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Lugar (Cave of)

Cumnock, Lugar Water, House of Bell's Mill, Ayrshire.

Rock Cut Chamber.

"It was carved into the red sandstone cliff above the river Lugar. It has unusual carved features including a seat, window, ceiling and fire place. The flue for the chimney went up the cliff to the kitchen chimney in the millers' house above." [Sub. Brit.]

"The cave opening is obvious from the River Lugar and lies above the flood level of the river, with hand and foot holds that have been hammered into the rock face, however access is quite difficult during wet weather. Internally this small cave has several features such as a shelf for sitting, a small window, a well finished ceiling and a complex fireplace. A chimney flue constructed using a clay pipe ran from above the hearth up the vertical sandstone river bank cliff all the way to the miller's house where it connected with the kitchen chimney, giving a considerable draw.

As late as the mid 19th century a path led eastwards directly down from the Bellow miller's house to the cliff face above the cave so as to avoid the difficult access via the sluice and lade that carried water from the weir to the waterwheel." [Wikipedia

Alternative Names: Murdoch's Cave, Murdock's Cave

Notes: William Murdoch, the inventor of gas lighting, is believed to have carried out experiments in the cave related to gas lighting.

The Bellow miller's house is a private residence and access to the cave is only possible with permission from the owners.