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| The Sound of Mull from the summit of Ben Hiant, Scotland. Photographer, Richard Webb CC BY-SA 2.0. |
It is well known how hard Robert Bruce was pressed by the English, until the death of his terrible foe Edward I., and the accession of the imbecile Edward of Caernarvon, afforded him an opportunity of rallying his adherents, and of entering upon that career of success, which resulted in the crowning victory at Bannockburn. But previously to this, while wandering with a few followers as a hunted fugitive, in the islands and western portion of Scotland, he on one occasion was pursued so closely, that he would most inevitably have been killed or taken, had it not been for the timely aid afforded him by two men of the name of Torrance; who, by rowing him in their boat over a firth or arm of the sea, enabled him to escape the search of his enemies. The allusion to this service is obvious, both in the arms and motto.
Arms. — Per pale gules and or, two boats' oars in sal tiro azure.
Motto. — "I saved the King."
From the Anecdotes of Heraldry (p. 161) which can be found here.
