The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Bid to uncover historic settlements of Glencoe
National Trust for Scotland has done initial survey work to help enrich the understanding of the cultural heritage of the glen
The lost settlements of one of Scotland’s most visited landscape, infamous for the worst murders of the clan era, are to be traced by archaeologists for the first time.
On this day in 1692, Glencoe was the scene of the murder of the MacDonald clan in an atrocity still lamented to this day.
The National Trust for Scotland has carried out initial survey work at three former settlements with more detailed studies due to follow.
The murders were ordered by the state after the clan chief tried but failed to meet a deadline to pledge allegiance to King William II.
Derek Alexander, head of archaeology at the trust, said the work would enrich the understanding of the cultural heritage of the glen.
He said: “There are thousands of people who drive up the road through Glencoe and stop to look at the majestic beauty of the place but I think the human side of the story is often overlooked.
“This is an iconic landscape and what we are trying to find are the physical remains which tie that landscape to the story of the massacre.
“I’m surprised that it has not been done before.”
At least 38 MacDonalds of Glencoe were murdered by troops led by Robert Campbell of Glenlyon.
Many more Highlanders are believed to have died after fleeing their townships, with some leaving their homes in advance after being tipped off about the planned execution.
Mr Alexander said the focus was on three former townships – Achtriachtan, Achnacon and Inverrigan.
Military maps from the 18th Century show six settlements in total through the glen.
By the 19th Century, they disappear from documents, given the townships were later cleared for sheep.
Mr Alexander said: “We can see there are eight buildings at Achtriachtan and the same again at Achnacon.
“There might even be evidence of an inn.
“You are looking at between 40 to 50 or 60 people living in the one settlement.
“We know 30 were killed during the massacre but we don’t know how many died getting away.
“Once you start to look at the massacre from a landscape point of view you can plot the sequence of what happened and see how some people managed to get away, probably through the valley of Gleann Leac na Muidhe.”
It was at Achnacon that Sergeant Robert Barber gathered his men in the early morning of 13 February 1692, some time before 5am, and ordered the kill.
The soldiers then marched through the townships, with Barber taking 18 men to the home of his host, MacDonald of Achnacon.
Musket shots were fired through the windows, according to author John Prebble’s book on the massacre, with the host’s brother instantly killed.
Achnacon managed to escape after being dragged outside.
Meanwhile, 14 people were reportedly burned to death in one cottage.
Mr Alexander said the remains found at the three sites were probably turf and stone homes.
Once you start to look at the massacre from a landscape point of view you can plot the sequence of what happened