Inverness Image Library

Inverness District Council 1975-1996

The photograph is of a wall plaque.

In 1975 the Town Council of the Royal Burgh of Inverness was dissolved and in terms of the Local Government (Scotland) Act of 1973, the Highland Regional Council was established as part of the new two-tier local government system.

The Region was also subdivided into Districts, one of which was Inverness.

This new district combined in one area the Royal Burgh of Inverness and the Inverness and Aird districts of the County of Inverness-shire.

The Inverness District Council was granted the armorial bearings shown in the photograph in 1975.

Further local government re-organisation in 1996 resulted in the removal of the two-tier system, with a unitary Council (The Highland Council) taking over the former responsibilities of both District and Regional Councils. The arms shown then ceased to be valid.

The arms show in the base the arms of Inverness Burgh, Jesus on the Cross. The gold crescent and star are added, as these are historically often added to arms showing Saints.

The cornucopia is taken from the crest of Inverness Burgh, the cat is taken from the arms of the clan Mackintosh (and represents Inverness district) while the cinquefoil is taken as a symbol for Aird district (Fraser clan).

The wavy bar represents the Beauly and Ness rivers.

The motto Concordia et Fidelitas (Concord and Fidelity, or Harmony and Honesty) is taken from the arms of the Burgh.

No elements have been taken from the older Inverness County Council arms.

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