With my boyhood connections to the United States, it is with great personal pleasure that I support the North American Society efforts to recognize our common Scottish Heritage. It has been my honor to watch the Society grow and flourish since my father worked with Andrew McCallum to establish the society in 1971.
The Kilmartin area where our home is located is rich with Scottish history. Artifacts from 1500 BC punctuate the Kilmartin Glen. Dunadd Fort, the ancient Capital of Dalriada is within sight of our home.
We sincerely hope that you find this website informative and that you have the opportunity to visit our common Homeland.
Finally, I would like to pay tribute to all who have freely given their time, energy and expertise over the years, starting with the late Andrew McCallum, to make the Society what it is today.
All the Best
Robin Malcolm,
Chief, Clan MacCallum Malcolm
Robin Neill Lochnell Malcolm, 19th Laird of Poltalloch and Hereditary Chief of Clan MacCallum/Malcolm was born in Edinburgh on February 11, 1934. In 1962 he married the late Susan Freeman (1939-2004). They have two sons and two daughters.
From 1940 to 1944 he and his sister Bridget lived in America. Firstly in California with distant relatives (see “Notable” Robert Malcolm) then in Washington DC. He attended 6 different schools in 7 years! He was educated at Eton and the North of Scotland College of Agriculture.
As for farming, he raises cattle and sheep on the 5,000 acre Poltalloch estate. In agri-politics, Robin has been active both locally and nationally. In local government, for 15 years he was a member of Argyle and Bute Council where he has served as a Justice of the Peace and Vice Lord Lieutenant.
Since his school days he was involved with the Oban Games, raising from errand boy to Senior Steward. He even competed in the sprint relay and tug of war, with limited success! Robin has been the Honored Guest at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 2005 and again in 2012.
In 2010 he married Patricia Currie. They live in the 12th century Duntrune Castle overlooking Loch Crinan with a well-authenticated ghost for company (See the “Ghost of Duntrune“).
Clan Crest: A tower Argent, window and port Azure.*
Clan Motto: In Ardua Tendit: He has attempted difficult things.*
Plant Badge: Berries from the Rowan Tree. In earlier times, when metal badges were not available, clansmen wore plant badges as a means of identification. Our Clan’s plant badge is berries from the Rowan tree. The Rowan tree was thought to protect one from evil spirits, and was often planted by the door of the house.
*Source: Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia, George Way of Plean and Romilly Squire, 1998, Barnes and Nobles Books.