In the year AD 1577, a massacre took place in Uamh Fhraing, locally known as Massacre Cave, on the Isle of Eigg. Tradition states that almost 400 people were killed in the cave during the Clan feud between the MacDonalds and MacLeods. The recent discovery of human remains within the cave, which have been radiocarbon dated to between AD 1430-1632, provides possibly the first tangible evidence of this tragic tale.
Recent archaeological investigations were undertaken by AOC Archaeology on behalf of Historic Environment Scotland and Eigg History Society. You can explore the story and cave yourself (albeit virtually) thanks to their collaborative InSitu project – The Legend of Massacre Cave – by clicking on the images below.
