I saw this quote on another thread
"I, personally, would rather see a woman in a kilt than a MacDonald in a Campbell tartan."
Thought I would take this opportunity to join the 'X Marks Myth Busters' (Todd, Hamish, Matt, etc...) in providing some interesting information on Scottish history verses romantic myth.

I want to attempt to clarify that the Campbell’s, as a Clan, had absolutely nothing to do with the Massacre at the Glencoe that the King was tricked into ordering. There is good evidence that the King never even read the execution document that he signed and was tricked into doing so by a senior member of his inner court who had a great interest in seeing the MacDonald's suffer.

The regiment that was assigned to "not trouble the Crown with prisoners" was merely lead by an non-highland officer named Campbell, the Clan Campbell had nothing to do with it other than being associated by name by the regimental officer from Ft William, and thus linked forever in history as being associated with the event.

Now the officer, although not from the highlands, did know enough to take advantage of the highland custom of offering hospitality and sanctuary to any who ask and thus took advantage of the situation by murdering the Chief of the MacDonald’s, his sons, and may of his immediate family in the middle of the night. And I am not attempting to dispute this horrible act. Just the myth surrounding it.

I also want to make clear however that the Campbell’s and MacDonald’s Clans were indeed political rivals and had many a disagreement and fight between them. The Campbell’s as a Clan habitually supported the English Crown and were rewarded handsomely time and again. The MacDonald’s always seemed to be opposed to whomever the Campbell’s supported, usually losing in the end. But that is another story. So I would have no problem seeing a MacDonald wearing a Campbell kilt

If anyone would like details on the events of the massacre from a historical perspective, just let me know and I'll be glad to type up a brief account.

Brian Mackay
'Manu Forti'