioun of burrowis, quhairever the samyn salbe appoynted to be haldin, or soner, as it salhappin ony vther conuentioun to intervene. Convention of Rotjal Burghs. Ill The same day, it being meanit be the commissioneris foirsaidis be Guthro, dark, Ihonn Bowsy, commissioner for the burgh of Craill, thatt Ihonn Symsoiin simlou^custo- customer thairof, had, contrair the forme of estaibleschinff of customeris in mer of Craiu to ' t> repair and mak euery frie burgh and sea pou'tt, past furth of the said frie burgh of Craill residence thair- to the vnfiie tovne of KiJrany quhair he makes his residence, being obleist, at his electioun be the burrowis in customer to Crail, to half his remain- ing induring the said office of customary within the said frie burgh and nochtt 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 commissioneiis of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, and Abir- dene, in thair names saU imediatlie efter his refusall depryve him of his said ofiice 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 couvenit gevis thair full power and commissioun to thatt efiect, etc. The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter lang rescuing Commissioun vpoun thatt held of the missive bering euery particular burgh to send wis to heir cus- thair commissioner fullie instructed to this presentt conventioun for hering g°^g™^^^g'^ the customeris and collectouris comptis of thair bygane intromissioun oomptis. with the Kingis Maiesties customes quhairto they ar takismen, as 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 coUectour war nochtt wairnitt to compeir to this presentt conuentioun for making of thair saidis comptis, quhairby vnto sic tyme as they be lawfully wairnit to ane particular day na thing can be procedit heirintill, For romeid of the samyn hes elected nominatt and ehosin, lyke as they all in ane voce be thir presentis electis nominatis and chusis the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, and AbLrdene, 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 burrowis and sea poirtis of this realme frome the said first day of October nixt vnto the first day of October in anno 1589 zeris,as 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- anentt at Edinburgh, the auchtt of November in the zeir of God foirsaid att lenth will appeir ; ordaning heii-by, to the effect abouewrittin, ilk magistratt of euery burgh and sea poirtt of this realme viz., of Edinburgh, Pei'th, Dondy, Abirdene, Moiitrois, Innernes, Sanctandrois, Craill, An- struther, Pettinweme, Dysart, Kirkcaldy, Kingorn, Bruntiland, Inner- kething. Air, Irrrowyne, Dumbartan, Kirkcudbrychtt, Quhithorn, Wig- tuun, Dumfreis, Banff", to send the coUeotouris 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, euery commis- sioner presentt of the burrowis quhairas the saidis dewties auchtt to be vplifted obleissis thame to aduerteis the magistrattis of thair saidis bur- rowis to se the samyn dewlie collectit, 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 collectitt, con- forme to the saidis custome roUis ; and sic as lies 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 Andrew Mekill seruand to the general collectour, to compeir day and place aboue Convention of Royal Barghs 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 burn, 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 burrowis 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 generaU intromissioun with the saidis customes, impoistis, taxationis, and vnlawis, intromettit with or that suld have bene collected be Robertt Gourlay thair generall collectour, off all zeris bygane vnto the first of October nixt sen his first estaiblesching in the ofiice of generall collectoury to the saidis burrowis. Efter the hearing of tlie 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 thai)- 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 iulaik conforme to the generall roll maid at Edinburgh vpon the last of October last, to be vplifted of the haill burrowis in maner and forme as hes bene hefoir 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 coUectioun of the customes, impoistis, vnlawis, as taxationis bygane sen his first electioun as said is in his said ofiice 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 tliatt 280 Conventio7i of Royal Burghs. Burrowis vnlawit for nochtt com- perance. the samyn be rememberitt in the missives to be direct to the said next generall assemblie. With power lykewyis to the foirnamit four burro wis 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 coUectoury, 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 thairanent in ane act maid att the last generall assemblie of burrowis the saxtt of Nouember last bypast, ordaning 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 doiug 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 efl^eris 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, Innernes, Name, and Thayne, nocht sending missives, and Eothesay nocht comperand, being lawfully wairnit be the magistratis of the burgh of Glasqu as was suificientlie 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 caus be vplifted but fauouris. Tercio lulij 1588. Edinburgh, The QUHILK DAY, the commissioneris of burrowis being in resonino- fijc"marki"s''o'on- vpouu thatt held of the missive quhair as itt was cravitt be the magis- tinewit to the tratis of the burgh of Edinburgh thatt they suld be rembursitt of the iiixt conven- c , i n- i i n i • i • i , tioun, and to be sovme 01 tuclti hundreth markis aduancit and lentt be thame to Adame th^Sii'sH-etobe Foullertoun, as be dyueris actis of continuatioun maid thairanent will ap- direct thairto. peir, Henry Nesbett and George Hereott, commissioneris for the said Con rention of Rot/a I Burg/is. 281 burgh of Edinburgh, protestis thatt in the ansuer geving be the saidis burroAvds thairto thair suld be na admissioun of the actis foirsaidis maid thairanentt, and thatt the said burgh suld resaue resolute ansuer of the liaill substance of the contentis of the samyn concerning the haill effectt of thair demand, quhilk is rembursementt of the said sovme principal!, and interes payitt thairfoir sen the first aduancing thairof 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 paii'tt hes disassented and disassentis to onj'- ansuer geving to the petitioun abouewrittin in respect of thair missives 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 srenerall assemblie of burrowis haldin at Edinburgh in Nouembei- 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 tlie saidis burrowis of the said principall 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, dark, tinewis Ihonn Guthre, thair generall dark, in his office of clarkschip for hiTofflcrand the space of ane zeir to cum, vpoun the conditiounis mentionatt in the ™iiner o^ p^y" actis of his first admissioun, and sensyne maid thairanent, and ordanis his pend, and by; ordinar fie of ane hundreth pundis to be payitt be the collectour of the eto"*^ expens &, first taxatioun of the first and reddiest of the samyn, quhensoeuer and quhow sone the samyn beis ingottin ; and as concerning the said Ihonns extraordinar expenssis awand to him be the saidis burrowis, confornie t<> 2 X 282 Convention of Boy al Burghs. the actis sett doun thairanent at the last conuentioBis of Dondie and Edinburgh, incais he be nochtt payitt thairof be the vnlawis to be vplifted be the generall collectour, quhilkis they ordane him to cause be vplifted with all diligence, findis the saidis foure burrowis of Edinbui'gh, Pertli, and Dondy sail cause him be payitt thairof be the said first taxatioun occuriing. Quarto lulij 1588. Kiiivoudbi-j-oii- rpjjg QTjjjiLK p^y, comperitt Robertt Hall burges of the burgh of Kirk- titi missive ap- '^ ' i o o picviug etu. cudbrycht, and presentitt thair missive appreving all and quhatsumever thingis suld be done at this presentt conuentiouii, in I'espect quhairof and of thair exemptioun instantlie schawin and producit, remitis vuto 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. Eatefeing The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, after lang resoning vpoun sending tcf * tliatt held of the missive quhairas the haill burrowis war warnit to France aiid actt gg^^j i^q ^^j^^g present conuentioun thair commissioneris fuUie instructed to maid thairan- ^ entt, witii the ratefeing of ane actt and oi'dinance maid be the commissioneris of bnrro-ivis to burrowis convenit att Edinburgh in the moneth of Februar last bypast, dcwties'etc. quhairby Henry Nesbett burges of Edinburgh was direct in thair and the haill burrowis naroes 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 sovme 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 Hemy the commissioneris of burrowis than conuenit, for thame selves and remanent burrowis of this realme, in maner as is sett doun in the said actt, are obleist ; as alsua thairby itt was concludit thatt the impoist collectitt for making of the Conseruatour and Ihonn Gourlayis expenssis suld, efter the expyring thairof continow to be vplifted and tane in maner and forme as is contenit in ane actt maid the auclitt of Nouember 1582, ay and quhill the said sovme of fyve hundreth pundis Avai- payitt and rembursitt to the said burgh of Edinburgh, souerties Convention of Bo //al Burghs. 283 thairfoir, as at lentli is contonit in the said act maid at Edinburgh in Februar hist, 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 burrowis and remanent burrowis foirsaidis, full power and commissioun to the burrowis, Edinburgh, Perth, Uondy, and Abii'dene, at thair coniteutioun appoynted to be haldin at Edinburgh vpoun the xxij day of September nixtt, efter the hering of the custo- meris and generall collectouris comptes of thair intromissioun witli the bygane customes, extentis, impoistis and vnlawis, incais the samyn be found be thame to extend to ane gi'eittar sovme nor will sateffie tlie Kingis ilaiestie and vtheris debtis to be payitt thairb}^, mentionatt in sindry actis maid thairvpoun, thatt of the excrescence and superplus 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 Heniy, 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 vpliftit 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 Disasaenting to of ony actt quhairby any power may be granted to aiie certan nomber of actis"to Ine'c'ei-- burrowis to conclude and fullie determine in materis concerning the weil- ^'i^f°°g'^'etJf fair of thair estaitt quhensoever ony thair adois outwith generall conven- tionis sail intervene, for dyueris inconvenientis att full lenth respectitt be thame etc. The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis vnderstanding thame selves Sio as abydis to be gretumlie hurtt be the debursmentt maid of dyueris greitt and ex- to*" pay ten'iT' horbitantt expenssis vpoun the ingetting of thair customes, taxationis, im- ^^'^ expenssis. 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 nonpaymentt 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 Royal Burghs. and pay the sovme often li., of vnlaw with the expenssis debursitt in thair defaltt sa oft as they failzie etc. Eatefeing Ness- The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis findis thair commissioner, inFranoe™'^'' Henry Nesbett burges of Edinburgh, being sentt in thair names to France in thair effaires to the Kingis Maiesties embassadour thair, for labouring to the doungetting of certan irapoist raisitt vpoun the Scottis natioun in the said cuntrie ef France and dyueris pairttis tliairof, 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 rec-ipe and missive presentlie red to thame, quhilkis they ordane to be registratt in this thair buke of conventioun, quhairof the tennour folio wis. FoUowis the said Lord Erabassadouris letteris of recipe etc. : Embassadom-is ^^ lamcs, be the mercy of God Archbischop of Glasqu, Embassadour in France, fgj. ^]^g Kino'is Maiestie besvde the King of France, grantis ws to have obngatioun of '^ •' o^^^^^■o■\ ten pecis of the ressauit fra Henrjr Nesbett burges of Edinburgh, directt fra the Burro wis tis in™rd'ie- of Scotland to ws for the effaires of the customes, ten pecis of writtis in mentt, maid to pavcheuient, quhairof twa letteris patentes gevin and granted to the mer- chantis of Scotland be King Frances the First of gTide memory (King of gude memorie) King of France grantitt in anno domini j™ v*^- and auch- tene zeris, and four pecis of wryttis for verefeing and appreving of thame, be the Chalmer of Paris, Thesaurer of France, General Counsall of Finances of France, and the fourtt approbatioun 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 admissionis and approbatiounis of sic to quhome they are direct, and thatt notitt vpoun twa of the patentis, red publischitt and registratt in the ('(jurt of Parliamentt of Rowen in the Chalmer of Comptis thair, in the Courtt des Aydes and Finances thair, and all tliir 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 155 5 ; Item the tentt pece, bering ane sentence of the Court des Aydes in Normandy, that the Scottis merchantis suld find cautioun to haif libertie to carry tliair merchandise onlie to Scotland, Convention of Royal Burghs. 285 that suld litiif the commoditie to be customit in the auld maner etc.- — the haill effectis of thir writtis beiing 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 fiank, according as was payittof auld ; quhilkis ten pecis of letteris we promeis to delyuertothesaid 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 ancht zeris, etc., first and second baith to ane effect. Et sic suhsa'ibitur. Glasqu. Followis the tennour of the said Embassadouris missive direct on the back thairof in this maner : ^''1®°°']'^ • Embassadouns To our weilbelouit freindis the provest and baillies of Edinburgh and inFranoesmis- r- ,, , 1 ■ , sive to the bur- commissioneris oi the burghis, etc. rowia and Weilbelouit friendis, efter our maist hertlie commendatiouis, we have ""^^ ' receavitt letteris be the berar heirof, Henry Nesbett, fra the Kingis Maiestie oure Souerane, willing ws to travell with the King of France and his Counsall for reforming of the exhorbitantt customes tane and raisitt within thir few zeris vpoun our natioun, alsweill inwartt as out- waitt, We have re&auit alsua, the thiid of Apryle last, fra the said berar zour letteris to the samyn 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 desyris 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, conforme to his Maiestias command and zour desyir. We had na HttiU 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 iuforme zow sufficientlie, and thairfoir we haif thochtt it meittest, in res- pect of the malui-e of tyme, thatt he suld return hamewartt quhill better occasioun be offeritt ; and in the menetyme we saU 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. vfcher as ze sail think gude, salbe sentt heir to solist quhatt salbe granted put in practeis and executioun. We have resauit zour foirsaid mentionatt pecis fra him and hes gevin oure recepisse tliairof in double forme. Re- mitting tlie rest to his sufficiency We pray the eternal Lord God to bav? zow in his everlasting protectioun, From Paris this xxij day of May 1588. Et sic suhscribitur, zour assured and affectionat and lufing freind at power Ia. Archbischop of Glasqu. And efter the registring to be i-edelyueritt agane to the said Henry, quha be thir presentis grantis the ressaitt thairof frome Ihoun Guthre dark to the burrowis, efter the registring of the samyn in maner as is aboue expremit. Kkkcaid'°"°' '^^^^ 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 pairt of the extenttis of iij™ sax hundreth pundis imposit for payment of the thretty tunnis wyne contenit in the tak of the customes for this instant zeir of God ] 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 coUectouris acquittance thairof presentlie schawin and 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 lentli proportis, etc. ]3y^j„^;g The samyn day, the saidis commissipneris of burrowis for the maist uoohtt paj^and pairtt findis that the burrowis nochtt haifing payitt thair pairtis of the Alane Len- extentt of ane thousand pundis impositt vpoun thair haill nomber for tiounto^pa^ythe outreging of Alane Lentronis schip and bark for repressing of piratts, be- Witsonday last foir the feist of Witsonday last, particularlie as they ar extentitt vnto, sail interes, and ^■pr•n^^■^^ ii ■ i thair proteata- Tpiiy lor releiit 01 the burrowis quha hes alrady payitt thair pairtis of the contrair etc. samyn preceding the said feist of Witsonday the sovme of fourty pundis, as for the said termis interes of the 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- raentt of thair pairtis of the said extentt, and thatt they half for thair awin releif of the samyn maid and sett doun the conclusioun aboue ex- Cuia-ention of Bo/jal IhwgJis. 2H7 premitt. Secundlie, the said burgli of Pertli allegitt thair pairtt thairof to be payitt ahady to lames Mathesoun messenger, quha was dii-ectitt frome Robertt Gourlay principall collectour appointed to tlie collectioun of the said sovme. And the said burgh[is] of Sanctandrois, Cowpar, Craill, Laneark, etc., ar contentt to pay beneuolenthe the interes foirsaid efFerand to the raitt and quantitie of the foirsaid sovme impossit vpoun thame, and dissassentis 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 offorit 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- cau.s he was passand to the northland, and itt wald be tnabilsum 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 contributioun on thame gif the samyn be nocht as zett payitt, quhilk he vnderstandis to be payitt, and thairfoir suld be fred of forther interes, and gif ony forther may be suted of Cowper, they can nawyis be forther addettit bott 2'n'o rata efferand to the pairtt of the sovme they ar addettit to pay, and thairfoir dissassentis 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 hurtfull 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, ])rotestis, incais they haif nocht payitt thair paiitis of the said taxatioun, quhilk he vnderstandis to be payitt, thatt they be astricted in na forther interes for the ^Yitsonday 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 the magistratis of ^"i'^^^eii to 1 • 1 1- c 1 • n ■ 1 send to the nixt the burgh quhair the nixt generall assembhe of burrowis salbe appomted convcutionn to be haldin to aduerteis the magistratis of the burgh of Edinburgh to gouoe etc. send thair commissioneris thairtu with Henry Nesbettis diligence of his commi.ssioun v.sitt in thair names in the pairtis of France in anno J rii^'l. 288 Convention of Royal Burghs. Agent, to per- 'fjjg samvn day, efter aduvsement with the supplicatioua presented to sew Lentroun. j j ^ J ^ i ± _ a^ thame be Dauid Watsoun, commissioner for Sanctandrois, m name of Thomas Lentroun citinar thairof, findis that, nochtwithstanding the said Thomas desyir of continuatiotm of the proces depending aganis Alane Lintroun his sone at thair instances befoir the Lordis vnto his hamecuming, thatt WUham Makartnay agentt sail insist in the persute thairof quhill decreitt be obtenitt. Four burrowis The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis gevis full power and be ansueritt of commissioun to the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, and Abirdene money etc. ^^ causc ansuer Williame Makartnaj^ 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. Agentt to per- fj^g samvn day, ordanis Williame Makartnay, thair agentt, vpoun thair sew burrowis _ ^ . .... regaiitie for expenssis, to persew Kirkcaldy and vtheris buiTowis of regalitie, and the glides?"^ °^ "^ customeris thairof, for paymentt to the coUectour 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 tha,ir iuge ordinar. Quinto lulij 1588. nei- toThe pro- "^^^^ SAMYN DAY, the commissioneris ordanis ane ansuer to be writtin and vest of Edin- gevin to the provest of Edinburghis missive sentt, contening thair hertlie sive. thankis to his lordschip fur 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 burrowis as ar conuenit and debtbound thairin salbe witli all diligence, efter thair hamecuming, thankfullie randeritt and payitt to his lordschip, and to requeist his lordschipp thatt he wald nocht tak in evill pairtt the lang delay of paymentt, insafar 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 Bunjlis. 289 The samyn day, the commissioneris of burro wis presentt, within quhais Bunowis to burghis or sea portis customeris to the Kingis Maiesties customes, quhairof tSair cuatom- the haill burrowis ar takismeii, ar estableschitt, obleissis thame in name o^ l^^^'^omytei thair saidis burrowis to cawse, induring the tj'me 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 vplifted of thame and euery ane of thame failzeand heirintill butt fauouris, and thatt letteris and execii- toriallis be raisitt and execute be thecollectourvpon the burrowis [ilk ane of] thame gifneid beis inmaist am pill forme as efieris; and ordanis the burrowis absentt to be wairnit day place and to effect abouewrittin, within the quhilkis or sea poirtis thairof customer is ar estaiblest, ilk burgh vnder the payne and vnlaw 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 wairnit be thair collectour generall, vpoun the saidis burrowis expenssis, to be refoundit alwayis, being lawfully wairnitt be thame in maner as is aboue rehersitt. The samjm day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes statute and ordanit . ^ thatt the provest baillies and counsall of buixowis, euery ane within thair burrowis and awin burghis and sea poirttis, induring the tyme of the tak of the Kingis qnhai°r cistom- Maiesties customeis, salbe ansuerabill for their customeris for dew J-™^^'- ^°^°^"'"' collectioun and paymentt quarterlie of their intromissioun with the paymentt quar- saidis customes to thair generall collectour, with certificatioun to thame coUeotour, and euery ane of them that faUzeis hereintill they sail incur the payne l^'^Z/^'' '' 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 lawfullie 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- 2 290 Conoention of Boyal Burghs. tion of the premissis, salbe lialdin but fauouris to pay the samyu to the saidis magistratis for thair relief thairoffi Srsew Heid The quhilk day, anentt the complaint gevin in befoir thame be factourin Mathow Flemyno- merchantt and burges of Glasqu, aeanis NicoU Reid, iJampfer betoxr . •'o' o La i-ii- the conseru- factour in the tovne 01 Campferj niakand mentioun 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 dear 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 NicoUis missives this day presented and red befoir thame, efter he was lawfully requyi'it in presence of notar and witnesses thairto, refusitt to geve the samyn, as be instrumentis and documentistane in the handis of Neil Kaa, notar and depute to the conserua- tor, did appeir, quhairby he and his father foirsaid ar gretumlie hurtt 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 NicoUis complaynt thairanent ; efter 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 ofBce, butt delay, to cause minister iustice to the said complenar as he will ansuer to thame. Ariicie to tiie The samyn day, it being menit be the said Mathow thatt by all con- factcmriB?Fian- Science the factouris t)f Campfer had vsurpitt the tred of merchandise dens, and ttiey a,nd put the sani in practeis in als liberally traffecquing with all soirtis of wairia etc. wairis cumiiig 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 articles gevin be the said Mathow thairanent ; the saidis commissioneiis 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 Convent toil of Royal Burghs. 291 Mciiestie and Secreitt Counsall foi- obtening of ane act thairof 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 maner of pereoun be eniployitt in the office of factoury be ony merchant of this realme without sufficient fynding of souerty be the said factour for refrayning frome all bying of Scotis wairis, and the merchantt employar of ony factour in contrair hereof s;ill pay ane vnlaw of fourty pundis sa oft as he faUzeis bott fauouris. The samyn day Henry Nesbett, burges of Edinburgh, procuratour 2°™°"^}! X tt lawfully constitvite be oure Soueraue Lord the Kingis Maiestie, presented procuratour for to the commissioneris foirsaidis his Hienes procuratioun vnder his Graces ie3tie,'°^aneijt subscriptioun butt daitt, geving thairby to the said Henry, procuratour ^^ mineral foirsaid, power in His Hienes name to propone and notefie to thanie the burrowis to bo ovirtouris given in be Eustachius Roogh, Flemyng, and to cause be red, GracetoEuata- sichtitt, and considderitt the forme of ane contract sett doun betuix his piJil^yng, ete.^' 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 the burding on thame for the haill i-emanentt 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 effect 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 rehersitt, 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 euery burgh and na thing can be concluditt thairintill withoutt the par- ticular aduyce of euery burgh as said is. The samvn day, the haill remittis the vnlaw of Abirdene, incurrit be ,''^*'"'iene vn- thame for nocht compering in dew tyme to the last generall assemblie etc. haldin at Dondie in Iiilij 1587, and dischaii'ge all executioun aganis thame thairfor. 292 Convention of Royal Burghs. to™7at.^feut^' The samyn day, Ihonn Ahannay of Kirkdaill, provest of the burgh of ^"'"* Wigtoun, producitt ane commissioua vnder the seill of the said burgh, and subscriptioun of the commoun dark thairof, quhilk, in respect of thair exemptioun was resauit and admitted, and he in name of the said burgh tliairby ratefeitt and apprevitt all and quhatsumeuer thing salbe concluditt at this presentt generall assembly. CoUectour to The samyn day, anent the desyris of the commissioneris of the burrowis lawis bygane of Abirdene, Sanctandrois, Cowpar, and Craill, desyring thair half vnlawis presen . ^^ -^^ remittit 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 collectour to cause vplift the samyn together, with the remanentt vnlawis mentionatt in the summondis raisitt tlmirvpoun, 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 thairvpouri ; as alsua thatt the said collectour cans rais letteris aganis the burrowis vnlawitt att this present conuentioun incais of thair I'efusall to pay the samyn, etc. Sexto lulij 1588. Exemptioun, The commissioneris foirsaidis hes exemit and exemis the burgh of en row. Renfrow 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. pkiint't"b6°re- '^'^^ commissioneris foirsaidis ordanis the desyre of the bill gevin in memberitt in befoir thame be Hew Broun, commissioner for the burgh of Irrowyne, missivee, and . 'ii r- ti»i*i* siciyk all vther conceiiiiiig the supportt ciuvitt DC thame tor i-eparreling of thair hawm dekayitt her-- >jeries. Convchtion of Boijal Barglts. 293 nnd 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 r'emittit, burgh of Laneark thair vnlaw of tuenty li., 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 Renfrow, etc. The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes exemit and exemis Exemptiuun 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 thai rat, etc. The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis desoluis this thair conven- Desohung pro- tioun, and appoyntis thair nixt generall assemblie of burrowis to be haldin tjoun and nixt at the burgh of Sanctandrois the last of lunij in the zeir of God I™ V<= ^°^^J* ®™'='- 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 haiU burrowis of this realme for keping be thame be thair commis- sioneris fuUie instructed of the .said nixt generall conuentioun, with certi- ficatioun to thame and they failzie they salbe haldin to pay the unlawis of the burrowis that beis nocht be thame lawfully wairnit thairto. Henry Nisbett commissioner for Robert Anderson for Perth. Edinburgh. Alexr. Cullen commissioner off Geoirge Heireot commissioner foi' Aberdene. Edinburgh. William Cunyngam, Glasgw. WiUiam Duncan commissioner off Andro Ker commissioner for Lin- Dun die. 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 Laaerk. 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 Howstoii for Dombarton. Robert Craige for Dumbar. Thomas Henderson for Jedbui'ch. Dauid Hall for Rutherglen. Roger Gordoun for Drumfres. lames Hackat for Dysert. Williame Hoppringill, for Lawder. I. Gnthre. Alexr. Williamesoiin for Peiblis. I. Guthre. Sanctandrois In the Conventiotm of Burrowis haldin at the burgh of SoMctayidrois vpoun the tentt, alevint, tuelt and fourtene dayis of Apryle /'" V' four scoir nyne zeris, Comperitt the Commissioneris of Burrowis vnder subscryvand, etc., quha pjroditcitt the commission is and missives efter specefeit, etc, Edinburgh, Henry Charteris, Maister lames Ihonnstoun, Edward Gal- braith, and Ihonn Harlaw ; Kingorn, Androw Broun, clark ; Innerketli- ing, George Dury, clark ; Striveling, Walter Cowane ; Linlithqu, Andi'ow Kar, clark ; Dumbertan, lames Smollett ; Renfrow, Adam Mudderrell ; Air, George Cocheran ; Irrowyne, Hew Broun ; Glasqu, Maister Ihonn Ros ; Kirkcudbrycht be missive ; Wigtoun be missive and procuratioun apprevand ; Quhithorn be missive to the provest of Sanctandrois ; Lane- ark, Dauid Bryntoun ; ledburgh, Thomas 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 ; Aberdene, Maister Ihonn Cheine ; Dondy, Robertt Fleschour, Ihonn Traill ; Perth, Convention of Royal Burghs. 295 Dioneis Coiiquerour ; Dumfermling, Ilionn Boiswell, Ihonn Makeson ; Craill, Hary Lindesay, Ihonn Bowsy ; Forfar, George Suitty ; Breichan, Ihonn Ramsay ; ilontrois, Williame Patry ; Elgyne, Williame Gibsoun, baillie ; Innernes, lasper Kjanming ; Aberbrothok, Ihonn Haillis ; Sanct- androis, lames Lermonth of Dairsy, provest, Maister Williame Cok, Dauid Watsoun ; Cowpar, lames Petersoim ; 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, Thomas Kingzow ; Brunteland, Ihonn Claipan ; Anstruther be eist the burn, Ihonn Anstruther, dark, and Ihonn Bowsy protested this thair enrolhng 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 bailHes of Abirdene '^^f"* ^*".'''' •^ ' ' ana cominis- and commissioner thairof, producit his commissioun seilUt be the common siouer Abir- seiE 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 subscryvaud the same, quhUkis 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 for the burgh of Edin- Thaynisvniaw burgh, producitt ane missive direct be the burgh of Thayne to the com- missioneris presentt, quhilk they find nochtt to be ressauit, insafar as the samyn is nocht subscryvit be na vther nor Schir Williame Keith, provest, and thairfoir to be vnautentik and contrair to thair ordinances, alwyis adiugis thame in xx li. vnlaw, quhilk in respect of thair poverty and ex- emptioun they remitt, provyding the said burgh conmiitt nochtt the lyk in tyme cuming, quhilk gif they do the vnlaw to be incurrit be thame to be vpKfted but fauouris. The same day, according to the ordour obseruit in conuentionis, hes in absence of nominatt and electitt lames Lermonth of Dairsy, provest, in moderatour Ma^iste'r^"]™^ ' to this presentt assembly, quha be his ressonabill excuse of his behuifRt '^'^"J^.^"'' "°'^<=" 296 Convention of RoijoJ Bunjhs. Ordour con- ueniug. passing fco the raid as chairgitt be oure Souerane Lord, desyrit Maisterfc William Cok, baillie, suld suppKe his place of moderatorschip, quhome the saidis commissioneriB hes elected in moderator induring this presentt con- uentioun as he quha is second in commissioun for the said burgh. The quhilk day, the commissioiieris [ordanis] the morn be ix houris befoir none to convene, and fra thyne to sitt quhill tuelff att none, and fra twa houris thairefter to sitt quhill sax houris att evin ; and quha comperis nocht imediatlie after the houris streking and calling of the roll to pay sax schiUingis auchtt penneie vnlaw but fauouris. Vndecimo Aprilis 1589. Commissioner forAirreasauit. Admissioun Maister Ilioun Chene in com- missioner for Abirdene. Eurrnwls vnlawitt. 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. The samyn day, efter lang resoning vpoun the_ ressauing of Maister Ihonn Chene as commissioner for Abirdene, and having exactlie consid- derit 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 subsci-ip- tioun of the commoun claik thairof The same day, finding the burrowis of Rothesay, Euthuglen, and Banft to have bene lawfully wairnit to have comperit to this presentt conuen- tioun, as was sufficiently verefeitt be the . magistratis 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 pundis, quhilk they ordane thair collectour to cause vplift, and gif neid beis heirvpoun letteris of horning to rais and execute, and be comptabiU 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 ^i^fon^OTTr thame of the worth of the excyse of heir and wyne granted to the Scotis stirveiing to natioun for the estaiblesching of thair staipill at the said tovne, as alsiia worth of the to try quha will geve maist thairfoir, and to repoirt to the haill burrowis and^w-yne in" at the next conuention thairof imediatlie efter his hamecuming, his ansuer Campfer. 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 rescuing 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. The samyn 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 actis.*^^'^""^ commissioner of the burgh of Glasqu to bring with him thairto the veri- ficatioun of the said burgh of Forres lawfull 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 Ihonn Bos commissioner for Glasqu protested in respect the wairning 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 tifour sioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Dondy, Perth, and Ahirdene, coUectourrs """ auditouris of the generall coUectouris comptis, war ordanitt at the last tobP'^^^^^nftto generall conuentioun haldin att Glasqu in luly last to have broclit with have the same thame to this presentt conuentioun the said generall coUectouris comptis, Lgane^hf nixt to the effect the commissioneris now conuenitt mycht mak thair particular ™'J,atsu^cTCr. burrowis certefeitt of the haill preceding and effect thairof, and finding thatt without the personal presence of the said coUectour 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 estaitis 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. he saidis burrowis ; geving heirby 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 coinptis ; 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 qubatsumer his saidis comptes in radyness, and to keip the said couuentioun aither be thame selues or thair sufiicient procuratouris haif- and tliair sufficient powar to thatt effectt to produce sufficient diligence or paymentt but'excuse or delay. Continuatioun, The Same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter lang resoning vpoun sut'eofremburs- thatt held of the missive concerning the craving to the magistratis of the menttofxijc burgli of Edinburgh of rembursmentt of tuelfF hundreth markis and markis, and m- , "^ ^ ^ teres payitt intercs payitt thairfoir aduancitt to Adam Fowllertoun, as be dyueris actis thairfoir, to the ^i • *ni • t i* -i i j* • rip-n nixt general 01 Durrowis Will appeir, hes contmewit and contmewis as oi betoir all b°uTowi=°"° °^ ansueir geving thairto to thair next general! 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 efiect they may be certefeit of the said Adamis diligence and procedingis in the effaires quhairfoir lie was sentt, and ordanis this presentt to be contenit in the missives to be direct to the burrowis to the eflfect 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 July 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. Continuatio'jn The QUHILK DAY, the foirsaidis commissioneris respecting the diligint in his office of and agrcabill seruice done to thame and thair predecessouns in the ane zeir^ociim. office of generall clarkschip to the burrowis thir mony and dyueris zeris Convention of Hoyal Burghs. 299 bypast be Ibonn Gutbre tbair generall dark, hes continewit and contine- wis bini 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 commissioneris of burghis to convene att thair nixtt generall conventioun quhairever 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 Perth in anno 1582 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 God j™ v" Lxxxviij zeris to the moneth of luly nixt in this instant zeir of God jm yc four 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 with 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 1587 to luly last in anno 1588 zeris ; and as for paymentt to him of his ordiuar bygane expenssis frome the generall conuen- tion last haldin att Edinburgh in anno 1587, continewis the ordour tak- ing thairanentt to thair next generall asserablie quhairever itt salhappin to be haldin. The same day, anentt the continuatioun of ane ansueir to the burrowis Consenting . _^ .-, -, T^ ,i * ,, , ji • 11 •,! thatt Sanctan- of Sanctandrois, CraiU, and Dysartt, craving supportt to thair dekayitt drois, Craiii, barberies, consentis thatt for reparrelling thairof sic dewty of schoir syluer ^pfiff JfJew- sall for thre zeris nixttocum be vplifted att thair particular poirttis of ''« .f<"^ ^^T" 1 c 1 1 • c • zens, as is vp- sic gudes as salbe induring the said space transported iurth thairoi as is lifted att Don- vplifted att the poirtt and hawin of Dondy, in maner and forme as thair j^g of^th^h^'de- coUectour vpliftis the samyn ; provyding alwyis thatt at the ische and ^"^V^ ''^'" outrunnyng of the saidis thre zeris the saidis burrowis sail desist and ceis from ony forther vplifting 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 employitt 300 Convention of Royal Burghs. thairupon to find cautioun the sainyn salbe furtlicumand to the commoun efFaires of burrowis, and gif need beis thatt letteris and executorialis als Weill 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, efter 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 fy ve zeris nixtocum the magistratis of the said burgh, be thameselues and thair collectouris, vplift of euery laid on horsbak cuming Jang 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 dekayitt 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 to the burgh of Linlithqu thair vnlaw of tuenty pundis, quhairunto they war adiugit for nocht vsing of the diligence mentionatt in the act maid att luly last, anentt the wairning of thair customer to haif 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- persiite,^Aiane tinewis the ansucr to Thomas Lentrounis supplicatioun and persute of the actioun depending att the instance of the four burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondy, and Aberdene aganis Alane Lentroune sone to the said Thomas, 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 vnlaw remittit. I>entroun. Convention of Royal Burghs. 301 the saidis four burrowis, as contractouris and persewaris of the said Alane, disassented. The same day, the foirsaidis commissioneris aprevis the vpUfting be Pettinwemes the burgh of Pettinweme of the fourtt pairtt of ane pek of euery laid or part pek, Dum- sekful of wictuall mett within thair said burgh, provyding all oure Soue- '""^• rane Lordis liegis bringing wictuall thairto be seruitt hous maill frie thairof, with canvess and sifRs, but ony forther dewtie nor the said fourtt pairtt, ci'aving thairfoir ; quhairvpoun Maister Alexander Kelly, commis- sioner for Dumbar, askitt instrumentis. The same day, the commissioneris suspendis the vplifting of the burgh Narnie ynia-w of Narnis vnlaw for thair absence frome thair last conuention generall at Giasquispro- Glasqu in luly 1588 vnto thair nixt generall conuention quhairever ^^s**''"'""- the samyn salbe appoj^nted 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 lawfull citatioun to have comperit thairto was sufficientlie verefeitt, etc. The same day, anent the support cravitt be Ihonn Clapan, commis- Suppiioatioun •'_ ,•11 ■ iijii-- /.of Bruntiland sioner for the burgh oi JBruntiland, craving support to the vp Digging oi to be remem- ane kirk within thair said burgh, continewis the ansuer geving thairto to gf^^" ™ °"^" 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 thairintill. The same day, remittis vnto the burgh of Kingorn thair vnlaw of Kingornisyn- tuenty pundis incurrit be thame for nocht causing of thair customer to mak vpoun 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 sufficient 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, etc. The same dav etc. the commissioneris foirsaidis remittis vnto lames Cowpar vnlaw •' „ ' , , , ,, , 1 • • • i 1 ,1 ten h. remittit. Andersoun, dark of Cowper, the vnlaw of ten li., incurrit be the said 302 Convention of Boyal 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. Gontinuatioun The Same day etc. continewis the ansuer geving to Schir William Th^ne.° Keith, provest of Thayne, gevin in be him in name of the magistratis and inhabitantis thairof. Striveiingis The Same day, remittis Streveling thair vnlaw of tuenty li. for nocht vTiiaw remittit sending thair commissioner to Edinburgh in September last, and nocht making be thair customer than of thair comptes, in respect of the tryeU 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 daj^, aggreis thatt vnto the dewties mentionatt in Irrowinis irrowingis ^ct for Supporting thair brig thair be eikitt the dewties following, viz. '""'S' ane penny of ilk fute man, twa penneis of ilk ox and koW, ane penny of twa schiep, of ilk hors but bur ding 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. Name exemitt The Same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis hes exemit and exemis the from kfping of burgh of Name from keping of all conuentioun of burrowis for the space conventionis. ^^ ^j^^.^ ^eris nixtocum, provyding thatt at the next generall assemblie thairof they send thairto quhairever the samyn salhappin to be haldin, with the burgh ewest vndispensitt with, thair autentik missive seillit and subscryuit be the provest baillies counsall and dark in name of the communitie thairof, approving all and quhatsumever actis, lawis, or con- stitutionis beis in the menetyme att ony conuentionis intervening con- cludit on ; certefeing William TuUoche, presentt commissioner 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. Conve)ition of Royal Burglis. 303 The same day, etc., exetnis the burgli of Abirbrothok frome keping of AWrbrothok all conuentionis for the space of thre zeris nixtocum, provyding att the threzerisfrome nixt generall assemblie of burrowis Ihonn Haillis, presentt commissioner ^^v^^s of oon- for the said burgh, cause sufficient cautioun be found thatt the sovme of thre seoir pundis be employ ittVpoun 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 quhatsumever lawis and coustitutionis 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"^" ^°^ ''°^''" and for ane law perpetuallie to be obseruit vniuersallie throw all the moun gudes bun-owis of this realme concludis, decernis, and ordanis, that na possessour perambuia"-'^^ ' within burgh nor outwith the same of ony pairtt or portioun of the 'jo^;"! ^niviie of '-' - .,, ,, . , . tbair marchis, commoun laudis, commoun gudes, customes alsweill small as greitt, mylnis, und repoirtt fischingis, and vther commoun casualities quhatsumeuer of burgh, pre- seueraii "gener- sume or tak vpoun hand to hinder or stay the rowping thairof vnder ^^^ conuentioun 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 tbair libertie and fredomes and never fra thyne furth to bruik office thairin, provyding alwayis 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 proifeitt 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 seueraii 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 burrowis presentlie conuenit for thame selues, and remanentt of thair nomber absentt, promesis concurrence and assistance to se the con- travenaris dewlie pvneist in thair personis and gudes, conforme to iustice. Forther, to the effect the executioun heirof may be att euery seuerall senerall 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 fullie instructed to euery ana 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 li. 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 'j'jjg game day, etc, ordanis the magistratis of Abirdene to cause wairne the alteratioun j > ' ^ o oftaxttroiUiin the burrowis to send thair commissioneris instructed for alteratioun of the generall taxtt roll of ane hundreth li., 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 cliepman Bell ataipiU ^^ vtheris vnfrie personis inwith or outwith burrowis presume or tak wains in greitt "^ . . . ^ . or small. 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. S'lppiicatioun The samjTi day, ordanis thatt att the nixt generall conuentioun of the to the"^'Kingis Estaitis thair be ane speciall article or supplicatioun maid, lamenting the '^■'tu T^ ^^' greitt lois 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 thairto. "^"^^Tbe^re" '^^■^^ samyn day ordanis the burrowis to send thair commissioneris memberitt in fullie instructed 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- J^^^i^i ^""^ androis, the vnlaw of the burgh of Bamff for thair nochtt comperance to Bonoie, dark, ." ^ banctandrois. this presentt conuentioun being lawfully wairnit 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 wryting of the missives direct to burrowis ane vnlaw for wryting thairof The same day, exemis the burgh of Lawder frome keping of all conuen- Lawderis ex- tionis during the space of thre zeris, except the samyn be haldin be south thre zeris. Forth, and vpoun the vther prouisionis mentionatt in the exemptioun of the burgh of Name, etc. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis finding thame selues to^be'mjdd'for gretumlie hurtt be the extenting be the Lordis of Secreitt Counsall of thair discharging . 11 J 1 n I J /• i 1 Lordis to ex- particular burrowis att all tymes qunenas ane generall extentt oi the tent the bur- Estaittis 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 reponitfc 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 f^'f ™'irtt°4g"g''t within this realme, or be ony persoun or persounis duelland thairin, nor pirattis. be furneist in ony maner of viuers or vther necessaris quhatsumever, as 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 foirnamit pirattis thatt they and euery ane of thame sail incur the payne and vn- law of ane hundreth pundis sa oft as they failzie ; and the magistratt doing his vtter diligence for putting of this act to dew executioun and the inhabitantis of the sea poirtt quhairas occasioun salbe ofierrit of assis- tance nochtt assisting, thatt the refusaris to assist sail incur the said 2 Q 306 Convention of Royal Burghs. payne and vnlaw of ane hundreth pundis, and the samyii to be vplifted of thame and euery ane of thame butt fauouris. Commission- The same day, it is ordanit thatt euery commissioner presentlie con- thairmagis- venit wairne the magistratis of their particular burrowis to vse the t[ie*c^ustomeris^ wairning mentionatt in the act maid at Glasqu in July last, for wairning topaythairby- of thair customaris to cum to the burgh of Edinburgh and mak pay- gane customes. /»i-ni pi-'i** i mentt to the collectour oi the Beltan terme oi thair intromissioun bygane ■with the Kingis Maiesties customes, vnder the paynis contenit in the saidis actis. ptlinteTtcT heir The quhilk day, the commissioneris foirsaidis nominatis and appointis customer pud ^^ burrowis of Edinburgh, Dondy, Perth, and Abirdene, with sic vther collectouns ^ ^ . . 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 chargis, 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 acfis maid of befoir. Suppiicatioun rpjjg g^n^e day, vnderstanding Maister George Hacquett, conseruatour, to to the Kiugis be in poyntt of death, quhairby incais of his deceis the previlege in conseruatour electing of ane new conseruatour is, except ane vther in tyme be nocht to be piaoitt. p^ovyditt, 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, George 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. Supplicatioun ^\\Q 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 gTcit hurtt to the merchant estaitt and na thing helpfull to the liegis of this realme. to^blfmaicTto- The same day, ordanis ane supplicatioun to be made and gevin in to remeidof cer- i^ Kinffis Maiestie and Estaitis, mening tlie gi-eit lois of laitt sustenit be tannvohtbou- & ii • n ji t • • po lis, laitiie pii- Alexander laffrey burges in Abirdene, Aiane Lentroun citinar of Sanct- h.'itt be T)un- kirkeris. 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 veschellis 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 SuppUcatioun Dumbartan in name of the inhabitantis thairof craving ane certan impoist be rememberitt of gudes for ane certan space to be grantitt to thame for helping of thair ™ ""^^i^®^- coUege, 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- Watfoun, com- •^ . , . . , , . ° misaioner for androis, producitt the Kingis Maiesties missive direct to the said burgh Sanotandiois, for conuening of the commissioneris of burrowis att the said burgh vpoun ties' missive,"''" the tentt day of this instantt Aprile, nocht withstanding the appointing be and articles, &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. Desoluing pro- sent conven- tioun and ap- pointing ane the diligence done be the magistratis of the said citie for conuening of the saidis burrowis, Dauid Watsoun, commissioner and producar foirsaidis, askitt instrumeutis. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis presentlie conuenit desoluis this thair conventionn, and appoyntis thair nixt generall con- vtber att Abir- ventioun to be haldin at Abirdene vpoun the aucht day of lunij in the zeir of God j"' v*^. 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. Ross. Mr Alex''. Kellie. H. Broun. Dauid Brentoun. I. Ramsay. Williame Gibsone. Ihone Bowsy. lames Smollatt. William Paitrie. Ihone Halis. lo" Bosuel. I. Anstruther. George Durie. lasper Cuning for Innernes. Robert Flescher. Mr Ihon Cheane. Andro Ker. George Cochrane. Walter Gowane. lames Peterson. George Sutty, Wm. Hop- pringUl, Adam Mudder- rill, with oure handis &c., I. Guthrie. A. Broun. Thomas Hendersson. Williame Browne. Thomas Kingzow. Roger Gordoun. Ihone Clepan. lames Law. Wm. TuUoc Convention of Royal Burghs. 309 Apud Edinburgh penultimo Augusti annoj'"' v" Ixxxix". The quhilk day, the commissioneris of the burrowis vndersubscryvand ^°m u^OTdlnU being sentt for be the missives direct to thame be his Hienes for further- tobevpiiftedof „,. . . „ ^^^ burrowis ance oi his Maiesties manage, hes, att his graces desyir, for thame semes for furtherance and haill remanent burrowis of this realme, concluditt thatt with all Maiestie3°Mar- diligence possibiU thair salbe ane generall extentt of tuenty thowsand '^^e, etc. 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 Arnott, provest of the said burgh of Edinburgh, sail nominatt and appoint ane collectour for quhome his lordschip salbe haldin to ansuer to the burrowis for dew executioun of his office of coUectoury. And the saidis commissioneris willis for thame- selues, and thair remanent society of burrowis thatt vpoun this presentt actt and ordinance letteris and executoriallis of horning 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 Glaaqu, Maister Ihonn Eos ; for Lin- lithqu, Andrew 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 Craill, lames Geddy ; for Dunfermling, Patrik Murray ; for Kirkcaldy, Androw Young ; for Hadingtoun, Alexander Symsoun ; for Dumbar, Maister Alexander Kelly ; for Anstruther, Ihonn Anstruther. I. Arnote, provest. William Duncan, commissioner Dionis Conqueriour, commissioner. for Dundie. G. Durie. James Hackat commissioner for Andro Ker. Dysert. I. Anstruther. M. lohne Ros commissioner for A Broun commissioner for Glasgw. Kingorne. A. Zoung commissioner for Kirkcaldy. Abirdene. 310 Convention of Royal Burghs. In the Conventioun of Burt^owis hauldin and begun at the burgh off Abirdene the aucht day of lunij, and con- tineiving to the fyvetene day of the said rtioneth of lunij, the zeir of God J™ V" fourscoir ten zeiris, Com- perit the Commissimceris of Burroiois following, vnder subscryuand, quha produ^cit thair commissionis and the missives efter specefeit. Edinburgh, Maister lames Ihonnstoun, and George Heriot ; Kinghorn, lohnn Kirkcaldye ; Innerkethining, George Durie ; Striuiling, Walter Cowan ; Linlythqw, Andrew Kar ; Ranfrow 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 Ohver ; 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, WiUiam Pratons ; CraiU, lohnn Makesoun ; Forfar, Andrew Huntar ; Breichin, Daxiid Dempster ; Montrois, lames Makene ; Elgyne, lohnne Annand ; Innernes, Thomas Kar ; Abirbrothok, Thomas Persoun ; Sanct- andros, Dauid Watsoun ; Coupar, Peiter Petirsoun ; Forres, Thomas Vr- quhart ; Name, be ane commissioun sent be the commissioner of Elgyn ; Dysert, lames Hacquett ; Kirkcaldye, lohnn Hacquett ; Pettinweme, Thomas Kingzow ; Bruntilland, Maister Andrew Wilsoun ; Anstruther be eist the burn, lohnn Alexander. Apud Abhdene Octauo lunij 1590. Eieotiounofthe -pgj, quhilk DAY, the commissionaris forsaidis electis and nominatis, Moderatour. ^ ' in absence of Maister Thomas Menzes of Dome prouest of the burch of Convention of Royal Burghs. 311 Abirdene, Alexander Riitherfurd secund in commissioun, in moderatour to this present assemblye and conventioun of burrowis, conforme to the actis maid and sett doun thairanent in all conventiounis of burrowis. The same day, findis that nochtwithstanding of the productioun 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 frathis present conventioun. The same day, anent the contenewatioun and ordinance maid and insert Abirbrothokis in this bulk of conventioun touardis the diligence to haue ben reportit to toreport'test^- this present conventioun be the commissioneris of Abirbrothok quha momeii to tiie '^ . . ^ mxt oonven- war ordanit at the last generall conventioun hauldin at Sanctandrows, to tioun. 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 approving 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 bu°i^'owis. 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, etc. The same day, etc., conforme to the ordour obseruit in general conven- Jie''™^^"^^^ tiounis, ordanis and statutes, that all commissioneris presentlye convenit, at this conven convene thame selffis daylye induring thair remaining, on the preich- incr dey be ten houris before none to sitt quhill tuelff houris, and to convene thairefter at tua houris efter 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. Protestetion The Quhilk dav, comperit Maister lohnn Cheyne for him selff and as Cheme contra ^ ,.,-i-i r-.n nji-j commissionaris burges of the burch of Abirdene, and ane ot the counsali thairoi, and m ° " '^"''' 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 after 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 far 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 burrowes, 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 t)™theprocur™ aboue cxpremit to be admittit be Maister Ihonn Cheyne for him selff, toiiris for ane a^d in name of the communitie of the burch of Abirdene, contrair the partottnecom" ^ ^ . . p -rt • mi -\r miinitie of electioun and admissioun of Maister Ihomas Menzes prouest, and is the^^prmiest Alexander Rutherfurde, commissioneris for the said burch, findis that, baiihes and nochtwithstanding the allegeances proponit ia the contrar be the said counsall tuair- o o ^ r r of. Maister Ihonn and Androw King procuratouris for ane certane of the communitye ofi^ 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 burrowes according to the custome of vtheris burrowes of this realme ar chosin; and thairefter the said Androw King ressauit vp his procuratioun producit. Convention of Royal Burghs. 313 dissassenting to the admissioun of the said commissioneris, and that thair ressonis, presentlye producit, may be registrat and insert in this thair generall buik of conventioun in forme as efferis, to be gevia and extractit vnder thair generall clerkis subscriptioun ; off the quhilkis resounis the tennour followes : We Andrew 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 behahF 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 altogidder refusit. Item to the effect that we be nochtt preiugit in the begynning of zour maist honorabiU 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 ehosin fui-th thame selffis, or at leist ar onlye chosin be ane few number of thair awin freyndis priuatlye, without sound of beU, or conventioun of commouneltie, for advysement of thair awin turnis, quhairanent questioun is debatit befoir your wisdomis betvidxt the communitie and thame, specialy for inhaleing of thame selffis, thair awin kyn, freyndis, and alyes, in the cheifi" 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 akadeye impouar- agit, and liklye to incur His Maiesties wreth and importabill punisment, and for maintenance and appropriating of the commoun guidis and and commoun landis and casualityes of this burch, qubilk is, and hes bene 2 R 314 Convention of Royal Burghs. this niony zeiris in thairis and thair freyndis handis, onropit, according to the custome of vther buiTOwes to putt ony maner of proffit or dewtye ])ayit 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 boUis 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 clei'k of the toun without electioun. Item, the said Maister Thomas, being ane landuart barroun, na merchant nor trafiicquer, 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 selff thairin, be the spaice of tua yeiiis 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 buikis 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, aganis quhom also the communitye hes actioun of purprisioun, for vsurping of ane gryt pairt and quantetye of the commoun 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 fiyley 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 burrowes 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 ony 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 Thomas 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 akadey 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 burrowes 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 held of the missiue concern- Fouliertouuis XI] ' ing the burghe of Edinburghes desyre of rembursment of xij'= merkis and continewit to enteris pejdt thairfor and aduancit be thame in name of the burrowes, as raU conveDtfon thai allegit, to Adame Foullertoun, in thair effairis to England, as in °na""^7S'- dyueris actis sett doun obefoir thairanent at lenth is contenit, and in memberitt in speciell in ane act maid in the generall assemblye of burrowes at Sanct- androis the elevint dey of Apryle 1589, 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 certefeit 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 Convention 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 supplicatioun at the said next generall conventioun of burrowes, to satifiye 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 ofFen- sabill to the saidis burrowes, but that thai micht suit reddress herein. Nono lunij 1590. Gutire, Gene- The Same day, the commissioneris forsaidis efter lang ressoning vpoun burrowk. ° 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 Apryle 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 moneth 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 stypend 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 possibOl, 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 commibsioneris forsaidis hes adiugit and adiugis the Vniawing bur- burro wes of Lawder, Irrewene, Air, Dinfres, Kirkcubricht, Quhithorne, Ind'assigna- Rothesay, Dumbarten, Ranfrow, Ruthugien, Cullan, and Thayne, to half ll^^^J^li^a ineurit, ilkane of thame, the pane and vnlaw of tuenty poundis for thair Gnthre clerk, nocht comperance to this present genei-all conventioun, the maist pairt of Abirdene, thairof, as nocht exemit thairfra, and the rest being exemit, t" teTOUetfour in the nocht obseruing of the tenour of thair act bering that ttairto. thai at euerye seuerall generall conventioun suld send thair misseue appreuing the haill actis to be concludit thaii-at, and this in re- spect of the lauchtfull 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 collectour 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 raddiest thairof the said lohnn Guthre, dark, mey be peyit of bis bygane stepend and expenssis modefeit, and the said Maister Thomas of the vnlaw foirsaid ; the said collectour 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 ac- , , T ,. • • 1 A n T j_ 'i* * tioun befoir the gevin to ane certane supplicatioun gevm m be AUane Lentron, citmer m Lordis of Ses- Sanctandrois, to the commissioneris of burrowes convenit thairat in the ^^°^^ dischar- 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, Perth, 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 liaue reportit his diligens, and nane, as thai allegit, was producit, quhairvpoun actioun was intentit and dependand befoir the saidis Lordis. Findis that the intenteris thairof, in respect of the said Allanis deligence, now at this present conventioun maid notorious 35 8 ConvfMtion of Royal Burghs. to thame, sail desist frome all forder persuit, and remittis the said Allane simplieiter, and all that he micht haue incurrit thairby, sua that he sail incur na danger nor persuit thairfor heireftei', hot simplieiter, as said is, dischargis the said Alane of the said persuit and actioun for euer. Protestationes 'jj-jg game 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 Abirdeuei4^an- Hioneth luuij, and than tane vp be him, as alsua for the remanent com- baiiieiran?'' ™unitye of Abirdene as he allegit, vnder protestatioun iiocht authoresand counseii 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 iDreiudiciall 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 burch, according to the obseruit ordour vsit and obseruit continewalye vnto this present conventioun generall, and vnder this pro- testatioun desyrit the commissioneris of buiTOwes 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 caus quhy thay will vse na caus 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 Alexander 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 morne 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 alanerlj' 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 commission eris presentlye convenit, gave and givis hcience to Mais- ^y^™e'to °^ ter lohnn Cheyne, and remanent communitye of the said burch, to assemble convene with and convene thame selffis, with Alexander Forbes and lohnn Collysoun, thaiiof. tua of the baiUies thairof in the kirk of the samin, to the effect thay may give ansuer touard the submissioun cravit be the said is burrowes, in the mater debaitabill betuixt the prouest baillies and counsall, and thame. The same day, the commissioneris forsaidis, efter ressoning vpoun that Continuatioun held of the missiue desiring and decerning thame to haue come instructit roll to the nixt for altering of the generall taxt roll of ane hundreth pound ; finding the lenUoun™^^ tvme thairof nocht prescryuit nor outrun vnto the thrid dey of Novem- to be remem- bsrit in mis- ber nixt, thairfor, at the desyre of the commissioneris of Edinburgh, con- sives. tenewes the alteratioun thairoff into the nixt generall conventioun of burrowes, quhaireuer it salhappin the samin to be appoyntit to be haldin, and ordanis missiues to be direct for wairning than the commissioneris to convene to cum fully instructit to that effect. The same day, continewis the ansuer giving to ane supplicatioun givin Continuatioun in befoir thame be ceitane merchantis of the burrowes of Edinburgh, supplicatioun Striuihng, Anstruther, and vtheris, contenit thairintill, craving remeid of °y°5;tbouris oi the saidis burrowes be thair support to be grantit, in maner as is contenit Edinburgh, in thair said suppHcatioun, for obtening of redres of the spohatioun of thair to the nixt wynis this last yeir be the pennour of Neuhevine to thair nixt generall con- |™t/i^^n™''" 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 Eowane, relict ane act maid and sett doun be the commissionaris of the four burrowes of ^'^'^'^rtnay. Edinburgh, Perth, Dondy, and Abirdene, ordanis thair generall collectour to mak peyment to Mariorye Rowane, relict of vmquhile William M'Kart- 320 Convention of Royal Burghs. Forfar, Doudie. Articles com- munitie Abir- dene, provest, baillies and Counsall thairof. ney, sumtyme tLair 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, gi-antis, and disponis into hir the sowme of vther fyftie 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, Androw Huntar, commissioner for the burch of Forfar, gave in ane supphcatioun aganis the magistratis of the burch of Dondye, craveing reformatioun of the vplifting be thame frome the inhabitantis and burgessis of Forfai-, of certane customis contenit in the said supplicatioun : Efter tlie reiding quhairof, and of ane certane decreit arbitrall givin be certane iudges, contenit tharintill, betuixt the saidis tua burrowes, lames Auchinlek, commissioner for the said burch of Dondy, protestit in name of the communitie thairofF, that the commissioneris presentlie convenit 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 far as na complaynt was givin in be the burch of Forfar, nather was the said decreit abefoir schavsdn or producit, quhairby the commissioner of Dondye micht have cum to this conventioun instructit to haue givin ansuer thair- to, thairfor continewes all proceiding heirintUl 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 auten- tik copye thairof, and ordanis the contentis heirof to be rememberit in thair misseves, etc. The same day, Maister Tohnn Cheyne, for himselff and as procuratour for the communitie of the burch of Abirdene, gave in certan articlis con- cerning the gouernement thaii'of, off the quhilk the tennour followis : The articlis concerning the ciuile gouernement of the burch of Abirdene, quhairanent the communitie thairof, personis of counsall, burgessis, craftis- men, and decanis thairoff desyris reformatioun and ordour to be takm be Convention of Royal Burghs. 32 the cornmissioneris of burrowes convenit in this maist honorabill as- semblj'e. 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 hot for ane yeir, and that partiality and maisterschipe (quhilk is vndoing of burrowes) in the electioun thairof aucht to haue na plaice ; as also, that na man lesumlie may be chosin prouest baillies or eldermen to burgh, hot that ar honest and substan- tious burgessis, merchautis, and induellaris of the said burch ; and that na man aucht to trubiU 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 serue 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 . -wsiT 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 tliai haveing entres to the dispositioun of the rentis thairof; na commoun guid roupit be the spaice of xxx yeires 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 aUyais, 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 ofiice for ane yeir. Item, the dene of gyld to be yeirlye chosin be the toun, and haue full iurisdictioun as he hes in vther tounis. Iteme, the tounes seiUis to be putt in the custodye of tua vnsuspect mennis handis, yeirlye at ilk electioun, be the voitt of the haill tovne. Item, ane ordoiir to be sett doun how the tounis buikis, 2 s 322 Convention of Royal Burghs. euidentis, publict 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 wis- domis act, maid at Sanctandrows, anent the rouping of the commoun guid to be putt to executioun betuixt tliis and the day of nixt etc. Eftir the ingiving and productioun of the quhilkis artichs and reiding thairof, assignis to the prouest and Alexander Rutherfurde, for tliame selfSs and in name of the said burch of Abirdene, the morne to mak ansuer thairto, and to geive the ansuer hinc inde, ather of the saidis pairteis, quhidder they will submitt or nocht. Appreying act The Same day, ratefeis and apjireves the act maid and sett doun at the vdih iidditiaun! last couventioun, hauldin at the burch of Sanctandrois vpoun the four- tene dey of Apryle 1589 yeiris, anent chapmen and vnfrie persouns, als- weill outwith and inwith burrowes, banting and tralFequing with the seall of stepill guidis in gryt and small, with this aditioun, that ilk deaue of gyld within euerye frye burch quhair ony ar electit, and quhair nane is, that the magisti'atis thairof see the said act put to dew executioun, vnder the pane of xx libris to be vpliftit (if thame incaice thai faillye. And for sure knawlege for the dew executioun thairof, ordanis that at ilk generall conventioun of buiTowes ilk commissioner of the samin re- port 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 forsaidis, thai being found culpabill, that the lyk pane and vnlaw of xx libris salbe lykueyis vpliftit of thame, but fauouris. Burrowis and The saiue day, the commissioneris forsaidis finding thame selffis and [a'pf'^^ler"'^ thair saidis burrowes 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 traifequaris resorting to the pair- tis of Flanders, thairfoir discharges heirby all the saidis traffijqueris 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. 323 lies nocht thair authoiitie interponit thairto, as halving iust richt of elec- tioun of him and ony vthevis thai pleis in the said office of conseruatorye, hot has yiolentlye intrusit himselif, 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 traffequaris within the samin may be maid acknawlegit heirof, and the saidis traffijqueris pretend na ignor- ance, certefeing the saidis merchandis and traffequeris, in caice thai will- ingly, but compulsioun, acknawlege the said conseruatoiir, 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 conseruatour to pey to him ony sic dewtye, report 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 subsciyuit 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 fuUj^e 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 conseruatour, certefeing the burrowes nocht oonuenand 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 Sanctandrois in Apryle 158.9 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 lieirin, ordanis the saidis burrowes to send thair commissioneris fullye instructit to thair nixt general! conventioun of burrowes to report the same, and to be rememberit in thair misseues, etc. Vndecimo lunij ] 5 9 0. Ansueris be The quhilk DAY, in presens of the commissionaris forsaidis, Maister and'ba'iiiies of Thomas Menzes of Dome, prouest of Abirdene, and Alexander Ruther- Abirdene to the furde, Commissioners thairof, producit ansuers to the articlis givin in be artiouies thair- Maister lohnn Cheyne, for him selfF and in name of the communitie of ° ' the said burch, of the quhilkis ansueris the tennour followis : We, prouest, baillies, courLsall, of the burch of Abirdene, ancient citizans and burgessis thairof, with the grytest pairt of the communitie of the samin, ansuering to certane articlis givin in and presentit befoir yow, my lordis commis- sioneris of burrowes, assemblit at Abirdene the tent of lunij 1590 yeris, craveing reformation of the ciuile gouernement of the said burch, sayis: It is commoun to all persouns provokit to bauld raschnes, namelye to the rascall multitude, seiliing the alteratioun innouating and altering of the ciuile gouernement of any burch or commoun welth quhilk sa laug hes florischit in ciuile polesye, quyetnes, and tranquilitye, and sa lang hes bene gouernit throcht the obseruing and keping of louabUl 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 gouernment 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, contenewalye 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 frye electioun of prouest, baillies, counsall, deanis of gyld, thesaurer, clerkis, and vtheris ordinar officieris within the samin, quhilkis preuileges all togi elder 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 oiBcieris forsaid in na tyme Convention of Royal Burghs. 325 heirtofoir sen the erectioun of the said burch, hes bene alterit or changit, bot the samin to this dey and tyme hes bene followit out and inviolablye obseniit, according to the saidis priuileges, allowit and apprevit be his Hynes and his Maiesties predicessouris frome tyme to tyme, nochtwith- 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 articHs, 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 all peraduentur, salbe ane exampill pernitious and dangerous sequell, the fontain occasioun of all confusioun to enschew thairvpoun, with the abrogating of the antient liberties and priuileges of the said burch, and thairuuto give we suld consent and agrie, doutles we suld schaw our selffis disloyall subiectis, and proud dissobeyaris and con- temptneris of his Maiesties will, declairit and publischit frome tyme to tyme thairanent vpoun the lyk and complentis maid to his Maiestie be certane nichtbouris of the said burch, craveing to haue had the said settlid forme of gouernement and electioun alterit. Seuerall burrowes 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 coa- trauersyes 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 buvcbis 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 Boyal Burghs. Burrrowis, Erlisferry. Licence to Hadingtoun, etc., to desolue. "Wilaoun, com- missioner for Bruntiland, vnlawit. Craill and Ans- trutlier to re- leve Pettin- weme of tliair 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 Yse 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 yeris. 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 burarh 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 Andrew Wilsoun, commissioner for the burcli 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 coUectour 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 pcy vnto thair collectour sic sowmis Convention of Royal Burghs. 327 of money as is collectit be the saidis magistratis of Craill and thair collectour sen thair first intromissioun thairwith, as alsua, that the magistrates of the burch of Anstruther be eist the burne sen thair erec- tioun in ane frye burch sail do the lyk ; and vpoun thair refusall, or- danis the collectour of the said burch of Pettinweme to caus rais and execute letteris of horning vpoun the saidis burrowes expenssis, quhilk salbe allowit in his comptis. Duodecimo Junij 1590. The QTJHiLK DAT, the commissioneris foirsaidis vnderstanding the ^enS coUec- heiriDg of the generall coUectouris comptis to be deleyit, in respect that touris comptis 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 coUectouris comptis, to quhom thai give fuU 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 sic day as thai ar to convene for taking of oi-dour 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 principal! 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 penaltye 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 commissioun to the saidis 328 Convention of Royal Burghs. sevin burrowes to elect and nominatt ane sufficient qualefeit agent for the spaice of ane yeir nixt efter his electioun, vpoun the conditiounis and fye peyit to vmquhile Willeam Makcartnay, thair last agent, pro- Tnittendo cle rato, etc. Cheyne, in The Same day, Maister lohnn Cheyne, for him selff and the commu- coinmunitie'of '^^^^^ ^^ ^^® burch of Abirdene, gave in aganis the prouest, baillies, and Abirdene. counsall of the samin the protestatioun following, quhairof the tennour foUowis : The quhilk day, Maister lohnn Cheyne and Androw King, buTgessis of Abirdene, having, at the requeist of the commissioneris of burrowes, bene licenciat be the prouest of Abirdene to convene in the paroche kirk thairof, with lohnn Collj'soun and Alexander Forbes baillies, for conferance to bene haid with certane thair nichtbouris, bur- gessis and craftismen of the said burch, for knawing of than- myndis anent the vptaking and submissioun to the saidis commissioneris of sic questioun and contrauersie as hes stand and presentlye standis betiiixt thame and the saidis prouest, counsaU, and dyueis 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 tu the said submissioun for thair pairtis, and incaice thay refusit, desyrit maist reuerentlye the said commissioneris, as thay quha ar iudges or-dinar 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 Sessinun, or befoir the saidis commissioneris of burrowes, or vtheris iudges quhatsumeuer, that the said communitie be nocht compted authouris or occasioun of the expenssis to be maid thair- anent, nor of ony commotioun that mey succeid or follow thairvpoun in ony time heireftir ; desyring with all humanitye the saidis commissioneris to beir dew record to his Maiestie of tlie saidis pure Convention of Bo/jal Burghs. 329 commoundis lauchfull offir and desyre, and that zour wisdomis will of eqviitye hald, haue, concur, and assist ws thairanent, as t^-me and occa- sioun sail require, and thairin desyrit actis and instrumentis. And the saidis coramissioneris assignis to the prouest, in name of baillis and counsall of the said burch of Abirdene, to ansuer thairto partibus citatis. The same day, continewis the ansuer giving to the burch of Aberbro- Continuatioun 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'=^ti"™- the samin in the messeues to be sent thairto. The same day, findis the burch of Irrewing to haue incurrit ane vnlaw Vniawingirro- of tuenty poundis for nocht reporting of thair deligence vpoun the be- for nocht re- stowing of the dewtyes mentionat in ane act maid and sett doun at a°wSce*o'rtiJ6 Sanctandrois in the last conventioun haldin thaiiat in Apryle ] 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 forsaidis vpoun the said brig, and, incaice thai report nocht compt or deligence to the said nixt conventioun, than the saidis dewties to expyre and be dischargit. The same day, iies exemit and exemis for the spaice of thrie yeiris the exemitfor burch of Northberuik frome all keping of conventiounis, sending 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 Burrowia, concurrence to the suplicatioun to be givin in be Alexander Kempt, catioun/"^'^ ' burges of the burch of Abirdene, to the estaitis of the parliament nixt, craveing redres of thame for the wrangous spoilling fra him, and vtheris merchandis 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 ^b™brot*°ook commissioner of the burch of Abrothoke to dissolue frome this conven- to desoiue. tioun to pas hame, quha ratefeit and aprevit all thingis to be concludit thairat. The same day, the commissioneris forsaidis hes exemit and exemis for fj;,"^^5^,''j™j-s. the spaice of thrie yeiris nixt heirefter, the bijrch of Banff frome all keip- 2 T 330 Convention of Royal Burghs. ing of convention ais, the said burch sending with the burch ewest, on dispensit with ane missiue autentiklye subscryuit, approving 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, quhilk is peyit be thame to the clerk of the said citye, 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 assembly of burrowes. Decimo tercio lunij 1590. Hacqnett com- The QUHILK DAY, anent the sviplicatioun givin in be lames Hacquett, sai^'striveiing Commissioner for the burch of Dysart, agaiiis 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 burrowes 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 certificatioun to the said burch, and [thai] mak nocht peyment of the samin at the dey appoyntit, 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. J ^^p The same day, findis the burch of Innernes, for suspending, be ane la^^ it for siis- wrang nerretiuc, the letteris raisit be the generall collectour in thair names ie, etc. for peyment of the said burchis pairt of the extent raisit for the price of XXX tvnis vs^ne, 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 collectouris first requisitioun, thai mak nocht peyment Convention of Royal Burghs. 331 dewlye of thair pairt of the said extent, and, gif neid beis, ordanis letteiis 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 Ediuburgh Edinburgh, craving rembursment of the sowme of tuentyefyve hundreth buramfn^'^f merkis givia to Maisteris lohnn Skeyne and William Fowlar commission- g^Jtin"^*^ 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 convention n. The same rdayl anent tlie sowme of tuentyetwa thousand merkis or- Edinburgh, . . . . . XXI] m merkis danit to be givin to the Kingis Maiestie be the burrowes, to the collectioun continewitto quhairof lohnn Airnott, prouest of Edinburgh, was ordanit to deput ane TentiounTo^be coHectour, ordanis that at the conventioun appoyntit to be hauldin at ^^^^^ tbauatt. 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 Counsall sett doun thairanent to be producit be the commission- eris of the burchis 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- Watsoua ^ ^ ^ ^ commissioner androis, oblissis him at hes hamecuming thairto to cans mak peyment of Sauotandroia the sowme of sevin scoir poundis restand awand be thame for thair pairt menroUhiir of the extent raisit for peyment of the threttye tvnis wyne awand to the fa^Jt'^extent' Kingis Maiestie of the fourscoir aucht yeir of God, and that betuixt and wynia to the the fyft day of lulij nixt, and ordanis the said coUectour to send to the leotour. said Dauid the letteris of horning 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 Conventio7i of Royal Burghs. to^conou" with ^lie Same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis promissis to concur and innernes in assist tlie burch of Innernss in thair suitt to be maid to the Kingis for thair decay- Maiestie and Estaites for support to the mending of thair decayit brig, " "^' be vplifting of sic dewties, for the spaice of sevin zeris alanerlye, as is vpliftit be the burch of Irrewing-, prouyding, incaice of grant thairto, the said burch of Innernes send thair commissioneris 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 exemit The Same day, anent the supplicatioun presentit to thame be the com- tionis for'Ihre missioner of Forres, craving the burrowes concurrance to the suitting of zeris. 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 Hbris incurit be thame for absence fra the conventioun at Glasgow, quhais commissioner was ordanit to report the lauchtfull 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 Abirdcne, and Alexander Rutherfurd ane of the counsall of the said Abirdene be the "byj-Qh commissioneris for the said toun of Abirdeue, for thame selffis and inagistratis ' ' thairof, 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 selfSs 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 rewU 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 desyre of the saidis Maister lohnn and Andi'ow is the alterating and abrogatting of the haill constitutiouns obseruit within the said burch, auld settled forme, and lang continewit stait of gouernement, anent the cheising and electing of the magistratis, counsall, deanis of Convention of Royal Burghs. 333 gyld, and thesaurer, kepit, followit out, and inviolably obseruit within the said burch in all tymes bygane sen the first erectioun of the samin in ane regall frj^e burch, from tyme to tyme allowit and apprevit be his ilaiestie and his Grace predecessouris, fra 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 quhUk thay offerit 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 thairfi-a. 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 the haill burrowes of this realme, offering thame selffis wilhngly 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, hot 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 bui-gessis 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 instrumentis. The same day, anent the desire of the commissioneris of the burghe of Burrowis to Abirdene, for thame selffis, counsall, and communitie thairof, exponing frcraving tw.a faivps yeirlic thaivto. 334 Convention of Royal Burghs. and schawing the samin, of the Kingis Maiesties nobill progenitouris of guid memorye, doitit to dyuers liberties preuileges and immunities, namelye, 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, quliilk 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 hes 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. The 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 gi'antit and gevin to thame as is aboue specifeit. Montrois &c., The Same dey, anent the desyre of lames Makene, commissioner for taxatioun out- the burch of Montros, craving that the prouest, baillies, and counsall of red of ane schip ^|-|g ij^rch of Abirdcne sail mak compt of thair intromissioun with the to Denniark. _J- 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 con-v eying 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 presentlye 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 selftis, 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 thaii- consentis, that the said burch of Abirdene sail Convention of Royal Burghs. 835 iudge thairin as thai tliink 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 Counsallj quhairvpoun letteris ar direct, the saidis commissioneris, presentlye conveuit suld nocht iudge or decerne 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 thaii-- vpoun, and ordanis ane particular compt to be givin in befoir thame, as iudges ordinar thairto, the morne efter the efter nonis preiching, to be hard be sic four burrowes as salbe appoyntit to convene than to that effect, certefeing 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 schip 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 magistratis of selffis and as procuratouris for sic of the communitie of Abirdene as thai ^statioun. ^"'" haue power to compeir for, producit ane ansuer to the prouest [and] baiUeis 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 articlis 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 selfEs 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 eraveris 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 procoid as ye 336 Convention of Royal Burghs. lesumly may, quhilk gif your wisdomis plesis to do, the saidis craveris of reformatioun maist humly requyris the samin, and sail, God willing manifastlye proue the governement of this [burch] declynit fra the first integritye of the same and fallin in sic absurd decadence as may heirefter, wilhout remeid be put thairto, cum to the gryt preiudice of the vniuersaty of burrowes. And gif the said Maister Thomas meynis bot schift and delay, vnder cullour of ambyguous termis and limitit conditiounis, the said commonalty emaist humly desyris your wisdomis as obefoir to respect the equitye of thair caus and maist humble suit, and to tak sic ordour that the samin ma}^ be decydit befoir your selfRs, 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 Dorne pi'ouest, and Alexander Rutber- furd, commissioneris for the said burch of Abirdene, admititt be the commissioneris presentlye convenit and thair commissioun 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. BuiTowis to The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter lang ressoning vpoun pairty invadar the differenssis aboue expremit, articlis, ansueris, protestatiounis, and re- the'"' ues'Houn'^ ptyes resultand thairvpoun, as is particularly insert in this their generall betuixt the buik of conventioun, for the pairties aboue expremit, finding the manner Abirdene and of thair submissioun to be variabill and diferent, the ane pairtj^e, to wit thSro™''"^ the saidis Maister lohnn Cheyne and Andro King, for thame selffis and remanent communitie of the said btirch 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- Couvention of Royal 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 Jiundreth poundis salbe vpliftit but fauouris of thame. The same day, efter ressoning vpoun the complaint givin in be the Jrt^'^KiJk-" commissioneris of the burchis of Dysert, Kinghorn, and Kirkcaldy, aganis caidy, Brunti- ..,-,» J> o land,disohargit the magistratis of the burch of Bruntylland vpliftmg of euery schipe of the vpiifting aryveing to the herberye thairoff thrye schUlingis four penneis by all ° "■'^' '"'' ordour of richt, discharges the said burch in ony forder vpiifting of the samin, fra thine furch vnto sic tyme as thai produce thair richt thaii-of, at the conventioun of the savin burrowes appoyntit to convene at Edin- burgh, vpoun the magistratis aduertesment thairof, for taking of ordour with the conseruatour, generaU agent, and generall coUectouris comptis, ordaining the saidis compleneris, incaice than it salbe found 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 Androw Wilsoun, commis- sioner for the said burch of Bryntylland, dissassentit, na wayes apprevaud the commissioneris of buiTowes iudges heirto 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 Androw 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, conformc 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 Conve?ition of Royal Burghs. Continuatioun, The same day, anent the suplicatioun givin in be certane the mer- merchantis chandis and inhabitantis of the burch of Abirdene, makand mentioun that, ^i'raWoun^'to" lutair conforme to the auld and antient custome of burrowes thay haue the nixt gen- bene in vse of trafFeqiaing frome burch to burch, pairtlye be thair moyan etc. and credyt in Edinburch and vtheris burrowes of this realme, be bying of Frensch, Flemis, 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 prowj^dit, desyring thairfor thair wisdomis to caus 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 allowing 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 condiscendit. Elgene exemit ijjjg samin day, the commissioneris forsaid hes exemit and exemis the lor tnre yeiris. -^ 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 Guthi-e Clark to The samin day, ordanis lohnn Guthre, thair clerk, to remember in the mSil^ea'Ve'^ misseves to be sent for keiping of the nixt generall conventioun, that the vnfne tovnis. ynfrye toun of Anstruther be wast the burne, and vtheris vnfrye tovnis of Convention of Royal Burghs. 339 * this realme, be warnit to compeir and produce thair richtis of thair apro- priating of the liberty of frie burrowes, and to send thair commissioneris thairto instructit to give ansuer to the complayntis than to he 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 cm- in voittis vniforme ordour and to be kepit amangis thame selffis in all p^yne of'^ne tymes cumingis, that at quhat tyme or how oft soeuer it salhappin thame, '»™'ii;?'i' , ,~, ., . ..„, poundis vnlaw. 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 ernistlye 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 diuisioun 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- clusioTin of the haill or maist pairt convenit, and that the burch or burchis of the commissioneris contrauenand saU incur the paine and vnlaw of ane hundreth poundis, to be vpliftit but fauouris, and gif neid beis that letteris be raisit and execut aganis thame. Apud Abirdene decimo quinto lunij 1590. The QUHILK day, it is statute, ordanit, and agreit vpoun be the haUl com- Suppiicatioun missioneris of burrowes presentlye convenit, for thame selfEs and in name in name'^of'the of thair saidis burrowis and remanent burrowes of this realme, becaus b™'"'^ '° '^^ uixt conven- sindry new exactiounis ar raisit be the AdmiraU and his deputis, alsweill tioun of the , , op •j^j.-u- 1 ji • ^-j- estaitis or par- vpoun strangers as traiiecquens oi this realme, and als vsurping oi ludica- uament for sut- tour of caussis of burgessis tane vp be the said AdmiraU and his deputis J^^oistis^rMtt na thing pertinent to thame, that quhensoeuer thay salbe chargit to con- te the AdmiraU 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 etc., magistratis, contrar the liberties of burrowes grantit be his Hynes predi- cessouris of auld, ^nd contrar dyuers actis sett doun in parliament thair- anent, and the municipall lawes of burrowes, quhilkis charges 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 piu-chest in maner forsaid sail incur na paynis contenit thaiiintiU. ConcuiTance^ The Same day, because dyuers grit men, having thair duellingis and sic aswaidbe- landis nixt adiacent to the commoun landis of burrowes, hes at dyuers tkairiandis. 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 vthei'is 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 auctoritye. To crave re- The same day, becaus it is found be the saidis haill commissioneris of ores for im- . ...... paring the bur- burrovns that the lunsdictioun 01 dyuers burrowes ar impairit be the tionis. '""^ *' 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 iurisdictiouns vpoun thame be sitting and cognoscing vpoun caussis and actionis propirlye belonging to the prouest and baUles 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 contravenis Convention of Royal Burghs. 341 this ordinance toties quoties; and the report thairof to be maid at euery seuerall conventioun be the commissioneris convenand thairto. The quhilk day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowes si-antis concur- Concurrance to . .. T . . . . , . , T ■ ,. T\ 1 L certan nyolit- rance to the suphcatioun, givin in be certane nicbtbouris oi Dondy to bourie of Dou- the Kingis Maiestie and Estaitis, for redres to be haid of the skayth sus- "^' tenit be thame be the pilleing of ane schipe and guidis thairiutill, callit the Kait of the said toun. The same dey, the forsaidis commissioneris hes exemit and exemis innemes ex- the burch of Innernes, for the spaice of thrie yeiris nixt following the dait zeiris. heirof, the said burch sending thair missiues to thair general! conven- tiounis, quhair euer thai salhappin to be haldin, with the ewest burch onexemit, etc. The quhilk day, the commissioneris forsaidis presentlye convenit desoluis ^^^^y'^^"^'^™^ this thair conventioun, and appoyntis thair next generall conventioun to the nixt ap- be haldin at the burch off Montrois, vpoun the saxtene day of lunij in the ta)8'tiio''xvj''of yeir of God j™ v^ four scoir and alevin yeiris ; and ordanis the commis- ^™" "■^'' sioner of the said burch present to caus mak lauchtfull warning to euery ane of the burrowes to send thair commissioneris fully instructit concern- ing all materis referrit thairto, to convene day and place aboue writtin, vnder the pane of tuenty poundis. Mr lames lohnestoun Alexander Currour Geoirge Heireot lames Hackat, commessioner. Dionis Conquerour Thomas Kingzow Alexander Rutherfurde Ihone Kyrkcaldy Dauid Watsoun Ihone Hacket lohne Farchir lames Auhinlek lohne Makesone G. Durie Ihone Aunand Peter Peterson lames Maken Andro Ker for Lynlythqw WiUiame Pratus Thomas Kar for Invernes Walter Cowane lohnne Alexander Thomas Urqchart An. Vilsoun. 342 Conve7ition of Royal Burghs. Edinburgh. jj^ fj^Q Conventioun of Sevin Burrowis haldin and begun att Edinburgh vpoun the xxviij day of September 1590, Coniperitt the Commissioner is of the Burrowis follow- ing and presented their commissionis as follows, viz. — Apud Edinburgh vigesimo octauo Septembris 1590. Edinburgh, Maister lames lohnnstoun, Henry Charteris, and George Hereott ; Dondy, lohnn Trail], 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 commissioneris foirsaidis, according to the ordour, ra our. -^^^ elected Ihonn Arnott, prove=;t of Edinburgh, in moderatour, and faill- ing of him, Maister lames lohnnstoun, and in absence of the said Maister lames, Henry Charteris bailie. A meridie. Sanotandi-ois Dauid Watsoun, commissioner of Sanctandrois, quha producit his eom- reimttitoftliair j^jggj^Q^jj^ quhilk, nochtwitlistanding of his vnlawing befoir none, is re- mittit thairof in respect of his lawfull excuse, he having his brother in law slayne culd cum na soner. Vltimo Septembris 1590. Coliectouris Androw Mekill, in name of vmquhill Robert Gourlay, coUectour, maid te:rtf riss!^ compt of the extentt raisitt vpoun the inlaik of the wynis from the first of October 1587 to the first of October 1589, and the said collectour found restand to the burrowis the sovme of twa hundreth fiftie sevin pundis nyntene schiUingis thre penneis, quhairwith he hes chairgitt him Convention of Royal Burghs 343 in the fute of custome comptes from the lirst 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 dark to the burrowis. The same day, the said Androw Mekill, in name of bis said vmquhill Ooiiectouris ., -T «,.,,. PI comptea of the maister, maid compte of his coUectionn of theKingis Maiesties comptes from oustomes 1589. the first 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. fj^vetene a. 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, Dondv, Perth, Presenting be , , ^ ^ ^ o ' -^ ' ' the couseriia- Striveling, Sanctandrois, and Hadingtoun being conuenit in the haiche 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, vnder his Hienes Previe Seill, to the office of conseruatorie in the countrie of Flanderis, efter the reding quhairof the samyn was redelyuerit to him, and he thairefter willinglie 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 morn 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. Primo 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 pundis, as yitt vnsett down, and 344 Convention of Royal Burghs. The extmtt of thatt frome the first of October 1588 to the first of October 1589, be- xnfs"ni7d!''for caus they ar send for to be at the Kingis Maiestie and Hienes Secreitt Kkigfs° mIiI^- Counsall for resoning vponn sic thingis as than salbe proponit to thame, ties iniaik of hes ordanit Henry Charteris, thair moderatour, and Ihonn Guthre, thair from the first dark, to sett doun the said extentt agane thair vpcuming, quhilk extendis, to*^thr''flret^of the collectioun thairof being includit thairin, to four thowsand four scoir October 1589. ^^^ 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 samyn. Secundo Octobris 1590. Aiie act in the fhe commissioneris foirsaidis being conuenit in the place abouewrittin, names ooncem- efter lanff Conference had with Maister Robert Dennelstoun, conseruatour seruatouTto ^0 the Scottis natioun, be thame selues, and the dene of gild of Edinburgh, be forinit agane g^]^^ dvueris vtheris merchautis trafFecquaris in Flanderis, ordanis, at his the morn, -^ ^ ... desyir, ane act to be formit towartt thair willis anentt the fyvetene stures contenit in his gift, and of thair myndes towartis him in sic heidis as ar mentionat thairin. Apud Edinburgh, tercio Septembris ]590. Anent the ex- The quhilk DAT, the commissioneris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, anTwyne'in Dondy, Perth, Sanctandrois, Sfcriveling, and Hadingtoun, efter lang reson- Campheir and -^ vpoun thatt heid of ane actt, maid and sett doun at Abirdene be the HlElIlGr 01 1116 O i. distributioun commissioneris of burrowis conuenit in ane generall assemblie halden the conserua- thairat vpoun the tentt of lulij last bypast, gevand thame powar, for ooiieXuTtT' thame and thair saidis burrowis and haill remanent burrowis of this samekie thair- realme, thairbv to tak ordour with the excyse of beir and wyne in of , as could pay ^ , .... j.j. • t t i i r^ ane ministeris Campfer, for the caussis contenit m ane actt maid and sett doun att Sanct- stepeud. 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 avail! 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 excyse 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 tunnis and ane half of wyne he salbe yeirlie ansueritt and thankfuUie 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 geuerall 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 wilbe ansuerabill to the saidis haill burrowis vpoun his oifice, to se the stipend foirsaid of the money of the excyse of the saidis sax lastis beir and twa tunnis and ane haF 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 entrie of the said conseruatouris collectioun 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 consei'uator 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 Abirdene and Pettinweme 346 Convention of Royal Burghs. prouidit that the payment of the price of the said excyse of the saidis sex lastis beir and tua tunnis and ane half wyne be conforme to the price of the excj'se of Inglis beir and wyne tane vp be the magistrattis 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 heiioiF. The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter the hering of vmquhile vniawit, ilk Robert Gourlay generall collectouris comptis, presentlie maid be Androw fino of ttaiuG •/ o i ^ i. in XX li., and MekiU his seruand, and finding that, of the impost collectit for the outred armnmU^oT of vmquhile Maister George Hackqnet, conseruatour, and lohne Gourlay, to foure scoir ^jjg pairtis of Flandeiis in the efFairis of burrowis, thair is awand to the poundis, qunul ^ ,. , . the lauohfuii Said collectour the sowme of ane hundreth fiftie sex poundis to compleit tLiroff.'°™ the 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 compte 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 debursit for the caussis abouementionat, as at lenth is contenit in the principale act set 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, decernis ilk ane of thame in ane vnlaw of tuenty poundis for the nocht making of thair comptis of thair bygane intromissioun with the saidis impostis, as alsua to pay the annuall foirsaid sa lang as the samin is vnredernit, ay and quhill the lauchfull redemptioun thairoff, and incais thai refuis to pay the saidis vn- lawis, as alsua the annuall foirsaid, that letteris of horning be purchest and execute againis thame thairfoir sa oft as neid sail requyre ; And Dauid Watsoun, commissioner for the hurch of Sanctandrois, and lohne Traill, commissioner for the burgh of Dondie, qulia wer lykcwyis ordnnit be tlie Conventio)i of Royal Bvnjlin. 347 act foirsaid, maid at Aberdene in lunij last, at this conventioun to haue maid compt rekning and payment of tliair bigane intromissioun with the said impost, vnder the panis befoir mentionat, protestit that in respect thai had maid to the said generall collectour and his deputtis compt rekning and payment of the samyn, as be the acquittances schawin and produceit be the saidis commissioneris wes cleirlie vnderstand, that thai sould be asRolzeit fra all payment of the said vnlaw and annual! foirsaid ; quhilk protestatioun the saidis commissioneris admittit and assolzeit thame and thair saidis bun-owis thairfra. The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, for thame selffis, thair F°E?Jjfbur™ saidis burro wis, and as haueand fuU power and commissioun of the rema- toeiectfanecoi- nent burrowis of this realme 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 awand 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 conditionis 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 speciall that thai sie the said collectour to be nominatt with all diligence collect and in- gadder the extent of four thowsound fourescoir twa poundis 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 ofFOctober 1589; as alsua that he collect and ingadder the restis awand and contenit in the said vmquhile generall collectouris 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 bald ferme and stabill all and quhatsumevir thing the saidis prouest baillies 348 Convention of Royal Bnrghs. and counsale of Edinburgh, anent the premissis, sail think neidfull for to be done etc. And the saidis commissioneris, efter forder aduysement vpoun the nominatioun of the said coUectour, finding Henrie Gharteris maist qualifeit, thairfoir hes nominat and electit the said Henrie to be thair eollectour generall vpoun the conditionis befoir specefeit. Eiectio,Wiura- The samvn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, for thame selfSs, thair name, agent to i-ni Ti>n n •• theburrowis. saidis burrowis, and as haueand full power and commissioun to elect and eh us 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 efFairis, 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 restis 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 caus 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 ye'r nixt efter the day and dait heiroff, and forther induring thair willis, ay and quhill he be dis- chargeit thairolF ; 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 ofiiciaris 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 allowit 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 clark. CoUectour to The samyn day, ordanis thair coUectour to writ vnto the toun of In- nes, nernes to mak payment of thair pairtt of the extent raisit for the price Convextion of Roijal Burghs. 349 of threttie twnis wj'ne vpoun the inkikis of the cusfcomes, quhilk gif thai refills 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 hist generall as- semblie of burrowis, haldin at Aberdene the xiij day of lunij last, and that for thalr suspending, vpoun ane wrang narrative, of the letteris ralsit~ te vmquhile generall collectour in thair names for payment to him of thalr pairtt of the extent foirsaid, and that vpoun the refulsall lames Wlnrahame, agent, persew the said suspentloun with all diligence possibill, vpoun the saldis burrowis expenssis, and the collectour to ansuer him of sic sowmes of money as he sail half ado with to that effect, quhilk salbe allowjt to him in his comptis. The samyn day, anent the sowme of twenty twa thowsand markis lent Tueuty twa be the saidis burrowis to the Kingis Maiestie, the commissioneris foir- meS^ent to saidis, haueing past doun to the Abbay to his Maiestie Secreitt Counsall ^®i^J?^g. to haue had payment thairoff, agane ressauit na ansuer iu respect thair fuissit. wes na fuU number of the said Secreitt Counsall. The samyn day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter ressoning vpoun ane Bruntiiand dis- act maid at the last generall conventioun haldin at Aberdene in Iunijt°fo[/of j\j ° last, quhaii-by vpoun the complaint of the burrowis of Kiugome, Kirk- "'i*^- *°'^.*° '^ ^-r ^ r ^ .... schaw thair caldy, and Dysart aganis the burch of Bruntiiand vplifting thre schilling rychtthairof at foure penneis of ilk schip, quhairvnto the said burch, as thai allegeit, had rail con-ven- 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 forth er 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 wairnit 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. Burrowis, Coii- eeruatour. 350 Convention of Royal Burghs. The samyii day, the commissioneris foirsaidis being convenit in the counsalhous of the burch of Edinburgh, for taking of ordonr with Maister Robert Danielstoun, conseruatour of the Scottis previlegeis in Flanderis, havand full power and commissiouD of the remanent burrowis of this realme to that effect be thair act and ordinance maid at thair 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 office 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 half, 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 himselfi" 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 renuuceis 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 himseltf haillielie to thair willis towartt the vptaking of the dewitie in tyme cuming, and oblissis him neuer to ^ute 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 wald gif him for the honour and weilfair of the natioun, as his predecessouris had done of befoir. And thairfoir the com- missioneris foirsaidis, vnderstauding as appeirit to thame that he wes of Convention of Royal Burghs. 351 gude will aad mynd to satiffie thame in all thingis that could be resson- ablie ciaveit of him, and to gif him occasioun to be the mair diligent in thair efFairis in all tymes heirefter, for thaime selfEs, 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 full power and libertie to vptak the samyn fra the merchandis, and gif neid beis to poind and distrenzie thairfoir. And siclyke 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 claik. R. Deniston : Conser. The samyn day, it is statute and ordanit be the commissioneris foir- fa^toiiris to saidis, for thame selffis their saidis burrowis, and as haueand power and accompauy the i*ni '^i- 1 11 Conseruatour commissioun ol the remanent haul burrowis of this realme, that quhenso- vnder the pane euer or howoffc the rycht honorabill Maister Robert Danielstoun, conserua- ° " • ^- S" «• tour, salbe desyreit, ather be the magistratis of the toun of Campheir or ony vther counsall within the He of Watter, to cum and consult with tliame vpoun ony mater or materis concerning the estait of merchandis, or •quhensoeuer he him selfF desyreis the samyn with ony of the afoirsaldis, as he sail fynd it necessar for the mantenance of the Scottis previlegeis or honour of the office of conseruatoiie, or for ony vther generall or particular cans of merchandis or vtlierwayis, 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 quhen and howoft thai salbe requirit or chargeit be him, and quha refuissis to obey the samin, that immediatlie thairefter the said conseruatour vplift of ilk refuisar and dissobeyar of his charge fourtie schUlingis grite, to be uptaikin of thame and euevy ane of thame sa oft as thai failze but faiiouris. Moiitrois. 352 Convention of Royal Burylis. Apud Edinburgh quinto Octobris 1590. The QUHILK day, the commissioneris foirsaidis ordanis lohn Guthre, thair dark, 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, certifeing the saidis burghes thairby, incais thai satiffie nocht the said impost immediatlie after the ressauing thairoif, that the panis and vnlams contenit in the said act salbe vpliftit of thame but fauouris. Henrie Charteris I. Vilsoune Geoirge Heireot lohnne Traill Patrik Blair Dauid Watsone Walter Cowane I. Wynrame, agent. In the Conventioun of Buri'oivis haldin at the hurgh of Montrois the saxtene day of lunij f"" v'^- four scoir alevin zeris, and contineioand to the xxj day ihairof^ Comperitt the Commissioneris of Burroivis vnder siihscryrand, quha producitt thair cornmissionis and missives of the burgh is dispejisitt with efter follov:- ing, viz., For Edinburgh, lames Nicoll and Edward Galbraith ; Kingorn, Wil- liame Cunnynhame ; Innerkething, George Dury ; Striveling, Walter Cowan ; Linlithqu, Androw Kar ; Renfrow, be ane missive presented be the commissioner of Glasqu ; Rutherglene, be ane missiue presentit be the commissionar of Edinburgh ; Aire, Alexander Mowet ; Irruwing, Williarae Scot; Dumferraeling, Thomas Couper; Glasquo, Robert Adame ; Kirkcudbreclit, Daniel Haire ; Lanerk, Robert Leving.stoune ; ledburght, Convention of Royal Burghs. 353 Thomas Hendersone ; Hadingtoun, lohne Wilsone ; Northbervick, be ane missiue presentit be the commissionar of Hadingtoun ; 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 ; Craill, 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, etc. ; 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 burne, lohne Alexander. Apud Montros die decimo sexto mensis lunij 1591. The qtjhilk day, the commissionaris foirsaidis hes ellectit and nomiuat 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. The same day, compeirit Maister lohne Scheine, and as procuratour Protesfatio, as he alledgit for the communitie of the burght of Aberdene, and pro- Soiieme. testit that the commissioun of Alexander Rutherfurd, 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. The same day, the commissionaris foirsadis ratiefieis and apprevis the Act of Con- 11 1 , t* T* 11 j'i_i' • ventioua ratie- act maid and sett doune at the burght of Pearth, anentis thair convening fleit withaddi- 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 T tiounis. 354 Conve'ntion of Royal Burghs. Convening at this Conuen- tion. Dilligence of Aberbrotliok. Wulawing of the commis- slonaris nocht compeirand at the hour ap- pointit. morning, and efter nwne be twa houris, wnder be tua houris efter nwne immediatlie thairefter and present tbeir com- missionis to incure allanerlie ten pundis of wnlaw. 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 the paine of sex schillingis viij d. ilk commissionar, etc The samin day, etc., the commissionaris foirsaidis findis Thomas Per- sone, commissionar for the burght of Aberbrotliok, to haue producit suffi- cient dillegence vpon the bestowing of iij^'^ pundis in the apparrelling of thair kirk, and thairby the first held of the missiue to be sattiffieit. The samin day, the commissionaris foirsaid, for obserwing of the statut abouewrittin anentis the comperance of ilk commissionar at the houris thairin appoint] t, hes adiugit the commissionar of Forfar, Brechene, and Elgene in the wnlawis thairin contenit, quha payit the samin to Eobert Lichtoune moderatour, for thair nocht compeirance the said day be tua houris efter nwne. xvij lunij 1591. Wnlawing bur- rowis absentt, etc. AufHiier to Edinburgh for xxvc- merkis. The quhilk day, the commissionaris foii'saidis has adiugit and adiugis the burrowis of Dunbartane, Wigtoune, Quhithorne, Peblis, Selkreg, Pet- tinweme, CuUane, and Thayne, ilk ane of thame in ane paine and wnlaw of XX pundis for their nocht compeirence at this present conventioun, being lauchtfullie citat and wairnit thairto as was sufficientlie veriefieit be lames Guthrie, clerk to the said burch of Montros, quha heirvpon, and wpon the lauchtfull citatioun of the remanent haill burrowis, askit instru- mentis ; and ordanis lames Winrahame, thair agent, to wplift the saidis wnlawis, and wpoun the refusaris to pay the samin to rais letteris and executoriallis, etc. The sam day, etc., anentis the ansuer to be geving to the burght of Edinburgh, craweing the rembursment be the burrowis of the sowme of tuentie fywe hundreth merkis aduancit be thame in name of the burrowis, as thei alledgit, 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 15.90, the haill commissionaris forsaidis disasentis thairto, becaus Convention of Roijal Burghs. 355 the aduanceing thairof was by thair consentis and knawlege ; and lames NicoU, commissionar for the saidis burght of Edinburgh, protestit for actioun and remeid of law. The samin day, etc., the commissionaris foirsaidis, efter dew considera- arir^pointed tioun had of the incres and decrest of the haill burrowis of this realme, for aiteratioun and finding the thrie yeiris of the last generall taxt roll of ane hundreth taxt roll. pundis tobeexpirit, thairfoir hes vniuersalie concludit to the reformatioun thairof, and to that efiect hes nominat the commissionaris efter following to be setteris downe of the samin, viz,, for Edinburgh, lames NicoU ; Lin- lithgow, Andrew Kar ; Aire, Alexander Mowet ; Dumfres, Harbert Ken- 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 sworne to that effect, acceptit in and wpoun thame the alteratioun of the said taxt roll ; and the saidis commissionaris promi- serunt de redo etc. Apud Montrois die decimo octauo lunij 1591. The QUBlILK day, the commissioneris foirsaidis ratefeis and apprevis ane Appreiving of act maid att Glasqu, in ane generall conven tioun of burrowis haldin thair- cmeSc'e°mUd" att, vpoun the xxv day of Februar 1579, bering all commoun contrauersies at Glasgow ^ . .,.,.1. 1 . , ,. with the mter- 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 buro-h, 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 Boyal Burghs. salbe oiferit, wnder the painis as said is coutenit in the said act at Glasgow. Abirdene dis- The same day, Alexander E-utherfurd, commissionar for the burght of aotVeSidingr Abirdein, in name of the provost baillieis and counsell thairof, disasentit to ane act preceiding, in that the word, amangis, thairin continet, suld [nocht] concerne ane burght in particular, 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 eommunitie thairof is dependand, Edinbiirght to The samin day, etc., the commissionaris foirsaidis, for thameselffis and minister to remanent haill burrowis of this realme, gifis full power and commission Campheir. ^^ ^j^g provGst 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 in 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 selffis gif thei war personallie present, promissand ferme and stable &c. Edinburgbt to 'J'^jq samin dav, etc., the commissionaris foirsaidis requeist the magis- ■wnt to Midel- •'' ' ii. .. ... burgh, 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 suiting of redres at the saidis magistratis handis of the guidis pileit frome the Scottis natioun thir zeiris bygane, conforme to the inventure to be maid be the said conseruatour thairof, prcmiittendo cle 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, craweino- oZSe to\be thairby reddres of the said burght for the wplifting fra thame of ane nixt oonven- 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 qul^ill within this sex zeiris, as thei allegit the Convention of Boy al Burghs. 357 said burght of Dundie hes, contrair all richt, 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, coutinewis all farder proceiding heirintill to the nixt generall assemble of burrowis quhaireuer it sail hapin the same appointtit to be haldin, and' ordanis that in the ineane 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 wpliftit or wptane be cus- tumaris thairof, bot that onlie ane invintar to be maid of the samin be thair said custumar of the quantitie of the said victuall, the manis sur- name of the preseuteris thairof, and thei to find cawtioun that, in caice the richt and preuiliege of the said burght of Dundie be fund mair valid and effectuall 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 custumaris of Dundie ; and gif the said burght of Forfaris 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 annuUit and fra thine furth 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 generaU assemble. The samin day, etc., continewis all ansuer gifing to the conseruatouris Continewa- sut crewing reambursment of the burrowis of sic sowmes as he hes de- the^'^^'inserua- pursit 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 ' ' o _o r ^ Articulis Con- seruitour and desynt be him to be set doune m act be thame tor the seniatour. Weill and commoditie of the merchandis ; as alsua agreis to the first, fyfb, sevint, aucht, and nynt articulis to be requirit be the saidis commissionaris of burrowis of the Bunow Maisteris of the toune of Campheir, as the samin in particular lying in lohne Guthrieis generall clerkis handis pro- 358 Co7ivention of Royal Burghs. ■ portis, quhom thei ordane to extract and delyuer to the said Conseruatour in thair names, and this present salbe his warand. ^"apementobe '^^^ samin day, etc., ordanis that ilk burght sail send thair commis- contenit in the 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. Euthergiene The samin day, etc., hes exemit and exemis the burght of Rutherglen thri™yeiris. frome all kciping 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 etc., 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 ^^ conventionis for the sp&ice 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 yeiris. Apud Montros decimo nono lunij 159 J. Statut that 'j^\^q Quhilk dav, it wes statut and ordanit that all merchandis resortand nane sail but ^ •' ' • <■ i -n • n i ■ tiidttis. to France, Flanderis, or any pairt of the Jtiaster 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 quhairfra 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 tikittisto 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 thairof, quha salbe haldin to mak re- Convention of Royal Burghs. 359 port of his delligence to the deine of gild or magistratis of the burght and sey portis quhairfra he passis as said is. The samin day, efter lang ressoning wpon the allowing or disallowing Anuiiingof ana 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 SchandS'"'' anent the bying of Inglische claithe frome burght to burght within the thairof. 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 nuUe in the selff and of na executioun as gif the samin had never bene maid, ia sa far as the contentis thairof was nocht onlie preiudiciall to the saidis haill merchandice bot generalhe to the frie burrowia of this realme. _ *=> ^ ^ Exemptio 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 conditiouis mentionat in the remanent actis of exemptioun, with prouisioun that the sowme of thre scoir pundis be employit wpoua the reparelling of thair decayit harbrie, and to be 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 ^ii'cierif °^" 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 burrowis ; and to remember in the missiues to be direct for keiping of the nixt general assemble that the commissionaris to be send thairto cum fullie instructit how he salbe payit of his stipend and ordinar expensis frome the said moneth of lulij nixt to the moneth of lulij 1592. 360 Convention of Royal Burghs. Agent et Symsoue. Protestatio, Cheyne, for the commu- nitie of Aber- dene. Protestatio, Dundie. The samin day, ordanis lames Winrahime, agent, in thair names to gif subscryue and delyuer to lohne Symsone, sumtyme custumar in Au- struther, ane dischairge of the sowme of ane hundreth merkes to be payit 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 fourtie 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. The saidis day, compeirit Maister lohne Cheyne and Alexander Rid- doche in Abirdene, be vertew of ane procuratorie, as thei allegit, sub- 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 commissioneiis 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 denegata justitia as tliei 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. 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 Convention 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 seviutene pundis xvij s. vj d. 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., assigtns the burght of Bamfe the wnlaw of the i^^^ assignit burght of Cullaine, instantUe incurit be the said burght for thair noclit '° Bamie. compeirence to this present convention, being lauchtfuUie citat theirto, and that for the said burght of Bamfis reUeife of their wnlaw incurit be thame for nocht compeirence to the last general assemble hauldin at Sanctandros, quhilk was assignit to Patrik Bonkle clerk thairof The same day, etc., forsamekle as the commissionaris of burrowis pre- of°the°coC-'^^°^ sentlie assemblit in this present conventioun to treit, consult, and con- mo"i s^'^ °\^ . • n T -t n l^ buriuwia tu the clud in whatsumeuer materis concerning the aduancement and turtherence 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 aU turnis necessar in quhatsumeuer thair eflfairis, 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 micht be fund to be worth, quhairby the common gud of the said burght micht be aduancit and aug- mentit, and inhabitantis thairof mair able to serue in all thair effairis in tyme of neid, to the glorie of God, thaiir 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 dilligence 2 z 362 Convention of Royal Burghs. heiranent, that the gud niynd and expectatioun of the saidis commision- aris suld nocht be frustrat ; quhilk act thei find hes tane full effect in sum burghtis, and sum gud succes followit thairvpon, to their grit com- fort and aduancement of their commoun well, and in sindrie vther burghtis na dilligence sciiawin thairin, to the grit hurt and hinderence of their commoun weill, quha hes bene sleuthfuU and negligent in prosecu- tioun of the said turne : Heirfoir it is s'tatut, concludit, and ordanit, be the liaill commissionaris all in ane voce, but varience, that in quhatsum- euer burgh t within this realme haueand ony commoun landis, ather within or without the samin, appertening to thame, they, with all possible diligence, caus 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 profEtable 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 concure, 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 ac- The Same day, anent the supplicatioun presented be the commissioner thT Master of °^ ^^^ burgh of Forfar, for concurring and assisting of the said burgh in Giammis. the actioun dependand befoir the Lordis of Sessioun for the wrangis done be the Maister of Giammis to the inhabitantis thairof to thair ereitt 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 furneist be thair agent or collectour generall the sovme of fourty li. of the sovmes of money to be ingotfcin 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- Dumbar ex- tionis be north Forth for the space of thre zeris nixt heirefter, vpoun the ^"j^ ^°^ "'" conditionis mentionatt in the remanentt actis of exemption, and with prouision thatt the sowme of thre scoir li. 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 of Lioenco to Abirbrothok, licentiat to desolue, quha ratefeitt all thingis to be concludit desoiue quha at this presentt conuention, et promisit de rato, etc. ratefeitt, etc. The same day, etc., ratiefieis the act maid at Edinburch in the generall ^Eafnburehia assemble of the burrowis haldin thairat in the moneth of the zeir act for Adam of God j™ Y" fourscoir zeris, anentis the rembursing to the said with command burch of xij° merkes for Adame Foulertoun, etc., and now as than, and G„thii™''dierk then as now consentis to the payment to the said burch thairof in maner t° "^^ ^^^ -. . , . f. f. procuratorie, as IS contenit thairm, and disasseutis simpliciter fra payment of ony incaice of interest thairfor, becaus thei ar nocht haldin thairfoir nor obleist thairto, defend'^thairin? 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, vtherwaps to be reambursit to him incaice he depurs out of his awin purs. The samin day, the saidis commissionaris ratiefieis and appreuis the J^g^enJ™""^'' 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 selfi" of the rediest sowmes that salbe gottin in. The samin day, etc., exemit and exemis the burch of Nairne, at the Nairne oxcmit. requeist of lames NicoU, 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 primo lunij 1691. Inrolling An- struther be west the bui-ne in the generall roll of bur- Proteslatio Craill. Cowperis com- plent to be re- memberit in the missiuea togider with CraiUis. Act appreving the extent roll following. The quhilk day, anent the commissioun presentit to Andro Melwell, commissionar for the bailzeis connsell 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 Craill to aduerteis the magistratis thairof to send thair commissionaris fullie instructit to oppone aganis the erectioun foirsaid ; or vtherways the said burght of Craill, 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 inrollit in the generall taxt roll 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 CraUl, disasentit and protestit that the in- rolling of the said toune of Anstruther be west the burne in the generall 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. The 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 wairnit to send thair commissionaiis to the nixt g-enerall 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 sowme of ane hundreth poundis, hes alterit and reformit the samin in maner as followis, quhilk alteratioun the commissionaris presentlie conuenit, for thame selffis and remanent burro'u-is of this realme, conforme to ane act set doune at this present conuention, ratiefieis and apprevis ; and gif neid beis ordanis lettres and executorialis to be raisit and execut aganis the refussaris to pay the ex- tentis to be set conforme thairto, and that for the spaice of thrie yeiris. Followis the Generall Extent EoU of ane hundreth pundis presentlie alterit in maner efter speciefieit. Edinburght with Kingorne and Innerkething xxix li. xv. s. quhairof Kingorne fourtene schillingis and Innerkething sax schillings Streviling xls. Abirdene viij li vj s. viij d. Linlithquo xviij s. Dondie . X li. XV s. Rothesay viij s. Pearth vj li. xiij s. iiij d. Dumbartane xviij s. Bamfe . xs. Renfrew xviij s. Dumfermling xvj s. Riitherglene . V s. Craille xvj s. Aire xl s. Foi-far ixs. Irrowing xxvj s. viij d. Breichane X xviij s. Glasquow iij li. X s. Montross xxxj s Kirkcudbrcht XX s. Elgyne XXV s. Wigtoune XX s. Innernes . xxxij s. Quhithorne . X s. Aberbrothok xviij s. Lanerk x^^ij s. Sanctandrois iij li iij s. viij d. Jedburght . xxiiij s. Gowper . xxxij s. Selkirk xij s. Cullane V s. Peblis xvj s. Forres vj s. viij d. Hadington xl s. Nairn vs. Northbervik . vs. Thayne xij s. Dumbar xs. Dysart X Ivj s. viij d.. Lawder vj s. viij d. Kirkcaldie . xxxvj s. Dunfreis XXXV s. Pettinweme XX s. 366 Convention of Royal Burghs. Bruntiland . . . xvj s. Anstruther be west the bume x s. Anstrutherbeeasttheburne xxxvjs. Culros . . . xs. SuMMA of the haill Eoll is j'^ ij li. xix. s. iiij d.. and this tua pundis xix s. iiij d. for ingaderiug thairof. Protestationis, The Same day, Patrik Blair, commissioner for Perth, protested that ton, Kirkcai- the preseutt extentouris be nochtt electitt at the nixt alteratioun of the strutherbe'" rollis, in respect the saidis burrowis extentouris hes, as he allegis, extra- west the burn, ordinarly sett doun the said alteratioun forther nor the said burgh ex- tendis vnto, and Hadington and Kirkcaldie inlykemaner, as alsua Androw Ivleluile for the tovne of Anstruther be west -the burn. The persouis nominatt to extentt, finding thame iniuritt be the protestationis maid be the commissioneris 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 penaltie to be inionit aganis the saidis protestaris incontrar of the roll, desyriug 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,findis thame to have done wrang in vsing thairof, and ordanis thame and ilk ane of thame publictlie to pas fra the saidis protestationis, and grant thair said Statute extent- wrang commitit be thame to the saidis extentouris. In respect quhairof, °' statutes and ordanis quhasoeuer dois the lyke in tyme cumiug sail incur the vnlaw of xx li. to be vplifted of thame butt fauouris. Assignation The Same day, assignis to lames Guthre, dark of Montrois, ane vnlaw toGuthre''^'' of tuenty pundis for his paynistane in wryting the missives direct to the Clark of Mon- presentt commissioneris conuenand and remanentt absentt, and of sic par- ticular burgh as is presentlie amerciatt his option and plesour. Auditouris The Same day, hes nominatt and electit twa of the baillies of Edin- comptS!''^ 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 heirby obleissis him to sute na suspension of the lettres of horning obtenit aganis him, etc. Convention of Royal Burghs. 367 The same day, etc., the commissioneris presentlie conuenit desoluis this Desoiuing pre- thair conuention, 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 the magistratis thairof mak lawfull 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 Linlythc[U Alex''. Mowat "Williame Scott Thomas Hendirson Johns Alex"", submit him vnder yok of oppressioun William Cwnninghem Robert Livingstoun lames Peterson G. Durie for Innerkething Herbert Ranying for Drum- fire is Mr Alex''. Kellie Ihone Wilsoun. Ihone Hacket Daniell Hair lames Hackat William Duncan commissioner for Dundie Walter Cowane. Alex''. Currour for Banff Alex"^. Annand Robert Lychtoun Ihone Orrok. Robert Adam, I. GuTHEE Ihone Bowsy. Dauid Dempster. Thomas Cowper. Apud MontroR die vigesimo prime lunij 1591. The QUHILK day, the commissionaris foirsaidis efter lang ressoning wpon Bun-owia, the horiable and schamfull offence committit be lohne Alexander, com- commissioner missionar for Anstruther be eist the burne, in subscryweing of this gen- for Anstruther. erall bulk and actis presentlie concludit thairat in manor 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 Anstrutlier, and beand hard to declair the estait thairof, afoir the alteratioun maid presentlie of the general tax roll, to the commissionaris suorne and admittit thairvpon, and that thei lykwajds tuik tryell be the commissionaris of the burght nixt adiacent to the said burght of Anstrutliei', and movit be the said lohneis declaratioun of thair estait, as also be the tryall tane be thame, deminischit thair extent iiij s. of the hundreth piindis. And tlie s^id lohne, being accusit heirvpoun in presence of the saidis haill commissionaris, confessit the saidis subscrip- tioun, and allegit that he was movit thairto be reasone of alteratioun of the extent roll, nochtwithstanding the said extentouris deminischit the said burght as said is : Heiifoir, in respect thairof, hes adiugit and ordanit the said lohne to deleit his saidis subscriptioun with his awin hand, and to be wairdit within the tolbuth of this burght of Montros, thairin to re- mane wpon his awin expensis ay and quhill he pay to the general! agent the sowme of xx H,, as for his wnlaw incurrit be him for the offence foir- said ; and forder, never to be ressauit nor presentit as commissioner heir- efter, and ordanis intimatioun thairof to be contenit in the missiwes to be direct to the nixt general! conventioun, maliand intimatioun to the said burglit of Anstruther, that incaice he be sent as commissionar for thame, thei sail incur the lyk paine of xx li. to be wpliftit of thame but fauouris, besyd the wnlaw of thair absence. And the saidis commission- aris assignit the saidis wnlaw, thairof twenty merkis to be giffin to the puir of the hospital! 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''. Cuirour. lames Hacket. Robert Lyclitoun. Wi!liame Scott. Alex"^. Mowat. WiUiame Cwnninghem. Ihone "Wilsoun. Alexr. Aunand. lames Peterson. Convention o J Royal Burghs. 'MyS) In the General Assemhlie or Conventioun of Buri^owis, Kirkcauie. haldin and hegim at the burgh of Kirkcaldie vpoun the tueltt day of lunij, the zeir of God /'" V" four scoir tuelff zeiris, Comperitt the Commissioneris thairof efter folloicing, and preseyited thair commissionis in maner as folloivis : Edinburgh, Ihonn Robertsoua, Edward Galbraitli ; Kingorn, Capitane Dauid Boiswell ; Innerkething, George Durie ; Striveling, Walter Co wane ; Linlithquow, Androw Kar ; Dumbartan, Robertt Watsoun ; Renfrow, Ihonn Houstoun ; Air, George Cocheran ; Irrowyiie, Williame Scott ; Glasqu, Robertt Adam ; Kirkcudbricht, be ane missive presented be Harbert Ranyng ; Wigtoun, Robert Dalzell ; Laneark, Williame Wilkene ; Jedbiu'gh, 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, baiUie ; Dondie, Wilhame Duncan, baillie ; Perth, Patrik Blair, baillie ; Banff, ; Dumfermeling, Dauid Broun ; Craill, Ihonn Douglas, Ihonn Makesoun ; Forfar, George Suttie, Ihonn TraiR ; Breichan, Williame Ramsay ; Mon- trois, Maister lames Wischartt ; Elgene, Alexander Annand ; Innemes, Alexander Cuthbertt, lames Cuthbertt ; Abirbrothok, be ane missive presented be WiUiame Ramsay ; Sanctandrois, Dauid Watsoun ; Cowpar, lames Andersoun ; Forres, Robertt Tulloche ; Nairn, be ane mis- sive presented be Alexander Annand ; Thayne, Walter Ros ; Dysartt, Patrik Sinclar, lames Hacquett ; Kirkcaldie, Robert Hay, MicheU Kirk- caldie ; Pettinweme, Thomas Kingzow ; Bruntiland, Ihonn Orrok ; An- struther be eist the burn, Thomas Watsoun ; Anstruther be west the burn, Androw MeluiUe ; Kih-any, Robert Strang, baillie ; Culane, lames Lawtie. The same day, Androw Young, dark of Kirkcaldie, producit his dili- young, dark of gence of the lawfull waiming of the haill burrowis of this realme, to haiff Si'^^^j.^'^'^f sentt agane the day abouewrittin thair commissioneris fuUie instructed to -Hraiming;, etc. 3 A. 370 Convention of Royal Burghs. Meluiles pro- ductioun of Anstrwther Westeris erec- tioun. Hay, Modera- tor, iioure ap- pointed to con- vene. Sanctandrois, Peiblis, vnlawit, ilkane in ten pundis. Burrowis vn- lawitt. Enrolling of Anstruther be ■west the bum. this present conventioun, and vpoun the production thairof askitt instru- mentis, etc. The same day, Andrew Meluile, commissioner for Anstruther be west the burn, conforme to the tennour of ane act maid at Montrois vpoun the tuentie ane day of lunij 1591, producit the said burghis erectioun in ane frie burgh regall, and thairupoun askitt instrumentis, quhilk was immed- iatlie efter the sichtt thairof was gevin to Ihonn Makesoun commissioner for Craill, quha protested aganis the same, was gevin to the said Androw vp agane. The same day, Robertt Hay, as principall in the burgh of Ku-kcaldies commissioun, is elected in moderator to this present conventioun, quha, be aduyce of the haill commissioneris presentlie convenit, appoyntis thair daylie conventioun befoir and efter none to be at the ringing of the bell, and quha beis absent, efter the ringing thairof and calling of the roll, to incur ane vnlaw of sax s. viij d., as oft sa they failzie. The same day, findis the burrowis of. Sanctandrois and Peiblis, ilkane of thame, to haift" incurritt ane payne and vnlaw of ten pundis for thair nocht comperance to this presentt conventioun befoir tuelfihouris, conforme to the actis sett doun at Montrois thairanentt ; quhairvnto Dauid Wat- soun, commissioner for Sanctandrois, and Patrik Dicksoun for Peiblis, dissassented, and presented thair commissionis, quhilkis was admitted but preiudice of thair vnlawis foirsaidis. The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis findis the burrowis of Rothesay, Ruthurglen, Quhithorn, ilkane of thame, to haif incurrit the payne and vnlaw of tuenty pundis for nochtt sending of thair commis- sioneris to this present conventioun, being lawfully wairnit thairto, as was sufficientlie verefeitt be Androw Young, dark of Kirkcaldie, directar of the missives, and ordanis lames Winrhame, agent, to collect and inbring the same, together with the twa half vnlawis abouewrittin, and gif neid beis to rais and execute lettres of horning vpoun the refussaris in forme as efferis, etc. The same day, etc., the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter the reding of Anstruther be west the burnis erection be the Kingis Maiestie and Estaitis in frie burgh regall, for thair pairtis ratefeis and apprevis the same, and ordanis thair genei'all clai'k to enroll the said burgh amangis the remanentt frie burrowis of this realme, lyke as they war presentlie enrollitt ; quhairvpoun Androw Meluile, commissioner for the said burgh. Convention of Royal Burghs. 371 tOskitt instrumentis, butt pveiudice alwayis of the burgh of Craillies richtis and previlegis quhilk they haif of the said burgh of Aiistruther be west the burn ; 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, prout de jure be ressoun of the said burgh of Craillis productioun of thair principall infeftmentt, sene and red, etc. Apud Kirkcaldy die decimo tercio mensis, lunij, 15 92 The quhilk bay, comperitt Robert Strang, baillie of Kilrany, and pro- |?j™'^'°s °* ducit ane commissioun 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 enrolHt 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 CraiU 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 the said burgh of Kilrany prout de jure. The same day, the commissioneris foirsaidis, efter lang resonvng vpoun The agentt to . persew vnine- that held of the missive, ordanyng ilk burgh of this realme to send thair men, and ane commissioneris fulHe instructed to repoirtt at this presentt conuentioun ii^t™be°setr thair diligence in writt vpoun the executioun of ane act, maid att Sanct- ?f "^ ™^^*"° 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 add abuse thairof, hes found the maist pairtt of the haill burrowis of this realme to be gretumlie preiugitt and hurtt be the saidis chepmen, foirstalleris, regratonris, and vtheris vnfriemen, makand and havand thair residence outwith fi'ie bun-owis, vsurpand the lawfuU tred 372 Convtntioit. of Royal Burghs. of friemen be bying of hydis, selling and topping of staipill wains, and all soirtis thairof generallie, and keping of oppin buithis in landward tovnis, villagis, and burghis of barrony, sailland lykewayis furth 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 apperandhe vndone, be the attemptatis foirsaidis, except oportune remeid be the mair haistlier provydit thairto ; for remeid quhairof, the haill commissioneris preseutlie convenitt all in ane voce lies concludit statute and ordanitt, thatt the provest and baiUies of aU the burrowis of this realme, and vtheris the inhabitantis hurtt and preiugit heirby, sail geve in the names of the personis vsurpand the liberties within thair boundis to lames Winrhame thair generall agent, betiiix and the fyftene day of August nixt, to the effect lettres of horning 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, in sic straitt forme for restranyng of thame thau'fra, in all tymes cumming, as efferis or may be done be law ; and to the effect the samyn may be with the gi-etar 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 roU 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 execii- tioun, vnder the payuis thairin contenit, and thatt at the nixt generall assf rnblie of burrowis, qnhairever the samyn salbe appointed to be haldin, ConoerdioH of Royal Burghs. 373 and the said agentt than lykewayis to repoirtt his diligence of his persute of the saidis vnfriemen. The same day, efter lang resonyng vpoun that heid of the missive eon- Eouping of 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 tolie'remem-''^ the dew executioun of the command att ilk generall conuentioun to send ''?"*' '" ™^^" Slues. thair 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 gentdmen, remaning out- with burgh, expres contrair the tennour of the actis sett doun thairanentt, thairfoir, as of befoir, they ratefie and appreve the saidis actis in all pointis, ordanyng heirefter thatt nocht onlie the saidis actis be 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 U. to be vptane of ilk ane of the saidis magistratis sa oft as they failzie, and thatt they at ilk generall conuentioun and assembUe of burrowis repoirtt thair dUigence, nochtt onlie in rowping of thair said commoun gnide, bott alsua in perambuling of thair saidis merches, anis in the zeir as said is. The same day, anent the complaynt gevin in be lames Andersoun, Cowpar, Ans- . . . trutheris be commissioner 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- Peuinweme'to tantis of the said burarh of Cowpar for payment to thame of certan small beremebentt customes, the samyn being ane frie burgh, as at lenth is contenitt in the supplicatioun gevin in thairanentt, continewis all foither proceeding heirintill vnto thair next generall assemblie of burrowis, quhairever it salhappin the samyn to be haldin, quhen as they ordane aither of the saidis buiTOwis 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 pairty 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 being found at the said nixtt generall conuentioun to half maist richtt m missives. 374 Convention of Royal Burghs, thairto. And to the effect that than ane generall ordour be sett doun 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 seutt to the said nixt generall convention, thair I'oU 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 hinc inde of vtheris of the saidis customes in tyme of faires and oppin merkatis. And Androw Meluile, commissioner for Anstruther be west the burn, and Thomas Watsoun, commissioner for Anstruther be eist the burn, protested thatt quhatsumever thing was done and concludit on in this presentt act, to the hurfct and preiudice of thair richtis and previJegis, suld nawayis dirogatt the samyn, as thair protestatioun gevin in to Ihonn Guthre, generall clerk, in writt, mair fulHe proportis ; and the tennour of this presentt act to be rememberitt in missives. Agent, Eos 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 Dauid Claipan induellar in Leithis obligatioun, quhilk the burrowis ad- mitted, pro vy ding that incais the ane of the saidis vnlawis extending to tuenty pundis war nocht payitt betuix and Michaelmes nixt to the said agentt, thatt efter 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 gcAdng of the said obligatioun, the said Walteris commissioun resauitt, etc. Statute tiiatt xhc Same day, it is statute and ordanitt thatt at all tymes heirefter na to be ane here- 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 hurtfull to the saidis actis of parliament and liberties foir- saidis, bot thatt they be zeirlie electit thairto. inneAething, The Same day, comperitt George Bruce in Culros, and producit ane erectioun gevin be the Kingis Maiestie and Estaitis for erecting of the oomraissioner for Tiiayne tabill magistat within burgh Culroe. Conrei/tion of Royal Biirglis. 375 said tovne in ane frie burgh regall, and conforme thairto desyritt the same to be enroUit amangis the frie burrowis of this realme; quhairvnto itt was obiectitt be George Dury, commissioner for the burgh of Innerketh- ing, thatt the same culd nochtt be granted, insafar as the samyn tenditt greitlie to the hurtt and preiudice of the said burgh of Innerkething ; and efter lang resonyng heirvpoun, decernis and ordanis thame of their asvin [consent] to compeir in the burgh of Edinburgh, the nyntene day of luly nixt, bringand with them aither 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, proinittendo de rato ; lykeas, the saidis pakties 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 held of the missive wairning the burgh of ^™°*'^^?'*' Bruntuand to send thair commissionens fuUie instructed to ansuer to the Dysartt, complaintis gevin in aganis thame be the burrowis of Kirkcaldy, Dysartt, "^so™6 and Kiugorn, 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 allegitt, 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, Patrik Sinclair, commissioner for the said burgh of Dysartt, and Gapitane 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 Cotivetdion of Royal Burghs. lingis, and of euery schip and crair Sf tuentie tunnis, fourty penneis, and of small boittis and veschellis withoutfc top mastis, tuenty penneis, and of euery schip of ane hundreth tunnis and aboue, threttene-schillingis four penneis. And forlher the saidis burrowis, having consideratioun of ane certain supplicatioun presentit be the said lohnn Vrrok, commissioner for the said burgh of Bruntiland, to thame, craving thair supportt 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 Kingis Maiestie and Lordis of Secretit Counsall, ane gift for vplifting of all schippis arryying to thair poirtt and hawin foirsaid, loissitt within the same with tymmer, for the space of sevin zeris nixt heirefter, oif 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- tributioiin thairof ; and the saidis commissioneris of Bruntiland, except this act be generall, disassented and protested, etc. impoist: An3- The same day, anentt the complaynt gevin in be Andi'ow Meluile, tnither Eister commissioner for Anstruther Wester, aganis Thomas Watsoun, commis- contrair Ans- _ 'to ^ '^ truther Wester, sioner for Ansfcrutlier 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 tittUl, quhair- foir they vplift the said impoist, vnder the payne of tuentj'' pundis. Apud Kirkcaldie decimo quarto lunij 1592. Dumbartanis The qtjhilk DAY, the commission eris foirsaidis remittis the burgh of vniaw 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 Same day, efter lang resonying vpoun the contentis of ane missiue Conseruator ggj^j^ (^q ^jjg jj^ill commissioneris of burrowis, bo the factouris of Campheir, mak oompte of . j^ i • j i c t -i ■ i ■ f excyse beir and concerning the excyse 01 beir and wyne, and maner of distributioun thairof, wyn9. Con vention of Boyal BurgJis. 377 all in ane voce findis, thtatt 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 burgh 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 pajTnent of his bj'gane intromissioun with the said excyse of beix 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 beii-, 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 SejDtember 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 biin'owis foirsaidis to send thair commissionaris instructit to convein thairat, to the effect aboue expremit ; and quhatsnmcwir 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- Porfau-. 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 indenter maid betuix thame and the said burch of Forfair, as is allegit ; efter the manoir of the summar decisioun of the said debaitable questioun 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. the saidis pairteis contendand ar suorne, 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 burcli 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 Uinc inde ressauit vp thair indentouris and peicis producit in proces. The sam day, remittis to the burch of Dunbartane thair vnlaw of xx Ageiiiis com- libris, incurit be thame for nocht compeirance to the generall conventioun hauldin at Montrois 1591, the commissionar of the said bui'ch payand to the generall agent sic expenssis as he debursit vpon the resing and exe- cutioun of lettres of hoi-ning aganis the said burch. Quhilk agent pro- dvrcit his compt of his intromissioun and debursingis sen the tyme of his electioun to the dait lieirof, quhilk being sein and considderit, the saidis burrowis ratefeit and apprewit the samin in all punctis. Apud Kirkcaldie decimo quinto lunij 1592. Craiii Anstra- The QUHILK DAY, Ihone Makesone, commissionar for the burch of Craill, a.'^'^h"^ ^''"^^ S^^^ ^^ ^^^ suplicatioun aganis Andro Meluill, commissionar for Anstruther be west the burne, desyring the said burch to be dischargit of haulding of ane pretendit merkit, in preiudice of the said burch of Craillis richtis pre- sentUe schawin and producit ; Quhairvnto it was ansuerit be the said Anc.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 Dumfcartanis vnlaw reiuittit. Convention of Roijal Barglis. 379 decydit be the commissionaris presentlie convenit, qulia remittis the sara to the iudgis foirsaid. The sam day, ordanis ane suplicatioun to be giffin in in thair names Cmppient to betoir the Lordis ot Chaker, be adwys of the burch of Edinburgh, for the coquit ordour taking with the extortioun vsit be the clerkis 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 wilfulnes, 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 gifSn in be Thomas Keinzow, com- Fnwe°racs"to be missionar of Pittinwem, aganis Alexander Cudbert, prowest and commis- "onteneit in sionar for the burch of Inwernes, 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, qtihair- ewir it sail hapin the samin to be hauldin, but preiudice alvvayis of the vptaking of the sam dewtie, in the mentyme, and ordanis ather of thame to send thair commissionaris fvdlie 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 Inwernes 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- Compientis 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, mi^iwea/"^ 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 Inwernes sail pay to the agent "^"'''^^' . ^^""^"^ '^ , . , iii^s gevin to the sowme of xx libris vnlaw, awand be thame, with ten pundis and Young, ciark, expenssis of the lettres and chargis, prowyding, incais they pay xx libris 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 compientis 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. a°an?s''K'^^ The Same day, anent the complent gifSn in be the commissionaris of cowiirik to be Air, Glasquow, Vrwing, and Dunbartane, aganis the burch of Kirkcowbrik, the missiwis. for vplifting ane extortioun of thaine, being frimen, in taking four bollis greit, salt, land missure, of ilk schip and bark that ariivis within thair harbrie, ordanis the said complenaris, togidder with the said burch of Kirkcowbiik, to compeir to ansuer heirto the nixt conventioun, and to that effect, to caus warne the burch of Kirkcowbrik to compeir vnder the I ane of xx libris, and this to be rememberit in missiwis. Kiiv is^wret- '^ '^^^ '^^^^ ^^Y> compeirit Ihone Chisholme, and presentit cure Souerane tills- 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. Wigtouu, Briuteland, outwith the boundis of Fife and Louthiane, PibiUis, 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 burrowis haif necessarlie to do and adwerteiss thame to compeir sail be hauldin to compeir, nochtwithstand- ing thir exemptionis. The sa.m daj^, compeirit Patrik Sinclar, burges of Dysert, and becom Cuiian. obleist to Content and pay to Mariorie Rowane, relict of vmquhiU William Makartnay, the soum ofxx libris, in pairt of pay men", 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 paj'ment she acceptit and dischargit the burrowis thairof as also the said burrowis discharsis the O ■■ CD said burch of Cullane of all vnlawis bygane. The sam day, remittis the vnlaw of Banff of the vnlaw of xx libris, and'pebiiiis re- 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, Sanct- The sam day, anent the supplicatioun giffin be Dauid Watsone, com- missionar for the burch of Sanctandrous, desyring suport to thair brig appeirandlie to decay, and thairfor that licence may be crawit of his Mariorie Eow- aiie, the toun of Vnlawis, Banf, Sanctandrous, androus. Convention of Bot/al Burghs. 381 Maiestie of ane certane impost for vpliauld of the samyn, the commission- aris of burrowis foirsaid volunterlie 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 commissionai' 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 fnii'said. The sam day, anent the complent gifiBn be the commissionar of Lenerk, Lenarids com- aganis the burch of Glesquo vplifting of the nichtbouris thairof of ane Giesquo to be ladill full of ilk laid of victuall, and ane neif full of ewirrie wecht of voll ^'^m^terit in 1111 SSI W IS ■ or ane fieische 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 . . to dcsolue. 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 volunterhe 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 ^jf^^°"^'g_^'^'"'*" vther burrowis as ar restand ony money to Henry Chertaris, generall Perthe, Brint- collectour 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 -iiim 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 pnrchest aganis certane burrowis quha hes nocht payit thair pairtis of the wyne siluer foirsaid. Huchoun, bur- The sam day, compeirit Dauid Huchoun, skiper in the burch of Kirk- caldie, and, vpon certane considderatiouns and motiwis mowing him, faythfullie promittit to the commissionaris presentlie convenit nocht to follow furth nor insist in the letter of mark and his Maiesties letter direct to the burrowis thairanent vnto his nixt hamecuming frome the pairtis of Ingland, quhairto he is presentlie, God willing, boun. Grant of The same day, grantis to the burch of D3'sert thair consent to the ob- po'st?'^ '^ ™ 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 sufficientlie bestowit the said vmpost in tymes bygane vpon the repairing of thair said herbrie, as said is. Apud Kirkcaldie die decimo septimo lunij 1592. EatifeiEgof ane The quhilk day, the commissionaris foirsaidis ratifeis and appriwis ane Edinburgh to act maid and set doun be the commissionaris of the burrowis of Edinburgh, Agent'^'^"^ Perthe, Dundie, Air, Vrwing, ledburch, Culrois, and Kirkcaldie, at the Clerk of Eegis- said biirch of Edinburch, of the saxt of lunii instant, quha efter lang ter Scott . Sciarpe.' ressoning vpon ane recompance to be giffin to the Clerk of Register, and Maister William Scot wi-etter, 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 gifhn 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, coUectour to the saidis burrowis for the tyme, to delyuir to lames Drummond, commissionar for the burch of Perthe, the sowme of aucht scoir ten pundis as for the pryce of tua tuns of wyne awand to the said burch ; lykas they than ordanit lames Windi'em, agent, to ressaue the said Convenfion oj Royal Burghs. 383 sowme of audit scoii- 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 Pevthis customes, and to be allowit in the rest thairof; and the commissioparis than present, for thameselwis and remanent burrowis of this reahne, 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 artieklis presentit to the last parUament, 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 burrowis, comperit Maister Ihone Schein and Andro King, procuratouris for the munitie agauis communitie of the burch of Aberdein, and producit ane act of euro '''°" Souerane Lordis last parliament, maid with adwys of his Hienes thre Prowest, Estaitis, be the quhilk hes Hienes and Estaitis foirsaid remmittis to the baiiieis, and p . ,.. £• 1 • 1 •• counsall and saidis commissionaris of burrowis ane suplicatioun oi the said communitie, oommunitio of insert in the said act of parliament, and haill contentis thairof, anent the frie ^*'<'"''^'^''^- electioun of thair magistratis the nixt zeir, and that they may be electit in sic ciweill maneir in tymes cuming as best aggrewis with the commoun 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 bulk of act of parliament be Alexander Hay, Clerk of our Souerane Lordis Register, vnder his signe and subscriptioun, of the dait the fyft day of lunij the zeir of God 1592 zeiris, at lenthe beiris ; 384 Convenfio7i of Royal Burghs. and togidder thairwith producit ane. patent letter direct fra his Hieness to the saidis commissionaris of burrowis to decyd thairintill, as they wald ansuer to his Hienes vpon thair obedience, befoir thair desolwing, and according tbairto desyrit the saidis commissionaris to proceid and tak ordour anent the said electioun. And George Knowis, commissionar at the said conventioLin for the said burch of Aberdein, compeii'and 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 prowest bailleis and counsaU of Aberdein sould half bein lawfullie 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 procura- 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 said Geoi'gis comperance in name foirsaid; as also the saidis commis- sionaris understanding 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, in testein 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 lespect quhairof, the saidis commissionaris, all in ane voce, efter lang deliberatioun heirintill, with the actis of parliament, muni- cipal! and ceweill lawis and constitutiouns within this realme, and of the burrowis thairof, obseruit in the electioun of thair counsaU 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 persdhes alternus terviis ef Convention of Royal Burghs. 385 vicihus 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, aU 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 confiisioun vsit of continewatioun of ane counsall and magistratis thir mony zeiris by past, ordanis the present prowest, four baUleis, dane of gUd, and thesaurer of the said burch viz., Alexander Ruderfurd prowest, George Knowis, Ihone Lingstoun, Master Eichartt Vrwing, Dauid Menzeis, baUleis, 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 fi-a the saidis offices, for reforming of the said confusioun, and nocht be chossin in ony vther office within the said burch, hot 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 CarngOl, 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 vdt, George Elphingstoun, Alexander Rannaldsone, Ihone Frissall, Ihone Sanderis, Robert Sanderis, Laurence Merser ; aud the said counsall \>&m .... . . Brint Hand, 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- parand be thair commissioneris, the said burgh of Brint Hand compeirand be Johnne Sympsoun thair commissioner, thair resounis hard and con- sidderit, and thairwith 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 crearis arryueand within thair barbery nor is specifeit and contenit in the said act, in all tyme cuming, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of fourtie poundis 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. innerneg 14. The Same day, anent the fourth heid of the said missiue, con- Eigene, Forres, Qgj,jjyjjg (^jjg complaynt to be gevin in be the burghis of Innemes, Elgene, Anstruthers ^ Forres, Pettinweme, Anstruther Eister and Wester, and Craill aganis dene. Missiue Abirdene, mentionatt in ane act of the last conventioun generall, the saidis burrowis of Anstruther Eister and Wester, Pettinweme, and Craill, compleneris, 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 boll greitt saltt of thair boittis and crearis arryueand within thair barbery and poirtt, and siclyk of ane boll of saltt of Sanct Nicolas inett, as at mair Convention of Royal Burghs. 401 lenth is contenit in the said supplicatioun. The saidis commissioneris of burrowis contiaewis the decisioun of the said matter to the nixt generall conventioua of burrowis, and ordanis the burgh of Abii-dene to send thair commissioneris fully instructed with thair rychtis and resounis, to ansuer to the said complayntt, with certificatioun, and thay failzie, thay will decerne the said burch to haiff na rycht thairto, in the meane tyme sus- pending the vplifting 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- Cuiros, Inner- missioner for the toun of Cuiros, and takand the burding upon him forji'ssiuf' 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 coiinsall 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 AugTist nixttocum, bringand and produceand with thame thair submissioun in mair ample forme, with thair clames, richtis, and resounis, and willis and desyris maist affectuousUe the said prouest, baillies, and counsall, as thay tender the weilfair of the estaitt of burrowis, vnitie and incres tliairof, to acceptt the said matter in and vpoun thame, and decyde thairintill, within auchtt dayis nixt after 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 402 Convention of Royal Burghs. Decimo tertio lunij 1593. stat\ite anent J 6. The quhilk day, the commissioners foirsaidis being convenit, it is depnviL 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 thairof, to be depryuet simpliciter of his libertie and friedome within the samyn, for vsurpatioun contrair the commoun weill of thair burgh, brok- 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 hauo 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 tred 17. The Same day, anent the bill gevin in befoir thame be Maister pajne. "\yilliam Murray, minister of this burgh, in name of the Generall Assem- blie of the Kii'k 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 traiEcque of merchandise with the dominiounis of Spayne mycht be discheargeit, or, at the leist, suspendit, quhill libertie wer nbtenit 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 geve ane resolute ansuer in this matter of sua greitt consequence, zit neuirthe- les thay haue concludit, aggreit, and consentit, 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 Conventmi of Royal Burghs. 403 ane vnlaw of tuentie poundis, to be vpliftit of the burgh nochtt gevand thair 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, Grain, burghis of Coupar, Craill, Pettinweme, and Anstruther be eist the burne j^^Jlgj^t^e™"' aganis Anstruther be west the burne, for the laitt raiseing vpoun thame?'^''''''^™'™ '^ .... or Anstruther ane novatioun of ane laidilfull of ilk laid victuaU cumand to thair mer- Wester, kett, bayth the saidis pairteis being presentt, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis continewis aU ansuer geving thairof to the next conventioun generall of burrowis ; at the quhilk tyme, thay ordane the pairtie defendand to compeir sufficiently instructit with his rychtis and resouuis, 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- Vniawis of chairgis all executioun of the lettres raisit for the vnlawing of the burghis ^^^'.^^^'J!j';';_ of Perth, Sanctandrois, Glasquow, and Striveling, for non compeirance atqyow> stiriinB, Edinburgh the xx day of September last, for taking ordour with the Conseruatour, the saidis burrowis payand to James Winrhame, thair agent, agane the expeussis 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, ^';^pj;_ Coupar, and Pettinweme aganis the burgh of Anstruther Eister, for vplift- Pet^;^"";ii6 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 defenderis producit our Souerane Lordis gift vnder the Privie Seill for certane impostis for reparatioun of their hevin grantit for the space of fyve zeiris 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 anput the vnfriemen trafficquaris, suburbs. Sanctandrois contra Northbervik. Missiue. 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 vplifting 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 complayntt concernyng the ankerrages, ordanis thame to briike, 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 Hand, concernyng thair ankerrages, and hevin-siluer. And as concernyng the pittiecustomes, continewis the decisioun thairof to the nixt conventioiln 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 1.592 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 burrowis to cause the samyn be pute to dew executioun, and elect commissioneris and collectouris to that efi'ect, 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 aj^anis the burrowis of Northberuick and Hadinajtoun, for vplifting and raising vpoun thame, within this tua zeiris, of ane new exac- tioun of tua schillingis ilk pock woll at Northberuick, and at the said burgh of Hadingtoun, xvjd. for ilk pock woll, passand throw thair to wnes, — bayth the saidis pairteis being presentt be thair commissioneris, tlie 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 resounis, 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 baillies of the toun of Culros, and producit the act vnder written, subscryueit be the Convent mi of Royal Burghs. 405 baillies and counsall thaii-of, and thair dark, as followis, quhilk being red and considderit, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis ordanit the samyn to be registrat in this presentt buke ad perpetuavi rei meviofnam, off the quhilk the tennour followis : At the BUROH of Culeos the threttene 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 infeftmeatis 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, orfra 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 qubilkis premissis, we, be thir pr&senttis, faythfully bindis and oblissis ws and oure successouris be thir presenttis to be extendit in ample forme. Subscryueit be oure liand, day, zeir, and place abovewrittin, Et sic subscribitur, George Bruce, bailhe, lohnne Blaw, baillie, lames Blaw, baillie, Andrew Gibsoun, ane of the counsall, Alexander Coustoun, ane of the counsall, Archbald Prymrois, Eobertt Maistertoun, ane of the counsall, Andrew Broun, ane of the counsall, lohnne Forrett, dark of the said burgh, and nottar publict sub- sciyueand thir presenttis, at command of the rest of the counsall. AxD SICLYKE producit the new erectioun of the said toun in ane frie Enrolling burgh regal], 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 enrollit and acceptit, and be thir pre- senttis enrollis and acceptis, the said toun of Culros in thair number, as ane frie burgh regal), 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 rycht, as accordis of law. 406 Convention of Royal Burghs. Duiidie, Forfar. Hadingtor.n contra North- bervik. Missiue Brint Hand. Missiue 24. The same day, anent the contraversie betuix the burghis of Doadie and Forfair, mentionat in ane act of the last conventioun haldin at Kirk- caldy, be the quhilk the samyn wes eorapromitit in the burghis of. Mon- trois and Coupar of Fyfe, for the pairtt of Dondy, and the burghis of Perth and Breichene, for the ])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 poundis, 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 agaiiis Northberuick, for raising ane novatioun vpoun thame, within thir sax or sevin oulkis, in vplifting of tua schillingis of ilk pack of woll 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 quhilk tyme thay ordane the pairtie defendant to compeir and ansuer to the said complaynt, sufficiently instructed with his r3'chtis and resoimis, in the meane tyme suspending all vplifting of the saidis customes, etc. And the said commissioner of Hadingtoun is becum souertie for payment of the said cnstorae, according to the iust inventar to be maid, incais the said defenderis rycht salbe fund mair valide nor tlie 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 impoist and schoir leiwe within thair hai-bery 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 conventiouu generall, at the quhilk tyme they ordane the haill commissioneris of burrowis to cum fullie 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 abydis be thair formar decreitt. 27. The 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, jm Hbns. granted at Edinburgh in lanuar last, to mak thankfuU payment of i\i_Q^^^^s^ ^s^^^- 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 poundis to be vpliftit of the burgh failzeand. 28. The same day, anent the supplicatioun gevin in be the burgh of Grain. Missiuo Craill, desyi'ing 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 earnestlie 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 pai-lianjent, that forther ordoure 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 ilk 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 burrowis being convenit, Taxt roUis. findis that the alteratioun of the general taxt roll of burrowis is to ^'^'""'^^' expyre, and thairfoir ordanis ilk burgh to send thair commissioner fullie 408 Convention of Royal Burghs. instructed to the next generall conventioun for ane new alteration to be maid of the saidis roUis, and this to be rememberit as ane special held in the missiue to be direct to the nixt generall conventioun, quhaireuer it salhappin to be haldin. Ciinsei-uatour. 30. The same day, anent the held and article gevin in be lames Winr- Chafrg^eAgeut. ^'f'™e, 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 wj^ne, 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 further ordoure may be tane thairwith. Attoure the saidis commission- eris of burrowis ordanis the burrowis of Edinburgh, Perth, Dondie, Lin- Convention of Roijid Burghs. 409 litbquow, Kirkcaldy, Hadingtoun, and Glasquow to send thair commis- 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 effect, and the burrowis nocht convenand to pay ane vnlaw of tuentie poundis. And ordanis the said Conseruatour, being personallie presentt, to compeir befoir thame the said day and place, and resaue, vnderly, and fulfill 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, Coi^seruatour 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 quhatsumeuer, to Middilburgh, or ony pairtt in Flanderis, off ony vnstaipill gudis ; and craueand redres and restitutioun of that quhilk is vpliftit, the saidis commissioneris, haueing hard and considderit the resounis and allegannces proponit be the said Conseruatour, findis and delyueiis that he auchtt nor sould haue na conseruatour fie of ony vnstaipill guidis bott of sick as cumis furch of Scotland to Campheir allanei'ly. 32. Item, anent the article gevin in be the said lames, desyring the Conseruatour said lord Conseruatour to cause tak gude ordour in tyme cuming with the howss^"" 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 des3a-ing the saidis Conseruatour burrowis to sett doun ane resonable dewtie vpoun the balding of the said Conseruatouris courttis and extracting of his actis ; efter 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 hes 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 Bitrglis. ane act of proces and extracting thairof tua schillingis greitt for his dewties. aduocat'fie™' ^^- Item, anent the article gevin in be the said generall agent aganis him for raising of ane dewtie of tuentie fyue schilHngis greitt, to witt, XV s. 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 cuming, thairfoir the saidis commis- sioneris of burrowis dischairgit the said dewtie simpliciter. ProtestatiouB, 35_ The Same day, ray lord Conseruatour protested that nathing done conseruatour. ^ > ^ l . , . . againis hnn in this presentt conventionn sould hurtt or preiuge him m his office and privilegis thairof quhairin he and his predecessouris hes bene in vse and possessioun, and thairvpoun askit instrumentis. Couseruatour, 3(3 Item, anent the complaynt maid be Robert Mure, merchant and Mure. . 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 burgeschip to schaw, and for staying him ten or tuelfF dayis from delyuering his geir efter the selling thairof, and refusing simpliciter to accept ather cautioun or plege quhill he haid presentit his tickett, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis decernis and ordanis the said lord Conseruatour to refound and pay to the said Robert the said tua angill noibillis and tua crownes of the sone, deduceand the conseruatour fie gife ony be awin to him, becaus the said lord 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 tryit and verifieit to the saidis commissioneris of burrowis that the said Robertis guidis wes laufuUy coquett, and that he was ane burges of the said burgh of Kirk- caldy. Kingome, 37. The Same day, anent the complayntt gevin in befoir thame be the burgh of Kingome aganis Williame Kirkcaldy, thair conburges, for pur- chessing of lordschippis contrair the fredome of the burgh, and taking ane gift of the watter bailliery of thair hevin and poirtt of Pettycure, with ane impoist of xvjd. of ilk ferry boittis frauchtt, and troubling of thame be the law, and thairfoir desyring the saidis burrowis to ordane them to call Kirkcaldy. Conventioji of lioyal Biirghs. 41 1 him befoir tbame selues for discharging him of his Hbertie ; and secoundly, desyring the saidis burrowis to adiuge him iu ane vnlaw of ane hundreth poundis, according to the acttis of thair conventioun for contravening thairof, the said burgh of Kingorne compeirand be thair commissioner, and the said William Kirkcaldy, being wairnit at his dwelling place to this day to haiie 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 held, ordanis the said Wilhame to be laufully varnit to compeir befoir the commissioneris of burrowis 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, agent, lames AVinrhame, thair agent, to pay to Mariorie Rowane, the relict of f JJ.^'^'^^' °'^" vmquhile Williame M'Kartney, the sowmes awand to hir, mentionat in the act maid at Kirkcaldy, of the reddiest of the last extent of thrie hundreth poundis, nochtwithstanding of the prouisioun contenit in the said actt ; and siclyke to pay to George Swtie, commissioner of the burgh of Forfair, the sowme of fourtie poundis, 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 Dunibartane, in be the commissioner of Dunbai'tane, for ordoure to be tane be the me™'^ Mifshie." saidis burrowis, thatt ane only forme of grammer wer vniuersally teichit in all the grammer seniles 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 Charteria, merchant burges of Edinburch, to insist thairvpoun. 412 Convention of Roijal Burghs. and craiwe ansuer thairof ; and ordanis ilk burgh to direct thair commis- sioneris, fullie instructed to the nixt generall conventioun to ansuer to the said supplicatioun and desyr of Dunbartane concernyng the said only forme of grammer, and this to be rememberit in the missiues. Consoruatour, 40. The Same day, compeirit Maister Robert Dennalstoun, Conserua- tour, and, of his awin 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 executrice of vmquhile Robert Fyfe, factoure in Campheir, and that within foure monethis nixt heirefter. Count Maw- 41. The same day, the said lord Conseruatoure producit tua lettres tour Faotouris' missiues, 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 oiEce of factourie, ar becura 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 executioun. And for geving of ony ansuer to the saidis tua letteris, quhilk thay haue ordanit to be registrat in this buke ad futurwrn rej memoriavi, referris the making and pennyng thairof to the sevin 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 Buiylis. 413 discliairgit, or els quhill thay be mareit, and in thir caices vtheris to be send in thair places ; and this to be rememberit in the missiues. 42. The same day, it is thocht expedient, statute, and ordanit that in statute, violent all caussis of violent occupatioun within burgh, the pairtie decernit to bmch!^''""" "^ remove sail pay to the obtener of the decreitt of removing, for ilk day that he hes wanntit the profTitt of his landis or houssis, the sowme of xxs., but preiudice alwayis of the executiouu of the decreitt of remove- ing ; and that ane article be gevin in heirupoun to the nixt parliament. -tS. The same day, anent the complayntt of the burch [of] Air aganis Air contra lohnne Boyde, general! jedger, for neglecting of his ofBce, 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- berit in the missiues. 44. The same day, it is thocht expedient, statute and ordanit, for statute— avoyding of greitt inconvenientis within burgh that the prouest, baillies, ^^^'istrats deane of gild, thesaurer, and couusall of ilk burgh be nocht chosin bott commoun Till I* p T T , , • o 1 • 1 clerks, votes to according to the acttis oi parliament and statuteis oi burrowis, and offices, lord- na vtherwayis ; and als that na commoun clarkis within burgh be sfne^bur^essis" elected and chosen for ony langer space nor induring the townes will making. allanerly, 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 failzie, 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 selfiis to ony offices within burgh, vnder the pane of tynsall of thair liberteis, and to be banischit the burgh be the magistratis thairof Attoure that na burgh admit or resaue 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 persounis ar alreddy admitit, that thay be callit and causit to cum and 414 Conventioii of Royal Burghs. Cowpar, Sanct- Androis, mettis and mesoiiris. Missiue. Auent tliame in burgh in- iuret efter expyring of tliair offices. Dondie, Im- post. Statute pro- ceding in Conventiounis. remane within the burch or els depryvett of thair libertie, vnder the pane foirsaid, and ill? burgh to repoirtt thair diligence heirvpoun in the next generall conventioun of burrowis, vnder the pane of tuentie poundis. 4.5. The same day, ordanis the burghis of Coupar and Sanct Androis to reforme all wonntit abusis of thair mettis of pect and furlott, and to conforrae the samyn to the stane of Linlithquow, according to the actis of parliament, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of fourtie poundis to be paj'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 happin ony persounis that hes borne office within burgh efter the expyreing thairof to be iniurit be his nichtbouris or vtheris for doing his lawfuU dewtie in his office, that he meane himselfF 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 outwitVi 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 requyreit 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 heirefter following, provyding alwayis that all sclaittis and coillis be exemit from payment of the said impoist. 48. The sam.e 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 that sick matteris thairin contenit as lyis ovir be first decydit, and quhair ony particular conventioun hes intervenit be Con vention of Royal Barglifi. 4 1 T) special! commissioun or vtherwayis that the burch quhair the samin wes haldin mak adverteisment to the burgh of conventioun general! of thair proceidingis, and cause the matteris vndecydit to be rememberit in the genera!! missiues. 49. The same day, anent the supplicatioun gevin in befoir thame be innerketiiinfc, the burgh of Innerlteithing, craweing supportt to the reparatioun of thair [hair harbery. barbery, ordanis i!!c burgh to send thair commissioner fullie instructed M'ssiue. at the nixt general! conventioun, quliaireuer it sal happin the same to be haldin, to geve ansuer thairto, and this to be rememberit in t!ie missiues. In the meantyme the said burgh of Innerlieithing 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 Hand Brunt Hand, tliair !ia!f vnlaw often !i., incurit be thame for non compeirance to this to thame seiffis. present conventioun in dew tyme, to be imployit vpoun tlie commoun ■wark of thair kirlt 5 1 . The same day, anent the supplicatiounis gevin in be tlie burrowis Northbervik, of Northberuick, Dunbartane and Renfrow, craweing support of the bur- ing supxj'ort. rowis to the reparatioun of thair harbereis and decayit places of thair S™;^"**""^' townes respect! ue, continewis all ansuer geving to the nixt general! con- ventioun of burrowis, quhairas thay oi'dane ilk burgli 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 hail! real me to the decayit burrowis. 52. The same day, exemis the burgliis of Forfair and Selldrk fra Exemptio, For- keiping of conventiounis for the space of thrie zeiris, provyding alwayis ' that thay at euery general! conventioun send thair missiue of ratificatioun with the burgh ewest vndispensit with, and alwayis gif tlie burrowis haue necessaris 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 Precept, >igent, Pittinweme, of the sowme of fyvetene poundis fyvetene scliillingis 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, 5 4. The same day, it is thoclitt expedient, statute, and ordanit be the statute, vn- lawis in burgh. 416 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 samin to thair awin privatt vseis and commoditeis, 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 Hand. aganis the burgh of Brunt Hand, for compelling of thame to tak in thair ballast, at ane full sea, and nocht suffering thame 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 taking of ony dok-siluer, or raising of ony novatiounis within thair barbery 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. io xvj lunij j™ v'' Ixxxxiij statute, Com- 56. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis foirsaidis be tliir moun Epgister. p^^gg^^^.g concludis, decernis, and ordanis, that the principall and originall register buke of thair conventiounis salbe delyuerit to the com- missioneris of the burgh of Edinburgh, otf this presentt conventioun, to Cunvention of Royal Burghs. 417 be keipit be the toun of Edinburgli vnto the nixt conventioun of bur- rowis, and than to be delyuerit agane at the nixt coaventioun, quhair- euer it salhappin the samin to be. 57. The same day, haiveand consideratioun of the lang seruice maid Guthre cieik, be lohnne Guthre, general! clark of thair conventiounis, being now seik f^p "agenl^" ' 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 thairintiU : Thairfoir the saidis commissioneris of bun-awis continewis the said Tohnne in his oifice 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 H. to the burrowis. 58. The same day, for resouabill consideratiounis moveing thame, re- Eigene vniawit mittis and dischairgis the vnlaw of tuentie lib. to the toun of Eigene, ^°'°'' "^ incurit be thame for thair non compeirance to this presentt conventioun. 59. The same day, decernis the burrowis of Kirkcudbrycht, Dumfreis, Kirkcud- Banff, Brechene, Aberbrothok, Nairne, Quhithorne, and Culane, euery ancfre^s, Bam™" of thame, for non paymentt of lohnne Guthreis stipend at this presentt ^'""^'^^V^''^ conventioun, conforme to the act maid att Kirkcaldy thairanent, in ane Quhithorne, vnlaw of tuentie poundis ; and ordanis lames Winrhame, agent, to raise et, chairge lettres for ingetting thairof vpoun the burrowis expenssis. ''^^°' 6 0. The same day, etc., decernis the burrowis of Irrowyne and Inner- irwyne, inner- ness, euery ane of thame, in ane vnlaw of tuentie poundis, for non pay- ^nd remittet 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-Quthrp, missioner for Pittinweme, to pay to lames Guthre, clark of Montrois, for ^^'"S^"^^- 3 G 418 Convention of Royal Burghs. Nixt generall conventioun. Prayer in the end of ilk conventioun his service at the conventioun haldin thairat, the sowme of threttie savin poundis fyve schillingis, betuix this and the feist of Mertimes nixtt ; pro- vj'ding incais the said Tliomas pay the sowme of sevintene poundis fyve schillingis 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. 62. The samyn day, the saidis commissioneris of burrowis has ap- poyntit and appoynttis the nixt genarall conventioun to be and begyn at the burgh of Streveling the xxvij° day of lunij nixtocum in the zeir of God j™ v" four scoir fourtana zeiris ; and ordanis the commissioneris of the said burgh to mak laufull aduerteismentt of the samin to the magis- tratis thairof, and that thay cause laufull varnyng 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 followis : — We man confes, O Lord, that we half fund thi presens in sum mesure amangis ws at this tyma, and in ane greitter mesure suld we half 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 Spraitt to this wark, in sic sort that als oft as we convene for this turne we may find the growth of thi Spreitt in ws. Bles oure King and Queynis Maiesteis with a happie governament ; suppres the rebellis and thairis in this cuntrey ; quenche this commoun fyra of civill seditioun ; estab- leis the trone of thi Sone Chryst, demolaische the trone of the Antachryst euery quhair, and cheiflia in this countrey. And fynallia Lord, gif ws grace to pas the cours of this oure';- pilgramage heir in thi feir, that hair- after we may dwell with the for euir in that gloria that Chryste hes purchest to ws be his pretious deyth, to quhome, thairfore, with the and Convention of Royal Barghs. 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 assignit Assignatio and assignis to Henry Young, dark of this burgh, the vnlaw of the burgh Bre^^li^a of Brechene for thair absence from this presentt conventioun, extending ™i*^ to the sowme of xx li., and that for his seruice at this presentt conven- tioun ; and ordanis lames Winrhame, agent, to cause him be ansuerit thaii-of. 64. The sam day, ordanis lames Wynrame, agent, of his awin consent, Preoept,Agent, to pay lohnn Guthre his stipend awand of the rediest of the sowmes *^''*'^"' pertening to tTie 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, precept Agent, for his supportt of his presentt necessitie, the vnlaw of the burgh of '-'"'^''®'^'" Dumfreis, incurit be tharae for thair non comperaunce to this presentt conventioun, extending to the sowme of tuenfcie poundis, and ordanis lames Wini'hame 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. Robai-t Clapin, wyth my hand lames Scott, for Selkirk Andro Meluill, for Anstruther be wast the burn lo''- Steweinsoun, for Peblis Ihone Symsoun, for Brunteland M. Eduard Galbraith Mr. lohne Cheyne, commissioner for Aberdein Mr. lames Wischert, for Montros 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 ae scriba dicte conventionis in premissis de mandate dicte person- arum scribere nescientes vt affirmerunt testat ac mea subscriptione manu- alibus A. GUTHEE Ihone Douglas Ilione Hacliet 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. Messeigneues, — Nous auons trouud expedient et n^cessaire pour I'ar- rangement augmentatioun et conseruation du liberty trafEcque et com- merce de la nation de Escossoise et vostre ville remonstrer avos seig-neuries que de toute anciennetd 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 a I'auantage et proffict de la dicte nation Dont la mesme nation est a present frustre a cause que factoures de la dicte nation demourans en ceste ville se sont auanchez depuis quelque temps en 9a et s'anancent encores journellement (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 pardeija 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 (^ nostre grand regret et intdiest) les dictes factourez ont moyen d'achetter et leur appro- prier les marchandises de leurs maistres a 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 contract 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'auttant que telle contrauention et tout ce que dessus tende et reconde non seulement au grande dammage et preiudice du diet libre trafEcque et commerce en ceste ville et par consequence de diets marchans de parde^a et nos bourgeois mais aussi m^smes au grand desauantage et interest des marclians Escossois. Prions bien affectueusement qu'il plaise a vos seigneuries de mectre ordre que les dictes facteurs de cy en auant ilz n'ayent a s'entremetter ou s'entremester que de leur factorie sans y conioiudre aulcun train de mar- chandise en trafficque de leur propre auttant que touche I'estaple de leur nation ou aultrement qu'ilz soyent tenuz et subiectz a 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 a I'auantage de la dicte nation aussy de son extrdmiti^ 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 libertds et aultres grand aduantaiges qui sera I'endroict au apres nous auoir recom- mendez bien affecteusement 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 1593. De voz, seigneuries Les bien aflfectiounez 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 Yilles du Royaume de Escosse. Messieurs, — Ayant de tout temps assez cognu combien vous afFec- tionnez I'amiti^ 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 I'entre cours de la traffique d'entre les subiectz et marchans Escossois et ceulx de parde9a pouisse auoir et continuer son train libre et accoustumd principalle- ment en ma ville de Campheir en Zelande suiuant mesmes les traiet^s 422 Convention of Royal Burghs. et accordes sur cecy deuant faicts et passes, C'esfc cause que je ne veulx obmetre de vous dire comme j'ay dst^ presentement occasion ne de faire par mes lettres entendre au Serenissime Roy d'Escosse les plaincts et doleances que les Borgmestre et aultres du magistrats de ma dicte ville de Camplier m'ont faict de la contrauentioun dont en la dicte ville auroit depuis quelques ann^es en (ja dicte vse au regard du libre traffique et commerce des biens deni-ees et marchandises accoustumees illeoq arriuer d'Escosse et ce a cause de maniers et fa^ons de fair invsit^es et cy deuant non accoustumdes ny ouyes dont les facteurs de la nation Escossoise residens en ma ville sudicte ont depuis aulcun temps en ^a procede et precedent journellement a I'endroict, I'acbapter des denrees et marcbandises veuans de Escosse ainsy que je I'escrips plus amplement a Sa Maiestie et luy en sera encores plus particulierement represente 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 cest affaire mectans en bonne consideration le grand pre- judice interest et dommage que non seullement les merchans de pardec^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 a achaptre et s' approprier a eulx les biens et marcbandises de leurs maitres venans d'Escosse a festaple 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 trafBcque et n(^gociation entre iceulx et les marcbans de pardega et I'entretement des accords et traictes cy-deuant faicts et passes entre les subiects de Sa Maiestie et le magistrat du dicte Campber sa dicte Maiestie trouuer a 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- cbaises etantres grands aduaatages 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 I'endroict 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 Denbergbe le iij™® de Maij 1593. Vostre tres affectione' a vous faire seruice. Maurice de Nassen. Convention of Royal Burghs. 423 In the Convcntionn of Biuivwis, begun and haldin at the Edinburgh. hurch of Edinburgh, the nynt of lulij, the zeir of God 7™ V" foure scoir threttein, and continewand to the day of the said monefh of lulij, quhilk ives before and in the tyme of Parlament haldin at the saidburch, and for the effairis thairof ; Comperit the persounis vnder- xcrittin as Commissioneris of the Burrowis folloiuing, that is to say : Edinburgh, Ihonn Robertsoun, Eduard Galbrayth ; Perth, lames Drum- mond, Olipher Young ; Dundie, Patrick Lyoun ; Abirdene, Thomas Mej-nzeis ; Stiiiing, Arthour Bnice ; Glasquow, lames Stewart ; Air, George Cochraine ; Lynlythqow, Androw Ker; Montrose, Maister lames Wyschert ; Haddingtoun, Ihonn Wilsoun ; Kingorne, William Cvning- hame ; Ii'ewyne, Hew Scott ; Selkirk, lames Scott ; Forfare, Ihone Traill ; Lanerk, William Wilkyne ; Kii-kcaldj^, Ihonn Hacquett ; Dysert, Wil- liame Carmichail ; Sanctandrois, Dauid Watsoun ; Innerkethiog, William Blaikburne ; Craill, Ihonn Mathesoun ; Cowper, lames Andersoun ; Peblis, Ihonn Stevinsoun ; Anstruther Eister, Robert Clapen ; Pittinweyme, Nicolas Strang ; Ruglein, Ihonn Riddell ; Innernes, Ihonn Cudbert ; Brunt Hand, Androw Wilsoun ; Culros, George Bruce ; xiiij° lulij 1593. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foresaidis being convenet, George culross. Bruce commissioner of the burch of Culros wes content and consentet to pay to Roger Maknacht, merchant burges of EJinburch, 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 frie burch ; and the saidis commissioneris in consideratioun thairof remittis and dischairges vnto the said burch thair pairt of Adam Fullei-tounis extent. 424 Convention of Rayed Burghs. Agent, Conseruatour. Agent, Inner- nes. The sam day, ordanis lames Wynrame, agent, to tak cawtioun of Maister Kobert Danielstoun, conseruetour, for obseruing the buiTOwes 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, 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, So\^Tne3 bor- roAvet fra Mm. The quhilk day, the saidis commissioneris of burr owes convenit to this present parliament, grantis and confessis thame to half borro wet and resauet fra lames Wynrame, thair agent, vpoun profl^eitt, the sowme of aucht scoir poundis money, bestowet be thame for the weill of the haill burrowes of this realme for the avancement of thair eflpaires in this present parliament, quhilk sowme thai faythfullie bind and obleis thame to delyuer to the said lames in Edinburcli 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 bnrchis, failzeand to send thair pairtis of the said sowme thankfullie 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 decernis 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 1.593. Lyniythqw, rjij^^ quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowes foirsaidis wer content lirftncR of ane i ^ ' licence of ane irapoist, Convention of Royal Burghs. 425 and consentet that the burcli of Lynlythquow sail half and purches of oure Souerane Lord ane gift of ane impoist or dewtie of twa scbillingis, to be tayne of ilk cairt passand alangis thair brig, to be imployet for support of thair brig and mending the fuird, and this gift to indure for the spaice of fyve zeir allanerlie. The sam day, the commissioneris of burrowes foirsaidis wer content and AbMene, consentit that the biu'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 repayring of the Brig of Don. The same day, the burchis following ar vnlawit for non payment of Bunowis thair pairtis of thre thowsand pundis according to thair awin consentis to the act maid at Dysard, viz. : — The burrowis of Jedburch, Sanct Androis, Kyngorne, Pettinweme, 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 vnlaAvis. 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 th'airwith ordainit the same to be buil<;it off the quhilkis the tenour followis : — The quhilk day, the commissionaris of burrowis convenit to this present Oonseivatom- 3 H ^'- 426 Cunvvidiun of Royal Burghs. parliament, being in conference with my lord conseruatour of syndrie commoun affairis belanging to thair estait, and he allegeand that he had gude richt to vplift his conseruatour fie- of all .vnstapill gudes cumand to ony pairtis of Flanderis, quhilk he oflferit 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 Ediu- burch, Perthe, Dundie, Glasquow, Striviling, Sanct Androis, Dysard, and Lynlythqu,to convene in the 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 the 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 tryet 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 Edinhurgli the second day of November the zeir of God y™ v" Ixxxxy". The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowes vnderwritten, that is to say : for Edinburgh, Henry Nesbet, Edward Galbrayth ; for Perth, ExcjKP brir Adame Andersoun ; for Dnndie, lohnn Fynlawsoun ; for Glasquow, Robert and^vyue. Rfj^att ; for Sanctandrois, Dauid Watsoun ; for Dysart, Wilham Car- FactourP3 in michael ; being convenit at the said burgh to intreatt and conclude vpoun Campheir. the materis of the excyse beir and v/yne and of the conseruatouris fie, conform to the power and commissioun gevin to thame be the remanent Coitvention 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 conserua- 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 commissioneris for the maist pairt hes votet, condiscendet, and agreit, that the said excyse beir and wyne sail be distributed amangs the factouris and commoun howssis in the toun of Campheir, for the ressett and intertenement of the merchantis of oure natioun repayring 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 trafEcquand and repayrand 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 tlie nixt conventioun of burrowes 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 sufScient 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 trie, quhilk is estemit abowt the thrid penny doun : and incais the saidis merchantis and trafiicqueris haif desyre to drink at morne, 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 Augmenta- and commissioneris passand to Campheir sail travell to get ane aug- excyse beir* mentatioun of auoht last mair of beir, excyse frie, or mair and les as thai can obtene, becaus the quantitie grantet is noclft habill to serue the natioun. Item, anent my lord conseruatoures fie of vnstaipiil guidis cumand to Oonseruatouns ony pairtis of Flanderis, for dyuers guid and resonabill caussis moving ^^' 428 Conve7ition of Royal Burghs. thame, fyndis it maist expedient to remitt, and be thir presentis remittis, the samyn to the decesioun of the generall conventioun of burrowes. Eduard Galbreith. Henry Nisbett. lo. Findlasoun. Adam Andersoun, commissioner Dauid Watsoune. for Perth. W. Carmichaell. 1)1 the Generall Conventioun of Burrowis, begun and haldiu at the burgh of Stirling the xxvij of Iimij, the zeir of Stirling. Qq(jI J" qf foure scoir fourtene zeiris, Comperit the Commissio7ieris of Burrowis vnderivrittin, and pro- ducet thair particular e commissiounis foUoioing, That is to say : Edinburgh, Henry Charteris, Eduard Galbrayth ; Perth, James Adame- soun ; Innerkething, George Dury ; Kingorne, Androw Broun ; Stirhng, Anthone Bruce, Dauid Forester ; Linlythquow, Androw Ker ; Dumbar- tane, Robert Watsoun ; Renfrew, 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, WilUam 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, Concent ion of Royal Bitrglts. 429 Maister Dauid Auchmowtie ; Cowper, James Andersoun ; Culane, be thair missiue presentet be Bamf ; Forres, be thair missiue presentet be Edin- burgh ; Kirkcaldy, Ihoiin Hakketfc ; Pittinweynie, Ihorm Corsaw ; Bruat- Iland, Ihonn Symsoun ; Anstruther Eister, Ihonn Anstruther ; An- struther Wester, Andrew Meluile ; Cuh-os, George Bruce ; Kih-aynie, Eobert Strang ; Lawder, William Pringell ; Dunbar, \\'illiani Kellie ; Bysart, Ihonn Lvmisdaill ; Rosay, James Stewart. 1. The quhilk day, the commissi oneris foresaids electet, creat, and con- J'''^'^""™ °f ,,,,, T, .. f ■ ■ 1 ■ ■ r Moderatour. stetute Antnone Bruce, commissioner first nommat in the commissioun oi this present burgh of Stirling, thair moderatour during the tyme of this present conventioun, conforme to the actis maid thairanent. 2. The sam day, the commissioneris foresaids dispensand with the de- statute anent fectiouns and imperfectiouns of certane cominissiouns of burrowes producet an'd'mSuies' before thame, for the present statutes and ordanis, for the better ordoure of ratificatioun. 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 caus be producet be the commissioneris of the nixt burgh the act of thair exemptioun, togidder with thair missiue of ratificatioun, attentikUe 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 Hourcs of coa- VGiitioun.'i ■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 afternone sermone ; and tliair 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 spyoeVnd frome his Maiestie to the saidis commissioners to schaw vnto thame T^y^" '." "^® . bankotis. that his grace having to provyde for the honorabiU intertenement of the forayne imbassadouris that ar to repair within the realme to 430 ConveJition of Royal Burghs. Vnlawing burrow es sent. the baptisms of the Prynce, and cousidderand that the generall taxatioun can nocht be haistelie inbrocht as the Becessitie requyres, the barrouns and gentilmen hes willinglie agreit to gif and furneis to the bankets ky, oxin, scheip, wyld naeitt, and sum syluer wark ; and thakfore desyret the saidis biirrowes, for schawing thair guid will and afFectioun to liis Maiesteis honoure and seruice, to farneis liberallie the spyce and wyne 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 thame, 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, baillies, and counsall of the burgh of Edinburgh agane the fyftein day of lulij nixt, that the said provest and baillies may report the same to his Maiestie. tiie 5. The sam daj^ Ihonn Mvschett, commoun clerk of Stirling, verefeyet 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, ....... Lvmi.sdaill, agent, Wyues. Eowpping commoun xxviij" lunij j°^ v'^ Ixxxxiiij. 6. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foresaidis beand convenit, com- peiit Ihoun Lvmisdaill, commissioner and bu]-ges of the burgh of Dysart, and acted, band, and oblist himself, his aires, executouris and assignayes, to content and pay to lames Wynrame, generall agent, in name of the burrowes, the sowme of sex scoir aucht 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- he failzie in payment of the said principall sowme at the day foresaid. 7. The sam. day, anent that held of the generall missiue concerning the rowpping of the commoun guids, and perambulatioun of the merches of Convention of Royal Burghs. A',\\ commoun lands of burrowes, at lenth specifeit in the sext act of the last conventioun, the saidis commissionaris, 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 inneAfth'Qg in putting thair commoun guid to the best awaill, conform to the actis of parliamene and statutes of burrowes, be I'essoun that sen the act of Sanc- tandrois thay half sett ane nynetein zeir tak of certane thair commoun lands and maid na augmentatioun of thair rentale, and thairfore hes ad- iudgeit and adiudgeis the said bvirgh 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 Eugiein, Ben- and produce, at the nixt generall conventioun, mair sufficient diligence Kirkudbricht, ' anent the rowpping of thair commoun guid and perambuling thair mairches, M:issiue3. in writt, vnder the payne of twenty pund ilk burgh, and to be aduertist heirof in the missiue. S. The samyn day, the saids commissioners of burrowes ratefeis and Statute. Lcit- approvis the acts and statutes made at Sanctandrois in Aprile, anno 1589, gi.iiis. 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 ordanis, that the customes, fyscheings, mylnes, mylne lands, and arabill lands pertening to any burgh be sett in tyme cuming be sett to fiemen, inhabitants of the burghes, and berand burding within the sam, and thair subtennents of na hiear degreis nor thamselffis, and to na others, and that for the zeiris following allanerlie, 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 pajet be ilk burgh contravenand this present ordinance to the commissioneris of burrowes, and thair agent in thar names, zeirlie, at ilk generall conventioun, swa lang as the taks sett for ma zeiris nor is ex- pressit in this present act and statute sail happin to stand and indure ; and that tryeil may be tayne of the keipping of this act at ilk conventioun generall, ordanes euery burgh 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 taks as the burgh to quhom the sam perteinis plesis, to thair best weill. 432 Convention of Boyal Burghs. Protestatio, xiie samyii day, George Cocliraine, commissionar of Air, protested that the act before writtiii sukl nocht be preiudiciall 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 oustomea 9. The samyn day, anent that held of the missiue, contenit in the Missiue'^"''' 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 burrovves, at their nixt generall conventioun, the extract of thair custome rolles within thair burgli and at thair port of Leyth, attentiklie subscryuet, vnder the payne of ane vnlaw of twenty puiid ; and Henry Charteris and Edward Galbrayth, commissioners of the said burgh, tuik proteatatioun that thai, iu name of the said burgh, offerit the sicht thairof to any persoun that pleset, havand comraissiouu thairto of his burgh, and dissentit to the said penalty ; and the saids commissioners of burrowes in the meynetyme confcinewes 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 |o The sam dav, anent the comiilaynt of Cowper aganis Pettinweyme Pittinwej'me i »/ ^ i o j and An- and Anstruthcr Eister and Wester, for trubling of thame in exacting of s lut ers. certane 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 2^ro loco et fewpore, salua actione ; and the saids commissioners of bur- rowes continewes the decisiovm 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 Anstruther protestet in the contrair and Anstruther Wester siclyk. I 1. The sam day, anent the complaynt of Pittinweyme contra Innernes, Convention of Royal Burghs. 433 mentionat in the said missiue and contenit in the aucht act of the, last Pittinweyme conventioun, continewes the decisioun thairof vnto thair nixt generall nes. Missiue. conventioun, and ordaines the said burgh of Innernes to be of new wairnit to ansuer thairto, suspending thame in the meynet3'me fra all vptaking of the excyse boll mentionat in the said act. ] 2. The saniyn daj?-, anent the complaynt of Lanerk aganes Glasquow, Lanerk oonti-a for vplifting ane laydilfull of euery laid victuall, and ane neiffuU of ilk wecht of woll specifeit 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 commissioners of burrowes, assolzeis thame simpli- citer fira 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 possessioun of vptalcing and resaving of the said neiffuU of woll, withoiit 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 iJa^-iiS-ws a2nid acta citatis.' 1 3. The sam day, Maister William Makgowne, commissioner of Wig- wistoun, 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 mnirches, 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, Eobert Dalzell, Ihonn Edzear, EoUand 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 commission- 434 Conventlun of Royal Burghs. lnwfuU citatioun of the saidis persouns to compeir before the saids com- missioners the xxvij of this instant to ansaer to his complaynt, — quha being callet, nane compei-it 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- scryvet the few chairtour of the lands mentionat in the said instrument at command of the laird of Carleis, provest, and ane of the baiUies, 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 said Ilionn Hannay asket actis and instrumentis, and the said Maister William protestet that nathing to be done or procedet 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- dischairget. ' tiouns and oppositiouns maid be Maister William Makgowne, to the preiu- 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 Makcullo, commissioner of Wig- toun, to intimy the samyn to the burgh of Wigtoun, and in thair names to dischairge the said bui'gh to send him ia commissioun for thame heir- after. xxix lunij j™ v" Ixxxxiiij. Giasquow, Air, 1 5_ The quhilk day, the commissioners foresaids being convenet, anent IrewLng, Dun- l J ' o ^ » tartane, contra the complavut of Ail', Glasquow, Irewj-ng, and Dunbartaine, aganis the burgh of 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 advj'set thairwith thay admitted the said exceptioun to the said defeaders probatioun, specially quhair it is Kirkcudbiiclit. Convention of Royal Burghs. 435 allegeit that thai ar and hes bene in vse of vplifting of the said custome of the qiiantity foresaid fra friemen of burrowes, and assignes to thame the twenty se^^.n 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 cans to deny the said exceptioun ; and the saids comndssioneris with consent of the said 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. ] 6. The sam daj^, anent the complaynt of Innernes, Elgein, Forres, innemes, Pittinweyme, and Anstruthers Eister and Wester aganis the burgh of puftiii^vey^e,^ Abirdene, for taking ane excyse boll of greitt salt of all boitis and crearis ^"h-™"'^'^' 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- pla5'nt, allegeit, as to the Sanct Nicollas mett, that thai tak the sam of thair awin nichtbouris onelie and of ria otheris, and thairfore the saids commissioners decernes the said burgh, of consent of the said commissionar, to desist and ceiss fra vplifting of the same fra the said compleneris in tj-me cuming ; and as to the excyse boll, he offerit him to preif suffi- ciently that the said burgh hes bene in vse and possessioun peacebill thairof past raemour of man of all frie burrowes ; quhilk allegeance thai referrit to his probatioun, and assignes to him the xxviij day of lunii nixt to cum, in the nixt generall 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 ctxstome 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. 17. The sam day, the commissioners of the burghes of Innerkething innerkething 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 burghis of Sanctandrois, Linlythquow, Dundie, Cowper, or maist pairt of thame, promesand to abyde at thair decreitt but Missiue. 436 Convention of Royal Burghs. reclamatioun. Quhilkis arbiters acceptet the said mater with consent of the commissioners of burrows, qulia ordanet tharne to decyde thairin before the dissolving of tliis present conventibun, and the party reclamand to pay j"' li., the ane half to the burrowes, and the other half to his party SubuX!"' 1 ^- 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 vnfrie trafRcque and the crafts in suburbs, and this to be ane held of the generall missiue. Aiteratioun of 19. Xhe sam day, the saidis commissioneris hes electet, creatt, and con- the tiixt Eoll. •' stitute, and be thir presents electis, creats, and constitutes, the persouns underwrittin thair commissioners for alteratioun of the generall extent roll of burrowes, gevand thame thair full power and commissioun thairto, and promesand to hald ferme and stabill : that is to say, Henry Chairten's, commissionar of Edinburgh ; James Adamsoun, commissionar of Perth ; William Duncane, commissionar of Dundie ; Alexander Forbes, commis- sionare of Abirdein ; Dauid Forester, commissionar of Stiiiing ; Ihonn Hacquet, commissionar of Kirkcaldy ; Maister Dauid Auchmowty, 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 aythis 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 alteratioun of the said extent roll, with the penalties contenit in the said act, to be vpliftet with rigour vpovm the brekkares thairof. Pebiis ; licence 20. The sam day, the saidis commissioneris grantis and gevis licence to the commissionar of Pebiis to depairt before the dissolving of this present conventioun, for the vrgent caussis and necissaris schawin be him, quha be thir presents ratefyis and apprevis all things done or to be done in this present conventioun. Dunaie, For- 21. The sam day, the commissionares of Dundie and Forfare submittis {are. Missiue. ^y contraverseis betuix thame, zitt as of before, to the amicabill decisioun to depairt. Convoition of Royal Burghs. 437 of the burrowes mentionatt in the act maid thairvpoun at Kirkcaldy, in all things as is contenit in the saiJ act, and in the act maid at Dysart, and lies appointet and affixet thair meting to be at Dundie vpoun the premonitioun of aucht daycs, to be made be the burgh of Forfare to the burgh of Dondie, and the pairtes nocht convenand to pay to the pairteis convenand the vnlawes mentionat in the said acts ; and in the me}Tie tyme the saidis commissionares of burrowis suspendis the said burgh of Dundie fra all vptaking of the dewty contenit in the said act at Kirkcaldy, and fra aU vsing of novatiouns vpoun the said burgh of Forfare, cawtioun beaod 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 instructet to ansner to vtheris complaynts, at the nixt conventioun, and this to bo ane held of the generall missiue. Prime lulij, j™ v'^ Ixxxxiiij°. 22. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foresaids being convenit, anent Exemptio the supplicatioun gevin in before thauie for the pairt of the burgh of Dum- bartane, desyring the said burgh to the exemit fra 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, aneut the complaynt of the burgh of DumbartancDunkirtane, aganis the burgh of Glasquow, for resaving of vnfriemen and regratouris, CJ'^^^i""^^- and for sufferinsr thame to haif tredd within thair burgh, to the hurt of, the preveleges of Dnnbartanc, the commissioners ordams the said burgh of Dunbartane to preife thair biill and to report to the nixt conventioun the names of the vnfriemen quhom vpoun tbair compleyne, and this to be held of the nixt missiue. 2i. The same day, anent tliat pairt of the last missiue twicheing theMets, Mesures. 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 Turreff. Missiue 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 furlefct, pek, and half pek, vnder the payne of xx li, and ordanes the said burgh of Lynlythquow to delyuer to ilk burgh desyrand the samyn ane iust fuiiett, with twa bands and ane croce band in the bodduni of irne, witli pek and half pek without irne, thay payand onelie sex pund thairfore, and this to be rememberit in the general missuie. 25, The sam day, anent the supplicatioun gevin in be the toun of Turreff, desyring to be inroUed 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 held of the missiue. Impost, Brunt 9g rjij^^g g,j^Q^ (^s,j, anent the supplicatioun gevin in before thame be the commissionar of the burgh of Bruntiland, schawand of the necessitie and decay of thair barbery, and thairfore desyring licence to purches and haif ane impost for bigging and repayring thairof — the saids commissioneris, being advyset thairwifch, grantis and gevis licence to the said burgh to impetratt and purches ane gift for vptaking and resaving of euery twn of geir, laid vponn thair schoir to be schippet and to pas to ony forayne cuntrey, and of euery twn of geir that sail happin to cum fra forayne natiouns and lose vpoun thair schoir, twelf penneis, and for ilk chalder victuall that sail happin to be schippet, ather be boitt or layet vpoun the schoir to be transportet furth of the country, threttie twa penneis (and the hunder) ; and this licence and gift for the spaice of thrie zeiris allanerlie to indure, witli prouissioun alswa 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 barbery, ather be boitt or vtherwayes, to ony pairfc 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. s Conceidlon of Iloyal Burghs. 439 27. The sam day, Ihonn Wilsoun, commissionar for the burgh of Had- ll'^'f '''*^° dingtoun, protested that quhatsuraeuir richt or prevelege the saidis com- missioners suld happin to grant and consent to in favouris of the burgh of Northbervik, that the saniyn suld nocht be preuidiciall to the said burgh of Haddingtoun, and thairvpoun asket acts and instruments. Secundo Julij j™ v° lxxxxiiij°. 28. The quhilk day, the commissioners foresaids being convenit, lames Charteris, Wynrame, agent, acted band and oblist himselff as souerty and principallMaknacht. dettoure for lames Stewart, commissionar of the burgh of Rosay, to content and pay to Henry Chairteris, commissioner of Edinburgh, the sowme of ten pund restand awand to him be the said burgh of Rosay, of ane taxa- tioun of the wynes and customes, betuix this and Andermes nixttocum, and als quhatsumeuir sowmes the said burgh is restand awand to Roger Maknacht, burses of Edinburgh, as collectour of the last extent of the burrowes 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 fouity pund. 29 The sam day, the saids commissioners of burrowes hes exemit, and Exemptiouns . T ' ' f Ti n ^^ Kilraynie, be thir presents exemis, the burrowes vnderwrittm tra aii general! conven- cumbar, tiouns for the space of tbre zeiris nixttocum, — that is to say: the burgh 2ig''g"j|^''£'^'^. of Kilraynie fra all conventiouns be north Dundie, be west Stirling and3ei^J^^|i^^°' be Edinburgh ; Dunbar and Northbervik from beyond Dundie frow, Bamf, and be west Stirling ; Elgein from be sowth Tay ; Lawder from beyond tome.' 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 hurgh, 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 cans, otherwaj'es to be vnlawet as 440 Convejition of Royal Burghs. absents ; and that the expensis quhilk thair cammissioners micht haif coist thame be bestowet vpoun thair brigs, harberis, tolbuithis, kirks, or other maist necessar commoun warks, and compt to be gevin thairof to the burrowes at the end of the said exemptiouns, vnder the payne of ane vnlaw of xl li. Brechein, 30. The sam day, grantis and gevis licence to the burgh of Brechein to "^°^ ■ impetratt of oure Souerane Lord the gift of ane impoist to be tayne at thair brig of sowth Esk waiter for repayring of the decayet 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 the brig aucht penneis ; and that for the spaice of thre zeiris fra the daitt thairof; provyding alwayes that the said burgh mak compt zeirlie to the burghis of Dondie and Montrose of the collecting and fruitfull bestowing thairof, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of XX li. to be payet to the said burrowes swa oft as thai failzie. Cra-iii, 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 efter advysement thairwith, fand the effect of the said supplicatioun to be maist resonabill, bot becaus nather wer the saids commissionai-es 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 particularelie, 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 inforraet 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, baillies, and counsall of Craill to purches oure Souerane Lords gifts for vplifting be thameselffes or thair factouris in thair names from the persoun or persouns quhatsumeuir resorting to the barbery of Craill, byares and lossares of schips, creares, or boits, or laidining thairof thairin, Convention of Boyal Bnrglis. 441 of the guids vnderwi-ittin, the sowmes of money after specifeit, viz., of ilk last heyring fyve schillings, of ilk tun wyne 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 remajming 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 vplifting of the said exactiouns, and that at the zeirlie eonventioun of burrowes thai mak compt thairof and of the bestowing of the samyn, provyding alwayes thay bye the said new barbery, 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 sam 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 cunti-ey 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 woU of vnfriemen ij d., and of fremen j d., and the quantity of the burding or laid to be estemit 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 eonventioun of the imployment thairof 33. The sam day, the saids commissionares gevis full power aud com- Consoi-uatour. 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 conseriiatour vpoun the mater of augmentatioun 3 K 442 Convention of Royal Burghs. quhilk the saids commissionares wald haif grantet to the said conseruatouf 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 oi'danis the pre- sent commissionares of the said burgh to requyre the said provest, 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 thairanent, 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 C'ampheir 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 Agent. 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 inak and deburse, and gif neid beis to' borrow money vpoun proffeitt, and thai sail caus 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. Factourisin 34, 'j'j^g gg^m (]ay aucut the act maid at the last conventioun of Dvsart, Gampheir. *^ , . ^ ' concerning the factouris of Campheir vsand merchandice, the saids com- missionares ratefejds and apprevis the samyn, and ordanis my lord conser- uatour to caus the samyn to be putt to executioun 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 Convent iun of Royal Bwyhs. 443 delyuer to liim 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 ill?: burgh ane or ma zoung men, for quhom the burgh sail ansner, to be factouris for ane certane spaice, the saidis commissionares of burrowes 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 Eicysobeirand and Mj-ne, 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 sufficient 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 ciiming, 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 aae 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 zeirhe 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 convenand as said is, ordaning thair present commissioners to intimy this present act to thair saidis burghis and cans the samyn tak effect, as alswa ordanis the agent to direct missiues to the saidis fyve burrowes wayrning thame to convene thairupoun. 36. The samyn day, ratefeyis and apprevis the acts maid of before for Minister ia establisching ane minister to serue the natioun in the toun of Campheir, and *^^™P'''^"'- ordanis the samyn to tak efiect in all poynts, gevand power and commis- sioun to the burgh of Edinburgh, with avyse of the Presbitery thairof, to 444 Convention of Royal Burghs. fynd owt the personn that sail be ane minister at Carapheir and to agi-ie with him fynallie thairvpoun, and generallie to do all things thaii'into that the saids burrowes micht do thameselfFs. faUet ior(Lf°''' ^"^^ The sam day, comperit Maister William Erskyne, persoun of Campsy, and seruitour to his Maiestie, and Maister Patrik Symsoun, minister of this burgh, 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, sumtyme Erie Erroll, 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 desyret 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 propoi-ts ; 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 aduertisement 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- selfBs, and promesies that vpoun his Maiesties dew aduertisement to the pi'ouest 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 bo 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 caus requyres, and as the zeall and atfrctioun of the saidis commissionaires is inclynet thairto. Convention of Royal Barghs. 445 quhairby thair wikket and ingodlie devyses micbt be preventet, and the godlie intention of his Maiestie and the ministrie fuUie 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, thaii-fore the saids commissionaires of burrowes ordanes 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 rysiug 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 x 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 generall of the employment of the saidis sowmes in maner foresaid vnder the payne of xx li. 39. The sam day, the saidis commis.sioneris [vnderstanding] that quhair For restraynt bumecoill is deylie transportet furth of the realme, contrair the acts ofbumrciuL'"^ parliament, and td the greitt hurt of the lieges, the said coill decayand aud growand skant daylie, and the cuntrey apperand to be destitute of fewaU in schort spaice, thairfore 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 paj'-et to the burrowes be thame 446 Convention of Royal Burghs. Conseniatour Minibter at Camplieir. Impoist of coilles. Protestatio Dysart. Commissioner of Stii-iinc-. Oath and Bur- gessis missiue. Flemyng Transporting ■n'oU be vn- friciiirii. that sail be fund negligent heirin, and that thai suffer tia frieman to piir- ches any licence for transporting thairof, and sic as dois the sam that thai discharge thame of thair fredome and caus thame pay ane vnlaw of xx 11. swa oft as thai failzie, and that thai set furth publict proclamatioun th'aii-- vpoun throw thair burgh, and als that ilk commissioner report at the nixt generall conventioiin 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 conseruatour ane dewty of twenty foure st^vires of euery sek of coilles that sail happin to arryve within the Law Cuntreyes, quhidder thai pertene to frie or vnfrie, and quhidder thai half licence or want the same, and this without preiu- dice of the said conseruatour to escheitt the said coilles quhair he may lawfullj' do the samyn ; siclyke thai ordayne the collectour that sail happin to be nominat for vplifting 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 within 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 burrowes. The sam day , eomraissionar 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 commissionares admits Walter Cowane, 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. 41. The sam day, the saids commissionares ratefeyis and apprevis the latter pairt of the fourty foure act maid at Dysart, aganis 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- missionares to the nixt conventiovm with thair diligence in writt schawin thairanent vnder the payne of xx li., and this to be ane held of the missiue. 42. The same day, the saids commissioners, vnderstanding that ane lames Flemying, sumtyme burges of Perth and now dwelland in Flanders, repayris zeirlie to this realme, and with his awin geir and with the sub- Couventiu}t of Royal Barghs. 447 stance of cuntreymen of Flanders, amassis in sindry pairts of tbe realme ane intollerabill quantity of woll and transports the same furth of the cuntrey, thairfore statutes and ordanes that the magestrats 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 resaue the samyii 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 burrowes 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 charget, 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 cans the acts of parliament maid aganis the guidis. 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 thairto or nocht, besyde the confiscatioun of the guidis, and caus thair act and ordinance thairof be straitly keipet, with certificatioun 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 missiue. 44. The sam day, the saids commissionares statutes and ordanis that Statute ,1 1 ^ i_ 'ty ' /.* 1 Commissioners na cominissionar in tyme cummg tak vpoun hand to gii in any particulare complaynts and supplicatioun, or to propone any particulare maitter con- Compiaynta. cerning 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. The same day, the saids commissionars of burrowes continewes thair 448 Convention of Royal Burghs. Support of certane bun-owes Missiue. Statute wayrn- ing pavticulare persouns before the burrowes. Protestation Abirdene and certane burrowes. Gild Brether burg-essis and craftismen of DunferialiDg. ansueris to tlie particulare supplicatiouns of tLe burrowes following to thair nixt generall conventiouu, and ordanis the sam to be rememberit in the missiue : that is to say, the supplicatioun of Pittinweyme anent the support 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 Quhj'thorne for support to thair ; the supplicatioun of Dunbartane for ane impoist of strayngers cumand be boitt with guids ; the supplicatioun of Irrewing for support to the bying and bigging of ane barbery, and to be rememberit in the missiue. 46. The sam day, the saids commissionars statutes and ordanes that quhen any particulare persoun, burges or indwellar of any frie burgh, is lawfully wayrnet to compeir before the commissionares of bun'owes in any of thair generall or particulare conventiouns, at the instance of any party, for any thing done to the 23J'eiudice of the burgh or burrowes or to the hurt of his nichtbour, that the caus be contenit in his citatioun, and that the sam beir the payne of xx li. 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 thamsellEs and in name of the rest of the haill burrowes that will assist thame, protestet tha.t na thing to be proceidet betuix the gild brether and craftismen of Dumfermeling sail be hurtfull or preiudiciall to thair prevelegeis, awld vse, and fredome, nor zitt induce any preparatiue aganes thame. 48. The sam day, anent the complaynt 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 maisterfull vsurping vpoun thame, be force and be way of deid, the vse, prevelege, and fredom thairof, be handling and selling of merchandice and staipill wayres, quhilk onelie pertenis to the said gild brether and thair successoures, and vsing alswa thair awin handle 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 onnawaj'es meyne to Convention of Royal Burghs. 449 enter in society with tliame, 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 haiU 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 merchandice as thai may win to be thair puir substance, quhilk is occasioun of thair decay and pouerty, quhairvpoun hes procedit and rayse 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 half 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 half 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 decernis and ordanis all burgessis and craftismen of the said burgh that ar siugell 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 Royal 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 bui-gessis and craftismen, qiiha sail alswa pay, thai and euery ane of thame, to the said dene of gild and his brether the sowme of twenty [pnnd] 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 fourty pund, and als to be na preparatiue to ony other burrowes of the realme, bot 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 hail] commissioners of bur- rowes present faj'thfullie 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 Tniaw remiitet. fcurgh of-Wigtoun thair vnlaw of xx li., quhairin thai were adiudget at this present conventioun for nocht schawing thair delegence anent thair commoun guid. Ceriane butro- 50. The sam day, the saids commissioners decernis the burghs of Inner- Ageni"^^^''' kething, Lawder, Bamf, Elgein, ledburgh, Dysart, Thayne, Innernes, Name, Forres, Culane, Forfar, Ai'broth, and euery ane of thame, in ane vnlaw of ten pund, in cais thai mak nocht payment to lames Wjmrame, agent, of thair pairts of the said lames and Ihonn Guthreis stipends. Giithre gene- 5 J . The Same day, the saidis commissioneris makis, constitutis, and Misshi? ordanis Maister Alexander Guthrie, commoun clerk of Edinburch, thair geuerall 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 Con vention of Royal Burghs. 451 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 Commiasioun commissioun to the fyve burrowes, appoyntet to convene at Edinburch for lompte!^*^ 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 assignis and dispones to Musohett,— Ihonn Mvschett, commoun clerk of Stirling, for his seriuce to the burrowis QuhUhome. in directing the last missiues and at this present conventioun, all and quhatsumeuir vnlawes awand to the saids burrowes be the burgh of Quhythorne for ony caus bygane, ordaning him to be ansueret and obeyet thairof, and discharges lames Wynrame of all trubbling of the said burgh thairfore, nochtwithstanding ony security maid to him thairanent. 5 4. 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. Followes the Generall Extent Roll of Burrowes, of ane hunder Generaii tait 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 . . . . vj li vj s viij d Brunt Hand . xxvj s viij d Abirdeyne • . viij li Peblis . . . XV s 452 Convention of Royal Burghs. Glasquow iiij li X s Grain . . xvj s Sanctaudrois jij li Kingorne XX s Dysart xlvij s viij d Thayne . X s Stirling xl s Selkirk . X s Air xl s Anstruther Wester xij s Haddingtoun xl s Culross . . xiij s iiij d Kirkcaldy xxxiiij s Dumbar , X s Montrose xxxiij s iiij d Bamf . ix s Cowper xxxij s Quhythorne vj s viij d Anstruther Eister xl s Forfar . . vj s viij d Dumfries . xxxij s Rosay vj s viij d Innernes . XXX s Forres vj s viij d Brecbein . XXV s Ruglein . iiij s Irewyng . xxiiij s Northbervik vj s Elgein . . . . xxij s Culaue . 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 Ren fro w . XVJ 3 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 enrollet and stentet to 4s. and Kirk- cudbricht to 14s. {Two Folios of the Record are here wanting.) Conreiition of Royal Barglts. 453 Vigesimo Septimo lunij 1595. 4. The quliilk day, the saidis commissioneris, for keiping of semlie ordour Statut, speiking 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 PebHs, oblesset him Maknaoht selif in name of the said burgh, to schaw and produce to Roger M'Mathe, eiteBtL^^ eollectour of the tua extentis of the burrowis for the wyneis and Adame Brunteiand -.-. vnlftwit Foullertounis dett, ane sufficient 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 rdxt, that thai salbe fre of the said vnlaw, and this conditioun to be na preparatiue to vtheris. 5. The samyn day, anent the first held of the missiue and act of the Eowpping of last conwentioun, concerning the rowpping and setting of comoun guidis Misdue™^"' and rydding of mercheis, ane gret pairt of the saides comissioneris haweand schawing thair delegence, pairtUe 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 Corivention of Royal Burghs. Vnfrie traf- fiqueris, Euburbs. Missuie. Mettis and mesouiis. Missiue. Outlands bur- gessis-Missiues. 7. The samyn day, anent the thrid held 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 negligent 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 delegence thairvpoun in writ, to witt the creatioun of iudgeis collectouris, and the deductioun of proces aganis the vnfremen, alsueill craftis in suburbs as vnfre traffiqueiis, vnto the finall sentence, or that thai haue raset lettres of horneing and arreistement aganis the saidis persouns, executioun following thairvpoun, and quhair the pairtie hes jDurchesset 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 decernit in ane vnlaw of xx li., and this to be ane held of the nixt missiue. 8. The samyn day, anent the fourt heid of the missiue and act of the last conwentioun, concerneing 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 gritter 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 contrair, 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 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 conwentioun, to mak citatioun of thair burgessis nocht actuallie resident with them for tyneing of thair liberteis Co)ivention of Royal Burghs. 455 and gewe furthe thair decreit thairvpoun, and delyuer the samj^n to the agent within xx dayis nixt thairefter, or ellis to gewe the said agent sufficient attestatioun of the obedience of the saidis ontlandis burgessis in making thair actuall residence and fyjiding 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 nixfc conwentioun vnder the pane of xx li. and this to be ane heid of the missiue, 1 0. Tlie 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 ratefeis 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 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 baiJleis 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, Dumbart- Dumbartane aganis Kirkcudbrecht mentionat in the xv act of the last irewin,''^^!' conwentioun, compeirit Robert Hall, comissioner of Kirkcudbrecht, and, for K-^kcudbnoht. proveing of the exceptioun admitet to his probatioun in the cans persewet be the saidis burrowis aganis the said brugh of Kirkcudbricht, producit Eoger Makmathe merchand of Edinburch and Robert Dalzell baillie of Vigtoun, quha was sworne and ressauet in thair presens, and als producet deleo-ence be our Souerane Lordis lettres dewlie execute and indorset as appeird quhair lames Lidderdaill of the He, AA'illiam M'Clenen of Auchlen, William IM'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, Andrew Rane in Kirkcandrcs, lohnne Pauling in Kessotoun, Thomas Rane fleschour, Thomas Broun, William Gordoun, burges of Vigtoun, Archibald Tailzepheir thair. 456 Convention of Royal Burghs. lohune 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, lobne M'Gill writter tbair, lames Hairstaneis thair, loline Mwre in Leith, Dauid Walker in Kirkcaldy, war laufullie summondit warnet and chairgit be the saidis lettres to haif comperit this day, the xxvij day of lunij instant, in the houre of caus, before the com- issioneris of burro wis, 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 wairnit apud acta. Vigesmo octauo lunij j™ v" Ixxxxv. Small cnstomis. 12. The qululk day, the commissioneris of burrowis being conwenit anent the sevne held of the missiue and nynt act of the last conventioun, concerneing the small customeis tane be brugh fra brugh, the commis- sioneris of Edinbrugh, for schawing of thair delegence, producit the princi- pal! 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 warneit 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 lies 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 brugh of Abirdein offerit to produce presentlie Missiue. Conir/ttion of Royal Burghs. 457 sic as he lies, alegeing the samyn to beir this generall clause, cuvi cuntmnis toUoneis. ^ 1 3. The samj'n day, findis and decerneis the brugh off Banff to hawe in- Bnmf vniawot, currit the pane and vnlaw of xx li., nochtwithstanding the productioun of ° '"'"S'^'^e"'"'- thair missiue be the commissioner of Culane, in respect thay haue nocht payit thair bygane extentis of the wyneis and Adame Foullertoun to Roger Makmatht collectour thairof, and ordanis the generall agent to Abinieyno vplift the samyn and to be chairgit thairwith, and als ordanis the said Bam'f mi«iae. brugh to be warneit agane to the nixt conwentioun to ansuer to the com- plaint of Aberdeia 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 li., and this to be the held of ane missiue. 14. The samyn day, anent the declaratioun maid be wiitt vnto them be Eistei- Weymes lames Coluell of Eister Veymiss, of his trauellis tane in the pairtis of France. France for renewing the ancient liberteis of oure natioun, and specialie the merchand estait within the samyn, and thairfoir desyuering thair concur- Commission to rence in his guidwark sa far adwancet, and to be word endit to him, that rowes thair thairby hes painis alreddie tane may be acknawlegeit and he maid abell *"""'• to imploj'' his farther trauell to the finisching of the samyn turne, 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 returneing 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 taldn, and securite of thair peciabill treffik in tyme cuming, and to aduerteis thair brugh that gif thai agre thaiiinto it is thocht guid be this present conventioun that the chairois of that negotiatioun salbe tane of the merchandrice passand furthe of the realm to the pairtis of Pickardie and Normandie, 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 bruo-h failzeand beirinto, 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 Burglis. ansueris that the maist pairt of the saidis buiTowis 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 brughis of Edinbrugh, Stryveling, 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 qiihilk thai think guid to be renewit, and ordanis the said brugh of Edinbrngh 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 cbairgis and rewaird, the saidis comissioneris of burrowis promittis to hald ferme and stabill, with powir alsua to the saids burrowes convenand to decerne and adiuge the burrowes [nocht] sending thair ansuer or nocht conveneand in the vnlaw thai promit to hald ferme and stabill. And becauH this .... wilbe expensiue to the brughis conweneand, it is thocht guid and agreit that thair saidis cbairgis 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 Pittinweme, Anstruther ^jnfra Abir- Eister and Wester, aganis the brugh of Aberdein, mentionat in the deyne Missiue. saxtene act of the last conventioun, 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 caus 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, cwm minutis cusUcmis, 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 Ii'ewing Convention of liof/td Biinjlis. 4,')t) in Brunteland, loline Kay in Ciaill, Thomas Daiiidson, George Blak, Eicliart Cokburne, Maister Robert Chalmer, William Chalnier, William Jalc, Androw Sclierer, Andiow Brabriner, Walter Culane, Alexander Rowane, Dauid Andersotin, lohne Robertsoun, Dauid Mathow, and Maister Thomas Malesoun, clerk of Aberdein, witnessis lawfullie summondit, warned and chaii-git be cure Souerane Lordis lettres to haif compeirit this day before the commissioneris of burrowis 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, Anstruther Eister and Wester, and thai comperd nocht and assignis the day of lulij in the nixt general! conventioun to do farder delegence on the saidis witnessis par- tibus citatis. 1 6. The samyn day, anent the complaint of Pittinweme aganis Innernes, Pittinwoymo mentionat in the alewint act of the last conventioun, baith the pairteis ^es. ™Missiue. being personlie present, contenewis the decesionn thairof into the nixt general] 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 certefecatioun and thai falize thai salbe decernit 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. 1 7. The samyn day, the commissioneris of the brughis off Dundie and Dundie, For- Forfar submittis all contvauerseis betuix thame, zit as of before, to the amicabill decisioun of the commissioneris to be appointet be the brughis of llwnross, Couper of Fyfe, for the pairt of Dundy, and of the brughis 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 burrowis, vnder the pane foirsaid, and this to be ane heid of the missiue. 460 Conve)dio)i of Royal Buryhs. Crafts of Abir- 18. The samyii day, anent the complaint gevin in before tbame for the The°Ma™s™ pairt of tLe craftismen and handie laubouroris of the brugh of Aberdein trats. Missiue. aganis the merchand gild brether thairof, for the alegeit setting doun in thair coiinsale 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 compleneris, 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 suiiicientlie 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 li., and ane particular missiue to be direct heir- vpoun to baith the saidis pairties. Crafts of 19. The samyn day, ane complaint being presen[tet to] them be Ar- oou^ra"'^"''^ thour Mylne, dej'kin of the wrichtis of the Cete of Sanctandrois, and alegeit Magestrats. 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 tlie 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 amitio, and to submit thais controuersie to newtrall men, and to declare that the burrowis will haid hand to the pairtie fund maist ressonabill thaiiinto. Cowper, Edin- 20. The samyn day, anent the supplicatioun gevin in before thame be buroh. Ageut. james Andersoun, commissioner of the brugh of Couper in Fyfe, meneing that thair heiitabill richt of thaii' commoun myln and landis callit Russellis Myln is querrellit before the Lordis be James 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 eirnest thairinto as gif it war thair awin caus, and as it may be giff this preparatiue tak place, and ordanis thair generall agent to solist, trauell, and concwr with thame in defence thairof CoDventloit of Roijal Burghs. 461 21. The samyn day, granttis and gewes licence to the brugh of Pittin- Pittinweyme, "vveme 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 thaiv last conveutioun haldine at Stryveling, and that for the space of thre zeiris alaneilie, 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 quotiius. 22. The samyn day, findis it expedient and ordanis that it be ane heid Compt of, im- of the general missiue at the nixt conveutioun that all burrowis that hes ony licence of impost grantit 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 Irewin 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 hoi's laid wittuall, salt, irne, butter, cheiss, hering, lyng, or vther merchandrice, foure penneis ; 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 brughis of Forres and Culane from all generall cnllne. 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 soumeis 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- 4G2 Convention of Royal Burghs. Culros contra Stivling. Mis- siue. penssis quhilkis thair commissioneris miclit haif coist them be bestowit vpoun thair brigis, harbereis, tolbuithes, kirkis, or vther maist necessar comoun verkis, and compt to be gevin thaivof to the burrowis at the end of the said exemptioun, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of fourtie pundis. 25. The samyn day, anent the complaint gewin in before them be the commissioner of Culros aganis 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 burrowis contenewis the samyn quhill the nixt conventioun, and ordanis baith the saidis pairteis to compeir sufficientlie instructit to ansuer to the said complaint vnder, the pane of ane vnlaw of XX li., aud this to be ane held of the missiue. Vltimo lunij j™ v" Ixxxxv. Anent the vnfrie traffic- quers and vnfrie crafts. Extent of ij li. charge agent Burrawis. 26. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of burrowis present[lie con- 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 obseniing 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 the pairtis of the realm contraueneand the said act without controllment ; thairfoir it is thocht expedient statut and ordanit that lames Vynraham thair generall agent sail with all possibill delegence, vpoun the comoiin expenssis of the haill burrowis, impetrat and purches ane commission of the Lordis of Sessioun of certane 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 be obtenit that he rais and execut lettres aganis the saidis persounis conforme to the said act, prosecut and follow the suspensioims raissit 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 catollog of the Convention of Royal Burglis. 4G3 names of the saidis vnfre traffiqueris, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of x li., and that ilk comissioner aduerteis his brngh 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 tliay to cans execut and indorse and send the samyn bak agane to the said lames to be vsit and foUowit furth be him in maner foirsaid ; and for doing heirof thay haue willingiie agreit and grantit to ane extent of tua hundreth punds, ordaneing ilk brugh to send thair pairt thairof ac- cording to the last extent roll at Strjryeling with the cattellog of the said names agane the said day to the said lames, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of XX h. 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 said 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 buiTowis promittis vpoun compt and I'ekning 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 brucdi 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 raaist ewest to them to mak thame laufuU 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, rowes coiiser- appointit to convene at Edinbrugh the first day of August nixtocum for uatom-, Excyse '^'- . ... beir, Minister 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 conseruatour, 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 sene and considerit be thame. 464 Convention of Roijal Burghs. Factom-isin 28. The samyii day, anent the 34 act of the last conventioun con- Missiue. cerneing the factouris in Campheir, quha byis the Scottis wau'is to thair awin behuifF aud 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. Statute, Burne 29. The samyn day, anent the 39 act of the last conventioun, con- Edinburoh' cerncing the transporting of burnecoU, the commissioneris ratefeis and Missiue, Con- appreuis the samva in all pointtis, and ordanis the samyn to be put to seruatour. ./ i ' »/ ± 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 Vynraham thair generall agent, with awyse of Edinbrugh, to remember this matter to his Majiste and Secreit Counsale, and to cans 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 his 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. The Samyn day, the saidis comissioneris hes statut and ordanit that wou^andfof-" th^ magistratis of ilk brugh cans the actis of parliament maid aganis biddm guids. tran,sporting 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 vsiug of ony licence or dispensatioun to that effect, vnder the pane of escheit of the woll or pairt thairof and tynsell of thair fredomeis f^or euir, and that ilk brugh at thair nixt generall conventioun schaw and produce thair delegence in proceiding aganis thair nichtbouris contrauenearis heirof. Couceiitton of Royal Burylis. M\^ and in vplifting of the said penalteis and depryueing thame of thair liberteis, and to that effect to exhibite and produce thairwith to the saidis burrowis the special! nameis of thair nichtbouris contrauenearis, with cer- tefecatioun to ilk brugh that salbe fund remis or negligent heirvnto thai salbe decernit in ane vidaw of fyve hundreth merkif? to the saidis bur- rowis, and this to be ane held 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 Agent contra agent and vtheris aganis the brughis of Klirkcudbricht, Wigtoun, and Wigtoun',"" ' ' Innernes, for owerseing and componeing with vnfremen and foirstalleris to |™tn'tr^' 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 half done wrang thairinto, and inhibitis and dischargeis thame and all vther brughis in tyme cuming of all owerseing and componeing with the said vnfremen i-owpping 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- *s™ts oompts. die. Air, Stryviling, Lynlythquow, to convene the morne be vj houris in the morneing and tak in the haiU 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 himselff and in name ^°^'^ss- 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 Andrew vpon the Laird Fyschear."^" ""^ of Eister Veymis, and vtheris thair awin expenssis in trauelhng thairinto, 3 X 406 Co7ivention of Royal Btcrghs. with the quhilk the saidis coinmissioneris being awyssit, thai fand them- seliffis 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 agveit 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, skj^nns quhatsiimevir or woll, ten sowz, of ilk tua twn hering or keling ten sous, ilk twn claith twentie sous, ilk twn lynt, hempt, cabilzarne, ten sous, ilk twn wax twentie sous, ilk tua twn pik or tar ten sous, ilk twn talloun ten sous ; and the collection of this impost to be and begyn at the first day of lulij nixtocum and to contenew quhilk the fiftene day of Maij nixt thairefter 1596. And for collecting and in bringing thairof makis constitutis and ordanis the said Thomas Fisher thar lauchtfull vndoutit factour and collectour, with powir to him be himselff or his deputtis, for quhome he salbe bappin to ansuer, to intromet thairwith vplift collect and imbring the samyn, to be gewin and imployit for refoundiu to him and his collegis 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 paj'ment to him of the samyn immediatlie efter thair return- eing from thair veyageis ; and for the mair securite ordanis the maois- 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 returneing, and ilk commissioner present or ellis the said Thomas himselff to intimit this present ordinance to the saidis magistrattis. Con ve/ttion of Boycd Burghs. 4G7 3-1. The samyn day, compeirit lohnne Boyd, burges of Edinburgh, alegeit Boyde, ladger. iadger, visitour, and marker of the baill burrowis salmond, hering and qiihyt fische, packit and to be packit within this realm, and exhibit and producit the pretendit gift maid to him and vmquhile William Maeairtney of the said office be oure Souerane Lord vnder the Priiiie 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 and entres that he hes or may pretend to the said office be wertew 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 foii'saidis commissi oneris fbeandl convenit vnder- ^5'""'^™°' '^<'s' Ti, ., of compts. standing that the persouns [appomtet] to the heiring of the comptis of lames Vynrame [agent] fund the said lames to be super expendit [and the] burrowis to be awaiid to him de claro of all .... sen his last comptis to the day and dait heiroff the sovme of thre hundreth fourtene Commissio pundis thre schillings quhill forder ordour be tane for payment thairof, rowis? ordanis the said lames to compeir before the sewin burrowis appointit to Best of geue- 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 commissioun and power to the said sewin burghis to tak ordour thairanent. 36. The samyn day, findis the honour of thair estaitt greitlie preiud- Statute, cnwp- geit be ane certane number of burgessis and fremen of burrowis quha,tiiai1,°Girnei- leweing all vther tred, hes laitlie tane thame to the foirstalling, regraitting''°s.— ii'ssme. and kowpping of al sort of wittuall and thairby the derth of sic necessar viweiis daylie incressit, for remeid quhairof the said coramissioneris of 4G8 Convention of Royal Barghs. buiTowis hes thoclit expedient statut and ordanit, that na burgessis and fremen of burrowis tak vpoun hand to by ony kynd of wittuall in tbe cuntrey to kowp and sell the samyn agane in ane fre burgh, with- out he convert the samyn be his awin handle werk and labour in ane vther forme, that is to say, the beir in malt, the qulieit 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 contenit 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 wifci^uall is bocht be north Montros ; Forder it is alsua thocht expedient statut and ordanit, that na freman quha sail happin to girnell any kynd of wittuall bocht within the realm huird and keip the samyn to ane derth, bot thay half thair girnellis and selleris patent at all tymeis to all oure Souerane Lordis leigis, and mak mercatt thairof with all dele- gence howewir the priceis gang, to wit, that thay sell the meill compleit- lie within ane moneth efter the girnelling thairof, and the humill corne within tuentie dayis, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of xl li. totius quotiiits to be payit to the mag-istrattis 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. Burrowis 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, fgrme ane artikill to the Estaittis for ordour to be tane in favouris of the magistrattis of burrowis that thai be nocht trublit as thai half 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 fiite and schaw to thame the persoun lyand at the home ; item to forme ane artikle for obtening the act of parliament maid anent trublis 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 burges and dis- honour of the natioun; item ane artikle in favouris of the fre buiTowis that na erectioun in ane fre brugh be grantit to ony brugh of barronie or Convention of Bo ijal 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 artikill] anent the san- deil poilkis in the west .... of hering is diatroyit. 38. The samyn day, it is thocht expedient statut and ordanit, that na Statute geving 1 p 11 -1 1 1 1 1 1 • • ■ i° °* articles Durges 01 ony brugh, nor na partikulare brugh be thair commissioner, to pariiameut presume to gif in ony maner of artikle to ane parliament or conventioun tiouns. generall of the estaittis without thai first comwnicat the [samyn] to the commissioneris of burrowis than convenit and obtene thair speciall awyse and consent tliairto, 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 oflice within the with the oom- samyn intromettis with the comoun rent thairof, vsis and disponis the™^''™^^g"^° sainyn 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 thair brugh at thair returneing. 40 The samyn day anent the desyre of the brugh of Lanerik desyringLanerk „, ,, ■, ,-,r,i , 1, 1 Stayne weoht. the burrowis to ressaue of thame the lust quantite oi the stane wecnt and to thair mesouris according thairto, the saidis burrowis ordanis g°™J^'^'°'' thame to send and present thair iust .... to the sewin burrowis b>ii™wes. 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 held of the missiue. 41. The samyn day, ordanis ane missiue to be direct to the prouest, Giasquow bailleis, and counsall of Giasquow in name of the haill burrowis, schawand '""^' that the saidis burrowis is nocht a litill offendit that thai conforme nocht themselflis to the comlie ordour of vther fre burrowis in haifing ane deyne 470 Convention of Royal Burghs. Commession Sevin burrowes Innerketliiii£r Exemptio Wigtoun. . Exemptio Feblis. of gild and electing of gild brother and thairfoir desyring thame to send tua comniissioneris for the merchandis and tua for the craftis to compeir afc Edinbrugh the first day of August nixt before the commissioneris of the sewin burrowis appointit to conwene thairatt to informe thame mair fuUelie 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 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- bourisTto Edinbrugh to informe thame sufScientlie 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 prouj^ding awayis that thai send to ilk convention n with the commissioner of the nixt brugh thair attentik lettre 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 Convention of Boyal Burghs. 471 or ony vtber caus vtherwayis to be . And that the expenssis quhilk thai haif cost thame be bestowet vpoun tbair 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 Innernes fra all conventiouns besouthe Tay for the zeir nixtocnm, and remittis vnto them tbair 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 sf)ace of thre zeiris alanerUe, viz., for the ankerage of ilk schip that sail happin to arryive to the herberie xiij s. ij d., for ilk bark sax scbillingis . . . d., for ilk boit iij s. iiij d, to be payit of all persouns alsweil fi'e as vnfre ; and siclyke granttis the impost following 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 vllis tua barreU, ilk boit inch rungis (?) half ane hundreth, of ane boit . . . . Exemptio Arbroth, Innernes, vulawis remittit. 472 Coiivantion of Royal Burghs. treis , ilk bark ladin with jeistis and sparis ane jeist tua sparis, of ane boit hering ane hundreth, provj'ding awayis that this 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 brughis 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 contenitin the said complaint; baith the saidis pairteis being personalia present the said commissioneris of burrowis contenewis thair ansuer geving thairto quhill 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 Records of the Convention ends here, a 'poHion being evidently wanting. The Icdter part of the volume hears evidence of halving long lain in an unhound state, and the coiicluding leaves are much frayed and ohliterated.] In the Ge7ievall Conventiouns of Burrowis, hegun and haldin at the hrugh of Aberdein, the first day of lulijj"" v" foure scoir saxtene zeiris, Compeirit the Commis- sio7ieris of Burrowis, and producit thair commissiouns At Aberdein. ^^^ mmier following : To toit, Edinbrugh, Richart Dobie, merchand, Eduard Galbraith, skynner; Perthe, Henrie Adamesoun ; Dondie, William Doncane, merchand ; Aberdein, Thomas Meinzes of Dome, provest, Alexander Rutherfuird ; Glasquow, Thomas Pittigow ; Sanctandrois, Dauid Awerie ; Stirliug, Walter Cowane, Lynlythquow, Andi'ow Ker, clerk; Air, George Cocherane; Hadingtoun, Convention of Royal Bu/yhs. 473 lobu Carkettill ; Kirkcaldie, lohnne Halkett ; Mwnros, lobnne Vilsoun ; Anstruther Eister, lohne Aastruther, clerk ; Dumfries, be tbair missiiie and lettre of ratificatioun presentit be Vigtoun ; Innernes, Alexander Cuthe- bert, prowest ; Breicban, William Ramsay ; Elgyne, Alexander Boyne ; Kirkcudbricbt, William Makgie ; Vigtoun, lohnne Hannay of Kirkdaill ; Dumferling, Robert Patoun ; Dumbartane, thair exemptiouns and instruc- tiouns producit be Walter Cowane, commissioner of Stirling ; Renfrew, be tbair missiue and exemptioun, producit be lames Wynram ; Arbroth, Abrabam Creicbtoun, 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 misj-iue producit be Maister Thomas Malisoun ; Quhithorne be thair missiue pro- ducit be Kirkcudbricbt ; Forfar, Androw Hunter ; Rugiein 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 ; Innerkeytbing, George Durie, clerk ; Kil- ranny be tbair 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 fii-st in commissioun thairof, thair moderatour induring this presenfr con- ventioun. 3. The samyn day, Alexander Wod, commissioner of Lauder, ratefeis Eatificatio, all tbingis to be done in this conventioun, and, in respect of the said *^^ ®'' brughis exemptioun, granttis him licence to depairt fra this conven- tioun. 4. The samyn day, Maister Thomas Malysoun, commoun clerk of the Citatiouu brugh of Aberdein, veryfeit the laufull citatioun of the burrowis to this ^"'^^ ^^^ ' present conventioun, and producit the delegence in writt thaii-vpoun. 5. The samyn day, decernis the brughis vnderwrittin, and ewerie ane of Burrowes thame, in ane vnlaw of xx li. for non compeirance to this present con ven- ch;a]^e 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 lames Vnrame thair agent in name of the burrowis, and be to vplift the samyn and lais 3 O 474 Conventto7i of Royal Burghs. lettres to that effect, quiiairwith he is to be chairgit thairwith in tis comptis. Burrowes g_ The samyn day, decernis the brughis of Perthe, Foifar, Quhithorne, M'Nachts , and ewerie ane of thame, in ane vnlaw of xx li.. to be payit ciiairge agent, ^o lames Vynram thair agent in thair nameis, and that for non payment to Rodger M'Matht, coUectour of thair pairts of the last extent of the vyneis and customeis, and of Adame Foullertouns extent, thay being sua mony tymeis requyrett thairto and dissobeyit ; and ordanis 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 betuixt 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 Houres of . •' ../,.., ■-,,-, ? oonventiouu, couventioun to be at vlij houris in the mornemg ilk day, and to contenew spei-mg. 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 pane. Eowpping of y. The samyn day, anent the sax act of the last conventioun concerne- guids. ing the rowpping and setting of comoun guidis, and ryiding of marcheis, TOweTviiiawet. fyndi§ the commissioneris presentlie convenit, exceptand as followis, to cijairge agent, haue schawiu and producit thair sufficient delegence thairvpoun in writt, and fyndis the commissioneris of Glasquow.Sanctandrois, CrailljHadingtoun, and Foifar, na vayis to liaue 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 burrowis absent at this conventioun vnder the pane contenit in the said act ; and this to be ane heid of thair missiueis. innerketLing, 9. The samyn day, anent the foui'tie tua act of the last conventioun, Ooramissio^"' quhairby certane burrowis was appointit to tak ordour with the desire of the brugh of Innerkeithing 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 Convention of Royal Bnnjlis. 475 thairvpoun ; and anent ane complaint presentlie gewin in be lohn Daue- son, lohn Swyntoun, and certaine vtlieris thair collegis, burgessis of tlie said brugb, aganis Thomas Michell, lohn Broun, Mark Swyntoun, and cer- tane vtheris thair collegis, burgeisses of the samyn, for intending to sett in few thair commoun guid within the awaill, 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 off 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 ceis fra all forther setting or disponeing of the saidis commoun landis or commoun guid and mylnnis quhill the said mater be decj'dit. 10. The samyn day, the saidis commissioneris, understanding that cer- Statute. Pay- tane burrowis hes of lait bene in vse to pay thair pairt of the KingisJiouns wftt Maiesties taxatiouns with the reddiest of thair commoun guid, findis the^j™™^^"^^!""^ 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 manor 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 this present ordinance. 47G Convention of Royal Burghs. Secundo lulij j" v'' Ixxxxvj, Anent viifre trafficqtiers, crafts of su- burbs, fore- stallers, cow- pers. Agent. Missiue. Statute. Lan messouris, water niesoar. Missiue. 11. The qnhilk day, the commissionoris of burrowis foirsaidis being convenitj anent the sewintt and nynt actis of the last conventioun concern- ing the vnfre traffiqueris and craftis in suburbs and outland burgessis, 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 gritUe incres- sit in the north and all vther pairtis of the realme, sa that with proces of tyme the haill cuntrey wairis will fall in said vnfremenis handis to be vsit at thair plesour : For remeid quhairof the saidis commissioneris of bur- rowis fyndis it expedient, statutis, and ordanis that ilk brugh within them- 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 lames to caus call, follow, and persew the suspensiouns quhair ony is raissit 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 li. to the burrowis without favouris. d 12. 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 furlott, it is thocht expedient, statut, 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. All iu all tyme c\iming couforme 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 caus this act be put to guid executioun be vnlaw- ing and pvnisching of thair nichtbouris, contravenaris thairofF; and the brugh failzeing thairinto, and being accusit and convictit thairof in the conventioun of burrowis, to pay ane vnlaw of xx li. to the saidis burrowis, 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 strangeris vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of XX li. toties quotiis, 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 caus this present act to be keipit and put to scherp 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 heirvpoun at the nixt generall conventioun, and this to be ane heid of the missiue. 13. The samyn day, ordanis the brugh of Brunteland to schaw and pro-Brantiiand. duce forther delegence in writt, at the nixt conventioun, of the depryueing of thair outlandis burgessis, conforme to the sext act of the last conven- tioun, and specialie vpoun WUliam Trumbill, merchand, vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of xx li. 1 i. The samyn day, anent the xxix act of the last conventioun, con- Bume coin. cerning the transporting of burne coll furth of the realm, quhairby it is yuiawit. " ^°^' ordanit that ilk brugh at this conventioun sould reporte thair delegence ^ggj^fji^l™^'; 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 Boijal Burghs. to be payit to tlie saidis burrowis, and to be persewit and collectit be thair agent, and he to be chairgit thairwith in his comptis ; and ordanis ilk brugh within quhais boundis the bnrne coll may be careit away, to scliaw to the nixt conventioun thair forther delegence in writ in putting to executioun the said act, and actis of parliament concemeing burne coll, viider the pane of ane vnlaw of tua huadreth 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 Counsall and Cheker, vse all possibill moyane for balding at hame of the said burne coll, porting wou" J 5. The samyn day, anent the threttie act of the last conventionn, con- Coimssio. Mis- cerning the transporting of woll furth of the realm, ratefeis and apprewis the samyn, and oi'danes 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. Fysciiears im- 16. The samyn day, anent the xxsiij act of the last conventioun, con- c°imissio™6x cerneing the impost grantit to Thomas Fischer in Edinburch and his collegis, burrowes. £qj, rembursino- to thame of foure hundreth frankis debursit be thame 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 oif 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. Sanctandrois J 17 fpj^g samvn dav, anent the complaint of Sanctandrois aganis the contra Ana- ^ ^^ „ . « truther Wester, brugh of Anstruther 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 corn- plant, vnder the pane of xx li., and this to be ane heid of the missiue. Convention of Royal Burghs. 479 18. The samyn day, gewis commissioiin to the present commissioneris Agents rest of of the brughis of Edmburgh, Perthe, Dundie, Aberdein, Lynlythquow, Air.mS! and Stirling, to convene the morne at sax houris in the morneing, 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 intromission n with the burrowis pairt of the last generall extent of ane hundreth thou- sand pundis, mentionat in the said act ; togidder with his compt of the extent of tua hundreth pundis, grantit for calling of the regratouris, con- forme to the XXV) 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 :Ageiit,Mi!i,siue. 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 remembevance, 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 estabilli.shit vrithin thair brugh, or ellis to alege ane ressonabiU caus in the contrair, vnder the pane of ane hundreth pundis, to be payit be the said brugh or pairtie failzeand 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 bruchis ofCommissio, T-T T c-^,- T T T »i /-i^ r~i Conseruatour, Edmbrugh, Perthe, Dundie, Stirling, Lynlythquow, Glasquow, Gouper, Excyse beir. Sanctandrois, or ony foure of thame with Edinbrugh, to convene at Edin- ^'"'*' brugh, vpoun aduertesement of the said brugh, for intreitting of tlie mater 480 Co7iventio7L of Boy al Burghs. of the excyse beir and wyne in Campheir, and all vther materis that the haill burrowis hes ado with my lord Conseruatour, woit, conclude, and decerne thairiatill 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 eompt, 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 obtene in the saidis lettres, quliilk 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. Commisaio, 21. The quhilk day, the commissioneris of buiTOwis being convenit, it of"thelmc^t was reportit vnto thame, be the commissioneris depute to haue convenit Ed' b^^'^h""' ^'^^^ ^^y ^^ ^^^ houris in the morneing 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 tliairwith, 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 held of the nixt missiue to tak compt of the brugh of Edinbrugh Iiow 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 presentlie alegeit be thame. Convention of Royal Burghs. 481 22. The samyn day, findiss the burrowis vnderwittia to haue failzeit in Oe^ane bur- , , , . rowes vnlawet. pajonent 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 thairfoir to the saidis bur- rowis, that is to say, the brughis of Perthe, Glasquow, Sanctandrois, Couper, Dumfreis, Innernes, Irewin, ledbrugh, Dumbartane, Renfrew, Lanerik, Ar- Perthe payii; brothe, Peblis, Craill, Thane, Selkirk, Anstruther Wester, Culros, Banff, Glasquow, Quhithorne, Forfar, Rosay, Ruglein, Northeberuik, Nairne, Lauder, Dysart: AbrothrPebiis, Prouyding awayis that giff samony of the commissioneris of the said bur- Quiiithome, J o J a ..... ,. . , J. Forfar, Lauder, rowis quha ar present pay thair principall soume presentlie thai to be fre all payit ; of the said vnlaw, and failzeing thairof they to be subiect to pay the said ga^tandrois. 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 Precept, agent. to Henrie Adamesoun, commissioner of Perthe, the soume of ten pundis ; and to Androw Ker, commissioner of Lynlythquow, the soume of thre pundis ; to Walter Cowane, commissioner of Sterling, sax pundis ; and, to the commissioner of the brugh 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, mentiouat 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 p^J;'"!"^;^ ^^ factouris in Campheir vsand merchandiice, mentionat in the 28 act of the Missiue. 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 Burghs. statute. 25. The samyn day, vnderstan ding thatt thair is ane grit diuersitie and Eivand. vnequalite of weclitis 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. Commissio sax 26. The samyn day, gewis powir and commissioun to the brughis of Edinbrugh, Perthe, Dundie, Aberdein, Lynlythquow, Mwnros, or ony foure of thame, be thame seltEis or thair commissioneris electit be thame, to con- vene at the said brugh of Edinbi-ugh 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- 1. lowing to witt : — To deill witli his Maiestie Lordis of Secreit Counsall and tomes^. "^" Cheker anent his Grace customeis for balding the samyn vnraysit or alterit from thair former estait, be sic meanis as thay think expedient. ■o -li ^iV Ti Item, In name of the saidis buiTowis, tak ordour with his Maiestie and Eaidtothelles. ' _ . , . Lordis foirsaid, anent the seruice of his Mageste in the raid appointit to- wardis the Illis agane the first day of August nixt. 3- Item, To confere and ressoun with his Maiestie and Lordis foirsaidis, Lochqnhffber anent the artikle direct to the saidis buiTOwis, for sending ane number to and the lies. ini^.^"bi(;e and duell in the mowth of Lochquhaber, and sum vther pairt of the Ileis. ^ ,_ *• , Item, to intreatt and confere in name of the saidis burrowis with his Imbassage to ' France. 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. innerkething. Item, To intreit and decyid vpoun the mater of the brugh of Inner- Convention of Royal BargJis. 483 keything concerneing the setting in few thair commoim myln and com- moun landis conforme to the act of this present conveutioun. Item, To trauell with his Magiste and Lordis foirsaidis for halding oi^^-a v^uvna the woll and burne coll within the realm. c"'"- 7. Item, To call in before thame Thomas Fischer, merchand, burges ofF^schear. 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 cuming fra the day expyreit in the said act. Item, To tak ordour with the fyve hundreth pundis of excresens of the y; h. of the burrowis pairt of the last generall extent of ane hundreth thousand pundis, '^J'™'™^ p''"1 ^ o -L ' of the generall conforme to the act of this present conventioun, promesaud 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 EiecUouns of the preiudice done to fre burrowis in erecting priuatlie of brughis of bar- *™ ''"™'^^^- roneis, kirkclachanis and vtheris small villageis, with als grit liberteis as the fre burrowis hes ; with speeiall 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 expenssisPrecept ageAt. it sail happin the saidis commissioneris conveneand to deburse, ordanis lames Vynrame, thair general! 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 o^ the willageis of Straunawer andinnemea 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 erectious of the Chanorie in ane fre brugh, purchest be M'Kainze ; becaus the saidis burrowis be thair authoritie can nocht repair the samyn thay will and desyre the saidis compleneris to seik redres thairoft" 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 in 484 Convention of Royal Bunjlis. Air, Glaiquow. Irewyne, Dum- bartan, contiu Kirkcudbriclit. Missiue. Agent, Abir- fleyne cuntra Bamff. Cbairge agent. Missiue. thair societie quliill the saidis compleneris be first hard and thair cousent haid thairto. , 28. The samyn day, aaent the complaint of the brughis of Air, Glas- quow, Irewin, and Dumbartane, aganis the brugh of Kirkcudbricht, men- tionat in the act of the last conventioun, the commission eris 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, Androw 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 Mwi'e 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 commissioneris 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 saidis burrowis aganis tbame, 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. 29. The samyn day, anent the complanit of lames Vynrame, agent, and the brugh of Aberdein, aganis the brugh of Banff, for thair outland bur- 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 vnlift Convention of Roijal Bur(jhs. 485 tlie samyn quha is to be cbairgit 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™ \°, Ixxxxvj. 30. The quhilk day, the commissioueris of burrowis being conwenit,^°^'™''^^^jjj anent the complaint of the brughls 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 decernis 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 that the said brugh of Sanctandrois mak publicatioun of this present ordinance throw thair brugh at mercatt tyme of day to the countrey, and obserue and keip the samyn vnder the pane of ane vnlaw of xx li., to be payit to the saidis burrowis sa oft as thay faOze. 31. The samyn day, ratefeis and apprewis the act of burrowis maidTrafficque ia aganis the traffik and negotiatioun of burrowis within the dominiouns of |Pgf"® ^^^' 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 bulk, 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 panels thairin coiitenit ; and the commis- sioneris present to aduerteis their brughis 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 nameis of the contrauenearis and penulteis vphftit fra thame, vnder the paneis contenit in the said act ; and this to be ane heid of the nixt missiue. Abirdeyne. gQ. 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 schillin- 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 Ire 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 laidia 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 payit to the burrowis. statute anent 33, The samvn day, vndersfcanding that thair is dyuerssis foirstalleris sorting to fail-sand rcgratouris quha resortis to fairis and mercattis of free burrowis, call- an mer ats. j^^ thame selffis burgessis and fremen of burrowiss, thay nathir beand burgessis hot 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 burgessis of quhatsumevir brugh within this realm quha cummis to the somer fairis and mercattis of the said bi'ugh and schirefdome of Abirdein, 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 testimonial! of the deyne of gild of thair brugh testefeing thame to be bui^essis actuall induelleris and residcntis (jf that bruch Coni'cntion of Ron al Burghs. 487 quliair thay are fre, and gif it be ane fremanis seruand that corns to the saidis fairis and mercattis, by and attour the tiket or testemoniall of his maisteris fredome and residence, to bring and produce alsua with him his maisteris attestatioun, beiring that he is his actuall seruand remayneing in hous at bed and buird witli him ; and quhasoewir dois in the contrair heirof that it salbe lesum to ilk fre brugli to persew, arreist, and vse liim as ane vnfreman, regratour, or forstaller. 34. The samyn day, anent the complaint of the commissioneris of the^Q^'°j^"^'Jj^„j.|.. brugh of Edinbrugh aganis Dauid Awerie, commissioner foi' the said brugh "^'"irois. of Sanctandrois, in name of the said brugh, for taking of tua excyse bollis 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 arryuit 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 decernis and ordanis the saidis prouest bailleis and counsall of Sanctandrois to rander and del^-uer to the saidis William Naper and lohn Dowgall the saidis tua excyse bollis ry or price thairof as the samyn was sauld, becans 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 excj'se 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 samyn day, the commissioneris of burrowis hes exemit and Exemptio, exemis the brugh of Innernes fra all conventiouus, be southe 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 buiTowis, for clerk feyis, agent feyis, or ony vther 488 Conve7it:ion of Royal Jiurglis. 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 commoun 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. Licences fra Impost. Perth. Impost. Linlylhquow, Impost. The quhilk day, the commission eris of burrowis foirsaidis being conwenit, findis expedient, statutis, and ordanis, that na licence be grantit fra thyne furthe to ony bragh to impetrat of oure Souerane Lord ony sort of impost for reperatioun of thair balvark, 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 expyre 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 impetrat 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 witli ane i-yding man ij d., of ilk nolt 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 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, and lykwyis tliat it be contenit in thair gift that the samyn sail nocht be renewit quhill compt be maid of the zeiris of the former gift. ■iO. The samyn day, granttis and gewis licence to the brugh of Kirk- Kirkcaldy. caldy to impetrat of oure Souerane Lord ane gift of the impost following, ™P°^'' for reparatiouQ of thair decayit herberie, to be imployit be thame for vphalding and reparatioun thairoff, that is to say : of ilk chalder salt vj 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 awj'is that thai mak zeirlie compt to the burrowis of the imployment thairof 4 I . The samyn day, granttis and gewis licence to the brugh of Inner- innemcs. nes to impetrat of oure Souerane Lord the gift of the impost following, 1™?°"'' for reparatioun of thair decayit herbere and brig, to be implojdt be thame for reparatioun of the samyn, that is to saj' : 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 harrell 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 buiTowis 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 sajd conventioun, togidder 3 P 490 Convention of Royal Burg-hs. Craill contra Aiistrutlier Eister. Missiue. Precept, agent, Nesbett. euppoi't. Mibsiue. with all soumes of mony that it sail happin thame to be restand awand for the tyme to the burrowis, for ony maner 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 xlli. 43. The sam3rn day, contenewis the complaint of Craill contrair An- struther Eister to the nixt generall conventioun, and ordanis baith the pairteis to compeir sufficientle instructit with thair richtis and ansueris, vnder the pane of xx li., and this to be ane heid of the missiue. 44. The said day, the commission aris of burrowis 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 converr- tioun, quhilk salbe alio wit to the said agent in his comptis. Kirkcudbriciit, 45. The samyn day, anent the supplicatioun of tlie brugh of Kirkcud- 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 comraissioun to the sex burrowis appointit agents compts.to convene at Edinbrugh to heir the comptis of lauies Vynrame, agent, sen his last comptis, and to tak ordour how he salbe payit of the soumeis 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 fund tryit negligent thairinto before the fyve burrowis, that he salbe depryueit of his office and ane vther put in his place. 47. The samyn day, eximis the brugh of Elgyne fra all conventiounis generall be south the brugh of Mwnros for the space of thre zeiris nixto- cum with the provisionis conteuit 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. Ag-ent "vnlawes. Elgyne, eitruptio. Convention of Roijal Burghs. 40 1 48. The samyn day, granttis and gewis to Maister Thomas Malysoun, Precept, commoun clerk of Aberdein, the soume of tuenty pundis for his panis and of 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. The samyn day, deisertis and dissolueis this present conventioun, Nixt conven- and appoints and affixis thair nixt conventioun generall to be begun and '°"''' haldin at the brugh 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 magistrattis 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 Bi'unte- Kirkcaldy land for vplifting of hear dewteis of ankerageis nor is contenit in ane uand. 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 oft as thai failze. 5 1 . The samyn day, at the eirnest exhortatioun and adraonitioun of statute, di- Maister Peter Blaikburne, minister of this brugh, thai ordane the comrais- pa^i.c?Xiuis. sioneris of ilk brugh quhair thair is ony grit congregatioun to desyre thair ^issiue. magistrattis and counsale, in name of the saidis burrowis, for manteyneiug 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 weUl reformeit commoun weillis, and as is begun in dyuers brugbis 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 held 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 Rutherford, commis- sioner. George Cochrain, commissioner for Ayr. I. Durie for Innerkething. Thomas PetteoTew, commissioner. lohne a'Haunayj commissioner for Vigtoun. Ihone Wilsone, commissioner in Montrose. Walter Cowane, commissioner for Sterling. Dawe* Ewery. Andro Ker, for Linlythqw. lohnne Carkettill. Will. Ramsay, for Brechin. Ihone Douglas. A. Broun, for Kingorne. A. Boyne, commissionar of Elgyn. Andro Hunter, for Forfar. I. Anstruther of that ilk, for Anster. Abraham Crechtoun. Ihone Hacket. Edinburprh. In the Particular Conventioun of the Conimissioneris of the sex Burrotvis vnder tvrittin, depute be the Generall Conventioun of Burrowis, begun and haldin at the brugh of Abirdein the first day of Iidij I" v' foure scoir saxtene zeiris, to iutreif, ressoun, and conclude vi^oun the materis efter specyfeit, conforme to the nynt, saxtene, nynetene, tuentie ane, tuentie sax, and forte sax, actis of the said Conventioun Generall, and appointit to melt at Edinbrugh the xx day of the said moneth of lulij, Comperit the said day and place the Commissioner is of the saidis sex Burrowis, and producit their commissiouns, seillit and suhscryuit to that effect, That is to say : ConveidloH of Royal Burglis. 493 Ediubrugh, Henrie Nesbefc, Thomas Aikinheid ; Perfcbe, Patrik Blair, deyne of gild, lames Adamsoun, tbesaurer ; Dundy, Robertt Flescbour, merchand ; Aberdein, Alexander Rutherfuird ; Lynlythquow, Andrew Ker, clerk ; Muntros, lames Makane. 1. The samyn day, the saidis commissioneris electit and constitut the Moderatour. said Henre Nesbett thair moderatour during this present conventioun. '1. 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 ™s'°"'^^- 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 Raid 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. •1. 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 ane sufficient nvmber to inhabite the samyn. 5. iTEii. Anent the fourt artikle of the said act, for sending to France imbasaatour 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 croun, 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 WoU, burne- and burnecoll, and anent the last artikle, concerning the erectioun of the '^°^^^' ^^"'' new burrowis, findis guid to meyne the samyn to his Maiestie and Lordis foirsaid, conforme to the conclusioun of the saidis artikleis and to insist thairinto, ordaneing lames Vynram, agent, to cans mak tua billis to be gevin in thairvpoun. xxj lulij j™ v° Ixxxxvj. 7. The quhilk day, the commissioneris foh'said being convenit, anent 494 Convention of Royal Burghs. Fyschear. Impost in France. Innerkething. the sevinfc artikle of the xxvj act of the last conventioun generall, to- gidder with the xvj act thairof, concerning Thomas Fischer and the lait impost at Deip, at lenthe mentionat in the saidis actis, compeirit 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 quhilk ansuer the saidis commissioneris war satiffeit. 8. The samyn day, anent the nynt act of the said last conventioun generall, and fyft artikle of the xxvj act thairof, concerneing 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 bailleis and counsale for setting in few ferme of the commoun landis, ewerie ane of thame to vtheris far within the valour, and for particular guid deid and buddis and specialie the rowme callit the Pratous, and the pece 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 Broim, baillie, George Durie, clerk, William Blaikburne, Harie Doncane, for thame selfSs 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 lerne 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 followis, 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 nocbt 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 puadis, quhairof fifte pundis att Mychalmes 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 saidis landis according to the conditiouus 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 entres siller, quhilk entres is ordanit to be bestowit vpouQ the biging of the commoun calsay that passis throw the saidis landis ; and vpoun all and sindre the premissis the saidis defenderis askit actis and instrumentis. 9. The samyn day, anent the nyntene act of the last conventioun Giasquow. generall, concerneing the erectioun of ane gildre within the brugh of '^^'"''' Giasquow, compeirit Thomas Pittigrow, merchand, and lames Braidwod, ane of the deykins of the said brugh, and producit ane commission sub- scryuit be the provest, baiUeis, 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 uane may impose that to thame bot thair superiour and be thair consent, quhairwith thay as zit ar nocht resoluit, ane wechtie mater that heirtofore 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 fand that thai refuissit to satisfe the desyre of the said generall conventioun of burrowis, 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 conventioun of bur- rowis, and thair to haue gevin ane ressoun to ewerie heid thairof ; and thairefter the saidis tua commissioneris was at lenth content to accept the samyn to the effect foirsaid ; 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 general! conventioun of burrowes, ordaning the said burch to send twa commissioners for the merchants and crafts to the said conventioun to ressoun 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 general! missiue. Segatt, -[ 0. The sam day, anent the supplicatioun gevin in before the generaU conventioun of burrowes, haldin at Abirdeyne in Inlij instant, be Alexan- der Segatt merchant in Edinburch, malvand marratioun of his travellis tayne to the well! 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 office of ane factour thair, wes appojmtet 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 general! 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, zeirHe, of the reddiest of the said excyse beir and wyne grantet to oure natioun be the said toun of Campheir, ordaning the conseruatoiir and distributers of the samyn to caus him be ansueret and obeyet thairof in during the will of the general! conventioun of burrowes, and with provisioun that he remayne at the said toun and exerce the office of factour to the natioun Convention of Rot/aJ Bniyhs. 41)7 within the samyn; and as to the said recompance thay referit to the con- sidderatioim of tlie nixtt general! conventjoun of burrowes. xxiij° lulij j™ v'' Ixxxxvj". Ansuer to the race 11. The quhilk day, the commissioners foresaid beand convenet, after ^V'"^"* resomng vpoun the ansuer to be gevin to his Maieste and Lords of ^^^ Counsaii. Chekker and Counsaii to the articles sent to the generall conventioun, and be the said generall conventioun refeirit to the commissioners present, they cawset pen 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 buik : off the quhilk the tenour foUowes : — The ansuer maid to the Kings Maiesteis Counsaii be 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 held 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 effect, quhair the said burrowes sail do thair debtfull dewty for his Maiesties honour and proffeitt. 2. As for ansuer to the secund held 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. 3 Q 498 Convention of Royal Burghs. 3. As for tlie 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 thame 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 trafBcquing. It is ansueret : the propositioun lykes the burrowes exceiding weill, for mony respects and considderatiouns, honorabill and maist proffitabillto his Maiestie and haill 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 i-essoun 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 dyvers zeirs to cum. xxiiij° lulij j™ v'' Ixxxxvj". Edinbrugh. 1 2. The quhilk day, the commissioners foresaids fynds that the greitt extent. ''Agent, taxatioun that wes rayset for the Prynces 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 fyve penneis according to the extent roll ; quhilk sowme, the commissioners aU 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 Boyal Burghs. 499 thisj|and^the last"] of August, and failzeing thairof thay ordane the aaid burch to pay the*said lames the said haill sowme of foure hunder twenty pund twelf schilling fyve penneis. Henry Nisbett. R Flescher Jor Dundy. Partrik Blair. Alex"^. Rutherfurd. lames Adamsone. lames Macken. Eduerd Galbraith. In the Particulare Conventioun of Burrowes, appoyntet to &e ^jj v begun and haldin at Ediiiburghe the first day of Aprile thezeir of Godj'^ v" foure scoir sevintein zeirs, for the mater of the Kings Grace cutsomes and hulzioun, he vertew of h is Maiesties lettre missiue direct thair- anent, Conwenit the particular commissioneris follow- ing : — Edinbrugh, Richard Dobie, Eduard Galbraith ; Perth e, 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- Commissio missioun to the present commissioneris of the brughis of Edinbrugh, ous^omes.^'^'' '' 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 Kingis Maieste custome and 500 Convention 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 commissioneris presen- tlie converdt for thame selffis and thair saidis burrowis, 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 foUowis : — 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. EXTEACTS FEOM EECOEDS OTHER THAN THOSE OF THE CONVENTION OF EOYAL BUEGHS. I- — Decree of the Burgesses of Berwick, Edinburgh, Roxburgh, and Stir- ling, convened at the Abbey of Holyrood, Edinburgh, 1 Qth January 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 nullo modo hereditaria 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 arma sua et vtensilia sua cuicumque voluerit in lecto egritudinis 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 lords Jehu cryst at the abbaj- of the haly croe of Edinburghe that is to say that schippis forcastis 3 R 502 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 efter 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.] II. — Decree of the GouH of Four Burghs (Edinburgh, Stirling, Lanark, and Linlithgow,) held at Stirling, \2th October 1405. — From the Acts of the Parliament of Scotland, vol. i., p. 339. In Curia Quatuor BtJRGORUM tenta apud Stirling xii diemensis Octobris Anno Domini M,cccc,v decretum est quod duo vel tres sufBcientes de quo- libet Burgo domini Regis ex parte australi aqua 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 balden at Stirling the twelft day of the raoneth of October, M,cccc,V It is decreited that twa or thrie suffi- cient Burgesses of ilk ane of the Kings Burghs upon the south side of the water of Spey hauand sufficient commission compear zearlie to the Con- vention of the foure Bui-ghes to traite ordaine and determe vpon all things concerning the vtilitie of the common well of all the Kings Burghs their liberties and Couit.] Item quod nullus cujuscunque status fuerit replegiare poterit hominem suum de transgressione forisstaUandi, extra Curiam Burgi vel Itineris Cam- erarij exceptis his qui habent burgum propinquum vel eis proximum ah antiquis temporibua 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 quha hes ane burgh neir adjacent to them hauand priviledge in auld times in sic causses.J Convention of Royal Burghs. 503 Item quod nuUus gaudeat libertate burgi nisi habuerit vnam teiram hospitatain et distringibilem infra 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.J Item quod nullus burgensis rare manens habeat lot neque cavil equali- ter cum burgensibus inhabitantibus. [Item na burges dwelland a laudwart sould have lot nor cavill with bur- gesses dweUand 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 Gilde. [Item na templair sail intrometwith any merchandise or gudes perteining to the Gilde be buying or selling within or without their awin land bot giff 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 ia lege scripta de burgense ad burgensem qui possunt ponere se ad solum juramentum 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 prescryved in the law betwix Binges 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.] 504 Convention of Royal Burghs. III. — Act of the Council and Community of Aberdeen appointing Commissioners to attend a Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh on ]2th March 1491 — 7 March 1491. — From the Council Records of Aberdeen, vol. vii., p. 243. The samyn day David Menzeis zonger and Jonhe Colisoun was chosin commissionaris be the consale and communite to pass to Ediabrughe 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 Romanis and for the gude of merchandice. IV. — Act of a Convention of the 'Burghs of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perth, Dundee, and Haddington, 2 2d 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, Duude, Hadingtoun, thar thai be direct ane scliap clerk and tua vtheris merchandeis of fasson to the Archiduk of Austria &c. with our Souerane Lordis autorityve writingis and perfit instruc- tionis for remeid tuiching the mater of the letter of merque and the Dukis pro- claniatioun tuiching the safitt gif thar ony sic be. The 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 Burghs, Qth 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 ffude of merchandice. Convention, of Royal Burghs. 505 YI. — Act of the Court of Parliament of Four Burghs held at Edin- burgh, IQth November 1500. — From the Council Records of Edin- burgh, vol. i., p. 28. Curia pari.iajvienti quatoh buegorum 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 secta vocata curia affirmata. The QUHILK day, it is thocht expedient, and als statute and ordanit, inThatnaoraftia- 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 bygaue 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 witliin the burcli hot 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 biirch nor haunt merchandice without he mak continual residence within the burch and pay his dewteis that aocordis 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 samyn to dew executioun as thai will ansour to the 506 Convention of Royal Burghs. Kingis Hienes thairvpoun Extractum libro actorum curie parliamenti quatour burgorum per me Jacobum Petello clericum dicte curie sub meis signo et subscriptione manualibus VII. — Cliarge by the Provost of Edinburgh to the Craft of Skinners in Edinburgh, following upon Signet Letters dated 8th January 1500, ordaining the preceding Act to be put to execution, A:th December 1500. — From the Council Records of Edinburgh, vol. i., p. 28. Quarto die Decembris, anno i™ vc. statute— Skin- The provost, in the Kingis name, chairgit the hale skynn ariscraft that nens vse na ^ . . ° , , . p p merchandice. thai occupie na merchandice, and thair crart eiter the act. COPJA. 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 Greit Chameiien and Commissaris of oure Burrowis, with avyse of thair assessouris in the parliament of oure burrowis haldin at Edinburch, the tent day of Nouember, the zeir of God i™ v"". zeiris, statute and ordauit for the comraoun 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 burch, but occupye his awin craft, vnder the pane of ten poundis, to be rasit vpon the brekeris of the saidis actis, be otire 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 Statute — Na craftsman vse merchandice. Convention of Royal Burghs, 507 oure saidis serchouris, and compt maid theirof in lykewayis in cure Chekker, like as at mair length is contenit in the saidis actis and statute of parlia- ment of fonre burrowis 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 bonndis 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 Thresaurare 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. — A ct of a Head Court of the community of A berdeen and of the Toion Council thairof, appoi^iting commissioners to attend a Con- vention of Burghs at Edinburgh on '12th April 1529, — 5th April 1529. — From the Council Records of Aberdeen, vol. xii., p. 537. At a Held Court 5 April 1529. The said day, the haUl town being conuenit within the tolbuith for the maist pairt in thair held court, dewisit, ordinit, and consentit, all in ane voce that the same counsaU suld pas to thair counsaill houss and dewiss qnhat 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 hurtand 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 Burghs. soun, baith thair commissionaris to the effect forsaid, and dewisit and ordinit xx lbs to be deliuerit thame to furneiss thair expensis and seruands, and ordinit quhat necessar expensis tha mak mair thane the said xx lbs to be deliuerit to thame at thair hame cuming agane. IX. — Minute of Convention of Burghs held at Edinburgh on li April 1529. — From the Council Records of Aberdeen, vol. xii., pp. 557-562. The quhilk day, forsamekle 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 pertening 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 God 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 14 day of Aprill instant that the said Maister Ihone haue in coramissioun 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 followis in the first — ■ Item, it is thocht expedient be the commissionaris of burrowis that the said Maister Ihone Campbell sail desyir the haiU. 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 bi-uik 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 Convciifioji of Royal BurgJis. 509 Moifettys handis, conseruatour, qnliilkis custowme we wnderstand is bofc 6 grit of the sek, Item, becauss thar is mony merchandis that passis in Flanderis and France quhilkis ar wnhonest and takis with tham thar ewill and wirst clais to the dishonour of the realme, that tharfor the said conservatour of the nacioun with awiss of the men of guid causs the said personis to mak tham self honest clais effirand to thair faculte, and gif tlja refuiss till do the same the conseruatour to tak of thair radiest gudis and mak tham honest clais accordandlie with discretioun, Item, it is thocht expedient that the actis of parliament tuching salaris be obseruit and keipit that is to say euery merchand saland sail haue half ane last of guidis of his awin or samekle in storage wnder the pane of 10 hb. Item, that na manner of craftismen within brught sail nor wiss mer- chandis in tyme to cum nether be thame self nor thar 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 Kingis wiss and the tother half to the commend wirkis of the toun quhar tha duel! without fauoris. Item, at na merchand man within this realme occupy of ony man of craft hot vse his awin merchandis without pouertie or mister constrene him tharto wnder the pane of 1 li. to be takin ouj) of him alss oft as he wsis the same to be disponit the tane half to the kingis vse and the totbir half to the commond wirk 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 vthiris and quhar thar be fundis ane merchand nocht hawand half ane last of guidis according to the saidis act of parliament or ellis ane tikat of the port he cums fray admittand him tosaill the said conseruatour to tak fra thar personis that he findis brakand the said actis as said is 1 lib. Scottis the tane half to be applyit to the Kingis grace and the tothir half to the comnioun 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 Burghs. guidis the tane half to be applyit to the Kingis vse and the tothir half to the commend guid of the burght that he cumis fray, Item, it is ordiuit 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 4-0 dais nixt heirefter and that oppia proclamatioun be maid at the merket croces of euery burght that aU 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 he mary ane burges dother or wifF and he bee worth ane hundreth lib. of his awin guidis and ane honest persoun till vse merchan- deis and that na burges be maid without the prouest bailzeis and counsaiU 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 eueiy 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 the 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 the schipes 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 oiip of the said skiparis that salis the tane half to be applyit to the kingis vse and the tother half to the commend 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 vent ion of Royal Burghs. 511 the Kingis vse and the tother half to the commond weill of the toua 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 hying 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 schorHngis 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 grace 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 thocht expedient be the coramissionaris that sic personis be chosin prowest and balzies zearlie that ar burges and induellaris within the burght and naae 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 saU. 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 pleynor perseu 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. Item, that the conseruatour haue of ilk sek of gudis brucht of will skymiis hidis and and wtheris gudis four grit sichk as the skiparis takis his fraucht for the sekkis and that the said conseruatour have no forther interess of the merchandis nor thar gndis hot at he abatene fra all serching of thar gudis and coquet and frauchting bot at the merchandis plesuir. Item. It is desirit be the kingis gTace, for furnesing of the said Maister Ihone in the forsaid erandis, quhilkis concernis the commond weill of mer- chandis and for obseruing and keiping of the forsaid statutis and preuilegis quhilkis redoundis to the perpetuall honour of the kingis grace his realme and veill of his merchandis, that the burrowis 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 awiss with thar nichtbouris of the burrowis quharfra tha 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 ApriU instant. X. — Act of the Totvn-Council of Aberdeen, appointing Commissioners to attend a Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, on ] 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 letters, wss, prouest, baillzeis, counsall. and burgessis of gyld of the said burgh, at command and charge of oure Suuerane Lordis letters to wss, be lohne Coike messingar and schiref in that part, to haue maid constitut and ordanit, and be the tenour of thir present letters, makkis, constituttis, and ordanis honorabill men and oure weilbelouit nichtbouris Thomas Menyes of Petfodalis, and Dauid Ander- soun ane of the bailzeis of oure burgh, coniunctlie and generallie, our warray lauchfull and vndoutit commissaris, actoris, factoris, and speciale commissionaris, gevand grantand and committand to thame and to ilk ane of thame our warray lauchfull, full, fre, 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 Convention of Royal Bury hs. 513 conclude for the commoune weile of marcbandyce, 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 marcbandyce salbe thocht necessar, convenient, or expedient, prouiding alwais that our said commissaris neithir renunce nor ouer gif the priuilegis gran tit 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 lauchfullye 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'^ 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, toffedder with thair commissaris of buirois vnderwrittin, viz J„^® ''?"° tf'^f ' tD coniini3S3.ris oi Dauid Rook and Henrye Richertsoun for Dundie ; Alexander Lindesay, burroia. 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 li. 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 ^ ■^ ,, -1,1 • • f l^ Commissaris of counsale of the burch of Edinburch, togedder with the commissaris oi 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 decerne anent all maner of thingis center 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 thame sic articli.s and writingis in qiihnt thingis thai ar hurt in, sua that reforma- 514 Convention of Royal Burghs. tioun and help may be put thairvntill for the vniuersale ■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 metinar. XII. — Extent Roll of the Burghs of Scotland, shoiuing allocation among them of 5000 merles, being their propoHion of an extent o/i.20,000 Scots granted to King James V. by the three Estates for sustaining his honourable expenses in the parts of France — 15 35. — From the volume of Extracts from the Records of the To'wn Council of Edin- burgh, preserved in the Advocates' Library, p. 149. The Extent of t'wenty tho'wsand pund grautit to our Souerane Lord be the thre Estaitts for susteuing 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 Burro-wes v™ merks, Quhilk v™ merks being equallie devydit amangs the burro-wis extendis to ilk ane of thame as efter follo'wes : Edinburgh viij' ' xxxiij li. vj s. viij d. Aberdene iij° XV li. Striueling iiij'^^ iiij li. vijs. vj d. Dundie . iij" xxj li. xvij s. Linlythqw . Hi. xij s. vj d. Perth . . ij' xlvij li. X s. Rothsay xxij li. X. s. Banff . . xxij li. X s. Dunbartane xxviij li. ij s. vj d. Dunfermeling ' xxxiij li. XV s. Renfrew . xxxiij li. XV s. Craill . . xxij li. X s. Ruglein xxij li. X s. Forfare . xvj li. xvij s. Air Ixxviij li. XV s. Brechein Ivjli. V s. Ir-wine . xlv li. Montros iiij'^'^ X li. Dunfreis . Ivj h. V s. Elgein . xxxiij li. XV s. Glasq-w . iijxx yjj ]J X s. Innernes Ivj li. V s. Kirkcudbrycht xxxiij li. XV s. Aberbroth . xlv li. Wigtoun . xxxiij li. XV s. Sanctandrois jMi. Quhithorne . xxxiij li. XV s. Co-wpare iiij'"' X li. vjd. vj d. Cotive: ntion ',0fj Royal Burg ihs. 515 Lanerk xxviij li. ij-s. vj d. Culane . xj li. V s. ledburch . xxxiij li. XV s. Fores xxviij li. ij .y. vj d. Selkrig . . xxij li. X s. Name xj li. V s. Hadingtoun . j"j li. V s. Thane xvj li. xvij s. vj d. Nortbbervik xj li. V s. Dysart . xxxix li. vij s. vj d. Dunbar . xxij li. X s. Kirkcaldy xxij li. X s. Lawder . xxij li. . X s. Peblis . xxij li. X s. 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, Aberdeen, Dun- dee, Perth, and St Andrews, held at Edinburgh ow 18 Dec. 1539. — From the Council Records of Edinburgh, vol. i. p. 4 2. xviij° Mensis Decembris 1° V^ xxxix" The qubilk day, in presence of the prouest baillies consale and men of ■*^'i™' **>« gude of this burgh of Edinburch, that ar to say Symon Prestoun, prouest, Antueipe. lames Carmychell, William Rynde, Ihonne Achesoun, William Sym, baUlies, 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 Wedderburn, Henry Wedderburn, and Thomas Forster for Dunde, Ihonn Cristesoun, William Pittillo, and Thomas Flemyng for Perth ; Maister WUliam Arthur, and Ihonne Mwtto for Sanctandrois, convenit be command of our Souerane Lordis letteris directt anent thair conventioun this daiy, 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 Royal Burghs. letteris direct to this said toun of Edinburgh be the said toun of Antuerpe and Lordis thairof, he had 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 desj^rit 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 nocbt the commoun weill of Antuerpe, nochfcwithstanding and attour tlie artichs send witli him in speciall, 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 tliair port to fulfil thair desyris ressonable, nocht hurtand the said toun of Antuerp thairfor. 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. Convention of Boy a/ Burghs. 517 XIV. Act of the Town Council of Aberdeen, appointing a Commissioner to attetid a Convention of Burghs, 25th Mareh, 1541. — From the Council Records of Aberdeen, vol. xvj., p. 764. 25 th March 1541. The said daj', 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 nocht bunding nor thirlet to ane stapill, and all other things necessar. XV. — Minute of Convention of Burglis, held at Edinburgh on Id 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- gtapiu, 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 burrois 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 gyf 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 of imposition maid in France thairof upon ilk frank, consenttis that gif ane France. ' '" greit personage be directit fra the Kingis Grace to the King of France for doungetting of the saidis 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 burcli of Edinburch, thay being referrifc thairto ; and thinkis expe- dient till advertice oure Souerane Lord for expeditioun in the mater, because it concernis the hale burrois and commoun weill thairof XVI. — Allocation among the Burghs of L.2Q66. 13s. 4d. Scots, being their proportion of an extent of i. 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 Buik begynnand in lunij 153.5 is the Taxt Roll following insert as followes : 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 U. 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 tiU the auld stent and rollis as after followes : Edinburgh j" merk. Stirling Ixvij li. vij s. Linlythqu xl li. x s. Rossay xviij li. Dumbartane xxij li. viij s. Ramfrow xxvij li. Ruglin xviij li. Air Ixiij li. Irwyne xsxvj li. Drumfreis xlvj li. Glasgw liiij li. Kirkcudbright xxvij li. Quhithorne . xxvij li. Lanerk xxij li. viij s. Jedburch xxvij li. x s. Aberdene . ij'' lij li. vj d. Dundie iij° xxxvij li. ix s. vij d. Perth j'' iiij^'' — "- ^■ Banff vj d. Dunfermling Carrale Eorfare Brechane . Montrose . Elgein Innernes . Arbroth Sanctandrois vj d. Cowper . iij Culane xviij li. xviij li. xxvij li. xviij li. xiij li. xlv li. xij li. xxvij li. xlv. li. xxxvj li. iiij^"^ li. ''"' xij li. ix li. ir Convention of Royal Burghs. 519 Selkirk . xviij li. Forais Hadingtoun . iiij" j li. Name Northbervik ix. li. Tayne Dunbar . xviij li. Dysart Lawder . xviij li. Kirkcaldy Peblis . xviij li. Summa lateris j™ iij*^ Ij li. vj s. xd The baill sowme extendis till ii™ vi*^ iiii^^ xv li. xiiii s. vii d. xxij li. viij s, ix li. xiij li. xxxj li. xviij li. X s. X s. VJ Summa lateris j" iij*^ xliiij li. vij s. ix d In the same bulk immediately hereafter is ane taxt roll of xij° li. grantit be the burrowes, bot the leiff is mekill reivin. XVII. — Allocation among the Burghs of 2454 crowns, being their propor- tion of a taxation of 2400 crowns of the sone for furnishing of the Embassy toward the Emperor, for Peace. 2bth August 1550. — From the volume of Extracts fi-om the Records of the Town Council of Edinburgh, preserved in the Advocate's Library, fol. ] 48. The taxatioun of xxiiij'' crownis of the sone, desjrret by my Lord Gover- nour and Counsale, for furnessing of the towart the Empriour for peax, diuidit as followes amangis the haUl burrowes of this realme. 25 Augusti 1550. This amangis the lowse leffis of this daitt. Edinburch .... vj'^ cr. Abirdene .... ij" xxvj or. Striueling . . . Ix cr. Dundie iij'^ iiij cr. Linlythqw . . xxxvj cr. Perth ix'^'' cr. Rothesay xvj cr. Bamff .... . xvj cr. Dumbartane . . . xx cr. Dumfermling . . xviiij cr. Renfrew . . . xxiiij cr. Craill. . . . xvj cr. Ruglein xvj cr. Forfair xij cr. Air ... . Ivj cr. Brechane, ... xl cr. Irwyne . . xxxij cr. Montros . . Ixiiij cr. Dumfreis . . xxiiij cr. Elgein . . . . xxiiij cr. Glasqw .... Ixiiij ci-. Innerncs xl cr. 520 Convention of Royal Burghs. Kirkcudbrycht . xxiiij cr. Abirbrothok xxxij cr. Wigtoun . xxiiij cr. Sanctandrois Ixxij cr. Quhythovn 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 sam leifEs is ane vther extent roll of the haill burro wes on ane lowse leiff in anno 1535. XVIII. — Act of the Community of Aberdeen appointing CoTnmissioners to attend a Convention of Burghs at Edinburgh, on 1 6th January 1555. — From the Council Records of Aberdeen, vol. xxii., p. 211. 16 Dec. 1555. The said day, the haill tounebeand conuenit for the maist part chesitelectit Thomas Menzes prouest Maister Robert Lumsden and Gilbert Collisoune or ony twa of them coniunctly thair commissionaris lauchfull 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 bnrght or quhatsumeuer t^thir day or dais place of or plaicis conuenient quhen and quhair the Quenis Grace and commissionaris forsaid thinkis expedient for dressingof appountt- ment and stanclieyng of all debait and contrauersie betwix the fre merchandis and craftismen of all borrowis of this realmefor 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 concernis 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 thairupoune for the commond weill of the same, and forthir to complayne and expoyne the hurtis, dampnage, and skaith done in tymes bygane to the bm-rowis forsaid and specially to this burght of Aberdene aganis the strynth of thair aid priuelegis and in- feftnientis, and for to laubour remeid therein sa far as ma be had, and for to grant to giff ane compositioune propyne and gratitnd 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 confermyug of thair aid pre- uilegis and infeftmentis, and generally to do all thingis concernyng 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- upoun. XIX. — Precept by Queen Mary, dated 5th June 1556, directing the Provost and Bailies of Edinburgh to stent and tax the Burghs in the sum o/ £666 13s 4cZ, granted to her Majesty on 9th May 155G, unth 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 baillies 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 writting 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 lis the ix day of May last bypast 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 Rayed Burghs. Ediuburch j'' Ixviij li. xiij s. iiij d. Abirdene . Ixiij li. Striueling xvj li. xvj s. xd. Dundie Ixxxiiij li. vij s. vjd. Linlythgw . X li. ij s. vij d. Perth xlix li. X s. Rothesay iiij li. X s. Bamtr iiij li. X s. Dumbartane V li. xij s. jd. Dunfermling vj li. XV s. Renfrew vj li. XV s. Craill iiij li Ruglein iiij li. X s. Forfare . iij li. vij s. vjd. Air XV li. XV s. Brechein xj li. V s. Irwyne . ix li. Montrose xviij li. Glasqw . xiij li. X 8, Elgein vj li. XV s. Kirkcudbrycht vj li. XV s. Innerness . xj li. V s. Wigholm vj li. XV s. Abirbrothok ix li. Qutliiliorn . vj li. XV s. Sanctandrois XX li. Lanerk V li. xij s. id. 3 Cowper xviij li. ledburch vj li. XV s. Culane xlv s. Selkirk iiij li. X s. Foress V li. xij s. Peblis iiij li. X. Nairn xlvs. jd.3 Hadingtoun . XX li. V s. Thayne iiij li. vij s. id. Nortlibervick xlv s. Dysart vij li.xvij vj d. Dunbar iiij li. x s. Kirkcaldy iiij li. X s. Lawder iiij li. X s. Summa iij« iiij li. ij s. 3 Drunfreis xj li. X s. Summa iij'' > .xxix li. xvj s. xj d. Summa Totalis vi*^ Ixxv li. xviii s. xid. 3. This in the ( Jounsel bulk 5 lunii. 1556. XX. — Allocation by the Town Council of Edinburgh among the ivhole Burghs of a sum of £2188 14s 8d Scots, disbursed on account of the Burghs, ^d 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 Clavyne Commendatour of Kylwynning and lames Maxuell biirges of Convention of Royal Burghs. 523 Rowane lies debursit greitt sowmes of money respectiue for the down getting of the xvj deneiris of ilk frank wairing of guidis coft be Scotts merchants in Rowane and Deip by the four deneiris payit he thame as the said Commendatour- and lames comptis respectiue hard sene and sub- scryuet be certane commissioneris of burrowes depute and the sam tbairto 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 followes vpoun the haill burrowes of this realme conform to the awld rollis of extent, viz. : — Edinburch Striueling Lynlythqw Rothesay Dumbartane Renfrew Ruglein Air Irwyne . Glasqw . Kirkcudbrycht Wigtoun Quhithome Lanark ledburch Selkirk Peblis Hadingtoun Northbervik v'^ xlj li. hiij li. xiij s. xiiij s. xxxij li. xviij s. xiiij li. xij s. xviij li. iiij s. xxj li. xviij s. xiiij li. xij s. Ij li. iij s. xxix li. V s. xiiij li. xvij s. xxj li. xviij s. xxj li. xviij s. xxj li. xviij s. xviij li. iiij s. xxj li. xviij s. xiiij li. xij s. xiiij li. xij s. Ixv li. xvj s. vij li. vj s. iiij d. viij d, .id. vj d. V d. ix d. vjd. ix d. vj d. ix d. ix d. ixd. vd. ix d. vj d. vj d. iij d. iiij d, Abirdene . ij'^ SDundie . ij" 3 Perth . j'= Bamff Dunfermling CraiU Forfair Erechane . Montrose . Elgein Innerness Abirbrothock Sanctandrois Cowper Culane Fores Nairne Thayne . Dysart iiij li. XV s. Ixxiiij li. iiij s. j d. Ix li. xvij s. vj d. xiiij li. xij s. vj d. xxj li. xviij s. ix d. xiij li. X li. xLx s. iiij d. 3 xxxvj li. xj s. iij d. Ixviij li. x s. xxj li. xiiij s. ix d. xxxvj li. xj s. iij d. xxix li. V s. Ivx li. Iviij li. vijli. xviij li. vij H. xli. X s. vjs. iiij s. vi s. xixs. iij d. iij d. iiij d. 3 XXV li. xj s. X d.3 524 Convention of Royal Burghs. Dunbar . xiiij li. xij s. vj d. Kircaldy . xiiij li. xij s. vj d. Lawder . xiiij li. xij s. vj d. Summa j™ Ixxxx li. xiiij s. viijd. 3. Dunfreis . xiiij li. xij s. vj d. Summa j™lxxxxviij li. Summa Totalis ii"' i Ixxxviii li. xiiii s. viii d. 3. Counsale Buk 2 Septembris 1556. XXI. — Act of the Toiun Council of Edinburgh following on Order of the Privy Council, dated 9th April 15 57, directing them to allocate among the Burghs £10,000, being their proportion of an extent of £60,000 Scots, for defraying the charges of the Queen's marriage with the Dctuphin of France and allocation folloiuing thereon, 6th September 1557. — From the Volume of Extracts from the Records of the Town Council of Edinburgh, preserved 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 mariage to be completit betuix our Souerane Lady and the Dolphin off France and setting forward of the hie and wechtie caussis thairof a^nd 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"^ li. in compleitt payment of said sowm of x'" li. at the feist of Pasche nixt thair- after followand, and hes ordanit lettres to be direct to command and chairge the prouest aldermen and baillies of all the burrowes of this realme that thai Convention of Boyal Burglw. .Vi.') inbring and delyuer the said sowm of ij"* v° li. at euery ane of the termes foresaidis to , collectour 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 thairvpoun. 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 termesa-espectiue above specifeit, and the samyn beand maid ordanis lettres to be direct chargeing all and sindry the prouests aldermen 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 horue, 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 modetJcatioun of fhair taxt and augment and lay the sam vpoun vthers burrowes nocht bryntnor destroyet and conforme to the Quenis Grace and Lordis mynd declaret thairvpoun. Sequwntur subscriptiones Doriiinm^um Consilij. Cassillis, Thesaurer. Ballexden. Quhilk beand considerit and efter 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 biynt 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 tane 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 8 u 526 Conventio7i of Royal Burghs. at this tyme allanerly, and swa the extent of Hadingtoun to be allanerly of the haill x™ li,— j'' xlvij li., ix s. Anent the rest of the burrowes thair par- ticulare extents foUowes, viz :• — • Edinburch Striueling Linlythqw Rothesay Dunbartane Renfrew . Ruglein . Air . . ij' Irwyne . j Glasqw Kirkcubrycht Wigtoun . Quhithorn Lanark Jedburch . Selkirk . Peblis . . Hadingtoun Northbervik Dunbar Lawder Dunfries . • ir v<= 1 li. • j^ lij li. ■ j° Ij • Ixvij iiij'''' iiij • j° J • Ixvij i*^ XXX vj j'^ XXXV ■ ij" ij j" • j^ j ii j^jli, Ixxxiiij li, TJli. Ixvij Ixvij j' xlvij 1] xxxiiij li Ixvij Ixvij xiij vj d. xvij s. vj d. X B. xviij d. V s. X s. X s. V s. V s. V s. xviij d. V s. X s. X s. ix s. X s. X s. X s. Abirdene . Dundie . j Perth . . Bamff . . Dunfermling Crail . . Forfare Brechane . Montros . Elgyn Inn ernes . Abirbrothok Sanctandrois Cowper . Culane Fores . Nairn . Thayne Dysart Kirkcaldy xj s. X s. X s. V s. x"^ xlv li. ij° Ixv li vij° xlij li. Ixvij li. • ij^jli- . . Ix li. 1 li. xij s. vj d. j° Ixviij li. XV s. . ij"^ Ixx li. •_ • i\] li- V 3. j*^ Ixviij li. XV s. j'' XXXV li. . . iijMi. . ij*' Ixx li. xxxiiij li. X s. Ixxxiiij li. xviij d. . xxxiiij li. X s. 1 li. xij s. vj d. 'f xviij h. ij s. vj d. Ixvij li. X s. j'' Ixxiiij li. 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 Arm,y. I6th 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 Convention of Royal Burghs. 527 liir Hienes hand, off the quhilk the tenour followes ; Apud Edinburch xvij Septembris 1557: Forswamekill as it is vnderstand to the Quenis Grace and Lordis of Secreitt Counsall that to the proclamatioun of the airmy the mennis persouns ar subiect and thameselffis haldiu 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 craffcisman or merchant without respect, xvij Septembris 1557. XXIII. — Act of the cominunity of Aberdeen appointing a Commissioner 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 prowest 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 commend 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 2ith, 25th, and 28th February, and ^th 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 Adaticesovn 528 Conventio7i of Royal Burghs. B^™"g^^*"^°*and lames Barroun commissaris for the burgh of Edinburgh; Robert Kid, Richart Blith for Duade ; 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 ; Dickesoun of Winkstoun for Peiblis ; for Drumfermling, having with thame ampill and sufficient Ambas8a,dour. commissiounis vnder the seillis of caus 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 Denmai'k 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 caus foirsaid hot alsua for the greifc and new tollis raisit vpoun the merchandis of this realme, obtenyingof license for hamebringing of tymer, and renewing of auld amitie etc. And grantis 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 Edinbnrgh, Dunde, Abirdene, Drumfreis, and Sanctandrois pas this efternone 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 he ten houris in the said tolbuith. Vicesimo Quinto Februarii J'" V lxiij° The quhilk day, in presens of the commissaris befoir writtin the com- missaris mentionat in the act aboue wiittin 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 Convention of Royal Biwghs. 529 will. And the saidis commissaris 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- rowib 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 saniin as said is. Quarto Martii I™ V<= Ixiij. The quhilk day, the commissaris of the burrowis 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- Extent Coiieo- 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 tryne, of quhome tua merchantis wis, honest, and best experimentit, all in ane woce grantis and consentis that ane wenerale extent of xxviii" merkis be vpliftit and set vpoun the haill burrowis of this realme conforme to the auld rowis, quhairof to be deliiierit 530 Conve7ition of Royal Burghs. to the said Laird of Quhittingghame the soume of twentie five hundreth merkis for furnesing 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 following, viz, to euery 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 tyme thai sail depend vpoun the said ambassadour, the vther hundreth merkis to be given for writing of the lettres raisit vpoun the burrowis for paying of th^ir perticular taxt, the dewitie of the signet, pay- ment of the officiaris feis, and for the inlaik of money, and ferther nomi- natis Maister lohae 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 coUectit for the ambassadour towart Denmark the of xxviii"- m erk. 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. Dumbritane xv lib. xj s. iij d. Renfrew xviij lib. xvij s. x d. 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'' xxrviij 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. xvii s. Wigtoun xviij lib. xvij s. x d. Quhithorne 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 Kb. Northberwik vi lib. x s. viij d. i 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. Forrest 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. Conceiitloii of Rayal Burglis. 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 SeiU conteuyng the erecting of thair said toun in fre burch grantit be king lames the Fift ; and desyrit to liaue 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 actioun 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 pairt And the saidis commissar of Pettynweme protestit for remeid. XXV. — Contract between the Toiun Council of Edinburgh on behalf of the Burghs, and Ninian Cockburn, relative to discharge of Proclamation by the King of France against Scottish Merchants trafficking with France, 14^A July 1570. — From the Council Recoi'ds 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 Cokburne 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 Convejition of Royal Burghs. Borowis Capitane Cokbume mychti King of France dischargeing all maner of Scottismen with thair schippis gudis or merchf),ndice 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 acknaw^ledge 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, bailbes, and counsall for thame selfis and in name of the remanent burrois delyuerand 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 obtenyng of the said discharge, and sail gett the same expede publischit and proclamit in Parys, Kowan, Deip, and all vther places neidful within the space of thre monethis nixt efter his depairting of this realme, and sail send the samyn hame fre upoun his awin expenssis to the prouest and baiUies 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 aiiis and assignayis the sowme of thre hundreth cvownis 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 aiiis and assignayis never to ask craif nor desj^re 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. (Jonvention of Royal Burghs. 533 XXVI. — Act of the Town Council of Abe7'deen appointing a Commis- sioner to attend a Convention of Burghs at Dundee on 15 July 1575 — 1 July 1575. — From the Council Kecords 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 in.stant and thair to convene with the remanent commisaionaris of the bur- rowis of this realme to consult and conclud vpon sic efFeiris as concernis 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- upoune and ordanis him to haf tuentie merkis to mak his expenssis. 3 X MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS RELATING TO TIIK AEEAIES OE THE BUEGHS OE SCOTLAND. MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS KELATING TO THE AFFAIRS OF THE BUEGHS OE SCOTLAND. ] . 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, 13-i7. — {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™° qiiadragesimo 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 poterunt vnanimiter concordare, quam quidem^ concordiam sine contractum inter burgenses et mercatores regni nostri ac burgenses et mercatores de Myddylburgh predictos faciendam componendam sine vallandam in omnibus ratam habere volumus et firmam. Et dictam concordiam siue contractum in omjiibus ut premittitur approbamus ratifi- camus et pro nobis et nostris confirmamus. Et hoc omnibus quonim interest notum feicimus per presentes. Quapropter omnibus et singulis ministris ac fidelibus nostris precipimus et mandamus ne contra deliberacionem dicti consiUj 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 futuro duraturas fieri fecimus patentes, apud Dunde xij. die Nouembris anno regni nostro decimo nono. 3 Y 538 Miscellaneous Documents relciting 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 Editiburgh.] At Edinburgh the twentie fourt day of Maij the zeir of God j™ vj= and fyve zeiris, The Lokdis of Counsall vnderwrittin, they are to say, Alex- ander Erie of Dunfermehng Lord Eyvie and Urqixhart, etc., Chancellar of this Realnae, James Lord Balmirrenooh, president, lohne Commendatar of Halyrudlious, WilUame Commendatar of Toungland, Maister lohne Prestoun of Fentounbarnis, collectour generall, Maister Dauid Makgill of Cranstoun- riddell, Maister lohne Skene, Clerk of Register, Sir lohne Cokhume of Ormistonn Knycht, Justice-Clerk, Sir Richard Cokburne of Clerkingtoun Knycht, Lord Privie Seal], Archibald Douglas of QuhittLnghame, Andro Wemis of Inyi-ecarnie, 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, Comptrollar 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 quhair 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 theboundis of the hberteis 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 hbertie they remane, quhome the said vmquhile Dauid, King, he.s commandit to present sic merchandice at the mercat and crois of the burghis that the merchandis may bye and that theyproduce the samyn effectuaUe withoutfraude, and thatthey pay the Kingis custome thair. His Maiestie alsua hes forbiddin be the said Chartoxir that na extranear merchandis cumming with schippis and merchandice that thai sell na kynd of mercheandice bot to the merchandis of frie burrowis, nather zit 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 constitutiouns, his Maiestie be the tennour of the said chartour hes oonfermit for euir to remane as in the said 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 Scutlaud. 539 tour is grantit in fauouris of the haill burgessis of Scotland, and specialie concernis thame and euerie ane of thame, and that the said chartour is of sick gi-eat antiquitie qiihairby in proces of tyme the samyn will nocht faill to perische and becum vnlegivel, be the qiihilk occasioun the saidis frie burgessis of this realme haveand speciall interes thairto will be greatumlie hurte and danmifeit and prejudgit in thair privileges and liberteis grantit to thame thairby ; For preseruatioun and remede quhairof necessar it is to the saidis persewairis to haue the said chartour lauchfullie transumit befoir the Lordis of Coimsaill and the authentick doubill and extract thairof decernit be decrite of the saidis Lordis of Counsailltobe delyiierit to the saidis fre burgessis of the saidis burrowes and euerie ane of thame haveand enteres thairto, vnder the Clerk of Registeris handwrytt, makandthe samyn to haue als great strenth, force, and effect in all tyme cumming in judgement and outwith the samyn as gif the said principal! and originall chartour wer extant and readie at all tymes to be produceit, conforme to the lawis of this realme anddaylie practique observeit in sic caissis. And anent the charge gewin 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 thairintill to haue comperit befoir the Lordis of Counsaill at ane certane day bigane to haue haud hard the foirsaid originall chartour decernit to be transumit and copeit in maner vnderwrittin, or ellis to haue schawin ane ressonable caus quhy the samyn suld nocht haue bene done, as at mair lentil is contenit in the saidis lettres : The saidis haill frie burgessis of the haill frie burrowes within this realme of Scotland, and lames Wynrahame thair agent in thair names, comparand be Maister 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 oomperand, richtis, ressones, allegationis, togidder with foii-said originall auld chartour, hard, sene vnderstand, and the saidis Lordis thairwith being rjqilie advysit the Lordis of CouiLsaill hes transumit and transumes the said principall originall chartour of confiiTnatioun, 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 conteutis aboue mentionat, and ordinis to be insert in the buikis of counsaill in authentick forme ad perpetuam rei memoriitM., and hes interponit and in- terponis thair authoritie thairto, and decernis and ordinis the authentick doubill and eopie thairof to be extractit and delyuerit to the saidis persewaris vnder the Clerk of Efgister or his deputtis subscriptioun and handwr)rt, and the samyn to haue als great strenth, force, faith, in judgement and out- with the samyn, in all tyme cumming, as gif the samyn wer the said print-i 540 Miscellaneous Documetits relating to pall and originall chartour abouespecefeit of the quHlk originall chartour the tennour followes : Dauid Dei Gratia Rex Scotorum omnibus probis hominibus totiiis terre sue clericis et laicis Salutem Soiatis nos cum consilio concessisse dilectis nostris burgensibus Scoticis facultatem emendi ac vendendi liberam vbique infra libertatem suorum burgorum, Prohibendo ne aliquis eorum infra limites libertatis alterius emat vel vendat nisi Ucentiatus Prohibemus etiam ne epis- copus aut prior, vel persona ecclesiastica, comes, baro vel persona secularis emat lanam pelles coria aut alia mercimonia sub quocunque colore cuius- cumque frierit status neque vendat, nisi solummodo a mercatoribus bur- gorum infra quorum libertatem resident quibus -precipimus quod huiusmodi mercimonia presentent apud forum et crucem burgorum vt meroatores emant et ipsis effectualiter proferant sine fraude Et ibidem persoluant cus- tumam Regis. Prohibemus etiam ne aliqui extranei mercatores cum navibus et mercandisis venientes vendant aliquod genus mercimoniorum nisi mer- catoribus nostorum burgorum nee aliquod emant nisi a manibus mercatorum burgorum sub pena Regie defensionis nostra Quasquidem concessiones liber- tates constitutiones perpetuo duraturas tenore presentis carte nostre con- firma[mu]s. In cuiiis rei testimonium present] carte nostre confirmationis sigillum nostrum apponi precipimus testibus venerabilibus in Christo patribus Willielmo Episcopo Sanoti Andree Patricio Episoopo Brechinensi Cancellario Roberto Senesoallo Scotie nepote nostro Willielmo comite de Dowglas Roberto de Erskyne camerario nostro Apud Perth vicesimo octauo die Marcij anno regni nostri trigesimo quarto. Becaus the saidis defendaris wer lauchfulHe summond to haue com- perit befoir the saidis Lordis of Counsaill at ane certane bigane to haue hard and sene the said chartour decernit to haue bene transumit and copeit in maner foirsaid, or ellis to haue schawin ane ressonable cause quhy the samyn suld nocht haue bene done, with certifioatioun to thame and they failzeit thairin the saidis Lordis wald decerne as said is, and they beand all lauohfullie summond to that eflfect as said is nane of thame oomperit to Bchaw ony ressonable cause in the contrair, lykas wes cleirlie vnderstand to the saidis Lordis, 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 Aotorum per me Magistrum Willielmum Scott de Elie deputatum honorabilis viri magistri lacobi Skene clerici rotulorum registri ac consilii S, D. N. regis sub meis signo et subscriptione manualibus. W. SCOT. the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 541 3. Translation of the preceding Charter by King David II. — [Preserved in the Archives of the City of Edinburgh.] Dauid by the grace of God King of Scottis To all his trew liedgeia, alsweill of the Spirituall as Temporall Estaitt, Be it knawin to ws be the commoun consent of oure Oounsall to hawe grantit to our burgessis throwcht all Scotland frie hberty to by and sell euerie quhair within the libertyis of thair awin brugh, expreslie discharging ony of thame to by or sell within the boundia or Hberteis 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 temporal! estaitt, by woU, skinis, hyidis, or ony vther kynd of marchandice vnder quhatsumewer pretext or cullour. We forbyd also expreslie of quhat estaitt soewer they be they sell nocht ony thing bot to the marchandis of the brugh within quhais hberty 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 effectualHe produce and offer the saidis merchandrice withoute fi-aud 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 soi-te of mer- chandrice bott to the burgessis of oure brughes ; 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 quhilkis liberteis priuiledges and constitutiounis to haif thair fuU 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, befou- thir witnessis the richt reuerend fathers in God, Wilham Bischope of Sanct Androis, Patrick Bischope of Brichen oure Chanc- lair, Robert, Marschell of Scotland, oure oy, Wilhame Erll of Dowglas, Robert of Erskyne oui-e 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, ] 368. — [From the Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland, i. 1 49.] Et ordinatum fuit et statutum per dictas tres communitates congregatas et electas, quod quamdiu ville de Berwic et de Roxburgch detente erunt per aduersarios nostros Anglie, quae sunt et esse debent duo de quatuor bur- gis qui habent ex antique curiam facere Camerarii semel in anno apud )42 Iliacellaneous Documents relatiny to Hadyngton, super judiciis si que forent coram ipso in itineribus suis vbicum- que contradicta, burgi de Lannark et de Lythcu erunt accepti in premissis et ex nunc premimiti sunt, qviod ad hoc compareant et deseruiant interim Ita quod tantum valeat curia tenenda vt premittitur quo ad communem justiciam ac si nullum esset impedimentum vel obstaculum de dictis d^iabus villis detentis per aduersarios sicut prius nostris Ita tamen quod cum iidem duo burgi ad manus et partem Domini Regis peruenerint priuelegiis pristinis sine obieotu indilate gaudebunt. 5. 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. — [Preserved in the Archives of the City of Edinbiorgh.J Jacobus Dei gracia Hex Scottorum vniuersis et singulis ligiis et subditis nostris ad quorum noticias presentes litere pemenerint salutem : Quia serenissimus princeps Jacobus Rex Scotorum progenitor noster, cuius anime propicietur De\is, de auisamento et deliberacione Trium Regni sui Statuum apud Perth concessit et ordinauit ParUamentum Quatuor Burgorum apud Burgum nostrum de Edinburgh annuatim teneri sicut a temporibus retroactia tenebatur : Volumus et concessimus ac presencium tenore concedimus pro nobis et successoribus nostiis imperpetuum Burgensibus nostris Burgi nostri de Edinburgh et eorum succesoribus vt dictum Parliamentum Quatuor Burgorum in dioto Burgo nostro de Edinburghe annuatum pro perpetuo teneatur et die statuto post festum Beati Michaelis archangeli cum continua- tione dierum omnino inchoetur et obseruetur : Quare Magno Camerario nostro et suis depiitatis qui pro tempore fuerint stricte precipiendo mandamus quatenus Curiam Parliamenti Quatuor Burgorum haberi et teneri more solito faciant in Burgo nostro antedicto, conuocatis et summonitis annuatim ad hoc comparituris commissariis Quatuor Burgorum Principalium videlicet Edinburgh StriueHn Lithquo et Lanark diote curie sectatoribus sine accessoribus ad subeundum ordinandum et finaliter detei'minandum de et super judiciis Burgorum vniuersalium regni nostri curiis datis sine contra- dictis ac eciam mensuram vine ferlote siue bolle lagine et petre more solito ligiis et communibus nostris dandum liberandum et reipiendum : Necnon omnia alia et singula f:icienda et exercenda que in huiusmodi Curia Parlia- menti secundum leges statuta et Burgonim consuetudines sunt tractanda subeunda et finaliter determinanda : In cuius rei testimonium has literaa nostras dictis Burgensibus nostris eorumque successoribus pro perpetuo dura- the Affairs of t//e Burghs of Scot hind. 54:3 turas sub magno sigillo nostro fieri feoimus patentes • Testibus reuerendis in Ohristo patribus Jacobo consangiiineo nostro carissimo, Thoma, Georgeo, et Thoma, Sanctiandree, Dunnkeldensis, Brechinensis, et Oandide Case ecclesi- anun episcopis ; dilectis consangiiineis nostris Willelmo comite Orcliadie domino de Sancto Claro concellario, Georgeo comite Angusie, Thoma domino ErskTO, Willelmo domino Somervele, Willelmo domino Borthwik, Willelmo Murray de Tiilibardyn, et Willelmo Bonare nostrorum oompotoi-um rotola- tore : Apnd Edinburgh quinto die mensis Novembris anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo quinquagesimo quarto et regni nostri decimo octauo. 6. Tax Roll of the Burghs north of the Forth as modified by the Commissioners of Burghs at Edinburgh, 1483. — [^Frorn the Records of the Town Council of Aberdeen, Vol. VI., p. 803.] 22ii.eZ 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 INI iiij" Ixxxiii. In priinis. Couper . £6 13 4 Bervy Carrale 2 Arbroth Sanct Androis 10 Abii-dene Perth 22 4 6 Banf Ouchterardoiu- 1 Elgyn Dundee 26 13 4 Foras Forfare 1 6 8 Name Montros 5 6 8 Enuemess Breching 4 £0 10 2 26 13 4 3 3 6 2 10 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 Burgo- )44 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 2 6th of May then last, loaded at the said Island, in a ship called the Sancta Maria fifty-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. — [J^rom the Records of the Town Council of Edin- burgh. Vol. I., p. 12.] Ultimo Februarij anno Domini I" v'^ xix. Stapill, Flan- The samyn day, forsamekill as my Lord Glenluis and Maister Thomas Hay '^handi'*^'^' Secretary to my Lord Governour schew befoir the provest baillies counsall and communitie of merchantis that my said Lord Governour thocht it necessar that thair sould be ane stapill in the pairtis of Flanderis quhair the Scottis merchantis mycht resort and half ordour amangis thame siclyke as vther na- tionis hes, and desyrit that the said communitie of merchandis wald for thair pairt declair quliilk of thir thre townis, that is to say, Camfeir, Myddilburch 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 repaii- thairto siclyk as the inhabitaris of this toun, and thai haifand siclyke priueleges as wes gran tit 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 Extracts from the Records of the Town Council of Edinburgh preserved in the Advocates' Library, p. 148.] Ultimo lanuarij anno etc. v° xxxvj". The quhilk day in presens of the baillies and counsale sittand in juge- ment ^Marcus Suentoun biu-ges of Innerkething in name and behaliF of the baillies 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 buroh of Innerkething, with the saidis lordis dehueranoe thairvpoun, off the quhilk the tennour followis : My Lordis of Counsale, vnto your lordschipis humle menis and schavis we zour seruitouiis the baillies and commwnitie of the burch of Innerkething, that quhair in all tymes bygane quhen ony taxt accourit we and the inhabitouris of the burch of Kingorne wer ay ordanit to support and help the toun of Edinbui'gh to pay thair pairt of the said taxt, and quhen thai wer taxt to ane hundx-eth pimd we war ordanit to pay iij li thairof and Kingorne xlij, howbeit our burch in all tj-mes bygane j)ayit zeirlie to the Kingis Grace vj or vij° hundreth pundia 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 Kingorne hot to xv H and thai half xxiij greit boittis and nyne schippis and ar ful of ryches and we full of povertie and may nocht at this tyme pay the taxt put vpoun ws without oure vtir heirschip, heirfoir we beseik yoiu'e lordschipis for the caussis aboue writing put remeid to ws anent the payment of the said taxt and tak cognitoun quhethair our burch of Kingorne richeat and quhilk of ws may gudly 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 delyuerance 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 baillies thairof and counsale; be wertew of the quhilkis deliuerance the saidis baillias and counsale of this burch of Edinburch haweand consideratioun, perfyte cognitioun, and knawlege of the premissis, powertie of the said toun 8 '/. 546 Miscellaneous Docmnents relating to of Innerketking and ryply awyset decernis, and extentis'the samyn to xvj H viij s. of the viij" xxiij H vj s. viij d. of the extent of this said burch of Edinburch, that is to say twa pundis of the j° H, and extentis the said twne and burgh of Kiagorne to xxiiij H viij s. of the said extent of this burch of Edinburch that is to say thre pund of the f H. 1 0. Contract anent the Staple Trade betwixt the City of Antwerp and the City of Edinburgh, dated in April 1540. — Described in the Inven- tories of the Charters of the City of Edinburgh [Vol. I., p. 3 9 5, J as follows : — Contract entered into betwixt the Burgomasters, Magistrates, and Council of the Town of Antwerp in Brabant, and certain Commissioners or Deputies sent from the Provost, Baillies, and Council of Edinburgh, of the Kingdom of Scotland, on the one and other parts : Wherein is set down the powers and Commission by the Magistrates of Edinburgh 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 Magistrates of Edinburgh 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 otherwaya 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 tlie 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 before the Bur- gomasters (fee. 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, ic, 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 ban-els, or otherways as to them should seem most con- venient. Also that it should be lawful to them to open their barrels, and sell their salt fish by retail, provided they should be first seen visited and judged of by the Masters of PoUce, commonly called. Cure Masters of Fishes. Item, That there should be set apart and ordained for those of the said Nation, a wharf ia 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 their 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 chamljers, and should so com- )48 Miscellaneous Documents relating to mune with them, that those of the Scots Nation should have reason to be contented with the price of the said houses. Item, That those 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 satisfaction and content of the said Nation. Item, That the said City of Antwerp, upon their own charges and. expenses, should 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, &c.. 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 sufiicient for the fleet : which expenses the said Town should sustain for the space of five years ensuing : And in case there was no oi-dinance 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 obhged 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 observed the Commissioners of the Receipt of Customs had their In- structions, which they behoved to observe, a copy of which instructions should be given to the Conservator, and if it should be found that the Commissioners of the Customs transgressed their instructions in exacting more than the right, the Burgomasters of the town should cause restitution to be made to the merchant. Item, That the Burgomasters should every 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 Zealand on that account. Alsd, that they the Affairs of the Burghs of Scotland. 549 should no ways be obliged to pay the customs of Zealand more than once : and if the oflB.cers 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 perpetrated between Antwerp and La Yere or Flushing, and by the Emperor's subjects there, and no otherways : 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 impossible to recover them, the said town should be obliged to restoi-e the value thereof Item, That the town of Antwerp obliged themselves to keep up and maintain with the said town of Edinburgh, £vnd their adherents, a true, entire, perpetual and lasting friendship and regard, in all and whatever things lawful, reasonable, and honest, afnd should have a good and favourable report of them in all places. And to demonstrate the sincere aifection 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 common-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 fraud 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 BailKes, 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, \^ ■■ .xif Ab.M( W * W l W >V