The Story Behind Dundee's Coat of Arms
Dundee’s coat of arms is a distinctive emblem, rich with history and symbolism. It features a pot with three silver lilies on a blue shield, supported by two green dragons. Above the shield is a single lily, and above that sits a scroll with the Latin motto Dei Donum, meaning “Gift of God.”
This design is more than just a decorative image. Each element has a purpose and reflects the city’s past, its beliefs, and its traditions.
The blue background of the shield is said to represent the cloak of the Virgin Mary, a significant figure in Christian tradition. The silver (or white) lilies are also associated with Mary, symbolising purity and virtue. Together, they create a design that has its roots in Dundee’s religious history.
There’s also a connection to an early carving found in Dundee’s Old Steeple. This carving shows Mary protecting her child with a shield while dragons surround her. It’s thought this imagery inspired the original version of the coat of arms, portraying the Virgin Mary as a protector of the city.
The coat of arms we recognise today has evolved over centuries. It was officially registered in 1673, following an Act of Parliament. By this time, Scotland had become a Presbyterian nation, and religious imagery like depictions of Mary had fallen out of favour. To align with these changes, the coat of arms was simplified, keeping the symbols but removing any explicit references to Mary.
The dragons supporting the shield are an interesting and debated element of the coat of arms. Some believe they represent the sea, which can be violent and unpredictable, symbolising challenges the Virgin Mary helped protect against. Others suggest they are linked to the Strathmartine Dragon, a local legend about a mythical beast that once terrorised the area.
In 1932, the city council asked the Lord Lyon King of Arms, Scotland’s heraldry authority, to clarify the proper design of the coat of arms. During this process, it was pointed out that the creatures supporting the shield were not dragons at all but wyverns. Wyverns are similar to dragons but have only two legs instead of four. Despite this technicality, the city chose to stick with the term “dragons” in their descriptions.
Over time, minor changes had been made to the coat of arms. For example, some versions showed three lilies above the shield instead of one. After consulting the Lord Lyon, the city decided to return to the original design: two dragon supporters, one lily above the shield, and the motto Dei Donum. At this time, a second motto, Prudentia et Candore—“Wisdom and Truth”—was added.
The coat of arms was updated in 1975 when the City of Dundee District Council was formed. A coronet featuring thistle heads was added, a feature common to all Scottish district council coats of arms. When Dundee City Council replaced the District Council in 1996, the coronet was slightly redesigned to its current form. These changes were minor but ensured the coat of arms stayed consistent with the city’s official status.
Dundee’s coat of arms isn’t just a historical relic, it’s a symbol that continues to represent the city today. You can see it on official documents, buildings, and public spaces like the gateway to the Eastern Cemetery. It ties the city to its past while remaining a part of its modern identity.
The coat of arms reflects Dundee’s story. The blue shield and lilies connect to its religious roots, while the dragons hint at local legends and the challenges of living by the sea. The mottoes, Dei Donum and Prudentia et Candore, remind us of values like faith, wisdom, and honesty that remain relevant today.
Symbols like the coat of arms help cities like Dundee maintain a sense of continuity. They remind us of the city’s journey through history, from its early days to the present. By preserving and respecting these traditions, Dundee honours its past while looking to the future.
