Today's blog post covers the MacCallum tartan. This is one of the most versatile tartans and can easily be styled in a variety of ways. Despite being a fan favourite, the tartan has a rich history which links back to the Malcolm clan that the MacCallum family fell into.
Tartan Variations -
The tartan MacCallum tartan used to represent the MacCallum clan and be worn by its members. The MacCallum clan (or MacColl) originates from the West Highlands of Scotland, particularly around Argyllshire. The MacCallum's had multiple families across different areas which explains why some would serve under different clans like Campbell & Malcolm. The names MacCallum and Malcolm are often used interchangeably as Callum.
Tartans are often adopted based on familial, geographic, or linguistic ties. Since the MacCallum's and Malcolm's shared a common ancestry and history, they felt free to use each other’s tartans.
The tartan features a deep Navy & Forrest Green base with black & light blue accents. The green represents the rich landscapes of the Highlands while the Navy signifies the skies and waters of the region.
The tartan has multiple variations and links back to the Malcolm clan & other clans with similar names like MacColl, McCallum, MacCalum, McAllum, Malcolmson, Malcollm, Malcom, Malcomb, Malcome, Malcomson, Malcum & MacCallam.
MacCallum Ancient Weathered MacCallum
MacCallum Ancient 1800 Variant MacCallum Red Line Ancient
Malcolm Tartans-
Over time, the MacCallum and Malcolm clans became closely linked due to shared etymology and history. Both names were used interchangeably in early records, particularly in the west of Scotland. It wasn't uncommon for people from the MacCallum family to be known as Malcolm in different contexts, especially in areas like Argyll.
Malcolm comes from the Gaelic "Maol Chaluim," meaning "follower of St. Columba." Both names trace their origins to St. Columba.
The Malcolm tartan has its own distinctive design, which is somewhat similar to the MacCallum tartan but also clearly identifiable as a separate tartan as it features a dark green & navy base like the MacCallum tartan but has yellow & red accents along with a pale blue accent which you can also see in the original MacCallum tartan reflecting their resemblance.
Malcolm Ancient Modern Malcolm
Tartan / Clan History -
The ancient Kingdom of Dalriada where the first Scots of Ireland settled was home to Columba and the ancestors of the MacCallum's. The name MacCallum is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Ghille Chaluim," meaning "Son of the follower of Saint Columba," linking the family to the early Christian missionary, St. Columba, who had a significant influence in Scotland.
MacColl, an alternate form of MacCallum, means “Son of Coll” in Gaelic and is historically associated with the MacCallum clan. Due to this linguistic overlap, MacCallum and MacColl families share the same heritage and clan symbolism.
The MacCallum's, were Prominent across the Argyll area, particularly around Kilmartin & Poltalloch. The clan became associated with ecclesiastical roles within their communities. They were known for their loyalty to the Christian faith and connections to the early Scottish church, likely taking on roles as scholars, clerics, and supporters of local churches.
The Clan crest (a dexter hand holding a cross crosslet fitchée) and motto “In ardua tendit” (“He aims at difficult things”), symbolized the clan’s Christian heritage, determination, and resilience.
They lived among the clan Campbell, who also had a presence in the Argyll area. Both the Campbells & MacCallum's had strong ties together, supporting each other politically and militarily. Their unity provided a sense of unity for them and allowed them to secure the Argyll area. Due to their strong relationship, many families married into the other clan and lead to generations of mixed Campbells & MacCallum's. Their names became interchangeable over time.
During the 17th century, a family of the MacCallum's became prominent as the MacCallum's of Poltalloch. Poltalloch House, an estate in Argyllshire, became the seat of this branch. Donald MacCallum, laird of Poltalloch, and his descendants rose to considerable influence and wealth, distinguishing themselves in the Argyll area.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the MacCallum's of Poltalloch had accumulated significant land and status, and they became the leading family within the clan. This wealth allowed them to sponsor local projects, support the clan members, and maintain their clan’s legacy in the Highlands.
During the 19th century Neal MacCallum changed their name to Malcolm. A surname which connected to St Columbia, the name change was to distinguish the Poltalloch family from other MacCallum's. Over time the MacCallum name and Malcolm name had a lot of crossovers, both MacCallum's and Malcolm's share the same ancestry and can claim the same heritage.
Why Would Someone opt for One of These Tartans? -
Although the MacCallum tartan belongs to a clan, it is still a free to use tartan by anyone. Many family tartans are generations old and were designed for the original clan members but nowadays tartans are seen much more universally.
Families and descendants of the Malcolm/MacCallum clan may wish to wear one of the tartans to represent their family name or create a sense of unity if styling something like a groom's party.
The colour palette of the tartan allows people to embrace the kilt & tartan in an impactful but subtle way.
Most people have the misconception kilt outfits need to be super garish and busy which isn't the case. our hires are customisable to your style & the MacCallum tartan is a beautiful tartan for any occasion.
This tartan is easy to style to its cohesive colour palette, the forestry tones can be styled for any event or season. Due to the green & blue tones this tartan can be styled with a navy, charcoal or black jacket. For more daytime/ casual events we would suggest styling this tartan with a navy or charcoal tweed jack with matching socks and a tartan tie & complete with accessories. For more Evening & formal occasions we would recommend styling this tartan with a Black prince Charlie or Braemar jacket with matching black socks & complete with accessories.
You can hire this tartan with us and your hire is completely customisable and complete with everything you could need for the perfect kilt outfit. Ensuring you are looking and feeling you best in our kilt hires, let us take the stress away from organising a kilt outfit for your next occasion.
We also have an extensive and largest range of tartans available for hire in Scotland, allowing plenty of choice if MacCallum tartan isn't for you or your looking for a different tartan. If you aren't looking for a clan/family tartan our exclusive Houston's Bute heather collection is perfect. The range is made up of multiple universal tartans perfect for any occasion & colour palette and completely exclusive to Kiltsforhire.com.
If you have any questions on kilt hire, bookings, or anything, we would love to welcome you in store or alternatively you can reach out to us at Shop@kiltmakers.com or call us on 0141 889 4879.
You can browse our MacCallum tartan kilt hire here.
You can shop our full hire range here.
If you are interested we have a variety of other blog posts available here covering a range of topics, tartans & hire questions.
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