- 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.
Kirk Ross McPherson
Burlington, Ontario
Grant of Arms
April 2, 1995
Vol. III, p. 13
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a lymphad Or sails furled oars in action, mast and tackling all proper, flags flying Gules on a chief Or an ansul Azure between a dexter hand couped holding a dagger pale ways and a cross crosslet fitchee Gules;
Crest
A wildcat sejeant guardant proper gorged with a collar of Dress Macpherson tartan proper pendant therefrom a maple leaf Or;
Motto
TOUCH NOT THE CAT;
Symbolism
Arms
The hand and dagger, the cross-crosslet and the lymphad or galley are traditional Highland Scottish symbols and appear in the arms of the Chief of Clan Macpherson. They draw on the motifs of war, religion and the voyage of the first settlers to north Scotland. The scales of justice refer to Mr. McPherson’s legal profession.
Crest
A wild cat is a common symbol in crests of this Highland clan. The wild cat wears a collar of Dress Macpherson tartan, which repeats the clan symbolism, and the maple leaf pendant is a reference to Kirk McPherson’s country of birth.
Motto
This is a famous Highland motto. Its complete version, “Touch not the cat when it is without a glove”, refers to the “glove” of the wildcat, which is the soft part of the paw and when it assumes a war-like stance, the paw becomes spread but “ungloved” revealing the dangerous claws. It is a warning to those who engage in battle with the “Clan of the Wildcat”.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 14, 1995, in Volume 129, page 3592 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Gordon Macpherson, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Gordon Macpherson
Recipient Information
Individual