Stained glass - Scottish Arms before union at the National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - Nemo me impune lacessit

This image shows a stained glass window depicting the Royal Arms of Scotland, commonly known as the Lion Rampant, representing the historic arms of the Scottish monarchy prior to the 1707 Union with England. The design features a red lion rearing on a gold shield, enclosed within a double red border decorated with fleurs-de-lis, and surmounted by a royal crown. Prominently incorporated into the design is the Latin motto “Nemo Me Impune Lacessit, ” meaning “No one provokes me with impunity, ” traditionally associated with Scotland and the Order of the Thistle. The Lion Rampant has been used as a symbol of Scottish kings since at least the twelfth century and remains one of the most recognisable emblems of Scotland. Before the Acts of Union in 1707, these arms represented the independent Kingdom of Scotland and were used on royal seals, banners, and official buildings. After the Union, the Scottish arms were combined with those of England and Ireland to form the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom, though the Lion Rampant continues to hold strong cultural and national significance. The stained glass window is displayed within the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh, part of the National Galleries of Scotland, which houses collections relating to Scotland’s people, history, and identity. The image reflects themes of national symbolism, monarchy, heraldry, and cultural heritage, and is suitable for editorial and commercial use relating to Scottish history, royal iconography, museums, historic art, and national identity.