Diorama of the Glencoe Massacre
Glencoe Folk Museum

Content warning. Some visitors may find this object upsetting.  

In February 1692, the MacDonald clansfolk of Glencoe were massacred when they failed to pledge their allegiance to the new monarchs William III and Mary II on time. Clan leader MacIain had attempted to deliver his oath but upon reaching Inverlochy (now Fort William), had been redirected to Inveraray where he would need to give his oath in front of a civil magistrate. Hampered by bad weather and arrest, the elderly leader was late in making his pledge.   

During the massacre that was ordered as punishment, it is now thought that 38 members of the MacDonald clan were murdered in their homes, and hundreds more died in the mountains.

This diorama creates an artist’s impression of the scene. It is graphic, showing the violent nature of the massacre that involved the deaths of women and children.