The building itself dates back to 1790, when built originally as the Masonic lodge of St Cuthberts. Freemasonary began in medieval Europe but lived on as a social organisation. If you were to look at the front of the building there is plaque with details of the lodge emblem with a compass and three castles.
The “Haill Six Incorporated Trades of Kirkcudbright” meet here monthly. Established in 1425, in this year it was enacted that ‘every craft in the town should choose a wise man’, a Deacon to ‘govern and assay’ all its handiwork. The Trades were set up in direct opposition to the Merchant Guilds which held disproportionate influence in the community and who had amassed enormous wealth. The composition of the Incorporated Trades is as that of six trades, Squaremen, Tailors, Hammermen and Glovers, Shoemakers, Weavers and Clothiers. The held a great influence within the town for hundreds of years and still do in many cases playing an important part in the social fabric of the Town. Historic events such as the Kirkin’ of the Deacon Convener and the Kirkin’ of the Cornet are carried out every year with the Trades taking their place in the Trades Gallery in the Parish Kirk. Involvement in the town’s affairs continues through representation on the Community Council. The Trades remember the fallen on Armistice Day, remember our National Bard with an annual Burns Supper and participate in the Summer Festivities in the town.
