Clan History

The MacCallum name is believed to have originated from followers of Saint Columba. The Clan was originally based in Lorn Argyllshire. In 1414 Reginald MacCallum of Corbarron was granted lands in Craignish together with the heriditary post of constable of Lochaffy and Craignish Castle. Between 1510 and 1562 the clan Caluim vis O'Challum recieved charters granting them the adjoining lands around Poltalloch in Argyll. This went on to become the principal branch of the clan. Clan Chief Dugald MacCallum, 9th of Poltalloch, inherited the Malcolm estate in 1779 and he changed the family name to Malcolm joining the two clans.

Duntrune Castle is located on the north shore of Loch Crinan, just to the north of the village of Crinan in Argyll. Originally built by the Clan MacDougall in the 12th century it was taken by the Campbells. The enclosure wall is 6 foot thick and approximatelly 25 foot high and dates from the 13th Century although the tower house dates from the 16th century when under the MacCallum ownership. It was restored in the late 18th century. The Malcolm family moved out to their newly built Poltalloch House in 1853 where they stayed until 1954. Duntrune was modernised in 1954 and shortly after that the family moved back again and they still reside there today. The castle is not open to the public, the family earns income from holiday lets on the estate.

More information under Clan Malcolm