Post Your Granted, Assumed or Desired Arms

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

You are correct, I believe. Lord Lyon does grant crests to clerics, but generally they prefer a hat, with a separate grant of a crest to the lay heirs.

In my communication with Lord Lyon Blair, he indicated that he preferred not to grant crests to priests, but would entertain the possibility if the petitioner really wanted one.

This is somewhat different than the practice in Ireland where grants, in the first instance, are made without regard to the practice or profession of the petitioner. In other words everyone seeking a grant of arms is entitled to three basic elements: the shield of arms, the crest (which may or may not be displayed on a helmet), and a motto.

Generally the position taken with regard to clergy is that while the crest is regularly granted, it is up to the cleric to decide whether or not he wishes to use it.