Anything like this ever happen to you?

[Mike1]

I found this:
http://www.rampantscotland.com/features/glencoe.htm
I would have felt sorry for the troops who had to act out such orders. At the same time I would have been disgusted at their actions, and not trying to do something about it. Then again, it isn't like those guys had much choice. Brtutal, and not a position I would envy.

If you continue your research, you will find that many actually DID do something about it. If this was actually the cold-blooded Campbell massacre that so many believe that it was, how did so many escape? Let's face it, the Campbells had demonstrated their ability to massacre mass numbers, 46 years previous to Glencoe during the massacre of the Lamonts. Read the various accounts of that massacre and you will see that the events of Glencoe were not so brutal.

Trying to understand events ocurring between different Scottish families by looking at the events of '45 will not serve you well. 1745 is more like modern history, when one examines the issues that involved many of these families.

[David Thornton]

I had a similar moment at my first games. It so put me off Clan Donald that I now mostly wear Cameron & Angus district kilts.
I suspect that the individual feels like he is correct and has no idea the real damage he is causing, and not just for his Clan. I had a very difficult time even getting my wife interested in going to any events.

David

[Galloglaich]

I had a similar moment at my first games. It so put me off Clan Donald that I now mostly wear Cameron & Angus district kilts...

David

That's a shame. I think part of the point here is that we shouldn't let one or two (or 20 for that matter) bad apples spoil the barrel for us. I've been going to games for over 15 years now and have to say that even though this example was extreme, it was rare. All of the other folks at the Clan Donald tent were incredibly gracious. I can't even say for certain that the individual in question was officially "working" the booth, as members of the clan usually enjoy free access to the tent. He could have been just another attendee who happened to be behind the booth at the time of the incident. Having said all that, it was embarrassing for me to have someone from Clan Donald act in such a foolish manner. I know it affected my friends perception of the clan.

[McClef]

I bet that today McDonalds drink Campbell's soup and the Campbells eat McDonald's burgers....

[Cawdorian]

Gentlemen of Campbell descent have even married ladies of MacDonald descent, the two clans have co-existed peacefully in my household for over 28 years.

You really need to read the historical accounts of the Massacre at Glencoe to understand all of the facts. The government troops were commanded by a Campbell of Glenlyon and were ordered by the King to kill the MacDonalds.

As Mike notes the blame for the Lamont Massacre lies on the shoulders on the Duke of Argyll, he was beheaded for the deed 16 years later. The Lamont Massacre has never achieved the historical notoriety that Glencoe has.

It is best to let bygones be bygones, we live in a much more civilized world now.

[bubba]

we live in a much more civilized world now.

I disagree. The barbarity is just more sophisticated and subtle, but certainly no more civilized.

[Mike1]

As Mike notes the blame for the Lamont Massacre lies on the shoulders on the Duke of Argyll, he was beheaded for the deed 16 years later. The Lamont Massacre has never achieved the historical notoriety that Glencoe has.

38 people killed at Glen Coe, under cover of darkness.

Over 200 people killed at Ascog, Toward and Dunoon, and this after Ardkinglas, Strachur, Dunstaffnage and Inverawe had signed terms of capitulation with James Lamont, guaranteeing safe passage for Lamont and his kin (strangely enough with one, possible haven being with Sir Alexander MacDonald!!).

It's a pity, but far too many people have only two steps of Scottish history research. Step one is to figure out which tartan is 'theirs' and step two is to determine how many of their family 'came out' for BPC at Drummossie Moor.

[Dirk Skene]

You and your friend handled that stiuation in a much calmer fashon that I think I am capable of. My hat's off to you.

I am by no means a confrontational fellow. I avoid and am quick to forgive. But I do ablige, if you know what I mean. In the post you made to start this thread you taught me to take paticents (sp) 1 step further. Thanks.

[auld argonian]

I had a buddy who worked for the Irish Tourist Council and he was a true diplomat whenever he was confronted by someone who badgered him about the "Irish Question"...the confrontor was usually an American, short on his knowledge of history and full of beer...I only saw my buddy get impatient once and then he never raised his voice. Sounds like you guys had the same kind of poise.

History is never as simple as it seems at first glance. Unfortunately, history is something that folks study in elementary and high school and then get only what would be refered to as "survey" courses. Lots of folks who want to show off what limited knowledge they think they have by trying to re-hash some centuries old emnity...I guess they feel like they have to identify with something...too bad that they seldom hve a grasp of the whole picture.

Best

AA

[Andrew Green]

30 something fatalities to 200 or so escapees... yeah, not that bad of a ratio. I still wouldn't envy the position of any man ordered to perform such actions.

Looks like I have more research to do.