James of the Glens Memorial

The memorial stands on a roadside near Ballachulish, marking where James Stewart - known as James of the Glens - was executed in 1752. It's a simple stone monument, really, but the history hanging around it is properly heavy. James was hanged for a murder he almost certainly didn't commit, caught up in the brutal aftermath of Culloden when Highland clans were being systematically crushed. Standing there, you get a real sense of how arbitrary justice could be in those days.

There's not much to do here in terms of activities - it's a stop-and-read kind of place, maybe ten minutes if you're keen on the story. What makes it worthwhile is the location itself. You're right on the edge of Glencoe's drama, with mountains rising up around you, and the memorial feels like a moment to pause and take in what happened here. History enthusiasts will find it genuinely moving; casual visitors might be content with a quick photo and a bit of context before moving on.

Best visited as part of a wider Highlands trip. Invercoe Caravan & Motorhome Park sits just a couple of miles away, making it an easy addition to a morning's exploring. Red Squirrel Campsite Scotland is equally close by. The whole area around Ballachulish rewards proper attention - combine this with walking in Glencoe or visiting Fort William's attractions, and you've got a solid day mapped out. No admission fees, no opening hours to worry about; it's there whenever you fancy stopping by.