United Kingdom & Ireland » Scotland » History & Culture

Story of Scotland's History, Online Book of Scottish History. Updated monthly

A 25 chapter book (in progress) covering Scottish history in-depth from the mesolitic to the late 19th century.

Tartans - Scotland.com

Tartans of Scotland

Register of all publicly known tartans online, which includes details and images of over 2,800 tartans.

The Court of the Lord Lyon

Scotland’s Heraldic Authority -= Originally the duties of the Heralds did not relate to armory or the control of the use of Arms in Scotland. The duties of the Lord Lyon and the other Heralds were more ambassadorial in nature and these functions remain, although much changed, in the ceremonial duties undertaken today. The Officers of the Court are the Lord Lyon King of Arms and the Lyon Clerk and Keeper of the Records, both appointed by the Sovereign on the recommendation of the First Minister. There is also the Lyon Macer who appears on judicial occasions bearing the mace of the Court. The organisation of the office of the Lord Lyon is regulated by a number of Acts of Parliament, the most important being an Act of 1672 which established the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland and an Act of 1867 which made alterations to the regulation of the Office. The relevant statutes can all be found in the Documents section of this website

The Heraldry Society of Scotland

The Society of Scottish Armigers

This website, then, is intended to serve many disparate groups. We want to be a forum for our members. But most of all we hope to serve the general public and be a resource for Scots all over the world, and for cities which may find themselves hosting Scottish Games or festivals. By improving understanding, and avoiding misunderstanding, we hope to play our small part in strengthening the important ties which bind Scots of the Diaspora to the land of our ancestors. To publish and disseminate an historical record of said Armorial Bearings along with biographical information regarding the Armigers. To educate the public regarding the history and meaning of Armorial Bearings within the Scottish tradition.

The Statistical Accounts of Scotland

From surveys taken between 1791-1799 and 1834-1845. Scanned online images of the original printed versions of The Statistical Accounts of Scotland. Outstanding historical record of the localities in Scotland. Searchable by county & parish or alphabetically. Some of the 1834-1845 accounts include descriptions of parish register coverage.

The Walter Scott Digital Archive

From the Edinburgh University.

theclearances.org

Tells the stories from Scotland's Highland Clearances.

Timeline of Scottish history (Wikipedia)

Useful dates in British history

For the local historian or genealogist.

Victoria Research Web

Resources for research into the history and culture of 19th-century Britain.