Recent Grants and Matriculations of Arms

Bruce Durie has successfully petitioned for these Arms to the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Scotland in recent years.

Download this Guide to Getting Scottish Arms

Andrew GRIERSON (born in Edinburgh, Scotland about 1787), the original immigrant from Scotland to America of his line, the great-great-great-grandfather of the Petitioner Michael Elmer GRIERSON, Maryland, USA.

  The Arms granted posthumously to Andrew GRIERSON reflect the Arms of Grierson of Lag, Gules on a fess Or a mullet Azure between three fetterlocks in Chief but differenced by adding in base a Norse ship all Proper sails furled oars in action, atop the mast a firebasket fired also Proper.

  The Arms of Michael GRIERSON are futher differenced by adding a bordure invected Or to indicate he is the third son of a second son. The motto means "From faith comes wisdom".

  These Arms will be inherited by his eldest son. His third son, Charles Samuel GRIERSON, matriculated his father's Arms with a mullet for difference (below).

Michael E. Grierson - granted 2017
Gules on a fess Or a mullet Azure between two fetterlocks in Chief and in base a Norse ship all Proper sails furled oars in action, atop the mast a fire-basket fired also Proper all within a bordure invected Or.

Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Gules doubled Or and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest two Norse axes blades outwards in saltire surmounted of a fetterlock all Proper, and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “EX FIDE SAPIENTIA”.

For Pennon 120 centimetres long or thereby of these Liveries Or and Gules and Azure with the Arms of the Petitioner in the hoist, bearing his motto “EX FIDE SAPIENTIA” in two lines counterchanged, the said Pennon being limited to the Petitioner and his successors in the Arms.

Charles Samuel Grierson - granted 2020

Gules on a fess Or, a mullet Azure between two fetterlocks in Chief and in base a Norse ship all Proper sails furled wavy, oars in action, atop the mast a fire-basket fired also Proper all within a bordure invected Or, with a mullet of the first for difference. Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Gules doubled Or, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a Norse drinking-horn surmounted by a fetterlock all Proper, and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “ÞAGALT OK HUGALT” and for Pennon 120 centimetres in length or thereby of these Liveries Or and Gules and Azure with the Arms of the Petitioner in the hoist bearing his Motto across two lines counterchanged.

  The motto chosen by Charles Samuel GRIERSON is the poetic fragment "Þagalt ok Hugalt" taken from the Codex Regius, or Konungsbók,  translating as "Silent and Thoughtful.” It belongs to the Gestaþáttr, meaning guest’s section, of the Hávamál manuscript which was intended advice for travellers. This alludes to the armiger’s journey through life as well as his military background.

Testimonial - “Dr. Durie is immensely knowledgeable in the subject areas essential to heraldry and was the greatest resource in my pursuit to matriculate arms, working diligently with Lyon Court to bring the achievement to fruition, as well as providing expert guidance or clarification throughout the process.”

The arms derive from those of Grierson of Lag and are differenced by the charge of a Norse ship - representing the family branch’s Norse-Gael ancestry as well as their treasured history on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and rivers of Southern Maryland. The flames atop the mast symbolize the family profession and volunteer efforts within the fire service. The oars in action and sails furled signal that the family has established itself at home in the New World.

John Douglas Cochran, North Carolina, USA - granted 2017

These Arms were granted because John Cochran holds a commission as his Shennachie from Iain Alexander Douglas Blair Cochrane, 15^th Earl of Dundonald, Chief of the Name and Arms of Cochrane.

Argent, on a chevron voided Gules between in chief two boar’s heads erased Azure armed and langued of the Second, and in base a bear rampant Sable armed and langued of the Second, three mullets of the Second Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Gules doubled Argent, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a stallion forcené Argent, and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “FORTUNAM MEAM FACIO”.

For Pennon 120 centimetres long or thereby with rounded end of these liveries Gules and Argent with the Arms of the Petitioner in the hoist bearing his motto in two lines counterchanged, the said Pennon being limited to the Petitioner and his successors in the said Armorial Bearings.

Timothy Edward Morehead, Kentucky, USA in memory of William Muirhead, granted 2020

Argent, on a bend Azure between in chief a trading ship in full sale Proper and in base an American Bald Eagle closed Proper three acorns slipped or the middle acorn bearing a martlet of the Second, all within a bordure chequy invected of the First and Second charged of two fleurs de lys in chief and a martlet in base all of the Third, Above the Shield, behind which is placed the Star of a Knight of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, is placed an helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Azure double Argent and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for crest perched on a free stump an American bald eagle closed and guardant all proper and in an escrol over the same this Motto “NAM ES DEUS ANIMUM MEUM”

Testimonial - “I met Bruce twice throughout the Arms Matriculation process, he was very detailed in researching my family line, subject matter expert, prompt, and I would recommend him for assistance with the granting or matriculation of arms."

Anthony William Kirk, Australia, granted 2020

Gules, a bishop’s crozier Or and a sword Argent in saltire, surmounted of a miner’s pick-axe Proper fesswise, on a chief of the Second, a thistle Proper between two crescents Vert. Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Gules doubled Or, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a miner’s pick-axe Proper, palewise surmounted of a couped saltire Sable above and a cinquefoil Vert below, and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “STRENGTH AND HONOUR”.

Testimonial - "Durie should be granted immediate sainthood..."

Kenneth Lee McInnis, Virginia, USA, in memory of Duncan McInnis, granted 2019,

Per cross Azure and Or, a cross Vert, between in dexter chief a castle of two towers Or port and windows Gules, in sinister chief upon the sea in base undy Azure and Argent a lymphad Vert sails furled, flagged and five visible oars in action Gules, in dexter base a boar’s head erased Sable armed Argent and langued Gules and in sinister base gyronny of eight Or and Sable, on a chief of the Second, a cotton flower between two burning torches all Proper. Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Azure doubled Or, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a dexter cubit arm sleeved in MacInnes tartan holding aloft a bearded axe all Proper, and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “DARE TO DEFEND”.

 and his third son, Scot Ryan McInnis, Virginia, USA, granted 2020

Per cross Azure and Or, a cross Vert, between in dexter chief a castle of two towers Or port and windows Gules, in sinister chief Or, upon the sea in base undy Azure and Argent a lymphad Vert sails furled, flagged and five visible oars in action Gules, in dexter base Or, a boar’s head erased Sable armed Argent and langued Gules, and in sinister base a gyronny of eight Sable and Or, on a chief of the Second, a cotton flower between two burning torches all Proper, at the fess point a mullet Or for difference. Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Azure doubled Or, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a dexter cubit arm sleeved in the proper tartan of the Clann Aonghais, holding aloft a bearded axe, all Proper, and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “FEAR NOT AND DEFEND”.

His other son Ross McInnis will petition for these Arms (with a martlet Or for difference).

Malcolm Cleveland McInnis, Tennessee, USA in memory of his great-great-grandfather Angus McInnis (born in Jura, Scotland, 1785), granted 2019

Per cross Azure and Or, on a cross Vert, between in dexter chief a castle of two towers Or port and windows Gules, in sinister chief three hills and in chief the antlers of a red deer Proper, in dexter base a cross of Columba Proper, and in sinister base on a sea in base undy Azure and Argent a sailing ship sails unfurled Proper, three salmon naiant in fess Argent between two wheels in Pale Or. Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Azure double Or, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a dexter cubit arm sleeved in MacInnes tartan holding aloft a rolled diploma Proper, seal pendant Gules and in an Escrol over the same this Motto, “LEARNING EMPOWERS”.

Testimonial - "Dr. Durie provided knowledgeable assistance in weaving together my personal family history with that of my Clan".

Arms of an English gentleman, domiciled in Scotland, granted 2019

Sable, on a chevron Or, between three ancient pistols, three roses Gules, on a chief Azure charged with a fillet Argent in the lower part, a lion rampant Ermine armed and langued Gules between two crosses patée fitchée of the Second. Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Sable doubled Or, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a double-turreted tower in prospect Argent, masoned Sable, flammant on a rock Proper, and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “TANTUM OPTIMUS EST”.

This surname has no precedent in Scotland, so the Arms were composed of elements taken from his ancestral; lines in England.

Lois Ann Garlitz, Wyoming, USA, granted Arms for Life in 2019, by virtue of her long-term work on behalf of Clan Gregor in America

The antique crown and broadsword reflect the Arms of the Chief of Clan Gregor.

 Or, on a chevron Azure between two spur rowels Gules in chief and a Plains Cottonwood (Populous deltoids) eradicated Proper in base, two swords chevronwise supporting on the tips an open crown Proper. Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting her degree with a Mantling Azure doubled Or, and on a Wreath of the Liveries Or and Azure and thereon is set for Crest a horse’s head erased Sable reined and bridled Argent and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “I DO AND SPARE NOT”

Thomas Patrick McDuffee, Indiana, USA, granted in memory of John McDuffee (1690-1725), who came furth of Scotland and likely the Isles of  Colonsay and Oronsay, via Ulster, to be granted 2021

The posthumous Arms of ancestor John McDuffee (left) and Thomas P. McDuffee (right) bear the Claymore and Oronsay Cross long associated with the McDuffee/MacPhie surname.

Parted per fess embattled Azure and Or, in chief the Oransay Cross Proper surmounted of a claymore Argent, point downward, in base a  birlinn Proper in full sail facing sinister, all within a bordure Argent bearing three flowers of the Tulip tree Or.  Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Azure doubled Or, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a Griffon armed and beaked Argent langued Gules holding between its paws a claymore Proper and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “COMPLETE THE TASK”.

Testimonial - "It was pure coincidence to meet such a renowned Scottish gentlemen while visiting the Scots Archives at St Andrews University in North Carolina.  My luck could not have been better that day as I had run into Dr. Bruce Durie who after a brief conversation shared information that was most beneficial regarding the securing of Arms by an American of Scottish descent.  In less than two years I am most proud to have secured my Arms.  This would not have happened without Dr. Durie's knowledge, recommendations, resources and deep association with the Court of the Lord Lyon. Last point, he never stops teaching which is he best."

Sean Lambert Collin, Baron of Otterinverinane, Alabama, USA - granted 2020

Sean Lambert Collin Ermine, a sea Pegasus rampant Azure, and in chief a gyronny of eight Or and Sable within a tressure Argent between two griffins’ heads of the Third. Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Azure doubled Argent, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a demi lion rampant Gules, gorged of an Irish torc Proper, and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “NOBLESSE d’ÉPÉE NOBLESSE OBLIGE”. And for Pennon 120 centimetres in length or thereby of two tracts of the Liveries Azure and Argent with the Arms of the Petitioner in the hoist bearing his Motto counterchanged, the said Pennon being limited to the Petitioner and his successors in the said Armorial Bearings.	His second son, Nakota Brave Heart COLLIN Ermine, a sea Pegasus rampant Azure, and in chief a gyronny of eight Or and Sable within a tressure Argent between two griffins’ heads of the Third, all within a bordure also of the Third. The crest - a demi lion rampant Gules, gorged of an Irish torc Proper	His daughter, Huyanha Magdalena COLLIN Ermine, a sea Pegasus rampant Azure, grasping in its dexter forefoot a heart Gules, and in chief a gyronny of eight Or and Sable within a tressure Argent between two griffins’ heads of the Third.

Jeffrey Dee Graham, Florida, USA, and in memory of his great great grandfather Alexander Graham (born at Dundee 11 May 1797) - granted 2020. The actual Petitioner was his son and heir, Caleb Graham.

Alexander Graham (born1797 Or, an anchor Sable and on a chief of the Second three escallops of the First, all within a bordure Argent	Jeffrey Dee Graham Or, an anchor Sable and on a chief of the Second three escallops of the First, all within a bordure Argent charged alternately with three maple leaves and three mountain laurel flowers all Proper.  Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Sable doubled Or and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a compass rose counterchanged Argent and Sable,  and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “I GUIDE TRUE”. And for Pennon 120 centimetres in length or thereby of two tracts of the Liveries Sable and Or with the Arms of the Petitioner in the hoist bearing his Motto counterchanged.

Clark Rhea Scott, North Carolina, USA, and in memory of his great-great-great-great-great-grandfather William Scott (born 1763, Co. Antrim, Ireland, of Scottish origin).

William Scott (born 1763) Or, on a bend Azure a star of six points betwixt two crescents of the Field, in the sinister canton a steel bonnet of the Borders Proper, all within a bordure Argent

Clark Rhea Scott Or, on a bend Azure a star of six points betwixt two crescents of the Field, in the sinister canton a steel bonnet of the Borders Proper all within a bordure Argent bearing clockwise from the centre chief a yellow jessamine flower Proper, a purple iris flower Proper, three Lone Stars of Texas faceted Argent and Sable and a dooryard violet flower Proper. Above the Shield is placed an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Azure doubled Or, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest a stag trippant regardant Proper armed with ten tynes Or, langued and unguled of the same and in an Escrol over the same this Motto “PACEM AMO”; and for Pennon 120 centimetres in length or thereby of two tracts of the Liveries Azure and Or and with the Arms of the Petitioner in the hoist bearing his Motto counterchanged