Clan MacThomas Crest
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CREST: A demi-cat-a-mountain rampant guardant Proper, grasping in his dexter paw a serpent Vert, langued Gules, its tail environing the sinister paw MOTTO: Deo juvante invidiam superabo TRANSLATION: I will overcome envy with God’s help VARIATIONS: N/A |
| The clan takes its name from Thomas, known as Tomaidh Mor, a Gaelic-speaking Highlander who hailed from the Clan Chattan Mackintoshes. Tomaidh Mor was a descendant of the Clan Chattan’s eighth chief, William. In the 15th century, during a time when the Clan Chattan Confederation grew unwieldy, Tomaidh Mor led his kinsmen across the Grampians to settle in Blenshee (Banenoch), marking the beginning of the MacThomas legacy. Over time, variations of the name emerged, including Mccomie, Mccolm, and Mccomas.
To the Edinburgh government, the clan was known as Macthomas, as evidenced by its description in the roll of the clans within the Acts of Parliament of 1587 and 1595. The clan’s motto, “Deo juvante invidiam superabo,” speaks of overcoming envy with God’s help, showcasing the resilience and determination that characterized the MacThomas spirit. |
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| The clan’s coat of arms is a visual representation of its identity. Featuring a lion rampant, a dexter hand holding a dagger, a lymphad (sailing ship), and more, each element carries symbolism tied to the clan’s history and values. The crest, a demi-cat-a-mountain grasping a serpent, illustrates the clan’s strength and cunning. The plant badge, snowberry plants, adds a natural touch to the clan’s symbols.
Through the generations, the MacThomas chiefs played significant roles in Scottish history. Iain Mor, also known as McComie Mor, stands out for his fierce defense of his lands and people. He supported Charles I and joined Montrose’s forces in 1644. His royalist sympathies, however, did not hinder his admiration for the stability brought by the Commonwealth. His clashes with royalist neighbors, including Lord Airlie, underscore his principled stance. The Restoration in 1660 brought challenges for the MacThomases, including fines and legal disputes. Despite their earlier prominence, the clan’s power waned due to internal strife, law suits, and fines. The family name evolved into various forms like Thomson and Thom, with some settling in Angus and Fife. Yet, the MacThomas legacy remained alive through the centuries. The MacThomas clan’s heritage persisted through the years. Angus Thomas, the tenth chief, adopted the surname Thomas and settled in northern Fife. Today, descendants of the clan can be found in various parts of Scotland. The recognition of George’s great-nephew as MacThomas of Finegand, the eighteenth chief, by the Lyon Court in 1967 is a testament to the enduring legacy of Clan MacThomas. |
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