[1587/7/154]*[print] [email] [cite] [preceding] [following]
†Our sovereign lord, with advice and consent of the three estates of this present parliament, has given and granted power and commission to the right honourable Robert [Boyd], lord Boyd, William Cunningham of Caprington and Hugh Campbell of Tarrinzean, or any two of them jointly, to pass to the burgh of Irvine any time they please appoint to that effect, and there to examine and consider the water mouth, harbour port and harbour of the said burgh where their ships and barks are accustomed to repair, unload and load, and thereupon to confer with the most honest and ancient burgesses of the said burgh and landed gentlemen dwelling adjacent thereto and see if the said harbour possibly may be repaired, and what sums and means would repair the same, and to report their opinion and proceedings in the premises to the lords of secret council; and in case after the said report the said haven and harbour be found remediable, our said sovereign lord, with advice and consent of the said three estates, gives and grants full power and commission to the said lords of secret council to grant and appoint a reasonable general stent and taxation upon such parts of the country as they shall think most expedient for the special help and support of their said decayed harbour and haven, and to make special act and ordinance upon the said taxation containing the form and order of the payment and collection of the same for their said support, likewise and in the same manner as the said three estates might have done themselves in this present parliament; and ordains letters to be directed hereupon, if need be, in the appropriate form.