The book was started about 1747, and all entries of earlier date are noted as being taken from an 'old book', which is the 'booke of the actis, statutis, and ordinances of the glovers of Kelso, anno 1631'-1746, presented to the National Library in 1927 (MS.70).

The book contains the following:

(i) Acts, 1679-1703 (page 3);

(ii) Regulations for searching the butcher-market for skins and hides, 1776 (page 17);

(iii) Elections, 1659-1738 (page 41);

(iv) Elections and minutes of sederunts, 1757-1856 (date of the winding-up of the Incorporation) (pages 47, 175);

(v) Apprentices' entries, 1640-1840 (page 95);

(vi) Extract from the minutes of the Court of the Lordship and Barony of Hallydean, publishing regulations laid down by John, Duke of Roxburghe, for the Merchant Company and incorporations of Kelso, 1757 (page 150);

(vii) Freemen's entries, 1650-1851 (page 284);

(viii) Journeymen's entries, 1666-1767 (page 387).