Discover the History of Glencoe & the Woodlands Estate
Get ready to learn about some of the area’s most incredible tales from the past. From engineering marvels to dramatic historical moments, Glencoe (and right here on the Woodlands Estate) has witnessed its fair share of drama over the centuries. Read on and click on each story to delve deeper into these fascinating chapters of history.
The Ballachulish Goddess
Evidence of human presence in the Glencoe area spans thousands of years. Directly across the loch from the Woodlands Estate, the remarkable ‘Ballachulish Figure’, known locally as the Ballachulish Goddess, was unearthed in 1880 during a house construction.
The 2,500-year-old figure is carved from alder and stands at 5ft tall. She is believed to represent either a Goddess of Fertility or the legendary Cailleach Bheithir, the creator of mountains and harbinger of cold weather. Today, this extraordinary artefact resides in the National Museum of Scotland, but you can visit a replica right here at the Glencoe Folk Museum! Find out more here ➔
The Isles of Loch Leven
Emerging from the inky waters of Loch Leven is possibly THE most serene resting place on earth, the tiny island of Eilean Mundas. One of several small islands peppered along the loch, Eilean Mundas served as a graveyard for local members of Clan Cameron, MacDonald and Stewart from the 7th Century. Even during times of Clan conflict (of which there were many!), the clans peacefully shared the island and helped maintain the graveyard. Find out more about the island graveyard plus the isles of ‘Discussion’ and ‘Covenant’ here ➔
The Glencoe Massacre
In February 1692, government troops were warmly welcomed into the homes of members of Clan MacDonald in Glencoe. Little did the MacDonalds know that the troops would go on to savagely kill 38 members of their clan as they lay sleeping in their beds. Some managed to avoid the attack and attempted to escape through the snow, but many went on to lose their lives in the freezing glen. Hundreds of livestock and horses were also slaughtered in the massacre.
Exactly how one of Scotland’s most dreadful moments in history came to be is succinctly blogged by Graeme at Hidden Scotland.
Visitors to the area can go and spend a few minutes reflecting on the massacre at the Massacre of Glencoe Memorial in the village of Glencoe. The Celtic cross monument was erected in 1883 to commemorate those who lost their lives in the attack.
Ballachulish House
Ballachulish House has stood proudly at the top of the Woodlands Estate since 1640 and has seen its fair share of drama. From playing a role in the infamous Glencoe Massacre, when Major Duncanson issued orders for the tragedy from within its walls, to being the victim of arson during the Jacobite Uprising, the house is steeped in history. In 1752, the mysterious murder of Colin Campbell led to one of the largest manhunts in Scottish history.
If that wasn’t enough, the house comes complete with its own headless horseman legend. History, mystery and a touch of the supernatural, this house has it all. Learn more here ➔
An Ancient Burial Cist
Hidden near the first tee on Woodlands Golf Course lies a prehistoric burial cist, a reminder that this land has been cherished for thousands of years. Once part of a grand cairn, likely marking the resting place of someone of great importance, the site still holds ancient intrigue. Though most of the ginormous cairn has eroded over time, the burial chamber remains intact, capped with sturdy stone and brimming with mystery. Visitors are welcome to explore, but please respect this sacred connection to the past. Discover more here ➔
The Narrows
Standing on the ninth tee on Woodlands Golf Course, Loch Linnhe sparkling on one side and Loch Leven shimmering on the other, you’ll spot the impressive Ballachulish Bridge. Opened in 1975 after nearly four decades of planning, this steel structure finally spared travellers a 19-mile detour. But there’s more to this bridge than meets the eye! Before the bridge, crossing the Ballachulish narrows was no simple task. From the beginning of human existence in this area, rowing boats will have made the crossing, but in the early 1900s, the first cars made the crossing! The final ferry sailed in 1975, marking the end of an era of resilience and resourcefulness.
And what about that bridge? Local whispers tell of a missing bolt – left out on purpose to honour an ancient prophecy predicting a devastating flood if the bridge were ever truly completed.
Corrag the Witch
Corrag, a woman of powerful visions, is said to have foreseen the tragic Glencoe Massacre. Despite her efforts to warn the MacDonald clan, her warnings went unheeded. In a final act of defiance, she threw the chief’s sword into Loch Linnhe, declaring that no man from the Glen would fall in battle while it remained untouched.
When the sword resurfaced in 1916 when the loch was being dredged, eerie coincidences followed. The very next day, the Battle of the Somme began, and seven local men lost their lives. Coincidence or the return of Corrag’s curse? Find out more about Corrag here ➔
The Old Railway Line
Did you know that the peaceful cycle track that runs through the Woodlands Estate once echoed with the sound of steam trains? Built in 1903, the railway connected Ballachulish to Oban, overcoming formidable terrain, including steep mountains and sprawling lochs. Although the line closed in 1966 due to limited passenger traffic, it lives on as the Caledonia Way Cycle Track, a scenic route perfect for cyclists who enjoy a ride with a view. You can even hire an e-bike right here at Woodlands Activity Centre. You can learn more about the old railway line here ➔
