When did Scotch Whisky first appear in the records of Scotland? The answer seems to be in the year 1495, but there is no guarantee that what is mentioned is in fact whisky. It may be another spirit, for other documentary mentions around the same period seem to pertain to imported spirits, probably brandy.

There is only one record that directly relates to the matter, in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland in 1495, when a friar named Johannes Cor [John Cor] is granted by the king 8 bolls of mash to make “aquavite”. The same friar in the “Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland” is at one point given a demy by the king (a demy was a Scottish gold coin equal in value to half an English noble , another coin), and at another point is granted 6 ells of Rissillis black – an imported cloth made in Lille. If this was meant for a friar's robe, he would belong to the Dominican order, as they were known as the Black Friars. All these records are in Latin.

The question then remains, what was meant by the term “aquvite”? Historically, this meant the more general term “spirits”, and so could possibly just mean spirits including whisky, but making spirits in Scotland is essentially whisky-making. In Scandanavia, the term aquavite refers to a gin-like spirit flavoured with caraway seed, but the Scottish documentation almost certainly means what we today call whisky – though the taste in 1495 was undoubtedly a lot rougher than what we buy today.

The Gaelic term for whisky is uisage beatha and means “water of life”. So what does “aqua vite” mean? – again, “water of life”.

A Bull of Absolution by Pope Clement 7^th in favour of William Steward, provost of the church of St. Mary the Virgin of Lynclowden [Lincluden], of Glasgow diocese. The Pope states that he intended to appoint him to be bishop of the church at Aberdeen, and in case he were bound by any sentences, censures or ecclesiatical pains of excommunication, suspension and interdict, in order that the provision foresaid might take effect. Given at Rome, at St. Peter's, November 13, 1532.

(Buccleugh Manuscripts, vol.1)

Instrument narrating that John Kelle, junior, resigned two roods of his lands within the territory of the burgh of Kyntoir [Kintore] (of which one rood lies between the lands of Alexander Smart on the east and the lands of Thomas Chapman on the west, and the other rood lying between the lands of Alexander Chawmer [Chalmer] on the east and the lands of Andrew Evyne [Ewyne]on the west) into the hands of John Abell, one of the baillies of said burgh, in favour of Thomas Adamsone alias Myll, his heirs, etc. to be held in free burgage. The bailie, at the request of Thomas Adamsone, placed him in possession of the lands. Done on the lands 24^th November 1540. Witnesses: James Keyth, Fergus Davidson, James Thome, William Duf, John Abell and John Andrew, officer.

(Protocol Book of sir John Cristisone)

" Peebles Burgh Records, 6 June 1558: Ordains the baillies, as they get word of any danger threatening the town by incursions of thieves, robbers, or Englishmen, thereafter to order a watch [temporary militia] of a small or great number as appropriate."

At Botarie, 17 Nov. 1652, the presbytery of Strathbogie compeared John Gregorie, “summoned for a quadruple in fornication, and he confessed the same.” The presbytery, not seeing answerable sorrow for his sinne, but rather heardness of heart and impenitence, ordained him to be summarily excommunicated according to the act of the General Assembly.

(Presbytery Book of Strathbogie)

Dumfries Times, 16 Oct. 1833: " On Wed. last, Margaret Nisbet, only daughter of Mrs. Agnes Nisbet, grocer, Dalbeattie (recently widowed), while playing with two other children, fell into the millstream of the mill belonging to Mr. John Elliot, sickle manufacturer."