[A1567/12/22]*[print] [email] [cite] [preceding] [following]
Item, forasmuch as the use of culverins, dags, pistols and such other firearms are not only by the loveable constitutions of this realm in slaying of wild beasts and fowls forbidden, but also diverse our sovereign lord's lieges are shamefully and cruelly murdered, slain and hurt, which otherwise were able to make defence sufficiently for themselves at all times of pursuit, as has been lately seen within this burgh of Edinburgh; and for eschewing and remedy thereof in time coming, it is statute and ordained by our sovereign lord, with advice and consent of [James Stewart, earl of Moray], my lord regent, and three estates of this present parliament, that no manner of person nor persons of whatsoever estate, degree or condition they be of shoot with culverins, dags, pistols or any other guns or firearms in any part of this realm, neither to burgh nor to land (except such as for pastime will shoot within their inner close and yard adjacent thereto, and mariners and such as frequent the seas, being actually upon the same, for defence of their bodies and goods), under the pain of cutting off their right hand; and likewise that no manner of person nor persons of whatsoever estate, condition or degree they be of bear, wear or use any culverins, dags, pistols or any other such firearm upon their persons or in their company with them, privately or openly, outwith houses without licence of our sovereign lord and my lord regent had and obtained thereupon, under the pain aforesaid; providing always that the captains and men of war serving our sovereign lord and his regent aforesaid actually in his highness's wages, nor yet the lieges of this realm, as well in regality as royalty, at wappenschawing, nor the provost, bailies and inhabitants of the burgh of Edinburgh, or other burghs of this realm, charged by our sovereign lord's authority, to assemblies, wappenschawing and conventions for setting forth of his highness's service and affairs in the time thereof, nor yet none of our sovereign lord's lieges in their coming, remaining or departing to and from any hosts, wars, armies, raids, wappenschawings or assemblies, being specially and expressly commanded and charged to that effect by his highness's letters and authority, wardens' meeting, at days of truce and likewise those that are following thieves in defence of stealing of loyal men's goods, and in recourse thereof, shall not be apprehended under this present act.