The Coat of Arms of Alastair James Menteith Forsyth of that Ilk, younger. Watercolour on vellum..
The Crest, Shield and Supporters all feature blue or Azure crowned ‘segreant’ griffons. ‘Segreant’ is the term in heraldic language to describe their stance. It is similar to the familiar lion rampant of Scotland, but where griffons are concerned the term rampant needs to be replaced by segreant. The red or ‘Gules’ label going across the top of the Shield as well as on the Crest and Supporters show that he is the eldest son of the current holder of the title Forsyth of that Ilk.
This depiction is taken from the original Matriculation of Arms which was carried out in watercolour paint on vellum. At the top there is extra illumination in the form of a cross crosslet fitchee which is a symbol that has been associated with this Forsyth family for many generations entwined with a sprig of Forsythia and a julip which is the favourite flower of the Petitioner’s wife.
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.
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.
