The symbol of a lion has been used as a heraldry device for many centuries by Scottish Kings. It was the personal heraldic flag of 'William the Lion', of Scotland, and adopted as the Royal Standard since, by Robert Bruce, who although adapted the Arms, used 'the Lions', Rampant Lion, a great compliment by one great man to another! William I of Scotland (1165 - 1214) was known as 'The Lion', after he introduced the lion symbol into his coat of arms.

The Scottish lion is always shown on the royal shield, as being Rampant, ie: shown standing erect on the hind legs with the head in profile and forelegs extended.

There is a suggestion that perhaps the Kings of Scotland kept a real lion when in residence at the castles of Stirling and Edinburgh. Both castles have a building within the walls known as 'The Lions Den'.

A.Nancy MacCorkill, F.S.A. Scot
A. MacCorkill, Lady,
Historian of the Ancient Clans of Scotland
Author, Poet
Clans Gunn, MacLeod of Lewis and Keith (Marshall)

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