Clan MacThomas derives its name from the mighty Highlander Tomaidh Mor (Gaelic for "Big Thomas"), who led his followers and kinsfolk across the Scottish Grampian ranges to settle in Glenshee during the 15th Century. Tomaidh Mor was a great grandson of the 8th MacKintosh Chief, the hereditary leader of the powerful Clan Chattan confederation. This famous Clan alliance included the Clans MacKintosh, MacPherson, Macbean, Shaw, Farquharson and Davidson, all of whom would amass under a single flag to confront any foe foolhardy enough to arouse the ire of the mighty Chattan. The descendants of Tomaidh Mor became known as Maccolmie, Maccolm, or Maccomas which are all derived from phonetic forms of the Gaelic "son of Thomas". It is little wonder that the Clan became known throughout Scotland as the MacThomases, and in time the name became anglicised to the popular version of Thomson and Thomson families originating from Eastern Scotland are recognized as Septs (Families) of the Clan.
The Clan MacThomas' original lands were known as the Thom, and were situated on the East Bank of the Shee Water opposite the Spittal of Glenshee. The Clan seat moved to Finegand during the 17th Century, after John Maccomie took the mantle of 5th Chief in the wake of his brother's murder. As the Clan's power was consolidated, further lands were gained in Kerrow, Benzian and Glen Beag. Always an independent Clan, the MacThomases deeply resented any intrusions upon their lives by the greedy hand of government, a trait that tax collectors would often discover to their expense. Indeed, Finegand is a corruption of the Gaelic "stream of the heads" following the ill-starred fate of several tax collectors whose severed heads were neatly deposited in the local stream.
The 7th Chief, Iain Mor Maccomie found tax collectors particularly repugnant, to such an extent that the Earl of Atholl enlisted an Italian champion swordsman to assist his money gathering duties. The Earl did not count on the mettle of the MacThomas, and the unfortunate Italian met his end with the bite of Highland steel. After Iain Mor had slain the Italian, he seems to have continued his unusual hobby unabated. The Clan MacThomas continued to fair well, with Iain Mor gaining the Barony of Forter in Glenisla, where he built his house at Crandart on the bank of the River Isla. However, in the political turbulence following the Civil War, the MacThomases were drawn into conflict with their neighbours. The impact of these hostilities was profound, and by the close of the 17th Century the Clan began moving from their ancestral lands. Many members of the Clan went to the Tay Valley, while others settled in Angus, Fife. Today, all that remains of the Clan MacThomas lands is the traditional Gathering Place of the Clan MacThomas, a wooded knoll 6km south of the Spittal of Glenshee.
The Clan MacThomas crest is a wild cat grasping a serpent, and the motto reads "Deo juvante invidiam superabo" meaning in Latin "I will overcome envy with God's help". The 19th Chief of the Clan MacThomas is Andrew MacThomas of Finegand.
Your ancestral
MacThomas Clan Crest ring is a very powerful emblem of your heritage.
A true family heirloom, to be cherished for centuries by Your descendants.
