This work was commissioned as a retirement gift for a long serving officer of North Berwick Town Council. Existing and former councillors and officials subscribed the cost of the painting, which was presented on 9 January 1923.

This is a glazed wood and plaster framed oil portrait of William Herries, a former Burgh Officer of North Berwick. A plaque records details of its presentation to the subject, a bearded figure with a peaked cap and blue jacket with brass buttons.

William Herries was one of the few permanent staff of North Berwick Town Council. His job required him to take many roles, from ceremonial guard on formal occasions to general messenger, rent collector; one of his main tasks would be to ensure public bye-laws were enforced.