The Office of Lord Lyon King of Arms will fall vacant at the end of December 2013, when Mr. David Sellar the current Lord Lyon steps down. The Lord Lyon is appointed by Her Majesty, the Queen on the recommendation of the First Minister under section 3 of the Lyon Kings of Arms (Scotland) Act 1867.

The Lord Lyon is the sole King of Arms in Scotland. He is the Head of the Heraldic Executive and the Judge of the Court of the Lord Lyon, which has jurisdiction over all heraldic matters in Scotland. The office has both judicial and administrative functions. The Lord Lyon is also responsible for State Ceremonial in Scotland.

Applications to fill this Office must be legally qualified.  An independent panel will consider the applications and make recommendations to the First Minister.