At Greyfriars, Inverness, is an effigy traditionally identified as that of Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar, who led the ‘Lowland’ army at the battle of Harlaw in 1411 and also the Royalist forces against Donald Balloch at Inverlochy in 1431, in which he was wounded and defeated. The effigy is badly mutilated and weathered: the head, which rested on two cushions, has been broken off. You can still see where his hands were placed together in prayer on his chest. Close examination reveals three miniature shield - to either side and below his hands - representing his coat of arms displayed on a tight fitting jupon, or surcoat. Sadly for tradition, although these shields might have been painted with more detail, these suggest instead that the commemorated knight is in fact of the Hay family, possibly of Lochloy, near Nairn. Another effigy, of later date, bearing the three shields and identified by its inscription as a Hay of Lochloy can be seen in Elgin Cathedral. 3DF Zephyr v7.007 processing 50 images
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