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Ghobha (Uamh a') [Lewis]

Outer Hebrides, Lewis, Bilascleiter (Dun Bhilascleitir, Filascleitir), Wester Ross.

On the sea shore in the N.E. [North East] section of the plan [6" OS 1852], 80 chains N. [North] of Cellar Head. A small, deep cove, in the Coast of Dun Bhiliscleiter, the banks of which are steep, rocky, and inaccessible. There are two small rocks in it, one at its mouth, and one near its head. Signifies Smith's Cave. [ScotlandsPlaces]

A broad, grassy clifftop, called Filiscleitir (or Bhiliscleitir, or Bilascleitear, in the bewildering variety of Gaelic spellings) [ from the Norse "Villisklettr" - Vili's Crag]. It's not far from the cluster of villages around Ness, and their outposts, little sheds or shielings, are visible nearby. The area is a traditional airidhean, a place where crofters' families used to herd the sheep in summer, play games, tell stories, and engage in courtship.

On this grassy clifftop, oddly spaced apart, stand the ruins of a tiny chapel and a house. They were built early in the 1900s by one John Nicolson. Born in nearby Ness, he had found a new evangelical faith in the US, as well as a wealthy wife, Nora Cushing. After his return to the island he became known as An Fiosaiche (or 'Ain Fiosaich), The Seer. In the chapel, Edgemoor Hall, he conducted services for the folks of the airidhean, with Nora accompanying the hymns on the harmonium. [Lodewijk Muns]

Alternative Names: Uamh a' Ghobha, Uabha Ghobhann, Uamha Ghobhainn, Smith's Cave, Blacksmith's Cave

Notes: Although the cave is not actually in the scheduled monument, it is located at the foot of the cliff below the site of the schedule promontory fort.

Do not confuse with Brindle's Rift (aka Uamh a' Gobha, Blacksmith's Cave [Applecross].

Typically the placename Uamh a' Ghobha sits on the edge of one map and the headland to the north is on another map, There is no indication of a cave on the map and the description from the OS Namebook only mentions the cave in the translation.

In Norse mythology Vili and Vé were the brothers of Odin. Together the three brothers (whose names translate as Spirit, Will and Faith) are credited with the creation of the world.