Calum Aonghais Mhurchaidh Choinnich Bhàin

Malcolm John Morrison, known locally as “Little Malcolm,” was a respected Gaelic singer from Grand River Falls, Richmond County. He was born into a deeply rooted Gaelic family—his father, Angus Morrison, was from Ferguson’s Lake, and his mother, Kate Walker, was from Canoe Lake, Gabarus.

Malcolm’s grandfather, Murdoch Morrison (Murchadh Choinnich Bhàin Iain ’ic Fhionnlaigh), was born in Bernera, Isle of Harris, in 1842. The family emigrated to Ferguson’s Lake when Murdoch was an infant. Murdoch went on to become a well-known bard, and his poetry was published in 1931 in a collection titled Òrain Fuinn is Cladaich | Gaelic Poems and Songs by Murdoch Morrison.

Malcolm married Mary MacLeod from Frank MacDonald Road in Grand River, and together they raised one son, Sandy. A man of many trades, Malcolm farmed, worked as a butcher, drove the school bus and mail route, operated a dump truck, and was a peddler, transporting goods into the city of Sydney, a livelihood once pursued by his uncle, Malcolm K. ("Big Malcolm"), as well.

Music was woven into Malcolm’s daily life. He sang often around the house and out in the fields, although he wasn’t one to sing solo. He preferred to sing with company, often performing at concerts alongside his brother-in-law and two brothers. The group traveled to local venues across Richmond County, Sydney, and Marion Bridge, and were frequent participants in milling frolics.

Malcolm passed away on December 2, 1999, and is buried in Ferguson’s Lake Cemetery. His songs and memory remain an important part of the rich Gaelic tradition in Richmond County.