Philip Tibbetts is Scotland's official flags expert following his appointment as the first ever Honorary Vexillilologist at the Lyon Court.
Making his name through voluntary work with communities across the country, becoming an Officer of Arms - March Pursuivant, Philip has established a reputation for his collaborative & innovative approach to heraldry.
Many of these communities have greatly benefitted from being able to brand & promote themselves, enriching the nation in the process. Philip has subsequently been able to support individuals and business in developing symbols with which to express themselves.
This site is intended to explain more about Philip's work and, in time, provide information on specific symbols. To begin with learn more about the value of heraldry, Philip's work and Philip himself here:
Philip's unique responsibilities and experience - from running community flag competitions to having the right to propose coats of arms in Scotland - means that he is uniquely qualified to help achieve official recognition of a wide array of symbols.
Additionally Philip can be commissioned to draw existing heraldry in his signature styles, or to design new flags, arms and tartan proposals using his established expertise & resources.
To learn more select here:
Philip's appointment engages the next generation in our work and will bring to the fore a growing area of heraldic interest.
Philip's has achieved outstanding success over many years in developing the exciting range of community flags throughout the United Kingdom, and Scottish vexillology is now benefitting hugely as a result of his appointment as Honorary Vexillologist to the Lyon Court.
I am delighted that Philip has been appointed as the first honorary Vexillologist to the Court of the Lord Lyon. Philip went above and beyond in his efforts to help get Barra’s flag official recognition. Philip is an extraordinarily passionate and committed person. He shows a true appreciation for the concept of community and is a passionate advocate for the positive power of symbols of community identity like community flags.
Philip is one of those rare talent who is both easy to work with and also creates technically precise and visually attractive heraldry - all in his own unique style. His knowledge of heraldry is second to none. Every armiger should have a piece by Philip in their collection.
Philip's enthusiasm has been crucial in promoting the concept and development of the flag, whilst being responsive, knowledgeable and clear on matters of procedure. We are particularly impressed with his effort and professionalism. I believe he is an inspiring and valuable champion for community flags, Scottish heraldry and the Lyon Court.
Philip brought an authority to the whole process of choosing a flag for Skye. His knowledge of the key elements of heraldry combined with his infectious enthusiasm certainly inspired many of the hundreds of entries to the competition. This was evident in his talks to schoolchildren across Skye which resulted in the winning design from eleven-year-old, Calum Alasdair Munro. Any island, area or region considering a flag should certainly enlist Philip’s services.
Since recognition of the flag the South Uist brand is gaining a lot of recognition brand has grown quicker than I could have wished
Without Philip's encouragement from the very beginning the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright flag may never have got off the ground.
The scale of Philip's work with communities and the opportunities that follow on is unprecedented.
Huge thanks for all your work. You inspired; you gave wise words at all the right times - and you persuaded. Perfect.
The Sun of Barley has become part of the Tiree identity. Whether on the island, or when Tiree folk get together, such as concerts, festivals, or gatherings, the flag says this is us, we are Tiree.
Philip is an extraordinarily passionate and committed person. He shows a true appreciation for the concept of community and is a passionate advocate for the positive power of symbols of community identity like community flags. He is very courteous, amiable and adept at dealing with various community stakeholders.
Philip has great attention to detail while keeping his eye on the bigger picture. His knowledge of international heraldry means he provided a plethora of options to make the depiction of my arms something very special - it felt like the Savile Row of heraldry.
Philip updated my heraldic badge with bold new art & colour, then between us we turned that revitalised badge into the logo for my bar 'The Specialist'. That logo, in tasteful azure, or and sable, now graces dozens of imperial pint glasses. This is parctical heraldry at its best - enjoyed every time a pint is lifted.