This website uses cookies to enable the site to function properly and also to analyse our website traffic via Google Analytics. Only cookies essential to the operation of the website are installed by default. If you turn cookies on this allows us to collect analytics information which is important to help us maintain and improve the website. For more information visit our Privacy page.
Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make a user's experience more efficient and provide information to the owners of the site. This website uses cookies to enable the site to function properly and also to analyse our website traffic via Google Analytics. Only cookies essential to the operation of the website are installed by default. If you turn cookies on this allows us to collect anonymous information about how people use the website which is important to help us maintain and improve the website. For more information on privacy and cookies, visit our Privacy page.
By using our site you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy.
For many centuries only the Royal Burghs of Scotland could participate in the country’s import / export trade and within these burghs the only legitimate dealers in this trade were the merchants.
This privilege was greatly envied by those who could not partake in what could be a lucrative business and it was a constant struggle to prevent or punish breaches of the monopoly.