Farquharson,
of Invercald, carries, in addition to his Paternal Coat, "Argent, a Fir Tree growing out of a Mount Proper on a Chief Gules,—the Banner of Scotland in Bend, and on a Canton of the first (viz. Or), a Dexter Hand couped at the wrist, grasping a Dagger, point downwards, Gules." Mr. Nisbet says[292], they carried the Fir Trees because their Country abounded with such Trees; the Hand grasping a Dagger, for killing the Cumming; and the Banner is lately added, because the Grand-father of the present John Farquharson (1702) was killed at the Battle of Pinkie, carrying the Banner of Scotland.
Wood.
The Chiefs of this name have given Trees in different forms; but Wood of Largoe placed his Tree between Two Ships under sail, as Admiral to King James III. and IV. in whose reigns he defeated the English with an inferior Force. Another Branch of the Family gave a Hunting-horn hanging upon the Branch of a Tree, to shew he was the King's Forester[293].
Forbes,
of Watertown, charges his Coat with an "Escocheon Argent, a Sword and Key in Saltire Gules," as being Constable of Aberdeen: and for a Difference from the Grays, places a Quill or Pen in the Paw of the Lion in the Arms of Gray, because his Ancestor was Sheriff's Clerk of Angus[294].
John Ramsay,
descended of the Ramsays of Wylicleuch in the Merss, who was Page to King James VI. thereafter Earl of Holdernesse, got for addition to his Paternal Bearing, "An Arm holding a naked Sword enfilé of a Crown, with a Man's Heart on the point," because he rescued King James VI. from the Conspiracy of the Earl of Gowrie and his Confederates. The Paternal Coat was, "Argent, an Eagle displayed Sable."[295] These are what the Scottish Heralds call "Arms of Special Concession."[296]
Ayton,