1789–1791
Election contestMagistrateElectionAlimentDecreet-ArbitralReductionThe Provost, magistrates, and counsellors of Burntisland defended the validity of the burgh’s 1789 election of counsellors against complaints alleging bribery and seeking voidance or partial relief. Alexander Pitcairn petitioned the Court to alter a recent interlocutor that had ruled against his election as a counsellor, while William Muir and James Davidson also pursued complaints regarding the election, prompting answers from the magistrates and subsequent duplies. The magistrates later submitted a memorial arguing that Muir and Davidson’s election was void due to their non-residence and foreign status.AI-generated
Documents in this case (5)
- Alexander Chrystie v. William Ferguson — Answers, 13 Jan 1789Respondents defend 1789 Burntisland election against complaint seeking voidance or partial relief, arguing majority votes remained valid despite bribery allegations.
- Counsellors of the Burgh of Burntisland — Petition, 5 Mar 1790March 5, 1790 Petition of Alexander Pitcairn asking the Court to alter its recent interlocutor against his election as a counsellor of Burntisland
- William Muir and James Davidson v. William Fergusson and others — Answers, 24 Dec 1790December 24, 1790 Answers by William Fergusson, Esq; of Raith, Provost, and the other Magistrates and Counsellors of the Burgh of Burntisland, responding to the petition and complaint of William Muir and James Davidson.
- William Muir and James Durie v. William Ferguson — Duplies, 22 Feb 1791Feb 22, 1791: Duplies from Burntisland magistrates/counselors replying to William Muir and James Durie.
- William Ferguson v. William Muir and James Davidson — Memorial, 11 May 1791May 11, 1791 Memorial of William Ferguson, Esq; of Raith, Provost, and the other Magistrates and Counsellors of the Borough of Burntisland, arguing that the election of William Muir and James Davidson as counsellors was…
People & places in this case
People involved
- James Davidson — Party
- Sir John Anstruther, of Anstruther, Baronet — Party
- James Oswald, yr. of Dunnikier — Party
- James Ballantine, of Castlehill — Party
- William Ferguson — Party
- James Knox — Party
- John Beattie — Party
- Robert Angus, of Balgonie — Party
- Sir William Macleod Bannatyne, of Kames, Lord Bannatyne — Party
- John Dalrymple, Earl of Stair — Party
- Charles Hay, of Newton, Lord Newton — Advocate for Party
- John Wright — Advocate for Party
- Mr. James Smith, of Balharry — Advocate for Party
- Alexander Wight — Advocate for Party
- Sir John Nisbet, of Dirleton, Lord Dirleton — Lord Ordinary
