The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs represents those who are head of the Name and Arms of their clan or family, as recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.
The majority of Scottish chiefs have taken up their membership, which is by invitation only. Currently, some 135 chiefs are members of the Standing Council.
Peter Carruthers of Holmains, Chief of the Name and Arms of Carruthers, holds a seat on the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs as a hereditary member.
The Court of the Lord Lyon (the Lyon Court) is a standing court of law which regulates heraldry in Scotland. The Lyon Court maintains the register of grants of arms, known as the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland, as well as records of genealogies.
The Lyon Court is a public body headed by the Lord Lyon King of Arms (the Lord Lyon), who must be legally qualified, as the Lord Lyon has criminal jurisdiction in heraldic matters, and the court is fully integrated into the Scottish legal system, including having a dedicated prosecutor, known in Scotland as a procurator fiscal.
The Lord Lyon is the sole King of Arms in Scotland and the office dates from the 14th Century. He is Head of the Heraldic Executive and the Judge of the Court of the Lord Lyon which has jurisdiction over all heraldic business in Scotland and Scottish Arms. The Lord Lyon is also responsible for State Ceremonial in Scotland.
As such the Lord Lyon, after a full analysis of proofs and documentation and two court hearings confirmed Peter Carruthers of Holmains Chief of the Name and Arms of Carruthers.