Allow me to unfold the remarkable tapestry of your family, the MacThomases, a story that spans centuries and traverses rugged landscapes. Tomaidh Mor, known as ‘Great Tommy’, a descendant of the renowned Clan Chattan Mackintoshes, stepped into the limelight during the 15th century. At that juncture, the Clan Chattan Federation had burgeoned into an unwieldy entity. Recognizing the need for a new path, Tomaidh Mor embarked on a journey with his kin, traversing the Grampian mountains, leaving behind the Badenoch to settle in the embracing embrace of Glenshee. As history progressed, the name evolved from McComie and Maccomie to the enduring MacThomas in the 16th century.

In the year 1600, the heartrending tale of Robert McComie of Thom, the 4th Chief, unfolded in tragedy as he was met with a fateful end. The mantle of leadership passed to his brother, John McComie of Finegand. The pages of history further unfold the valiant stride of John, often known as McComie Mor or Ian Mor, the 7th Chief, who aligned with the Marquis of Montrose in Dundee in 1644. Alas, fate took an unforeseen turn, leading to a feud between the MacThomases and the Ogilvies of Airlie. Amidst lawsuits and strife, the Chief’s passing left the clan dispersed.

As time wove its intricate pattern, the 10th Chief, adopting the surname Thomas, forged a new chapter in northern Fife. The descendants would eventually find their haven in Dundee, where they flourished as prosperous merchants. Patrick MacThomas of Aberlemno rose as Provost of Dundee from 1847 to 1853, leaving a mark on the city’s history. Your ancestors journeyed into Aberdeenshire, where the name transmuted into McCombie, Thom, and Thomson. William McCombie of Tillyfour, a descendant of Ian Mor’s progeny in Aberdeenshire, etched his legacy as a Member of Parliament and a pioneer in the development of the Aberdeen-Angus breed of cattle.

Throughout generations, your family’s trajectory continued to ascend. George Hunter MacThomas’s appointment as Sheriff of Caithness, Orkney, and Shetland in 1870 testified to the enduring spirit of the MacThomases. In 1954, the Clan MacThomas Society was born, an embodiment of unity and heritage. A pivotal moment arrived in 1967 when Patrick, the great nephew of George Hunter MacThomas, received recognition as MacThomas of Finegand, the 18th Chief of the Name, from the Court of the Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Today, the 19th Chief, along with his family, resides in London, embodying the legacy and heritage of the MacThomases. The global footprint of Clan MacThomas extends to North America, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and mainland Europe, a testament to the resilience and spirit of your family.

The story also unveils gifted talents like James Thom (1802-1850), whose artistic prowess transcended borders. Born in Tarbolton, Ayrshire, Thom sculpted figures of Tam o’ Shanter and Souter Johnnie, immortalizing characters from Robert Burns’ cherished poem “Tam O’Shanter”. His journey took him to the USA, where his replicas found a home in Newark, New Jersey.

The journey also leads to cherished places of significance: from Thom, your family’s early dwelling on the Shee Water, to the Cockstane at the MacThomas Gathering Ground in Spittal of Glenshee, where the echoes of your ancestors resound. Stones like McComie Mor’s Putting Stone in Glen Prosen, McComie Mor’s Well, and McComie Mor’s Chair stand as silent yet potent witnesses to your family’s story.

And amidst this rich tapestry stands Castle Forter at Glenshee, a testament to resilience. Burned and restored, it symbolizes your family’s indomitable spirit, embodying a history that continues to inspire.