Glencoe; Rugged Beauty & History
Glencoe, in the west Highlands of Scotland, has few equals. It is a place of stunning beauty at any time of the year, filled with history, wildlife and things to do. The first surprise about Glencoe is how accessible it is. It takes just over 2 hours to drive there from Glasgow and slightly under 3 hours from Edinburgh. Arriving in Glencoe from the south the stunning, wild landscape is the first thing you notice. The drive through Glencoe is one of the finest in Europe. Surrounded by mountains on each side the the road snakes along the valley floor, every turn opens up a new vista, the mountains change colour in different lights, you might be lucky enough to see wild deer or one of the golden eagles who hunt the mountains and valley floor.
Glencoe might feel familiar, even to those who have never visited before. That’s because it’s become a favourite of film makers over the years. Its rugged landscape and breathtaking beauty have provided a backdrop to films as diverse as Harry Potter, Braveheart, Highlander, Trainspotting and the James Bond film, Skyfall, where Glencoe is the setting for Bond’s ancestral home.
The words Glencoe and massacre are embedded might also spring to mind. Glencoe, and the village of the same name, were where an infamous massacre took place in 1692. Set against a backdrop of political turmoil the visiting Campbell clan turned on their hosts, the MacDonalds.
In terms of lives lost, 38 in total, the Glencoe Massacre was a minor event during rather blood thirsty times, but the circumstances surrounding it have made it synonymous with betrayal and violation of trust.
The village and the nearby visitor centre have all the amenities that you would expect in a popular tourist destination. Shops, souvenirs, food and accommodation are all available and to a high standard. There is also a very interesting folk museum.
Glencoe might be famous for a dark deed over 300 years ago, but visitors find it very welcoming today.
For more information of Glencoe, how to visit it, where to stay and the many activities available in the area, contact Aura Tours Scotland today.
