The present volume contains abstracts of the remaining protocols in Henry Gibsone's second book, and the greater part of the protocols in the first book of his successor, Archibald Hegate. Gibsone held the town clerkship till 1581, and again in (perhaps before) 1596, and for a few years subsequently, but his books between 19th August, 1576, and 29th June, 1598, are not now extant, with the exception of a single leaf containing protocols bearing date 1584-5.

Archibald Hegate, who succeeded Henry Gibsone as town clei-k, was a son of William Hegate, burgess of Glasgow, and was admitted a notary by the lords of council and session in May or June, 1581 (Appx. No. I.). At that time Esme, earl of Lennox, cousin of the king, and great chamberlain of Scotland, was provost of Glasgow, and he, "with authorite and command of the Kingis majestic," appointed Hegate town clerk.'