Lord of Kincardine, and wife Annabella of Strathearn. This marriage however failed to produce any children and the Countess soon became the focus of several plots to usurp her lands by scheming noblemen.

While the couple resided at the chief seat to the Earldom of Mar, Kildrummy Castle, Sir Malcolm was frequently away on royal business, being one of King Robert's close advisors. In 1402, while Sir Malcolm was away at one of his other castles, he was attacked by a large group of highlanders led