On this day in 1917

The arms of Lord Forteviot, who was chairman of the family distilling firm John Dewar and Sons, were granted on March 30th 1917. Appropriately for Easter Weekend, the arms include both an Agnus Dei and a crowing cock.

Cupar Heritage Society

The Lord Lyon gave a talk to Cupar Heritage Society on 26th March 2018:  the topic was “Understanding Coats of Arms”. There were around 50 members in attendance.

On this Day - 25th March 1306

Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scots at Scone on this day in 1306. Here are two pictures of him with his first wife, Isabella of Mar. The first image is from the Forman-Workman Manuscript which is kept at the Lyon Office and was displayed in Glasgow at the Exhibition last year; the second comes from the Forman Armorial at the National Library of Scotland.

 

On this Day - March 24th 1603

Today marks the 415th anniversary of the accession of King James VI of Scotland to the throne of England. The Great Seal of Scotland was changed to mark this and to show James as King of Great Britain, Ireland and France.

East Lothian Flag Design Competition

Last week the Lord Lyon and three other judges chose the finalists in the East Lothian Flag Competition. There were 623 entries and many contributions from the schools of East Lothian. The judges' decision will be announced soon.

First Woman Deacon Convener of the Trades of Glasgow honoured.

Lyon and Unicorn were guests at the Trades Hall in Glasgow at the unveiling by the Lord Provost of a new portrait by the eminent artist Max Scotto of Ruth Maltman TD DL, the first woman Deacon Convener of the Trades of Glasgow, who was Deacon Convener 2015-2016.

On this day, March 17th 1473

March 17th 2018 is the 545th anniversary of the birth of King James IV, who reigned from 1488 until his death at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Here is his seal, which differs from his father's by the addition of two saltires.

Unicorn addresses the Renfrewshire Family History Society

Unicorn this evening addressed the Renfrewshire Family History Society on the Old Pretender in Bologna.

Scottish Association of Family History Societies

The Lord Lyon attended the AGM of the Scottish Association of Family History Societies on the 10th March in his capacity as Patron . Over 12 regional groups were represented and the Association’s new members handbook was circulated.

Abbotsford Adopt a Book Scheme

The Lord Lyon and the Officers of Arms have taken part in Abbotsford's "Adopt a Book in Sir Walter Scott's Library" scheme. Appropriately, the book chosen is "The British Herald" of 1830.

Edinburgh Mercat Cross

Scotland's National Beast, the Unicorn, re-emerges as the scaffolding comes down at the Mercat Cross. The extensive renovation work has been carried out by the craftspeople of Historic Environment Scotland and will be formally opened by the Lord Provost in May.

International Women's Day

On International Women's Day, we salute two ladies whose arms are recorded in Volume One of the Lyon Register (1672-7): Grizel Durham, Countess of Middleton, sister of a Lord Lyon and ancestress of HM the Queen, and Grace Graden, Heiress of Earnshaw.

Linlithgow's Birthday

Today is the birthday of Linlithgow Pursuivant Extraordinary. Happy birthday, Linlithgow!