DASG Blog

Seanchas Thobraichean Mhachair Rois: Pàirt 2

Welcome to our blog! We are following on from the same subject we had last week discussing the Folklore of Wells in Easter Ross. If you haven’t seen this blog you can find it here!

“Tobar nam Puill Linn” (“Well of the Lint Pools”) is found to the south of Wester Rarichie, and further west of there is “Tobar Sèin Sutharlain” (“Jane Sutherland’s Well”) in Drumdil, close to Chapelhill. “Tobar Eadhain Bhaist” (“John Baptist’s Well”) is found to the south of Black Hill and “Tobar a’ Bhaistidh” (“Baptism Well”) in Ankerville. It is interesting to find that the two Baptism wells are found close to churches. Tha impact of the church was strong in the area, so that must be the reason the locals referenced John the Baptist to one of them; it would be appropriate if a church was built close to a spring or a well. Baptism springs are common in Gaelic Folklore, depending on the area. This practice, or imagery, is very common in Baptist churches, going to the river for a “re-baptism” in the river. This is well-know in the Song “Down to the River” for example, translated in Gaelic to “Sìos Dhan An Abhainn.” The name “Tobar Eapaig Gheàrr” is given to “Tobar Eadhain Bhaistidh” as well.

Between Rarichie and Culisse “Tobar nan Deala Mòra” or “Tobar nan Geala Mòra” (“Well of the Leeches.”) I hope it wasn’t a popular well for a lot of purposes!

Closer to the south “Tobar a’ Chòirneil” (“Well of the Colonel”) at Nigg Farm, with “Tobar na Coille” (“Well of the wood”) in Pitcalnie. It must have been that a Colonel lived here. “Tobar Alaidh Bodhsa” (“Ali Vass’ Well”) can be found that brings water to Westfield house. Continuing down south of the Ross “Tobar Dhùn Sgàth” can be found at Dùn Sgàth Castle. Some people are of the opinion that this is the place that Sgàthach taught Cù Chulainn his war-craft and skillfullness of war but the majority believe that Dùn Sgàthach in Sleat, The Isle of Skye, was that very place. Perhaps there is another place that would like to take that reknown as well!

On the slopes of Ben Nigg, at Caanrigh, “Tobar Cadha an Ruighe” (“The Mountain Pass of the Shieling”) is found. This is where, according to the folklore of the area, where the Picts lived centuries ago.

At the top of the ben you will find “Tobar na h-Èiteachan” and, in the folklore of the area, smugglars, and illicit-stillers perhaps, used to live here. It is an exquisite sight for views and for keeing watch about what surrounds you, with time to flee if you had too. They would have been in a fantastic place if they were sea-smugglers as well, with the opportunity to flee to the sea or to the caves below.
The majority of the wells here are concealed or difficult to find, perhaps it’s not easy to find them these days but it is important to pay heed and attention to them and about them. It is interesting every well and spring has an interesting and respectful history and their importance to people and ancestors of old as well. If you have an interest or care in placenames and placename-folklore of the area have a look at seaboardhistory.com, they have published many interesting blogs that were very helpful to me in writing this blog.
Do you know of a spring or well close by to you? Do you know of  any of the wells mentioned above? Let us know on facebook, twitter and our own website!