Nemo Me Impune Lacessit

Today's the day .................... for an emblem

The thistle is perhaps the most identifiable symbol of all things Scottish. 

It was adopted as Scotland's emblem during the rein of Alexander III (1249 – 1286). Legend has it that an Army of King Haakon of Norway, intent on conquering the Scots, landed at the Coast of Largs at night to surprise the sleeping Scottish Clansmen. In order to move more stealthily under the cover of darkness, the Norsemen removed their footwear.  But something else was hiding under the cover of darkness. One of Haakon’s men unfortunately stood on one of these spiny little defenders and shrieked out in pain, giving the game away. Needless to say, the Scots won the day.

Sadly, there is no historical evidence to back up this tale - but whatever its origins, the thistle has been an important Scottish symbol for more than 500 years. Perhaps its first recognisable use was on silver coins issued in 1470 during the reign of James III and from the early 16th century, it was incorporated into the Royal Arms of Scotland.  Scotland’s premier Order of Chivalry, established in 1687, is The Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle  and its members wear a collar chain whose links are made of golden thistles.

The motto which is regularly associated with the thistle emblem is - Nemo Me Impune Lacessit  - meaning ‘no-one provokes me with impunity’...…………………….