- The Governor General of Canada
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.
Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Society
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Grant of a Crest
August 15, 2007
Vol. V, p. 163
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure fretty of bendlets Argent and bendlets sinister Or;
Crest
A demi-lion guardant Azure holding a staff Or flying therefrom a flag Azure charged with the Royal Crown proper;
Supporters
Two unicorns Or armed crined and unguled Argent standing on a compartment of mayflowers and thistle flowers proper;
Motto
BEÒTHAICHIDH SINN AN CRIDHE AGUS GAIRMIDH SINN DHACHAIDH SIBH;
Symbolism
Arms
The white (heraldic silver) represents the Tattoo’s 25th anniversary. Blue and white are the colours of Nova Scotia, with the blue also evoking the Nova Scotia tartan. The gold symbolizes the colour of the brass instruments played by bands at the Tattoo. The diagonal pattern reflects the intricate crossover of musicians marching that is often a feature of presentations. The pattern of diagonals is a subtle reference to the tartans worn by participants at the event.
Crest
The lion represents the power of the Tattoo to entertain and inspire through music and marching. The Royal Crown on the flag it holds indicates that the Tattoo was given royal designation by H.M. The Queen in the spring of 2006.
Supporters
The unicorn appears in the arms of Nova Scotia and the Royal Arms for Scotland and for Canada. The horn of the unicorns is an additional reference to an important group of instruments in the Tattoo. The mayflowers and thistles symbolize Nova Scotia and Scotland, the musical heritage of which is such a strong aspect of the Tattoo.
Motto
This Gaelic phrase means “We stir the heart and call you home” and indicates that the spectacle of the Tattoo inspires us and invites us to think of our country and ancestral homelands.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 8, 2008, in Volume 142, page 550 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Cultural Organization
One or more entries related to this Recipient's emblems appear elsewhere in the Register: Volume IV, p. 244.