The Incorporated Trades of Elgin - a brief history

This short video has been created to allow remote access to our 2020 displays. Trade or craft organisations have existed in Scotland from the time of David I (1124-1153), the king who created the first burghs in Scotland, including Elgin. On 28th November 1234, Alexander II (1214-1249) granted a Royal Charter to the Burgh of Elgin, making it the most important town north of Aberdeen. The merchants of Elgin were allowed to form a guild, whose dean was allocated a place on the Town Council. At the same time, the trades were allowed to form themselves into corporations for the protection of their crafts and as a benefit society for members. This was a privilege accorded to only six burghs in Scotland at this time, the others being Perth, Aberdeen, Stirling, Berwick and Dundee. Until the reformation they enjoyed the protection of the Church, which was their final court of appeal. Each craft had its own assigned place in St Giles' Church, with its own alter, patron saint and priest.