Calum MacDonald (musician)

Calum MacDonald (Scottish Gaelic: Calum Dòmhnallach /kalˠəm dɔ̃ːnəlˠəx/; born 12 November 1953) is a musician who was a founder member of, and percussionist in, the Scottish Celtic rock band Runrig, as well as their primary songwriter with his older brother, Rory MacDonald from 1973 to 2018. Generally, Rory writes the melodies, and Calum the lyrics.

Calum MacDonald
Birth nameCalum MacDonald
Born (1953-11-12) 12 November 1953
Lochmaddy, North Uist, Scotland
OriginIsle of Skye, Scotland
GenresCeltic rock
Occupation(s)Teacher, musician
InstrumentsPercussion, drumkit, backing vocals, accordion
Years active1965–68; 1973–present
LabelsNeptune Records
Lismor Records
Chrysalis Records
Ridge Records
Associated actsThe Skyvers
Runrig

Early life

His brother Rory was born in Dornoch, Sutherland. His father, Donald John MacDonald of Scalpay, was a World War II veteran. The family moved to North Uist, when Rory was about four years old. Calum MacDonald himself was born in Lochmaddy, North Uist.[1]

When the time came for Rory to attend High School, which at the time was situated in Portree, on the Isle of Skye, the whole family moved en masse. It was in Skye that the brothers formed Runrig along with Blair Douglas and subsequently Donnie Munro.

MacDonald attended Jordanhill College and worked as a P.E. teacher until Runrig went 'professional'.

Later life

During the 1980s, MacDonald's Christian faith deepened and this influence began to be felt in his lyrical content, in both Gaelic and English. He was based in Edinburgh for the 1980s and early 1990s before re-locating his young family to Contin in the Highlands. MacDonald has contributed main vocals to a handful of Runrig tunes, including Dust and Faileas air an Airigh.

His son, Donald MacDonald - affectionately known as Seeds - is also a songwriter and performer and has his own band Donald MacDonald & the Islands.

References
  1. "Calum MacDonald". IMDb.com. Retrieved 19 July 2020.


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