Clan MacThomas

Welcome back to "A Clan A Day Podcast," brought to you by bagtownclans.com! I'm your host, Colin MacDonald, and today, we’re delving into the fascinating history of Clan MacThomas. This Highland clan traces its origins to the heart of the Clan Chattan Confederation and emerged as a proud and independent force in the rugged Glenshee region of Perthshire.

The story of Clan MacThomas begins with its founder, Thomas, known in Gaelic as Tomaidh Mòr. He was a grandson of William Mackintosh, 8th Chief of Clan Chattan, and lived during the 15th century, a time when the Clan Chattan Confederation had grown too large to manage effectively. Thomas led his followers across the Grampian Mountains to Glenshee, where they settled and thrived, becoming known as the MacThomases. Over time, their Gaelic name, MacThomaidh, was anglicized into various forms like McComie, McColm, and McComas, reflecting the clan's enduring Gaelic roots and adaptability.

The early chiefs of the clan ruled from the Thom, a settlement near the Spittal of Glenshee on the east bank of the Shee Water. This site was also believed to be the burial place of the legendary Diarmid of the Fingalian saga. The clan’s fortunes took a turn around 1600 when Robert McComie, the 4th Chief, was murdered. Leadership passed to his brother, John McComie, who moved the clan seat to Finegand, a name derived from the Gaelic “Feith nan Ceann,” meaning “Burn of the Heads.” The name commemorates an incident where tax collectors met a grim fate at the hands of the locals. It was a fitting reflection of the MacThomases’ fierce independence and resistance to oppression.

One of the clan’s most iconic leaders was John McComie, known as Iain Mòr. He became the 7th Chief in the early 17th century and is remembered as a Highland legend. Iain Mòr was celebrated for his strength and courage, with tales of him besting an Italian swordsman hired by the Earl of Atholl, defending widows from overzealous tax collectors, and even wrestling a wild bull with his bare hands. His legacy lives on in the landmarks of Perthshire, where sites like “McComie Mòr’s Chair” and “McComie Mòr’s Well” still bear his name.

Iain Mòr also played a significant role during the Scottish Civil War. In 1644, he joined the royalist cause under James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, and fought valiantly at Dundee and Aberdeen. At the latter battle, he personally captured Sir William Forbes, sheriff of Aberdeen and leader of the Covenanter cavalry. However, following Montrose’s defeat at the Battle of Philiphaugh, Iain Mòr withdrew from the conflict and focused on expanding his clan’s holdings. Under his leadership, the MacThomases acquired the Barony of Forter in Glenisla, further solidifying their position.

The Restoration of Charles II in 1660 brought challenges for Iain Mòr and the clan. He was fined heavily by Parliament for his prior collaboration with Cromwell’s government. To make matters worse, the Earl of Airlie sought to reclaim Canlochan Forest, land purchased by Iain Mòr, leading to a bitter legal dispute. When the land was leased to Robert Farquharson of Broughdearg, tensions escalated into a full-blown feud. The conflict culminated in a skirmish at Drumgley in 1673, where Broughdearg, two of Iain Mòr’s sons, and his son-in-law were killed. The resulting lawsuits and fines devastated the clan’s finances. Following Iain Mòr’s death in 1676, his remaining sons were forced to sell their lands, marking the beginning of the clan’s dispersal.

By the late 17th century, many MacThomases had left Glenshee. Some moved to the Tay Valley, adopting surnames like Thomson, Thomas, and Thom. Others settled in Angus and Fife, where they became prosperous farmers and merchants. The chiefship, reduced to an empty title, lay dormant for over a century as the clan adapted to new lives and challenges.

The 18th century brought renewed success for some MacThomases, particularly the McCombies of Aberdeenshire, who became renowned for breeding the Aberdeen-Angus cattle. In Dundee, the descendants of Angus Thomas, the 10th Chief, thrived as merchants during the city’s population boom. Patrick Hunter MacThomas Thoms, 15th Chief, became Provost of Dundee in the mid-19th century, purchasing the Aberlemno estate in Angus and restoring some of the clan’s former prestige. His son, George, became a sheriff in Caithness, Orkney, and Shetland, leaving a considerable fortune to St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall upon his death.

In 1954, Patrick MacThomas of Finegand, 18th Chief, founded the Clan MacThomas Society, marking the beginning of a modern revival for the clan. Today, Andrew MacThomas of Finegand, the 19th Chief, continues to honor the clan’s heritage. The MacThomas Gathering at Clach Na Coileach, or “The Cockstane,” in Glenshee, draws members from around the world to celebrate their shared history and culture.

The history of Clan MacThomas is one of resilience and determination. From their origins as part of Clan Chattan to their independent legacy in Glenshee, the MacThomases have overcome trials and adapted to changing times while maintaining their Highland pride. Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of Scotland’s clans.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the history of Clan MacThomas. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for another episode of "A Clan A Day Podcast." Until then, slàinte mhath!