Carfin Lourdes Grotto

 Introduction

Today, I reporting on an oasis of serenity in Scotland’s busy Central Belt, namely the Carfin Lourdes Grotto

Carfin Lourdes Grotto 

Carfin Lourdes Grotto, Central Belt

Information on the Grotto: 

  • Located near Newarthill, about 16 miles S.E. of Glasgow.
  • A shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary was opened 1922.
  • Key driver behind the grotto was Canon Thomas Taylor who was inspired by his visits to Lourdes in France and Oastakker in Belgium.
  • Constructed on land adjacent to St.Francis Xavier Church.
  • Construction assisted by free labour from Irish and East European immigrants who had spare time due to 1921 Coal Miners strike. 
  • The site had to be extended after opening due to popularity.50,000 pilgrims came in 1924.
  • Today, approximately 35,000 pilgrims visit each year.
  • An extensive and peaceful site populated with many examples of Catholic iconography.

 Carfin Lourdes Grotto, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Carfin Lourdes Grotto, Lanarkshire

 Carfin Lourdes Grotto, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Carfin Lourdes Grotto, Lanarkshire

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More Information

For more help and information on touring Scotland, including religious buildings, museums and sightseeing, please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle.


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