Raitts Cave, a subterranean stone-lined passage near Lynchat in Inverness-shire, has inspired centuries of folklore, ranging from tales of giant builders to narratives of thieves, fugitives, and executed brothers. While the site's Gaelic name, An Uaimh Mhor, translates to "the great cave," archaeologists have determined it is not a natural formation but a human-constructed souterrain dating to the late Iron Age (100-400 AD).
A Cave of Many Stories
The cave's legends are as varied as they are vivid. One story claims it was built by giants, with females hollowing out the earth and carrying soil in their aprons to dump into the River Spey, while males cut massive stone slabs from the hills above. Another tale attributes its construction to the 11 sons of a local freebooter from the powerful 13th-century Clan Cumming (or MacNiven), who supposedly used it to stash loot and hide from the law.
In that version, the laird, disguised as a beggar, tricked the brothers, leading to their capture and execution at the cave's entrance. Other narratives suggest the cave served as a hiding place for escaping Jacobites after the Battle of Culloden, who were allegedly burned alive inside, or as a shelter for persecuted worshippers.
Archaeological Evidence and Official Interpretation
Despite the rich folklore, the physical evidence tells a more mundane story. Archaeologists first excavated the site in 1835, initially calling it an "erd house" or "earth shelter," and later a souterrain, an underground space constructed by humans. At some point, the central roof was removed, providing access to steps and a narrow tunnel on one side and a large covered chamber on the other.
Further excavations have dated the structure to the late Iron Age (100-400 AD). The conclusion drawn by researchers is that it served as a storeroom, likely for food, supporting a roundhouse that once stood above. This interpretation, while less thrilling than the legends, does not preclude other possible uses or events, as the article notes.
Folklore Versus Reality
The cave's shape, a horseshoe-like subterranean passage lined with stone, invites imagination. The article's author, Merryn Glover, reflects on the tension between academic findings and the allure of folklore, noting that "the academic’s mundane deductions do not rule out other thrilling escapades." She explores the cave "in the vivid company of giantesses, thieves, fugitives and murderers – who are, of course, much more fun in folklore than reality."
The site remains a point of interest for visitors and locals alike, blending archaeological significance with a rich tapestry of myth. The article is part of a collection titled "Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardian’s Country Diary, 2018-2024," available from Guardian Bookshop.
