Located in a forest behind a church, Dunino Den is an ancient site in Scotland shrouded in mystery. It was once an important pre-Christian site, and modern Pagans and Christian worshippers still visit it.

The odd faces and symbols carved on the rocks are of great historical importance, and many interesting ancient myths and legends are ᴀssociated with this intriguing place.

Heading towards Anstruther, Dunino is three miles southeast of St. Andrews on the B9131.

Dunino Den – Image credit: Wikipedia

First known to exist around 4,000 B,C, Druids were the most learned people of their time in Scotland. By the 7th Century AD, Druidism was driven underground for fear of persecution by Christian Missionaries but to ensure continuity of belief. The Catholic Church turned Pagan Gods and Goddesses into Christian Saints and sacred wells into baptismal fonts.

It is unknown why ancient Druids decided this dark and isolated place should be a place of worship. Perhaps its darkness made it enjoyable, and the site served as a place to worship the Sun.

The site Dunino Den consists of two crags with potholes, which may be natural, artificial, or a combination of the two. There is also an ancient altar stone, a well, and an ancient footprint carved into the rock.

The footprint might have a symbolic meaning, and the site was ᴀssociated with royal ceremonies. It is possible ancient Kings were crowned here.

Pagan pilgrims come to Dunino Den and make offerings. Image credit: Tour Scotland

According to some sources, the well was used by ancient Druids for human sacrifices, but there is no proof of it. It is more likely the well was revered as a natural wonder.

Is this the face of the Green Man? Image credit: David C. Weinczok

It has been suggested that the Dunino Church may occupy a site on which a stone circle once stood. Some of the stones can still be incorporated into the church’s fabric. In other stories, the rocks came from a process on the other side of the Dunino Den. It was common for churches to be built on much older pagan sites.

A “wishing stone” is located in the Kirk cemetery, dating to the 1800s. Located along the southern wall is a large stone believed to be from the 9th century. It has been reported that at one time, it was used as a sundial towards the end of the 1600s. Now, a stack of coins are piled up along with invocations for good fortune.

Symbols like these appear to have been carved in modern times. Image credit: Wikipedia

Ancient stories tell how Dunino Den was haunted by fairies and other mysterious and scary creatures we encounter in Celtic legends.

Like many ancient sites, visiting Dunino Den gives a person the sense of truly stepping back in time and reminding us of faiths long forgotten and faraway worlds that preceded our own.