Thomas Leishman v. The Magistrates of Ayr

Claiming that the market of Ayr lacked a sufficient supply of oatmeal, the Burgh Magistrates sought an order authorizing them to confiscate stored meal from the farm of Balochillie and transport it to market. The Sheriff-substitute of Ayrshire issued a warrant to that effect, specifying that the meal’s owner must be paid not less than the current market price. Pursuer Thomas Leishman, a grain dealer whose meal was confiscated, sought to have the warrant recalled.