St Kilda Kilts & Scottish Gifts

The Colville crest is a hind’s head. The golden hind is the most famous version of this animal, referring to the adventures of Hercules in Green mythology, although this is not what seems to be referred to here (the golden hind had antlers for a start). Deers are quite common in Scottish heraldry, usually an expression of a family’s pride and wealth (see Colquhoun), although it is unusual for a female animal to be represented.

What we probably have here is a reference to Saint Giles, a French Saint who is honoured through the High Kirk in Edinburgh, now a Cathedral. Giles the hermit is said to have Retreated to a forest near Nîmes, where his only companion was a beloved hind. One day the king’s hunters chased the hind, but an arrow shot at it hit Giles instead, and he hence became a patron of the physically disabled.

The French theme continues with the Colville motto, Oublier ne puis, which means ‘I cannot forget’. Ironically, it does not seem to be remembered what this exactly refers to. Incidentally it was also the motto of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy 1433-1477, but that may be a coincidence. The Colvilles were part of many important events in Scottish history, such as a notable feud with the Douglases, or part of the disastrous Battle of Flodden, so might refer to some of these traumatic events.

Saint Giles with the Hind

MKP 30 June 2023