Account books of Sir John Foulis of Ravelston, 1684-1689.
Sir John Foulis made regular visits to Leith to play golf from his home in Ravelston and his Edinburgh workplace. His account books give the impression of a wealthy man who enjoyed life.
Sir John was a sociable individual. He enjoyed a wide range of recreations including curling, bowls and horseracing.
But golf was his favourite sport and, during the winter months, he played at Leith at least once a fortnight.
Sir John's account books tells us that he was one of a 'company' of golfers who travelled together to play at Leith, enjoyed a wager on a game, and then socialised afterwards. For them, the social aspect of golf was as important as the game itself.
This was to be a major factor in the drive to form golf clubs some decades later.
A mile distant from Edinburgh, Leith's open sandy links were playable all year round, with numerous taverns close by.
Poet Allan Ramsey paid tribute to Maggy Johnston, the landlady of a popular Edinburgh tavern, who died in 1711.