Dr. Allan Kennedy, a historian specializing in 17th-century Scotland, and Lucy Doogan of the National Trust for Scotland discuss the harrowing Glencoe Massacre of 1692. They delve into the complex political tensions that led to the slaughter of Clan MacDonald, exploring Alistair MacDonald's ill-fated oath of allegiance and the broader cultural implications of this atrocity. Vivid descriptions of the landscape and personal reflections from descendants enhance this tale of betrayal, loyalty, and the profound scars it left on Scottish identity.
The Glencoe Massacre epitomizes the tragic consequences of political unrest and societal tensions in late 17th-century Scotland.
Misrepresentation of the MacDonald clan contributed significantly to their vulnerability and ultimately facilitated the brutal slaughter by government troops.
Deep dives
The Prelude to Tragedy
In the late 17th century, Scotland was marked by political anxiety and upheaval following the Glorious Revolution, which dethroned James VII in favor of William and Mary. This period of uncertainty spurred counter-revolutionary movements, notably the Jacobite Rising of 1689 led by John Graham of Claverhouse. The atmosphere of fear and instability was further intensified by economic troubles, including famine and declining trade. Against this backdrop, the Massacre of Glencoe emerged as a tragic consequence of both administrative errors and the broader societal tensions between Highland clans and the Lowland government.
The Role of the MacDonalds
The MacDonald clan of Glencoe found themselves entangled in the complex political web of the era, having participated in the Jacobite Rising, which contributed to their notorious reputation. Their historical portrayal as thieves and outlaws shaped perceptions held by the Lowlands, leading to their eventual categorization as a rebellious clan by the Scottish government. Although they were a small clan, the MacDonalds’ criminalized image made them vulnerable targets in a landscape rife with prejudice and misunderstanding. This reputation played a pivotal role in the disastrous events that unfolded following their missed oath of allegiance.
Military Presence in Glencoe
A detachment of soldiers, commanded by Captain Robert Campbell of Glen Lyon, was dispatched to Glencoe under the pretense of tax collection, blending civic duty with military authority. Initially, these troops were not there to inflict harm but were rather fulfilling orders to collect unpaid taxes from the MacDonald clan. The interaction between the soldiers and the MacDonalds suggested a veneer of coexistence, with some instances of shared hospitality and community engagement. However, as tensions simmered, the soldiers remained unaware that their mission would soon turn deadly.
The Orders for Massacre
On the evening of February 12, 1692, Captain Campbell received direct orders mandating the slaughter of the MacDonald clan members under the age of 70. This command, which included a specific directive to ensure the death of Clan leader MacEon and his family, signaled an abrupt escalation from tax collection to mass murder. The chilling nature of the orders highlighted a deliberate intention to exterminate the MacDonalds rather than merely punish their rebellion. As the impending dawn loomed, a tragic fate lay in wait for a clan that had already weathered years of hardship and strife.
On the 13 February 1692, Scottish government troops slaughtered between 30-40 members of Clan MacDonald in their home in Glencoe, in the Scottish Highlands. They fell upon them without warning, killing indiscriminately. Who were the MacDonalds? Why did this atrocity happen?
Maddy and Anthony's guests today are Dr Allan Kennedy whose new book 'Serious Crime in Late Seventeenth-Century Scotland' is out now and Lucy Doogan from the Nation Trust for Scotland's Visitor Centre in Glencoe.
Edited and produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.
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