Although the precise reason has been lost in the mists of time, the Stock of Broom has long been the emblem of the Company.

The broom, the Planta Genista, symbolised and supplied the surname of the House of Anjou, which in the twelfth century came to rule in England as the Plantagenets. Why 17th century merchants in Scotland chose this symbol is still a matter for conjecture.

The only recorded comments on this matter came in 1858 when Master of the Company, Robert Chambers (the Edinburgh publisher) suggested that the broom itself be looked at:

“It is a modest shrub but with a great tendency to increase; as such, the constituent members regarded their Society and plan of charity.”

Perhaps it is that the sturdy roots, vigorous growth and fullness of flowering of the broom simply make it a very appropriate symbol for the Company.

Today, the Stock of Broom is used by the Treasurer to give the closing toast The Stock of Broom at formal Company functions. The quatrefoil cup has engraved lines representing growth, with four panels of stylised broom. It was presented to James Kennedy, Master, 1957-59 and by him to the Company.  

A 27 minute film to commemorate the tercentenary of the Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh in 1981, entitled “The Stock of Broom”, can be viewed here.