Hello Listers, I have an ancestor who was a Merchant and Baillie in Elgin. At various times he occupied the positions of Dean of Guild, Hospital Master, Sheriff Substitute of Elgin, Treasurer of Kirk Session and Kirk Elder. Can someone please explain the position of Dean of Guild in Elgin. I have consulted the Occupations list on Scottish Documents, but am unsure whether this Guild would have been related to his profession or trade as a Merchant, or whether there was a separate Guild in Elgin associated with the Church or the legal fraternity. Kind regards, Denise Thompson

> I have an ancestor who was a Merchant and Baillie in Elgin. At various > times he occupied the positions of Dean of Guild, Hospital Master, Sheriff > Substitute of Elgin, Treasurer of Kirk Session and Kirk Elder. > Can someone please explain the position of Dean of Guild in Elgin. I have > consulted the Occupations list on Scottish Documents, but am unsure > whether this Guild would have been related to his profession or trade as a > Merchant, or whether there was a separate Guild in Elgin associated with > the Church or the legal fraternity. The Dean of Guild was a burgh official. See http://www.angus.gov.uk/history/archives/gems/deanofguild.htm http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/acc/YourCouncil/Departments/oce/Burgesses_of_Guild.asp Anne