Lyon gives online lecture to Australia

 On Friday 27th November, the Lord Lyon gave a talk by video link entitled: "Illustrated by Symbols, Masonic Heraldry in Scotland" at a special meeting of the Victorian Lodge in Research in conjunction with the Old Scotch Collegians Lodge and The Earl of Dunmore Lodge, Australia.

Lyon Talks to the Venerable Order in America

 The Lord Lyon give a virtual lecture to the Priory of the United States of America of the Venerable Order of St John with some 125 in attendance. The topic was "The Thistle and the Saltire and other symbols of Scottish Heraldry.

Dr Claire Boudreau R.I.P.

 The Canadian Heraldic Authority announced the sad news today of the death of one of the heraldic world's most distinguished scholars, Dr Claire Boudreau, formerly Chief Herald of Canada. We send our sincere condolences to her husband, James and her parents.  May she rest in peace.

The CHA post says:

 It is with a very heavy heart that we share news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Claire Boudreau.

Claire joined the Canadian Heraldic Authority as the Saguenay Herald in 1997 after completing a doctorate at the Sorbonne, in Paris. Serving as Saint-Laurent Herald (2000-2007), Deputy Chief Herald (2005-2007), and Chief Herald of Canada (2007-2020), she was made Margaree-Chéticamp Herald Emeritus in 2020. While her influence on Canadian heraldry was immense, she also made notable contributions at the international level and had the distinction of being the first woman appointed as chief herald in the Commonwealth. Noted as an author and a lecturer, Claire also initiated the online Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada, and she was responsible for many beautifully innovative heraldic designs.

Claire embraced her role with enthusiasm, passion, and dedication. She was a dear friend to her colleagues at the CHA, the OSGG, and to many across Canada and the world. She will be greatly missed.

Feast of St Margaret of Scotland

 Today is the Feast of St Margaret, Queen and Patroness of Scotland. The arms anachronistically ascribed to Margaret, having previously been equally anachronistically ascribed to her kinsman, Edward the Confessor, have led to some very beautiful heraldry.

Here first is Queen Margaret in the 16th century Lyndsay of the Mount Armorial:

Duke of Rothesay

 Warmest birthday greetings to HRH The Duke of Rothesay.

A Great Day for Scottish Football!

 Congratulations, Scotland!

The Scottish Football Association recorded arms in 1953.

Or a lion Purpure armed and langued Vert within an orle of eleven thistles proper.

Major Alan Edmonstoune Greenshields Leadbetter

 Major Alan Edmonstoune Greenshields Leadbetter was decorated for gallantry at Gallipoli but was then killed near Ypres in August 1917, aged 20. His grieving father petitioned for differenced arms for Alan and had a memorial window installed in Bedrule Parish Church, Roxburgh.

Close-up of the window photographed by Edward Mallinson

Happy birthday, Charles!

 The Lord Lyon and the Officers of Arms send warmest birthday greetings to Charles J. Burnett, Dingwall Pursuivant (1983-1988), Ross Herald (1988-2011), Ross Herald Extraordinary (2011-2015). Ad multos annos!