The Coat of Arms is NOT the Shield, although the shield does feature. The Coat of Arms can only be used for Ceremonial Occasions.
The images below are for illustrative purposes.
Components
The Coat of Arms of the University of Aberdeen forms the kernel of our corporate identity.
Recorded in 1888, the quarters of the shield contain references to Old Aberdeen and learning (top left); Earl Marischal Keith, founder of Marischal College (top right); and Bishop William Elphinstone, founder of King’s College (bottom left). The final quarter, bottom right, symbolises the City of Aberdeen.
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The full achievement of the arms, incorporating shield, crest, motto and supporters, is reserved for ceremonial occasions.
The motto Initium Sapientiae Timor Domini (Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom) is taken from Psalm 111:10.
The crest, the leopard and hart supporters were specially granted by Lord Lyon in 1995 to mark the 500th anniversary of the foundation of the University.
The supporters on either side of the shield are a heraldic honour of great distinction.