Portal:Scotland/Selected article/Week 14, 2010

Heraldry in Scotland, while broadly similar to that practised in England and elsewhere in western Europe, has developed distinctive features. Its heraldic executive is separate from that of the rest of the United Kingdom and is vested in the Lord Lyon King of Arms. The earliest reference to the Lyon, as such, dates to the reign of Robert the Bruce in 1318, although with respect to certain of his functions he is considered the successor of royal officials dating to ancient Celtic times.

The Lord Lyon exercises general jurisdiction over all matters armorial in Scotland and serves as a Judge of the Realm. He also decides on questions relating to family representation, pedigrees and genealogies. In addition, he supervises all state, royal and public ceremonies in Scotland. The Lord Lyon also asserts the right to decide who is Head of the Clan or Chief of the Family or Name, although his authority to determine chiefships has been challenged. In carrying out his duties, he has been assisted, in recent times, by a staff of three heralds and pursuivants along with a Lyon Clerk. The present Lyon Clerk, Elizabeth Roads, MVO, who is also Carrick Pursuivant, is the first woman ever to serve as an officer of arms in the United Kingdom.