- 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.
Alastair William Gillespie
Toronto, Ontario
Registration of Arms
January 15, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 347
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a three-masted ship sails furled and flags flying, in chief a cross-crosslet fitché between a pelican in her piety and a hand fesswise holding a dagger Or, all within a bordure Purpure;
Crest
A demi-wildcat tail erect proper gorged of a collar Vert;
Motto
QUI ME TANGET POENITEBIT;
Symbolism
Arms
A ship, a hand holding a dagger, a cross and the colour combination of blue and yellow are all features commonly found in the arms of Scottish persons bearing the name Gillespie. The border is a Scottish method of differencing to indicate that Mr. Gillespie was descended from a younger son.
Crest
A leaping wildcat is the badge of the Scottish clan Chattan, of which many bearers of the name Gillespie are members.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “He who touches me will regret it.” This conveys a similar idea to many other mottoes of members of Clan Chattan and related families, and also connects with the wildcat in the Crest.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of the Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh.
Painter
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Individual
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded in the records of the Court of the Lord Lyon, Edinburgh, Scotland, 23 October 1967.