Pursuers Alexander and John Mackies obtained insurance for their ship, the Marshall of Gardenston, and its cargo. Although the ship was bound for Dundee, it docked at Down (now known as Macduff) during the voyage, and the cargo was stolen by a mob. The pursuers applied to the insurance underwriters for indemnification and eventually brought suit against them. However, the underwriters argued that they were not required to pay because the ship-master had deviated from the insured voyage by going to Down and taking on cargo there. Relevant documents are reproduced in an appendix to the defenders’ court filing.

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