SSA Gallery

The Society of Scottish Armigers
Home > Hot News

0002ccp Chairman's Report 09 Oct 22
The world has been through three of the most peculiar years – unprecedented in modern times. They affected all of us in some way, either through the loss of friends, the temporary curtailments to our basic liberties, or even financially. These were felt on both sides of the Atlantic in similar quantities.

Highland Gatherings & Games in the US were most definitely affected, with many being unable to open during 2020/2021, with unable to reopen for any number of reasons accelerated by the Pandemic. While the loss of any Games is a blow to the Diaspora & locals alike, I am pleased to see how many have reopened and are well into the planning for 2023. I am especially pleased that Stone Mountain is holding their 50th Games next weekend – and we say “Many Congratulations” & wish them a successful Games.

It is my understanding that the SSA has continued to have good representation, either as a Society or by individual members, which leads me to be able to report that the Society is carrying out its primary mission of providing armigerous support to the and visiting Chiefs. Our Vice-Chairman has also been active over the last couple of years attending many events connected to the Scottish Diaspora and will ask him to report on those numerous activities.

To add to the second part of that mission, Viscount Dunrossil, is serving on the Executive Committee of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs & attended the last AGM via Zoom. Happily, I was able to attend in person, meeting many of our members over lunch after the meeting. Since that AGM I have been approached by a couple of Clan Chiefs to assist them in navigating through the American games circuit up to and including a potential new Chief’s Standard Raising, much like the Montgomery’s did at SMHG in 2019. I have also been engaged to help the SCSC and the SSA obtain legal Golden Eagle feathers – more of which I will report to the AGM. I feel the need to pass on titbits of information – so riddle me this: Do Scottish Armigers use feathers from the left or right wing of the bird?

On a personal note – our move to Scotland has gone well. We have purchased a house in Moffat and spent the first seven months of this year going back to the plaster on the walls in the 6 bedrooms and sitting room; ripping out the existing kitchen, replastering all 4 walls & the ceiling & fitting a brand-new kitchen. We also replaced our 50-year-old boiler & heating system! In July – we were able to receive guests from the USA!! The kids have adapted well, with the eldest going up to Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen to read Applied Sports Medicine & the other two sitting national exams at Moffat Academy.

But, our year has ended on a historic & very sad note – the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. Our President, Lord Lyon, King of Arms played a central role in the events that followed her death, and I thought that he and the Scottish Heralds performed to the highest standard. I will be writing to Lord Lyon to pass on my congratulations on a job very well done. Great Britain PLC was on display – and did the late Queen proudly.

Operation GOLDEN ORB (the plans for the Coronation) is now well underway, and information will be released by the Palace & UK Government as it is known. What changes there will be from her late Majesty’s coronation are, as yet, unknown - & I would ask members not to engage in speculative conversation about the coronation.

In closing, I look forward to more “normal” years ahead as we continue to attend Highland Games & support the SCSC. I look forward to the coronation of the new King & possible increased interest in Heraldry that may follow.

GOD SAVE THE KING.

2022 1009

dqw266@gmail.com
SocScotArmigers2.jpg ssa-arms2~11.jpg ssa-arms2~10.jpg ssa-arms2~9.jpg King_Charles_III_and_Camilla,_the_Queen_Consort,_are_seen_outside_St__Giles__Cathedral_on_Monday,_2022_0912_sm1.jpg
Rate this file (current rating : 0 / 5 with 1 votes)
Rubbish
Poor
Fair
Good
Excellent
Great