Heraldry expert appointed to prestigious position

The man who designed the version of the Coat of Arms which welcomes thousands of visitors to St Andrews each year has been appointed to a prestigious position by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Mark Dennis has been selected as the next Ormond Pursuivant of Arms of the Court of the Lord Lyon – a standing court of law which regulates heraldry in Scotland and maintains records of genealogies. The Court also manages the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland, containing an official copy of every Coat of Arms granted in Scotland since 1672.

The Ormond Persuivant is one of six officers of arms who assist the Lord Lyon in jurisdiction over heraldic matters in Scotland as well as on ceremonial occasions. Records first mention the position in 1488, but it was probably created in 1475 when James III made his son Duke of Ross and Marquess of Ormond.

The author of a number of heraldic texts and a frequent lecturer in the topic, Mr Dennis is also the Chair of the Heraldry Society of Scotland, winner of the de Moffarts Prize for Heraldic Art and Chair of the St Andrews Fund for Scots Heraldry.

The fund, administered by the School of History at the University, supports heraldry in Scotland and Scots heraldry abroad through artistic grants, academic research and publications.

Mr Dennis also organised the 27th International Congress of Genealogical and Heraldic Sciences at the University in 2006, during which the University received a grant of an armorial crest and supporters to its arms and the Congress presented the University and the town with heraldic processional banners.

He is responsible for the version of the Coat of Arms currently used by the St Andrews Community Council and displayed on signs welcoming visitors to the town.

ENDS

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Ref: Heraldry 290609
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