Visitors enchanted by wonder of waterfall – and its ‘special magic’

Throughout Tayside and Fife, local people have come out in droves to explore their area, and Reekie Linn is no exception.

The main parking area borders the north side of the River Isla where the water is calm and usually low. Here the land is flat, which lends itself to chairs and benches that were routinely filled this summer by people having a picnic or simply relaxing.

While it is pleasant, there is little indication of the magnificence to be found a short walk downstream.

That spectacle – the famous Reekie Linn waterfall – is arguably better enjoyed in the winter months, when there are fewer leaves on the cliffside to obstruct the view and the flowing water can be more ferocious.

This is how David De Gernier feels. The Kentborn 42-year-old has lived in Alyth for the past 15 years but first visited Reekie Linn in 1998.

“My dad brought me up here as he was living here already,” said David. “I was like, ‘ wow, this is really nice and peaceful’.

“It’s actually nice in the winter. You see more as the leaves are down and the water rises a few feet.”

David estimates he visits Reekie Linn around six times a year but says his dad Paul frequents the gorge more often, enjoying the odd barbecue along the way.

David added: “I really like how peaceful it is. The sound of the waterfall is peaceful.

“My partner and kids come up here with my girlfriend’s sister and sit in and paddle.

“I have noticed it getting busier over the last eight to 10 years. Hardly anybody used to know about it but it can get packed up here now.”

A visit this summer marked the fourth time that Steve Young had been to Reekie Linn, a place that holds a special place in his heart.

The 42-year-old musician had that morning set off on the 45-minute trip from his home in Wormit, Fife, with his wife Carrie, 41, and three children for a day out with more than just natural beauty on offer.

“I first came here when I was 10 with my best friend and his dad Andrew. I then came back when I was about 19,” he recalled.

“Andrew died 10 to 15 years ago and when I come back here the memory of my friend’s dad is really strong, like I was still here, and it transported me back.

“I came here once as a child, once as a teenager, and this is second time since we went into lockdown.

“I t ’s an absolutely magical spot. Rivers and waterfalls have always been associated with magical places and spiritual energy. There’s a life force here.

“It’s a perfect spot for the kids and also has an epic waterfall that is aw e inspiring.

“It’s my favourite beauty spot in the local area. A lot of people don’t know about it. I live in Fife and my neighbours are from Dundee and they don’ t know about it.”

Steve Young, his wife Carrie and their three children are regular visitors to Reekie Linn from their home in Fife.