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Covenanters' Cave [Breich Water]

Muldron Burn, S of Fauldhouse, West Lothian.

A cave containing a possible alter stone, identified by Clarkson from Muldron Glen. This cave may have been utilised as a preaching site or place of refuge by Covenanters during the period 1638 to 1688. Clarkson identifies a number of references to such a site in Muldron Glen, as follows: John Carmichael of Blackburn and David Carmichael of Whitburn were fined 100 mercs for attending a Covenanters meeting at Muldron Glen, led by John Welsh, a well-known preacher. Donald Cargill, another well-known preacher, conducted a sermon at Muldron while on his way from Starrishaw to Covington Mill in July 1680. [Clarkson]

The Covenanters Cave is situated on the west bank of Breich water, in a valley about one and a half miles from the rivers source. The most convenient way to gain access is to come from A71 turn on to the B715 at Headless Cross heading towards the village of Forth at the bottom of the first hill on the left hand side there is an old road which leads to Muldron farm. At the point where the road fords the Breich water 100 yards up to your right on the west bank, you will find the cave. The terrain was moorland up to a few years ago when the forestry planted trees it was open and ideal for the Covenanters purpose as they could post lookouts to watch for soldiers coming and warn the worshippers who then could disperse into the heather and bracken, such war their devotion to their faith, an example to ordinary folk, who's liberty and freedom of worship meant so dear to them.

Due to the planting of trees by the forestry the ground above the cave is unstable and could collapse burying the alter stone which is still intact. The state of the roof of the cave it would be advisable not to be entered into without extreme caution. [WoSAS]

Alternative Names: None recorded.