The Heraldic authority in Scotland is the Court of the Lord Lyon presided over by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. It is a branch of the Scottish court system that began registration of Arms in 1672. Among the Arms registered at that time were those of Duncan, the 16th Chief as is displayed below and on item f. of Panel 11. However, there is evidence that the Arms of Macpherson Chiefs existed at least a century earlier as is shown on item h. on Panel H8.

      There are heraldic authorities in other countries including England, Canada, South Africa, Belgium and the Czech Republic. Interestingly, there is none in the United States although there are many US institutions that display Arms.

      Macpherson Chiefs since Duncan have matriculated their Arms based on those of their predecessor although some differences have been required by the Lord Lyon's Court to correct the descriptions of their Arms that conflicted with other individuals that have come to light over the years.