Burgesses of Guild of Aberdeen

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.

[2] Burgesses took an oath to further Aberdeen's economic interests; to pay taxes; and to defend the city against enemies.

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.

[3] Things turned around in the 1980s as Aberdeen's population swelled due to the oil industry in the North Sea.

[8] Originally, the dean was charged with enforcing burgh regulations relating to trade, and for overseeing the upkeep of council property.

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.

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