Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 23 on 14/10/2005.

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Many strings to their bows

Scots grandees have a number of ceremonial roles based on history. One of the most prestigious is based around its pursuit of fine archery. James Irvine Robertson reports

Scots grandees can be the Lord Lieutenant, the Queen’s representative in their county. Or they can be one of the 20 or so deputy lieutenants who back these up. All wear magnificent uniforms.

Less formally, they can be High Constables of Edinburgh, of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, of Leith, of Perth who originated in bodies once formed to keep the peace in their various spheres of influence. Now such organisations are purely ceremonial and largely social.

Some take themselves more seriously than others but, when the monarch arrives on their patch, they all turn out wearing top hats, many rather moth-eaten, fancy waistcoats and carrying truncheons to provide a guard of honour.

Perhaps the most prestigious of these institutions is ‘The Queen’s Body Guard for Scotland, The Royal Company of Archers’.

In 1676 ‘an influential body of Noblemen and Gentlemen met for the the purpose of encouraging the Noble and Useful Recreation of archery, for many years much neglected’. And they have taken their archery seriously ever since, having had the services of their own bow maker since the Company’s inception.

Now about 530 in number, they elect their own members from the aristocracy of Scotland, distinguished ex-soldiers, country gentlemen – and Edinburgh lawyers who have always had a strong representation in the Company.

Some are too overburdened by years and honours to wield a bow but a dedicated core compete all summer long, usually on the Meadows in Edinburgh, across the street from.....

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By James Irvine Robertson

Section : Scottish History

Page number : 20