Pittenweem, ‘the place of the cave’ gets its name from the legend of St. Fillan, the 7th century missionary to the Picts. He is said to have lived in a cave in one of the wynds and had a luminous left arm by which he saw to read and write.The cave has traditionally been associated with St. Fillan although there are stories of other saints that have lived in the area. Some evidence found in the graveyard at St. Monans (another great place to visit in Pittenweem) suggests that pilgrims came from many locations including Spain (Santiago di Compostella).
Inside the cave it is quiet, peaceful and has a spiritual atmosphere. It is still a place of pilgrimage where Christian services are still held from time to time.
