Mark Francis Macpherson

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Hemmingford, Quebec
Grant of Arms, with differences to Robert Christian Macpherson, Alexander Ian Macpherson and Myles Gordon Macpherson
January 15, 2002
Vol. IV, p. 188

Arms of Mark Francis Macpherson
Arms of Mark Francis Macpherson
Differenced Arms for Robert Christian Macpherson, son of Mark Francis Macpherson Differenced Arms for Alexander Ian Macpherson, son of Mark Francis Macpherson Differenced Arms for Myles Gordon Macpherson, son of Mark Francis Macpherson
 
Arms of Mark Francis Macpherson

Arms of Mark Francis Macpherson

Blazon

Azure a lymphad sails furled oars in action Or flagged Gules, on a chief embattled Or two lightning flashes in saltire Gules between a dexter hand couped holding a dagger paleways and a cross crosslet fitché Azure;

Symbolism

The design is based on the arms of the Chief of the Clan, Macpherson of Cluny, which features a gold ship (derived from the lymphad in the arms of the Lords of the Isles), a hand holding a dagger (an indication of the part played by the Clan Macpherson in overthrowing the Cummings of Badenoch, enemies of Robert the Bruce), and a cross crosslet (an allusion to the surname, which means “son of the parson”). Gold and blue are the traditional Macpherson colours. The chief is embattled to suggest Mr. Macpherson’s military background, and the two red lightning flashes reflect his interest in the field of communication, both in his career in electrical engineering and telecommunications, and in his involvement in amateur radio organizations.

Crest

Blazon

A wildcat rampant guardant proper holding a grenade Or;

Symbolism

The wildcat is the traditional crest of the Macphersons, and it is shown here in a unique position. The grenade represents Mr. Macpherson’s service as Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding of the Canadian Grenadier Guards.

Motto

Blazon

NA BEAN;

Symbolism

Shown above the crest in the traditional Scottish style, the motto, NA BEAN is a Scots Gaelic phrase meaning “Touch not”. This is an “answering motto” to the Chief’s motto, “Touch not the cat but a glove.”
Differenced Arms for Robert Christian Macpherson, son of Mark Francis Macpherson

Differenced Arms for Robert Christian Macpherson, son of Mark Francis Macpherson

Blazon

The Arms of Mark Francis Macpherson debruised of a three point label Argent; this individual will inherit the Arms of the Recipient following his or her death;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Alexander Ian Macpherson, son of Mark Francis Macpherson

Differenced Arms for Alexander Ian Macpherson, son of Mark Francis Macpherson

Blazon

The Arms of Mark Francis Macpherson within a bordure per chief Azure and Or;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Differenced Arms for Myles Gordon Macpherson, son of Mark Francis Macpherson

Differenced Arms for Myles Gordon Macpherson, son of Mark Francis Macpherson

Blazon

The Arms of Mark Francis Macpherson within a bordure per chief Gules and Argent;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on February 22, 2003 in Volume 137, page 518 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to Mark Francis MacphersonLetters patent granting heraldic emblems to Mark Francis Macpherson

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Gordon Macpherson, Niagara Herald Extraordinary, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority

Painter

Gordon Macpherson

Calligrapher

Doris Wionzek

Recipient Type

Individual