Glencoe was so beautiful I decided to go back. I started the morning at breakfast trying to work out my driving route through Glencoe when I was joined by another guest who’s name I have forgotten. Let’s call him Robert as he reminded me of Robert Langdon from Da Vinci’s Code. He wore a vest, he carried a leather satchel and he talked like his opinion was the only one worth listening to. He started chatting to me and I hate talking to strangers most of the time, but at 7.30am you have to be joking. Robert, can you shut the hell up. One thing I did get out of the conversation was about the Glencoe massacre and how I should look up while driving through to see the “Weeping Tears of the Glencoe Valley”. He was telling me this to promote his brother’s book on the matter, but I did find it interesting. After excusing myself from Robert and his spectacles, I researched it from the quiet of my room.
In 1692 King William offered the Highland clans a pardon for their part in the Jacobite rising. The Chief of Glencoe pledged allegiance to the King, but 7 days after the pledge was required to be given. 120 of the kings troops arrived in Glencoe and given hospitality by the MacDonalds, who fed and housed them for 10 days. On the eleventh day the order came through to “put all to the sword” and so began the Glencoe Massacre. 38 men, women and children were killed and many more died of exposure as they tried to escape across the mountains. This is so messed up that it inspired the Red Wedding from Game of Thrones (this massacre as well as the Black Dinner of Edinburgh Castle which I also did not know!)
After doing an hour trek to see a waterfall, I drove past the Glencoe Mountain resort that had its ski lift running. I really wanted to see some mountain views from above so I headed on up, unaware that there was a full on ski field at the very top. Skiers and snowboarders everywhere, and there’s me in jeans, handbag and non waterproof shoes looking decidedly lost and unsure what to do with myself. The ski lift operator looked me up and down and asked if I was getting off to which I replied with a defiant YES. Unsure where to go, I just walked and skidded up and away from Mr. Judgement of the Ski Lifts and decided now would be the perfect time to make good on my snowman promise to Ro and Lauren. We had been given the task of making a snowman ice-cream (long story) which I had not been able to fulfil due to lack of freezer space, so now was the perfect chance! A real snowman made out of real snow! He was small as I didn’t have gloves, my feet were wet and soaking and I was very aware of how much of a weirdo I looked like sitting by myself in the snow. Quest success!
 |
| The Weeping Valley of Glencoe |
Be First to Post Comment !
Post a Comment