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Deargann (Uamh nan) [Cove]

Loch Ewe, N of Poolewe, Cove, Wester Ross.

Large cave N of village of Cove, about 40 ft long by about 15 ft high, containing number of wooden seats,, used by villagers as church'. 'Preaching Cave' in cliffs on shore near Cove, on W of Loch Ewe, high, wide & roomy entered by descending 1 or 2 steps. Entrance roughly built up with stones 'in the usual way' and still contains wooden pulpit, also benches with book boards attached. Possibly wooden floor. [T R Barnett 1930 quoted from OS name book 1848].

At NG 8123 9127, 10 ft above HWM of Spring Tide, in cliffs at head of small inlet, the 'Preaching Cave', with measurements as described by Name Book (1875), pointed out by Mr Urquhart (No. 2 Croft, Cove), who stated not used for 'about 40 years'. Pieces of wood, strewn about stone floor of the cave, are all that remain of the pulpit and benches. A fall of earth has partially blocked the entrance, but the dry-stone wall 1.6m high and 0.9m thick is still visible.

'Uamh nan Deargann' at NG 8149 9185, never 'preaching cave'. Submerged at high spring tides & bears no relationship to description by Name Book 1875. Visited by OS (N K B) 18 March 1965.

OS Name Book 1875. [Discrepancy between descriptions probably due to confusion between Uamh nan Deargann & nearby Uamh Mhor.

Original coordinates for Uamh Mhor, corrected coordinates from Streetmap.]

Alternate Names: Cave of the Fleas

Notes: It is not clear which of the above records refers to Uamh nan Deargann or to Uamh Mhor, as there seems to have been some confusion between the two caves. The position given by Canmore and the Historic Environment Record almost matches Uamh Mhor (NG 81199 91209) but not quite, while another Uamh nan Deargann is located a reasonable distance further north.

Uamh nan Deargann, meaning 'Cave of the Fleas',.