Ancestors of those killed in one of Scotland’s most notorious tales of treachery and bloodshed gathered in Lochaber on Friday to mark the 323rd anniversary of the Glencoe Massacre.
On February 13, 1692, 38 MacDonalds were slain in their beds at the hands of government soldiers, aided by Campbell militiamen.
Some 40 women and children were killed in the aftermath.
And, every year, clan members and others who want to pay their respects gather in the Lochaber village for a church service before marching to the Glencoe Memorial to lay wreaths.
This year, around 50 people, including pupils from Glencoe Primary School and St Bride’s Primary School at Onich, took part in the moving ceremony organised by the Clan Donald Society of the Highlands and Islands, the Glencoe Heritage Trust and St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Glencoe.
The Rev Adrian Fallows held a service of Eucharist at St Mary’s during which he referred to the massacre as “the worst atrocity of murder under trust”, as the people of Glencoe gave the troops hospitality before they turned on the locals.
Led by Ballachulish piper John MacCallum, a procession then walked from Bridge of Coe to the Glencoe Memorial to the sound of The Sons of Glencoe and a lament.
When it reached the memorial, there was a short service and two-minute silence.
Wreaths were then laid by the Clan Donald Society of the Highlands and Islands, the Glencoe Heritage Trust, Clan Donald Lands Trust from Skye, the National Trust for Scotland, the Clan Henderson Society and Chas Mac Donald, of Clan Donald Worldwide.
The ceremony was followed by lunch at the Glencoe Hotel.
Roscor MacDonald, who is a trustee and secretary of Glencoe Heritage Trust said: “The ceremony was to remember all those who perished in 1692.
“Thankfully the weather stayed dry and the ceremony went well.”
She added that this was the last time Mr Fallows would officiate at the service as he was retiring later this year.