Sutherland

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom

SUTHERLAND

Sutherland County Council

Incorporated into : 1975 Highland Regional Council

Official blazon

Gules, on a fess Argent, between three mullets Or, a raven displayed Sable.

Below the Shield, whichis ensigned of the coronet proper to a County Council, is placed in an Escrol this Motto "Dluth Lean Do Dhuthchas Le Durachd".

Origin/meaning

The arms were granted on July 27, 1957.

The arms show a black raven, an important badge for the Vikings and part of the Jarldom of Sudrland (South-land), the medieval predecessor of the region. The stars are taken from the historical arms of Moray, Hugh of Moray, Lord of Sutherland in the 13th century, bore three golden stars on red. These are taken in the arms as being the oldest heraldic devise of a Lord of Sutherland.

Sutherland District Council

Additions : 1975 the Burghs of Dornoch and the Districts of Assynt; Dornoch & Creich; Eddrachillis & Durness; Golspie, Rogart & Lairg; Kildonan, Loth & Clyne; Tongue & Farr
Incorporated into : 1996 Highland Area Council

Official blazon

Gules, on a fess Argent between three mullets Or, a horse-shoe Azure, having seven horse-nails of the Third, between two ravens respectant Sable.

Above the Shield is placed a Coronet appropriate to a statutory District Council, videlicet:- a circlet richly chased from which are issuant eight thistle-heads (three and two halves visible) Or, and in an Escrol below the Shield this Motto "Dluth Lean Do Dhuthchas Le Durachd".

Origin/meaning

The arms were granted on June 25, 1986.

The arms are largely based on the arms of Sutherland County Council, which covered more or less the same area. Instead of one raven, a horseshoe and a second raven were added. The horseshoe is taken from the old arms of Dornoch. The motto is also taken from the county arms.

Literature : Urquhart, 1974, 19791