Who were some notable figures in the development of speculative Freemasonry in Scotland?

William Schaw, Master of Work to the Crown and general warden, established early organizational structure through the Schaw Statutes of 1598 and 1599 23. The St Clair Charters of circa 1601–1602 and 1628 further recognized William Sinclair of Roslin and his heirs as patrons and protectors of the Scottish Craft 3.

The admission of non-operative or speculative members into operative lodges is documented in the records of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel), where Lord Alexander, Sir Anthony Alexander (Master of Work to the King), and Sir Alexander Strachan of Thorntoun were admitted as gentlemen Masons in July 1634, followed by Archibald Steuart in 1635 1.

During the late seventeenth century, non-professionals increasingly held leadership positions across Scottish lodges 1. Harry Elphingston, Tutor of Airth and Collector of the King's Customs, served as Master of the Lodge of Aberdeen in 1670 1. The Lodge of Kilwinning elected noblemen to presiding offices—often relying on operative deputes for practical administration—including John, Earl of Cassillis, who became Deacon in 1672 while still an apprentice, followed by Sir Alexander Cunninghame of Corsehill, Alexander, Earl of Eglintoune, and Lord William Cochrane as Warden in 1678 1. In 1696, William, second Viscount of Strathallan, was chosen as Master Mason of the Lodge of Dunblane, with Alexander Drummond of Balhadie serving as Warden 1.

Professional men such as public notaries were also initiated to serve as lodge clerks 1. George Aytoun was designated a "brother of craft" upon becoming clerk to the Lodge of Aitchison's Haven in 1636 1. Robert Alison, admitted to Mary's Chapel in 1709, recorded its proceedings throughout the transition period from operative to speculative control and was subsequently appointed the first Clerk to the Grand Lodge of Scotland at its institution in 1736 1.