On February 13, 1692, a tragedy occurred in the small valley of Glencoe in Scotland. The McIan's of the MacDonald Clan were wiped out in an early morning massacre. None were spared, not even the women and children, although a few of the McIan's managed to disappear into the early morning mist and cold.

It seems that politics and a personal vendetta brought on this incident, but there is some doubt. The facts are clear in some areas, which allows an analysis, but the touchy politics involved during this period requires that the reader form their own conclusions. It was a time of religious upheaval and one of political turmoil.

The Catholic, Protestant, and Presbyterian religions were all locked in a struggle for supremacy, which frequently turned violent. Add to this volatile mix, torn loyalties for the ousted King Charles II, and his replacement William of Orange. Charles II was the rightful King, but an unpopular one. While William of Orange, even though he was of the Stuart line, was considered a despicable 'Englander' in the Highlands. As one can see, there were plenty of things to fight about.

William of Orange, however, did not care much for or about the Highlands, as they were but a small portion of the kingdom. But he did require that their Clan Chiefs submit an oath of fealty to him as their King. This was an effort to pacify the region, as violence in the Highlands tended to spill over into the rest of the country. To 'manage' this area, he placed his trust in John Dalyrmple, Minister of Scotland and Master of the Stair.

It seems that there was a deadline placed on the swearing of fealty to the new King. This deadline was New Years Day 1692. This complicated matters for John Dalyrmple, as you can imagine, for getting any Scot to swear an oath to any King was difficult already. But with the threat of force hanging over their heads, most of the Clan Chiefs soon relented and journeyed to Inverarary. It is here that things get interesting, as one Clan Chief, either through error or purposely was told to report to Fort William. This was the Chief of the McIan of Clan MacDonald.

It appears that this was done purposely by John Dalyrmple, in order to cause the man to be late in his swearing of the oath or pledge. Upon arrival at Fort William, Ian was told to go to Inverarary and of course was late. But the sheriff who was to receive his oath was late also, even later than the chief was. The Clan Chief of the McIan swore his oath and went home, assuming everything was fine.

One month later, the small McIan Clan received visitors. The leader of the group was the chieftain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon (Glen Lyon). Most of the remainder of the visiting party were members of the Campbell Clan. They stayed with the McIan Clan for two weeks generally visiting and enjoying an atmosphere of friendship. There was drinking, feasting and dancing that was enjoyed by all.

The atmosphere however, was a blatant lie, as Robert Campbell carried orders from John Dalyrmple himself, which was the cause of the 'visit'. It seems that John Dalyrmple used the late swearing of the oath as an excuse, and either through personal vendetta or as an example had ordered the killing of the McIans. The text of the note giving the order follows:

To Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon ' For Their Majesties' Service'

Sir, You are hereby ordered to fall upon the rebels, the M'Donalds, of Glencoe and putt all to the sword under seventy. You are to have special care that the old fox and his sons doe upon no account escape your hands. You are to secure all the avenues, that no man may escape. This you are to putt in execution at five o'clock in the morning precisely, and by that time, or very shortly after it, I'll strive to be att you with a stronger party. If I doe not come to you att five, you are not to tarry for me, but to fall on. This is by the King's special command, for the good of the country, that these miscreants be cutt off root and branch. See that this be putt in execution without feud or favour, else you may expect to be treated as not true to the king's government, nor a man fitt to carry a commission in the king's service. Expecting you will not faill in the fulfilling hereof as you love yourself, I subscribe these with my hand.

Master of the Stair
(John Dalyrmple)

Tragedy at Glencoe: Updated with new facts