The Heraldry Olympics

St Andrews in Scotland is hosting the Olympics of genealogy and heraldry this week.

The the international event was officially opened by its patron, HRH The Princess Royal.

Around 300 heraldic experts and aficionados from across the globe have gathered in what is the greatest single gathering of heralds since the Middle Ages.

Delegates and heralds have come from 26 countries including; South Africa, Russia, Canada, Spain and Norway.

To mark the event, the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland, Robin Blair, has granted supporters (Saint Andrew and a lion) and a crest to the university to add to its arms.

The university and the Burgh of St Andrews was presented with keepsakes in the form of specially created heraldic processional banners, 'gonfannons', which were blessed by The Bishop of Edinburgh and presented during the opening ceremony.