Loch Soilleir Baronial Awards
The Barony of Loch Soilleir has three awards: one for service, one for arts & sciences, and one for youth.
Order of the Serpent’s Toils of Loch Soilleir
The Order of the Serpent’s Toils (sometimes simply called the “Toils”) is the Baronial Service Order. This means that it is granted by the Baron and Baroness with permission from the Crown. The Toils carries with it an Award of Arms and entitles the recipient to use the title of “Lord” or “Lady.” They rank above holders of the Sable Coemt and Compass Rose, but below those who hold Talons, Thistles, or Cranes.
Members of the order are also the only ones who may display the heraldry “(Fieldless) A sea-serpent in annulo head to chief and vorant of its own tail vert.” In English, this is the green Loch Serpent in a circle biting its own tail and it can be put on any field.
Ultimately, what qualifies an individual to join the order is up to the Baron and Baroness. However, those who have received the order typically have performed years of service for our Barony, including holding office, stewarding events, and countless hours of labor in making our events succeed and our Barony thrive.
Recipients may be found in the Order of Precedence. (http://heraldry.ansteorra.org/OP/op-awards.php?&submit=List&id=31)
Order of the Otter
The Order of the Otter is the Baronial award for the arts and sciences. It is given at the discretion of Their Excellencies without permission from the Crown. It grants neither rank nor title.
Again, what qualifies an individual to join the order is up to the Baron and Baroness. The Otter is generally granted for the contributions to the Barony through the arts and sciences or in bringing recognition and fame to the Barony through the arts and sciences.
Order of the Urchin
The Order of the Urchin if the Baronial award for youth and children. It is given at the discretion of Their Excellencies without permission from the Crown. It grants neither rank nor title.
Again, what qualifies an individual to join the order is up to the Baron and Baroness. The Urchin is granted to children and youth for efforts to enrich the Barony.