The Burgesses of Guild of the City of Aberdeen is an organisation which dates back over 800 years. Originally, with a membership composed of local merchants, it played a part in the town council for more than 700 years. With a changed role, diminished by legislation, it continues with a changed purpose and an active membership of over 1,100 members.

Early history King Alexander II of Scotland (1214 - 1249) granted merchant burgesses the sole right to form a guild – burgesses being citizens in Scotland willing to accept public responsibilities. The Burgesses of Guild of the City of Aberdeen takes its founding date as 27 February 1214. Yet Aberdeen burgesses are first mentioned in historic records as far back as 1124 when Aberdeen became a royal burgh. From 1214 the Guildry body influenced the composition of the town council and therefore, city affairs. The Burgesses of Guild were a part of the council for more than 700 years and played a significant role in the growth and development of Aberdeen.

Burgesses took an oath to further Aberdeen's economic interests; to pay taxes; and to defend the city against enemies. New burgesses, on being admitted, had to donate a weapon to the city armoury, pay an entry fee which went toward the Common Good fund, and to pay for a large meal for the councillors and provost. Being a burgess was exclusively for males, and certain classes (fishermen, clergy and lawyers) were excluded.

Burgesses took an active roll in the regulation of local markets, and the collection of the king's taxes. In return they were granted privileges, including exemption from toll charges. From the mid 14th century a rift began between the guild's merchants and craftsmen. Despite this the two groups united under Robert Davidson, Provost of Aberdeen to defend against the army raised by the Lord of the Isles at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. The merchants remained as the Burgesses of Guild, and the craftsmen become the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen.

Recent history As the privileges and rights of burgesses declined, and the need for their role in preserving customs and laws diminished, including the reform brought by the Royal Burghs Reform Act 1833, membership of the guildry declined significantly. At the start of the 1800s, there were about 1,000 burgesses – around 1 in 40 of the city's population. By 1817 it was 820, and by 1867 members had dwindled to 337. This continued in the 20th century. In 1974 there were 336 members – and 300 by 1981. Things turned around in the 1980s as Aberdeen's population swelled due to the oil industry in the North Sea. By the year 2000 the number of members increased to 850. In 2023 the number of burgesses was around 1,100.

In the 1980s another significant change occurred with the first seven women burgesses being admitted in 1983.

On 27 February 2015, 500 attendees celebrated the 800th anniversary of the burgesses at a meal at Beach Ballroom Aberdeen.

(Lord) Deans of Guild The title of `Dean of Guild' – i.e. the senior official representing the guild – came into being in 1427 Prior to that date they were led by the burgh alderman, later the provost. From that first date until 1833 the dean was an official of the town council, and he was so appointed. Following the Royal Burghs (Scotland) Act 1833 deans of Scottish guilds were made constituent members of the town councils, appointed by their members, and not elected by public vote.

Originally, the dean was charged with enforcing burgh regulations relating to trade, and for overseeing the upkeep of council property. He upheld the liberties of the burgh. For example in the 16th century the dean of the time was sent with armed men to arrest a Norwegian ship illegally landing cargo at Newburgh. He routinely supervised the loading of ships bound of foreign ports. In 1597 the dean supervised the burning of several witches, and the execution of pirates.

In February 2015 the Lord Lyon of Scotland bestowed the title of Lord Dean of Guild to the Aberdeen Burgesses of Guild, Colin Taylor being the first to take up this new title.

For the first time, in 2022, Aberdeen Burgesses of Guild appointed Sylvia Halkerston as the first Lady Lord Dean.

Deans of Guild since 1833

19th-century deans +FromToDeandescription18331834Thomas Bannermanmerchant18341835Alexander Forbesmerchant18351837Nei Smith jnr.merchant18371838Peter Williamsondruggist18381839Leslie Clarkmerchant18391840Peter WIlliamson18401842George Thomson jnr.shipowner, Provost, MP for Aberdeen18421843James B McCombieadvocate18431845Alexander Milnemerchant18451847James Haddenmanufacturer18471849Alexander Gordonadvocate18491851George B Bothwellcandle manufacturer18511853George Inglismerchant18531855Alexander Nicolshipowner, Lord Provost18571860George Thomsonmerchant18601863George Jamiesonmerchant, Lord Provost18631866George B Bothwell18661869George Jamieson18691871Hugh Ross18711873Lewis Smithbookseller18731880Alexander Walkermerchant18801885John Sangsterdruggist18851889David Stewartmanufacturer, Lord Provost18891895David Macdonald18951902James Walkermerchant, Lord Provost

20th-century Deans +FromToNameDescription19021905Alexander Lyonhide and tallow merchant, Lord Provost19051911James MurrayNorth Inveramsey19111919William Mefffish merchant, Lord Provost19191925Harry A Holmestrawler owner19251927David M Kilgourmerchant19271935John Spencer of Binghill19351942Robert Littlejohnmerchant19421950Joseph Bissetengineer19501955George Strathdeebaker19551971James R Donalddirector19711981James R Leithshipowner, MD Ellis & McHardy19811998Bill Wylieseedman19982002Bill MkKimmiearchitect

21st-century deans and lord deans +From ToNameDescription20022006Andrew Lewis20062015Fred Dalgarno20152022Colin Taylorfirst Lord Dean of Guild20222026Sylvia Halkerstonfirst female Lord Dean2026PresentMike Wilson

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