The Summerhouse of MacIain

3D Model

This structure was excavated in 2023 as part of the University of Glasgow Archaeology Field School. The excavations occured between the 7th-19th August, and were supported by the National Trust for Scotland Archaeology and Glencoe and Dalness teams. Permission to excavate was kindly granted by Paolo Berardelli.

The structure represents a hunting residence and feasting hall within the upland grazing landscape of Gleann Leac-na-Muidhe. The artefacts uncovered suggest the MacDonald’s chiefs would gather their peers and vassals to hunt and feast here.

The house seems to have been abandoned in the late 17th century, perhaps after the massacre of Glencoe when the power of the MacDonald chiefs had significantly diminished.

This model was produced by Cole Juckette (University of Glasgow), the annotations were written by Edward Stewart (University of Glasgow) who directed these excavations. To find out more about this project check out our website and blog here: https://glencoeandrannochenvirons.wordpress.com