Chapter V: Introduction (3)

But by his assumption of a more than kingly prerogative of arbitrary and general Taxation, to the extent of 20,000 marks in 1594, and £40,000 in 1595–6, and by the addition of a third to every Standard of weight and measure, and consequently to every Teind and Duty, he touched the interests, and roused the active opposition of a class less patient and more powerful than the Odaller, whom he had learned to coerce or crush at pleasure—the larger Feuars of the Kirk lands, the old opponents of his father. Confident in their Island strongholds and in their Crown Charters, titulars of their own Teinds, with independent jurisdictions and other rights as well defined as his own, and less precarious, they opposed his usurpations, defied his power, retorted his injuries, and even protected his victims. One after another he had long waged against them a desultory war of law and violence. For the siege and capture of Noltland Castle, and imprisonment of the Laird of Monquhannie (1592), the Court of Session had punished him with escheit and heavy damages; and in defiance of his edicts against suing in any Court beyond the bounds of Orkney and Zetland, Mudy of Breckness, Bellenden of Evie, the Goodman of Eday, and even his own brothers, had carried to the Supreme Court similar complaints with similar results; and the Earl could only vent his rage upon the servants who had convoyed their masters beyond reach of his jurisdiction.

He had, however, influence to obtain another renewal of his grant (1st March 1601), with powers and rights even more extensive, and in spite of unanswerable evidence, Court favour had quashed at least one alarming Bill of Indictment against him (1606). But even the unjust Judges of Scotland were at last wearied by the continual coming of Complainers of every kind, nation and degree, and at this crisis of his fate, he provoked another powerful enemy to join in the combined attack which ended in his ruin.

Earl Patrick had enjoyed the temporalities of the Bishopric for many years undisturbed, but the appointment of James Law to the long vacant See (28th February 1605–6), alarmed him for his possession, and he hastened to secure it by new contracts with the Bishop, sanctioned by the King as a temporary arrangement till he should redeem the Bishopric by a rental of £3000 in England (17th November 1606). The Earl had never shown much regard to an obligation, and now overwhelmed with debts, and pressed by Creditors, he was unable, if willing, to fulfil his contract. By unpunctuality, evasion, and insolent refusals, he drove the Bishop to throw his great talents and commanding influence into the common cause of his many enemies, and Law’s rank and character necessarily placed him at their head. Even the Anglo-Scottish Court of James VI. could not resist the Bishop’s just claims, well supported charges, and representations of treason, misrule and inhuman oppression, and on 27th December 1608, Earl Patrick was summoned to Edinburgh, to compear on 2nd March “to answer to the Complaintis of the puir distressed people of Orknay.” It is possible that Bishop Law was sincere in his sympathy for the Earl’s victims; but his Rental of 1614 is as grasping as the worst of its predecessors, and his own day of unlimited power was marked by no redress or relaxation of the bonds of iniquity.

Earl Patrick’s subsequent fate, his long imprisonment, his base repudiation of the son who had risked and lost life and all to serve and save him, and his trials and execution for treason as a subject, not for tyranny as a ruler, have been too amply illustrated elsewhere to need notice here. The consequent forfeiture of the Earldom and annexation of all the lands and rights in the Islands—the excambion and redistribution of Orkney and Zetland into Earldom, Bishopric and Lordship, and the final abrogation of the native laws—might give interest to this Sketch, but would extend beyond its limits of time or subject. The demands of Denmark, and evasions of Scotland, relative to the redemption and restitution of the Islands, would also be a curious and cognate inquiry, which, with many others of this unexhausted theme, must be left for a future time and another hand. Each subsequent century has had its characteristic type of oppressors, wrongs and victims, feudal, fiscal or judicial. By no course of action, resistance or submission, could the Islanders escape from legalized extortion. They gave Montrose 2000 men and £40,000, and the Commonwealth exacted 300 Horse and £60,000 (1650). Again, they raised another Regiment and Contribution for Charles II. (1651); and he rewarded their loyalty and their sufferings by a further exaction of £182,000, in 1662, and then surrendered the Islands to the tender mercies of the Earl of Morton, the worst King Stork of all the Donataries.

Could Britain prove the abandonment of one exaction, the redress of one oppression, the restitution of one item of official plunder, she might treat the complaints of Orkney and Zetland as bygone and antiquated grievances. But she still enforces every exaction of Tulloch or the Stewarts by a Standard even higher and heavier than theirs—still imposes the double burden of British Cess and Norwegian Skatt with aggravations unknown in Norway—still extorts the last farthing of her claims, just or unjust, and pays her debts by a bankrupt’s composition, compelling a discharge in full—and still appropriates the usurped Church property of Orkney to secular and English uses, transferring its burdens to the other Heritors, and claiming for its last relics the inapplicable immunities of English Crown prerogative, first applied by the democratic Government of Cromwell. The Islands are still robbed of their native Laws, Things, and Jurisdictions, and subjected to foreign codes and courts—while Zetland has of late been mocked with a fractional voice in the British Parliament at the expense of the already nominal representation of Orkney. While Britain parades her maternal care and lavish liberality even to her distant dependencies, Orkney has been neglected by every public officer except the Tax-gatherer. Unaided by one penny of that public money which has enriched other Counties more fortunate or more favoured, Orkney has been left to struggle alone against its many difficulties, fiscal and physical. Twice has its right to the income of its own State Property been officially recognized; once by a Lease from George III., in trust for its public improvements (27th July 1775), and again by a Treasury Warrant for the same purpose, from George IV. (3rd March 1825)—but the first was diverted to the sole use of the Lessee; and the second was evaded by a shuffle of Government Offices, and repudiated on the lawyerly quibble that the British Commissioners of Woods and Forests are not bound by the obligations of the Scottish Exchequer. Instead of due protection in return for the taxation and duty of subjects, a County which contributed 5000 seamen to the British Navy, was denied one Gunboat to guard its own shores and harbours from the repeated insolence of privateers.

Conscious that Orkney was but a pawn which might some day be redeemed by the rightful owner, Scotland, like a temporary tenant, scourged the precarious holding with unfair cropping and stinted outlay; and Britain, her assignee, discovering its capacity to produce and to endure, has followed the same profitable precedent of chronic hard usage. Unthrifty greed has loaded the Land with unjust burdens and undue taxation, has impoverished the Owners with unexpected claims and vexatious lawsuits, has often forced back the cultivated acres into wilderness and driven the cultivator to strive in freer lands for leave to live. But no misrule has yet exhausted the fertility of the soil, or crushed the energy, or worn out the patience of a people still struggling against an evil destiny, but still amenable as ever even to the semblance of lawful authority. Even though Scotland may have reduced Orkney to “the skeleton of a departed country,” Britain has still found profit in gnawing the bones.

ARTICLES AND INFORMATIONS

BY THE

INHABITANTS OF ORKNEY AND ZETLAND

OF THE OPPRESSIONS COMMITTED BY

LORD ROBERT STUART.

DECEMBER M.D.LXXV.

THE COMPLAINTS OF THE INHABITANTS OF ORKNEY AND ZETLAND, IN THE YEAR
1575.

FOLLOWS certain Articles and Informations of the wrangus usurpation of the King’s Majesty’s authority, and oppression committed by Lord Robert Stuart, fewar of Orkney and Zetland, as after follows—the whilk we take in hand to prove, whilk haill points and articles concernis the King’s Majestie in speciale.

In the first, the said Lord Robert, considering the manifest tyranny, wrangis and oppression done by him, his deputes and servitors, of his causing, upon the poor Inhabitants of Orkney and Zetland, and fearing sometimes God’s judgements and just punishments to be poured upon him by means of some righteous Regent of this realm, when it pleased God to send quietness within the same. For subterfuge, and to avoid punishment for his offence therefore, the said Lord Robert treasonably directed his Maister Household, Gawin Elphingstone, and Henry Sinclair his Chalmerchyld to the King of Denmark, with express commission under his Great Seal and hand writt, to render to the King the supremacy and dominion of the countreis of Orkney and Zetland, as free as they were of auld annexed to the Crown of Denmark, and that upon sic condition as in the said Commission was contained, whilk was done in the year of God 1572. According to the whilk the said Gawin passed to the King of Denmark, and by virtue of his commission foresaid, obtained to the said Lord Robert the said King’s confirmation and gift of the saids countreis, and send the same to him thereafter with Hans Corsmay, Bremer, enclosed in a bolt of Holland clayth, and als send ane Lawrence Carnes to be Lawman, according to the said King’s direction.

2. Be inbringing of new laws and consuetudes, forgit of the laws of Norway, never received of before in Orkney, and abrogation of the auld laws and statutes of the realm, viz.—as in inbringing of Lawrence Carnes, Lawman directed by the King of Denmark at the said Lord Robert’s earnest sute, of abrogating of the laws as said is, but license of our Sovereign Lord and his Majesty’s Regent; In making ane law in swyne roitting, whilk will extend to the sum of fifteen hundreth dollars in ane year, taen up in Zetland, bye Orkney; ane other law, that the sisters should not be lowsed of their heid bull, with divers others; as is notoriously known, whilk cannot be denied.

3. Be uptaking of the King’s Majesty’s customs, tolls, and victual of Zetland but commission, and not contained in his infeftment, whilk now extend yearly to five hundreth angels, whilk we tak to prove.

4. In compelling the Doggar boats and other fishers of this realm to pay to him great toll and taxis bye auld use and wont, to wit, ilk boat ane angel noble, ane hundreth fish, and twa bolls salt.

5. In usurping the office of Admiralty, in apprehending, imprisoning, adjudging, iustefeing of alleged pirates, and uptaking of their escheat goods, and sitting upon all seafaring actions: As he did in ships taken by his household men and feallis, viz.—Patrick Blackattir, Mr. John Hume, Edward Blackattir, Matthew Aikman, David Willie, James Corsby, David Cathcart, Henry Balfoure, Robert Stevenson, with others divers, pirates of Englishmen, to the number of nine great ships, laden with precious gear, which will extend mair then ane hundreth thousand punds, with twa English ships taken in Zetland—the ane of them keepit as yet to his awn commodity, the other, after she was spuilzeit of her haile goods, gear, and artaillerie, randerit again to the pirates, notwithstanding they were condemned as common pirates; as is notoriously known, and shall be proven.

6. Be partaking with the pirates, in furnishing and reking them to the sea in piracy, with men, vituals, amunition, and receiving and maintaining of their goods and gear reft in the piracy, and giving his bond of maintenance to the maist part of the persons above written, sic as Mr. John Hume, James Corsby, Edward Blackattir, Manis Moodie, with others divers, whilk is notoriously known to the haill country, and shall be proven and cannot be denied.

7. In taking of the King’s Officers of Arms and others, executors of his Majesty’s letters and charges, in taking and putting of them in prison and captivity, as he did to William Cuningham.

8. Be compelling of our Sovereign Lords free lieges to depart furth of the country where they were borne, and dwell for the present in banishment, but ony order of law, as he did to Mr. William Moodie, Manis Moodie, Johne Gifford, Walter Spence, Ola Sinclair of Brow and his bairns, William Sinclair of Voster, with many other divers, whilk cannot be denied.

9. Be directing of precepts, charges, and proclamations absolutely in his own name against the King’s Lieges, and giving sentences absolutely, but trial or judicial cognition preceding, and usurping of ane princely power in that behalf, and in all other his adois; and in special, where he alleges himself to be as free Lord and Heritor of Orkney and Zetland as the King of Scotland is in his own realm, or the Queen of England, or the King of France in France, and maks his vante, that in case he be put at by the King’s Majesty’s authority, to give the haill countrys into the King of Denmark’s hands, whilk cannot be denied.

10. In oppressing the King’s Lieges of Orkney and Zetland, in compelling them, by all order or law, to mak him and his haill household, to the number of six or seven score, bankettis and great cheer on their awin expenses, to the great hurt and wrack of the country be way of sorning and oppression; as is notoriously known, and sall be preven with the haill country.

11. Be making and setting of new takkis and gersswmes to the poor lieges, and compelling them to pay to him great soums of money, far by the auld order of the country, whilk will and sall wraik the haill commons, gif sooner remeed be not put thereto.

12. In compelling the native men of the country to discharge and quitclaim their heretage and possession, to eschew his tyranny; as he did to Margaret Sinclair, Mr. Magnus Halcra, Oliver Sinclair of Estaquhy, William Sinclair of Garsettar, Margaret Reid of Burgh, Hugh Sinclair of Strolme with others divers, whilk cannot be denied.

13. In appropriating the common muires and pastures of Orkney, common of before to the haill country, to himself in property, whereby he means to oppress the country, and be way of purpresioun to escheat the haile vuthall lands, as shall be pruven.

14. In disponing of benefices of the country, vacant at the King’s Majesty’s gift, to sic as he pleases, be his privy gift and provision, as he did in disponing the vicarage of Sanct Ola, the vicarage of Holm, Vnst, Scatsta, Nesting, Waus, with others divers.

15. In stopping the burgesses of Kirkwall, being the King’s free borough, to be free under all liberties, and to buy skin, hyde, butter, oil, and sic wares in the country but his leave, and in making all sic as he pleases to be free to use merchandise but the priviledge of the brugh.

16. In compelling beneficit men to sett their benefices to him, otherwise leave the country, and in leding their teindis and taking up their leving gif they withstand his desire, as he did to Mr. Alex^r Thomson, be striken of him be William Hwme, suldart, after he come out of the pulpit, Mr. James Maxwell, and other divers.

17. In usurping the office of Justicary but commission, he being but ane simple Sheriff, in judging of persons of auld crimes, as theft, slaughter, oppression, sic as he did William Wishart, being dead ane year afore his entres, comdempnit him in effigy, and confiscat his haill goods and gear, as it is notoriously known to the haill country of Zetland, like as he did with divers, whilk sall be proven.

18. In uptaking of the wrak and waithe of the haill country of Orkney and Zetland, but commission, not being contained in his infeftment, whilk will extend sen his entres to better nor 10,000 merks, whilk sall be proven.

19. In making of new acts and statutes be his awn authority, that nane suld bring hame boittis to Zetland, nor sell them but according to his act, whilk failzing, to be in my Lord’s will; and be reason that some of the countrymen had broken the foresaid act, as he alleged, took fra thir persons after following, xxiiii^{xx} of dollars, viz.—Jacob Tait, Barthill Strang, David Scott, John Vides, Henry Spence, Peter Nisbet.

20. In alteration and changing of the auld weigh of the bismyre and pondlar of Orkney, be making the same the fifth part mair nor it was of before, to the utter wreck of the commonwealth of the country; as is noterlie knawin by the haill countrie (except the beir pondler), whilk sall be proven.

21. Be taking and pursuing the King’s free lieges furth of their awne houses, under silence of night, and putting of their persons in prison, beside despoliation of their haill goods and gear, as he did to William Hacra, John Gifford, Mr. William Mowdie, Maniss Mowdie, Mr. Thomas Beanston, John Alexander, Baillie of Stirling, Edward Sinclair of Eda, with divers others.

22. In usurpation of our Sovereign Lord’s authority, be pardoning, remitting, and forgiving of condempnit and convict persons, for recent slaughter, theft, piracy, and sic capital crimes, as he did to John Sutherland, —— Strachan, John Millar, John Murray in Zetland, Thomas Boyane, wha slew ane Patrick Windren in my Lord’s awn presence, now at his last being at Zetland, the said Thomas being taken and keepit prisoner the space of six vulkis, was put to liberty, and sent to Noroway; and sic like for theft, Alexander Sinclair in Stromness, William Clowstne, with others divers; for piracy, Mr. John Hwme, James Corsby, Alexir M^cCullach, Alexir Murray, with many others pardoned for piracy.

23. Be imprisoning and warding of our Sovereign Lord’s lieges within the Castle of Kirkwell and Zairdis, but occasion or capital crime impute to them, or trial had in their demerits, proceeding as he did to Mr. William Moodie, Mr. Magnus Halcra, John Broun, John Jefert, James Bruce, Alexir Bruce, William Grote, Hutcheoun Cromarty, with many divers others, whilk cannot be denied.

24. In stopping of all ferries of the country to transport sic as he pleased to stop, and be commanding, be ane proclamation, that nane suld be suffirt to pass but his letter of licence and passport, in sic sort, that neither marcheand nor countryman might pass or repass in Orkney and Zetland but his licence and writ obtained be moyen or bribes. This Act is keepit to this hour, that no complainers may resort to thay partes.

25. In making of ane law and statute, that no man shall come out of the country of Orkney and Zetland to complain upon any wrang or oppression done in judgement, or without, under the pains of escheating of the haill lands, life, and goods, whilk shall be pruven.

26. In compelling the countrymen to pay to him their males, grassums, and rests, whilk the Comptroller had received from them in the King’s Majesty’s and his dearest Mother’s name, as Ola Sinclair and mony others, as the country will testify.

27. In using of process of forefaultor upon deid men for capital crimes, and in escheating their lands and goods after their decease, as he were King, be way of forfeiture, as he did to Sir James Sinclair of Sandey, Knicht, William Wischart in Zetland, Sir David Sinclair in Zetland, and sua usurps to him the King’s Majesty’s authority in all forfeiture and escheats of lands and goods.

28. In inbringing of Hieland men and broken men in the country of Orkney, whilks were auld enemies and oppressors of the people of before, and causing them to sorn, oppress, and spuilzie the country, specially the Isle of Gramsay, and be stopping of countrymen to pursue them and put them af the land, alleging they were his own men and fealls, as will be pruven by the countrymen, whilk cannot be denied.

29. Be giving licence to men to fight singular combats, as he did to ane Ninian Dowgall and Alex^r Bewemon, George Wallace and William Cullen, Nichol Sinclair and Stevin ——, Gawin Elphingstone and Patrick Clark.

30. Be compelling the assizemen of the country to fyle and clenge persons accused, at his pleasure; and gif they refused, be inputting of his awn household and domestic servants, and suldarts, upon their assize, and so condempnit innocent men at his private malice and desire, as he did to William Grhame, William Toddrick, William Aires, James Cowrons.

31. In compelling the countrymen of Zetland to pay great composition for the alleged resset of Matthew Sinclair, not being at the horne, attour the soume of V^c dollars, viz.—Fra Robert Wishart, Walter Hill, Manis M’Rechie, Ola Cumla, Magnus Reid.

32. In taking away suckin fra the auld vuthal mills of Orkney, whilk were observit of before inviolate.

33. Be pronounciation of wrangus and false judgement and sentences against the King’s Majesty’s lieges of the said country, and causing his deputes thereafter to reduce and retreat the same, as he did to Andrew Mowat, Mr. Robert Cheyene, and Andrew Hawick of Skatsta, and divers others, and be the receiving fra the said Andrew Mowat sewen score of angel nobles and ane chene of gold worth xl angels, and from Mr. Robert Cheyne and Andrew Hawick ane hundreth angels, and that by the way of brybrie for corrupting of justice.

As to the special points of oppression, reif, and spuilzie, eviction, and sic wrangus dealings committed be the said Lord, by order of law, against the Lieges and Inhabitants of the said countries, because the same concerns divers persons in particular, and not doubting but they will complain when as it shall please the Regent’s Grace to give them place and free passing out of Orkney and Zetland be sea and land. But the number of their complaints and sall be very large, odious, and fearful to be read, that sic tyranny and oppression suld be used within any country. Reserving therefore the particulars thereof to be declared at length by the saids persons heavily oppressed, when it sall please the Regent’s Grace, be himself or his Commissioners, to tak trial and inquisition in their behalf.

Item, the said Lord Robert, continuand in usurpation of the King’s Majesty’s authority, and using baith of the charges of Admirality and Justiciary, caused ane Court to be holden at Skalloway Banks in Zetland, the day of June 1574, and in the same gart call afore him Gilbert M^cReich, David Leslie, James Leslie, Normand Leslie, brether, and Robert Rotter, where they were accused and convict to the death in the said Court for the spoliation of ane ship of Endein, lying in the King’s waters within Zetland, in the parochine of Nesting, being driven in be storm of wedder for life and death, whilk ship the foresaids persons burdit under silence of night, and took furth of her 2000 Spanze ryallis or thereby, with ane dozen boltis of Holland clayth, and her haill tows, anchors, and sails, putten the same men and ship to the sea in a great storm of wedder, of whom never word was gotten thereafter; and thir persons above written being convicted of this cruel deed, the said Lord pardoned them after they were holden twa hours at the gallows foot, and ane tow about their neck, and received fra the said Gilbert M^cReich therefore I^m of the said ryallis, and seven boltis of the said Holland claith. Witnesses, Jn. Hamilton, Arthur Sinclair, Hugh Gordon, William Halcrow, Henry Sinclair.

Item, the said Lord has raised the meal of fleshe to x θ. where it was but iii ss. at his entries to Orkney, to the wrack of the haill country.

xvi December 1575.

(Signature effaced.)

THE COMPLAYNTIS

OF THE

COMMOWNIS AND INHABITANTIS OF ZETLAND

AND

PROBATIOUNIS LED THAIRUPOUN.

FEBRUARY M.D.LXXVI.

THE COMPLAYNTIS AND PROBATIOUNIS LED THAIRUPOUN OF THE COMMOWNIS AND INHABITANTIS OF ZETLAND RESSAUIT AND TANE UP BE MAISTER WILLIAME MUDIE OF BREKNESS AND WILLIAME HENDERSOUN DINGWELL PURSEVANT, COMMISSIONARIS IN THAT PAIRT SPECIALIE CONSTITUTE CONIUNCTLIE, BE OUR SOUERANE LORD AND HIS GRACIS REGENTIS COMMISSIOUN DIRECT TO THAME THAIRUPOUN THE DAYIS RESPECTIVE VNDERWRITTEN, IN THE MONETH OF FEBRUAR, THE ZEIR OF GOD I^MV^CLX SAXTEIN ZEIRIS, IN COURTIS THE SAID DAYIS HALDEN BE THAME RESPECTIVE AT TINGWALL IN ZETLAND.

AND First, The Generale Complayntis mentionat in thair commissioun, and contenit in the Bill producit and giffen in be Arthour Sinclair of Ayth befoir the Regentis Grace and Lordis of the Secreit Counsale contrair LAURENCE BRUCE of Cultemalindie, Fowde of Zetland presentlie.

And Secundlie, Vther Complayntis, Generale and Particulare, not contenit in the said Bill, bot presentit to the saidis Commissionaris at thair cummyng in the cuntrie at thair seuerale Courtis as eftir followis—

THE FIRST ARTICLE OF THE GENERALE COMPLAYNTIS, giffen in befoir the
Regentis Grace and Secreit Counsale, be Arthour Sinclair of Ayth,
heir eftir followis—

That quhair that eftir the cummyng of LORD ROBERT STEWART, fewar of Orknay and Zetland, to the dominioun of the saidis cuntries, LAURENCE BRUCE of Cultemalindie obtenit of him the office of Fowdrie of Zetland; and schortlie eftir the said Laurence enterit to the possessioun of the said office, he himselff, his servandis and complices in his name, of his causing vsit sic diuers wrangis and extortiounis vpon ws contrair the lawis and auld custome of the said Cuntrie: And specialie it was the auld vse and custome of Zetland observit in all tymis bygane, that thair was ane discreit man of ilk paroche, by the rest, callit The Lawrichtman, quha mesurit oure dewitie, callit Wadmell, and weyit our dewitie of buttir; and now the said Laurence hes causit ane of his awin chesing to do the samyn contrair our lawis, to our grit hurt, Insamekle that the said Laurence hes continualie sen his entrie, quhilk was in the moneth of Maij or thairby, the zeir of God I^m v^c lxxj zeiris, vptaking our landmale and dewitie, callit Wadmaill, with ane wrang mesour; swa that for ilk thrie scoir cuttell quhilk we aught to have payit, he hes compellit ws to pay ffour scoir cuttell wadmell, and swa hes augmentit ws the fourt pairt of our dewitie.

The Ferd and Fyft dayis of Februar _respective_, 1576, the
Inhabitantis and Parochinaris of Tingwale, Quhytnes, and Weisdale,
was ressauit, sworne, admittit, and examinit vpoun the Article
aboue specifiit, quhais names followis—

Henrie Halcro, Vnder Fowde
Henrie Halcro, Officiar
Huchoun of Brankishammersland
Johannes of Brankishammersland
Thomas of Girdilsta
Erasmus of Watbustar
Laurence of Hammersland
John of Hammersland
Thomas of Wathsettar
Jacob of Linksettar
Magnus of Linksettar
Nichole of Balzesta
Gilbert Thomassoun
Nichole of Hammersland
John Twait of Hammersland
Thomas of Laxfirthe
Nichole of South Laxfirth
Jacob Tait
Williame Tait
James Leslie
John Gudlat
John Bondissoun
Olaw Bondissoun
Stephanus of Kebustar
Walter of Strand
Nichole Gudlait
Thomas Gudlait
Erasmus of Got
Laurence of Got
John Sclaitter in Got
Magnus Halcro
Malcolme Halcro
Robert of Weisgarth
Nichole of Lie
Magnus of Lie
Laurence of Daill
Erasmus of Daill
Nichole of Daill
Olaw of Fiche
Eirick in Ansta
John Andersoun in Vennerbrek
Nichole Ramsaye
Nichole Benedickssone
James of Scalloway
Magnus of Scalloway
John Hubert
John Michell
Robert Wilsoun
John Ross
David Thomsoun
Williame of Berrie
Johne Vmphra
Johne of Berrie
Nichole of Burwik
Nichole Thomassoun
Nichole Smyth
Thomas Yrrewing
Johne Lummisdaine
Erasmus of Garth
Cast Erasmussoun
Thomas in Northsettare
Magnus Peirsoun of Vstenes
Paule Magnussoun
Johne Hammer
Magnus of Howane
Nichole of Mayneland
Olaw Smyth of Brek
Nichole of Brek
Magnus of How
Thomas Marteinsoun
Johannes of How
Magnus Olawsoun in How
Robert Petirsoun in How
Magnus Tate now in Olagarth
Nichole in Browaland
Nichole in Eistthouss
Magnus Nichole in Stromness
Magnus Magnussoun in Wormadaill
Magnus Androissoun in Hugrasta
Magnus Nichole in Hugrasta
Stephin Zowtsoun in Dessabrek
James Sinclair in Cova
Martein in Huchsettar
Nichole of Cot
Magnus of Cot
Erasmus of Sound
Magnus of Sound
Magnus of Helliabuster
Andro of Helliabuster
Nichole of Helliabuster
Johne Benedicsoun of Stenswall
Magnus Mandeissoun of Tuslavoll
Ereik Magnussoun in Scarpagarth
David Huip in Wastoiff
Laurence Smyth in Hamragarth
Johne Magnussoun thair
Olaw in Housto in Weisdaile
Sowart in How
Magnus Guthreissoun in How
Olaw Magnussoun in How
Thomas Jacobsoun in Toft
Benedick in Overbustare
Thomas Benedickssoun in Overbustare
Olaw Jacobsoun in Overbustare
Magnus Paulsoun in Setir
Boun in Kirkgar
John Thomassoun in Kirgar
Laurence Johnsoun in Kirgar
Jacob of Scarrane
Magnus of Scarrane

Quhilk persounis, examinit upoun the Article foirsaid, deponis as eftir followis all in ane voce, That thair hes not bein ane Lawrichtman in thair parochin of Quhytnes, Tingwell, and Weisdale, sen the Laird of Cultemalindeis last entres, quhilk was in the zeir of God I^m v^c lx twelff zeiris; quhilk Lawrichtman of auld vse and consuetude was ane necessar officiar in everie seuerale yle and paroche of the cuntrie, chosin with the commoun consent and electioun of the Fowde and Commownis to keip and giff attendence to the lawful and just cuttell; quhilk is thair mesour or elwand quhairwith thai mett thair clayth, callit Wadmell, quhilk is ane dewitie thai pay to the Kingis Maiestie for thair scat and landmales zeirlie. And siclyk to keip the just wecht callit the Bismeir, quhairupoun thair haill buttir, bayth of scat and landmales was weyit, togidder with ane just Can quhairwith thai mesourit thair vlie payit in scat to the King. With the quhilks cuttell, bismeir, and can, the said Lawrichtman mesurit, met, and weyit the saidis dewiteis of butter, wadmell, and vle fra the Commownis, and delyuerit the saimen to the Fowdis, swa that bayth the Fowde and Commownis gat just mesour and wecht without hurt, fraude, or gyle. And mairattour, it was ane pairt of his office, as ane speciale man chosin for his discretioun and jugement, to be Chancellar of the assyiss in all courtis, that quhair ony difficill questioun come in hand, he schew the law, vse, and practik thairupoun, and gaif the rest of the assyiss informatioun how to decerne, and pronouncit the decreits, perqueyre, in defalt of scrybis; and had ane ordinar stipende of the Commownis thairfoir, and was as ane procuratour and defendar of thair richtis and commownwelth. And sensyne thai haue had na Lawrichtman bot men of the Lairdis awin inputting to vse the said office, quha with new cuttellis, bismeiris, and cannis maid by the just met, mesour, and wecht, vsit of befoir, be the Lairdis command and causing, hes hurt the Commownis grittumlie. And nocht onlie be the saidis wrangus wechtis, mettis, and mesouris, bot alswa be the handis that weyit and mesurit the saimen, and in speciale maist be the hand, swa that of everie pact of wadmell, quhilk contenis thre scoir of cuttellis, he tuik fra thame mair nor the just ten cuttellis, swa that quhair he suld haue had bot thre scoir of cuttellis, he tuik fra thame three scoir ten cuttellis.

The Aught day of Februar, the zeir and place foirsaid, the
Inhabitantis and Parochinaris of Brassay beand ressauit, sworne,
and examinit vpoun the foirsaid First Article, quhais names
followis—

Erasmus of Kirkbustar
Gregor of Holme
John of Holme
Christopheir of Grindiscole
Magnus of Patafirth
Jacob of Vstensta
Nichole of Vstensta
Torwald of Hoversta
Magnus in Hoversta
Nichole in Hoversta
Johne in Hoversta
Johne Smyth
Erasmus in Keldibustar
Nichole of Crowasettar
Magnus in Howane
Magnus of Bowasettar
Magnus Leslie
Andro Leslie
Nichole in Garth
Sandie of Nossound
Magnus in Nossound
Magnus Johnsoun in Burgh
Duncane Inksettar
Olaw in Burgh
Erasmus in Burgh
Johne in Grymsettar
Andro in Grymsettar
Erasmus in Watbustair
Thomas of Kirkbustar

Thir foirsaid persounis examinit vpoun the First Article befoir writtin, ar conforme to the formar deponaris anent the ressait of the wadmell be the Laird of Cultemalindeis ressavearis; and farther, giff thair was na mair tane of thame, be the cuttell and the handis, of wadmell, thair was na less. And that of ane pack quhilk was of the wadmell of Weisdaile, quhilk suld be bot thre scoir of cuttellis of just mesour, thair was thre scoir and fyftein cuttellis tane, swa thair was fyftein mair nor aneuche; as the mettar thairoff, Magnus Leslie, confessit in presence of the Commissionaris; and the said Magnus and the haill Commownis confessis that thai war compellit be the Laird and certane his servandis beand present, to met sa largelie, and durst do na vtherwyiss for feir of him; and thai afferme, that he ressauit with ane mesour fra the Commownis, and delyuerit agane with ane less mesour to the merkat.

The Nynt day of Februar, the zeir and place foirsaid, the Inhabitantis
and Parochinaris of Nesting, Lunasting, Quhalsay, ressauit,
sworne, and examinit upoun the foirsaid Article, quhais names
followis—

Ereik in Vtrabustare
Johannes in Hamnavo
Nichole in Colafirth
Henrie Foster
Dauid in Sweining
James in Swening
Olaw in Tronasettar
Adame in Vydlaw
Robert Mackbayth thair
Magnus in Gillisbrek
Johannes thair
Laurence in Garth
Petrik thair
Olaw in Kirkabustar
Antonius thair
Magnus in Kirkabustar
Nichole of Neip
Andro in Skalberrie
Edwarde Kettill thair
Johannes in Fluagar
Gelis Kettill
Antone Laurencesoun
Johne in Grunzefirth
George Olawssoun in Laxfirth
Erasmus thair
Williame Reid
Thomas of Kirkabustar
Laurence Thomassoun
Magnus in Houssabustar
Michael in Brattabustar
Olaw Erasmussoun
Andro Olaussoun in Sheldesta
Andro Nicholsoun thair
Williame Magnussoun
Dauid Strang
Edwarde Thomassoun in Garth
Alaster Suthirland thair
Symon and Magnus his sonnis, thair
Alaster Strang in Aythiswyk
Erasmus in Aswyk
Alexr. Duff in Glaitness
Christopheir Thomassoun thair
Olaw Huchessoun thair
Magnus in Raillisburgh
William Gairoche in Vassie
Christopheir Symyonesoun in Freasetter
Henrie in Catfirth and Christopheir thair
Magnus Huchesoun in Crowne
Magnus in Flamesta

THE MEN OF QUHAILSAY

Pole in Sca
Magnus Petirsoun thair
Magnus Laurencessoun thair
Petir in Gardishouss
James Suthirland
George Work
Robert Huntar
Magnus Sandeissoun
Magnus Matheisoun
Erasmus in Hinksettar
Jacob in Levasettar
Dauid Watsoun in Clett
George and Thomas Harwode thair
Christopheir in Sandwyk
Erasmus Bothwell
Culbein of Sinbuster, sumtyme Lawrychtman
Olaw in Morasettar
Antone Culbeinsoun
John Culbeinsoun
Magnus in Neisthehouss
Henrie Work thair
Magnus Androissoun thair
Magnus Petersoun thair
Petir Thomassoun in Houle
James Williamsoun in Houle
William Huntar in Lie
Magnus Olawssoun thair
Olaw in Scheldasetter

Quhilkis persounis, inhabitaris of Nesting, Lunasting, and Quhailsay, examinit vpoun the First Article, deponis anent the Lawrichtman, the ressauing of thair wadmell, and the wrang done to thame thairintill, conforme to the formar depositionaris in all thingis.

The Ellewint day of Februar, the zeir and place foirsaid, the
Inhabitantis of Goldberwyk, Quharf, Trondra, and Burray, beand
ressauit, sworne, and examinit, vpoun the first foirsaid Article,
quhais names followis—

Thomas of Grymbuster
Johne in Sound
Stephane in Sound
Erasmus in Sound
Robert Ballie thair
Martein in Sound
Magnus his brother, thair
Nicole of Vtrabustar
Magnus Nicholsoun in Crope
Magnus Nicholsoun in Soirtoun
Williame Swainssoun in Weyk
Johne Swainssoun thair
Andro in Satir
Swaine in Brindista
Nicholaus Magnussoun
Petrik Magnussoun

QUHARFF.

Magnus Nicholsoun in Cowasettar
Olaw Huchesoun in Eister Quharff
Olaw Nicholsoun thair
Nichole Johnsoun
Olaw Johnsoun
Olaw in Vpswall
Beriald Nicholsoun
Williame Petirsoun in Swening
William Johnsoun in Tow
Magnus in Vradale
Richart in Houle
Magnus Laurencesoun in Sound

TRONDRA.

Magnus Williamsoun
Olaw Laurencesoun
Huchoun of Trondra
Benedick Laurencessoun

BURRAY YLE.

Richart in Browsaclett
Dauid Sinclair in Hugoland
James of Northbustar
Sandie of Northbustar
Erasmus in Sinbustar
Thomas in Sinbustar
Laurence Dauidsoun in Myre
Robert in Clett
Magnus in Sandwyk
Magnus Kettill in Grunzesound
Nichole Ewmondsoun in Hugoland
Magnus of Burgh
Laurence and Gelis of Burgh
Magnus Symounesoun
Magnus Erasmussoun
Robert Nicholsoun
Laurence Magnussoun
Magnus in Brek
Olaw Magnussoun
Henrie Tailzour
Magnus Sandeissoun
Andro Jacobsoun
Erasmus Johnsoun in Papill

Thir foirsaidis persounis examinit vpon the First Article anent the Lawrichtman and the ressait of the wadmell, ar conforme to thame that hes deponit affoir; and affermis, giff thai tuik na mair of the wadmell thai tuik na less, and that be the large and wrangus gripping of the handis that mett the saimen, done at the Lairdis command; ffor quhan thai complanit of him of the wrangus mett, he said, it was na velvat, swa thai gat no vther remeid, bot quhan thai held the wadmell in thair hand to haue gottin richt mett, thay wald giff thame ane straik on the hand with the cuttell to gar thaim lat it gang.

The Tuelft day of Februar, the zeir and place foirsaid, the
Inhabitantis of the Skerries, of the Ylis of Zell, Fetlar, and
Vnst, ressauit, sworne, and examinit vpon the First foirsaid
Article, quhais naimes followis—

SKERREIS.

Magnus in Browarie
Halbart Magnussoun
Christopheir in Gaill
Erasmus Magnussoun
Magnus Clerk
Petir Olawsoun
Petir Nichollssoun
Ever in Skerries

ZELL.

Christiane in Satir
Nicholaus in Graven
Dauid Spence
Williame Spence
Nicolaus of Culzevo
Donald Fresour
William Olawssoun
Erasmus in Brek
Sewart of Bosta
Dauid of Burgh
Magnus Hacla
Gelis of Cowasetter
Swaine of Windass
Donald of Volista
Martein of Rago
Johne of Bowasetter
Michael of Garth
Salomon Scot
James of Vralie
Robert Fresour
Johne Fresour
Erasmus Laurencesoun
Olaw in Graven
Olaw in Quyon
James of Swairasetter
Magnus Nipiebak
Thomas of Kettilsetter
Magnus of Littilasetter
Erasmus in Airisdale
Machis in Howland
Laurence of Copasetter
Magnus in Sandfre
Garth Vlsta
Petir in Bega
Olaw in Cladoun
Nicholaus in Netherhoule
John in Burgh
Dauid Randell
Thomas in Scatlandishouss
Petir Nisbet
Thomas Cowpasetter

FETLAR.

Edwarde of Odsta
Niniane in Sand
Stephane Vrie
Magnus Erasmussoun
Erasmus in Culbinstoft
Magnus in Muklagarth
Magnus Johnsoun
Magnus of Still
Sowart of Kirkhous
Williame Scot
Olaw Symonesoun
Thomas Blanx
Antonius in Ayth
Olaw in Hellyhous
Olaw in Nesthous
Olaw Suthirland
Magnus Burgar
Gavill in Toft
Nicholaus in Crocebustare
Olaw Gregoursoun
James Suthirland

VNST.

Christopheir and Williame in Sca
Olaw of Kirkatoun
Phinne of Torwall
Olaw Vnderfeald
Nicholaus of Westerhous
Erasmus in Skega
Williame Smyth
John Coupland of Ska
Andro in Burrafirth
Williame in Magneland
Andro in Gardie
James in Geo
Symon in Gardie
Johane in Clogon
Olaw in Gardoun
Vryell in Bwanes
Pole in Maill
Walter Hall
Johne Phea
Magnus Snaburg
Laurence Hill
Walter Smyth
Antone Watbustare
Olaw in Lyn
Olaw in Crocebustare
Andro in Crocebustare
Gutrum Petrasetter
Johne Mowat of Sandwyk
Henrie Hay
Olaw in Hamroun
Petir in Clovacast
Magnus Rvnon
Williame Magnussoun
Williame Makriche
Waltir Moreissoun
Barthole Strang
Siluester Frangorde
Andro Farquhar
Magnus of Cathhouss
Williame of Langhouss
Henrie of Stoiff
Thomas of Bodoun

Thir persounis immediatlie aboue writtin examinit, affermis, all in ane voce, concerning the Lawrichtman, the mesour, and the hand in the intaking of the wadmell, conforme to thame that hes deponit of befoir vpon the First Article.

The Fourteint day of Februar, zeir and place foirsaid, the
Inhabitantis of the parochin of Delting and Scatsta ressauit,
sworne, and examinit vpon the First foirsaid Article, quhais names
followis—

Magnus of Howbinsettar
Thomas of Voxsettar
Olaw of Gonfirth
Paule of Gonfirth
Magnus in Barfensettare
Thomas of Flett
Olaw in Skewa
Petir of Kirkhouss
Angus in Voy
Nichole in Back
Nichole in Theon
Petray thair
Magnus of Clovagarth
Laurence in Lie
Johne in Sorsetter
Erasmus in Southirhouss
Elzen thair
Erasmus Youngar in Southirhouss
Magnus in Eisterscorde
Andro Hall
Erasmus of Gruting
Magnus of Sandgarth
Andro Peirsoun in Daill
Erasmus thair
Donald in Toft
Magnus of Gardoun
Laurence of Brek
Olaw of Collafirth
Olaw Cull
Symon of Outhallistoft
Thomas in Quhom
Andro Giffurde, Vnderfowde
Nichole Hardwall
Andro Hawick of Scattsta
Antonius of Grawen
Thomas Yrrewing
Thomas of Laxvo
Magnus of Laxvo
Jacob thair
Olaw of Neagarth
Erasmus of Stenswall
Williame of Bordigarth
Boun Yrrewing in Garth
Sewart in Caldbak
Nichole of Orquoy
Erasmus of Crogasetter
Andro thair
Olaw in Burgh
Melschor Culane
Petir in Neschon
John in Burness
Benedick thair
Erasmus, elder and younger, thair
Ereick in Burness
Laurence of Firth
John in Firth
Thomas in Swynasetter
Andro thair
Magnus thair
John Denone, Vicair

Thir persounis immediatlie aboue writtin, examinit vpon the First Article, concerning the Laurichtman of this parochin, thai all afferme that Nichole Hardwall was thair Laurichtman, bot in the Lairdis tyme he gat na place to use his office, nor to delyver the wadmell as he aucht to haue done, bot the Land causit vtheris of his awin chesing to met their wadmell fra the Commownis; zit nevirtheless the Commownis war compellit to pay the Laurichtman his accustomit fee zeirlie, albeit he gat na place to do his office. Thai ar conforme to the formar deponaris anent the wrang of the mettein of the wadmell, with this additioun, giff ony of thame wantit ane cuttell of wadmell of his dewitie, the Laird compellit thame to pay thairfoir twa schillingis Scottis; and giff thai had ane cuttell attour thair dett vpon the end of their wob or mair, he wad not giff that superplus of to thame, bot wald giff them twa s. for ilk cuttell that thai had owr thair dett; and sum tyme wald tak it and gif thame na thing thairfoir.

The Fyfteint day of Februar, the zeir and place foirsaid, the
Parochinaris of Northmaven ressauit, sworne, and examinit vpone
the First foirsaid Article, quhais names followis—

Laurence of Hagrasettare
Olaw of Ylisburgh
Magnus in Mangosettar
Olaw Nebon
Laurence of Gvnzesetter
Olaw of Hammer
Laurence of Orabustare
Antonius in Vrafirth
Magnus in Awsetter
Thomas in Over Vre
Thomas of Findeland
Turberrie thair
Olaw of Videfeild
Laurence Tulloch of Westhouss
Olaw of Sandwyk
Thomas of Tangweyk
Thomas of Stanehous
Erasmus of Brekown
Laurence thair
Erasmus in Frangorde
Magnus and Thomas of Grithouland
Henrie and Magnus of Stow
Gregorius of Lyascole
Thomas of Vigginsgarth
Androis of Vre
Nichole, eldar and youngar, thair
Johne of Awisgarth
Thomas of Bravehouland
Laurence of Mvrone
Thomas of Hamnavoy
Erasmus of Okcratoun
Olaw Northhous in Occratoun
Magnus in Sonderhous thair
Thomas of Hekzevir thair
Magnus of Vzea
Olaw of Vzea
Botulff in Vzea
Erasmus thair
Magnus, elder and younger, in Sandvo
Johne of Bratbustare
Bothwell of Sater
John of Houle
Gregorius, elder and younger, in Vsbister
Johne of Fluagarth
Johne of Burravo
Christopheir thair
James in Howland
Erasmus in Caldsta
Magnus thair
Huchoun in Skelberry
Bodwell, elder and zounger, in Houssettar
Thomas in Colafirth
Andro in Colafirth
Magnus Tulloch in Hoxnasettar
Thomas in Vnderfeald
Olaw of Voe
Nichole of Swynasettar
Alexander M’Baythsoun
Magnus in Quoyfirth
John of Lyen
Johannes of Howen
Petir of Northweyk
Magnus in Vstness
Gilbert Portuiss in Hugoland
Johne in Lunasettar
Andro Robertsoun in Fiblasettar
John Robertsoun in Nestasettar
Magnus in Turvasettar
John in Bardasettar
Laurence and Andro in Gluss
Gregorius and Olaw in Burroland
Nicholaus in Clodasetter
Olaw in Howle
Gregorius in Toft in Sowlim
Ereik and Johne in Sowlim
Thomas in Lunnasettar

Thir persounis, Parochinaris of Northmaven, examinit; thai ar conforme to the formar deponaris anent the wrangus ressait of the wadmell fra thame be the Laird and his doaris; als thai grant that thai had ane Lawrichtman, callit Dauid Tulloch, quha gat na leiff to vse his office, quharthrow thai war grittumlie hurt.

At Tingwall, the xvi day of Februar 1576. The Induellaris of the
parochinaris of Wawiss, ressauit, sworne, and examinit vpon the
foirsaid First Article, quhais names followis, with the pendicle
thairoff callit Papa—

Laurence of Grunzevo
Magnus of Quhytisness
Olaw of Garmatwait
James Paulsoun
Magnus Erasmussoun
Symon Magnussoun
Johannes of Stennestwait
Christopheir Laurencesoun
Paule Watsoun
Magnus Watsoun
Magnus Jacobsoun
Johannes of Burroland
Nichole of Burroland
Andro Wischart
Nichole Flett
Nichole Thomassoun
Williame Voy
Christopheir Nicholsoun
Nichole Turbensoun in Brek
Johannes in Stannisland
Mr. Robert Chene
James of Swarvasettar
Nichole in Huvedigarth
Johne of Glen
Nichole Schewartsoun
Nichole Olawsoun
Jacob in Satir
Gelis and Thomas thair
Andro Fresur
Laurence in Torradaill
Laurence in Kinkavale
Andro and Johne Mudie
Nichole of Gossater
Vriale of Daill
Johannes of Hucsettar
Petir of Sunsquoy
Erasmus Andersoun
Erasmus Johnsoun
John Wischart
Magnus in Garth

PAPAY.

Nichole Johnsoun
Olaw Christopheirsoun
James Christopheirsoun
Erasmus Androissoun
Boun Olawsoun
Erasmus Zoungar
Johne Magnussounun
William Erasmusson
Olaw Knodsoun
Johannes Erasmussoun
Andro Bowhous
Olaw Boll
Olaw Andersoun
Olaw Johnsoun
John Nicholsoun

Quhilkis persounis, immediatlie befoir writtin, examinit vpon the First Article; thai ar agreeable concerning the Lawrichtman, and the vsing of his office to the formar deponaris of Delting and Scattstay; and siclyk anent the delyuering of the wadmell, in all poyntis.

The xxj day of Februar, the zeir and place foirsaid, the Parochinaris
of Sandsting and Aythsting, ressauit, sworne, and examinit vpon
the First foirsaid Article, quhais names followis—

Magnus in Vnzefirth
Thomas and Henrie thair
Johne Wischart
Williame in Sater
Magnus and Olaw in Closta
Petir and Olaw in Vzeasound
Thomas in Ayththisness
Erasmus and Myches in Vphous
Olaw in Papay
Patrik in Burrafirth
Magnus Mowat
Magnus Reid
Benedict and Nichole in Howasetter
Magnus and Johne of Cumming
Olaw Twait in Northous
Petir Longascole
Andro in Kirkhous
John of Brek
Magnus Bigsetter
Laurence in Trusta
Henrie Sandsound
Magnus Halcro
Williame Bairfield
Magnus Michelsoun
Olaw and Thomas in Sand
John in Sunlasetter
Magnus and Paule of Skeld
Magnus Johnsoun
Petir Wischart
Williame of Skeld
Thomas Ryssie
Johne of Cultisweyk
Christopheir in Haistensetter
Magnus and Johannes in Sellivo
Johannes of Gruting
Johne Murray
Olaw Hugonsoun in Browaland
Johne Rolland thair

Thir persounis, immediatlie preceding, examminit, vpon the First Article thai ar aggrieable in all things, conforme to the formar deponaris.

The foirsaid xxj day of Februar, the zeir and place foirsaid. The
Parochinaris of Dunrostnes, ressauit, sworne, and examinit vpon
the First Article, quhais names followis—

Olaw Flattabustare
Williame and Erasmus thair
Erasmus of Ocraquoy
Magnus in Howkenasettar
Johannes of Blostoiff
Olaw Magnussoun
Olaw of Hellyness
Magnus Bramer
Magnus of Cutha
Ereik and Magnus of Goird
Olaw in Sterkagar
Magnus in Tow
Symone in Culbinisgarth
Swaine Eldegar
Williame in Brind
Hectour of Brind
Nichole of Clapwall
Brownie of Scarpagarth
Magnus of Wattisgarth
Magnus in Wastano
Olaw of Maill
Magnus of Maill
James Cloustane
Williame Hog
Thomas in Leabuttin
Olaw Smyth in Sand
Magnus Mowat of Burrowland
Andro of Howland
Thomas of Culzesettar
Antone in Cumlaweyk
Magnus in Viasettar
Johne Johnstoun in Hoisweyk
Magnus Tullo
Williame and Antone of Channerweyk
Magnus thair
Laurence Lesk in Gord
Thomas Antonissoun
Nichole Segarth
Magnus Mowat in Lavenweyk
Nichole Mowat thair
Claus and Olaw Haldensoun
Niniane and George of Clumming
Gawane of Longasettar
Magnus Trosweyk
Henrie in Outvo
Magnus in Skelberrie
Magnus Symondsoun
Olaw in Vo and Johne in Vo
Henrie and Williame Lesk
Henrie Mowat and James Mowat
Laurence Lesk
Laurence Sinclair
Johne Yrrewing
Johne Torquele
John Petirsoun
Johne Sclatter
Johne Sinclair
Magnus Lesk and Laurence Lesk
Ereik of Burroiss
Magnus Thomassoun
Henrie Thomassoun
Arling Johnsoun and Williame Johnsoun
Gregorius Olawsoun
Williame Pattisoun
John Smyth and Henrie Smyth
Williame and Symone of Loball
Leonarde Coupland and Gilbert Coupland
Magnus Erlingsoun
Maguns Nicholsoun
Johne Gybsoun
James of Brek
Arling of Bw
Johne and James Sinclair in Garth
Andro Cheild
Thomas Patoun
Olaw Magnussoun out of Mo
Olaw and Alaster Sutherland
William in Eistishouss
Magnus thair
Henrie Strang
Johne Cromertie
Orme and Andro of Quendale
Nichole Flett
Robert Scartane
Edward Sinclair in Town
Robert Archbauld
Johne Hendersoun
Thomas Bernissoun
Rull of Ringista
Andro Ringista
Thomas Ormissoun
Williame in Brek
Johne of Colsettar
Magnus Beindsoun in Backasettar
Nichole in Sunlasettar
Henrie in Noss
Stewin of Forvo
Thomas of Fuktoun
Williame Sinclair in Sater
Henrie Emlay
Matho Fuktoun
Magnus Greg and his sounis
Thomas in Mawik

Thir persounis immediatlie aboue writtin, examinit vpone the First Article; thay ar conforme to the formar deponaris, with this additioun, Erling of Bw, Lawrichtman of Dinnrosness hes testifeit, in presence of the Commissionaris, that he broucht at dyuerss tymes, twa sindrie cuttellis of just mesour, to haue delyuerit the wadmell of Dunrosness thairupon, conforme to his office, bot the Laird of Cultemalindie refusit outher to lat him met, or zit to lat the wadmell be mett with his cuttell: Quhairfoir the said Lawrichtman, seing he was refusit, in sing of the disobedience and wrang that was done, in presence of the haill Commownis, he brak his cuttellis and requyrit the haill Commownis witness heiroff.

THE SECUND ARTICULE OF THE GENERALE COMPLAYNTIS giffen in befoir the
Regentis Grace and Secreit Counsale be Arthour Sinclair of Ayth,
as eftir followis—

Secundlie, The said Laurence hes compellit us to pay the dewitie of our buttir on his wecht, callit the Bismeyr, ffor ilk twelff lespund buttir quhilk was payit of auld, fyftein lespundis, swa that we ar compellit to pay the fyft pairt of our dewitie of buttir mair nor was ever payit of befoir.

The foirsaidis Parochinaris of Tingwale, Quhytness and Weisdaill,
sworne and examinit befoir the Commissionaris, day, zeir, and
place foirsaid, vpon the Secund Article, deponis as followis—

Thay depone, that the thrie zeiris bypast, viz., J^m V^c Lxxij, Lxxiij, and Lxxiiij zeiris, thair was tane fra thame be the Laird and his weyaris, for everie just lespund quhilk extendis to xxiiij merkis, thay tuik fra thame be wrang wechtis, and be the handis that weyit, thretty merkis. Bot this last zeir of Lxxv zeiris crope, thai depone that thai war relevit of the ane halff of the wrang wecht, swa that thai payit bot xxvij merkis this last zeir for the lespund, quhilk was bot thre merkis mair nor just of ilk lespund.

The foirsaidis Parochinaris of Brassay, sworne and examinit befoir the
saidis Commissionaris, day, zeir, and place foirsaid, vpon this
Secund Article, deponis as followis—

Anent the ressait of thair butter, thai are conforme to the men of Tingwall, Quhytness and Weisdale, formar deponaris vpon the said Secund Article; with this additioune, Erasmus of Kirkbustare, quha was Laurichman of Brassay in tyme of vmquhile Olaw Sinclair of Avera, Fowde of Zetlande, testifyit in presence of the Commissionaris, that he ressauit ane bismeyr, quhilk Williame Vrwing of Trondra maid, be the haill consent bayth of the Fowde and Commownis of Zetland; quhilk bismeyre he hes keipit neir xxx zeiris bypast, quhilk was haldin ane just bismeyre, ay and quhill the Laird of Cultemalindie enterit Fowde; bot sensyne the Laird hes refusit to ressaue ony buttir vpon that bismeyre, but causit ane new bismeyre to be maid, transmonting sax, sewin, or aucht merkis mair, betuixt the wecht and the hand that weyit, nor that auld just bismeyre was; and he hes continewit sen his entress to ressaue the buttir on that maner, except this last zeir, quhair in the ressait of the buttir, he diminissit ane pairt of the wrang wecht to the quantitie of twa or thre merkis of euery lespund that he had wount to tak in the zeiris befoir, bot zit he come not to the just auld wechtis be thre merkis at the leist, as the formar deponaris has declarit. And als the foirsaidis parochinaris affermis, that the Laird gart serse out the grittest bismeyre that was amang the Duchemen; and quhan he had gottin the same, the quhilk was thre or four merkis mair nor just, zit he wald not ressaue the buttir thairupoun, bot upon his awin bismeyre, quhilk he had gart mak; quhilk was twa or thre merkis mar of everie lespund nor the grittest bismeyre that was amangis the Duchemen.

The foirsaidis Parochinaris of Nesting, Lunasting, Quhailsay,
Skerreiss, Burray, Trondray, Quharff, Goldberwyk, Vnst, Fetlar,
Zell, Delting, and Scatsta, Northmaven, Wawiss, Sandsting and
Aythsting, and Dunrostnes, sworne and examinit befoir the saidis
Commissionaris, dayis, zeir, and place befoir specifiet,
respectiue, vpon the Secund Article, deponis as followis—