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By Bill Magee
Scotland's - if not the
planet's - oldest heritage body has been going since the very early days
of the United States of America Declaration of Independence but Sir
Walter Scott's society has never had a permanent home to call its own.
Now, a one-of fundraising campaign is aimed at reversing this
long-standing historical anomaly.
Offering one lucky donor the chance to have their very own coat of arms
officially granted by Lord Lyon King of Arms and emblazoned on the new
global hub's exterior in all its glorious splendour and described as a
"once in a lifetime opportunity".
Edinburgh-based Society of Antiquaries of Scotland needs a smidgen under
two million dollars (£1.5m) by next January, contributing by then an
additional $795,000 (£600,000) from its own investments, towards an
overall fixed price of $2.78 million (£2.1m).
A "primary donor" giving $1.32 million (£1m) or more can name the
building and have a coat of arms - or corporate logo - displayed. "Gold
Donors" giving $265,000 (£200,000) or more will have the honour
displayed in the hub's new boardroom.
“Grant of Arms”
Such individuals or organisations - if they do not already hold a coat
of arms - will gain the not-for-profit society's key support to prepare
a petition for a "grant of arms" to The Court of the Lord Lyon.
As the sole Scottish heraldic authority responsible for regulating and
granting and matriculating arms, genealogies and state ceremonial its
jurisdiction dates back to the 14th century. The Court also documents
and verifies clans.
The society's Patron is Anne, The Princess Royal.
It's hard to believe the
charity - closing in on 250 years in existence - has never had a
permanent home. Fellows now hope to move from an inaccessible top floor
flat with the National Museum of Scotland complex by purchasing a
planned hub in the making sited in Bristo Place.
Within the historic southern gateway to Edinburgh it will be part of a
cultural quarter that attracts more than ten million visitors annually.
Society president Diana Murray CBE HonFSAScot, explains “for centuries
this small corner of the country's capital has been gateway to
Scotland's past.
"There now exists a rare and time-limited opportunity to secure the
building and open its doors properly for the first time in our modern
history ensuring Scotland's past belongs to everyone, at home and across
the world.
All donors will be recognised in a special edition of the society's
"Proceedings" peer review journal published since 1851.
Unique Scots Diaspora
Globally more than 2,700 Fellows place FSAScot behind their name.
Living in countries including the USA, Australia, Canada, Grenada, Hong
Kong, India, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Panama, Quatar,
Singapore, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates plus throughout
continental Europe.
Many millions comprise a quite unique Scots Diaspora
North American-based
Elizabeth Ewan FSAScot, Professor Emerita of Scottish studies and
history at Onario's University of Guelph, says she has seen first-hand
how deeply Scotland's history runs in people across the world.
A fellow for the last forty years, she adds that a permanent home would
transform what the society can offer to the global community.
Donors of $13,250 (£10,000) or more will join the organisation's
"Founding Circle", those donating $2,650 (£2,000) will be welcomed into
"The Antiquaries Circle".
The fundraising campaign chimes with the annual NYC Tartan Day Parade
along Manhattan's 6th Avenue celebrating Scottish Heritage on April 11.
Society Director Dr Simon
Gilmour sums up describing the funding campaign as a "once in a lifetime
alignment of opportunity, affordability and historic significance."
Where everyone who cares about Scotland's past can help secure the
country's heritage. |
