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Perth, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
May 24, 1995
Vol. III, p. 23
Arms of John Cameron CairnsBlazonPer saltire Azure and Argent four Canadian martlets counterchanged; SymbolismThe martlet is an element which appears in many Cairns arms. The martlets are drawn with the wings and tails forming a maple leaf and refer to the Canadian branch of the family. The birds are shown in flight and reflect Canon Cairns’s penchant for travel. The saltire pattern of the shield and the colours of blue and white allude to the Scottish birth of both his parents. The shield is ensigned with a black clerical hat with black cords and red tassels, denoting his degree of Priest and Canon. |
MottoBlazonVIRTUS EX ALTO; SymbolismMeaning “Power from on high”, this is taken from Luke 24:49 and emphasizes Canon Cairns’s vocation as priest and pays homage to his father’s long service with Northern Electric. |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept by Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterJoan Ouellette CalligrapherNancy Ellis Recipient TypeIndividual |