Letters / Still genealogically puzzled
I am humbled and grateful to receive a reply from His Lordship, The Baron Skene (as he was gracious enough to admit is his position), regarding my enquiry concerning his elevated status (Genealogical accident; SN, 05/05/15).
However, I am still embarrassingly unclear as to the central query I posed. Namely: How should The Baron be addressed, and how should we rude proletarian swains behave in his august presence?
I have since checked with that essential publication Debrett’s, which, fortunately, rarely leaves my bedside table.
It seems The Baron should be addressed personally as ‘My Lord Skene’ or, in print, ‘My Dear Lord Skene’. Forelock-tugging is apparently optional, though not if one is a retainer engaged in bearing his escutcheon, as presumably will happen during the pomp and ceremony of the electoral count this week. Complete obedience and obeisance is then compulsory.
I hope this is of some help to anyone who may meet His Lordship during the next few days.
As regards his comments about ‘accidental genealogy’ I agree that one cannot help one’s family background.
It surely is a matter of whether or not one embraces it and exults in it. I attach a link which some may feel shows His Lairdship Skene of Skene, perhaps understandably, celebrating the appurtenances of his grandiloquence… http://www.clanskene.us/chief.html
Tom Morton
Hillswick
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.