Shetland Islands
Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of the United Kingdom |
SHETLAND ISLANDS COUNCIL
Addition : 1976 Zetland County Council; Lerwick Burgh; Districts of Bressay, Burra Isle, Delting, Dunrossness, Fetlar, Gulberwick & Quarff, Nesting & Lunnasting, Northmavine, Sandsting & Aithsting, Tingvall, Unst, Walls & Sandness, Whalsey & Skerries, Yell
Official blazon
Origin/meaning
The arms were granted on June 17, 1975.
The blue shield with a Viking warship at sea recalls the old link with the Nordic countries and Shetland's reliance on the sea. The blue and gold colours were taken from the old Earldom of Orkney, as the Shetland islands belonged to this Earldom during the Norse era.
The raven is taken from the crest of the Burgh of Lerwick.
The supporters are a well known Shetland Pony and the unicorn with the badge of Scotland.
The motto 'Með lögum skal land byggja' is taken from the Icelandic Njáls Saga and is in old Norse, meaning 'By law shall the land be built up'. The motto was already used by the Zetland County Council.
Literature : Information leaflet provided by the Shetland Islands Council