Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh

03/10/2026

Today (1 October) in 1560, the Dean of Guild accounts recorded the sale of the jewels of the Collegiate Kirk of St Giles for well over £850. :-o

And in 1568, the Bannatyne Manuscript, the most extensive collection of early Scottish poetry in existence, was published by George Bannatyne, an Edinburgh merchant. :-)

Also in 1763, the contract to construct the North Bridge was signed. :-)

Finally in 1788, Deacon William Brodie was executed for theft; the picture by Alexander Hay Ritchie depicts 'The Ex*****on of Deacon Brodie and George Smith'. :-o

Even more, in 1824, Walter Scott welcomed the first students to the Edinburgh Academy. :-)

01/10/2026

13/08/2026

People may be interested in a free exhibition about the history of Scottish light houses at the Register House. While, obviously, not mainly about Edinburgh it does provide information about the Stevensons, a step-father of one of them called Thomas Smith and a female relative who was clearly a talented artist.

20/07/2026

We are very sad to hear of the death of Rev Charles (Charlie) Robertson. A great friend and supporter of the Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh, who officiated over many Kirkings of Deacons.

Parish Minister, Canongate (The Kirk of Holyroodhouse), 1978–2005, Chaplain to the Queen in Scotland, 1991–2010.

Charlie will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

08/06/2026

Member of the Hammerman, and Deacon.

Happy Birthday to Scottish Civil Engineer Robert Stevenson who was born June 8, 1772, in Glasgow.

During his term in office as Engineer to the Northern Lighthouse Board from 1808 until 1842, Robert Stevenson was responsible for engineering at least 15 major lighthouses. Of these, the iconic Bell Rock Lighthouse situated off the coast of Arbroath was the most important work of his life and undoubtedly an incredible engineering achievement.

Image of the Bell Rock Lighthouse by Paul Robbins.

30/04/2026

30/04/2026

Burgesses