While many are aware of the Massacre of Glencoe, which took place in 1692 resulting in the murder of approximately 30 members of the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe, there was a similar tragedy almost 50 years earlier when a long-standing feud between the Clan Lamont and Clan Campbell came to a violent head. Despite being widely considered to be comparable to the events at Glencoe for the merciless actions of the assailants, it is largely forgotten.
The feud is believed to have commenced in the 14th century. The region had been under the lordship of the Clan Lamont for several centuries, before Dunoon Castle was besieged and taken by the forces of Edward Balliol in 1334. Soon after, Robert II retook the castle, aided by Colin Campbell, who was appointed as hereditary keeper of the castle as a reward for his loyalty. Along with the position, land was granted to the Campbells, which angered the Clan Lamont.
Centuries of disputes followed between the clans, mainly over land boundaries and politics, as the once-dominant Lamont clan saw their authority in the area decline. By the 17th century, the feud had become increasingly violent, and in 1646, a decision was made to carry out a decisive blow to end it. The Lamonts had attacked the church buildings of Kilmun, including the Tower of Kilmun. Within the tower were several members of the Campbell Clan, who were slaughtered after surrendering to Sir James Lamont.
In retaliation, the Campbells launched an attack on Castle Toward (also known as Toward Castle), the stronghold of the Lamonts. After a siege lasting around two weeks, the castle was surrendered, and all within were taken by boat to Dunoon, where pits had been dug at the churchyard to act as mass graves. Thirty-six of those taken were hanged from a single tree, with many being cut down and thrown into the pits before they were dead. Others were attacked with dirks, a traditional long-bladed dagger, and also thrown into the pits. It is said that several of those still alive were held down as they tried to escape the pits, as soil was thrown back in, burying them alive. It is believed that around 200 clan members and their associates lost their lives that day.
Not long after, it is said that the tree which had been used for the hanging was cut down, and the stump began to ooze a blood-like substance. This continued for several years, even after all traces of the tree were removed, with the substance rising from the ground where it once stood.
Reported hauntings associated with the massacre include sightings of men in military wear from the 17th century being witnessed in the churchyard, along with the sounds of screams, a potential replay of the events. Visitors report sudden, temporary drops in temperature while visiting, with some being overwhelmed by a sense of grief. The sounds of horses are also reported.
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