Lots of questions...

[Wise_idea]

Hello, I have quite a few questions about a few things. First of all, my surname is Landrum, which is a variation of Lendrum. Both are scottish surnames. I have read in many places that Lendrum somehow came from the name Comyn/Cumming. If you look at the Lendrum family crest and the Cumming crest, they are very similar.
So, my questions are:

Can I legitimately wear the Cumming tartan? (And yes, I know that anyone can wear any tartan, Im asking if I can wear it legitimately)

What scottish clan do I belong to? Do I belong to the Cumming clan?

Is Lendrum/Landrum a clan?

Thank you, I appreciate any answers

-W

[Cygnus]

Welcome to X Marks the Scot!

I really can't answer your questions, but I was in a similar boat at one time. My only advice is to do your research, and asking questions is part of that research. When you get an answer, though, don't take it at face value; ask for sources. Question the sources; centuries of history, tradition, and lore often get muddled together when it's important to keep the three separate.

The clan system was based almost as much on territory as it was on family, so knowing exactly where your ancestors lived (and which clan[s] dominated that area) will help you determine which tartan is best suited.

Good luck!

[tripleblessed]

As posted above, name is not the only criteria. Where YOUR family lived in
Scotland is the key. The Comyn name was banned in the fallout of a dispute
over succession to the crown. The Lendrum name is a place name adopted by one of the most directly affected sons. Others followed suit, reasons could vary by family. It is said that most with the name in this country can be traced to two brothers who came to VA from Scotland.

Have sent a PM which may or may not be relevant to your situation. Only
your genealogy can make a definitive statement. In this country, wear what you choose, join the clan society or not, or petition the clan chief directly.
If none, you're on your own. I did not see your name on the "accepted"
names list, nor is it on the list used by the Clan Cumming Society of the US.
The clan appears to be armigerous.

The Tartan Police will not appear at your door, they being in bit of a bind with Homeland Security over statements taken out of context to be terroristic in nature, and by the time that's resolved you'll have your genealogy well in hand. In the meantime, wear what your heart calls you to,
being prepared to have discussions with those of an officious nature.
Wear it well, with respect,wiyh knowledge of the tartan, with joy, and with a good story about how it came be your choice. Do take a look at the Society page.

HAVE FUN!!

[Wise_idea]

Thanks alot for the info, guys. Ha, yes, I know that the tartan police will not show up-I'm not worried about breaking any rules or anything, I'd just like to wear a tartan that means something about who I am and who my family is/was. I wear a Scottish National tartan right now and have worn Irish National and Black watch tartans before, I'd just like to have something personal for family occasions and things like that.

How would I go about petitioning the chief? Since there is a Lendrum tartan that I plan on purchasing in the near future, my question is less about what tartan I should wear and more about what clan I would fall under.

Thanks

[Downunder Kilt]

Having just done a quick google on your surname it appears a lot of your tribe came from the Turriff area of Scotland (source Stacy Landrums page) If you can trace your scottish roots to that area it might give you some joy.

As to it being the name taken by Robert's adversary to the throne after they were done in, a bit more research maybe required.

[Cygnus]

I'm not sure if a direct letter is appropriate, but a quick internet search found this:

Sir Alastair Gordon Cumming of Altyre Bt,
Wardend House, Altyre, Forres,
Moray IV36 2SH

[macwilkin]

As Tripleblessed mentioned, the surname Lendrum is not found on the list of surnames historically associated with our clan. Do you remember the specific sources that listed Lendrum and its variants as being associated with the Comyns/Cummings?

I will certainly mention this query to our society historian (a former member of Xmarks) and see if he has ever heard this before. I don't have my copy handy, but Alan Young's Robert the Bruce's Rivals: the Comyns 1212-1314 might be worth perusing as well.

If I can be of any other assistance, please let me know.

Regards,

Todd Wilkinson
President, Clan Cumming Society USA
www.clancumming.us

[macwilkin]

I just did a quick search in the Scottish Register of Tartans, and noted that the three Lendrum tartans listed are all variants of the MacFarlane tartan, and one is associated with the "nefarious" Sobieski Stewarts. The notes for the "Lyon version" of the Lendrum tartan states:

D.C. Stewart believed this sett to be considerably older than the 'recorded' date given here. There is no obvious connection between MacFarlane and Lendrum despite extensive research. MacFarlanes originally lived in the lands about Arrochar. Lendrum has been associated with Aberdeenshire. This design is recorded with the Lord Lyon 1957.

-- http://tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanD....aspx?ref=5113

More to follow, I'm sure...

Courage!

T.

[SlackerDrummer]

As Tripleblessed mentioned, the surname Lendrum is not found on the list of surnames historically associated with our clan. Do you remember the specific sources that listed Lendrum and its variants as being associated with the Comyns/Cummings?

I think it came from that bane of all that is good about website design, electricscotland.com.

[Scotus]

Clan historian here. I've seen references to this name on the Internet (The American Clan Cumming Association), where it gives Lendrum/Landrum as so-called "septs."

The name Comyn (or Cumming, as it's born by the chief now) was never banned. The evidence is that families continued to bear this name in Scotland. Members of the original chiefly branch left alive were all female, as the last chief was killed at Bannochburn fighting against the forces of Robert Bruce, who had stabbed his father, leaving him for dead. The daughters left Scotland and married. Other branches, such as Altyre, continued to thrive. So to say that the name was banned is a complete myth.

It's possible that Landrums/Lendrums changed their names so they wouldn't be persecuted. That wouldn't be the first time something like that happened. Some Drummonds were once MacGregors who changed their names, for example. It's also possible that, since Landrum/Lendrum is a place-name, it has no connection at all.

I know... a lot of information, but not much help! Sorry!