Scotland’s newest university unveils coat of arms ahead of royal event

The University of the Highlands and Islands has unveiled its coat of arms. Granted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the official responsible for heraldry in Scotland, it has been designed to reflect important aspects of the university.

A compass rose with a fleur de lys indicating north denotes the university’s location, while two open books symbolise learning. The university’s partners are represented by 13 hazel leaves, a tree associated with wisdom in Celtic and Norse tradition.

The unveiling comes ahead of the installation of the university’s first Chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal, at a ceremony in Inverness Cathedral next week (Thursday 7 June.) The Lord Lyon will present The Princess Royal with the official documentation for the coat of arms shortly after she has received her Chancellor’s robe.

Speaking about the coat of arms, University of the Highlands and Islands’ Principal and Vice-Chancellor, James Fraser, said: “We are excited about the development of our coat of arms. Symbolic items like these are part of the fabric of universities, representing authority and their importance to society. Along with our mace and new Chancellor, the coat of arms will be a reminder that the Highlands and Islands now has its own university.”

Anyone interested in following the installation of the University of the Highlands and Islands’ first Chancellor, can receive live updates from the day in English and Gaelic through the university’s Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/ThinkUHI

Media contact

Susan Szymborski
Communications officer
01463 279222
susan.szymborski@uhi.ac.uk