Lochaber leads Fort William’s big day
Ceremony in October 2008

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Following some 18 months of work by the Fort William Community Council, the Court of the Lord Lyon of Scotland granted the new Burgh Coat of Arms to Fort William Community Council to be held in safekeeping on behalf of the townspeople of Fort William. The investiture service took place on what was the old parade ground of the original ‘Fort’ in the town centre and was seen by an audience of locals, Right Hon Charles Kennedy and HC Convener Sandy Parks, Highland Area dignitaries and visitors.

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The Blessing was given by Rev. Donald McQuarrie and Monsignor Donald MacKinnon. 

 

Dating back to the twelfth century in the time of Robert the Bruce, the Court of the Lord Lyon is the only body entitled to grant Coats of Arms in Scotland and it was Mr. Charles Burnett, Ross Herald of Arms who presented a velum parchment depicting the town’s new treasure. A message of greeting from the Queen was also read out by Donald Cameron of Locheil, Lord Lieutenant of Inverness-shire.

 

The cadets of the TS St Christopher led the procession of youth organisations and participants through the town to the parade ground where the ceremony took place and raised the town’s new coat of arms on a flag for the very first time. Able Cadet Rebecca Hickman, who lives in Fort William and who was given the honour of hoisting the flag said, “During my experience at the Coat of Arms Ceremony I felt very nervous because I was terrified in case I dropped the flag.  It was a great honour to be asked to raise the flag for the first time.  Everything went very smoothly.  After the ceremony had finished I felt so proud and really happy that I had taken part in it, not just as an ordinary person but as a sea cadet which made it even more special for me.” 

 

An extra honour given to the unit was to parade the Ross Herald’s personal standard. Able Cadet Shannon Feggans was given the task of marching in front of Mr. Burnett with his unique flag. Commenting on the day, he said “The whole event went really well and it was a delight to be in Fort William with everyone on their special day. I’d like to say a special thank you to Shannon who did a tremendous job of looking after my flag in what were at times, quite breezy conditions!” 

 

Tricia Jordan, Chair of the Fort William Community Council said “This was a unique and historical day for Fort William and the Community Council was delighted to be invested with the honour of having (the Fort William Burgh coat of arms re-instated to us on behalf of the town people). The Sea Cadets were asked to take a leading role in the ceremony, as a body which has a high profile in the town and to represent the youth organisations of the area – (They are a credit to the Senior Service, their Officer and their home Town and we appreciate and thank them for them exemplary conduct throughout) They were great!  

 

The new coat of arms depicts two Lochaber battleaxes which recall that the town was the Capital of district. They also commemorate the historically important Battle of Inverlochy which took place in the neighbourhood during 1645. Also shown on the coat of arms is two oak branches which link the town with the Clan Cameron, on whose land the burgh is situated. The whole device is surmounted by a coronet which indicates that it belongs to a Community Council.

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The Gaelic Motto; 

‘ A dh’aindeoin co ‘theireadh e ’ 

translates to 

‘Despite who says it ‘ 

and bears testament to the independent thought which exists to in town to this day.