MACALPIN aRMIGERS
The First MacAlpine Arms of Scotland
May 2003 - First Authentic Scottish "MacAlpine" Coat Of Arms Granted!
This is the first Coat of Arms of the “MacAlpine” name ever granted by a Lord Lyon King of Arms and recorded in Scotland's Lyon Register since its inception in 1672. This grant of Arms represents a historic event for the “MacAlpine” name and an important step on the path to recognition of our family
In Scotland, a Coat of Arms (Arms) belongs to an individual person rather than to every person who bears that surname. Similar to a signature, Arms are a pictorial representation of a particular individual's name. Arms are heritable property and are passed down from generation to generation forever. Individuals who hold title to Scottish Arms (Armigers) and certain Scottish landowners are considered to be "Nobles" in the Lyon Court of Scotland. A family in Scotland is defined, legally, as a "noble community." To gain recognition of our family, we must have at least nine "Nobles" (at least five of whom must be Armigers) to form a committee called an "ad hoc Derbhfine." That committee selects one of its members for consideration by the Lord Lyon King of Arms to become "Commander" of the family. Upon Commission of a Commander, the family is officially recognized. The following Arms represent the first of the minimum five needed. Due to the traditions of Scottish heraldry, it is likely that any "MacAlpine" Arms granted in the future will have a "shield" similar to the shield in these Arms. Thus, we proudly present the first authentic Scottish "MacAlpine" Coat of Arms.