The Highland branch of the Fraser family is historically represented by a distinctive and meaningful heraldic symbol: a buck’s head accompanied by the motto "Je Suis Prest," which translates from French to "I am ready." This emblem is rich in both symbolism and historical evolution. In heraldry, a deer’s head is often used to signify noble qualities such as pride, strength, bravery, and a sense of honor—attributes highly valued in clan leadership. Additionally, the deer or stag symbol serves a more practical purpose: it reflects the wealth and abundance of the family, indicating the presence of plentiful game on their ancestral lands. It subtly alludes to the chief’s enthusiasm for hunting, a pastime historically associated with status and martial skill.



In the fully developed coat of arms, two additional bucks were used as supporters flanking the shield, reinforcing these associations with nobility, strength, and land-based wealth. The crest itself has undergone several changes over the centuries. According to Alexander Nisbet’s System of Heraldry, published in the 1720s, the crest was already established, although the motto was then presented in English: "I am ready." This mirrors an earlier variation found in the 1680s manuscript Families of Scotland by MacKenzie, where the motto appeared in Scots as "I am readie." Going even further back, the 1565–66 Workman Manuscript shows a different version of the crest entirely: it featured a stag’s head positioned between two crossed axes with the blades facing outward. At that time, the motto read "I am redde," with the word pronounced in two syllables (red-de). This variation is documented by R.R. Stoddart in his compilation Scottish Arms: A Collection of Armorial Bearings, 1370–1678 (p.102).



Sometime between the late 16th and 17th centuries, the crest design was simplified, with the axes being removed. The adoption of the French version of the motto, "Je Suis Prest," appears to have taken place in the mid-18th century. A significant reference to this shift is found in the 1746 publication The Life, Adventures and Many Great Vicissitudes ofFortune of Simon, Lord Lovat, which notes that the motto had traditionally been "Je Suis Prest" until Lord Lovat adopted a new motto: "Sine Sanguine Victor" (“Victorious Without Bloodshed”), to reflect his personal accomplishments. Despite this temporary change, "Je Suis Prest" became the enduring and exclusive motto used by the Frasers from then on.


Our older Carrick Fraser of Lovat Cap Badge from the 1970s. 



MKP May 2025