Alex Glass
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Glencoe and BallachulishThis topic will show some of the photos taken during a long weekend in Glencoe and Ballachulish at the start of April 2008.
Please feel free to comment or add anything you may have on the area.
We stayed at the Isles of Glencoe Hotel and Leisure Complex. The facilities here are excellent and it is a great location to travel to other parts of this beautiful area.
Whilst in Glencoe we visited many of the areas of interest and I hope to share our visit here.
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Alex Glass
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Ballachulish Slate QuarryThe industrial past at the heart of the village
Ballachulish Slate Quarries
Gniomhachas éachdraidheil aig cridhe a’ bhaile
Cuaraldhean Sgléata Bhaile Chaolais
Welcome to the village of Ballachulish, where slate quarrying was our way of life for over 300 years. You can learn about this in the quarry across the road, where there is a purpose built all-abilities, 500-metre path for you to walk safely round the quarry floor. Take a leisurely stroll through the quarry and you will find out more about the industrial heritage of our village and the people that came here to make quarrying a way of life.
If your house has a slate roof there’s a good chance it was quarried here! Just walk across the road from the Ballachulish Visitor Centre and through the gates into the quarry.
The short path is suitable for wheelchairs and prams and you can sit back, relax and take in the sights and sounds of the quarry at one of the picnic benches. We hope you enjoy your visit to our quarry and if you’d like to find out more then you can visit the display in the Ballachulish Visitor Centre afterwards.
Step back in time to the early days at
Ballachulish Slate Quarries
Gabhaibh ceum atr ais gu toiseach
Cuaraidhean Sgleata Bhaile Chaolais
This was the original entrance to the quarry. From the late 17th Century to its heyday during the 1800’s through to the final closure in 1955, Ballachulish Slate Quarry has a fascinating tale to tell. Many of the families that live here today are descendents of the quarry workers of yesteryear. If you are staying overnight in the village be sure to ask your host if any of their relatives worked here.
Working at the quarry made the people of Ballachulish into an exceptionally close-knit community-living, working and socialising together. Life was hard and men worked long hours for little pay.
“Many of the families that live here today are descendent of the quarry workers”
Today the quarry is quiet and peaceful and home to many species of local wildlife. As you walk round the all-abilities path capture the sights and sounds of the days gone by in your mind. The shrill of the whistle blowing, announcing blasting is about to begin, the noise of the explosion as the gunpowder blasts the rock, the constant humming of the drilling machinery and the ever-ending clang and bang of the hammers and chisels cutting and shaping the slate.
Real People Working & Living Together
Daoine a’ déanamh beó-shláint’ cómhla
Life for the quarry workers and their families in the early days was very different from life today. People then had a clear-cut, simple daily existence. They lived in a three-roomed cottage with a chimney and a grate in the main room and none of the modern conveniences that we now take for granted.
The men worked long hard hours, in all kinds of weather, for very little money and didn’t have the luxury of coming home to a cosy central heated house for a hot bath or shower.
The money that was earned at the quarry was not always enough to make ends meet. Most families grew their own vegetables and kept a cow or chickens. The local shopkeeper offered credit for essential items such as salt, flour or herring on the agreement that all debts were cleared before the rest of the pay got handed over to the families.
Despite these hardships the people of Ballachulish pulled together creating a great community spirit. This was especially evident when the men from the quarry came together to play shanty. Still Played today, this was the favourite pastime for the quarry workers and villagers.
Slate Quarry Walk
Straight ahead the all-abilities 500 meter trail will take you on a leisurely stroll around the quarry floor. Marvel at the height if the quarry, take time to sit at one of the benches and enjoy the peace and quiet that exists. You’ll also find information panels dotted around the path and these will give you an insight into the history, life and times of the quarry and the people that worked here.
Allow a minimum of 15 minutes.
The Arch Walk
Follow the 500 metre path to the left of this sign and you’ll discover an ancient arch built entirely from slate in 1822. This is one of two arches that were originally built to transport the slate from the top of the quarry to the shore.
Allow a minimum of 15 minutes
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james73
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From the bus, 16 Novemebr 2007
James H
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Alex Glass
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Thank you James
Funnily enough this is one place I never got a picture of.
I have added a couple of photos to the Ballachulish Slate Quarry page.
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zolita1908
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Alex Glass
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Great photos Zoe 
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james73
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Some crackers there Alex. 
James H
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Alex Glass
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Got lots more James.
Trying to work through them so that I can post more.
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Alex Glass
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Images of Old GlencoeSome old images of Glencoe
Scene of the Massacre
Invercoe
Glencoe Village
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Alex Glass
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The Glencoe MassacreThe Glencoe Massacre
Glencoe is perhaps best known for the fateful events that happened on the cold winter night of the 13th February 1692. It was then, that acting under the orders of King William the Third, Campbell of Glenlyon and 128 soldiers rose from their beds to set about the massacre of their hosts, with whom they had been living with on friendly terms for 12 days.
The cause of this dreadful happening was the failure of the MadDonald Clan Chief, MacIain of Glencoe, to take the oath of allegiance to the king before January 1st 1692. MacIain had mistakenly gone to Fort William to take the oath, but was told he should have gone to Inveraray. He reached there, and took the oath on January the 6th – but this was sadly considered too late. Members of the MacDonald Clan perished at the hands of the Campbell’s that night, while many more escaped to the hills only later to die of hunger and exposure to the harsh winter conditions. Interestingly , one year after the events of the Massacre of Glencoe a new breed of settlers came to the area, and in 1693 they began mining slate at Ballachulish.
There is a monument to the fallen MacDonald’s on Glencoe Village and the Clan Chief is buried on the island of Eilean Munde in Loch Leven.
"This cross is reverently erected in memory of MacIain Chief of the MacDonalds of Glencoe
Who fell with his people in the Massacre of Glencoe 13 Feb 1692
By his direct descendent Ellen Bums MacDonald August 1883
Their memory liveth for evermore."
As It Happened
The first sign of all the coming disaster to the Glen was on February first 1692. A company of 120 of Argyll’s regiment came into the Glen under Robert Campbell of Glenlyon. Glenlyon said the Inverlochy garrison was overcrowded and he also had taxes to collect. This was accepted especially as Glenlyon’s niece had married MacIain’s son. The rank and file of the soldiers were offered and accepted the hospitality of the Glen and lived with the MacDonalds. Ceilidhs were held, games of shinty were played and all was friendly. Glenlyon dined with MacIain in friendship. This continued till 12th of February.
On the 12th Glenlyon received his final instructions from Robert Duncanson, a Major in the Argyll Regiment. The document is now in the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh.
It is as follows:-
“You are hearby ordered to fall upon the rebels the MacDonalds of Glenco, and to put all to the sword under seventy. You are to have a special care that the old fox and his sonnes do not escape your hands. You are to secure all the avenues that no man can escape your hands. You are to put in execution at five of the clock precisely. And by that time, or very shortly after it, I will strive to be at you with a stronger party. If I do not come to you at five, you are not to tarry from me but to fall on. This is by the King’s special command, for the good and safety of the countrie, that the miscreants be cutt off root and branch. See that this be put in Execution without fear or favour. Else you may expect to be dealt with as one not true to King or Government, nor a man fitt to carry a commission in the King’s service. Expecting you will not fail in the fulfilling hereof, as you love yourself, I subscribe this at Ballychylis the 12th of February 1692.”
The resulting activity and the doubling of the guard trubled Alistair Og the son of the Chief who went first to his brother, then the two of them went to see their father. MacIain did not believe any harm threatened them and sent them home. About 5am soldiers were seen approaching Alistair’s home and seeing their fixed bayonets, he and his wife fled. He met his brother and between them got some of their people to safety.
MacIain and his wife were awakened by the soldiers knocking on the door led by Lieutenant Lindsay who said they had urgent business. The soldiers were let in and MacIain called for drinks but before they could be enjoyed MacIain was shot dead. His wife who went to help him was seized and her ring wrenched off her finger by the teeth of the men and her clothes taken from her. She escaped but died next day. The servant in the house was killed and also an old man of 80 who sometimes called with letters and chanced to be in the house.
At Inverigan the nine men living there were bound and then shot. At Achnacon the soldiers under Sergeant Barbour shot eight men and killed six. One of the men, still alive, though wounded, asked if he might die outside rather than indoors.
This request was granted and when outside threw his plaid over the guns and leaped into the darkness and escaped.
At Laroch Ranald of the shield was shot and his son killed. Ranald was badly wounded but not dead and crept into a house but when it was set alight he was not able to escape. Later two further MacDonalds were shot at Inverigan, one of whom was a boy of seven. In all 38 were shot; but as the houses were fired and the cattle driven off. Leaving neither shelter nor food it is not certain how many died as a result of the Massacre, although it is said to be around 127.
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zolita1908
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nice one alex
I'll need to take a trip up again before the wain comes. Found these in my files
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Alex Glass
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Old Photos of BallachulishNice photos Zoe.
Is the first one the Three Sisters?
Here are some more old photos
Ballachulish
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Alex Glass
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Eilean Munda
Eilean Munda
Burial Island of Loch Leven
| Quote: | | “St Munda or St Munde is an island at the head of Glencoe in Loch Leven midway between South Ballachulish on the one side, and Callart on the other. Loch Leven is salt water and changes its name to Loch Linnhe at the narrows at Ballachulish Ferry. It changes its name several times before it reaches the open sea at Oban. The Island is called after St Fintan Mundus who built his church on the Island.” |
| Quote: | “The church that St Fintan founded on Eilean Munda was used till 1495 when it was burned down.”
“It was repaired in the 16th century and used up to 1653.”
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| Quote: | | “There are three landing places on the Island called the Ports of the Dead. The Island was used by the MacDonalds of Glencoe, the Stewarts of Ballachulish and the Camerons of Callart for burial and each had a recognised port. If for some reason it was not suitable to use their own port the boat would return to the mainland and try again. Near to Eilean Munda is Eilean a’ Chomhraidh or the Isle of Discussion, a meeting place to discuss disputes on questions of land ownership and other matters. When a dispute had been settled they would sail up to Eilean na Bainne, the Isle of Covenant or ratification, where agreements were drawn up and sealed. On Eilean a’ Chomraidh the men left their caps before going on to the burial island. After the funeral before rowing back they would land here and have whisky and oatcakes and cheese.” |
| Quote: | | “The ownership of the Island has long been disputed. It was the custom for the MacDonalds of Glencoe and the Camerons of Callart to take a crop of hay off in on alternate years. It is as present unknown who owns the Island.” |
| Quote: | | “There are many interesting graves on the Island. One of the most fitting is perhaps that of MacIain the Chief of the MacDonalds of Glencoe at the time of the massacre. When he was taken for burial on the Island, the legend of his great size and bull hide jacket was confirmed.” |
| Quote: | | “The flora and fauna of the island are like the mainland. Seals lie on the rocks, there is a heronry. Gulls and other sea birds frequent it. In the old days whales of different kinds sailed past it. Swans are still nestling there and some of the small-song birds of the mainland. The flowers are about a fortnight ahead of the mainland and butterflies are more plentiful. I find it a delight, a peaceful and fascinating island, but I do know those who find it gloomy and fearful." |
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zolita1908
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Alex Glass
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Wow 
How did you get so close to that deer?
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zolita1908
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Well Stu got closer and it didn't budge, think it was too relaxed
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wee minx
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Its well camouflaged
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islandlover
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I love the pictures of St Munda burial island, fascinating photographs and information; heard about this island yesterday on TV - Griff Rhys Jones on the island in 'Mountain' but no-one thought to walk around it or zoom in on any of the graves -javascript:emoticon(' ') frustrating after going to the bother of sailing out to it - but thanks to this posting - although no substitute for seeing for myself -the gaps have been filled in, everyone has a special affection for the McDonalds of Glencoe; this enigmatic tribe, despite being at odds with my own clan at various points (Maclean) is eternally fascinating. Thanks for posting!
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Alex Glass
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Welcome to Urban Glasgow islandlover.
Glad you liked the photos of Eileam Munda.
I got a booklet whilst I was in Glencoe which gave the complete history. Fascinating read.
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Jock58
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Hello all
What can i say, I'm a tourist,, But many years ago i was a walker
We used a bothy at Altnafeah. a trip to the shop meant boots on over the staircase and down into Kinlochleven.
Jock58
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Jock58
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I found another snap of Glen coe
Jock58
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fastnet
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A couple of walkers in glencoe today.
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james73
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Walking?? Crazy fools. 
They need to get to a bothy and start burnin wid...  
James H
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fastnet
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That is the last we have seen of them james.............. 
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Fjord
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| fastnet wrote: | | That is the last we have seen of them james.............. |
Aye they were a bugger to light but once started they burned for hours... Mmm pork 
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