Glossary

Achievement: The full heraldic display, including shield, crest, helm, and   motto.   

Argent: The color silver or white.   

Attitude: The posture of an animal, such as rampant or passant.   

Azure: The color blue.   

Bend:   A diagonal stripe from dexter chief to sinister base.   

Blazon: A written description of armorial bearings using heraldic   terminology.   

Blazon: The formal, technical language used to describe a coat of arms in a precise manner.   

Bordure: A border running around the edge of the shield.   

Cadency: A system of symbols used to differentiate the arms of different family members.   

Charge: Any emblem, figure, or design placed upon a shield.   

Chevron: A figure resembling an inverted V.   

Chief: A horizontal stripe across the top of the shield.   

Couchant: An animal lying down with its head raised.   

Cross: A standard cross shape.   

Dexter: The right side of the shield from the wearer's perspective.   

Differencing: The process of changing a coat of arms to distinguish it from another.   

Dormant: An animal lying down with its head resting on its paws.   

Ermine: A fur tincture represented by black spots on a white field.   

Escutcheon: The shield itself, the central component of a coat of arms.   

Fess:   A horizontal stripe across the middle of the shield.   

Gules: The color red.   

Heraldry: The study and art of designing, displaying, and regulating   armorial bearings.   

Label: A horizontal band with three or more pendants, used for   cadency.   

Or:   The color gold or yellow.   

Ordinaries: Simple geometric shapes on a shield.   

Pale:   A vertical stripe down the middle of the shield.   

Passant: An animal walking with one paw raised.   

Proper: A charge or emblem depicted in its natural colors.   

Purpure: The color purple.   

Rampant: An animal standing on its hind legs with forepaws raised.   

Sable: The color black.   

Saltire: A diagonal cross, like the one on the Scottish flag.   

Sejant: An animal in a sitting position.   

Sinister: The left side of the shield from the wearer's perspective.   

Statant: An animal standing still.   

Tincture: Any of the colors or metals used in heraldry.   

Vair:   A fur tincture represented by alternating blue and white bell shapes.   

Vert:   The color green.    

Clan: A social group with a shared surname, ancestry, and a recognized chief.   

Chief: The hereditary head of a clan, recognized by the Lord Lyon.   

Chieftain: A lesser chief or head of a branch of a clan.   

Clan Crest: The crest of the chief, worn by clan members.   

Crest Badge: The specific badge worn by clan members.   

Family: A term sometimes used interchangeably with "clan."   

Feudal Baron: A holder of a feudal title, noble but not a peer.   

Highland Council: An official body with administrative and ceremonial duties in the Scottish Highlands.   

Lord Lyon King of Arms: The heraldic authority for Scotland.   

Motto: A short phrase on the strap of a crest badge.   

Peerage: The system of hereditary titles in the UK, including Scotland.   

Plant Badge: A sprig of a specific plant or tree used as a clan badge.   

Sept:   A family name associated with a clan.   

Slogan: A war cry or gathering cry, often used as a motto.   

Strap and Buckle: The emblem that encircles a clan crest, signifying   membership.   

Tartans: The patterned cloth associated with a specific clan.    

Annulet: A small ring.   

Arrow: A symbol of military readiness.   

Axe:   Another common military symbol.   

Castle: A symbol of strength or a specific place.   

Chapeau: A cap of maintenance, a specific type of headwear below a   crest.  

Chevronel: A small chevron.   

Chief: A horizontal stripe across the top of the shield.   

Compartment: The ground on which supporters stand.   

Coronet: A crown that indicates rank.   

Crescent: A half-moon shape.   

Crest: The figure that sits on top of the helm.   

Cross Crosslet: A cross with each of its arms crossed.   

Demi-Lion: The top half of a lion.   

Double Tressure Flory Counter-Flory: A specific type of tressure often in the   Royal Arms of Scotland.   

Escallop: A stylized scallop shell.   

Estoile: A star with wavy rays.   

Fleur-de-lis: A stylized lily.   

Hand:   A common charge, often representing faith or loyalty.   

Helm:   The helmet depicted above the shield.   

Lymphad: A type of ship, often a galley, used as a charge.   

Martlet: A stylized bird without feet, a symbol of differencing.   

Mascle: A lozenge-shaped figure with a void in the center.   

Mullet: A five-pointed star.   

Portcullis: A heavy grated gate.   

Rose:   A symbol often used for differencing.   

Sun in Splendour: A sun with rays, a common charge.   

Supporter: A figure on either side of the shield, reserved for chiefs   and peers.   

Sword: A common charge symbolizing military prowess.   

Tower: A symbol of strength or defense.   

Tressure: A narrow border around a shield.   

Unicorn: A mythical beast, a supporter in the Royal Arms of Scotland.   

Wreath: A twisted band of cloth between the helm and the crest.    

Barony: A feudal dignity or a large landholding.   

Landward: Pertaining to the land or rural areas.   

Lordship of the Isles: A historical title for the rulers of the Hebrides.   

Sasine: The legal process of giving possession of feudal land.   

Superior: A feudal lord who holds a higher title.  

Vassal: A person who holds land from a superior.    

Duke: The highest rank of the peerage.   

Marquess: The second-highest rank.   

Earl:   The third rank.   

Viscount: The fourth rank.   

Lord of Parliament: The lowest rank of the Scottish peerage.   

Duchess: A duke's wife.   

Marchioness: A marquess's wife.   

Countess: An earl's wife.   

Viscountess: A viscount's wife.   

Lady:   A lord's wife or a female noble.   

Master: The courtesy title for the eldest son of a viscount or lord.    

Abatement: A mark of disgrace on a coat of arms.   

Armiger: A person with the legal right to bear arms.   

Augmentation: An addition to a coat of arms granted by a sovereign.   

Banner: A square or oblong flag of the arms.   

Boar:  An animal often associated with strength and bravery.   

Cadet: A junior branch of a family.   

Chevronny: Divided into chevrons.   

Couché: A shield tilted to one side. 

Dragon: A mythical beast often used as a charge or supporter.   

Eagle: A symbol of power and authority.   

Embattled: A line of partition that resembles battlements.   

Engrailed: A line of partition with semicircular indentations.   

Ensign: A flag.   

Escutcheon of Pretence: A small shield placed on a main shield to show a claim to another's arms.   

Fess of three: A shield divided into three horizontal stripes.   

Fountain: A roundel with wavy lines.   

Gaelic: The traditional language of the Scottish Highlands.   

Gorget: A piece of armor for the throat.   

Guidon: A smaller flag, typically for chieftains.   

Gyron: A triangular segment of a shield.   

Gyronny: A shield divided into triangular segments.   

Hawk:  A symbol of military readiness.   

Indented: A line of partition with jagged, saw-like teeth.   

Inescutcheon: A small shield on a main shield.   

Jack: A small naval flag.   

Lion Rampant: A lion standing on its hind legs.   

Livery: The distinctive colors of a family.   

Mantling: The cloth decoration flowing from the helm.   

Mullet pierced: A star with a hole in the center.   

Nebuly: A line of partition shaped like clouds.   

Pale of six: A shield divided into six vertical stripes.   

Pall:  A Y-shaped figure.   

Pendant: An object hanging from a point.   

Pile:  A wedge-shaped charge.   

Quarterly: A shield divided into four sections.   

Roundel: A circular charge.   

Scots: The language of the Lowlands.   

Scroll: The ribbon on which the motto is written.   

Stag: A common animal in Scottish heraldry.   

Standard: A large, long flag used by a chief.   

Terrace: A green base on which the supporters stand.   

Torse: A wreath.    

• National Records of Scotland (NRS): https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/ - The NRS is the main government body responsible for preserving and providing access to Scotland's national archives. Their website offers guidance on the records they hold.
• ScotlandsPeople: https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/ - This is the direct portal for searching the NRS's genealogical records. While searching the indexes is free, there is a fee to view and download digital images of the original records. 
• The Scottish Genealogy Society: https://www.scotsgenealogy.com/ - Based in Edinburgh, the society's website offers resources, publications, and guidance for those researching their Scottish roots.
• National Library of Scotland: https://www.nls.uk/ - The National Library of Scotland provides access to a wealth of historical maps, directories, and other publications that can be invaluable for family history research.

• VisitScotland: https://www.visitscotland.com/ This is the official website of Scotland's national tourist board. It is a comprehensive resource for travel planning, offering information on accommodation, attractions, events, and travel advice for the entire country.
• Visit Outer Hebrides: https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/ For those looking to explore the stunning chain of islands off the west coast of Scotland, this website provides detailed information on what to see and do in the Western Isles.
• People Make Glasgow: https://peoplemakeglasgow.com/The official tourism website for Scotland's largest city, offering guides to its renowned music scene, museums, architecture, and shopping.
• Edinburgh - The Official Guide: https://edinburgh.org/This is the go-to resource for visitors to the Scottish capital, providing information on attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the city's many festivals.

• National Trust for Scotland: https://www.nts.org.uk/ This charity cares for a vast portfolio of properties, including castles, gardens, and historic sites. The website offers details on visiting these locations and information on their conservation work.
• Historic Environment Scotland: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/ Responsible for the management of over 300 of Scotland's most significant historic sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Skara Brae. Their website provides visitor information and historical context for these iconic locations

•  Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE): https://www.rbge.org.uk/  A world-leading center for plant science, horticulture, and conservation. Its main site in Edinburgh is a major visitor attraction with a diverse collection of plants from around the world, housed in its famous glasshouses.
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens: https://glasgowbotanicgardens.com/ Located on the River Kelvin in the West End of Glasgow, this garden is known for its impressive Kibble Palace, a large Victorian glasshouse that houses a national collection of tree ferns.
• The Botanics (Dundee Botanic Garden): https://www.dundee.ac.uk/botanic/  Part of the University of Dundee, this garden showcases plants from all over the world, with a particular emphasis on collections from the plant communities of Europe, North America, and Australia. 
• Scotland's Gardens Scheme: https://scotlandsgardens.org/  This charitable organization opens hundreds of private gardens to the public each year, raising money for other charities. Its website is the best place to find details on open days, locations, and special events.
• Discover Scottish Gardens: https://www.discoverscottishgardens.org/   A comprehensive network of gardens across Scotland, from the Highlands to the Borders. The website allows you to search for gardens by region and type, making it a great resource for planning a garden-themed tour.

•  ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/  This is the official website of Scotland's national train operator, providing timetables, live service updates, and ticket booking for journeys within Scotland.
• National Rail Enquiries: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/  This is the definitive UK-wide source for real-time train information, including live departures, arrivals, and service disruptions for all Scottish railway stations.
• Caledonian Sleeper: https://www.sleeper.scot/  This is the official website for the overnight rail service that connects London with major cities in Scotland, offering information on cabins and bookings.
• Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway: https://www.bkrailway.co.uk/  A heritage railway offering scenic trips through the Forth Valley, with historic steam and diesel trains. Visitors can explore the Museum of Scottish Railways at Bo'ness station.
• Keith & Dufftown Railway: https://www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk/  This volunteer-run railway connects Keith and Dufftown, providing a nostalgic journey through Speyside's whisky country. The 11-mile line features restored stations and scenic views.
• Strathspey Railway: https://strathspeyrailway.co.uk/  A preserved steam railway running through the Cairngorms National Park, connecting Aviemore, Boat of Garten, and Broomhill. It offers a picturesque ride with vintage locomotives and dining experiences.
• Caledonian Railway: https://www.caledonianrailway.com/  Operating in Angus, this heritage line runs between Brechin and Bridge of Dun, showcasing vintage trains. It provides family-friendly trips and special events like steam galas.
• Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway: https://www.leadhillsrailway.co.uk/  Britain’s highest narrow-gauge railway, located in the Lowther Hills, offering short but scenic rides. The line highlights the area’s lead mining history with volunteer-run operations.
• Royal Deeside Railway: https://www.deeside-railway.co.uk/  A heritage line near Banchory, offering short trips along the Dee Valley with restored locomotives. It’s part of ongoing efforts to preserve Deeside’s railway history.

•  VisitScotland - Driving in Scotland: https://www.visitscotland.com/travel/driving-road-trips  Provides a comprehensive guide to driving in Scotland, including parking, speed limits, route planning, and iconic road trips like the North Coast 500. It also offers tips on navigating single-track roads and electric vehicle charging.
• Road Safety Scotland - Driving in Scotland: https://roadsafety.scot/driving-in-scotland/  Offers safety-focused advice for tourists, covering driving on the left, single-track roads, passing places, and speed limits. Includes a downloadable leaflet with practical tips for safe driving. 
• GOV.UK - Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence: https://www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence  This UK government website details the requirements for driving in Great Britain (including Scotland) with a non-GB driving licence, explaining that visitors can drive small vehicles (e.g., cars or motorcycles) for up to 12 months with a valid foreign licence. It includes a tool to check eligibility and information on vehicle registration and insurance.
• mygov.scot - Driving and transport: https://www.mygov.scot/driving-transport  Managed by the Scottish Government, this site offers guidance on driving in Scotland, including licensing, vehicle tax, MOT certificates, and insurance requirements. It also provides links to practical resources like the Highway Code and information on Low Emission Zones (LEZs).
• Traffic Scotland - Driving Advice for Visitors: https://www.traffic.gov.scot/advice/visitors  Provided by Transport Scotland, this website offers visitor-specific advice on driving safely in Scotland, covering speed limits, drink-driving laws (zero-tolerance policy), and navigating single-track roads with passing places. It includes real-time traffic updates and a downloadable guide in multiple languages

• VisitScotland - Travel from North America to Scotland: https://www.visitscotland.com/travel/planning/north-america Offers a comprehensive guide for North American travelers, detailing direct flight options from the US and Canada to Edinburgh and Glasgow, visa requirements, and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) needed from January 8, 2025. Includes practical travel advice, such as public transport links and a holiday carbon calculator for eco-friendly planning. 
• Edinburgh Airport - Where Scotland Meets the World: https://www.edinburghairport.com  The official website for Edinburgh Airport, providing live flight information, airline details, and parking options. Serves as Scotland’s busiest airport, handling over 10 million passengers annually with connections to major global hubs.
• Glasgow Airport - Official Website: https://www.glasgowairport.com  Offers flight schedules, destination guides, and transport options for Glasgow Airport, a key hub for international and domestic flights. Includes practical information on parking, lounges, and airport services.
• Aberdeen International Airport - Official Website: https://www.aberdeenairport.com  Provides details on flights, parking, and airport facilities for Aberdeen, a gateway to Scotland’s northeast and the Highlands. Features connections to Europe and domestic destinations like Orkney and Shetland.
• Inverness Airport - Official Website: https://www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport  Managed by Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), this site covers flight schedules, parking, and transport links for Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands. Offers a small, easy-to-navigate airport experience for tourists.
• Glasgow Prestwick Airport - Official Website: https://www.glasgowprestwick.com  Details budget flight options, primarily with Ryanair, and airport services for Glasgow Prestwick, located south of Glasgow. Provides information on transport links and nearby attractions for cost-conscious travelers.