The Glencoe Massacre: A Deep Dive into Scotland's Infamous Betrayal

The Massacre of Glencoe, known in Scottish Gaelic as Murt Ghlinne Comhann, stands as one of the most infamous and tragic events in the history of the Scottish Highlands. This harrowing incident unfolded in the stunning, rugged landscape of Glen Coe on 13 February 1692. It involved the brutal slaying of an estimated 30 to 38 members and associates of the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe by government forces who had, for days, been enjoying their hospitality. The stated reason for this atrocious act was the clan's alleged failure to pledge allegiance to the new Protestant monarchs of Scotland, William III and Mary II, following the Glorious Revolution.

The Tumultuous Context: Post-Glorious Revolution Scotland

The late 17th century in Scotland was a period of profound political and religious upheaval. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 saw the Catholic King James VII of Scotland (James II of England) deposed and replaced by his Protestant daughter Mary II and her Dutch husband, William III of Orange. This shift, while welcomed in the Lowlands, ignited a strong wave of resistance in the staunchly Episcopalian and Catholic Highlands, giving rise to the Jacobite movement – supporters of the exiled James VII.

While the initial Jacobite rising of 1689, led by John Graham of Claverhouse (Bonnie Dundee), was largely suppressed by May 1690, lingering unrest persisted in the remote, strategically vital Highlands. This continued instability became a drain on resources that William III desperately needed for his broader European conflicts, specifically the Nine Years' War against France in Flanders. The Crown's priority was to pacify Scotland and consolidate its control.

The Fatal Oath of Allegiance and Its Deadline

In an attempt to quell the Highland unrest without further military engagement, the Scottish government, advised by John Dalrymple, the Master of Stair and Secretary of State for Scotland, devised a strategy of both carrot and stick. In late 1690, they offered a significant sum of £12,000 (Scots money, a substantial amount at the time) to the Jacobite clan chiefs. In return, these chiefs were required to swear a formal oath of loyalty to William and Mary. The deadline for this crucial "Oath of Allegiance" was set for 1 January 1692.

However, various factors conspired against the swift compliance of the clan chiefs. Disagreements among them over how to divide the money, coupled with a deliberate strategy of procrastination by some who hoped for further concessions or a return of James VII, meant that by December 1691, virtually none of them had taken the oath. This widespread failure to meet the deadline left many clans in a precarious legal position, open to severe penalties.

Why Glencoe? The Fateful Selection of the MacDonalds

Under immense pressure from King William III to enforce compliance and restore order, Secretary of State Lord Stair saw an opportunity to make a definitive example. His intention was to send a stark warning about the consequences of further delay and defiance. While many clans, including the Keppoch MacDonalds, also failed to meet the January 1st deadline (the Keppochs only swore their oath in early February), the Glencoe MacDonalds, led by Maclain (Alasdair Maclain, 12th Chief of Glencoe), were singled out for a unique and brutal fate.

The precise reasons for their selection remain a subject of historical debate, but several factors likely contributed:

• Perceived Lawlessness: The Glencoe MacDonalds had a long-standing reputation for cattle rustling and other acts deemed "lawless" by the central government, making them an easy target for demonstrating the Crown's authority.
• Internal Clan Politics: Deep-seated rivalries, particularly between the MacDonalds and the powerful Clan Campbell, played a significant role. The order for the massacre was to be executed by the Earl of Argyll's Regiment of Foot, a predominantly Campbell regiment, under the command of Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon. Historic animosity undoubtedly exacerbated the situation.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Maclain, though late, did attempt to swear the oath. He travelled to Fort William but found no magistrate there. He then journeyed further to Inveraray, where he eventually took the oath on January 6, 1692, five days past the deadline. However, his oath was initially deemed invalid by the authorities due to the delay, and the Master of Stair's warrant for "extirpation" was already in motion.

In late January 1692, Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon arrived in Glen Coe with 120 soldiers from Argyll's Regiment. They were received with the customary Highland hospitality, lodging with the MacDonalds for nearly two weeks, sharing food, drink, and warmth. This period of seemingly friendly cohabitation masked the sinister intent laid out in the "orders for the slaughter" issued by Lord Stair.

The Horrific Night of February 13, 1692

In the early hours of February 13, under a blanket of snow, the government troops turned on their unsuspecting hosts. The written orders, famously stating "For the good of the country, it is ordered that you fall upon the rebels, the MacDonalds of Glencoe, and put all to the sword under seventy," were carried out with chilling efficiency. Maclain himself was shot dead as he rose from his bed. While the estimate of 30 to 38 immediate fatalities is often cited, many more perished from exposure as they fled into the harsh winter landscape, their homes set ablaze by the soldiers.

The brutality of the massacre, especially the profound breach of Highland hospitality (a concept deeply ingrained in Gaelic culture and known as Dùthchas, encompassing one's heritage, land, and community obligations), sent shockwaves across Scotland and beyond. It was an act of cold-blooded treachery against unarmed people who had offered shelter and camaraderie to their killers.

Legacy and Enduring Symbolism

The Glencoe Massacre rapidly became a cause célèbre and a potent symbol. Although there were other instances of violence in Scottish history, the deliberate nature of this act and the betrayal of trust shocked contemporaries and elicited widespread condemnation.

Its immediate impact was significant:

• It became a powerful propaganda tool for the Jacobite cause, fuelling resentment against the government and strengthening resolve in the Highlands throughout the first half of the 18th century, contributing to later risings like the 1715 and 1745 rebellions.
• It exposed the deep divisions and distrust between the Highland clans and the central government in Edinburgh, as well as the enduring animosity between clans like the MacDonalds and Campbells.

Today, the Glencoe Massacre remains an enduring and powerful symbol for a variety of reasons. It represents the consequences of political intrigue and unchecked power, the tragic cost of betrayal, and the resilience of a people against overwhelming odds. It continues to resonate within Scottish national identity, serving as a sombre reminder of a dark chapter, and drawing visitors to Glen Coe, not just for its breathtaking beauty, but also for its profound historical significance.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Glencoe Massacre

What was the primary cause of the Glencoe Massacre?

The immediate cause was the Glencoe MacDonalds' failure to take an Oath of Allegiance to King William III and Queen Mary II by the government-imposed deadline of January 1, 1692. However, underlying factors included the government's desire to assert control over the Highlands, longstanding clan rivalries, and the MacDonalds' reputation for lawlessness.

Who ordered the Glencoe Massacre?

The massacre was ordered by John Dalrymple, the Master of Stair and Secretary of State for Scotland, under pressure from King William III to pacify the Highlands. The warrant for "extirpation" was ultimately signed by King William, although he later claimed to have signed it without reading it fully.

How many people were killed in the Glencoe Massacre?

An estimated 30 to 38 members of the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed outright on February 13, 1692. Many more, including women and children, died from exposure and starvation after fleeing into the snow-covered mountains when their homes were burned.

Why is the Glencoe Massacre considered so significant?

Its significance stems from the profound breach of Highland hospitality (the slaughter of guests by their hosts), the deliberate nature of the act ordered by the government, and its long-lasting impact on Scottish politics and national identity. It became a powerful rallying cry for the Jacobite cause and cemented a sense of grievance against the Crown.

What role did Clan Campbell play in the Glencoe Massacre?

The massacre was carried out by soldiers from the Earl of Argyll's Regiment of Foot, a unit largely comprised of Clan Campbell members, led by Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon. This act inflamed centuries-old rivalries between the MacDonalds and the Campbells, adding a layer of clan animosity to the political betrayal.