Alexander Comyn, Earl of Buchan

Alexander Comyn, 2nd Earl of Buchan (died 1289) was a Scoto-Norman magnate who was one of the most important figures in the 13th century Kingdom of Scotland.

Life He was the son of William Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, and wife Marjory, Countess of Buchan, the heiress of the last native Scottish Mormaer of Buchan, Fergus. He was the chief counsellor of Alexander III, King of Alba (Scotland) for the entire period of the king's majority and as Scotland's leading magnate, played a key role in safeguarding the independence of the Scottish monarchy. During his long career, Alexander Comyn was Justiciar of Scotia (1258–1289), Constable of Scotland (1275–1289), Sheriff of Wigtown (1263–1266), Sheriff of Dingwall (1264–1266), Baillie of Inverie (in Knoydart) and finally, Guardian of Scotland (1286–1289) during the first interregnum following the death of Alexander III. In 1284 he joined with other Scottish noblemen who acknowledged Margaret of Norway as the heiress to King Alexander. He died sometime after 10 July 1289.

Marriage and issue Alexander had at least nine children with his wife, Elizabeth (or Isabel or Isabella) de Quincy, daughter of Roger de Quincy, 2nd Earl of Winchester, and wife Helen of Galloway: John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, Alexander's successor as Earl of Buchan; Roger; Lord Alexander Comyn, sheriff of Aberdeen, married Joan, sister of William Latimer, 4th Baron Latimer, and had issue. Henry de Beaumont would claim the Earldom of Buchan through marriage to their daughter, Alice; Lord William Comyn, Provost of St. Mary's Church, St Andrews; Lady Marjorie Comyn married Patrick IV, Earl of March; Lady Agnes Egidia Comyn married Malise III, Earl of Strathearn; Lady Elisabetha Comyn married Gilbert de Umfraville, Earl of Angus; Lady Elena Comyn married Sir William de Brechin; Lady Annora Comyn married Nicholas I de Soules.