Unknown histories of Glencoe to be revealed after recent excavations and surveys

Unknown histories of Glencoe will be revealed by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at a special talk next month.

Sharing their discoveries from recent excavations and surveys, the talk at Glencoe Visitor Centre will also see the team discuss new plans to bring the findings to life.

Taking place on August 8, the talk will be led by Derek Alexander, National Trust for Scotland’s head of archaelogy.

His digs at Glencoe have helped uncover more information about where and how people lived in the glen before the era of the Highland Cleatances transformed life and landscape there.

In the evening talk, Derek will explain what he and his team of volunteers have learnt so far during their excavations and investigations into this fascinating period in the area’s history.

Their growing understanding is shaping plans to reconstruct a 17th – 18th century turf-built, thatched dwelling at the recently-revamped Glencoe Visitor Centre.

The reconstruction will be based on evidence recovered from the archaeological remains of a house at Achtriochtan, on the lower slopes of the Aonach Eagach, in the heart of the glen.

This 13 by six metre building had walls made from turf banks between one and two metres thick.

Emily Bryce, Operations Manager for Glencoe said: “August’s talk will be a great chance for anyone curious about what life in Glencoe might have been like around 300 years ago to find out more, directly from one of Scotland’s most experienced archaeologists, who has been studying the landscape here for many years.”

“We are at the early stage of a project in which we would like to work with volunteers, visitors, community groups, schools and local history experts, to bring to life an era which many of our visitors ask about when they come here.

“At the time of the Glencoe Massacre in 1692, it is likely that several hundred people made their homes in the harsh environment of the glen and it can be difficult to imagine how they lived.

“We want to give people a taste of their story at our visitor centre before sign-posting the nearby Glencoe Folk Museum and Fort William’s West Highland Museum where people can delve deeper into this past and see a rich collection of artefacts.”

Uncovering Glencoe’s Historic Settlements: A Talk By Archaeologist Derek Alexander, Glencoe Visitor Centre, August 8, 6.30pm 

Book your place at the talk here.