image copyright Rachel Windsor

The arms of Edinburgh, shown as a relief carving on the side of the West Bow Well in the Grassmarket.

The Edinburgh Coat of Arms shows a three towered castle, each tower with a red flag. The castle is black and stands on a rock. The portcullis is lowered, and the whole is found on a white or silver shield shaped panel.

To the left stands a maiden, perhaps related to the name Castrum Puellarum which means castle of the maidens, and to the right is a deer, representing St Giles, the city's patron saint.

Above the shield it says, NISI DOMINUS FRUSTRA - Except the Lord in vain.