Coat of Arms of the City of Edinburgh Council

The origin of the coat of arms was a jacket or tabard worn by a mediaeval knight over his armour in order to identify himself. Nowadays the expression "coat of arms" is generally applied to what is officially called an "achievement", which consists of various parts - a shield, helmet, mantling, wreath, crest, motto and sometimes supporters and decorations.

The design is a symbol unique to a person, family, corporation, or state. Such displays are also commonly called armorial bearings, armorial devices or heraldic devices. You can find more information about the various elements which make up a coat of arms on Wikipedia.

Using the coat of arms

The coat of arms is awarded to the City of Edinburgh Council and can only be used by the Council. It is not for general use to represent the city or any organisations within the city. Reproduction in whole or part of the Coat of Arms of the City of Edinburgh Council is not permitted without written permission from the Council and, in some instances, from the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

If you have any questions about the coat of arms or about using it, please contact the Communications Service.

The coat of arms for the City of Edinburgh Council

From early times, and certainly from the 14th century, Edinburgh like other royal burghs of Scotland used armorial devices in many ways, including on seals.

In 1732, the 'achievement' or 'coat of arms' was formally granted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. It was used by Edinburgh Town Council until the reorganisation of local government in Scotland in May 1975, when it was succeeded by the City of Edinburgh District Council. A new coat of arms, based on the earlier one was granted. In 1996, the City of Edinburgh Council was formed from another local government reorganisation and again the coat of arms was updated.

More information about the coat of arms and its elements

You can get more information on coats of arms in Scotland from:

• The Court of the Lord Lyon heraldic authority for Scotland and deals with all matters relating to Scottish Heraldry and Coats of Arms
• The Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland
• Heraldry Society of Scotland