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Heraldry of the Bute Mazer

Hover over the heraldic shields to find out more about the families who supported Robert the Bruce.

Bute Mazer

Crawford: these were the arms of Crawford, Lord of Loudoun, and Heritable Sherriff of Ayr. The ermine fess appears on the seal of Sir Reginald c.1296.

Menteith: used by the branch of the Stewarts at the beginning of 14th century who descended from Sir John Menteith of Rusky and Skipness, younger son of the first of the Stewart Earls of Menteith.

High Steward: probably the arms of Walter Stewart who married Robert Bruce's daughter, ancestor to the Stewart Kings.

Douglas: the shield shows the Douglas shield before the heart was added to the design. The heart was added to commemorate the journey James Douglas took to the Holyland with Robert the Bruce's heart. Unfortunately James Douglas was killed on the way and the Robert the Bruce's heart was returned to Scotland.

Fitzgilbert: this shield shows gules, three cinquefoils ermine and represents the seal of Walter, son of Gilbert, ancestor of the Dukes of Hamilton and probably the brother of John Gilbert.

John Fitzgilbert: he was probably the Bailie of Bute which links him to Rothesay Castle and the Isle of Bute.

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National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130