History of Glengarry

History of Glengarry

For getting the most out of your visit to Glengarry there is an excellent Heritage Centre in the Community Hall, some 500m from Craigard House, which has material and documents relating to the archaeological and historical development of the glen. To visit their web page click here

The history of the glen largely mirrors the wider history of the Highlands with clan disputes, rebellions and then emigrations and finally a rich landlord. The glen is very much associated with the clan MacDonnell, stretching from the late 14th century through to the 19th century when the land was sold. During this period Invergarry castle was built and then subsequently ruined a couple of times. It stands today as a ruin on the shores of Loch Oich, work is currently continuing to stabilise the ruins. The MacDonnell period was marked, as is other parts of the Highlands by bloody inter clan fighting and rebellions for and against the crown. MacDonnell ownership came to an end as a result of mismanagement, it was then sold to Edward Ellice.

The Ellice family had made a fortune in Canada with the fur trade. By the time the Ellices took over the glen most of the population had been forced out to make way for sheep under the MacDonells stewardship. Unlike many other glens that were taken over by incoming landlords the Ellice family went about building what could be termed a "model" village. In this period you had no need to go out of the glen for anything. The Ellice family built a bank, village hospital, village store, tailors shop, church and school.

The nephew of the original purchaser of the estate also an Edward Ellice, took a great deal of interest in the people and history of the glen. He learnt Gaelic and as a result wrote a book "Place Names of Glengarry and Glenquoich”. A book that in typical victorian fashion also details the natural history of the glen, so it is more than just a list of place names. Its importance is in preserving the gaelic place names which were being lost as emigrations and the resulting depopulation took its toll on the collective memory. He alone at the time recognised the importance of having a written account. As a result Glengarry has a record that is unique among the glens of the highlands.