University of Highlands and Islands unveils coat of arms

The University of the Highlands and Islands has unveiled its coat of arms, granted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Scotland's newest university, The University of the Highlands and Islands, has unveiled its coat of arms, which was granted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the official responsible for heraldry in Scotland.

The coat of arms was designed to reflect the university's unique position in the north of Scotland, with a fleur de lys indicating north. Two open books represent learning, whilst the university's thirteen partners are represented by hazel leaves, a sign of wisdom in Celtic and Norse traditions.

The arms were revealed ahead of a visit to the university by Princess Anne, who became the university's first chancellor on 7 June 2012. The university's 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.'

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