The McKerrell of Hillhouse

 Charles James Mure McKerrell of Hillhouse OstJ.

Arms: Azure on a fess Or, three lozenges Gules, within a bordure engrailed Argent

Crest: a Roman soldier on his march with a standard and utensils all Proper

Motto: DULCIS PRO PATRIA LABOR

Matriculated: The Court of the Lord Lyon 11th July 1973. Lyon Register, volume 56, page 60.

The arms were originally matriculated by Lieut-Colonel William McKerrell, younger of Hillhouse in volume one of the Lyon Register (page 585, 8th February 1802). He was son and heir of John McKerrell of Hillhouse. The Colonel raised The Royal Paisley Volunteers at his own expense when the country was threatened by an invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte.

He was presented by the Officers of the Regiment with a silver gilt sword with the arms on the blade accompanied by the following inscription 'as a lasting Testimony of their High Respect for the Zeal and Ability Displayed by him as their Commander and their Sincere Regard for him as a Man'.

The Colonel's father reputedly started the silk industry in Paisley, when he brought the first weft of silk there.