Foundations of Scottish Genealogy 9 of 12: Scots Heraldry and Coats of Arms

Despite what you will see on the internet, there is NO SUCH THING as a Family Coat of Arms in Scotland, and nor is it called a Family Crest. There is only one way to get Arms in Scotland, and it is controlled by Scots Law dating back to the 1500s but still operated by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. So… How does Heraldry work? All those strange words – Sable, on a chevron Or betwixt three cross crosslets fitchée Argent as many roses Proper and a chief of the second – what do they mean? And can an American citizen get a legal Coat of Arms in Scotland? How’s your chance to find out!