The Office of Lord Lyon King of Arms retires

[William Douglas]

The Office of Lord Lyon King of Arms will fall vacant at the end of December 2013, when Mr David Sellar the current Lord Lyon steps down. The Lord Lyon is appointed by Her Majesty the Queen on the recommendation of the First Minister under section 3 of the Lyon Kings of Arms (Scotland) Act 1867.

The Lord Lyon is the sole King of Arms in Scotland. He is the Head of the Heraldic Executive and the Judge of the Court of the Lord Lyon, which has jurisdiction over all heraldic matters in Scotland.

The office has both judicial and administrative functions. The Lord Lyon is also responsible for State Ceremonial in Scotland.

Applications to fill this Office must be legally qualified. The other skills, knowledge and characteristics expected of the office holder are set out in information for which interested parties should make application. An independent panel will consider the applications and make recommendations to the First Minister.

Those interested in applying for the Office are invited to obtain an application form by contacting Jayne Milligan, Scottish Government, Civil Law and Legal System Division, 2W St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG, telephone [phone], or by email at [e-mail].

Completed applications must reach Jayne Milligan at the above address by 31 October 2013. 

The successful applicant must demonstrate a full knowledge and understanding of the Douglas family heraldry, and be prepared to share that expertise with the Douglas Archives.  Just joking.