The Incorporation was the equivalent of the Trades Union of its time. It was of great importance when the various crafts opposed the Town Council on the regulation of trade. On several occasions this resulted in the outburst of violence.

At the granting of the SEAL of CAUSE the deacons were elected by the members of each Craft but the Deacon Convenor was appointed by the Town Council. Throughout the 17th Century there were many disputes between the Trades and the Town Council. One arose in 1657 when the Council claimed a share of the Trades' admission fees. The Trades countered by demanding to be allowed to choose their own Deacon Convenor.

At this time the Incorporation attempted to control any free trade in the burgh. Every attempt was made to regulate industry for the benefit of the craft associations, but by 1672 the trend towards free trade was firmly established when the Weaver craft was open to all. The Trades further consolidated their position in 1693 when the Town Council agreed to the construction of a new Trades Loft in the parish kirk, adjacent to the Council Loft, but on a lower level. Their former loft had been at a distance from both the Council Loft and the pulpit. This, however, lead to disputes among the Trades in 1709 over precedence for entering the kirk. On this occasion the Council had the final word and it ruled for the original listing in the Seal of Cause.

The first of three riots involving the Trades occurred in 1743 when members were accused of inciting mob violence and threatening to pull down the house of Provost Glasgow. Again in 1749 on the granting of a long lease of the Moor or Common Good, to some Town Councillors and in 1753 when part of the MOOR was leased to a linen company and fenced off. Trouble ensued when it was discovered that six of the partners were Town Councillors. Eventually in 1756 the Council agreed a Charter of Confirmation of the rights of the Seal of Cause on the condition that, "the Trades at the call of the magistrates assist in quelling the riots and tumults".