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The Stodart system of differencing the coats of arms of cadet branches of a family

Scottish heraldry is a distinct system of armorial practice devised and used in Scotland.

Origins/History

The principal function of heraldry, whether personal or corporate heraldry is to symbolise the identity of the owner of the armorial bearings. In Scotland the Clan, the Family, and the Name have survived as significant entities in the social organization of Scottish society. The Clan, the Family, and the Name are also of significance and interest to people of Scottish descent throughout the world. In determining the right to undifferenced armorial bearings, the Lord Lyon King of Arms either in his ministerial capacity or in his judicial capacity decides who is Head of the Clan or Chief of the Family or Name. In Scottish heraldry there is no such thing as a "family coat of arms." Junior members of a family are assigned the scientific and relevant differences to the armorial bearings of younger members of families. Lord Lyon King of Arms has a vital and continuing influence on the family organization in Scotland. Armorial bearings are, depending on the terms of the original grant, succeeded to by the heir who may be the heir male, the heir female, or the heir of tailzie (an heir nominated within the blood relationship).