The Privileges of Burghs and Burgesses. - Monopolies.
Weavers of Perth v. Weavers at the Bridge-end of Perth
Date: 4 December 1669 Case No. No 53.
Found, that weavers in suburbs might work to people in the country; but might not take employment from burgesses within the burgh.
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The weavers of Perth having pursued the weavers at the Bridge-end, upon the 156th act, Parliament 1592, prohibiting tradesmen in the suburbs of burghs, to exercise their trades, whereof mention is made, July 21. 1669, (supra.) the defenders were then assoilzied. Now the pursuers further allege, Whereas it was then represented, that that act had never taken effect, but was in desuetude; they now produce a decreet of the Lords, at the instance of the weavers of Edinburgh, against the weavers of the suburbs compearing, decerning them to desist and cease from bringing any of their work within the liberties of Edinburgh, and from coming within the same to receive work; and that upon the same act of Parliament, which declares, that the same is not in desuetude; and it is founded upon a most just and necessary ground, viz. that tradesmen, within burgh, pay stent for their trade, which were impossible for them to do, if the same tradesmen were permitted in the suburbs, who might work cheaper than they, not being liable to stent.
The Lords explained their former interlocutor, and declared, conform to the foresaid decreet of the town of Edinburgh, viz. that weavers in suburbs might serve any in the landward, but might not come within the liberties of the burgh, for taking up the work of the burgesses, in prejudice of the freemen who were freemen of the burgh.
