This time last week I was in the stunning surroundings of Carlisle Cathedral, in my capacity with The Flag Institute, to witness the unveiling of the regional community flag for Cumbria; presented to the Lord Lieutenant in a sweet ceremony by the Wetheral Brownies.

First flown in 1988, today saw the community flag for Embo in Sutherland raised officially for the first time after having been officially recorded with Lyon Court

With the Lyon Court's happy announcement today of the appointment of a new Kintyre Pursuivant - the first for a quarter of a century - this is how the line up of Scottish Officers of Arms now looks; personal shields displayed below each office badge.

Berwickshire hosted a commemoration for the Burning of the Merse during the Rough Wooing this weekend in the village of Whitsome. A symbolic pyre was lit that evening. A fitting and evocative end to a thought proving day of remembrance and reconciliation.