The Ancient Arms of Nova Scotia is the oldest and grandest in all the Commonwealth countries overseas. It was granted to the Royal Province of Nova Scotia in 1625 by King Charles I in support of the first British colonial effort on the Canadian mainland.
The Arms were borne by the Baronets of Nova Scotia. The Scottish statesman Sir William Alexander (who named the province) established the British territorial claims which were later realized. The complete Armorial Achievement includes the Arms, surmounted by a royal helm with a blue and silver scroll or mantling representing the royal cloak. Above is the crest of heraldic symbols: two joined hands, one armoured and the other bare, supporting a spray of laurel for peace and thistle for Scotland.
On the left is the mythical royal unicorn and on the right a 17th-century representation of the North American Indian. Above, the motto reads: One defends and the other conquers. Entwined with the thistle of Scotland at the base is the mayflower, floral emblem of Nova Scotia which was added in 1929.
