Scottish Genealogical Society AGM

The Lord Lyon as President of the Scottish Genealogical Society conducted the AGM. There were around 50 members in attendance. After the AGM Dr Morrow gave a lecture for the first time entitled ' Clackmannan and the Mormons '.

Secretary to the Thistle

Snawdoun Herald, as Secretary to the Thistle, gave talks in the Thislte Chapel to three groups from EDFAS (Edinburgh Decorative and Fine Art Society) on the Order and Chapel.

The Scottish Gas Board Supporters

Anyone else remember the Therms from the Scottish Gas Board adverts? Here are the arms, recorded in 1989.

West Lothian Lipreading Support Group

Snawdoun Herald gave a talk yesterday to the West Lothian Lipreading Support Group on heraldry seen on buildings.

Snawdoun Herald honoured

On this centenary of a great day for women, the Lord Lyon warmly congratulates Snawdoun Herald, who was the first lady herald in the World, on her award of Fellowship of the Heraldry Society of New Zealand.

Retired Ministers Group

The Lord Lyon gave a talk entitled “Understanding Heraldry” to the Retired Ministers Group of St Andrew and St George, Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Mercat Cross

The coats of arms on the Mercat Cross in Edinburgh, scene of many historic proclamations, are undergoing a painstaking renovation at the moment - here are some "before and after" shots.

Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives

The Lord Lyon as Patron attended the AGM of the Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives. It was a historic occasion as the Association presented to its outgoing chair, Janet Bishop, the first Fellowship of the Association.

Robert Burns never got around to recording his arms in the Lyon Register but in 1988 the Burns Federation recorded these arms which are based on the poet's blazon.

" I am a bit of a herald, and shall give you, secundum artem, my arms: On a field azure a holly-bush seeded proper in a base a shepherd’s pipe and crook saltier wise, also proper in chief. On a wreath of the colours a woodlark perching on a spring of bay-tree, proper, for crest."

From our files of 200 years ago

Today marks the bicentenary of the grant of arms to the Chief of Clan Macnaghten.

Lyon Morrow returns

Dr Joseph Morrow CBE has now returned from an extended visit to Malaysia and is back in office as Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Herald Painter anniversary

Today marks the 13th anniversary of the appointment of our Herald Painter, Yvonne Holton who is also HM Dingwall Pursuivant of Arms. Here is the Herald Painter's badge as painted by Yvonne herself.

From our files ....

Two interesting grants have anniversaries today: Allan Edward of Farringdon Hall, Forfar, 150 years ago, and Lord Margadale from 50 years ago.