Clootie Well Clean-Up Day

Forestry and Land Scotland rangers are joining up with local community groups to clean up the Munlochy Clootie Well later this month (26 October 12noon-4pm) .

The historic Black Isle site, which for centuries has received offerings from visitors looking for healing or for prayers to be answered, has begun to look a little worse for wear and needs revitalised.

Maree Morrison, for the FLS team in the area, said;

“Munlochy’s Clootie Well has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years – possibly since the 7th century. Visitors would leave a rag offering to the healing spirits and this would gradually deteriorate as the healing magic did its work.

“The Well is still a very popular site today but many of the offerings left by visitors are not biodegradable cotton or wool - plastics and polyesters won’t rot away so they won’t be much help!”

The community clean-up came about after local resident Annette George, visited the site and was shocked at its condition.

Annette said;

“I’ve lived in the area for about fifteen years and I’d noticed a steady decline in the site but a recent visit to Clootie Well left me in tears. The branches of the surrounding trees were weighed down with clothes, shoes, electrical equipment and even a venetian blind!  It resembled a fly tipping site rather than an ancient holy well! 

“I felt compelled to contact Forestry and Land Scotland to let them know of my concerns. Amongst the jokey items people had also left sentimental messages and wish requests, so removing those cloots had to be done respectfully.  That’s how the idea of a community volunteer clean-up came about.”

Tea/coffee and light snacks will be available along with kids' trails, crafts and activities, story-telling sessions and free reiki sessions. Something for all the family to enjoy!

All clean up equipment will be provided by FLS.

Space at the site is limited so FLS is encouraging anyone who would like to get involved to book a FREE space in order to ensure that they will be able to take part.  Car parking at the site is also limited and those local residents taking part are encouraged to make the short walk from Munlochy village to the meeting point at the Clootie Well Car park. 

FLS staff will be joined on the day by representatives from the Knockbain and Munlochy Community Council and the Friends of Munlochy Clootie Well.

For more information contact maree.morrison@forestryandland.gov.scot in the local FLS team.

Notes to editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) was established as an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government on 1 April 2019, following completion of the devolution of forestry as a result of the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018. It replaces Forest Enterprise Scotland.
2. The purpose of FLS is to manage forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; and delivers benefits for people and nature. FLS may manage other forested and non-forested land by arrangement, as set out in the Act.
3. The primary focus of FLS, in delivering its purpose, is to support Scottish Ministers in their role as leaders of Sustainable Forest Management and Sustainable Development through their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
4. www.forestryandland.gov.scot | www.twitter.com/ForestryLS
5. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot