Scotland's Oldest Heritage Body Fundraising Petition Plan for Court of Lord Lyon Coat of Arms

Scotland's - if not the planet's - oldest heritage body has been going since the very early days of the United States of America Declaration of Independence but Sir Walter Scott's society has never had a permanent home to call its own.

Now, a one-of fundraising campaign is aimed at reversing this long-standing historical anomaly.

Offering one lucky donor the chance to have their very own coat of arms officially granted by Lord Lyon King of Arms and emblazoned on the new global hub's exterior in all its glorious splendour and described as a "once in a lifetime opportunity".

Edinburgh-based Society of Antiquaries of Scotland needs a smidgen under two million dollars (£1.5m) by next January, contributing by then an additional $795,000 (£600,000) from its own investments, towards an overall fixed price of $2.78 million (£2.1m).

A "primary donor" giving $1.32 million (£1m) or more can name the building and have a coat of arms - or corporate logo - displayed. "Gold Donors" giving $265,000 (£200,000) or more will have the honour displayed in the hub's new boardroom.

“Grant of Arms”

Such individuals or organisations - if they do not already hold a coat of arms - will gain the not-for-profit society's key support to prepare a petition for a "grant of arms" to The Court of the Lord Lyon.

As the sole Scottish heraldic authority responsible for regulating and granting and matriculating arms, genealogies and state ceremonial its jurisdiction dates back to the 14th century. The Court also documents and verifies clans.

It's hard to believe the charity - closing in on 250 years in existence - has never had a permanent home. Fellows now hope to move from an inaccessible top floor flat with the National Museum of Scotland complex by purchasing a planned hub in the making sited in Bristo Place.

Within the historic southern gateway to Edinburgh it will be part of a cultural quarter that attracts more than ten million visitors annually.

Society president Diana Murray CBE HonFSAScot, explains “for centuries this small corner of the country's capital has been gateway to Scotland's past.

"There now exists a rare and time-limited opportunity to secure the building and open its doors properly for the first time in our modern history ensuring Scotland's past belongs to everyone, at home and across the world.

All donors will be recognised in a special edition of the society's "Proceedings" peer review journal published since 1851.

Unique Scots Diaspora

Globally more than 2,700 Fellows place FSAScot behind their name.

Living in countries including the USA, Australia, Canada, Grenada, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Panama, Quatar, Singapore, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates plus throughout continental Europe.

Many millions comprise a quite unique Scots Diaspora

North American-based Elizabeth Ewan FSAScot, Professor Emerita of Scottish studies and history at Onario's University of Guelph, says she has seen first-hand how deeply Scotland's history runs in people across the world.

A fellow for the last forty years, she adds that a permanent home would transform what the society can offer to the global community.

Donors of $13,250 (£10,000) or more will join the organisation's "Founding Circle", those donating $2,650 (£2,000) will be welcomed into "The Antiquaries Circle".

Society Director Dr Simon Gilmour sums up describing the funding campaign as a "once in a lifetime alignment of opportunity, affordability and historic significance."

Where everyone who cares about Scotland's past can help secure the country's heritage.

Originally written for electricscotland.com by Bill Magee

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Saltire Sentinel’s editorial stance.