Massacre of Glencoe Monument

The memorial. rugby007 (Atlas Obscura User)

Scotland : Highland Clans and the Trail of Tartan

Culture, history, and scenery with a globe-trotting bagpiper.

Right on the edge of the village of Glencoe, Scotland, visitors will find this moving memorial, a simple stone pillar rising amid the breathtaking mountains of Glencoe.

It’s believed that in mid-February 1692, members of Scottish government forces, allied with the rule of King William the Third, under royal charge murdered dozens of the Glencoe MacDonalds in this area, allegedly for their tardiness in declaring fealty to the monarchs. This occurred not long after the Jacobite uprising.

The attacking force was the Earl of Argyll’s Regiment of Foot, commanded by Robert Campbell of Glenlyon. Legend states that MacDonald’s hospitality of food and lodging in the dead of winter was repaid with death. To this day the origins and true nature of the event are debated.

Know Before You Go

The spot is easy to find. From A82, turn into Glencoe village onto B863 and take an immediate right onto Gleann Comhann, the main street through town. Follow this for about 1/4 of a mile and turn right onto Upper Carnoch, immediately before going over the River Coe bridge. Go about 200 yards and the memorial will be on a rise to your right.

There is parking for two vehicles, and it is free of charge. The site is open 24/7.