The Massacre of Glencoe occurred in the early hours of February 13, 1692, when approximately 80 members of the Macdonald clan were killed by soldiers stationed at Glen Coe, Scotland. The soldiers had been recently billeted in the town by the government and were well-received by the Macdonalds, who treated them with the customary hospitality of the Highland Scots. However, the Macdonalds had failed to submit their oaths of allegiance to King William of Orange promptly, which was seen as a significant political act of defiance against the newly established rule following the Glorious Revolution.

The operation was initiated by Lieutenant Colonel John Hill, who received orders to carry out the attack. In the bitter cold of the Scottish winter, the troops launched a surprise attack on the unsuspecting clan members during the night, killing men, women, and children. Survivors fled into the harsh winter wilderness, and many died from exposure in the days following the massacre. This act was not only a military campaign but also served as a tragedy rooted in political betrayal, symbolizing the broader struggle between the Scottish clans and the British government over loyalty and power.

The massacre sparked outrage and left a deep scar on the national conscience, shaping perceptions of loyalty and treachery for generations. The Massacre of Glencoe remains a poignant example of the violent tensions that characterized the relationship between the Scottish Highlands and the central government, highlighting the lengths to which the state would go to assert control over those who resisted.