MacCormacks, Sept of Whom?
I always believed growing up that we MacCormacks were a Sept of the Buchanan Clan with a crest of a knight and Ravens. Now it seems we might be a Sept of the MacLaine of Lochbuie with a totally different crest and Tartan. Can you clarify?
Answer:
I am aware that some journals have suggested that the MacCormacks are a sept of the Buchanans, but, to the best of my knowledge, there is no evidence to substantiate this association. The historic/hereditary Buchanan lands are in Stirling and along the shores of Loch Lomond and while the Buchanans supported Bruce and the Jacobites, that is no different from the majority of the West coast clans.
Although the first MacCormick on record accompanied St. Columba to Iona in the 500’s, their numbers populating Mull and the nearby west coast islands steadily increased over the years – no doubt due to Mull’s close proximity to Ulster – which as you know was the MacCormick/MacCormack hereditary territory.
Their association with the Maclaine of Lochbuie was cemented when, in 1540 Murdoch, the 6th Lochbuie chief, was supported by a contingent of MacCormick swordsmen in his successful endeavour to recapture Moy Castle. Thereafter the MacCormicks became a loyal sept of the Lochbuies and were the Chief’s leading lieutenants at times of conflict.
You can click HERE for a short history of the MacCormicks for your interest.
