The Armorial Bearings of St.Andrews

Heraldry in Scotland is part of the Crown, derived from centuries of history and primarily from the consolidation of powers in an Act of the Scottish Parliament passed in 1672 "Concerning the Privileges of the Office of Lyon King-at-Arms". This Act was reinforced as late as the 1970's as a reminder of the powers of the Lord Lyon. Thus, the Armorial Bearings of the Royal Burgh lasted for centuries until the reorganisation of local government in 1975 at which stage they reverted to the Crown, in the hands of the Lord Lyon who exercises Royal prerogative in these matters. Since the former Armorial Bearings, having lasted for centuries, could no longer be used and have no relevance, it was important for the Royal Burgh to seek new Armorial Bearings to represent the whole people of St.Andrews. The only body legally permitted to seek to take out Arms from the Lord Lyon, was the elected body of the Community Council, which represents the entire citizenship of St.Andrews. The Court of the Lord Lyon graciously granted the new Armorial Bearings, which are based on the heritage and history of the Royal Burgh. The new Armorial bearings and nothing else constitute the official Armorial Bearings (Coat of Arms or 'Logo') which are now operated for the benefit off all the citizens.

Neither the 'R & A' nor the Links Trust have any rights over the Armorial Bearings of St.Andrews, which now encompass the whole Burgh and over 600 hundred years of history and heritage. Any abuse or unauthorised use of Heraldic Arms falls within the jurisdiction of the Lord Lyon Court. Penalties on being found guilty to this day include a fine, imprisonment or - 'beheading!'

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