Massacre gin named after Glencoe atrocity axed after complaints
A gin named after the Glencoe Massacre has been dropped from sale after complaints from a historian whose ancestor was killed in the 1692 atrocity.
Massacre Strength was introduced by Pixel Spirits Distillery, which is based in the Glencoe area, with the name chosen in part to reflect the spirit’s high ABV of 58 per cent.
Historian Rosalin Macdonald made a number of complaints about the name, with the gin now removed from online sale.
One of her ancestors, Duncan Rankin, was the first man to be shot as he crossed the River Coe to warn the Macdonalds of the impending horror of February 1692, when an estimated 30 Highlanders were killed by government troops.
Ms Macdonald has also received an apology from
the company, which is run by Craig and Noru Innes, who also run the Loch Leven Hotel at North Ballachulish.
Ms Macdonald told the Press and Journal: “It was very good of Craig and Noru to pull the gin from production. Craig has invited me to meet with him and discuss the local history and I will take him up on it.
“I objected to the name of the gin and I think that dozens of clans people would have objected too.
“For the past 80 years this terrible event has been commemorated on 13th February in the village and clans people worldwide have attended this event over the years. It wasn’t a battle that took place, it was a massacre.”
Mr Innes said he did not intend to cause offence with the Massacre Strength name but confirmed it would now be re-branded, with bottles now removedfromsalewithimmediate effect.
He said: “In choosing a name for our most recent release, Massacre Strength, we highlighted the events of that evening but did not pass judgment. It is perhaps one of the bestknown historical events associated with our area.
“I spoke with Rosalin and apologised for our branding of this product which could have been perceived as offensive, though was never our intention.
“As a result, I have taken the decision to rebrand the product and have withdrawn it from our sales channels with immediate effect."