Clan Cumming (Comyn): One of Scotland’s Greatest Medieval Powers, Earls of Buchan, and Rivals to Bruce for the Crown
Clan Cumming — also spelled Comyn — is one of the most powerful and influential families in all of Scottish history. At their height in the 13th century, the Comyns controlled vast territories, shaped national politics, and stood only a breath away from the Scottish throne. Their dramatic rise and fall, their rivalry with Robert the Bruce, and their lasting legacy across the Highlands and Lowlands make Clan Cumming one of Scotland’s most captivating historic lineages.
Their motto, “Courage”, reflects a clan defined by bold ambition, warrior heritage, and an unbroken spirit that survived even after the devastating collapse of their medieval power.
Origins and Early History
1. Norman–Gaelic Foundations
The Cummings arrived in Scotland during the 12th century, likely from Normandy, as part of the wave of Norman knights invited by King David I.
They quickly integrated into Scottish nobility, marrying into:
Gaelic dynasties
The royal house of Dunkeld
Regional mormaer families
This gave them a unique blend of Norman and ancient Scottish royal blood.
2. Rise to National Dominance
By the 13th century, the Comyns had become:
Earls of Buchan
Lords of Badenoch
Lords of Lochaber
Sheriffs in multiple regions
Guardians of Scotland during minority and interregnum periods
At one point, the Comyn family possessed more land than any family except the Crown.
3. Claim to the Throne
The Comyns were related through marriage to the royal line of Alexander III.
Their closest claimant was:
John “The Red” Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, who asserted a legitimate claim to the Scottish throne.
This set the stage for one of the most dramatic rivalries in Scottish history.
The Bruce–Comyn Rivalry
1. A Clash for Scotland
After the death of King Alexander III and the subsequent crisis of succession, the Comyns emerged as leaders of the Balliol faction, opposing the Bruce family.
2. The Killing at Greyfriars (1306)
The pivotal turning point came when:
Robert the Bruce killed John Comyn
before the high altar of Greyfriars Church in Dumfries.
This act shocked all of Europe and ignited a devastating civil war.
3. The Fall of the Comyns
Bruce’s rise resulted in:
Comyn lands forfeited
Castles destroyed
Survivors driven into exile or service abroad
Yet some Comyn branches endured and rebuilt in later generations.
Territories and Clan Seats
At their height, the Comyns controlled massive territories, including:
1. Badenoch
The stronghold of the Comyns of Badenoch, with immense Highland influence.
2. Buchan
Earldom controlled by the Comyns of Buchan.
3. Lochaber
Strategic lands around the Great Glen.
4. Inverlochy Castle
A major medieval fortress under Comyn control.
5. Kildrummy (through marriage alliances)
Later Seats After the Fall
Surviving branches settled in:
Moray
Badenoch
Strathspey
Strathdearn
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Crest:
A lion rampant, symbolising:
Royal ambition
Courage
Strength of leadership
Motto:
“Courage”
A fitting motto for a clan defined by boldness in war and politics.
Badge:
Clan badge is the cumin plant, a pun on the name and symbol of continuity.
Arms:
Comyn heraldry commonly includes:
Three garbs (wheat sheaves) of the Earldom of Chester
Lions
Red and gold tinctures
Clan Cumming Tartans
Several tartans are officially recognised:
Cumming / Comyn Modern
A striking red, green, and black tartan.
Cumming Ancient
Earthier tones inspired by early dyes.
Cumming Hunting
Dark greens and blues suitable for Highland wear.
Cumming Dress
A white-based sett for ceremonial use.
These tartans honour the clan’s medieval legacy and Highland survival.
Alliances and Feuds
Historic Alliances
The Comyns intermarried with major houses including:
Balliol
Mar
Fife
Atholl
MacDougall
MacDuff
These alliances bolstered their power as claimants to the throne.
Legendary Feuds
The Comyns were involved in several famous conflicts:
1. Comyn vs Bruce
A defining national feud that reshaped Scottish history.
2. Comyn vs MacDougall
Both allied against Bruce.
3. Comyn vs Mackintosh
Long-running disputes over Badenoch lands.
4. Comyn vs many Highland clans
After their fall, their former lands became contested by:
Mackintoshes
Camerons
Gordons
Grants
Comyns in Warfare & National Service
1. Wars of Scottish Independence
Comyns were central to:
Governance during the interregnum
The Balliol claim
Early resistance to English interference
2. Medieval Service Abroad
After their fall in Scotland, many Comyns:
Became mercenaries
Joined the French service
Fought in the Hundred Years’ War
3. Later Highland Involvement
Surviving branches aligned with:
Huntly Gordons
The Mackintoshes
The lairds of Altyre (a key surviving branch)
4. Jacobite Era
Some Cummings supported the Jacobite Risings, especially those in the northeast Highlands.
Notable Comyns in History
John “The Red” Comyn (d. 1306)
Rival claimant to the throne; slain by Robert the Bruce.
John Comyn, Earl of Buchan
One of Scotland’s most powerful nobles before the fall.
Alexander Comyn, Earl of Buchan
Great officer of state and sheriff principal of many regions.
William Comyn, Earl of Buchan (d. 1233)
One of the greatest statesmen of early medieval Scotland.
Sir William Cumming of Altyre
Patriarch of the Altyre branch, which preserved the clan name.
Major Cummings of Gordon Highlanders
Modern military figures continuing the clan’s martial tradition.
Clan Status and Modern Identity
Current Chief:
Sir Alexander Penrose Cumming of Altyre,
Chief of Clan Cumming,
representing the Altyre line—one of the few branches to survive after the medieval collapse.
Clan Territory Today:
Settled in:
Moray
Altyre estate
Clan Associations:
Active in:
Scotland
USA
Canada
New Zealand
Working to preserve:
Cumming/Comyn genealogy
Medieval history
Tartan traditions
Clan gatherings
Clan Cumming Facts at a Glance
Clan Name: Comyn / Cumming
Region: Badenoch, Buchan, Highland and Lowland regions
Chief: Sir Alexander Cumming of Altyre
Crest: Lion rampant
Motto: Courage
Badge: Cumin plant
Tartans: Cumming Modern, Ancient, Hunting, Dress
Allies: Balliol, Mar, Atholl, MacDougall
Feuds: Bruce, Mackintosh, Cameron
Notable Figures: John Comyn, Earl of Buchan; William Comyn
Status: Fully recognised Highland clan
Conclusion
Clan Cumming (Comyn) occupies one of the most dramatic chapters in Scottish history. From ruling as earls and guardians of Scotland to nearly becoming kings themselves, the Comyns helped shape the nation’s destiny. Although their medieval power ended violently, the clan endured—reemerging through the Altyre line as a proud Highland family with a lasting legacy.
Their motto, “Courage,” remains an enduring symbol of a clan that rose, fell, and rose again with dignity and determination.