The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Registration of Arms
March 15, 2022
Vol. VIII, p. 79
Arms of Cluny MacphersonBlazonPer fess Or and Azure, a fess wavy per fess wavy Vert and Argent surmounted by a lymphad Or sails furled and masted proper flagged Gules, between two caribou heads couped respectant Or attired Gules, in the dexter canton a hand couped fesswise holding a dagger, in the sinister canton a cross-crosslet fitché Gules; SymbolismThe Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The lymphad, the hand holding a dagger and the cross are common to coats of arms belonging to members of the Scottish Macpherson clan. The caribou head is the emblem of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, in which Dr. Macpherson was a lieutenant-colonel. |
CrestBlazonA cat sejant proper between two caribou antlers Or; SymbolismThe Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. A wildcat is commonly used in Scottish Macpherson crests. The antlers repeat the symbolism of the caribou from the Arms. |
MottoBlazonNE’ER BUT A GLOVE; SymbolismThis phrase, meaning “Never unless gloved,” is a variation on the motto of the Macpherson clan chief, “Touch not the cat but a glove.” Here, the glove refers to the soft parts of the paw of the cat. When it assumes a war-like stance, the paw becomes spread or “ungloved,” revealing the dangerous claws. It is a warning to those who engage in battle with the Macpherson clan. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 19, 2022 in Volume 156, page 1210 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Not available. PainterNot applicable CalligrapherNot applicable Recipient TypeIndividual Other InformationThe recipient’s emblems were originally recorded in the records of the Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh, Scotland, 25 March 1954. |