Police Burgh of Tayport
Motto
“Te Oportet Alte Ferri”
” It behoves thee to bear thyself loftily”
Tayport, also called Ferryport on Craig or South Ferry, was created a Burgh of Barony for Robert Durie of that Ilk in 1598-99 and was raised to a Burgh of Regality in 1725 in favour of Robert Douglas of Glenbervie.
It became a Police Burgh under its present name in 1887.
The arms, which were registered in honour of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, are really a heraldic version of the non-armorial Burgh seal adopted in 1892.
The silver and black chequered pile with the red star recall the lighthouse; silver and black are also the Young colours and thus allude to the first Provost of the Burgh, Mr James Stephen Young.
The star could also refer to the Douglas connection and also to the Scott family who had the lands of Scotscraig nearby.
The anchor is for the port and the ship for the ferry, which went across the Firth to Broughty Ferry in Angus and is said to have been the oldest in Scotland; on its sails are the Durie arms.
The reference to being created a burgh of Regality in 1725 in favour of Robert Douglas of Glenbervie lacks academic confirmation and is not recognised in detailed research projects for the creation of a Heritage Website http://www.tayportheritage.com
Hello Mr Mathers, The article you mention was taken from an early reference book in Kirkcaldy Central Library reference department, many years ago when I set up this site originally.
I apologise if it is wrong. TM