Branches of Clan Cumming (Comyn)
Comyn of Badenoch
The Comyns of Badenoch were the principal line of Clan Comyn, rising to extraordinary power in the 13th and early 14th centuries. They held vast territories in Badenoch and Lochaber, centered on Lochindorb Castle. John “the Black” Comyn and his son John “the Red” Comyn were pivotal figures in Scottish politics. The Red Comyn’s claim to the throne and rivalry with Robert the Bruce culminated in his death at Bruce’s hand in 1306 at Greyfriars Church, Dumfries. The subsequent defeat of the Comyns led to the forfeiture of their lands, effectively ending this line’s power.
Comyn of Buchan
This branch gained the earldom of Buchan through the marriage of William Comyn to Marjory, Countess of Buchan, in the early 13th century. Their descendants became High Constables of Scotland and were among the kingdom’s most powerful nobles. John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, opposed Robert the Bruce and was defeated at the Battle of Inverurie in 1308. His lands were confiscated, and the title extinguished. The Buchan branch marked the height of Comyn influence before their catastrophic fall.
Comyn of Menteith
Walter Comyn acquired the earldom of Menteith jure uxoris (by right of his wife) around 1231. He played a key role during King Alexander III’s minority and was a staunch defender of Scottish independence. His death in 1258 under suspicious circumstances ended Comyn control of Menteith. The title passed out of the family soon after, but this branch exemplifies the Comyn strategy of expanding influence through marriage and political stewardship.
Comyn of Atholl
The Atholl branch emerged when John Comyn married Ada, Countess of Atholl, in the mid-13th century. Their son David, Earl of Atholl, died on crusade, and his descendants, the Strathbogies, continued the title. John of Strathbogie, 3rd Earl, supported Robert the Bruce but was executed by the English in 1306. Although their loyalties shifted during the Wars of Independence, the Atholl Comyns played a significant part in the clan’s broader narrative of ambition and conflict.
Comyn of Kilbride
The Lords of Kilbride were a cadet branch based in Lanarkshire. Sir David Comyn and his wife contributed significantly to the construction of Glasgow Cathedral in the 13th century, and their effigies remain in the cathedral’s crypt. Though less politically influential than the Highland branches, they held regional importance and represent the Comyn presence in the southwest Lowlands.
Cumming of Altyre
The Altyre branch is the current chiefly line of Clan Cumming. It descends from Sir Robert Comyn, uncle of the Red Comyn, who received a royal pardon after the family’s downfall. The Cummings of Altyre settled in Moray and re-established the clan’s presence there. In the 19th century, they became Gordon-Cumming of Altyre and were created baronets in 1802. They remain the official chiefs of Clan Cumming and continue to reside at Altyre House.
Cumming of Inverallochy
This branch descends from a 13th-century cadet of the Badenoch line and was based in northeast Scotland. Sir William Cumming of Inverallochy served as Lord Lyon King of Arms in 1512. The family acquired estates in Buchan and held them for several generations. While now extinct in the male line, Inverallochy was a major branch that contributed to heraldry, diplomacy, and regional governance.
Cumine of Rattray
The Rattray branch, also spelled Cumine, is one of the few cadet lines to survive into modern times. Descended from a younger son of the Altyre line, they established themselves in Aberdeenshire by the early 1700s. The family held lands at Rattray and Auchry and maintained their status through marriage and landownership. They remain an important part of the clan’s living history.
Obscure or Nonactive Branches
Cumming of Culter
A cadet of the Inverallochy line, the Culter branch gained prominence in the late 17th century. Sir Alexander Cumming of Culter was created a baronet in 1695 and served as an MP for Aberdeenshire. His son famously traveled to America and was named an honorary Cherokee chief. The line died out in the late 18th century and is now remembered primarily for its baronetcy and adventurous diplomacy.
Cumming of Logie
A minor cadet line of the Altyre family, the Cummings of Logie held lands near Forres. They served as regional lairds and faded out by the early 19th century. The estate was sold, and the line became extinct or merged into other families. It is now considered an obscure branch.
Cumming of Relugas
This branch, based near Forres in Moray, descended from the Altyre line and held the estate of Relugas. It lasted into the early 19th century and is noted for its connection to the Lauder family. The branch sold its estate and did not continue under the Cumming name, making it a nonactive branch today.
References (APA Format)
Clan Cumming Society. (n.d.). Clan Chief and Branches. Retrieved from https://www.clancumming.us/clan_chief.html
Fargo, J. E. (n.d.). Strathbogie Earls of Atholl. Clan Donnachaidh Society. Retrieved from https://www.robertson.org
ScotClans. (n.d.). Cumming Clan History. Retrieved from https://www.scotclans.com
Sinclair, F. (n.d.). Clan Comyn. Retrieved from http://fionamsinclair.co.uk/genealogy/highlandclans/Comyn.htm
Tartans.com. (n.d.). The Clan Comyn (Cumming). Retrieved from http://www.tartans.com/clans/Comyn/comyn.html
Wikipedia. (2023). Lord Lyon King of Arms. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Lyon_King_of_Arms
Wikipedia. (2023). Sir Alexander Cumming, 1st Baronet. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Alexander_Cumming_1st_Baronet
WappenWiki. (2021). House of Comyn and cadet branches. Retrieved from https://wappenwiki.org/index.php/House_of_Comyn