The Glencoe Massacre: Betrayal in the Highlands

In this episode of A Thistle with Thorns, we turn to one of the most chilling and controversial moments in Scottish history: the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe. Soldiers who had shared bread and shelter with the MacDonalds rose before dawn… and killed their hosts in cold blood.

But who gave the order — and why? Was this Highland tragedy the fault of King William, acting on cold political logic? Did John Dalrymple, the Master of Stair, seize an opportunity to punish a rebellious clan? And what about King James in exile — or General John Hill, who may have tried to stop it?

We explore why the Glencoe Massacre still stirs such strong feelings in Scotland today, and ask: was this a case of military cruelty, political ruthlessness — or a deeper warning about what happens when trust is weaponised?