Keppoch murders facts for kids
The Keppoch Murders is the name given to a sad event that happened in Scotland long ago. It was about the killing of Alexander MacDonald, who was the leader, or chief, of the Clan MacDonald of Keppoch. His brother Ranald was also killed. This happened because other people wanted to be the clan chief instead.
The killings took place on September 25, 1663. It happened during a fight at a big house called Insch. This house was near the village of Roybridge in an area called Lochaber. The people who did it were well known. They were Alexander Macdonald, a relative who managed land for the Keppoch clan, and his six sons.
Bringing the Killers to Justice
A famous Scottish poet named Iain Lom wanted justice for the deaths. He convinced Sir James, a powerful person, to ask the Privy Council in Edinburgh for special permission. This permission, called "letters of fire and sword," allowed them to legally get revenge for the murders.
Two years later, men from the Clan Macdonald of Sleat found and killed the seven people responsible. Iain Lom then cut off their heads. He is said to have used the same weapon that was used to kill Alexander MacDonald.
The Well of Heads
Iain Lom took the heads to Invergarry Castle. He wanted to show them to Lord MacDonnell of Glengarry. The Lord had not done enough to bring the killers to justice earlier.
There is a well nearby where the seven heads were washed before being shown to Lord MacDonnell of Glengarry. This well is called Tobar nan ceann in Scottish Gaelic. This means the 'Well of Heads'. You can find it on the northern shore of Loch Oich.
Proof from the Past
Many years later, in the late 1800s, a grave at Inverlair was opened. Inside, seven skeletons were found, and they had no heads. This discovery helped to show that the old story of the Keppoch Murders was true.
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