Pride or Ignorance?
An open letter By Laird Wulfric Grimbeald
(Spring 2002)

Greetings to all clan, kin and noble allies from the Chief.

As Robbie Burns Day was approaching (yes I know he is not within our period but his dream definitely was), I noticed, sadly, more than a few homes and wagons flying the Lion Rampant banner so readily associated with Scotland. I began to recall how many I had seen at SCA events and even, I regret to say, Highland Games.

Why sadly you ask? Because it is flown with no right or regard to it's true meaning. Unlike a national flag, such as our American Flag, the Lion Rampant Banner is the personal arms of the reigning King or Queen of Scotland. No matter what "time" you are flying it you are claiming to be The Sovereign of Scotland. This is not just an offense against the Parliamentary law of Scotland (though I seriously doubt they will attempt to arrest the offender) but it is also a cultural faux apex showing ignorance of and/or arrogance toward the Scottish Sovereign. This is something no Scot worth his plaid should want to be associated with.

So why do so many people and groups still fly it so readily? Is it through ignorance or arrogance? Unfortunately both. I remember commenting on it once to my Lady as we were taking the Dragon Wagon around Pennsic one year and hearing the sadly deluded lady next to us claim in her defense "her family was actually granted the right to fly the lion as reward and recognition for their defense of the King of Scotland in time of war." While I would never wish to impune the truth of another I have never found any such record of a "reward" of this type. Indeed even Prince Charles has no right to these Arms as they represent the "Royal Arms of Scotland and only the Sovereign in Scotland" according to Mr. S.B Wylie, amriger of the Court of The Lord Lyon of Scotland. Take it down, put it away, and consider it the expense of knowledge or remain arrogant or ignorant.

So what does the bonnie Scot fly in this great Banner's stead? There are actually two badges of Scotland that are proper (and legal) for general use, when void of any Crown, etc. They are the single thistle displayed proper on a white field, and the white cross of St. Andrew displayed upon a blue field. Either or both of these official Scottish Badges may be flown as a way of displaying your pride, respect and knowledge of your Scottish heritage. Thus informed I hope to see more of these grand badges flying proudly at events and fewer glaikit imposters claiming to be, through their dislpay of arms, The Sovereign of our noble Scotland. Until then I bid ye Slante!

Laird Wulfric Grimbeald
High Chief of Clan Wulfgard

THE "RAMPANT LION" Added by Clan MacKay

This is NOT a national flag and its use by citizens and corporate bodies is entirely wrong. Gold, with a red rampant lion and royal tressure. It is the Scottish Royal banner, and its correct use is restricted to only a few Great Officers who officially represent the Sovereign, including the Secretary of State for Scotland as Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, Lord Lieutenants in their Lleutenancies, the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. the Lord Lyon King of Arms, and other lieutenants specially appointed. Its use by other, non-authorised persons is an offence under the Acts 1672 cap. 47 and 30 & 31 Vict. cap. 17.

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