Millport Town Seal

Millport does not have a formal ‘coat of arms’ but is does have a town seal. An illustration of the town seal appears on the website Heraldry of the World

Millport did not matriculate this device with Lord Lyon King of Arms. However, there are many examples of Scottish towns receiving a formal grant from Lyon of their unofficial arms.

Macduff "Town Council Seals of Scotland" states: “Millport, the principal town in the Great Cumbrae, came under the provisions of the Lindsay Act in 1864, and, under the Burgh Police Act of 1892, adopted a Common Seal. In the centre is a shield with a chevron. Above the chevron are two clam shells or escallops, and below one. The chevron bears three mullets or five-rayed stars. The Seal has no special significance, unless the three clam shells may indicate that the town is a seaport, and the three mullets probably represent starfish, which are very common in Millport Bay. The motto, "Altiora Videnda," meaning "Higher things must be seen", was taken on account of the proximity of the lighthouse to the town." 

The Book of Public Arms states: "MILLPORT (Buteshire). Has no arms. Those upon the seal are: Argent, on a chevron between three escallops reversed as many mullets. Motto — " Altiora videnda."

The seal appears on the Cenotaph in Millport, where it is carved held by a lion at the top, and also on the gate to the Cenotaph. It also appears on the front gate to Millport Bowling Club and features on the club badge. The Millport Pipe Band also have it on their crest and cap badges.



29 January 2023