- 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.
George Cuthill Watt
West Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of a Crest and Badge
January 25, 1991
Vol. II, p. 72
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent an oak tree growing out of a mount in base Vert on a chief Sable an open book proper binding and fore-edges Or between two garbs also Or all within a bordure party per fesse in chief Or and Vert;
Crest
A lymphad Azure garnished and with pennons Or flying a sail Argent charged with a martlet Azure;
Motto
FIRM FAITH AND BRIGHT HOPE;
Badge
On a roundel per chevron Argent and Vert circled with holly leaves Vert enflamed Or a notarial sealing press counterchanged;
Symbolism
Arms
These Canadian arms are based on a Scottish grant of 1987 to one of Mr. Watt’s first cousins, David Brand Watt III. They feature an oak tree on a green mount, a symbol long associated in Scottish heraldry with people having the surname Watt. In the chief, the book between the wheat sheaves represents Mr. Watt’s grandfather, David Brand Watt I, a schoolmaster, who was the son and grandson of James and John Watt, bakers in Dunfermline, Fife. The border differences these arms from those of David Brand Watt III.
Crest
The lymphad and the martlet are taken from the arms of West Vancouver, where Mr. Watt grew up.
Motto
This phrase is borrowed from a letter sent in 1911 from Mr. Watt’s grandfather David Brand Watt I to his fourth son, his father, John Turner Watt, when John was taking up the duties as an elder in the Presbyterian Church in North Vancouver.
Badge
The notarial sealing press symbolizes Mr. Watt’s role as a notary. The border of flames refers to Hollyburn Mountain and West Vancouver, where he spent most of his life. Mr. Watt’s father was one of the first postmasters of the community post office also named Hollyburn, in West Vancouver.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on May 4, 1991, in Volume 125, page 1485 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
Joan Ouellette
Calligrapher
John Whitehead
Recipient Information
Individual