A hunt is under way to map and record ancient wells once used by wayfarers and the local populace.
Organisers, the Galloway Glens, hope to shed light on how these once-essential watering holes fell into disuse.
The charity’s community archaeology project, Can You Dig It, will lead “The Lost Wells of Galloway” initiative.
The online research project got under way with an online talk by Stewartry Museum’s Dr Peter Hewitt.
Dr Hewitt outlined current knowledge of the lost wells of Galloway and what can be seen today.
He said: “Wells and springs feature prominently in the folklore of Galloway as places of healing, spiritual communion, even a bit of skulduggery.
“They are important but often neglected historical sites too.
“Without continued use they can become overgrown and inaccessible, lost to memory and sometimes accidentally destroyed.
“So, it is really exciting to be part of this project to bring local people together to rediscover, document and, hopefully, save their heritage.”
Last night’s event will kickstart a month of volunteer activity overseen by the Can You Dig It team.
Work will focus on researching and identifying lost or overlooked wells in the Galloway landscape.
Dr Hewitt said: “Who knows what we will find?
“Maybe a well that indicates an unknown pilgrimage route, or the location of a lost village, or maybe some information about early medical
beliefs?
“Will we ever find the famed medicinal well of ‘Kissocktown’ which people flocked to in the summertime?
“I can’t wait to find out.”
Helen Keron, Galloway Glens education and community engagement officer, believes the project would capture priceless information for future generations. And when lockdown restrictions change later on in the year, the team hopes to undertake site visits to identified wells.
Helen said: “I’m very excited about the prospect of involving our fantastic Can You Dig It community in this online research project.”
Galloway Glens Scheme is also working with creative producer Katch Holmes on bringing the history and mythology of the wells to life through podcasts.
Katch said: “I find the whole subject of wells fascinating.
“The Lost Wells project is really exciting and I’m looking forward to delving deeper in the months to
come.”
