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A SCOTS football club face having to ditch their historic crest for breaking ancient heraldic laws.

Ayr United have been told they could face court action by the Lord Lyon, who is in charge of Coats of Arms, if they refuse to redesign their badge.

United have this week been dragged into a shock legal row over a law which dates back to King Charles II.

It follows a complaint from a member of the public — understood to be a supporter of a rival team — that their badge is an unregistered Coat of Arms.

Stunned club officials have been told their shield-shaped crest, which contains lettering and a Saltire flag, is an offence under Scots Law.

Club chairman Lachlan Cameron said: “This has come as a huge shock to us.

“Our badge is hardly something new and we are immensely proud of it.

“We can’t stop another football fan being disgruntled and petty, but this could have a big impact on the club.”

United, who fear the move could be a “branding disaster” costing thousands, held talks with the Procurator Fiscal this week.

They must now apply to the ancient Court of Lord Lyon to redraw their badge, while they also face a fight to retain the Saltire on their crest.

The option to register their current design is understood to be a non-starter due to the presence of the Saltire.

The right to display the flag is usually restricted to national institutions.

Alexander Green, the legal chief dealing with the case, said: “I have made suggestions to the club about what changes they can make.

“We are dealing with the oldest heraldic register in the world here. It is a very serious matter.”

United, who were formed in 1910, began using their current crest in the 1950s and it has become synonymous with the club ever since.

But they are set to follow in the footsteps of fellow Scottish side Airdrie, who were forced to scrap their badge after having a run-in with Lord Lyon earlier this year .

(Image: SNS Group)

Donald Trump and car giant Porsche are among others to have fallen foul of the ancient law, which has been in place since 1672.

Mr Green added: “We only look into these things when asked to investigate.

“It is not a case of searching for football club badges and going after people.

“But the law is the law and if Ayr United have been found to have broken it, then they will have to make changes.”

Chairman Cameron insists that the “minimum alterations” will be made for any new-look badge.

Mr Green said: “It is entirely a matter for the Court of Lord Lyon to decide whether that is allowed.

“The club would have to make a case that they are worthy of retaining such an emblem of national significance.”

United’s historian Duncan Carmichael has described the move as an “attack on the club’s heritage”.

He said: “Ayr supporters have a siege mentality and they will react furiously to this. That badge has been a proud part of our history since it first appeared on a club blazer back in 1957.

“So why does it take until now to have these people chasing us and threatening legal action?

“A badge is the most sacred thing at a football club and being told we have to change it will not go down well.”

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