H02f.heraldry-5.html

THE HERALDRY OF CLAN MACPHERSON -- Part 5 How One Becomes an Armiger
      Why haven't more Macphersons or members of the associated families become Armigers, i.e., been granted Arms? The answer is probably because they haven't asked the granting authority to do so. The reason they haven't asked could be several. One might be the expense of the process which can be a substantial amount. Another is not knowing the procedure for applying. It should be understood that women as well as men can be granted Arms although their achievements are displayed on a lozenge or oval-shaped shield in place of the classical male shield. Still another reason for not applying is lack of interest which is certainly understandable.
      Eligibility is a factor that must be borne in mind when applying to the granting authority. Normally you must be a native of the country in which the authority is empowered. However, there are ways to get around this. The late Monroe MacPherson of Ionia, Michigan in the USA arranged for his great-great-grandfather who was born in Scotland to be granted Arms posthumously and then matriculated these to himself. The procedures for applying for Arms
           in Scotland, at www.lyon-court.com or
           in Canada at -- www.gg.caheraldryindex_e.asp
      Of course, there is much more to the subject of heraldry than is displayed here. If you would like to learn more about the subject, consider the following books:
            The Posterity of the Three Brethren by Alan G. Macpherson and R.G.M. Macpherson. (Available for purchase in the Museum Shop.)
            Design Your Own Coat of Arms, An Introduction to Heraldry by Rosemary A. Chorszempa. Published by Dover Pubs, Inc.
            Simple Heraldry by Sir Iain Moncrieffe and Don Pottinger. (Out of print but available in used form; also a copy resides at the pew across the room for your inspection,)

One last point on the subject. In Scotland, Armigers are entitled to wear a single feather in their bonnets and bear the title duine uasal or 'gentleman'. In the case of a lady the title is bean uasal.