The crest can be displayed with or without the rest of the achievement, but it still belongs only to those who have a right to display the arms in total. Technically, and legally in Scotland, the crest should not be used by anyone without proper authority unless the rightful owner is clearly identified. Clans have adopted the use of crests as part of a clan badge. But even here the crest is still the rightful property of the head of the clan and not its members.

The crest of Lord Kirkcudbright shows the head of a Moor impaled on a sword held in an upraised hand. This is attributed to the killing of the “Black Morrow,” an Irish bandit who terrorized the countryside around Kirkcudbright. King James offered a reward of the Barony of Bomby to anyone who brought the robber to him, dead of alive. William MacClellan is supposed to have done so, presenting the head of the rogue on his sword to the king. When the king appeared to have forgotten his reward offer, William MacLellan bade him “Think on!” explaining the source of the crest as well as the motto.

The full achievement can include supporters, a compartment, and other details. The full achievement of the Lord Kirkcudbright includes two supporters (a knight in armor on the left and a unicorn rampant on the right). The compartment is sometimes shown with the motto below the supporters and the shield, forming a foundation for the achievement. A coronet of rank is often included; it consists of six silver balls (four of which are showing) indicating the lowers rank of Peer (Scottish Lord in this case).

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