Arms of the Chief

Of the many interpretations of this matriculation of arms, the most comprehensive explication was by Alastair Campbell in his article, A Closer Look at West Highland Heraldry. Much of the following interpretation was derived from Campbell’s article.

Charges of the Arms Proper

UPPER LEFT QUARTER – Although it is easy to assume the rock represents the Isle of Mull, there are several potential origins and symbolic meanings. A popular theory is that it symbolizes the Maclean fortress of Cairnburgh located in the Treshnish Isles to which the Macleans regrouped after Duart Castle was conquered by the Campbells in 1681. The first The use of the rock was first recorded in the Seton Armorial in 1591. Before this, arches featured into the Chief’s arms. The Lindsay Manuscript of 1542 contains the oldest known depiction of the Maclean chief’s arms which feature an arched rock near water. This rock arch is likely the Carsaig Arches, located on the Ross of Mull on the south of the Isle of Mull.

UPPER RIGHT QUARTER – The red hand holding the blue cross crossed fitchée referes to St. Moluag, whom Somerled, a powerful leader in Argyll, considered his patron saint as did the Lords of Lorne and later the Lords of the Isles. St. Moluag was most remembered for founding a hundred monasteries in the 6th century, one of which was on the Island of Lismore, where one of Gilleain na Tuaighe’s ancestors was abbot. The red hand is a comon ancient symbol referring to an area in northern Ireland now known as Ulster, St. Moluag‘s birthplace; the cross crossed fitchée is a reference to Christian evangelism. When used together in the West Highlands, it recognizes St. Moluag, the Christian evangelist from Ulster.

LOWER LEFT QUARTER – The lymphad (black galley) demonstrates the Clan’s affiliation with the Lordship of the Isles. All clans that were associated with the Lordship of the Isles used the lymphad in their arms. The origins of the lymphad are clearly from Norse royalty and are symbolic of prowess at sea. There is speculation that the the Norse kings specifically used the lymphad to identify with the pagan goddess, Nerthus, whose symbol was a crescent shaped galley.

LOWER RIGHT QUARTER – Although the double eagle usually signifies that the bearer is an individual of action and integrity who is often occupied with weighty affairs, there seems to be a much simpler explanation. The Exchequer Rolls record the fact that on several occasions, the Chiefs of the Clan Maclean supplied hawks to the King for his personal and military use. Since the arms of the West Highland Clans depicted their social and political alliances rather than their bloodlines, the later explanation is most likely accurate. To the ancient Gaels the salmon represented ancient wisdom and eternal life because it always returns to it’s birthplace to spawn; this important symbol in silver is a heraldic reference to the noble Dálriadic origins of Gilleain na Tuaighe

Charges that Support the Arms Proper

Only a Peer to the Crown is to entitled to use supporting charges in their full achievement of arms.

SEAL – The specific meaning behind the use of the Seal is unknown. There is strong cause to believe that the seal is symbolic of the geographic location and close ties of the Clan Maclean to the sea since seals are commonly found in the region. The seal is a recent addition, incorporated into the most re-matriculation.

OSTRICH – The ostrich usually symbolizes the sincerity and willing obedience. The use of the ostrich as a support charge in this full achievement of arms may be a reference to military and government service to Great Britain, and may explain it’s use as a supporting charge in the full achievement of arms. Before the seal was added, earlier achievements included “two ostriches proper with horseshoes in their beaks.” Although the symbolism of the horseshoe is unknown, it is very common and typically considered a symbol of good fortune.

Charges of the Crest

TOWER EMBATTLED – There is little doubt that the tower represents Duart Castle which has been in use since it was occupied by the Macleans in 1360. The Tower was originally used alone on a shield as the earliest arms of the Clan Maclean. This is documented in the Lindsay armorial in 1542. The tower is even utilized in the earliest recorded Maclean seal.

BARONET’S HELM – The addition of the baronet’s helm to the full achievement of arms most likely occurred when Sir Lochlan was made a baronet in 1631. It would have been customary to rematriculate the arms after the bestowal of such a title. Since then, Maclean chiefs have held the hereditary title, Baronet of Morvern

MEDALLION – The medallion is apparently a representation of a median of a Baronet of Nova Scotia. Although these arms were last matriculated on behalf of Sir Fitzroy Donald Maclean in 1904, this medial would have been added with the Baronet’s helm in 1631.

MOTTO – “Virtue Mine Honor” translated “Virtue is the mark of my honor”