Annual Edinburgh Meeting of the Registry of Scots Nobility
Dear Baron member of the Registry of Scots Nobility,
This year’s meeting will place at the New Club, Princes Street, Edinburgh at 10.00 a.m. on Tuesday 22nd September 2026. All those on the Registry (Peerage, Baronetage and Baronage) are most welcome to attend.
This year’s theme will centre on the role of the Scottish Nobility in 2026. It should be noted that until quite recently it was the policy of the Scottish National Party to abolish all hereditary titles. Indeed, this was one of the main reasons why the Registry of Scots Nobility went online at the time of the 2014 Independence Referendum. Since then, things have changed for the better, this is partly due to the work of organisations such as the Scottish Barons Register, and also the role of some members of the Peerage in supporting worthy causes and charities. It is possible that the best course for Scots Nobility at any level is to identify with such causes, particularly those which benefit ordinary Scottish people.
At this year’s meeting we expect to have a speaker from the History department of Edinburgh University to speak on the history of the Scottish Nobility. There are many little known historical facts that effect the Scots Nobility today. These range from the requirement in 1571 for Scottish Nobles to fortify their homes (hence the abundance of Castles) to the changes that took place after the Act of Union in 1707. Most importantly, is the little known role of King David the first in 1140, when he introduced the French system of aristocracy and feudalism to Scotland, which is the basis of our current Scottish Peerage, Baronage, and later Baronetage.
We will also discuss and take advice on the activities of an ‘The Roll of Barons and Baronage of Scotland Association’. The individual behind this website has caused some concern to Scottish Barons, by informing them that their title is ‘pending recognition’. We have taken legal advice, and this association has no official standing, and cannot effect a Baron or Barony’s legal position. It should be absolutely clear that the only valid authority is the ‘Scottish Barony Register‘ which is also recognised by the Lord Lyon, and also of course, a proper Coat of Arms with the correct Baronial Helm (again sourced from the Lord Lyon.) This is the only legitimacy that we recognise for Barons applying to be on the ‘Registry of Scots Nobility‘. We understand it is also the only source for Baronies to be recognised in the Edinburgh Gazette or Debrett’s.
We have had some requests from members of the Scottish Peerage about the possibility of developing a Peers Jewel, similar to that which can be obtained and worn by the Baronage. This situation has come about through the change in arrangements for Peers at ceremonies such as the Coronation, where they no longer wear their coronet. Having a Peer’s Jewel would provide Scottish Peers and Peeresses with a similar position to Baronets and Barons in that they would also have a neck medal or it’s old term, a Jewel.
We look forward to seeing as many members of the Scottish Nobility at this year’s meeting as possible.
| Baron of Bearcrofts Chancellor | Earl of Loudon Chair of the Committee of Review |
Report on 2025 Meeting
The 2025 Meeting of the Registry of Scots Nobility took place in the Murray room of the New Club on the 23rd of September. It’s attendance exceeded 50 Barons, which was one of the largest gatherings of Scottish Barons this century. The speakers were Bruce Hamilton of Barony Titles, Alistair Shepherd – the custodian of the Scottish Barony Register, Leanne Gordon and Jonathan Cahusac from Lindsays Solicitors, and Mathilde Goubet & Jonathan Billot from Auld Alliance Kiltmakers. We were especially pleased to have a large contingent from the Baron’s Forum who were holding their gathering in Edinburgh at this time. They were led by Claes Zangenberg (Pittenweem) and Ryan Pannell (Anstruther) and made an outstanding contribution to the annual meeting.
The theme centred on the question of the nobility of the Scottish Baronage, which was strongly supported by Brian Hamilton and the representatives of Lindsay’s Solicitors. Alistar Shepherd, the Custodian of the Scottish Baron’s Register, gave an account of the state of the Baronage and mentioned also that the list of Barons would be becoming public in the near future. This was felt to be neccesary due to the number of seperate lists of Barons, some requesting payment to join. The talk on Scottish Tartans was particularly interesting and the speakers Mathilde Goubet & Jonathan Billot from Auld Alliance Kiltmakers were able to describe the process whereby a Baron could acquire a tartan and have it registered (and also woven.) A lunch followed with members of the Baron’s Forum dining seperately while other Barons and their partners were able to dine in the Club dining room.
We expect to hold the 2026 Meeting on the 22nd of September, and we welcome all members of the Scottish Nobility (Peers, Barons, and Baronets) are most welcome to attend. There is no cost to attend the meeting, however the lunch in the Club dining room must be paid for by the Baron attending.
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 24th of September.
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)