The massacre is known as Mort Ghlinne Comhann in Gaelic, meaning the Murder of Glen Coe.
Thirty-eight MacDonalds from the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by the guests who had accepted their hospitality, on the grounds that the MacDonalds had not been prompt in pledging allegiance to the new monarchs, William and Mary. Another forty women and children died of exposure after their homes were burned.
For several decades, the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement have held a commemoration on the Sunday closest to the anniversary which is often attended by members of other groups including Siol nan Gaidheal, Na Fir Dileas etc. There is also a smaller local commemoration.
The T.S. Eliot poem "Rannoch, by Glencoe" refers to the event, and the modern ballad with the haunting refrain: "Cruel is the snow that sweeps Glencoe and covers the graves o' Donald..." most famously recorded by Alastair McDonald, and probably written for him by Jim McLean. The massacre also features prominently in the novel Lady of the Glen by Jennifer Roberson. There is also a piobaireachd named after the massacre; it is still played by many solo pipers in competitions.