Lord Lyon details story behind Scotland’s Coats of Arms

The man who is responsible for granting all new Coats of Arms in Scotland gave a lecture at the country’s oldest lending library.

Dr Joseph Morrow, the Lord Lyon King of Arms, told Friends of Innerpeffray Library (FOIL) about the history of the role, one of the Great Offices of State. It dates back to at least the 14th Century and the incumbent is responsible for overseeing all matters relating to Scottish Heraldry and Coats of Arms.

Dr Morrow helped the audience decipher the symbolism used to read the history of several Coats of Arms.

Although the practice of heraldry has a long and illustrious history, Dr Morrow was keen to point out that the custom persists – one of his responsibilities is to judge whether a new Coat of Arms can be granted and recorded in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland which contains an official copy of every Coat of Arms granted in Scotland since 1672. Another is to prosecute individuals and organisations using unauthorised Arms, and Lord Lyon also has the right to expunge the Arms of individuals who have fallen into disrepute.

Dr Morrow also demonstrated that many of the clubs and societies established by Scots throughout the world also have Scottish Coats of Arms.

The next FOIL talk will take place on July 19 and will discuss the Diaspora Tapestry which was displayed at Morrison’s Academy in Crieff.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday August 9 when Sally-Ann Huxtable will talk on the Art & Design of Phoebe Anna Traquair.

The Friends of Innerpeffray Library meets every month at Innerpeffray Library.