Famous Clootie Well at Munlochy to be cleaned-up after years of non-biodegradable cloots and waste left the site looking like 'a fly tipping site'; Forestry and Land Scotland is seeking volunteers to help at the clean up at the Black Isle spot
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A FAMOUS Clootie Well is set to be cleaned up after years of non-biodegradable waste left the popular spot looking like "a fly tipping site".
Volunteers are being sought to help community groups and rangers from Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) at the clean up of the Munlochy Clootie Well later this month.
The moves come after the historic Black Isle site, which for centuries has received offerings from visitors looking for healing or for prayers to be answered, began to look a little worse for wear.
“Munlochy’s Clootie Well has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years – possible 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," said Maree Morrison, for the FLS team in the area.
“The Well is still a very popular site today but many of the offerings left by visitors are not biodegradeable cotton or wool - plastics and polyesters won’t rot away so they won’t be much help!”
The community clean-up, which will take place on October 26 from midday to 4pm, came about after local resident Annette George, visited the site and was shocked at its condition.
“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," said Ms George. "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.
