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Order of the Thistle

The Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle, supposed to have been created in A.D. 787, was revived by King James II in 1687 and was re-established by Queeen Anne, December 31st, 1703 and is the Scottish equivalent of the Order of the Garter. Conferment is restricted to members of the Royal Family and to 16 other prominent people. There is only one rank, that of Knight Companion (KT)
The insignia comprises a silver star in the shape of a St. Andrew's Cross with other rays between the points of the cross and in the centre, a green thistle on a field of gold, surrounded by a green circle bearing the motto: "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" in gold letters. The collar is gold with thistles and sprigs of rue enamelled in green. Suspended from the collar is the badge, a golden image of St. Andrew in green gown and purple surcoat, bearing before him the Cross enamelled white, the whole surrounded by rays of gold. The ribbon is 1.25" wide and coloured green.
The motto of the Order: "Nemo me impune lacessit" (Nobody provokes me with impunity) is also the motto of all Scottish military regiments.

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