The Nine Incorporated Trades
The Nine Incorporated Trades were formed in the sixteenth century from nine individual trades that operated in Dundee, making and supplying shops and merchants in the City. The nine individual trades included the BAKERS, CORDINERS (SHOEMAKERS), GLOVERS, TAILORS, BONNETMAKERS, FLESHERS (BUTCHERS), HAMMERMAN (METAL WORKERS), WEAVERS, DYERS (and WAULKERS).
The Nine Incorporated Trades was formed to oversee the individual trades, help them control their funds, create a strong bargaining group and to provide funds for charitable causes. Today there are over 500 members and although times have changed, The Nine Incorporated Trades maintain a strong presence in the City. The central focus of the organisation is to responsibly manage its charitable fund to support worthy local causes, educational bursaries and to promote the success and achievements of the City of Dundee.
Office Holders of The Nine Incorporated Trades
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Deacon Convener
John Fyffe
John is the former Depute Chief Executive and Director of Education, Perth & Kinross Council. In May 2024 John was awarded an MBE for services to education and young people by Princess Anne at an investiture ceremony in Buckingham Palace.
John started his working life as a toolmaker in Timex, a place where his confidence grew and the foundations of a career mentoring young people were made. John trained to become a technical teacher and went on to work in Perth, Forfar, Monifieth and Arbroath. He was appointed Head Teacher of Blairgowrie High School in 2004, soon after becoming Director of Education for Perth ad Kinross Council and then Deputy Chief Executive.
Although now retired, John remains a non-executive board member of Education Scotland, is on the board of the Scottish Attainment Challenge and is education advisor to the Scottish Attainment Board.
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Collector
Paul Leigh
Paul Leigh Born in London in 1964 and moved to Scotland in the early 1970’s, initially to Perth then into Fife. He attended Buckhaven High School, then studied History at Edinburgh Universty (1982-1986) followed by a one year postgraduate diploma in HR Management at Napier University (1988-1989).
In 1997 Paul took up the position of HR Manager with Don & Low Limited in Forfar where he remains to this day having taken on additional responsibilities in 2013 as HR Manager, Europe for the Thrace Group of which Don & Low is a wholly owned subsidiary.
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Clerk
Lindsay Darroch
After a 20 year career with Blackadders as a partner and the firm’s head of property, Lindsay is now a partner and Head of Gilson Gray’s Dundee office. Mr Darrock spent eight years on the board of the Tayside Solicitors Property Centre while at Blackadders. He is also a trustee at DFC in the Community Trust, a board member at Caledonia Housing Association.