Clan MacNab Crest
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CREST: The head of a savage affrontée Proper MOTTO: Timor omnis abesto TRANSLATION: Let fear be far from all VARIATIONS: McNab |
| The name “MacNab” finds its genesis in the Gaelic “Mac An Aba,” meaning “child of the abbot.” Legend has it that Abraruadh, also known as the Red Abbot, was the progenitor of this illustrious clan. His lineage can be traced back to King Fergus of Dalriada and his connection to St. Fillan, the revered founder of Glendorchart monastery in the seventh century.
Historical records indicate that Clan MacNab’s presence can be found as early as the 12th century. Malcolm de Glendochart, mentioned in a charter of 1124, was among the Scottish nobles who pledged allegiance to Edward I of England. But it was Angus Machab, the brother-in-law of John Comyn, who played a significant role in the tumultuous events of 1306 when Robert the Bruce claimed the throne. |
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| After Robert the Bruce’s triumph at Bannockburn in 1314, the MacNab lands were forfeited, and their charters destroyed. However, the clan’s fortunes saw a glimmer of hope in 1336 when Gilbert, the grandson of Angus Machab, received a charter from David II. This marked the first step towards the restoration of their ancestral lands.
Throughout its history, Clan MacNab boasted remarkable personalities, each leaving their mark on the clan’s story. “Smooth John,” a son of Finlay MacNab, joined Montrose’s forces and contributed to a royal victory at Kilsyth. But he faced capture and imprisonment in Edinburgh, escaping the night before his execution. His bravery and resilience became the stuff of legends. Clan MacNab’s fortunes were entwined with the powerful Clan Campbell through marriages and alliances. This connection often influenced their actions, as seen during the Jacobite rising in 1715 when the MacNabs, despite sympathies for the “Old Pretender,” restrained themselves from open support due to the strong Campbell ties. Over the centuries, the MacNabs encountered their share of challenges, including significant debts that weighed heavily on their estate. Despite the hardships, they persevered and displayed remarkable adaptability, some even finding new homes in distant lands like Canada. Today, Clan MacNab continues to honor its heritage, with James Charles, the twenty-third chief, carrying the torch of his ancestors. The clan’s legacy lives on through the stories passed down through generations and the strong sense of kinship among its members. |
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