RAMPANT LION HISTORY
The symbol of a lion has been used as a heraldic device for many centuries by Scottish Kings. In the days when flags and banners were important to identify opposing elements in battle. William the Lion, reigned from 1165 to 1214 and, adopted a heraldic device showing a rampant lion, the king of beasts, rearing up with three paws stretched out. Legend has it that the inspiration came from King William's own lion that he supposedly kept in Edinburgh castle. This became the royal coat of arms in Scotland. The lion was also incorporated into the Great Seal of Scotland which was placed on all official documents. When the royal coat of arms was being designed, the lion rampant was incorporated, with the Latin motto "Nemo me impune lacessit" meaning "No one attacks me with impunity". In Scots, that became "Wha daur meddle wi' me?"
The symbol of a lion has been used as a heraldic device for many centuries by Scottish Kings. In the days when flags and banners were important to identify opposing elements in battle. William the Lion, reigned from 1165 to 1214 and, adopted a heraldic device showing a rampant lion, the king of beasts, rearing up with three paws stretched out. Legend has it that the inspiration came from King William's own lion that he supposedly kept in Edinburgh castle. This became the royal coat of arms in Scotland. The lion was also incorporated into the Great Seal of Scotland which was placed on all official documents. When the royal coat of arms was being designed, the lion rampant was incorporated, with the Latin motto "Nemo me impune lacessit" meaning "No one attacks me with impunity". In Scots, that became "Wha daur meddle wi' me?"
