They usually face left unless specified otherwise. The clergy do not use crests. Instead, armigerous clergy use an ecclesiastical hat of their rank. There is no prohibition in Scotland against two armigers having identical crests. The motto first appeared on standards and shields, not as battle cries.
Some chiefs have an additional motto, called a slug-horn.
The motto is an integral part of a Scots coat of arms and cannot be altered without re-matriculation. This is different from the situation in England where mottoes are a matter of personal choice and can in theory be changed daily if the armiger so desired. These are special caps specific to rank, peers of the realm, and feudal barons. Barons still in possession of their fief use a red cap. Those of old baronial families no longer in possession of land use a blue cap.