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The Shore Porters' Society in Aberdeen traces its roots to 1498. Until into the seventeenth century, both women and men were porters, or 'pynours' as they were more commonly known. This statute, passed by the Aberdeen Town Council, sets rates for carrying various goods to different locations within the town. The document is translated from the original Scots.

8 Oct 1595

Follows the statutes made and set down by the provost, baillies and council of the burgh of Aberdeen to be kept and observed after the form and tenor of the same in all points under the pains therein contained

Item it is statuted and ordained that no workman nor woman labourer at the shore take or receive any more for bearing of a burden of salmon, wine, salt, coal, lime or beir but as follows That is to day, for bearing of a barrel of salmon to the Castlegate, Netherkirkgate and to the Broadgate 8d, for bearing thereof to the Gallowgate above the Broad Gutter 12d. Item for bearing a punschion of wine to the Castlegate, Netherkirkgate and Broadgate 20s, for a burden of lime, coal, and salt to the Castlegate, Netherkirkgate and Broadgate 4d, for bearing thereof to the Gallowgate above the Broad Gutter 6d. And that salt and other girnal goods subject to the peril of wet and rain be first taken and carried before any other good, and this statute to be observed by the said workmen under the pain of putting of their necks in the jougs [iron collar]

John Bulloch, The Pynours, Historical Notes on an Ancient Aberdeen Craft (Aberdeen, 1887) pp 67-8. Translation E. Ewan