Who caused the Glencoe massacre?
Massacre of Glencoe, (February 13, 1692), in Scottish history, the treacherous slaughter of members of the MacDonald clan of Glencoe by soldiers under Archibald Campbell, 10th earl of Argyll.
What is Glencoe Scotland famous for?
Glencoe is the site of an infamous massacre in 1692, still remembered for the treachery with which the soldiers of the Campbell clan, acting as government militia, treated their hosts, the MacDonalds. According to Highland code, a clansman should give shelter to anyone, even to his sworn enemy.
Where was the Massacre of Glencoe?
GlencoeFort WilliamGlen CoeInverriganAchaconInvercoeMassacre of Glencoe/Locations
What clans were involved in the Massacre of Glencoe?
The MacDonalds and the Campbells The two Highland clans at the centre of the Glencoe Massacre had a history of feuding. Their lineages are interwoven, with both clans having long histories linked to Robert the Bruce and the fight for independence.
Was Harry Potter filmed in Glencoe?
Glencoe. Majestic Glencoe was used for various outdoor scenes in The Goblet of Fire, The Order of the Phoenix and The Half-Blood Prince. The Clachaig Gully, just above the Clachaig Inn, became the location for Hagrid's Hut in The Prisoner of Azkaban.
Which king ordered the Massacre of Glencoe?
King William the ThirdThe Massacre of Glencoe. The infamy of the massacre of Glencoe is not so much in the numbers killed, but in the way it was carried out. In 1691, King William the Third, recognising the resurgence of the Jacobite cause, ordered all the clan chiefs to sign an oath of allegiance by 1st January 1692.
Who was the most violent Scottish clan?
Number one is Clan Campbell of Breadalbane. The feud between the MacGregors and the Campbells is well documented but Sir Malcolm said this strand of the Campbells was particularly feared given its dominance over a large swathe of Scotland - and its will to defend it at all cost.
Why do Campbells and MacDonalds hate each other?
The root cause of the conflicts between Campbell and Donald, where they occurred, were in loyalty or dis-loyalty to the Kings of Scots. Both were partly of the blood of the Gael and both were imbued with the culture of the Gael.
Who owns the house in Glencoe?
Scotland-based hotel brand Perle Hotels has purchased the five-star Glencoe House Hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
What does Glencoe mean in Scottish?
The name Glen Coe is often said to mean "Glen of Weeping", perhaps with some reference to the infamous Massacre of Glencoe which took place there in 1692.
Who owns the land in Glencoe?
The answer is Highland Titles Ltd. It owns two parcels of land – Keil Wood near Duror extending (originally) to 90.7ha (see map below) and Paitna Green Wood, near Invergarry (to west of A87 above Loch Loyne), extending to 75.1ha. Keil Wood was acquired in 2007 by a company called Lochaber Highland Estates (CI) Ltd.
Did the Campbells fight with William Wallace?
Answer and Explanation: There is no evidence that Clan Campbell fought alongside William Wallace. The Campbell clan would go on to support Robert the Bruce, who would eventually become the King of Scotland in 1306.
Is Glencoe Scotland worth visiting?
Glen Coe has been designated as both a national nature reserve as well as part of a national scenic area. It's a fabulous location for hiking, mountain biking, and getting outdoors. It is also a wonderful area for photography, and is one of our favourite photography spots in Scotland.
Is Glencoe worth visiting?
The road through Glen Coe is a scenic feast and, towards the north end, is a good National Trust visitor centre with an exhibition, shop, tea room (selling home baked snacks and light meals) and good toilets.
Is it worth going to Glencoe?
Well, it's an absolutely stunning valley in the Central Scottish Highlands. Just a couple of hours away from the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, it's easy to visit the Glencoe in one day, but I'd recommend at least two days in Glencoe to fully appreciate its beauty.
Why is Glencoe called Glencoe?
Glencoe is possibly Scotland's most famous glen, named after the River Coe that runs through it. It has volcanic origins and is located in the Highlands. It lies in the north of the county of Argyll, close to the border with the historic province of Lochaber, within the modern council area of Highland.
When was the massacre of Glencoe?
Massacre of Glencoe, the slaughter in February 1692 of members of the MacDonald clan of Glencoe, Scotland, by soldiers loyal to William III.
What was the Glen Coe massacre?
William III: The Glen Coe massacre. The revolution in England had been accomplished almost without bloodshed, but in Scotland and Ireland there was armed resistance. This collapsed... This article was most recently revised and updated by Jeff Wallenfeldt, Manager, Geography and History.
Why was Alexander MacDonald unable to take his oath?
Alexander MacDonald of Glencoe postponed his submission until December 31, 1691, and was then unable to take his oath until January 6 because there was no magistrate at Fort William to receive it.
Who was the leader of the MacDonald clan in the Glencoe massacre?
Massacre of Glencoe, (February 13, 1692), in Scottish history, the treacherous slaughter of members of the MacDonald clan of Glencoe by soldiers under Archibald Campbell, 10th earl of Argyll. Many Scottish clans had remained loyal to King James II after he was replaced on ...
Who replaced James II?
Many Scottish clans had remained loyal to King James II after he was replaced on the English and Scottish thrones by William III in 1689. In August 1691 the government offered an indemnity to all chiefs who should take an oath of allegiance before January 1, 1692.
Where was the massacre of Glencoe?
Massacre of Glencoe. The Massacre of Glencoe ( Scottish Gaelic: Murt Ghlinne Comhann) took place in Glen Coe in the Highlands of Scotland on 13 February 1692. An estimated 30 members and associates of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by Scottish government forces, allegedly for failing to pledge allegiance to the new monarchs, ...
What is Glencoe about?
Glencoe became part of a focus on 'the emotional trappings of the Scottish past...bonnie Scotland of the bens and glens and misty shieling, the Jacobites, Mary, Queen of Scots, tartan mania and the raising of historical statuary.'.
Why did MacIain of Glencoe leave Fort William?
This meant MacIain of Glencoe only left for Fort William on 30 December to take the Oath from the governor, Lieutenant Colonel John Hill.
What clans were involved in the Lochaber raid?
Four Lochaber clans were consistently named in such accounts; the Glencoe and Keppoch MacDonalds, the MacGregors and the Camerons. Levies from all four served in the Independent Companies used to suppress the Conventicles in 1678–80, and took part in the devastating Atholl raid that followed Argyll's Rising in 1685.
Why were the Highlands so peaceful?
Historians suggest the late 17th century Highlands were more peaceful than often suggested, in part because chiefs could be fined for crimes committed by their clansmen. The exception was Lochaber, identified as a refuge for cattle raiders and thieves by government officials, other chiefs and Gaelic poets. Four Lochaber clans were consistently named in such accounts; the Glencoe and Keppoch MacDonalds, the MacGregors and the Camerons.
How many people died in the 1695 Massacre?
MacIain was killed, but his two sons escaped and the 1695 Commission was given various figures for total deaths. The often quoted figure of 38 was based on hearsay evidence from Hamilton's men, while the MacDonalds claimed 'the number they knew to be slaine were about 25.' Recent estimates put total deaths resulting from the Massacre as 'around 30', while claims others died of exposure have not been substantiated.
How many people were in Achadh Triachatain?
Work in the summer of 2019 focused on the settlement of Achadh Triachatain (Achtriachtan), at the extreme end of the glen; home to an estimated 50 people, excavations show it was rebuilt after 1692 and still occupied in the mid-18th century. No artifacts relating to the Massacre have been found as yet.
When was the first road built in Glencoe?
Shortly after this period a new military road was built passing the eastern end of Glencoe, and in 1785 the first road was built through the glen itself. As with so many places in the Highlands, the ‘Clearances’ took their toll, and by the death of the 17th Chief, Ewen MacDonald, in 1837 the chieftainship of the MacDonalds had little meaning.
Who gifted Glencoe to Angus Og?
However, this was all to collapse in 1308 when they sided in favour of Balliol against Robert the Bruce. In a gesture of thanks for his support during this conflict, Robert the Bruce gifted Glencoe to Angus Og, the then clan chief of the MacDonalds.
Who founded the clan MacIain Abrach?
Angus Og subsequently left Glencoe to his bastard son Iain Fraoch who founded the ill-fated Clan MacIain Abrach of Glencoe. There then followed a period of relative calm until the year 1501, when disputes flared up between the Glencoe MacDonalds and the neighbouring Argyll Campbells.
Who took the oath of allegiance before a magistrate?
The final chapter in this tragedy began on 27th August 1691, when King William III in London offered a pardon to all Highland clans who had fought against him or raided their neighbours. But it was on the condition that they took the oath of allegiance before a magistrate by 1st January 1692. The alternative for failing to comply was death. MacDonald Clan Chief, MacIain of Glencoe, reluctantly agreed to take the oath, but mistakenly went to Inverlochy in Fort William instead of Inveraray near Oban. He finally reached Inveraray on January 6th, well after the deadline.
How many soldiers did Campbell ask for?
Campbell asked for quarters for his 130 soldiers and, unaware of what was planned, the poor MacDonalds entertained them for 10 days. On the night of the 12th February, Campbell received orders to kill all MacDonalds under seventy years of age at 5 am the next morning.
Who ordered the massacre of Glencoe?
The infamy of the massacre of Glencoe is not so much in the numbers killed, but in the way it was carried out. In 1691, King William the Third, recognising the resurgence of the Jacobite cause, ordered all the clan chiefs to sign an oath of allegiance by 1st January 1692. Maclain of Glencoe delayed signing ...
Who played the lament "Women of the Glen"?
Hugh Mackenzie, piper to Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, is also said to have tried to let the Glencoe people know what was about to happen; on the evening of the 12th, he stood on the Henderson Stone and played a lament called ‘Women of the Glen’ on his bagpipes, knowing that the Macdonalds could take this as a warning of something terrible about to happen.
Did the Macdonalds know about the massacre?
It is generally believed that most of the men of the Earl of Argyll’s Regiment, who carried out the massacre of the Macdonalds of Glencoe on 13 February 1692, did not know what they had been sent to do until the last minute, after they had been staying with the Macdonalds for some time. However, various stories are told that indicate that some of the Argyll men did know, or had some suspicion, about what was going to happen, and tried to warn the Macdonalds about it. Even though many of them were Campbells whose lands had been raided by the Glencoe Macdonalds in 1689, they were still Highlanders, and the stories told suggest that they were horrified at what was planned and so tried to let the intended victims know.
What is Glencoe Scotland?
About Glencoe Scotland. Glen Coe is probably Scotland’s most famous and most scenic Highland glen – and deservedly so. Visitors from all over the world flock here year after year, inspired by the sheer scale and grandeur of its surrounding mountains and fascinated by the intrigue of its turbulent past. The first view of Glencoe for most people will ...
What direction does Glen Coe run?
The glen of Glen Coe runs in an east / west direction, with steep sided mountains on both sides. To the north is the Aonach Eagach ridge, a precipitous and craggy knife-edge which is a challenging day out even for experienced mountaineers.
What are the three sisters of Glen Coe?
After the ‘big’ Buachaille, there’s the ‘wee one’, Buachaille Etive Beag. The ridges of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh are collectively known as the Three Sisters of Glen Coe.
Where is the old drovers stop in Loch Leven?
As the glen heads down towards the sea loch of Loch Leven, it turns to the north- west and its here that you’ll find the old drovers stop of Clachaig Inn, adjacent to Clachaig Chalets and located close to the river Coe on the old village road. You’re more likely to see thirsty climbers than stagecoaches these days!
Where is the highest peak in Argyll?
Behind the collective mass of ridges that form the Three Sisters is the (hidden from this view) summit of Bidean nam Bian , the highest peak in Argyll. The Piper’s lay-by is the usual starting point for the walks to Coire Gabhail, more commonly known as the Lost Valley.
Is Glencoe a small village?
It’s only a short distance to the small village of Glencoe, overlooked by the impressively shaped (and aptly named) Pap of Glencoe. The modestly sized village provides the visitor with a wide range of facilities, from bed and breakfast accommodation, restaurant and cafes, petrol station, post office and shop. There’s also a very good but quite small museum and some excellent gentle walks around the Glencoe Lochan, formerly the Strathcona House & estate.
Is Glencoe a glen?
Glencoe has much to offer the visitor, both in summer and in winter, and is indeed a glen for all seasons. It is regarded by many as a gateway to the Highlands, and is a well established centre within the Outdoor Capital of the UK.
Why did Major Duncanson delay the arrival of the troops at Glenlyon?
Major Duncanson stated in his orders that he would be there to assist Glenlyon shortly after 0500, however, he failed to show up until 0700. Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton’s force did not enter the glen until around 1100. Perhaps the delay was on purpose and the orders designed as a false reassurance to Glenlyon that he wasn’t going to be acting on his own. The delay could also have been due to the weather conditions. The total number of soldiers involved would have numbered over 900.
Who was the commander of the MacDonalds of Glencoe?
The troops had been billeted with the MacDonalds of Glencoe since early February and were under the command of Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon.
How many MacDonalds were killed in the Glen massacre?
There are reports that some of the soldiers got a number of people to safety, with others shouting warnings, however, 38 MacDonald men were killed by the troops and dozens more MacDonalds, including women and children, would later perish in the freezing blizzard conditions sweeping the g len after they had fled, their houses having been set on fire. MacIain was getting out of bed to investigate the noise outside when he was shot twice and fell dead on the spot. His two sons, John and Alexander were able to escape.
Why was Dalrymple so keen to impress King William?
Dalrymple was keen to impress King William and to show that he was the man that could effectively deal with the troublesome highlands. The Macdonalds of Glencoe were a small and unpopular clan notorious for raiding and stealing cattle from their neighbours and presented the perfected target for Dalrymple.
What was the purpose of the Prelude to Massacre?
In the wake of the Jacobite Rising of 1689, the Scottish government pursued a strategy of coercion and bribery to bring stability to the highlands and end the threat posed by the Jacobite clans.
What was the name of the battle that William and James defeated?
In 1690 William landed in Ireland, defeating James at the battle of the Boyne on 1 July. After his defeat, James returned to France.
Why did William and James flee to France?
William was also keen to detach England from a possible alliance with France under Louis XIV — who the Dutch were at war with — and bring English troops, ships and money to bear against the French. With his support melting away rapidly in the face of William’s advance on London , James fled to France on 23 December.
Who was the leader of the Glencoe massacre?
When two advance units were sent to Glencoe on the 1st February they were under the command of Captain Robert Campbell of Glen Lyon, an alcoholic gambler who had gambled away most of his estates. The massacre was to begin simultaneously in three settlements along the glen (Invercoe, Inverrigan, and Achacon) although the killing took place all over the glen as the fleeing MacDonalds were pursued and slain.
Why is Glencoe important?
Glencoe is important internationally in terms of landscape, wildlife, history and geology.
What was the most infamous event in Scottish history?
The Infamous Glencoe Massacre: A Shameful Episode In Scottish History. Updated 22 February, 2017. The Glencoe Massacre, probably the most infamous and shameful episode in Scottish history, has led to ill feeling between two Scottish clans for hundreds of years.
Why are events leading up to the massacre important?
Events leading up to the massacre are important to understand the massacre itself.
How old was Campbell when he was put to the sword?
On the night before the slaughter, Campbell was given orders to fall upon the rebels, the MacDonalds of Glencoe, and put all under 70 years of age to the sword.
Why did Campbell die?
MacIain of Glencoe, the chief of the small branch of the Clan Donald, was a friend with whom he had hunted and fished, and the story goes that Campbell died of his shame.
What to do if you drive through Glencoe?
If you are ever fortunate enough to be driving through Glencoe, pull over in a quiet spot (there are many of them) get out of the car, have a look around you, and just listen. Now it could have been my imagination, but I got an eerie feeling …..
Overview
The Massacre of Glencoe (Scottish Gaelic: Murt Ghlinne Comhann) took place in Glen Coe in the Highlands of Scotland on 13 February 1692. An estimated 30 members and associates of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by Scottish government forces, allegedly for failing to pledge allegiance to the new monarchs, William III and Mary II.
Background
Historians argue the late-17th-century Scottish Highlands were more peaceful than often suggested, in part because chiefs could be fined for crimes committed by their clansmen. The exception was the area known as Lochaber, identified as a refuge for cattle raiders and thieves by government officials, other chiefs and Gaelic poets. Four Lochaber clans were consistently named in such accounts; the Glencoe and Keppoch MacDonalds, the MacGregors and the Camerons.
Oath of allegiance to William and Mary
After Killiecrankie, the Scottish government tried to negotiate a settlement with the Jacobite chiefs, terms varying based on events in Ireland and Scotland. In March 1690, Secretary of State Lord Stair offered them a total of £12,000 in return for swearing an Oath of allegiance to William. The chiefs accepted his offer in the June 1691 Declaration of Achallader, with the Earl of Breadalbane si…
Massacre
In late January 1692, two companies or approximately 120 men from the Earl of Argyll's Regiment of Foot arrived in Glencoe from Invergarry. Their commander was Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, an impoverished local landowner whose niece was married to one of MacIain's sons. Campbell carried orders for 'free quarter', an established alternative to paying taxes in what was a largely non-cash soci…
Inquiry
On 12 April 1692, the Paris Gazette published a copy of Glenlyon's orders, allegedly found in an Edinburgh coffee house and then taken to France. Despite criticism of the government, there was little sympathy for the MacDonalds; the military commander in Scotland, Viscount Teviot wrote 'it's not that anyone thinks the thieving tribe did not deserve to be destroyed but that it should have been …
Aftermath
The brutality of the Massacre shocked Scottish society and became a Jacobite symbol of post-1688 oppression; in 1745, Prince Charles ordered Leslie's pamphlet and the 1695 Parliamentary minutes reprinted in the Edinburgh Caledonian Mercury. It then largely disappeared from public view until 1850 when it was referenced by Whig historian Thomas Macaulay in History. He soug…
In popular culture
Glencoe was a popular topic with 19th-century poets, the best-known work being Sir Walter Scott's "Massacre of Glencoe". It was used as a subject by Thomas Campbell and George Gilfillan, whose main claim to modern literary fame is his sponsorship of William McGonagall, allegedly the worst poet in British history. Other poetic references include Letitia Elizabeth Landon's "Glen…
Recent archaeological work
After the Massacre, the Glencoe MacDonalds rebuilt their homes; a military survey undertaken between 1747 and 1755 shows seven separate settlements along the glen, each containing between six and eleven buildings. In 2018, a team of archaeologists organised by the National Trust for Scotland began surveying several areas related to the massacre, with plans to produce detailed studies of their findings. Work in the summer of 2019 focused on the settlement of Ach…