23 days ago
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Posted On: July 2nd 2026, 08:10 pm
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Once again, yesterday I found myself dipping into a century's old tradition when I was admitted a Burgess of Trade for the city of Aberdeen, this time in the Townhouse.
In the olden days that would entail being presented to the town council as a fine upstanding citizen, a master craftsman and contributor to the running of the town - marking the transition from being an apprentice to freeman of the town. Swearing an oath, they would present five shillings to the Lord Provost, which would be added to the Common Good Fund - championed by Robert The Bruce in the early 14th century - and would then be free to trade within the city.
In many respects not much has changed - and along with Kenny & Scott (new Hammermen) I found myself being sworn in during a full council meeting, handing over my shillings to the Lord Provost then being ushered out the chamber, slightly bewildered.
While the prospect of me making even flip-flops has not got any closer, this does represent the most important milestone in admittance to the Shoemakers - first incorporated in 1484. A proud day and one I was delighted to share with Mrs H and ably supported by my Deacon Barney Crockett and Deacon Convenor Ian MacIntosh
In the olden days that would entail being presented to the town council as a fine upstanding citizen, a master craftsman and contributor to the running of the town - marking the transition from being an apprentice to freeman of the town. Swearing an oath, they would present five shillings to the Lord Provost, which would be added to the Common Good Fund - championed by Robert The Bruce in the early 14th century - and would then be free to trade within the city.
In many respects not much has changed - and along with Kenny & Scott (new Hammermen) I found myself being sworn in during a full council meeting, handing over my shillings to the Lord Provost then being ushered out the chamber, slightly bewildered.
While the prospect of me making even flip-flops has not got any closer, this does represent the most important milestone in admittance to the Shoemakers - first incorporated in 1484. A proud day and one I was delighted to share with Mrs H and ably supported by my Deacon Barney Crockett and Deacon Convenor Ian MacIntosh
Comments (7)
23 days agodiane627432
What a wonderful experience for you and Caroline. My investiture for publishing when I was an apprentice was with the Stationers Compan, a livery in London. All very grand in ceremony and tradition. The wording in my investiture document was very funny to read listing I could not enter any taverns. I was also presented with a bible. Congratulations!
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