parted per saltire argent and azure, in chief a book expanded proper, in base a lion rampant gules, on a chief of the third a crescent reversed of the first between two mascles or.
From top to bottom, the crescent moon is a representation of Peter de Luna, better known as Pope Benedict XIII who issued the bull of foundation for the university in 1413.
The golden diamonds (mascles, that is, voided diamond shapes as opposed to solid ones) are taken from the personal arms of Bishop Henry Wardlaw of St Andrews who issued the original charter (including the studium generale) in 1411/12.
The open book with red page edges is supposedly a representation of learning. Interestingly the matriculation of the arms calls for 'a book expanded proper,' i.e. an open book in its natural colours. Therefore the red may initially have been an simple representation of leather binding with no significance to its colour. Regardless, the book has always been presented in red.
The lion rampant can also be found on the royal arms of Scotland and here represents the authority of King James I who was king during the university's foundation.
Lastly, the blue and silver cross is a variation of the Saltire (Saint Andrew's Cross) of Scotland.
And now I give you the words of Captain Glaucus (technically Glaucus II), son of Hippolochus, son of Bellerophon, son of Glaucus I, and also the University's motto: Aien aristeuein ('ever to excel/ever to be the best')!
Until next time!
