Holy well, Scotlandwell, Kinross

This holy well was so revered for its healing powers a monastery was set up to manage the number of pilgrims coming to take the cure

Highlights

• Holy well used by the Red Friars
• Robert the Bruce attempted cure
  

There is no saint associated with this holy well, even though a monastery was established here by the Red Friars on the basis of its curative powers. It was known as a healing well long before Christianity, which might explain the lack of a specific Christian tradition. Roman coins have been found in the vicinity.

The Red Friars are a religious order set up during the Crusades to care for wounded soldiers. Their formal name is the Trinitarian Order and in 1238 they built a hospice at Scotlandwell to care for the sick and dying. Robert the Bruce visited in an unsuccessful bid to cure his leprosy.

The Trinitarians still exist, a Catholic religious order identified by their red and blue cross, but they are no longer associated with the well. The current structure was built in the 19th century by the townspeople.

Directions‍

Unnamed lane off Main Street (A911), Scotlandwell KY13 9JA‍

W3W: thrillers.second.appeal

GPS: 56.2005N 3.3155W‍

The well is actually hidden down a narrow drive, with a small signpost opposite the lane pointing the way. In Scotlandwell village on the A911, look for the narrow lane almost opposite the Well Country Inn. Once you start walking down this short lane, the well is easy to identify at the end.