Coat of Arms

The Chief's Coat of Arms for the McNeill of Barra, which hangs in the Great Hall of Kisimul Castle.

Photographed by Ian MacNeill of Hermosa Beach, California.

Click on the image for a larger view.

Motto

Mottoes originated as battle cries. The MacNeill motto is the Latin phrase "Vincere Vel Mori" which means "To Conquer or Die." In Gaelic, it is "Buaidh Na Bas".
Crest

The crest is the topmost ornament in the coat of arms. The right to wear the crest was held in the highest esteem in the early days of heraldry because the crest could only be acquired by those who had actual service in the field as knights. The crest is set upon a chapeau.

The MacNeill crest is a rock, symbolizing solidity and strength.

Chapeau

The chapeau (or coronet or cap) must be appropriate to the individual's rank. The MacNeill chapeau in the picture, a red velvet cap lined with ermine, indicates a Baron of Scotland still in possession of their barony.
Helm

The helm or helmet is placed above the shield. Like the chapeau, the design of the helmet is determined by rank. In profile, helmets always face to the left. In medieval armour, the helm was almost as tall as the shield! Notice the height of the MacNeill helm.
Mantle

The motto, crest, chapeau and helm are surrounded by a mantle. Essentially a piece of fabric, heraldric artists often design the mantle creatively to fill the space between the components of the coat of arms.
Shield

  1. Upper Left - A Lion facing the shield's right.
  2. Upper Right - A Castle upon the waves.
  3. Lower Left - A Galley or ship.
  4. Lower Right - The Red Hand of Ulster surrounded by 9 manacles, representing Naill of the Nine Hostages, High King of Ireland.
Supporters

So called because they support the shield. The lion is up on its hind legs, in the posture of protecting or being on guard. The lion is the king of beasts and is symbolic of deathless courage and service to country. Supporters are marks of distinction.

The MacNeill supporters consists of Lions Rampant.
Compartment

The compartment is the base of the coat of arms. It can be a grassy mound, rocks, sea, etc. The compartment is usually embellished with the plant badge associated with the name. The compartment is only granted as a special addition for persons of high rank and distinction. The MacNeill Coat of Arms is set on a compartment of flowers.

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