The Solway Coastwise project, managed by Solway Firth Partnership, has published a Caves and Graves guide that provides an introduction to stories associated with the varied coast of Dumfries and Galloway. Our rugged shoreline is perforated with caves that for thousands of years have provided shelter from the elements and have been regarded as spiritual places for pilgrimage, healing or burials.

All names begin by describing a place to another person or group of people, as a way of helping us find our way in the world. Some cave names have existed for many hundreds of years, while others are a more recent phenomenon but they all tell a story. Cave names can provide clues about the history of our coast and reveal stories of illegal or clandestine activities often providing the setting for folk tales or works of fiction.
 
In years gone by an unidentified body washed upon the shore was buried where it was found. However if a victim of a shipwreck was identified it was usually given a church burial so that looking at memorials in coastal kirkyards can reveal much about the social and maritime history of a parish.

The new guide will help you explore the seashore and imagine what it would have been like to live in a cave or discover more about the history of the Solway coast by discovering graveyards. Download a copy by visiting the Solway Coastwise webpage