History of Clan MacNab
The Abbots of Glendochart: Origins of Clan MacNab
Deep within the rugged landscape of Glendochart and the shores of Loch Tay lies the ancient heartland of a clan renowned for both its clerical origins and its ferocious martial spirit. While their Gaelic name, Mac an Abu, identifies them as children of the clerical profession—descended from the hereditary Abbots of Glendochart—Clan MacNab is perhaps best remembered for a history written in steel and blood rather than prayer. They were a powerful force in the central Highlands as early as the 12th century.
The Bruce Wars and the Fight for Survival
In the turbulent years of the Wars of Independence, the MacNabs made a gamble that nearly cost them their existence. Allied with the MacDougalls and Comyns, they fiercely opposed Robert the Bruce, fighting against him at the Battle of Dalrigh in 1306. Although they enjoyed early victories, Bruce’s eventual triumph led to the ravaging of MacNab lands and the destruction of family records by the King's victorious troops. The clan lost most of its possessions, with only the Barony of Bovain remaining in their hands via a charter from David II.
Smooth John and the Revenge on Clan Neish
The most legendary chapter in the clan's history concerns their vicious feud with Clan Neish. The Neishes, living on an island in Loch Earn, ambushed a MacNab servant carrying Christmas provisions. The MacNab Chief’s twelve sons, led by the formidable Iain Mion MacNab (ironically known as "Smooth John"), sought revenge. In a feat of immense strength, they carried their own boat over the mountainous terrain from Loch Tay to Loch Earn in deep snow. Under cover of darkness, they rowed to Neish Island and slaughtered the rival clan. Returning with the severed heads of the Neishes, Smooth John presented them to his father with the chilling words: "Bowls for your brains." This event is immortalized in the clan crest (a savage head) and the motto Timor Omnis Abesto ("Let Fear Be From All").
Civil War and the Burning of Eilan Ran
During the Civil War, the MacNabs were staunch Royalists. They fought alongside the Marquess of Montrose at the victory of Kilsyth in 1645. The gallant Smooth John later defended Kincardine Castle against Covenanter forces; though the castle fell, he fought his way out, was captured, sentenced to death, and miraculously escaped. He eventually fell in battle leading 300 clansmen at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Following this, the clan seat at Eilan Ran was burned to the ground, forcing the chiefs to move their residence to Kinnell House.
Emigration and Restoration
The 18th and 19th centuries brought financial ruin. While the clan was divided during the Jacobite risings, mounting debts plagued the chiefs. The 13th Chief, Archibald MacNab, fled to Canada, attempting to establish a feudal estate in the Ottawa River valley. Back in Scotland, the ancestral lands were sold to the Earls of Breadalbane, fulfilling the prophecy of the Lady of Lawers regarding the fall of the clan. However, the spirit of the MacNabs endured. In 1949, the 22nd Chief successfully repurchased Kinnell House and a portion of the clan lands. Today, the MacNabs rest in the hauntingly beautiful burial ground of Inch Buie, an island in the River Dochart, restored to their ancestral home.