This cache is placed close to the mouth of the Lunan Water at the
midpoint of the bay.
In the years between 1590 and 1630 there were many women (and
men) in the Angus area suspected of being witches. Suspected
witches of the Burgh such as middle class sisters Margaret and
Christine Wylie, both of whom admitted to a demonic pact or
Katherine Lyle who aged 47 was accused of causing a ship to sink 22
years previously would most likely have been subjected to an
initial trial known as the water test. The accused was put in water
to see if they floated. If they sank they were seen to be innocent
and efforts were made to rescue the suspect. If they floated they
were seen to be guilty. Although in Scotland as a whole this test
was rarely used, there are two known witches pools in this area -
One in St Andrews and one here close to the mouth of the Lunan.
Those that were lucky enough to survive this ordeal would then
be taken to be given a legal trial. Most of the suspects who sank
and were therefore deemed not to be witches would not survive but
were obviously then afforded a Christian burial.
The site of the original Lunan Church is no longer known and no
gravestones exist for those unfortunates. The present church at
Lunan only dates back to 1844 but is believed to be close to the
site of the original.
And the fate of the Wylie sisters and Katherine Lyle?
Katherine was sent to trial where it was heard that the
Presbytery had attended her confession of witchcraft. The outcome
of her trial is unknown, although she was most likely found guilty
and sentenced to either death or banishment. The final outcome of
the Wylie sisters is also unknown like that of so many of the
witches. The only information on record indicates that they were
both tried together on 13th Feb 1662. Again they were most likely
put to death.
Parking for this cache is in a large car park close to the beach
(entrance at N56 39.365 W002 30.710 - Signposted Lunan Home Farm)
Once in the car park walk back towards the farm and doocot until
you reach the end of a track at N56 39.303 W002 30.444 (next to
vehicle track and bins). Follow this track and you will pass the
witches pool on your right. There is a metal gate at the end of
this track which leads through to the witches pool. Pause here for
a moment to remember those innocents who perished in the name of
justice. Retrace your steps back through the gate and follow your
GPSr to the cache.
Suitable for buggies along the sand dunes.
