Blue
In heraldry, the colour azure (blue) is symbolical of loyalty and truth. It was the
colour devoted and ascribed to The Virgin by the Roman Church.
Gold
Gold is one of the two metals of armory, and is significant of generosity and,
according to Sir John Ferne, denotes ‘elevation of mind’. It is pointed out by
Guillim, considered the most authoritive of the ancient heraldic writers however, that the
term ‘generosity’ is not intended to portray one prone to the mass distribution
of his worldly possessions, either wisely or otherwise; but denotes a ‘bearer of
arms’ considered by his Sovereign to be of a magnanimity which would display both
true fortitude in defeat and a true Christian charity in victory.
The ‘impaling’ (or quartering) of the shield is significant of strength from
unity.
The Lion
The lion has always held a high place in heraldry and has ever been the emblem of the
warrior. It is borne in varying poses, colours and compositions and as part thereof; but
this was because the lion was the most sought after charge in armory and
‘difference’ was required. The symbolic significance remains constant. Says
Guillim of the lion, “The lion is a lively portrait of a good soldier, who must be
valorous of courage, strong of body, politic in council and a foe to be feared. The lion
is a badge of deathless courage”.
The Ancient Galley Ship
The galley ship is significant of an enterprise by sea of an ancestor, an enterprise
which had brought note and fame to this person. In the arms of Madill, the person would
have been Somerled.
The Hand Supporting the Cross Crosslet
This is representative of a pledge by its bearer to uphold unto death the Christian
Faith.
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