Clan Martin

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[edit] CLAN MARTIN SCOTLAND

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Though best described as the "Tribe of Martin", because of its migratory history and geographic movement, the Martin name in Scotland is associated with and delineated among the historical Clan system.

The surname Martin (MacMartin)is found throughout the entire country of Scotland. The name can be attributed to the spread of Christianity, in particular to Saint Martin. However, it is also associated with the Norman influx into England in 1066, then Ireland, in which Martin was established as one of the original 14 families of Galway. The migrations into Scotland started about 1100, and spread throughout the Scottish regions.

The name Martin has been recorded in Scotland as early as the twelfth century when two Martins served in the court of William the Lyon. Its Gaelic form, MacMartin, (meaning son of Martin) was found in the Highlands and the Islands of Scotland.

Clan Martin (MacMartin)proper has inhabited the area around Loch Lochy since very ancient times. Clan Martin ancestors can be found in the Lothian area in the 12th Century, with the Court of William the Lion. There were populations of Clan Martin in Letterfinlay, Invergloy, GlenLoy, parts of Dochanassie, Stronaba and Mucomer/ Mucomir.

The associations of Clan Martin in the West and Western Isles are with the Clans Donald and MacDonald. In the Hebrides, there is more of an affiliation with the Clan Macleod. The closest association of Clan Martin is with the Clan Cameron, in which the two groups have remained closely tied until today. Clan Martin was one of the four founding families and progenitor of Clan Cameron, and not a Sept.

The ancient burial place of the MacMartins is at Cill 'Icomar, Achnanaimhnichean.