The Red Comyn and the Kirkpatricks

Unveiling the Story Behind the Family Motto

In the annals of Scottish history, few tales are as gripping and tumultuous as that of the Kirkpatrick family's involvement in the assassination of the Red Comyn. This historic event not only marked a pivotal point in Scotland's fight for independence but also gave birth to the Kirkpatrick family motto, a symbol of loyalty and resoluteness that endures to this day. The backdrop of this tale is a Scotland enmeshed in a feudal tapestry of shifting allegiances and power plays. The early 1300s were marred by succession crises and power struggles, with the Scottish throne ensnared in a web of claims and counterclaims. It was against this volatile backdrop that one of the most controversial incidents in Scottish history occurred - the killing of John III Comyn, known as the Red Comyn, a powerful claimant to the Scottish throne.

Sir Roger Kirkpatrick: The Loyal Knight

In the midst of these tumultuous times, Sir Roger Kirkpatrick emerged as a figure of notable prominence and steadfast loyalty. His lineage traced back to Ivone de Kirkpatrick, the first known ancestor of the family in the reign of David I in the 12th century. Sir Roger, known for his unwavering support for Robert the Bruce and his fierce courage, was a true embodiment of the Kirkpatrick family's values. His life was one of service, marked by his participation in critical battles and his role as a trusted ally in Robert the Bruce's inner circle. Sir Roger's decisive actions at critical moments shaped not just the destiny of the Kirkpatrick family but also the course of Scottish history.

The Greyfriars Church Incident

Sir Roger Kirkpatrick, a staunch supporter of Robert the Bruce and a key figure in the Kirkpatrick lineage, played a pivotal role in this historical episode. The incident took place in the Greyfriars Church in Dumfries, a setting that added a layer of sacrilege to the already dramatic event. Robert the Bruce and Red Comyn were engaged in a heated argument when Bruce reportedly stabbed Comyn. However, the final blow, the act that sealed Comyn's fate and marked the point of no return for Bruce's claim to the Scottish throne, was delivered by none other than Sir Roger Kirkpatrick. The church's sacred walls bore witness to a scene that forever altered the course of Scottish history.

"I Mak Sicker": A Motto's Genesis

The phrase "I mak sicker" or "I make sure," though grim, encapsulates the era's brutal reality and the family's unwavering commitment to their cause and allies. In those ferocious times, hesitation could mean death, and the Kirkpatricks were not a family to falter. This act of lethal decisiveness resonated through the corridors of time, becoming a family emblem of the Kirkpatrick's unshakeable resolve and fierce loyalty. The motto and the family crest, featuring a hand holding a dagger dripping with blood, are more than just reminders of a violent past. They symbolize the weight of loyalty and the heavy cost of commitment in the face of adversity. The Kirkpatrick's involvement in the assassination of the Red Comyn is a narrative of allegiance, decisiveness, and an unyielding drive to shape the destiny of a nation.

Legacy and Reflection: The Kirkpatrick Influence

The killing of the Red Comyn had far-reaching consequences. It forced Robert the Bruce to hasten his claim to the Scottish throne, setting the stage for the Wars of Scottish Independence. For the Kirkpatricks, their involvement in the assassination cemented their status as loyal supporters of Robert the Bruce and key players in Scotland's tumultuous journey toward sovereignty. As we delve deeper into the layers of history, the tale of the Red Comyn and the Kirkpatricks serves as a testament to the complex interplay of power, loyalty, and ambition that defined Scotland's path to independence. The family motto, born out of a moment of violent decisiveness, continues to echo through time, reminding us of the Kirkpatricks' pivotal role in shaping the nation's history. This episode in history serves not only as a reflection of the Kirkpatrick family's influential role but also as a narrative on the broader implications of feudal allegiances and power dynamics in medieval Scotland. The motto "I mak sicker" thus transcends its immediate context, offering a window into the values, struggles, and enduring legacy of the Kirkpatrick lineage.

Adapted From: Kirkpatrick of Closeburn. (1858). Memoir respecting the Family of Kirkpatrick of Closeburn, in Nithsdale, with notices of some collaterals. Privately printed.