The Aberdeen Council Registers, 1398-1511
Volumes 1 – 8

The Aberdeen Council Registers (also known as the Aberdeen Burgh Records), spanning the first eight volumes from 1398 to 1511, represent the oldest and most complete run of civic government records in Scotland. Housed in the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives and inscribed on the UNESCO UK Memory of the World Register in 2013, these registers document the proceedings of the burgh’s bailie, guild, and head courts, offering an unparalleled window into medieval urban life.

Written primarily in Latin and Scots across over 5,200 pages, they detail elections of officials, property transactions, trade regulations, legal disputes, public health measures (including plague responses), criminal cases, and even the earliest documented reference to whisky distillation (in 1505).

For historical research, they illuminate governance practices, economic activity, social structures, and daily life in a late medieval Scottish burgh.

For genealogical research, they are exceptionally valuable, frequently naming individuals in roles as witnesses, jurors, litigants, debtors, property holders, and guild members—providing rare pre-1500 evidence of family connections, occupations, residences, and interrelationships in Aberdeen and the surrounding northeast of Scotland.

The digitized TEI transcriptions (Aberdeen Registers Online / ARO project) make these records highly accessible for detailed analysis like the Guthrie family project.

Index and Navigation Table

VOLUME 1

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 1, Page 291

Date: 1406 (cert=low)

Original Language: Latin

Purpose of the Document: Election/muster list of men chosen “ad transeundum contra kethranos” (to proceed against the caterans/raiders).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Andreas guthry (Andreas Guthry)

Role:

• Elected participant (marked with + in the margin, indicating selection).

Translation/Transcription: The entry forms part of a longer list of selected men. Relevant excerpt (translated/summarized): “…[various names with selections] … Andreas guthry …” (full list includes other locals such as fynlaus Montagw, Johannes pypar’, and various with “cum homine” notations).

Historical Significance:

• Illustrates Aberdeen’s communal defense organization in response to Highland raids in the early 15th century.
• Highlights burgh mechanisms for raising levies from citizens and residents during periods of regional instability.

Genealogical Significance:

• One of the earliest mentions of a Guthry (Andreas) in Aberdeen records.
• Suggests possible ties to Forfarshire/Angus or local Aberdeen networks; listed among other community members, potentially indicating family or occupational connections for further research.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• “Electi ad transeundum” refers to the selection of individuals for a military or defensive expedition, a common practice in medieval Scottish burghs for collective security.

Notes:

• Brief mention in a larger court entry. Cross-reference with later volumes for potential family members or continued presence in Aberdeen.

Volume 2

There are no Guthrie mentions found in Volume 2.

Volume 3

There are no Guthrie mentions found in Volume 3.

Volume 4

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 4, Page ~8
(Entry ARO-4-0008-01)

Date: 3 April 1434

Original Language: Latin

Purpose of the Document: Court proceedings involving a debt dispute between merchants, including the extension of pledges and requests for legal days.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Dauid de guthery (David de Guthery)

Role:

• Prelocutor (spokesperson/advocate) for Rumbaldus (a merchant from Flanders/Handwerp), acting on his behalf in court.

Translation/Transcription: “… Deinde Johannes de scroggis prelocutor predicti Dedrik extendit plegium super dictum rumbaldum … quiquidem Rumbaldus et Dauid de guthery eius prelocutor ipsius nomine pecijt diem legalem ad respondendum dicto plegio …” (Translation: … David de Guthery, his prelocutor [spokesperson], in his name requested a legal day to respond to the said pledge …)

Historical Significance:

• Demonstrates the use of professional or appointed spokespersons in burgh courts for commercial disputes involving foreign merchants.
• Reflects Aberdeen’s active role in international trade (e.g., with Flanders/Norway) in the mid-15th century.

Genealogical Significance:

• Records a David de Guthery involved in legal representation, suggesting literacy, legal knowledge, or status within the burgh community.
• Potential link to earlier Andreas Guthry (Vol. 1) or later family branches in Aberdeen/Forfarshire area.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Prelocutor: A spokesperson or procurator who speaks on behalf of a party in court, common in medieval Scottish legal proceedings.
• “Pecijt diem legalem”: Requested a legal day (adjournment), part of standard court procedure for preparing defenses.

Notes:

• Part of a multi-day dispute involving merchants and shipping contracts. Useful for tracing occupational or social networks.

Volume 5

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 5, Page ~33
(Entry ARO-5-0033-09)

Date: Circa 1430s (context of surrounding court dates)

Original Language: Latin

Purpose of the Document: Burgh court record deferring a legal action (dispute between William Scherar and Andrew Alaneson) until the arrival of a specific individual.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Magister Alexandri guthery (Master Alexander Guthery)

Role:

• Key figure whose arrival is awaited to resolve/finalize the court action (likely as an authority, arbiter, or involved party).

Translation/Transcription: “Actio mota inter Willelmum scherar’ et andream alaneson’ per assisam ponitur in dilacione usque aduentum magistri alexandri guthery / et tunc prepositus et balliuj facient dictam actionem finiri.” (Translation: The action raised between William Scherar and Andrew Alaneson is put in delay by the assize until the arrival of Master Alexander Guthery, and then the provost and bailies shall cause the said action to be finished.)

Historical Significance:

• Shows the flexible and pragmatic nature of burgh justice, often delaying cases for the involvement of respected or expert figures.
• Highlights the role of “masters” (likely university-educated or professionally qualified individuals) in local legal affairs.

Genealogical Significance:

• Records Master Alexander Guthery, suggesting a person of education and standing in the community.
• Potential connection to earlier Guthries (e.g., David or Andreas) and useful for tracing professional or familial lines in Aberdeen.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Actio mota: Legal action initiated.
• Ponitur in dilacione: Placed in delay/adjournment until a condition is met.
• Assisa: Assize/jury decision.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 5, Page ~740

Date: Circa 1480s (context of court records)

Original Language: Latin

Purpose of the Document: Official reference in burgh or administrative proceedings mentioning high-ranking officials.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Magistri Dauid guthery (Master David Guthery)

Role:

• Treasurer (thesaurarij) to the supreme lord (likely the king or a high authority).

Translation/Transcription: “… magistri Dauid guthery thesaurarij supremo domino nostro …” (Translation: “… of Master David Guthery, treasurer to our supreme lord …”)

Historical Significance:

• Highlights the involvement of Aberdeen-connected individuals in high-level royal or national administration during the late 15th century.
• Treasurers played key roles in financial oversight for the crown.

Genealogical Significance:

• Indicates a David Guthery of significant status and education (“Magister”).
• Potential link to earlier local Guthries (e.g., Alexander in same volume) and broader family prominence in northeast Scotland.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Thesaurarij: Treasurer, a formal office in royal or burgh administration.

Notes:

• Brief official mention. Valuable for tracing upward social mobility or court connections of the Guthrie family. Cross-reference with royal records or later volumes.

Volume 6

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 6, Page 649
(Entry ARO-6-0649-02)

Date: 20 September 1480

Original Language: Latin

Purpose of the Document: Burgh court record of a claim for goods/legacies by a representative on behalf of a woman.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mariote guthery (Mariote Guthery)

Role:

• Principal claimant (goods sought on her behalf; she was present in court).

Translation/Transcription: “… dominus Alanus de camera capellanus ex parte mariote guthery tunc presentis peciit certa bona a Nicholaio baxtar dicte mariote spectan’ et eedum legat’ per quondam cristianam preston’ …” (Translation: … Sir Alan de Camera, chaplain, on behalf of Mariote Guthery then present, sought certain goods from Nicholas Baxter belonging to the said Mariote and bequeathed to her by the late Christiana Preston …)

Historical Significance:

• Provides insight into inheritance, legacies, and women’s legal representation in late 15th-century Aberdeen burgh courts.
• Shows the involvement of chaplains as proxies in legal matters.

Genealogical Significance:

• Records a female Guthry (Mariote) actively pursuing property rights, likely a widow or heir.
• Links to potential family networks through the bequest from Christiana Preston; valuable for tracing female lines and property transmission.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Ex parte: On behalf of.
• Legat’: Bequeathed/legacy.
• Request for a “diem legalem” (legal day) to respond, standard adjournment practice.

Notes:

• Mariote was present (“tunc presentis”), indicating direct involvement. Cross-reference for connections to other Guthries in earlier/later volumes.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 6, Page ~682
(Entry ARO-6-0682-06)

Date: 2 April 1481

Original Language: Latin (with some Scots elements)

Purpose of the Document: Court appearance regarding the delivery of specific goods (household items, clothing, silver) claimed by Mariota Guthery, with sureties provided.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mariota guthery (Mariota Guthery; same individual as the 1480 entry)

Role:

• Claimant / principal party seeking delivery of bequeathed or owned goods held by Alexander Baxter.

Translation/Transcription: “… comparuit in Judicio mariota guthery cum suis prelocutoribus Alexandro de camera et domino alano de camera et peterunt certa bona sibi deliberarj que quidem bona alexander baxtar habuit in sua custodia …” (detailed list of items follows: coster with flames, bed coverings, black gown, brass pot, pillows, silver cross, etc.). Sureties (Alexander and Alan) guarantee Nicholas Baxter against loss.

Historical Significance:

• Illustrates detailed property/inheritance disputes in burgh courts, including inventories of personal effects.
• Shows continued use of chaplains as legal representatives for women.

Genealogical Significance:

• Follow-up record for Mariota Guthery, reinforcing her active role in securing inheritance.
• Strengthens evidence of family/property ties in Aberdeen; potential links to Preston or Baxter families through the goods.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Prelocutoribus: Multiple spokespersons/advocates.
• Surety/bond arrangements to ensure compliance and protect parties.

Notes:

• This appears to be a continuation or related action to the September 1480 entry involving similar parties (Baxter/Preston goods). Indicates ongoing litigation.

Volume 7

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 7, Page ~228 (Entry ARO-7-0053-03)

Date: 8 March 1488

Original Language: Scots (Middle Scots)

Purpose of the Document: Decree resolving a dispute over payment and discharge of annual rent (annuel) on land.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Lard of guthtre (Laird of Guthre)

Role:

• Landlord / chamberlain (source of discharge for annual rent).

Translation/Transcription: The dispute is between William Blinsel and John Stevenson. The arbitrators (James Leslie, Alexander Rede, and Thomas Prat) ordained: “… Jhone steuinsone sal gif xl s’ of siluer to the said William Ande the said Williame sal bring ane sufficient discharge fra the lard of guthtre chamerlane for the tyme of tene s’ of annuell that he is in state of the saide Jhonnis lande xv dais befor the next Witsonday …” (Full translation: John Stevenson shall give 40 shillings of silver to the said William, and the said William shall bring a sufficient discharge from the Laird of Guthre, chamberlain for the time being, for ten shillings of annual rent that he owes on the said John’s land, fifteen days before the next Whitsunday…)

Historical Significance:

• Typical burgh court resolution of property/rent disputes, involving local lairds and chamberlains.
• Reflects the integration of rural landlords with urban burgh legal systems in late 15th-century Scotland.

Genealogical Significance:

• Reference to the “Laird of Guthre,” indicating a landed Guthrie family holding property and acting as chamberlain.
• Potential link to Aberdeen Guthries and Forfarshire/Angus origins (Guthrie lands historically in Angus).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Discharge: Official release or receipt clearing a debt.
• Annuell: Annual rent or feu-duty on land.
• Chamerlane: Chamberlain, manager of estates/rents.

Notes:

• “Guthtre” is a common spelling variant. This points to a landed family outside the burgh proper. Cross-reference with Angus records or later volumes for laird lineage.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 7, Page ~245
(Entry ARO-7-0245-04)

Date: 26 March 1491

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Public confirmation and affirmation by the full Council and community of an assedation (lease) under the common seal of the burgh.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mastir Dauid guthtre (Master David Guthtre)

Role:

• Witness (listed first among the named witnesses); identified as Provost of the same (burgh).

Translation/Transcription: On the same day Sir John Rutherford, Alderman, produced and showed an assedation under the common seal of a half-net fishing of the Raik and the lands of Tulloche set to him for 19 years, which was read openly to the whole Council and community (warned by the hand-bell and the officers throughout the whole town and gathered) to give answer to the King’s letters. Which assedation the said whole town granted and affirmed, no man saying in the contrary, before these witnesses: Master David Guthtre, Provost of the same; Master Duncan Scherar, Parson of Clatt; Sir Thomas Myrton, Vicar of Kynnethmont; William Blinsele; and Sir Robert Leis.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal public ratification of a long-term lease of valuable fishing rights and lands belonging to the burgh.
• Shows the community’s collective approval process in response to royal letters, with prominent clergy and officials as witnesses.

Genealogical Significance:

• Places Master David Guthtre in a high civic position (Provost) and as a trusted witness to an important property transaction involving the Alderman.
• Reinforces the status of this David Guthrie within Aberdeen’s governing elite in the early 1490s.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Assedacion: Formal lease or setting of land/fishing rights under the common seal.
• Haill Consale and communite: Full council and community of the burgh, summoned by hand-bell.
• Public reading and affirmation with no opposition recorded.

Notes:

• Master David appears here as Provost and primary named witness. This is a distinct administrative act involving royal oversight and burgh property.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 7, Page ~837
(Entry ARO-7-0837-04)

Date: c. 1497–1498 (during the provostship of John Rutherford, Knight; surrounding entries dated around October 1497)

Original Language: Latin

Purpose of the Document: List of new burgesses and guild brothers admitted during the term of Provost John Rutherford.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robertus guthray (Robert Guthray / Guthrey)

Role:

• Newly admitted free burgess of Aberdeen.

Translation/Transcription: “Robertus guthray recipitur in liberum burgensem et Soluet xx s’ fabrice ecclesie prestito Juramento.” (Translation: Robert Guthray is received as a free burgess and shall pay 20 shillings to the fabric of the church, the usual oath having been taken.)

Historical Significance:

• Admission as a free burgess granted full rights to trade and participate in burgh affairs.
• The payment to the church fabric was a common condition of entry, supporting the parish church of St Nicholas.

Genealogical Significance:

• First clear appearance of a Robert Guthrie/Guthray as a formal burgess of Aberdeen.
• Establishes him as a resident with trading privileges in the late 1490s. Useful for linking to later family members in the town.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Recipitur in liberum burgensem: Formal admission as a free burgess.
• Prestito solito juramento: The usual burgess oath was sworn.
• Payment directed to the fabric (building fund) of the church.

Volume 8

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page ~200
(Entry ARO-8-0200-02)

Date: 3 April 1504

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Agreement between two dyers (litstars) to suspend all ongoing legal processes and disputes until a named authority returns.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mastir Dauid guthre (Master David Guthre)

Role:

• Provost of Aberdeen; designated arbitrator whose return is awaited to settle the dispute.

Translation/Transcription: “The said day it was appointed between Gilbert Litstar on the one part and Alexander Thomson, Litstar, on the other part in this wise: that is to say, all process and persecution of justice shall cease in all debates debatable between them until the time Master David Guthre, Provost of that ilk, comes home. And then they are content to stand and abide at the ordinance and deliverance of the said Master Davy, Sir John Stirling, James Colison and John of Retre, or any others that it please the said Master Davy to take to him, anent the debate and claims whatsoever debatable between the said parties.”

Historical Significance:

• Demonstrates the high trust placed in Master David Guthre as Provost and informal arbitrator.
• Parties willingly suspend formal court action pending his personal intervention.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Master David Guthre continued to hold (or re-held) the office of Provost into the early 1500s.
• Shows him actively involved in resolving commercial disputes among burgesses.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Appontit: Formally agreed/appointed.
• Process and persecucioun of Justice: Ongoing legal proceedings.
• Voluntary submission to the ordinance of named arbitrators (common alternative to full court process).

Notes:

• Master David is referred to as “Provost of that ilk” (of the same place/burgh). This is a later appearance of the same prominent individual seen in Volume 7 (1491).

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page ~287
(Entry ARO-8-0287-02)

Date: 6 November 1500

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Formal submission of an inheritance dispute to arbitration.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mastir Dauid guthtre (Master David Guthtre)

Role:

• Provost of Aberdeen; named as one of the principal arbitrators chosen by the parties.

Translation/Transcription: “The same day Master Andrew Paterson on the one part and John Auchneive on the other part were obliged and sworn the great oath to stand and abide at the decreet, ordinance and deliverance of these persons: Master David Guthtre, Provost of that ilk; Alexander Rede; William Wormet; William Futhes, arbitrators; and Sir John Stirling, oddman, chosen between them anent the goods of airschip claimed by the said John in his wife’s name as heir to the late William Gareauche, and anent the goods of airschip claimed by the said Master Andrew as heir to the late Davy Paterson his father…”

Historical Significance:

• Shows Master David Guthre acting in his capacity as Provost and trusted community arbitrator in a complex inheritance case involving claims through both a wife and a father.
• The parties formally bound themselves by the “great oath” to accept the panel’s decision.

Genealogical Significance:

• Further evidence of Master David Guthtre’s continued high standing and repeated service as Provost / arbitrator in the years around 1500–1504.
• Reinforces the prominence of this individual in Aberdeen civic and legal life.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Airschip: Heirship / inheritance goods.
• Oddman: The neutral or deciding arbitrator.
• Great oath: Solemn binding oath to abide by the arbitration outcome.

Notes:

• This is an earlier appearance (1500) of the same Master David seen in the 1504 entry. He appears repeatedly as Provost across multiple years.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page ~687
(Entry ARO-8-0687-04)

Date: 30 April 1507

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Assignment of a court day for response to royal letters concerning an heir.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robert guthre of lovnan (Robert Guthre of Lounan / Lunan)

Role:

• Party required to give answer regarding Isabella Buchan, daughter and heir of the late William Buchan, burgess of Aberdeen.

Translation/Transcription: “The said day the alderman and bailies assigned Monday the tenth day of the month of May next to come to Robert Guthre of Lovnan to give him answer of our Sovereign Lord’s letters directed to them anent Isabel Buchan, daughter and heir to the late William Buchan, burgess of the said burgh.”

Historical Significance:

• Shows royal letters being directed to the burgh authorities concerning the rights of an heiress, with Robert Guthre of Lounan as the person required to respond.
• Indicates interaction between landed Guthries and Aberdeen burgh affairs.

Genealogical Significance:

• Identifies Robert Guthre specifically as “of Lovnan” (Lounan/Lunan), pointing to a landed family connection outside the burgh (Lunan is in Angus).
• Possible link to the earlier “Laird of Guthre” or to Master David Guthre’s circle. Useful for connecting Aberdeen Guthries to Angus landholdings.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Assignment of a specific court day to answer royal letters.
• Common procedure when crown interest was involved in burgh inheritance or property matters.

Notes:

• There is a closely related second entry on the following page (688) involving the same Robert Guthre of Lovnan and William Fraser of Durris.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page 688
(Entry ARO-8-0688-01)

Date: 30 April 1507 (same court day as the previous entry)

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Public inquiry and notarial instrument recording that no complaints were made against two named individuals after they offered themselves to the law.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robert guthre of lovnan (Robert Guthre of Lounan / Lunan)

Role:

• Party who appeared with William Fraser of Durris and publicly offered to answer any complaints before the court.

Translation/Transcription: “The said day compeared Robert Guthre of Lovnan and William Fraser of Durris and inquired diligently before the alderman, bailies, council and divers of the community, and caused John Cuk, one of the officers of the said burgh, to inquire at the window of the tolbooth of the same if there was any person or persons complaintive on them, offering themselves to underly the law before the said alderman and bailies forthwith without any delay. And no person compeared being complaintive upon the said Robert and William. Upon the which the said Robert and William asked Instrument of me, Sir John Stirling, Notary Public, before the witnesses Master Hector Brois, John Colison, Thomas Waus, Thomas Wod, bailies, Alexander Menyes, Duncan Fiff, Walter Cullan, Sir David Waus, Patrick Leslie younger, and John Cragis.”

Historical Significance:

• Formal public declaration of readiness to answer any accusations, followed by a notarial instrument confirming that none were made.
• A protective legal step often taken by individuals facing potential claims (possibly related to the Buchan heirship matter from the previous entry).

Genealogical Significance:

• Further appearance of Robert Guthre of Lounan on the same day, associating him with William Fraser of Durris.
• Strengthens the identification of this Robert as a landed gentleman interacting with Aberdeen authorities and using formal notarial protection.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Comperit / inquired diligently: Formal appearance and public challenge.
• Underly the law: Submit to legal process.
• Askit Instrument: Requested a notarial record of the event for future protection.
• Inquiry made “at the window of the tolbooth” – a public method of summoning any complainants.

Notes:

• Directly follows the earlier assignment of a court day concerning Isabel Buchan. The two entries on 30 April 1507 are almost certainly connected.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page ~692
(Entry ARO-8-0692-03)

Date: 12 May 1507

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Continuation of a legal action concerning the lands and goods of an heiress, deferred in hope of settlement.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robert guthtre (Robert Guthre)

Role:

• Pursuer (plaintiff) in the action against William Colp regarding the lands and goods belonging to Isabel Buchan.

Translation/Transcription: “The said day the action pursued by Robert Guthre etc. against William Colp anent the lands and goods pertaining to Isabel Buchan, with consent of party, is continued until the Friday after Whitsunday hereafter in hope of concord.”

Historical Significance:

• Continuation of the same Isabel Buchan heirship matter first appearing on 30 April 1507.
• Shows the court allowing time for the parties to reach an amicable settlement.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Robert Guthre (of Lounan) as the active pursuer on behalf of, or connected to, the rights of Isabel Buchan, daughter and heir of the late William Buchan, burgess of Aberdeen.
• Strengthens the ongoing legal involvement of this Robert Guthre in Aberdeen inheritance affairs in 1507.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Continevit … in hoip of concorde: Deferred by mutual consent in hope of agreement (common practice to avoid prolonged litigation).
• Friday after Whitsunday was a standard return day.

Notes:

• Immediately followed in the same court by a formal procuratory in which Robert Guthre appoints Andrew Fif as his procurator to pursue David Colp and William Colp for the goods and lands of Isabel Buchan (per royal letters). 

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page ~692
(Entry ARO-8-0692-04)

Date: 12 May 1507 (same day as the previous entry)

Original Language: Latin

Purpose of the Document: Formal appointment of a procurator (legal representative) to pursue a royal-letter-based claim.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robertus guthtrie (Robert Guthre)

Role:

• Principal who constitutes a procurator to act on his behalf in the Isabel Buchan matter.

Translation/Transcription: “On the same day Robert Guthre made, constituted, created and nominated Andrew Fif his lawful procurator, actor, factor and special messenger, giving and granting to him his free power and special mandate to pursue and claim against David Colp and William Colp for the goods and lands of Isabel Buchan etc., according to the tenor of the royal letter directed thereupon; to act, defend, answer etc., promising to ratify and approve in the fuller form of a procuratory, with the other terms necessary and opportune.”

Historical Significance:

• Standard formal step allowing a party to be represented in court by a designated agent.
• Explicitly ties the action to royal letters concerning Isabel Buchan’s inheritance.

Genealogical Significance:

• Continues the sequence of entries documenting Robert Guthre’s active legal pursuit of rights connected to Isabel Buchan in May 1507.
• Shows him using the formal Latin procuratory process typical of more serious or crown-involved cases.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Fecit constituit creauit et nominauit: Standard formula for creating a procurator.
• Promittens de rato et grato: Promise to ratify whatever the procurator does.
• Full power of attorney for litigation.

Notes:

• Directly linked to the continuation of the action against the Colps recorded in the immediately preceding entry. Part of the same ongoing Isabel Buchan case involving Robert Guthre of Lounan.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page ~698
(Entry ARO-8-0698-04)

Date: 28 May 1507 (approx.; court session leading into the last day of May)

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Assignment of a court day for both sides to produce proof concerning the age of an heiress.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robert guthtre (Robert Guthre) – represented by his procurators

Role:

• Party (via procurators) in the ongoing dispute over Isabel Buchan’s age and legal status (whether she is out of tutory).

Translation/Transcription: “The said day the alderman and bailies assigned Monday that next comes, the last day of May Instant, to David Colp on the one part and to the procurators of Robert Guthre on the other to compear before them bringing with them their probations, witnesses, proofs and rights which they have and will use anent the age of Isabel Buchan, daughter and heir to the late William Buchan, burgess of the said burgh, whether she be outwith tutory and has attained the age thereof, according to the tenor of our Sovereign Lord’s [letters] directed to them thereupon.”

Historical Significance:

• The dispute has narrowed to the critical question of whether Isabel Buchan has reached the age of majority / left tutory, which would affect control of her inheritance.
• Continues the multi-week legal process involving royal letters.

Genealogical Significance:

• Shows Robert Guthre’s sustained interest and legal activity regarding Isabel Buchan’s rights over several weeks in May 1507.
• Reinforces the connection between Robert Guthre of Lounan and the Buchan heiress case.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Vteuthe tutory: Out of (beyond) tutory – i.e., of full age and no longer under a tutor.
• Assignment of a specific day for production of evidence on a key factual point (age).

Notes:

• Part of the same continuous sequence of entries concerning Robert Guthre and the Buchan inheritance that began on 30 April 1507.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page 699
(Entry ARO-8-0699-02)

Date: 31 May 1507

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Agreement between the parties to refer the question of Isabel Buchan’s age to a panel of arbitrators, with a return date if no settlement is reached.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robert guthre (Robert Guthre) – represented by Andrew Fif, his procurator

Role:

• Party (via procurator) in the ongoing Isabel Buchan age/tutory dispute; the other side is David Colp (alleged tutor).

Translation/Transcription: “The said day it was appointed and accorded between David Colp, alleged tutor to Isabel Buchan, on the one part, and Andrew Fif, procurator for Robert Guthre, on the other part, in this manner: that is to say, they have chosen Master David Seton, parson of Balhelvie; Master William Crichton, parson of Invernochty; Andrew Cullan, Provost of Aberdeen; D. David Menyeis and Gilbert Menyeis to convene on Monday next coming where they think expedient and commune anent the age of the said Isabel, whether she be within tutory or not, and see if they can agree the said parties. And if they agree not, to compear the said day before the Provost and bailies to pursue justice. And they continue the said action to the said day. And the said Andrew took upon him to warn the said Robert to the said day.”

Historical Significance:

• The parties attempt private arbitration by a mixed panel of clergy and prominent burgesses before returning to formal court.
• Shows a mature stage of the multi-week dispute over control of Isabel Buchan’s inheritance.

Genealogical Significance:

• Continues the detailed record of Robert Guthre’s legal campaign concerning Isabel Buchan throughout May 1507.
• His procurator is still actively managing the case on his behalf.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Referral to chosen arbitrators (including the current Provost) with a fallback to court if no agreement is reached.
• Procurator undertakes to notify the principal of the next diet.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page ~702
(Entry ARO-8-0702-02)

Date: 7 June 1507

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Assignment of a court day for production of proof on the age of Isabel Buchan.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robert guthtre of glensauchan (Robert Guthre of Glensauchan / Glensauch)

Role:

• Principal party (with his procurator Andrew Fif) required to produce evidence concerning Isabel Buchan’s age and status.

Translation/Transcription: “The said day the Provost and bailies assigned Monday the 14th day of the month of June Instant to Robert Guthre of Glensauchan and to Andrew Fif his procurator and forespeaker on the one part, and to David Colp on the other part, to bring their proofs, witnesses, rights and documents which they have and will use to prove the age of Isabel Buchan, daughter and heir to the late William of Buchan, [to determine] if she exceeds the years of tutory and is outwith tutory or not, after the tenor of our Sovereign Lord’s letters of both parties directed to them thereupon as in the same is contained.”

Historical Significance:

• Continues the same multi-month legal process over Isabel Buchan’s majority.
• The court is systematically requiring both sides to produce formal evidence on the key factual question of age.

Genealogical Significance:

• Important new detail: Robert is now styled “of Glensauchan” (likely Glensaugh or similar in the Mearns/Angus area).
• This provides a more specific territorial designation than the earlier “of Lovnan/Lounan,” helping to locate his landholdings and possible family base.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Assignment of a peremptory day for production of evidence on a contested fact (age/tutory).
• Both parties had produced royal letters supporting their positions.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page ~703
(Entry ARO-8-0703-04)

Date: 14 June 1507

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Assignment of a peremptory court day for both parties to produce final proof on Isabel Buchan’s age and tutory status.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robert guthtrie of glensauchantis (Robert Guthre of Glensauchan)

Role:

• Principal party (represented by Andrew Fif, procurator) required to produce evidence.

Translation/Transcription: “The said day the Provost and bailies, with advice of the Council present for the time, assigned Monday the 21st day of the month of June Instant to Andrew Fif, procurator to Robert Guthre of Glensauchan, on the one part, and to David Colp on the other part, to bring their proofs, witnesses, rights and documents which they have and will use to prove the age of Isabel Buchan, daughter and heir to the late William of Buchan, burgess of the said burgh, [to determine] if she exceeds the years of tutory and is outwith tutory or not, as a day of peremptory, after the tenor of our Sovereign Lord’s letters directed to them thereupon by both the said parties, so that they might proceed and minister justice equally in the said action to both the foresaid parties.”

Historical Significance:

• The court has now set a peremptory (final) day for production of evidence, indicating the process is moving toward a decision.
• Explicit reference to royal letters produced by both sides.

Genealogical Significance:

• Continues to style Robert as “of Glensauchan,” confirming the territorial designation.
• Shows the persistence of his legal interest in the Buchan heiress matter into mid-June 1507.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Day of peremptour: A final, binding court day after which no further delay is normally allowed.
• Production of all proofs, witnesses and documents required from both parties.

Notes:

• Part of the same extended sequence. The case has now stretched from late April into mid-June 1507.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page ~828
(Entry ARO-8-0828-04)

Date: 8 May 1508 (or shortly thereafter in the same session sequence)

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Court order lifting an arrest/fence on annual rents and mails belonging to Isabel Buchan, made in favour of Robert Guthre as her factor, pursuant to royal letters. Robert produces proof that Isabel is out of tutory.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robert guthtrie (Robert Guthre)

Role:

• Factor (administrator/manager) to Isabel Buchan; the person to whom the annuals and mails are released.

Translation/Transcription: “The said day the Provost and bailies, at command of our Sovereign Lord’s letters, loosed the arrest and fence made of the annuals and mails pertaining to Isabel Buchan, daughter and heir to the late William Buchan, burgess of the said burgh, to Robert Guthre, factor to the said Isabel etc., notwithstanding they exposed and declared they never made arrest upon the said annuals and mails. And the said Robert produced and showed the law that the said Isabel is outwith tutory etc.”

Historical Significance:

• Marks a significant advance in the long-running case: the court, acting on royal letters, releases the income of Isabel’s property to Robert Guthre in his capacity as her factor.
• Robert successfully produces evidence that she has reached full age / left tutory.

Genealogical Significance:

• First explicit statement that Robert Guthre is acting as factor (manager/administrator) for Isabel Buchan.
• Strongly suggests a close legal or familial relationship (possibly guardian, relative, or appointed administrator) that explains his persistent involvement since April 1507.
• The case has now stretched into May 1508.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Lousit the arrest and fens’: Released a formal attachment/seizure of rents.
• Factor: Person authorised to manage property and collect rents on another’s behalf.
• Production of “the law” (legal proof) of majority/out of tutory.

Notes:

• This is an important development in the multi-year sequence involving Robert Guthre and Isabel Buchan.

Aberdeen Council Registers, Volume 8, Page ~910–911 (Entry ARO-8-0910-03)

Date: Letter dated 12 August 1508 (21st year of the reign of James IV); presented in the Aberdeen court later in 1508.

Original Language: Scots (copy of a royal letter)

Purpose of the Document: Royal letter (copia regia) from King James IV ordering the Aberdeen alderman and bailies to cease all proceedings in the dispute between the Colps and Robert Guthre until the matter is decided by the Lords of Council.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robert guthre (Robert Guthre) “with his complicis”

Role:

• Accused party in a claim of spulzie (wrongful taking/abduction) of Isabel Buchan; alleged to have removed her from David Colp’s father’s house in Aberdeen before she was of lawful age, and to be intromitting with her mails (rents).

Translation/Transcription: “James, by the grace of God King of Scots, to the alderman and bailies of the burgh of Aberdeen, greeting. Forasmuch as it is humbly meant and shown to us by our lovitts William Colp and David Colp his son, which obtained our letters directed by deliverance of the lords of our council to certain sheriffs in that part, charging you to have ministered justice to them in the action and cause moved between them and Robert Guthre with his complices anent the spulzie from the said David of Isabel Buchan forth of his father’s house in Aberdeen or she was of lawful age, which spulzie the said William and David offered to have proved before you as an authentic instrument taken thereupon proportions as is alleged… [and] you suffer the said Robert to intromit with the said Isabel’s mails contrary to equity and justice… Our will is therefore and we charge you straitly and command that incontinent these our letters seen ye desist and cease from all proceeding in any matter depending by summons before the said lords of our council between the said parties unto the time the said matter be decided by them…”

Historical Significance:

• The long-running local dispute has escalated to the highest level: the King and Lords of Council.
• The Colps accuse Robert Guthre of having forcibly or wrongfully removed the young Isabel Buchan from their house before she reached lawful age and of continuing to control her rents.
• The Crown orders the Aberdeen court to stop all local process pending decision by the central Lords of Council.

Genealogical Significance:

• Provides the most serious allegation yet against Robert Guthre in relation to Isabel Buchan.
• Confirms that the conflict over her person and property continued at least into late 1508 and had become a matter of national (royal) interest.
• The phrase “Robert Guthre with his complicis” indicates he was not acting alone.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Spulye / spulzie: Wrongful taking or plundering of goods or persons.
• Intromit with the mails: Interfere with / collect the rents.
• Royal letters suspending local jurisdiction in favour of the Lords of Council.

Notes:

• This appears to be the culminating entry in the extensive sequence concerning Robert Guthre and Isabel Buchan that began in April 1507.

Source Citation:

Aberdeen Registers Online: 1398–1511 (ARO). Digital transcription of the first eight volumes of the Aberdeen Council Registers. Produced by the project Law in the Aberdeen Council Registers, 1398–1511: Concepts, Practices, Geographies (LACR). University of Aberdeen / Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives. https://www.abdn.ac.uk/aro