St. Catherine's Well, Salsburgh, North Lanarkshire

## Overview St. Catherine's Well is a historic natural spring nestled on the holy grounds at the foot of Kirk O' Shotts Parish Church (also known as Shottskirk) in Salsburgh, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Dating back to the 14th century, the well was established when the church served as a place of Catholic worship under the name St. Catherine's Chapel — believed to take its name from Catherine of Siena, the renowned Italian mystic and Doctor of the Church. Locally known as **Kate's Well**, this spring is steeped in legend. It is said to be the scene of the demise of the fearsome giant Bertram de Shotts. According to popular local lore, a young man named Willielmo De Muirhead — who would become the 1st Laird of Muirhead — slew the giant at this very spot. The tale remains a beloved piece of regional folklore and adds a layer of mythic significance to an already atmospheric site. The water at St. Catherine's Well is fed from the surrounding hills and flows from a stone spout, freely available to the public. Many visitors over the years have reported the water to be cool, refreshing, and of good drinking quality, though — as with any natural spring — water conditions can vary and independent testing is always advisable. The well is open throughout the day, although the church authorities may occasionally impose timing restrictions. ## Directions St. Catherine's Well is located at the northwest edge of Kirk O' Shotts Parish Church, approximately one mile from the Salsburgh Community Centre. **Corrected GPS coordinates:** 55.84645473225697, -3.851194302631277 **Address:** B7066, Shotts ML7 4NT, United Kingdom **From Salsburgh Community Centre:** 1. Head south on Muirhall Terrace toward the B7066 (approximately 49 feet / 15 metres). 2. Turn left onto the B7066. 3. Continue along the B7066 for roughly one mile. 4. The spring and church grounds will appear on your left-hand side. The site is accessible by car, and there is ample parking space available at the church. ## What to Expect On arrival, you'll find the well set within the peaceful, historic grounds of Kirk O' Shotts Parish Church — a striking setting that has served as a place of worship and pilgrimage for over 600 years. The water emerges from a traditional stone spout, and visitors can collect it freely. The surrounding churchyard and grounds are atmospheric and well worth exploring, particularly for those with an interest in Scottish ecclesiastical history and local legends. The area is quiet and rural, making it a pleasant stop whether you're on a dedicated spring-water pilgrimage or simply passing through the village of Salsburgh. Locals frequently recommend a visit to Kate's Well to anyone in the area, and the generous parking makes it an easy and convenient detour. Keep in mind that while the well is generally accessible all day, church authorities retain the right to restrict access at certain times.