| Administrative History | Banff Dean of Guild Court was an ancient institution, with a common law jurisdiction. A Dean of Guild Court book dating from 1730 to 1766 is held by the National Archives for Scotland (NAS) (B7/9/1); this shows the Court was concerned with safeguarding the trading privileges of the burgesses and administration of the fund for the support of the families of decayed guild brethren.
The modern Banff Dean of Guild Court was established on 13 Feb 1948 under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1947 to examine building warrant applications for the Royal Burgh. From 1893 to 1900, building warrant applications had been dealt with by the Plans committee of the Police Commissioners; from 1900 to 1948, these applications were decided by the Plans committee of the Town Council; minutes of their decisions are included in the appropriate minute or committee minute books. Minutes of the Dean of Guild Court from 13 Feb 1948 to 18 Sep 1967 are included in the Town Council minutes. The Dean of Guild Court was abolished under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. |