Malcolm is thought to have come from Tobson, Bernera, to Geshader.

He married Christina Macleod and had several children, but is a widower by 1841. By 1851 he has remarried to Margaret; they also appear on the census 1861-1881.

Uig marriage records indicate a Malcolm Macdonald, son of Neil Macdonald and Kitt Macleod, Bosta (Bernera) married Peggy Macaulay daughter of Murdo Macaulay and Mary Mackay, Tobson, on 8 Mar 1843. We assume that this is the same couple; the connections to Malcolm's parents (below) are therefore speculative, but likely.

There may also be a Henrietta born to Calum and Christina, who died aged 60 in Cliff, unmarried.