This is the crest of Clan MacLeod. Bonnie is a proud MacLeod. Her family has kept connected to their roots since they were deported from Scotland to Nova Scotia. We visited the family castle, Dunvegan, and I bought cufflinks with this crest. I wear them with pride, as Hold Fast is a really inspiring motto. Bonnie’s family motto comes from their Norse ancestors.
“The phrase “Hold Fast” traces back to Norwegian and Dutch sailors who had the saying “houd vast” meaning “hold tight”. Upon first impression, the meaning of hold fast seems obvious, but to a sailor, “fast” is a term meaning to make tight. If a sailor was to make fast the line, it would mean to make the rope tight.”
Bonnie’s ancestors came to Canada in a tiny ship called the Hector. Over 100 people were crowded into the ship’s hold that was just 5 feet high. Several passengers died. Finally they were dropped on the shores of Nova Scotia just before winter. All they had was a few hand tools.
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