The best starting point for understanding the MacDonalds of Glencoe, the 1692 massacre and the inhabited glen that existed before the modern landscape.
People and clans in this story
Clans and houses: Clan MacDonald of Glencoe, Clan Campbell
People: Alasdair MacIain MacDonald, Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, John Dalrymple, Master of Stair
A community before a tragedy
The National Trust for Scotland visitor centre begins with the MacDonald community that lived in Glencoe, rather than treating the glen only as the backdrop to a massacre. Its exhibition, film and reconstructed turf-and-creel house help restore the domestic world in which the events of February 1692 took place.
Murder under trust
Government soldiers were quartered with the MacDonalds for almost two weeks before attacking their hosts on 13 February 1692. Thirty-eight people were killed in the assault and others died while escaping into winter conditions. A later parliamentary inquiry described the killings as murder under trust.
Not simply a clan feud
The troops belonged to the Earl of Argyll's regiment and were commanded by Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, but only a minority of the soldiers were Campbells. The operation followed government orders. Reducing the event to 'Campbells versus MacDonalds' hides the political chain of command and turns a state action into a simple hereditary feud.
What to look for while you're here
- The reconstructed turf-and-creel house and the building techniques used by Highland communities.
- The three-dimensional map showing how settlements and routes lay across the glen.
- Interpretation that distinguishes the government chain of command from later clan rivalry.
Before you go
- The reserve is open year-round, but visitor-centre and café hours vary by season.
- Parking charges apply; mountain access requires separate weather and safety planning.
- The turf house is outside near the viewpoint.