The Incorporated Trades of the Royal Burgh of Irvine

Seven medieval guilds in the 21st century - a history of charity in a Scottish Royal Burgh - the total raised for charity over 25 years has topped £250,000 - the first event was a raft paddle, organised by the Incorporated Trades, in 1979

The Incorporated Trades are no longer partnered with irvineayrshire,
so the links on this page are no longer active.
Click here for their new irvinetrades.org site.

Master Court incl. list of Deacon Conveners
Photos from recent years
 
 


click to enlarge

 
  The Hammermen   The Weavers  
The Tailors
 
The Skinners
 
 
The Cordiners
 
The Wrights and Sqyaremen
 

 
the 1996 medal celebrating the 1646 Incorporation
  
 
 
The Coopers
  
   

web site development 2003 by Vindogara Software (Ian J Dickson, of Skinner Craft)
[original site 1999 by Jim Whyte of Tailor Craft]

The seven trades of Irvine - HAMMERMEN, WEAVERS, TAILORS, CORDINERS, SKINNERS, WRIGHTS and SQUAREMEN, and COOPERS were well established for generations before the granting of the SEAL OF CAUSE.

In order to consolidate their position, in 1646 the CRAFTS united, forming Irvine Incorporated Trades, to seek official recognition of their associations and rules of government in the form of a SEAL of CAUSE or DEKINHEID. The council agreed to this but, probably mindful of the events of 1611, when the TRADES had forcefully complained to the Privy Council over the imprisonment of a SMITH and a SADDLER in Irvine Tolbooth "as if they had been murderers and deprived of meat and drink" added the condition that the CRAFTS would not unite "in a mutinous and hostile way against them (the council) on pain of losing all their privileges".

In today's world, the Irvine Trades continue their charitable work, and are one of the many organisations which serve to maintain Irvine's community spirit.