The hides for export were processed by the SKINNERS of the burgh. For centuries skins were indispensable for boots and clothing, shields, armour, tents, bottles and buckets.

Leather was also used for the drive belts which powered the machinery of the Industrial Revolution.

Early man learned how to extend the life of a skin and increase its suppleness by rubbing in fats and brains to replace the original oils. Later it was discovered that the bark of certain trees, when soaked in water, produced a dark solution which transformed the rough hides into leather.

The INCORPORATION of SKINNERS, as the name suggests, is derived from the original Skinners Craft which is mentioned in the Seal of Cause of the Incorporated Trades of Irvine of 1646. However, by 1756 when the Charter of Confirmation was issued, the Skinners had disappeared. In fact only six crafts are listed in the Statistical Account of 1791. 

The Skinners is an ancient craft indeed. The earliest mention of craftsmen in Scotland was at Doune, circa 1164. This was in a grant to the Abbot of Scone by Malcolm IV.

Skinners seem to have been long established in Ayrshire. In 1527 according to one local historian, Skinners are mentioned in Kilmaurs Charter (Burgh of Barony) which was granted by Cuthbert, 3rd Earl of Glencairn.

The membership of the Craft originally comprised of those who worked in skins, pelts and hides. Those who prepared the raw skin to a stage where the hide could then be fashioned. They could then be made into such as shoes, in fact all kinds of leather goods. Also included in the Craft were dealers in skins, pelts and hides. As IRVINE was a major port during the 17th century, there would be traders who dealt with all sorts of goods including skins. Curiously there is mentioned glove-makers and skin-breeches makers in connection with the Skinners Craft.

During the 17th century and on into the 18th century two important factors affected the Skinners. Firstly, Ayr became a major port with a corresponding shift in trade away from the Irvine port. Secondly, Kilmarnock opened up as a major industrial town, where the manufacture of shoes was important. The records of the Incorporated Trades of both towns (Ayr and Kilmarnock) include Skinners. These two factors may well have seen the demise of dealers and workers in skins in Irvine and thus the Skinners Craft.

The SKINNERS CRAFT was reconstituted in 1920 by a group of enthusiasts wishing to see the Craft reincorporated within the Incorporation of Trades of Irvine. By this time the Incorporation had a more benevolent and charitable status. It has continued until modern times, sometimes enduring small numbers among the devotees.

Today the Skinners Craft once again enjoys full recognition within the Incorporation's modern status. It is a Craft which enjoys maintaining and paying homage to tradition. The Craft also seeks to take its place within the modern world through charitable fund raising activities.

For many years the Skinners Craft held their annual "Wee Pie" at the Eglinton Arms Hotel. In the late 1980's a decision was taken to move this meeting to the Golf Hotel. However, the last meeting was in 2007 when the hotel closed, and since then the "Wee Pie" has been held in the Ship Inn.

Membership of the Craft encompasses all walks of life. The diversity of the membership today is in sharp contrast to the single focus of the original Craft.