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Entrance to Jonathans cave
The Wemyss Caves and Introduction
(text taken from Frank Rankins book The Wemyss Caves and Guide to the Wemyss Caves)
Thanks to Frank Rankin for permission to use the following text.
The name of Wemyss is derived from the Celtic UAMH which means cave. The Wemyss caves have been used by many people over thousands of years and for a variety of purposes: from cave dwelers, the Picts, early Christians, Norsemen and smugglers, to the present day.
Unfortunately they now suffer from misuse, wilfull damage and neglect, and for these reasons I would like to remind the reader of this book of the Heritage which is being thrown away by this generation.
It has been said that there are more markings in the Wemyss caves than in all the other caves in Britain put together. The only other caves like Wemyss are at Covesea Cove, Moray Firth, and there are only one or two ther.
The markings can be grouped under three headings:-
1. Pre-Christian
2. Christing
3. Viking
The Pre-Christian markings are on the whole Pictish in origin, as can be seen on many cross-slabs all over the country. They include 'elephant' figures, animals, mirror and comb and double disc or 'spectacle ornaments'.
The Christian markings are again Pictish but they include fish, the early Christian symbol, and cross markings. The Viking markings are symbolised by the Norse Gods; Thor with his hammer followed by the sacred goat; Freya, portrayed by the goose and Odin by the trumpet form.
There are three types of markings:-
1. Pecked
2. Scooped
3. Line
The only known example of pecked markings is the 'Hunting Scene' found in the Michael Cave where the outline was made by a series of holes.
The scooped markings are very shallow with the middle of the figure hollowed out e.g. the boat in Jonathan's cave.
Line markings have been made with a round pointed tool and only the outline is drawn in. They are deeper than the 'scooped' markings.
It is interesting to note that the Pictish markings were thought to be funereal until they were found in the Wemyss caves.
Unfortunately there are many markings which have been etched in modern days. They include initials, dates and even a fish in Jonathan's cave. Comparing this horizontal fish with the original, it can be seen that the modern fish has been made with a knife.
The only other man made things in the caves were made by the original inhabitants. Ledges and benches have been cut out in some of the caves, and 'hold-fasts' have been made in the walls.
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(Above) One of the cave drawings has been changed to look like a cannon.
This is not as it appears, the cannon wheels are the original cave drawing.
Someone has added the rest at a later date.
 
(Above) Two of the cave drawings that show clearly circles
that are joined by two lines.
Wemyss Caves - Booklets available by Frank Rankin from Buckhaven Library
Press on any conatact print (thumbnail) to view a larger pic.
Use the back and forward arrows to view the other photographs.
The above photographs were taken over the Easter weekend April 2003.
Save The Wemyss Caves Society
Open Sundays 2005
April 10 Wemyss Parish
May 8 Island of The Forth
June 12 Fife Graveyards
July 10 Fife Costal Path
August 14 Coal Mining in Fife
September 11 Wemyss Caves SAM
September 18 The Wemyss DOD
On the above Sundays the East Wemyss Education Centre will be open. There is an opportunity to look at the exhibits, take part in the organised talk at the centre or take part in an organised tour of the caves with a guide normally leaving the Centre at about 2.00pm.
Sensible shoes should be worn if participating in the caves tour. The best bit of the tour is being taken into the caves and seeing the cave drawings. The guides here are an essential part of the tour as they can point out the more hard to see / find cave drawings. Do not hesitate to ask any questions that you have on the way round. Also they will fill the group in with lots of facts about the caves etc., an enjoyable walk and an educational one at that. After the tour take time out to spend at the Education Centre and look around the exhibits there. There again is time to ask questions or purchase items that are for sale.
Press on image above or this link for Wemyss Save the Caves Society
Also of interest is this great site
Press on image above or this link for Friends from the Wemyss
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