Here in Edinburgh, there's nothing we love more than to take in the sights of our beautiful capital by foot - especially on a lazy Sunday afternoon - but, believe it or not, there was a time when this could land you in jail.
In 1693, it was made a public order offence to do any work, domestic chores or unnecessary walking in the capital on the Lord's Day. The regulations even barred citizens from carrying more than one pint of water from the city's wells.
Edinburgh in these days was strictly Presbyterian and any disruption of the Sabbath by engaging in anything but worship was seen as sinful. As stated in Exodus 20:11, God rested on the seventh day after six days of work, and it was therefore concluded that the Sabbath should be a day only of rest and prayer.
