A NEW Lord Lyon King of Arms, Scotland's heraldic executive, has been appointed.

Dr Joseph Morrow will take on the historic position of the 38th Lord Lyon after the retirement of his predecessor David Sellar. Dr Morrow, an advocate with degrees in theology and law, is the President of the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland and a First-Tier Tribunal Judge dealing with asylum and immigration issues.

The Lord Lyon is responsible for coats of arms and flags and anyone wishing to use a coat of arms must apply to that office for permission. The Lord Lyon office also incorporates the ancient Celtic office of the High Sennachie who was responsible for verifying the genealogy of the King of Scotland and for crowning the King at his coronation.

It is a part-time position and Dr Morrow, who has also served as a Vice Lord Lieutenant for the City of Dundee, was appointed by the Queen on the recommendation of the First Minister.