Frasers of Philorth > Volume 1

THE FEASEES OF COWIE, DURPJS, AND PHILOETH. 149
his estates until he brought an action for their recovery. 1 In 1542 Alexander
Fraser received from James v. a charter of the whole fishings, " et piscium
escula, vulgo lie fische bait," opposite his lands of Cairnbulg, Faithlie,
Pitcarlie, and Coburty, 2 and in the nest year he was engaged in some litiga-
tion with the Sheriff of Banff, which is only worth notice on account of a
royal Act obtained by him, under the signature of the Earl of Arran, Pro-
tector and Governor of the realm for the infant Queen, to withdraw the
tenants of his land of Utlaw, etc., in that county, from the jurisdiction of the
Sheriff, so long as the lawsuit should continue. 3
He seems to have been a man of considerable energy and intelligence,
and to have devoted himself to the improvement of his estate and the acqui-
sition of further possessions, having a keen eye for the natural advantages
offered by the configuration of the sea coast, and in pursuance of these objects
he is found from time to time obtaining royal grants and confirmations.
In 1546, on account of his having constructed a convenient harbour at
Faithlie, and for other good services, he received a royal charter, erecting that
place into a free burgh of barony, with the usual privileges to the burgesses,
and authority to hold markets, and to practise various trades, etc., 4 which con-
cession seems to have given much umbrage to the authorities and people of
the town of Aberdeen ; for in the Council Eegister of that city there is an
entry to the effect that in 1564 "the haill town being warnit, etc. etc.,
grantit and consentit to pursew to the final end the action and cause movit
and persewit be thame against Alexander Fraser of Philorth anent the
privilege usurpit be him of ane fre burght in the toune of Faithly, contrar
the libertie and priveleges of this burght, presently dependan before the
Lords of Council." 5
This opposition, however, proved as unavailing to arrest the establish-
ment of the burgh of Faithlie as were efforts of a similar nature to prevent
the rise of its successor, Fraserburgh, at a later period.
The acquisition of lands in the neighbourhood made by the seventh
Laird of Philorth was very considerable. In 1549 he purchased the Muircroft
1 Pitcairn's Criminal Trials, vol. i. p. 199. 4 Philorth Charter-room. Antiquities of
2 Philorth Charter-room. Aberdeenshire, voL iv. p. 645.
3 Philorth Charter-room. 5 Council Eegister of Aberdeen, vol. i. p. 356.