| Tradition: | Gallo-British |
| Jurisdiction: | Scotland |
| Authority: | Court of the Lord Lyon |
Islay Herald of Arms is a Scottish herald of arms of the Court of the Lord Lyon.[1]
The office was first mentioned in 1493. Islay is an island off the west coast of Scotland and was the headquarters of the Lord of the Isles. When the influence of that powerful noble was broken by the King of Scots during the fifteenth century, several names associated with the Lord of the Isles were absorbed and used by the crown.[2]
The badge of office is Two salmon hauriant embowed Proper encircling a lymphad sails furled oars in action two armed men on deck sinister Sable by a flag Gules ensigned of the Crown of Scotland Proper.[3]
The office is currently vacant and was last held by Yvonne Holton.
| Arms | Name | Date of appointment | Ref[4] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Henry Thomson of Keillour | 1496 | ||
| ... Hay | 1531 | ||
| Peter Thomson | 1531 | ||
| Gilbert Lindsay of Trakwan | 1534 | ||
| Peter Morrison | 1552 | ||
| James Purdie of Kinaldies | 1572 | ||
| Patirck Bannatyne | 1588 | ||
| John Blinsele | 1596 | ||
| Thomas Drysdale | 1617 | ||
| James Currie | 1636 | ||
| John Cullen | 1661 | ||
| John Balsillie | 1667 | ||
| William Govan | 1676 | ||
| James Still | 1701 | ||
| Alexander Martin | 1725 | ||
| Valentine White | 1757 | ||
| William Robertson | 1776 | ||
| Robert Grant | 1795 | ||
| John Cook | 1811 | ||
| William Goodall Bayley | 1852 | ||
| Henry Wilson | 1864 | ||
| Vacant | 1884–1981 | ||
| John Inglis Drever "Don" Pottinger | 1981–1986 | ||
| Vacant | 1986–2008 | ||
| Alastair Campbell of Airds | 2008–2014 (in Extraordinary) | ||
| William David Hamilton Sellar | 2014–2019 (in Extraordinary) | ||
| Vacant | 2019–2021 | ||
| Yvonne Holton | 2021–2024 | [5] [6] | |
| Vacant | 2024–Present | ||