Cumming Tartans & Clan Information

Scottish Clans

Cumming Tartans & Clan

The Cumming clan tartan represents one of Scotland's most powerful medieval families, whose legacy spans from the great Badenoch lordship to distinguished service across the British Empire and throughout North America, Australia, and beyond.

Clan Motto

Courage

Heritage & Identity

Who Wears Cumming Tartan?

Worn by Cumming descendants globally, sept families including Comyn, Comins, and Cummin bearers, Highland regiment veterans, and Scottish heritage enthusiasts across America, Canada, Britain, and Australia.

Associated Names

Comyn

Comyns

Cumin

Cummin

Cummins

Cummings

Cumins

Comins

Comin

Commons

Commings

Commins

Buchan

Badenoch

Red Comyn

Black Comyn

MacThomas

Military Heritage

Associated Regiments

Cumming warriors served with distinction in Highland regiments, British Army units, and colonial forces, particularly excelling in North American campaigns, Indian frontier service, and Napoleonic conflicts across the Empire.

Gordon Highlanders (Scotland)

Seaforth Highlanders (Scotland)

Black Watch (Scotland)

Cameron Highlanders (Scotland)

Nova Scotia Highlanders (Canada)

Princess Louise Fusiliers (Canada)

Toronto Scottish Regiment (Canada)

Shop Cumming Tartan Products

Discover authentic Cumming clan products including traditional kilts, Highland dress accessories, clan badges, tartan scarves, ties, and ceremonial items crafted for descendants across North America, Britain, and Australia.

Cumming Tartans

0 Variations

Each tartan can feature several variations, with the most common being Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress.

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Ancient Tartan

Before 1860, all fabric dyes came from nature — plants, berries, bark, and insects. The colours they produced were softer and more muted than what we're used to today: think mossy greens, dusty sky blues, and reds with a warm, orangey tone. A lot of people actually prefer Ancient tartans for this reason — the gentler contrasts let the pattern breathe and stand out in a way that bolder colours sometimes don't. Worth knowing: the pattern itself, called the sett, is exactly the same across all variations of a tartan. It's only the colours that change.

The Cumming Story

Four centuries of history woven into every thread

Norman Origins

The Cumming clan origins trace to Robert de Comyn, who arrived in Scotland around 1120 during King David I's reign. This Norman nobleman received extensive grants including lands in Roxburghshire, establishing the family's Scottish foundation. His nephew William Comyn became Chancellor of Scotland and acquired the lordship of Buchan through marriage to Marjory, Countess of Buchan. The Comyns rapidly ascended to become one of medieval Scotland's most influential families, wielding enormous political power through strategic marriages and royal favor. Their rise culminated in controlling vast territories across northeastern Scotland, making them virtual kings of their domains.

Comyn Rivalry

During the 13th century, the Cumming clan reached unprecedented power under John Comyn of Badenoch, known as the Black Comyn, who became Guardian of Scotland. His son, John Comyn the Red, emerged as Robert the Bruce's primary rival for the Scottish throne. The famous confrontation at Greyfriars Kirk in Dumfries in 1306, where Bruce killed Red Comyn, marked a pivotal moment in Scottish history. This act triggered Bruce's immediate coronation but also Bruce's systematic destruction of Comyn power. The Harrying of Buchan in 1308 saw Bruce devastate Cumming lands, forcing many clan members into exile and dramatically reducing their influence in Scottish politics.

Where does the name Cumming come from?

Cumming derives from the Norman-French 'de Comines,' originating from Comines in Flanders. The name came to Scotland in the 12th century with Robert de Comyn, who received vast lands from King David I. The family became known as Comyn in medieval records, later anglicized to Cumming. This noble surname reflects the Norman influence on Scottish aristocracy, with the Cummings becoming one of Scotland's most powerful medieval families through their Badenoch and Buchan lordships.

Clan Revival

Following their medieval downfall, Cumming survivors gradually rebuilt their fortunes through loyal service to successive Scottish monarchs. Branches of the family established themselves in various regions, including the Cummings of Altyre in Morayshire and the Cummings of Relugas. During the Jacobite period, different Cumming branches chose opposing sides, with some supporting the Stuarts while others remained loyal to the Hanoverian crown. The clan adapted to changing Highland society through the 18th and 19th centuries, with many members emigrating to North America, particularly Nova Scotia and the American colonies, where they established thriving Scottish communities and maintained their clan traditions.

Global Legacy

The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed Cumming descendants distinguishing themselves across the expanding British Empire and beyond. Clan members served as officers in Highland regiments during the Napoleonic Wars, colonial administrators in Canada and Australia, and pioneers in American frontier territories. Notable Cummings included military leaders, politicians, and business entrepreneurs who helped build Scottish diaspora communities worldwide. The family produced distinguished scholars, including botanists and historians who preserved Scottish Gaelic culture. Modern Cummings continue honoring their ancient heritage through clan societies, particularly strong in Canada where Nova Scotia Cummings maintain direct connections to their Highland ancestors.

The Cumming tartan reflects centuries of noble Scottish heritage, from medieval Badenoch lordships to global diaspora, worn with pride by descendants worldwide.

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