Glencoe, Highland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glencoe
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 Glencoe village from the summit of the Pap of Glencoe |
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 Glencoe
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| Population | 374 |
| OS grid reference | NN098588 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Ballachulish |
| Postcode district | PH49 4 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament | |
Glencoe or Glencoe Village (in Gaelic: A’ Chàrnaich) is a small village in the Scottish Highlands. It is the main settlement in a famous valley called Glen Coe. This area is part of Lochaber.
The village sits at the northwest end of the valley. It is located on the south bank of the River Coe. This river flows into Loch Leven, which is a saltwater lake connected to Loch Linnhe.
Glencoe is part of the Highland area. This is how local government works in Scotland. The name 'Glencoe Village' is used today to help people know if you mean the village or the whole valley.
Contents
History of Glencoe Village
Glencoe Village is built on the site of a sad event from 1692. This event is known as the Massacre of Glencoe. During this time, 38 members of the MacDonald clan were killed. Soldiers working for King William III carried out the attack.
The MacDonald clan had welcomed these soldiers into their homes. They gave them food and shelter for almost two weeks. But then, the soldiers turned against them. Because of this sad event, the valley is sometimes called "The Weeping Glen." However, the name Glencoe was used long before the massacre. It comes from the Gaelic words Gleann Comhann. The meaning of Comhann is not fully known.
The village itself is in an area called Carnoch. People who speak Gaelic from this area call the village A' Chàrnaich. This means "the place of cairns" (piles of stones). Even today, there are areas called Upper Carnoch and Lower Carnoch. Long ago, there was a small hospital in the village. Now, the closest hospital is the Belford in Fort William. That's about 26 kilometers (16 miles) away.
Life and Activities in Glencoe
Glencoe Village has a small shop where you can buy things. There is also a Scottish Episcopal Church and a Post Office. The Glencoe Folk Museum is a great place to learn about the area's past. This museum started after someone found old swords and pistols hidden from a battle long ago.
The village is home to the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team centre. This team helps people who get into trouble in the mountains. There is also an outdoor center and many places to stay, like bed and breakfasts. A small primary school is also in the village for local children.
Places to Eat and Stay
You can find several places to eat in Glencoe. These include the Glencoe Hotel, Glencoe Cafe, and The Clachaig Inn. Many people also choose to rent chalets, cottages, or lodges for their holidays. These are great for families or groups who want to cook their own meals.
Glencoe Visitor Centre
Near the village, along the A82 road, is the Glencoe Visitor Centre. The National Trust for Scotland runs this modern center. It was built in 2002. Here, you can find a coffee shop, a store, and lots of information about the area.
Important Memorials
There are also special memorial sites nearby. One is the Celtic cross at the Massacre of Glencoe Memorial. Another is a plaque at Henderson Stone (Clach Eanruig). These places help us remember the history of the glen.
Outdoor Adventures and Filming Locations
Glencoe is surrounded by amazing mountains. It is very popular with people who love to hike, climb rocks, and climb on ice. Travel writer Rick Steves said the area shows "the wild, powerful and stark beauty of the Highlands." He also mentioned the "dramatic valley, where the cliffsides seem to weep with running streams when it rains."
The beautiful scenery of Glencoe has been used in many films. It appeared in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as the home of Hagrid. It was also seen in the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall.
In the James Bond books, Glencoe is mentioned as well. In On Her Majesty's Secret Service, James Bond says his father was from near Glencoe. In another book, You Only Live Twice, it is mentioned again that Bond's father, Andrew Bond, was from Glencoe.
Famous people have lived in Glencoe. One example is Hamish MacInnes. He was a mountaineer and invented the MacInnes Stretcher, which is used to rescue people.
See also
In Spanish: Glencoe (Escocia) para niños
