Stags, Saints & Skulls: The Secrets of Galloway’s Caves

From ancient carvings to Covenanters and even ex-clowns, it’s more than just spiders that have been lurking in the caves of Galloway’s coast! This online event hears from four different speakers, each with a very different take on our caves…

Interested in art? Archaeologists David Devereux and John Pickin will start off the evening by telling us about the ancient carvings found in Torrs Cave, a complex site with archaeology going back at least 2,000 years.

Need somewhere to hold that sacred ritual? Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Archaeologist Andrew Nicholson will then take us on a hunt through some of the more notable and at times, weirder, archaeological discoveries found in Galloway’s caves.

Or maybe you’re looking for a particularly extreme Airbnb experience? The Solway Firth Partnership’s Nic Coombey will end by examining the more recent history of the caves as homes and hideouts, as well as the folklore that has developed around them.

This event has something for everyone, from the cave novice to the enthusiast. The evening is part of the ‘Can You Dig It’ Community Archaeology project, itself part of the Galloway Glens Scheme. To book your free online ticket, search Eventbrite.co.uk for ‘Galloway Glens’ or visit here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stags-saints-skulls-the-secrets-of-galloways-caves-tickets-327176592997.

Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education & Community Engagement officer, said:

“Ritual, famous cave guests and ancient carvings, our Galloway caves can certainly tell some amazing stories. I can’t wait to hear our group of experts including Nick Coombey, Andrew Nicholson, John Pickin and David Deveraux explore the secrets of Galloway’s caves and all their incredible stories.

This is just the latest event in the fascinating ‘Can You Dig It’ community archaeology project. We are so grateful to funders National Lottery Heritage Fund & Historic Environment Scotland, with support from partners including Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Environment Team.”

Nic Coombey, from Solway Firth Partnership and a speaker on the night, added:

“Caves are intriguing places that are often associated with clandestine activities as well as providing shelter from the elements or providing places for pilgrimage, healing and burials. Research by Solway Firth Partnership has uncovered the fact and fiction behind the tales and I am looking forward to revealing the secrets they hold.”