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Where is a motto placed in Scottish heraldry?
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heraldry
Cylinder seal impression from the Akkadian period with a combat scene between a bearded hero and a bull-man and various beasts.
In Scottish heraldry, the motto is typically displayed above the crest. This placement is a distinct convention, as in most other countries, the motto is traditionally positioned on a scroll beneath the shield.1
While a motto is not considered a formal part of the arms and can often be changed at the owner's discretion in many jurisdictions, in Scotland, any change to a motto requires the official approval of the Lord Lyon, who serves as the head of the Scottish heralds.1