- 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.
John Cameron Cairns
Perth, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
May 24, 1995
Vol. III, p. 23
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Per saltire Azure and Argent four Canadian martlets counterchanged;
Motto
VIRTUS EX ALTO;
Crest
Three mounds Argent masoned Azure a Canadian martlet Azure;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
On a Canadian martlet Azure a Celtic cross Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
The martlet is an element which appears in many Cairns arms. The martlets are drawn with the wings and tails forming a maple leaf and refer to the Canadian branch of the family. The birds are shown in flight and reflect Canon Cairns’s penchant for travel. The saltire pattern of the shield and the colours of blue and white allude to the Scottish birth of both his parents. The shield is ensigned with a black clerical hat with black cords and red tassels, denoting his degree of Priest and Canon.
Motto
Meaning “Power from on high”, this is taken from Luke 24:49 and emphasizes Canon Cairns’s vocation as priest and pays homage to his father’s long service with Northern Electric.
Crest
The crest is a word-play on the name Cairns. It is to be used by Canon Cairns’s descendants.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The martlet and Celtic cross repeat the themes of Canon Cairns’s Canadian and Scottish identity and his vocation.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 14, 1995, in Volume 129, page 3593 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept by Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Joan Ouellette
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual