More than 330 years later, the Glencoe Massacre is still one of the darkest days in Scotland’s history.
On February 13, 1692, an estimated 38 men, women and children were brutally slain in the highland village for their support of James II of England.
Now, excavations have shed light on one of the few survivors, MacDonald of Achnacon, who narrowly escaped with his life.
A high-ranking clan member, MacDonald of Achnacon was taken outside of his home to be shot by government soldiers.
But as they prepared to fire, MacDonald of Achnacon tore off his plaid cloak, threw it over his attackers and fled into the winter morning darkness.
Archeologists now reveal that they’ve found a bent plaid pin that they think fell from his clock during the skirmish, positioned outside his turf-walled house.
While MacDonald of Achnacon survived, his cousin, clan chief Alasdair Ruadh MacIain MacDonald and his wife were among those killed.
Excavations in 2023 already uncovered a hoard of coins in the…
