McComb Clan Collection

I. Introduction

In the intricate weave of Scotland’s storied past, the McComb Clan emerges as a subtle yet enduring strand, embodying the resilience and adaptability of the nation’s familial legacies. Though not as widely celebrated as some of Scotland’s more prominent clans, the McCombs have carved their own niche within the annals of history, their name echoing through the Highlands and beyond. Rooted in the rugged landscapes of Perthshire and intertwined with the powerful Clan Chattan Confederation, the McComb story is one of migration, loyalty, and quiet strength.

II. Origins of the McComb Clan

The surname McComb, often spelled as MacComb or McCombie, finds its origins in the Gaelic "MacThomais," meaning "son of Thomas." This appellation ties the clan to a figure of significance: Tomaidh Mòr, or "Great Tommy," a Gaelic-speaking Highlander who lived in the 15th century. Tomaidh Mòr was a grandson of William Mackintosh, the 7th chief of Clan Mackintosh and 8th chief of the Clan Chattan Confederation, a powerful alliance of families in the Highlands. The McCombs emerged as a sept—or affiliated family—of this confederation, their early history shaped by the broader currents of Clan Chattan’s dominance in the region of Badenoch.

The clan’s name itself reflects a phonetic evolution from the Gaelic "MacThomaidh," with variations such as McComie, McColm, and McComas appearing in historical records. This linguistic fluidity underscores the adaptability of the McCombs as they navigated Scotland’s shifting cultural and political landscapes. Their story begins in earnest when Tomaidh Mòr, finding the sprawling Clan Chattan unwieldy, led his kin across the Grampian Mountains to settle in Glen Shee, a remote glen in eastern Perthshire. Here, in the shadow of towering peaks and alongside rushing streams, the McComb Clan took root.

III. Historical Evolution of the McComb Clan

A. Settlement in Glen Shee

The migration to Glen Shee in the 15th century marked a defining moment for the McCombs. This move, prompted by the overexpansion of Clan Chattan, allowed the clan to establish a distinct identity while retaining ties to their Mackintosh kin. Glen Shee, with its pastoral beauty and strategic isolation, provided a haven where the McCombs flourished as pastoralists and warriors. By the late 16th century, their presence was formally acknowledged in the Acts of Parliament of 1587 and 1595, where they were listed as "Macthomas" among the roll of clans, a testament to their recognition by the Scottish government in Edinburgh.

B. Loyalty and Conflict

The McCombs’ history is interwoven with the turbulent feuds and alliances of the Highlands. As part of the Clan Chattan Confederation, they were drawn into conflicts such as the Battle of Invernahavon in 1370, where Clan Chattan clashed with the Camerons. Though the McCombs’ specific role in this battle remains unrecorded, their affiliation with the confederation placed them within the broader narrative of Highland warfare. Later, their steadfastness was tested during the civil wars and Jacobite risings, though the clan maintained a relatively low profile compared to larger factions like the Campbells or MacDonalds.

C. Expansion and Adaptation

Over the centuries, the McCombs dispersed beyond Glen Shee. Some branches migrated to Fife, where they integrated into mercantile life, while others ventured to Aberdeenshire. In the latter region, the name McCombie gained prominence through figures like William McCombie of Tillyfour, a 19th-century innovator who bred the renowned Aberdeen-Angus cattle. This diversification reflects the clan’s ability to adapt to changing times, transitioning from Highland warriors to farmers, merchants, and cattle breeders, while preserving their ancestral ties.

V. Clan McComb Tartan

The McComb Clan does not possess a unique tartan of its own, a characteristic shared with many septs and smaller clans. Instead, McComb descendants often adopt the MacThomas tartan, a striking pattern of green, blue, and red hues that reflects the rugged vibrancy of Glen Shee. Variations such as the Ancient, Modern, and Weathered MacThomas tartans offer options for those wishing to honor their heritage, linking them to the broader MacThomas identity while acknowledging their regional roots in Perthshire.

VI. Prominent Figures of Clan McComb

A. William McCombie of Tillyfour (1805–1880)

One of the most notable figures associated with the McComb name, William McCombie of Tillyfour rose to prominence in Aberdeenshire as a pioneering cattle breeder. His development of the Aberdeen-Angus breed revolutionized Scottish agriculture, earning him a seat in Parliament and a lasting legacy as an innovator. His success exemplifies the clan’s ability to thrive beyond the Highlands, adapting traditional skills to modern enterprise.

B. Patrick MacThomas of Aberlemno (1797–1853)

A descendant of the McComb lineage through the MacThomas chiefly line, Patrick MacThomas of Aberlemno served as Provost of Dundee from 1847 to 1853. His tenure in civic leadership highlights the clan’s northward expansion and integration into urban Scotland, marking a shift from rural roots to influential urban roles.

VII. Conclusion

From the windswept slopes of Glen Shee to the fertile fields of Aberdeenshire, the McComb Clan has traced a path of quiet endurance through Scotland’s history. Their origins as a sept of Clan MacThomas, their settlement in Perthshire, and their contributions to agriculture and civic life paint a picture of a family both steadfast and versatile. Though their tale may lack the grand battles of larger clans, it is no less a testament to the spirit of Scotland—a land where even the smallest threads contribute to the richness of the whole. The McComb legacy endures as a whisper of pride among descendants, a reminder of the strength found in roots deep and unyielding.