[1587/7/31]¹

Act in favour of such of the lords of session as shall become aged and unable

²Concerning the proposition made on the behalf of the ordinary senators of the college of justice, that their privileges and immunities may be continued and stand in their favour when they shall be aged and unable to attend ordinarily in the session, our sovereign lord, now after his lawful and perfect age of 21 years complete, with advice and consent of his three estates in parliament, wills, grants and declares that the absence of any of the ordinary senators of the college of justice (how soon they shall be found by a sufficient number of the lords aged and unable to make continual residence) shall in no way be hurtful or prejudicial to them towards their places, livings and enjoying of all privileges which they have had through their being of the ordinary number of the said college; and ordains the lords of council and session now being, or that shall happen to be for the time, upon the nomination and recommendation of our sovereign lord or his successors, to receive, place and admit other qualified persons in the ordinary places of the said aged and diseased senators during their absence, reserving always to them during their lifetimes their places and votes in council and session when they may be able to ride or shall happen to be present, with all rights, commodities, privileges and immunities which they, as senators ordinary, had in time past, so that they may use and possess all their benefices (under prelacies) free, without payment of any thirds, taxations or other charges during their lifetimes, since order is to be taken concerning the sustenance of the ministry of the kirks belonging to their benefices as others of the spiritual estate of the lords of session; and when they are present, that the other persons which shall be appointed to supply their absences give place to them so long as they are present.