During my stay at the Castello di Vigoleno in the summer of 2025, I learned that the motto and coat of arms I photographed belong to the Scotti family—specifically the Scotti Douglas branch—who controlled the castle for more than six centuries, from 1389 to the early 1900s.
Meaning and Significance
The Motto — Nunquam Retrorsum
Translated as “Never Backward” or “Never Retreating,” it expresses resolve and martial courage. For a powerful feudal dynasty like the Scotti, it functioned as both a declaration of character and a warning: they would not yield their ground, their authority, or their principles.
The Coat of Arms
Two Stars (Mullets):
The six‑pointed stars are a defining element of Scotti heraldry and appear consistently across their armorial tradition.
The Bend:
The diagonal stripe across the shield—known as a bend—is another long‑established feature of the family’s arms.
The Douglas Connection
The Scotti of Piacenza later adopted the name “Scotti Douglas,” claiming descent from the Scottish Clan Douglas. While this lineage is debated, the symbolic connection is strong: the motto Nunquam Retrorsum is also used by certain Douglas branches, reinforcing the idea of shared ancestry and martial identity.

The motto is perfectly in line with our own, Jamais Arriere.