The Town Hall had an interesting visit today, some cyclists who are taking part in the British Cycle Quest.
A couple from Wallasey, Merseyside, popped in to ask what was Campbeltown’s Latin motto.

Cyclists taking part in the British Cycle Quest have to visit 402 checkpoints scattered throughout the UK, Campbeltown is one of them.

We wish them the best of luck on their continuing travels. So far they have answered 250 questions and it has taken them 6 years.

Normally it is possible to read it on our Coat of Arms outside but it is due for a new coat of paint.
Our thanks to Alex McKinven and the Feather’s Inn Quiz Group for Local Charities who donated the necessary funds to have this important work done.

To quote Alex;

” …It will be great to see it restored – a coat of arms and motto to be proud of and, an accurate representation of who we are as a community given our struggle to survive economically after the halcyon years of the 19th century.”

We are due to have the painting completed by Nicola McFadyen in the next few weeks.

For those who didn’t know…
The Seal of the Burgh of Campbeltown is as follows: A shield divided into four. In the first quarter a castle; the second quarter gyronny of eight; the third quarter a lymphad, with sail furled and oars in action; and in the fourth quarter a fret.

Beneath is the motto, “Ignavis Precibus Fortuna Repugnat,” The motto has been translated with a few meanings; One version has it as “Fate is deaf to idle prayers” another shows it as “Fortune spurns the prayers of cowards” generally it is known as “Fortune helps those who help themselves”.

The castle represents the old castle of Campbeltown, the site of which is now occupied by a converted parish church, which was built in 1780. The gyronny of eight is the armorial bearings of the Clan Campbell.