Entrance to St Fillan's Cave in the village of Pittenweem, Fife.
Entrance to St Fillan's Cave in the village of Pittenweem, Fife. Confusingly there are two Irish saints with the same name. Also severeal other saints are associated with the area and cave. It is possible that Fillan himself may have syayed in the cave as a hermit and met with pilgrims on their way to nearby Saint Andrews. It may well have been used by smugglers as well as a store for local fishermen. The cave was carved out by the sea at a time when sea levels were higher. It was also used as a rubbish tip and disappreaed for a time. It was rediscovered when a hose, that had been ploughing above, fell into the cave! In 1935 it was cleared of debris and the re-edicated. In 2000 it was again refurbished and opened to visitors. The cave is not open all the time. To visit it collect a key from a shop in the village (and make a donation towards the upkeep.) Fillan came to Scotland from Ireland in 717AD. Pittenweem means "the place of the cave."
Size: 2848px × 4288px
Location: Pittenweem Fife Scotland
Photo credit: © Brian Hartshorn / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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