It is asserted that an old chief of the clan claimed that only three persons in the world were entitled to use the definite article “The”, namely, “The Pope, The King, and The Chisholm”. This does not assist us to decide the question of the clan origin. It is claimed by some writers to be of Celtic origin, others claim that the clan came from the Borders. Sir Robert Gordon designates as Chisholm, the Thane of Caithness who lived in the latter part of the 12th century. In the Ragman’s Roll in 1296 mention is made of Richard de Cheschelme and “John de Cheshome”.
 
The homes of the Chisholms were in Roxburgh and Berwick. A descendant, Sir Robert, Lord of Chisholm, succeeded his father-in-law as Constable of Urquhart Castle in 1359. His son, Alexander, married the heiress of Erchless and founded the family of Erchless and Strathglass. This family ceased in the male line, and in 1513 Wiland de Chesholm, of another branch of the family, obtained the lands of Commer and the lands of Erchless and others.

From time to time during the next two centuries there is evidence that the Chisholms were actively engaged in war-like operations. In 1715 the clan served under the Earl of Mar, and in 1745 the Chief with his clan joined Prince Charles, and fought with great valour at the Battle of Culloden. During the Prince’s wanderings after the battle, a Chisholm was one of the seven men who sheltered him in Glenmoriston, and afterwards led him across the country to Arisaig.

Crest: A dexter hand couped at the wrist, holding a dagger, proper, on which is transfixed a boar’s head couped, of the second. Badge: Fern.

Pipe music: Chisholm’s March.