THE HERALDIC MEANING OF THE CREST

Clan or family chiefs may allow the use of their crest as a crest-badge by their clansmen or families, in which case it is usually surrounded by a belt and buckle. This distinguishes it from the chief’s own crest, which is his personal property.

Often, the badge uses the clan or family plant or animal, or the crest from the Arms, as in this case.

Scottish Barons may petition the Lord Lyon for a badge – as distinct from a crest – which is a separate armorial device, not always and not necessarily a feature of the Arms.

This badge may be used by the "tail" or following of a landowner baron and the baron’s pennon ( a heraldic flag in the livery colours, usually the two most prominent colours of the arms) which bears a large representation of the badge. The pennon is then also blazoned in the grant or matriculation of Arms.

A cap badge, without the belt and buckle, would be used by one of his followers. This is a direct descendant of the tradition of wearing the clan or family symbol (such as a sprig of heather, a feather etc) in the bonnet.