Scottish Clan Book - MacCallum

With ‘Mac Chalium’ one of the Gaelic versions of the MacCallum name and meaning ‘devotee or son of Columba’, it is believed that the original bearer of what became ‘MacCallum’ was a contemporary and follower of St Columba.

The descendants of this devotee settled in Argyll, while in the early years of the fifteenth century the powerful Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochow granted them land on the banks of Loch Avich and also in Craignish.

Owing allegiance to the Campbells, they were also entrusted with the post of Hereditary Constable of Castle Craignish.

But this allegiance to the Campbells cost them dearly when, in 1685, Archibald Campbell of Argyll sided with the Duke of Monmouth in a rebellion to place the duke on the throne in favour of King James 11.

The earl was captured and executed, while his MacCallum followers were dispossessed of their lands and possessions.