[1585/12/21]¹

An act in favour of the burghs concerning the packing and peeling of fish

²Forasmuch as in the act of parliament lately made concerning the packing and peeling of herring, white fish and other fish slain on either side of the water of Forth, it is expressly provided that all the said fish shall be brought to the ports of Leith or Crail only, there to be gathered and handled as in the said act at more length is contained, which since has been very prejudicial and hurtful to the remaining free burghs and sea ports on either side of the said water of Forth, therefore our said sovereign lord, with advice of his three estates convened in this present parliament, declares, statutes and ordains that it shall be lawful to the remainder of the said free burghs to have the said fish brought to each one of them in time coming, as well as to the said ports of Leith and Crail, notwithstanding any restriction made thereupon by the said act or otherwise of before, dispensing therewith for ever; and ordains letters of publication to pass hereupon in the appropriate form.