H.M. Officers of Arms , The Heraldry Society of Scotland

H.M. Officers of Arms at the Court of the Lord Lyon

The Court of the Lord

Lyon, King of Arms

The Heralds and Pursuivants.

There are currently six officers of arms under the Lord Lyon, although at times this number has varied. The heralds are the senior officers of the Court and use six ancient titles; Albany, Rothesay, Ross, Marchmont, Islay, or Snowden, Because there are usually only three Heralds appointed at any time following a reduction in the Court officers in the nineteenth century only three of the titles will be in use ant any time. Like wise their junior colleagues, the pursuivants, whos titles are; Kintyre, Unicorn, Carrick, Dingwall, Bute or Ormond. The Lord Lyon may also appoint temporary pursuivants usually known either as Falkland or Linlithgow Pursuivant-Extraordinary. There is at present an Extraordinary Herald, the appointment being held by the former Lord Lyon following his retirement.

The officers of the Court of the Lord Lyon, in addition to their ceremonial duties may be consulted by members of the public on heraldic and genealogical matters in a professional capacity similar to lawyers or other agents. They may appear to plead their client's case before the Lord Lyon or other courts of chivalry. Lyon may also authorise one of the private pursuivants to appear before him if this is deemed appropriate in the circumstances.

H.M. Officers of Arms at the Court of the Lord Lyon,

their personal arms and official badges or arms.

John Spens Esq.
has not
matriculated arms.

John Alexander Spens Esq, MVO, RD, WS, Albany Herald of Arms

Was formerly Carrick Pursuivant from 1974, appointed Albany Herald in 1985.

Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw Bt. QC, Rothesay Herald of Arms

Formerly Slains Pursuivant of Arms to the Earl of Errol, he became Unicorn Pursuivant in 1981 and was appointed Rothesay Herald in 1986.

Charles John Burnett Esq., Ross Herald of Arms

Was formerly Dingwall Pursuivant from 1983 to 1988 when he was appointed Ross Herald.

Sir Malcolm Innes of Edingight, KCVO, WS, Orkney Herald of Arms Extraordinary.

The previous Lord Lyon, Sir Malcolm was second son of his predecessor Sir Thomas Innes of Learney. He had a rapid career in Scots heraldry under the tutelage of his father. He was appointed Falkland Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary in 1957 at the age of just 19. He was Carrick Pursuivant of Arms between 1958 and 1972 when he was 'promoted' to Marchmont Herald of Arms. He was also Lyon Clerk from 1966 until 1981 when he installed as Lord Lyon. In 1978 he edited and revised a third edition of his father's treaties Scots Heraldry. Retired in February 2001 at his own request.

No formal badge
has yet been devised
for this office.

Alastair Lorne Campbell of Airds, Unicorn Pursuivant of Arms

Was appointed Unicorn Pursuivant in 1986.

Mrs Elizabeth Ann (Bruce) Roads, MVO, Carrick Pursuivant of Arms, Lyon Clerk and Keeper of the Records.

Joined the Court of the Lord Lyon in 1975 and was made Lyon Clerk and Keeper of the Records in 1986. She was Linlithgow Pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary in 1987 and appointed Carrick Pursuivant of Arms in 1992. (more on main Court page)