The infamy of the massacre of Glencoe is not so much in the numbers killed, but in the way it was carried out. The Massacre of Glencoe is one of the most talked about and least understood episodes in Scottish history. Some accounts say the massacre began with Glenlyon’s men firing their muskets, possibly in the hope that the noise would alert their hosts, giving many time to escape. Although led by a Campbell, regimental rolls show that Campbells made up only a small number in the detachment sent to Glencoe and the Campbells in neighbouring lands gave shelter to the surviving MacDonalds. It’s known for its magical landscape, which has made it a popular filming location for movies such as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Rob Roy, and Highlander.But Glencoe is also remembered for a story of clan betrayal that led to a tragic and bloody Glencoe Massacre in 1692. Omissions? He is known as the “Curse of Scotland” for his part in the Glencoe Massacre which took place on this day in 1692. It should be noted that the Massacre of Glencoe was not an isolated act by Scottish government forces. Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton’s force did not enter the glen until around 11 o’clock. Colonel Hill was deeply troubled by the orders and it appears that he was by-passed at some stage. Neil Ritchie is the founder and editor of ScottishHistory.org. Looking downhill towards the mouth of the Glencoe Valley in decent weather. Regions Inverness, Highlands and Islands Who ordered the Massacre of Glencoe? 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 signed order for the Massacre of Glencoe will be unveiled along with nine other artefacts at the National Library of Scotland to mark the end of the Year of Homecoming. Articles, commentary and reviews. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/event/Massacre-of-Glencoe, British Broadcasting Corporation - The Massacre of Glen Coe, Electric Scotland - The Massacre of Glencoe, John Campbell, earl of Breadalbane and Holland, Archibald Campbell, 10th earl and 1st duke of Argyll, John Campbell, 1st earl of Breadalbane and Holland. Directed by Austin Campbell. The revolution in England had been accomplished almost without bloodshed, but in Scotland and Ireland there was armed resistance. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Glencoe Massacre Monument: Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Private Day Tour from Edinburgh (From $600.57) 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh, Including "Hogwarts Express" Ride (From $609.68) Fort William and Glencoe (From $111.10) We’ll stop off at the slate quarry and the National Trust visitor centre to learn the story of the 1692 massacre of Glencoe. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The Glencoe Massacre Monument: Tickets & Tours ... rannoch moor natural beauty amazing scenery ski lift take photos scottish highlands sunny day fort william road trip trip to scotland national trust west highland way visitor center massacre clouds skyfall hike campbells. MacIain would have passed through Glencoe and his own house but probably had no time to stop. The story of the Glencoe Massacre is one every British person knows. In 1696 he was made a lord of the treasury, and his political services were rewarded in 1701 by his being created duke of Argyll. Politics in this period were complex and a simplified version is quite often presented for easier – and often incorrect – understanding. Campbell wrote back to Colonel Hill: “I endeavoured to receive the great lost sheep, Glencoe, and he has undertaken to bring in all his friends and followers as the Privy Council shall order. His subordinates, Lieutenant-Colonel James Hamilton and Major Robert Duncanson, do not appear to have had the same reservations. It is better not to meddle with them at all, if it cannot be done to purpose, and better to cut off that nest of robbers who have fallen foul of the law, now, when we have both the power and the opportunity. He…. The order to carry out the killings would have come as a terrible shock to Glenlyon and most of his troops. 1876-79. Glenlyon’s niece had married a MacDonald and was living in the glen at the time. The claim that it was simply a Campbell-MacDonald feud appears in the mid-19th century when many were keen to absolve the government and King William from any blame. At some point along his route, he was detained by a group of government soldiers which delayed him further. The Massacre was ordered by Sir John Dalrymple, Secretary of State of Scotland, as punishment for the MacDonald’s chief, MacIain, not swearing the oath of loyalty to the new king, William of Orange, before the deadline of 31st December 1691. The delay could also have been due to the weather conditions. 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. This would explain the large number of troops that had been assembled at Fort William and the number available for use in Glencoe. 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. Since the soldiers had committed the massacre as guests of the MacDonalds, the Massacre of Glencoe was a clear example of Murder under Trust, or ‘Slaughter under Trust’ in Scots Law. Take care that he and his followers do not suffer till the King and Council’s pleasure be known.“. When the news reached the Scottish Privy Council in Edinburgh that MacIain had taken the oath after the deadline had passed they took the Macdonalds of Glencoe off of the indemnity list. The soldiers arrived at Glen Coe 12 days before the massacre, as friends, seeking shelter due to the fact that the fort was full. 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. In August 1691 the government offered an indemnity to all chiefs who should take an oath of allegiance before January 1, 1692. Landowners are being asked to donate turf to help reconstruct a traditional ‘creel’ house in Glencoe that would have stood at the time of infamous massacre of 1692. The massacre of the Glencoe MacDonalds by government troops in 1692 took place during a blizzard in the depths of winter. However, they serve to demonstrate how the Glencoe massacre has wormed its way into Scottish national consciousness. An inquiry was held and Scottish … Betrayal! This is by the Kings speciall command, for the good & safety of the Country, that these miscreants be cutt off root and branch. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience The Glencoe Massacre Monument: Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Private Day Tour from Edinburgh (From US$600.57) 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh, Including "Hogwarts Express" Ride (From US$609.68) Fort William and Glencoe (From US$111.10) The Massacre of Glencoe in Scotland is one of Scotland's greatest pieces of History, a sad story in Scottish history dated 13th of February 1692 It is understood that the soldiers were under the command of Captain Thomas Drummond of Argyll’s regiment. There is a haunting quality about the moor-clad mountains that stand as sentinels over the eight-mile-long glen which runs from east to west along the northern border of Argyll. The MacDonalds of Glencoe and the Campbells of Glenlyon would later fight beside each other at the Battle of Sheriffmuir, during the 1715 Jacobite Rising. Edited and published in Ayrshire, Scotland. 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