Tailors

The evolution of the trades has been exemplified by the tailors in the city of Aberdeen. Eminent names from the turn of the 15^th century included Willelmus Blacberd and Willelmus Scissor, among the leaders in their chosen field.

The tailors first formed a trade association as part of their bid to prevent women from encroaching on their profession. In time the Aberdeen members changed their stance, making concessions in the 18^th century to allow women to make some garments for the female market. It was the only association in Scotland to reach that compromise.

Modern manufacturing and retail patterns have transformed the tailor from necessity to luxury, but the trade in Aberdeen has adapted and through admission from a variety of sectors is integral to the vibrancy and diversity of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen.

Current Role of Members and Date Joined:

Gordon Maitland	1963	Alexander Anderson	1992	Philip Sainsbury	2010
Alan Sainsbury	1966	David N. Parkinson	1994	Richard Sainsbury	2010
Arthur F. George	1983	Edwin Shaw	1994	Alan Moir	2021
David A. Fowlie	1984	Michael Allen	1998	Ms. Josie Steed	2022
Michael R. Morrice	1988	Derek Simpson	1998	Richard H. D. Cairney	2023
Giancarlo T. Pia	1988	Kevin Brown	2005
Ian T. Webster	1988	Garry Thorpe	2009

Tailors Incorporation carries out the “Doupin’ Stane” ceremony

Tailors

The occasion was the annual inspection by the Court of land and property they own in the city, and the initiation of new members by “doupin’. Derek Simpson, Michael Morrice, Michael Allen and Ed Shaw are pictured with Kevin Brown (left) and Stuart Stephen (right) during the initiation.

An old Scottish tradition that is still continued through some of the Incorporated Trades in Aberdeen. Doupin is to drop or dump someone down smartly on the buttocks, specifically in the initiation of burgesses by bumping them on the boundary stones. New members of the Trade were douped during the Riding of the Marches (checking the Trades boundaries (normally marked by Stones) and is carried out for on those attending for the first time. They were hauled to the stone and members bumped the new member on the stone. This helped reinforce the remembering where the stones per placed. The Tailors Incorporation carries out this act at the march stane on the hill behind the Trinity Cemetery.