Kenneth Donald Mackay.

Registered: The International Register of Arms, 15th May 2011. Registration No. 0189. (Vol.2)

Arms: Azure on a chevron Argent between two bears' heads couped Argent muzzled Gules in chief and a Church of Scotland Diaconate cross Argent in base, the Lion of St Mark Gules holding an open book proper, between two hands grasping daggers the points turned towards the lion all proper.

Crest: A Phoenix Gules in flames on its wings tongues of fire proper.

Motto: A Theachdairean 'N An Teine Lasarach

Pennon: Argent and Azure with the Arms in the hoist and the motto in two lines counterchanged.

Grant: Court of the Lord Lyon. 26th August 2010. The Public Register of all Arms and Bearings in Scotland. Volume 88 Folio 72.

The armiger belongs to Callanish on the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides and served in the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service for eight years. For two of those years he was Head of Unit at R.N.X.S. Stornoway. Sadly the Service was disbanded in 1994. Prior to this he was a ferrymaster on the River Clyde for four years.

The arms are based upon those of Lord Reay, Chief of the name, in order that they might be identifiably Mackay. The bear symbolises ferocity in protection of one’s kindred, while the dagger represents justice and military honour. The chevron also alludes to protection.

For difference the armiger has chosen the Diaconate cross of the Church of Scotland because he is a serving Deacon. He first served in the Parish of Tarbert on the Isle of Harris for four years. The Lion of St Mark symbolises his service in the Perth Parish of Letham St Mark's where he has been active since 1998. The Phoenix symbolises the Christian belief in resurrection, but is also a play on the name as Mackay means 'Son of Fire'. The tongues of flame on the wings of the Phoenix represent his early years in the Pentecostal church. The motto alludes to the armiger's office of Deacon in the Church of Scotland and is, again, a play on the name. It comes from Psalm 104:4 and may be translated as, "He makes flames of fire his servants."

The colours are also representative of the qualities to be found in a Deacon: Azure – truth and loyalty/faithfulness; Argent – peace and sincerity; and Gules – military strength (Deacons often combat injustice), warrior (Clan Mackay was famous for its martial prowess), and magnanimity.

It may be noticed that the book held by the lion of St Mark is closed contrary to the blazon. It is hoped this may be corrected. The book grasped by the Lion of St Mark is indicative of the Gospel and, while a closed book may symbolise council, an open book is more in the spirit of the Gospel, which is open to the gaze of all who wish to consider the council it offers.

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