The guinea fowl as a Crest reflects his involvement in Africa. It is holding a baton that is a representation of the baton of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games with which he was heavily involved.
The Helm is that of a Knight and below it is a Baron’s coronet. In terms of the Shield, on the top portion the golden circle or ‘bezant’ is a symbol commonly used to show that the Petitioner is involved in finance or accountancy. The two flaming cups show his surname of Smith. The blue wavy line is for the River Kelvin and at the bottom the tower is a representation of the tower section of the National Museum of Scotland with which the Petitioner has been involved. Around the Shield is the Collar and Badge of a Knight of the Thistle. Lord Smith owns a herd of Highland cattle and so the two Highland Bulls are very relevant Supporters.
Motto: a word or more upon a scroll
which in Scotland is usually shown above the crest. Sometimes, in Scotland, a Coat of Arms will show a Motto both above and below the Shield.
Crest: a figure, animal, plant or object affixed to the Helmet. Nowadays, Crests tend to reflect the occupation, hobbies or interests of the Petitioner. It is not necessary to have a crest on a Coat of Arms.
Wreath: a twisted band composed of the two principal colours shown on the Shield. This band holds the Mantle securely onto the top of the Helm.
Mantle: a covering that flows from the Helmet. This covering was used by Crusaders journeying to hot climates to shade their armour from the sun. In battle, it inevitably became torn. Over the Centuries, artists have been very keen to use these torn edges in order to create ornate designs.
Helmet: the covering for protection of the head.
Coronet: a small crown borne by those who are not sovereigns.
Shield: a device for protection bearing ornamentation for identification. The Shield is the principal element in a Coat of Arms.
Compartment: the base where everything sits. These can be shown very plainly or I have seen them very ornately decorated with plant badges for example. Some Compartments are even shown as metallic scrolls as in the Glasgow City Council Arms.
Supporter Right: the figure or animal placed on the right side of the Shield as you look at it in order to support it. In heraldry, this position is called ‘sinister’ because we term things as if we are standing behind the Shield.
Supporter Left: the figure or animal placed on the left side of the Shield as you look at it in order to support it. In Heraldry, this postion is called ‘dexter’ as it is on the right if you’re standing behind a Shield.
