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.
Montreal, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
December 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 339
Arms of Bruce Douglas BoltonBlazonAzure a bird bolt head in chief Argent between two keys Or; SymbolismThe shield is blue, a colour in the Black Watch tartan. The bird bolt is a symbol that is used often to express a reference to the name “Bolton”. These arms are thus “canting” arms. The two keys refer to Mr. Bolton’s profession as a museum director. |
CrestBlazonA martlet Argent gorged with an antique coronet Gules, holding in its beak three thistles conjoined on one stem proper; SymbolismThe martlet alludes to the symbol found in the arms of McGill University. The antique crown is an allusion to the 78th Fraser Highlanders, of which Mr. Bolton is the Regimental Adjutant. The 78th was raised originally by the Hon. Simon Fraser, whose arms contain red antique crowns. The sprig of green thistles alludes to Mr. Bolton’s implication in Scottish organizations such as The St. Andrew’s Society of Montreal, the Quebec Thistle Council, and the Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul, Montreal. The mantling indicates Mr. Bolton’s service as Commanding Officer of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada. The tartan is used as mantling for the first time, which is appropriate as the great kilt, like heraldic mantling, serves as a protection from the elements. |
MottoBlazonPAX IN NOSTRIS TEMPORIBUS; SymbolismThe Latin phrase means “Peace in our time”. |
Flag of Bruce Douglas BoltonBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of Bruce Douglas BoltonBlazonA pace stick and bagpipe chanter in saltire and a claymore palewise Argent surmounted by a hackle of feathers Gules; SymbolismThe Badge is designed to represent Mr. Bolton’s personal actions as the first person in the history of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada to have held the three most important offices in the Regiment, being those of Pipe-Major (represented by the chanter), Regimental Sergeant Major (the pace-stick), and Commanding Officer (the sword). The red hackle is also a symbol of the Regiment, since this regiment is the only one authorized to wear this colour of hackle. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2005 in Volume 139, page 687 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterDebra MacGarvie CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeIndividual |