The manuscript is described in ‘Heraldry in relation to Scottish history and art’ (Edinburgh, 1900), pages 193-195, which suggests that it is the source of Adv.MS.34.4.16(ii). It was displayed in the Heraldic Exhibition in Edinburgh in 1891 (see ‘Memorial Catalogue’, number 691), and is closely related to both Adv.MS.31.4.3 and British Museum Harleian MS.115.

The contents are as follows:

(i) The royal arms (folio 2 verso).

(ii) An explanation why the manuscript includes forfeited arms (folio 3 verso).

(iii) Paintings of John Balliol and the kings and queens of Scotland from Malcolm III to Mary, Queen of Scots, showing their arms. Identifications of the figures, sometimes in verse, are given in decorative cartouches. (folio 4).

(iv) The royal arms, arms of Mary as Dauphine, and verses beginning `Quha wald the trew discriptioun understand Off all the kingis that hes rung in Scotland` (folio 22).

(v) Arms of earls, lords and gentry (folio 25). There are also some verses on the names of Scottish families originating in England, Hungary and France (folio 48).

The manuscript is painted in watercolours throughout, with architectural and other decorative motifs.