There are three main emblems of the clan.
The first is the Chief’s crest, which is the exclusive personal property of the Chief and can solely be used by him. The crest depicts a hand holding a scimitar that is emerging from a five-pointed crown. The technical heraldic description of this is “issuant from an eastern crown or, a dexter hand holding a scimitar, in fess all proper”.
The second is the Clansman’s or Clanswoman’s badge, which may be worn by anyone with Clan Matheson links. It differs from the Chief’s crest as it is surrounded by a strap and buckle carrying the Chief’s motto or slogan “Fac et spera” (Do and hope). It has both positive and negative versions, and both can be used.
The third is the Chief’s coat of arms. As the name suggests, it is the exclusive personal property of the Chief and can solely be used by him. The coat of arms is composed of a red and black shield with a gold lion, supported by two brown bears each with a gold crown around its neck, topped by a helmet on which sits the crest as described earlier. Beneath the shield is the Chief’s other motto or slogan “O’Chian” (meaning “of old”).