Gildrie Book Of Dundee Anno 1570 Vivas Rex 1729

First Draft 

Gildrie Book 

Of 

Dundee 

Anno 1570 

Vivas Rex 1729 

Extracts of interesting entries 

This book is contained ye lawes actis and statutes together with ye copies of the confirmation 

and evidentis given and granted and concluded to ye kinges maiestie and his most noble 

progenatoris concerning the priviledges of ye gild and liberties of ye merchand esaite collected 

and drawen furth of ye lawes of ther maiestie ye actis of parliament The sea lawes and statutis 

of yis brugh be Alexr Scrimgeor Deane of gild for ye tyme werie necessarie and profitablie for 

ye said estate. 

The dewties yat are payed to ye collector of ye gild be burgesses at thaire receaving in ye 

societie of ye gild. freemens sones 

For wine and wax 10 s. 

For priviledge of packing and peiling vi s. 8 d. 

Unfremen at ye inserting of ye names payes for wine and wax 20 s. 

For packing and peiling vi s. 8 d. 

Item ye kirk mr receawes of burgess sones at yaire entrie vi s. 8 d. 

And of unfriemen at yaire entrie 10 s. 

Item all burgesses at yaire entrie payed to ye clerk for inserting of his name 

In ye Locket buik and extracting yairof 25 s 8 d. 

Item yai pay to ye gild officwer 2 s. 

(Signed) W. Wedderburn. 

Included here is a copy of the wording of the Charter by King James V and the Merchants 

Letter as transcriber by A.J. Warden 

“James, by the grace of God King of Scots, to all honest men in this land, clergy and laics, 

greeting: Know ye, that we give and grant the foundation and erection of a chaplain of the holy 

blood altar, situate in the south aisle of the Parish Church of our Borough of Dundee, made by 

the collector of the holy blood silver and whole bodie of merchants of the said Borough, for 

themselves and their successors, with the consent of the Provest, Bailies, Council, and 

Community thereof, for saying mass at the said altar in honour of the holy blood of our Lord 

Jesus Christ; for certain duties and contributions, and under the conditions, circumstances, 

and rules specified and contained in the said foundation; which, by our command, is read, 

seen and inspected, and duly compared, being whole and entire, not vitiated or razed, or 

anywise suspected, and is known to be at full length, in this form:-Be it kend till all men, be 

thir present lettres, we, ye collector of ye halie bluid silver, and, whole merchandis of ye brugh 

of Dundie, with one consent and assent, for vs and our successoris, merchandis, present amd 

for to cum, frielie and irrevocablie to have giwen and granted and be ye tenour of thir lettres 

giwes and grantis for ws and our successoris, with ye full consent of ye Provest, Baillies, 

Counsell and Comminalite of ye said brugh, to ye loving oGod Almichtie and of his pretious 

bloode, and to his blessed motherye Virgine Marie, and to ane Chaplaine, daylie to sing and 

say devine serwice, at ye halie bluid altar, situat in ye south ile of ye paroche-kirk of ye said 

brugh, and for ane singing mess solemnlie ilk Thursday, in honor of ye halie bluid of our Lord 

Jesus Chryst, continalie to be singing at ye said altar, -thir contributionis, dewties, 

wnderwretten. That is to say in ye ferst, yat we sall have power with ye whole bodie ofye 

merchandis or most part of this brugh, zearlie to chose ane Deane of Gild; ye whilk Deane of 

Gild sall hawe power of collectorship of ye halie bluid siluer, and wther duties of ye halie 

bluid: and till exerce, hant, and vse ye office and awthoritee pertaining to ye Deane of Gild, 

according to ye statutes of ye Gild and ye burrow-lawes. The whilk Deane of Gild sall have 

power to him and his factores and procuratoris on yis side of ye sea or bezond ye sea, to gather 

and tak vp fra ye merchantes, and ilk ane of yem beyond ye sea in Zealand or in Flanders, twlf 

gryt of ilk seek of guid, ane gryt of ilk stick of cloth, and ane gryt of ilk barrell guid, and ane 

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gryt of ilk kip of hydes, and of all wther guides seclyk effeirand yairto. And yis to be taken of 

all guides laidned or passand from ye port of ye said brugh and till all uther landis, French, 

Dantzick, Denmarek, wther partis, in monie of ye land effeirand yairto, to seck, pock,stick of 

cloth, barrell and other guides; and yis als long tyme to be taken vp as yo whole merchandis 

thinkis expedient be taken up in wther pairtis, to ye reparation of ye said altar, and vphold of 

ye said seruice as said is; and when ye whole bodie of ye merchandis or ye most part of them, 

thinkis not expedient yat ye said dewfies be not taken vp in Flanderis and wther pairtes, as 

said is, then ye sall gieve heir ane weeklie pennie Scottes money, to be gathered in ye said 

brugh, be ye Deane of Gild or his factores or procuratoris, of ilk merchand seller; to be 

gathered at four tearmes in ye zear quarterlie. And ye said Deane of Gild, or his factores, till 

have power to poind and distrenzie the holderis of ye said deuties on ye zon side of ye sea and 

on yis side of ye sea, and siclyke for all wther dueties perteining to ye haly bluid, but any 

officiar of law, and no crime to imput yairthrow. Alsua, that all merchandis settand vp ane 

buith within this brugh, at ye first upset of ye buith, sall pay to ye Deane of Gild foirsaid, and 

to ye reparation of ye said altar, fourtie schillingis ; except freeman's sons, the whilk salt pay 

sex schillingis aucht pennies, yat is born within yis brugh, for yair buith upsett. And giff it sall 

happen ony merchand to begin to pack and peil yair geare, or any wtheres within this brugh, 

at thaire first entrie, ilk ane to pay sex schellingis aucht pennies ; exceptand freemens sones of 

yis brugh, ye whilk sall be free yairof ; and als oft as any owt burges packis and peillis within 

ye town, to pay sex schillingis viijd., to ye effect foirsaid. A1sua, yat euerie man yat is made 

gild-brother within yis brugh, except ane burges sone of yis brugh, sall pay to ye said Deane of 

Gild, to ye effect foirsaid, sex schillingis aucht pennies when he is made gild-brother. Alsua, as 

oft as the seruand of ye Gild warnes ony gild-brother to come before ye Deane of Gild, and ye 

leawe 

Of ye brother of Gild, for ye guid of ye said brother, or gif ye seruand warnis ony of yem to 

gand weeklie with ye holi bluid bread, als oft as any beis warned yairto, and dissobeyis, and 

will not cum he sall pay two schillingis for ye dissobeying, to ye effect foirsaid; and gif yat any 

brother of Gild is merchand at hame or beyond ye sea, till any wther man nane dwelland 

within yis brugh foirsaid, als oft as yai be tantit or conwict yairwith to pay at hame in 

Scotland, ye sowme of fywe markis usuall money of Scotland, to ye effect foirsaid. 

Alsua, yat nane merchand, drepar, nor cheapman, stand with his merchandice in ye Hie 

Mercat Gaite without his easedrop, but on ye mercat-day, under ye pane of fourtie schillingis, 

to be paid to ye said Deane of Gild, as oft as he beis tant therewith to ye said effect. 

Item, That na schip be frachted within this brugh without ye advyce of ye Deane of Gild 

foirsaid, be no merchand of ye samen; but yat ye said Deane be present yairat. Atour, yat no 

Gild-brother be made Gild-brother but yat ye said Deane of Gild sall be continualie yrat, and 

ilk ane of them and yai be made with his advyse, and first examined be ye said Deane, giff yai 

be worthy yairfoir or nocht. And we, thir merchandis underwrettene, for ws and ve leawe of ye 

merchandis of yis brugh and our successoris, merchandes of ye samen, consentis, contermes, 

ratifies, and approvis ye foirsaid pointes and articles in all thinges for ye good, honour, and 

reparation of ye said altar, and vphold of ye said Chaplaine. That is to say, Alexander Ogilvy, 

James Rollock, Andre Abercrombie, James Hay, George Rollock, Alexr Lowell, James 

Fletcheor, Alexr Fletcheor, Mr James Kyd, Alexr Kyd, James, Boyace, James Wedderburn, 

Jhone Lawson, Robert Carmanow, Jhone Cowstoun, Walter Twillo, James Fothringharne, 

Jhone Richardsoun, Thomas Zoung, Robert Clerk, George Buttergeis, Andro Porter, Jhone 

Smith, Robert Walker, James Thomesoun, Jhone Cheild, Thomas Pyot, Walter Jamesoun, 

Dauid Guild, Robert Miln, Jhone Aird, William. Gray, and Jhone Ramesay. 

In witnes of ye whilk thing, and in token of ye confirmatioun and ratificatioun of all and 

syndrie thir pointes and articles abowe wretten, and vphold of ye said service and cheplane, be 

ws and owre successoris, to be maintained and authorized in tyme cuming, and ye said 

contrabutionis and dewties to be gatherit, as said is, the Provest, Baillies, Counsell, and 

Comunalitie of ye said brugh, hes appensed to yair comoun sealle of ye said brugh to yir 

lettres, at Dundie, ye tent day of October, ye zeare of God ane thousand fywe hundreth fyftein 

zeires, befoir yir witness, Alexr Ogilvy, Andro Abercrombie, James Hay, Alexr Lowell, Mr 

Dauid Craill, Robert Heres elder, and Robert Heres zounger, notar publict.-Which foundation 

and erection, we, for us and our successors, ratify, approve, and for ever confirm, in all points, 

articles, conditions, and circumstances whatsoever, and in form and effect, and in all things as 

above premised; saving, to us and our successors, the prayers of the said chaplain and his 

successors only. In testimony whereof, to this our present confirmation and erection, we have 

ordered our great seal to be appended, before these witnesses - the Most Reverend Fathers in 

Christ, Gavin Archbishop of Glasgow; George, Bishop of Dunkeld, Keeper of our Privy Seal; 

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Gavin, Bishop of Aberdeen, Clerk of our Council Registers and Rolls; our beloved cousins, 

Archibald, Earl of Angus, Lord Douglas; James, Earl of Arran, Lord Hamilton; Malcolm, Lord 

Fleming; and the Venerable Father in Christ Patrick, Prior of the Metropolitan Church of St 

Andrews, our Secretary,-at Edinburgh the 17th day of the month of July, in the year of our 

Lord 1526, and of our reign the Thirteenth. 

In the name of God Amen, by this present public instrument, &c. At Dundie ye twentie sewent 

day of September in ye of God Jm, vc and 27 (1527) yearis, &c., Andro Barrie, burges in 

Dundie, Mr Ihone Barrie, Vicar of ye samen, Mr George Fernie, chanter of Brechen, and Mr 

James Scrymgeor, parson of Glestrie, Ju-ges arbitratoris and amicable compositoris, equalie 

chosen betuix honorable persones, yat is to say William Carmichell and Alexr Lowell 

burgesses of Dundie for yair selfis and as procuratores for ye remanent of ye merchandis of ye 

said brugh one yat ane part, and Jhone Rolland, David Carnegie and umqle Jhone Scrymgeor, 

alsua burgesses and craftismen of ye said brugh one yat uther part, annent ye debate and pley 

moved befor ye Lordes of Counsell betuix ye said parties annent ye common scale of the said 

brugh, alledged granted to ye saidis merchandis, annent ye vsing of ye office of collectorie of 

ye haly bluid within ye said brugh, without consent of ye saidis craftismen, and als annent 

diverse common seales alledged granted to ye saidis craftismen, without advyse of ye saidis 

merchandes, and annent all wthers actions quarrellis and questions debatable betuix ye said 

pairties in any tyme bygone, like as in ane act and comprornmitt made befor ye Lords of 

Counsell of ye daite at Edinburgh ye tent day of July in ye yeare of God Jm ve twentie sewen 

yearis is at more lenth contained, off ye whilkis act and compromitt ye authentick copie 

followes in word and word. 

At Edinburgh ye tent day of July, 1527 years, In presence of ye Lords of counsell 

underwretten, yat is to say, Reverend fatheris in God Gauen, Bischop of Aberdein; Henrie, 

Bischop of Gallovay; noble and michtie Lordis, Gilbert, Earle of Cassells; William, Lord 

Sempill; George, Lord of Saint-Jhonnis; Mr William Gibson, deane of Lestabrig; Mr Adam 

Otterburrn of Auldhome; and Nicoll Crawfurd of Oxing-angis, (?) iustice clerk, compearit (the 

merchants and craftsmen above mentioned) and gave them compromittit subscryved with 

thaire handes, desiring ye samen to be insert in ye bookes of Counsell, and to have ye Lords 

decreit and strength yrof, and letres to be directed to command, charge, compell and 

distrenzie ewerie of ye pairties for fullfilling of ye samen. The whilk desire ye Lords thocht 

reasonable and, ordained ye said wretting to be insert in ye said bookes, and to have the 

strenth of thaire decreit." 

(The Lords took the said merchants and craftsmen, behalf of the Guildry and of the Crafts, 

bound, obliged, and sworn to abide by the award which should be given on all questions 

between them by the forsaid arbiters, vizt, Andrew Barrie and John Barrie on behalf of the 

Guildry, and James Scrymgeor and George Fernie on behalf of the Trades, with Mr William 

Meldrum, Deane of Dunkeld, as midman and oversman in case of discord - the parties to 

convene with their arbiters within the parish kirk of Dundee the l st August next and to give 

their final award betwixt that day and the feast of Saint Michael next thereafter, &c., &c. The 

respective parties signed an agreement to this effect at Edinburgh 9th July 1527. 

The arbiters accepted their office, heard the parties on both sides fully, and)" having God 

before them, all in ane voice the weall peace and amitie of the parties and their successors 

perpetualliee in all time coming, decreitis delyvers and yis our finall sentence arbitrall geives 

and prounses in manner as efter followesas amicable compositors, yat is to say- 

In ye first wher it is said in ye merchandis Letter and confirmation, yat ye said merchands 

sall have pover zearlie to chuse ane deane of gild, whilk sall have power till exerce vse and 

haut ye office of collectoris and all uther freedomes pertaining to ye deane of gild, according 

to ye statutes of ye gild and burrow etc, We delyuer and ordaines with consent of both ye 

saidis pairties yat ye said office of collectorie and deanrie of gild be vsed in all tyme coming in 

sick lyk maner as it hes beenevsed thir 20 yeares bygone, sua yat na new novation statut nor 

exortation be made nor vsed be ye said collector nor deane to ye hurt or prejudice of ye 

craftismen being brother of ye gild, and gif any sick novation be raised yat to be reformed be 

ye provest, baillies and counsell. 

Secundlie. Wher it is said within ye merchandis Letter yat ye said collector and deane sall have 

power to poynd and destrenzie for all dewties and contributions belonging to ye haliblood one 

yis side of ye sea and bezond ye sea be himself his officers and factors etc. -We delywer yat ye 

said collector and deane or yaire factors vse ye poynding bezond sea be him or his factoris; 

and at hame be himself or his servands of gild as was vzed in tymes bygone, without any 

extortion or novation, and gif ony wrang beis done yairinto yat to be reformed be ye provest, 

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aillies and counsell. Item-annent ye upsetting of we delyver and ordaines yat all gild brethren 

sones be free to sett up thaire buithes without any manner of contribution or impediment, and 

to pack and peill and vse all merchandise as vse wont was, yai being receawed be ye gild, or to 

send and saile as they think expedient, yai doing thaire dewfies to ye collector. 

Item - Wher it is said yat gif any of ye brother of gild is merchand at hame or bezond sea to 

any wther man yan merchand dwelling within ye brugh of Dundie, als oft as yai be tainted yrvt 

to pay at home in Scotland fywe markis, and in Flanders ane pund great-We delywer and 

condemnis yis article ye said deane to be abolisched, and to have no strenth. And in lykwise 

annent ye frachting of schippis without ye deane of gild and his advyse and presce - It sall. be 

leasum to any neighbour brother of gild to fracht frielie, as vse and wont was, without ony 

restriction. Item - annent ye making of gild brother - yat article to be vsed as vse and vont was 

be ye provest and counsel, conforme to ye actis and statutis of this good towne . 

Item-Where it is said in divers of ye craftismen Letters yat it sall not be leasum. to any 

craftismen to process any outman or mast full man to defend or follow befor ye dekyne, We 

ordaine yat article to be abused fra all outmen savand it sall be leasum to all indwelleris 

speceallie and temporall to procur a well before ye dekynes as befor ye provest and baillies. 

Item - where it is said in part of ye craftismen Letrs, yat ewery man except burges sones at ye 

vpsett of his buith sall pay fourtie schillingis and certaine wax - We delywer and ordaines yat 

article to have strength and be keeped amonges skinners, baxteris, and cordiners allanerlie. 

And yat ye remanent of craftismen, sick as Websteris, Walkeris, Smythis, Tailleouris, 

flescheris and bonnatmakeris yat ewry freemans sall pay two markis to ye cratt and ane pund 

of wax to ye sanett allanerlie - and yat freemens sons be free without any exception. Item - 

annent ye resetting of prentises for fywe yeiris as is contained in diuerse of ye saids 

craftismens Letrs, We think reassonablie and delyweris yat it sall be leasum to ewery prentise 

his to friendes aggrie with ye masters of craft for lang tyme or schort be be yai can aggree 

befor ye dekyne of ye craft his presence, and to requyred yairto. – ltem - annent ye 

collectioun made be ye dekyne and receawing of vnlawis for faltis, We ordaine ye said 

collection and vnlawes to be raised sua discretlie and honestlie sua yat craftismen be not hurt 

thairthrew ower heavilie, and gif yai be, to have recourse to ye provest and baillies. Item 

annent ye Websteris, if any webster holdis webbis ouvrecht within him attour ye tyme 

conditionat betuix him and his pairtie, in yat caice it sall be leasum to ony wther Webster to 

work yat webb without any danger. And sicklike annent all brother of sick caice and 

craftismen annent thaire works. Item - Where it is said in ye baxters Letrs yat na master sall 

tak na marrow in ye baik house with him without licence of ye dekyne and craft, We delywer 

yat it sall be leasurn to any freeman and ane Mr of yat craft to tak to him ony Mr wther and 

freeman fellowschip as he will be served frielie without ony pain or restriction, and delyweris 

yat it sall be leasum to any baxter freeman resewed to set vp buith at ony wther tyme alswel 

as at Michelmas. Item - We delywer and ordaine yat both ye merchandis Letrs, and, 

craftismans Letrs be regratin ye common buikes, to ye effect yat it may be considered gif ye 

tenors of them be keeped or not. Item annent craftismens Letrs in general gif any novations 

be made of gif ye tennoris of ye Letrs be not obserued nor keeped we referre ye reformation 

yairof to ye provest and counsell. 

Atowr declairis delyweris statutis and ordaines yat both ye collector of ye haliblood siluer 

for ye tyme, and all dekynes sall compeare once yearlie before ye provest, baillies and certaine 

equail persones auditoris to be chosen, and to giwe yearlie compt and reckining of ye halibluid 

siluer and saintts siluer of ilk craft. In Witnes of ye whilk thing to yis our decreite and finall 

sentence arbitrall subscrywed with our hands our proper sealis are hinging at year day and 

place forsaid befor thir winesses Walter Mouer, Jhone Clerk, Mr James Maitland, Mr James 

Rolland, and Mr Dauid Robertson Notar Publict to thir premises. Then follows the Notarial. 

Instrument.” 

1570 

Pertaining to ye gild of this brugh in ye handis of ye Deane given in keeping 

induring thaire office ye measurer wechtis and mettis 

Item in primo ane staine wecht of brass of sextene troy pound. 

More ane brassen pint jog mett. 

More ane iron stamp to mark all elwands wit. 

More ane iron stamp to mark ye tinn stoupis. 

More ane iron stamp to mark ye treene stouppis. 

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More ane mortcloath of black cloath and velvet. 

More twa wattermettis for gryt salt one of them iron girded. 

More ane key of ye common kit. 

Two boxes maid in flanders and box for ye collection of gild silver. 

The wther box with ane hinging lock for ye evidents and wraites. 

Thir statutis following are drawen furth of ye maiestis 

Of yem yat is maid new burges ye 2 chapter 

He acht to sweare first lawtie to ye king and to ye baillies of that town where he is maide 

burges in als far as law of burges will. 

Off markets betwixt burgesses and merchandis of shippes ye 6 chap 

Gif markets be rison betwixt burgesses and merchandis of shippis it sall be ended within ye 

floodes of ye sea all merchandis yat cumes to the sea sall be brocht be land owllaine salt hering 

yat sall be sold within schipburd of law and reason. 

Of ane uncouth merchand what he sall do ye vj chap 

Non uncouth merchand may buy out of ye brugh wool nor hyd nor nane wther merchandeis 

within brugh but gif it be fra burgesses. 

Of burgesses priviledges in brugh ye 17 chap 

Na burges awcht to buy wool to litt no cloath mak na [blank] to shoare cloth but within ye 

kinges brugh. 

Off measuris and wechts in brugh ye 42 chap 

Ilk burges may have in his own house mettes to mett with viz elvand staine and wther wechtes 

ye whilks ocht to be sealed with ye seal of ye brugh. And it is to wit yat so is tainted with fals 

measuris sall pay amerciaments unforgiven. 

Off him yat cairnes to be maid burges ye 43 chap 

No man sall be made burges giff he may do seruice to ye king of a ruid of land or elss meikle as 

ye fallis. 

Of ye stallangers fredome in brugh ye 46 chap 

It is to witt yat a stallanger may no tyme lett nor cavell with a burges of any merchandis but in 

ye tyme of a faire for than is tyme to ilk man to lett and travel with a burges. 

Off forstallers in brugh ye 64 chap 

Na man dwelland within ye kinges brugh nor zet outwith be so hardie to pas out of ye brugh 

on ye mercat day to buy ocht without ye limits of ye town and whoso beis convicted yrof sall 

pay viij s. unforgiven intill anerciement. 

Off them yat may not be in yr gild ye 8 chap 

It is to witt yat na litster nor na flesher may be within ye freedom of ye gild of law within ye 

kinges brugh but gif he sweare yat he sall not doe yt craft with his own proper handes but it is 

lawfull to him to have servandis under him. 

Thir statutis following are drawen furth of ye old actis of yis brugh 

Off vplandis burgesses priviledge 83 chap 

It is to witt yat na burges yat dwellis out of ye brugh may buy nor sell nor frie be in any brugh 

but in yat brugh yat he is burges in and yai is ordained of law. 

Ane act maid be King James ye 4 yt merchandis borrowes bruik yaire old 

priviledge 

Item it is statut and ordained yat all merchandis of ye realme and ye burrowis bruik and have 

yaire awne priviledges and freedoms granted and given them be our soveraine lords 

progenitoris of most noble mynd to be observed and kepid be them and yat no persone 

dwelland without ye burowes use merchandise nor yet tapt nor sell wyne wax ficheis nor 

sycerie nor sicklyk stuff nor zet stable guidis and yat nane pak nor peill in Leith nor wther 

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places without ye kinges burowes vnder ye paine of escheating of ye guides to ye kinges vse yat 

beis tapt sald paked or peilit against ye statut. 

The statutis vpon merchandeis and thaire priviledges contained in king James ye 

first act in parliament 

Item it is statut and ordained yat na merchandis of ye realme pass ower sea in merchandise 

but gif he have of his own proper guides or at ye least committed till his governance thrie 

serplthis of wool or ye valour of them in wther merchandise whilk sall be kend or he pass be 

ane inquest of his nictbouris under ye paine of ten pound. 

The iust copie of merchandis letter of yis brugh 

Be it kend till all men be this pnt tres we collector of ye holy blood silver and whole 

merchandis of ye brugh of Dundie with one consent and affeiris and asssent for us and our 

successoris merchandis present and for to cum frielie and irrevcoablie to have given and 

granted and be ye tenor of thir tres given and granted for ws and or successoris with ye full 

consentof ye provest baillies counsel and comminalitie of ye said brugh be ye loving of god 

almichtie and of his pretious bloode and of his blessed mother ye virgin Marie and to ane 

chaplaine daylie to sing and say divine service at ye halie blood alter situate in ye south ile of 

ye pareche kirk of ye said brugh and for ane singing mess sloemnlie ilk thursiday and honor of 

ye haly bluid of or lord Jesus Chryst continualie to be singing at ye said altar wethir 

contributions and dewties underwritten that is to say in ye first yat we sall have power with ye 

whole bodie of ye merchandis or most part of this brugh zearlie to chose ane Deane of gild ye 

whilk Deane of gild sall have power of collectorship of ye halie bluid silver and wther dewties 

of ye haly bluid and to extowerise hant and vse ye office and awthoritie pertening yrof ye 

Deane of gild according to ye statutis of ye gild and ye burrow lawes. The whilk Deane of gild 

sall have power be him and his factoris and procuratoris on yis side of ye sea or beyond ye sea 

together and tak vp fra ye merchandis and ilk aneof them beyond ye sea in Zeland or in 

flanderis twelf gryt of ilk seck of guid and gryt of ilk stick of cloth and and gryt of ilk barrel 

guid and ane gryt of ilk stick of hydes and of all wther guides siclyk effeirane yairto. And yis to 

be taken of all guides laidned or passand from ye port of ye said brugh and till all wther landis 

french dansick denmark and all wther parts in monie of ye land effeirand yrto to seck pork 

stick of cloth barre and wther guides and yis also long tyme to be taken vp as ye whole 

merchandis thinkis expedient be taken vp in wther pairts to ye reparation of ye said altar and 

vphold of ye said service as said is. And when ye whole bodie of ye merchandis for ye most 

part of them thinkis not expedient yat ye said dewties be not taken vp in flanderis and wther 

pairtes as said is then yai sall give heir and weeklie pennie scottis money to be gathered in ye 

said brugh be ye said Deane of gild or his factoris or procuratoris of ilk merchant and power to 

be gathered at fur tearmes in ye zeare quarterlie and ye said Deane of gild or his factoris till 

have power to poind and distrenzie ye holders of ye said dueties in ye zone side of ye sea and 

on yis side of ye sea and siclyk for all wther dueties pertaining to ye haly bluid but any officer 

of law and no cryme to input yr throw alsua yat all merchandis settand vp ane buith within yis 

brugh at ye first vpsett of ye buith sall pay to ye Deane of gild foirsaid and to ye reparation of 

ye said altar fourtie schillingis except freemens sones. The whilk sall pay sex schillingis aucht 

pennies yat is borne within yis brugh for yair buith vpsett and gif it sall happen any merchand 

to begin to pak and peill yaire geare or any wthers within this brugh at thaire first entrie ilk 

tyme to pay sex schillings awcht pennies except ane fremens sones of this brugh ya whilk sall 

be frie yairof and als oft as any owr burges packis and peillis within ye town to pay sax 

schillings viij d. to ye effect foirsaid. Alsua yat ewerie man yat is made gild brether within yis 

brugh except ane burges sone of this brugh sall pay to ye said Deane of gild to ye effect foirsaid 

sex shillings viij d. when he is made gild brother. Alsua as oft as ye servand of the gild warnes 

ony gild brother to cum befor ye Deane of gild and ye lealle of ye brether gild for ye guide of ye 

said brother or gif ye servand warnes ony of yem to gang weklie with ye holi bluid bread als oft 

as any beis warned yrto and disobeyis and will not cum he sall pay two shillingis for ilk 

disobeying to ye effect foirsaid. And gif yat any brother of gild is merchand at hame or beyond 

ye sea till any wther man nane dwelland within yis brugh foirsaid als oft as yai be tainted or 

convict yrwith to pay at hame in Scotland ye sowme of five markis vsual money of Scotland to 

ye effect foirsaid. And in flanderis ane pund gryt usual money of flanders and siclyk in france 

danskene and all wther parts effeiring yrto to ye effect foirsaid. Alsua yat nane merchand 

drepar nor cheapman stand with his merchandise in ye hie mercat gaite without his easedrop 

but on ye mercat day under ye paie of fourtie chillingis to be payed to ye said Deane of gild als 

oft as he beis tainted yairwith to ye said effect. 

6

Item yat na ship be frachted within yis brugh without ye advyse of ye Deane of gild foirsaid be 

no merchand of ye samen but at ye said Deane be present yrat. Attour yat no gild brother be 

made gild brother but yat ye said Deane of gild sall be continualie yrat and ilk ane of them and 

yaii be made with his advyse and first examined be ye said Deane gif yai be worthie yairfor or 

nocht. And nethir merchandis underwritten for ws and ye lawes of ye merchandis of yis brugh 

and our successoris merchandis ye samen consentis conformes ratefies and approves of ye 

foirsaid pointes and articles in all thinges of ye good honor and reparation of ye said altar and 

vphold of ye saide cheplaine that is to say Alexr Ogilvy, James Rollok, Andro Abercromie, 

James Hay, George Rolok, Alexr Lowell, James Fletcher, Alexr Fletcher, Mr james Kyd, Alexr 

Kyd, James Boyd, James Wedderburn Jhone Lason, Robert Carmanow, Jhone Cowston, 

Walter Tullo, James Foptheringhame, Jhone Richardson, Thomas Young, Robert Clerk, 

George Bulteregeis, Andro Porter, Jhone Smith, Robert Walker, James Thomson, Jhone 

Cheiold, Thomas Pyott, Walter Thomson, David guild, Robert Miln, Jhone Aire, William Gray 

and Jhone Ramsay. In witness of ye whilk thing and in token of ye confirmation and 

ratification of all and sundrie thir pointis and articles abovewrettin and vphald of ye said 

service and cheplane be ws and our successoris to be maintained and authorised in tyme 

cuming and ye said contributions and dewties to be gathered as said is. The provest baillies 

counsel and communalitie of ye said brugh hes appensed to yaire common sealle of ye said 

brugh to yir tres at Dundie ye tent day of October ye yeare of god ane thowsand fywe 

hundredth and fyfteine yeires befor thir witnesses. Alexr Ogilvy Andro Abercrombie James 

Hay Alexr Lowell Mr David Craill Robert Seres elder and Robert Seres younger notar publict. 

Wæest vera copia principalis literæ prinite gierum writasorum dicti burgi subsiyive communi 

dicti burgi de Dundie sigillat copiat et collationat per me Robertum Seres junivrem clericum 

comitatie dicti burgi ac nota rium publicum sus meis signe et subscribition in manualibus. 

The 13 day of October in Anno 1570 

The whilk day ye foirsaid provest baillies counsel and ye whole bodie of merchandis and 

communalitie of ye brugh hes ordained and advysed yat all and sundrie lawes actis and 

statutis contained in ye maiestie actis of parliament and statutis of this brugh concerning 

merchandis yaire freedome and libertie and priviledge and ye manteining yrof be collected 

drawen furth and insert in yis book to ye effect yat yai may be patent and readie to be seene 

and considered be ye said Deane and his assessoris present and to cum yat whensoever it sall 

happen ye saidis merchandis yaire liberties and priviledges to be hurt in any point yat speedie 

remeid may be put yairto yat ye saids merchandis may perceablie bruik and voyce yaire 

foirsaid freedom comforme to yaire old vse and as it hes beene granted and given yem of old. 

The 18 of October in Anno 1570 

The whilk day Alexr Scrimgeor Deane of gild and ye great number of ye merchandis of yis 

brugh being conveined in ye counsel house of ye same hes altogether promised and obleished 

yame selfis be yaire handes holden to fortifie mantene and give yaire obedience to ye said 

Deane of gild in ye doing of his office and vtherwayes to reverence his as appertaines yem to 

do and conforme to ye actis and statutis made and to be made be ye merchandis nominat 

yairto and sall conveine with ye said Deane of gild how oft it sall please him to cause warne 

yam and remain with him induring ye tyme he sall have any thing to handle concerning 

merchandis and sall give him yaire counsel concurrence assistance and fortification as yai sall 

be required yairto under ye paines contained in ye saids actis to be taken up unforgiven and 

na mitigation to be hade nor requyst in ye contrare to be maid. 

The whilk day ye nodie of merchandis and brother of gild as said is all in one voice but desire 

and ansr hes alsua obleist and bund yem selffis and yaire aires and sucessoris merchandis and 

free to ye gild in all thinges to add yat when ever any accident happens yat any pairt of ye 

privildeges and liberties of ye gild in the estait of merchandis beis put at to be hurt in any sort 

or yat any novation begin to aryse against ye ald and lovable actes in ye vse and wont yat yai 

and yaire predecessoris hes bruked and uised and enjoyed past memorie of man yat ye Deane 

of gild and his assessoris or any awcht of yame provide diligent remeid yairfor as sall be thocht 

good be yaime and what ewer is or sall be devised and ordained be ye said Deane and his 

7

assessors for remeid as said is ye whole merchandis and brother of gild to contribute in yaire 

geare and substance and to travel in yair presones according to ye order sall be taken and yat 

under ye paines of v lib. of unlaw to be put in ye box to be taken vp of ye persones 

whatsomever yat contraveines yis act and attour yat thing appointed to him in ye order yat sall 

be taken. 

Vicesimo tertio die mensis octobris in anno 1570 

The whilk day Alexr Scrimgeour Deane of gild of ye brugh of Dundie and ane part of ye 

number of ye merchandis of ye same being conveined in ye counsel house yairof reasonionng 

upon ye priviledges and liberties of merchandis and considering thaire old giftis and evidentis 

vpon yaire said liberties hes fund sundrie and many statutes and liberties contained in yaire 

saids liberties unput to execution and neglected all uterlie thir diuerss yearis bypast. Wherfor 

yai all in ane voice and with consent devyses and nominates robert kyd, jhone duncan, james 

findlasone, peter clayhills, david ramsay, james forrester, james lowell, william forrester, 

jhone fotheringhame, george spens, alexr annand younger, william kinloch, and robert 

pebbles or any aucht of yame to conveine yis next thirsday to collect and draw furth in wreit ye 

whole liberties and priviledges of merchandis. And to mak sick guid actis and statutis for 

obedience to ye Deane of gild and of ye saidis liberties as yai sall find expedient. Thairfoir with 

ye order of execution to be made vpon transgressors of yaire liberties to ye effect yat ye samen 

may delyver it to ye Dean of gild pnt and to cum to remaine in his possession who bruikis ye 

office yat yairby he and all wthers in yat office may be ye better informed and ye more able to 

vse yaire offices. 

Decimo tertio novembris anno dom 1570 

Ye whilk day ya said Deane of gild, robert kyd, james forrester, robert peibles, george spenss, 

william forrester, james findlasone, jhone duncan, jhone fotheringhame, alexr annand 

younger, and james lowell conveined in ye counsel hous of yis brugh and concerning ye estaite 

pnt of ye common weill of ye merchandis and how yair is no common good pntlie for defence 

of thaire libertie and support of thair decayed brethren whom it sall happen. And sicklyk how 

yair can be no common weill manteined except yaire be fordell geare to ye help yairof wherfor 

hes ordained and devysed yat yaire be taken vp by ye Deane of gild or his factor havand his 

power in flanderis fra ewerie merchand within yis brugh sex groat for ilk stick of cloth and 

fower groat for ilk seck of any wther geare or merchandise and in france for ilk barrel of 

salmond ane dowble for ilk stick of cloth and dowble for ilk daker of hydes ane dowble for ilk 

barrel of hering or keeling and denier ilk hunder sherlingis or great skinnes ane lyartine 

danskeine ilk seck of cloth ane spruiss shillings two hundreth furfall or white leather ane 

spruiss shillings five hundredth lentron waire or lamb skinne and spriuss shillings ane dusen 

otters ane spruiss s. two dissone of coddis and spruiss s. and in Reuill quenisbridge and all 

wther places and sick lyk for all wther geare effeirs and yrto and yis ordinance to remaine for 

thrie yearis to cum. And fra thence furth ay and while ye haile bodie of ye merchandis or ye 

most part of yame discharge ye same, and yis without any prejudice or hinderance to yair old 

lettors or priviledges. And yat all ye rest of ye headis and ordinances contained in ye said old 

tres to tak effect and be put to execution be ye Deane of gild and his officer in all pointis. 

Further it is devised and ordained yat thir heads and articles efter following be addit heirto. 

Item in ye first in all tymes coming yat ewerie yeare when ye Deane of gild is elected and 

chosen yat yair be abe merchand elected and chosen to be his officer and yat he be chosen be 

leit and be voice of ye whole bodie of ye merchandis lykas ye Deane of gild dois. 

Item yat ye whole evidents pertaining to ye gild and all wther thingis whilk sould be put in ye 

Deane of gild his keeping be put in ane register buik and yat ewerie yeare three or four dayes 

befor ye election ye Deane of gild pnt and in office sall mak his compt. And on ye day of 

election and his chusing he sall delyver in pns of ye merchandis to ye Deane of gild now 

chosen ye restis of his compts, ye evidents and all yat is contained in ye register. The whilk 

receate sall be subscryved be ye receaver in ye said register and ye deliverer to keep ye same 

while ya nixt ellection and sau in all tyme cuming to observe and keep ye sair ordour. 

Item yat ye officer of gild have four pennies for ye warning of ewerie partie fra him to whome 

he makis ye warning and for execution of ewerie dewtie 2 s. fra him vpon whome he executis. 

8

Item for addition to ye Letter annent ye frachting of shippis yat na ship be fracht within yis 

brugh except ye Deane of gild be pnt yrat. And yat no charter pairtie be pns trylled wt mr nor 

merchand befor ye Deane of gild first subscryve under ye paine of 5 lib. to ye mr and 40 s. to 

ye merchand to be taken vp wtout favour and put in ye merchands box. And ye haile contentis 

of ye charter parties to remaine with ye said Deane of gild. 

Item yat yair be no wool sold in Lofttis nor houses within yis brugh but vpon ye hie market 

gaite. And yat wpon wedinseday and setterday under ye paine of two shillings sa oft as ye Loft 

or hous Doore beis fund open or ony wther wayis selling. 

Item yat na unfreiman have priviledge to buy any wool in our market but to be debarred yair 

fra and gif any freman buyis any to ane unfreman in transgressing of this act he to pay 40 s. to 

be put in ye said box. 

Item yat na smyth tapt smithie coalles nor buy na mor nor may serve his labor except he be 

freman and brother of ye gild of this brugh. 

Item yat na merchand wihin yis brugh buy any geare cum ower ye sea fra ane 

unfreman but he sall advertise ye Deane of gild yrof yat ye owner may be tried and gif 

he failles being tainted yrwt to pay 40 s. to ye box. 

Item yat ye Deane of gild pnt try throchout yis brugh who hes not payed for ye burges 

wpsetting and yaire first woyage packing and peilling. And sick as tappits geare in yr 

houses within brugh to collect and draw ye samen to be put in or box conforme to our 

Letters. 

Item yat ye whole evidentis pertaining to ye Gild, and all wther things whilk sold be 

put in ye Dean of gild his keeping, be put in ane register-buik; and yat ewerie yeare 

three or four dayes before ye election, ye Deane of gild present and in office sall mak 

his compt; and on ye day of election and his chusing, he sall deliver, in presence of ye 

merchants, to ye Deane of gild new chosen ye restis of his compts, ye evidents and all 

yat is contained in ye register. The whilk recete sall be subscrywed by ye receiver in ye 

said register and ye delywerer to keep ye same while the next election, and sua in all 

tyme cuming to observe and keep ye said ordour. 

Item for obedience to our Deane of gild and his officer in ye doing of yaire offices and 

executing of ye same conforme to our tres and priviliedges of old and now pntly expressed and 

augmented and yat wtherwayes in ony decreit given be ye vyse off merchandis yat no 

merchand mr brother of gild mak yame or any of yaire stop lett impedimennt ather in word or 

deid or speak irreverentlie or to yaire defamation in any part or point sall for ye disobedience 

pay for yair first falt 5 lib. to be input in ye box. And for ye nixt falt to be modified at ye sicht of 

merchandis. 

Item ye officer in executing any decreit put in his handes sal charge awcht or ten merchandis 

or brother of gild being nearest yat place where he executes yat yai pas with him beare witness 

concur fortifie and assist him in ye executing of his office and who dissobeyis to pay awcht 

shillings to ye said box. 

Item to ye effect yat unfremen yat occupies ye priviledges of merchandis may be tried furth. It 

is ordained yat ewerie merchand or freman wtin yis brugh yat saillis to flanderis france 

danskeine or any wther parites wtout or wtin yis brugh have ane testification subscryved be ye 

Deane of gild to testifie and beare witness in those pairtis wher he cumis yat he is free and ane 

of ye brethren of ye gild and who hes not to be compted and rakned ane fortifier of unfremen 

in occupieng of ye liberties of merchandis and to pay for his disobedience 5 lib. to be putin ye 

box. 

9

Item yat na huckster nor unfreman wtin yis brugh tapt great salt nor buy in great but to be 

debarred yrfra and for ewerie tyme yat yai transgresse being inhibit to pay two shillings 

Item it is declared yat ye Deane of gild and his officer pas throughout yis brugh four tymes in 

ye yeare or oftner as he sall find occasion or think it expedient and try and examin ye whole 

weichtes measuris and elvands within ye same and gif any beis found less or within ye 

common stone wecht and measure ye samen to be broken and ye owner yairof to pay for 

unlaw aught shillingis for ye first falt and for ye second falt pay 5 lib. to be put in ye said box. 

And ye third falt ye owner of ye wecht elwand or measure to tyne and forfault yaire libertie 

and freedome within yis brugh for ever and never heirefter to be reckoned or estimed amongst 

ye number of honest and famous merchandis but to be repudiate for ever. 

Item anent ye ordinance contained in our confirmation yat ye officer of ye gild sall have power 

to poynd and distresse ye with halders of all duties and unlawis pertaining to ye gild without 

any officer of law and na cryme to be input to him yrfor ratefie and approve ye samen in all 

pointes with yis addition yat alsweill he have being commanded be ye Deane of gild to poynd 

for any decreit betwixt merchand and merchand given and permitted be ye Deane of gild and 

his assistants merchandis as for any wther unlaw or deuties pertaining yrto and who deforces 

him in his office pay 5 lib. to ye box and to be counted and reckned ane contemner and 

despysor of all good order if merchandis and to mak ane mends yairfor at ye sicht and 

discretion of ye Dean of gild and his assessors. 

Item it is desired and ordained yat ye Deane of gild once ewerie yeare or ofter as he thinks 

expedient sall call snd conveine befor him and his assessoris ye whole merchandis and brether 

of ye gild of yis brugh. And try and examen yem vpon yaire conscience be yair handes 

upholden and ye great suorne gif yai have trafected handled or vsed merchandise or any 

unfremen or any unfremens goods to ye effect ye persone fund to transgress may be punished 

conforme to our old tres and actis yrvpon yat yrby yr be na good order perverted. And we ye 

merchandis and brether of gild undersubscryved for us and ye rest of ye merchandis and 

brother of ye gild of yis brugh and our successors merchandis and frie to ye gild of ye samen 

consentis confirmes and approves ye foirsaid ordinances pointes and articles in all thinges for 

ye causes foirsaid and mantenance of our liberties and priviledges haid of old. In witness of ye 

whilk thing and in tocken of ye ratification and confirmation and als in sure token of our good 

obedience heirto we have subscryved ye samen with our handes as efter followes at Dundie ye 

fyft day of September ye yeare of god jai vc thriescoir threttieune yearis. 

The 10 Day of October 1576 

The whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors above written conveined in ye counselhous 

and yaire hes visited read ratified and approves ye whole actis and statutis concerning ye gild 

and fredome yairof with thir additions as followes. 

Item in ye first anent ye order of ye election of ye Deane of gild it is added yrto at everie yeare 

ye Deane of gild on office sall cause warne ye whole merchands and brether of gild of this 

brugh to conveine in ye kirk and revestrie upon ye Monday nixt efter ye election of ye provest 

and baillies at aucht houres before noone and yaire be common voice sall leit and elect sick as 

sall be thocht meit to be in ye office of Dean of gild and wthers to beare office with him for ye 

next yeare yrefter and gif ye Deane failles to command to his officer to mak ye warning 

lawfullie to ye said day sall pay ten pound money and gif ye officer failles yairin he getting 

command he sall pay fourtie shillingis and ewerie brother of gild being warned and conveines 

not at ye said day and hour appointed sall pay ten s. whilk sall be put in ye box to be applied 

with ye rest of ye gild silver. 

Item it is statute and ordained yat vpon ye same day of ye election of yeDeane of gild thaire be 

elected and chosen with him ane merchand to be ane collector or thesaurer to ye gild to pass 

be leit and voice conforme to ye order whose office sall be to collect and gather in ye whole 

dewties and silver pertaining to gild and sicklyk to deburse and give furth as he sall be 

directed be ye Deane of gild and his assessors receaving ye Deane of gild his precept yrvpon 

and vpon ye thurisday befor ye day of election ye Deane of gild and collector in office sall mak 

yr comptis of yaire intromission and debursements in pns of assessors and sick wther auditors 

as sall be adjoined unto them and upon ye day of ye election ye rests found awane be them to 

be delivered to be put in ye box in presens of ye brether of gild conveined and who disobeyis to 

10

pay ten pound money of unlaw and to be compelled to ye samen and ye provest and baillies 

authoritie to be interponed yairto. 

Item annent ye act of ye gild silver and vptaking yairof for ye support of ye decayed 

merchandis and wther necessary thingis pertaining to ye gild we affirme ratefies and 

approves ye samen in all points with yis additipn yat whatsomever merchand or 

factor refuses to pay ye said gild silver being required yrfor be him yat heis ye Deane 

of gild power sall pay for unlaw fyftie s. to be putin ye box by ye said gild silver for ye 

whilks he sall pay lent money to wit for ilk frenche sous twelffis pennies for ye stuire 

in flanders twelf pennies for ye gross in danskeine twelff pennies and sicklyk profeit 

in all wther parts and yat ewerie merchand yat sendis yaire geare to factories beyond 

ye sea sall direct in yr bills to pay ye said gild silver under ye paines foirsaid and yat 

na merchand yat ye Deane of gild sall present or require to receave his power to tak 

vp and receit ye gild silver as said is refuses ye samen and to mak comt yrof at 

returning home under ye foirsaid paines. 

Item annent ye act yat na man ship except ye Deane of gild be pnt yrat or in his name in lyk 

manner we ratefies and approves ye samen with yis addition yat na ship be frachted but be 

merchandis ane or moe and sick as sall be admitted be ye Deane of gild and his assessors to be 

qualified in using of merchandise and who yat disobeyis to incur ye paines contained in ye act. 

Item it is devised and ordained yat no merchand mak any factor for him or give his 

commission of merchandise on yis side or beyond ye sea but to ane qualified merchand and 

sick as is admitted be ye ane of gild and hes ticket under ye paines of five pound money to be 

put in ye box. 

Alsua it is ordained yat na merchand or brether of gild tak vpon hand to intromett or to 

merchand or factor to any unfriemens guides to be shipped to send to any wther part under 

colour of yaire owen nor zet to intromett with any unfriemens guides dwelland wt out yis 

realme to bring in yis brugh be ship as his owne proper guides under ye paine of 10 lib money 

to be put in ye box. 

Alsua yat na merchand or brother of gild wtin yis brugh tak or receave unfriemans money in 

great or small to waire vpon any sort or kind of geare or merchandise within his fredome to ye 

end under colour of unfriemen get yat libertie to trafect and handle as ane free brother of gild 

under ye paine of 10 lib money to be put ion ye said box. 

Item anent ye act yat ye Dane of gild sall try ye weichtis elvands and measures wtin yis brugh 

foure tymes in ye yeare or often as he sall find occasion we ratefie and approve ye samen with 

yis addition yat alsweill ye wine stouppis ye watter metts and all wther measures pertaining to 

ye gild be tried as yai yet are contained in ye wther act under ye said painis thairin exprimed. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat ewerie moneth once or oftner as need requires ye Deane of 

gild and his assessors sall conveine in ye counsellhouse for ye visiting and ower sicht of sick 

thinges as sall concerne ye weile and libertie of ye gild yat if it happens the said libertie to be 

hurt or any misorder yrin or any of ye acts or statutis belonging yrto brokenyat remeid may be 

provided ad execution to follow. 

Anent ye act yat ewerie merchand or brother of gild within yis brugh yat sailles to any wther 

pairt other wtout or wtin yis realme have ane testification subscryved be ye Deane of gild to 

beare witness yat he is ane frie brother of gild in lyk maner we ratefie and approve with yis 

addition yat na skipper nor mr of ship wtin yis brugh tak or receave within his ship any 

merchand wtout he have ye said testification subscryved as said is under ye paines contained 

in ye said act. 

Item is is statut and ordained yat ye merchand resaver of ye Deane of gild his power and 

commission for vptaking of ye gild silver sall at his returning hame ane compt making delyver 

to ye said Deane of gild and inventrie of ye whole guides pertaining to ye merchandes and 

11

other of gild of this brugh yat was within ye ship wherof he was factor to ye effect yat ye 

saides inventaries may charge be said Deane of gild and his collector at yr comptis making 

whilk inventaries ye said Deane of gild sall be holden to produce to ye auditors of ye saidis 

compts vpon ye day yrof under ye paines rex’ne contained in ye act maid for ye compts 

making. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat ye water mett ye joug ye wechtis elvands and wthers mettis 

and measuris appointed and ordained for ye tryall of ye whole wechtis mettis and measures of 

this brugh be put in ye Deane of gilds handes in keeping and yat ye watter mett be lent nor 

given furth to nane but when as shippes is discharging and losing yaire laidinings and yat 

yaire be no greate salt nor wther geare accustomed to be mett yairent sald to be delivered with 

ye said watter mett except it be betwixt ane frie brether of ye gild and ane wther and yat in 

greate and to ye effect yat yis act micht be ye better keeped It is ordained yat ye Deacone of ye 

watter met sall on nawayis use ye nor mett ony sort of geare and in speciall great salt yrwt 

whout ye command of ye Deane of gild and at ewerie tyme yat ye said metter hes to doe wt ye 

said watter mett he sall receave ye same fra ye said Deane of gild vpon sick injunctions as sall 

be given him and delyver it agane to him ewerie nicht at alewen under ye paines of tinsell of 

his office. 

And we ye merchandis and brether if gild undersubscryved for us and ye rest of ye merchands 

and brether of gild of yis brugh and or successors merchands and frie to ye gild wtin ye same 

all in ane voice but discrepance admitted and granted an by ye kinges grace confirmation of 

old and sicklyk consents confirmes ratefies and approves ye foirsaid acts and statutis together 

with ye hail rest of ye acts contained in yis book to be conforme yairto and to ye old lawes and 

priviledges of ye gild and yat ewerie clauss article and point contained yrintill be ws and or 

successors foirsaides be received obeyed observed and keeped without respect of any persone 

under ye paines contained in ye said actis. And wills and consents yat gif neids beis ye provest 

and baillies of this brugh yair authoritie to be interponed yairto. And further executorias be 

yem to pass yrupon. In witness of ye whilk and in tocken of ws and or successors obedience 

yairto we have subscryved as followes at Dundie ye 12 day of November ye yeare of god ane 

thousand five hundredth thriescour and sexteine yeiris. 

Decimo tertio novembris anno præscripta 

The whilk day ye said Deane of gild and his assessors with ye bodie of ye merchands and 

brether of gild of yis brugh conveined in ye counsel house yrof considering ye estaite present 

of ye common weilth of merchandis daylie decayand and small remid vsed for defence of yaire 

ancient liberties and priviledges yrof as yai have bene of old and alsua for support of thaire 

decayed brether of gild when it sall happen and for remeid yrof yat not wtstanding according 

to ye old lties of gild granted be ye whole bodie of merchands and brether of gild afor our 

dayes confirmed and approved be or soueraine most noble progenitors at all tymems sensyne 

for collection of ye gild silver of all wares passand furth of yis brugh in france flanders and all 

wther countries for causes foirsaid and now fund yat ye said collectione is neglected and 

orsighted be one and wther yat sould collect and pay ye samen sua it is cum to none effect for 

ye relief foirsaid wherfor it is statut and ordained be ye whole merchandis and brether of gild 

foirsaid yat ye collectione in wther countreys sall cease for ye space of thrie years nixt 

following and to be collected and wptaken heir at home be ye Deane of gild collector or wthers 

havand his power of all waires passand furth of yis countrie in flanders france denmark 

dansskene kewill and all wther countries as followes yat is ilk barrel salmond ij d. ilk Daker 

fyes ii d. ilk seck cloth ij d. ilk barrel oilie and butter ij d. ilk barrel heiring or keiling j d. ilk 

hunder skynes vi d. ilk huner steirleins or goates skynnes ij d. ilk hunder furfell and whyt 

ledder ij d. item of ilk hunder lamb skynnis and countrie warres j d. if ilk dozen otters ij d. ilk 

dozen coddis 1 d. and sicklyk of all wther waires effeirand to ye valour and who refuses to mak 

instant payment beand required be ye said Deane of gild or havand his power to incurre ye 

paines contained in actes maid yrannent afoir and yis ordinance to remaine as said is fir ye 

thrie yeares following and fra thence furth ay and while ye whole bodie of ye merchandis or ye 

most part yairof discharge ye samen and this without prejudice or hinderance to yaire old lties 

or priviledge given yame and yat ye rest of ye heads and ordinance continued in ye said old 

lties to tak effect and be put to execution be ye said Dean of gild and his officer in all pointes 

and we ye merchandis and brether of gild undersubscryvand of us and ye rest of ye 

12

merchandis and brether of gild of this brugh and or successors merchandis and friemen to ye 

gild of ye samen consents confirmes and approves ye foirsaid ordinances in all thinges for ye 

causes foirsaides for maintenance of or liberties and privileges haid of old. Witness if ye whilk 

thing and in tocken of ye ratification and confirmation and als in frie tocken of our obedience 

heirto we have subscryved ye samen with our hands as effer followis at Dundie ye 4 day of 

December anno 1577. 

Apud edinburgum 12 mensis februarij anno 1578 

Item it is concluded and ordained be ye commissioners of burrowis yat fra yis furth na 

manner of person or persons sall be received nor yet amitted to be friemen within brugh 

unless he have his permanent dwelling plaice within ye brugh and mak actuall residence 

yairin watch ward and pay exactions within ye saming. And because yr is divers and sundrie 

whilk are maid alerdie friemen of divers burrowis and yet nevertheless dwells not within ye 

saming Thairfoir ya have statute and ordained yat all sick persones as are old maid friemen of 

burrowes sall reteire yem to yaire own townes an mak actaull residence within ye saming 

within fourtie dayes efter ye daite heirof wtherwise fra yis furth sall not be acknowledged as 

friemen nather within ye realme nor zet without ye same but sall be holden and vsed as 

unfreemen as gif yai have never received ony freedom of brugh. 

Sexto die mensis February anno dim 1578 

The whilk day ye provest baillies counsel and Deane of gild of ye brugh of Dundie hes statut 

and ordained yat from this day furth no brether gild sone be received within ye locket buik 

unto ye tyme he be past twentie one yeir of age compleit and alsua yat na extranear burgess 

one sall be received in ye locket buik or bruik ye liberties of ye gildrie conforme to ye burrow 

lawes maid yrupon contained in ye maistie and authorised be or soveraine Lords most nobel 

progenitors and yis be caus ye burgess one being minor can not understand his owne oath and 

als ye receaving of and extrander burges sone is against ye libertie of brugh extract de libro 

actorum cyriae burgi de Dundie oer me Alexrum Weddercurr scribam ein seed sub meis signo 

et subscriphine memalibus. 

The 7 Day of October 1580 

The whilk day Alexr Scrymgeor Dean of gild of ye grugh of Dundie and his assessors 

conveined in ye counselllhouse of ye samen he ordained and denysed according to and 

ordinance made befor yat all lawes actis and statutes contained in ye maiesties actis of 

parliament lawes of ye ea and statutis of this brugh concerning merchandis yair freedome 

liobertie and oriviledges and ye maintenance yairof be collected drawen furth and insert in yis 

buik yat yai may be patent and readie to be seene and considered in all points and tymes when 

occasion isii offered efter ye samen of ye first ordinance as slaua to insert ye estaite of ye last 

band made anent ye merchndis and subscryved with yaire handes to ye effect foresaid of ye 

whilk band ye tenor followes. 

At Dundie ye xi of August ye yeare of god ane jai vc foirscoir yeares. 

It is appointed agreed conveined upon and finalie concluded amongis ye merchantis and 

brether of gild of ye brugh of Dundie under subscryved in manner following yat is to say for 

sameilke as ye saids brether of gild and whole bodie of ye merchandis of yis brugh being 

conveined in ye counsellhous yrof wpon ye aucht day of August instant efter long treating and 

reasoning upon ye liberties freedoms and priviledgess of gildrie and wthers granted to yem 

and yaire predecessors be our soveraine Lord his most noble progenators respecting alsua ye 

actes of parliament made in yaire favoris and mature deliberation have yair anent and for 

observation and keeping of ye saids priviledges freedoms and liberties and for eschewing and 

avoiding of all sick inventions as may tend to ye braking yrof or prejudiciall to ye samen be 

sick persons as wold invent new novations in ye contraire of yaire saids liberties in speciall for 

obedience of ye kingis maiestie his hienes statutis lawes and ordinances and for ye common 

welth of ye whole realme and specialie of ye estaite of ye burrowes of ye samen. This 

concluded and ordained yat no merchand presume efter yis day within yis brugh to mak any 

mariner or skipper his factor to his geare and merchandise for using ye same without ye 

realme under ye paines of 20 lib. to be vplifted of ye merchand and applied to ye poore of ye 

gildrie and also ye tinsell of ye said merchants freedom and yis in respect of ye great skaith yat 

yat merchandes has obtained thraw making ye saids mariners and skippers yaire factors who 

have no perfection or knowledge to do ye sam. Alsua it is concluded yat na merchand of yis 

brugh receave no mariners money to waire nather in yis countrie nor zet in na wther forren 

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nation nor zet ye merchand to be partie with yem nather in buying nor selling except ye 

mariner be frieman and brother of gild and subiect to ye lawes of gild. Attowoer] it is 

concluded and ordained yat na merchand of brugh owner of any ship sall nather fracht nor 

outred to ye sea with any mariner awner heirefter without ye mariner awner be subject to ye 

lawes of gild and be content to shott and contribute with ye pillot and casten guides according 

to ye act maid yair anent under ye paine of 20 lib. to be vptaken of ye merchandis and to be 

applied as said is and als ye tinsell of ye said merchandis freedom. Finallie it is concluded and 

ordained yat na merchand within yis brugh sall fracht or outred with na mr of ane ship nor 

wther mariner heirefter except yat both ye mr and mariner subiect yem selfis to ye lawes of ye 

gild and be content to shott and contribute of pillot and casten guides efter ye forme and tenor 

of yat act maide yrannent and because yis appointment ordinance and conclusion tendis to 

ane guide order conclusion and and common weillof the estaite of burrowis according to ye 

liberties and priviledges yrof granted be our soveraine most noble progenators as said is and 

conforme to ye actis of parliament maide yr anent all ye saidis merchandis and brother of gild 

foirsaides withand consent and assent but devision binds and obleisses yem selffis yair aires 

successors and assignais to observe keep and fullfill ye promises and all wther guid lawes 

statutis ordinances maid for ye weill of ye estaite of burrowes and in speciall ye lawes of 

gildrie and bindis yem yaire aires and successoris foirsaidis wt yaire persons lands guides and 

gear to fortifie assist manteine and defend ye same against any persones whatsomever wtout 

exception yat wold pretend to mak any derogation yrof. In witness of ye whilk ye foirsaides 

merchandis and brether of gild hes subscryved thir pnts with yaire handes as followes Day and 

place foirsaid. 

There follows the signatures of 91 merchants led by Dean of Guild Peter Clayhills 

The actis following are drawen furth if ye buik of ye law called 

regiam majestatem 

Off him yat is burges ye 2 chap 

We acht to sweare first lautie to ye king and to ye baillies if yat town wher he is made burges 

in als farre as law of burges will. 

Off markets betwixt burgess and merchandis of shippos vi chap 

Gif markets be risen betuix burgesses and merchandise of shippes it sall be landed wtin thrie 

floods of ye sea merchandise yat cummiss be ye sea sal be brocht to land out ane salt hering 

yat sall be sold within shipburd of law and reason. 

Off ane merchand of ane wther brugh what he sall do xiij cap 

Nane uncouth merchand may buy out of ye brugh woll nor hyd nor nane wther merchandise 

within brugh but gif it be fra burges and it is to wit yat within brugh sall not ne hard 

blunderwict nane [blank] dynt merchet na hery held na siclyk thing. 

Off burges priviledge in brugh xvij c 

nab urges oucht to buy wool to lit no claith mak no zet to schoare cloth but wtin ye kinges 

burgh. 

Off measuris and wechts in brugh xlij c 

Ilk burges may have in his own house mettis to mett with elwandes stone and wther wechts ye 

shilks acht to be sealed with ye seale of brugh and it is to wit yat also so is taintit with fals 

measuris sall pay amerciament unforgiven. 

Off him yat cairns to be maide burges xliij c. 

Na man sall be maid burges but gif he do service to ye king of a ruide of land or alss meikle as 

yairto fallis. 

Off ye stallangeris freedome in brugh xlvi c 

If it to wit yat stalangers may na tyme but in a cavell with a burges of any merchandise but in 

ye tyme of faire for yan is lawfull to ilk man to lott cavell with ane burges. 

Off forstallers in brugh lxiiij cap 

14

Na man dwelland within ye kinges brugh nor zet outwith be so hardie to pass out of brugh on 

ye market day to buy ocht without ye limits of ye town and who so beis convicted yrof sall pay 

aucht s. unforgiven in till amerciament 

Off yem yat may not be in gild lxxviij c 

It is to wit yat na litster nor na flesher may be within ye freedome of ye gild of law within ye 

kinges brugh but if he sweare yat he sall not use yat craft with his own proper handes but it iss 

lawfull to him to have servantis under him. 

Off ye uphalds burges priviledge 

It is to wit yat na burges yat dwellis out of ye brugh may buy nor sell nor frie be in any brugh 

but yat in ilk brugh yat he is burgess and yat is ordained of law. 

The actis following are drawen furth of ye buik of ye actis of 

parliament 

The statut of merchandise xli c. 

It is statut and ordained yat na merchand of ye realme pass ower ye sea in merchandise but gif 

he have of his owne proper guid or at ye least committed till his governance thrie serplathes of 

voll or ye vslour of yem in wther merchandise whilk sall be kend or he pass be ye inquyst of his 

nichtbouris under ye paine of ten lib to ye king. 

That ye caus of all merchandise deid outwith ye realme be decyded within xcix 

cap. 

Item oedema die rex ex delibertione trium statuum in parliamento congregatorum decrevit 

quod causer ommium mercatorium et incolarum regn scotia in zelandia flandria vel alibi extra 

regnum decedentium quo so causa merchandisarum sua so transtulerunt debebt trastari 

coram finis ordinarijs in fra regnum aquibus sua testimenta confirmantur non obstante quod 

quoream ax boms hninsmoe decedentim tempore fin obitus fuerunt ub anglia velin oartibus 

transmarimis. 

That na litster buy cloth to sell lxxiiij c 

Item it is seene speidfull yat lit be cryed vp and used it was wont to be and yat na litster be 

draper nor buy cloth to sell againe nor zet thelit yrto under ye paine of eschaite. 

That na person saill wtout ye serplaith of guid lxxv c. 

Item anent ye estaite of merchandise and restriction of ye multitude of saillers it is seene 

speidfull be ye estaite of clergie and ye barrons ane statut be ye king yat yaire shall na 

persones but able and of good fame and yat he have at ye least thrie serplaithes of his own 

goods or els ye availe of yrof committed till him and yat ye saillers in merchandise be fremen 

of burrows indwellers within brugh. 

That nane pass in merchandise out of ye realme but freemen xiij cap. 

Item in ye first yat nane of our soveraine lords leidges sall not pass in merchandise out of ye 

realme but freeman burgesses dwelland within brugh or yaire familiaris factoris servandes 

being within yem in houshald at meate and drink savane yat it sall be lawfull to prilatis lords 

barrons clerkis to send yaire proper guides with yaire servands and to buy again thinges 

neidfull to thaire proper use. 

That na man of craft use merchandise xv cap. 

Item it is statut amd ordained yat na man of craft use merchandise be him self nor saille in 

merchandise nather be him self nor his factoris nor his servants but gif he have leive renounce 

his craft but colour or dissimulation. 

That na man saille in merchandise with out ane half alaft of guides xvc cap. 

15

Item yat no man saill nor pasa out of ye realme in ony merchandise but ane famous and 

worthifull man havand of his own half loft of guides or sameikle feiring and governance under 

paine of 10 lib to be raised to our soveraine lords profeit of ilk persone doand in ye contraire 

heirof. 

That na ship be frachted wtout a charter pairtie xvij c. 

Item it is lykwyse statut and ordained yat in tyme to cum yaire be no ship frachted without a 

charter pairtie contained in ye pointes underwritten yat is to say yat ye mr of ye ship sall find 

sufficient steirmenn timmermen shipmen convenient for ye ship and yat ye mr find frie to ye 

merchandise fyre watter and salt on his cost and gif yaire happens ony convention or debaite 

betuix ye mr and ye merchandis yat yai sall underly ye iurisdiction and ordinance of ye brugh 

wherto ye ship is frachted without any exception and yat no merchands guides be reason nor 

spilt with unreasonable stowing as with speakis nor yat no guides be shorne nor stricken vp in 

no wayes in to ye mr his default or his servandis under ye paine of tinesll of ye saids fracht and 

ainending of ye skaith to ye merchandise and yat ye mr suire na guides vpon his ower loft ye 

whilk and he doe yese guides sall pay no fracht nor no guides under ye ower loft to scott nor 

lot with yese guides in caice yai be casten and yat ower ilk ship exceeding v last half a seck 

frauch under ye paine of v lib to be raised to our soveraine lord ye kinges use of ilk persone 

doing in ye contraire heirof and yat no drink silver be taken up be ye mr nor his doers under 

ye paine above written and homeward a tune frach to ye kirk work of ye towne yat yai are 

fracht to. 

Off saillers to have ane half a last of guides ccvij cap. 

Item it is statut and ordained ya ye actes of parliament made of befor upon ye great multitude 

of simple unhonest persones sailors furth of all burrowis south and north in ye pairtes of 

flanders holland or zeland micht be put to dew execution sa at na man saill in ye saids parties 

in way of merchandise but famous and worshipfull men havand ilk ane of yaire own half a last 

of guides or havand sa meikle in steirage or governance under ye paine of 10 lib. to be raised 

to our soveraine lords use as ye old actis proported. And als yat na merchand sall within ye 

foirsaid partes but gif ye be a frieman of a brugh and indweller of ye samen under ye said 

paine and yat searchers might be limit heirvpon havand power to execut and search ye actis 

and raise ye paine and inbring ya samen till our soveraine lords checker als oft as yai be found 

doane ye contraire heirof and ye commissionaris think expedient yat in ilk bruj ye provest 

baillies and customers be searched and ansr heirfor. 

That craftsmen using merchandise renounce yr craft 128 cap. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat ye act of parliament towching ye craftismen vsane and 

deilland with merchandise might be put to execution sa yat he yat is a craftisman ather to 

forbeare his merchandise or els renounce his craft but ony dissimulation or colour under ye 

paine of escheat of ye merchandise yat he vses occupyieng his craft and yis escheat to be 

brocht be ye said searchers to our soveraine lords vse and compt yairof to be made to ye 

checker. 

Off frachting of shippis and ye paines yrof cxxx cap. 

item it is statut and ordained be ye thrie estaites in yis pnt parliament yat ye act of frachting 

and laidening of shippis might be put till execution efter ye tenor of ye samen and yat na 

guides be fuired be ye mr vpon his own loft nor ye merchandise guides to be strucken vp nor 

unreasonable specked nor riwen under ye paine of 20 lib. to ye kinges vse and yis to be 

searched be ye officaris of ye brugh and ye head frachtisman of ye ship ye whilk sall ansr 

yairfor. 

That commissioners of burrowes compeir togither once in ye yeare in 

Innerkeithing cxxxij cap (1487) 

Item it is statut and ordained be ye whol thrie estates yat yearlie in tyme to cum certane 

commissioners of all burrows both south and north conveine and gather together once ilk yeir 

in ye brugh of Innerkeithing on ye morne efter saint James day with full commission and yaire 

to commune and treat vpon ye weilfire of merchandise ye good actis and statuts for ye 

common profeit of burrows and to provide for remeid vpon ye skaith and injuries sustained 

within ye burrowes and what brugh yat compeires not ye said day be yaire commissionares to 

16

pay to ye costes of ye commissioners v lib. and yearlie to have our soveraine lords tres to 

distrenzie heirfor and for ye inbringing of ye same. 

That shippes cum to frie burrowes xi cap. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat in tyme to cum all manner of shippis strangers and wthers 

cum to ye kinges frie burrowes sick as Dum Bartane Irving Quytoun kirkcubrugh 

Rawfro(Ratho?) and wther frie burrowes of ye realme and yaire mak yaire merchandise and 

yat ye saids strangers buy no fische but salted and barrelled nor buy nane wther merchandise 

but at frie burrowes and yat yai pay yair dewties and customes and tak yaire cocket as effeiris 

and yit yai mak na merchandise at ye leowes nor yther places but at frie burrowes as said is 

and yat nane of our soveraine lords lieges tak shippis to fracht under colour to defraud our 

soverane lord nor his lieges under ye paine of tinsell confiscation of yaire ship and guides to 

our soveraine lords vse. 

That strangers merchandise yat cumis with shippes cum to ye principall towns 

lxxiij cap 

Item it is statut and advysed be ye lords of ye articles yat for ye defraud done to our soveraine 

lord in his customes be strangers and alienants of wther realms whilk cummes to yis realme 

and take yair ludging and innis in ye town of Leith and at wther parts of ye realme and 

chairges yaire guides to ye sea and wthers yair merchandise not payand yaire customes and 

dewties to our severaine lord in yat wayes yat thaire guides are entred as effeirs nor yaire 

merchandise shewen to ye customars and clerkis of ye cocket. It is statut and ordained yat in 

tyme to cum when any ship of alienants or strangers of wther realms cumes in ye heaven of 

Leith or ony wther part within ye realme ye mr or merchandis of ye said shipp sall tak his 

ludging and innis in ye principall toun of ye said port and enter yaire guides as effeiris and to 

charge na guides nor merchandise to ye sea while it be seene be customers and clerkis of ye 

cocket whilk guides and merchandise yai send to ye sea and ye customes and dewties payed 

yrof and ye host of ye innis where ye said strangers are ludging sall ansr to ye king for yaire 

customes and dewties gif ye said strangers pass away uncustomed and ye said host sall give 

compt to ye kinges officaris and customers what guides he hes furth effeiring to ye quantitie of 

ye guides yat he entered so yat it sall be cleirlie understanding yat he have away merchandise 

and no money and gif any beis fund brakand yis statut takand ye money away all ye said 

money and his wther guides sall be ye burgess escheit and yat ye kingis hienes deput 

searcheris heirto whilk sall search ye samen as yai will stand yairfor to his hines and his estait. 

That all officeris within brugh be charged yearlie cxv chap 

Item yat all officearis provest baillies and wthers havand office of Jurisdiction wtin burrowes 

be charged yeirlie and yat nane have iurisdiction within brugh but gif yai vse merchandise 

within ye said brugh. 

That no merchand persew ane wther in parts beyond sea before any iuge but ye 

conservator xxvi cap 

Item it is statut and ordained for ye weill of merchandis and for ye great exorbitant expenses 

mad be yem vpon plois in parts beyond sea yat for ye conservator of yis realme have 

jurisdiction to do iustice among ye said merchandis or soveraine lords ladyes yat is to say 

betuix merchand and merchand in yese parties beyond sea and yat ye said conservator 

proceed not wpon any matteris but gif yaire be sex of ye honest of merchandis of most 

knowledge of ye realme yat sall sitt and have power with him gif so many may be gotten and 

gif yr be not to ye number of sex yat yaire sitt four merchandis with him at ye leist yat sall have 

sicklyke power with him to minister iustice and yat no merchand persew ane wther befor any 

wther judge beyond ye sea nor do in contraire to yis act under ye paine of five pund payed to 

ye king of ye persewer and payment of expenses to ye partie persewed. 

That ye conservator of Scotland cum home yearlie or send ane procurator cxvij 

cap 

Item it is statue and ordained yat ye conservator of Scotland cum home yeirlie or send and 

responsall procurator for him yearly yat sall ansa to everie ilk man vpon all thinges yat yai 

have to say to him for all matters and mak certification to ye king or his counsel of ye sending 

of ye said procurators and yat under ye paine of tinsell of his office and payment of twentie 

punds great to ye king. 

17

That merchandis and burrowis bruk yaire old priviledges cxix cap 

Item it is statut and ordained yat all ye merchandise of ye realme and ye burrowis bruk and 

have yaire priviledges and fredomes granted and given yem be our soveraine lords projenators 

of most noble mind be observed and keeped to them and yat no persones dwelland with out 

burrowes use any merchandise nor zet tap nor sell wine wax silkis spicererie waed nor siclyke 

stuff nor zet stapill guides and yat nane pack nor peill in Leith not wther plaices without ye 

kingis burrowis under ye paine of ye escheating of ye guides to ye kingis vse yat beis taped sall 

packed or peilled against yis statut. 

That na burges be maid with out ye consent of ye great counsel of ye toun cxxi 

cap. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat in tyme to cum na provesr Baillie nor aldermen of ny 

burrowis mak burgess nor gild brother without ye consent of ye rfeat counsel of ye town and 

yat ye profeit yat is taken for ye making of ilk burges or gild be put to ye common good and 

vared on ye common warkis. 

That ye old act anent saillers be put to execution cxxij cap. 

Item it is statut and ordained for ye weill of merchandis yat ye old act anent sailors be put to 

execution and yat ye customers shall to ye officars of ye toun who dois in ye contrair heirof yat 

ye said officars mak yis act to be put to dew executioin as yai will ansua to ye king vpon. 

That nane house wool skin nor hyddis in Leith cxxiij cap. 

Item it is statut and ordained for causing of ye kinges customes to come in whole to him as 

accordis to ye eshew ye defrauding yat hes beene done yairof in tymes bygone yat na man 

house wool hydis nor skinnes in Leith nor wther places out with frie burrows under ye paine 

of escheat. 

Priviledges of burrows cxxvj cap 

Item our soveraine Lord with advyse and consent of his thrie estaitis of parliament ratefies 

and approves ye actis mad of befor granted to merchandis within brugh. 

Anent merchandis yat failles contraire to ye actis made of befor xccvij cap. 

Item it is statut and ordained be ye kinges grace and thrie estates of parliament yat ye act and 

statut mad be vmqll our soveraine Lord king James ye third and als ratfied and approved be 

vmqll our soveraine Lord yat last deceased of good mind when god affore tuiching merchandis 

passand with yaire merchandise furth of ye realme to franc flanders or any wther part yat na 

merchand saill wtout he have ane half last of guides of his own or els in governance of factor 

to wther merchandis be put to execution in all pointes in tyme to come efter ye forme and 

tenor of ye samen and ordaines ye provest or baillies of burrowes statut at ilk port of ye realme 

to search and look seek ye persones brakers of ye saids statutis and yat yai distrenzie ilk 

persone braker yrof for ye sowme of twentie pound to be applied on yis wyse yat is to say ye 

one half to our soverainee Lords use and ye wther half to ye provest or baillies for yr labouris 

and yat yai mak compt yr of yeirlie in ye checker and give ye provest or baillies be negligent in 

ye exercising of yr offises and power given to yem yai sall be obleisched to pay ye said paine of 

xx lib. for ewerie man yat passes and sailles in contraire to ye said act at yat port where yai 

have jurisdiction and als it is ordained yat na skipper mr owners of shippes revealle any 

merchand to saille in yr shippis with out yai have ye names of them in ticket subscryved be ye 

saides provest and baillies handis under ye paine foresaid for ilk person yat yai revealed in yr 

shipps and yat our soveraine Lords customeris or any wther yat pleases accuse ya saids 

provest and baillies gif yat be negligent in ye premises yeirlie at ye checker and tres to be 

directed heirupon in dew forme as effeiris and als yat tres be written to ye conservator to send 

home ye names of all merchandis resortand yairin ewerie ship in contraire ye samen of ye said 

act to ye thesaurer under ye paine of tinsell of his office. 

That na man molest or trouble provest aldermen baillies and officearis within 

brugh xxx cap. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat na man earle lord barron or wther of whatsumever degree 

about and adiacent nichtbouris to burrowes molest trouble nor inquiet ye provest aldermen 

baillies and officers of burrows and merchandis yrof in vsing of yaire fraucheis liberties and 

18

priviledges granted to yem be our soveraine Lord and his predessors kings of Scotland and in 

contraire ye actes and statutes made yrupon under ye paine to be called and accused as 

common oppressors of our soveraine Lords leidges at generall justiciares or privat dyetts and 

justice court as sall be thocht expedient to ye kings grace and yat ye Justice clerk tak 

inquisition and dittie heirof as effeires. 

That na man saill into flanders but twyse in ye yeare xxi chap. 

Item it is statut and ordained for ye honestie of ye realme weilll and profeit of all our 

soveraine Lords leidges and speciallie his burrowes and merchandis of yis realme yat no ship 

be frachted nor merchandis saill yrin with yair guids and merchandise furth ye realme in 

flanders but twyss in ye yeir yat is to pay to ye pashe market and rund market under ye paine 

of ilk persone cumand in ye contraire heirof xx lib. to be reased and inbrocht to ye kingis grace 

use. 

Anent ye priviledge of burrows lxxxvij Cap. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat ye old privioledges of burrows be observed and keeped 

annentis merchandis and merchandise conforme to our soveraine Lords laws staturtis and 

actis of parliament made of befor and ratefies and confirmes ye samen in yis pnt parliament 

with all priviledges granted to them be our soveeraine Lord and his mose noble progenators of 

gude mind whom god assolze. 

Of packing and peilling lxxxviij cap. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat na person use packing nor peilling of wool hydes nor skinnis 

lose nor laid out with frie burgh and priviledge yrof. 

For foirstallage xciiij cap. 

Item it is statut and ordained gif any foirstallers be apprehended foirstalling any manner of 

merchandise vitlualis pultrie or guides whatsomever within ye freedom of brugh yat ye 

officearis of ye said brugh escheat ye samen ye one half to our soveraine use and ye wther half 

to ye brugh conforme to ye act of parliament maid heirupon oft before and yat na wther 

officear have power yrto within ye bounds of said brugh. 

Annentis ye liberties and priviledges of Burrowes xxiiij cap. 

Iten ye queenis grace dowrear and regent of this realme with advyse of ye whol thrie estaitis of 

parliament understanding clearlie yat ye estait of burgesses thir mony yeires by gone be great 

trouble of waires hes sustained infinit skaith both in yair landes and guides and als yat yaire 

priviledges granted to yem be our soveraine Lords most noble projenators and act of 

parliament made yrvpon hes not beene observed and keeped to yem as accordis thairfr ya 

queenis grace regent with ye advyse of ye thrie estaitis foirsaids hes ratefied and approved and 

ratefies and approves all priviledges and actis of parliament made and granted in favouris of 

burrows burgesses and merchandis and hes statut and ordained yat ‘les be directed be ye laws 

of counsel yat ye instances of all burrows vpon ye priviledges and actis of parliament maid 

yrvpon in all tyme to come for putting of ye samen to dew execution with all rigour against 

yem yat does or cumis in ye contrair of yaire said priviledges and acts foirsaid without calling 

of any partie. 

Annentis liberties of merchandis at ye west seais xxxvij 

Item it is statut and ordained yat ye act maid be king James ye third anent ye coming of 

shippis to frie burrows at ye west seas be published of new and ye samen to be put to 

execution in all pointes efter ye forme and tennor yrof and ye brakers of ye samen to be 

punished conformme to ye paines contained yrin with yis addition yat na persone tak upon 

hand to buy any merchandise fra ye saidis strangers but fra friemen at frie portis of ye 

burrows foirsaids under ye paine of confiscation of all ye guids to be applied to our soveraine 

Laidies use gif yai doe in ye contrair. 

Annent ye slachter of hering and white fisch and vsing of ye samen 12 cap. 

Item forsameikle as it is heavily complained whow yat ye whole slearis[slayers?] of all kind of 

fishes within ye realme not regarding ye actes mad be our soveraine Lords dearest 

predicessors of befor whilk is yat when hering and whyt fish is slaine yai aucht to bring ye 

samen to ye nixt adiacent burrows and towns where ye persons slears yrof dwellis to ye effect 

19

yat our soveraine Lords Leidges may be first served and gif aboundance occured yat yai micht 

be salted and transported be frie burgesses throw not doing of ye whilk our soveraine Lord is 

greatlie defrauded of his customes and his hienes leidges wantis ye fruite of ye sea appointed 

be god for thaire nourishment and ye burgesses and friemen of burrows disappointed of thaire 

traffect and commoditie. Thairfor oursoveraine Lord with advyse and consent of my Lord 

regentis grace ye thrie estaitis and whole bodie of yis pnt parliament ordaines yat all manner 

of fischers yat occupies ye sea and wther persones whatsummever yat happens to slay hering 

or whyt fish wpon ye coast or within ye Iles or outwith ye samen within ye firthis bringing yem 

to frie pairts yr to be sold commonlie to all our soveraine Lords leidges and ye rest of ye 

friemen wherby his maiesties customes be not defrauded and his hienes leidges not frustrate 

of ye commoditie appointed to yem be god under ye paine of confiscation and tinsellof ye 

vesseal of yem yat cumes in ye contraire heirof and escheting of all yaire movable gudes to out 

soveraine Lords use. 

Off ratification of priviledges of burrows with addition iiij cap 

Our soveraine Lord with advyse of his thrie estaites of parliament hes ratefied and approved 

an be ye tenor heirof ratefies and approves of new all actes and constitutions of parliament 

maid be whatsumever our soverains Lords predicessors of befoir in favoris of ye burrows and 

burgesses of this realme inhabitantis of all ye burrowes of ye samen with all priviledges 

freedoms imunities and liberties granted and given to yem and to ewerie one of yem and 

decernis and declairis ye samen to have full strength force and effect in all tymes heirefter sua 

yat ye samen may be put to full dew execution in all points and to stand as ane perpetuall law 

to yem and yaire successors with yis addition givand fredome and priviledge to conveine four 

tymes in ye yeir for sick matters as concernes yair estaite and yat in what brugh it sall be 

thocht most expedient be ye most part of ye saidis burrowis provyding always for eschewing of 

tumultis yat ye towne of Edinbrugh to have ane mo nor ye ther burrows. 

Anent packing and peilling foirstalling and transporting of hering and whyt fisch 

20 cap. 

For sameikle as divers actes hes beine maid be our soveraine Lords most noble progenitors in 

tyme bygone ordaining yat ye slayers of hering and whyt fisch sould be bring ye same to ye 

nixt adiacent burrows and townes wher ye persones slayers yrof dwellis to ye effect yat our 

soveraines leidges may be first served and gif abundance occurs yat yai might be salted and be 

transported be frie burgeses and yat ye said actis throw negligence and oversight hes not 

received execution wherthrow our soveraine Lord hes beene greatlie defrauded in his 

customes and his hienes leidges wanted ye fruite of ye sea appointed be god for yeire 

nourishment and ye burgesses and friemen of burrows disappointed of yaire trafect and 

commodities. Thairfor our soveraine Lord and thrie estaitis of parliament ratefies and 

approves all ye said actis and constitutions maid anent ye saids hering and whyt fisch and 

vsing yairof speciallie actis maid in ye tyme of vmqll his hienes dearest grandsr king James ye 

third of guid memorie and be his maistie ye tyme of ye regiment of his richt truist cousen 

James earle of Morton Lord of Dalkeith regent to his hienes his realme and leidges for ye tyme 

and ordaines all and sundrie ye saids actis to be observed and keiped in all pointes efter ye 

forme and tenor yrof and ye contravenors of ye samen to be punished according yrto and yat 

all sheriffs stewartis baillies lords of regalitie provestis aldermen and baillies of burrowis and 

Judges ordinar whatsomever put ye said actis to execution upon ye conrtaveiners yrof and to 

yat effect grantis and gives to yem power and commission and Justiciarie everie one within ye 

bounds of yair own liberties and Jurisdiction and to vptak ye escheits of ye transgfressoris 

being convict ye twa parrt to ye kinges use and to mak compt yairof tyearlie unto his hienes 

checker. 

The statutis following are drawen furth of ye actis and statutes of yis brugh 

Head court in anno 1550 

The whilk day ye provest baillies and counsel hes statut and ordaind that all strang shippes 

resortand to ye port and peir of yis brugh with ony sorts of goods or merchandise yat gif any 

schippis arreawes efter noone to put yaire entres on ye nixt morne befor ye provest and 

baillies in open court and what shipps arrywes befor aucht houres before noone to put ye 

entres yat day in oppen court befor ye provest or baillies without difference or ony further 

delay and yat no person within yis brugh attempt to mak bargaine privatlie with any strang 

20

man befoir his entres be written in ye towns buikis nor zet offer ye entres until licence be 

granted and given be ye provest and baillies and counsel under ye aine of xx lib. to ye common 

wark to be uptaken of ye transgressor unforgiven. 

And yat all portage be given up in Judgment to be disponed at ye will of ye counsel with ye 

rest of ye guides principall under ye paine of confiscation of ye said portage conforme to ye 

law of brugh. 

And yat na persone attempt to mell or intromet with any geir or guides coming heir be sea at 

his own hand until his part be decerned and delivered to him be provest or baillies unde paine 

of law of brugh. 

Alsua it is statut and ordained yat na unfreman mak malt within yis brugh nor simple burges 

use ye priviledge of ye gild under ye paine of x lib. to ye common work of yis brugh unforgiven. 

It is statut yat na merchand creamers nor champen stand vpon ye hie gaite except vpon 

satterday allanerlie and with yaire fyuit within yis realme under ye paine of viij s. ilk tyme yat 

yai be found satnding wpon ye hie gaite. 

It is statut yat na ship be frauchted be privat persones but oppenly in pns of provest or baillies 

or yan befor ye Deane of gild to pass in merchandise in Flanders Denmark Danskaine or any 

frie port within ye realme and efter ye Deane of gild hes beine present at ye schip frachting yat 

na skipper admit ye merchand to sell without he be frieman or yan bring ye Deane of gild his 

ticket to ye said skipper and ye Deane of gild to direct his factor to receave ye hali bluid silver 

used and wont. 

The whilk day it is statut and ordained be ye baillies and counsel of this brugh yat all 

burgesses of yis brugh sall cum remaine and mak rest doune within yis brugh to joyc and 

bruik ye priviledge and liberties yrof and to decor ye samen efter yr goodlie power with yair 

counsel help and supplie in tazations watching warding and wther dewties conforme to ye 

mainteinance of ye priviledges of this brugh lyk as yai are sworne be yair oathis when yai are 

maid burges and yis to be done wtin ye space of fourtie dayes efter ye dait of yis act under ye 

paine of tinsell of yair friedome. 

The whilk day ye provest baillies and counsel hes statut and ordained yat in all tyme to cum 

yat na manner of person frieman of yis brugh be factor unto unfriemen nather to bring 

merchandise within yis realme nor to have outward nor to chap nor sell no unfriemens guides 

within ye freeedome of yis brugh nor to be partners of vittuall nor malt making in defraud of 

ye friedome and liberties of yis brugh under ye paine of tinsell of thaire fredome who beis 

convict braker of this act and if any unfrieman makis any frieman of yis brugh ather be sea his 

factor ather be incontinent ye said factor sall enter ye saidis guides in ye towns buikes and ye 

guides and ye process yrof to be given up to ye provest baillies as if ye owner were present and 

gif ye factor foirsaid can not agrie on ye prices of ye saidis goods in yat cause ye said factor sall 

sell ye guides in gryt to friemen as use is of strangers guides under ye paine foirsaid. 

It is statute and ordained with advyse and consent foirsaid for keeping of ye priviledges of yis 

brugh and foir payment of customes and dewties pertaining yrto and yat apprehension and 

knowledge may be haid of unfremen vsand ye libertie and profeit of this brugh and als of 

fremen vsand against yair aucht and custome to trafect with wther mens geir under colour of 

yair own yat all mr of schipps other fremen or strangers cumand to ye port of yis brugh sall 

give vp ye entres of all guides beand in ye schip befor ye provest and billies hav seene yair 

arryvle at yis port. And alsua yat na schip be frachted within yis brugh wtout ane Baillie or ye 

Deane of gild be pnt yr at sua yat tryell may be hade who is fremen and who is not freman or 

what skipper or wther persones yat dissobeyis yis pnt act sall pay for ilk tyme as yai disobey ye 

soume of v lib. providing always yat ye said skipper merchandise and mariners friemen of yis 

brugh be not astricted to pay any mans custome or dewtie in ony cause be virtue of this act 

nor has of befoire and and ye paine foirsaid to be taken vp be ye peirmaster and applied to ye 

reparation of ye schoir and bulwark. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat ye baillies and Deane of gild tak diligent tryell and aquisition 

of all wechtes measuris metts and elvanadis within yis brugh and ye persone being found to 

21

have ony of ye saidis measuris wechtis or mettis or elvands wrong of falss sall pay for ye first 

falt to ye common wark cl s. by ye destroying of ye fals measure or wechtis or elvand for ye 

nixt falt tinsell of yaire fredome and for ye third falt banishing of yis brugh. 

Item it is statut and ordained in respect of great misorder of persons resorting to yis brugh 

pretending to be friemeen burgesses and brother of gild yrof yai nather being qualified to use 

ye trade of merchandise nor zet able to sawe yair oaths given ye tyme of yr receaving to 

fredome yairfor yat na persone be admitted efter yis pnt daite to be received burges fremen 

and brother of gild of this brugh without yair honest consideration and manner be notarlie 

knowen and alsua sall pay for yaire admission ye soume of x lib. with yair accidents use and 

wont and als be ye tenor heirof ordaines officaris to pass and warne all and sundrie persons 

pretending to be burgess and brother of gild of this brugh dwelland without ye samen be open 

proclamation at ye market croce yr of to compeare dwell inhabite and beare charge sick as any 

wther nichbouris dois nixt efter charge wt certification and yai faillie yat ye locked buik sall be 

opned and yaire names blotted furth of ye samen and nane of thaire posteritie to bruik or use 

yrefter any fredome within yis brugh. 

Alsua yat ye act maid for frachting of shippes in pns of ye Deane of gild be published and put 

till execution with yis addition yat ye Deane of gild subscryve ye samen charter pairtie and yat 

ye principall headis heirof be registrat in his buikis and yis to avoid process question and 

debait whilkis commonlie are used betuixt awners of shippes and merchandise daylie in ye 

tolbuith of yis brugh. 

Item becaus it is notarlie knowen yat ye merchandis are heavily hurt defrauded and damnaged 

in drinking and drawing of thaire wines coming furth of boirdeous not only at ye losing and 

laidning but also upon ye sea principally. Thairforo it is statut and ordained yat ye old actis 

maid yr anent be observed and keeped with yis addition yat in caice ony man whose punsion 

is drawen can prove if ye mariners of ye said ship drew or drank ye samen yat ye mr of ye ship 

cause yat preuelation or punscons whilk are drawenn to be mad full with sufficient wine of gif 

it be wanted or spoiled in ye defalt of ye said drawing ye skaith to be recompensed be ye said 

mr. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat ye actis maid of befor annent any persones whilk uses fal 

measures or wechtis within is brugh be published and put till execution wt yis addition yat if 

any freman be fund havane falss measures or wechts efter yis pnt day he to tyne his fredome 

for ever of yis brugh and his measures or wechts to be destroyed and broken and if any 

unfremen be convicted in ye said falt yat ye saidis wechtis and measures be broken and 

destroyed and yam selffis banished yis brugh for ever. 

Item yat ye act maid anent foirstallers regrators and cowpers of skinnes hydes and all wther 

stapill goods be published and put till execution in all points. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat if any person or persons of ye counsell of this brugh sall 

reveill or oppin ye secretis or communications to whilk he heiris in ye counsel to any manner 

of person yat ye person revealer sall never bruik siclyk place within yis brugh in tyme coming 

and yai to be discharged of further place in ye counsel as ane mensworne person. 

Item for sameckle as divers fremen in contraire yaire oath and fidelitie transportis and 

traffectis continuallie with unfriemens goods whereby ye estaite of fremen is greatlie hurt. 

Thairfor it is statut and ordained yat if any freman of yis brugh caries with him under colour 

of his own or transportis to or fra yis brugh ony geir pertaining to unfremen ye offender tyne 

his fredome for ever within yis brugh and yat it sall not be leasum to him to redeime his 

fredome because hee is yrby perjured and als ye common customes yairof greatumlie 

defrauded. 

It is statut and ordained for avoiding of ye greate fraud and falsed daiylie used be ye fleshors 

both to brugh and land yat bringes yaire skinnes and hydis of ye flesch slaine be them pulled 

cuted and larleddered in sick scrandfull manner yat not onlie obtainess our merchandise great 

skaith yrby and in samine in wther countries but alsua divers ship stolen can not be be tried 

be yaire markis when yai cum to ye market. Thirfor it is statut and ordained yat na flesher 

22

pretend to bring any flesh to yis market wtout he bring ye skine and hyd yrwt and yat ye skine 

have ye lugges upon ye same and be and of na part pulled and ye hyd untarleddered under ye 

paine of ye escheating of ye said goods. 

The actis following are drawen out of ye sea law 

Item from yis is ye watter right of ye sea yat ye skippers and merchandise and shoirsman and 

boatsman sall hald and it is ye oldest watter richt with ye new watter richt yat any man wat to 

find. 

Item gif it happens yat ane ship wer in danger in ye sea ye skipper desired to cast goods and he 

sall not cast till he have speared at ye merchands gif it be ye willis or not and gif ye 

merchandise wold not consent and ye mr or two or thrie of ye schipmen think it neidfull yan 

may yai cast when ye merchandise comes to land yai may cause thrie or four ofye semen 

sweare yat it was needful to cast. 

Item and it is wer so yat ya wer no merchandise in ye ship and yai had neid to cast what ye 

most part of ye shipmen thocht best yat sall be reckned as ye lealle of ye guides is sold in 

market pennie pennies brother and als meikle as ya is ower when ye fraucht is payed and ye 

skipper sall pay of ship or his fracht whilk yat ye merchandise will have and how yat ye 

skipper settis his ship ye merchandise may tak hir on ane tyme. 

A ship cumes to bourdeous or till any wther staid and makis hir readie to tak voyage to ye 

wynis takind and ye mr wat not yrof ye mr and ye shipmen hes stowed ye wines as yai ocht to 

doe stress of weather cumes to yem be seas happens yai cum be saiftie holand and ye 

merchand sayes yat ye wines are distrubled and spoiled in ye mrs default ye mr sayis na gif ye 

mr will sweir with two of ye saillers yat yair wines wer not wronged throw yem yan yai pass 

quyt and gif yai will not sweir yai are halden to restore ye tinsoll yrof for ye mr is holden to sie 

yat all ye goodis be keeped and stabled and weill stowed as it ocht to be or he pays out of ye 

heaven. 

Item it is statut yat no merchand creamer nor chapman stand upon ye hie gaite except vpon 

setterday allenarlie and yat with geir fynde within yis realme under ye paine of viij s. ilk tyme 

yat yais be fund standing upon ye hie gaite. 

It is statut and ordained yat ye magistrates of yis brugh and assessors yairof both superior and 

inferior be reverenced obeyed and manteined in yaire offices as becomes and yaire 

jurisdiction priviledge lawes judgments be only socht be ye in habitantis of yis brugh and yat 

yai pass nowayes to seek unfaire in civill causes at na wther judges within ye realme of 

Scotland and who ever does in ye contraire sal pay for ye first falt ten markis to be applied to 

ye common warkes of this brugh and for ye second falt under ye paine of tinsell of yaire 

fredome and libertie within yis brugh for ever. 

Item it is concluded and statut yat ye honorable estaite of ye gildrie of yis brugh be keeped 

manteined and fortified in all lawes priviledges statutis constitution friedomes and liberties 

granted be our soveraine lord and his most noble projenators to ye estaite of gildrie of this 

brugh and according to ye lawes and actis ofparliament maid yair anent and yat all brethren of 

ye gild reverence obey fortifie and assist yaire Deane of gild present and to be for ye tyme in all 

his conventions iudgements and ordinances according to ye commission and power granted to 

him as saidis and yat na man attempt to doe in ye contraire under ye paines contained in ye 

saids priviledges to be execut vpon ye offenders but favors. 

It is statut and ordained yat ye thesaurer of this brugh present or to be fra yis tyme sall have 

any power to give tickets to na manner of persons for occupieng of ye fredome and libertie of 

yis brugh but yat all sick persons come in presence of ye baillies Deane of gild and thesaurer 

and give thair oaths for trew obedience to ye kinges majestie ye magistrates of yis brugh 

common weill yrof to ye Deane of gild of ye samen and for observation of ye lawes and 

priviledges of gildrie and wtherwayes conforme to use and wont and sua to obteine ye names 

insert in ye locked buik and pay yrfor according to ye constitution wtherwyse yaire ticklets sall 

serve for na purpose. 

23

Item yat ye actis be put to execution maide anent all unfremen resortand to yis brugh and in 

speciall of them yat dewllis in ye hill and rottenraw who without all order handle with stapill 

guides as yai were friemen in great defraud of ye friemen of this brugh yat dois yaire dewtie to 

ye kings maiestie for ye fredome and yrfor yat ye saids actes be put to execution but favoris. 

Item it is statut and ordained anent ye manteinance of ye honorable estaite of gildrie of this 

brugh and for conveining and assembling of ye merchandise and brether of gild of yis brugh 

with yaire Deane of gild for treating and ordering of yr awin matters conforme to yr 

priviledges and liberties to wit yat yaire sal be ane belll hung in ane commodious place vpon 

ye tolbith of yis brugh at ye ringing of ye whilk all merchandise and brether of gild sall 

conevine with yaire said Deane of gild for ye causes foirsaids and yat immediately efter ye said 

bell has rung half ane hour without any wther warning be ane officer and who ever absents 

him self or conveines not while ye Deane of gild depart sall be immediatlie poinded for ye 

unlaw of viij s. 

Item yat ye actis made befor annent ye frauchting of shippes in presence of ye Deane of gild be 

put to execution with yis addition yat it be contained in ye charter partie yat all matters 

questionable falling out betuix ye merchand ye mr owner and ye mariner be only decyded and 

iudged be ye provest and baillies of yis brugh renuncand all wther judgements and yis 

conforme to ye act of parliament. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat ye act maide anent drawing if wyne cumming fra burdeous 

sall be put to execution in all points with yis addition yat ye mr and whole equipage sall be 

holden to give yair oaths in pns of ye provest and baillies of yis brugh when it sall please ye 

merchandis to require ye samen to wit gif yai or any of yem hes drawen or knows ye drawing 

of any of ye saids wines with certification and yai faillie ye samen sall be holden pro confesso 

and ye mr sall be decerned to pay ye skaith conforme to ye old acts. 

Item it is statut and ordained yat na honest merchandes mannes wyff within yis brugh nather 

in kirk market nor on ye hie gaite of yis brugh pretend to weare plaidis efter yis houre and who 

beis apprehended yrwith yaire plaides sall be taken from them and disponed to ye use of ye 

poore of yis brugh. 

It is statut and ordained yat na frieman of yis brugh merchand creamer or chapman pretend 

to stand with yaire geire and merchandise vpon ye calsay of yis brugh at ony tyme heriefter 

but at yr own doores of buithes and yat na chapman unfrieman pretend to stand in ye hie gaite 

to lay furth or sell any maner of merchand geir but sick as is maid and fyned within ye realme 

under ye paine contained in ye saids actis. 

The whilk day ye baillies counsel communitie of yis brugh takand consideration yat ye 

common welth of yis brugh is heavily hurt and yem selfis greatlie defrauded throw buying of 

wool in wark houses and quiet lofts within yis brugh fra ye owneris yrof for remeid of ye whilk 

it is statut and ordained yat na nichtbour nor frieman within yis brugh buy any manner of 

wool vpon any day in ye week except wedinsday and setterday and than publictlie and 

oppenlie in ye market gaite and na wark houses nor lofts under ye paine of cc s. to be vplifted 

and taken of ilk person so oft as he beis fund contravening yis act but favors and yat na 

unfrieman owner of ye said wool yat vses to have ye samen in lofts and wther wark houses 

pretend to oppin yaire doors wherin yr said wool remaines but vpon ye said two market dayes 

and thus to ye effect yat it may be brocht furth oppenlie in ye market place and gaite of yis 

brugh to be sold to ye nneichbouris of ye samen and gif yaire remaines any of yaire wool un 

sold yat yai transport ye samen againe to yar loftis and houses while ye nixt market day and 

yan to sell it and na wtherwayes privatlie as said is under ye paine of confiscation and 

escheating of ye said wool and putting yaire persones in ward so oft as yai sall be fund 

contravening ye said act. 

24

Curia capitalis burgi de Dundie tenta in prewtorie einsdem post festum dim 

mich as liv per honorables wiro Aexr Scrimgeor et William Kyd baillies dicti 

burgi primo die mensis octobris anno dom 1582 sectis vocatis et curia legittime 

affirmata 

Item it is statut and ordained yat na persone be admitted to be vpon ye counsel of yis brugh 

nor beare office within ye samen in tyme cuming be he yat is burges and brothor speciallie of 

ye persones who are not under deaconrie. 

The act of parliament maid to king James ye fourt holden at Edinbrugh ye sext 

day of October 1488 anent officiaris to be changed yerlie within brugh and yat na 

man bruk office within brugh but onlie ane merchand cap. C. 

Item yat all officiars provestis and baillies and wthers havand office of jurisdiction within 

burrowis be changed yeirlie and yat nane have jusisdiction within brugh but yai yat uses 

merchandise within ye said brugh. 

Ane act maid be king James ye fourt halden ar Edinbrugh ye yeir foirsaid cap Li. 

That na leidges bandes nor conventions of commons be maid within burrows 

Item it is statut and ordained yat within burrows throchout ye realme that legis nor bandis to 

be maid nor yet commotion nor raising of commons in hindering of ye common lawis but at 

comand of thaire head officers and gif any does in ye copntraire and knowledge or tent may be 

gotten yairof yaire goodes found giltie yairin to be confiscate to ye king and thaire lives at ye 

kinges will and yat na man dewlland within brugh be foinding in manrent nor rynd nor rowt 

in faire of war with na man but with ye king or his officars and with his deputuis under ye 

sam. And alsu yat na man purchast out lordship or master ship in landward to rowt nor ryne 

nor pley at barre nor any uther way way in ye oppressing of his nytbour but soberlie nytbour 

to nytbour under ye same paine. And yat ewerie man dwelland within brugh ansr and obey ye 

officar as said is when and what he may yai sall be charged be ye said officare in defence of ye 

realme and leidges and for ye common guide and weill of ye brugh and in ye administration of 

Justice and law as is foirsaid and yat ye Justice clerk yeirby in ye taking vp of dittays inquire 

vpon ye saids pointes and ye brakers thairof to be punished be ye Justice as wther crymes 

efter ye forme of ye said act. 

That na leidges bandis nor conventions of commons be maid within burrows 

Item it is statut and ordained yat within burrows throchout ye realme that legis nor bandis to 

be maid nor zet commotion nor raising of commons in hindering of ye common law but at ye 

command of thaire head officers and yrof any dois in ye contraire 

Ane act maid be ye commissioner of burrows halden at Edinbrut ye xxvij day of 

januar 1575 and ratefied in Aberdein anno 1580 anent goodis and geir spoillied 

by pyrats at sea 

The whilk day ye commissioners of burrows presentlie conveined hes ratefied and approved 

and be thir pnts ratefies and approves ye act maid in ye convention of burrows holden ar 

Edinbrugh ye xxvij of Januar ye year of god jaj vc lx fyftein yeires bearing in effect yat any 

shippis be prwed ye guides saif sall contribut scot and lot for relief of ye persones damnified 

baith ship and guides according yaire wairing and yat ye magistrates of all seaports within ye 

realme wher ye said shipps sall arrive sall set ane stott and extent for relief of ye persones 

damnified and sall arrest poind and compryse ye schipp and guides of thaime if need beis yat 

refuses to pay to be keeped anent ye guides casten for sustie of live and guides. Whilk act yai 

ordaine to be observed inviolable in all tyme coming with yis addition yat na clothes nor wther 

geire whatsomever wtin sea kistis or pilliet as alsua na wther guides input in ye schip at any 

wther port nor ather laidining port sall be holden to scott and lott. Extractum ect furth of ye 

copie furth of ye actis of burrows maid at ye said convention ye day aboue written be me Alexr 

Guthrie clerk of Edinbrugh witnessing be signe and subscription. 

25

The xv Day of Januar in ye yeir of god jai vc lccciv yeiris 

The whilk day Alexr Scrimgeour Deane of gild his assessors and ye whole bodie of ye 

merchandes friemen brothers of ye gild of ye brugh of Dundie conveined in ye counsel house 

yairof considering yr liberties friedomes and priviledges of ye gildrie and wthers granted be 

yem and yair predecessors be our soveraine lord and his most noble projenitors respecting 

alsua ye actes of parliament ald ancient actis of yis brugh and wthers actis statutis and 

ordinances maid in yair favors and guidsoles deliberation had yranent and for ye more sure 

observation and keeping of sick covenents as may tend to ye braking of ye saids priviledges or 

be hurtfull to ye samen and in speciall for obedience mantainance fortification and defence of 

ye wholl lawis statutis and ordinances granted given maid and constitute to as said is or any 

wtherwayes heirefter and for ye maire substantious doing yrof and with standing of sick 

novations and in coveniences as may be som curiouss persones be done and is begun already 

to be practised throw ye iniquitie of ye tyme tending to ye utter wrack of thair estaite. It is 

concluded and ordained yat ye whole lawes actis statutes and ordinances maid in ony way in 

favoris of ye merchand estaite and maintenance of yr libertries and in speciall ye actis and 

statutes maid yat no merchand frieman within yis brugh in contrair yair oath and fideletie 

transport trafect or handle with unfremens goodis be ratefied and approved in all articles 

clauses and points contained yrin and yat sharp and diligent execution be maid upon ye 

offenders without respect of any person with thir additions following to wit yat forsamilke as 

particular and wicked men not regarding ye common weill of ye merchand estaite nor yaire 

wrack may under colour of yair credit in forraine countries and at home handle trafect and 

asociat with unfriemen strangers and yr goods to ye great hurt and defrane of ye freimen 

merchants who most be readie at all tymes both with yaire bodie and guides to ye service of 

our soveraine Lord ye Kinges maiestie ye common weill of this realme and of yis brugh 

yairfoir it is concluded and ordained yat na merchand fremen within yis brut handle trafect 

nor vse merchandises be his credit nather zet to but nor tak up vpon his credit any sort or kind 

of guides merchantable fra any unfremen stranger in any maner of way and in speciall wine 

and wax except it be yat gif it happen ony merchand fremen to get ane ewill market in ye 

falling of yair yeare and merchandise whilk yai sall transport and have for laying in of yaire 

townage yat yai sall be obleist for in yr charter partie sua yat yai be danger of ye payment of 

waist fraucht in yat caise it sall be leasum to tak upon credit als meikle as will save ye payment 

of ye said waist fraucht providing always yat ye merchand freman befoir he departed his 

voyage fra this port came to ye Deane of gild and thrie or four of his assessors and in his 

absence ane of ye baillies and yaire did lat yame perfectlie know and understand be yair 

estimation yat he hes with him or utherwayes befoir him alsmeikle guides geir and 

merchandise as will lay in ye townage whilk he is obleist for. And if it sall be tried and found 

on any persone freman of this brugh utherwayes nor yis ordinance ye transgressor and braker 

yrof to pay ane hundredth pund to be applyed to ye common vse and charges of ye gild and to 

be put in ye gild box for yat effect and mairover to tyne his fredome within yis brugh for ever. 

Alsua considering and understanding how hurtfull it is dangerous it is to ane freman 

merchand who hes trafect and handling of his own to be ane factor in any way to ane 

unfreman stranger in respect of ye great defrane folshood yat may be vsed and done under 

colour of his own handling not onlie to ye frie merchandes of yis brugh but als weill to ye 

strangers to whom he sall be factor to in respect of his own merchand frieman be factor 

intromemtt nichtbuyer or seller to any unfreman stranger his guids geire and merchandise 

without first and except befor ye receaving and acception of ye said factorie ye said free 

merchand compeire befor ye Deane of gild and his assessors and yaire renunce discharge and 

ower give his traid handling and transact nor vse any kind of merchandise yrefater ather in 

buying or selling but only to keip and hald him at his office and trade of factorie and not 

exceed ye bounds yrof but do all thinges belonging yrto as ane factor to strangers goods under 

ye paine of ane hundreth lib. to be applied as said is and gif it happens ony merchand samen 

to be factor to any unfreman stranger in maner foirsaid factor yat incontinent efter ye aryvell 

of ye goods and merchandise to yis brugh ye freman deput factor sall give up ye samen and 

enter yem in ye towns buiks as if ye owner yrof unfreman were pnt him self to be sold used 

and disponed vpon to frie merchandise as unfremens goods according to ye actis of 

parliament and liberties of yis brugh under ye paine foirsaid. 

And sicklyk ye selling and disponing of ye said goods ye said factor sall wair and imploy ye 

money of ye samen with fremen merchandise upon goods or merchandise out of yaire handes 

26

conforme to ye lawes of yis realme and nawtherwayes under ye paine of fourtie lib. to be put 

in ye gilds box and applied to ye common use of ye gild as said is. 

Item in respect and consideration hade and taken of ye great charges and expenses whilk 

daylie occuris on ye merchands throw ye defence and maintenance of ye said old liberties and 

priviledges and to support and help of ye decayed merchands of yis brugh ye uphold of ye 

merchands boddis and yr brother in ye hospital whilk charges and expenses is far above yat 

thing yat in tymes befor wold have done ye samen therfor it is concluded and ordained yat ye 

Deane of gild and his collector pnt and to cum be diligent in ye vptaking of ye vpsett of ye 

merchandise buithes of yis toun of all sick as cappis or sellis merchandable goods and sicklyk 

of all vther casualities and duties appertaining to ye gild and yat yaire be taken vp for ilk buith 

upset fra ye merchandan upsetter five lib. money except burgesses sones to be frie yrof for 

twentie s. In lyk manner as it is ordained yat at ye receving of ane Deane gild brother in ye 

locked buik yat yat gild brother sall pay to ye Deane of gild and his collector xx s. alsua yat 

ewerie merchand within yis brugh at his first packing and peilling pay to ye said Dean of gild 

and his collector to be applied as said is xx s. except burgesses sones to pay buy vi s. viij d. 

Vigesimo quinto die mensis Marij anno dom 1585 

The whilk day ye Deane of gild and merchants conveined as said is considdering gyryt 

damnage and skaith sustained in ye collection of ye gild silver be not vptaking of ye samen hes 

concluded statute and ordained yat in all tyme heirefter ye collectoris comptis sall not be 

accepted nor admitted unless he mak payment of all duties pertaining to ye said gildrie whilk 

is to be vptaken or yat at ye least he report deliverance be decreites to be obtained on ye 

refusers yrof for ye tyme have yearly for his paines and duetie ten markis providing he report 

dew diligence as payment or production of decreits on ya conreaveiners and disobeyers to him 

of payment. 

The whilk day it is statute and ordained that ane of ye two keyes of ye locked buikis of 

inserting of burgesse be delivered to ye collector of ye gild silver to be keeped be him in all 

tyme heirefter. And yat because it is found heirtofoir ye collector of ye silver properly 

apperteinand to ye gild hes bene neglected and not collected to ye commoditie of ye said gild 

and for remeid yrof yis pnt act is concluded. 

On the page before the next entry and on an otherwise blank page appears: 

This forme is approved be ane wther patent of ye same king francoys as also be his sone king 

henrie in tuo wther patents and all thaire past ye great sealle of france and yis done be king 

francoys in anno 1518 and be king henrie in anno 1554 and in anno 1555. 

Vigesimo nono Die mensis Septembris anno dom 1588 

The whilk day in pns of ye said Deane of gild and his assessors and ye whole bodie of ye 

merchandis in ye said brugh being conveined in ye counsell hous having respect to ye cumlie 

and accustomed behavior of ye said merchands estait and constitution ysed yairin of befor in 

ye courtis of ye gildrie of ye said brugh and efter reading of all and sundrie ye samen statutes 

in yair pns mad fra tyme to tyme yair divers yeiris bypast they be ther pnts ratefies and 

approves ye samen in all tym cuming and hes promised faithfullie in ther consciences to fulfill 

and obey ye samen in all pointes. Thairfor ye said Dean of gild pnt decernes and ordaines all 

and sundrie statutis maid in ye said court of gildrie at whatsoever tyme hertofor of 

whatsoewer dait and continuance ye samen to be put to dew execution in all pointes cforme to 

ye tenor yrof. 

Secondlie ye foirsaid day it is concluded and aggried be ye whole bodie of merchands is that 

when as any action sall happen to result be persuit betwixt merchand and merchant of ye said 

brugh yat ye gild officer sall warne ye defender orderlie and at ye command of ye persewer 

sick witness and probation as he will use for proving of his intent. Lyk as ye said persewer sall 

compeir personalie at ye said day of compeirance and persew his claime and gif ye defender 

conpeirit not being warned he sall pay xl d. of unlaw. Lyk as ye persewer gif he compeir not in 

dew tyme to ye said persuit sall pay vj s. aucht pennies and ilk witnes being merchand warned 

and not compeirand ye sum of xl d. to be input in ye merchandis box. Thairfor ye said Deane 

27

of gild with advyse decernis and ordaines ye said concluded statut to be recealle full execution 

in all tyme coming. 

Thridlie because it is thocht expedient in yis pnt court be ye whole merchands of ye said brugh 

yat ye honest estaite yairof be manteined in all tyme cuming according to ilk persons power be 

intertainment of them selfis in honest abuliement of thaire persones and cumlie behavoir 

wtherwyse be absataining fra wearing of plaidis and bonnatis except black bonnetis bearing of 

barrows or ony ye lyke labour wtin ye liberties of ye said brugh, and gif yai attempt ye samen 

ye person contrveiver sall pay for ye first falt 13 s. 4 d. and for ye second falt 40 s. and of yd 

thrid falt 10 lib. to be input om ye merchands box. Thairfor ye said Deane of gild decernes and 

ordaines ye said statute to be observed and keepet in all tyme coming and to receave full 

execution as ye sam as is set doun in manner abovewretten. 

Fourthlie because it is pntlie thought expedient be ye whole bodie of ye merchandis yat 

quietness all be amongst ye merchandise estait at yair convention to ye said court be keiping 

of silence while yai be demanded be ye Deane of gild and abstaining from all kind of privie or 

public conference fra ye said Deane of gild downsitting whil his rising from his court to ye 

effect yat ye cause common or particular independence may be ye more perfectlie hard but 

also yat ye merchandis may be ye more abill to assist ye sid Deane of gild with yaire couonsell 

being demanded in respect of thaire silence. Lyk as it is thoucht expedient yat not only 

reverence be given to ye Deane of gild whotsomever but als be ilk neichbor to other at ye said 

convention. And ilk person to pay for ilk tyme of thair contravention of ye promises to wit for 

ye first falt 2 s. for ye second falt 5 s. to be input in ye common box and neveryeless to be 

punished according to ye gravitie of ye falt at ye discretion of ye Deane of gild and his 

assessors. Whilk statute foirsaid ye Deane of gild decernes and ordaines to be put to deu 

execution in all pointes according yrto. 

Fiftlie because it is thoucht needful be ye whole bodie of ye said merchandise yat whatsomever 

action of merchandise resulting bexwixt merchand and merchand and alswell for debt and 

wther vystending to ane merchand steik ony manner of way ye samen sall only be persewed 

befor ye Deane of gild of ye said brugh for ye tyme and to be decyded be him suspending yem 

selfis and all persuit yairanent fra wther iudges and submitting yem selfes to ye iudgment of 

ye Deane of gild for ye tyme, thairfor ye said Deane of gild with consent of his assesssors and 

als of ye saides merchandise decernes and ordaines ye pairtie contraveiner of ye promises or 

ony pairt qrof to pay to ye collector of ye gild dewties 15 lib. money to be input in ye said 

merchand box without any favor. 

The first day of August 1589 yeiris 

The whilk day Robert Fletcher Dean of gild his assessors and haill bodie of ye merchands 

being conveined within ye counsell hous of Dundie havand presented to yem ane complaint be 

ye ministers of yis brugh delating ye coldnes and lack of ye former zeale whilk was in ye hearts 

of all persons at ye beginning and opining of ye evangell now preiched and taught amongs us 

wherby sik respect and regaird is not hade yairto as becometh christians professing ye samen. 

Craving therfor ye Deane of gild and his assessors to provyd ane substantions order wherby ye 

zeal may be reduced to ye former estaits be ye hearing thairof preached and taught within ye 

kirk of ye samen whilk can not be without repairing yairto. Whilk complaint being hard and 

dewlie considered and for remeid wherof ye Deane of gild foirsaid with his assessors and haile 

bodie of ye merchants conveined as said is hes concluded and ordained and by thir pnts 

concludes statutis and ordaines that yar and ilk ane of them repaire to ye hearing of godis 

word now prayed and taught within ye kirk of ye samen upon ye ordinar day appointed yairto. 

And also yat beis found vpon calsay or schoire of yis brugh or sall sell goodis rore or hold open 

his buith doore vpon ye ordinar day of preaching and teaching to wit ye Sunday ye wedinsday 

betwixt aucht houris and nyne hopuris and fryday in lyk manner sall pay for ye first falt 2 s. 

and for ye second falt 4 s. and for ye thrie falt 5 s. to be uplifted of ilk offender or contraveiner 

of this pnt act without favor or respect of persones. And ordaines yairfor ye officer of ye gild to 

give vp ye names of ye contraveiners as also ye collector ordinar to be charged yeirly with ye 

saids unlawes in his compts. 

The sext Day of august 1590 

The whilk day compeired David Baxter merchand and confessed him self to be awand and 

debtfull to ye Deane of gild and his collector ye souwme of twa hundreth marks unuall money 

28

of is realme whilk he hes applied to his utilitie and profite. The whilk soume of ij c markis the 

said David bindis and obleisses him his aires executor assynais to thankfullie content and pay 

to ye said Deane of gild or his collector of ye brugh betwix ye day and daite heirof and 

mertimes even nixttocum but langer delay fraue or gwile and is contented yat ye baillies 

authoritie of yis brut be interponed yrto be poynding or warding be yis pnt subscrived with ye 

said Dadid at Dundie ye day and zeire foirsaid. 

Penultimo Septembris 1590 

Whilk day ye provest baillies Deane of gild counsell and bodie of ye merchandis of ye brugh of 

Dundie being conveined within ye revestrie of ye said brugh within ye kirk of ye samen as 

place appointed and of annent custome solemlie obserwed for election of ye Deane of gild of 

ye brugh for ye yeire heirefter following for avoiding of all confusion yat may enshew or be 

introduced be any order heirtofor observed in ye election of ye said Dean of gild hes all with 

common consent statute and ordained and be this pnts statutes and ordaines that in all tyme 

heirefter in yis place and upon this day whilk is Moneday next following ye day of ye election 

of ye provest and baillies of ye said brugh immediatlie efter ye prayers in ye morning. The 

provest baillies Deane of gild for ye tyme counsell and haill bodie of ye saids merchandis sall 

fullie and solemlie conveine. Where ye said provest baillies Deane of gild and counsell of ye 

said brugh assisted with ye assessors of ye gild being twelve in number sall have power to put 

in leit thrie of ye number of ye counsell of ye said brugh most wise and of greatest gravitie and 

best acquent with ye affaires of ye gild and estaite of merchandis out of ye whilk thrie put in 

leit be ye saids provest baillies Deane of gild counsell and assessors of ye guild in manner 

forsaid yair sall ane most qualified and worthie of yat calling be elected and chose be ye saids 

provest baillies ane of gild counsell and ye haill bodie of ye merchandis of ye said brugh be all 

thair votis and suffrayeis who sall bear ye said office for ye yeir yrefter and be reveranced 

honoured and obeyed as judge of ye merchantis of ye said brugh in causes concerning ye dutie 

of merchands and wrthers belonging to his office according to ye priviledges fredomes and 

liberties granted be our soveraines most noble prejenitors of goode memorie for establishing 

and advancement of ye said gild in manner forisaid according to ye whilk oredinance and 

constitution above wretten thrie being put in leit in manner forisaid. the saidis provest baillies 

Deane of gild counsell and whole bodie of ye merchands of ye said brugh all with ane vot and 

suffrage hes elected and nominat William Duncan ane of ye baillies of ye said brugh ye yeare 

preceiding now Dean of gild of ye sam for ye yeire to cum and hes faithfullie promised to 

mantaine reverence and assist him in ye said office according to ye lawes and contitutions sett 

down yranent. In respect of ye whilk promes and at ye earnest requyst of ye saids electors ye 

said William hes accepted of ye sam according to his conscience knowledge and abililties. 

Octavo Novembris 1590 

It is statute and ordained be ye ane of gild hi assessors and ye maist part of ye merchandis 

presentlie conveined yat during yis pnt yeare and in all tyme coming ilk brother of gild who 

sall be warned be ye officer to conveine with ye Deane of gild and keipps not ye houre he is 

warned too be ye officer sall pay for ilk tyme he is soume to do ye soume of fourtie pennies 

unlaw and sicklyk ilk assessor for everie tyme aucht pennies and ye bell to be ane sufficient 

warning upon ye ordinare day of convention. 

Decimo decembris 1590 

The whilk day the Deane of gild his assessors and ye maist part of ye bodie of ye merchandis of 

this brugh being conveined within ye tolbuith of ye same havand dewlie and ryplie reasoned 

upon ane complaint given in to yem be divers of thaire nichbouris reilwers alsweil of ye 

honestie of yaire estait as ye commoditie of ye same agaainst sick persones of yaire number as 

traides with eggis, kaill, onyons, apples, peares, and wthers ye lyk hockstrie forme of traide to 

ye great dishonor of yaire estaite publictlie befor yair buith dooris hes statute and ordained 

and be this pnts statutes and ordaines yat na merchand within yis brugh in ony tyme heirefter 

sell ye lyk sorts of warres or have ye same publicklie keeped befor his merchand buith under 

ye paine of tuentie shillings for ye first fault and being tainted yairefter to commit ye lyk sall 

his buith doore to be closed and he to be discharged of ye libertie yairof. 

29

Sexto Maij 1591 

The whilk day ye Deane of gild his assessors and ye maist part of ye bodie of ye merchandis 

being conveined within ye tolbuith of yis brugh efter lang disputation and reasoning have be 

yem upon ye actis statutes and lawes sett doun be yaire predecessoris for ye weill of yaire 

estaite and speciallie upon ye warrandis yairof ye samen nather being autentick be ye 

subscriptionn of ye notar or clerk nathor till be subscryved be ye bodie of ye merchandis 

consentors yrto hes statut and ordained yat in all tyme heirefter ye Deane of gild of ye tyme 

sall yeirly before michelmes conveine ye haile bodie of ye merchandis and publicly syne of 

yaire consenting yrto cause yem subscryve ye samen and gif ye Deane of gild for ye tyme faille 

in doing ye same. 

Quarto August 1591 

The whilk day ye Deane of gild his assessors and ye maist part of ye bodie of ye merchandis of 

yis brugh being conveined within ye tolbuith of ye same efter long hae be yem upon and 

complaint given in be certaine of thair neighbowris upon ane great disorder laitly fallen within 

yis brugh in making secret pactions and pryces upon vnfriemens warris before ye same be 

given up be ye awners yrof to ye toun with ye pryces yairof and buying of ye same to ye 

prejudice of ye hail brethre of gild be whom ye same aqccording to ye laudable custome within 

yis brut as all tymes past sould be brocht at least ane libertie granted be yem to ye owner 

yairof for selling ye same for remeid wherof ye Deane of gild with advyse forsaid statutes and 

ordaines ilk person contraveiner of yis pnt ordinance who sall attempt to buy any unfriemens 

warris ather mak any secret paction vpon ye pryces yairof arryving be sea to yis port fra ye 

parts beyond ye sea sall pay upon ilk hundreth pundis worth warres he happens to buy ye 

soume of ten pundis scottis money to be taken up bwt favor ye same being done befoir libertie 

granted to ye owner as said is. 

Odem die 

The Deane of gild with advyse foirsaid upon ane complaint given in be divers yaire nichbouris 

upon certane merchandis tappers of scottis steill alledging ye samen not to be sufficient efter 

long reasoning and dew consideration taken yairintill both be yem selfis and be ye Dekyne of 

ye hammermen and his brethren who are best skilled yairintill whether ye same was sufficient 

or could be sufficiently maid be thaire craftismen hes discharged and be thir pnts discharges 

ony merchand within yis brugh to tapp or sell ye same as scottis steill or wtherwayes to mix ye 

same with yat sort of warres coming fra forraine parts under ye paine of confiscation of ye geir 

apprehended and payment of ye unlaww of fourtie shillings so oft as yai sall be tainted 

yairanent and yat because ye lyk sort of vaires are found not to be sufficient and may import 

slander upon ye whole estait. 

Primo die Septembris 1592 

The whilk day ye provest baillies Deane of gild counsell assessoris gild brether and whole 

bodie of ye esatit of merchandis of yis brugh conveined within ye tolbuith of ye samen anent 

ye complaint given in and presented be certaine merchantis gild brether touching ye ower 

sight of ye taxismen of ye gild who in tymes past have omitted to uptak ony gild silver of ye 

consumable goods yearlie transoprted furth of yis realme (except onlie of staple waires as 

salmond haring cloth skinnes hydes) ye remanent goods being of great quantitie and availe to 

ye great hurt and prejudice of ye said estaite and impairing of thaire priviledges plainly sett 

down in yaire gift and confirmation past yairupon be his Maiesties most noble predicesors of 

yuie memorie containand yat all guides payand custome sall pay duetie to ye gild prorat as ye 

samen at maire lenth beiris. The whilk being seene considered and ryplie advysed be ye saids 

provest baillies Deanes of gild counsell assessors gild brether and whole estaite of merchandes 

as said is all with one voice and consent for them and thaire successors in tyme to cum grantis 

and consents yat all goods payand custome to his Maiesties customers transported furth of yis 

realme be what soever freman sall pay ane certaine duetie to ye gild pro rato to be yearlie 

taken and uplifted be ye ordinar collector or tacksman of ye gild for ye time alsweill without 

yis realme as within ye same to wit ye staple wares as yai pay pntlie ilk chalder wheat 

customable sall pay to ye gild x s. Ilk chalder beir or oatts 15 d. Ilk chalder great saltss. Ilk 

chalder small salt 4. Ilk chalder coalles 2 d. Ilk schip pund lint 12 d. Ilk ship pund hemp 5 d. 

Ilk pund tackle 6 d. Ilk ship pound copper 12 d. Ilk contener of poulder 10 d. ilk c dealis 8 d. 

Ilk c euvba ruis spaire 15 d. Ilk hunder drie keling 4 d. Ilk c of seithes 3 d. Ilk c lead 1 d. Ilk c 

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vax rods ilk c ferraine tallou [blank] Ilk last pick 20 d. Ik last tarr 20 d. Ilk last hering 20 d. Ilk 

barrell salmond 5 d. Ilk barrell oillie 5 d. Ilk barrell butter 5 d. Ilk barrell tallon customable 10 

d. Ilk c Limming cloth customable 15 d. Ilk Dacker hydes 8 d. Ilk stick cloth 5 d. Ilk c scheip 

skinns ilk c futfeill and lames skines [blank] ilk c almond leather ilk c buckes and goat skines 

Ilk daker hert leather Ilk daker of todds and otter skinnes and generalie all cunsumable gudes 

according to ye availe alswell not mentioned as gif ye sam wer specified to wit of ilk tuentie 

poundes varing 5 d. scotts money half ane sous in french money and ane gryt in flemmis 

money. This said duetie to be payed to ye said collector and taksman and yat yis act may 

indure and remaine irredemable for us and ur successors as ane lawe have caused insert it in 

ye buik containane ye register of ye actis of ye gild and hes all subscryved ye samen wt our 

handis at Dundie ye day and yeir foirsaid as followis: 

Robert Fletcher Deane of gild 

Assessors 

William Man elder Thomas Traill 

Robert Wedderburn Patrik Wedderburn 

Walter Hay Androw Mathow 

James Man Alexr Jack 

Peter Man Thomas Kabell 

Alexr Rane Mr Jhone Lovell 

Thomas Man David Mudie 

Thomas Young Alexr Anderson 

Peter Clayhills younger Jhnoe Scrymgeor 

Mr Alexr Wedderburn younger 

Primo die mensis Februarij 1592 

The whilk day compeared Walter Hay merchand and confest himself to be awand and dutifull 

to ye Deane of gild his collectoris and remanent gild brether of ye merchant estaite of yis 

brugh ye sowme of ane hundreth pundis of money of yis relame of Scotland whilk instantly he 

hes receaved and converted to his utilitie and profeit. The whilk soume of ane hundreth 

poundis I ye said Walter Hay and David Baxter my cationer bindes and obleishes as our aires 

executors and assigneyis conjunctlie and severallie thankfullie to content and pay to ye Deane 

of gild and collector for ye tyme in name of ye gild brother of ye merchant estate betwix ye 

eaite pnt and ye feast of mertimes in ye zeir of god 1593 fourscoir thretteine yeiris but 

frandelie annualrent yrof I ye said Walter andDavid Baxter my cationer bindes and obleiges vs 

and our foirsaides sufficiently to infeft be charter and feafing ye Deane of gild in name of ye 

merchant estaite ot ye said brugh in yaire annualrent of 10 lib. money to be yearlie and termlie 

uplifted be them furth of yaire hands lyand in ye said brugh and ye samen to be payed asweill 

wt infeft as gif ye infenfment were alreadie past and consents yat ye provest and baillies 

authoritie with executorialls of poinding and warding be interponed yairto for fulfilling of ye 

promisses in all pointes in witnes therof we have subscryved thir pnts with our handes day 

zeire and place abowrn. 

Walter Hay with my hand 

David Baxter with my hand. 

Decimo sexto octobris 1593 

The whilk day ye Deane of gild his assessoris and full bodie of ye merchandis of ye brugh 

being conveined within ye tolbuith of ye sam and having respect to ye priviledges and liberties 

granted to yem and yair successors be ye king his Ma’tie and his most noble projenitors of 

good memorie finds ye saids priviledges and liberties to be neglected as seen and greatlie 

prejudged in speciall be ye Deane of gild his assessors and remanent bodie of merchands zaire 

conventions and litle caire travell and diligence taken be yem for preservation of ye sam for 

remedie where sitis thaire conventions sall be more solemn and frequent and for yat effect hes 

pntlie concluded yat be and attour ye particular conventions holden be ye deanes of gild when 

as his assessors and bodie of merchandes sall be required be him and his officer and yat 

ewerie Tuesday precislie half ane hour befor twa at efternoone ye counsell bell of yis brugh sall 

ring half ane hour for conveining of ye said Deane of gild and his foirsaides to treate advyse 

and reason upon ye said priviledges liberties and immunities. Deliberat and concluded 

yairupon according to yaire richts granted to them as said is for ye weill of there estaite as ye 

lawes and constitutions of yis realme will permit. And because it occurris oft tymes yat ye 

Deane of gild is absent it is thocht expedient be ye said Deane of gild and his forisaid yat his 

absence be supplied be ye Deane of gild of ye zeir befor last past in his absence and of ye 

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present bailies who sall be warned be ye gild officer to conveine ye ringing of ye said bell to ye 

effect foirsaid and yat in most solemne and reverend mannor according as ye gravitie of ye 

said conventione requires. And ilk person contraveiner yat beis absent efter ye bell be rung 

sall pay ye Deanes of gild 20 s. ye assessors vi s. iij d. ye merchant of brother of gild iij s. iij d. 

to be taken up immediatelie be ye gild officer unforgiven and to be receaved be ye collector of 

ye gild to mak yeirlie compt of ye same with all uther unlawes yat sall be warranded to be 

taken up be ye Deane of gild with advyse foirsaid ye said cpllector sall be comptable yrfor. And 

because of ye head court of yis brugh approves it is thocht expedient yat yis act be registgrate 

with ye actis of yis brugh to be oppenlie proclaimed at ye memrket croce of ye brugh yaire to 

remainne in perpetuam rei memorian. 

Quinto die mensis novembris anno 1593 

The whilk day ye Dean of gild his assessors and remanent bodie of ye merchandis being 

conveined within ye toluith of ye sam and understanding ye great abuse in etting of plaiding 

cloth and all ther merchandise wherby uestions debaites and contraversies aryssis betwixt ye 

buyer and seller to ye slander of yis brugh and all honesst merchands for remedie wherof ye 

Deane of gild with advyse foirsaid hes concluded yat ane common metter be appointed for 

metting of all cloth and plaiding bocht and sold within yir brugh who sall have aucht pennies 

for ye metting of ilk hunder of all single plaiding or narrow cloth and ye seller to pay ye same 

to ye said common metter appointed for ye tyme and faithfullie declaire ye number of ells 

mett and pay ye said metter and ye pryces foirsaid. And gif any person gild brother concealles 

and declaires not unrequyred to ye common metter ye number and quantitie faithfullie and 

payes him not ye dewtie foirsaid he sall pay ane unlaw of 40 s. to ye gild collector and to ye 

metter his appointed duetie and for yis yeare ye Deane of gild with advyse foirsaid hes chosen 

thaire brother James Alexr merchant to use yis office diligentlie and hes taken his oath for 

faithfullie using ye samen according to his abilitie knowledge and conshience for yis yeir to 

cum. 

Decimo die mensis Novembris 1593 

The whilk day ye Deane of gild his assessors and whole bodie of ye merchands of yis brugh 

being conveined within ye tolbuith of ye sam and understanding ye great hurt ye brether of ye 

gild receavis be admitting of ye great numbers of unfriemen to be burgesses and brother of 

gild Lykwayes sick persones as are not qualified to use ye traide of ye merchantise. Thairfor ye 

Deane of gild with advyse foirsaid hes concluded yat no person be admitted nor receaved as 

burgesess and brether of gild heirefter but sick whose religion honestie conversation and good 

maneris be tried and fund forthie of yat place and calling. As alsua yat he pay to ye thesaurer 

of this brugh 40 lib. money [£5795.75 in 2006] for his admission togither with ye accidents 

used and want and his buith upsett conforme to ye acts of gild maid yranent. 

Decimo quinto Die menses Octobris anno dom 

Millesimo quingentisimo nonagesimo quarto 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild of ye brugh of Dundie his assessoris and bodie of ye merchandis of 

ye said brugh being conveined within ye counsellhous yairof undersdtanding yat ane great 

number of burges sones of ye said brugh pretending yaire parentis privildge and daylie 

occupies ye liberties and fredome of ye gild notwithswtanding yai nathor be resaved in yat 

societie nather zet hes payed yr ordinar dueties yrfor hes yairfor concluded and devysed That 

ye saids burges sones sall all be personallie charged be ye officiar of ye said gild to prove yam 

selfis to be admitted and receaved in ye number of brether of gild of ye said brugh and pay 

yaire ordinare dueties yairfor within ye sapce of ane moneth nixt efter ye said charge with 

certification and yai faillie yt yai sall tyne all libertie and priviledge yat yat yai may pretnd be 

ye fredome and admission or yaire parentis for ever. 

Secundo Die mensis Maij 1595 

Whilk day the Deane of gild his assessoris and ane greate part of ye merchandis of ye brugh of 

Dundie beiong conveined in ye counsall hous yairof anent ye complaint presented be William 

Davidson younger against Arthur Adame in Lumquhanan for delyverance to ye said William 

of two packis of plaiddes sold to him be ye said Adame. Both ye parties being present 

compeired William Spence for his entress and a lledged yat George Farquhar partner with ye 

said Arthure sold to him ye same plaiddes in pnc of ye said Arthure who alledged nothing in 

ye contrair but besyde taciturnlie approved ye same and yairfor alledged yat ye saids plaiddes 

acht not to be delyvered to ye said William Davidson. Whilk alledgance maid for ye part of ye 

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said William Spence ye said Arthur and George confest plainlie lyk no ye said Arthure confest 

ye selling of ye saids plaiddes lykwyse to ye said William Davidson in respect wherof ye said 

Deane of gild and his assessors findes yat ye said Arthure Adame hes done wrong in selling of 

ye saids plaiddes to twa sindrie persones and yrfor ordaines him to have incurred ane unlaw 

of 10 lib. and to pay ye samen befor his departing furth of ye said counselhouse. And ordaines 

ye said George and Arthur to keep and observe ye conditions maid be them to ather of ye saids 

parties inrespect of thaire confessions forisaid. 

Vigesimo sexto Augusti 1595 

Decernes and ordaines David Kyd to delyver to Barbara Wedderburn or his factors havine his 

power twentie bolllis of gret and small salt goode and sufficient and thrie towine barrellis at 

Skalloway in Zetland or yan ye price and awaill yrof extending to xliiij lib. money and yat befor 

ye last day of December nixt to com and yis in respect of Ather of ye pairties consessions. 

Peter Clayhills Deane of gild. 

Vigesimo Septimo Die mensis Septembris 1596 

Whilk day in consideration of ye great disorder and confusion vsed oft befoir in decyding of 

civill cause appertaininng to ye Deane of gild his office and iurisdiction be inquiring ye votes 

and opinions of ewerie member of ye bodie of ye gild it consistingof ane grat number not weill 

skilled in matters of importance. Thairfore fore for eshewing ye said confusion It is statute 

and ordained with common consent yat ye Deane of gild his assessors only or ye most pairt of 

yaire number sall onlie have voice in ye decision of all civill causs yat sall be proponed or 

reasoned befor ye said Deanes gild herefter and ye whole multitude and number to be 

excluded yairfra. 

The sam day ye Deane of gild his assessors with advyse of ye merchandis pnt hes contended 

yat everie Tuesday at two hours efternoon the names of ye whole merchandis sal be called 

punbliclie and ye absentis noted and amerciat ilk person in and unlaw of iij s. 4 d. according to 

ye actis maid yairanent befoir. And for ye effect yar ane roll and catalogue sall bemade 

containing ye names of ye whole merchandis of yis brugh and uther persones astricted to keep 

ye ordinare asemblies of ye gild. and for making of ye said roll nominates Alexr Smyth 

collector of ye gild Thomas Traill Alexr Kyd and David Jack. 

Item: In consideration of ye grave and honest assemblies of all merchandis within ye brugh of 

Edinbrat and wthers weill reformed burrows at ye buriall of honest persones whilk is ye last 

honer yat christians are holden to do to yaire brethren and of ye neglect heirof in tymes past. 

Therfor it is statute and prdained yat whensoewer any brother of ye gildhis wyff or bairne sall 

happen to depart fra yis lyff that ye dead corps sall be accompanied to ye buriall be ye whole 

number of merchandis and gild brether of ye said brugh in honest and cumlie manner. And 

yat sick as absentis yem selffis yairfra sall be poynded for xl d. unlaw wtout any calling or 

iudiciall proces. 

Septimo Die mensis Octobris 1596 

Para 3 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild his assessors with consent of ane great number of ye bodie of ye 

merchandis hes resolved to cause edisie and repaire vpon yaire commmon charge and expenss 

ane steiple and pricket of aistler wark upon ye east newk and kungie of ye new tolbuith of ye 

said brugh for hinging yairintill of ye gild bell. And thairfor be thir pnts gives commission to 

William Man, William Duncan, baillies and Walter Hay kirkmr to contract and apppoint with 

ane meason for accomplishing of ye said wark. And to report yaire travellis yis day aucht 

dayes to ye brethren of ye gild. 

The said brugh on ye ane part and Alexr Young meason burges of ye said brugh on ye wther 

part in manner as followes. To witt ye said Alex be thir pnts obleisses him upon his own 

expenss to edisie and erect upon ye north east cunzie of ye tolbuith of ye said brugh wher ye 

common bell presentlie hingis ane sufficient prick of stane fyne aistler wark weill hewen 

rysing with aucht square panis aggrieable to ye old fundation of ye said wark whilk prick sall 

be in hicht fra ye alreing of ye said tolbuith to ye thak gable of ye samen prick eleven footis. 

And above ye said table ye said Alexr sall raise ye thak of ye said prick of ye hicht of thretteine 

footis and sall place in ye bodie of ye said prick aucht lichtes or windowes. In sick parts and of 

sick hichtis and wydnes as ye said Deane of gild sall appoint and under ye sealis of ye said 

33

windois sall place ane muldrie table circuiting ye whole prick weill hewen and under ye thak of 

ye said prick sall circuit ye samen with ane table called ane limber table and yairwith sall 

decore ye said wark be putting on everie cunzie yairof lookane toward ye sea streit of yis brugh 

of ane knap with ane fyall yairupon. And in ye forisaid thal sall place aucht little lichtes or 

windows with fyallis upon ye heids yairof and for ye effect ye whole wark may be so surlie 

founded The said Alexr upon his own expensses sal tak downe and reedifie sa meikle of ye 

battowing of ye said tolbuith as he thinks necessar and by his wark manship sall furnes ye 

whole stones to ye said wark with ane chalder of lyme and said effoir and yrto. And finallie sall 

accomplishe and perfyt ye whole stone wark necessar to ye said prick at ye sight of William 

Duncan and William Man baillies of ye said brugh for the whilks cause ye said Deane of gild 

sall content and pay to ye said Alexr ye soume of two hundreth and fiftie markis money of yis 

realme at ye termes following to witt fourtie punds in hand fourtie punds at ye laying of ye 

whole stones to ye wark fourtie punds at ye accomplishing of ye said wark. In witnes of ye 

whilk both ye saids partiess hes sub. James Carmichelll, William Duncan baillies of ye said 

brugh and Mr Alexr Wedderburn common clerk yrof. 

Septimo Die mensis Novembris 1598 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors hes nominated William Duncan, William Man, 

baillies Jhone Findlason, Jhone Traill and Walter Qhy conveine with ye Deane of gild and visit 

ye old actis maid in favors of ye gild and to select such yrof as is most profitable for ye weill of 

ye gild to ye efffect ye same may be insert in ye new buik appoynted for yat effect. 

The Deane of gild his assessors and haill bodie of ye merchandis hes concluded yat ye haill 

silver pntlie appertaining to ye gild now being in ye handes of privat persones sall be vplifted 

befor ye feast of whitsonday nixt and waired and bestowed upon sure heritable and 

irredemable rent to remaine with ye estaite of gildrie of ye said brugh for ever. And to be 

applied to ye particular uses contained in ye erection of ye said gildrie and speciall actis maid 

be ye Deanes of gild for ye tyme. 

Tertio Die menses Januarij 1600 

Whilk day Thomas Davidsone merchand collector of ye gild dueties hes mais ye comtes of his 

intromission of ye mertimes terme in anno Jaj vc fourscoir auchtene yeires and whitsonday 

his charge extendis to two hundreth fourteine lib sexteine shillingis foure pennies sua rests ye 

compte awane to ye gild thrie scoir sex pundis thretteine sh. Iiij d. 

William Man Auditor 

Walter Hay auditor Mr Alexr Wedderburn 

Androw Fletcher auditor. 

Memorandum yrof contained in ye compt abovewretten is found to be expended vpon ye 

bigging of ye new seate in ye new cross kirk yairfor ye gild discharges ye said Thomas yairof. 

Vigesimo octavo Die mensie Septembris 1601 

Top of P35 

The day foirsaid ye Deane of gild assessors and whole bodie of ye merchandis takand 

consideration of ye damnage and skaith yat yaire estait hes sustained and may sustaine be ye 

unadvysed lenning of ye common goode of ye gild vpon obligations wherby ye said common 

goode may be exhausted and unprofitablie bestowed hes thair for statute and ordained that ye 

gild silver sall be whole brocht in and put in ye collectoris handes before yis approaching 

terme of mertinmes. And yat in ye collector caus execute ye actis maide anent ye payment 

yairof against all persones but[without?] respect of person and uptake ye penalties of sic as 

makis no thankfull paymentbefor ye said terme according to ye saids actis under ye paine of xl 

lib. to be payed to ye said collector. And yat ye said common goode being brocht in sall be 

raised upon heritable annual rents and sure lands and yis pnt act to be intimate be ye said 

collector to ye persones addetted in payment of ye said gild silver. 

Vigesimo die decembris 1603 

Item. Ordaines ye collector ye collector of ye gild to buy and Iron Kist for keeping of ye 

common evidents of ye gild and ye price yairof sall be allowed in his comptes. 

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Vigesimo septimo Die mensis Decembris 1603 

The Deane of gild and his assessors hes ordained Robert Watson to be conveined befor yem 

yis day aucht dayes to ansr for ye contravention of ye actis maid anent friemen who are factors 

for unfriemen and strangers. And speciallie for receaving of wine fra pierlacose in bourdous 

and not giving up ye same to be sold to ye toun with certification and he compere not not he 

sall decerned on ye paines contained in ye actes. 

Decimo septimo Januarij 1604 

The Deane of gild and assessors co0nveined in ye tolbuith compered Thomas Seiz traveller on 

Clyd and acted himself of his own consent never to be fund heirefter to have ane oppen buith 

to mak merchandise yairin within yis brugh. And gif he be fund hapand geire yairin to pay to 

ye gild so oft as he contraveines yis pnt act ten lib. 

Decimo die Februarij 1607 

It is statute and ordained that no brither of gild sall hold his buith doore open in tyme of 

preiching or prayers nather zet sall hant tavernes or use tred in buying during yat tyme under 

ye paine of vi s. viii d. toties quoties. 

Decimo quarto die aprilis 1607 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors hes convict James Law. Adam Tod, and William 

Chrystie chepmen in tapping and selling forrane waires upon ye calsay of yis brugh in yaire 

standis yair being unfriemen and being prohhibited be ye lawes of yis realme and 

constitutions of ye burrowes to sell any merchandise except such as growes and is wrocht 

within ye countrie. And yis because ye collector if ye gild hes apprehended ye lyk in ye saids 

persones standis whilk yair have confest and becaus ye merchandise apprehended are of small 

unlaw. And yat yis is ye first fault whilk is to be committed be ye saids persones ye said Deane 

of gild hes remitted to yem ye penalties incurred be yem yairfor and of new discgarges ye saids 

persons fra selling any forraine goods within yis brugh ather oppenlie or privatllie so long as 

yai are unfriemen unde ye paine of confiscation of ye goods to be apprehended and payment 

of ten punds unlaw toties quoties. 

Undecimo Die maij 1608 

Whilk day Jhone Findlason Deane of gild of ye brugh of Dundie and his assessors being 

conveined within ye tolbuith of ye said brugh for obedience to our soveraine lordes charge 

commanding yem to exorte yaire officer while ye feast of Michalmes nixt to cum hes acted 

wpon yem yaire saides offices and promissed to continue in yaire charges during ye said space 

and to discharge yr offices foirsaid faithfullie according to yaire conscience and knowledge. 

And yrfefter ye said Deane of gild with advyse of his saids assessors hes elected and nominat 

Jhone jack to be gild officer while ye said feast of Michalmes next because ye said office is now 

vacand and cecum in yaire handesbe ye decease of umqll Gilbert Gellatlie gild officer and ye 

said Jhone hes maid faith to discharge his office faithfullie during ye said space. 

Dei decimo quarto mensis Junij 1608 

Whilk day Jhone Findlason Deane of gild of ye brugh of Dundie and his assessors being 

conveined in ye tolbuith convictis James Parker woolman in and unlaw of fyve punds money 

for usurping ye libertie of gildrie be holding ane open buith and selling of wool and wther 

merchandise publictlie and James Watt saidler is becum acted caur and sewertie fir ye said 

James Parker yat he sall no way in tyme coming usurp ye said libertie of gild and in caise he 

contraveine ye said James hes acted him self for him and his aires and assis [successors] to 

pay ye soume of ane hundreth poundestoties quotiesto be applied to ye weill of ye gild. 

Vigesimo primo Die Junij 1608 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and a number of his assessors being conveined in ye tolbuith hes 

fund yat Gilbert Duncan indweller in Edinbrugh hes trangrest ye actis of yis brugh maid 

yranent unfriemen who sellis wool in buithes and wirkhouses within yis brugh be selling of ye 

samen in his owne buith within ye said brugh in ye moneth of Junij instant as ye said Gilbert 

hes confest and yrfor ye said Deane of gild with advyse foirsaide ordaines ye saide Gilbert to 

content and pay to ye collector of ye gild fyve pund unlaw and absolved ye said Gilbert fra ye 

remanent penaltie contained in ye merchandis actis beacus yis is his first fault. 

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Vigesimo quarto Die septembris 1609 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors hes statute yat ye absentis fra ye gild courtis sal 

contene an pay to ye commonuse of ye gildrie fi yai be assessors fyve shillings and gif yai be 

common merchandis two shillings vj d. yar being warned lawfullie upon extraoedinar dayes 

and vpon extraordinary day wut [without] any warning wut ye gild bell and sall pay toties 

quoties to ye use foirsaid wut favoris. 

Decimo sextimo Julij 1610 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild hes intimat to ye merchandis conveined ane act maide in ye last 

convention of ye burrowes holden at Kraill ordaining all merchandis to keep ye staple at 

Capheir and na way to transport any staple goods to any uther port in ye Low countreis upon 

whatsoever pretext under ye paines contained in ye actes maid of befor. And sicklyk ane uther 

act maid anent friemen saillers with out tickets and testimonialls bearing yem to be frie 

brother of gild according to ye injunction given him at ye said late convention and yair upon 

asked actis. 

Decimo quarto januarij 1612 

Whilk day ye assessors of ye gild and bodie of ye merchandis hes desyred Robert Clayhills 

Deane of gild to buy ye coppie and extractt of all ye actes of ye burrowis to ye use of ye gild 

upon ye gildrie expenses wheranent thir pntis sallbe his warrand. 

Decimo sextimo novembris 1612 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors nominat William Guthrie thesaurer to attend 

upon ye selling of ye smythie coalles for ye yeir to cum who hes accepted upon him ye said 

office. 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors be ye tennor heirof declairis yat ye holiblood 

silver aught and sould be payed be ye merchandis inhabitants of yis brugh for all yaire goods 

subject in payment yairof whither ye sam goodes be shipped at yis port of any uther port 

within yis realme. And sicklyk statutes and ordaines that all ye merchands of yis brugh shall 

content and pay to ye collector of ye said holi blood silver ye dueties adetted be yem yrfor 

within aucht dayes next efter yai be required yrto be ye said collector in tyme cuming and gif 

yai refuse yat ye disobeyer sal double ye saids dueties and be compelled to mak payment 

yairof. 

Vigesimo secundo Die Decembris 1612 

Whilk day the Deane of gild and his assessors being conveined in ye tolbuith of ye said brugh 

hes statute and ordained with consent of ye bodie of ye merchandise pntlie conveined That ilk 

merchand and brother of gild yat sall have ye new mortclaith of velvet to ye honor of yaire 

burial within yis brugh sall pay to ye collector of ye gild thrie pound of ye len yrof and sicklyk 

ilk gentleman dieing within ye said brugh to whose burial ye use of ye said new mortclaith sall 

be desyred sall pay yrfor to ye said collector ten markis. And incaise ye len of ye said 

mortclaith be desyred to landward yat ye borrower yr of sall na way len ye said mortclaith to 

nane of ye use foirsaids unto ye tyme he receave payment of ye duties. 

Undecimo die mensis Julij 1612 

Whilk day Robert Clayhills Deane of gild of ye brugh of Dundie sittand in iudgement in ye 

tolbuith yrof with ane certaine number of ye assessors of ye said gild anent ye action and 

claime persewed at ye instance of William Davidson merchand burgess of ye said brugh 

agaisst Jhone Newton litster burgess of ye said brugh makand mention that whereupon ye 

twentie day of Julij jai vjc and eleven zeires ye said William as caur for Jhone Young 

merchand burgess of ye said brugh was decerned be decreit of my L[ord] Conservator in 

Flanders to content and pay to Jhone Wallace factor in Campheir ye soume of threttie sex 

pundis flemes money as ye said decreit proportis. And albeit it be of virtue yat ye said Jhone 

Newton be bund to relieve ye said William of all thing yat ye said Jhone Newton might have or 

crave of ye said William as his caur for ye said Jhone Young being within fourtie punds 

fleimes money and ye said Jhone Newton his bund money yairanent beires and yat ye decreit 

foirsaid be within ye soume. And yat ye said William hes oft and diverse tymes required ye 

said Jhone to content and back delyver to him ye foirsaid soume of threttie sex pundis fleimes 

36

money payed be ye said William as said is for obedience of ye said decreit. Notyeles to do ye 

same the said Jhone refuiss as in ye claime given in yranent at more length is contained. And 

anent ye terme assigned to pronounce decreit in ye said action both ye parties present the 

richtes reasons and allegations of both yesaid parties being hard seene and considered The 

said Deane of gild and hhis assessors foirsaids and yai being yairwith reiplie advised ye said 

Deane of gild decernes ane foirsaid soume of threttie sex punds fleimes money extending to ye 

soume of (blank) scottis money payed be him to ye said Jhone Wallace factor in Campheir for 

ye cause abovewretten and yis in respect of sufficient verification be production of ye said 

obligation together with ye said decreit yis day iudiciallie and ye defender alledging no 

reassnable cause in ye contraire. 

Decimo sexton Die Marhij 1613 

The Deane of gild and his assessors understanding yat yair is foure of ye persons nominat for 

visiting and reforming of ye lawes of ye gild seen ye nomination dead and departed lyff and 

finding ye said intended purpose very worthie to be prosecuted hes of new nominat ye 

persones following to select ye saids lawes viz: William Duncan provest of ye said brugh 

Robert Clayhills Thomas Haliburton baillies Jhone Findlason William Goldman mr William 

Ferguson James Boyter Thomas Auchinlek William DAvidsone persone of ye counsel and 

assessors of ye gild and ordaines yem to conveine with ye clerk of ye said brugh to ye effect 

foirsaid. And chuse put all ye saids lawes in register befor ye first day of August nixt to com ilk 

persone under ye paine of twentie pundis. 

Vigesimo secundo Die mensis Junij 1613 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors being conveined within ye tolbuithof ye brugh 

hes fund yat Jhone Wennison and Jhone Anderson burgesses of St Androis be yair owne 

confessions hes at diverse tymes within thir twelf yeires bygone sold certine greate quantities 

of wool ilk ane of them attour ye wecht of five or sex stone wecht to neighbouris and 

inhabitantis of yis brugh and utheris resorting yairto quietlie of friemen of ye said brugh and 

contravening of ye statutis of ye said brugh maid in ye contraire speciallie ane statut maid in 

ye moneth of October anno jvi vc fiftie sex yeires wherin it is provyded yat na unfrieman of ye 

said brugh sal sell any wool in warkhouses or loftis but in ye merkat place upon ye market 

dayes under ye paines of confiscation of ye said wool and yairfor ye said Deane of gild and his 

assessor ordaines ye saids persones and ilk ane of them to pay to ye collector of ye gild dueties 

of ye said brugh ye soume of thrie punds in name of unlaw and in satisfaction of ye awaill of 

yaire wool forsaid whilk ocht to be confiscat be virtue of ye said actis diverse tymes. 

Decimo August 1613 

Whilk day ye deane of gild and his assessors hes disponed to William Blaire merchand ye 

whole unlaws to be incurred be ye gild brethr of ye said brugh for keeping and holding of open 

buithes in tyme of preaching for ye zeir heirefter following ilk unlaw extending to vi s. 8d. for 

ye whilk cause ye said William bindes and obleishes him to pay to ye collector of ye gild silver 

twentie pundis money. 

Quarto Die mensis Octobris anno dm 1613 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors hes statute and ordained yat all stoupes yat sal be 

tryed and fund to be used be ventaueris of wine within yis brugh disagreeable with ye Joug sall 

be broken and confiscate and ye pairtie halder of ye said stoupes sall pay five pund unlaw 

toties quoties. 

Vigesimo tertio Die novembris 1613 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors ordaines Alexr Miln collector of ye gild silver to 

buy foure ells of thrie plyed rolls and havin mak ane mortclaith yrof to serve for ye buriell of 

bairnes in all tyme cuming and hes statute and ordained yat yair be payed for ilk tyme ye 

samen sal be lent to any buriell of ane bairne within ye toun xx s. and for ilk tyme ye samen 

sall be lent to any unfrieman within ye toun cl s. and to any furth of ye toune thrie lib and yat 

ye be rollers ye said mortclaith sall satisfie ye gild officer for his paines conforme to ye last act. 

Vigesimo quarto Die mensis Maij 1614 

Whilk day Jhone Findlason Dean of gild of ye brugh of Dundie sittand in iudgment within the 

tolbuith yrof assisted with ane certaine of ye gild brother of ye said brugh Decernes and 

37

ordaines James Young mariner to content and pay to Robert Jack merchand fifftie four punds 

for ye pryce of ane punscheon clariet wine sold be ye said James in ye moneth of August last 

or yairby pertening to ye said Robert by his knowledge and permission in respect of ye 

persewers aith given yairanent being referred yairto be ye defender present. 

Whilk day ye deane of gild and his assessors statutes yat all ye brether of gild of yis brugh who 

sellis and shippis in smallis wyne aill bere or uther drink sall bring yair whole stoupis to be 

stamped be ye Deane of gild and Baillie with ye towens stamp of yis yeir under ye paine of ten 

pounds money and yat yar nor nane of them heirefter have any unstamped stoupes in yair 

hous or taverns under ye paine forsaid. 

Duodecimo Die Septembris 1614 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors hes statute and ordained that no brother of gild 

of ye said brugh sall use any uther firlot, peck or measr receaving or delivering of yaire full 

smythie coalles or wherin ye lyk guides delivered be such measr nor yat whilk aggrieth with ye 

stamp of Lithgow under ye paine of ten pundis money to be applied to ye common profeit of 

ye gild brother. 

Vigesimo Sexto Die mensis Septembris 1514 

Whilk day ye Dane of gild and his assessors being conveined within ye tolbuithof ye brugh 

upon speciall consideration yat all yee nichtbouris inhabitants of yis brugh and all his 

majestes leidges are grytumlie prejudiced throw ye using of lead and stone wechtis and of all 

false wechts and measris. Therefoir ordaines all ye merchandis and brother of gild of yis brugh 

who sall be fund using fals wechts and measures heirefter ilk ane to content and pay to ye 

collector of ye gild deuties ye unlawis following viz: fortie pennies for ilk drop yat ye saids 

wechts sall be fund less nor ye inst wecht and braking of ye lead and wechts of stone be ye 

payment of ye unlaw above wrettenand ordaines all yat hes beine convict befor for ye causs 

above written yat sall happen to transgress heirefter to consent and pay to ye said collector xx 

s. for ilk drop yat yaire wechts sal be fund less nor ye instwecht by ye brakine of yaire wechtis. 

Vigesimo octavo Die mensis Septembris 1614 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors ceing conveined within ye tolbuith of yis brugh 

consents of ye persons following in ye unlawes efter specified for using of falst wechts and 

measuris against ye actes of gild. 

Convictis Thomas Butchard in xvi s. 8d. 

Convictis Andro Cowie for using of two pund wecht wanting one drop iij s. 9d. 

Convictis Patrik Guthrie for twa pund wechts of staine wanting 2 drop 3j s 8d. 

Convictis Androw Gill for having thrie pund wechts wanting 3 drop 31 s. 8 d. 

Convictis James Yeman for having ane half pund wecht of lead wanting 

1 drop and being convicted of before xx s. 

Convictis William Yeman for using and pund wecht wanting one drop iij s. 9 d. 

Convictis Alexr Wedderburn for using two pund wecht of iron 4 drop les xiij s. 9d. 

Convictis Patrik Wedderburn for using two pund wecht of lead 3 drop les x s. 

Convictis James Cochrane for using of ane two pund wecht of brasse 

one drop les xiij s. 9 d. 

Convictis Margeret Myln for ane stone wecht of iron 4 drops les xiij s. 9d. 

Convictis David Cohen for using if a two pund and ane pund wecht 3 drop les x s. 

Convictis Margaret Fyff for using ane pund wecht of brasse 3 drops les 

and ane pund wecht of iron wanting four drop and being convicted befor 7 lib. 

Convictis Androw Cowper for using and quarter wecht of stone 8 drop les 26 s. 8 d. 

Convictis Thomas Lawson for ane quarter wecht of lead 4 drop les xiij s. 4 d. 

Convictis Richard Turing for ane quarter wecht of brasse 4 drop les xiij s. 4 d. 

Convictis William Patilok for four pund wecht 3 drop les x s. 

Convictis William Durward for ane pund of stone one drop les iij s. 4 d. 

Convictis Robert Auchinlek in using of ane four pund wecht of 

stone 4 drop les 13 s. 4 d. 

and sicklyk for using of ane pund of lead 3 drop les x s. 

Convictis James Butchard at St Paulls closs head for ane quarter wecht 

of iron 2 drop les 6 s. 8 d. 

Convictis David Yeman for ane half stane of lead 22 drop les 3 lib 13 s. 4 d. 

Convicts William Walker potter for ane stone wecht and ane half stone 

38

Wecht thrie unce les 8 lib. 

Convicts Adame Walker for ane two unce wecht and and half stone 

3 drop and ane half les xi s. 8 d. 

Convictes Richard Davidson for ane stone and ane half stone and pund 

of stane 5 unce and two drop wecht less xx mark vi s. 8 d. 

Convictes Alexr Smyth for ane pund of stone sex drop les xx s. 

Convictes Alexr Brown for ane stone wecht of stone and unce les 4 marks 

Summa 46 lib 15 s. 

Whilk day comperet Thomas Thomson and acted himself of his owne consent never to use any 

land or staine wecht heirefter unde ye paine of xx lib and sicklyk sall use na uther wecht but 

brasse or iron under ye paine foirsaid. 

Penultimo Die mensis Januarij 1616 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild of ye brugh of Dundie with ane certaine number of his assessors 

being conveined within ye tolbuith of ye said brugh hes fund yat David Fairfull and Jhone 

Wemisone burgesses of St Androis and Jhone Hall burges of Perth and Cowper be yair owne 

confessions at diverse tymes within thir twentie yeries bygone sold certane great quantities of 

wool ilk ane of them attour four fyve or sex stane wechts to neighbouris and inhabitantis of ye 

said brugh wthers resortand yairto quietlie in private loftes buithes and houses within yis 

brugh. Thirby uusurping ye libertie of friemen of ye said brugh and contraveining ye statutes 

of ye said brugh maid in ye contrary speciallie ane Statute in ye moneth of October anno 1556 

yeires wherby it is provided yat na unfrieman of ye said brugh sall sell ony wool in wirkhouses 

or loftes but in ye market place upon ye market dayes under ye paine of confiscation of ye said 

wool and thairfor ye said Deane of gild and his assessors ordaines ye saids persones and ilk 

one of them to pay to ye collector of ye gild duties of ye said brugh ye soume of five punds in 

name of unlaw and in satisfaction of ye award of yaire said wool whilk ought to be confiscate 

be virtue of ye said act. And yis in respect of ye saids persones awin confession of ye brak of ye 

said act divers tymes. 

Vigesimo octavo Die mensis Januarii 1617 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessoris hes convicted Androw Rankine William 

Kinneres and Androw Ross skippers ilk and ane of them in ane unlaw of 5 lib for not pnting yr 

charter parties to be subscryved be ye Deane of gild befor yai past to yair last voyage. 

Convicted William Cock in ane unlaw of thrie punds money for misperforming of William 

Ramsay mariner in calling of him ane mensworne man in pns of ye Deane of gild and his 

assessors and ordains him to remain in ward whyle he pay ye samen to ye collector of ye gild 

dueties. 

Octavo Die Aprilis 1617 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessoris conveined hes convicted Alexr Rankine mr of ye 

schip called ye Read Lyon in ye frauchting of ye said schip in ye moneth of (blank) last byast 

to Bourdous and not requiring ye Deane of gild to be pnt at ye said frauchting and siclyk for 

not entering of ye said schip in ye common register according to ye actis at hir returning fra 

Bourdous and yairfor ordaines him to pay to ye collector of ye gild ten lib unlaw incured be 

him for transgressing of ye saids Statute. 

Vigesimo Sexto Die August 1617 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors being conveined in ye tolbuith of ye brugh anent 

ye terme assigned for rowping of ye holiblood silver pertaining to ye gild of ye said brugh 

compeired Alexr Andersone customer deput and offered yairfor ye soume of 40 lib for ane 

Zeires space nixt following ye feast of Lammes last bypast. 

Whilk day anent ye claime presented be Androw Fletcher against David Fletcher merchand 

bearing yat in ye moneth of September in anno 1600 ye said Androw wentured with ye said 

David in ye hyre of yis brugh to Spaine ane bannock of walx of two ship pound and thrie leis 

hound whilk he yen received to sell to his proffeit and albeit ilk ship pund of ye said walx 

weyed thriie hundredth threttie thrie punds wecht in tales in Spaine nevertheless ye said 

David withheld from ye said complainer at yat tyme and continuallie sensyne ane hundredth 

39

five pund wecht and ane hallf of wax pryce yrof threttie ane Doukat aucht ryells and thrie 

quarters if ane ryell pryce of ilk Doukat foure pund scotts money which he refused without he 

be compelled as ye said claime because ye samen claime being referred to ye said David his 

oath of veritie be ye said Androw. The said David declaired upon his conshience yat he 

abstracted no part of ye said wax fra ye said Androw nor yet ye pryce yairof but yat he maid 

him sufficient compt reckoning and payment of ye whole wax received be him fra ye said 

Andro and pryce yairof. 

Whilk day decernes and ordaines Walter Rankine mariner to content and pay to Robert 

Kendoll ye soume of 28 lib scotts money in compleit payment of ye pryce of ane warroptow of 

Danskeine weyand twentie staine weicht received by ye said Walter fra Alexr Gray skipper in 

ye moneth of (blank) 1615 to be sold to ye behove of ye said Robert. In respect of ye said 

Walter his owne confession of ye said Robert Kendoll his oath given yat ye defenders 

promised to him alss meikle for ye said tow proportionallie as he gave to James Boyter and 

James Pierson for yair waires sold tyme foirsd. 

Vigesimo secundo Die mensis Decembris 1618 

Whilk day the haill assessoris of ye gild findes yat Alex Miln merchand has misbehaved 

himself to Robert Clayhills Deane of gild in calling of him partiall in ye action persewed be 

Robert Lay alias Fraser against ye said Alexr ye said Deane of gild being sittand in judgment. 

And quhairfor ordaines him to pay ane unlaw of ten pund and ordaines him to remaine in 

ward while he makis amendis to ye Deane of gild and crave him humble pardon yairfor and 

sicklyk while he satisfie and pay ye said unlaw. 

Decimo Sexto Die Novembris 1518 

Whilk day ye Deane of gild and his assessors with consent of a number of ye merchandes 

being conveined in ye tolbuith yairof hes Statute and ordained yat all ye merchandis treameris 

within yis brugh sall set yair standis with yair merchandice in ye kirk yeard of ye brugh and 

hold market yairin upon ye xxiij of November instant whilk is St Clementis day And aucht 

dayes yrefter according to ye priviledge granted to yis brugh be owr soverane lords most noble 

progenitoris for halding of ane frie market and faire ye tyme forsaid. Ilk perswon under paine 

of ten pundis and ordaines publication to be maid heirof to ye bell and drum. 

Vigesimo quinto Die monses maii Anno Dmn 1619 

Whilk day William Fergusone Deane of gild of ye brugh of Dundie and his assessoris being 

conveined within ye tolbuith yairof anent ye action persewed at ye instance of James Young 

mariner against George Lochmalownie skipper makand mention that in ye moneth of July 

1618 ye said James delivered to ye said George ane half twn of bourdous wine to have beene 

transported to Orknay or Schetland and sold yaire to ye persewers use and to waire ye money 

yat sould be receaved yairfor as ye said George did his owne. And albeit yat ye defender sold 

ye saids wines for ye soume of ane hundredth punds whelk he received yairfor and yat he be 

holden to mak payment yairof and of ye profeits received yrby sincesyne extendin to certaine 

particular quantities specified in ye claime given in yairanent. Nevertheless he wrongouslie 

refuses to do ye same without he be compelled as ye said claime proportis. The richtes reasons 

and allegations of both ye saids parties being hard and considered be ye said Deane of gild and 

his assessors and yai yairwith being weill advised they have find and be ther presents findes 

yat ye said George Lochmalownie sold ye said half twn of wines of fourteine scoire seathis dry 

fisches and twentie five punds money and he sent home to yis brugh ye saids fisches in ane 

bark with Robert Moris burges of yis brugh whilke he desired him to mark with ye said James 

his mark and delywer ye same to ye said persewer or to wyff in his absence. And yat ye said 

Roebrt Mories did offer ye same to ye said person his spouse whilks sho refused and lykwayes 

yat ye said George had received ane bund maid be Jhone Bannatyne and George Craige in 

[blank] for payment to ye said James Young of ye said soume of twentie five punds and yairfor 

with consent of ye said George decerned him to mak payment to ye said James Young of ye 

said soume of twentie five punds. And ye said James Young to transfer his right of ye wreit 

maid be ye said Jhone Bannatyne and George Craige to ye said James Young anent ye 

payment thairof. And siclyk ordaines ye said James Young to receave ye saids fourteine scoir 

feaches and dry fisches fra ye said Robert Moreis on ye estaite wherin yai are presentlie incair 

ye said Robert Moreis will declaire upon upon his conscience yat ye said George 

Lochmalownie desired him to mak ye same with ye persewers mark and delyver yem to him or 

his wyff. And incaise ye said Robert declaire not ye same to be of veritie ordaines ye said 

40

George with his owne consent to delyver to ye said James Young his maney dry seath fishes of 

his owne geir. And ye said Deane of gild absolves ye said George fra ye remanent pointes of ye 

said claime and yis in respect of sufficient tryell taken anent ye premissses. 

Decimo quarto Die mensis Junii 1620 

Whilk day Robert Clayhilles Deane of gild of ye brugh of Dundie and his assessoris sittand in 

iudgement within ye tolbuith of ye said brugh anent ye action and cause persewed at ye 

instance of Thomas Ogilvy mariner and Androw Kinneris skipper burgess of ye said brugh 

against Henrie Guthrie and Walter Rankine mariners also burgesses of ye said brugh bearing 

yat in ye moneth of September last bypast or yairby ye saides complainers and defenders 

being frachtismen and merchandes of ye ship called ye Hopp or Grace (wheirof ye said 

Androw Kinneris was mr under God in her last voyage accomplished from Spaine yai did lay 

in within ye said schip ane hundredth and ten buttis of Spanish wynes to be transported from 

Spaine to yis port whairof yair appertained to ye saids complainers fourtie aucht buttis and to 

ye said Walter Rankeine and Henrie Guthrie thriescour two buttis lykas ye saidis complainers 

and defenders yer aggreid amongst yem selfis to fill vp yaire whole wynes at arrywell of ye said 

schip at ye said brugh of Dundie upon ane common head and efter ye arrywell of ye said schip 

at ye said port in ye moneth of Januar last bypast ye saidis parties having filled up yair saids 

wynes it was found be yem that ye lackage of yaire saids whole wynes extended to auchtein 

butts and ane punscheon wherof ye saids defenders sould have furnisched according to ye 

proportion and number of yaire saids wynes ten butts and ane punscheon never ye les yair did 

only furneish to ye upfilling of ye saids whole wynes seven buttis and ane punscheon and ye 

hail rest of ye said lackage extending to eleven buttis was furnished be ye saids persewers of ye 

saids whole of yair own wynes the finds defenders pairts of ye saids eleven buttis extending to 

thrie butts. And albeit ye saids defenders be halden of reasone to content and pay to ye said 

persewers ye pryce of ye saids thrie buttes of wyne aggreid upon be both ye saids parties efter 

ye filling up of ye saids wynes for ye tyme foirsaid extending to seven scoire five punds money 

for ilk butt yairof never ye less wrongslie refuse to do ye samen without yai be compelled as ye 

claime gewen in yairanent proports. Both ye saids parties being present theire richts reasons 

and allegations being hard seen and considered be ye said Deane of gild and his asessors and 

therwith being ryplie advised, The foirsaid Deane of gild with consent of his saids assessors 

Decernes and ordains ye saids Walter Rankine and Henrie Guthrie and ilk ane of yem for yair 

own parties to content and pay to ye said Thomas Ogilvy and Androw Kinnaird ye foirsaid 

summe of seven scoir five pundis money of ye realme for ilk butt of ye saids thrie buttis 

furnished be yem ye tyme foirsaid to ye filling of ye saids defenders wynes. And yis because ye 

said Henrie Guthrie one of ye saids defenders confessed ye contents of ye claime above written 

to be veritie and als because ye said Walter Rankine ye uther of ye saids defenders referred ye 

whole contentis of ye said claime for his part to ye oath of veritie of ye said Thomas Ogilvy. 

Also being sworne yairanent deponed affirmative as was theirby understand to ye said Deane 

of gild and his assessoris wheupon ye saids persones asked actes. 

Duodecimo Junii 1621 

Whelk Day compeired Jhone Thomason David Fairesoull and William Anderson citiners of St 

Adnrois and Jhone Halls and Alexr Donaldsone burgesses of Cowper ane acted yem selvfs of 

yair owne consentis na way to sell or wey any woole in buithes loftes or any wther place within 

yis brugh except wpon ye hie market gaite yairof in time of publick market In all tyme coming 

under ye paines contained in ye actes of ye said brugh viz. confiscation of yaire said wool to ye 

use of ye poore gild brether of ye said brugh wher upon Patrik Kyde Deane of gild asked actes. 

Decimo Die mensis Aprilis 1625 

Whilk day anent ye claime given in at ye instance of James Fletcher elder merchand against 

Alexr Blaire skipper bearing yat ye persewer being merchand and of ye said Alexr his ship 

called ye Grace from bourdeous to yis brugh in ye monthes of februar and merch last bypast 

wherin transported ane laidening of wynes pertaining to ye said James and his parteneris for 

ye fraucht and Deuties conteined upon betuine ye said James and Alexr amongst whilkis 

wynes thaire is two punscheons appertaining Andro and Isobell Weymes of bairnes and oyer 

of umqll Jhone Weymes mariner abused spoiled half rum and fuisted be ye part deid and 

drawing of ye said skipper and his companie be imputing of many and diverse great pluickes 

and donties both in ye heads and sides of ye saides two punscheons as hes beene fechted and 

41

visited be merchandise be ye whilk occasion ye fines wynes are refused be ye owneris and 

rejected back in ye persewers handes and albeit it be of veritie yat ye said wynes are spilt and 

vitiate not in ye persewers defalt but in default of ye said skipper and his companie who of 

equitie was holden to have preserved and keiped ye persewers loadning from drinking 

drawing and all other fault thro himself of his said schipp and companie and thaire throw yat 

ye said Alexr be holden to refound and pay to ye persewer ye prices if ye saids two 

punchsheons wynes extending to 100 lib or els to relieve and frie him thairof at ye handes of 

ye foirsaides owners yairof notyeles so to doe he wrongouslie refuses as ye said claime 

proportis both pairties being present yaire richtes reasones and allegations being hard seene 

and considered be ye said Deane of gild and his assessoris and yai yairwith being weill advised 

the foirsaid Deane of gild with consent of his foirsaid assessors decernes and ordaines ye said 

Alexr Blaire ather to sufficientlie warrand frie relieve and skaithles keep ye said James 

Fletcher of all delywerie of ye foirsaid two punscheons wynes at ye handes of ye said Androw 

and Isobell Weymeses and of all danger damnage and interest he may sustaine yairby or els to 

delyver to ye said James Fletcher ye said two punscheons full of sufficient bourdeous wynes to 

ye effect ye may relieve him self yairwith and yit because ye persewurs claime foirsaid being 

admitted to his probation he proved ye same sufficientlie as was clearly understood to ye said 

Deane of gild and his assessors. 

Vigesimo quarto Die Aprilis 1632 

The provest, baillies, Dean of gild, counsel and most part of ye bodie of ye merchandis of 

Dundie being conveined wthin ye tolbuith yairof ratefied ye act maide by yair predecessoris ye 

second Day of October 1542 yeires anent ye payment of ye gild Duetie and with addition yat ye 

partie faillier in payment of ye same being required pay 5 lib unlaw toties quoties of unlaw by 

ye payment of yaire Dewes. 

Vigesimo septimo August 1633 

The Dean of gild and his assessors with ane consent sittand in iudgment within the tolbuith of 

Dundie Decernes ye whole persones underwritten to have contravened yaire ancient actes in 

not payment of ye halie blood silver ilk ane for yair owne pairtes as is seee doune un ye roll 

under mentionat made yairanent. 

For stockholme 

James Simpson for ye easter seat and buerdeons 

Magnus Craigie Alexr Simmer 

James Cochrane Thomas Davidson 

Alexr Jack Jhone Yeeman 

James Forrester 

Alexr Boyter 

Thomas Haliburton 

William Forrester 

George Brown 

William Rodger 

Androw Fletcher 

William Kinneres 

William Ferguson 

Vigesimo secundo Die Octobris 1633 

Whilk day ye provest baillies counsel and most part of ye gildrie of ye brugh of Dundie being 

convened within ye tolbuith yairof compeired William Kinneres Deane of gild of ye said brugh 

ye yeare preceding who delivered to James Simpson pnt Deane of gild yairof The Iron kist 

with ye wreittes and evidents being yairin. The old and new Joug. The staine wecht old and 

new. The common gild keyes of ye locked buik lyand in ye revestrie and of ye locked buik. The 

common burne Irons and stampes. The common elvanes. The common mortclaithes old and 

new with yair new velvet cusheone. The prick firlot. Item: ye whole evidents concerning ye 

servritie of yat tenement lyand on ye west side of ye flesh shambles, with ane obligation made 

to yem be Jhone Duncan and his tank of foure hundredth markis with ye profeite of ye whilks 

particulars ye said James Simpson grantis ye recept and oblidges his to mak ye same 

forthcoming to his successors ye zeire enshewing. 

42

Quarto Die mensis February 1634 

Whilk day James Sympson Deane of gild of ye brugh of dundie and his assessoris sittand in 

judgment within ye tolbuith of ye same devines and ordaines Thomas Abercormbe merchand 

to mak compt recking and payment to James Urquhart skipper yairof of ye whole third part of 

ye benefite and interest received be ye said Thomas of yat bargaine of fishes perfected be them 

in orknay in ye moneth of August last past or yairby. The number of ye saides fishes extending 

to twentie sex hundredth and ane half hundredth of keilling lhyng and seathes or yairby in 

respect both pairties being present yai confessed ye promises to be of zortie and gave yair 

consentis yaire unto whereupon yai asked actis. 

The 12 of November 1641 

In presence of William Kinneres Dean of gild, Alexr Simmer, elder, William Wright, elder, 

Jhone Guthrie, Thomas Butchard, William Whittet and Jhone Taite merchandis our salt water 

met being revised and broken with water is soune to containe fourtie aught pintes ane 

mutchen and ane half whelk is iust nyne peckis. Our prick firlott for ye mealll containing 

seventie one pynt and ane choppen. 

The peck 

In this book is contained the Lawes Actis and Statutes together with ye copies of the 

confirmation and evidentis given and granted and contening and concluded be ye Kinges 

Maistie and his most noble progenitoris concerning the previledges of the Gilde and libertie of 

ye merchand of estaite togethr wt the towne and drawen furth of the lawes of ther Majestie & 

ye partis of parliament. The feu fermes and statutis of ye sd burgh be Alexr Scrymgeor Dean of 

Gild for ye tyme wvie notry paid and profitablie for ye State 

Dundie 26 March 1696 

The said Day Alexr Blair Dean of Gild accompanied wt the following Viz: 

Assessors 

The Provost Jon Duncan 

Thomas Fairweather Thos Mudie 

Thomas Watsone Thomas Wardroper 

Alexr Read David Maxwell 

Henry Crawfurd George Watsone 

Thomas Robson Rot Watsone 

The Dean of Gild did propose to the Court whither or not they would imploy any of the publict 

stock belonging to the Gildry in the Company of Scotland trading to Affrica and the Indies and 

after voting it was Caried in the affirmative that there should be two hundred pounds Sterling 

(£20,629 in 2006) imployed that way and the Dean of Gild to give deputant and to subscribe 

the same in ye Companyes books. And to grant Bond for payt of the seall in ryties according to 

the forme used in the Scots recpts. And the Dean of Gild thereafter proposed to every 

particular member of Court and to the Gild brethren at the bar yf they would joine any of their 

own stock wt the Gildries. And the Dean of gild wt consent forsaid appointed The Provest B: 

Mudie B. Read B: Duncan and the Dean of gild himself being one and any three of them to be 

a quorum. And Dean of Gild being one for receaving in such persons as would joyne wt ye gild. 

Dundee 5 July 1696 

The said Day James Stewart late Dean of Gild in name of Alexr Blair pnt Dean of Gild 

arronyanned at those following Viz: 

Assessors 

Tho Peitry George Traill 

Thos Mudie Patrick Tod 

Andrew Wardroper Rot Wardroper 

George Crockat Wm Fairweather 

Henry Crawfurd Thomas Fairweather 

Thomas Robtsone Thomas Wardroper 

James Zeaman 

43

The said Day the late Dean of Gild in absence of the present Dean of Gild made intimation to 

the members of Court that there was a gratt conventione of Burrows to be holden at Edr. on 

Tuesday next to which there was and Commissioner chosen And therefore desired they might 

propose such informatione to be recommended to be our said Commissioner as might be for 

the advantage of the publict or promoting of trade. The Court after reading of the Burrow 

missive discerned the Commissioner to be particularly informed that the staple port should 

still remaine at Camphire as formerly and that the conservatory should be exacted upon the 

neat product all charges being desired As also that the abbreviate of the acts of the quall or 

particular conventione of Burrows be printed: And siclike that the remaining power be 

imprinted anent the insufficiency of the rask of orknay butter and of yr weight of the butter of 

any cask. 

Att Dundie the twentie first Day of May 1696 yearis 

Alexr Blair Dean of gild assisted wt Thomas Mudie & Thomas Stewart pnt Baillies of Dundie & 

George Crokatt Councelloris to the Gild his Assessors who payt to the ground of ane tenet of 

land lyeing on the westsyde of the Overgate of the Burgh of Dundie now Reypaireing by Henry 

Craffoord of Monorgan and bounded in manner a length Contained in his right and infeftment 

yrof; being ther Conveened for Decideing of the right expreslie of the backside wall of the sd 

tenement contravened by the said Monorgan & doctor John Watsone Doctor of Medecine in 

Dundie proprietor of ane tenement of land lying the west side of the sd store tentment Having 

taken both pties claimes & aiths given in yranent to yr consideratione. And having seen & 

revised ye rights and evidents of both the sd tentments Doe fynde the Authors of the sd Doctor 

John Watsone to have the privilege of building ane gabell wall upon the backside wall of the 

sd foretentment Conforme to ane sasine of the sd north tenement In favours of James 

Goldman burges of Dundie. And Margers Jack his spokes Authors to the sd John Watsone 

Dated in anno jaj vj seventie three years. And having seen and considered the booths doors 

and pend in the backside wall of the sd tenement and fynding several stones lyeing near the 

top of the sd backside wall The Dean of Gild being assisted as aforesd Haveing taken the 

foresd sasine to his consideratione together evidences aforesd sufficiently declareing the right 

& propertie of the backside wall to belong to the sd foretenement. And being yrwith weil and 

ripeely advised Decerned & ordained And hereby Decerns and Ordaines the right and 

propertie of the sd backside wall of the sd foretenement to pertaine & belong to the sd Henry 

Craffoord of Monorgan and ordained and hereby Ordaines to the said Henry Crawfoord of 

Monorgan to carrie up the the sd Doctor John Watsone his lumb upon the south gabell of his 

sd tenement upon the propertie charged & expensys of the sd Henry Crawfoord Declaring 

allwayes that the carryeing up of the sd lumb shall nowayes incour or induce any right of 

propertie of the sd backsyd wall In favours of the sd Doctor John Watsone but that the samen 

is done allenarly for good neighbour. As also the sd Alexr Blair Dean of Gild foreseeing the 

good of both prprs tenement ordained and hereby odraines that the sd Henry Crawfoord of 

Monorgan to one line indecipherable. 

Included in this Book but in transcribed in a separate file titled “Grievances”, in a beautifully 

scribed hand is an Act of the Guildry dated 10 th January 1730. 

There are also tables of Guild rents, Mortcloth, disbursments, casualties etc. of the Guild 

along with their accounts. 

Working from the reverse side of the book the following extracts are deemed to be of interest. 

44

Gildrie Book Of Dundee Anno 1570 Vivas Rex 1729

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