Preceded by Duncan Macduff Succeeded by John Comyn Grandparents Richard Comyn Succeeded by Andreas de Moravia Spouse Elisabetha de Quincy | Preceded by Alan Durward Role Sheriff Succeeded by James Stewart Name Alexander Earl | |
Preceded by Marjory Countess of Buchan Died 1289, Scotland, United Kingdom Parents William Comyn, Lord of Badenoch Children John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, Alice Comyn, Countess of Buchan Grandchildren Isabel of Beaumont, Thomas Beaumont | ||
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. He was the son of William Comyn, jure uxoris Earl of Buchan, and 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 Scots 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 (1258–89), Constable of Scotland (1275–89), Sheriff of Wigtown (1263–66), Sheriff of Dingwall (1264–66), Ballie of Inverie (in Knoydart) and finally, Guardian of Scotland (1286–89) 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.
Alexander had at least nine children with his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Roger de Quincy, 2nd Earl of Winchester: