Go to the Main Scottish Cave and Mine Database Search Page

West in Thirle Coves [1]

West in Thirle Bay, St Abbs, Berwickshire.

Two flooded cave entrances visible at the base of cliffs apparently caused by the erosion of softer rock strata.

West in Thirle Coves - Two natural caverns in the face of Raven's Heugh, caused by the action of the waves. [ScotlandsPlaces]

Alternative Names: None recorded.

Notes: The caves are indicated in outline and named as West in Thirle Coves on the 1856 map. The name West in Thirle Cove is still indicated on modern maps but the placename wanders a bit depending on where the mapmaker has space.

Thirl (plural thirls) (archaic or dialectal) A hole, an aperture, especially a nostril. From Old English thyrel, meaning through.

The whole name 'West in Thirle' may mean something in Northumbrian. It could mean Western Nostrils or could be a reference to the feudal practice of thirlage where tenants were bound to take their grain to a specified mill.

Hydrographic Feeds: North Sea