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Uag Eachin

Langwell, Berriedale, Caithness.

'The Badbea settlement had a still in a cave at the cliff base which cave was known as 'Uag-Eachin' and the track to it led down the precipitous sea cliff from the village. On this particular day John Gunn was carrying up from the cave a small cask of produce, when, nearing the top he slipped or trod on a loose rock, lost his balance and fell to the bottom. He was killed in this fall and buried in the old Berriedale burying ground where his stone may be seen to this day.' [JoG]

From the Northern Ensign:

The writer of Alex Gunn's obituary records a memory of Alexander Gunn which is probably impossible to verify but is tantalising.

Uag Eachin Cave

He remembered specially the smuggling in Uag Eachin or Hector's cave in which the ashes and remains of the peats used are still said to be seen; and the clear, pure stream of cool water used for many a gallon of spirits that never paid duty may still be seen at the east side of the cave. At the inner end of this cave is another to which access is only got by creeping on the hands and knees, and can only be seen by carrying a light. This cave, owing to the limestone nature of the rocks, has many stalactites hanging from the roof, while small stalagmites are also being formed on parts of the floor. In the other cave are also beautiful specimens of hart's tongue ferns, with large fronds fully eighteen inches long and three inches across. This is one of the few places in Caithness in which this beautiful and graceful fern is found in abundance. Mr. Gunn remembered those since his boyhood, nearly seventy years ago, and one of his unfulfilled wishes was to see these scenes, and to get fern and stalactites from Uag-Eachin for his fernery at home.

Alternative Names: Hector's Cave, Badbea Whisky Cave

Notes: Coordinates given for Uag Eachin are largely guesswork and may not be accurate. Local knowledge and a site visit are required.