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Scottish Heraldry, Duncan Coats of Arms, |
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Duncan Armigers & Crest Badges |
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Scotland,
arguably, has the richest and most regulated form of heraldry in the world
and as a result it can boast that it possesses the purest system of heraldry
in existence today. Although a coat of arms belongs only to the original
grantee and his direct heirs, and its display is regulated by The Court of
the Lord Lyon with the full power of the law to prosecute transgressors,
Scotland is quite possibly unique in that practically everyone can enjoy
heraldry in the form of the clansman’s crest badge.
These
pages are set down to illustrate the many existing Duncan coats of arms and
to show their importance in the Clan system. We aim to shatter some of the
myths and misconceptions surrounding coats of arms and to show how, once
understood the art and science of heraldry has a real and useful position in
both the history and genealogy of the Clan Duncan. |
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Information and Useful Leaflets from the Lyon Court of Scotland |
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The office of Lyon King
of Arms dates from the 14th century. The earliest official record is of
the appointment of a Lyon by King Robert the Bruce in 1318, but the
office may be older. The position incorporates the ancient Celtic office
of High Sennachie who was responsible for verifying the genealogy of the
King of Scotland and for crowning the King at his coronation.
The Lord Lyon is the sole
King of Arms in Scotland. He is Head of the Heraldic Executive and the
Judge of the Court of the Lord Lyon which has jurisdiction over all
heraldic business in Scotland. |
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He is assisted by Her
Majesty's Officers of Arms, all of whom are members of the Royal
Household. There are three senior Officers of Arms (Albany Herald,
Rothesay Herald and Ross Herald) and three junior Officers of Arms
(Unicorn Pursuivant, Carrick Pursuivant and Bute Pursuivant).
The Officers of Arms may be consulted on matters of heraldry and
genealogy by members of the public and may represent their clients
before the Lyon Court. The Officers of Arms also take part in ceremonial
occasions.
An Act of the Scottish Parliament of 1592 gave the Lord Lyon
responsibility for prosecuting as a criminal offence anyone who uses
unauthorised Arms. The Court has its own Procurator Fiscal, an
independent official prosecutor.
In 1672 a further Act of the Scottish Parliament authorised the creation
of the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland. This
Register is maintained by the Lyon Clerk and Keeper of the Records and
contains an official copy of every Coat of Arms granted in Scotland
since 1672. |
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