INVITATION TO DELEGATES

We intend to limit attendance to 300 delegates as this is the optimum capacity of the lecture halls selected. ALL who are interested in the subjects of Genealogy and Heraldry are most cordially invited. Spouses, partners and friends are welcome to come as well, and special trips and events will be arranged. Most of you will already have some link with an organisation dedicated to these studies, and that will be acknowledged in the delegate lists and name cards. For those of you who have already attended a Congress, you will know what a splendid opportunity it is to bask in a week of intellectual stimulation on favourite topics – all heightened by wonderful company and good cheer. We are especially eager to attract those interested folk who have not yet experienced the great delight of a week spent with like-minded people from around the World coming together to share, listen, learn and, above all else, enjoy themselves. Come to St Andrews!

THE HOST STRUCTURE

The host structure for the XXVII Congress is four parted. Our chief host is the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland, Robin Blair, LVO, WS. The two organisations charged with the implementation of the Congress plans are The Heraldry Society of Scotland (HSS) and the Scottish Genealogy Society (SGS). The University of St Andrews is actively assisting in arranging accommodation, providing event sites and participating in the Congress.

THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE

The Congress President is Charles Burnett, the Ross Herald, and the Secretary General is Mark Dennis. The Lord Lyon Robin Blair LVO represents his office. Representing the Scottish Genealogy Society is its Vice President, Mr Ivor Guild CBE, its Secretary, Miss Joan Ferguson MBE, Committee Member Dr James Floyd (also on the Committee of the HSS), and the Congress Secretary is Richard Torrance, Vice President of the SGS. Representing the Scottish Association of Family History Societies, Mr Andrew Nicoll. The Heraldry Society of Scotland is represented by its President, Charles Burnett, its Chairman, Romilly Squire, and Mark Dennis, Committee Member (also Chair of the St Andrews Fund), Gordon Casely and Dr Christopher Green.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

A Scientific Committee is taking form under Charles Burnett as Congress President. No meeting has yet been held. Persons invited to assist thus far include Cecil Humphery Smith, Hugh Peskett, Clive Cheesman Rouge Dragon Pursuivant, Elizabeth Roads Lyon Clerk and Carrick Pursuivant. Others will be invited as their duties grow and the Congress approaches.

HONORARY STRUCTURE

The Congress is most pleased and honoured to be able to report HRH Anne The Princess Royal KG KT GCVO has graciously consented to be our Patron.

The two Honorary Co-Presidents are Robin Blair LVO Lord Lyon King of Arms and Sir Malcolm Innes of Edingight KCVO, erstwhile Lyon, as President of the Scottish Genealogy Society.

DATE

The Congress is set to commence on Monday, 21st August 2006 (with University accommodation available from Sunday the 20th). It will run the following week and conclude mid-day Saturday the 26th. Delegates are encouraged to extend their stay to enjoy the many and varied delights of Scotland.