Castles of Clan Cumming (Comyn)
Lochindorb Castle
Lochindorb Castle, located on an island in a loch near Grantown-on-Spey, was one of the principal seats of the Comyn Lords of Badenoch. Built in the 13th century, it served as a formidable stronghold during the height of Comyn power. Black John Comyn died here in 1303, and Edward I of England later used it as a campaign base. Though slighted in the 15th century, parts of the curtain wall and corner towers remain. The island ruins are accessible by boat and remain one of the most iconic Comyn sites.
Ruthven Castle
Ruthven Castle, in Badenoch near Kingussie, was another key seat of the Comyn Lords. Built in the early 13th century to command Highland passes, it was used by the Comyns until their downfall. Later replaced by Ruthven Barracks in the 18th century, the castle was once central to the clan’s influence in the region. Today, its site is dominated by the later barracks, but its Comyn origins are remembered in local tradition. It served as a power base in the heart of the Highlands.
Inverlochy Castle
Inverlochy Castle, near Fort William, was built by John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber, in the late 13th century. Its quadrangular layout, tall curtain walls, and round towers made it one of the strongest castles in the west. It passed out of Comyn hands after their defeat by Robert the Bruce in 1308. The ruins are well-preserved and stand as a dramatic medieval fortress. The main tower is still referred to as “Comyn’s Tower.”
Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle, on the shores of Loch Ness, was granted to the Comyns in the late 13th century. They fortified the site extensively, adding strong curtain walls and a gatehouse. The castle became contested during the Wars of Independence and was taken from Comyn hands by Robert the Bruce. It was later held by the Crown and Clan Grant. The ruins are now one of the most visited in Scotland.
Dundarg Castle
Dundarg Castle, in Buchan near New Aberdour, was a Comyn coastal fortress built in the 13th century. It was besieged and destroyed by Robert the Bruce in 1308 during his campaign against the Comyns. Later rebuilt and captured again in 1334, it was permanently ruined. The remnants include a partial gatehouse and foundation walls on a sea cliff. It is a striking example of a Comyn-built castle brought down during the clan’s fall.
Dalswinton Castle
Dalswinton Castle, near Dumfries, was a southern residence of the Comyn Lords. It was occupied by the Red Comyn before his murder in 1306. The castle was captured by English forces and later retaken by Scots. It eventually fell into ruin and was replaced by a manor house. Only earthworks remain today, but it was once a key Comyn site in the south.
Balvenie Castle
Balvenie Castle, near Dufftown in Moray, was once a stronghold of the Comyn Earls of Buchan. It featured thick curtain walls and a defensive enclosure. After their forfeiture, it was taken by the Black Douglases and later the Stewarts. The ruins are extensive and well-interpreted for visitors. Its early Comyn connection is recorded in royal charters.
Castle Roy
Castle Roy, near Nethy Bridge in Strathspey, was likely built by the Comyns in the 12th or early 13th century. It is a rare example of an early stone curtain wall enclosure castle. Though simple in layout, its walls are nearly 3 meters thick and still largely intact. The castle was later passed to Clan Grant but retains its Comyn legacy. Conservation work is ongoing.
Delgatie Castle
Delgatie Castle, near Turriff, was originally part of the Comyn earldom of Buchan. After the fall of the Comyns, it passed to Clan Hay, who rebuilt it in the 16th century. The existing tower and interiors reflect this later period, but the site’s origins trace back to Comyn control. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here in 1562. Its painted ceilings are among the oldest in Scotland.
Cadzow Castle
Cadzow Castle, near Hamilton, was briefly held by the Comyns in the 13th century as a royal hunting lodge. The estate was later granted to the Hamiltons, who built the current ruined tower in the 16th century. Though not a permanent Comyn seat, its association stems from their brief control before forfeiture. The ruins overlook a wooded gorge and form part of Chatelherault Country Park.
Castles Loosely Associated with Clan Cumming
Dumbarton Castle
Dumbarton Castle was never a Comyn holding, but their royal connections and positions of sheriff or governor brought them into contact with the site. Located at the mouth of the River Clyde, the castle played a role in regional defense during the Comyn era. After their fall, Bruce supporters took control. The fortress remains an imposing feature on its volcanic rock. It reflects the strategic world the Comyns once helped govern.
Aberdeen Castle
Aberdeen Castle was a royal fortress administered at times by Comyn allies during the Wars of Independence. As Guardians of Scotland, the Comyns had influence over its garrison in the late 1290s. The castle was destroyed by Robert the Bruce’s forces in 1308. Though nothing remains today, its capture was part of Bruce’s campaign to dismantle Comyn power. It stands in history as a symbol of their waning authority.
Jedburgh Castle
Jedburgh Castle, in the Borders, was held in royal trust by the Comyn-aligned Guardians of Scotland during the 1290s. It was later retaken by Bruce supporters and demolished to prevent English reoccupation. The current castle is a 19th-century jail built on the original site. Its significance lies in its place in the conflict between Bruce and the Comyns. It remains a historical footnote in the Wars of Independence.
Cruggleton Castle
Cruggleton Castle, on the Galloway coast, was briefly occupied by the Earl of Buchan, a leading Comyn, in the late 13th century. He attempted to fortify it with lead from the Isle of Man, granted by Edward I. The castle was later besieged and destroyed by Bruce’s brother in 1307. The remains sit on a dramatic sea cliff. They mark a rare Comyn outpost in Galloway.
Kirkintilloch Castle
Kirkintilloch Castle was a Comyn property on the old Antonine Wall. It served as a defensive motte and was garrisoned by English-aligned Comyn forces during the Wars of Independence. Bruce’s allies attacked and destroyed it in 1307. Only faint earthworks survive today. Its position near Glasgow once gave the Comyns access to central routes.
References
Coventry, M. (2010). The Castles of Scotland (5th ed.). Musselburgh: Goblinshead.
Tabraham, C. (2005). Scotland’s Castles. London: Batsford.
Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Castle Records and Listings.
RCAHMS. (n.d.). National Monuments Record of Scotland.
Barrow, G. W. S. (1998). Robert Bruce and the Community of the Realm of Scotland.
Clan Cumming Society. (n.d.). Cumming Heritage and Historical Holdings.