Rt. Rev. Ian Murray B.A.
Bishop of Argyll and the Isles

Bishop Ian Murray of Argyll and the Isles episcopal Coat of Arms was designed by Canon Bernard Canning, approved by the Lord Lyon.

A veiled St Andrew's Cross refers to the Bishop's native diocese, while a crown represents his time as Rector of the Royal Scots College at Salamanca in Spain

Two acorns note St. Columba, patron of the diocese of Argyll and the Isles, and the eagle portrays St John the Evangelist, patron of the Bishop.

Under the eagle, a star marks the Star of the Sea, asking Mary's help and protection over the sea, which plays such an important part in the lives of the community.

Both his mother and father are recognised in the arms with two shells, the Shell of St James the Great or Compostella suggested by Lord Lyon in reference to Bishop Murray's mother's maiden name of Rodgers.

The crown and eagle are given against a tincture Murrey, a deep plum red often used where the name Murray or Morayshire is involved.

The motto was chosen from the Complete Works of St. Teresa of Avila to whom the Bishop has great devotion.  She wrote, "When I was in Salamanca in 1573 the Lord said to me, 'Daughter, obedience gives strength" (La obediencia da fuerzas).  She died in Alba de Tormes which is very close to Salamanca.