Macnab Ancient Clan Collection

I. Introduction

In the dawn of Scotland’s history, where the whispers of saints mingled with the clash of swords, the MacNab Ancient Clan rose from the fertile lands of Perthshire. Their name, Mac an Aba—"son of the abbot"—binds them to the Celtic church, a lineage of spiritual and temporal power that shaped their early identity. From the shadow of Saint Fillan’s legacy, the MacNabs forged a path through the turbulent centuries, their story a vivid thread in Scotland’s Highland tapestry.

II. Origins of the MacNab Ancient Clan

The MacNabs trace their genesis to Abraruadh, a figure shrouded in legend as a lay abbot of Glendochart and Strathearn, possibly a son of Kenneth MacAlpin, the unifier of Picts and Scots. This ecclesiastical origin ties them to the seventh-century missionary Saint Fillan, whose relics and influence permeated their homeland near Loch Tay. The first tangible record emerges in 1124, during David I’s reign, when a MacNab is noted among the landholders of Killin, cementing their ancient foothold in the Highlands.

III. Historical Evolution of the MacNab Ancient Clan

In the medieval era, the MacNabs thrived as custodians of sacred and secular domains. Their lands, stretching from Tyndrum to the fringes of Argyll, placed them at a crossroads of power. During the Wars of Independence, their alliance with the Comyns pitted them against Robert the Bruce, leading to a devastating loss of territory after Bannockburn in 1314. Yet, their resilience shone through when Gilbert MacNab, the first recognized chief, reclaimed Bovain in 1336 under David II, restoring their status as a formidable Highland kindred.

IV. Clan MacNab Crest and Motto

A. Crest Symbolism

The MacNab crest—a savage’s head affrontée proper—originates later but reflects the ancient clan’s fierce spirit. Symbolizing victory over foes, it nods to their tenacity in defending their sacred ground.

B. Clan Motto

Timor Omnis Abesto—"Let fear be far from all"—captures the ancient MacNabs’ defiance, a creed born in an era when courage was their shield against rival clans and royal wrath.

V. Conclusion

The MacNab Ancient Clan stands as a testament to Scotland’s primal past, their roots entwined with the church and the sword. From Glendochart’s hallowed glens, they carved a legacy of endurance, their name echoing through time as a symbol of Highland valor.