Go to the Main Scottish Cave and Mine Database Search Page

Gillander's Cave [1]

Golspie, Cagar Feosaig, Sutherland.

Raised beach sea cave.

There is a beautiful small cave at Strathsteven, in the east end of this parish, in which 8 or 10 people could fit. There is a seat cut in the rock on each side, and at each end of the cave, as if it had been done by art; but whether art had any share in the formation of the seat, or whether it was done by nature only, I cannot say. There is room for a table in the middle. It is situated in the face of a bank within 140 yards of the sea; and there is a fine prospect from it of the counties of Ross and Moray, and of parts of other counties. (2nd Statistical Account).

At southern end of a small bay known as Strath Steven Cove, is a cave said to be abode of a hermit. Its entrance is some 25 feet above base of the cliff, easily accessible by steps cut in the rock. Cave measures some 18 feet across opening and is 15 feet deep. In back wall, two wide apertures give access to another chamber at a higher level. In the interior the rock has been cut out so as to form benches and seats and the walls bear marks of tools over a greater part of their surface. It has been excavated and half an amber bead found in it.

Some 40 yards south along the cliff at the same level is another cave of smaller dimensions and less accessible.

These two caves are generally as described by RCAHMS (1911).

The larger, to E, is roughly semi-circular with a roof height of about 3m. The other, irregular in plan, is 3m deep by 4m wide by 2.5m high, being entered through an opening 2m across by 1.3m high. The approaches are steep, rocky inclines, particulary to the latter, provided with much-worn footholds which, in the former's case, are replaced by well-cut steps just outside the entrance.

Resurveyed at 1/2500. Visited by OS (E G C) 7 April 1962 and (J M) 21 August 1975.

From that place [Brora] we came to the sea-cliff, and descending, we afterwards ascended about fifty feet up a steep way to a grotto in the rock, where art has been used in cutting a bench or two, and about three feet higher is an inner appartment, which is worked out in a rough manner, with a large short kind of pillar between the two entrances, and opposite to the northern entrance is a part of it in which one may stand upright. As brambles and weeds grow upon the mouth of the outer cave, they have a beautifull effect, and the view of the fine strips of corn below and of the sea is most delightfull. This was probably the retreat of some hermit. [Pococke, 1887]

The larger of the two caves was visited by Thomas Pennant in 1769. He refers to 'Straith-leven Cove', which is probably an earlier version of the name.

Alternative Names: Uaigh Mhic Ghil Anndreis, # Golspie Fissure Caves, Strathsteven Caves

Notes: Gillander's Cave is in the northeast district, and Torquil's Cave in a hill above Dunrobin Castle. (A Vision of Britain),

Do not confuse the sea caves at Strath Steven with the fissure caves on the hillside above.

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None