Clan Cumming: A Legacy of Comyn Power, Badenoch Lions and Courage
Introduction
Clan Cumming, historically known as Clan Comyn, is one of the most important names in medieval Scottish history.
Before the rise of Robert the Bruce, the Comyns were one of the most powerful families in Scotland. They held vast lands, controlled strategic castles, claimed royal blood, dominated northern politics, and produced some of the most influential nobles of the 13th century.
The clan motto is:
“Courage”
The clan crest is:
A lion rampant Or, holding in his dexter paw a dagger proper.
The clan war cry is:
“An Cuimeanach! An Cuimeanach!”
The plant badge is commonly listed as:
Common Sallow / Pussy Willow
The modern chief is Sir Alexander “Alastair” Penrose Gordon-Cumming of Altyre, Baronet of Altyre, and the clan seat is Altyre House, near Forres in Moray.
This article explores the history, people, heritage, tartans, crest, motto, castles, battles and modern legacy of Clan Cumming.
Chapter I: Origins of Clan Cumming
The name Cumming comes from the older form Comyn, also written Cumyn, Comin, Cumin and Comyns.
The family was of Norman origin, entering Scottish history during the reign of David I in the 12th century. The Comyns rose quickly through royal service, marriage, landholding and political ability. By the 13th century, they had become one of the greatest noble families in Scotland.
The Gaelic name of the clan is:
Na Cuimeinich
The Comyns became especially associated with:
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Badenoch
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Lochaber
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Buchan
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Moray
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Altyre
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Lochindorb
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Inverlochy
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The north and north-east of Scotland
At their height, the Comyns were more than a clan. They were a national power bloc.
They held the lordship of Badenoch, the earldom of Buchan, influence in Lochaber, and powerful alliances across Scotland. They also had royal blood through connections to the old Scottish royal line and to the Balliol family.
Chapter II: Clan Territory and Ancestral Lands
Clan Cumming’s historic territories included:
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Badenoch
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Lochaber
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Buchan
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Moray
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Altyre
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Forres
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Lochindorb
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Inverlochy
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The north-east of Scotland
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The central Highlands
Important seats and strongholds included:
Lochindorb Castle
Inverlochy Castle
Altyre House
Modern clan references list Altyre House in Moray as the present clan seat, with Lochindorb Castle and Inverlochy Castle as historic seats.
The Comyns controlled key castles and routes across northern Scotland. Their power stretched from Inverlochy Castle in the west to strongholds in the north-east, giving them influence over movement, trade, warfare and royal authority in the Highlands and Lowlands.
This made Clan Comyn one of the greatest territorial forces in medieval Scotland.
Chapter III: Important People of Clan Cumming
Richard Comyn
Richard Comyn is often remembered as one of the early ancestors of the Scottish Comyn family. The family entered Scotland in the 12th century and rose rapidly under royal patronage.
Through marriage and service, the Comyns became deeply embedded in Scottish aristocratic life.
William Comyn, Lord of Badenoch
William Comyn was one of the great architects of Comyn power.
He became Lord of Badenoch and, through marriage, connected the family with the earldom of Buchan. This helped create the two great branches of the family:
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The Comyn Lords of Badenoch
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The Comyn Earls of Buchan
These branches made the Comyns one of the dominant noble houses in Scotland.
Alexander Comyn, Earl of Buchan
Alexander Comyn, Earl of Buchan, was another major figure in the family’s rise. The Comyns held the office of Justiciar of Scotia for long periods, making them central to the kingdom’s law, administration and government.
John “the Black” Comyn
John Comyn II of Badenoch, known as the Black Comyn, was one of the claimants to the Scottish throne during the succession crisis after the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway.
His claim came through descent from King Donald III. This placed the Comyn family in the dangerous world of royal politics and succession disputes.
John “the Red” Comyn
The most famous member of the clan was John Comyn III of Badenoch, known as the Red Comyn.
He was one of the most powerful men in Scotland during the Wars of Independence. He served as Guardian of Scotland after the forced abdication of his uncle, King John Balliol, and became a major military and political leader in resistance to English domination.
His rivalry with Robert the Bruce ended in one of the most dramatic moments in Scottish history: his killing at Greyfriars Church in Dumfries on 10 February 1306.
Sir Robert Comyn
Sir Robert Comyn, uncle of the Red Comyn, was killed while defending his nephew during the attack at Greyfriars. His death became part of the tragedy of the Comyn fall.
Sir Alexander “Alastair” Penrose Gordon-Cumming of Altyre
The modern chief is:
Sir Alexander “Alastair” Penrose Gordon-Cumming of Altyre
Chief of Clan Cumming
Baronet of Altyre
The chiefship passed to the Cummings of Altyre after the failure of the old Badenoch line.
Chapter IV: Castles, Strongholds and Historic Sites
Lochindorb Castle
Lochindorb Castle was one of the great Comyn strongholds.
Standing on an island in Lochindorb, near Grantown-on-Spey, it was a powerful fortress in the heart of Comyn territory. Its remote island position made it defensible, dramatic and symbolic of the family’s Highland power.
Inverlochy Castle
Inverlochy Castle, near modern Fort William, was another important stronghold associated with the Comyns.
The Comyns’ power stretched from Inverlochy in the west to Buchan in the east, showing the scale of their medieval influence.
Altyre House
Altyre House, near Forres in Moray, is the modern seat of the Cumming chiefs.
The Gordon-Cummings of Altyre became the chiefly line after the fall of the old Comyn Lords of Badenoch.
Badenoch
Badenoch was the heartland of the Comyn Lords of Badenoch.
It gave the clan control over central Highland routes and made the Comyns one of the dominant powers of northern Scotland.
Buchan
The earldom of Buchan was held by a powerful Comyn branch. This connected the clan to the fertile north-east and to one of the most important medieval lordships in Scotland.
Greyfriars, Dumfries
The church of the Greyfriars in Dumfries is one of the most tragic and important places in Cumming history.
It was there, on 10 February 1306, that Robert the Bruce killed John “the Red” Comyn before the altar.
Chapter V: Battles, Wars and Clan Events
Clan Cumming’s history is inseparable from the Wars of Scottish Independence.
The Great Cause
After the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway, Scotland entered a succession crisis. The Comyns had strong royal connections and supported the Balliol claim.
This placed them in rivalry with the Bruce family.
The Comyns were not minor players. They were central to the political struggle over who would rule Scotland.
Battle of Dunbar — 1296
During the opening phase of the Wars of Independence, the Comyns fought against English power. John Comyn was among many Scottish nobles captured after the Battle of Dunbar in 1296.
Guardianship of Scotland
After William Wallace resigned or was removed as Guardian after Falkirk, John Comyn III became one of the leading Guardians of Scotland. He served alongside Robert Bruce for a time, though their rivalry was already dangerous.
This shows that the Red Comyn was not simply a villain in Bruce’s story. He was one of the leading defenders of Scotland during a crucial period.
Battle of Roslin — 1303
John Comyn led Scottish forces at the Battle of Roslin on 23 February 1303, where the Scots defeated a larger English force.
This victory is an important part of Comyn military history and deserves more recognition.
The Killing of the Red Comyn — 1306
On 10 February 1306, Robert the Bruce and John Comyn met at the church of the Greyfriars in Dumfries.
During the meeting, Bruce stabbed Comyn before the altar. Later tradition says Bruce’s companions finished the killing. Sir Robert Comyn, John’s uncle, was also killed while defending him.
This was one of the most consequential killings in Scottish history.
After Comyn’s death, Bruce moved quickly to seize the throne. The Comyns became his enemies, and their lands and titles were forfeited.
Battle of Bannockburn — 1314
The Red Comyn’s son, John Comyn IV, fought on the English side at Bannockburn in 1314 and was killed there.
This ended the hopes of the main Badenoch Comyn line returning to power.
The Fall of the Comyns
After Bruce’s victory, the Comyn Lords of Badenoch lost their lands and influence. Their power was broken, but the name did not disappear.
Other branches survived, and the name gradually shifted from Comyn to Cumming.
The Cummings of Altyre later became recognised as chiefs of the clan.
Chapter VI: Clan Crest, Motto and Badge
Clan Crest
The Cumming crest is:
A lion rampant Or, holding in his dexter paw a dagger proper.
The lion is a symbol of:
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Courage
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Nobility
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Strength
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Royal ambition
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Martial power
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Defiance
The dagger adds a sharper symbolism of readiness, danger and conflict.
Clan.com summarises the Cumming crest as a lion rampant holding a dagger, with the motto “Courage.”
Clan Motto
The clan motto is:
“Courage”
It is direct, simple and powerful.
For Clan Cumming, this motto is deeply fitting. The history of the Comyns is not a minor family story. It is the story of a clan that stood at the centre of Scotland’s most dangerous political struggles.
War Cry
The clan war cry is:
“An Cuimeanach! An Cuimeanach!”
Meaning:
“The Cumming! The Cumming!”
Another slogan associated with the clan is:
“Fhad ’s a bhios maide sa choill, cha bhi foill an Cuimeineach”
Meaning roughly:
“As long as there is a stick in the wood, there will be no deceit from Clan Cumming.”
Clan Badge
The plant badge is commonly listed as:
Common Sallow / Pussy Willow
Clan references also mention cummin plant in connection with the name.
Clan Animal
The clan animal is:
The Lion
This perfectly reflects the crest and the old royal ambitions of the Comyn family.
Chapter VII: Clan Tartans
Clan Cumming has several tartans associated with the name.
Cumming 1842 Tartan
The Cumming – 1842 tartan is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans under reference 840.
This tartan is linked with the 19th-century tartan revival and the publication traditions of the period.
Cumming / Comyn Tartan
The Cumming or Comyn tartan appears in 19th-century tartan sources. ScotClans notes that the Cumming tartan was first recorded as Cumming in 1850, though it had appeared earlier under the name MacAuley as early as 1831.
This reflects the complexity of tartan history. Many clan tartans became fixed in the 19th century, even when they drew on earlier patterns or regional designs.
Cumming Modern Tartan
The Cumming Modern tartan is commonly described as a red-based tartan with green shades. Lochcarron describes its Cumming Clan Modern fabric as red based with shades of green.
Cumming Hunting Tartan
Cumming hunting tartans are also used by modern descendants and tartan wearers, often in darker or more muted tones suitable for country dress.
The Meaning of Cumming Tartans Today
For modern Cumming descendants, the tartan represents:
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Comyn medieval power
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Badenoch heritage
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Buchan connections
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Altyre and Moray
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The motto “Courage”
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The lion-and-dagger crest
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Survival after political catastrophe
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Family pride and diaspora identity
The tartan gives the old Comyn story a visible modern form.
Chapter VIII: Heritage, Identity and Clan Traditions
Clan Cumming represents one of the most dramatic stories in Scottish clan history.
Its story includes:
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Norman origins
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Rise under David I
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Lordship of Badenoch
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Earldom of Buchan
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Lochindorb Castle
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Inverlochy Castle
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Royal claims
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Rivalry with Robert the Bruce
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John “the Red” Comyn
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The killing at Greyfriars, Dumfries
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Defeat and forfeiture under Bruce
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Survival through later Cumming branches
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The Cummings of Altyre
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The motto “Courage”
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The lion-and-dagger crest
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Cumming and Comyn tartans
Associated names and septs include:
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Cumming
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Cummings
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Comyn
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Comins
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Commins
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Common
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Commons
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Cummin
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Cummins
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Cumyn
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Buchan
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Badenoch
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Cheyne
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Chesney
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MacNiven
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Niven
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Russell
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MacCumming
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MacCummin
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MacCheyne
Clan reference material lists many of these as associated names or septs of Clan Cumming.
Chapter IX: Clan Cumming Today
Today, Clan Cumming remains a recognised Scottish clan with a living chief.
The current chief is:
Sir Alexander “Alastair” Penrose Gordon-Cumming of Altyre
Chief of Clan Cumming
Baronet of Altyre
The clan seat is:
Altyre House, Forres, Moray
Modern Clan Cumming identity can be found through:
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Family history research
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Tartan wearing
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Scottish heritage events
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Interest in Badenoch and Buchan
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Visits to Lochindorb and Altyre country
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Study of the Wars of Independence
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Genealogy projects
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Diaspora communities across the world
The clan stands today as a symbol of courage, power, survival, contested memory and Scottish family pride.
Chapter X: Legacy of Clan Cumming
The story of Clan Cumming is one of power, ambition, tragedy and survival.
At their height, the Comyns were among the most powerful families in Scotland. They held great lordships, commanded castles, claimed royal blood, governed through high office and stood at the centre of the Wars of Independence.
Their greatest rival was Robert the Bruce.
Their greatest tragedy was the murder of John “the Red” Comyn at Greyfriars in Dumfries.
Their greatest survival was that the name endured.
The old Comyns fell from power, but Clan Cumming did not vanish. It lived on through branches, tartans, heraldry, Altyre, family memory and descendants across the world.
Its crest, the lion holding a dagger, speaks of strength and danger.
Its motto gives the clan its voice:
Courage.
From Badenoch to Buchan, from Greyfriars to Altyre, from medieval power to modern descendants, Clan Cumming continues to carry its history forward.
Its legacy is written in tartan, castles, royal claims, battlefield memory, old rivalries, family records and the pride of those who still honour the name.
Tartan Time Machine Closing Paragraph
At Tartan Time Machine, we bring Scotland’s past into the present by exploring the clans, castles, battles, kirkyards, legends and forgotten stories that shaped the nation.
Clan Cumming is one chapter in that greater story — a story of Comyn power, Badenoch castles, Buchan lordship, lions, daggers, tartans, Bruce rivalry and the courage of a name that survived one of Scotland’s greatest political storms.
Discover more Scottish history, clan stories, castle features and heritage content at:
www.tartantimemachine.com