The Chisholms are of Lowland origin, but they are virtually Gaelic by descent, an ancestor having married Margaret, the Celtic heiress of Erchless in the Aird. Their Lament is " Cumha do dh'- Uillean Siosal " (" Lament for William Chisholm "), and their badge, the Fern. Their ancient stronghold was Erchless Castle in Strathglass, which their descendants still own. A Robert Chisholm, knight, is mentioned in 1369, and a Thomas of Chisholm in 1403. Three of the clan were Bishops of Dunblane in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. James Chisholm was Master of the House¬hold to James VI. Mention is made of Alexander Chisholm of Strathglass in 1578, and of John Chisholm of Comer in 1613. In 1608 Lord Balmerino, the Scottish Secretary of State, was taken to task in England for having written to Pope Clement VIII " to obtain a Cardinal's Hat for Chisholm, a Scots man, brother to the Laird of Crouneriggs in Perthshire."
The Chief of the Chisholms is called in Gaelic “An Siosalach." The arms of the Chiefs were in 1887 and 1938 confirmed to the heir of line of the baronial house of Comer and Erchless as “Chisholm of Chisholm."

Chief: Chisholm of Chisholm.
Patronymic: An Siosalach (The Chisholm).
Clan Seats: Erchless Castle, and Comer, Strathglass.
Plant: Fern.
Pipe Music: (1) The Chisholm's Salute. (2) Chisholm's March.