Comyn

Branch of a Norman family that came to England with William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Robert Comyn was made earl of Northumberland by William the Conqueror and his son, William Comyn, became chancellor of Scotland in about 1133. His descendants included the earls of Buchan, Monteith, Angus, and Athole.

John Comyn (died c. 1300), known as the Black Comyn, took part in the negotiations between Edward I and the Scots in 1289 and was one of the claimants for the Scottish throne on the death of Margaret, the Maid of Norway. His son, also John Comyn (d.1306), known as the Red Comyn, was guardian of Scotland and is remembered for his quarrel with Robert the Bruce which resulted in Comyn being stabbed to death.