The history of Glencoe
There are so many fascinating historic sites in Glencoe and the surrounding areas. Each artefact or location makes for the perfect sightseeing opportunity and there’s something for everyone; however, did you know that there are many historical events that have happened right here on the Woodlands Estate? From ancient burial cists to old railway lines, it’s all going on, and one of the most fascinating discoveries was found directly across the loch from the Woodlands Estate.
The Ballachulish Goddess
Back in November 1880, a team of builders were excavating the grounds of Alltshellach House, when, to their amazement they uncovered a wooden sculpture lying face down in a peat bog.
Heaving the figure from a depth of 6ft, the workmen were then shocked to come face to face with a life-size young woman carved from alder with pearl-like pebbles for eyes.
The Ballachulish Goddess is one-of-a-kind in Scotland and nobody knows her origin or reason for being, but what we do know is that she is over 2,500 years old, and when she was originally carved, her wood (being alder) would have been vibrant orange in colour. What a head turner!
Unfortunately, time has eroded her features, but the Ballachulish Goddess still commands attention, and when you’re standing before the Goddess, her presence certainly makes one wonder who carved her and why?
A Goddess of Fertility or Winter?
There are two predominant theories as to how the Ballachulish Goddess came to be. Some say she’s a Goddess of Fertility while others believe she might represent the Cailleach Bheithir, the creator of mountains and harbinger of cold weather.
The Ballachulish Goddess now lives at the National Museums Scotland, but a perfect replica also resides within the cosy confines of Glencoe Folk Museum (the museum is currently undergoing a scheme of renovation and are hoping to reopen in late-2025).