The Royal coat of arms of Scotland is a symbol of the monarch of the United Kingdom's position as King of Scots. This heraldic creation holds significant historical and cultural symbolism and is used in Scotland to represent the Scottish monarch's official capacities.

At the heart of the Coat of Arms is the shield, or escutcheon, which is divided into four quarters. The first and fourth quarters display a red lion rampant, within a double royal tressure flory-counter-flory, on a gold field, representing Scotland. The second quarter shows a gold lion rampant on a red field, symbolizing England. The third quarter carries a gold harp on a blue field, symbolizing Ireland.

Surrounding the shield are elements that denote the sovereignty and honor of the monarch. On the left side of the shield stands a unicorn, which is a symbol of Scotland, and on the right is the English lion. Both are crowned and stand on their hind legs, supporting the shield with their front paws. The unicorn is chained, which is a traditional symbol reflecting the medieval belief that a free unicorn was considered a very dangerous beast; thus, the chained unicorn is symbolic of a subdued and obedient Scotland.

Above the shield is the helm and crest. The helm is graced with the Crown of Scotland and the crest features a lion sejant affronté (sitting facing forward) holding a sword and scepter, symbolizing the monarch's royal authority.

The shield is ensigned with the Crown of Scotland and the motto "In Defens" appears on a scroll above the crest, which translates to "In Defence". This is a shortened form of the full motto "In My Defens God Me Defend".

Underneath the shield, there is another scroll with the motto "Nemo me impune lacessit", which translates to "No one provokes me with impunity", often interpreted as a warning against anyone who would dare to challenge the monarch or the nation.

The compartment or base of the Coat of Arms features thistles, the national flower of Scotland, interspersed with rue, and on a green mount.

The Royal Coat of Arms of Scotland is steeped in symbolism and history, representing centuries of Scottish heritage and the evolution of the country's identity within the United Kingdom. It is an emblem of pride for the Scottish people, and a representation of their monarch's authority and duty towards the nation.