[1661/1/213]¹

Legislation

Act anent the light of the [Isle of the] May

Whereas his majesty's father King Charles I, of blessed memory, studying to obviate the many shipwrecks that frequently befalls vessels entering the firth in the night time, did grant a letter and patent to James Maxwell of Innerwick and John Cunningham of Barns for erecting of a light upon the island of the May and, for maintenance thereof, imposed upon all foreign vessels entering between Dunnottar and St Abbs Head, for each tun of burden, 4s Scots and upon natives 2s Scots; and his majesty, being willing to encourage all his good subjects in everything that may tend to their good and well being, and considering that Sir James Halkett of Pitfrrane and Sir David Carmichael of Balmedie, who now have right to the said letter patent and dues imposed for maintenance of the said light of the May, have condescended only to demand 18d Scots from each native and 3s Scots from each foreigner conforming to an agreement made between the said James Maxwell of Innerwick, John Cunningham of Barns and the commissioners of burghs at Edinburgh, 13 December 1639, whereby also it is declared that all barks, crayers and other vessels coming from any port within this kingdom, or passing to any port without the same, during the months of May, June, July and fifteen days of August, and northland victuallers, shall be free of all duty whatsoever; his majesty, with advice and consent of his estates of parliament, does statute and ordain that the foresaid astricted duty of 18d Scots from each native and 3s Scots from each foreigner upon the tun of all ships, barks, crayers and others coming within the bounds foresaid, shall be peaceably enjoyed, received and uplifted by the said Sir James Halkett and Sir David Carmichael, their heirs and assignees, deputes, tacksmen and collectors and that since 17 May last and in time coming, and that as well in all other ports and harbours of burghs within this kingdom as in other ports and harbours where any ships or vessels does arrive where there is no burgh, for each tun of ships and other vessels conforming to their burden coming within Dunnottar and St Abbs Head. And to the end the said Sir James Halkett and Sir David Carmichael and their foresaids may the better obtain payment of the foresaid astricted duty for maintenance of the said light of the May, his majesty, with advice and consent foresaid, ordains publication to be made hereof at all places needful and that letters of horning if need be be directed against the tacksmen and collectors of the foresaid dues for the said light of the May since the said 17 May last upon a simple charge of ten days, and against all masters, sailers and others liable and subject in payment of the foresaid dues upon a simple charge of forty-eight hours, providing always that this act shall be without prejudice of the yearly dues payable to his majesty, conforming to the patent and charter passed thereupon for keeping of the said light, and that the said Sir James Halkett and Sir David Carmichael make ready payment of his majesty's dues for all years bygone and in time coming during their right, and that within a month after the downsitting of the exchequer they pass and expedite a right to the keeping of the foresaid light in favour of themselves, otherwise this act to be null.