Burrow Head facts for kids
Burrow Head is the very tip of a piece of land called the Machars peninsula in south-west Scotland. Think of a peninsula as land almost surrounded by water! It's a really interesting spot with a cool history.
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Exploring Burrow Head
Where is Burrow Head?
Burrow Head is about two miles (around 3.2 kilometers) south-west of a small village called Isle of Whithorn in Wigtownshire. It's almost the most southerly point in all of Scotland! Only the Mull of Galloway is further south.
St. Ninian's Cave: A Special Place
Not far from Burrow Head, about two miles north-west along the coast, you'll find St. Ninian's Cave. This cave is very important to many people. They are called pilgrims, and they believe that St. Ninian, a very early Christian saint, spent time there for quiet reflection.
A Secret Past: Smuggling at Burrow Head
Hundreds of years ago, in the 1700s, Burrow Head was a quiet and hidden place. Because of this, it became a popular spot for smuggling. Smuggling means secretly moving goods, like tea or tobacco, in or out of a country without paying the usual taxes. People would bring things from the Isle of Man, which is about fifteen miles (24 kilometers) south, or from Ireland.
Burrow Head on the Big Screen
In more recent times, Burrow Head became famous for a different reason. It was used as a filming location for a 1973 thriller film called The Wicker Man. In the movie, a giant wicker man prop was built there. For a long time, you could still see parts of this prop. However, people who visited the site took pieces as souvenirs. Over time, the remaining parts have disappeared due to this and natural wear.
What You'll Find Today
Today, a large part of Burrow Head is home to a caravan park. This means it's a place where people can bring their caravans or motorhomes to stay and enjoy the beautiful coastal views.