Dan Smith has to use his loaf when negotiating commercial property deals.

But the senior surveyor with FG Burnett in Albyn Place in Aberdeen had to learn a whole new set of skills to become a member of the city’s second oldest incorporated trade.

To join the Aberdeen Baker Incorporation – founded in 1398 – Dan had to bake a dozen Devon pan loaves and one and a half dozen Bath Buns before taking an oath in front of members of the incorporation.

Dan, 30, is following in the footsteps of his father John who is a former Deacon of the Baker Incorporation and owner of New Pitsligo bakers John Smith & Sons, which has been in the family since 1903.

Following his initiation, Dan will also be admitted as a Burgess of Trade, which amongst other things will allow him to drive his cattle down Union Street and requires him to parade at the Town Hall with his musket should Aberdeen ever come under siege.


Dan said: “I chose not to go in to the family business but when I realised I was eligible to join the Baker Incorporation through my father, I couldn’t turn it down. My father has a long association with the Incorporation and I am delighted to join him and others in supporting this important institution and maintaining its traditions.

“I’m not sure I will be taking up the option of driving my cattle in to town but I will play a full part in the Incorporation by attending its meetings and various functions. While it’s a bit removed from my day job with FG Burnett it does give me a good networking opportunity to meet some of the city’s leading business people.

“I’ve taken a bit of stick about this from work colleagues and mates but the threat of feeding them my Bath Buns is enough to keep them quiet.”

The Baker Incorporation is one of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen. The others are Weavers (founded in 1222); Shoemakers (1484); Tailors (1511); Hammermen (1519); Wrights and Coopers (1527) and Fleshers (1534).

The membership of the Seven Incorporated Trades was not always as genteel as property surveyors and other professionals – in 1776 Alexander Morison (a wright) became the last man to be hanged at Gallow Hill in Aberdeen and have his body hanged in chains as a warning to others after he murdered his wife.

(GK/KMcA)