Search the Women in Scottish History Database

Widows were allowed to exercise the same trading rights as burgesses in towns, but if they did so they were liable to the same taxes etc that other traders were liable for.

Of wedowys byand and selland in burgh

[translation] If a widow will buy and sell with her neighbours in the burgh, she ought to participate with them in any aids, but not otherwise

Gif a widow wyl by and sell with her nychburis in the burgh, scho aw to common with thaim in alkyne helpys, bot nocht utherways

Ancient Laws and Customs of the Burghs of Scotland, Vol. 1.1124-1424 ed Cosmo Innes (Edinburgh: Scottish Burgh Records Society, 1868), Leges Burgorum, no.104, p.50. Translation by E. Ewan