It is no secret that there are countless historical sites dotted around Scotland that were once—and in many cases still are—believed to hold magical properties.
From standing stones shrouded in mystery to a forest draped in rags, Scotland's long mythical history can be seen around us to this day. One of the more fascinating sites is Balm Well in the Edinburgh suburb of Liberton.
Also known by the names St. Katherine's Well, the Balm Well of St. Catherine, and the Oily Well, it is a historic spring found in a small B Listed well-house that has existed for centuries—though its exact origins remain a mystery.
Over the years, people far and wide have journeyed to see the well for one important reason: its supposed healing properties. All the way up to the early 20th century, it was widely believed the water could cure skin conditions such as eczema and leprosy.
Interestingly, some believe the name Liberton derives from 'Leper Town', as the area may have been home to a small colony of lepers during the Scottish Middle Age. The poor souls afflicted with the disease are said to have been confined to the settlement and forbidden from entering Edinburgh.
The well would have therefore seen many locals visit in an effort to rid themselves of leprosy, as well as travellers from further afield looking to cure their own ailments. Among its most famous patrons was King James IV of Scotland, said to have been a regular visitor in the 17th century, who ordered the construction of a surrounding well-house to allow easier access to the public.
The structure surrounding the spring today is not the one built by King James IV, which was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's army later in the 17th century. What visitors now see is a reconstruction of the King's original well-house.
One of the site's names, the Oily Well, derives from the small amount of oil contained in the water, resulting in its its dark, otherworldly appearance. While originally believed to be the source of the water's mystical powers, it actually comes from the oil shale rock through which the spring water passes.
Not very befitting of its reputation, the spring today is situated in the grounds of a Toby Carvery restaurant. While the spring is now shut off, visitors can still enjoy food or drink on the restaurant's outdoor terrace and imagine all those who made a pilgrimage to the site all those years ago.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.
