We need to be correct in our use of terminology, badges, arms, mottoes and flags. We represent the Clan Graham to the world and our desire is to represent our Clan appropriately.

There is a difference between "The Clan" and "The Clan Graham Society." When we refer to Clan, we are referring to family. When we refer to the Society, we are referring to an organization. The Clan Graham Society is part of the Clan and it is one of its principle representatives.

We can never use our Chief’s arms. It should only be displayed when he is present or when it is clearly indicated that it is his coat of arms. The Chief’s arms is not the Graham family arms. Arms are not issued to families; they are issued to individuals.

Our Clan badge shows the crest from our Chief’s coat of arms inside a buckled belt. The badge also shows his motto: "ne oublie" (forget not or never forget.) The CLAN GRAHAM NEWS displays this badge on the left side, which denotes greater importance.

The Clan Graham Society’s coat of arms was awarded by the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland, Her Majesty’s Representative for Arms in Scotland. Receiving this award was a distinct honor for the Society. The shield uses the same colors as the Graham shield, but is differenced by the use of connected roundels. It is a gold shield with three gold escallops on black roundels (joined to show unity). Above the shield is a helmet. Above the helmet rests a wreath covered in black and gold (the Graham colors.) On the wreath is a falcon grasping in the right claw three chain links (to show unity.) The escrol above the falcon bears the Society’s motto: "Rioghail Agus Maraon" which means loyal and united. The CLAN GRAHAM NEWS displays the Society’s coat of arms on the right side.

This Coat of Arms is legally reserved for the exclusive use of the Clan Graham Society.

As much as Scotsmen enjoy seeing and flying the "rampant lion," correct protocol demands that it be used only when the Queen is present. Since this is true, we as Grahams will show our respect by not flying the Lion Rampant flag at our sites. We can be satisfied that others will fly it so we will be able to see its stirring sight.

Further information may be found by researching Scottish heraldry.
 

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