The Profiles I - Professor Gillian Black, Carrick Pursuivant

The Profiles I - Professor Gillian Black, Carrick Pursuivant

By Lance Sergeant David G. Griffiths 86

"Heraldry is a living beast,” Carrick Pursuivant tells me, “and I firmly believe it should continue to evolve.” I receive this from her via email, after I had sent her a number of questions which, on receiving her responses, I have shaken and stirred up into this article. 

 

Carrick at the Proclamation of HM King Charles III at Edinburgh

Her office of Carrick Pursuivant, to which she was promoted from Linlithgow Pursuivant Extraordinary this year, has been in existence since 1364 and takes its name from the Earldom of Carrick, the title held by Robert the Bruce prior to his accession as King of Scots. Carrick follows now in the footsteps of such notable Scots Officers of Arms as Sir Thomas Innes of Learney, who was Carrick 1926-35, and Sir Duncan Campbell, descendent of the 1^st Marquess of Argyll, founder of what would become the Scots Guards. 

Her journey in heraldry, she tells me, began with an interest in the First War of Scottish Independence (c.1296 – 1328) during which time “heraldry was flourishing…on both sides of the Tweed – so the significance of the colours and arms of the warring factions really caught my imagination.” What a happy circumstance, you will agree, that one so interested in that war should find herself Carrick Pursuivant, a title so closely related to that period in time. 

Above. The badge of office of Carrick Pursuivant. Designed by Sir Thomas Innes of Learney, it features the chevron gules from the arms of the Earldom of Carrick.

 

Carrick trained in Scots Law and combined with her interest in heraldry, there is no surprise really as to how she ended up at the Court of the Lord Lyon. As a professional academic, she has come across heraldry time and time again and is fortunate to have approached it as an enthusiast, as an expert of law, and finally as an Officer of Arms. Aside from studying the heraldry of the War of Independence, she now is fixated in the divergence between family and heraldic law. “Family law has moved in a very positive direction,” she tells me, “whereas heraldry typically remains fixed on legitimacy and the bloodline.” Her fascination on those divergences and differences is amongst the most important factors in her academic work, whether it be heraldry or law or both. In her capacity as a trained practitioner of Scots law, it is no surprise to learn that her area of heraldic interest lies in questions of successions to arms and titles, and the legal regulation of coats of arms. 

Outside of heraldry, Carrick is a Professor of Law at the University of Edinburgh, currently on secondment to the Scottish Law Commission, which, she says, “undertakes projects to review the law and recommend reform to Government.” Her current project as a Commissioner is reviewing remedies for domestic abuse, for which she deserves the utmost respect. She is, also, the unofficial Social Coordinator for the Scottish Officers of Arms, “so there’s usually an evening drinks or dinner on the horizon.” Her drink of choice, for those wondering: Champagne no less! 

Members will be as amused as I was to learn that Carrick spends a great deal of time, when away from the commissions and courts of Scots law, visiting graveyards for examples of “good, bad and often entirely fictional” coats of arms. 

 

Regarding her own coat of arms, Carrick’s maiden name is Davies, and her arms reflect this with two griffins passant. The twisted orle which so pleasantly graces the shield is a nod to the interconnections of family and DNA, which reflect her professional interests as well as her own family. And, of course, being a Black by marriage, the colour was always going to be sable. The crest, which Scots women are pleased to bear, reflects law and learning – the owl holds the sword of justice. And finally, is the crest of MacDougall, in tribute to her paternal grandmother. The motto is, of course, that of Clan MacDougall. 

 

Looking towards the future, Carrick is currently working on a review of heraldic seals in Scotland, c. 1200-1600, along with Huw Sherrard of the Heraldry Society of Scotland. Carrick Pursuivant will be the guest of honour at the Annual Lunch of the Society, in February 2025. 

Above. The arms of Professor Gillian Black, Carrick Pursuivant. Blazon: Sable two griffins passant within an orle of rope in two parts interlaced wavy of five fesswise Or. Granted 20XX by the Court of the Lord Lyon. Motto: Buaidh No Bas, Conquer or Die. Designed by Philip Tibbets, March Pursuivant Extraordinary. 

The Heraldry Society is a registered educational charity, intent of educating and preserving the fine art of heraldry. For more information, and information on joining the society, please see www.theheraldrysociety.com