Tartans | History | Chief | Symbols | International Web Site
The Hon.
of Cluny & Blairgowrie , Baron of Blair.
The Arms of the Chief of Clan Macpherson have had the crest depicted in a number of ways over the years. The original blazon in the Lyon Register in 1672, describes the Crest as "a Cat sejant proper," that is a cat sitting with all four paws on the ground. The chiefs of the Clan however have never displayed the cat in that position and have always it would appear, displayed the cat as sejant, guardant and erect, that is sitting, full face or looking toward the viewer, with both forepaws raised in the air in rampant position. When Cluny again matriculated in August 1984, the new Crest is displayed in what may best be called a compromise between the traditional interpretation and the actual blazon, in that the cat is now officially recognized by the Lord Lyon as sejant with the sinister (left) paw extended horizontally.
The Arms of Sir William A. Macpherson of Cluny and Blairgowrie
The personal flag of the Chief is carried before him by a banner-bearer or hoisted on his arrival. The whole surface is covered with the Arms of Macpherson of Cluny and is flown to indicate that the Chief of the Clan is present on the grounds.
The Standard of the Chief is split with rounded ends in non-baronial style and fringed in the livery colors. The Standard does not indicate the personal presence of the Chief but is his rallying flag. It is used to denote his headquarters at a Highland Gathering. The Standard of Cluny is described as: "His Crest is depicted thrice upon his Standard of twelve feet in length, having his arms in the hoist (next to the flagpole) of these liveries Or (gold) and Azure (blue) Accompanied by two sprigs of white heather proper (his Badge for the honourable. the Clan Macpherson) in the fly with his slughorn "Creag Dhu" in letter Or (gold) upon two transverse bands Gules (red).
Geneology