Subject_1 DECISIONS of the LORDS OF COUNCIL AND SESSION, reported by SIR JOHN LAUDER OF FOUNTAINHALL Subject_2 YULE VACANCY.
Anent the Advocates' Room
1677.
January.
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Sir Andrew Birny, and some of the conformist advocates, having made an act to seclude noblemen, and all other persons whatsoever, from entering into the Advocates' room and walk, much umbrage and discontent was taken thereat; as I have marked in my session occurrents, 2d January, 1677. The reason of this act was because they drew up only with the late entered Advocates, and discountenanced the conformist ones; for which cause, the President, &c. caused make the said act for excluding them. The Earls of Dalhousie, Home, &c. with the Lord Forrester, came one day and required leave to enter; and the keeper refusing, they took instruments in the hands of two notaries they had brought with them. Whereon they gave in a complaint to the Secret Council, founded on their peerage, and that they had ever been in possession of it, and that their business might suffer else.
The Secret Council after some heat referred it to the session, who called the parties next day. Sir G. M'Keinzie alleged they were so crowded with throngs, that it was the lieges' interest not to come in and disturb those who were met there only to do their business, and that he had seen the Earl of Crawfurd kept at the door; and that during Sir G. Lockhart's own government, there was an act for seclusion of all but Advocates made. Sir G. answered, there was no such act in the books, nor could be shewn. M'K. replied, it was a part of his arbitrary tyranny, if it was not recorded. This and some other harsh expressions Mr George Bannerman resenting, attended Sir G. M'K. at twelve o'clock that day, and gave him a challenge. Whereof the President and some other Lords being informed, they put them both under arrest; and next day citing them before them, caused them find caution to keep the peace under the pain of 10,000 merks, and proffered them a bond to be subscribed for that effect. Which Mr G. B. refusing, was ordered to prison, but was only attended by a macer till six o'clock at night; at which time he engaged.
The Lords fell upon sundry models of the outer-house, to please the Lords and others: but it was to no purpose.
