St Fillan's Cave in Cove Wynd Pittenweem Fife. XPL 3348-330
The village name means place of the cave, referring to St Fillan's cave in Cove Wynd, which was used as a chapel by the by St Fillan from the 600s. The saint reputedly had miraculous powers. He is said to have written his sermons in the complete darkness of the cave, guided only be a glow emitted by his arm. Pittenweem Priory had an Augustinian Priory linked to that on the Isle of May, built over the ancient sacred cave associated with St Fillan (fl. 8th century?). The Cave, recently fitted out as a chapel, is situated in Cove Wynd (leading from the High Street down to the harbour) and is open to the public (key available locally). From this rough dwelling St Fillan is said to have converted the local Pictish population. The Cave was re-discovered around 1900 when a horse ploughing in the Priory garden fell down a hole into it. The Cave has flat rocks that are presumed to be 'beds' and a small spring of "holy water" at the rear. The present Church of Scotland parish kirk is on the site of the Priory church. Much of the fortified east gatehouse of the priory survives (15th century), as does the 'Great House', one of Scotland's best-preserved late medieval houses, which may have served as accommodation for the Prior and monks.
Size: 3512px × 5288px
Location: Pittenweem Harbour, Fife. Scotland. United Kingdom.
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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