Next meeting will take place at the New Club, Princes Street, Edinburgh at 10.00 a.m. on Tuesday 21st September 2027. All those on the Registry (Peerage, Baronetage and Baronage) are most welcome to attend.
Next Annual Meeting of the Registry of Scots Nobility will cover topics relating to the practicalities of holding a Scottish title in modern society. These issues relate to not only the correct usage of the title in both spoken and written word, but also how the titled person should present him or herself in public. Also important is the maintenance of any traditions that may exist in relation to the title held. Some baronies have a tradition of maintaining a baronial court. Some peerages have an historic or even a royal tradition such as was the case with our Chair of Review, the Earl of Loudoun, who is the hereditary presenter of the Golden Spurs at the recent Coronation. Some traditions have recently declined or been absorbed into a more modern context, others such as the attendance of Scottish peers at the Coronation, seem to have been abolished. Many of us in the Registry feel that this is a sad omission and felt that the moment when the Monarch is crowned and the peers place their coronets on their heads is a key moment and indicates part of the role of the nobility in supporting the Monarchy. An important area to be considered is that of the role of the Scottish nobility with their titles sourced from the Scottish crown in a possible independent Scotland. It may well be that the role of an organisation such as the Registry of Scots Nobility may be to help preserve titles and their dignity. As has been the case for the past decade, the annual meeting is an opportunity to invite an expert in some area relating to the nobility to speak. Also to have at least some practical contributors such as heraldic artists or, as was the case 2 years ago, a tartan designer and a representative from the Scottish Tartan Registry. Over the past 2 years we have had a number of enquiries from Scottish Peers of the possibility of Peer’s Jewel similar of that which is worn by Barons and Baronets. We hope that by the next meeting we will have the basic design of the Peer’s Jewel, which we intend to commission in the manner of the Baron’s Jewel. It will be noted that there is no longer any occasion for a Peer to wear a coronet (now that a Scottish Peers do not attend the Coronation.) A suitably designed Peer’s Jewel (Neck Medal) which, as is the case with the Scottish Baronet’s Medal would incorporate a crown on the Bale.
We look forward to as many attending as possible, and would remind members of the Registry that there is no cost in attendance (only for lunch if you choose to stay) and for many members of the Registry of Scots Nobility, it is an opportunity to receive the Registry Certificate identifying the title. We do require prior notice if you wish to receive a Certificate.
| Baron of Bearcrofts Chancellor | Earl of Loudon Chair of the Committee of Review |
Report on 2026 Meeting
The 2026 Meeting of the Registry of Scots Nobility took place in the Library of the New Club on the 22nd of September. It was attended by 15, considerably lower numbers than the previous year when there were nearly 50 in attendance. The guest of honour and main speaker this year was Professor Emeritus Hector MacQueen CBE from Edinburgh University. He spoke on the founding of the Scottish Feudal System in the long reign of King David I of Scotland (23 April 1124 – 24 May 1153) King David I replaced the traditional structure based on family with a new Feudal structure which was modelled on land and also loyalty to the crown. By the end of his reign there were approximately 500 baronies and 50 major peerages (baronetcies did not occur until the reign of James IV) The holders of Scottish Peerages will be interested that many of the original titles were to King David’s supporters who often also had titles and estates in Normandy. The Fleming’s (Earls of Wigton etc.) the Bruce’s (Earls of Carrick), were in fact holders of the title of earldom prior to their English equivalent. The French peerage would of course have had “Counts” rather than “Earls” and the title of “Countess”, the wife of an Earl, continues to the present time. There were of course many subsequent changes and developments, but this essentially laid the foundations of the Scottish Nobility sourced under the Scottish crown. It’s important to remind readers of this report that the Registry of Scots Nobility only titles that were founded before the Act of Union (1707.)
Alastair Shepherd, the Custodian of the Scottish Barony Register, provided a report on the current state of Scottish baronies. There are approximately 300 baronies registered on that Register, and this is the Register that is recognised by the Lord Lyon. This is also the source for inclusion in the Edinburgh Gazette (the official government report), and also in Debrett’s Peerage. We are most grateful to have this report each year, and it really helps us to keep a clear understanding of the state of the Baronage.
We were also pleased to have Brian Hamilton present from Barony Titles. Brian has possibly the best knowledge of Scottish Baronies of almost anyone living. It should be noted that he was one of the main movers in introducing the Scottish Barony Register. Through his long association with Scottish Titles and his wide experience with baronies in particular, he is an important source of information for those attending our annual meetings.
We were also grateful for the involvement of Lindsay’s Solicitors, who are perhaps the most experienced legal firm in dealing with Scottish Titles, Eilidh Robertson spoke at some length on the procedures needed to be undertaken when titles were passed on, particularly to those who weren’t necessarily direct heirs. Both Eilidh and Alastair Shepherd emphasised the need for making clear in your will who your heir should be. This is particularly important in the case of Baronies, and it was suggested by the custodian that as long as the will was legal and clear, he would be able to record the name of the new baron. A similar situation exists with the various rolls for the peerage and the baronets.
An interesting new topic that was raised was the idea that there should be a clear definition in the list of baronies of those barons who subscribe to the hereditary principal, and possibly the titles might be identified with an “H” in the same manner that those barons with a Barons Jewel have a “J” after the title.
Following the meeting, we had lunch in the New Club dining room and many of these discussions were able to continue in a more informal fashion. It is perhaps gatherings such as this, and also of the Forum, that provide a basis for ongoing knowledge and friendship amongst those who has a Scottish title.
Scottish Barons Jewel
Barons who are qualified and bring evidence (Certificate from the Scottish Baron Registry or details of Coat of Arms) will be able to acquire the specific Barons Jewel to their Barony, each jewel (similar to the Scottish Baronets neck badge) is numbered. As with previous years, Members of the Scots Registry of Nobility who attend in person may receive a Certificate of Membership of the Registry, that would be presented by the Chair of the Committee of Review, the Earl of Loudoun. If you wish to receive a certificate it is necessary to contact the Chancellor at least two weeks prior to the meeting. There is no cost for those members in attendance at the Annual Meeting of the Registry.
Appointment of Vice Chancellors
We are also seeking to appoint three Vice Chancellors, to represent each level of Scottish Nobility. The Peerage, The Baronetage and the Baronage. These positions would be entirely honorary, and without remuneration, however they could play an important role in assisting members of the nobility with many of the minor issues that occur (ranging from matters dealing with succession to simple queries regarding correct terms of address, changes in Coats of Arms etc.) The appointment would be in the first instance would be for 5 years. If you felt you could contribute, please contact the Chancellor directly.
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the 21st of September 2027.
Chancellor
chancellor@registryofscotsnobility.com
Scottish Barons Jewel
The new Scottish Baron’s Jewel, the first available to Barons since the Act of Union in 1707, has been designed and issued by the Registry of Scots Nobility in Edinburgh. The Registry has produced three hundred of the Baron’s jewels which are numbered from 1 to 300, each one will be dedicated to one Barony. (300 is the number of the known Scottish Baronies.)
The Scottish Baron’s Jewel is similar to the Scottish Baronet’s Badge in that it features the Cross of St Andrew and is encircled in an extract in Old Scots Latin from the Great Seal of Scotland. The jewel itself is made of bronze alloy and incorporates copper sourced from the handle of a Scottish broad sword known to have been used in the Wars of Independence and the Battle of Bannockburn. The jewel hangs from a 9ct gold bail and features a royal blue ribbon of medal satin. Regrettably, due to increases in postage and insurance we have had to raise the cost of the Baron’s Jewel to £100.
The Jewel is available to all Scottish Barons who can establish the that their Barony is genuine and that they are certified as the Baron. They will need to include a copy of their entry in the Scottish Baron’s register or details of their Coat of Arms as registered with the Lord Lyon.
The Baron’s Jewel, as is the case with some other Orders remains the property of the Registry of Scots Nobility and can never be sold on the open market. When the Baron passes his Barony onto his Heir, the Heir should inform the Registry of Scots Nobility. If there is no Heir or the Barony has not been disposed of in any other way, the jewel should be returned to the Registry.
There is a single price of £100 to cover the costs relating to the development of the jewel and also such costs as postage, insurance and administration. If you can fulfil the requirements and you would like to have the use of the Baron’s jewel for your lifetime, fill out the application below.
Name of Barony: ………………………………………………………..
Name of Baron: …………………………………………………………..
Postal Address of Baron: …………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………….
Email: ………………………………..
Phone number: …………………
Copy of Coat of Arms: Yes/No
Copy of Barony Register Certificate: Yes/No
Please attach details to application
And forward to
chancellor@registryofscotsnobility.com
Full details of payment procedures will be forwarded to you once entitlement
to the Baron’s Jewel is established.
Certificate of Registration signed by Earl of Loudoun and Baron of Bearcrofts can be forwarded for 20 Pounds to cover postage. Please contact the Chancellor with full details of the Barony and your name and postal address, and we will forward the account and the Certificate (chancellor@registryofscotsnobility.com)