Coa Scotland Town Perth Big (Scotland) T-Shirt - Design Description
This t-shirt showcases the "big Coat of Arms" of Perth, Scotland, a design steeped in history and symbolism, dating back to at least the 14th century.
The Central Shield
At the heart of the design is a striking shield, the escutcheon, rendered in vibrant red (gules). Dominating this field is a silver (argent) Paschal Lamb, a holy lamb in the form of a sheep.
The lamb is depicted "passing and regardant", meaning walking and looking back, carrying a staff and cross. The staff bears a banner, emblazoned with a silver saltire (a diagonal cross) on a blue field. This saltire echoes the cross of Saint Andrew, Scotland's patron saint, connecting the design to national identity.
The shield is enclosed within a double tressure flory-counter-flory, a decorative double border. This border, in silver, is adorned with fleur-de-lis-style floral motifs. The tressure is a royal sign of protection and favour, historically reinforcing Perth's significance as an important town.
Supporting Elements
Behind the shield, a double-headed golden eagle (Or) with wings displayed and necks extended serves as the supporter. This eagle is believed to recall a historical or legendary Roman settlement near Perth, possibly the settlement of "Bertha".
A Latin motto, "Pro Rege, Lege et Grege", meaning "For the King, the Law, and the People," is carried on a scroll beneath the design.
Symbolism and Meaning
The lamb symbolizes John the Baptist, the town's patron saint. The shield's red and silver colours are associated with him.
