New Argyll/Lochaber Red Fox Trail spotlights famous 18th century murder mystery

3rd June 2013

A new interpretive trail between Oban and Ballachulish which explores a 260 year old murder mystery has been launched in Duror, Argyll, with the aim of encouraging visitors to want to find out more about the area’s history.

“The Red Fox Trail” which consists of six new panels located on the Caledonia Way multi user cycle route between the Ganavan Sands and South Ballachulish, explores the story of the still-unsolved 1752 “Appin Murder” - the murder of Colin Campbell of Glenure and the subsequent trial and execution of James of the Glen (Seumas a’ Ghlinne). More than 100 years later, famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson used the Appin Murder story as the background for his novel “Kidnapped”, in which Colin Campbell was known as “the Red Fox”. The trail explains the background to the murder and also explores why James of the Glen, a local man who was widely considered to be innocent of the crime, was hanged for it.

Cllr Bren Gormley (The Highland Council) said: “The trail is a joint project between the Highland Council and Argyll & Bute Council. We’ve developed it to spotlight what is probably the best-known aspect of this area’s history, and to encourage people to explore places of interest locally, many of which are directly linked to the story.”

Cllr Duncan MacIntyre (Argyll & Bute Council) said: “The six panels along the route are based on 18th century accounts of the murder and trial, and include a number of interesting archive illustrations. They explore the chain of events which sparked the murder, and look at the various murder suspects and at possible motives. The identity of the real murderer, however, remains a closely-guarded secret - current-day descendants of the various Stewart of Appin families linked with the murder are still said to be sworn to secrecy.”

Cllr Brian Murphy (The Highland Council) said: “This new trail allows visitors and local people to step back in time to the 18th century, when ancient clan rivalries were still burning strong and when the traditional way of life was about to change for ever due to the Jacobite defeat at Culloden. The Appin Murder and the execution of James of the Glen sent shock waves throughout Britain at the time, and the story still provokes discussion today. We hope that people will enjoy following the trail and finding out about this fascinating part of the area’s history.”

The panels and an accompanying leaflet were launched at Duror and Kentallen Community Centre, Duror, Argyll.

The Red Fox Trail is a joint project of The Highland Council and Argyll & Bute Council and has received financial support from Highland Leader and Argyll and the Islands Leader.

PHOTO
At the launch of the new Red Fox Trail - children from Duror Primary School with costumed re-enactors from the Alba Adventure Company.
There are presently 17 pupils on the school roll taught in two composite classes P1-3, P4-7.
Duror primary school is in Argyle but operated by Highland council as its nearest secondary school is Kinlochleven which is in Highland.
See the school at -
http://www.highland.gov.uk/learninghere/schools/schoollist/kinlochleven/durorprimary.htm