Image-Hole Glen: Why a Virgin Mary Statue Was Dashed to Pieces Here

Neilston’s Image-Hole Glen, now often called Midge-Hole Glen, is a remarkable site of natural beauty and historical intrigue located in East Renfrewshire, Scotland. It is a place where the cascading waters of the River Levern carve through a lush, wooded ravine, creating picturesque waterfalls and tranquil walking paths. But beneath its serene surface lies a tale of religious conflict and cultural transformation that dates back to the turbulent era of the Scottish Reformation.

This blog post explores the legend of Image-Hole Glen, focusing on how the name connects to the destruction of a Virgin Mary statue during the 16th century, while also shedding light on the glen’s significance today.

A Turning Point in Scottish History

The mid-1500s were a time of seismic change in Scotland. The Reformation, inspired by Protestant movements across Europe, sought to dismantle the traditions of the Catholic Church. Reformers viewed religious imagery—statues, relics, and elaborate altars—as symbols of idolatry, antithetical to their vision of a purified faith. Across Scotland, these icons were systematically removed, defaced, or destroyed in acts of iconoclasm.

In Neilston, a small religious site near Waterside was home to a revered statue of the Virgin Mary. This figure, central to local Catholic devotion, became a target during the Reformation. Oral traditions passed down through generations recount the dramatic events that unfolded: the statue was seized by reformers, dragged to the rugged falls of Image-Hole Glen, and hurled onto the rocks below. This act was not merely an attack on a piece of art—it was a symbolic rejection of Catholicism’s presence in the community and a bold declaration of Protestant ideals.

The name “Image-Hole Glen” is believed to stem directly from this event, with “image” referencing the Virgin Mary statue, and “hole” possibly describing the deep plunge of the waterfall where the icon was destroyed.

Why Was the Statue Destroyed Here?

The choice of Image-Hole Glen as the site of the statue’s destruction may have been influenced by its dramatic landscape. The glen’s deep ravine, with its steep banks and roaring waterfalls, provided a stark and public stage for an act designed to send a powerful message. By choosing such a striking location, the reformers ensured that their actions would be remembered and discussed for generations.

Moreover, the glen’s connection to water may have held a symbolic significance. Waterfalls often represent change and renewal in cultural narratives, and the reformers may have seen their actions as a cleansing of religious practices they deemed corrupt.

While the reformers’ zeal left the Virgin Mary statue in fragments, the memory of the event became embedded in local lore, cementing Image-Hole Glen’s place in Neilston’s historical consciousness.

A Name That Evolved Over Time

As centuries passed, the name “Image-Hole Glen” slowly morphed into “Midge-Hole Glen,” likely due to shifts in local dialect and pronunciation. The word “midge” may have been adopted due to the presence of small insects often found in the glen during warm months, but the original story behind the name continues to capture the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Despite this evolution, the glen remains a tangible link to Neilston’s past, a reminder of the religious tensions that once gripped this part of Scotland.

Image-Hole Glen Today

Today, Image-Hole Glen is a peaceful retreat for those seeking a connection with nature and history. The glen’s two waterfalls, Kilnminning’s Linn and Dusty’s Linn, are among its most striking features, with water cascading into deep basins that create a mesmerizing display during high flow. The area is lush with greenery, particularly along the eastern bank, which is covered with overhanging trees that provide dappled shade.

The western bank features a public right-of-way, making the glen a popular spot for walkers, hikers, and photographers. It is also a part of the Neilston Pad Circular Walk, a trail that takes visitors through a variety of scenic landscapes, including nearby Killoch Glen and the Neilston Pad hill.

Efforts by local groups to preserve and promote Neilston’s historical and natural landmarks have brought renewed attention to the glen. Information boards along trails highlight the area's historical significance, ensuring that visitors understand its role in the community's past.

The Legacy of Image-Hole Glen

Image-Hole Glen stands as a symbol of the resilience of memory. The destruction of the Virgin Mary statue, an act intended to erase Catholic influence, ironically ensured that the site—and its story—would never be forgotten. It is a place where the past whispers through the sound of rushing water, reminding us of Scotland’s journey through faith and conflict.

While today the glen offers a tranquil escape for locals and tourists, the layers of its history remain visible for those who know where to look. Whether you visit to admire its natural beauty or reflect on its storied past, Image-Hole Glen is a unique treasure that bridges Neilston’s natural and cultural heritage.

Adapted From: Pride, D. (1910). History of the parish of Neilston. Paisley: A. Gardner.