A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Glaster family of Scotland.
Reg. 6851 · Scottish, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. a fleur-de-lis betw. three mullets gu. within a bordure of the last”
ScotlandGlack, c. 1748
Where the Glaster Arms Were Recorded
Edinburgh
Map of Scotland showing where the Glaster arms are recorded
The Glaster arms were recorded in Glack, c. 1748.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh was the seat of Scotland's government, its courts and its heralds. Families with business there settled nearby, and being close to where arms were recorded is exactly why so many of them appear.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Scotland when the Glaster arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Scotland.
Origin & History of the Glaster Family in Scotland
The surname Glaster is deeply rooted in the history of Scotland, with documented evidence placing the family in the bustling city of Edinburgh by 1748. During the mid-eighteenth century, Edinburgh was a center of the Scottish Enlightenment, a time when the city was expanding and becoming a hub for trade, law, and intellectual growth. Families living in the capital during this era often participated in the rapid modernization of the city as it transitioned from its medieval roots into a sophisticated urban center. While the name is relatively rare, its presence in official records from this period suggests that the family was part of the established community during a transformative time in Scottish history. By settling in such a prominent location, the early members of the Glaster family were positioned to witness and contribute to the vibrant social and economic life of one of Europe’s most historic cities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Glaister
Derived from the Gaelic word for a green or grey pasture.
This name
GlasterRefers to a person who lived near or worked on a green pasture or meadow.
also spelled
Glastre
Glastar
Glastir
Related arms
Greenlawsame arms
Elphinstonerecorded with Glaster, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh Register of Sasines, 1748
National Records of Scotland, Commissariot Record of Edinburgh, 1748
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
bordureA difference between branches of one family
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
