Seen here in Australian skies is a special type of flag used by Scottish Clan Chiefs, known as a pinsel, which may be flown in a Chief's absence by a delegated representative.

Berwickshire hosted a commemoration for the Burning of the Merse during the Rough Wooing this weekend in the village of Whitsome. A symbolic pyre was lit that evening. A fitting and evocative end to a thought proving day of remembrance and reconciliation.

With the Lyon Court's happy announcement today of the appointment of a new Kintyre Pursuivant - the first for a quarter of a century - this is how the line up of Scottish Officers of Arms now looks; personal shields displayed below each office badge.

Happy International Vexillology Day 🎌 In the same spirit & theme as my post on International Heraldry Day, I thought it would be particularly appropriate to share my current thinking on how the Scottish Saltire would look had it been realised as a Japanese monshō 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇯🇵

It is not yet dark but the sky is already full of stars for the start of golf's Ryder Cup! 🇪🇺 vs 🇺🇲 Best of luck to #TeamEurope

🏴‍☠️ For national 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' I thought I'd post this photo from the unveiling of the Girvan Flag where it appears a pirate flying the Jolly Roger was (probably) about to make it's escape from the law behind me!

This time last week I was in the stunning surroundings of Carlisle Cathedral, in my capacity with The Flag Institute, to witness the unveiling of the regional community flag for Cumbria; presented to the Lord Lieutenant in a sweet ceremony by the Wetheral Brownies.

A very moving display of heraldry and other emblems in Tundergarth Kirk, for #opendoorsday yesterday, of many of the organisations that assisted in the aftermath of the PAA103 bombing.

Even off duty I cannot help but be drawn to a great flag display, especially one right on my doorstep with yesterday's Border Gathering in Annan

Yesterday my family and I had a fantastic visit to Shambellie House for the Japan-Scotland Community Cultural Festival 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇯🇵 Amongst a huge array of experiences we got to try wearing a Yukata gown. Although not formally heraldic, like monshō, I was taken with the traditional symbolism it incorporated

Following the successful recognition of the winner of their flag competition with the The Court of the Lord Lyon, Girvan has been added to this Scottish flag map

Girvan has become the latest place to raise an official community flag. It has been a joy to work with so many there for the last few months, especially seeing what it meant to the town - including the delighted winning schoolgirl - at the unveiling this weekend

Heartwarming to get a photo from good friends showing the wedding present I drew up for them up on their wall. This uses linked clan crest badges to commemorate the union of their families, placed on a background inspired by their wedding recessional.

On a very warm day last weekend I was thankful for the hospitality of the Ramsay family at Bamff House in Perthshire who were hosting the Convention of the Baronage of Scotland to whom I was invited to speak on the topic of flags for The Court of the Lord Lyon.

My arms have been emblazoned with many types of chain, but never before with a daisy chain which is inspired! This idea was commissioned with Luke Anderson by Heidi Armitage-Tibbits who had the idea to put a floral spin on my spiral in this homage.

This weekend's Highland Games in Luss saw the first raising of the Learned Kindred of Currie banner of arms. It is always a delight to be able to provide artwork for a clan, but seeing one fly at a Highland Games was a real treat.

Looking as though we have 'a feather in our cap', following a very productive conversation with the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs 🪶🪶🪶

⚜️ Maybe the most iconic symbol of heraldry and flags finally bloomed in my garden (after 5 years of waiting!)

"Long like the Marches!" A Riding of the Marches being officially attended by March Pursuivant, maybe for the first time. Honoured to have been invited to Linlithgow, and delighted to get to deliver a very well received proclamation.

For International Heraldry Day I thought it would be particularly appropriate to share my international fusion of the ancient arms of Scotland in a Japanese monshō inspired emblazonment 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🛡️🇯🇵

Not a flag or shield, but very proud to see a local symbol whilst at a wedding in Italy. The wedding breakfast tables were named for iconic walks across Europe and it was wonderful to see the Southern Upland Way amongst them. Indeed, I was a little envious not to be seated there!

Back from a wonderful time in Tuscany, celebrating big events with old friends. Taking the opportunity to represent in the kilt of course.

Anyone with connections to the Ayrshire town of Girvan can now vote for the winner in the community's flag competition 🗳️🎌 forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/Respon...

Another marvelous and unexpected meeting at Edinburgh's Tartan Parade was bumping into Matthew Taylor, whose arms I had designed and who was carrying them as a banner with Heraldry Society of Scotland

The Officers of Arms were back on duty for the Opening of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland It was nice to have so many interested members of the public come up and speak to us before & after in Parliament Square

Not only was I on duty with my fellow officers of arms for Edinburgh's first Tartan Parade, but I had some special backup from my family! Very many thanks to the Heraldry Society of Scotland for inviting my wife & daughter! It was wonderful to be parading with them & hundreds of others!

I love growing plants in my garden that appear on flags and heraldry. Not only do Gentians appear in European and Japanese heraldry but these specific ones are called 'Blue Herald'. I couldn't resist the name nor the lovely colour!

To celebrate #PolishFlagDay I thought I'd try an experimental emblazonment, based on the famed Winged Hussar's. These are the arms of RossMcEwen's Polish wife - herself previously employed by the Radziwiłł princely family - placed on a background of Polish Tartan

A splendid occasion last night on duty with the Army, for the traditional ceremony to install a new Governor of Edinburgh Castle. We are there to be challenged by the sentries and serve the garrison with the Governor's commission.

Thrilled to announce that I have been offered my first book contract, courtesy of Palfrey Press. Although I cannot say quite what for just yet, I can say that it will be highly interesting, compelling and accessible for both lovers of heraldry and the wider public alike.

Holding the heraldic office of March and being a big rugby fan I couldn't resist sewing my badge of office onto the red & white hoops of South of Scotland Rugby Good luck to South in tonight's game and here's hoping the Inter-District tournament will return for them to defend last year's title!

For Sibling's Day today I thought I'd continue with another tartan backed piece. My emblazonment for two Ross brothers, each with their own grant of arms, on their Clan's Hunting Tartan

In honour of the #tartanday parade in New York over the weekend, and the forthcoming Clan Logan convention later this month, I am delighted to share my emblazonment for the arms of their last known Chief on their clan tartan.

In readiness for Star Trek's First Contact Day tomorrow I thought I'd share my latest ship design - with background art taken from the Animated Series - which of course has a suitably flag themed name; the Hatamoto Class 🖖 My a patch on @scorpiondesign.bsky.social 's work but you get the idea

It is always fantastic to see fun takes on heraldry, but imagine my surprise to see myself in a piece! Taking on a dragon no less! Thanks to Luke Anderson (Insta: Sabretooth1100) for his skill & Matthew Wallace-Gross for the vision!

Yesterday saw the tremendous announcement by Clan MacEwen that their first Chief for 575 years has been formally recognised. I am delighted to have contributed to this amazing bit of history by drafting proposals for the new Chiefly Arms as the last chiefs had no known recorded heraldry.

The week had a trip down memory lane as I was invited back to my College to record an alumni video - keep an eye out for that in due course - it was lovely to bring both my herald's tabard and my father's school tie from his time here before me.

My daughter's fantastic ceremonial logic (I fear rubbed off from me) based question this morning as she took her £1 in to school for Comic Relief... "Is it called red nose day because we're celebrating the birth of Rudolph?" 🤣

"Is it a banner? A pennon? No idea! Better call Flagman!" Whilst taking my daughter to Caledonia Park to see Sonic & Shadow (which she loved), I could not resist a photo with the sign given my attire!

Looking forward to the Calcutta Cup game tomorrow but that got me thinking... the Red Rose used by England Rugby is more like that of the House of Lancaster than the heraldic symbol of England, which is the Tudor Rose. What do you make of this friendly correction? 😉🏉🌹

What would you like for Valentine's Day? That's right, shields 🛡️ Lots of them. Over the last few months I have been working on the heraldry for our newest Officer of Arms. I thought this was a good opportunity to update my graphic of the personal heraldry of the Lyon Court.

Great to meet renowned patron of the heraldic arts Brady Brim de Forest, along with the knowledgeable Edward Hillary-Davies & my friend from Scottish heraldry Ross McEwen I'd say we painted the town red but I suppose it would be more appropriate to say that we emblazoned the Burgh in Gules!

This week I was thrilled to be asked to support the Emir of Kuwait's visit to Dumfries House as a guest of HM The King, by supporting with the flag elements to the backdrop that can be seen in this photo from the Kuwait News Agency 🇰🇼🇬🇧

Enjoyed a wonderful reception in Bothwell as I returned for the unveiling of the flag competition winner. Bothwell now takes up its rightful space on the community flag map. More to come this year, with my next community meeting tomorrow.

With Twelfth Night over the Christmas decorations are down and I'm welcoming Epiphany with the last of the local Mulled Cider from Steilhead in front of the fire. Thinking back on the highs and lows of 2024 and looking forward to the plans and hopes for 2025. Happy new year to flag fans everywhere!

I've just been informed that Saint Nicholas' banner of arms (Azure three bezants) is just about to be lowered at the North Pole, indicating that he is about to leave his residence and begin the journey around the world for the evening. Merry Christmas Everyone.

Really loved taking my daughter and friends to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 at the cinema and of course I could not resist working up a last geeky heraldic whimsy before Christmas for the occasion!

PAA 103 @ 36 years

A fantastic way to close out the working year before the Christmas holidays. But do I have any heraldic whimsy left to post? Well, you'll have to Live & Learn (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah)... And keep an eye out on my feed!

It was really nice to host a friendly wee exchange of ideas here in Lockerbie with such notable experts on Scottish clans; Ross McEwen and Sir Malcolm (the latter being my wife's own Clan Chief!) Always a joy to speak to either, especially great to speak to both!