The "Gillie Callum," or Sword Dance is an ancient dance of war and victory. According to Scottish tradition, it was first danced by a king of the Scots, Malcolm Canmore (Callum a chinn mhoir), in celebration of his victory over one of MacBeth's chiefs at the battle near Dunsinane in 1054. After slaying his opponent, Malcolm triumphantly placed his enemy's sword on the ground, crossing it with his own, and danced between them in exultation.

Another story is that the Gillie Callum was danced prior to a battle. To kick the swords was considered a bad omen for the impending battle, and the soldier would expect to be wounded. If many of the soldiers kicked their swords the chieftain of the clan would expect to lose the battle.