PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE - 8 HERBUSTA

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE■AND ADJACENT, ISLANDS-

iEABMRLANT'I SABHAL MOR OSTAIG

I ARCHAEOLOGICA 1s Celtica A* 4-760n Section S \ 0 .o\ q~ I

For Reference Only

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE

T h e A u th o ii

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYEAND ADJACENT ISLANDS

W ITH LORE, MYTHICAL, TRADITIONAL AND HISTORICAL

WITH INDEX

BY

ALEXANDER ROBERT FORBESE d i n b u r g h ( F o r m e r l y o f S l e a t , S k y e )

“ Tir nam Beann, nan Oleann, ’s nan Coire, Eilean-ard-a-Cheò ;

I nam Ban tha bòidheach, banail,'S nan Oaisgeach, fearail, còir;

’N cainnt ar Diithaich, feuch gach Ainrn Sgriobhta nis 'an leabhar,

Saor o bhàs no gàbhadh gràineil,Fhad 's a mhaireas B eò! ”

P A IS L E Y : A L E X A N D E R G ARD NER, Ltd .1923

L ondon

S im p k in , M a b s h a l l , H a m il t o n , K e n t & C o ., L t d .

Printed in Great Britain by Alexander Gardner, Ltd., Paisley.

TO

(toy M tfeAND ABLE HELPER

THIS WORK IS

dedicated

R O I M H -R A D H

A MHUINNTIR an Eilean-Sgitheanaich, failt' oirbh uile, ,s mo bheannachd agaibh, eadar shem is òg. Ciod air bith an t-aite ’sam hi sibh a’ tuimadh 'nuair a leughas sibh an leabhar so, no a bhitheas e air a leughadh na V n-eisdeachd, aithnichidh sibh gur e fear aig an robh mor-thlachd 'san obair a chuir ri cheiV e. Bheir e na V cuimhne, agus chi sibh le suilean V n-inntinn iomadh aite air an robh sibh mìn-eolàch, bho'm food sibh ’bhi dealaichte aig an àm, 's is teagamh nach fhaic sibh gu brath.

Cha 'n fhaod mi radh gum bheil na h-uile Ainm-aite 's an Eilean, Ha aithnichte do gach aon dhibhse} sgriobhf anns an leabhar so, oir bha sin eu-comasach dhomh, do bhrigh nach b’urrainn domh gach àite ann fhaicinn, agus gach ainm ann a' rannsachadh air mo shon fein, mar bu mhiann leam.

Cluinnear fonn molaidh na Duthcha 's an t-Eilein air fad acasan nach d'rinn, ma dh' fhaoidte, ach ro bheag dhe 'm beath' a chaitheadh mn, ach air mo shon fhin 's e ’n gràdh tha, 's a bha, 's a bhitheas agam do ’n Eilean, 's do ’n Chainnt dh' ionnsuich mi ann na m oige, thug orm na h-Ainmean, 's gach seann nòs tha 'n ceangal riu, a chruinneachadh’s a sgriobhadh mar a rinn mi, gun guth thoirt air am mor-luach fhein, agus sin ann an làn dòchas gur ann gu feum a bhitheas iad.

Air Gaidheil tha sàr-fhoghluimte, agus a dh' fhaodas suil thoirt air an obair so, iarram tròcair. Cha-n-eil teagamh nach fhaigh iad mearachdan gu leoir innte, mar is gnath, ach bitheadh sin mar dh' fhaodas, shaothraich mise a reir mo chomais air sgath gràdh an Eilein 's a Chainnt—cuireadh gach fear is tè a dhreach fhein oirre.

Do gach fear is tea chuidich leam le bhi a’ cuir Ainmean is sean nòs thugam, tha mi an so a' toirt mile taing; agus ged is fhada o na dh' fhag mise an t-Eilean, cha do dhi-chuimhnich mi là riamh e. 'Mo bheannachd shiorruidh leis!

7

INTRODUCTION

In the following work on the place-names of Skye, etc., the aim and intention is to assist in rescuing from possible oblivion the Gaelic and Gaelic-Norse names stall to be found in that island, iand to please and instruct the natives and others at home and abroad.

The original intention was to try and make the work one of the largest and most complete of its kind for the area involved,, and to that end to travel over the island so far as possible, and to secure at first hand all available names, with lore. This- intention had to be abandoned, recourse being had to personal knowledge and that of local friends and acquaintances.

Generally, the work is biased upon the Ordnance Survey Maps,, with the help of numerous other works, such as charts, titles, Acts of Parliament, and other works on place-names, all which,, with general works by learned writers, etc., number several hundreds.

It is hoped that the result of fifteen years’ labour may be received kindly by all, and found fairly full and correct.

As to the names themselves, with their meanings, na pretensions are made, pains having been taken to avoid erroneous and misleading conclusions; and where doubts existed, such are left unexplained.

The “ lore ” is given as received in most cases from local sources, a few selections having been made from written or printed material, all kept severely within bounds.

To describe the island with all its features is an impossibility in such a work as this: generally, the whole face of the island, and indeed most of Scotland, is one great poem, particularly to those who know the Gaelic language.

9

10 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE

It may here be said that, according to a writer on Celtic religion in pre-Christian times, the legends associated with innumerable place-names give the beautiful scenery of Celtic lands an added charm, which has attached their inhabitants to them with a subtle and unconquerable attachment, scarcely intelligible to the more prosaic inhabitants of prosaic lands. This is particularly true of Skye, and it is in this spirit we request our readers to approach the subject, and peruse this work. Another writer describes, what also appears applicable to Skye, as a rugged isle, a good nurse of noble youths, and, sweetest of all, one’s own country.

The Celtic mind cannot remain indifferent to lands and seas whose beauty compels the eyes of man to gaze upon them to their very horizon; and the lines of observation thus drawn are for the Celt continual temptations to the thought of an Infinity beyond.

That every place has a name seems a trite remark, but one which requires to be emphasised. Each name often reads us a chapter in the history, not only of the particular locality, but of primeval times; the names of places, rivers, mountains, glens, etc., are the only writing tablets on which unlettered nations have been able to inscribe their annals or early history, like “ fossil thoughts.” Such ancient names “ telegraph ” back to us, along mighty intervals of time, significant specimens of the tongue spoken by the first inhabitants, albeit more or less corrupted. As said by an eminent writer, the Celts or Sidonides planted Britain, and gave to the seas and mountains names which, as before said, are poems, and imitate the pure voices of nature, jewels of sound, echoes of history, caught and imprisoned, for ever glittering and glimmering everywhere.

To show the trend of this work, it is now hoped that which follows will be found useful as well as interesting to the general reader. It has had to be considerably condensed.

The etymology of place-names supplies a wide field of enquiry, touching changes in the aspect of our country, possessing as they do a peculiar value and interest as abiding

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 11

records of the people who gave the names, and also, in many cases, the circumstances in which they were given. Many of these are as appropriate now as they were at first, some thousands of years ago, for the features to which they were applied have remained virtually unaltered, though in many cases the appositeness of the designation has been lost. The narhe has in fact been more permanent than the feature to which it was applied; the one has survived in daily speech from generation to generation; the other has wholly or partly passed away.

By comparing the descriptive epithet in the name with the present aspect of the locality, some indication, or even perhaps some measure, of the nature and amount of the changes in the topography may, still be recovered, and show that, wherever the Celt carried his language, he also peopled the country with the creations and creatures of his own mythology.

In search after the above by philologists., they have been humorously charged with chasing a panting syllable through time and space, starting it at home and hunting it down to Noah and his predecessors!

In researches of the ordinary kind, it is necessary to say that the liability to blunder is so (great that the enquiry ought not to be entered upon without due preparation, and should not be continued without constant exercise of the most scrupulous caution in discovering or learning the rules of the language, generic and specific, etc.

The great danger of being betrayed into error by the plausibilities of phonetic etymology should never for a moment be lost sight of, particularly by those whose knowledge of Gaelic —colloquial and otherwise—is of the slenderest. Philologists urge the proper mode of procedure as being, where possible, to search for and recover the earliest form of the name, for philology by sound is never sound philology. Generally speaking, if a name be spelled wrong, it may be thought wrong. In the course of time local names are apt to be so corrupted as to lose all obvious trace of their original orthography.

Celtic names—place-names—so general all over Europe, are,


as a whole, singularly descriptive. The Celts indeed have manifested in that respect a keener appreciation of landscape and a more poetical eye for nature than the Saxons and others who succeeded them; the colours of mountain and river have been seized upon by the Celt as descriptive characters that have suggested local names; swiftness and sluggishness of flow have furnished discriminating epithets for streams; moors, mountains, cliffs, copses, even single boulders, have received names which record features in the landscape that struck the imagination of the old thinking Celt, all which are still in use, even where the features that suggested them have long since changed or vanished out of sight.

Many descriptive names of places in Skye not on any map will be found in the following pages, and are well known to the Gaelic-speaking inhabitants of the present day, who have generally a wonderful acquaintance with the details of the local topography.

Local tradition is also a more or less reliable source of information if taken in conjunction with information gathered elsewhere; though such local tradition may, nay frequently does, vary as to historical facts, it is, as we have found, singularly, true to locality.

Without giving names, we venture to direct the attention of our readers to what well-known historians and writers have said on the subject of place-names, and the first is a warning against reckless treatment of the subject, to the effect that the etymology of the names of places in a country is either a very important element in fixing the ethnology of its inhabitants, or it is a snare and a delusion jusit according as the subject is treated. Names of places have been described as sentences or combinations of words originally expressive of the characteristics of the place, named, and applied to them, as before stated, by the people who then occupied the country in the language spoken by them at the time, and which differs greatly from the spoken language of the present day. It has been well said that the Celtic topography of Scotland, nay Europe, resembles a


palimpsest, in which an older form is found behind the more modern writing.

Every knoll and hill almost had its name—the bit of moor, the bog or blàr, the clump of wood, the rock or crag, the tiny loch or river pool, not to speak of cultivated lands parcelled into fields—each and all, however insignificant, had a name among those who dwelt near them, and many of these names still tell the tale of life’s varied experiences.

Topographical phrases in the Gaelic language, it has frequently been pointed out, are usually not only grammatically accurate, but of remarkable elegance in their structure; the interpretations often put upon them are a monstrous outrage upon this sound and invariable principle, and knowing the meanings of place-names properly, or onomatologically, is a practical good.

The geography of Skye, and indeed of the Highlands in general, if taught as it should be, would yield universal pleasure and instruction not yet available. It has been well and truly said that by means of these names, when rightly interpreted, we can read ourselves back into the musty charter—and further —an ancient path, a forgotten battle, a lover’s leap, a clan’s feud, a poet’s vision, and a chief’s revenge; they almost all' enshrine a myth, a legend, or a local history, and these they disclose with remarkable grace and power.

In endeavouring to arrive at the correct signification of Gaelic place-names, the student is met by great difficulties, arising from the fact that those names, as they have come down to us, are mostly of mere phonetic value, and, except in comparatively few instances, seldom occur in the original spelling. Phonetic influences are constantly at work in common speech, and alter and disguise the original form of the word or name, and accordingly increase the difficulty of assigning their true orthography and signification.

Celtic names, where such are found uncorrupted, are descriptive, as said, of the natural features of the place, and hence an intimate knowledge of these, aided by at least a


colloquial knowledge of Gaelic, and pronunciation of the name by natives of the district, help greatly to arrive at the meaning- of the names as we have them now; these names are, as a rule, formed to denote some peculiarity of surface, position, product, or some incident occurring as above referred to, though sometimes personal to an individual or his acts.

To treat the subject of place-names scientifically requires a special training in order to the accurate recording of names as they are now pronounced in Gaelic by the natives, though the old written forms are of value as philological data. This local pronunciation can only be secured by hearing it spoken, preferably by one who is himself or herself a Gaelic speaker and writer, who should note them down at once. The accuracy of spelling, also indispensable as a trustworthy record, is limited yet to very few in addition to the specialists; thus, as has been declared by one of the latter, the recording of nasals, the treatment of liquids, the differentiating between t and d, bh and mhr the placing of the hyphen in compounds, distinguishing between broad and slender or small consonants, marking the quantities, differentiating o and ò, e and è, has all to be reckoned with, and is absolutely necessary if the names are to be treated, ais they should, with scientific accuracy; the process, it is admitted, is very painful and wearisome, and few there be who can or will undertake it.

In this work little pretension is made to such perfection, though it is hoped that some approach has been made to the accuracy above set forth, by recording of words, idioms, and sounds in their minute shades with endeavour after strict accuracy. The specialists in Scotland are few in number, but their painstaking or genius is deserving of the highest praise; they seem indeed inspired, though it has been said that every one knows how to do a thing better than the one who does it!

The study of place-names, nevertheless, is urged on all as being the study of history: names which are an atmosphere of legendary melody spread over the land, older than the epics and histories, which clothe a race like an under-shirt, or leine-criosy words which are dear to the gods.


We cannot afford space to refer to those who first suggested gathering place-names, merely mentioning J. Knox, in 1786r and still further back to the tenth century, in the person of one MacLiag, as to or in connection with the “ Echtge ” range of mountains.

The subject of place-names in Scotland, as is well known, has been ably dealt with by various authorities, whose names and works will live for ever. In venturing to add to the number by this work on Skye place-names, we feel we are laying ourselves open to criticism, but venture nevertheless, despite a very scanty acquaintance with or knowledge of the Norse or Old Icelandic language, which enters so largely into the names of' Skye and the Hebrides generally, and which, as found at least in the Ordnance Survey Maps, are frequently changed or altered to suit Gaelic orthography.

It may be observed that in a good many instances in this work, two or more meanings are given for the same name; it shows at least the difference between local Gaelic speakers and such specialists as have been referred to, though there are recognised rules laid down by them for detecting the portion of a name which may be partly Old Gaelic; the labour and the caution exercised by them in tracing these parts is very great. Again, we have to state that we do not lay claim to such perfection.

Skye place-names, however, as has been pointed out, are almost wholly “ phrase ’’-names, generally, though not always, more modern than some others, though in evidence circa 1085- 1150 in the Book of Deer; but, even granting all this, it has been further pointed out that such are frequently translations of older Celtic topography, at least so far as the Norse portion is concerned, though both Gaelic and Norse are often found combined in the same word.

The following collection of the place-names of Skye, etc.r is, so far as possible, given alphabetically, though one parish at least has been given by itself; we do not trouble our readers, with the modus opermidi in detail.


For philological purposes, the division into parishes is immaterial, and indeed parishes did not exist in Skye before 1662; the mode of doing so cannot be detailed here for want of space.

The origin of the name Skye has exercised writers and historians from Ptolemy onwards. It was our intention to give extracts from some of the oldest and most authentic works available, but we merely content ourselves with stating that the oldest form of the name is Scetis or Ocitis, as given by Ravenna. Much information, as well as many variations in the spelling of the names is to be found in the Annals of Tigernach and of Ulster, while forms are also to be found in Reeve’s “Adamnan.”

In Adamnan’s “ Life of St. Columba,” “ Scia insula ” is found. Adamnan died in 703.

In the Dean of Lismore’s Book, in a poem composed to one of the Macleods of Dunvegan, Skye is termed “ Clar Sgith," board or surface of land of Sgith, or Scots (sgith, pron. sgee) “ Sgitheanach,” Scottish place or land, as Skye is said to have been held in possession by the Scots (or Irish) previous to 583. The Minch between Skye and Uist is called the Sea of Skee. In a lament for J. Macleod of Talisker by the “ Clarsair Dali,” the blind harper, this term is found:

“ Se 'n Clar-Sgith an clar ro sgith,Clar na diobhail is na diosgainn, etc.;Clar gun eibhneas lan osnaidh, etc.,Clar nan deur air na rosgaibh;

An clar geur, an clar goirt, an clar tursach, etc.”

The weary plain most wearisome is,A plain of loss and dire destruction;A joyless plain, so full of bluster,That tears do dim the eyes’ bright lustre.

The fierce plain, the salt plain, the sad plain.

“ Clar Sgithe ” appears in many publications. We regret we have no room for the numerous other forms of the name given


in the Sagas of the Norse, who had so many dealings with Skye during four hundred years. Skid and Skyda they called it and wrote about, while we find in the death-song of one of their heroes, “ Lodbroc,” the “ strife of Seaia,” where the soldiers there were “ brothers in valour.”

It has, however, to be remarked that it is questionable if any map existed when the name was given originally. “ Sgith” being considered the appropriate name, altered or modernised into “ Sgiath ” ; but “ Sgitk&cmaeh ” means a native of Skye, while “ Eilem Sgithqanach ” signifies “ Island of Skyans,” or Skye folk, not sgiath eilrnn, winged island; thus Sgith neach, a person of or from Sgith or Skye; the “ winged ” appearance may have struck mariners of old, hence the error.

Walter Macfarlane, in his “ Geographical Collections,” promulgated this mistake, as he states that Sky or Skianaoh is the greatest of iall the iEbudes or Weist Isles, called Alata, since the word Skia in the old language (Gaelic) signifies “ a wing.” Pont also says “ the Isle of Skiam, commonlie called 'the Skie ’ ” {an sgi&th) ; while a modern writer states “ circa 120 Ptolemy, Skaetis (Gr.); 700, Adamnan, Scia; Tighernac, 668, Scith and Sceth; Sagas, Skid; 1272, Sky; 1292, Skey.”

Much more might be quoted as to above did space permit; but the subject has now been threshed out by many writers and the conclusion that Sgith and Sgithmnach are the proper terms satisfactorily arrived at.

As we leam from certain skilled geologists, Skye is thei basal wreck of a volcano which was in eruption during tertiary times, probably many millions of years ago; this volcano had a diameter of about thirty miles, and a height of twelve to fifteen thousand feet. Nothing now is left but highly crystalline granites and gabbro, filling up the great fissures through which the eruption of igneous materials took place. These, worn by denudation, constitute the red mountains and Coolin hills. On the outside of these, both in Skye and adjacent islands, are flat-topped hills, formed of successive sheets of lava, now nearly all gone by denudation; at least ten of the sheets are traceable

B


in several places, while four other volcanoes in Skye have been traced.

The foregoing notes, which might be greatly extended, help to show how prominently “ The Island ” bulked in narrative, history, and song. Of late, it has bulked equally so in historical and other writings, also in art, for the number of works we have referred to in connection with this work alone exceeds three hundred, while an equal number of paintings, drawings, sketches, and photographs of places of interest in Skye have been seen by us in course of our researches. It was hoped /to give detailed lists of both, but space did not permit.

In writing of Skye now and hereafter, no one should overlook the many sons and daughters thereof who have done so already, both in prose and verse, and among the latest of these we must refer by name to the late Sheriff Alexander Nicolson and his exquisite poem, “ The Isle of Skye.” Unfortunately, the Sheriff wrote only enough about Skye to make one wish for more; ias he said, it is difficult to write about Skye without saying lessi than one feels, or saying more than other people can sympathise with—the true Queen of the Isles. Nowhere among the Western Isles is there to be found such a combination of grandness and picturesque originality as in the Isle of Skye. It is past doubt that this island has long since been enthroned as the grandest of them all, the visible queen, whose place and title it would be mere wantonness of disaffection or caprice in any one to dispute.

Here we had intended giving a short “ history ” of Skye, but again we are met with the difficulty ,of space. Most of whal? we could have given, however, can be found in other works, from Dean Monro’s account in 1549 onwards; and statistics of population, etc., are all to be found ;i.n numerous official documents.

In conclusion, therefore, we venture to hope that each reader of this Introduction will search for further information on the subject or subjects suggested.

The natives of Skye at home and abroad bear a great responsibility in maintaining the good name and fame of Skye.

PLACE-NAMES OE SKYE 19

Let no one say cui bmo, or what is the use or good of it all? The ponderous and pragmatic Dr. Johnson reads us a lesson when he says, “ Whatever withdraws us from the power of our senses, whatever makes the past, th© distant, or the future predominate over the present, advances us in the dignity of thinking beings.”

Therefore, as before pointed out, our ancestors ppeak to us, their posterity, in the very names they gave to places. The past is thus sanctified because of the chronicles it contains—a guide to the present as also the future. The country that respects its traditions lives.

31 K ilm a u r s R o a d ,E d in b u b g h ,

1923.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE

AA bhainn , Abhuinn, Amhainn, Amhuinn. Generally abhuinn

in Ordnance Survey maps, and elsewhere, though abhainn held to be the correct spelling. A river. Amhuinn properly means furnace or oven, and is borrowed from the English.

Abhainn is really the accusative of abhcmn, the modem form of aband or abann\ Old Celtic aibne, rivers.

The following words shew thè derivation of the word generally. Abh mi, the flowing element; abh or àmh, water, and an, an element, also water, see ‘ Annat ’ ; taibh or taif (ant-aibh, etc.; ant formerly the article) signifies the ocean, tabh, a spoon-net or fishing- met, Norse Rafr, a sack-net, haf, sea, understood to be merely an t-abh, while tain, found given as a river, or an t-àin, a fountain or the fountain; allan again means white water, all àn; the word ain is said to be the Hebrew for a fountain; £ Don 5 and ‘ Tyne ’ both said to be from tain. Cf. Aan, Aen or Avon in ‘ Grampians.’ The name Strathavon is Strae’ven and Inveravon Inver’an.

Abhainn is also derived from Amun, the name of a (or the) god who presided over inundations: a-mot means a river mouth or confluence. The Gaelic word ‘ aman ’ is based on ambis,’ a Gaulish word for stream, e.g., Almond. River names ending in ar are from early aros. A large class end in idh (ie), Primitive Celtic nos. A in MSS. signifies water, while abh is cognate with Latin aqua, water.

Aus, avus is given as an old Celto-Scythick word for ‘ river.’ Old Celtic is auvona, or abh, water, and inne, a channel; the word is generally applied to the larger streams. Avon is the Welsh for ‘ river’ ; in Sanscrit ap means* water ’ ; amhain and auwon are both ancient words for river or water.

si


A, genitive ar, is Old Norse for a ‘ burn ’ or rivulet, the older forms being 0 lor oth, a large body of water; a appears in Laxa, or lax-a, 1a trout or salmon stream or burn. There are numerous small streams named Aa in France, Germany, Holland, Russia, and Switzerland, and at least one Aar in Switzerland, ai is a Norse termination signifying a stream, a sea-stream. Othainn, an extension of oth, as above, is a substantive feminine signifying the largest kind of river, abhainn, etc., being secondary to o, oth or otha: o and inne, as before: av is the same as above abh oir àmh: moch is said to be av and achadh, a field: see ‘Achaleathan’: avon, etc., is coglhate with Latin amnis: aune or oin means a well, a river, and is short ' abhainn.’ Cf. Loch obha (Loch Awe), also river abba. Awbeg, a river in Ireland. Ythan, a river in Aberdeenshire, is from Othainn: Vne, another, is the old form of Oyne or abhainn; bh and v sound the same, v and u interchangeable.

The antiquity and practical immutability of rivers is notable; they rank first, a characteristic being that they almost invariably retain the names given them by an early race, long after that race has left the ground or country through migration or expulsion, etc. The Piets, for instance, invariably named estuary, glen, strath, or loch after the stream which issued therefrom: the rivers made the valleys or glens, and they again made the hills or mountains. As regards the ancient river-names, these were usually the names of river goddesses; most of these names appear in the genitive case.

In Baxter’s ‘Glossarium Antiquitatum Brittania’ (1719), the appellative names of water in the ‘ British ’ are given. Aa in Gothic and Swedish is a river; cf. Aa, the name of rivers in Russia and elsewhere, as above: eau in French is ‘ water/ as is generally known.

The ‘ rivers ’ in Skye cannot be said to be either numerous or important, and thus the word * abhainn ’ is not much in evidence, as compared with ‘ allt,’ q.v.; indeed, the former is not infrequently used instead of the latter. On the Borders of Scotland a ‘ Water ’ is larger than a £ Burn/ but attains not to the name of a ‘ River ’ (Lang).

A bhainn a Chaisteil. The Castle river. See ‘ Caisteal.’A bhainn a G h l in n e . The Glen river. In Troternish, the

Glenhinnisdale river.


N .B .—In the following list, only descriptive names given, not ‘abhainn dubh, mòr,’ etc.

A bhainn an A cha’ L eathainn . Broad field (or meadow) river.Abhainn an Asaraidh (also asradh). See £Airidh,’ or ‘A irig h /

‘ Aisridh.5 Asamidh, uncultivated ground. The middle section of this river is called ‘ Easa-bàn,’ and the upper part, 'Abhainn an t-smth-bhig ’ ; it rises in the loch of that name, and falls into the sea east of Torrin fank, Strath.

A bhainn an A tha L eathainn . Broad ford river, Strath.A bhainn an D uchamais. Strath. Dubh chamus, Black bay.A bhainn an L oin M hoir . Duirinish. The river of the great

marshy meadow, the configuration favouring this translation; it runs into So. end of Loch Dunvegan. But see* Lon.’

A bhainn an T ora. Also Abhainn Thora. Snizort. See ‘ Drum Thoro.’ There is Abhainn Thoro or Horro in Kil- maluag; at each there is a wide ditch which, in the case of Drum Thoro at least, received sewage. Cf. Scots* Closorrow.’

Abhainn an TJird . Ord river, Sleat. For ‘ Sleat ’ place- names, see under ‘ Sleat,’ separation.

A bhainn an U il ’ L eitir . Strath. The river of the letter (or hillside of the elbow). Also £Allt(a) Leoir,’ Maclure’s burn, a man of that name having tenanted ‘ Corry ’ farm; it lies between that farm and Torrin; the middle portion is called £Allt na Leth Pheighinn,’ also £ Abhainn a Rudha Dhubh ’ ; it rises on the eastern shoulder of Ben Dearg Beag. Thought also to be £ Duibh-Leitir,’ the dark or black hill or country- side. Cf. £ Duiletter ’ in Glendaruel, Argyllshire. Given locally as ‘ Ui’ leathaid, uidh and leathad, a gradual declivity. This may be meant for 'Alt,' genitive Vlit, a hill, eminence, also a valley, etc. As to the £ a ’ added to 'A llt,” see £Allta Fiodhach,’ under £ Sleat.’

Abhainn A shig. Strath. See ‘ Ashig.’ Ashig river, three miles east of Broadf ord.

A bhainn ’B haile M headhonaich. Mid-town river. See £ Balmeanach.’

A bhainn Bhot . Kilmuir. Bot river, q.v.


A bhainn Bhreatal. Drains south-west of Minginish, Coolins, etc., and flows into the loch of that name.

A bhainn Camus F hionnairidh . Issues from L . Creitheach. See ‘ Camusunary.’

A bhainn Cheann-loch-E iseort. Contains contents or waters of several rivers or streams flowing from North, and falls into Loch Eishort.

A bhainn Choisleadair. Duirinish. Coishletter river, q.v.A bhainn Chonnain . Uig, Snizort. A diminutive of £ Conn,’

a proper name. See ‘ Beinn Conan.’ Also called 1 abhainn dhubh.’ There was a Saint Conan, bishop of Sodor, who died in 648 a .d . Cf. £ Kilchonain,’ Loch Rannoch-side. Conan said to be ‘ cu ’ with diminutive ‘ mm,' equal to ‘ little dog.’

A bhainn Cille M haire . Should be Chille Mhuire. Kilmuir. River. But see ‘ Kilmarie.” Runs into Loch Slapin.

A bhainn D hubh B hreac. Black speckled river. Near Dunvegan Castle.

A bhainn Easa D ubpia. Black waterfalls’ river. See also ‘ Guala,’ etc.

A bhainn G hlinn uachdarach. Upper Glen river. Flows north into Loch Greshornish.

A bhainn G hremiscaig. Runs into Kilmuir River, q.v.A bhainn H aultain . (See ‘ Gleann Haultin.’) Runs north

into Loch Eyre.A bhainn L oin a Chleirich . Minister or Priest’s meadow or

marsh river. But see * Lòn.’

A bhainn Mhor. The great river. Rises in Beiim-a-Chapuill, flows north-west through Glendale, and falls into Loch Pooltiel.

A bhainn nan Cnoc. Runs into Kilmuir River. Knolls’ river.A bhainn nan L eac. The flag or flat stones’ (or tombstones’)

river.A bhainn P oll-losgainn. Frog’s-pool river.A bhainn P ort-na-culaidh, q.v.A bhainn R ha , or a R h a . Uig, Snizort. Runs into Uig bay.

The Rah river. Ràth, a fort.

PLACE-NAMES OF "SKYE 25

Abhainn Roik, Royk (or Royoe?) Pont. Roag river?

A bhainn R omasdal. Romasdail rivlb, Snizort, q.v. Runs into Loch Snizort Beag, south of Kingsburgh.

A bhainn Scaipeil, Scapal, or Scaipeal, is the southern part of Score Bay, Kilmuir, and gives name to a stream; also to a neighbouring piece of land, Druim Scaipel. Should be ‘ Sg ’ ; may be ‘ Sgailpeil ’ ; and as the place is described as being near or at the shore, it may mean ‘ abounding in caves,’ though ‘ Scailpeach ’ usual term. There is a word c Sgaball,’ for which one meaning is a cauldron—primary meaning £ helmet.’

A bhainn Sheiseiridh . Might be £asaraidh ’?

A bhainn Shlaopain (not A llt). Slapin river, Strath. Modernly called £ Abhainn Ruaraidh ’ ; it consists of three sections: the other two are named £ Abhainn na cul ’haic,’ i.e., cul ghlaic (or cul-ghlac), and £ Allt a choire Sgreamh- laich’ ; it rises among or between the Red Hills. Slaob, sluggish, unclean, etc.

A bhainn Shniosoirt. Snizort river. This river is said to be the largest in Skye, and drains south and east; Varragill river ranks next.

A bhainn T hreaslain . Treaslane river, flows north into loch of that name.

A bhainn Torra M hicheig (and glen), q.v.

A beldoire. A bay, or òb, near Strolamus. Found also spelled Abirdoire and Apoldoire. Water copse?

A bosd, A boist. Waterstein. Water house or town, from à, water, and bòlstadr. See £ Eas.’

A chabeg, A chadh beag. Duirinish. Little field. With A llt Acha’bhig'.

A chachand, A chand, A chochand. Bracadale, in Glenbrittle. Annat?

A chacork, A chcork, A chahork, A chork, A uchacork. Portree, Troternish. Cornfield. Achadb coirce.

A chadh a ’ Chuirn (Waterloo). Strath. Cairn-field.


A chadh Clann am F aitter . The field of the clan or children of Pat or Peter MacQhade, custodians of the Macleod fairy flag; used to be in Trotemish. Achadh Faitear is in Upper Sculamus, and said to mean ‘ Walter’s field.’

A chadh nan G obhar. Torrin, Strath. Goat-field. See ‘ Creagan nam meann.’

A cha’ F lad or A ch a Ph lad . The field of slaughter. Swor- dale, Strath. Means ‘ Achadh a chlab dab, a place where a battle has been fought, for instance, ‘ Clab salach,’ beyond Old Corry House. Niall a bhogha, a Mull man, slew with the arrow a dozen men from the Macleod’s country who raided his cattle; this Niall is said to have been the firslt of the Morvern Maclnneses who settled in Skye. A family of Maclnneses (probably his descendants) were hereditary bowmen to the Mackinnons of Strath.

A chag. Snizort? Achadh. Little field if dim. of Achadh, but achadh is maec.

A chnaguie. Wind-field. Achadh na gaoithe.A chadh nan Gallan . Locally ‘ Gallon ’ field, as smuggled

whisky hidden here! Also ‘ Field of Butterwort.’ See ‘ Gallanach.’ But ‘ Gallan ’ means here ‘ graceful or straight young trees,’ etc.

A chaleathan. Broadfield, in Snizort, or Broadburn? Ach or iacha (obsolete) means burn, etc.

A chanahaneg (? Achnahanich, Portree); orA cha-na-h -A n a it . Annat Field. Six wells said to be here.

One of ten places where fairy cattle were said to graze. (Achniahanid, Auchnahanaid, Troternish.) The Braes. See ‘ Annat.’

A chadh nam Bard , A chnabard. The Bards’ field. Snizort. This field was held by a Duncan MacHuaraidh from Sir James Macdonald, his successor being the famous Iain MacCodrum. MacBuaraidh’s predecessors were a family of MacBheattrais, MacBheatrais, or MacBeathaig. These bards held ‘ poetical ’ schools in Skye.

A chnafala. The field of blood. Near Skeabost.A chanan, A ch’ an A th a in? Near Carbost. Field of the little

ford.

PLACE-NAMES OE SKYE 27

A chatraneg, A chadh na T raoin, etc. The field of the corn' crake, etc. For various forms of this word see Forbes’ Gaelic Names of Beasts, Birds, Etc.

A choistore, A chositore (a chois a Storr?). A fine island, off Raasay?

A chtalian, A chatalain etc., etc. Portree. A farm. Locally pronounced Acha’-da-ill-eathainn. Cf. As-da-bogha in Kilmuir, beside a burn, now called Lòn Scòir, q.v. Also pronounced Acha’-da-leathann, and said to mean Achadh da leth pheighinn, the field of the two half-penny (lands).

A ckerside, A carsaid. Troternish. Anchorage.A igeach, ant- . The Stallion. A peculiar rock half a mile from

‘An Fheist.’ A saying attached thereto is* Mac na Meigheadh (meigh each) air an àigeach

’S cha be 'n t-àgh a dhùsgadh ’ : or* Cha be 'n ceol gaire dhol ga dhusgadk.’

Mac na Meigheadh was a wizard, and lies buried on the top of this rock. A party of sceptical young men went once to test the truth of this legend and open the grave, but were terrified by a thunderstorm. It is said that this saying owes its origin to one ‘ Bomhnull Bàn Tàillear/ an itinerant tailor, and reputed wit, and who also made the attempt to exhume the giant.

A ird , A irde, an A irde, na h -A ird e . The height or heights,, points or promontories, etc. Aird mhor and Aird bheag, near Trumpan, Snizort, etc. Aird of Triaslan and Aird of Bernisdale. Aird means a projecting piece of land, not necessarily high. In Kilmuir there is an ‘ Aird iosal,’ low Aird. Few of the Airds are cliffs. There is an Aird north of Duntulm Castle, the most northern point of Skye. Also ‘ Aird an t-Sratha.’ The people of Aird, Sleat, have been familiarly dubbed ‘ Na faolagan ’—Muinntir na h-Airde, ‘ buntata 'us faolag' ! These ‘ Nick-names,’ ‘ Eke-names,’ Far or For-ainm or Frith-ainm, were also common on the mainland.

A ird ’-a- bhaile- mhoire. Great town Aird.

A ird ’ a Chomhraig . Place or locale of combat. Duirinish.A ird Bhreac. The spotted or speckled point.


A irdedorch. Dark heights. Portree. See ‘ Ard ’ ; also Aird Dhubh. Ardorach in the Dunan district means 4 Golden height,’ Ard brack. Also said to mean the place of enchantment. See £ Pein orra.’ Also near Loch Eynort.

A ird - mhic- ceolain (1498). In Troternish (see ‘ Ard,’ etc.), ‘ Aird ’ic Thorlain.’ In Kilmuir there is £ Cuid Thorlain,’ Torlan a diminutive of Torlaoch (Turlough), not long ago a proper name in the district. The modern equivalent is ‘ Charles.’ Near here is 1 Slochd-a-mhadaidh,’ sea dashing through to Stac Lachlainn. There is a place called £ Aird-a-cheolain,’ melody.

A ird T earc. Thought to be a misprint for ‘ Aird bhreac,’ q.v.A ir id h , A irig h . A shealing or sheiling. They are termed

‘ Bothan airidh, airidhean, or airighean,’ and were timber- roofed. Another term said to be ‘ Sealan,’ but it is thought this is ‘ Gaidhlig Ghallda ’ ! The number of £ Airighean ’ here given show how common they once were. Many not got here. Much lore attached to each. “ Sheiling ’ is from ‘ Scale ’ or 4 Skali,’ a hut. Erg, borrowed from Old Gaelic airge, now airidh, airigh, shieling. The £ Shiel,’ equal to the hut, and the ‘Shieling’ the pasture adjacent. In regard to the spelling of this word, see Macbain’s £ Etymological Gaelic Dictionary,’ s.v. The word here has been spelled 4 airidh,’ but it is thought should be altered to £ airigh ’ in every case. A word £ Arrairigh,' said to mean ‘ shealing,’ and 4 Airidh ’ or 4 Airigh ’ the £ produce.’ ‘Airear,' obs., means 4 food.’ £ Sheiling ’ is the spelling adopted generally in this work. See picture of sheiling by Scott Rankin, as given in ‘ Life and Work,’ March, 1909.

In the Lewis a word for sheiling or outer pasture is 4Geàrraidh.’ Arroch or Arach also given as meaning ‘ a little sheiling,’ e.g., Kipperoch, equal to Ceap arroch or arach. Airidh said by Dr. Cameron to mean a sheiling or grove, a place where osier® grow. Fiunary, also ruighe.

A irid h A isridh . AisridJi is given in dictionaries as abode, hill, path, etc. Aisridh nam ban, the abode of the women, probably a large sheiling or, as suggested, a nunnery. Skinidin.

A iridh an E ss an , Easan. The sheiling of the little waterfall. Famed or noted for the supposed ghost of a murdered pedlar.


A irid h an F hudair . Gunpowder shelling. Fasach.A irid h a P h u ill . The Pool sheiling.A iridh an t -S luic. The sheiling of the hollow or den.

A iridh B hadain . The sheiling of the little thicket.A iridhean Chalum ’I c A ile in . Callum the son of Allan’s

sheilings. At foot of ‘ Big Red-hill.’A iridh Charnach. Portree. Rocky sheiling.A iridh Chroichdeach. Croic, a deer’s horn. But thought

should be crocach, for cnocach, hilly, the hilly sheiling.A iridh D honnachaidh. Duncan’s sheiling.A iridh D honn . Brown sheiling. Portree.A iridh F halach. The hidden or retired sheiling, in Kilmuir.A iridh F huar . The cold eheiling.A iridh Ghualachan or B huachain or B uachachain. The

sheiling of the burnt place, or the Bleacher. See ‘Story and Song from Lochnesis-side,’ by Alex. Macdonald, 1914.

A iridh L oinid . Churn-staff or whisk sheiling; loinid-omhain.A iridh luachrach U ige. Uig rashy sheiling. Title of local

song.A iridh M eall Beathaig, q.v.A iridh M hic Iain Ghill. In Stenscholl. Mac-Ian-Ghill

found a strange beast in possession of his sheiling. His dogs set upon it, when the beast spoke and desired him to withdraw the dogs, which he refused to do. Thereupon the beast fled, pursued by the dogs. Next morning the carcases of the dogs, terribly mangled, were found on a point jutting out into the sea, which ever since has been called ‘ Rudha nan Con Gorma,’ the point or promontory of the blue dogs or hounds, or dark-grey, q.v. Meaning of Ghill? A proper name?

A iridh mo dhubhaich. £ Sheiling of my sorrow.’ See 'Literary Tours in Highlands,’ etc., by D. T. Holmes, page 286. Dance of death. Dubkach, an adjective; dubhachais properly.

A iridh na C reige. The rock sheiling. Strath.A iridh na Craig. Thought to be the same. Given as in Strath

aird. ‘ Creiche,’ the spoil.

PLACE-NAMES OF SEYE

A iridh na D unach (or dunachd). The sheiling of misfortune, etc. Strathaird. There were once seven girls and a boy in this sheiling. All the girls went to a wedding at Keppoch. The boy went to bed, when seven large eats came in and made themselves comfortable beside the fire. The cats were talking among themselves. After a short time, they began to spoil the cream and the butter. The boy told the girls about the cats. The following night the cats came as women and murdered all the girls. Their mothers—as wais their custom—came for the cheese and butter, and were horrified to find their daughters dead. Each exclaimed, ‘ Airidh mo dhunach! ’

A somewhat similar story is connected with Glen Sàsaig. The 1 water-horee,’ which came from the neighbouring Loch pa doirreanaich, above the glen, was the murderer. The Sàsaig men turned out ‘ in arms,’ and the ‘ crooked sixpence ’ or silver button, fired from a musket, put an end to the creature. The grave of this monster is still to be seen. Cf. ‘ Airidh mo dhubhaich.’

A word Airidhe signifies spectres, visions. Aroch equal to airidh, and means a little hamlet.

A irdh na Su ir idh . The sheiling of courtship. On the moors between Strath and Sleat.

A iridh N eill . Neil’s sheiling.A iridh Sam hraidh . The summer sheiling. Portree. See

£ Camustianavaig.’ This appears to indicate that there were sheilings for other seasons.

A iridh U n a . Una’s sheiling. Snizort. This name £ Una ’ is the rendering in Scottish Gaelic of ‘ Ona.,’ who was a famous Irish harper, and travelled in Skye and other Western Islands. But see 4 Una,’ said to mean Winifred. Airidh equal to saeter.

Aisk. Strath. See ‘ Ashig.’ Aiseag, Aiseig? There is a word £ aiSj a hill, also a fort, a covert, but deemed doubtful Gaelic, and found only on what is called Pictish ground (though Pictish is of course Celtic). Cf. Altais.’ Aisgeir means a mountain, a long ridge, ad-sJcer? But aistear means a spring-tide, and explained air ais o ’n Ur? back from the land. Cf. ‘ Divis,’ equal to dubh-ais, black hill, near Belfast, Ireland. ‘ Thais ’ equal to Hals, hause, throat? There is a word Aisir for Asleif, e.g., Asleifarvig,


Ashleif’e bay: Asleifar, genitive. Aisir, aisridh, a passage, path, defile. There is a word Aistiri, meaning a doorkeeper, from Latin Ostiarius. Ais an t-Sithean; ais equal to ath, plus innis, the backbone or poor haugh. Aisre equal to edge.

A ite M aol. The bare place.A ite-Suidhe F hinn . Fingal’s, or rather Fionn’s, Seat, near

Portree. Hence he viewed the chase. There are various tales told of this warrior hero who loved Skye. There is a hill in Kilmuir, 1000 feet high, called ‘ Suidhe Finn.’ (Fhinn). A t its foot is a tarn called ‘ Loch Sneesdale,’ in which Finn, while sitting on the top of this hill, washed his feet. There were giants in those days! But see ‘ Saigh a Mhinn,’ etc. Locally, this hill.is supposed to be the place where Fingal or Finn watched for approach of Norwegian galleys.

A ketil (burn). (F allt ketil; a and ketil). Watemish. See ‘ Abhainn.’

A ladh M aol. The biare speckled (place). All is a rock or cliff. Aladh also signifies ‘ nursing,’ etc. ‘ All ’ also in Gaelic signifies ‘ white.’

A lasdair D ubh G ap . Near or on Sgurr Alasdair. ‘ Alasdair ’ or ‘ Alastair,’ the first owing to economy of effort in articulation!

A llanedonand .

A llanish, A llarnish, B einn , q.v. All an earn ? or nes. All, dim. Allan, water, river, burn, eas, waterfall.

A llaraidh (? Alladh reidh). Level excellence, as applied to land. South of Duirinish. See Glac, etc.; allmharach, a foreigner; all, beyond; and muir, sea; ? all or thall, over.

A lligro. In Duirinish.A llt. A river or burn, with high or precipitous banks (plural

sometimes alltwian). Allt of old meant a high place, altus. In Irish a wooded valley or glen. Allt, a stream, in alt, height (topographically), glenside or cliff. Gaelic form thought to be possibly Pictish, and allied, as said, to Latin altus. See E. Macdonald’s ‘ Gaelic Dictionary,’ s.v.


Terms for rivers have been defined as sylce and trink (Scottish), a small runlet making its way through rushes; grain, a larger stream, breeding place; bum and water, each increasing in size—all flowing to the river from the moor into a rounded basin 10 or 12 feet deep, and eating back.

A British word for a burn or brook is nant; cornant, a small rivulet. Much indeed as many people admire the majestic grandeur of a great river, there is much greater fascination and life—free life—in the youthful energy and sparkling clearness, amounting to transparency, combined with the cheerful music of our Highland streams, or uillt, rushing and roaring in flood as if in a mad hurry to get down the hill, e.g., Allt a Chaoich, Scavaig; Allt (a) Fiodhach, Kilmore, Sleat, etc. The word neth (dim. nethan) means stream; pourlan, a small stream; also attach, water, stream.

A l l t a Bhealaich, or a Bhealaich Bhric. Russet Pass.A llt a B h ile . Strath. Burn of the copse or grove.A llt a B hrachaldh. Malting brook. In Strath, near Broad-

ford Church.A llt a B huiribh , Bh u ir id h . Burn of the roaring or bellow

ing (of stags). See * Bealach,’ etc.A l l t Achaedh Bhig. The burn of the little field. Waternish.

Runs into sea north of Loch Diubaig; a waterf all here.A llt A chaidh na Caillich . Nun’s field river. Cf. Baile nan

Cailleach (Nunton) in Benbecula.A llt a Ch aim , A ltachaim, A ttachaim . . Duirinish. River or

burn of the bend or curve. Said also to be at Watemish, and to mean blind or one-eyed.

A llt a Ch am aidh . The burn of bending or turning. Runs into Loch Bay, Loch Dunvegan.

A llt a Chaoich. The mad or impetuous burn. Falls into Loch Scavaig.

“ Where a wild stream, with headlong shock,Came brawling down its bed of rock,To mingle with the main.”

—Scott’s “ Lord of the Isles.”A llt 'a Chlobha. Lit. the tongs’ burn, forked bum. One near

Broadford, and another runs north into Loch Sligachan. From Norse Klofi, a fork (of a river).

A llt a Choire Chatachan. Strath, q.v.A llt a Choire B huidh e . Yellow corrie burn. Near Broad-

ford or Kylerhea.A llt a Choire G haistich . The Bum of the dangerous,

treacherous oorrie, from gaiste, a snare? Also the bushy burn, cf. gaiste fraoich, gaiste sguabaich; a tributary of the Vikisgill river or burn.

A llt a Chro . The burn of the fold. Stein.A llt a Chuain . The ocean bum. N. of Kilbride, more prob

ably ‘ burn of the bay.’A llt a G hairbheid . See Garbhaig, Sleat.A llt a G h ille . The lad’s burn, or gil, ravine?

A llt a G hille G h uirm . Blue boy’s burn. (? gille-guirmein, a plant?)

A llt a G hleannain . Little glen burn.A llt a G hoirtein . Little cornfield or enclosure bum.A llt A iridh a Bhreith im h . Burn of the Judge’s sheiling.A llt A igeinn or A iginn . Near Garbh-bheinn. The burn of

the abyss, or deep pool. Runs from Garbh-bheinn into Loch Slapin. The glen is between Belig and Garbh- bheinn. The water of this river, like all rivers in limestone districts is very clear.

A llt A iridh A iseridh , q.v. On Skiniden Common.A llt A iridh D homnachaidh. Duncan’s fold burn.A llt A iridh M eall B eathaig, q.v. A tributary of the

Varragill river.A llt A iridh na Criche. Boundary-fold bum. Also given

creiche, spoil. Aultarienagriadh, a Lowland rendering.A llt A isridh . See ‘ Airidh.’ Is this ‘ Asradh’? See

‘ Abhainn an asàraidh.’A llt a Chrainigil . Fasach. Can this be meant for cranna-

dhail, framework of a ooracle, etc. ?A llt a M h aid e . The Wood (or Stick) Burn, near Roag, q.v.A llt a Mhaim. The rounded-hill bum. N.W . of Coolins.A llt a M heirlich . The Thief’s Bum, Skinidin.

c


34 PLACE-NAMES OF. SKYE

A llt A nabhaig . Anavig, near Kyleakin.A l l t an D olre D araich. Oak-copse burn. Near Port Aslaig;

flows from Beinn na Seamraig.A lltan F earna. Little alder-burn, or the alder little burn;

flows into Easa-ban, q.v.A llt an F ham hair . The giant’s burn, q.v. (?Fomoirian.)

Pronounced ‘ Fumhaire ’ in Skye.A l l t an Fhionn-Choire. Also Allt Mòr an Fhionn-Choire,

q.v. See ‘ Tobar nan Uaislean.’A llt an F hudair . On Fasach Common. Also ‘ Cnoc 5 and

‘ Loch.’ Powder.A llt an I nbhir or I nbh ire . Strath. Flows into Loch Kil-

christ. The burn of the confluence.A llt an L oin B huidhe (and G huirm ) . The bum of the yellow

(and green) meadow.A llt an L oin R uaidh . Red-meadow burn. See ‘ Lon.’A llt an R eidhe M hoir . Great plain (or level) burn.A lltan R uadh . The red little burn.A lltan L uachrach. Rushy little bum. Back of Màm.A llt an Sgulain. The basket or creel burn, if first syllable

long. Other meanings also.A llt an T eangaidh or na T eangaidh . Tongue bum, a

branch of Allt Strollamus. Sea also Sleat.A llt an T ota M hoir, T obhta. Burn of the great ruins.

A llt an t -S abhail . The barn burn? See ‘ Bealach an t-Sabhail. ’ Runs north into Caolas Scalpa.

A llt an t -S eachrain . The wanderer’s, or wandering, burn. W . of Kylerhea.

A llt an t-S it h e in . Fairy-hillock bum. Near head of Loch Sligachan. One at Broadford.

A llt an t -S ratha Bh ig . The little strath bum.

A llt a n t -S u id h e . The .seat burn. Thought to be a mistake for saigfo, a peak, etc. See ‘ Saigh a Mhinn,’ at Strath, near Loch Kilchrist. A local suggestion is that if ‘ suidhe,’ it is one of many similarly named places where people rested at funerals. Runs into Loch Kilchrist.

A llt an U chd B h uidh e . Yellow breast bum; uchd, a breasted or swelling slope of land. N.E. of Meall Odhar, on northern borders of the Coolins.

A llt A oidh M hic L arain . Hugh M'Laren’s bum. (Labhrain.)

A llt a P hollain D u ibh . Black-pool stream. Drains into Loch Brittle.

A llt B a n . White burn. Near Sligachan. Clear.A l l t Beag. Little Burn. (Common.)A llt B ealach na Coise, q.v.A llt B einne D eirge. Red peak burn. S.E. of Beinn na

Caillich, Broadford. Flows into Broadford River.A l l t Bessa. ? Bessie.A llt Beul-an -atha-ruaidh . Red ford-mouth burn.

A llt B etjl- atha-nan- sac or sachd. Burn at the mouth of the ford of the sack or burden. Camustinivaig.

A l l t B eu l a th na Glaissich, q.v. Meadale.A llt B hroclaichean. Badgers’ dens’ burn. Flows down

shoulder of Mareeo.A llt B hrunigill, q.v.A llt B reacach {Am Breacack). Speckled burn. Breac

aehadh ? or ‘ abounding in trout.’A llt B uidhe . Yellow burn.

A llt Cairistiona N e ill . Cirsty Neill’s burn. (Daughter of Neil.)

A llt Chaoich. Mad stream. Falls into Loch na Cuiloe, q.v. See * Allt a chaoich.’

A llt Choire or Coire nan Clach . Corrie of stones burn. Strath. Also Allt Choire nan Cuilean, q.v.

A llt Chracaig, q.v. Runs into sea at Portree.A llt Chreag U isdean. Bum of Hugh’s rock. Visdean Ic

'llleaspuig Chlerich.A llt Clachamais. GLachamais bum, q.v.A llt Cnoc a Charnaich. Cairney or stony knoll burn.

* Carnach/ anglicised ‘ Keornoch,’ in Liberton, Midlothian.



A llt-nan -U an . Lamb’s-knoll burn.A llt -C o ir ’ a Ghobhainn. Smith’s corrie burn. Kilmuir,

Might be gabhann or gobhann, a fold, etc. (obs.)A llt-C oir’ a G hreadaidh , q.v. Runs into Loch Brittle.

A llt-C oir’ a M h adaidh . Dog or wolf’s oorrie burn.A llt-C oire- an-F hraoich. Heather corrie burn.A llt-C oire-F orsaidh. Deer-forest corrie burn. Flows into>

Loch Kilchrist.A llt-C oir’ a G hrunnda, q.v. Stream runs into Soay Sound.A llt-C oire-L again . Burn of the corrie of the hollow. Th&

stream runs into Loch Brittle. See ‘ Gleann Breatal ’ and ‘ Coire Labain.’

A llt-C oire- na- B anachdich. See £ Eas,’ etc.

A l l t -Coire-nam-Bruadairean. Dreams’ corrie burn, near Ruadh Stac. Said this should be grudairean, distillers or smugglers.

A llt-C oire- nan-C uilean . Wolves’ ? fox-cubs’ or whelps’ corrie burn.

A llt-C ul-A irid h -L again .

A llt-C uleshader. South of Portree.

A llt-D abhoch. The dabhach or davach burn (davach, a unit of Pictland land measure). Runs into Loch Eynort. See ‘ Peighinn,’ etc.

A llt-D a id h . Davidj’s ? burn. Suggested D o'i equals D o Bhi- See ‘ Dun Daibhidh.’

A llt-D araich or an D araich . Oak burn, near Sligachan; drains*Coire na Sgàirde on Glàmaig; below Beinn Dearg Mòr. One runs north into sea near Broadford, with Ob.

A llt-D earg-B eag and A llt D earg M or. Little and great red burn. S.W. of Sligachan. Runs out of Coir’ a Bhàsadair. Also called Allt a Bhàsadair.’ But see ‘ Loch Ravag.’

A llt D hughaill. See Loch D . (Sleat.)A llt D igeadh . Burn of the soft place or morass. Flows

through Coire Chaise, Coolins. There is a Gaelic word signifying, it is said, a conical mound built by Danes?


A llt D oire na Criche. Boundary grove burn; or creiche, plunder, spoil.

A llt D oire ’n L eich {Leigh, Lichiche). Stream of the grove of the physician: local translation, ‘ stream of the rock grove ’ Leac, lie? Portree.

A llt D orus N e il . Neil’s door or pass burn. A noted smuggler. Pass near Galtrigill.

A llt D ubhailteach. In Bracadale. The dark, gloomy river.A llt D ryna . Droigheann, droighimn. Bum of the (place of)

thorns.A llt D unaiche. Runs from Blaven into Loch Slapin. See

‘ Airidh na Dunach.’A llt E ire (? Eyre). Mentioned in ‘ Cumha Clann na

Ceapaich,’ by Iain Lom. The root may be the same as Eire, Ireland, of which Eirinn is an oblique case. Cf. also Loch Earn and Stratheam. Possibly from Norse eyrr, a beach.

A llt E ynord . Runs into Loch Eynord, q.v.A llt F asach, q.v. Runs into Loch Dunvegan.A llt F earna. Alder (tree) bum, or Allt Fearnaig. Broad

ford. Runs north into Caolae Scalpa. Also Fearnach. See ‘ Alltan,’ etc.

A llt F ionn-F huachd. Drynoch. The white (or keen) cold bum.

A llt G arbh M or and A llt G arbh B eag. Big rough and little rough burns. Near Broadford. Run south into Loch Sligachan.

A llt Garraranach. Suisnish. Garbh raineach, rough, coarse fern. Given also Garravanaieh, Garbkanaich, coarse, rugged.

A llt G illeasbuig. Archibald’s burn. {GUV Easpuig, Bishop’s servant lad.)

A llt Glaic-nam-M eirleach, q.v. The Burn of the thieves’ pass or hollow.

A llt G obhlach. The forked burn. Runs into Caol Raasa, Portree.


A llt G rillan ? (Greollan or grullan means a cricket—the insect.) See ‘ Greallin.’

A llt H aich (? Chaich). Thathaich ? aspirated form o f tathaich. Near Loch Scavaig.

A llt H amara. iHamar bum. Duirinish. Runs through Glendale west into Loch Pooltiel.

A llt H ornisco. N.E. of Bracadale. Sco equals town.A l l t H unigil, q.v.A llt K earra, q.v. S. of Talisger.A llt K etil . Ketil’s bum. Watemish.

A llt L ainish (? Lian). See ‘ Leinish.’A l l t L eoir. Maclure’s burn ? See ‘ Abhainn an Uil’ Leitir.’

A llt L eth Sh it h e in . One-sided fairy-hillock bum, not necessarily ‘ fairy.’

A llt L eth Shlighe or L e t h - S lighe . Half-way burn. Strath.

A llt L innidal, q.v. Lynedale Burn. Flax-dlale.A llt L isigart, q.v. Lios gearraidh, gardjen enclosure.

Portree. See ‘ Leasgary.’ Flows into sea south of The Lump.

A llt L ochain Cru inn . Bum of the little round loch.A llt L ochan na Saile . Sea-lochan bum. Near Beinn na.

Greine.A llt L ochan D ubh na B ric . Little black lòch of the trouts.

Near Broadford. Good fishing.A llt L omag. In Bracadale. Whisky bum. Lomag agns

tiorlaman (tiormcm, tior, dry corn), whisky and oatmeal dumpling. Arrian.

A llt L uib, q.v.A llt L uideig. In Bracadale. Falls into Loch Duagraich.

Gen. of luideag, a slovenly woman. See ‘ Allt na Luideach.’

A llt L uig M hor. Big hollow burn. Gen. of lag.A llt M ainnir a G hobhar . Goat-fold burn. Runs into Loch

Bay, Loch Dunvegan.


A llt M easarrach. Between Beinn Dearg and Marsco. See ‘ Alt na Measarrach.’

A llt M hartuinn . Martins burn.A llt M hicmhannain . Buchanan’s bum. In Glen Varragill,

Portree. Tradition isays that a man of this name was arrested here for murdler, and subsequently hanged on ‘ The Lump ’ at Portree.

A llt M or. Great river or stream; several of this name in Skye; ome in Strath next to Sleat; another drains north into Loch na Cairidh.*

A llt M or na Sroine. Big burn of the promontory (lit. nose).A llt M uchte or M tjchta. The suppressed burn; humming

along its course with a suppressed sound. See ‘ Sleat.5A llt M urich . (Means perhaps mumch, down, s&ndjhill. Runs

into Loch-an-Eilean near Heast, Loch Eishort.A llt na Ba G risionn {gris-fhionn). The burn of the brindled

cow, or gray-white. Runs into Loch Sligachan.A llt na Banachaig. The dairymaid’s bum. In or on Fasach

Common.A llt na Ban Sgoileir. School-girl's bum. From back of

Glas Bheinn to Loch Eynort.A llt na Beiste. The beast burn. Runs into loch of that

name, south of Kyleakin.A llt na Btjaile D uibhe. Black fold bum. Runs into Loch

Dunvegan.A llt na Camalaig . Burn of the curl or ringlet; possibly very

winding. Ruins into Galtrigill bum or river, into Loch Dunvegan.

A llt na Ceardaich. Smithy burn, in or at Scor na Daoine.A llt a (or na) Chaorain or Chaoirein . Burn of the purling

sound. Reputed [march between Trotemish and Strath. Found given also as ‘ rowan-tree,’ though that is spelled moruinn; caoran, peat ember.

A llt na Claise M oire. Burn of the great hollow.

* The accent on * M6r3 viz., the acute, is that given in MacBain’s‘ Etymological Dictionary,’ and is thought correct, though differing fromalmost all other Dictionaries and Grammars. See N.G.P., Preface, also.


A llt na Cloiche B ideich . Burn of the very little (the wee) stone. Broadford Bay. This meaning holds if first syllable long; if short, it means high-pointed, and should be biodaich, from biad, a high or sharp point, or rather bioda.

A llt na Coille. Burn of the wood. Near Drynoch.A llt na Coin Bh a in . White dogs’ bum.

A llt an (or na) D araich . Oak (tree) bum. See ‘ A llt Daraich.’

A llt na D rochaide Bain e . White bridge bum (modern name). One in Sleat, near Isle Omsay.

A llt na D unach. Strath. Where two lads were drowned. March between Macdonald and Mackinnon lands. (Alltan DhomhnuiU Chaim, one-eyed Donald’s burn south hereof.) See ‘ Airidh’ and ‘ Linne na Dunach.’ Flows from Coir’ Uaigneach into Loch Slap in. There is a * Loch na Dunach ’ in Sunart.

A llt na G laic Criathaich (Criadhaich). Clayey hollow’s bum.

A llt na G oirbhearran. Bum of the rough parts or places. A t Ferinveguire. Garbh fhearann or fearann, rough land.

A llt na G ruagaich. The bum of the gruagach, a fabulous monster. See ‘ Gruagach.’

A llt na G uile . The burn of weeping.

A llt na h -A iridhe D uibhe . The black fold burn, or sheiling. Runs into Loch Sligachan.

A llt na h -A iridhe Leachdaich (Leacaich). The flatstone-fold bum. Runs south into Loch Sligachan.

A llt na h -A rtaig (na H artaig). The EParta bum (corrie). Coolins. Runs from Dunvegan Head into Loch Dunvegan.

A llt na L eth-P heigh in n . Half-penny burn. Probably runs through a half-penny land. See Abhainn an Uil’ Leitir.’

A llt na L uachrach. Reedy burn, or burn of the reeds, rashes, or rushes.


A llt na L uideach (? L uideag). Luideach is an adjective signifying ‘ ragged.’ The ‘ Luideag ’ was a monster well known in Strath and alsewbere in Skye. See ‘ Loch na Meall.’ This monster, however, was spelled ludag, the little finger, having only one short arm and hand, isticking out of the breast!

A llt na L uinge. Ship burn. Buns into Loch Dunvegan at Hallin.

A llt na M arag (? M araig). The bum of bowels or puddings. Supposed scene of disembowelling or gralloching. Marag also means wild mustard.

A llt na M eachan. Broadford. Mmcan? If so, it means root, plant, etc., and there are several different. See Dictionaries.

A llt na M easarrach (M isreach). The burn of the temperate. N.E. of Marsco. If Misreach, might be meant for measrach, gen. of meamir, dish, milk-dish, etc. Rises between Marsoo and Sconser, red hills, and flows into Sligachan iRiver.

A llt nam F itheach . The ravens’ bum. Runs into the Eynort river.

A llt nam M eirleach. Thieves’ river. A branch of the Tun- gadal river. See * Allt a Mhèirlich.’

A llt na M na M airbh (also given na Mnathan Marbh). Strath. The bum of the dead women. Runs south into Loch Sligachan.

A llt na M oine. Moss, peat-moes bum.

A llt nan Clachan G eala. White-stones bum. East pf Sgurr-nan-Gillean.

Allt na N ighidh (N igheadh). Washing bum. See ‘ Allt na Nighinn,’ Sleat. This, in common with many other rivers, etc., was reputed for the ‘ Bean-nighe ’ having been seen here frequently, but may be merely where clothes were washed. ‘Allt na Nighinn ’ runs into sea at Ardglass Point, q.v. See also Raasay.

A llt nan L eac. Flat-stones’ bum. Flows south into Soay Sound.

A llt nan Con. Dogs’ river. Strath.

42 PLACE-NAMES OP SKYE

A llt nan Criopag. Burn of the wrinkles, rimples.A llt nan G eal Ch arn . White cairns’ burn.A llt nan Easan D ubha. Black or dark water-falls’ burn.A l l t nan Sac. Sacks’ bum.

A llt nan Suidheachan. Seats’ or shelving rocks’ bum. See ‘ Allt an t-Suidhe.

A llt nan Suibheag. (W ild) raspberries’ bum (or strawberries* Sùbhag).

A llt nan T ighean . Houses’ burn.A llt na Pairce. Park river. Flows into Loch Eishort near

Boraraig.A llt na Plaide . Blanket bum (washing). Plaide also means

‘ plot of ground.’A llt na P otag. Between Strathaird and Elgol. Before there

was a regularly constructed road, while carrying home meal on their backs, people rested here when hungry, and made a lump (or pòtag) of the meal with water from this bum.

A llt na P rionnsa, A llt a P hrionnsa (Tearlach). See ‘ Tobar.’

A llt na R igheachan or R uigheachan . Burn of the herdsmen’s fields or summer residence. Base of a hill. Strath.

A l l t na Said h e . Bum of the female dog, or wolf; or ‘ Allt an t-Saighe.’

A llt na Seiceinear or Seiceinean (Seicheadair, skinner). Hides burn. Back of Kilbride, Strath. People of yore made their own cuarain, shoes, or boots, the hides for leather being steeped in the water of this burn. May mean tanner’s or currier’s burn.

A llt na Sgeithe Bain e . Burn of the white wing. Part of a country side, sometimes jutting into the sea.

A llt na S muide . Burn of the smoke or mist. Runs into Loch Diubaig. A natural arch here.

A llt Osecouland. Runs into Camus Tianavaig, q.v.A llt P eighinn Sobhraig. Bum of the pennyland of the

primroses; or primrose pennyland. Also said to be Peighinn Saurvik, i.e., mud bay. See ‘ Peinsoraig.’

A llt P oll- a-B h aine . Milk-pool burn. In Suiehnieh.A llt P ort- na-C ullaidh , q.v. Burn of the port of the cowL

Probably a monk’s landing-place. The word culmdh is used as a term for a boat; cullaidh or cullidh, horse.

A llt R e id h . The smooth or smooth-flowing burn.

A llt R eireig. Reireag bum. See Raasay.A llt R iosdail. Also a Creag R iosdail. But see £ Creag

Nisdale.’ There is a word riostal or risteal akin to crann- ruslaidh or rustlaidh, plough for rough ground or between, rows, grubber.

A llt R obach. The rough burn. Robach is more generally applied to animals, etc.

A llt R uadh . Red burn.

A llt R uaraidh or R uairidh . Roderick’s burn.

A llt R uidhe . Pronounced like Mool-ruibhe, saint’s name without the Maol. But see ‘ Allt na Righeachan.’

A llt Slapin or Shlaopain. Slapin burn. See ‘ Abhainn,r etc. Runs from Beinn Dearg Mhor, etc., into Loch Slapin,

A llt Shlugainn D heas. South-pool burn. Watemish. Rune into Loch Snizort.

A llt Slugain M headhoin . Mid-pool burn. See above.A llt Srath-S uardal. Strathswordle bum, q.v.A llt Storachan. Little Storr bum. Also given as the miser’s

burn. See ‘ Storr.’A llt Suardal. Suardal burn. Runs into south of Loch Dun-

vegan from Beinn Bhreac.A llt Tarsuinn. The cross or transverse burn. Between Loch

Buidhe and Allt a Mhuilinn, q.v.A llt T oraig. Torag Bum.A llt T ot’ a Chocaire, q.v. Burn of the cook’s house or dwell

ing. Cook at Duntulm Castle, Kilmuir.A llt T ota T haoig, q.v.A llt U il ’ L eitir . See ‘Abhainn Uil’ Leitir.’A llt Varragell, q.v.A llt Voaker. In Bracadale.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 43-


A llt Y elkie , Sealgaidh . Shealg. Hunt bum, q.v. Flows into Camus Beag, Uig.

A ltair . A cromlech, shaped like the form of an altar. Near Elgol, Strath.

A ltavaig, A ltaiveg, etc. Altvig bay, Swan bay, from alft or nipt, swan, and vig or vik, bay. Cf. ‘ Altanish.’ This is an island off Flodigarry, and the name is given to a mountain and headland there. Kilmuir.

There was a chapel thereon sacred to Saint Turos. Pont gives Altavise, Altavick, seat and isle. Martin gives Altig, island. This island is a sort of natural breakwater to the open harbour of Loch Staffin.

A madal (A mat) Coire and Bealach.

A mar (river). The trough or river of the rocky channel. Old Highlanders used this word for a pot.

A nabhaig or A nbhaig . S e e ‘ A llt .’

An D oirneil. The stony or gravelly place. A bay north of Camus Bàn, Dunvegan.

A n F haoilinn . See ‘ Faoileann.’A n F heiste . See ‘ Feiste.’

A n I nnean . The anvil, a peculiar boulder near Tobar nan Uaislean, q.v.

A n nat . This is thought to be a purely Celtic word of unknown antiquity, though it has come to mean, or be applied to, mere money in connection with the Scottish Christian Church, etc., in addition to ‘ a parent Church,’ or the ‘ Mother Church ’ over Columban monasteries. To give all gathered as to these Christian Church meanings would take up too much space here, though generally interesting; so the following remarks are confined to what has been advanced as to the primary signification of the word or term itself. This has had to be applied throughout this work.

Like all other very ancient Celtic words, the different spellings are many in number. Among those found singly and in compound words or names are Ainnit, Anaid, Anait, Anate, Andat, Andate, Andet, Annaid, Annait,


Ann&nd, Annaty, Annet, Annettis, Annait, Annoid, Annoit, Annot, Annottis, Annuid; Ennet, Ennets, Ennot; Hamet (?) Hanat; Innit, Innuit.

In connection with other words, there are many of the' following throughout Scotland, e.g., Ach’ na h-Anait,. Annatsfield, Annatstoun or toune, Annetswell, Annaty burn, Annothill; Annuid (1509) in ferins of Islay payable to Exchequer; Badnabanait, the clump or copse of the iannat; Ralnanait, annatstoun; Clachnahanait, stone of the annat; Ennet’s or Ennot’s hillock. Also temples, wells, promontories, etc.

With few exceptions, all the above are applied to places where the monks are known, or presumed, to have made a Christian isettlement, and consequently said to date only from such settlement, but, as is now well known, sacredness of shrines, etc., can be traced back through Christianity to Paganism, bo the reverence paid to Pagan stones, groves, wells, etc., was generally, and as a matter of expediency, transferred to the Christian places of worship.

Seats, rivers, and streams were believed by the natives to be invested with spirits whose name is legion, numerous sacred jshrines being set up. In some places, water is not only venerated because of such spirits dwelling in it, but is (or was) actually looked upon as a living thing full of malice against human beings, and always ready to do them a bad turn.

In regard to such stones, etc., whereon Christian sculptures may appear (see Stuart’s ‘ Sculptured Stones of Scotland,’ and Petrie’s £ Round Towers of Ireland ’), such sculptures were * probably engraved on pillars or standing stones which had been previously erected.’

Many of the £ Annats ’ are claimed1—and it is believed correctly—as pre-Christian.

To show the diffusion of the word £ Annat ’ throughout Scotland, the following alphabetical list is given:

Airdrie has Annothill; Appin, Balnahanait, town of the Annat; Beauly (Bewlie), Annat on river Beauly; Crom- dale, Hamet, which equals Annat, the double n being eclipsed by the aspirate; Fife, Annat; Forfar, Annatstoun or toune. (1661, 1688, and 1693) Mention is made under these years in retours of J. Wood, H. Crawford, and Baron Northeek, Redcastle. Harris, island of Calligray, has Temple, Well, and Promontory of the Annat; Huntly

-46 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE

(1685), the lands of Annat lying within the parochins Killchyrill and Killmanevock, also Annetswell; Kilchren- nan has Hanat, and the field of the burying of the Annat; while there are two more at least in Argyllshire; Kil- mallie, Inverness-shire, Annaid; Kincardine O’Neil, Ennets (1597); Lewis (Eileanan Seunta, Garbh Eilean), Airidhean na h-Annaid; Lochaber, Annat, in the lands of Loc(h)geall (Lochiel). There is the Annat meal mill at Corpach, Fort William; Logie, Annat; Methlic, Andat, Andate, Andet, also Well or Wells of same; Menteith, at burn of Kailly Chat, Annat; Midlothian, Annetscross; Moidart, Annat; Montrose, Ennet (Ennell), Sandbank; Morvern, Ach’ na h-Anait, the field of; Perth, numerous, Balnahanait, Andate, Annat, Annet in Kilmadock, also Annettis, Annottis, Annetstoun; Rannoch, Annaty; Ross- ehire, several, the Annat of Castlecraig, Nigg (Annot, 1611), in Contin, at the Cairn, also river, burying ground, and stone of the Annat, etc.; Scone, Annaty burn; Skye has at least four, stone, well, Annat Bay, etc.; Loehbroom, Camus, etc.; Strathdon, Ennets or Ennots hillock and Badnahanaid; Sutherland, Acha na h-Anaid, see song by Rob Donn, ‘ Na Greiseachan beaga.’ (In Ireland, near Arklow, is Anatchaltain or Anatcaltren.) In Ross-shire at any rate it is found as a personal name.

It is believed that these are but a few of the Annats known to be in Scotland from c Killegray ’ of Harris to Groam of Beauly.

Professor Mackinnon considered the word to be ‘ still of doubtful etymology,’ so the following is given for what it is worth.

It should be noted, however, that the word an in Old Celtic signifies ‘ water,’ near which, so far as known, the Pagan shrine, now usurped by Christian churches, or remains thereof, existed; and in regard to this word an (or en) a curved line, representing our letter £ n ’ stood as the ancient hieroglyphic for * water ’ in the hieratic character, thousands of years before the Christian era.

An is the name of many rivers in France, Switzerland, and Russia. Alternative forms are Ach, Acha, Aach, Adhen. Aar or Aare, Swiss river.

An also signifies ‘ noble ’ and ‘ swift,’ while the word miner stands for an dobur, swift running or flowing water, now our word tobar.


Another meaning has connected our word annat with, iann, a circle, possibly the place where the Pagans, as represented by their priests, or Druids, celebrated rites, re-ann being given as a Gaelic word for a star, with its dim. reemnag, or fionnag. The Latin word ann-us, it may be noted, signifies a circle or revolution of the year, or a year; also a iScythian name for the moon.

In Irish mythology, ‘ Ann ’ is the mother of all the gods, and had her temple at or near some spring, or other water, where all the known mnats invariably are, giving rise to one etymology, viz., <m aite, the place at (or near) water; ain, an, en, on, all signifying ‘ water ’ in some shape or other. ‘ Ainet ’ is the name of a river in Uganda. The worship of the goddess Anaitis is of Indian origin, partaking of an objectionable mode of worship. Cf.‘ Anaietis of the Lydians.’ The name ‘ Ann ’ has also been held to be that of a heathen goddess of * Victory ’ among the ancient Gaels, and ‘ Neit ’ is said to be the ‘ Goddess of Victory.’ Pennant says that c Tempul na h-Anait ’ was considered a Druidical place of worship; while Bishop Forbes said the name was that of a heathen goddess,‘ Neithe,’ goddess of wells, equal to An Neite, the water or well of Neit or Neith, or1 however spelled. Cf.* Abernethy.’ To quote Bishop Forbes: ‘ “ Annat ” N. end of Galligray, ruins of “ Teampull na h-Anait,” the temple of (the) Annat, a goddess mentioned by mythologists as having for her particular province the care of young maidens (but see * Teampull Anait ’), “ Tobar na h-Anait,” the well of (the) Annat, and “ Eu na h-Annait,” point or promontory of (the) Annat are close by ’ (the interpolated ‘ the’ is ours). See ‘ Old Statistical Account,’ vol. x., p. 375; vol. xx., p. 389: ‘ New Statistical Account,’ vol. xiv., Part I., p. 305. ‘ The Temple of Annat ’ should be in Gaelic Teampull Annaid, but, as given by the Bishop, it means, as above, ‘ The Temple of the Annat ’ (or mother Church), which was evidently running in the Bishop’s mind, not of any ‘ goddess’ Annat. This, of course, applies also to other names so translated. ‘ Tobar Annaid,’ according to our present mode of writing Gaelic, means simply ‘ Annat’s Well,’ while * Tobar na h-Anaid, evidently the more modern monkish form or term ‘ Well •of the Annat,’ or another Church.

The learned Rev. Dr. Macqueen, of Skye, also claimed

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE

the ‘ Annate ’ as pre-Christian, and maintained the Gaelic? meaning as ‘ The Water Place.’

Holy Scripture has been cited also in evidence. ‘ Hamatr ‘ Beth-Hamet,’ and £ Beth-Anait ’ (Joshua xix., 35 and 38; Judges i., 33), said to mean ‘ The House of Annat. but this is more than doubtful. There is a word ‘ Anand/ signifying ja igoddeiss.

So strongly did our Christian ancestors believe in the Pagan origin of ‘ Annat ’-named burial grounds, that these were used for the sepulture of unbaptised children. Some writers place the Annats back to a pre-Celtic or Iberian age, though the stones, in Skye and elsewhere, called ‘Clach (or clacban) na h-Anait,’ may well have been continued to be erected by our Celtic Pagan forefathers, such stones being raised possibly to the goddess who is said to be the female representative of ‘ Ann,’ the chief or great god of heaven. In reference to the ‘ Annat ’ stone, we find a verse in the ‘ Celtic Review,’ as follows:

‘ The Ficms from their shealings came With offerings to the god of flame;And round them thrice they sun-wise went,Then naked-kneed in silence bent

Beside the Pillar Stone.'

‘ Hoar Stone ’ in Scotland, an unhewn monolith as a memorial or boundary stone or both, is said to be the same as the Annat Stone; there are ‘ Hare or hoar cairns ’ also.

Mythology, tradition, topography, monuments, etc., alike (testify to this ancient worship among our Pagan forefathers; while we gather from Reeves’ edition of Adamnan’s ‘ Life of St. Columba ’ that they (the Celts) worshipped the powers and elements of nature, the heavenly bodies, rivers, fountains, and such like—the lowest form of a religion, but strong and genuine. This worship, as is generally known, came from the East, and was there among the Phoenicians, who worshipped Baal and other gods grossly.

As is well known now, all wells, etc., were Christianised, or appropriated to Christian uses, etc., when the people were converted from Paganism to what has been described as a spurious Christianity, and the Cyclopean fanes of the heathen became places of worship to the new Christians,


. In fact, well-worship was very general in the three kingdoms; what used to be the Celtic equivalents of the Greek ‘ Fountains of the Nymphs 5 were consecrated as ‘ Holy Wells ’ from Columba onward, who ‘ sanctified ’ no less than 300 springs- The same applies to ‘ Stones.’

Boewell, in his ‘ Lif e of Johnson, _(' Tour to the Hebrides’), says 'he could not describe what he heard.’ Johnson described it as ‘ a mere physiological name,’ when reference was made to the ‘ Temple ’ four miles from Dunvegan.

Charles Stewart writes on the subject in ‘ Gaelic Kingdom in Scotland ‘An also equals “ gods.” E.g., An-laf (heir of the A uses) equals Olave; Gaelic Amhlaibh equals Aulay.’

‘ Annat ’ also is not unknown as a personal name, a family of that name hailing from Dornoch; and although this may be merely an accidental similarity, it may be mentioned that the New Year’s cake is called in Brittany, Calanna or Calannat.

All the foregoing is given for what it is worth, in the hopes that it may lead to a more definite solution of the term.

A nnishader, A nnishaider, A nishader . Snizort. Shader, a seat, a residence. See ‘ Amishader.’

An Tom. The hillock or knoll. S.E. of Portree.An t-S ratha M hoir . The great strath. Kilmuir?A odann-C lach. Face stone, from resemblance to a human

face. Near Heast.A oineasdal (aonach ? a green plain near the shore, or aoine,

fast—from food). Hunger Hall? Aoineadh, a steep, steep brae with rocks; also Gleann. The word aenach or aonach means a moor or market-place, an ascent.

In many cases the Ard prefix as follows should be Aird, with or without the hyphen.

Ard-A chadh. Highfield. South of Lower Kilchrist.A rd, A ird , or A irde an t -S abhail. Talisker. The bara-

height or promontory; also given Aird-an-t-Shobhail, Sabhail, hill equal to Ha-fjall, high fell. ‘ Ard-an-t-Ha- fjall.

D


A rd Beag, A rdiveg (several). The little height. North of Ard Mor, Vaternish.

A rd B hornis. A point opposite Raasay. ? Bhoranais, i.e., Borgar-nes.

A rd D orch. The dark height. Portree. ‘ Ardoracha ’ ìd Strath, but thought Ard Or acha. Also Aird, a® ‘ Airderachig,’ the height or point on the starboard side sailing into Portree Bay. Also called ‘ Ard ’ or ‘ Aird Dubh,’ black height or promontory. Near Loch Slapin. The term above given oracha, thought may be orthacha or orthachan, prayers, etc. Also said to be at Loch Eynort, but may be £ Ard-Daraich.’

A rdfiech (eithich). Ravens’ height. Brae near Portree.A rdfreck. Minginish. Ardfhraic, Ardireck, Ardfreet, Ard-

freight, Ardbhreac; also Aird Tearc. Oynart and Braca- dale. See ‘ Aird Bhreac.’

A rdglass P oint. See £ Rudha.’A rd-na- h -E ireachd or nan E ireachd . The assembly height.

South of Poll na h-Eealaidh, q.v.A rdhoil. Minginish. Ardhoals, Ardhole, Ardholes, Ard-

'houlet, Ardhoulls, Ardhaulie, Ardhoulie. Little and Meikle. Ard choill, the wood or woody height or promontory.

A rdmore. A curious L-shaped promontory near Trumpan.A rd-na-M ourcladh. About nine miles from Portree. See

‘ Drochaid,’ etc.A rd nan A than or G ob a R udha . A t Dunvegan. Point of

the kilns and1 point of the promontory. See £ Celtic Monthly ’ for October, 1914.

A rd nan E ireachd . Snizort, near Cuidrach. Height or promontory of the meetings, assembly, or congregations of people. Similar name in Kilmuir.

A rd-R oag. Roag height or promontory, q.v.A rd or A ird M hic Eolain or Ceolain . Kilmuir. See ‘Rudha,’

etc. A local meaning given is ‘ Aird Mhic Fhaolain,’ also £ Aird an Eolain,’ wihere they threw oil on the water to smooth the sea when rounding this stormy point! and Ard’ Ic Thorlain. Ardnakeldan, given by Pont, thought to be the same; also Ardvetfullan, or ane.


A rdnish (Ard nish or ness). Height or extremity of the point or promontory. Strath. See £ Aehig.’ Here Lachlan Mackinnon, the bard, lived.

Ard Snusaich (? Snaosaig). Smoisich, to slice. See £ Sleat.’A richaehich. Strath. Airidh chamach, the cairney, lumpy,

or stony field or sheiling.A rinaceaig. The rock sheiling. Strath. See £ Airidh na

Cjreige.’A rlish . See * Earlais.’A rnacnaip. Glendale. Battle, slaughter, or combat of the

little hills or knolls. Ar or arna, as below.A rnamul. Am, am, eagle, and mul, isle. Eagle Me.A rnaval. Am and val, eagle mount or fell (fjall). South of

Loch Hiarport (1,191 ft.).A rnish . Portree. Eagle ness, am and nes. Am or Orn, a

proper name, equals eagle; fem. ama.A rnishader, A inishadder . Snizort. Near Scoribreac. Arn-

setr, Eagle place of residence,A rnisort, A rnizoEt . East of Loch Greshomish, Watemish.

Am or orn (gen. amar), eagle, and fjord, sea loch, firth. A Iso used as a proper name. Found given also as ard, a height, and fjord.

A ros, A ras, a dwelling. It is the Norse for Inver—Inver-aros in Raasay, a hybrid; os, a river-mouth; oss (oyce), a water. Cf. £ Arasaig,’ aros vik.

A rivilveag (Airidh ’Bhaile Bheag?). Mhill ?A rtbrannan. See ‘ Tobar.’ Also given as a little stream,

artan, airtein, a stone, a pebble.A saint, A ssind (Saint). Church or chapel in Bracadale. Cf.

Assynt, 1343; Asseynkt, Assynkte; Assend, 1455, etc. Ass, inn, 'peaked points? Norse, Asynte, means ‘ seen from afar’ ; pr rocky ridge, endi, end. Old Norse for a pole, a main rafter, a yard. But slee £ As-da-bogha.’

A scrib, A scrip, etc. Islands at entrance of, and forming ;a breakwater to, Loch Snizort. They are at least three in number, or seven in all. The Ascribs are in Water nish, and east of Waternish Point. The names of the chief ones are Eilein loeal, Creagach, Garave, and S, Ascrib; some smaller islets also. Low, Rocky, and Rough Isles. Called Askerin by Dean Monro.


A s-da-B ogha; A s-da-T on . See ‘ Achatalain.’ As, ridge of a kiJl, and bogha, lands, q.v. Am, As, Norse and Danish prefix, ridge.

A shig, A iseag, A ishig , A shaig, etc. See ‘ Askimolruy/ Strath, between Broadford and Kyleakin. The crossings the ferry. Ashig, properly Aisig, is the verb to ferry over. The noun is aiseag, a ferry, a crossing. A saying exists in Strath, ‘ Uisge Ashig 's bainne Airdnis,' ‘(Spring) water from Ashig, and milk from Ardnish ’ (a neighbouring promontory), deemed, locally, the best to be found in Skye (Airidh, Gill, Loch, Biver, and Rudha). Boats used to isail from North Uist from ‘ Airidh ’ and ‘ Rudha.’ In titles described “ 5 single penny land of Asig or Ashaig.’ Kilchrist. Traditions of a rock pulpit here; also of a miraculous bell. A famous well here in an enclosure of large stones, and covered in.

Some allege this to mean St. Ashig or Asaph, but, it is thought, erroneously. There is given in O.S. as in Eiggr ‘Rudti an Aiseid,' which should be ‘Rudha an Fhasaidh,' level land Point. This is said to be the only one occurring in the Western Isles, but see £ Fasach.’ ‘ Cladh Ashaig/ modern name for landing place of Maolrubha. Ashaig was a sanctuary; hence the word cladhaire in connection with it and other similar sanctuaries, a church-yard dweller, a coward. In connection with this word, a favourite arithmetical puzzle in Skye is termed ‘ Aiseag na h-aimhne,7 ‘ the ferry or crossing of the river, possibly of the nature of ‘ the fox, the goose, and the bag of barley ’ puzzle.

A skerin . See ‘ Eilean.’ Monro’s name for the Ascrib Isles.A skimilruby, A skemourey, A skemorruy (Askimilruby:

Aiseag, Aisig Maolrubha). The ferry of Maelrube, Mul- roo, meaning as generally understood ‘ the servant of peace/ Saint Maolruba or Maree. In 1505 Askimiruby; on maps Cill Ashig, Ashaig (Macbain). See also ‘ Ashig.’ Kil- maree in Strath and Kilmolruy in Bracadale were commemorative of Saint Maolrubha, whose principal church of Apercrossan, pow Applecross (A' Chmraich, the sanctuary), is within view on the mainland to the N.E. Saint Maolrubha was patron saint oif the S.E. portion of Skye. He is described in a Feilire as a son of Ealganach, of the race of Eoghan, son of Niall, Abbot of Benchar.


He blessed Apurcrossan, and died a .d . 721, aet. 80. His mother’s name was Suaibheach or Subhthan.

Another Strath saying is ‘ Aisig Mhaolrubba or Mhaolruibhe, ait' iomallach an domhain.’ Maolruba’s Ferry-port, a place on the fringe of the universe. Maol- rubha also spelled Molroy, Marrow, Maree, Ru, Mereve. Dr. iReeves enumerates twenty-one places where this evangelist was. St. Maolrubha was worshipped as a god under the title ‘ Mourie,’ an oblation of milk being poured on a stone in his honour annually on 25th August. Elsewhere found as 21st April. The prefix Maol signified of old £ slave,’ the term Gille, servant, having taken its place. Strath was formerly called ‘ Kilcrist in Askimilruby.’ A bell of the isaint used to be in Old Parish Church.

A th an In bh ir e . The ford of the Inver, or confluence ion stream flowing into Loch Chriest, q.v.

Ath, a ford, has the genitive form atha, frequently used; a is merely a phonetic softener between two consonants, Allt '(a) Fiodhach, Sleat, q.v.] Bae (a) Ruadh, etc. When Ath means a ford, it is masculine; a kiln (feminine).

A th (a ) R uadh . See‘ Allt.’A th na Glaissich, G laiseach. Ford of the foam.A th nan Sac. See ‘ A llt .’

A thoraster, A throsater, A throsator, A throsader. Raasay. Ath hross setr, ford of the horse place.

A uchan Sw in ish (Suanish or Suanaich). Swedish. See ‘ Suishnish.’ Amhacham,, a little neck or narrow spit of land? Auch also equals achadh, a field.

A uchinin. Translated ‘ Field of the claws’ ; mean, plural of ionga; also said to mean ‘ Field of quarrels,’ probably a ‘ tooth and nail ’ combat. Achadh na h-inean. Might be Inghean, girls. Portree.

A uchnabard. See ‘ Achadh,’ etc.A uldoe. A burn or river, not known where.A ultchorryvreskill. A sheiling. Coireisgill? See ‘ Bealach

Corcisgill.’ Ault or allt.A usabost. See ‘ Husabost.’A uskaig. See * Oskaig.’


BB ac-a-R a n n . Bac means (1) a bend, hollow; (2) a bank,,

especially a peat-bank. The latter is from Norse bakki, a bank. Rami means part or portion, also promontory or ridge. See‘ Mac.’

Bac (a ) R uadh . The red ridge; explained also as Bac-nas- ruidhe, rithe, or ridhe, the ridge of the dairy or sheiling.

B ac-a -L ethchoin or L ethchoinein . The ridge of the strange or foreign rabbit, half (or almost) a dog. At back of Belig.

Bac-na-h ’U am h a . Cave ridge. At back of Garbh-Bheinn.B ad-a-C h lam hain . Buzzard thicket. Found spelled chlam-

hainn, chlamhuinn, which, however, mean® sleet.Badnacarrie, Badnacarry. Bad na cairidh, thicket of the

weir or paved ford. Bad na h-airigh also found, sheiling copse.

Bad nan N athraichean . Serpents’ thicket.Bagh . Bay, Bay head, in Waternish.. Neil Macnab, a bard,

born here 1740, died 1818.Baghan. The little bay, in Torrin, Strath. A local harbour.

Baghan bmrblach or Buarblaig (? bliochd) suggested milch-oow bay, in Glenelg, on mainland opposite. This word (buarblach) said to be derived from muir builg, swelling sea, the murbolc of Adamnan. Near here the two Fingalians, Acunn and Readh, are said to be buried. See ‘ Iomaire nam Fear mora,’ in Glenelg.

Bagh D h u in . The bay of the dun or fort; or Bagh an Didn't Dunvegan.

Bagh D un-R uaige. See ‘ Sleat.’Bagh nan G unnaichean. See ‘ Na Gunnaichean.’Balle. The primary meaning of this word is * a spot,’ and

frequently used as a prefix. In an ancient Celtic poem,‘ bailè ’ is described as containing grazing for 300 cows, and as much tillage land as seven ploughs could turn over in the year. The demesne of Tara, in Ireland, for instance, contained seven such bailes or bailtean. Bailè equal to Norse col and bo for host, hamlet, village, or town.

B ail ’ a Chlarsair. Harper’s town, Waternish.


Baile M eadhonach. The mid or central town or village or township. In Glen Hinisdal. See ‘ Balmeanach.’

Bail ’ an T ailleie . Known as ‘ Tailor’s town; but see ‘ Gedintailleir.’

Baile M hic Illeeiabhaich . Generally given as * the township of the son of the grey or grizzled youth or servitor.’ In Kilmuir, south-west of Troternish. This word or name has exercised the English or Lowland scribe in no small degree, and is met with in some grotesque forms, e.g., M'lleriabkaigh, Bailigilireanch, Baliregillcreavich, Ball- viegillwieavick, etc. According to the best authority obtainable, the Macllwraiths or Macllraiths belonged to, and held, the lands and township of above name, a bond of manrent between them and one of the Macdonalds of the Isles having been signed at Castle Cammes (Knock), Sleat, on August 13th, 1632. The original of this bond is alleged to be in the possession and custody of the Rev. A. J. Macdonald, of Killearnan Manse, Ross-shire, R.S.O., joint historian, ‘ Clan Donald,’ who writes: ‘ The above name means, and is, the village of the Macllraiths; their patronymic was “ Clann Ilerich,” and, when asked to write, always wrote “ MacDonald.” ’ This place is said to be on the farm of Kilmorey, in Troternish, the lands having been held by ‘ Clann Domhnuill Riabhach,’ hereditary bards to Macleod of Dunvegan, afterwards to the Macdonalds of Sleat (Clann Uisdean) first half of sixteenth century. These bards were originally filched by the MacLeods from the Macdonalds, to whom Domhnull Riabhach owed allegiance and claimed kinship. As bards to the Macdonalds, they held lands in Kilmuir, having held lands from the Macleods in Boraraig.

The founder or common ancestor of the Macllraiths was, as said, Domhnull Riabhach, Donald the Grizzly, like Donald Gruamach, Gilleasbuig Gruamach (the surly), etc.; he was doubtless so named from being a doughty, grizzly man of valour; a bard, seanachie, and leader of men.

This clan, or rather sept, of the great Clan Donald has survived and flourished apace, as evidenced by their number and position at this day; while, under cognizance of the Court of the Lord Lyon of Scotland, their arms are recorded in favour of one representative at least, viz., William MacLaren MacILraith, as follows: ‘ Shield purpure, a saltire between a galley, sails furled, oars in action


in chief, and an iEsculapian rod in base, and in the dexter flank a stag’s head cabossed, and on the sinister an eagle displayed—all argent. Escrol under same, ‘ Per mare per terras.’ Above the shield is placed a helmet befitting his degree, with a mantling purpure doubled argent, and on a wreath of (his liveries is set for creast a dexter arm in armour fesswise, couped at the elbow proper, the hand holding a cross crosslet fitched gules. Escrol over same motto, * Air muir ’s air tir.’

The meaning attached to ‘ Macllle ’ as ‘ son of the youth,7 is thought incorrect, as the ‘ Ille,’ or ‘ II/ is just the last letters of ‘ Domhnuill ’ contracted to ‘ Dho’ill,’ and latterly to £ ill,’ or ‘ II/ as now, ‘ raith/ of course, standing for ‘ riabhach.’

This progenitor of the clan, or sept, Macllraith, was not singular in the appellation of ‘ Riabhach,’ for a supposed predecessor of mankind was, and still is, styled ‘ Am Fear Riabhach/ the grizzly, brindled, or singed one! while ‘ Mac-an-riabhaich,’ or ‘ ’Mhic an Fhir Riabhaich,’ is an epithet hurled against a desperately wicked man! Further, we have ‘ Sleibhte riabhach, ’ but translated ‘ Russet Sleat/ while the name ‘ Darroch ’ is dath riabhach, russet coloured. The name Riach or Reach is the same as riabhach. We find Sir Walter Scott parodied the name as ‘ Muckle- wrath.’ See ‘ Lebost,’ under ‘ Raasay,’ for ‘ Donelrich ’ or ‘ Domhnull riabhach.5

B a il e n a h - A car said (or A c a ir s e id ) . See ‘ Portree.’B a il e S h e o r ac h (? S h e o r a s ) . Also found given as sobhrach,

abounding in primroses.B a l g o w n , B a l g o w a n . Bail’ a ghobhainn, the (black) smith’s

township, in Bracadale. In common with many other townships in Skye, this place does not now exist, it is thought. Some others are Delista, Feaull, Graulin, Lachsay, Scorr, etc., being all depopulated and added to large farms. The word gabhann, or gobhainn, has been found translated ‘ cattlefold/ while a somewhat similarly sounding word, gamhainn, means a stirk or a year-old calf.

B a l in t o r e , B a l in t u r e , B o l e n t u r e , etc., in Minginish; also, of old, in Oynart and Bracadale. C .f. Balintore, in Fearn, Ross shire. Means Bail' an todhair, bleaching town— secondary meaning; primarily ‘ manure.’


B a l l a c h , B e a la c h (Am bealach, upper and lower). The Pass, in Kilmuir. See ‘ Bealach.’ The first of above has other meanings.

B a l l ie c h u r n e , B a il e ’C h u ir n . The ca irn tow n . See ‘ R a a sa y .’

B a l l is h a r e , B a il e s e a r (Ear, east; iar, siar, s-iar, west—the s after the vowel) East town. One of the same name in North Uist. A prophecy exists that here (Skye) will be held a meeting of white coats and red coats, possibly soldiers in undress and full uniform. This is said to have taken place.

B almacqtjien, B a l v ic k q u ia n , etc., in Kilmuir. Baile Mhic Cuiihein, MacCuien or Quithan’s town, a small sept of no great renown. There is a proper name, £ M£Quan,’ found in the Register of Births, etc., for the parish of Kilmuir, also spelled M‘Quam and M'Quain, which some allege to be the modern M ‘Queen, which, however, is MacCuinn, MacSuibhne.

B a l m a in is h , B a l m a n is h . Magnus’ town, after Magnus, King of Norway, a noble man of his time. Also designed Manos, King of Scandinavia.

B a lm e an a ch , B a l m e a n o c k , etc. (Of old, Oynart and Bracadale.) Baile meadhonach, Mid-township, between eastern and western townships. See ‘ Balishare.’

B a lm o r e , etc., in Duirinish. Bailè mor, great township.B a l n a k e e p a n , B a il e n a C io p a in (or n a n C ip e a n ) . Tether-

peg town, or stake town. See ‘ Haas ay.’B a l n a k n o c k , B a i l ’ a C hn oc (or C h n u ic ) . Knock or knoll

town. Uig, Snizort. Cnoc frequently pronounced crochd.B a l n a k it a g . See ‘ Bornaskitag.’ Baile tor Borg,B a l v ic h a y , B e l v ic v a . South of Clachamus, Snizort.B a n d a r s a ig . Meaning not fo u n d .

B a r d , a m . A district composed of several low-lying meadows, subject to floods. Bard, a meadow, a park, also a dyke or enclosure; cf. the Scottish word ‘ ward.’ Given also ias ‘ Paulfield,’ in Kilmuir.

B a r r n a L tjinge. Ship-point. On Skinidin Common.B a r r a n a s k e t a ig (Pont). See ‘ Bornaskitag.’


Barrasgil, Barr A sk il or A s K etil? The summit of Ketil’s land or place. In Glen Meadhonach.

'B aro n esm o r (Burr an eas mor). The summit or top of the great waterfall. Baramosmor in Coll. de Reb. Alb. In Troteraess.

Barpa. A barrow, a cairn; plural Barpannan, na Barpannan (Barh, a variant of Beorgh). Matheson, in his ‘ Place- names of Elgin,’ says, * Conical heaps of stones put up as memorials of the dead, or any great event.’ Met with elsewhere, described as ‘ barrows,’ or tumuli. In Uist, ‘ Barpa ’ is used as a name—or the name—for a chambered cairn, evidently for sepulture; Barpa Langais between Lochmaddy and Clachan. Professor Blackie, in the lay, ‘ Death of Haoo,’ has ‘ stony Parf.’ Cape Wrath is called ‘ Am Parbh ’ in Gaelic, from the Norse ‘ Hvarf, ’ a turning, winding; Eng., wharf. In Lewis, Cape Wrath is called An Carbh, where the Gadelic love of c above p appears. At head of Loch Caroy (Duirinish) are two, called tumuli. See * Dun Feorlig.’ MacBain quotes H. S. D. as to ‘ Barba ’ being a Skye word. M‘A. says same. The word is general in the Hebrides.

B a r v ie . Broadford.B a s a d a ir (a m ) . The Executioner. A corrie between Sgurr

nan gillean and Bruthach na frithe. See ‘ Coire Bhasadair.’

B a u l h e sh a m u l (BaiV eas na (or a) mul?) The township of the islet waterfall. This name, however, is just Buaile Chisamul or Hisamel (local). Like Cinnsborg, Cisburg, it is said to have been erected mainly for the collection of levies or exaction of dues on the surrounding district. ‘ Cis amail’ (email, stop, hinder, etc., and cis, tax). Cf. Caisteal Chisamul, Castlebay, Barra.

Bay, i.e., Camus or Cammes, q.v. Watemish. In old titles coupled with Cambloch or Camblock, Duirinish. A hamlet and sea-loch. See 4 Camalag.’ Cam (a) loch.

Bead. Bioda, na cloiche glaise. The point, summit or top of the grey stone.

Beal, Beul, Bial, B iel. Mouth. This is ia common pasturage and lair or lying place for cattle.


B e a l a c h , B e l l a c h , B a l l a c h , B a l l o c h , etc. The Pass, in. Troternish. (2) Between Coirembadaidh and Lota Corrie,. Coolins; or An Dorus. The word Bealach is common and very general; one in Skye designed as ‘a hill overlooking Uig and Idrigill, Kilmuir.’ Gatherings of discontented local natives have been held on the hilly side of this Pass, The various ‘ Bealachs ’ in Skye are given, so far as found, hereafter. That near Duntulm was noted for being the abode of Martainn a Bhealaich, Lord Macdonald’s Chamberlain. In the Holy Scripture, Bealach equals way.

B e alach -a - B e o c h . See ‘ Sgurr na h-Uamha,’ also £ Sgurr-a- Beoch.’

B ealach a B h a is t e ir ( B h a s a d a ir ) . Pass of the Executioner, See ‘ Basadair.’

B ealach a B h o r b h a in , B h o r b h e in , M h o r m h a in , M h o r b h - e in n . East of Glenconan, Kilmuir, or, according to Sheriff Nicolson, ion 'eaist side of Skye, between Storr and Quiraing.‘ Bealach-a-Mhorbhain ’ is the title of a song alleged to have been sung by a dread spectre, ‘ Colainn-gun-cheann,’ body-lesis-head. See ‘ Beinn 'Edra.’ The general meaning is Pas® of the Great Mount. Also ‘ Bogha Voreven ’ ( ‘ Celtic Monthly,’ vol. iv., p. 69). One meaning found given is ‘ The Pass or Defile of Murmuring, possibly of a stream. One Bruce, a piper, Eastside, composed words to the ‘ Colainn-gun-cheann ’ as it disappeared.

B ealach a B h t jir id h . Belig. Pass of the bellowing (of stags). Buirich, bellowing.

B ealach A c h a d h n a n G o b h a r . Pass of the goats’ field. Torrin.

B ealach a C h a it . Cat’s Pass. Kilmuir.B ealach a C h l a ib . The wide-mouth Pass. Also a battle

field. Clab-a-dudaidJi, battle-field horn or trumpet, anciently a shell.

B ealach a C h o is ic h e . The traveller or pedestrian’s pass, (a footpath. See ‘ Allt Bealach na Coise.’ Sleat.

B ealach a C h r o c h a ir e . Pass of the Scoundrel, lit., the mar* deserving to be hanged. In Uig.

B ealach a C h u ir n . Cairns’ pass. See also ‘ Bealach inars Carn.’


B eala c h a C h r u i d h . C ow s ’ pass. M A . g ives ‘ sh oe .’

B e ala c h a G h l a s - c h o ir e . Green corrie pass. Between Sgurr Beag and Sgurr na h-Uamha.

B e ala c h a G h l in n e . The Glen Pass, Kilchrist, Strath.B e ala c h a L e i t i r . The hill-side pass, now said to be Bealach

wm Lie, pass of the flat stones. Between Fionn corrie and Lota corrie.

B e ala c h A m a d a l . See ‘ Coire.’B eala c h a M h a im (màm, a rounded hill). Pass of the round

hill, between Sligachan and Glen Brittle.B eala c h a M h o r - a m h a in , -a b h a in n . Pass of the great river,

near Beinn Mheadhonach, Troternish. See ‘ Bealach na Morbheinn,’ pass of the; great mountain. This pass is said to be near Quiraing. See also ‘ Beinn Edra.’

B eala c h a n F h r a o ic h . Heather pass, Kilmuir.B eala c h a n F h i d h l e i r . The fiddler’s pass.B eala c h a n L e a c a ic h . Flat-stones’ pass. Leacach means the

bare summit of a hill.B e a l a c h a n Loin. The marsh or meadow pass; but see ‘ Lòn.’B eala c h a n R u d h a . Point or promontory pass. Not known

which. Kilmuir.B e a la c h a n S c a r d . Scree pass. There are so many Scree

passes in or among the Coolins that the term Bealachan, or Bealaichean rather, has been given to all. Pont gives Bellachan.

B e a l a c h a n t -S a b h a il . Barn or Granary pass. At Bornaskitag Point, Kilmuir. Also called uamha bheag, little cave, where the grain was wont to be stored. Saval, hill, from Ha fjall, suggested.

B eala c h a n t -S e a r r a ic h . Foal or Colt’s pass, Kilmuir.B e alach a n t - S io n n a ic h . F ox ’s pass, Kilmuir.B eala c h B e a g , etc. Not given. Common.B e alach B h r e a t a l . Brittle pass. See ‘ Glen.’B eala c h Cam. Crooked pass. Uig, Snizort.B e alach ’C h a ip l in . Is this meant for chapullcm (chapuill),

diminutive for a horse? Little Mare’s pass suggested.


B eala c h ’ C h a r r a o r a C h a r r a . Pass o f the rock , or r o c k y lod g e .

B e a la c h C o ir e n a C ir c e . Hen’s corrie pass (heather hens). Might be ‘ Kirk,’ but doubtful; though ‘ Ru na Circe,’ in Lewis found given a® Kirk-point. In O.S. chicken rock.

B e a la c h C oir e n a n A l l t G e a l a . Pass of the corrie of the white burns (cieiar). 'Between Sgurr nan Gillean and Sgurr Beag. The term Allt Geal, also given to a river which appeared white and clear, from white stones forming bed, e.g., the Sannox River, A rra n , where barytes abound.

B ealach C o ir e -S io n n a ic h . Fox-corrie pass.

B ealach C o l l u s c a r d . Locally pass of the skree or scree. It may be from Kollr and SJcardhr, and mean pass of the hill. Locally spelled or given as ‘ Tholliscard,’ (toll a sgaimeach) the hollow of the scree, sgree, skree, or loose stones, etc., from hill-side; this answers the place. There is a word col, a ridge, etc.

B ealach C or cisg ill (? C o ir e is g il l ) . With loch or small tarn of same name, between Eastside and Westside, Troternish. Baile Sear, ’us Baile Siar. Here a tragedy took place about a hundred years ago, two young men being found dead—a groom and groom’s man who had quarrelled and fought to the death. The place now deemed haunted.

B ealach C u m h a n g . Narrow pass, near Portree. Ruins of an old church here.

B ealach - e a d a r - d a - B h e i n n . Pass between two hills or mountains. Two-hill pass.

B ealach G a r b h . Rough pass.

B ealach H a r t a v a l . Harta-fell pass, in or among the Coolins.B ealach M h a rsc o . M arsco pass, in or among the Coolins.B ealach M h ic -C o in n ic h . Mackenzie’s pass—a famous guide

to the Coolins. Between Blaven and Sgurr nan Each.B ealach M o s g a r a id h . Various explanations given of this

name; mo sgaraidh, my woe, distress, or ruin, an inter- jection equal to ‘ Alas, woes me!’ Also mos or mosg, dry- rot, and gearraidh, Norse geroi; or gardr, an enclosed space or yard, etc., equal to Old Norse for garth.

*62 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE

B eala c h n a B e a d a n (or B e a d a g a n ) . Pass of the yearling, or year-old rams. See ‘ Fang-na-Beadan.’ Here are the remains of an old burial-ground, and situated near Elgol. See Forbes’ ‘ Gaelic Names of Beasts, etc.,’ 1905.

B e ala c h - n a - B e in n e - B r ic e . Speckled mount pass. W.S.W. of Sligachan.

.Beala c h n a B e ist e (or B e is d e ) . Pass of the Monster, named after a certain wild beast killed by Mackinnon of Strathaird, when it descended to the shores in search of food. This pass lies between Garsbheinn and Belig.

B e alach n a C ir c e ( F r a o ic h ) . Heather-hen pass. See ‘ Bealach Coire,’ etc.

B e ala c h n a C o ise . The foot-path; also Bealach a Choisiche. This is the highway between Coruisg and Coire-na-Creiche.

B eala c h n a C r o ic h e . The gallows’ pass. A relic of the times of heritable jurisdiction. Above Dunvegan Castle.

B e ala c h - n a - F e a d a n . The pass of the (rock) water-pipe, spout, or small cascade. On Glas-Bheinn, Bracadale.

B e a l a c h - n a -G l a ic e - M o ir e . Pass of the great defile or hollow. Among the Coolins.

B e a l a c h - n a - h - A ir ig h -M h u r a in . Pass of the sheiling of the eea-bent grass, or grassy sheiling.

B e a la c h - n a - h - I m r ic h . Flitting or migrating pass. Kilmuir.B e ala c h - n a - L ic e . See £ Bealach an Leacaich.’B e ala c h - n a -M a ig h d in n (or M a ig h d in n e a n ) . Maidens’ pass.

Kilmuir.B e ala c h - n a - M a it h r e a c h a in n (or M a t h r a ic h e a n ) . The

Mothers’ pass. On Husabost Common.B e a la c h - n a m - B o t h a n . P ass o f the huts o r bothies.

B e ala c h - n a - M o in e . Peat-pass (carrying). Snizort.B e a l a c h -n a - M u lach ag ( M u l a c h a ig ) . Cheese-pass.B e a l a c h - n a n -C a b a r ( B e l l a c h n a C a b ir ) . Deers’ antlers’

pass. On west side of ridge of hills in Trotemish. Cabar also means rafters, beams, etc.

B e ala c h - n a n -C a r n . Pass of the cairns. Near here Donald Macleod, the Skye poet, father of Neil Macleod, had a holding.

B e ala c h - n a n -C a s . Feet pass. See * Bealach-na-Coiê.’


B e a l a c h - n a n -C l a c h . Stone or stoney pass. Kilmuir. Perhaps ‘ standing-stones.’

B e ala c h - n a n -G o b h a r . Goats’ pass. Near Elgol.B e ala c h - n a n -U ra isg (or a n U ir is g , U r u isg ) . Brownies’ or

brownie pass. A mythical bear-like being. See ‘ Coire.’B e a l a c h - n a - R a m h . Pass of the tree-roots of ancient forest.

Cf. freumh, freumhach, pronounced like reeanch or raanch in some places.

B e a la c h - n a - S g a ir d e . The pass of the scree. See ‘ Bealach- an-Sgard.’

B ealach R u a d h . Russet or ruddy pass. Uig, Snizort.B ealach S p o r a ig . Pass of the little spur of a hill. Kilmuir.

Sporag also a sparrow.B ealach T h a is . The throat, narrow, or hause pass. Norse

Jbcils.B ealach U a c h d a r a c h agus I o c h d a r a c h . Upper and nether

pass.B ealach Uig. Uig pass, leading down to Staffin.B ealach U il l e a m . William’s pass, where a Raasay man o f

that name was lost.B ealach V a r k a s a ig ( B h a rc a sa ig ) . Pass of Varkasaig, q.v.B e a n n , B e in n , B e n . Descriptive names chiefly given here.

In regard to this word, much has been written. The primary meaning of ben is horn, hence peak; in Ireland the bens are peaked hills. In Scotland the term in the oblique form, beinn, is extended to apply to any hill, without regard to shape, though traces of the old usage are common. The diminutive binnean always denotes a peaked hill, sometimes by no means diminutive in size. The adjective beannach always means peaked, and is applied to a variety of things, including lochs; Loch Beannach, horned loch, is a common name, usually mistranslated. The same word with extension is found in Loch Bheann- chair (Loch Vennachar). A mountain is a mountain in England, but when the climber is in Scotland it may be a beinn, a creag, or a meall, a spidean or sgor, a cam or monadh, a stùc or a torr. In regard to this, an English writer says: * The name3 of the mountains make Southrons turn pale.’ Professor J. Geikie says: ‘ It is impossible


to distinguish clearly between hills and mountains; in general, a hill is properly restricted to more or less abrupt elevations of less than 1,000 feet—monadh, monaidhean— all the altitudes exceeding this being mountains—bmnntan or beannta—though eminences considerably above 1,000' feet are often spoken of as hills, as the Coolins are in English.’ He further says: £ Mountains are in general only prominences carved (by erosion and denudation) out of table lands; in Skye the erosion has been more profound, the ridges being narrower, the valleys or glens deeper, and isolated peaks more numerous, dark splintered crests and pinnacles, pointed peak and notched ridge, with tumultuous masses of craggy declivity on all sides, the Coolins being subsequent or relict mountains, carved out of plateaus of accumulation, basalt chiefly.’

Many others have written on this subject, and show that mountains are intimately associated with the history of our Celtic races, indeed of nations, and have contributed much to the moulding of the human mind and the character of those who dwell among them; they inspire the mind and cause the most thoughtless to admire the glory of a Supreme Being. The afflicted and the persecuted alike flee to and take refuge in and among them, from the time of David the Psalmist down to Prince Charlie and his devoted adherents. Heroes’ minds are formed and their bodies are braced by dwelling among hills and mountains, and it is they and such like, and not the dwellers of the plain, who play the most noble part in the progress of the world. The historian, the antiquary, and the student of languages alike are continually engaged in making interesting and useful discoveries with regard to the mountain races of mankind, greatly aided by the tale told by the numerous place-names in mountain districts, and by etymologists, whose learned researches into the meaning of words have thrown and are daily throwing much light on the ages before history was written. There is much in written history to be read in the names of places, rivers and mountains, hills and valleys, where our unlettered forefathers inscribed their annals. Ruskin says: ‘ Mountains seem to have been built for the human race as at once their schools and cathedrals, full of treasures of illuminated MS. for the scholar, kindly in simple lessons for the worker, quiet in pale cloisters for the thinker, glorious in holiness for the worshipper.’


B e a n n a c h a in (or A ’ B h e a n n a c h a in n ) . The hilly o r mountain- place or district. Kilmuir. Cf. * A ’ Mhanachainn,’ place of monks (Beauly).

B e a r n a ig , B e a r n a r a ig (Berneraig Bay). See ‘ Bernera.’ Said to be from bjami, a bear (Norse), and vik, a bay. A waterfall here.

B e in n in the f ollowing names is the oblique case of * Beann/ now used in the nominative.

B e in n a B h a is t e ir ( B h a s a d a ir , q.v.).

B e in n a B h r a g h a d . The neck, th roat o r g o rg e m ou n ta in . Bràid, bràigh, and brdighe s ig n ify m ountainous cou n try .

B e in n a B h r e a c (or a B h r ic ) . See 4 Beinn Bhreac,’ ‘ Caill- each Beinn-a-Bhric.’

B e in n a C h a it . Cat mount.B e in n A c h a d h n a m B a r d . Bards’ field m ount.

B e in n a C h a p u il l . (2 ) Horse (or mare) mountain. South Macleod s Table, Duirinish. See ‘ Beinn nan Capull.’

B e in n a C h a r n (C h u ir n ) . Cairn Mount (1,817 feet), named from lines running hoop-like round the mountain, marks of water-level of former periods. Cf. parallel roads of Glen- roy.

B e in n a C h l e it e (or B e in n C l e a t ) . Strathaird. Given as from Norse cloeft, cloven, or rocks cloven from land; Met, Mettr, a cliff; Met or cleit, a rock where cormorants roost; Met, Mit, a dun or low sandhill.

B e in n a C h l e r ic h . Cleric or minister’s mountain.B e in n a C h o n ic h , B e in n C h o in n ic h . Kenneth’s mountain;

but thought conuich, hornet.B ein n ’C h r a o ic h (or B e in n a C h r a o ic h ) for Chraobhach.

Woody. In Kilmuir.Be in n a C h r o . Fold mountain (sheep-fold). At head of Loch

Eishort, Strath.Be in n a D e a s . South mount, Snizort.Be in n a C h r o n ask o (? cro na sgo). Might be mount of the

misty fold.B e in n a G h a r b h l a ic h . Rough-country mount.

E


Beinn a Ghobha (or a Ghobhainn). (Black) Smith’s mount. A t Dunhalin, in Waternish. So named from a ‘ Macdonald ’ blacksmith, who was slain by a ‘ Macleod ’ blacksmith, aided by his wife. A t the base of this mountain may still be seen traces of the long narrow huts erected of old for entrapping the wolf, so very plentiful were these animals throughout Skye as well as other islands and the Highlands generally. Shortly stated, the capture was effected by a trap laid between the door and a live bait— even a hen. The well-known saying of ‘Ma bhristeas bun flonn bidh fios aig do cheann,’ etc., or, as otherwise rendered, ‘ Should the tail break, you’ll soon ken,’ is attributed to one Gille Chriosd Chaim, who seized a wolf by the ‘ brush ’ (bun fionn) when about to enter one of these huts where his neighbour was at the time engaged on the trap.

B e in n a G h u a il . Coal mount. Coal exists in some places in Skye, but this may have been peat or charcoal.

B e in n -a - H u il l e n ( a -C h u il l in ) . Snizort. See ‘ Beinn Chuil- lin.’

B e in n A in n e a r t ( E y n o r t ) . 3,894 feet. S.E. of Talisker.B e in n A k e t i l . May be a, water or river, and ketil. See

‘ Allt Ketil.’ Waternish.B e in n A l l a r n is h (or A l a n a is , A l a n is h , q.v.). If Alanais,

might mean ‘ place o f ’ water, allan. Cf. Alness.B e in n A l l ig in , A il l e a g a in . The mountain of the beautiful

one, or beautiful mountain. See £ Ailigin ’ or ‘ Alligin ’ on west mainland of Ross. It is pronounced as with one 1.

B e in n a M h e a d h o in . M id mount. Boraraig.B e in n a n C rtjachan . See ‘ Beinn Cruachan.’B e in n a n D tibh L e a t h a id . The mount of the black slope or

declivity.B e in n a n D u b h a ic h . Mount of darkness or gloom, etc.,

between Loch Slapin and Ben Suardal, Strath. A great intrusive mass of gramophyre. There is much limestone and marble hereabouts, the latter used in various important buildings, e.g., Armadale Castle, Palace of Versailles, the Vatican, etc. Also named ‘ Beinn Dubhaich.’ See ‘ Strath,’ also ‘ Guala fa’n Dubhaich.’ Dubkach with above meaning is an adjective, the noun signifying ‘ blackening.’ Suggested as dubh fhaich, black or dark

i p la in .

Beinn an Dubh Lochain. Black little loch mount. Near Talisker, overlooking Huisgill.

B e in n a n D u in e . The Dùn mount, where Captain Macleod, subject of the song, ‘ Gaol nam fear dubh grinn, grinn ’— ‘ Uilleam ’Bheinn an Dùine ’—was born.

B e in n a n E o in . Bird mount, 1,023 feet. South Minginish. The bird in such names is usually the eagle.

B e in n a n F h r a o ic h . Heather or heathery mount.B e in n a n L a o ig h . Calf mount (doer).B e in n a n L och , a n L o c h a n . L och , lit t le lo ch m ou n t.

B e in n a n H ig h . King’s mount (Ruighe?). Near Romesdal, Troternish.

B e in n a n S g u m a in . See ‘ An Sguman.’B e in n a n T e a l l a ic h . Hearth or furnace mount; possibly

where smelting operations or forge-work carried on of old.B e in n a n t -S e a sg a ic h . The mount of barrenness, or the hill of

fallow or barren cattle. ‘ Beinn sheasgach nam fuaran ’ (The barren mountain of springs)—Old song.

B e in n a n U is g e . Water mount.B e in n a S ga (or S g a t h ) (Beniscaieh) . The mount of fear, or

shadow. Might be from casting a more than usual dark shadow. S .E . of Meall na Suireanach.

B e in n B e l ig , B e il ig , B e il e a g , B e il e a c h , B h e l ig . Beilmch means birch-tree bark. This mountain, like several others, does not have ‘ Beinn ’ prefixed. Strath.

B e in n ’ B h ac -G h l a is . Mount of the grey or green hollow.B e in n B h a l l a c h . Spotted or speckled mount. Might also

mean ‘ walled.’B e in n b h a o n is h , B e in n v a o n is h . Maoineas, maoineis, or

mhaoneis m eans slowness, tardiness, e t c . ; m a y be la te- seasoned.

B e in n B h a t a in . Vatin mount, in Duirinish. See ‘ Vatn.’Be in n B h e a g . Little mount, in Duirinish. Another in Sleat.Be in n B h o id h e a c h . The bonnie mount. Braes near Portree.

See ‘ Sithean.’



B e in n B h r a d h , B r a . Quern mount-round. Found given also as Beinn Bhra'idh, warning, betraying; also Beinvraid, Beinavasith, Beinnaath, and Beinnethraid. In Snizort. There is a word brahadair used in Skye for a large fire- signal, it is supposed. Cf. Eng. brazier.

B e in n B h r a t - r i - B r e a c . Mantle-chequered?B e in n B h r e a c , B e n v r e c k . Speckled mount. (Or A Bheinn

Bhreac.) In Dunvegan. Also one in Soay and another near Talisker.

B e in n B htjall ( bmbhall) . Mount of homed cattle. South of Loch Dunvegan.

B e in n B h u id h e or A B h e in n B h u id h e , and B e in n B h u id h e n a C r e ig e . The yellow mount or the yellow mount of the rock. N.W. of Broadford and S. of Beinn a Mheadhoin. One (also said to be in Scalpa. Seen and noted from various places.

Beinn Bhuirbh. Borve mount. See ‘ Dim.’B e in n B l a v e n . This is another which does not have ‘ Beinn '

prefixed. See ‘ Blaven.’B e in n B r o g a sk il or B r o isg il m or agus B e a g . In Bracadale.B e in n C h a r n a c h . Rocky or oairney mount. (Also ‘ Mor agus

Beag.’) Above Loch Slapin.B e in n c h o in e a c h (or c h a o n ic h ). Snizort. See ‘ Beinn na

Coinnich.’B e in n C h o ir e n a n E a r b . M o u n t of th e co rry of the roes.

B e in n C h o r r a n . Locally sharp ridge hill. See ‘ Peinchorran/B e in n C h r e a g a c h . R o c k y m ount.

B e in n C h u il l in . Coolin mount. Ben Guilin, Benquillin. Scene or locality of the last fierce fight between the Macdonalds and the Macleods in 1601, * Am Blàr Fuathasach/ the dreadful battle.

B e in n C l e a t . S. of Beinn Meabost, q.v. See ‘ Beinn a Chleite.’

B e in n C o n n a n , C h o n a in , or C h o n n a in . Cwmcm means lust, but thought should be Conan the Fingalian, quarrelsome man.

B e in n C o r k e v a l , q.v.


B e in n C h r a c a ig or C h r o k a ig , q.v.B e in n C r a p a n , C n a p a n . Little lump or hillock mount; also

given Craphill. South of Loch Snizort Beag.B e in n C r u a c h a n . Stack mount—separate heaps. See

‘ Cruachan.’B e in n C u l e s h a d e r . The knob pasture mount. Shader is a

form of setr, etc., a seat or residence, a mountain pasture, house, or sheiling. This word changes into seader, shader, siadeir, and hiader (genitive), also sta; or from soettwr, common out-pasturage, dairy. Cule is Norse kula, a wall knob.

B e in n - D e a r g - B eag agus M o r . Little and great red mount, 2,325 feet. ‘ Na Beinnean Dearga,’ the red mountains— red sandstone. Portree. ‘ Beinn Dearg ’ applies specifically to more than one hill near Glen Sligachan and also near Broadford; in the former is ‘ Meall Dearg,’ and ‘ Ruadh Stac,’ which latter name conveys more than mere ‘ red stack,’ viz., ‘ a stack of redness.’ Professor Archibald Geikie gives much valuable information— inter multa alia —as to the Red Hills. See his ‘ Scenery of Scotland.’ The Red Hills lie N.E. from Loch Slapin. Smith in his ‘ Summer in Skye,’ calls them ‘ Dull offspring of primeval mud.’

B e in n D e a n a v a ig , D ia n a v a ig , etc. The hill or mountain of the stormy bay. Also ‘ Ini vaig,’ hill or mountain of protection or defiance (of the elements). Also found given as ‘ the hill of his defence.’ Spelled also Ban-dian-a-bhaig (Forsyth), and as at S.E. of Portree harbour, Dion a bhaigh, defence or shelter of the bay. Cf. Strath Dionard in Sutherland, from Norse dyn, noisy, dynr, din. Dion, however, means protection. Another rendering is ‘ Pein- dinavaig.’

In reference to this hill or mountain, the Rev. C. M. Robertson writes: ‘ Ben Jianavaig, written Beinn Dion- abhaig in Mary Macpherson’s Songs, page 23 (who says that three of the Fingalians are buried in or on this mountain), and heard locally as Beinn Ionabhaig. The neighbouring township is called in Gaelic Camus Ianabhaig, written Camustinvag by Martin, but D may have been changed to J or I after final s of Camus.’

B e in n D h u b h L e a t h a n . B lack broad mount.


B e in n D ia b a ig , D iu b a ig , q.v.B e in n D u t h a ic h . See ‘ Beinn an Dubhaich.’B e in n E a c h a n n am B a r d . Hector the B a rd ’s mount. Borve*.B e in n E a r r —n a —JMeaXiL. M o u n t o f the m ass—lik e e x tre m ity .

B e in n E a s a id h . May refer to waterfalls, eas, easach. There is a noun easadh, easaidh, signifying sickness, disease, etc.

B e in n E d r a , E a d a r a , E t h r a , E a d a r a in n . , Eatorra equals eadar iad, or eadarra, between them; Eadarainn said to stand for Eadar bheinn; also eadar rinn, between rinns and headlands. Cf. ‘ Bealach Eadar Bheinn,’ in Sutherland; again eadar-da-abhainn between two rivers. This mountain is on East-side, between Storr and Quiraing, and rises 2,003 feet. See ‘ Bealach-a-Bhorbhain.’

B e in n E r is t a n or E a r -a s t a n . Mount of direction or longitude; should be ear-astar. South of Diubaig.

B e in n ;Et t o w or A t t o w , B e in n F h a d a . L o n g mountain. South of B en Skriag.

B e in n F a d o r F a d a . May be sam e as last, i f fad short; i f lon g , mean® fàd, a s in g le peat?

B e in n F a l a is g e . The mount of (heath) burning. Beacon mount. Fo, under, and loisg, burn. ‘ Mar fhalaisg air Laoire’ Like a flame on the heath of Lora.—Oss. ‘Conn.’

B e in n F h io n a b h a ig . See ‘ Beinn Deanabhaig.’B e in n Fhuar (Fuar). Cold mount. In Milovaig. See

‘ Cnoc Fuar.’B e in n F o r sa n . Mount of the little waterfall. In Bracadale.

See ‘ Forsan.’B e in n F r o c h d a i, F r o c h d i, F r a o c h a id h . Stormy mount.

Between Gesto and Portree.B e in n G a s k in . I s this meant for gasgan, young trees, etc.?

Also burn. S. of Portree.B e in n G e a r y . Either from Norse geiri, a goar, gore, or tri

angular strip of land; or gearraidh, a point or knuckle-end of land about a township. This is said to be the highest point in Vaternish (929 feet), and is at the entrance to Loch Dunvegan.

B e in n ’G h il l e -C h o in n ic h . Kenneth’s-son’s mount. B o y o r lad (D.C., Uist). South o f Dunvegan Head.


B e in n G l a m a ig . Generally named without the prefix ‘ Beinn.’ Mount Glamaig, near Portree. This famous mount of the many massed. Coolins has a green plot on its top, with a spring of pure water. It means the ‘ deep gorge,’ or mountain gorge. The mountains whose names stand alone without the prefix ‘ Beinn ’ are chiefly Belig, Blaven, Brogaskil, Corkeval, Cracaig, Cruachan, Dianabhaig, Diubaig, Graeoo, Gulban or Gulbein, Helaval, Horneval, Mareco, Soval, Vokie, and Volvaig.

B e in n G o r m , G h o r m . Green mount, or blue mount when seen at a distance.

B e in n G u id a d .

B e in n H a l l s t r a , H a l is t r a . Hallr, a slope and setr, contracted to stra, from stadr, a station or place; hauldr, a cultivator lor holder of the soil also suggested. This last term icame to be a nick or eke name.

B e in n H e e , B e in n Thi. The pointed mount; or perhaps Beinn-Shith, peace mount, fairy mount?

B e in n ’ I c A s k il l , M h ic A s c u il l . Macaskill’s mount. A s Ketil. Ketil’s ridge or height.

B e in n I d r ig il l , q.v.B e in n I o l a ir e . Eagle mount. N. of Arnish.B e in n L e ag ac h , L e ac a ch . Flagged, terraced mount. In

Strathaird.B e in n L ee (or L ig h ) . Slooping or smooth mount. Norse Mid,

hlidh, incline or slope—of a hill. Near Loch Sligachan, 1,456 feet. Same as Dun Can or Caan, Raaisay, which is said to be opposite. See ‘ Ben Lee.’ Ligh also means spate, or lighe, a flood or spate—of liquid lava. Beinn L i is the subject of a song or poem by Mary Macpherson. The top of this hill, like Dun Can, is smooth and level, equal to li or lith, pron. lee. This flat top is from successive sheets of lava from the chief volcano of Skye, the Coolins’ site. See ‘ Dùn Can.’

B e in n M a e l l a n . Diminutive of meall, a heap, a rounded hill, above Loch-na-dàl, and closely hemming in Loch Eishort. Meallachan also, corrupted into Mialachan.

B e in n M eabost or M h e a b o s t . (Mjo-bost) . South of Beinn Leagach or Leacach, q.v. 1,128 feet.


B e in n M h e a d h o n a c h . M id o r m id d le m ount.

B e in n M h ic U il l e im (o r M h ic U il l e in ) . M a cW illia m or M a cU illin ’s m ou n t. N ear L o c h D u n vegan .

B e in n M h o r a ig . Morag or Marion’s Mount. North of Portree.

B e in n M o in e . Peat-mass mount. Also named Beinn na Mointich, mossy place.

B e in n n a B o in e id . The bonnet mount, from resemblance. It forms the third smaller and less regular of the Helaval trio. In Duirinish.

B e in n n a B r o c l a ic h . Badgers’ den mount. See ‘ Forbes’ Gaelic Names of Beasts, Etc.’

B e in n n a C a il l ic h . Literally, the old woman’s mountain. Near Broadford, and two or three miles south of Kyleakin. 2,396 feet. This well-known mountain is said to be named after a Norwegian or Danish Princess (or her nurse), whose remains are interred on the summit. Pennant says, ‘ top flat and naked, with an artificial cairn of a most enormous size, reported to have been the place of sepulture of a gigantic woman in the days of Fingal.5 A cask of gold said to be buried beneath her. There are, however, two mountains of this name said to be in Skye; the one nearest to Raasay formed, it is said, the vantage ground for a Skye giantess or hag who hurled huge boulders at another hag in Haasay—or Soalpay; the second near Kyleakin or Kylerhea. Beinn mhor na Caillich is another term for this one, which is only seven feet lower than the one farther west.

B e in n n a C l o ic h e . Stone mount.B e in n n a C o in ic h (C o in n ic h ) . Moss mount. Còinneaeh,

moss.B e in n n a C o r r a f id h e a g (or f io d h a g ) . Bird-cherry or crow-

berry mount. Carr or corra, excellent, great; fiodhag, also said to mean wild fig.

B e in n n a Cro. See ‘ Beinn a Chro.’B e in n n a C r o ic h e . Gallows’ mount; or Beinn na Creiche,

spoil or plunder mount. In Colbost. See {Aird-a- Chomhraig,’ from which it is distant only two miles; the hill is said to be where the spoil was divided after the fight.


B e in n n a C u in n e ig . Mount of the milk-stoup or wooden pail. Has other meanings; in Cantyre it means a churn. Cf.‘ Quinag’ in Sutherland.

Be in n n a C u it h e a n (or n a n C u it h e a n ) . The mount of snow- wreaths or hollows, etc., where the snow lay long. This is a great cliff near Talisker. Cuidhean also found, but this means an enclosure. C f . ‘ Cuiraing.’

Be in n n a D u in . Forts’ or castles’ mount. See ‘ Beinn-an- D ù in e ’ and £ Peinduin.’

B e in n n a F e o r a ig . Squirrel mount. Kilmuir.B e in n n a F r it h e (free). Forest or moor mount.B e in n n a G a o it h e . Wind or windy mount.B e in n n a G r e in e . Also found Beinne na Crèine. The mount

of the sun. Between Kyleakin and Kylerhea. S.W. of Beinn na Caillich. See ‘ Suidhe Fhinn.’

B e in n n a G r ia n a n . Dr. Macculloch mistook this mountain for the preceding, but, as is known generally, grianan means a sun-exposed or warm and pleasant spot, a sunny spot, hence, in mansions, a bower, and in rural landscape a green dry spot on which, e.g., to spread peats for drying, a bleaching-green, and so forth. 4 Grianan Deirdri ’ is still preserved as a local name on Loch Etive side, where she dwelt with the sons of Usnach. See ‘ Dun Greainan,’ etc.; also cf. ‘ Grainin’ (or Grianan) of Aileach, Derry, Ireland. Pennant refers to Beinn na Grain (greine) joined by a ridge to Beinn na Caillich, but this applies to the preceding name preferably. Pennant suggests the name having originated from ‘ sun-worship.’

B e in n n a m B r o d a ic h (or B r o d a c h ) . There is an adjective brodaeh, stimulating, enlivening, and another, bròdach, means arrogant and in crowds, etc. The noun bròd means pride, etc.

Beinn n a M ea ll (or n a m M ill) . The mount of the rounded hill or hills. See ‘ Beinn Maellan.’ North of Drynoch, at the foot of a loch near Sligachan, haunted by a one- legged, one-armed, and one-eyed goblin or sprite, akin to the Ludag, known on other lochs notably Na Lochan Dubha, near Broadford. This sprite has been taken seriously, being' supposed to be the or a descendant of a god Lugh, or a Highland goddess (D. A. Mackenzie in ‘ Celtic Review ’).

B e in n n a Na t h r aic h e a n . Serpents’ mount. They must abound here, as serpents or adders are found everywhere in Skye.

B e in n n a n Capull. See ‘ Beinn a Chapuill.’B e in n n a n C u il e a g a n . Mount of flies.

B e in n n a n D u b h - L o c h a n . Mount of the black lochs.B e in n n a N e im h e . Poison mount (nimh).B e in n n a R e e . See ‘ Beinn an High.’ It might be righè,

outstretched part of base of mountain.B e in n Nin (nighinn) or B e in n n a - h - ’ I g h n e . Mount of the

girl. From some incident.B e in n O r e (dir). Mount of gold. Kilmuir.B e in n - R io n n - n a - M e a l l or R e a n n . (Obs. rinn). The moun

tain or the point of the rounded hill. North of Drynoch.B e in n R o is h a d e r , q.v.B e in n S ca, S g a t h . See ‘ Beinn a S g à . ’

B e in n S g a a l a n . Sgailean, shade or shadow , d im . of sgàil.B e in n S coebh al , S cobh al , S g o b h a l . 8go, stray cloud, and

fjall, fell. Near Ben Holbhal, Glendale.B e in n S c u d a ig . Sgudag means an active girl. There is a word

sgud meaning a scout or spy, and this with vik, bay, may make sgudvig, the outlook mount on or above the bay, Bracadale.

B e in n S g u m a in . See ‘ A n S g u m a n .’

B e in n S h e il g . The mount of hunting—Fingalians, etc.B e in n S h e im e a r a c h . Might be seirmeachd, sonorousness.B e in n S h u a r d a l , S h u a r d a il . Mount Swordale, Strath.

Noted for the herb or plant Dry as Octopetela; also many fossils found here. See ‘ Strathswordale.’

B e in n S k r ia g , S g r ia ig , S g r e a g . Hard, dry mount; a rough slope, from sgribhinn, a rugged side of a hill. South of Dunvegan Head.

B e in n S o r a ig . Sòbhrag or primrose mount. Snizort.B e in n Staic. Stack mount. Norse stakkr, a precipitous hill,

1,347 feet. W. of Glen Brittle.B e in n S to r e (P S t o r r ), q.v.


PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 75*

B e i n n - S t u c - n a - M e a l l (or S t o c k v a l ) . Mount of the lumpy rooks, 3,393 feet. Stuc signifies a small rock projecting from or sticking out of a larger rock. Near Preshal.

B e in n T a l a n (or T a a l e n ) . In Bracadale.B e i n n T h u a i t h e a l a i n . The mount of the people or tenantry.

The word tmitheal means northward, sinister, etc.— tuathal.

B e in n T ia n a v a ig , T ia n a b h a ig . See ‘ Beinn Deanavaig.’B e in n T o ir l e a n , T h o ir l e a n . Might be a proper name Torlaw

or Turlough. There is toirluinn for tuirling, descending,, descent, slope, etc.

B e in n T ote , q.v.B e in n T r e a l a n . Might be for dreallan, the diminutive of

drmll, a blaze, a torch, or druillinn, a sudden flash, perhaps signal mount. See ‘ Ben Taalen,’ Bracadale.

B e in n T u a t h . North mount.B e in n U ig s h a d e r , q.v. Half-way between Portree loch and

the head of Loch Snizort.B e in n U il l e im . Mount William. See e Beinn Mhic Uilleim.’B e in n V a t t e n , q.v.B e in n V o k ie (bhòoaidh) from bòcan, a ghost, etc. In Ireland

pooka, and said to resemble a shaggy, black colt!B e in n V olovaig (bholomig), q.v. Possibly from bolovaig, bol,

a house, steading, resting-place for animals, etc., and vik, a bay. At Troternish Point. 357 feet.

B e in n V ore -S c o w e . Mareco, q.v.B e in n V r a t a b r e c k (Norse brattr, steep, and breac, speckled).

The steep speckled mount.B e l f in l a y .B e l ig , B e il ig . A mountain in Strath. See ‘ Beinn Belig.’

Said to lie between Strath and Allt Aiginn, Aigeinn, Aigrinn. 2,000 feet.

B e l l a c h . See ‘ Bealach.’B e n e l t a (Beinn Ealta). The mount of the covey or flight of

birds. Ealt, ealta has several other meanings.B enesson (Beinn easan). Mount of the little waterfall.B e r k ist o for ‘ Birkisco,’ q.v.


B e r n e r a , B e r n e r a y , B e n e r a . Bjom’s Isle. Norse Bjornar- ey; Bjorn, a proper name. There are three islands of this name, all pronounced Beornera. This one is north of Gigarum. A priory school existed here once, and Iain Taoitear, second of Bernera, was tutor (at law) to Norman XIX. of Macleod. See old Skye song by Mairi nigh’n Alasdair Ruaidh, * Hithill, Uitbaill, etc.’ Berneray in Lewis is the 4 Borva ’ of Black’s 4 Princess of Thule.’ Tigh an Taoitear, near Aird, at extreme end of North of

. Skye.B e r n is d a l e , B e r n e s d a l e , B e r Ni s d a l l . Bjorn’s dale or glen.

In Snizort. Martin calls it ‘ Bernstil.’ Famous for mussels.

B e u l , B e a l , B ia l a C h r e a g M h o r . Mouth or opening of the great rock. North harbour, Portree.

B eu l a C h o m h r a ig . Mouth, entrance, or pass of the combat. As to spelling of beul, or bial, see article by Rev. C . M. Robertson, in ‘ Celtic Review,’ Oct., 1906; also N.G.P., etc.

B e u l - A t h -C a is t e a l . Castle-ford mouth or entrance, crossing Abhainn Mhor, opposite to Clach Oscair, q.v.

[Almost every ‘ Beul-ath ’ had its bocan or spectre.]B e u l - A t h - D o m h a in . Deep ford mouth. Kilmuir.B e u l - A t h - L e ac a ch . Flat stone ford, crossing Easa B àn.B e u l - A t h - n a -G l a is s ic h . Meadale. See 4 Ath.’B e u l - A t h - n a -M a ir b h . Dead men’s ford, where people cross

with funerals. Near Tarskavaig, Sleat.B e u l - A t h n a M e ir l e a c h . Thieves ford mouth. Near

Torrin, crossing Asàraidh River; also Beul-Ath Rmidh. Red ford mouth.

Beul-A th n a n Tri A llt. Three burns’ ford mouth. Some writers say that this should be 4 Bealach nan Tri Allt,’ lately celebrated for a meeting of crofters under leadership of Rev. D. M 4Callum of Arisaig. Also noted in Disruption times. Modern name 4 Fairy Bridge,’ as it is said to be haunted. Dr. Macdonald, M .P . for Ross-shire, bora here.

B e u l - A t h S a c . Sack ford. Camustinvaig. The word Ath above has a frequently added, as in 4Beul-Atha,’ generally however before a consonant of word following.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 77'

Be u l B r a t a ig . Primary meaning of bratag is caterpillar. This may be a pass to a district in Kilmuir.

B e u l n a B e is t e . The monster’s pass. Strath. Literally, the mouth of the beast.

B eu l n a h - A m a d ai g . Pass of the foolish woman. Also found amaideig, awwiid.

B e u l n a h u a , B e u l - n a - h -U a m h a . Mouth of the cave. See ‘ Uamh an Oir.’

B e u l n a S e o l a id . Opening or mouth of the harbour or anchorage; fairway.

B h a r k a s a or V a r k a n s a , q.v. Bharkamig or Varkasaig, q.v.B h a t h a ic h , A ’ B h a t h a ic h . The Byre, a place near Portree,B h a t o r a n i s h . See ‘ Vatemish.’B h u a il e R u a d h , A ’ B h u a il e R u a d h . The red fold.B id e a n , or Am B io d a n , which signifies a hedge or fence, but

thought m eant for bidein, a sharp point, a sum m it, a pinnacle.

B id e in C a r s t a e l (C a is t e il ) . The point or top of the Castle; may be ‘ Castle knoll.’

B id e in D r u im n a n R a m h . The summit of the ridge of the roots, etc. (whence the Coolins radiate). One of the best known heights of these, in fact, the £ hub ’ of the range. See ‘ Drumhain.’ S.S.W. of Bruach na Frithe, at the head of Coire na Creiche. 2,860 feet.

B id e in n a h - I o l a ir e . The eagle’s pinnacle or perching-place. Near Ferinvicquire Common.

B ig g e a r y , B ig (here or barley and gerdi, garth or enclosure). Barley-field. Bere was once sown plentifully in the northwest of Scotland. This name given also as ‘ Bikeri.’

Bil, Bile, Am. The Beal (Cladh Bhilè), either from word signifying verge or edge of a precipice, or a tree venerated as being the place where, of yore, our pagan forefathers worshipped, possibly a grove, now Christianised. The ruins of a church or chapel here. The church-yard of Bil lies North or East-north-east of Portree Bay, near Port-a- bhàta. Cf. ‘ Magh-bile.’ There is a valley of this name; and a word beil or biel, meaning a lair or lying-place for cattle. See ‘ Beal.’


B i n a . This thought a misprint for Bida, Bioda \ not Binn, a hill. Cf. ‘ Jura.’

B in sc a r d , B e in n S g a r d or S g a ir d . Ben Sgree or shingly elope.

B io d a , B i d a . * Peak ’ o f Vaterstein. 966 feet.B io d a or B id e B h io r a in . The point of the Sharp point—the

very point. On coast of Ramasaig.B io d a B u id h e . The yellow peak.B io d a C h a im . The hill-top of the bend or curve, at Druim-

chaim; crooked ridge; and Allt-a-Chaim, q.v.B io d a or B id e D e d a ig , q.v. The summit or point of Deideag,

the beautiful one, thought to be a hill. Near Ramasaig.B io d a c h a n . T h e sh arp -topp ed on e ; a h ill.

B iod a C h o l t r a ic h e . Peak of the razorbill (bird), alca aorda. Roosting-plaoe.

B io d a G h o il l . The Lowlander or Stranger’s Peak. This might have been named after G o ll, the son of Morni, Fingalians. Has been given as the sullen or gloomy (looking) peak.

B io d a n A o il . The lime peak. But there is a word mil, signifying the mouth, and this may mean that or opening or pass. South of Loch Dunvegan.

B io d a n A t h a i r . The air or sky peak, the very hill-top. Also given ‘ Biodan.’ Near Dunvegan Point or Head.

B io d a n F h it h ic h . The Raven’s peak. At Loch Erghallan.B io d F io n n a c h . Shaggy peak.B io d a B a n . White peak.B io d a M o r . Great peak. One of the Dubh-sgeirean, black

rocks. 1,000 feet high. Near Loch Eynord. It is really four miles N.E. of the ‘ Duisgear ’ (dubh-sgeir) black rock, often submerged at high tides. The Bioda Mor proper is near ‘ An Fheiste.’ Found also given as ‘ Bidmore at Waterstein.’

B io d a n F e a r a n ( F e u r a n or F e a r a n n ) n a C a il l ic h . Point of the old wives’ green or grassy field-land. Described as ‘ Nuns’-land.’ This land or field, however, was a place in GlenBraeadale allotted to old single women, and widows without means of support, for their maintenance.


B iod S g ia t h n a C o r r a g r ib h ic h . The (hill) wing peak o f the crane.

B ir k isc o , B ir k is k o , B is k is k o . Birk or birkenshaw. SIco or seo, terminal form, from Norse skogr, a shaw. In Snizort.

Blabheinn, B l a t h - b h e in n . Blaven, etc. 3,042 feet. Many meanings have been furnished for this name: among the most common are (1) warm or sunny mount, from red appearance; (2) the mount of the blast or blowy mount; (3) Bla-fell, Bla-fjall (Blaa val), blue fell, Norse ‘ fell,’ a wild mountain, translated into Gaelic Beann. Its more ancient Celtic name, which it doubtless had, has been lost, though Ardven, referred to in ancient Celtic and Ossianic verse, is supposed to be the same, ‘ High mount,’ which it undoubtedly is. Sheriff Nicolson, in ‘ Good Words ’ for 1875, describes this mountain as he well could; Pennant mentioned it specially; while Professor Blackie devoted the greater portion of a ‘ Lay ’ to it. All or many different colours have been attributed to Blaven, it being a certain study for changes in the weather always. See also Alexander Smith’s ‘ Summer in Skye ’ and Ross’ Gaelic song or poem, ‘ Comhmdh eadar am Bard agus Blath-bheinn,’ a dialogue between the bard and Blaven. J. A. Robertson, in his ‘ Gaelic Topography of Scotland,’ gives this name as Flath-bheinn, Heroes Mount! The £ Saddle ’ of Blaven is perilous, being only one foot in width for two yards, with terrible ravines on either side. See also £ Rock Climbing,’ by Abraham. Blaven is in Strathaird.

B l a ig h e , B l a i d h , or B l o id h . A fragm en t, a piece or splinter — of a h ill.

B l a r a B h u a il t e . The field of the stricken; though buailte is the past participle of the verb buail, to strike, it may be looked on here as a noun. This field is in Kilmuir, where the Norsemen are said to have made their last stand in Skye. Their chief, or one of their leading men, named ‘ Arco ’ Bronn-mòr, was slain by a MacSween, who, for this, got Braes from Macdonald.

B l a r a C h u s p a ir (cuspair, mark or object aimed at, cuspair- eachd, archery). Archery-field. In Strathaird.

B l a r a Loch. Loch-field. At head o f Loch Slapin.B l a r a n D o r a in (or D o r a in n ) . Dobhrain, otter-field. Also

found given doruinn, pain, loss, misery, etc. In Glasphein.


B la r -a n -t -S io r r a m . Sheriff’s field. Cf. ‘ Sheriffmuir.’B la b , B u id h e . Yellowfield. North of Easa B àn .

Blar-M illeadh-G araidh. Dyke-destroying (battle) field, commemorative of a conflict between the Macdonalds and Macleods, when the slain were ranged along this dyke, which was then overturned on the bodies by the victors, the Macleods. On this occasion the church at Trumpan was set on fire and burned, with all the worshippers, or refugees, inside. This occurred about 1580. The conflict took place on the sea-beach at or near a place called ‘ Ardmor,’ the Great Height, about a mile from Trumpan. It was on this occasion that the ‘ Fairy ’ Banner of the Chiefs of Macleod was last unfurled for combat.

B l a t h L o n . See ‘ Lon.’ Blath has numerous meanings, but it is thought means here green or verdant, while Ion is a meadow, adjective preceding noun.

Boc-a-Chra-Bhric. Not known whether this is hoc, a buck, etc., or hoc, eruption, swelling; crà means blood, e.g., cra-dhearg; bhric is the aspirated form of the genitive of breac (s.m.), a trout. A t Grishernish Point, but there it is found given ‘ Boc a Chro Bhric.’

B o c -n a -C a i l l ic h . The old wife’s buck, or hoc, a leap, etc.? The above word £ Boc ’ may be meant for ‘ Bac,’ q.v. ante.

B o d a ch a n D u in e . Bodach has numerous meanings beyond the primary one of ‘ old man.’ May mean here a spectre which haunted the Dùn (?Dunvegan), or merely a familiar name for a height or hill. This name appears to be in Kilmuir.

B o d h a -S r o n -a n -T a ir b h . Reef of the bull’s nose. At entrance to Loch-na-Beiste.

B o g a r t a l l i s , B o g a n t a l l i s . Not known, unless bogan talamh, swampy land. See ‘ Peighinn.’

B o, B o d h ’ E i le a n . The island reef. Off Eilean Mor, Lyndale. Bo, Norse booi, a breaker, or bodi.

B o d h a , A m . The sunk rock, or submerged rock or reef. Opposite Ardorch or Ardorachan, q.v.

The spelling of above word found carelessly given, bodha or bogha, the former meaning a reef, the latter a bend, bow, or flat piece of land, with side form bugha.


B ogh , B o d h ’ a n t -S a su n n a ic h . The Englishman’s reef or sea-bank; as said, bodha is from bodi or boding (Norse), a breaker, submerged or sunken rocks, generally a good fishing-place. This particular reef is two miles west of Kyleakin.

B ogha , B o d h a B e a g . The little reef.Bo B og h a , B o d h a C h a r r a c h . The rocky reef. A sunken

rock off Uiginish Point.B ogha ’C h il l e B h r id e . Kilbride Bow. In Strath, at mouth

of Loch Slapin. Might be land ex adverso, or bodha, reef, in loch. See ‘ Boghannan.’

B ogha , B o d h a H u n is h . Hunish bow or reef. See ‘ Hunish.’B ogha L e a c a n . Sloping bow or rock.B ogha , B o d h a n a F a n a c h d (or F a n t u in n ) . The reef of

waiting, delaying or hindering. South of Loch Dunvegan.B ogha , B o d h a n a G r u a g a ic h . The Grugach rock or reef.

See ‘ Gruagach.’B ogha, B o d h a n a S g e ir e . The skerry reef or rock—a eea-

bank.B ogha , B o d h a R u a d h or R h u a d h . The red bow or reef.

In Kilmaluag Bay.B ogha , B o d h a S h l ig a c h a n . Sligachan reef. At entrance to

Loch Sligachan.B ogha , B o d h a V o r e v e n , M h o r - B h e in n , q.v. This may be

a reef near the hill, but more likely a bow of land, part of the hill.

B o h e n u il , B o h e n iv il . Thought may be Bodh-an-thuil (an tuilè), the reef of the flood, lying as it does in the fierce flood, current off the extreme north of Skye, viz., off Trodda or Trodday.

B o in e id a n F h e id h . The deer’s bonnet—a hill.B o isd a l e . See ‘ Boust-hill.’B o l e n h r ie , B o l e n h ir e , B o l e n t u r e , B o l in t u r e , B u a l in t u r .

See ‘ Balintore.’p


B o l v e a n , B o l - a - B h e a n . The woman’s house; also found given to mean bol bhàn, the white house, but doubted whether bhean can become bhàn. Bol is Old Norse for house, etc.; the chief farm of a tun or township, e.g., bolstathri bolstadr, a farm-house. Persons’ names were often given to farms, especially with the prefix bol.

B ona m u c k , B o g h a - n a - M uc ( M u ic ) . The bank or bugh, bugha, flat piece of land, etc., of the pig; bugha is a side-form of bogha, a bow or bend, such spots being made by the windings of a stream. See ‘ Buth.’ A suggestion given that this should be Bodha na muie-mara, the reef of the 4 s©a- pig,’ i.e., whale.

B o n ia . Not known, unless ‘ Bodh-an-ey,’ the island reef, in Loch Bracadale.

B o n n is t a d t , B o g h a - n a -S t a d r , etc. The farm green or piece of land adjacent. If buth, might be the farm cot or cottage.

B o n st u r e , B ogh a n S t o ir . Storr bow, etc.B o r a d a l e , B o r r a d a il l , B r o r a d e l l , B o r r o d a l . See ‘Raasay.’B o r b h - n a - S g io t a ig . See also ‘ Bornaskitaig.’ Norse borg, a

burg, burgh, fortress, or oastle, and sgaothaig, from Norse skagi vik, a low cape. This place is named locally ‘ Barr- na-Ciotaig,’ and is the scene of the legend of ‘ Macdonald ’ cutting off his left hand and throwing it ashore, giving rise to the mottoes or sayings, ‘ Air muir ’s air tir,' and ‘Lamh dhearg Chlann Domhnuill.’

Spelled 4 Bornscitaik ’ in 1689, and ‘ Borniskitag ’ in 1721. Here is the entrance to the cave into which Piper MacArthur marched, with his pipes sounding loudly, to

; the burden, it is said, of‘ Bidh na fir uchda

’Nam fir fheachda;■ Bidh na laoigh bheaga

’Nan crodh dàire;Bidh na mhinn bheaga’Nan gobhar chreagaMus till mise, mus ruig mise,Mus till mise o Uaimh-an-òir.’


Thi3 may be translated:Males now at breast will be men fit for combat;Young suckling calves will be fully-grown cows; Young little kids will be rock-loving goats then,

Ere I return, ere I reach,Ere I return from the Cave-of-gold.

The Rev. Mr. Macdougall, late of Duror, a famous and painstaking Gaelic scholar and seanachie, said: ‘ Uamh an Oir/ where was a banshee, who gave MacRimmon a silver chanter on condition that he would go with her to the cave at the end of a day and a year: cha tig mise, cha till mise, mu ’n tig mis’ a uaimh an oir, bidh na minn bheaga ’nan gabhar chreagach, ’s a chlann laga ’nam fir àir; is cianail mise ’triall fo gheasaibh, bidh mi am feasd ann an uaimh an oir.’

‘ I shall come never, return never. Ere I return from the cave-of-gold, the kidling flocks will be goats of the rocks, and the children weak be warriors bold. I am woe, woe, under spells to go. I ’ll be for aye in the Cave-of- gold. ’

Another version, supplied by Miss Tolmie, is:‘ 'S ioma maighdean og, fa cheud bharr,Theid a null, theid a null (nunn),

Mu ’n till mise, mu 'n ruig mis' a Uaimh-an-oir/‘ Many a youthful maiden ’neath her first hair-crop Will go over, will go over (die)Ere I return, ere I arrive from Uai-an-ore.’

There is a similar cave, or entrance, in the Parish of Portree, another in the Parish of Sleat; the latter cave is said to be seven miles in length from west to east, or rather east to west; another is in Harlosh, but here the piper’s name was Mac Cruimmon, one of whose descendants, a tailor, died in Uig at the age of 109, or 116, said to be registered. The same tale is told of other caves elsewhere; one in Mull, into which the piper of Maclaine of Loch Buidhe disappeared. The name 4 Uaimh-an-Oir/ q.v., comes from the superstitious belief that a pot of gold lies therein, guarded, it is presumed, by a ‘ Beast ’ or monster that had its den or lair there. This ‘ Beast ’ the piper volunteered to go in and destroy, as it was a trouble


and menace to the district, but he failed; the sound of the pipes—which he apparently continued to play—was traced a certain distance, when it ceased, the conclusion arrived at being that the piper had met the ‘ Beast ’ and succumbed. Various imaginary and explanatory lines and verses were, and still are, current showing or narrating the brave Celt’s extremity, one being—

‘ Nach truagh mi gun tri lamhan,Da lamb ’sa phiob ’s te ’sa chlaidhmmh.i

e Pity me without hands three,Two for the pipes and a sword-hand free.’

See ‘ Bealach na Beiste,’ ‘ Uamh-an-Oir,’ and ‘ Bornaskitaig.’

B o r d - a -C h a i m . The table of the turn or bend. Near Allt- a-Chamaidh. Bord, a level-topped rock or mountain, lava flow.

B o r d -C r u in n , A m . The round table; said to be the same as the rock £ Hebri ’ or ‘ Theabraidh.’ This is one of the five islands of the Fladda-chuan group. See ‘ Macleod’s Tables.’

B ord M e a d h o n a c h . The Middle Table; in some places given as ‘ Macleod’s Maidens.’ The two Helavals are thought to be the ‘ Tables.’

Bord M hic-D homhnuill. Macdonald’s Table, an island of huge rocks in three parts. This may contain ‘ Bord Meadhonach. It was to the top hereof that Sir Donald Macdonald sent his charters for safe preservation previous to his departure for the wars. The title of ‘ Lord ’ for the head of the Sleat family was then in the distant future. See ‘ Garran.’

B o r e r a ig . This name is spelled in charters, etc., in many different ways, e.g., ‘ Boraraig,’ ‘ Bororaig,’ etc., one (1597) as in Sleat, spelled ‘ Boerebek ’ (Loch Eishort). Near Broadford, Strath, but also found given as in Kilmuir. This is Norse borgaraik, or vik, Castle Bay. Borg, borgar, burgh, castle, fortress, and vik, a bay. (The Admiralty chart gives it as south of Dunvegan, at head of Loch Dunvegan) . The Celts added ‘ Dim,’ which has the same meaning of ‘ fort.’ This place is famed for a college for training


pipers, whic-h used to exist. Near here are ‘Leum an Doill,’ the leap of the blind (man); ‘ Sloe nam Piobairean,’ the hollow of the pipers, where they practised, etc. The Mac Crimmons held Boraraig as a free township from the Macleods of Dunvegan. MacArthur, piper to the Highland Society of Edinburgh in 1784, was the last of the MacCrimmon pupils. There were four brothers named MacGregor of Fortingall about that date, who were very famous pipers; they were all taught by their father, who, it is said, learned also from the MacCrimmons. A famous chanter, called ‘ A Chachalaidh Dhubh, ’ the black gate or narrow pass, was given to the third son of one of the MacCrimmons (the Black Lad) by a banshee from the Castle of Dunvegan, who asked him ‘ Co aca b’ fhearr leat ealdhain gun ràth, no rath gun ealdhain ì ’ (which would'st thou prefer, skill without success or success without skill?); he elected to take the former; other details exist, but too long to insert here. See ‘ Borbhnasgitag,’ for Macdougall’s ■account. The tenure by the Mac Crimmons of this township was terminated about 1770 owing to disputes as to its value. The college is said to have been situated 4 opposite ’ Dunvegan Castle, on the other side of Loch Follart. Many aspirants came to Skye to attend this college, Macarthurs and others, among whom was a famous family of genuine piper®, viz., the MacGregors of Ruadh-Shruth (Red- stream), called or named 4 Clan an Sgeulaich ’ (sgeidaiche); some of their descendants, also pipers, were known to exist in 1873, and some may still survive. In Boraraig was 4 Clach Mhor Mhic Cruimein,’ Mac Crimmon’s big stone, which was the 4 lift ’ of Captain Peter MacCrimmon (Padruig Mor). It was here a certain piper who was defeated in a piping competition excused his failure on the plea of ‘ Gu ’n robh ’mheoran ’n deigh an sgait! ’ (that his fingers were after the skate. Here also flourished that other mighty man 4 Glagan-glunach,’ ancestor of the Kyle Mackinnons, one of four noted athletes of his day in Skye; the other three were Martuinn a Bhealaich, Ailean of Kingsburgh, and An t-Aireach Sleibhteach, the Sleat farmer. Boraraig is very secluded.

B o r e r a y , B or g ar - e y . Borroraidh Castle, or Fort Isle, properly Ey-borgar, isle of the fort, borgar being the genitive of borg. In Duirinish. Cf. 4 Boreray ’ in St. Kilda.


B o r l a n , B o r l in , B o r l in e , B org - l a n n . Village enclosure. Borlum, Old Gaelic for ridge, declivity, stretch, or strip of arable land. In Minginish. There is a ‘ Boreland ’ near Gesto, and was, as is said of other lands assigned to bards, a girth or sanctuary quite as effectual as a comaraich or Gommich, cleric’s lands. The mensal land of the Norse Jarl was called Boardland, table land. The word has supplied us with many place-names. In Urquhart the form is Borlum, a well-known name. Brigadier W . Macintosh of Borlum—Jacobite leader, 1715—was among the first to advocate the creating woods, closes, hedge-rows and forests in Scotland, fields till then being all unfenced, 1729. Boardland or bordland ((boreland) meant ‘ lands kept by owners in Saxon times for supply of their own board or table,’ specially among Norsemen from north to south in Scotland, as lands exempt from skatt, or Government land tax. Borlum, a ridge, has been confounded sometimes with brolum, more correctly brothluinn, agitation, a struggle between wind and tide. There is a pipe-tune called ‘ Bròlum, ’ to stimulate combatants in ancient battles, not unlike, but more impetuous than, ‘ Caismeachdwhich means alarm, warning, more commonly marching.

The assistance which the tenant gave in cultivating this boardland, demesne, or home-farm, came to be called by the Gaelic-speaking people borlanachd, a word which latterly meant estate labour, or duty work, performed by the tenantry, of whatever kind, sometimes defined as ‘ the whole year and twelve days more,’ sometimes only twelve or twenty-four days a year, at one penny per diem. It Was at this borlan that Ruaraidh Bhorlain gave John Mac Codrum, the Uist bard, a halfpenny by mistake for a guinea, hence ‘ Oran a Bhonn-a-sia.’

Borlanachd is sometimes written Morlanachd, the m being due to eclipsis: am b.

B o r l ic k , B org L ie (or L eac ) . The flat or level land at or near a castle.

B o r n s k il l o c h . In Troternish.B o r n a s k it a ig , etc. In Kilmuir. Said to mean Division Bay,

from Norse sMpti, division, but is Borg na Sgiotaig or sgaothaig, skagi vik, Norse for ‘ low cape.’ See ' Borbh- na-Sgiotaig.’


In the inventory of the estate of Sir Alexander Macdonald of Sleat (Slate), taken in 1748, this name is spelled ‘ B oronaskittag,’ and is said to be so pronounced by the inhabitants of the district, or £ Boronasciotag,’ not eiotaig.

It was built on a natural knoll, the sides of which, in some parts, are of shelf-like rock. It may be remarked here that an Argyllshire woman used the word sdotag or sgiòtag for a small shelf. Several other renderings have been given, but the above is the most correct.

B o r r a d a i l l , B o r r a d a le , etc. Borg, castle, and dal, dale. Found given as in Duirinish, Dunvegan, Glendale, and Kaasay, q.v. If in Duirinish, it is the locus of the ‘ largest piece of detached rock in the world!’

B orb a F e it h e a c h . The boggy burgh. Boradh means sweet smell, soent, etc., but not known.

B o r r a g e . There is a word borradh, signifying a sepulchral cairn, a barrow, an elongated oval; borrach is a Skye term for moor-grase, beitein; also a projecting bank. Barr signifies ‘ great,’ also a hunch, a knob, while borra is a swelling. 4 Borraig ’ said to be a name common in Uist and Lewis. It may even mean borg.

B o rra n e ss , B o r r a n e s s -F u i l l e (Borg-an-eas, fo thuil). The castle or fort on or at the waterfall—in flood?

B orv e, B o r b a id h , etc. In borgh and borbh, the gh and bh are sounded like v in latter. There are two places of this name in Skye, one in Skeabost, another in Snizort, at south end of Loch Grishernish. The meaning is 4 Little Borg ’ or fort, etc. Cf. ‘ Borgue.’ This word almost always indicates the location of a pre-Norse Pictish tower. See 4 Dun ’ sometimes prefixed. Cf. 4 Caisteal Bhuiridh 5 in Benbecula.

B o t h a g -A ir id h a n D u in e , B o t h a n -A i r i g h . The sheiling- bothy of the Dun. In Kilmuir. Botham, also cothcm, means 4 couch,’ cell, or retreat for meditation and prayer, used by Culdees (Cuildich), literally Cuiltean, which were common. Same as ‘ Diseart.’ Even a cave was called cuile.

The Gaelic word abaid is herefrom. Bothach means cottier; ferbhoith, grass hut®. See the 4 Book of Clan-


ranald.’ Fother said to be the Pictish word for both, or equivalent, also pit. Both generally signifies a primitive stone or turf house.

B oust- h i l l , B ois- d a l e , B o w s t il l , B e n is t il l . A dwelling, settlement, or village. At end or termination of names, host is just a contraction of the Norse or Icelandic word bolstadhr (bolstathr), denoting ‘ homestead,’ farm or farmstead, or steading. In Islay it takes the form of bus, and equals poll and by, said to equal aras and baile, the latter in a restricted sense.

B r a c a d a l e , B r a c a d o l l , etc. One authority says from Norse brekka, spotted, and dalr, dale, etc., not from the Gaelic word breac, slope, or brae, which equals sliabh. Norse brekka also given as slope, probably brakendale, ferndale. Said to mean also open place for meetings of township. There is also the Norse skotha-break, sloping breck (Norse skathr).

Bracadale is at the head of Loch Eynort, and was of old called Wester Fjord or Vestrafiord. Not pronounced Breacadal but Bràcadal.

Off Bracadale (which is given in Admiralty chart as at head of Loch Beag, Loch Harport, which is part of Loch Bracadale) are the islands of Haversay, Vuiay, Oransay, and Soay; orama, orasa, as explained more fully elsewhere, is a peninsula properly speaking.

Saint Assint is, or was, the patron saint of Bracadale; Saint Maree or Maelrubha’s Day used to be held there, as elsewhere, some say in August, others in September. Bracadale had two churches in 1833.

To return to the origin or meaning of the name. In the Gaelic Dictionaries there is a word or term lus-ghlinne bhracadaill or bhracadail and lus-ghlinn bhracadail, translated ‘ dog’s mercury,’ wood mercury; not known whether this plant is peculiar to Bracadale. E. Macdonald, in his illustrated Gaelic Dictionary—a most painstaking and useful work—gives it as from iyracadh (? brachadh), suppuration, fermenting, rotting, etc. A word brachag means a pimple or small boil, etc., for which mercurial ointment used to be thought a cure. See ‘ Brae Stein,* infra.

James Hogg, the ‘ Ettrick Shepherd,’ wrote a parody on a Gaelic song, entitled ‘ John o’ Bracadale.’


It was in the parish of Bracadale that the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was first dispensed in Skye after the Protestant way or mode, by the Rev. John Bethune, circa 1701-1707.

The above meanings are given for what they are worth, as eminent authorities to date consider the word ‘ Bràcadal ’ to be the correct spelling, and ‘ its derivation not known.’

Brac S t e i n . The arm o f Stein, a curved or crooked and projecting portion o f land, somewhat arm-like. Given also Brae Stein, but this may be a mistake.

B r a e - a n - t - S h a e r (Braigh an taobh sear). The brae of the east side (Upper). Norse bra, a hill-slope; Gaelic bràigb, upper slope of a hill.

B r a e b o s t . Norse breidhar bolstadhr. Broad farm. Breidhr, broad. Old Norse bra equals O.Er. braew (according to Johnston breaw, the eyelid). Thought also to be simply Gaelic braigh and host. See ‘ Breabost.’

B r a e in o r t (Bra or braigh Einort). In Minginish. See ‘ Eynord.’

B r a g le r . There is a Norse word braga, which means reefs on which the sea breaks with violence; bragr, a seaward shoal; bràgair in Gaelic means leaves of the sea girdles, tangle.

B r a ig h A l u i n n . The beautiful high-land or hill-slope.B r a ig h B h r a n . Bran’s Brae. North of Portree. Said to be

Oseianic, but thought to have been named after Ares Bran (or Brainnmhor, Broinnmhor, great stomach), the last Norseman killed in Skye. See ‘ Blàr-a-Bhuailte.’ In reference to broinn in broinnmhor, it is properly the dative of bru, used as the nominative.

B r a ig h e , Am. The Brae. In South Rona.B r a ig h a n D u i n . The high land at, or adjacent to, the Dun

(Dunvegan).B r a ig h a n F h a s a ic h . See ‘ Hallin.’B r a ig h C o il l e n a D r o ig h n ic h e . The brae of the thorny

wood. Overlooking Loch Harport.B r a ig h n a C l o ic h e . Stone brae.


B r a ig h S gtjlamais, S gu lam u is , S g u la m u s . Brae or uplands. This word braigh found given frequently braighe, attached to the name of almost every township. Braighe given by one authority as the nominative case of braghad, but others give braghad and braighe as the genitive of brmgh: that is how the e appears in ' Brae.’ O. G. bràge and brea also found.

B r a n d e r sa ig , B r a n d e r s e g . In Duirinish. Brander may bo a proper name, with vig or vik.

B r a o n -a -M h e a l la in . The dewy or showery hillock. In Braoadale.

B r a y h a ir p o r t , B r a h a r p o r t (brathair, brother, and port, harbour). The landing-place or port of the brothers (Monks).

B reabost (breidhr, broad, and bost, town). Broad-town. See* Braebost.’

B reacach ’ , Am, B reac A c h a d h . The speckled field. Ach as a termination signifies place, place of.

B r e a c h a y , B r e a c k r y , B r e a k a r y . Thought may mean much the same, as last name. It is in Kilmuir. In Snizort appear Breacheady, Breaehachy, Breakachy, and Brick- achy, all supposed to mean the same. A ‘ Breck ruy ’ (might be ‘ Breac rudha,’ etc.) near Lonfern in Troternish. Cf. ‘ Breakachy,’ near Beauly.

B reac - B h e in n . Speckled mount. Glasphein.B r e a k is h , B rea c ais , B r e a c k is h , etc., from Norse brekka, a

elope, and ais, situation. Given locally Breac-innis, the speckled mead, which it is not. Breakish is speckled with stones. Break equals also Ioel. brekka, understood to mean a hollow among hills. Said there are seven Breakishes, all well-tilled (Na soachd Breacaisean) . Soil there supposed swept off adjacent hille by ice. The termination ais is Pictish.

B r e c k il l , B r e c h il l . See ‘ Brochel,’ Raasay.B r e c k r a y , B r e c k r y (breac reidh). Speckled-smooth or level,

etc. In Kilmuir.B r e e k l a n e , B r e ik l a n e , B r e s k a l a n , B r e s k l a n , B resq u la n ,

etc. See ‘ Preskilan.’B r e t il , B r e a t a il , B r e t t l e . In Strath. We find £ Soa

Bhreatail ’ south-east of Loch Brittle, in Minginish.


B reu n P h o r t . Dirty, foul harbour; probably either difficult of access or bad anchorage, etc.

B r is h M h e a l l (Briis-mhaol). Name of a hill. See ‘ Preshal.’B r i s t e a d h - C o i r e - B og, or B r i s e a d h , etc. The fissure, crack,

or opening in or of the soft, swampy corrie.B r o a d f o r d , A t h - L e a t h a n n . Generally spoken of as An

t-Ath-Leathann. Broad firth or fjord. Thought locally to apply only to the ford over the river which enters the sea, here. If not, it has been explained as Breid-r fjordr (S. W. and Dan.). Johnston gives Bred fiord', Maebain says this is a modern name, and not Norse; Maxwell makes it Breidr and fjoror, broad firth; while another gives Breidh fiord or Breid-a-fiord. This only applies if the ‘ firth ’ is meant. Sir Archibald Geikie, in the Appendix to ‘ Scenery of Scotland,’ describes the district hereabouts.

B r o c - B h e in n . Badger- mount. Also Broclach bheinn, Badger’s-den-mount. Sometimes called ‘ Na Broclaich,' the badgers’ dens. Near Drynoch, Sligachan.

B ro or B r o g . This word, as prefixed to following names, is Celtic, and means ‘ a district,’ though also found to stand for borg. There is also bro, an adjective, signifying ‘ old,’ also much, many; and a s.m. signifying ‘ champion.’

B rogaig , B o rg -V i k . Burgh or Castle bay. Macbain gives ‘ Breeches-wick.’

B r o g a sk il , B ro g a sg il , B r o is g il . Might be Borg AsTcill or Ascuill. See ‘ Broisgill.’

B ro isg ill B eag agus M o r . Little and Great Broisgill. Given in an English work as ‘ Broigohill.’ Not known. See ‘ Beinn Brokasgil.’

B rolas, B rolos, B r o l a sg . Said to be for broluinn, a meeting or conflict of tides. Brolasg means flattery, obviously not or conflict of tides. Brolasg means flattery, obviously not

B r o l o k it . Said to be a form of ‘ Broichil,’ q.v.B r o n ac h a n , B r o n a c h e r . If o long, then ‘ the sad one.’ Sug

gested ‘ Bronnachair,’ the greedy or gluttonous one.B r o n n il l . In Minginish. There is an obsolete word ill,

signifying ruin.B r o r a . If bro, q.v. ante, and a, water. There is a considerable

river at Brora in Sutherland.


B r u a ic h G h e a l a , B r u a c h a n G e a l a . White braes or banks. Bruthach, a brae. Macbain gives bruach as a bank, |a brink, and Bruthach, a brae—bruch. Here it is said Mao- Crimmon composed his £ Farewell to Dunvegan.’

B ru a c h , B r u t h a c h n a m Bo. Cow-brae.B r u a c h , B r u t h a c h - n a - F r e e , F r i t h e . Forest, heath, moor

brae or slope. Sometimes given as fmigh or fraighe, but this has a different meaning of ‘ shelves,’ precipitous. This slope or mountain is 3,143 feet in height.

B ru c c air e , B r u c a ir e . There is a word brucach, signifying gloomy; this may mean the gloomy one, a hill. Bruchd means bursting forth, etc. Near Glendale.

B r u g h F a r a l a . Farala Burg or House etc. Farala may be a proper name. Far means projecting. Bruig or brug, Gaelic for inhabited or cultivated land; the occupier, brugaire (see above); and his house, brugaid or brugm; brude also a farmer; bruigh, field; bruighe, farm, sometimes farmer, also bruigheir; bruiden, genitive bruidin, a court, also bruidni. Brigit is the female equivalent.

B r u g h v ig , B r u c h v ig (i.e., borg vig). The village or fort bay. ZJig, town. Cf. ‘ Brogaig.’

B r u n a l , B r u n a l e , B ru n o le (brugh an al, all, or ail). The village or fort on the cliff? Found given as in Oynart and Bracadale, also Minginish. There is an Icelandic word, brunnr, signifying a fountain, a spring.

B r u n d e st o t , B r u n is t a d t , B r u n is t o t (or t o t e ) (brugh stadt or brunnr stadt, from stadr, stathr, setr, etc.). A homestead. Also suggested brugh and tot or tota, tobht, tobhta, a turf hut, etc.

B runigel (brugh and gil). A ravine; or brunnr.B r u t h a c h - B u a il e - a n - T u r . The brae, slope, or ascent of the

Tower-fold.B r u t h a c h n a B reac - B h e in n . The brae, etc., of the speckled

mount. In Glasphein.B r u t h a c h n a G l a ic e . The brae, etc., of the hollow. In

Kilmuir.Bu. In Kilmuir. See ‘ Bugh ’ or £ Bugha.’B u ab isg ill (him, buabh, a cow—b y extension kine or cattle;

bisgill, not known, unless gil or gyll, a ravine). In Minginish.


B u a c h a i l l e B r e ig e . The false herdsman or shepherd. An erect stone or slab of rock on top or summit of Saigh Mhinn. In Kilmuir.

B u aile (from bmill, buabhal). Cattle fold. As a cattle or oow-milking place, this word is said to be from bol, with the same meaning.

B u aile a B h e a t h a in . Beathan means diet, but may mean birchen, from beith, birch-tree.

B u aile a B h id e a c h a in , B h io d a c h a in . The little sharp-topped one, a hill. In Fasach.

B u aile a B h r e a c r a id h . See * Breckray.’ In Galtrigill.B u aile a C h o ir c id h (coirce, oats, or coirce, circe, quaking

grass). In Ferinvicguire.B u aile A ir t d h ( A ir ig h ) n a n G il l e a n . The lads’ sheiling

fold. In Torrin.B u aile a n F h a e a id h . Fàradh means skyline. See ‘ Cnoc an

Fhàire.’ Might be an àiridh. Fold of the height or of the sheiling.

B u aile a n T r ia o in , T r ia o n . Triune, the Trinity, or tram, traoin, corncrake.

B u aile a n t -S a g a ir t . The priest’s fold.B u aile a n t -S l u g a in ( ’n t -S l u g a ir t ) . The fold of the whirl

pool, in river probably, or a gorge.B u aile a n T u ie ( a n t -S u id h e ) . The seat, or sloping-hill fold.

Near Loch Eynort.B u aile B h a n . The white fold. West of Kilbride Glebe.B u aile ’ B h l a i r . Fold of the battlefield, or, as this buaile is

near a stretch of level peat-moss, may mean fold of the plain. If a battlefield, it is unknown.

B u aile C h a r r a in . Fold of the corn-spurrey or scurvy-grass. Suggested oar a’inn for car abhainn, crooked river.

B u aile ’ C h r o n a in . See ‘ Eas-a-Chrònain,’ Kilmuir.B u aile C h r u a id h . The hard, or stony fold. Kilbride Glebe.B u a ile D h ia r m a id . Diarmid’s fold. On Beinn Ianabhaig,

which is supposed to be the Beinn Gulban of Fingalian lore. Gulba, a mouth or opening.

B u a il e D h o m h a in . The deep fold.


B u a ile D h o m h n u l l a n . Little Donald’s fold. In Kilmuir.B u a il e D h u b h A e d . The black, high fold. There is also ia

‘ Buaile Dhubh ’ in Torrin.B uaxle E a r n a s t a c h d . Suggested earr na stac, end of the stack

or rock. One meaning of earr is a submerged rock off a promontory, but there being only one r in this word as found makes this meaning doubtful. There is an ancient Celtic word ear, signifying head or summit.

B u a il e ’G h a q r r a . The fold of offal or refuse. At Duntulm. Here cattle were slain for Lady Brahan, Domhnull-gorm- mor’s wife (his second), an extravagant epicurean!

B u aile H o a b h a l or H o b h a l , q.v. At Ferinvicguire.B u a ile H o r s a . Horsa fold, with Tobar, both in Snizort.

Horsa the name of a Norse warrior. Suggested asp. form of form, a waterfall; there is one at top of Brae, north ofmg.

B u a il e L e o g a d a d . The fold of the little marsh, a double dim. There is a word leodag, a slovenly female.

B u aile L ia n a s d a il . Lyndale ford, q.v. In Ferinvieguire.B u a il e n a B e in n e . Mountain fold.B u aile n a C e a r d a c h . Smithy fold.B u aile n a C l ise or C l is e a d h . Fold of the leap. Na fir-chlis,

the merry dancers, aurora borealis.B u aile n a F e a d a g , F e a d a ig e . The fold of the plovers.B u a il e n a F a la or F o l a . The fold of blood. Supposed scene

of a bloody conflict between Macdonalds and Macleods in 1539.

B u aile n a h - A g h a id h . Fold of the hill-brow or country-face.B u aile n a m B io r r a c h , B io r a c h . Fold of the heifers or two-

year-olds; biorrach is boat or skiff. At Greshernish.B u a ile ’P h u il l G h u ir m . Green pool or mud fold. At

Fasach.B u aile S m io g a id , S m ig e a d . If this, then fold of the chin;

but smig also means a smile, mirth; might be the cheerful fold, or the fold of mirth.

B u a il e V ic -U s p a id , M h ic U s p a ig . This may be a proper name, the son of the shy one. At Ferinvieguire.

B u a il in t u r , B u a il ’ a n - T u i r . T h e tow er fo ld . Buaile here m ay stand fo r bol. A sm all tow nsh ip near L o ch B rittle .


Bu a il t e a n C h u id h e s t a . The folds of the fold-steading. This is almost a hybrid. In Kilmuir.

B ugh or B u g h a . In Skye. Signifies a green spot or peninsula formed by the winding of a river.

B ugh or B u gh a B h r a o in . The rainy or showery spot. In Glendale.

B ugh or B u gh a C h o m h r a ig . The battle spot or hollow.B ugh ’D h u n n a c h a id h . Duncan’s green spot. One ‘ Duncan ’

was drowned here.B ugha L e a t h a n n , L e a t h a n . The broad green spot.B ugha n a C a b a ig . If càbag, then green spot of the cheese or

kebbuck; if cabag, then a toothless, tattling woman.B ugha n a n D a m h . Ox-field, or green spot of the oxen.B ugha n a n E u n . Birds’-field, or green spot of the birds.B u gh ' ’O t h a id h or A n O t h a i d h . Oth or otha means a large

body of water. See £ Abhainn.’B ugh S a l t a ir . The Psalter house. Kilmuir. Elsewhere

meaning of singer, reciter given.B ugh S h a b h a il . Barn house; may be hollow. Cf. c Sabhal,’

Ha-fjall, high fell. Thought a dwelling near a hill in Kilmuir.

B ugh ’ n a M u c . Pigs’ house or hollow.B u g h u ib is k il e . Thought ‘ Bugh Huisigil,’ q.v., in Minginish.

See ‘ Buabisgill.’B un - a n -U i l l t . Origin or source of stream or burn. Given

also as the mouth of a river or stream. In regard to the former, mathair-uisge also means the source. See ‘ Maher- uska.’

B u rr o u g h . ‘ Borve,’ ‘ Borg,’ ‘ Burg,’ q.v.B u yam o re , B u ya m o ir e (Buya, Buidha, Bhuidha, Buia

(Martin)). Great Buia or Buya. From bu, house, and ey, island. Also found ‘ Ouia.’ Opposite to or near Loch Bracadale. See ‘ Wia.’ Dean Munro refers to it inter alia. Dr. Jakobsen ( ‘ Place-names of Shetland ’) gives ‘ Uya,’ ‘ Uyea ’ (<pya), the isle (Oyja is Old Norse). The ancient name of St. Kilda, Hirt or Iffurt, was Hoia or Huia; Hoia-dubh; so also Iona, Ioua.


C[iSee letter ‘ K ’ for names from ‘ C.’]

C a c h a il e it h R ig h D a U il e a n n or U il e a n . The pass or gateway of the two elbow-shaped slopes or sheiling, etc. A tradition exists as to Charles II. having passed through here.

C a c h l a id h R u a d h . Red or russet pass. Breakish, near Broadford, where markets held. Other spellings of this word are cacheileth, cachliadh, hurdle gate or pass, cadha-chliath, gate or pass of hurdles.

C a d a l a n . The sleepy one. C f . cadakm-traghad, a semi-torpid fish found on shores; also a short sleep, a nap; codaUm again means common poppy.

C a d h ’ a B h a r a , B h a r r a . Pass of the summit, or top of a hill.C a d h ’ a C h u m a in . Pass of the milk-pail or stoup.C a d h ’ a G h r a d a n a id h . Pass of the corn-parching, for grind

ing in a quern.C a d h ’ a n A l l t a in . Pass o f the little burn. In Millivaig.C a d h ’ a n t -S a ig h d e a r . Pass of the archer, or soldier. In

Strath.C a d h a ’M h a r a . Pass or port of the sea. In Galtrigill.C a d h a ’n Tuill. Pass o f the h ole . See £ Trumpan.’C a d h a n a G a ib h r e . Pass of the goat.C a d h a n a n C a o r a c h . Pass o f the sheep.

C a d h a n a n G a m h n a . Pass of the stirks.C a d h a n a n E a c h . Pass of the horses.C a d h a n a n I n g r e a n , I n g h in n , N ig h in n . Pass of the young

girl. On shore of Loch Slapin.C a d h a R a m a sg a ir , q.v.C a d h a r R tjadh . The red mossy ground or spot. South of

Garrafad.C a e r v a l l o c h , C a t h a ir B h a l l o c h , ’ B h e a l a ic h . Pass of the

stronghold, or town-pass or gorge. Caer here is the Welsh for a stronghold. Caer for cathair, which is the same as Us, both meaning fort, seat, a hill fortified; sometimes a fairy knoll. The word cai in Irish Gaelic equals house. In Torrin, Strath. The name ‘ Keir ’ said to be from caer.


C a i g i n , P o e t . Rough mountain port or pass. Cadha-eiginn, an occasional pass, or pass of necessity. Caigin, caigeann, miginn, caigionn, caggan have many different meanings, e.g., a close combat, a brulzie, as at hail-mouth in shinty; also where two horses or other animals fastened together, as in a grazing-tether; con-cheann or co’chinn, heads together.

C a il l e a c h , A C h a il l e a c h , or C l a c h - a -C h a i l l i c h . The Old Wife; name of a large rock in Strath, near Kyle. Found spelled kailleach, and described as ‘ the hill of the roaring blast.’ Behind this stone, or rock, the Mackenzies hid before attacking the Macdonalds on a certain memorable occasion. There are other rocks or skerries in the neighbourhood, called ‘ Na Cailleachan,’ the old women; they lie south of ‘ Leac Iain Oig,’ and are very treacherous tidal rocks. The ‘ Cailleach,’ erroneously named ‘ Am Bàiligh,’ and described as being between Kyleakin and Kylerhea. The word oailleach is from Latin pallium, the p having become c in Gaelic; it has also been given as from caille, a veil, as worn by nuns, na oailleachan dubha. Reference here made by some writers to the redoubtable ‘ Cailleach Bheur,’ who roamed the Highlands and islands, and died, after a career of ‘ thousands of years,’ on the banks of Loch Bà, Mull. A lament, composed on this notorious hag, it is said, exists, which used to be sung in Mull! Seei* Rudha nan clach.’

C a ip l e a c h . Place of the horses, from capull, a horse or mare, ach, place or place of. In Strathaird. See ‘ Loch na Caiplich,’ and cf. ‘ Caplich ’ in Urray, Ross-shire.

C a ip l in , A C h à i p l i n . Capullan?Ca ie id h G h l u m a ig . Fish-weir pool. A oairidh is Anglicised

into gare, yare, or zair. One authority says cairidh is from Celtic harjo, I set, put, and equals cuir. There is an obsolete word car, fish. A weir is also gearr, also abh- iasgaich or dbh-eisg.

C a ir id h n a C e a n n , n a n C i n n . The weir of the heads, a place in the Snizort River where the heads of the combatants in a certain fight lodged, having been washed down the river.

C a ir id h n a L a t h a ic h . Mud or muddy fish-weir. At Leinieh.G


C a ir id h n a n O b . The weir of the bays or estuaries. Cairidh, it may be explained, is generally a large circular enclosure where herrings or saithe, etc., were caught, and frequently situated at the head of bays or inlets in shallow water, or a stone dyke built across some narrow shallow inlet. Any artificial obstruction designed to catch fish without net or tackle is called a cairidh.

C a ir id h S h n is o r t . Snizort Weir. This cairidh was noted for an incident which gave origin to a good-natured nickname of ‘ Na Saoidhean ’ to Raasay men, who failed to find anything but that fish there instead of herrings when it came to their turn to use same. This nick-name used to be resented, but not so bitterly as ‘ Lair-mart ’ or ‘ Cow- mare,’ a fat mare, trimmed to show no particulars, having been launched from Skye and drifted to Raasay, where it was found and eaten there. This, and the foregoing, has frequently been told elaborately, but, as may be imagined, seldom to a Raasay man. Baasay Macleods were known as ' Siol na Làrach,' or ‘ Làire,' the ‘ race of the mare,’ the horse being their emblem, some say totem. See *Loch na Carra.’

C a is t e a l D is d e in , C a is t e a l U i s d e in , q.v.

C a is t e a l Dubh n a n C l i a r . The black castle of the minstrels, poets, or brave men. See ‘ Dunvegan.’

C a is t e a l D u n a k y n e (Dun-akin). See ‘ Caisteal Maoil.’C a is t e a l E o g h a in n . E wen’s castle, or Evan. This is a rock

like a castle, a great stac of clustering pillars, as it has been described; it really is one massive rock with a flat top. It looks like an incomplete Border peel.

C a is t e a l M a o l , M a o il , C a is t e a l a M h a o il . Castle Moil, on a bare promontory at Kyleakin, also named Dunakyne. It belonged to the Mackinnons for centuries, as vassals of

j the Macdonalds of Sleat. Here Donald Gruamach was elected ‘ Lord of the Isles,’ and from here, it is said, the piper warned Coll of Barrisdale, hence the piobaireachd, ‘ Cholla mo run, Seachainn an Dun.’ This castle is of third period, 1402-1542, and partly of the tenth century. Called also ‘ Caisteal nam Faochag,’ whelk castle! Built originally by a Danish Princess, ‘ Saucy Mary.’

PLACE-NAMES OP SKYE 99

C a i s t e a l U i s d e i n . Hugh’s Castle. Situated near Cuidrach or Cuidreach, half-way between Kingsburgh and Uig; it was built by Hugh Macdonald of Sleat in the time of James VI., and is of the peel style, having no doors nor* windows, the entrance being by the top. It is now in ruins. See ‘ Pein-an-Dùine.’

C a llayb o st , C a lbo st , or C olbost (Norse kali-bolstadhr). Cold farm or steading, etc.

C a l m a n , C a l a m a n . A pigeon. See ‘ Port-a-Chaim.’C a m a g a c h . The crooked, curling, or winding place.C a m alag , C a m a l a ig , C a m l a ig . Explained as cam-all-vik, the

bay of the crooked rock? Pound in old titles, Camblock in Vaternish going with * Bay,’ Loch Dunvegan, north of Dunvegan Castle. Camalag also means a curl or ringlet. See ‘ Camloch.’

Cama Lon or ’C h am a Loin. Crooked or bent stream. See ‘ Lon.’

C amastac (cam(a)stac) . * The crooked cliff or eminence. Given in one work as ‘ Camus Tac,’ tack bay! North-east of Vaternish.

C am busm ore , C am us M o r . The great bay. In Troternish. See ‘ Camus Beag.’

C a m is k e t il , C am us K e t i l . K e t i l ’s Bay. A point of that name runs out into the bay, and said to be in the south end of Skye, but not known. There is a cave here wherein Prince C harlie , with ‘ Mackinnon,’ lodged for two nights.

C am loch , C a m lo c k , C a m b lo c h , etc. The crooked loch, but said to be a corruption of ‘ Ceannloch,’ or Kinloch, q.v. Given as in Kilmuir or Duirinish.

C amus a m h o r B h e o il . The bay of the great mouth, wide opening, opposite the narrows of Portree and Raasay, Bal- meanoch Bay being on the south.

C am us a M h u r a n , a M h u r a in . Bay of the sea-bent, etc. At itudh’ an Dunain, south-east coast of Loch Brittle.

C amus a n F h e id h . Bay of the deer, but thought should be fheith, bog, morass, etc. See ‘ Camus na Feithean.’


Camus an t-S aile Luthair Furra. Bay of the strong or swift sea-water. There is a word fur, furra, or furran, oak-tree. A story goes as to two trees which grew here,

• called ‘ Furra mor ’ and ‘ Furra b&ag ’ ; the larger would shelter fifty oows from the sun. Said also to be cedar, but not known. Clann-maol-Callum-na-coille and Calum maol Chomhail burned and destroyed both these trees, for which offence they were ejected from the district. These trees are said to have grown near Kyle. Camus here may mean a bend or curved piece of land or place.

C am us B a n . The white, fair, or bright bay. In Portree harbour; another in Loch Dunvegan: common.

C am us B e ag and C am us Mor. Little and big bay. At Uig, Snizort, or Uig Bay; another ‘ Camus M or’ in Kilmuir.

C a m u sh o r n , C am us E o r n a . Barley bay. Supposed landing- place of cargoes of barley, of old.

C am us G a r b h . Rough bay; probably from surrounding coast, or exposed. On south side of Portree Bay.

C am us G e a d a is . Given ‘ Pike ’ (the fish) bay. It may be gead, a spot or rig of arable land, with the Pictish suffix as or ais, place, locality or situation.

C am us La g a in . Bay of the little hollow or dell. N.W. of Greshernish.

C am u slu sta , C am bus L u st a . Lusta Bay. Loch Dunvegan.C am u sm o r e , etc., C am us M o r . Great bay. Near Lyndale,

Snizort seashore.C am us L ia n a d a l or C am us M o r . A s above. Given as in

Loch Greshernish.C am us M a l a g , M a l a ig . Malag bay, near Torran or na

Torrain, Kilbride; also found given ‘ Camusmallaig,’ N.E. of Slapin. Cf. ‘ Cnoc Mhàlagan,’ Sleat. Found also as camus smalaig, second year saithe.

C am u s- m o r - B h e o il . B a y of the great mouth or opening, Loch Greshernish in one account, but thought to be near Gedintaillear.

C am u s - n a -C i l l e . C e ll or church bay. Loch Bracadale.C am us n a F e it h e a n . Bay of bogs or marshes. Between

Torran and Camusmallaig.C am u s- n a - h - A n a it , A n n a it . Bay o f the Annat.


C am us- n a - h -U a m h a . Cave Bay. S. Duirinish. C am us- n a - L e t h - p h e ig h in n . The half-penny (land) bay. C amus n a m F aoch ag . Periwinkle, whelk, or buckie’s bay.

Faoch, dim. faochag, signifies a whirlpool.C amus n a m M u el (M u il ?). Maoil, & promontory, etc.C amus n a n G a l l . Bay of strangers, Lowlanders. In Soay.

Noted for raised beaches.C amus n a n S it h e a n . Fairies’ bay, or bay of knolls, etc.,

Moonen Bay.C amus n a n U isg e a c h a n . Bay o f the waters.C amus n a S g ia n a d a in . Strath. See ‘ Sgianadan.’ Translated

‘ stretches of withered grass,’ etc.C amus n a T o t a d h , T o b h t a . Ruined buildings, or Ruins’ Bay.

In Strath. Taighean-fo-thalamh said to be here.C a m u st in v a ig , Ca m u st ia n a v a ig , etc. Tianavaig, Dianavaig,

or Dionavaig Bay. See ‘ Beinn D io n a v a ig ,’ south of Portree. Also ‘ Camus Troi5 (troigh ?), elsewhere found spelled trol.

C a m u su n a ry , C a m u s iu n a r ie , etc. Numerous varieties in spelling, even ‘ Camusmary ’— Camus fhionn airidh (0. C. fionn, find). Bay of the white or fair or beautiful sheiling. In Strathaird. The valley here is named ‘ Srath na Creitheach ’ or £ Creathach,’ q.v.

‘ Camusfhionnairidh o thuath,Gleann Sgàladail fhuar nam beann,Robastan u chorsa (choirce ?) ghlais,’8 ann leam a 6’ ait bhi ann'

Another rendering gives‘ Kilmaree fo sgeith a chuain,Camusfhiunary fhuar nam beann,’ etc.

A local meaning (Strath) is * the late or dark bay,’ ait Soay Sound. This name also said to be ‘ Camus Fhionn- airidh,’ fionnar, cool; ionn, to, against; and fuar, cold. Found given in Blackwood for August, 1889, as ‘ the Bay of Watching.’ N.G.P. gives ‘ late watcher,’ the cool of the evening or night, inn, ionn, and fairè. This bay lies near a green hollow close to the sea, with a white, sandy shore; it is in fact a green glen hemmed in on all sides except seawards; Strathblay in Strathaird lies opposite.


C am u su sta ? Lueta, q.v.C a n n a , C a n a . A small island off Skye—not the larger island

of Canna, near Eigg. Canna means the little whale or porpoise, etc., from shape, etc.

C aol B h r a ig h . The upland kyle. At Ferinvieguire.C aol M o r . The great kyle, between Scalpa and Raasay. Caol

also signifies a straight, narrows. Airleig another term therefor.

C a p a c h . See * Ceapach,’ a hill in Strathaird.C a p l a c h . See ‘ Caipleach.’C a r a d h , C a r a d h - a n - t -S r a t h M h ic F h io n g a in , fo r ‘ C a ir id h .’

A t en d o f L o ch S lap in . T h e S tra th -M a ck in n on w eir. See a fter nam es h av in g ‘ c lach ’ as a p refix .

C a rb o st , C a r a b o st , etc. In Snizort. Explained as Cari’s town; Kwi, a Norse proper name; also kjarra-bolstadhr, oopsewood homestead; locally explained car, a mossy place, and host, from bolstadhr. In Islay ‘ Carrabus.’ Carbost, Little and Meikle, is in Minginish, on the shore of Loch Harport, an arm of Loch Bracadale.

C a r l a r a c h . See ‘ Corlarach.’ For car, see above.C a r n a c h n a G u a il l e . The cairney place of the shoulder

(-shaped). This is a spot in Gullavore, q.v.C a r n a c h -a - R o im h . There is a word roimh, signifying earth,

also burying-ground, etc. On east side of Kilmuir.C a r n C h a l u im . Malcolm’s cairn, a guide to the Cooling.C a r n C h o in . The dog’s cairn; might mean wolves. North of

Portree.C a r n D e a r g . Red cam. South of Loch an Leoid, Strath.C a r n L i a t h . Grey or hoary cairn; an ancient burial eminence

on western shore of (the now drained) Loch Columcille, Kilmuir.

C a r n M a g a r a in or a M h a g a r a in . The crawling or ‘ all- fours ’ cairn. This is a very rough clump or mass of rock, to pass over which necessitates progression on all fours, air rrihagarain or air mhàgain.

C a r n M o r . The Great Cairn. South of Rudha na Creige Moire.


C a e n a c h , An, C a r n a c k . A hill near Strathaird. The cairney or rocky place, or place of cairns. ‘ Cairnach Mor,’ the great rockies, south of Trumpan. The Druids were called Carnaich from the heaps or collections of stones where they worshipped and sometimes celebrated rites; ‘ Carnach ’ is also a district in Skye. See ‘ Hallin.’

C a r n a n a c h , C a r n a n a ic h . The cairney field or place; carnan, cairns; achadh, field; or ach, place of. At the foot of Dunvegan Head.

C a r n n a B odach or C a r n a B h o d a ic h . The old man’s cairn, thought a recluse; an earth-house here. Eight miles north of Portree.

C a r n n a C a il l ic h . The old wife’s cairn. In Strath Mor; might be a nun or other holy devotee. This is one of the several cairns forming the march between Luib and Torrin.

C a r n n a h - I g h in n . The cairn of the girl or young woman; said to have been raised to the memory of a young girl who died at the spot, on the road between Broadford and Strollamus. See also ‘ Carnan Mairi.’ There is another at Kensaleyre, near an ancient battle-ground.

C a r n n a n E a c h . Horses’ cairn. Hound this cairn horses were led three times sun-ways, from right to left (deiseal), as a precaution against mishaps, etc.

C a r n n a n T r i T o r m a id . The cairn of the three Normans. Near Sligachan; where three Norman Macleodis stood jat bay and were slain at the battle of Coire-na-Creiche. Cf. ‘ Nan Tri Lachluinn ’ at Tobar Tàth, also ‘ Carn nan Tri Torcaill.’

C a r n a n ’ I c a n t -S a g a ir t . The little cairn of the priest’s son, who was found dead here. Near Kilmuir.

C a r n a n M a i r i . Mary’s little cairn, who was found, or died, here. On the hill between Easteide and the district of Kilmuir proper.

C a r n a n T a r m a id , T o r m o id . Norman’s little cairn, erected, it is presumed, to a man of that name. See ‘ Cam nan Tri Tormaid,’ also ‘ Cearn (Carn) nan Tri Torcaill.’

C a r n a n or C a r n D e a r g , a n C a r n D e a r g . The little red cairn. Near Suishnish.

C a r n e b o r g , C a ir n b u r g , K ia r n a b o r g . Caim-town or fort.


C a r n S co ir , S g u ir r . Score or Scaur-cairn, a precipitous bank of rock. See 4 Score.’

C a r n U ru g a g , U r a g a ig . The infant’s cairn. See ‘ Urgag.’ This might be meant for uraisgag, a spectre; or dim. of urag, a bland, pawky female.

The word cam is very common, and many more supposed to exist in Skye; in Manx the word is applied to a rock in the sea, e.g., ‘ Carn Vreid,’ bradda, a bhràghad ?

C a r o y , C o r o y . Given ‘ Carr Ruadh/ red rock, but properly ‘ Cadha Ruadh/ in or near which (i.e., the Russet Pasis) there was a fort. In Kilmuir, on the borders of Bracadale and Duirinish. This pass, now almost entirely eaten away by the sea, was anciently the ‘ gathering-place ’ of the Macleods of Skye, 1,100 of whom answered a summons by fiery cross in 1745, but only 200 could be prevailed upon to take up arms against Prince Charlie. Here the fairies are said to have been heard underground singing loudly* while engaged on waulking!

C a r r a c h a n . The rocky place or point. S .W . of Croulin Meadhonach (Mid Crowling). A good fishing-bank here. This word also signifies a small kind of fish, the angler, shoe-maker, devil-fish, etc.

C a r r ( a ) C h r o m . The crooked, bent, or inclined rock, about 400 feet in height, near Skeabost; thought this name may be meant for ‘ Coir’ a Chroin,’ q.v. See also ‘ Loch na Oarra.’ Ossian calls a circle (of stones) crom.

C a r r a ig M h o r . The great rock; carragh-creige, pillar-rock, also cathair.

C a r r a ig S h l e a m h a in . The slippery rock. Near Loch Dunvegan. See ‘ Ceum-carach ’ (or corrach).

C a s g il l , C a s h il l , C a s k i l l . May be cas, steep, and gil, a ravine; given in old titles as in ‘ Oynart and Bracadale.’ Also as Kapgill, thought long s printed p in error; this is given as in Snizort.

Catha, Cadha G hradanaidh. The path or pass of the parching, or parched corn, probably a favourite place for winnowing corn. This word as spelled catha said to be derived from the Norse gata, a way, road, pass; but see ‘ Cadh’ a Ghradanaidh.’ Cata, a sheep-cot, a fold, said also from gata, e.g., ‘ Catacol ’ or ‘ Catagil.’ See also ‘ Cnoc-a-Chatha. ’


C a t h a , C a d h a n a B e is t e . The path or pass of the beast.C a t h a , C a d h a n a n G a m h n a . Path or pass of the stirks.C a t h a , C a d h a n a T a t h u n n . Pass of the barkinlg, baying, or

yelping, possibly bellowing, of deer. At Dringan.C a th a d h C r io c h a d h . Meaning not known. Cathadh means

drift of snow, and criocbadh may just be crioch, a boundary where drifting intense? Found given as boundary pass, cadha (dh). See ‘ Bealach a Chrochair©.’

Ca t h a ir C h l i a m a i n . Clement’s Seat or Cathedral (Saint). This seat, cathedral, or church was where the glebe of Cille Chrioed or Cille-Criosd now is. Cathair (O. G-. cathir, city), cathraig, acc. sing., cognate with Latin castrum. See ' Caervalloch.’

C e a lla ic h e a n , Na. Bocks, or ravines in inland rocks which can be climbed. See ‘ Creag-a-Cheala ’ in Glendale (twice). In all the above, there is a cleft by which each rock is climbed. Cealaich, clefts similar to the fire-place of a kiln; ceall, gen. cille, a cell, a church, a retired spot.

C eal l B h u i d h e . The yellow cell or church; ceall, generally dll, the dative.

C e a n n - a - B h a i d h e , B h a ig h e . The head o f the bay. Water- nish.

C e a n n - a -C h u i r n . Head or summit of the cairn.C e a n n - a - G h a r a id h . The head of the dyke. Strath.Ceannaiche M hic L eoid or A Cheannaiche. Locally given as

Macleods Merchant, or the Merchant; but it properly means ‘ The Headland.’ Near ‘ Macleod’s Maidens.’ Being masculine, it is humorously said to stand out in bolder relief than the ‘ Maidens.’ There is also a point or promontory of this name, off Polteel, also known as the ‘ Needle rock.’ ‘ An Ceannaich’ or ‘ An Ceannaiche’ is south of Dunvegan Head; another name, locally supplied, is ‘ The Purchaser.’ This headland is very exposed and stormy; a seam of good coal, about one foot in thicknesp, has been found here, one of several in Skye, but which are inferior.

Ceann Caol. Narrow headland; a sharp point of land.C e a n n C noc n a h - A c a ir s e id . Head of the anchorage knoll;

also ‘ Ceann-a-Chnoc,’ on east side.


Ceann Mhor MhicLeoid. Macleod’s great headland or promontory; now named ‘ Ceann Dhunbheagain. See ‘ Snod.’

C e a n n - n a - B e i n n e . Head of the mountain. East of Loch Brittle.

C e a n n s a l e id h r e (ceann mil eidhre), K e n s a l e y r e . The head of the salt (water) of Eyre. Snizort.

C e a n n T o m a in . Little knoll head. On the Score coast.C e a n n U a c h d a r a c h . Upper head. In Strath, where the bard

Mackinnon was born, 1665.C e a p a c h , A C h e a p a c h , C h e a p a ic h . The place of stumps (of

trees), given locally. A tillage place or lot. This word equals cepp (ceap), block, top, as of a hill, Latin dppus; also given ‘ Capach.’ Some authorities consider derivation doubtful. Ceap also signifies sod, turf, or divot, and is found used in connection with a grave, e.g., ‘ Fo na c ip ’s a Chillmhor,’ beneath the sods in Kilmore, i.e., buried there. A word seideag means a portion of arable land! separate, sometimes a shed. See ‘ Ceapach,’ in Lochaber.

C e a p a n a c h . The place of little stumps; also the name of a rock near Loch Diubaig. A belief said to exist that forest trees existed here, the stumps of which remained after burning or cutting. There is a natural arch a little south of this place.

C e a r n ( ? C a r n ) n a n T rx T o r c a il l . The cairn of the three Torculls or Torquils, where three heroes, supposed Mae- leods, died fighting at the battle of the Coolins. Ceam might suit, as it means locality, etc. C f . ‘ Cam nan Tri Tormad.’ This place is near Sligachan.

Ceum Carach, Corrach, or An Ceum Sleamhuinn. The risky, bad, or slippery step; also £ The Ladies’ Step.’ On the shore track round Loch Scavaig, from Camasunary, near Coruieg, and traverses a bare, smooth rock-slab running at a steep incline sheer down to the sea; in this there is a cleft, a few inches broad, which has to be stepped, crept, or sidled along for a distance of several yards; also named ‘ The Gendarme,’ or ‘ Policeman,’ as it is supposed to ‘ arrest ’ the progress of many people! The real * Gendarme ’ or £ Policeman ’ is, however, on the top of Sgurr- imn-Gillean. The ‘ Ceum,’ however, is not so very Jbad


or fearsome, it being only some 15 feet above sea-level* Still another ‘ Bad Step ’ is on the road to the ‘ Gentleman’s Cave ’ in Weetray, Orkneys.

C eum n a C aora D u ib h e . The path-way of the black sheep. This ceum is a caigeann, signifying here a rough mountain pass. Near Eist.

C e a r c a l l , C e a r c a il l , A C h e a r c a l l M or agus B e a g . The hoop or hoops, being a part or parts of ‘ Beinn Dianabhaig,’ a belt of rocks appearing hoop-like from the line or lines of stratification. See ‘ Beinn-a-Chearcall.’

C h e a n n -M h u ir , A, C e a n n a -M h u i r . Sea-head or promontory.C h e ar c , A. The hen; a hill peak in Soay.’C h o r r a B h e in n . The crane or heron mountain; also given as

‘ The odd hill.’’C h r ia r a c h . The Moss. Kilmuir.’C h r o ic . The deer’s antler, if long; or the knoll, croc, cnoc.

In Kilmuir.’C h r o s h e n e r , C r o s h e n e r , K r o s h e n e r , C rois I o m h a ir . Ivor’s

cross. See ‘ Coire Iomhair.’’C h r u a l a in , ’ C h r u il e in , C h r u a id h l in n , C r o w l in g , q.v.;

also found ‘ Crolainn.’ The hard, rocky or mountainous place. An Linne Chrohigeach, the pool or gulf of Crowlin, between the Crowling Islands and Scalpay. C f. Crùlmst.

’C h u il io n n . The Hollies. The Coolin hills, or rather mountains. In Gaelic properly named ‘ An Cuilifhionn,’ with accent on first syllable. Said by one authority that this name is the same as the Norwegian Tciolen, which is thought to mean ‘ the mountains’ ; cf. Latin collis with col. See also ‘ Coolins.’

A local suggestion has been given that the derivation of this word is ‘ Cuil Fhinn,’ the recess, haunt, or hiding-place of Fingal (Fionn), or perhaps of the Fingalians generally who frequented these mountains; this is somewhat like the sound of the local pronunciation. There are many ‘ Fingalian ’ names in Skye, and the cuil is said to mean their hunting retreats, or the resorts of the Feinne, who lived by hunting. If more than one, as likely, it should be cuiltean. The name, however, was doubtless in existence


before even the time of the Feinne. The fh in Fhinn, being silent, gave rise to a suggestion of the obsolete word inn, a wave, and justified the ‘ poetic ’ title of ‘ the retreat at or near the wave ’ ! Fhuinn, genitive of fonn, land, district, also adduced, but the pronunciation is against it. As to the ‘ Cuchulainn ’ tradition of the first century, there was a later hero of that name, who kept his warrior followers together in the forests and fastnesses of Skye, and kept the Norse or Lochlannaich at bay.

C ic h e n a B e in n e D e ir g e . The pinnacle (or breast) of the red mountain. See ‘ Beinn Dearg,’ ‘ Cioch,’ etc.

C ill. For names beginning with this word, see under ‘ K .’ The cills or kils are generally but not invariably called after ‘ Saints’ ; ‘ Kilvaxter ’ is one exception. Skye, among others of the Western Isles, became the home or abiding-plaoe of pious hermits seeking sanctuary in seclusion, some as Eremites and some in Cenobitic Societies. The word cill is the old dative of ceall, a hermit’s cell. ‘ Calumidh ’ and ‘ Ceallurach ’ are found given as ‘ site or sites of ancient churches.’ The word cill when prefixed to the names of builders, or traditional builders, of churches, takes the form cille; before a vowel or fh, it is written cill in such cases; we have ‘ Cill-Mhor ’ or ‘ A Chill Mhor ’ in Sleat, q.v.

Some writers allege that cill may be cùil, caol, or coille.C il l A s h ig . Ashig Church, of old Askimolruy, q.v., or

Maelrubha’s Ferry, a burial-ground. See also ‘ Ashig,’ found given ‘ Asaph’ ; also ‘ Cill-a-Chro,’ ‘ Kilchrist,’ etc.

C il l c h r is t , C il l e c h r io s d . Christ’s Church, now ‘ Cillechro,’ fold or pen church, as sometimes rendered; but chro expresses here a district surrounded by hills. See ‘ Kilchrist,’ N. of Loch Cillechriosd. See also ‘ Cathair Chliamain.’

C il l e - C o m g h a in , C i l l C h o m g h a in , C h o m h a in , C h o d h a in , C h o t h a in . Saint Comgan’s or Congan’s Cell or Church. Some say that it is named after or for the Druid ‘ Coibhi,’ or ‘ Caomhain,’ the kind, the helpful one. See ‘ Tobar,’ etc. This church is in Glendale, where Donald Macleod, a noted bard, is buried; Diel Mac High Loehlainn is said to have been the first one buried here. See ‘ Poltiel.’ Various rumours or reports are or were current as to turf left for covering his grave, also of a craobh dhromcmaich (elder-


tree), which grew thereon; this report formed a subject of gome rhymes or verses by one John Macleod, brother of the well-known Neil Macleod, the Skye bard, both sons of the said Donald Macleod; John died abroad. This rhyme or poetical effusion is said to be meritorious, but has never been published for personal reasons. All this was told the author of this work by the said Neil Macleod. ‘ Cill Chaomhain ’ said to be the same as Saint Colvin or Sa nt Colgan.

C il l - D a - b h i , rendered, but thought erroneously, Cill Daibhidh. It may be some saint, even the Irish saint ‘ Mo-bhi ’ (My Life). This place or cell is in Flodigarry. There is, according to Henderson, hi, high, door-post, threshold. Early Irish di hi, two posts.

C il l E a d h n a , K i l l e a n a . Eithne or Enda’s Church. There is a Cill Eoin at the head of Loch Bracadale, where ‘ Episcopalians ’ have lately erected;—or re-erected—a small chapel. It was near this place that the Macleod® gathered in 1745, as before narrated, when only 200 joined the Prince. The sea has encroached on the land greatly here.

C il l E o g h a in n . Ewen’s Cell or Church, but is thought to be a corruption of ‘ Cill Eadhna/ as above. Also said to be* Cill Eochaidh/ but that means ‘ Egbert.’ Also said to be named merely from the name ‘ Eoghan/ as being the first person buried in the adjacent burying-ground.

C il l e - M a r r u i d h . Saint Maelrubha’s Cell or Church. Kil- maree, q.v.

C il l e - M h a r t u i n n . Saint Martin’s Church. Kilmartin, q.v.C il l t a r a g l a n . Talorgan’s Cell or Church. Talorgan means

the fair-browed one. Old name for Portree parish. See ‘ KiltaragLan.’ Also given as from Talorg, dim. Talorgan, a Pictish proper name, tal, brow, and arg, white, seen in mrgiod (argentum), silver; arg, airg signifies champion, prince. According to ‘ Origines Parochiales,’ it means ‘ the church at the bottom of the glen.’ Cf. ‘ Kiltarlity.’

C il l e - M h u ir e . See ‘ Kilmuir.’C in n se b o r g or b u r g . See ‘ Kingsburgh.’ This name is

properly Cisborg, pronounced Cisaboro, tax-town, being erected at entrance to Loch Snizort for the purpose of levying rates or taxes on passing vessels.


C ioch a S g u m a in . The pap or breast of the Sguman, q.v. ; a large pinnacle of ròck, highest point 2,860 feet.

C ioch n a B e in n e D e ir g e . The pinnacle, etc., of the Red Mountain. See ‘ Beinn Dearg. ’ '

C io s t a l , K is t l e , K e s t l e , C e a s t l e . Said to mean ciseal (co-iosal), low-lying land between two waters; also cis, tax, oblation, reverence, etc., and Norse vollr, field.

* Am banais bha’n Ciostal odhar,’ etc.—Old Song.C ip e in , N a . The stakes or tether-pegs or pins. One or more

of the ‘ Dubh-Sgeirean,’ q.v. See also ‘ Balnakeepan.’C ircabo sd , K ir k a b o s t , K ir k j u - B o l s t a d r . Church-farm, or

steading, etc.C ir c w a ig , C ir c v a ig , C ir c a ig , K ir k a ig . Church bay (Kirkju-

vik).C ir e a n , An, C ir e a n M o r . The ridge, the great ridge or crest.C ir e a n T h o r m a id . Norman’s ridge or crest. This is a rock

or tidal skerry on the Eist coast . Also said to be a peak or pinnacle on or of one of the Coolins, and so named after Norman Collie of the Scottish Mountaineering Club.

C is te a g a n , N a . The little chests, or coffins; so named from number of accidents here by drowning. In Kilmuir. C f . cist-vam-mam, a stone (sepulchral), Welsh.

C l a b -S a l a c h . The dirty or foul battle-field. Beyond Corrie House, Strath.

C l a c h a B h r a t h a id h . Should be ‘ Bhàthaidh,’ the stone of drowning. Origin of name uncertain.

C la ch a C h a r r a . Stone of the rocky shelf. Carr, carra, has other meanings not suited. In Loch Dunvegan.

C la c h a C h i p e in . The stake or tether-peg stone. Near Boraraig. This, tradition says, is a stone placed on his horse’s tether-peg by Padruig Mor Mac Oruimmon; he lifted and carried it a considerable distance, its weight being seven or eight cwts.

C l a c h a C h r u in n e a c h a id h . The stone of meeting or gathering (of people). Off ‘ Cooaire,’ Gesto Bay.

C la ch a G h io m a ic h . The lobster stone.


C l a c h - a - M h o d h a . The manners’ stone. Celtic politeness enforced hereon in a peculiar but drastic manner. It lies at Galtrigill, near Dunvegan Headland, and is the only one known to exist in Skye; it is a plain, smooth slab of whin- stone, 8 feet by 5, or, as otherwise given, 4 feet 2% inches, and 6 or 8 inches thick.

C l a c h a m is h , C l a o c h a m a is , C l o c h a m a is . Locally explained,‘ aiming stone,’ but it properly is ‘ Cladh-a-Chamuis,’ the bank or burying-ground of the bay; might be on the shore of the bay, as the modern form of cladh here is cladaek. In Loch Snizort beag, and goes with Treaslane in old titles. Also ‘ Allt.’

C l a c h a n . It seems almost superfluous to explain this word as the present common name for a hamlet or village where a burying-ground or ‘ the stones,’ with a church, etc., are. As elsewhere, the name or term is pretty general in Skye and Raasay; there is one in Stenscholl, ‘ Clachan Greanigil.’ The above meaning is, of course, the more modern Christian meaning grafted on or adapted to the original heathen or pagan name for the Druidical—or other —stones for the then mode of worship, perhaps sacrificial altars, but coming subsequently to mean the ‘ grave-stones ’ or reilig, Latin reliquim.

C la c h a n C o ir ’ (or C o ir e ) F h i n n . The stones of or for Fionn’s kettle or pot. These stones are still pointed out as such; they lie opposite Snizort Manse. Cf. ‘ Greideal Fhinn,’ Fingal’s gridiron or girdle, megalithic stones at Ormsaig Mor, Ardnamurchan, somewhat similar. See* Somaichean,’ also ‘ Uilinish.’

Clach a n F h i t h i c h . The raven’s stone. At Elgol, Strath. Said to be the same as ‘ Clach an Drama ’ (droma), in reference to which Coinneach Odhar prophesied something dire. This prophecy cannot now be fulfilled, as the stone has been partly broken by dressing about forty years ago or more, and now forms part of the mason work of a church in Glendale.

C lac h a n F h u a r a i n . The well or fountain stone; said to have been thrown hither from the island of Soay, four and a half miles distant, by one of the ‘ Cuchullin ’ giants when indulging in the pastime of ‘ putting ’ the stone! It weighs two tons, it is estimated. Doubtless one of tha


many ‘ travelled ’ relics of the Ice Age. This stone is near Elgol, Strath. See ‘ Clach Chraigisgean.’ The word fuaran means a perennial spring.

C l a c h a n L e a b h a r . The stone of the book, the Rent-book. At Digg or Dig, where Domhnull Gorm used it as a desk when collecting his rents from the tenants or others.

C l a c h a n t -S a g a ir t . The priest’s stone. See ‘ Clach Deuchainn.’

C l a c h a n t -S h a i r . The chair-stone, from resemblance. In Staffin. Might mean sear, east. See ‘ Clach ghlas Chaluim-Chille. ’

C l a c h a n t -S i u b h a il . The travelling, or travelled, or wandered stone. Ice Age relic. On Totaig Common. A vulgar tradition and belief exists that under this stone a whole disreputable sept lies buried, which sept, though once well-known, is now extinct in the district.

C l a c h - a n - T u r r a m a n , T u r r a b a n . Rocking stone. This stone was at one time finely poised on a fiat stone or slab of rock, and could be moved by a very slight touch. Vandals, within the last few years, destroyed this. On the Glebe, Strath.

C l a c h a n U a i n e . Green stones. N.E. of harbour, Soay.C l a c h A r d and C l a c h A r d U i g e . The high stone, the high

stone of Uig; supposed to be the same, and to be remains of a stone circle. Near Skeabost Bridge. See ‘ Uig.’

C l a c h a ’ R o ssa ic h . The Rose Stone. Almost below ‘ Aigeach,’ and now visible only at low tide.

C l a c h v a n . The women’s stone, or the white stone. Claeh bhan or clach bhàn, supposed to be" the latter.

C l a c h V a t a ir , B h a t a i r . Walter’s Stone. A tidal stone in Kilmuir.

C la c h C h r a ig is g e a n . The stone of the splay-footed or well- pawed one; crag or crog, a large hand or paw. Doubtless another ice-travelled boulder. Local tradition, however, says that it was thrown from the top of Saigh Mhinn, two miles distant, by one of the giants of the Feinne or Fingalians, na craigein or craigisgein. This stone happened to fall on a woman who was dishonestly milking


a neighbour’s cow at the time; both are said to be still underneath, along with the milking-stool and the buarach or oow-fetter, also the cumcm-bleodhainn, milk pitcher or ‘ leglin.’ This, however, remains to be proved!

Clach Ch rotach . The crooked or bent stone. Crotach as applied to humans, which it more often is, means humpbacked. Suggested cnotag, a block of stone for unhusking barley. This stone is in Staffin.

Clach D e u c h a in n . The trying or testing stone, probably a ‘ lift,’ a test of strength, though it may have witnessed’ ‘ trials’ of another kind. See ‘ Trumpan.’ A word deachainn said to mean forecasts.

Clach D h u b h . The black stone. In Elgol, Strath. See ‘ Iollagaig ’ or ‘ Iullagaig.’

Clach F uileach or F uilteach . The bloody stone; said to be so named from the ‘ red rain ’ poured thereon by the Macleods and Macdonalds in one of their internecine feuds and fights at Harta Corrie; also locally believed to be sio named from a shepherd having been killed there. Scientists, however, say it is from the existence of pyrites. The locality here is famous for some rare kinds of fern. It lies N.E. of ‘ Druim-na-Ramh.’ Sheriff Nicolson described it as being about the size of a good oorn-stack.

Clach G hlas C h a l u im -C h il l e . The grey stone of Columba- of-the-oell (Saint Columba). Near Portree; in shape like a rude chair or armed seat, with a high back, where the saint used to sit and rest. See ‘ Clach-an-t-Shair.’

Clach Glas, Ghlas. The grey stone. A prominent peak of Blaven, being in the form of a massive tower, 2,590 feet in height; also described as being like the menagerie ‘ monster ’ terrifying the beholder; a choice piece of ridge for climbers. It connects Garbh-Bheinn on the north with Blath-Bheinn on the south. C f. ‘ Clach Ghlas ’ in Bal- quhidder. The upper peak of the former has been called, it is said not inaptly, the ‘ Matterhorn of Skye ’ ; it was first climbed in May, 1880.

Clach G lu n ach , G hlunach (said to be others). The knee stone. At Boraraig, near Broadford. This stone is 8 feet in length by 2 feet 6 inches in breadth, and is estimated, to weigh over 16 cwt. It is a well-known tradition that a


stalwart hero of the Mackinnons of Strath put or placed this great stone across a rivulet without any assistance and, while he put one end on the support prepared for it, he let the other end rest on his knee until the men engaged on the work finished the support; he then fixed it in alone in the form and position in which it is yet. The place is locally known as ‘Drochaut Glagcm-Gluine,’ or the bridge of the shaky knee, or glacan-gluine, the catch or hold of the knee. This man went under the sobriquet of * Glagam Gluin’ an Triubhais Bhric ’ (Glagan-Glun of the grey trews); here glagan is said to mean knock-kneed, which Mackinnon was also said to have been. The author knew an erstwhile noted seanachie who resided in Saasaig, Sleat —Eobhainn Mackinnon (or Eobhainn Curlach, from having ringlets)—tell of his fellow-clansman and his feats, speaking of him with great admiration and respect, h© called him £ An Glagaire G lunachthe garrulous one; this man (An Glagaire) distinguished himself in a certain fight which took place between some of the natives of Skye and some Argyllshire men on the shores of Loch Eisheort.

Clach L e u m . The leap or leaping stone. Near Pooltiel pier. This stone, or stac, is distant or separated about four 'feels from the parent rock, and is a favourite spot for fishing' from.

C lach M h ic C orchil, T horcuil . M acTorcul’s Stone.

Clach M h icC u ie n , M hicC u ia n , or, as found given, M acO w a n . At base of Blaven. This stone said to be named after cu man who committed a murder in Glendale. See ‘ Bal- macquien.’

Clach M hor a G h a r b h B h l a ir . The great stone of the rough field, or of the fierce fight. In Torrin.

C lach n a B o in e id e . The bonnet stone. See ‘ Clach na h-Aidè/ where some coin® were found by shepherds in 1895. Some of these coins were upwards of 200 years old.

Clach na B re ig e . The stone of lying or lies. Near Portree. A false appearance. Cf. Na Fir Bhreige.

C lach n a C o m h a ir l e . The stone of counsel or convocation; of some local importance when ‘ Constable ’ elected, and so forth.


C lach na Cru ailean , C r u a il in n . The stone of the hard,, rocky ground, cruadh-chlach. At the mouth of Loch Slapin. Cf. ‘ Crulaist.’

Clach na h - A id e or A id e a d h . The hat stone; possibly from resemblance or similarity. A t side of Lochan a Sguabaich.

Clach n a h - A n a it . The Annat Stone. See ‘ Anait.’ In reference to this stone, Coinneach Odhar, the Brahan Seer, also prophesied as follows: * Olaidh am fitheach a shath de dh’fhuil mm marbh,’ the raven will drink his fill of blood of the dead or slain. The stone of Annat is used herei instead of the Annat Stone; it stands about eight or ten feet in height, and has ais base a flat stone with a round hole in it; the stone itself is hewn (apparently), and isi almost square. This stone is in Strath, on Kilbride Glebe, some say. See ‘ Clach an Fhithich.’

Clach n a n „Crubag . The crabs’ stone. At Staffin. This attributed to its being a famed place for crabs, and is ats given locally; cruban elsewhere. Cruban has several other and prior meanings connected with crub, squat, crouch, etc. There is a stone called ‘ Clach-a-Chrubain,’ said to be a cure for disease in the feet; it is described by Gregorson Campbell as a fossil gryphite.

Clach n a n R a m h (Clachnarave). Translated the stone of the oars, where children played at rowing; it is, however, the stone of roots, ramh, a root (Arran), root of a tree (Perthshire). One writer gives the meaning as being a fossil tree with roots. Freumh, reumh, ramh. See ‘ Druim na Ramh.’

Clach n a n S g ar bh . The stone of the scarts or cormorants. In Loch Dunvegan.

Clach na Phog, nam Pog. The kissing stone; but see ‘ Clach- a-Mhodba.’

Clach n a Saoth raich , C lach mhor na S ao th r aic h . The labour or labourer’s great stone. Saothair also, be it noted, means a shallow, a ford, etc. This stone has the same tradition of being a ‘ putting ’ stone of Cuchullin! It lies near Elgol.

Clach O scair . Oscar’s Stone. At north end of Loch Slapin, among the Coolins, south of Beinn na Cro or Beinn a Chro. As before stated, the Feinne or Fingalians were much and often in Skye.


C lach R a t h a d , Clach a n R a t h aid . The road stone, surmised to mean a stone pointing out the road or way to some place.

Some of the preceding names having ‘ Clach ’ prefixed may equal càrra or carragh, a pillar or standing-stone, clach or clock from root hot (hard). A stone called the ‘ Clach Dhearg,’ red stone, is one of the oldest talismans, and is in the possession of Stewart of Ardvorlich.

Clad ach a G h l in n e . The shore or bed of the Glen, cladh, cladach, ut antea. On the coast N.E. of Loch Scavaig, between Reinn Leacach and Beinn Meabost.

Cl a d h -M h a n ic h , M h a n a ic h , n am M an a c h . The Monks’ burying-ground. This place is on Fladdachuan, in the Little Minch, or, according to Weld, on one of the Ascribs.

Cl aigean , C laig an , Clagan , (err.) Cl aig io n n . The cultivated place. Near Dunvegan. Meaning, inter alia, a field of rich soil, the oldest cultivated portion of a townland. Claigean has erroneously been spelled claigionn; the former is a feminine noun and the latter, which signifies a skull, is masculine. Claigean is cognate with cladhach, cladhaick, digging; it has also been given as meaning a round, hard, dry, rocky hill: the adjective claigneach may be from claigionn. There are two round cliff rocks called ‘ Na Claigmn,' opposite Claigean House. ‘ Claigean ’ found given as in Kilmuir and Duirinish. There is a ‘ CLaiginn ’ above the road to Tormore, Sleat. C f . clogaid.

Clay V a ig . The little slope. Clythe, slope; Norse klitk, also cly.

Cleadale. Cliff dale. Kleif dalr.Cl eap , Cl e p e . There is a Gaelic noun cliob, signifying an

excrescence, etc., and Nome Meppr, a plummet, a lump. There are Creag, Loch, Lon and Tobar Cleap, all south of Stenscholl.

Cleat , C l e it , C l e it e , Cl e it e a d h , Cl e t t , Cl a it . An isolated rock, a cliff, a ridge of rocks in the sea. Norse Mettr. Said to be a small island off Gnoban. Clett, cleat, etc., a skerry, a sunken rock, at mouth of Loch Dunvegan, two in number. Found given also as ‘A Chleit, ’ 4A Chleit Dubh ’ or dhubh.


The word cleit in Skye, according to M Alpine and others, mean® a quill or feather. Cf. cleit, clat, or clet, at back of point of Holborn Head, near Scrabster. Clett, also described as a pillar of rock about as broad at the top as at the base—not a stac, which is pointed at the top— means a penthouse, oaves of a house; cleite, cleithe again signifies prime cattle; cleitin, a javelin, and was the name of Cuchullin’s spear. Cleit has many other meanings, e.g., sky-flakes, clouds, cirri, generally speckled—cleid, cteideam- athair. A cow’s grass or grazing is cleitinn, cleitig, or cleiteag. Cleit is also found in Irish words or names.

C l e ir e a c h , An. The clerk, cleric, or minister. A hill in Skye.G l i f e a g . The little cliff. Norse kleif, a cliff.

Cl in ig in , Cl in l ig a n . Said to stand for Na Claonagan, the sloping or inclined ones, viz., rocks, though certainly claonag has a very different meaning. Rocks off Greshernish Point—spelled Grishinish here.

Cnap , An. The lump. A hill, about 120 feet high, above Portree harbour; said to be so called locally or * Am Meall Another at Kyleakin, at mouth of An t-Ob.

Cnap an R o in . The seal’s lump or hillock. In Portree Loch; sometimes pronounced crap or krap.

Cnoc. A knoll, etc. Very numerous in Skye as elsewhere; descriptive ones only given here. Plod is said to be ‘a corruption of this word. Cnoc is translated ‘ hill ’ in the Scriptures. Cnoc often pronounced crochd or krock.

Cnoc- a -C h a r n a ic h . Cairney or stony knoll.C noc- a -C h a r r a n . Spurrey-knoil (weed).Cnoc a C h a t h a . The battle knoll. In Glendale, near

Trumpan. Named from a deadly combat which took place between Trumpan lads and those of an adjoining district on one Hogmanay night; the fight was to the death, there being only one survivor.

Cnoc a C h l a c h a in . The clachan knoll. Common.

Cnoc a C h r a ig il e . Not known. In Uig, Snizort.


Cnoc a Ch r o c h ad air . The hangman’s knoll. South of Biod an Aoil. This cnoc is half a mile distant from Trumpan, where one John Macleod hung an impertinent servant-man or varlet who had caused the deaths of several other persons —Macleods. There exists a traditional tale as to this.

Cnoc or C rac a C h r o c h aid h . The knoll of hanging, where, before the abolition of heritable jurisdiction, ‘ the laird’s will was done ’ ; this knoll is on top or summit of Druim- an-Eireanaich.

The origin of this name dates back from the occasion of the hanging of Judge Morrison of the Lewis and his three sons; another feature of this place of execution was when Black John of Garrafad carried off the gallows and all by supernatural agency, when an attempt was made to hang him here!

There is also a Cnoc-a-Chrochaire and Cnoc-a-Chroch- adair, also Loch a Chrochaire. Crochadair means hangman; crochaire, a man deserving to be hanged, a ne’er-do- weel.

C noc- a -C h r u a c h a in . The pinnacle knoll. See ‘ Cruachan.’C noc- a -C h r u id h . The cow-knoll. In Ferinvicguire.C noc a C h u il l in . Holly knoll, and fairy-haunted.C noca F uara , C nocan F tjar. Cold knolls or hills.

C noc a G h a r b h -U il l t . Knoll of the rough or wild burn.C noc A ir id h (A ir ig h ) C h a l u im . Callum’s fold or sheiling

knoll. A t head of Loch Slapin.C noc A ir id h ( A ir ig h ) L a c h l u in n . Lachlan’s fold or sheiling

knoll. Both these men were doubtless prominent in the district.

C noc A ir id h (A ir ig h ) na Ca il l ic h e . The old woman’s sheiling knoll. In Kilmuir.

Cnoc A l t a i r . The altar knoll.C noc A l a in n , A l u in n . The beautiful knoll. At Kildonan,

Waternish.C noc a M h a d a id h -R u a id h . Knoll of the fox (lit. red-dog).C noc a M h e ir l ic h . The thief’s knoll. In Troternish. A

humorous name for the Troternish people alleged to b© ‘ Na Meirlich ’ !


Cnoc a M h o id . The mod, moot, or meeting knoll; local. On Rudha Meanish, Duntulm; but see ‘ Cnoc a Chomhàirle.’ This cnoc was one of three knolls or hills behind Duntulm, and was the judgment seat or place of the Macdonalds.

C n o c - a n - D r o m a . The ridge k n o l l .

C n o c - a n - E i r i c , E i r i g . Ransom knoll. Also near Duntulm. Pennant calls it the ‘ Hill of Pleas.’ Here, as on Cnoc a Mhoid, the Macdonalds dispensed justice, pronounced sentences, etc.

Though the title, ‘ Hill of Strife,’ as given by Boswell, is thought to be the same, the latter is given as at Ullinish.

The Lordship of the Isles was forfeited before the Macdonalds of Sleat got possession of Troternish. During the existence of the lordship, there is nothing to show that any one of the lords resided at Duntulm. Macdonald of Sleat ceased to reside at Duntulm before the existing peerage was bestowed upon the head of the family. It is a common mistake to confuse the Macdonalds of Sleat, or ‘ of the Isles,’ with the ‘ Lords of the Isles,’ earlier and more princely chiefs of the whole Clan Donald, and—to use a modern word—suzerains of a great part of the north of Scotland. See ‘ Duntulm.’

Cnoc a n F h air e or N a F a ir e ; also C noc an F h a ir e a c h a id h . The knoll of warning, watching, etc., an outlook point., Some have given it as mere Cnoc an Fhàire or Fhàiridh,, horizon, skyline, etc., but this meaning doubtful.

Cnoc a n F h e o r l a in . Farthing (land) knoll. Might be Cnoc Thorlain, Torlan’s knoll.

Cnoc a n F h l iu c h a id h . The knoll of wetting, perhaps ‘ refreshment.’

Cnoc an F h radh arc , F h r a d h a ir c . The knoll of sight, or seeing far off; possibly another ‘ outlook.’ This word sometimes written radharc. At Kyleakin, where the coasts could be scanned.

Cnoc an F hraoich -S h ia m a n . Heather-rope knoll or hill. So named, it is said, from a particular kind of fine, long heather, well adapted for making heather-ropes, siomain.

C noc an F h reacadan , F h reacad ain , F h r e ic e a d a in . The knoll of the watch, guard, or sentinel.

Cnoc a n F h u d a ir . Powder knoll. See ‘ Allt an Fhùdair.’


C noc an h - I p . The h-ip or h-eep knoll, where one of the lairds of Raasay was beheaded; this name arose from an exclamation said to have been uttered by the laird’s head after being severed from his body (M‘Ian); but see notes to ‘ Lochan nan Ceann.’

C noc an I a d a ic h . The knoll of jealousy, jealous watching? At Husabost.

C nocan L e a t h a n n . The broad or wide little knoll. East of Biod an Fhithich.

C noc an O i r . Knoll of the gold. Camustinivaig.C noc an T aigh e M h o ir . The knoll of the great or big house.

In Torrin. A minister of Strath, the Rev. Donald Nicolson, who farmed Torrin, Suishnish, and Boreray, had his manse and steadings here.

C noc an T in n e (? T e in e ). The fire or conflagration knoll; here in particular the fairies were supposed to dance of nights; also conjectured that 4 sun-worship ’ had to do with it. See 4 Cnoc an Smudaidh.’ This knoll is in South Minginish, near Cruachan.

C nocan na C ist e . Little knoll of the chest or stone-lined grave or chamber; but see ‘ Cnoe na Ciste.’ In Torrin.

C nocan n an G il l e a n . The knoll of the boys or lads. In Torrin. Here lads, it is said, challenged each other to attack and hold the stronghold, a nursery for soldiers. A similar knoll on Sleat Glebe, Kilmore.

C nocan n an G o bh ar . The little knoll of the goats.C noc an H a t h . The rath or fortress knoll. Here are the

remains of a round earthen and stone fort. Also named or explained as the knoll of destiny, etc. At the mouth of the Rha or Bath River, Uig, there is a miniature modern 4 battery,’ but the stream had its name long before this was erected. The word rath was in use for a fort in Central Europe in the Middle Ages, and is to be found frequently in Irish names of places, and otherwise Gaelic. Hàth meansi prosperity, etc.; sometimes given ratha. See 4 Raiasay.’

C noc an S m u id id h . The knoll of smoking. In Torrin. On this knoll it was the custom to raise a smoke as a signal to the different sheiling-dwellers to come home if anything wrong in the townships. See 4 Cnoc an Tinne.’


Cnoc an Taibhse. The knoll of the apparition, spectre, or seoond-sight; an t-aibhse, spectre.

Cnoc an T e in ’ A ig h eae , A ig h ie . Bon-fire knoll; ciigbear, gladness, joy, etc. Found also Tein' athair, lit. air-fire, lightning. See ‘ Cnoc Falaisg.’

C n o c a n t o u l , C n o c-a n -t-S a b h a l. Barn-knoll. Common; in Duirinish and in Gleann Eoghainn in Watemish, etc.

Cnoc a n t -S a g a ie t . Priest’s knoll. In Pein Ora, Kilmuir; also given as North of Loch Columcill. See also £ Sleat.’

Cnoc an t -S it h e a n , S it h e in . Fairy knoll. Sithean also is a small rounded hill, but see ‘ Sithean.’ This one is in S.W. Minginish.

Cnoc a R o l a d h . The knoll of rolling, marching round. This knoll was the scene or place of a clever deception by Donald Gorm Og, on the advice of his father’s family fool or wit, marching a few men round and round the knoll repeatedly in sight of a hostile force of Macleods, who were threatening an attack on the place or Castle of Duntulm. Another explanation of the name is that here ‘ victims ’ were sienti rolling down the hill in a barrel!

C noc a S ga, an S g a t h . Shadow or shade knoll, or knoll of fear, dread, etc.

Cnoc B ealach n a C oise . Foot-pass knoll.Cnoc B eul an A t h a R u a id h . The knoll of the mouth of the

red ford.Cnoc or C nocan Ca e e a c h . The rough or rocky knoll. Near

Camustianavaig. Otherwise £ Cnoc Carnach ’ at entrance to Portree harbour.

Cnoc Ce a e t . The right knoll. Suggested cnoc a cheartais, justice knoll. At Portree.

C noc C e u in n . The round knoll. Common.Cnoc D h o m h n u ill - a -C h ea nn a n (ceann fhionn). The knoll

of white-headed Donald. In Ferinvicguire; but as ceann fhionn generally applied to beasts, this ceannan may be the measure which contains two pecks.

Cnoc D u in , Cnoc a n D u in . The knoll of the dun or fort. Might be Dunvegan or Duntulm. There is a ‘ Cnoc Donn,’ brown knoll or hill, at Valtos.


C noc E o g h a in n . Ewen’s knoll; sometimes given * Hugh.’Cnoc F a d a il . If first a short, then knoll of delay, weariness,

anxiety; if first a long, it refers to peats, jàd moine, but unlikely.

Cnoc F alaisg . The knoll of burning, etc., or of the festive or festal fire. In Duirinish; but see ‘ Falaisg.’

Cnoc F a l l (? F a l ). A pen or fold; fml-mhuc, pig-sty. Might be mis-spelling of phàll or phaul or mhal. Cf. ‘ Cnoo Mhalagan,’ in Sleat.

Cnoc F a n n a ig , F eannaig or na F e a n n a ig . The knoll of the hoodie-crow. Feannag also ‘ Lazy-beds,5 or earth heaped from trenches, from v. fionn, to flay, to skin. See ‘ Gaelic Illustrated Dictionary ’ by E. Macdonald, s.v.

Cnoc F u a r . The cold knoll. Dunvegan. See ‘ Cnoca Fuara.’Cnoc G a id h e a l or a G h a id h e il . The Highlander or Celt’s

Knoll.Cnoc G arsin (? Garsbheinn).Cnoc G lac- n a - L uachrach . Knoll of the rushy or reedy

hollow. 446 feet. S.E. of Broadford.C noc G las H e il a . Heila green knoll. Loch Harport. See

‘Heilla.’Cnoc G r e sh a n . Greis, greisean, s.m., means a champion, and

s.f., prowess, strength, battle, etc. Near Roag, Duirinish.Cnoc Ho A balag , A balac . The knoll of Ho. See ‘ Hoe,’ iii

Ferinvicguire.C noc Il d e a c h a in . Not known, unless meant eildeachain,

hinds. In Ferinvicguire. This knoll goes now under the name of ‘ Cnoc Iain Bhan.’ James Mackinnon, a contributor to this work, was born and brought up here.

C noc ’ I lle D htjbhan. Should be ‘ ’Ille Ghuan ’ (a fool). The knoll of the foolish lad. Glasphein, Duirinish. There is a Celtic conundrum as to ‘ ’Ille Dhubhan.’

C noc L e a t h a n n . The broad knoll. South of Loch Meadhonach. This knoll records the height of a lava flow. See ‘ Cnocan Leathann.’

C noc L oisgte. The burnt knoll, vitrified; also found given ‘ Loisgate.’ N.E. of Loch Eynort.


Cnoc Matbt N i ’nn Iain . Mary’s Knoll, John’s daughter. In Torrin, at base of Beinn Dearg Beag.

Cnoc M h a r t a in n . Martin’s Knoll. May be merely a local name of an inhabitant, or Saint Martin. This is a singular round-shaped hill or knoll, forming one side of Gesto Bay. A song attached.

Cnoc M hic Dhiarmaid. MacDiarmid’s Knoll; after one of the Feinne possibly.

Cnoc or Cnocan M hic I a in . The knoll or little knoll of Mac Ian, sacred to the memory of Mac Ian Bhatornish, son of John (Macleod) of Vatemish, who fell in a fight against the Macdonalds; he was familiarly styled £ Ruairidh Unish.’ A white cross was erected on this knoll to Macleod of Trumpan, who also fell in the same combat. See ‘ Beinn-a-Ghobha.’

Cnoc M or Cea n n sa l e id h r e . Great knoll of Kensaleyre, q.v.Cnoc M or R ia sa l . Great knoll of Riasal, q.v.Cnoc na B e in n e . The mountain knoll.

Cnoc na B raclaich , B roclaich . Badger’s den knoll. At Scorr.

Cnoc or Cnocan n a B uach ailean . The knoll of the herdsmen.Cnoc n a B uaile Ca r n a c h . The knoll of the cairney or stony

fold.Cnoc n a C ach aile , Ca c h a il e it h . Rustic gate or pass knoll.

West of Broadford.Cnoc na C a il l ic h . Old wife’s knoll. In Kilmuir.Cnoc na C il l e . Church knoll. Site of burial-ground here.

Near Ausabost or Husabost.Cnoc na C is t e . See ‘ Cnocan na Ciste.’ A story of a pedlar’s

box, somewhat improbable, is attached hereto.Cnoc n a C oille B e it h e . Birch-wood knoll.Cnoc na C ubh aig e . Cuckoo knoll. At Broadford.Cnoc n a G ao it h e . The knoll of the wind (or windy knoll).

Portree.Cnoc n a h - A ir id h e , A ir ig h . The sheiling knoll. Fairy famed

also.Cnoc n a h -E ig h ic h . The knoll of calling or proclamation.


C noc na h -E ir e a n n or E ir io n n (This is the local pronunciation of cnoc na aifrionn or aifrinn). The knoll or hill of the Mass, a Roman Catholic form of worship; lies between the church of Strath and Loch Kilchrist; or actually the knoll or height upon which the church is built.

C noc n a Ho. See ‘ Cnocan,’ at Fisgavaig.C noc n a h - I o laire . The eagle’s knoll.C noc n a L och . Knoll of the loch. Above Kyleakin.Cnoc n a M ar aig . Knoll of the pudding, as given locally in

connection with Easter ceremonies. But see ‘ Maraig.’Cnoc n am B r a o n a in . Knoll of the earth-nuts, a dainty with

more than children. Braonan nan cow, dog carmillion, bunium flexuosum. This nut is found almost everywhere in ley ground.

Cnoc n a M oguill . The knoll of the clusters, such as hazel nuts—bagaid, bagailt, etc.

Cnoc n am F it h e a c h . Ravens’ knoll. Near Kilbride.C noc n a n C all A rd ’us I osal. Upper and nether hazel-wood

knoll. S.E. of Loch Grishernish.Cnoc n an Capull or a C h a p u il l . Knoll of the horses, etc.Cnoc n a n S peir eag . Hawks’ knoll. 622 feet. Near Loch

Harport.Cnoc n an T aib h s ’ , T aib h se , or T a ib h sean . See ‘ Cnoc an

Taibhse.’C noc n a n U a n . Lambs’ knoll. Near Abhainn an Loin Mhoir,

in S.W. of Minginish.Cnoc n a P a id ir e . Prayer or paternoster knoll. Here the first

sight was got on the way thereto of the old church of Kilchrist, now Kilbride, when our devout forefathers and mothers made a genuflexion or knelt and repeated the paternoster. Also called Cnoc-na-Paidreach; both also applicable to Kilmuir. C f . ‘ Bealach-an-t-Sliachd,’ Sleat.

C noc na P air ce . Park knoll.

C noc n a S g air neal , S g a ir n e il e . Knoll of howling or shrieking, either of wolves of old or of falling stones, etc.

Cnoc n a S g allaich . Knoll of the bald ones. The men of a certain district bore the sobriquet of ‘ Na Sgallaich! ’ Another more recondite meaning connects it with Norse shali, a sheiling, etc.


Cnoc n a S geithe B a in e . Knoll of the white shield or fair country-side; sgiath has latter meaning.

Cnoc n a S g r a d h . If not sgrath, divot, no word spelled thus found nearer than sgràid, an old hag, mare, or cow.

Cnoc n a S meorach . Mavis knoll. At Struan.Cnoc R aisg (? R iasg). Mountain grass (? roisg).Cnoc R oll or R o il l . See ‘ Cnoc a Roladh.’Cnoc R uam h air or ? R u a t h a ir , R u a t h a r . Knoll of the fierce

attack, etc. In Ferinvicguire.Cnoc Sa r t a ir . Might be tartair. Knoll of the rattling noise,

etc. At Ferinvicguire.Cnoc Sa t r a n , Sataran or Sa tr am , q.v. In Duirinish.Cnoc S eunt or S e u n t a . The holy knoll or hill. See ‘ Loch

Seunt.’Cnoc S garall or Cnoc a S garall , S gairneal or Sgoirneal .

See ‘ Cnoc na Sgaim eal,’ given also from Norse slcari, a young sea-mew, and all, rock. There is a Gaelic word sgar, a knot or fissure. Cnoc a Sgarall is in Minginish.

Cnoc Sim id , S im id e . The mallet knoll. Near Carbost.Cnoc Sl a p a in . Slapin knoll.Cnoc S t e u d . Steed, race, or war-horse knoll.Cnoc T h r ia l l a in . Travelling or procession knoll—procession

to the summer sheiling; probably the point of departure. Glasphein.

Cnoc T orra M h o ir . Knoll of the great heaps or rocks, truncated cones, etc.; also torr mor. In Lyndale.

Cnogan, A n , Cnom hagan , Cnom hagag . Large or dog whelk or buckie; this is a rock or stac in the sea near Eist Point, two feet distant from parent rock; of this rock Coinneach Odbar, the Brahan Seer, predicted its fall into the sea with as many of the Clan Stewart as could obtain footing thereon; not known whether this has yet taken place. Conachag, a conch shell, akin to above.

Cocaire. The Cook. A hill near Duntulm Castle, near Gesto Bay. See ‘ Totahoker.’

Coileach G l a m a ig . The cock, peak, crest, or summit of Glamaig. ‘ An Coileach,’ 2,205 feet.


Coille-G ar b h la ic h . The rugged wood, or wood of the rough country-side. In Strath Suardal. Mairi Nighean Iain Bhan refers to it in one or more of her poemis.

Coille, Old Gaelic mill. Oasian has ‘ Gach coille, gach doire is gach m s Every wood, every grove, and every cataract.

C oille G h u a il . The coal wood. Might be one of the several places in Skye where coal was found, but also may only be charcoal. Lies between Fisgavaig and Loch Harport.

Coille M or, Coille M h o r . Great wood or forest, all now gone. Near Portree.

C oille n a G ru la , C oille G r u la . Not known. Near Broe- Bheinn and Drynoch.

C oille -Sg id e il . The bog or boggy wood. Sgideil means a plash of water or boggy place. In Snizort. See ‘ Sciteal.’

C oillore, Coill ’o ir . Wood of gold. In Struan, Bracadale.Coille U isd e in , C olliston , C olliayheston (in 1733).

Hugh’s Wood. Near Rudha na Caillich, Strath. In regard to the word coill or coille, it should be noted that it is said also to mean a hill, from collis, this especially where it enters into English names.

C o ire . This word is very general in Skye, particularly among the Coolins; it means a circular hollow surrounded by hills, a mountain dell, a large circular or crescent-shaped hollow in the side of a hill or mountain, a half cauldron, a valley shut at one end; but see ‘ Gleann.’ Sir Archibald Geikie says: ' No feature in Highland scenery is more characteristic than the corries or cirques.’ They differ in different kinds of rock, and all have been occupied by glaciers.‘ Coire ’ here has a different sound in pronunciation from coire, a kettle, the former having a shorter sound; in ,the latter case, where it signifies a kettle, a cauldron, etc., it is applied to sea whirlpools, etc., e.g., Coire Bhreacain. The English word ‘ quarry ’ therefrom. Coire is cognate with the Icelandic Hverr, a cauldron, a boiler; the Welsh equivalent is cwm, hence English coombe. Also Cyri (curry). Cf. Llyn Cyri on Cader Idris.

C oir ’ a C h a ist e il . The Castle oorry. In Strath. The English word is spelled oorrie and corry.


Coir ’ a C h a o r u in n . Mountain-ash corry. Caoruinn in most places means the wood or tree itself, while caor is thei berry; craobh-chaorunn, mountain-ash tree.

Coir ’ a C h r o in . Rutting corry. Crònan, among other meanings, has that of * bellowing of the deer.’

Coir ’ a C h r u ac h ain . Corry of the round hill. See ‘ Cruaehan.’Coir ’ a C h r u id h . Corry of the oows. East of Garsbheinn.Coir’ a G hobhainn . Corry of the smith. In Kilmuir.Coir ’ a G h r u n n d a . Corry of the ground, etc. This corry is

noted, along with Coire Labain, for the great accumulation of detritus from adjacent hill-sides; the bottom is almost impassable from that and the effect of ice, coarse screes, or talus, with stone shoots abounding; there is also a tarn herein.

This corry has been found given as 4 Coire Ghrannda,’ the nasty, ugly, awesome corry, but granda is the correct spelling; the latter meaning is found in a description thereof as ‘ the wildest and most savage of all.’ It lies south of Sgurr Alasdair, and is said to be ‘ a corry within a corry.’

Coir ’ A l l t a G h il l e . Found given ‘ Coir Allt a Guile.’ The oorry of the river of the boy or lad. If guile, it might be goile or ghoile, boiling, swirling; or throat, pass, etc.

Coireachan R u a d h a . The red corries. Beneath Sgurr a Ghreadaidh. Here are three of the highest rocks forming the summit of peaks known as Sgurr Alasdair, Sgurr Thearlaich, and Sgurr MhicCoinnich. East of Coire Labain.

Coireagan, Na . The little or lesser corries. Near Camus- tianavaig. Also known as ‘ giants’ kettles,’ coireagan nam fuamhairean; these ‘ kettles ’ are just pot-holes in the bed of old glaciers, and worn into shape by stones or gravel rotating therein. See ‘ Coire Fhinn.’

Coireag M h o r . The little-big corry! This word coireag and coiridh found given as diminutive of coire, but seldom used.

Coir ’ A ir ig h - n a -S u ir ic h e . The oorry of the lover or wooer. A dell without a name.

C oir’ A madal. Not known. At the head of the Abhajinn Dhubh, which runs out of it, with bealach.


C oir ’ A m F ra och or F ra och C h o ire . The heather or heathery corry. Locally said to be ‘ Corry of the shields.’ It lies between Marsco and Ruadh Stac. Fraoch also signifies anger, rage, etc.

C oire, A m F u a r , or A m F u a r C h o ire . The cold corry.C oir ’ a M h a d a id h . The dog or wolf’s corry. Sheriff Nicolson

calls it the fox corry, madadh-ruadh.C oir ’ an G a r b h -C h o ir e . The corry of the *rough, or wild

oorry; a corry within a corry.Coir ’ A nn a B h ig . Little Ann’s corry. Near Beinn Bhallach,

south of Portree.Coir ’ a n L och ain . The little loch corry. Near Sgurr Dearg.Coir ’ an U aig n eis . The secret or hidden corry, corry of

solitude, sequestered. S.E. of Blaven, high up above Coruisg, and about nine miles from Broadford. This corry is cut or carved out of the side or very core of Blaven.

Coire B hasadair or B a sa d a ir . The executioner or death- dealer corry. Frequently given, but erroneously, ‘ Coire Bhaisteir.’ Sheriff Nicolson’s spirit looms largely here again in the description of this corry given in a German paper, viz., ‘ Nicholson's Kamin nach der Bhaisteir Schlucht,' ‘ Nicolson’s chimney near or at Corry Bhaisteir.’ This chimney was also once called ‘ Eagle’s nest chimney, neck, or gully.’

Coire B u id h e . The yellow corry. South of Broadford; the district here gives ‘ Buidhe ’ to a river, loch, Ion, etc.

Coire C h a ip l in , q.v. Not known.Coire C haise or Ch aiseach . Cheese or cheesy corry. May be'

so called from some Easter customs or rites. Between Sgurr nan Each and Belig. See ‘ Allt Digeadh.’

C oire C h ar a (? Ch arach ). The winding or crooked oorrie. Cara, asp. chara, has various meanings.

Coire C h atac h an , Corachattachan , etc. Spelled in numerous different ways in titles and elsewhere, Coire chat achasjfc, the corry of the place of the cats. This place, or ‘ corry r, as more familiarly designated, is a well-known place, and is associated with the dogmatic Dr. Johnson, who stayed there for a few days ‘ in clover,’ and there composed some


poetry or verses in Latin to a Mrs. Thrale, which verses he dubbed ‘ Oda Scriptum in SJcia, Sept. 6, 1773.’ In reference to this ode, one writer has delivered himself thus:* Even the Island of Skye was forced to resound with the perfections of his Thralia Dulcis (Molly Stone!) in one of the worst Sapphic odes that ever brought wrath upon a fifth- form boy, the elderly Tytyrus in a bushwig.’ Although as a Celt we cannot profess any admiration for Dr. Johnson, it must be remembered that he was in a ‘ jovial ’ mood most of the time; also that the ‘ ode ’ was not—it is presumed—intended ‘ for publication!’ Corry is sacred, however, to the memory of a fine old Highland gentleman and a true Mackinnon, ‘ Fear a Choire,’ sometime tacksman there and factor to Lord Macdonald of Sleat.

Coire C h e a d a in . The oorry of the bunch, tuft, or lock of wool. This is the only meaning found, unless meant for ciadaoin (Di-ciadaoin), Wednesday.

Coire C h o in n ic h . Kenneth’s Corry; supposed named after a guide to the Coolins.

Coire Ch r io stal . Criosdal or criostal is the Gaelic spelling of crystal; also an obsolete word criosdal, a ring of thong or withe; may be meant for chaisteal.

Coire D ar aic h . Oak corry, or oak tree.Coire D u n aic h e . May be corry of woe or misfortune, dunaidh,

or even ‘ Coire Dhunachaidh,’ Duncan’s Corry, but preferably the former. Near Loch Slapin. See ‘ Linne-na- iDunach,’ Sleat.

Coire E asgeasgain . Eel-ditch oorry, and drained by Allt Dunaiche, q.v.

Coire F a o in . The empty, lonely corry.Coire F h i n n . Fionn or Fingal’s corry. At Kensaleyre, Loch

Snizort; or from finn, distant.Coire F h ea rc h air . Farquhar’s corry. At the back of Beinn

na Caillich. This was a guide’s name.Coire F orsaidh . Waterfall corry, form, forsan. See ‘ Ea®,’

etc.Coire G aisgeach , G haisgeach , G aisgich . The hero’s corry.Coire G aisteach . The entrapping, deceiving, corry—full of

snares and pitfalls; but see ‘ Allt a Choire Ghaistich.’I


C oire G h a r b h . See * Garbh-Choire.’C oire G h r e e t a , G h r e t a , G h r it a , G h r e a d a id h . The corry

of torment, etc.; also found given as ‘ of the running or flowing water,’ etc.

C oire G h o r m . Green corry. Between Beinn na Caillich and Beinn Dearg Beag, near Broadford.

C oire I a g h a in . Thought a misspelling or misprint for iadhain, eidheann, eigheann, ivy. Badge of the Gordons.

C oire I o m h air , Coir ’ I o m h a ir . Ivor’s corry. John Maclean (or Macleod), late of Cuidreach, composed a poem of six double verses to this corry (1820-27):

‘ Tha wire shuas ud cho math so, chualas Bho 'n Bhaoa Ruadh gus an ruig e ’n Crbn,'

(or on t-Sron: see ‘ Coir’ a Chroin ’)There’s a corry up yonder as fine as heard of From Baca Rua unto the Crone.

This poem was published in 1880 or thereabout.C oire L a b a in . Various meanings, some more or less im

probable, have been given hereto; for instance, La ban, white or fair day, or dawn; làbom, mire, dirty place— detritus from hillsides; Lagan or Laghain, as given by Sheriff Nicolson; and in the work ‘British Mountaineering Climbs,’ lagm (short pron.), little hollow or dell. Between this corry and Coire Ghrunnda, or ‘ earthy corry,’ is a great stone shoot; while a huge mass of rock, called the ‘ Matterhorn Boulder,’ is at its entrance.

C oire L uachrach . The rushy or reedy corry. In Glas Bheinn, Bracadale.

Coire M hic E a c h a in n . MacEachan’s corry. A guide.

C oire M h ic h e il . Michael’s corry; otherwise Mitchell’s.C oire na B anachdaich or B an ac h d ic h . Small-pox—or more

correctly—vaccination corry. Said to be so named from the pock-marked or pitted surface of the rocks here, peculiarly fused and incorporated, geologically speaking; a bealach also here.

C oire na C ir ce . The hen’s oorry (heather-hen).


Coire na C reich e . The corry of the spoil, where that taken by the Macdonalds from the Macleods after a fierce fight (1601) in the neighbourhood, was divided. This corry is divided by a ridge of rock into two small corries, the Tairneilear and Coire Mhadaidh, hence the suggestion that the word creiche stands here for the genitive of the obsolete word crmch, now creag, a rock; this corry may have been named long before said fight, etc., took place. Others have suggested creiche as genitive of crioch, a boundary, which is criche.

Coire nam B r uadairean , B r u ad ar an . The dreamers’ corry. Near Ruadh Stac.

Coire n an A l l t Gteala. Corry of the white burns or rivers.Coire n an C e a n n . See ‘ Cairidh.’ *Coire n an C lac h . The oorry of the stones. At the back of

Beinn na Caillich.Coire nan C u il e a n . The corry of the whelps, fox cubs. Said

to be in Strath. S.W. of Beirin Bheag, which is on borders of Sleat.

Coire nan L aogh . The oorry of the calves or deer-fawns; on north side of Marsco. There are three gullies or bealaichecm here.

Coire n an Sag ar t . The corry of the priests; possibly a secluded preaching station. On slope of Broc-Bheinn.

Coire n an U raisg , U ruisg . The corry of the monsters ior hobgoblins, kind of Highland satyrs! Deep among the Coolins. See * Vriskaig.’

Coire na Salach . Heel or foot corry. At foot or base of Glasbheinn. Sail, sal, salach, heel; sail beinne, the foot of a hill.

Coire na S e il g . The oorry of the hunt or hunting.Coire na S g air d e . The corry of the sgree. Sgrees are almost

in every oorry. See ‘ Bealach Colluscard.’Coire N u a d h . Should be Coire Ruadh. The red corry.

Among the red hills, near Broadford.Coire Od h a r . The dun or dun-coloured oorry.Coire R e id h n a n L och. The smooth or level oorry of the

lochs.


Coire R iab h ac h . Th,e russet corry. Found given ‘ Beaoch which thought meant for reaoch, i.e., riabhach. East of Coruisg. A Loch and Sgurr Riabhach also. See ‘ Baile Mhic ’Illeriabhaich.’

Coire S cam adal . See ‘ Sgamadal.’Coire Seam r aig . Shamrock or clover corry.Coire S gream hach , Sg r e a m h a il . The loathsome or awful

oorry. In the Red Hills.Coire-S io n n ac h . Fox corry. ^Coire-T r u sad h . The gathering or collecting corry (as of

sheep).Coruisg, C oiruisge, Co ir u isk , etc. (cirn' uisge). The oorry

of water, or cauldron. It is six miles from Sligachan, in the parish of Strath.

This oorry, it may be safely said!, is of world-wide fame; the references to and descriptions thereof are legion, its grandness, weirdness, and eerieness having given it the palm over all other corries. Some of the descriptions are very faithful, though perhaps somewhat contradictory, one writer describing it as ‘ a cushioned and cradled thing with beauty dimpled o’er, lies wreathed in lazy smiles,’ another as ‘ resembling a huge ink-pot, black as Acheron.’ Given its own natural atmospheric conditions, both these descriptions may stand true. Professor Sir A. Geikie tells us that it was ‘ scooped out ’ of the solid rock by ice pome 280,000 years ago, and, according to the late Professor Blackie, is now a ‘ dark-rounded lake that, like a hell-pot, lies brewing commotion.’ The most remarkable loch in Britain, it has an individuality all its own. Walter C. Smith in ‘Good Words’ for December, 1880, composed eight six-line verses to it, expressive of dread, and somewhat inaccurate as to details; Norman Macleod, in his journal, on 1st September, 1837, also Sheriff Nicolson, in his various articles and songs, wrote, the latter asking ‘ what could God mean by this Hellgate?’ describing it as ‘ a great rectangular trough,’ etc., at head of which is Glac Mhor; Walter Scott has ‘ the stern dread lake ’ ; while another writer—a native of Skye—says, ‘ by the weird shores of Loch Ooruisk is the secure retreat of Psyche, the awful solemnity hunting the presence of some subtle spirit/


Robert Buchanan has also added notably to its renown, as in ‘ The Book of Orm,’ or ‘ The Book of the Visions seen by Orm, the Celt,’ be devotes in Part VII. no less than thirty-four sonnets to this loch, under the title ‘ Corusken Sonnets.’ Orm is said to mean worm, and in the f Visions ’ described as ‘ thou creeping thing.’ Dr. Stodart Walker has dealt very cautiously with Mr. Buchanan’s poetry or versification generally, and, in reference to the above, says, ‘ the mise en scene is Loch Coruisk, in the island of Skye, a wood-less, barren, hill-topped waste of Celtic country, the very “ back of beyont ” of tradition . . . the ideal sporting ground of witches and water-kelpies, the blackest mountain-side in the island, black waves, bare crags, and banks of stone, the very stillest place in all God’s earth.’

In addition, Mr. Buchanan has the ‘ Corusken Vision ’ or * The Legend of the Book,’ stanzas 15 and 16 whereof are devoted to ‘ Blaabhan,’ which he appropriately calls ‘ the monarch of the hills ’ ; he thus apostrophises these bills (the Coolins) generally, ‘ Oh, hoary hills, though yie look aged, ye are but the children of a latter time,’ which is correct in a geological sense; in sonnet 18 he gives a vivid description of ‘ the fiery birth ’ of these hills. Mr. Buchanan, though Celt by name and descent, expresses himself, on occasions, after the style of the most ignorant and prejudiced Cockney; the legend of the mysterious piper, for instance, is both ‘ impossible ’ and in questionable taste, speaking, or rather writing, as. he does of a pair of tattejted kilts ’ and ‘ kilt and philabeg all complete,’ etc. Mr. Buchanan wrote rapidly, and we must thank him, for he wrote ‘ The Wedding of Shon Maclean.’

It is doubtless well known, or may be surmised, that such a place has not escaped the artist-painter, sketcher, and photographer; this corry all these have put on record with more or less success. Turner tried, but only ‘ idealised ’ it; Robson, a London artist, drew a watercolour sketch of it, with his idea of a ‘fully-dressed Highlander ’ in front! James MacWhirter’s drawing, though falling far short, is thought the best; R. Burns also painted it under the title of ‘ The Valley of the Shadow.’ Many illustrated magazines and books have reproduced a more or less faithful likeness. ‘ Scotia ’ for Martinmas, 1910, makes it appear ‘ awfully dark.’ In the very instructive and interesting work by A. Harker, the ‘ Tertiary Igneous


Bocks of Sky© ’ (1904), another reproduction of Coruisg is the frontispiece, clear, bright, and open. In that most interesting journal, ‘ The Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal,’ Vol V., a very good view, entitled ‘ Looking down Loch Coruisg ’ is given, where it is also stated that soundings taken along the centre of the loch give 96 feet as the maximum depth; but in Vol. I. of same journal it is stated to be 125 feet, while the length is given from N.W. to S.E. as about 1J mile, the water surface being only 26 feet above sea-level, draining into Loch Scavaig; it is also stated that ‘ there are two islands which nearly cover the loch, viz., ‘ Leach ’ (Leac) and ‘ Culleen ’ (Coolin). A writer elsewhere gives an island named ‘ Eilean Dubh ’ as being in Coruisg, and adds that this island is said to be the head of Queen Sgathach floating there!

To one, however, who has been accustomed! to view Highland scenery, Coruisg is not all that has been described or painted, etc., and in addition to the foregoing, Alexander Smith, in his ‘ Summer in Skye,’ falls to be mentioned as giving a very good description. It may be added that trout abound in this loch. The foregoing is a severely condensed account.

C o is h l e t t e r , C o is h l a d e r , etc. The variants of this name are very numerous. Cois leitir, the foot, base, or slope of hillside, though explained locally as cois-leth-tir na leth- bhecmn, the sloping mount. South of Loch Greshernish. The word leith or leth has numerous significations, as ia prefix.

C olbost (mid host). Cold place, town, or steading. One sup- suposed authority says it means keel-town. Pronounced locally as Cylabosd, Cylabost, hard c. Near Dunvegan.

COLISHADER, CoLLISAIDER, ClJLESHADER, q.V.The word or prefix col equals plateau; there is ‘ The

Col,’ a hill or sgurr above Coire na Creiche; also means a neck or elevated pass; also an impediment. Latin collis, eolle; might also be French, and equal bealach. See ‘ Coille ’ and ‘ Gleann.’

C o l l ie h o e . Collehoe Stone. Said to be near or at Kyleakin. May be col as above and hoe, ho stone promontory, cairn, etc. Said to be the same as ‘ Clach-a-Chailleaeh,’ q.v., also ‘ Coille.’


C o l l ie m o r e (coille mhor). Great wood or forest. In, or was in Troternish.

C o lltjscard , C u liscard . Coll, hazel, and scard or sgard, a scree, a slope whereon hazel-bushes are plentiful (local). See ‘ Bealach.’

C o l o v e . Though for colbh or calbh, shoot of trees, also headland, properly head; might be a small island close to mainland shore.

C o l u m c il l e —islands, lochs, and mountain. Loch Columcille is—or was—in Kilmuir. It is now drained, though still going under the name, and what was an island still exists and so called. This loch was of great interest of jold, and there are still to be seen here the remains or ruins of cells, surrounded by a cashel or rampart. The little church of Columcille, close by, is just the same length as that of Eilem~na-Niaoimh, between Mull and Scarba. The island of Trodda, q.v., was also called St. Colum’s Isle. There is also an island in Portree Bay, which bay was formerly called Loch Columcille, bearing the saint’s name, with ruins of a small church; another island of same name at head pf Loch Snizort. See ‘ Loch Columcille.’ The saint had a special confrere called Macgillrescol, or Mac gille re sgoil, the eon of the servitor of or for the school, his amanuensis perhaps.

Com m erw ell , C o m m o rw el . Might be comar, comaraich, and fjall or fell, holy mount, a girth or sanctuary equal to tearmunn (gen. tearmaid, termit). In addition to the church, some sanctuaries were of old assigned to lands held by bards—men of letters. This word comaraich, comraich, or comara, also bears a somewhat inferior meaning, viz., a sheep-fold, but in Irish. See * Gearr-a-Roigh.’ As generally known, comar (cummer) signifies a confluence, a meeting of two or more streams. Cf. ‘ Comrie,’ etc.

C onardan , C onarden , etc. The little level plot, and is situated in Braes, Portree. This name is pronounced Cbnardan, the o long, and stands for Cbmknwrdan, which means as above. There is also a ‘ Lag-a-Chònardan.’

Conista, C onnista , Conasta. Various solutions of the meaning of this name have been given: a proper name Comsta tor Constat; conasg, whins, furze, and stadt, a farm-steading, etc., also oonas, dispute, fight, etc. Con said to have the


meaning of high, so this may be the high steading. NearDuntulm. It is understood to be as also the Eaglam 'Uamhalta, the lonely, secluded church, in regard to which 'the story of the tailor daring the spectre or ghost, as told iof Beauly Church, etc., is said to exist. I

C o n n o n , C o n a n , C o n o n . This name has been variously construed. If after the Fingalian hero, then conan, the little dog; suggested caoin a'nn {caoin abhainn) locally, 1 the gentle or smooth-flowing river; also kunovalos, high, etc., from which conn and conall. This river flows into Uig Bay.

COOLIN, CuiLLIN, CULINN, ClJILFHIONN, CuiLDHEAN, CuiLIONN. Holly. The above are only a few of the different spellings ' found given of this word, even Euilvelimi and Culivi. The holly (Ilex aquafolium) is from the Anglo-Saxon word Holeynn, pronounced hoolynn, not unlike our Scottish Gaelic pronunciation of to-day. Among other erroneous meanings, this name was for long maintained to have been named after Cuchulain, the noble son of Sualtain, for which see ‘Dunsgaich,’ Sleat. Pennant gives the meaning as £a narrow, dark hollow’ ; another writer says ‘the obvious meaning is “the fine corner,” but may be from cuillionn-mara, or sea- holly.’ It should be pronounced as Sheriff Nicolson gave it, i as below. In regard to the introduction of Cuchulainn’s name in connection with these hills, it is also notable that there is a Coolin Sound off the south-west coast of Skye.In N.G.iP., p. 141, we have a familiar Skye saying, ‘ Cho laidir ri Cuchulainn,' or Cu Culainn; he (Cuchullin) was designed as ‘ beloved of the Ulstermen ’ {Na K Ulltaich); he was Ollamh of Tara (Temora, Teamhair, Temhra), the one who did not refuse a combat, the learned man of Fodla, I

t Fodhla, or Foghla, of which he was called ‘ Guardian.’ Cuchullin also bore the additional title of Cu-an-cleasnaidh, or the dog or hero of the feats; he was chief of the JEted t Branch Knights, and lived at Dealgan (Dundalk).

From much, very much, that has been written and printed as to these ‘ Skye giants,’ we cull the following- Sheriff Nicolson, in ‘ Good Words ’ for 1875, tells that ‘ Cuilfhionn ’ is the correct rendering, older spellings being Cuilluelum, Culluelum, Gullum, Cullin, Quillen, Quillin, etc.; the Sheriff further says ‘ they are called “ the Coolin ” hills, like “ the Caucasus, the Balkan, the Himalaya,” Coolyun being the pronunciation. These mountains form


the most prominent features in all early and late descriptions of Skye, from Dean Monro in 1549 onwards; Pennant describes them, for instance, as a ‘ savage series of rude mountains.’ Ruskin calls them ‘ inferior mountains.’

The first man who made the ascent—at least in modern times—of any of the Coolins was Professor J. D. Forbes, who was born at Edinburgh in 1809, he being a son of £ Pitsligo.’ His ascent of the Coolins was made in 1836, followed by many others ever since. In Vol. III. of the ‘ Scottish Mountaineering Club Journal ’ (a journal to which we merely refer our readers), we read the praises of Professor Forbes as a mountaineer, etc.

As to the varied aspects and appearances of the Coolins, much might be given. We select a few: the well-known Professor Sir Archibald Geikie says, £ for blackness of hue, ruggedness of surface, jaggedness of crest, and general grimness of aspect, the Coolins have certainly no rivals within the limits of the British Isles ’ ; the screes are thought by him to go back to the glacial period, and are little added to now; while the journal above referred to describes them as the most£ popular ’ mountains of the day. Sir Archibald speaks, or rather writes, of how £ coral once gleamed white along the shores of Skye (still said to grow there), the many-chambered ammonite swam over the site of the Coolin hills, huge reptilian monsters of ancient times, ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs careered through the waters that laved the grey hills of Sleat, forests of Zania and Cycas, and many other plants, indicative of a warm climate, bloomed green and luxuriant along the site of that strange inist-clad cliff-line that shoots up into the pinnacles of the Storr and Cuiraing.’

Though by common usage called £ hills ’ or £ mountains,’ the Coolins are merely the remnants of a broken and sorely- wasted table-land which rose, it is estimated, to 15,000 feet in height; great and awe inspiring as these are as a rule, by reason of prolonged denudation they are even now only a third of their original maximum size or height. He who raised the waters to cut out the ravines, and Bent the glaciers to gouge out land and sea valley., will eventually, in the course of ages, still further reduce these hills, and roll them, grain by grain, gradually seaward, so that our successors, whoever they may be—people of an


older earth—may see soil covering and corn growing over the hidden rocks which at present bear the burden of Sgurr nan Gillean, Sgurr Alasdair, Blaven, and all the other present giants of our island. Illustrations of the Coolins are numerous; for one see that entitled ' Among the Coolins,’ in the work £ The Misty Isle of Skye,’ second edition, where they are well described, being considered ‘ unique in Britain.’ Another writer describes them as 4 a group of savagely picturesque mountains in Bracadale and Strath Parishes, about 35 square miles in extent.” Tennyson says:‘ Leave the monstrous ledges there to slope,And spill their thousand wreaths of dangling water-smoke Thai, like a broken purpose, waste in air.’'

The £ popularity ’ of these hills above referred to is because they contain the finest rocks and the wildest corries; they also offer finer mountain scenery, richer colouring, and better rock-climbing than are to be found elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Skye is a rock-climber’s paradise. You start right away almost from sea-level to climb, not to walk up, and, to cap all, a saying exists that, when God made the world, He held in His hand a sackful of mountains, and when above Skye the sack burst—hence this great collection of the most fantastic and grandest mountains in Great Britain or Ireland! This belief, we find, also applies to Montenegro, the black mountain, though all grey granite; see £ A Woman in the Balkans,’ by Winifred Gordon, 1916.

We merely refer our readers to the everlasting lines by Sir Walter Scott as to these mighty hills, etc.

It is stated on the be3t authority that no accident has occurred to any properly-roped party whilst climbing in the Coolins.

Professor Blackie, in a 1 Psalm to Benmore,’ characterised them as £ the mighty host of granite battlements that look sternly out on savage Skye.’ The Professor also states that £ the south-western Cuchullins are composed of a hard, gritty rock called hypesthene, now geologically known as gabbro, which is the dominant rock. The rounded and softly-sloping cones towards Broadford are granite; while the quaint, fairy beauty of the Quiraing, at the north,’- east end of the island, is trap or gabbro—a word or term derived from the Italian, and defined as £ a coarsely


crystalline basic igneous rock.’ Johnson, of dictionary fame, hated the Coolins, and mentions them only once, and then it was to call them ‘ malignant!’ A good article by Professor Norman Collie, a noted mountaineer, etc., will be found in Vol. IV. of the above Journal, and will repay reading.

The Coolins are further famed for botanical specimens, thirteen new records having been found there in 1909 alone. Skye generally will repay the botanical searcher; the hills properly consist of two groups, rod and black, the former round and uninteresting, being granite; the latter are of wonderfully bold outline, and are, as above stated, of gabbro.

Here we may state that there are hill® in Ireland called* Cuilinn.’

The various sgurrs, corries, etc., are innumerable, and, so far as procured, are given throughout this work; but for more minute and detailed descriptions we have to refer to the before-mentioned Journal, a® also to many of the various works on geology. We would fain quote further from said Journal, giving, for instance, the sgurrs in order of altitude, but space forbids; suffice to say there are 26 peaks above 2,400 feet in height, and upwards of 15 above 3,000. The Coolins are for the most part in Minginish; they are highly magnetic, affecting the compass materially. As we have said, space forbids our quoting numerous statements and statistics, but we venture to give some lines in English selected from many poems and verses:

‘ How these place-names do joy impart To many a home-sick Highland heart That owns afar the potent art,Infused by Celtic ardour.The exile sees at its commandThe Coolin mountains round him stand;In vision dear his home is near,And murmuring streamlets fill his ear,Until the fast, o’er-flowing tear Dissolves the spell thus gathered

In ‘ Rock-Climbing in Skye,’ by Abraham, special reference is made to Chapter 17, and on page 316, et seq., will be found an account of Sheriff Nicolson, after whom Sgurr Alasdair is named.


C oorisdol, C ooristol. May be a proper name with dol or dal, dalr, a dale, etc. In Haripol, Strath.

C opnahoe . Cop, a hilL See ‘ Gob-na-Hoe.’

C orary, Coir ’ A ir ig h , C o r r a ir id h . Might mean the excellent or great sheiling. This word corr has numerous other meanings. Suggested còrr, steep, occasional, etc. If cor only, then it might mean a round hill, or pit, or cup-like hollow; but the Gaelic spelling is ‘ Corrairidh.’

C orcisgill. Cor, as above, with gil, a ravine, etc. Suggested corc, a fairy fabulous water bull, and gil.

C orebheinn, CoRFEnsr, etc. A chorrabheinn, the steep hill or mountain. In Snizort. This place in titles goes with* Forsan,’ commonly called ‘ Little Struan.’ Also found given Corfine and even Ceofine, near Kingsburgh, and locally explained ‘ Coire Fhinn.’

Cork eval . This miay be corc, as above, and fjcdl, fell, etc. The fell, cliff, or hill side of the water-bull? One writer gives eoirc, corn.

Corlarach , Carlarach , etc. If cor only, then as above ‘ Corary ’ ; larach means site of a building, a ruin, field of battle, etc. It lies S.E. of Dunvegan. One writer says corr, a round hill, and leamch, larch trees.

Corran , An. A point of land reaching out into the sea (generally), sometimes curved like a reaping-hook. This includes in isome places a narrow passage through whioh the tide runs swiftly; several in Skye, etc. Corran glas, the green point; Corran na mudalaich (?Maodalaich), for which see ‘ Allt Mhaodail.’ Near Loch na Beiste. Corran Shrolamaie and Corran a Chinn Uachdaraich, the upper head or end, in Scalpay.

Coull, Cuil. A recess, a nook, etc. (North and South). Cf.‘ Cuil,’ in Duror, Argyllshire.

C oullnacraggan, C uil n a C r eag an . The recess in or of the rocks.

C rac- a-C h roich , C n ac . The crack, split, or fissure of the cross or gallows; probably the site when in use.


C r a c a ig . The little crack or fissure or erne, and vik, the bay on, at, or near such; suggested Tcraku-vik, crow-bay; there is a Ben Chracaig north of Portree harbour, also Gleann Chracaig. Here lived 4 Gorm-shuil Chrotach,’ a noted witch, one of three, who in the shape of ravens (riochd fithich) hovered over the boat or galley in which Iain Garbh Mac ’Ille Chaluim, Raasay, met his fate by drowning, along with a gallant crew. See 4 Cracabhall ’ in the Lewis, translated crow-fell.

Cracenish , C raicines, etc. See above, with nish, nose or point. At south entrance to Loch Eynort, Minginish.

C r a ig in c a r r o c h (creagan carrach). The rough rocks, or if creagan, dim. of creag, then the little rough rock or the rough little rock. In titles described as ‘ a small tufty hillock.’

Crannaig or A Ch r a n n a ig . The pulpit. Might also be ia fortified island in a loch. C f . * A Chrannag,’ in Poolewe. This one, however, is said to be a rock, pulpit-shaped, in the sea near Kingsburgh House.

Cransay . Thought a mistake for Oransay, q.v. This given as Crann-ey, tree island, an island half a mile in length, in the sea, off Bracadale.

Creachan, A n , C reachann. The little stack or hill; 140 feet. Near Loch Eynort, Minginish. Generally applicable to the summit of a hill.

Creag and Cr eagan . Rock, rocks, or little rock; numerous; but such as Creag mhor, bhàn, dhubh, etc., not given. Creagan, the dim., is masculine. Creag is just a curtailed form of mrraig; both have numerous meanings; and even in Skye the names into which the word creag enters ,in some form or other are very numerous and common. A term found in ‘ Ossianic ’ poetry is 4 Mar elbheinn, ilbheinn, or illbhinn chreige,’ like a craggy rock; another word for rock is sgeilg\ uirigh creige, a shelf or bed of rock.

Creag a Ch a is t e il . The castle rock. This is said to be a bold promontory which narrowly missed the honour of bearing Dunvegan Castle, and called therefrom. In Husabost. There is a rock or pinnacle of the Coolins called 4 A Chaistealthe castle.

Creag a Ch a it . The cat rock, wild cat.

1I

C reag a Ch a l a m a in , n a n Ca l m a n . Pigeon rock.C ueag a C harnach , C h a r n a ic h . The cairney or rocky rock

or ‘ place of ’ earns.C reag a C h a r r a . The rocky shelf.C reag a Ch a r r a in , B h a r r a in . The rock on the crest.C reag a Ch e a l a . The rock of concealment or hiding. This

term occurs twice or thrice in Skye, Glendale. These rocks are all pretty high, with a sudden or precipitous termination; locally associated with the word call, loss, many sheep and cattle having fallen over there and been killed. A saying exists, * Chuir mi ceal air,’ I put death on him, something like having ‘ overlooked ’ him, when a dog, for instance, has been drowned or otherwise destroyed. See* Ceallaichean.’

C reag a Ch i p . The rock of the top of the hill; here a spot with more soil than usual, where hazel-bushes grow; and tip, come to mean the clump of hazels or even a bundle of the saplings used for making baskets or creels. This rock is on the Scorr coast. See ‘ Ceapach.’

C reag a C h l a c h a in , C raiclachan , C raigelach an . The clachan rock. In Kilmuir.

C reag a C hoire G h u ir m . The rock of the green corry: Though the primary meaning, as given in dictionaries, for gorm is blue, it more frequently in practice signifies green, e.g., lie gorm an fheoir,’ Green graesy Islay; ’ Irt nan caorach gorma,, St. Kilda of the green or blue sheep, sometimes given black there.

Creag a Ghamhna. Rock of the stirk. But see c Calbh.’Creag a G h l in n e . The Glen rock (in particular). Glendale.C reag a G h u a il . The coal rock. As said, there are several

seams of coal in Skye, though this may mean charcoal.C reag A ircisari. Not known, unless in connection with airigh,

such as airigh airciseach, the troublesome, difficult, or even hungry sheiling rock. This rock is on Boraraig Common.

C reag a L a in or L a in n . Might be sword rock, or rock of the enclosure or church. Thought may be a mistake for chaim. See ‘ Creag a Chaim ’ or ‘ a Chaimp,’ Sleat.

C reag a M h il l . The lump rock (meall).



Creag a M h u il in n . Mill craig. Kilmuir.C r e a g a n A o i l . Lime rock. This may be aol, aoil, a mouth,

an opening, a pass. In Kilmuir.C r e a g a n ’ B h a l g a i n . The rock of the little bag. See ‘ Misty

Isle of Skye,’ note, p. 286, second edition.C r e a g a n Boedheach, Na C reagan B oidheach . The beautiful

or bonnie rocks. Between Fasach and Ardmore. Haunted!Creagan B reaca. The speckled or parti-coloured rocks.Creagan C raigheach , Creath ach . The rocks of the under

wood, etc. In GLasphein.Creag an D a im h . The ox rock. Fasach.Creag an D ar aic h . The oak rock. Boraraig.C r e a g a n D e a r g a . The red rocks. At Fairy Bridge. These

rocks are believed to be among the highest rocks in Skye, the home of the eagle.

C r e a g a n Dubha. Noted as ‘ The Black Rocks.’ Near Beinn Dearg Mor, in Strath, at north efntranoe to Loch Eynort. Others of same name in Loch Snizort.

Creag an F h e il id h . See ‘ Creag na Feile.’Creag an F h ia d h , F h e id h . The deer rock.Creag an F h ir ic h . Hill, moor, or forest rock.Creag an F h it h ic h . The raven’s rock. Above Kilbride. See

“ Clach an Fhithich.”Creagan F uail. The water rocks. At Beinn Bhreac, north of

Suardal.C reagan F ulaisg . The moving or rocking rocks, fo-luai&g.Creagan G h e a r r a id h . The rocks of the point or knuckle-end

of land, an enclosure or plot of land, sometimes three- cornered, as an gearradh mor agus an gmrradh beag, the great and the lesser plot. In Glendale. This word said to be derived from gardr, gerdhi, geroi, etc., an enclosure, etc.

Creagan G lasa . Grey or green rocks.Creagan I a r . West rocks. Near Score Bay.Creag an I o laire . The eagle rock. Lowest spur of the

Coolins.


C reagan L ia t h a , N a . The grey or hoary rocks; liath, as hoary, generally applied to persons. This name given as Craigmn Lea, the hoary or grey frog, splay-footed one or broken. The first are rocks at Glendale, the latter a rock near Dunvegan Head.

C reagan L oisgte , Na . The burnt rocks. In Kilmuir; creagan also said to be the little rock.

Creag an t -S io n n aic h . The fo x ’s rock.

C reag B h arrasgil , q.v. Barrasgil rock.C reag Cholluscard , q.v. Kilmuir.C reag C hragach , C h reagach . The rocky rock. Near Beinn

Brogaskil, Brogasgil.C reag Ch u id e in , Ch u it h e in . The little recess or pit rock;

ouidh, also cattle-fold; also cuith and cuithe, but which latter generally mean a wreath of snow. See “ Cuiraing.”

Creag D a l laise . May be dail an earn, the rock of the waterfall, plain, or dale, though dall not known to become dail.

C reag D h u b h a M h è a l l a in . Black rock of the knoll, or little round lump of a hill. At Beinn-a-Chro.

Creag D riseach . The thorny rock; dris, a bramble, brier, thorn. At Kilmuir.

Creag F horsie , F h o r sa id h . The water-fall rock, forsa. On east side of Glen Meadhonach. The word uar also means waterfall.

Creag G h r a ’m a in . Not known, unless it has to do with greim, a hold, etc., which has a form of the genitiv© singular,, grama, thus rendering it the rock of the little or slight hold (to clim'bers). In Kilmuir.

Creag G reepach . The sharp-peaked or pointed rock. See “ Greep.” South of Gealta Mor, q.v. Griob, grioba, means a coast precipice, applied in Uist to a part of the coast where it is rocky and difficult to land, griobach.

C reag ’I c C u in n , C reag m hor ’ I c C u in n . Macqueen’s rock, Macqueen’s great rock. At Braes. Here the gruagach or glaistig was frequently reported to have been seen, hence called also “ Creagan na Glaistig, ” the little rock of the goblin or goat-devil, etc., lit! the grey-faced one.


Creagan ’I c P h a r l a in . Macfarlane’s little rock. North of Rudha Cruinn, Talisker.

Creag M hor B ealach an N ig h ’n D u ib h . The great rock at or of the black-haired girl’s pass.

C reag ’Ic M h a o la in . Macmillan’s rock.

C reag ’Ic N e a c a il. MacNicol or Nicolson’s rock. This rock eaid to be named after a Nicolson of Scorribreac; it is where. Prince Charlie landed, a long scaur at Soorribreac, north of Portree harbour.

Creagile . Either creag gheal, white rock, or creag gil, ravine rock; it occurs under former signification in different places in Snizort.

Creagise . Supposed is (Norse), ice; also suggested the adverb ios, down, east, shios, sios. The meaning attached to this word varies in different counties in the Highlands, signifying west in Ross-shire and east in most other places. If this name can be contraction i ’s, then it may be thei reduced form of innis, haugh; but innis is not common in Skye.

Creag L angall , L angal , q.v.Creag M a d r a g il . Madadh, a dog, sometimes given madradh.

The dog rock; might be fox or even wolf rock; gil, ravine. South-east of Kingsburgh House.

Creag M hic I b h e ir , Io m h a ir . Maclver’s rock. Near Kingsburgh.

Creag M hic ’ I lle P h a d r u ig . The rock of the son of Patrick’s servant or servitor. In Glasphein. Is this not just “ Paterson ” ?

Creac M hor C ois a n U isge . The great rock beside (lit. at foot of) the water—idiomatic.

Creag mo S h e a n a ir . My grandfather’s rock.

Creag na Ba , or na Ba R uaidhe. The cow rock, or the red cow rock.

Creag n a Cabaig . The cheese or kebbuck rock. In Kilmuir. Easter customs observed here probably.

Creag n a C ar aic h e . The wrestler’s rock. Near Kyleakin. Commemorative of a famous wrestler referred to elsewhere.

K

C reag na C il l e . The church rock. In Fladachuan, connected with one or all of the three churches or cells or burying- places which formerly existed there.

C reag n a C raoibh , or na C rao ibh e . The rock of the tree. North of Allt-na-Dunaiche, q.v.

C reag na C roise . The rock of the cross. Also in Fladachuan.C reag n a C ubh aige , C u t h a ig e . Cuckoo rock; cubhag has

other meanings, such as snipe, wagtail, etc. See “ Cnoc.”C reag n a D o ir e . The grove rock. Probably named from

ancient Pagan worship or sacrifices here, and adopted by the Christian Church. See “ Doire.”

C reag n a F eile , F e il e a d h , C reag- a n - F h e ile or F h e il id h . The kilt rock, from striking resemblance to the folds or pleats of a kilt (filleadh, fold, pleat). In Staffin. See “ New Statistical Account,” s.v. Inverness-shire. There is a cascade here, Moonen, Mùinean. See “Loch Miaghailt.”

C reag n a h - A ir ig h . The sheiling rock.

C reag n a h -E ig in , E ig in n . The rock of extremity, need, or distress, possibly difficult of access and easily defended from , attack on those taking refuge here; might be a sanctuary; eiginn hais also the meaning of “ steep hill-side nearly impassable.” North-east of Troternish.

C reag n a M anach or n am M a n a c h . The monks’ rock. In or off Kilmuir.

C reag n am B od a c h . Old men’s rock. On west side of Loch Dunvegan. This suggested may merely mean the codling fish called Bodach ruadh, the red old man. There are several places similarly named, generally at sea-shore; there is a Creag-a-Bhodaich between Sgurr nan Gillean and Buoach na Frithe, but named from resemblance to an j| old man’s head wearing a Glengarry bonnet; this of course I must be comparatively modern. Bodach might be meant | for monk. The last-named rock said to be near the Stoer Rock. I

C reag nam M e a n n . The rock of the kids or young goats.On Kingsburgh Farm. It is quite unproductive, and offered by Donald Gorm Mor to Lady Brahan, his extravagant wife. Prince Charlie’s Well is close by.



Creag nam M or Sh l u a g h . The rock of the multitude or many people. It was here in 1540 the bulk of the army under James V. landed. The King with his suite and “ Soorribreck ” landed at a place now called Port-an-righ, Portree; the village or town of this name lies farther east, but not then existing under that name.

Creag n an Ceardaich , a C h e a r d a ic h . The smithy rock. This may also mean rock or resort of tinkers, who are called ceaird.

Creag n a n C o n . Rock of the dogs or hounds. Ferinvicguire.Creag n an D ealg . The rock of thorns, or perhaps sharp-

pointed rocks (in Skye, <md ealag for an dealg). In Kilmuir.

Creag n an G o bh ar . Rock of the goats.C reag nan Ron. Rock of the seals.Creag n a S pereig . Rock of the sparrow-hawk, accipiter nisus,

speir-sheabhaig-sheoig; seabbag, the peregrine falcon, falco peregrinus. Common. This rock is on the north side of the road between Carbost and Talisker, Bracadale.

Creag N isd ale , S hniosdail , “ Sneosdal .” The rock of Nisdale or Snisdale; also called “ Creag Shniosdail nam B ia ta ch of the ravens. This is the rock in which Quiraing is situated, or reported to be, but Quiraing is also, on good authority, said to be at a considerable distance therefrom, and cannot be said to form part of this rock; if even a hill here once had that name it is now thought to have lost it; we find Creag, Gleann, and Loch Shnisdail, though the glen has “ Snisdail ” where the s is not silent by aspiration, e.g., Loch Shnisort; several authorities give Snizort as “ Sneisfirth,” where snei or sneis is said to be a proper name; this applies also to other above names; but see “ Snizort” and “ Aitè Suidhe Fhinn.”

Creag O r r il or Or r a il . Orril’s rock, a proper or personal name, having connection with a king or chief of or in the Isle of Man.

Creag S hr olam uis . Strolamus rock. North of Beinn na Gaillich, Broadford (360 feet).

Creag Sto ir m , or a S tu ir m (Gailig Gallda). The rock of the storm or tempest. This rock is opposed to the south-west wind which prevails or prevailed in the neighbourhood.


Creag T h u il m . Tulm or Tolm Rock. In Scorr.C reag-T ig h - a -B hard or T ig h a B h a ir d . The rock of or at

the Bard’s house.

Creag U is d e in . Hugh’s rock. Visdean ’Ic Ghilleaspuig Chlerich, it is thought. See “ Caieteal-Uisdean ” or “ Caisteal Uisdein also “ Sleat.”

In regard to the foregoing word “ Crmg ” (provincial “ Creig ” ), it will be noted how many apply to men, women, and places, whose names alone remain; much interesting lore, if not history, must be attached to many, if not to all, but now lost; it remains for their descendants and others to fill in the blanks.

C r eic h . May be meant for “ Creitheach,” q.v., and is in Snizort. Creoch also suggested, which, however, is a strath and loch in the Camasunary district.

C repgill , C r e p k il l . A s found, but should be “ Cresgill,” the p having been a mistake by the long s used in MS. Not known; suggested “ Crosgill ” or “ Criosgill,” eras, crois, misfortune, crios, belt or border, though this applies to persons. See “ Crospuing ” and “ Gasgill.”

Crickernish (? C racanish). The fissure at the ness or point.C rionach . Rotten or brittle brushwood. One of the Feinne i

or Fingalians was spoken of as ’Chrionach nam Fiann, the idisgrace of the Feinne! This place is below Kingsburgh l House, near Loch Snizort.

C ro . A circle, a sheep-cot, a fold; also a district surrounded by hills, e.g., Cro an t-Srath, Cro Chinntàile, etc.; the former at one time, if not now, included Corrychatachan, | Swordell, Kilchrist, Kilbride, and Torrin; the latter is .j said to derive its name from the River Cro, or Croe, which | is thought to be from the adjective cro, crotha, strait, i narrow.

Croglan (cro glan). The clean fold ; a land-locked bay.

Crois Bhan. The white cross. See “ Cnoc Mhic Iain.” |C r o is e a r n a is . ? Crois eamais, airneas, airneis, accoutrements

of or belonging to the cross; crois also means “ gallows.”Crolean . The meadowfold, lian, leana.C rom , A n Crom . ? Cròn for Sròn, q.v. There is an obsolete

word crom, nose, slough. “ Crom ” was a Celtic deity.


C r o m h a g a n , An. See “ Cnogan,” also “ Cromliagan,” for which it may be a misprint. In Irish the word crom signifies a round hollow, but see “ Cròn.” This place is at Loch Brittle, Minginish, and spelled thus in O.S. maps, a hill. “ Crom-cruach ” was the chief idol of ancient Erin. Rhys says this is meant for cenn or ceann-cruach, top of stack, or summit-head, chief or highest idol.

Cromliagan , C romlbacan . The stone or obelisk of bending, worship stone, a relic of our Pagan forefathers. See “ Bealach an t-Sliachd,” Sleat.

Cron . Head (of land). This thought meant for “ Sròn,” but see “ Coir’ Iomhair.”

C r o s p u in g . The Ledge, 90 feet in height, on which a lighthouse now stands. See “ Rudha Neist.”

Cross ? Crois . Cross; may be croisg or crasg, a pas®, etc. Cf. the Crasg in Sutherland, also “ Cross ” in the Lewis.

Crossal, C rosal. • May pertain to above, cross, and al or all, a rock, a stone; also all, dim. alkm, water; also in Gaelic signifies “ white,” chiefly as prefixes. Skye, like the opposite mainland, was Pictish, and said to be thoroughly Celtic, but not Cymric. This place is in Minginish, Macleod’s country. See the Gaelic song, “ Horo, chall eile.”

Crossburgh. Not known. Baile chrois.Cross or C rois L u r a n . May be the cross of the dear one,

lit. pretty boy, from lur, delight, etc.; if so, should be lumin.

Crossnish . Cross and nes, cross point. “ Cross ” in all the foregoing may be one and the same place or district.

Cro w lin g , C roline , C rolaig , C r o lain n , C r o u lin . Latin Crulinga. The Crowling Islands. Said to be off Strath; also near west coast of Ross-shire, nearly opposite, in Applecross, at north entrance of Loch Carron. Dean Monro says “ off Raasay.” See “ Rudha na Cruaidhlinn,” or “ Cruailinn.” Crulaist means a rocky hill. There are Croulin mor, beag, and meadhonach, also linne, on S.W.

Cruachan, A n or N a . The little heap or stack, or the heaps, stacks, pinnacles, haunches, or summits of hills; in this and the three following names, cruachan is the singular noun for little round stack-like hill, etc., the an being distinctly


pronounced; the plural pronunciation is almost un. Cruachan has also been described as a more than usually steep elevation, sometimes standing upon another hill, e.g., Cruachan beinne, the hillock upon the mountain called Beinn Cruachan; one Cruachan is in South Minginish (1,423 feet). From cruach, a stack, or high hill. Cf. “ Cruachan ” in Ireland.

Cruachan B e in n - a -C h ea rc aill. The little stack, etc., of the circular or hooped-mountain.

Cruachan B e in n ’I c A s k il l , A scuill . The little stack, etc., of MAskill’s mountain—the top.

C ruachan M hic S u a in , M hic S w a n , M acsw ain or M acsw een ; M acS u ait h n e or S u it h n e . This is a green hillock on the summit of Ben Dianavaig, and is named after Sueno or Sweno, a Danish or Norwegian king or prince. It resembles Aitè-suidhe-Fhinn. There are great caves here, one with a well in its recesses.

C ruach n a B e in n e . Stack or peak of the mountain, the very top.

Cr u aid h C h o ir e . Hard corry or corrie, thought hard to travel; a small “ bad step ” here.

C r u d h ’ an E ic h . Horse-shoe, from shape; also found given crubh, but this means hoof. At Dunvegan Head.

Cr u in n B h e in n . Round mountain; a case of the adjective preceding the noun.

Cr u n -a -B h r a g h a d . The crown or upper part of the throat, neck, pass or gorge. See “ Braighe.”

C u air t eal an . May mean the little circle, or round one. A word Cuairt-ealain given in dictionary as a cyclopaedia!

C u id h esta . Cuidhe or cuithe, a fold, etc., and stadt, sta, abode, residence, stead; cuidhsh&adair, kvisetr. See “ Buaile.”

C uedreach, C u iderach , etc. Forcible, powerful; termination iach means “ place of.” Suggested cuidhe, also cuithir. This place is in Troternish, and where the erstwhile famous warrior, Donald-Mac-Iain-Mhic-Shamuis lived; he was the first to drove cows from Skye to the Low Country, for which he was called “ Air each Liath nam Bò,” the grey or hoary-headed cow-dealer.


CuiD T h o r l a i n . Torlan’e share or portion of land. In Kilmuir. See “ Aird-Mhic-Ceolam.” This word cuid is allied to pit, pett, pettie, etc., farm, portion, a piece of land; pet, etc., is a Pictish word; Welsh peth, a part.

Cuil , A Ch u il . The reoees, nook, dark background. North of Uig, Snizort. A North and South Cuil; known as “ Cuil Uige.” Cf. “ Cuil ” in Duror, Argyllshire.

Cuil M u ir id h il . The noisy nook or comer. Near Allt Mor, Glasphein. Thought smuggling carried on here once; the word or term cuiltear means a smuggler, or one who practises his calling in secret.

Cuil or C ul n a h - A ir ig h e . The nook behind the sheiling; Cul-Airigh-Lagain, the little hollow behind the sheiling, is in Strath, near Sleat.

Cuilore, C u il O i r . Gold nook, etc. See “ Uaimh-an-Oir.”Cuiraing , Q uoy R a n d , K v i-R a n d . Round quoy; cuthaidh,

a cattle-fold, also cuitheadh, an enclosure, etc., cuitheach, a cave-dweller. A writer in “ Scotsman ” of December 11th, 1917, speaks of the “ Kewachs,” or “ naked wild men, living in caves,” ciuthach. See “ Quiraing.”

Cu ish in ish , C usinish . Cuith, as above, and innis, an island or pasture-land beside a river, etc? Near Portree.

Cu it h ir . A rocky and cave-studded spot, four miles north of Storr. Diatomic works here.

Cul-a -G h a r a id h . The back of the dyke, or the uplands above Breakish, Strath; gàradh also means “ garden.”

Cu ld alie . See “ Auldalie,” Raasay.Culeshader , Co llisaid er . The back of the pasturage, cul,

back, and setr, seader, siader, shader, etc., probably remote. 'Cf. “ Culloden,” said to mean back of the marsh, lod\ mostly drained now.

Culknock , C ulnacnock, C ul a C hnoc, C h n u ic . Back of the knoll. In Troternish. Pont gives “ Could na Grock ” and “ Culnicknock ” ; Martin gives “ Culuknock ” as near Kilmartin. Spellings numerous and different, even “ Cunnacnock.”

Culnam ean , C ul nam B e a n n . Back of the mountains. At north end of Loch Brittle.

C u m h ag . The little, narrow, cold pass; cumhag fuar; cumhaing, narrow, strait, defile. This pass possibly a “ windy gowl ” ; it leads to three townships near Portree.

C u m in u le , C u m in it e . See “ Guminile.”


D

D a l - n a -S aig h d ear , D a il an t -S a ig h d e ir . The archer’s meadow; saighead, arrow, dart, sagitta. A farm enjoyed by a member of the clan or sept Maclnnes, the men whereof were hereditary bowmen or archers to the chiefs of “ Mac- kinnon ” of Strath-Swordell.

The prefix dal is notable as in both “ Dalriada,” from Cairbre Riada, Cairbre of the long arm, and “ Dalaradia,” from Araidhe, a King of Ulster, their “ portion ” or “ belonging.” Dal, dalr, in Celtic words a prefix, dale in Norse is an affix. See “ Gleann Dail.”

D a l Rob ach. Rough or fuzzy dale; dail here means a field, a dale or meadow, also in the following:

D al R u a d h , A n D a il R u a d h . The red or russet plain, etc. On the Strath glebe.

D alvey , D ail a B h e it h e . Birch-dale.D edaig , D e id eag . Rib-grass, pebble, little fair one, etc. See

“ Bioda.”D eir e a d h - a n - t -S o ith eac h . Stern or end of the ship, from

fancied resemblance. At Dunvegan Head.D eir en y A ch lais . Armpit-end. May be achlais-deiridh,

stern-collar (of a boat).D elista , D ilista , D iolasta , etc. The house or steading of

beams, piles or planks, deile and stadt, sta; a crannag or crannog, fortified artificial building in a loch; a wooden structure at east end of Loch Chaluimchille, now drained. A saying “ Cason fada D hilista .the long legs of Dilista. There is a noun casan, signifying the supporting beam of a house-top; taigh chasan, a house built of wattle-work.

D e n t h a n . Not known. East of Snizort. Might be from. dein, strong, firm. Demean ?


Diabaig , D iubaig , D ubaig , D ubeg , Y ubeg, etc., the last the aspirated form of Dubeg. From djup vik (Norse), deep bay; also given Dia vik, God’s bay. Captain Thomas gave dubec, die-bek, bekkr, a rivulet, a brook. This place is at Loch Grishernish. Cf. beck, English for rivulet, etc.

D ia l l a id , D io l l a id . Saddle, a ridge on Sgurr nan Gobhar, q.v.

D ianavaig . Shelter, refuge bay, dion vik. This is generally accepted las the correct meaning, though diem means the opposite. See “ Beinn.”

D ib id a l , D ib id a l e , etc. Deep dale, djupr, deep, etc., dalr, dale—diobadal or diobadail. The local explanations very fanciful, dith bidh dail, want-of-food or hungry dale! The tautological name, “ Glen Dibidale,” i.e., Glen-deep-glen or dale, also exists. There is a Loch and a Cnoc Dibidal© also, the latter 775 feet in height; the cliffs here rise sheer from the sea 600 feet.

D ig g , D i g . Ditch, or mound, to keep out water; equals dik, deeg, dyig, (G.) dais, (Fr.) dique. This place is in Kilmuir. According to Macbain, dig means “ a wall of loose stones, a dike ” ; it also means the hollowed-out rhines in or at a ford after retreat of tide. That the word dike or dyke meant a ditch or hollow of old seems certain from the saying, “ Februar’ fill the dike either with the black or white,” etc. The inhabitants of this township, like many others, bore an eke-name or bye-name of “ Na Boguis,” the bugs, or timber moths! Gàradh frequently used for a wall or dike.

D iu r d in . Not known. A place of this name found given as near Kilmuir Church.

D iu r in is h . See “ Duirinish.”D oir ’ a B h o ilic h . The grove of boasting, loud clamour, etc.

Might be Doir-a-Bhoileach, the grove of fury, rage, etc., boilè, madneas, etc.

D o ir ’ a B h u il g . The grove of the sack or bag (of arrows perhaps), a quiver; also balg.

D oir ’ a C h a o il . The grove of the saplings or twigs, osiers; also doire chaol or chaoil, the grove of the narrows or strait. Soay.

"1

Doin’ a n L eic h . Grove of the physician, leigh and lighiche. Near Portree. See “ Allt.”

D oire D a r a ic h . Oak grove or grove of oak-trees.

D oiredoin , D oiredoir , D oire D o m h a in . Deep, profound, etc., grove. On the island of Soay.

D oireagan . Little groves, clumps, or thickets. This word means “ lapwing,” doirecm, doireachcm being plurals of doire.

D oire M hic M h a t h a in (Math-ghamhuimi). Matheson’e grove. In Strath. See “ Tota Mhic Cuinn.”

D oire M hor C haol n am Bo. The great grove of the strait or narrows of the cows; probably where they waded or swam across.

D oire n a B anach dich , B a n ach d aich . Vaccination grove. See “ Eas Mor,” etc.

Doire na Criche. Boundary grove. See “ Druim na Criche.” This word doire in Skye also stands for stamh, sea-

girdles, tangle— laminaria digitata. Barr - staimh and bragair are the broad leaves on the top, the whole forming a veritable grove. C f. “ Bragar ” in the Lewis.

D ortjis, D orus, A n . The door, a pass in the Coolins said to have been used specially by the Macleods; it is a straight- walled cleft forming a gap a few yards up the ridge of Sgurr a Mhiadaidh, also said to be on a ridge of Sgurr at Ghreadaidh.

D ow nort ? D o w a r t . Black (sea) loch or fiord. Dubh Fjordr.D r ia n a n , D r in e a n , D r aoinean , D r o ig h n ean . Thicket of

blackthorn. In Strathaird.D r im m in , D rtjmain. Little ridge of hill, droman, which also

means dwarf elder tree, etc.D r im ish a d e r . Ridge of h ill steading. Druim and setr.D rinace . Not known, unless meant for Drinan (Drinan-dun)

at Strathaird; orD rin g an , D riongan . Slowness, etc.D r iv a l l a n . Locally suggested Draoidh or Druidh allan,

Druids’ river or well. Druidh, Drui for Dru-vid; ealan or ealdhain, learning, science, etc.?



X)r o c h a id . Bridge, supposed comparatively modern, at least qua the following:

D rochaid A b h a in n a n A sa r a id h . Asary river bridge; at head of Loch Slapin.

D rochaid A ir ig h na S u ir id h e . The bridge at the sweethearts’ sheiling or the courting-sheiling; this bridge is over Allt- Coire-nan-Clach, south of Loch Slapin.

D rochaid an L oin R u a id h . Bridge of the red or russet meadow (or burn here); Ion is frequently used in Sky© instead of allt, a stream, river, or burn; but see “ Lòn.”

D rochaid an S u id h e . The bridge of the seat; where travellers —.especially and particularly funeral processionists—rested going either way.

D rochaid A rd n a M ourcladh . Thought bridge of the great hollow, mor cladh\ might be meant for muclach, herd of swine, piggery.

D rochaid M h o r . The great bridge. Above Portree, on the road to Braes, supposed to be haunted.

D rochaid n a Cloiche B id e ic h . Given as the bridge of the little stone, but bideich thought should be biodaich, pointed, etc.

D rochaid n a L e t h -P h e ig h in n . The bridge of the half-penny (land). Above Kilbride.

D rochaid n a M oracha. The bridge of the great mound or bank (acha) or field or plain, etc., (achadh). Suggested should be mor’aich, land liable to flooding.

D rochaid n an T r i A l l t . Bridge of the three rivers; also called Drochaid an t-Sithein, fairy bridge; one of these bums at least runs into Loch Bay.

D rochaid R omesdal, R om asdal . Romesdal bridge, over river of same name, on south march of Kingsburgh Farm, Snizort.

D r u id il in . Not known. Druid, verb, to shut, etc.; suggested druid, a starling, druidean, druidealan, little starling, but unlikely. This place is at Dunvegan Head.

Druim. A ridge, in connection with place-names; cognate with Latin dorsum', common, both as a suffix and affix.


D ruim a B h id h . The ridge of food or eating, biadh, genitive bidh, food; “ biadh is Ion,” food and food, Ps. ex.; bidh in dictionaries given also as bith, which has several othetr meanings, but not thought applicable here; the genitive of bith is bithe.

D ruim a Ch a m a id h . Ridge of the bend or turning, etc.D ru im - a -D a -C h o il l e . Ridge of the two or double woods. In

Torrin.D ruim - a -M h a g a id h . Ridge of mocking, an echo.D ruim an E ir e in ic h , E ir e a n n a ic h . The Irishman’s ridge.

Supposed named after a somewhat famous itinerant Irish piper; eibhrionnaich, a wedder goat, suggested; but see “ Rudh’ an Eireannaich.”

D ruim an F huarain. The ridge of the well or spring. This name has been mixed up with “ Druim an Fhuaraidh,” the windward or exposed ridge, Strathaird; also “ Druim an Uairidh,” uairidh means meal made from quern-ground corn, brà; this ridge might be used for winnowing parched corn.

D ru im -Aoi, A o id h , D r im u e , D r u m u ie . The traveller’s ridge. Various etymologies have been advanced regarding this name, locally “ Druim Ghaoithe,” ridge.of the wind or windy-ridge; midh, gen. of proper name Aodh or Hugh, once Englished Y (Y Mackay or Aodh Mhicaoidh); found given even as “ Druim-muigh,” ridge of the plain, magh, genitive muigh, now maigh; there is also “ Guala Druim Aoithe ” or “ ’n Druim Bhuidhe,” first aoth, obsolete for bell, crown; the second, the yellow ridge, near Portree. Druim-Aoi is two miles north of Portree, and the meaning first given is supported by its being the ridge which separates one side of the island there from the other side, a ridge of farewells to either or both; druim uidhe, space, way, journey, etc.; ceemn-uidhe, destination.

D ruim a R um a , R u im . Ridge of room or space. Near Bioda Buidhe* Troternish.

D r u im - a -S toc. Ridge of the stock (of trees, etc.), or store, cattle-stock, etc.; also found “ Druim an Stuic,” the ridge of the hill or cliff.

D r uim B a n . The white or fair ridge. Torrin.


D r u im C h o r b a ir ? C a i r b r e . A lord or prince in Ireland; there were two of that name, one Lord of Atha in Connaught, and chief of the Fir-bolg (? Belgae), the son of Borbar or Borbor, the other the eon of Cormac, King of Ireland. There were also two Kings Cormac; said that Cormac, of whom Cuchullin was guardian, visited Skye with some of his followers, being entertained in Cuchullin’s castle at Dun-Sgathach. “ Cairbar ” another spelling. This place is in Boraraig.

D r u im C h r e a c a ig , C h r e a g a ig . The ridge of the conger, etc., thought wrasse or rock-fish; found given “ little rock ridge” ; but creagmi is little rock.

D ruim D a N ecail , N eacail . The ridge of the two Niools.D ruim D u b h . Black ridge. South side of Loch Eisheort.D r u im - e a d a r - D a - C h o i r e . The ridge between two corries.

See “ Coire na Creiche.”D r u im F h u r a i n . Either the ridge of plenty (furain) or the

ridge of welcome (furain, genitive of furcm), the latter favoured as against “ Druim-Aoi,” q.v. This place is above Faolin or Faolain; of old said to be Druim Uthaman or Udhairn, but not known.

D ruim G haulsean or P h au l sean . Not known. A place in Waternish; a very old battle piece or tune named after this place.

D ruim H a in , A t h a in . Ridge of the little ford; almost above Loch Athan.

D ruim L e in is h . Leinish ridge. Near Colbost.D ruim - n a -C leochd , Cleoc. The ridge or high pass of the

cloak or mantle; not known whether a cloak or mantle of mist or the cloak for wear. North of Rudh’ an Eireinich. The road here is very steep. Various surmises given, with which we do not trouble our readers.

D ruim - n a -C loich . The ridge of the stone; should be cloiche, genitive; cloich is dative of clach, a stone. Near Sconser.

D ruim n a Co ille . The ridge o f the wood.

Druim n a C rich e . The ridge of the boundary, crioch. This was a boundary between the lands belonging to or claimed by the Macdonalds and Macleods, often traversed by both. It lies two miles N.E. of Roineval, and five S.S.W. of Portree.


D ruim na C ro isid h , C roise. The ridge of the cross, gallows:, or gibbet; crois often given for croich; if croisidh, then genitive of croiseadh, crossing, forbidding, etc.

D ruim n a F ia d h , F e id h , or n am F ia d h . The ridge of the deer. In Glendale. Coinneach Odhar’s sanguinary prophecy said to apply to this ridge also.

D ruim na h - E id h n e . Ridge of the ivy, eidheann.Druim na Ramh, Raimh, nan Ramh. The ridge of the wood

or tree roots, reumh, freumh. N.E. of Coruisg, dividing it from Harta Corry. Many mistaken etymologies of this name found given; guide-books call it Drumhain,” q.v. Oar-ridge also given. Ossian calls the country of the woods “ Talamh nan Ramh.”

D ruim na R u aige . Ridge of the rout, pursuit, chase, etc., commemorating a fierce fight and flight, thought of the, Norse invaders. This ridge said to be in Strath, and a “ Dun Ruaige ” near Sligachan.

D ruim n a n S g a r b h . Cormorant ridge. At Waterstein.Druim na Slochd, Sloc, Sluic. Ridge of the pit, etc.; also

“ Druim an t-Sluichd,” euphonic t (once part of the article). South of Craag-na-h-Eiginn.

D ruim S capail , S caipeil , S g apail . Not known unless from verb soap, to scatter, etc.; may be meant for Sgailpeal, belonging to or abounding in caves; this, however, doubtful. Sgailpeach means that; b and p being interchangeable, perhaps sgaball, a helmet, may be considered.

D ruim S h l e ib h t e . Sleat ridge. Kilmuir.D ruim T horo , T h o r a . Hill ridge—torra. In Kilmuir.D rum buie , D ruim B u id h e . Yellow ridge.D r u m h a in . Ridge of the hinds, Druim na h-Aighean (1,038

feet). See “ Drum Hain,” also “ Druim nan Ramh.” This is a' wild spot near Harta corry, and has various etymologies attached to it; it is almost the “ hub” of the Coolins.

D rum m uie , D r u m u y , D rum -M uic or M u ig h , the old genitive otmagh, a plain. See “ Druim-Aoi.” This place is near Portree.

D r u m u ir id h , D ruim U ir id h . The ridge of the monster; if uirigh, then shelf of a rock, uirigh-creige. In Scorr.


D rynoch , D ryniock , D roighneach . Place of thorns, drmgh- eawn, thorn, and iach, place of, abounding in. This place' or district is famed for the memory of “ Tormad na Mart,” Norman (Macleod) of the cows; also noted for the race or faimily, Clann Dhomhnuill Ghlais, Grey Donald’s descendants, whose burial-ground is on the banks, or borders, of Loch Harport. An ancient cell hereabouts also.

D uagrach, D uagraich , D ubh A garach . The black or false pretender or pretenders; a loch and hill in Bracadale.

D uart , D ubh - A rd or A ir d . Black height or point. An Dubh-Aird on Monkstadt Farm; on the shore here is a long bank of rough shingle (a mol), said to have been raised by the waves during the gale in which Iain Garbh Mac ’Ille-Chalum (Macleod of Raasay) was lost at sea; this bank is called “ Mol Fada na Dubbaird” ; this also said of “ Mol Staiseall Staphein,” q.v.

D ubh- A l lt or A n D ubh A l l t . The black burn. Runs into Varragill River.

D ubh-B h r a ig h . The black brae. Varragill.D ubh-C ham us or An D ubh Ch a m u s . The dark bay. At Loch

Soavaig. Also Rona.D ubh-C h ar n or A n D ubh Ch a r n . The black cairn.D ubh -L a im h r ig . The black, dark, or difficult landing-place.

By advocates of every—or nearly every—Skye name, being wholly or partly Norse, this word laimhrig is dealt with as hladhamar and vik; the word is claimed m Gaelic lamh-ruig, hand-reach, and applies to places beside or off a rock where a boat may come close in and be reached by the hand. This one is in Soay.

D ubh-L och . Black loch. “ Lowergill,” q.v.D ubh-L ochan or N a D ubh L ochan . The black little loch or

the black lochs. The latter near Broadford.D ubh-S g e ir e a n . The black skerries. Black means also dis

astrous, etc. Off Sciteal. These are numerous, one north of Loch Breatal, another in Loch Bracadale off Mi Bhodha or Bhodha, mor, and another at entrance to Loch Eynord, Minginish. One particular skerry which proved “ disastrous,” and infamously noted was that one near


“ Macleod e Maidens ” on which Campbell of Ensay—% noted smuggler—placed a false light; Bioda mor, Feist, and Na Cipean or An Cipean are names of these Dubh- Sgeirean.

D ucart . May be Duart, q.v.D utch, D ubh F h a ic h , F h a ic h e . Black or dark field; may

be where soldiers were reviewed.D u ir in is h . Dere or deer-ness, deer-promontory. This is one

of the four divisions or districts into which Skye, north of the Coolins, was divided by the Norse invaders, the other three being Minginish, Troternish, and Vaternish. The different modes of spelling this name, os found in the older titles, Acts of Parliament, etc., are almost innumerable from 1498 onwards; we quote a selected few as follows: Dairnes, Darnes (1609), Deumes, Dewrynes, Dewrenes, Dimes (1610), Diurinish, Dowernes (1541), Dowirnes, Downreness (1609), Duirnes (1611, 1655), Duirness (Wyntoun) Duirinish, Durinis, Durinysh (1588), Duriness, Durynes, Duryness, Durynthas, Dwrinish, Dwrinthas (1567), Dwrynes (1553), Dyrnes, Dyrness, Dyurenas (1585), Dyurenes (1498), Dywrenes, and Urines. According to two authorities, Durness and or Deerness. Cf. Durness or Dyrness in Sutherland. In the “ Statistical Account,” the writer gives “ Dur, hard, and innis, a promontory or island, equal to Rocky Promontory; it was sometimes designated ‘ Kilmuir.’ ” No less than fifteen duns are found given as being in Duirinish, which is only the western division, Vaternish being the eastern division of Kilmuir parish; a quoad sacra church in latter.

A notable bard, Donald Macleod, was born in Durness in 1785, and this place is also noted as being also the calf country of the famous race of the Macleods, all ministers, from Morven 1775 onwards. Suardal is said to be the name of the place where the common ancestor dwelt, “ Gobha Shuardail,” as he was called. There is still in Duirinish a crofter township called “ Kilmuir.” Like others, the inhabitants of Duirinish bore a nick-name conferred on them by their neighbours in Troternish of “ Na Moganaich,” while their place or district was named “ Am Fearann Moganach.” See “ Duthaich Mhic Leoid.” Duirinish is dedicated to St. Mary.


D u is g e a r . This is black skerry, the one near “ An Fheiste.” See “ Dubh-Sgeirean.”

D u n a n . The little fort or hillock. In Strath; another in. Portree.

D unan an A isil id h or A is l e . The hillock or fort of the axle, ami. See “ Cnoc Roll,” etc.

D unan E arr an S gurr , S gurra . The hillock of the end, boundary, or tail of the cliff; this, with the point Rudh’ an Dunan, q.v., runs into Soay Sound, between Loch Eynort and Loch Brittle.

D u n . This word appears frequently in Skye place-names, and, as elsewhere, is in many cases non specific in character, the general and common Dun beag, ban, mor, etc., not being given here as a rule.

The names of the Dùin or Duintean are, in many cases, those of adjacent farms or lands, etc., given elsewhere here, and some of these have also been omitted; for a fairly, correct list of duns, so far as it goes, see “ The Misty Isle of Skye,” 2nd Ed., p. 265.

The primary signification of dim in its various forms is “ strong ” or “ firm,” fortis, firmus; it is also an equivalent of li,s, a stronghold, Scandinavian borg, broch, burg, also an enclosure, from (it is alleged) Anglo-Saxon tun, town; among the ancient Celts their laws enjoined that a dùn must have a king (or chief) to constitute it such, the ground round or in the immediate vicinity being called faiche, whether level or hilly.

A dùn has been described as “ two walls, with water ” ; the fmche equalled four garts, garths or enclosures, and was cultivated for the use of the dùn and neighbouring baile or inhabited spot. See Armstrong’s Dictionary, s.v.

The duin are, as said, numerous in Skye; indeed, it is believed more so than in any other island or place of equal area; many are supposed to have been erected in prehistoric ages, possibly by the predecessors of the Celt; others by the Celts themselves, especially during the Fingalian period, while some are as modern as the Norse invasion and occupation, having been built as places of defence against these ruthless ravagers; a few are believed to have been built by the Norwegians or Danes.

Duns were, however, grey with the moss of ages before the first Norwegian prow touched land in Scotland.


The dim or ancient fort is generally built on a cnoc, on land which, in Irish Gaelic, is called aine or one, from, mnn, ainne, a circle, which must not be confounded with am, water. Dim, then, generally speaking, means first a fort, then a hill, etc.

D un a B h a ir d . The Bard’s hill; common; equivalent to “ Bail’ a Bhaird ” ; here bard may mean dyke, fence, or park, dùn having come to mean a fence or enclosure, and hence the space enclosed equal, as said, to tun, or town.

D un a C h e it e c h in . Not known as spelled; but suggested “ Dun a Cheitein,” the hill of summer, a hill frequented in summer.

D un a C h l e r ic h , D u n an clerick . The hill of the cleric or minister, perhaps his glebe, enclosure, or “ belonging” ; like many others, the site of this dun only remains. See “ Cliar,” s.v. “ Dunvegan.”

D un A d h a m h . A d am ’s fort (326 feet). E.S.E. of Kings- burgh House, Snizort.

D un an O i r . The hill of gold. See “ Uamh an Oir,” near which this dun is supposed to be situated; see also “Leabhar na Feinne,” and “ Celtic Monthly ” for 1910.

D u n an s . The little duns—Englished. Kilmuir.D un an A ir d , D un na h - A ir d e . The hill at A ird (or fort),

either extreme north or south.

D un A r k a ig . Black bay fort, arc vik; arc Old Gaelic for ' “ black,” though it has many modern meanings.

D u n B arplacaig . See “ Barpa.” Kilmuir.D un B eag St r u a n . Struan little fort; one fort, in ruins, at

Torrin.D u n -B e ar r ad h - F a d h a c h . The fort on the ridge of the

“ Monster.” Fadhach, properly fathach, sometimes erroneously written athach. This dun is in Waternish. See “ Dun larla.”

D un B h a r p . The Dun of Barp; this word means a cairn of stones, barpa, or barrow raised to or over the dead. Cf. Norse verpa, cast up (as a cairn or the like), or varp, a casting, a throwing. This dun is near Harlosh.

The word “ Moudiewart,” a mole (animal) said to equal mould varp, cast up earth. M‘Alpine says “ supposed to be memorials of the dead.” See “ Barpa.”


D un B honeraig , B oraraig , q.v.D un B h u ir g h , B h u ir b h , B org, B orve . Borbh, gen. Buirbh.D u n b l a b h e i n n . Blaven fort. See “ Blathbheinn.”D un B orrafiach . The dun of the raven’s borg or burgh or

haunt.D un B orrastach . The fort of the precipice or precipitous

hill. Borg-stac equals Norse stalicr; also known as “ Dun- Daibhidh. Borg in this word just dùn.

D un B orve . . Fort-Fort, a hybrid. See “ Borve.” Borgs, otherwise known as brochs, are numerous in Skye; D r. Joseph Anderson alone gives thirty.

There are two Dun Borves in Skye, one at Lyndale or Lyndall, and the other at Beinn-an-Uine (Beinn-an- Dùine), above Portree; this dun was, inter alia, a reputed home of the daoine-sith, fairies who were very troublesome; in order to get rid of their officiousness, they were suddenly told, or the remark was made to them of “ Dun Bhuirbh ri (or na) theine! " whereupon they, or one of them, replied or cried out, “ Dun Bhuvrb ri theine, gun chu, gun duine, mo chearslagan snath, ’s mo phocannan mine! ” (Dun Borbh on fire, without dog or man, my, little clews (or balls) of thread, and my (little) bags of meal); cemsail, s.f. clew or ball of yarn (ceirsle); a similar saying is tlTorr-a-Bhuilg f a theine, m uird is m innein, 's mo bholgV’ (Torr-a-Bhuilg on fire, my hammer and my anvil, also my bellows!)

D un Cearym ore . Fort of the large or great quarter-land (measure), eeathramh mor.

D un Ch l a c h . Stone fort. Near Osdale. This must have been an exception, inferring that forts frequently built mainly of earth.

D un C h l o . Thought should be Dun Flo, in Sleat.D un -C noc. Knoll fort. Two miles N.W. of Talisker.D un C oire F a l a ic h . Fort of the hidden corry; a refuge or

retreat, hiding.D un Colbost, q.v.


D u n C o m a b e r n , C o n a b e r n , C o n a b h e r n , C o n a v e r n . Con for comh, inseparable particle, together, etc., and beam, fissure, opening, pass, junction of pass; the first name above justifies this etymology; the others support the meaning of “ dog” or “ dog’s ” pass, etc. This place is north of Culnacnoc, Troternish.

D u n C r u it , C r u it e . Crowd or violin fort, harp occasionally. Said to be either Cymbric or Pictish.

D UN-Da i b h i d h . David’s fort, so called after a Norseman (vikingr) of that name; also the ancient name for Duntulm. Uisdean Mac Ghilleaspuig Chlerich (Mac Ghiolla (gille)

x ’n Easbuig), Hugh the son of Archibald the cleric, lad, servant, or servitor of the bishop, who built Caisteal- Uisdean, was starved here in a dungeon; the tale is well known. Sir Donald Macdonald, XII. of Sleat, was the last “ lord” born in Duntulm; he was elected “ Lord of the Isles ” after Flodden. The spelling of Uisdean frequently wrong; in “ Reliquiae Celticse “ Huistiuin.”

D u n D e r ig , D e i r g . Generally translated the red fort, but thought “ Dargo’s fort.” Dearg, son of Collath, or Dearg, a war-like British Druid, one of the last of his order; he was called “ King of Spears.” This dun is in Kilmuir.

D un D iag. Dun Digg or Dig, ditch or stone dyke. Diag may be a proper name.

D u n D i a r g . See “ Dun Derig.” Famous for a fairy smith chased by Daorghlas, one of Cuchullin’s followers; Dorglas, as given in Ossianic poems.

D u n D i a r m i d . Diarmid’s fort. The above Daorghlas was another name given to Dermid, the mythical progenitor of the Campbells, who apparently had for a time a local habitation in Skye. Diarmad was a son of Duihhne, also said to be a son of one Diarnan, or Diaran.

D u n D o n a l d . Donald’s fort (of the Isles).D u n D u g a n , D u c a n . The fo rt o f the little hillock. Dugan

is also a proper nam e.

D u n E l ir e a c h , D u n e l ir ic h , D u n m e l l e r ic k , D u n e n il l e r ic h , D u n e n il l c r ic k . Given as the fort of the stranger, etc., eilthireach; also said to be the same as “ Dun-a-Chlerich,” q.v. When it is considered how greatly hunting entered

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 16a

into the life and sport of the Celts, the etymology of this name seems clear, as being from eilear, a deer’s walk or passage, etc., a desert; eilearag, eileirig, iollairc, iollaraic, iolaraig, and iolarig, a deer-drive or cul-de-sac, also a hiding-hillock or a V-shaped structure through which deer driven and shot (of old) with arrows, or speared when passing through the narrow outlet of the V. Dun ’111© Riach also given. See “ Baile,” etc.

D u n E y r e . See “ Eyre.” There is a. dùn fada and a dwq goirid here, a long dun and a short dun, which shows that duns were not always round as alleged.

D u n F e o r l ig , F e o ir l in g . Fort of the farthing-land, Soots farthing, one-twelfth of a penny sterling. Near Loch Caroy. This Dun Feorlig is said to be another name for “ Na Barpannan,” there being two duns beside each other; a Glendale authority suggests that in the word1 “ Barpannan ” the p may have taken the place of g ir* “ Borgannan,” a possible plural form of borg; but see “ Barpa.”

D u n F l a s h a d e r . See “ Flaiseadair.”D u n G a e s in , G a r s a in n . See “ Garsbheinn.”D u n G e il b , G e il b t , G e il t ? Not known. The nearest

approach is geilib, gilb, a chisel; geilbe, geilt means terror, fear, dread, etc. See “ Sleat.”

D u n G e r m s h a d e r (Bjom setr). Biorn’s house.D u n ’G h a r a id h M h o ir . The fort or hill of the great wall or

dyke, also garden. Near township of Geary. This should be an gearradh mor. See Gearradh.”

D un G a r s a in n . See “ Dun Garsin.” This dun overlooks the head of Loch Beag at Totardor, in Struan. There is a word gar sail, a lad (Irish gosoon).

D u n G h e a r r a - S h e a d e r . The fort of the little dwelling, or the short mountain-pasture, gearr, short, little, etc., and setr, out-paisture, etc. This dun was noted as being the place where a fairy woman counted her cattle, and chanted a rhyme which was overheard; it is in Gaelic, and thought generally well known. This dun was once large and imposing, but was demolished by some Goth of a lowlander for bigging dykes!

D un G r ean an , G r e a n n a r . The sunny, lovely, pleasant fort, above the Eaglais Bhreugach. The latter word greannar is thought to be a mistake, as it is generally applied tot women and girls only; the first word grianan is a sunny spot, in mansions a “ bower,” and in rural landscape a green, dry spot on which for instance peats are spread for drying, a bleaching-green, and so forth. “ Grianan Deirdri ” is still preserved as a local name on Loch Etive side. See “ Beinn na Grianan,” “ Grianal,” etc. In Loch Mealt, or Miadhailt, a Dun Grianan stands on a peninsula.

D un G rugaig , G ruagaig , G n ugaig . The wretched woman’s fort or hillock, gnu, gloomy, gnugag or grugag, a sulky female, extended to mean the dun itself (inhospitable); gruagaig means a lock of hair; suggested gruagach, a young woman. This dun is in Strathaird, near the Spar Cave, or “ Sloe an Altrumain.” Dun Glas also near here, the green dun.

D u n h a l l in . The fort of the hall. See “ Hallin.” Locally given as Dun Chailin, the girl, the maiden’s fort; caileag is a little girl, also Gailein, Colin. In Waternish and Duirinish. Some notable men born here, i.e., Hallin, in Waternish.

D un H a sa n . Not known. May be a proper name.D un I a g h air t , F h ia d h a ir t , q.v.D un I ar la , I ar - F h l a t h . Earl’s dun. Iar, second in order to

a flath, prince. In Waternish. One of three forts, the others being “ Dun-Bearradh-Fadhach ” and “ Dunhallin,” built on conical hills, with room or space round the exterior for training purposes, etc.; they are each about four miles apart, but all within sight of each other; some recesses, still discernable in the remaining walls, are thought to have been the sleeping-places of the warriors of the olden time; these recesses are over ten feet in length.

D u n - I d e n , F h id e in . The fort of the green islet. See “ Fidean.” In Kilmuir.

D un K earstach . Thought the fort of justice, possibly a local mod; ceartais or ceartachadh, adjusting, etc. On east shore of Loch Slapin.

D un L ia n a in . Fort of the lint-place or field; lion, however, lint, but might be lion, a field, a plain, a meadow; here small field, etc.



P un L ia t h , L ea , L ia . Grey fort or watch-tower, cam liath. Close by Kilmuir. “ Dunled ” found as in Strathaird.

D un M a l l e r a in . Thought “ Dunvannarain,” q.v.D un M h a sa n . Not known. May be a proper name.

Cf. “ Gleann Masan ” in Argyll.D un M ash ad er . Fort of meadow pasture, magh, shader.D un M e r k a d a l e . Fort of the merk-dale. Near Carbost,

M inginish. Merk dalr.D un M or . The great fort. This is a more than usual sized

fort, and appears to be of great ago, and built to protect the entrance to Loch Slapin; repaired and occupied by the Danes, it is said. See “ Cisborg.”

D un n a h -A ir ig h e . The fort of the sheiling; this, it is said, should be Dun na h-Airde, the fort on the height. At Greshernish, site only.

D un na h -U a m h a . Fort of the cave.

D un N e il l . Niall or Neil’s fort.

D un O sdale , Osd ail , q.v. A watch-tower near Dunvegan.

D un P h a il . Thought Paul’s fort—Pal, the son of Bakki, Sheriff of Skye, 1263. Given also as from fjàll, a fell!

D un R aisaburg , q.v.D un R in g il l , R in g all , R isg il l . Fort Ringill, the old castle

of the Mackinnons, S.W. of Loch Slapin; occupied in ninth or tenth century. In a cave near Elgol, a chief of the Mackinnons thrust a bone of a deer down the throat of a wild boar that attacked him; see Mackinnon coat-of-arms. On this dun the site of Duntulm said to be of old, though in Dean Munro’s time, 1549, it seemed separate. See Introduction hereto.

D un S g al air . Said to mean fort of the sheilings (dùn, fort, and skalar, plural of skali, sheiling). Locally from sgal, shriek!

D un S guirr (S g eir) M h o ir . Fort of the great skerry or sea- rock; also found “ Dun na Sgeire Mora.” Sgeir, however, is a feminine noun.

D un S k erin ess , S g ir in ish , q.v.D un S cudborg, S kudburg , etc. See “ Scudaburg.”

D un Sm a il , S m eo il . Cloud or cloudy dun or fort. Cf.Gleiann Smeoil,” glen of mist (“ Sàr Obair ” ).

D un S u le d a le . Fort of the solan-goose-dale (or “ pillar dale); sulair, however, is the Gaelic for solan-goose; if “ pillar,” then 375 feet in height. At Waternish, but in ruins.

D un Taim h. Fort of death, mortality, silence; may be meant for taibh, genitive of tabh, the ocean; also fishing-net, etc.

D un T a in is h . The fort of the dynast, thane, or prince, the next in succession to a king or chief. Anything parallel or second to another.

D un T orvaig , D orovaig. The fort of the hill of the bay. It is said that this tor is a distance from any bay, now at least, and out of sight of sea. Torvaig is near Old Scorribreac House, and which again is not far from the sea.

D u n tre a n . The dun or fort of the third part (of land). Someone has suggested a deeper meaning, viz., treathann, genitive of triath, Old Gaelic for sea or wave; another offers trean, trian, or traona, land-rail or corn-crake. In regard to tredthann, we find in a glossary of Old Celtic words given by W. Stokes in “ Revue Celtique,” vol xxviii., No. 3, p. 326, a word trethan— treathain-gàir, a billow war, equalling tonn, a wave, a billow.

Duntulm, Dun-Tuilm, Duntolm. The fort or castle on the round hillock or isolated hill; variously spelled in various charters and Acts of Scottish Parliament, etc. A few are Donntwyline, Dountwyline (1549), Duntalime, Duntaline, Dunteyland (1609), Duntolland, Duntoyline, Duntulime (1628), Duntulin, Duntuliyn, Duntullen, Duntullyn, Dun- tuylinn, Duntylland (1607), Duntuyllin, Duntullyn, and Duntvyllim; also called Dunringill; and in Kilmuir, N .W . of Troternish, also given— though thought erroneously— Dun an t-Holmr, a holm or low-lying land. The remains of this ancient seat of the Macdonalds are now ruins, and its very appearance justifies its name, situated as it is “ on a high rock two hundred fathoms (sic) in height, and said to mean £ Castle of the grassy hillock.’ ” Dun Tulm nam baideal arda, Duntulm of the high towers; see “ Dun Daibhidh.” It is also said to be built on an old fortress of the Norse Vikings, who again built on what was a fort



or place of defence erected by the Celts—or even their predecessors. That the Norse invaders erected, or re-erected forts throughout Skye is very possible; six in Kilmuir alone are attributed to them. Duntulm, as is generally known, was the quondam seat of the Macdonalds, Kings or Lords of the Isles, whose history, etc., is elsewhere given by competent authorities. See the book of Clan Donald, etc. For a very vivid description of the army and arming of the last “ Lord of the Isles,” fine description of clans and) dress of the “ King of the Gael,” see “ Reliquiae Celticse,” Vol. II.

Duntulm was inhabited down to 1715 by the Macdonalds of the Isles. Macdonald lived in a plain house at Mugstot, after vacating Duntulm, while Armadale Castle was being built early in the nineteenth century. In regard to Duntulm, Charles Fraser Mackintosh wrote: “ As messuage and barony of Macdonald, Duntulm was the place for baking sasine for the whole lands and estate notwithstanding their discontiguity.”

There is a “ quick-step ” named Duntulm.Caves, each with a characteristic name, abound in the

neighbourhood.As to the Macdonalds’ designation above referred to, it

is recorded that in 1598, in certain offers made by Donald Gorm to Queen Elizabeth, he is styled “ Lord of ye Illis of Scotland.”

Duntulm was sold, it isi understood, after 1832, though a certain material change has taken place owing to successful litigation by Sir Alexander Bosville Macdonald. Duntulm, indeed, once belonged to Ruaraidh Macleod, but from July, 1616, to Donald Gorm, who fixed it as the Macdonald residence. In regard to this castle, however, it is averred that there is nothing in history to show that' the “ Lords of the Isles” ever resided in Duntulm; John, last “ Lord of the Isles,” granted Sleat to his half-brother, Hugh, in 1449; from him are descended the “ Macdonalds of Slate,” or otherwise “ of the isles,” not “ lords of the Isles,” who were descended from Gotfruigh or Godfrey, son of Fergus “ Toshach, or Chief of the Isles,” who died in 853. In Irish history we read that Owen, first lord of Tyrone (Tir Eoghainn), married Aileach from Scotland, whose son was first “ Lord of the Isles” ; O’Donnell, now MacDonnell or Macdonald—Reginald of the Isles—died

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE

in 1207, and was buried in Iona, where he had, in 1203, founded a monastery of Black Monks.

The Lordship of the Isles was forfeited in 1493, and the Irish Baronage of Macdonald of Slate or Sleat was not created till 1776; in the interval, Hugh’s descendants were called “ of Slate ” or “ of the Isles.”

After 1266 the Hebrides were held by native chiefs of the hereditary race of Somerled of Argyll till the reign of James V. (1513-42, circa), nearly 200 years; this lordship was annexed inalienably to the Scottish Crown in 1540, and now forms one of the titles of the British Prince of Wales.

Donald Gorm Mor of Slate had the lands of Slate restored to him by Queen Mary (they having been forfeited by his father, Donald, born 1537, who also styled himself “ Lord of the Isles” ); he died in 1585. See “ Burke,” Ed., 1859.

In regard to this, it is stated by J. G. Campbell in his “ Witchcraft, etc., in the Highlands,” that Domhnull Gorm Mor resided at Duntulm in 1616, was succeeded by his nephew, Domhnull Gorm Og, to whom the ghost of his uncle appeared, revealing the whereabouts of a lost document of importance; Donald Gorm was son of Donald Gruamach, 1539, and was killed by an arrow shot by a Duncan Macrae at Eilean Donain.

The Macdonald lords were wont to sit in state on a certain rock on the cliffs above the castle, hearing and judging oases, so late as 1775. See “ Cnoc an Eiric, also various knolls, etc., e.g., “ Cnoc a Mhoid.” As Duntulm is one of the later built castles of leading importance, the keep is probably of the early" seventeenth century.

As to the oaves before referred to, the best known in the vicinity are at Bornaskitag Point, viz., Uamh’ an Ojjr, Uamhia Mheadhon, and Uamhia Bheag, or Bealach an t-Sabhail. One surmise is that the “ lords ” used Uamh’ an Oir as a pecuniary storehouse, hence the name.

The basaltic columns in the neighbourhood are the next in degree of regularity to those of Fingal’s Cave in Staff a. Bight below Duntulm Castle, on the beach, is a low, even, flat rock with a deep, straight groove or notch extending from low-water to high-water mark, for keels of galleys when being launched; in connection with or in reference to this, see N.G.P., s.v. “ Cha bhodach Gill’-losa do na


Ji-uile fear,” which equals “ Trod a bhodaich ris a cheathaime.” A js evidence of Duntulm having been for a short time only (about 1614) in the possession of the Macleods, an incised picture of “ Macdonald’s ” galley appears in the arch of one of the windows for armuinn or armin, which signifies a hero or chief; it had here a technical signification in the Isles, designating a particular class of the vasisals of the “ Lords of the Isles.” See also “ Dunvegan.”

Weird tales are still told of processions of plaided and kilted warriors, in different tartans, all armed, being seen in close proximity to the old castle, at sunset and after; also sound of steps pacing up and down below the castle in rooms or dungeons now closed: this sound of foot-steps is vouched for by several, particularly by an artist who, a few years ago, was engaged drawing the place! This account is culled from various sources, and—so far as it goes—thought correct.

D unvannar ain , B h a n n a r a in , B h u n n a r a in . This thought meant for ‘ ’Bhun-a-Raing ” (rang, a column, a row of rock pillars, etc.). The root, the base of the pillar-likef rocks. See “ Quiraing,” near to which this place is. Given also as Vallerain, Vallarain, and explained as bhalla- raing, the wall or bulwark of pillar-rocks; bhàn, a bhàn, down, downwards, also suggested.

D unvegan . The variants of this name existing and found (as in “ Duntulm ” ) in old titles, Scots Acts of Parliament, etc., are very numerous; a few from 1498 onwards are given, viz., Donvagane (1644), Donyvagan (1641), Downe- vagane (1584), Downevegane (1584), Dunbeagan, Dun- begane (1498-1515), Dun-bheagan, Dunbogan, Dunewe- gane, Dunfeggan, Dunebagan (1678), Dunnevagane (1552-3), Dumbeakin, Dunmbeicin (’M Becin, Ir.), Dun- mekin, Dunmivagan (1662), Dunnivagane (1661), Dunni- vagen (1663), Dunnvagan (1649), Dunvagein (1566), Dun- vaigan (1609), Dunvegane (1541), Dunvegine (1655), Dunyvagen (1541), Dunyvagen (1637), Duwagane, and Dynvegane (1635).

As might be expected, various etymologies have been found, e.g., “ Dun Beagan,” the fort of the few, or little fort; “ Dun Viking,” the fort of the viking or sea-rover; “ Dun Beacan,” the fort of the mushrooms, even “ of the saplings,” etc.!

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE

Captain Thomas gives what is believed to be the accepted meaning, viz., Dun Bhecain, from an Icelandic settler Becan, who left it and removed to Bekanstadr (Bekan’g Homestead, etc.). John Breac Macleod wrote a fulsome inscription, and had it engraved on a stone of the Castle in which the name is Latinised, viz., “ Beganodum,” designing himself “ Phylarcus,” i.e., chief or laird; this chief is said to have maintained a band of “ stalwarts ” to act as.“ police.”

Dunvegan Castle is situated near the terminus of Loch Fallort, six miles from the main sea; also called Loch Dunvegan. Loch Bay is the anchorage under the shelter of Island Isay, opposite Stein. Dunvegan Castle is said to date back to the eighth or ninth century as an inhabited castle—which it still is—but this has been contradicted, so far at least as its present name is concerned.

The castle stands on the site of a seat of MacRaild or MacHarold, Armuinn, a Danish knight (this word armuinn is explained s.v. “ Duntulm” ). The keep was originally of the most primitive description, evolving a composition of perfect architectural unity; the square tower, with wall round edge of rock, is the oldest or original fortification.It is said to have been called Dun Daibhidh, David’s Fort, after a certain Viking king or prince; this is also said of Duntulm: both may be correct.

In an old Clan-Ranald song are the lines:“ ’8 moirg a shamhladh Cola creagach

Ri Duribheagain no Duntuilm ”(Who’d compare Coll the rocky To Dunvegan or Duntulm?)

Mairi Nigh’n Alasdair Ruaidh (born 1569, died 1674) refers to this famous fort as “ Dun nan Cliar ” or “ Cliar- chain,” the fort of the poets or itinerant bards, or satirical poets or bards, where these somewhat troublesome ministrels made a prolonged stay, “ ionad tathach mm cliar” the \ visiting or place of call or resort of the bards; the fort was also designed “ Dun Flathail nan Cuach,” the hospitable fort of the cups (of wine); hospitality, though once general \ in all Celtic castles and houses to the lowest degree, i was always pre-eminent at Dunvegan, and this the cliar 1 or cleir well knew and took full advantage of; these | poets, raconteurs, and general news-mongers were named |


Cliar-Sheanchain, poets or disciples of Seanchan, chief poet of a high king of Ireland (Senchan’s Lot). Cliar or cleir is from Latin clerus. Another name for Dunvegan was “ Caisteal dubh nan Cliar,” the black castle of the poets.. In regard to, and explanation of, Cliar-Sheanchain, the above is wrong, the real meaning being, as may be inferred, Cleir na sea/na chain, clerics, etc., of the old tax or bard’s; tribute, literally an exaction of free-providing for different periods according to standing—or supposed standing— which degenerated into “ sorning.” Cf. “ Caisteal dubh nan Cliar,” at Ormsaig, Ardnamurchan. These itinerant poets were also called cliaranaich.

John Breac Macleod was notable as being the last chief who had in his retinue a bard, a harper, and a fool or wit. The eighth chief of Macleod was called “ Alasdair Crotach,” hump-backed Alexander.

In connection with Dunvegan, mention falls to be made of those famous piperis, the MacCrimmons, who were closely connected with the place iand chief. Much has been written and told about them; they were facile principes among pipers, and had a notation of their own, which we fear has been lost. One Macdonald, a Skyeman, about 1806 issued, it is understood, the first collection of “ Piobaireachd, or The Ancient Martial Music of Caledonia.”

Dunvegan was said to have been originally a stronghold of the Macdonalds, but this is a mistake; they never owned an acre on that side of Skye, though they may have “ occupied ” places there for a longer or shorter period, always—if so—very transitory; as is well known, little love long ago was lost between these rival clans, and even to this day reminiscences “ crop up” here and there, as, for instance where Neil Munro, in his splendid and historical novel, “ John Splendid,” calls the famous tune “ Cogadh na S i t h war or peace, a “ braggart pibroch by MacCrimmon.’ ’ This, of course, is merely by the way, and a novelist’s license.

It was in February, 1746, that Donald Bàn MacCrimmon was killed at the rout of Moyhall, near a place called “ Creagan Eoin,” John’s little rock; Loudon’s troops were seized with panic and fled, never halting till they got to Sutherland, where they were disbanded as useless. Loudon himself, with President Forbes, a non-combatant, went to


Dunvegan, and remained there with the chief in safe quarters till after the battle of Culloden. It was just before that time that MacCrimmon composed his famous and touching “ Farewell ” or “ Cumha ” lament (see “ Celtic Review,” 1885, for words and music). The MacCrimmons were famed, it is stated by connoisseurs, for their “ musical talent,” while the MacArthurs (or M ‘Carters) held first place for “ beautiful and systematic performance ” ; the latter were hereditary pipers to the “ Lords of the Isles,” latterly Macdonalds of Sleat, and occupied Hunglater, in Troternish. Uilleam MacBeathaig MacArthur, piper to Lord Macdonald, composed certain verses or lines, making mere menials, or door-keepers, of Macleod, Mackinnon, Maclean, and others to his patron, “ Macdonald of the Isles.” In Vol. XXII. of Inverness Gaelic Society’s “ Transactions ” will be found six scathing and abusive verses by Ailean Mor MacDhugaill of Morthir, Morar, on “ Macleod’s ” then bard, whom he characterised as the “ son of Lucifer,” and also as “ Bard an sgornan aird,” the bard of the high or heighty throat, applicable, we fear, to more than him! See also “ Celtic Review of July 15, 1905, for an account of the MacCrimmon origin and renown as pipers; in this article a “ college of music ” is said to have existed at Boraraig prior to the time of the MacCrimmons.

Coinneach Odhar prophesied certain things in regard to the Macleods, as referred to elsewhere, viz., Tormad nan tri Tormaid, Norman of the three Normans. Norman, it may be remarked, is the accepted English equivalent for Tormad or Tormoid, which again signifies Thor-greatness, also given Thor-minded, while the name “ Macleod,” though generally understood to be Mac Liot, is given as being a corruption of St. Maclou (Macloud), dating from sixth century, but, as will readily be admitted, this name has had various renderings; as said, it is chiefly claimed as being derived from the Norse Liotr or Ljot, ugly, perhaps for Ljot-ulf, ugly wolf; ugly here means terrifying to their enemies. Bishop Leslie, in 1578, writes; of “ Makleud,” or the sons of Claudius. For a genealogy of the Macleods, see “ Collectanea de Rebus Albanicis,” Vol. I., page 361. The name Macleod has appeared almost in every publication of any importance, Acts of Parliament, titles, write, etc., some of the variants being MacCleod, .Mackleod (1704), Macleoad (1653), Macleoid, MacLeud,


Macloid, Maclou, MacLoud, Makclode, Makeolde, Makloyd, M'Claud (1662), Makolde, M'Cleod (1661), M'Cleowd (1649), M cCleud (1648), M ‘Loud (1667), M'Cloyd of Togoth (1531), and M'Loid of Dynvegane (1635). As said elsewhere, a section of the race in Raasay were called the “ Race of the Mare,” Siol na Laire ot Laraeh] further, they have been characterised as Siol nan Leodach, siol a chapuill bhacach, spògaich, bheathaichmdh mr moll is fòlach, air dubhadan dubh is guin eòrna (the progeny of Macleod, the progeny of the horse (or mare), lame and awkward, fed on chaff and rank grass, on the black “ beard ” of dried oats and singed barley straw); this was a caustic saying of a Coll bard, who also said to a Skye bard, “ Is trie a mharoaich mile m shrein an dream g'am bheil thu fhein ’s do bhean ” (often did I ride, with my bridle, the tribe of which you and your wife are)—hence a saying or proverb “ as fond as the Macleods are of oats.” The reply of the Skye bard unfortunately has not been preserved, but doubtless he was equal to the occasion.

Historically, the Macleods date back to 1343, though D unvegan’s only knight—till of late years—was Sir Rory, knighted by James VI. in 1603; there never was a Sir Norman, though one of this name was chief for thirty-six years from 1590, and died at Fortrose in 1626. Sir “ Rory,” as he was affectionately called, had two sons, Sir Roderick of Talisker and Sir Norman of Bernera, who died in 1705. The principal cadets of the House of Macleod were Bernera, Talisker, Grishernish, and Hamer or Hamar, descended from younger sons of “ Sir Ruaraidh Mor.” Many other respectable and eminent families of the clan are still existent in Skye, and elsewhere all over the world. Alexander Macleod of Dunvegan is said to be the first who received a charter or charters on the forfeiture of “ The Lords of the Isles,” 1493-1498; the first charter was granted to “ Leod’s ” grandson, third chief in 1343.

The Macleods of Assynt stood somewhat apart in many ways from the foregoing, their unfortunate slip in having betrayed Montrose for a certain quantity of meal inflicting upon them the nick-name of Clann ’Ic Leoid na mine (Clan Macleod of the meal), this section of the clan suffering for the act of a single individual.

In “ Vestiarium Scoticum,” the name is given as Clan Lewid, Lewyd, or Leyid, of which nearly one thousand fell


at the battle of Worcester. In reference to a “ Sir” Norman, we find in “ Reliquiae Celticee,” Vol. II., “ An elegy f or Sir Norman Macleod by Niall MacMuruigh or M'Muirricgh,” of forty-seven verses, and designed, “ Noble mind, choice of the stock of Fionnloehlann,” and “ Chief of Rusgarry in same work is another elegy to “ Ruaighri Mor M ‘Leòid,” by the same bard, of five verses.

Various and numerous tales, true and otherwise, also superstitious sayings and beliefs, cluster thickly round Dunvegan, its chiefs and followers. One, which it is believed was strictly enforced, was that no woman—some even go the length of saying no female animal, such as a, cow or a mare—was allowed to cross to any island opposite the castle, of which there are three, viz., Gairbh (rough), Garay (? garden), and Grianuil (sunny). There is a large heronry near the castle, in which latter is stored many ancient and valuable treasures and relics; among these is the fairy flag called in Gaelic Bratach Shith or Bratach Sithe, said to have been blessed by Oberon, Queen (?) of the Fairies. Pennant calls this flag “ Bmolanchsi.” Clann Faiter were the standard-bearers to the chiefs; they held three certain lands in Braoadale in virtue of their oifice;. see “ Achadh Clann nam Faitter.” Like the “ fairy flag,” which can only be used or displayed in battle three times in all (it has been used twice), is a rock, referred to in the mythical lore of the district, and indeed of Skye in general, which has appeared twice; when it is seen for the* third time, the destruction of the world is imminent, the saying being “ ’N uair thig Rocabarra ris, is duail gun teid cm saoghal (>a) sgrios” When Rocabarra (roc, tangle, or tops of seaweed which appear above water, barra, of the top) appears again (lit. comes to), the world is due (doomed) to destruction. This rock is said to be in the immediate neighbourhood of Dunvegan. Barr-roc and Barr-stamh mean the broad-leafed sea-tangle.

Another valuable exhibit exists in a certain cup, which, in common with others, has been frequently and minutely described in other works, magazines, and papers; suffice to say, therefore, that though the inscription thereon only dates back to 1493, the cup itself, which is of Irish origin, is thought to be much older: for a picture of the cup, see “ Celtic Monthly,” Vol. II., p. 51, 1893-4. The sword of Ruaraidh Mor is also shown, and is said (erroneously) to


have been captured from a Bigh dubh, black king in India! An article by R. C. Macleod of Macleod appears in the “ Celtic Monthly ” of October, 1914, and should be read by all interested.

There is an old engraving of Dunvegan Castle in Grose’s “ Antiquities,” 1797, which gives a good idea of that keep at the time.

Much interesting lore is attached to Dunvegan Castle and neighbourhood, but space will not permit of further references. Ruaraidh Mor, before referred to, it should be stated, was so named not from his physical stature but from his mind and spirit, which was greatness itself. The rock upon which the castle stands was said by Boswell to be “ the very jewel of the estate; it looks aB if it had been let down from Heaven by the four corners to be the residence of a chief.” To Boswell also is attributed a discovery of the “ temple of Anaitis ” within a wiall eastward from the castle, which he, however, unfortunately, failed to describe.

We must, however, make at least one other reference, viz., to the air “ Tàladh na Bean-sith,” or the fostering! fairy’s lullaby, of which there are several versions, and which is older than the time of Mairi nigh’n Alasdair Ruaidh, before referred to, the family nurse and friend.

In 1601 the clan suffered severely from the wars with or against the Macdonalds.

Illustrations of Dunvegan Castle and interior, etc., are numerous; likewise very many works and poems in regard thereto have been written, printed, or composed; they can only be referred to as existing the world o’er. The very name “ Dunvegan ” exists in Canada in connection with a place or district there.

D uthaich M hicL eoid . The Macleod’s country, Duirinish, Dunvegan, and Troternish, the people or inhabitants whereof have been for long noted as among the most warlike of all the natives of Skye, their names and fame having bulked largely among “ the brave sons of Skye,” so ably written upon and given by Colonel John Maclnnes, himself a Skyeman, and others; a song referring particularly to this district is “The mi ’n duil ri bhi tilleadh dh’ionnsuidh Duthaich MhicLeoid,” etc. In common with many others, they have been endowed with a nick-name or eke-namei (Frith-ainm), viz., “ Na Mo gain,” “ Na Mogcmaich,” or

M


“ Na Mogannan," and their district “ Duthaich nam J Mogan,” the latter by the Troternish people), it is eaidj, i to those of Duirinish and Dunvegan. The ordinary meaning of the foregoing terms are “ footless stockings or hose, and wearers of such, and the land thereof ” ; but this is not the real signification, for mogan also means “ young hero,” a more likely term in view of their well-known character for bravery. Mogan, also, it may be added, is a provincial term of “ raw grain” whisky!

Here we may state, though probably already well known, that the word “ nick-name ” now stands for “ an eke name,” Gaelic foir-ainm, joir, supra, frith-ainm, frith, small, etc., also far-ainm, far, additional, extra, and fàth ainm, faith, cause, etc., also aithnisg.

A famous family are still remembered here, viz., Clann a Chomharlaich or Comhairlich, the Councillor clan or advisers; they possessed much lore, and were much in request.

D y n a r t . See “ Oynart.”E abost, E bost, E bozt . Eidh, isthmus, and host from bolstadr,

a homestead, etc. In Bracadale. Ebost is known as the scene of a great reaping contest, at which Oran arrabhaig, the song of strife, was sung vigorously, commemorating the feud between Donald Gorm and Rory Macleod. There is an obsolete word arra, which signifies treachery, etc.

Eaglais Bhreugach. The false or lying church. From a rock, like a church, on East-side, Kilmuir. See “ Buachaille Breige.” This rock, also known as An Eaglais Bhrèige, the church of the lie or falsehood, has been described as a, cave called “the make-believe cave church,” from what was termed an altar beside it in the shape of a huge boulder whereon Clann ’Ic Cuithen performed an awful pagan ceremony of Taghairm, gathering summons (see N.G.P.), vulgarly rendered in English, “ giving his supper to the devil,” and which consisted of— if all tales be true— roasting poor cats alive; this clan, or sept (said now to be absorbed in the Clan Donald), never bore a good reputation, a rhyme referring to them and others of a like kidney being:

“ Clann 'Ic Cuithen chuir nam briag,Clann 'Ic Cuithen chuir an t-sodail;Clann 'Ic Mhannain chuir na braidè,Ged nach b'fhaid iad na (no) cas biodaig


(Clan MacOoian, thievish experts,Clan MacOoan, quick to flatter,Clan Buchanan,* theft promoters,Though as small as shaft of dagger!)

The Gaelic, as usual, like other languages, loses by translation.

The word taghairm means primarily the gathering summons of a clan to battle; in connection with the above1 ceremony, it meant a gathering summons of evil spirits, an ancient mode of divination said to be one of the most effectual means of raising the devil, and getting unlawful wishes gratified; in military sense, tagh, choose, and airm, arms, weapons, literally a call to arms; here a call to “ something” else. Armstrong gives taibhse gairm, spectre, evil spirit call; others have insisted on ath or am t-ath ghairm, the re-call of such evil spirits: the first explanation stands.

E arlais, E a r l is , E a e l ish , E r lish , A ir leas , A ir les , A ir l is h , A rles, A r l ish , E il is h . In titles. The field of strife or battlefield enclosure; ar, battle, slaughter, etc., leas or lios, battle enclosure, etc., strife. Another meaning may be ar lios, stock enclosure, if word ar rules, but Ear means east, and this township is on the west side of Trotemish. Again, the termination ais is Pictish, signifying “ place of.”

E as. A waterfall. An equivalent is found in the Welsh word rhaiadr, which suggests ruitheadair, runner, flower, or that which flows or rushes.

Easa B a n a . See “ Abhainn an Asàraidh.”E as A boist . Abosd waterfall, over a sea-cliff, near Bioda

Mor on the Scorr coast.E as a Ch r o n a in . The humming, crooning, murmuring water

fall. Close to Dunvegan Castle. So called from Ruaraidh Mor loving its sound as lulling him to sleep; his bedroom, which lay next to this fall, was altered in 1773, and is now a drawing-room. This fall is always named “ Sir Rory’s Music.”

* Clan Buchanan, or Mac Mhannan, are said to be also called “ NaCanonaich,” who again are said to be the Skye Macphersons (the canon orparson’s children).

Eas Ban . The white waterfall. Also called “ An Eas Mor,” the great waterfall. See “ Easa Bana.”

E as D orcha . The dark waterfall; dorch, dark. Dor cha is the first comp.; also duirche. This may mean gloomy, etc. In Ferinvicguire.

E as E o d h a in n . Ewen’s waterfall. On or near Lon-an-t- Sratha, in Glen Uig.

E as F orsa. The waterfall-cataract. Fors or foss, Old Norse for waterfall or cataract.

E asgann .. The eel (also eel-pond or ditch). This word is said to be derived from easg, Old Gaelic for a burn or ditch; easgaidh, easgann, a marsh, a quagmire.

Eas M or. The great waterfall. See “ Eas Bàn.” This fall is on Allt Coire na Baraachdich, and merits its name, as there are few finer in Scotland. Near Glen Brittle house, and best viewed from left bank of the stream; not far either from Loch Sligachan.

E as na C o ille . The waterfall of, or in, the wood.

E as T ar d a l , T a r d il . Tardil waterfall; may be tar, thar, over, across, and dal, dail, field, meadow, plain. This fall is on Allt Achaidh Bhig, Waternish.

E as T h u il m , E as H olm , T olm . The waterfall of the round hill or hillock. This is a wild and lofty fall from Ben Fad. See “ Holm.”

E as T oraig or T orvaig , q.v.The word eas has as its diminutive easan, little water

fall, and the sound referred to before as croncm is used e.g., Cremain, t-easain sruthlaich, the murmur of thy flowing cataracts; in Perthshire eas signifies a “ rough ravine.”

The waterfalls in Skye are very numerous, one of the most imposing (if not the most imposing) being between Portree and Snizort, which falls 90 feet, and has an arched hollow path across the rock underneath.

E d in b a n e , E d in b a in , E d d in - b a in . The fair face or surface, %n ban. From natural features of district, which has

a fine, stamy exposure. It is in Duirinish; also found! given Idinmin, Snizort, near Coislater, and south of Loch Grishernish. \

E d ir g il l , E dragil !l , mor agus beag . Great and little. See “ Idrigal.” j



E d r a . Between, referring to country or district lying between the two rivers Kilmartin and Conon, Eatorra. See “ Beinn Edra.”

E ilean , sometimes O il e a n . Island, isle, islet; also innis. I (pron. ee), an island, is a corruption of or contraction for iagh, which is derived from la or lath, land, and go, the sea, sea-land, or land surrounded by the sea (though not always); also equal to ea-land, A.S. ea equal to aquck or water-land. See “ Arms,” s.v. An, as before explained, signifies water; the word iosal, low, also signifies isle. In “ Reliquiae Celticae ” we find Oilen Donain or Donnain; in one dictionary eilecm is given as from eile and ftorm. As will be understood, there are numerous small islands; off the coast of Skye which have names, though uninhabited frequently; but these names have not been secured in many cases, it is feared; though it is thought merely known a& mor, great (or other descriptive word), a few are noted, though mis-spellings hamper, some called islands not being islands; ellan, for instance, standing for island, means ailean, a fertile piece of ground, a plain.

E ilean A dharcan (adharcan-luachrach). Lapwing Isle. Near Elgol, Strath.

E ilean an T ao m ain . The isle of the baling dish or scoop, from shape? Loch Snizort.

E ilean A scrab. The Ascrib Island. Properly speaking, there are more than one island, and called “ the Aecribs.” A't the entrance to Loch Snizort. Differently named, but the meanings not known.

E ilean A s k e r in , A s k e r n a . May be a, water, and sgeir, a rock in the sea. This particular island is said to be one; of the Ajscribs, which name Monro gave to them1 all. It is said to lie on the east shore of Wattirness. Perhaps Asgrim, a proper name.

E ilean B o h en u il , B o h e n v il . Bo an tuil, q.v. Off Trodday.E ilean B orradall , q.v.E ilean B oreray . Boreray Isle. Near Bernera. One of the

same name off St. Kilda.E ilean C h o lu m ch ille . Saint Columba’s Isle, so called, though

the loch in which it was is now drained; another isle of this name in Portree Bay, or, as now called, Loch) Phortrigh. See “ Loch.”


E ilean Creag ach . The rocky Isle. One of the Ascribs, it is thous'hit.

aint Donnan’s Isle. Portree. But

Ascribs.E ilean E ir e . Shingly-beach Isle. See “ E yre.”

E ilean E ir in n . Ireland Isle. Suggested that this should be eirionn, eibh-rionn, wedder-goat; also eirionn, mass.

E ilean G aeilavore , G alilavore , G alivore , G uillam ore . See “ Gullavore.”

E ilean G a r a y . Either garbh, rough, or gearr, short, etc., and ey, isle. Off Dunvegan, and in a title given Garmena, near Island Gairbh there. Garbh Eilean and Eilean Garbh common; one in Acairseid mhor, S. Rona, Kyle Bona.

E ilean G earlochie (gearr locha). Short Loch Isle.E ilean G ig ar u m . Gigarum Isle. See “ Gigarum ” or

“ Gigelum.” Half a mile north of Lingay Isle, which, according to Dean Monro, is “ forty score miles southwest (?) of Skye.”

E il e a n G r ia n a l . Sunny Isle. Opposite Dunvegan, off Uignish Point.

E ilean H arlosh , q.v. (the smaller). In Loch Bracadale.E ilean H aversay, q.v. Bracadale.E ilean H east, q.v. In Loch Eisheort.E ilean I asgair or Y e sk e r , q.v. Frequently named or spoken

of without eilean. The osprey is called iasgair or Ailean

E ilean I sa, I sai, I sray, I osa. Ice Isle. In Loch Fallort, a branch of Loch .Dunvegan. This island was locally dubbed “ Isaidha” ; it was the scene of a great massacre of the Macleods of Raasay by Ruaraidh Nimheach or Neimheach, bitter, malicious Rory; it was suggested to Dr. Johnson as a place for him to settle and become a territorial magnate under the title “ Iosa” !

E ilean L a m p a y . Lamb Isle. Dunvegan.E il e a n -L eac- n a -G a in e a m h , G a in im h . The sandy flag-stone

isle. Off Scalpay.

Thought to be another of the;


E ilean L ia n a d a l . Lyndale Isle. See “ Lyndale.” Lian, a meadow, and dal, dalr (Norse), a dale, etc., or lin, lint.

E ilean L in g a , L in g a y . Ling or Heather Isle.E ilean M egalay , q.v.E ilean M in g ay , M ingoy (2 ), q.v.E ilean n a G u n n a r . Not identified, but found given as “ near

Skye,” and to equal or stand for Cunicularia. Seel “ Guminile.” There is a west of Roes, etc., word gunnar or guwmrs, signifying whins or gorse; also a Perthshire word gomean, couch gras®, etc.; but, as may be inferred from the Latin word cunicularia, it may mean Eilean na (gen.) Coinean, or rabbit isle. See “ Nagoyneyne,” also “ Na Gunnaichean.”

E ile a n na h -A irde. Aird Isle. Off Strathaird, S .W . of Skye.

E ilean na h - A ir ig h e . Sheiling Isle.E ilean na h -E ig h each . The isle of calling or shouting;

possibly an echo here.E ilean na h - I o l d h a in . The isle of renowned deeds or history.

Ealdhain, sometimes spelled mllainns iol, many, and dan, dam, poems; probably the resort of a “ learned” man. This word will be found in the oldest Celtic poetry and prose; iol-dcmach means ingenious, well-gifted.

E ilean n an E a c h . The isle of the horses; confounded with Eilean Isa.

E ilean n an E u n , E ilean a n E o in . The isle of the birds. See “ Sleat.”

E ilean n an G il l e a n . The isle of the lads or boys. East of Broadford Bay.

E ilean na R u ad h aich . Isle of Roes; lit. “ reds,” i.e., deer.E ilean O ronsay, O r asa . Oronsay Isle, Bracadale. There is

“ Orosa ” Isle in Loch Vatten. See “ Sleat.”E ilean R e a m h a r . Fat Isle; good or heavy soil. Opposite

Coruisg, Loch Scavaig?, Strath; a term uisge reamhar, fat or thick water, applied to Loch na Cuilc, Loch of reeds.

E ilean R eoch, R ia c h , R ia b h a c h . Russet Isle. Found given as “ off Skye.” Cf. “ Eileanreoch ” in Glenelg.


E ilean R oag. iRoag Isle. From Norse Rok-a, splashing, foaming, as applied to a river. Cf. Roag in Lewis.

E il e a n R u aik jd h . Roderick’s Island. Named after Ruairidh Mor, a famous chief of the Dunvegan Macleods.

E ilean S g u ir . Peak Island. Off Scalpa.E ilean S ionnaich , n an S io n n a c h . Fox or Foxes Island; once

numerous in Skye. See “ Forbes’ Gaelic Names of Beasts, etc.”

E ilean Soay . Soa Isle. This island is thought to pertain to the parish of Bracadale.

E ilean T a a r n e r . , May be tamadair, a drawer or innkeeper. Not known. In Bracadale.

E ilean T io m a n . Not known. Thought meant for “ Eilean an Taomain,” q.v. There are two islets of this name, one also called Eilean Beag, off Rudha Lianadail.

E ilean T o r n ish . The hill point, tor ness or nish.

E ilean T r a ig h , T r a g h a id h . Ebb Island; an island at low water, Loch Dunvegan.

E ilean T u il m , T ulm , T h u il m . Holm Island. Tolm, a knoll. In Kilmuir. Also found given as being named after Dun Tulm, opposite or near to which it is.

E ilean W ia y , q.v. In parish o f Bracadale.

E isgeadal . See “ Esketel.” Where the river or stream from here falls into Loch Fada, at the base of the Storr, a “ water-horse ” is said to have been killed!

E is t . Horse-shaped place. Hestr, horse. There is a word. *eist or eitkmaoh, signifying a gelded horse. But see “Rudha Neist.” This place forms the western breakwater at Moonen Bay, called locally “ An d-Eiste,” the peninsula of Eist. The word is a chersonese. See N.G.P., p. 390.

E ist F h ia d h a ic h . Tempestuous Eist. Applicable to the promontory or point which it is south of; aptly named especially with a southerly or south-westerly wind. A

'~~~~~'-Wfc§dwizard named Mac Mhuirich nam buadh (Mac- murricE^MacphereoSTor-Qanonach) of the gifts or talents), sunk a boat or galley belonging to Clan Ranald off thia point, with all the crew. ^


Elgoll, E lgall , E alagholla, E allaghollo , E l l ig h u il , E l l ig u il . Elgeadal, Elgadale, Nobledale. One authority, however, gives as from Gaelic fala or falghol, perhaps fal, and goill or ghoill, fold or enclosure of the stranger or lowlander—gall; there is a tigh-fo-thalamh here, underground house. Also given Elicha, and in Strathaird.

In this township a conventional use of the word or term peighinn is met with: the township is separated by a march- dyke from the deer-forest, each crofter being responsible for the upkeep of a specified length of the dyke, and this is called the peighinn of his croft; similarly the part of the shore allotted to each croft for seaware is also called the peighinn of that croft. Peighinn a ghàraidh ’us peighinn a chladaich. Tradition explains the origin of the name as follows: Vortigern sent iElla with five ships; he fought a battle here against the Piets and Scots, hence the name iElla-gol. What gol stands for we have not learned, unless guil or gal, weeping, which was presumably caused by the result of the combat! There is a cill, or rains of one, here.

In regard to the foregoing etymology, no admissions are or can be made, and it is all given for what it is worth: so many names in Skye contain the Norse element that it is thought desirable to enter this caveat, also to refer to the next name.

E lish ad er , E l ish a d d e r . A cave-seat or residence. Hellyr, a cave; Old Norse hellir, hely-r, a cave drilled out by action of sea-waves, and shader, a form of setr with above meaning, a hut, a sheiling, also mountain pasture. Setr takes various forms, viz., seader, shader, siadeir, and (s)hiader (genitive); seter, ster, and stra contracted from stadr, a station or place; also scettur, common out-pasturage, dairy; setter, outlying farm or pasture at a distance from1 the main or home farm, summer pasturage. Seters often named from different animals pastured; also designed as shelves or notches cut by the sea out of solid rock or sand, gravel, etc., owing to the land having risen and remained at a certain level long enough. Stadr or sta (Icel.) is common. Beosetter equals Bu setter, cattle pasturage; also said to equal English “ side” ; Ster, Bally, Baile, same; also the Saxon Ham.

There is a dun here also, and the place or township is situated in Stenscholl or Eastside.


E orabus. Shore farm, from Eyrr or Eyrar (Ieel.), a narrow low tongue of land, ayre, Norse ore, a narrow ridge of earth and stones, a long sandy promontory, cognate with Latin ora, Greek horos, a shore or boundary, e.g., Airor,

__Kensateyre, this, with bus (in Skye generally host), a form of bolstadr^kqme or homestead. Another form of this name is Eorapieo^ Eorabie, equal toEyrar-bar or barr, beach village, bar, t h e w a v e . The termination bie or by in Norse means a village, hence by-laws or village-laws; it also equals host, bus, and poll, homestead, etc.

This word host is a generic term in Skye; in Islay it takes the form of bus, equalling, it is said, aras and baild (the latter in a restricted sense, meaning a dwelling, a settlement or village); also bo, bol, basta, bousta, bister, and boust. Bo in Norse equals estate. The name Gransay is said to be a form of eyrars-ey, but see “ Oransay.”

E port . Island firth or fiord, Norse fjordr, as a termination, a sea-loch; ey, island. There is a place of this name in North Uist.

E risco, E risca, E r is k e w . Erik’s town. In Kilmuir. See “ Marsoo.” This name deemed the same as Eriska, Eriskay, Gaelic Aoraisge, Aoraisgeidh, and said to be associated with Prince Charlie, who planted there the pink “ Morning Glories,” which still blooms there. The island of Eriskay, off South Uist, is very sacred to the memory of Father Allan Macdonald, who, it is said, left “ thousands ” of pages of MSS. relating to Celtic subjects; these should not be lost. Prince Charlie’s first landing was on the west side of this island, at a place now known as “ Coilleag a Phrionnsa,” the Prince’s welcome, or rather the Prince’s strand.

E sk e t il , E sk it e l , E sk id a l e , E sk id l e , E sk a d a l e . Eisgeadal. Given as eas, a waterfall and Ketil; translated also water- dale; might be easg, a bog, a fen, etc., and dal. Eskadale, in Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire, said to mean “ Ash-dale.” See “ Easgann.”

E st ir . Hestr, horse, Norse; alleged to be a misprint for esker, a fall of gravel, etc., but this is doubted.


E ynord , E ynort , E n a r d . Island sea-firth. Eyin, ard, art, or ort, equalling ey, fjordr; other etymologies advanced are eid, eidh, an isthmus, Norse aid, aith equal ay, eie, eye, ui, uie, uidh (pron. ooee), also a peninsula: nidh also means a ford, the part of a stream leaving a loch, before breaking into a current; also spelled aoi, from Norse èid, an isthmus, a neck of land. C f. “ Eye ” or “ Ui,” near Stornoway. Older form huy, Old Norse èid, a narrow neck of land joining two larger places together. One authority gives it as Einar’s fiord. There ar© two lochs of this name in Skye, and one in South Uist; it was from the latter Birlinn Chlann Raonuill (Clan Ranald’s galley) started on her notable and renowned voyage, so ably sung, and widely known and admired by all true Highlanders.

The Admiralty chart gives this name as Loch Ainneart, with “ beinn ” and “ biod ” of same. Aonairt, uainneart, wallowing, foaming (from uan, foam), has also been advanced. A dun existed on the east side of entrance.

E ynordstard . Island - bay - residence. Sta, stard, ster. Aoineard, Aoineart.

E u il v e l im i, E u il m e n a . This name given by Dean Monro, and thought to be his rendering of “ Cuilfhionn,” Coolins, or of “ Guilemon,” q.v.

E v ie . May be meant for eyre, or perhaps eidh, an isthmus, etc. In Troternish and Raasay. Cf. “ Evie ” in the Orkneys.

E y re , E yr a r , E y rr , O r e . A gravelly beach, shore, or boundary. See “ Ayre.” Also found given as eire, erie, eyrie, and evil, Icel. for a narrow low tongue of land. This; place is at the mouth of Romesdal River, Snizort.

There is a word eidhre or oidhre, s.f., ice, also eirbhe (eoray), the outlying part of a farm on the land above the garadh braigh'd, braigh bhaile. Air ear again means a bay or harbour, also Air or, the name of such a place in Knoydart; the word tiurr, a beach out of reach of sea, the high-water mark of shore drift.


FF a ir n a n , F e ar n an , q.v.

F a ir y B r id g e . See “ Drochaid an t-Sithean ” or “ Drochaid nan tri Allt,” at “ Beul-ath nan tri Allt,” between Waternish and Dunvegan. Three rivers and three roads converge here.

F alaisg . The beacon. Fàl loisg, turf, heath burning.F alach adh -T o in . Low-lying or bottom land, a piece of land

in Troternish promised to the witch of Staffin, for drowning Iain Garbh of Raasay, by Sir James Macdonald, who broke his promise.

F a m h a ir , A m . The giant or monster. This word pronounced Fuaire, fwamhaire, the mh marked nasally, something Jike foaarie. There are rocks N.E. of Troternish called “ Na Famhairean,” the giants.

F angan , N a . The fanks or sheep-pens; an fkamg, the fank, occurs twice in Kilmuir. These are flats naturally enclosed by rocks; fang also signifies a raven.

F ang nan E a ch . The horse-fank or poind-fold.F ang n a B ead an or B ead ach an . The fank or enclosure of the

yearling rams. Near Faoilean, Strath. This word, as such, is not given in dictionaries. See “ Forbes’ Gaelic Names of Beasts, etc.”

F ang na F o la . The fank of blood, where cattle were bled; this said to be used for food and mixed with a little meal in hard times or seasons.

F ang na R e it h e a c h a n . The fank or enclosure of the rams. In Strath.

F ang na R obastan , q.v. Above Kilmuir bridge.F ang na T otadh B rice , T o b h ta . The fank of the speckled

ruins. At head of Loch Slapin; speckled means here hoary (ruins).

F aob h ar, A m, A n F h a ob h a r. The ridge or sharp-edged headland or promontory.


F a o ilea n n , F a o d h a ilea n , F a o lin , F o a lin , A n F h a o ile a n n , F a d h la in n . Exposed place beside the shore, covered with email white stones; fadhail, extensive beach; the beach- field, flat shingly land close to the sea; also ford, space between islands when rendered passable on foot through the tide receding, leaving hollowed-out rhines called digean; from Norse Vadill, a ford, e.g., Benbecula or Beinn-nam- fmghla, the mountain or high land of the fords; vadill or vodill means shallow water; vodh-thing is a place where fords can be passed on horseback; there is also Faoileann an Asàmidh, the beach-field of the uncultivated or waste land near Torrin or Strathaird; this faoileann is properly on N.W. shore of Loch Slapin.

F aoileann an T rlan . The beach-field or shallows of the Third (part of land). See “ Trian.”

F as. A homestead, residence, a level piece of ground suitable for resting; from fos, foss, a residence, e.g., Fas-na-cloich, stone-field or steading, Fossoway, etc.; fos, fasadh, fosadh, dwelling, ancient fossadh, from fo, under, and sta, Latin sto, stand, etc. (modern Gaelic is fasaidh, habitation. Cf. Fasadh-fearna, Fassifern, Dochinassie, Doch or Dabhach-an-fhasaidh, the Davoch-plaee, etc., only in place-names). There is a place in Lochaber, “ Duncraig,” the Gaelic name of which is “ Am Fasadh Aluinn.” Fos also stands for foisich, pr.pt. foiseachadh, stop, rest. See “ Laoidh an Amadain mhoir.” Fasdail means a dwelling. As said, fasadh only occurs in place-names, and equals fasair, fhasair, amir (the herb asarum, sara bocca).

F asach . The desert, etc.; also grassy headland of a ploughed field, forest, uncultivated spot; fasach-coille, the wood border (untilled). In Glendale, Duirinish, far an tamh icm sown, where the hero dwells. See “ Celtic Review.” Of this glen it might be said, far an tamh na suinn, where heroes dwell.

F eadan, A m . The rock-pipe, water-pipe, small cascade; opening in a wall or even a narrow glen.

F earann an L e a t h a . The broader land. Also found given— but thought erroneously—Fearann an Catha, the land of battle, or battle-field; fearann differently described; when applied to land on a large scale, the word is form, the earth (chriotknaich am fonn, the earth trembled); land under cultivation is far, dim. faran.


F earan n a n Cailleach , Ca il l eac h an . Nuns’ land, fearann, cciille, a veil; neach, a person.

F ear n , F ear n e , F earns , F e r n s . The alder tree, fearna. Raasay.

F eaull , F eal , F e a l l . Fjall (Sw.), Fj<mla (Dan.). A mountain, a fell; corrupted into Funll, Furrll. The people of this township were called “ Silichean ” or “ Silichmn Fheaull," the mean people of Feaull, spare, mean, lean, pitiful creatures! This not vouched for.

F eault , F e it h - A l l t . Bog-burn. Thought may be just preceding name mis-spelled. In Troternish. In regard to this name, the t at the end of feault may be another instance of such mispronounced words as dorust for dorus, seallt for seall, ceannt for ceann, etc., which we have frequently heard.

F eiste , Am, E is t . The horse. Norse Hestr. A once dangerous rock to mariners, off west coast of Waterstein. See “ Rudha Neist,” also N.G.P., p. 390.

F e it h e , F e it h , or F e it h e L uachrach . The rusjhy bog or quagmire; this word, with or without the accent (feithe), has several other meanings. The word quagmire has also cumisde, cuir-aisde, put, pour, or flow out of it.

F eolin , F ao ilean . As first spelled, this name or word signifies “ proud flesh,” feokm, but thought a mistake for “ Faoileann,” q.v.

F eorlick , F eorlig , F eorling , F eo r lin n , etc. Farthing-land. One authority gives it as from Fjordlungr, fourth, and ung, old Gaelic, ounce. This place is also named “ Feorlig na Creadha,” Feorlig of the clay, clayey soil. In Ferinvicguire; thought to be the only place of this name in Skye. Cf. Manx farling, Irish feoirlinn, Welsh ffyrling. A word feorlcm signifies a firlot, four pecks. See “ Peighinn.”

F er r en , F e r a in n , F e a r a n n . Land, an island in Minginish loch; also Ferrinchoille, woodland.

F e r r in lea , F e r n ilea , etc. (fearann liath). Grey land, possibly unploughed or poor soil; glas-talamh, lea-ground. In Bracadale. Referred to by Boswell, who called it “ Ferneley.”


F erenvequirie , F erinvicquire , F erin iq u ar rie , F ear ain M hic G uar aig . Macquarrie’s land, or the land or territory of Godfrey’s son, fearann M hic Guire, Goraidh or Godfrey. This was territory granted as a portion to a son of one o f the Macdonalds of the Isles, and is situated in Glendale.

F est, A n F h e ist e . See “ Eist,” “ Feiste,” “ Neist,” etc. South of Polteel.

F eu na Coir e , F eubh or F e it h a C h o ir e . Bog of the oorry.F eur-L och an . Grass or grassy little loch; feur pronounced

fiar in Skye.F haoilean B h o id h each , A n . See “ Faoileann.”F iacal, F iacaill a B h a sa d a ir . The tooth, mountain edge,

or peak of the “ Executioner.” A well-known and dangerous peak of the Coolins.

F iaclan D earg , F iaclan F u ar . Red teeth, cold teeth; small boulders on the face of a cliff or precipice of Marsco; these have been named “ Marscoite ” ; here the estates of Macdonald, Macleod, and Mackinnon onoe met and converged, and the respective chiefs of these leading clan® used to meet there, and drink healths, each standing on his own estate or property.

F ia d h a ir t . See “ Dun Iadhairt.” One authority gives fiadh ghart, deer enclosure or forest, “ deer ” being given in old titles as “ elk.” This name pronounced “ fiart,” “ feeart.” Cf. fiadhmr, lea land, green sward.

F id e a n , Na F id e in . The green islets or spots uncovered at high tide; also web of sea-clam, from Norse fit, webbed feet of water-fowl; also meadow-land on the banks of firths or rivers.

F io n n a ir id h . See “ Camusunary.” The word fin, a hill, sometimes confounded with fionn.

F ionn C h o ir e . White, fair, or light oorry; also an fhionn choire. Below Bruach na Frithe (free).

F ireach C lach , Clachach . Stony moor.F iscavaig, F isgavaig, etc. Fish B ay. Loch Bracadale.

F iu r n a n . Thought meant for fearnan, place of alders. See “ Fearn,” etc. This is a hill north of Portree; but alders seldom if ever grow on hills.


F la d a , F la d d a , F la d d e r , B la d d a , P h la d d a , H aday. Many other spellings. Flat Island, from Norse flatr, and ey, island. There are no less than eight Fladdas or Pladdas; one in parish of Kilmuir, near Pabay, north of Rona, west of Raasay, and about a mile in length. Pliadda is the Gaelic form of Fladda, Icel. Flatey, f de-aspirated to p.

F lada-Chuan, F lada-Chan, F ladda-Chuan. Flat isle of the sea or ocean. Spelled in many different ways, e.g., Flada- whein, Flada-huna, etc. In Kilmuir parish. In this island are three burying-places, and other places of note: Cladh Mhanaich; Port an teampuill, Temple port, or landing-place for the temple or church; Creag na croise, rock of the cross; and Creag na ciile, rock of the church; burial-ground of St. Columba’s church, built over or near the older Druidical place of worship, on the altar of which lay the “ weeping-stone,” which always remained wet (this altar and stone do not now exist). The island has two or three fresh water springe, and is situated about six miles west from Trodda and about half a mile in length. The Admiralty chart places it as more than six miles out from Rona and nineteen N.W. from Skye. One account gives this island as being Holm Island and north of Portree, supposed traditionally to be Tir na h-Oige, an Irish belief. But it is only one of a group of islets six miles or so off the coast from Duntulm. See “ Bord Cruinn.”

F laiseadar , F lash ad er , etc. The flat pasture land or sheiling. Norse Flatr, setr. Given ae in parish of Kilmuir, east of Loch Grishernish, also called “Arnizort.” In Waternish.

F lo d d a . Float Island, or ship island, authorities differing. The first alleged to be from Norse fljot, float, and ey, island (cf. “ Flodday), and the latter from Danish flode, a ship (that which floats) and ey; isee “ Fladda.” The / is the form from p, Plod, equalling flota, floti, fleodradh, floating, fleod-ruinn, a buoy; the p in loan words equals b or f, e.g., fudar, powder, etc.; the Latin p in Gaelic equals c, e.g., pallium (palli), oailleach (ealli), and puteus equals cuithe, a pit, snow-wreath, etc.; the p and q elements may be referred to.

F lodigarry , F lodgery , etc. The floating enclosure or place (fljot, as above, and gardr, Gaelic gearraidh). This place is very fertile and beautiful, the farm, near Staffin, to a


considerable extent surrounded by water, with fine pasturage, locally spoken of as “ air flod in fact, it has often been designated an island. Mary Macpherson, in her poem, “ Soraidh le Eilean a Cheo," Farewell to the Isle of Mist, refers to it as follows:

“ Flodagaraidh sgiamhach, c’ait ’eil d' fhiach de ghrunnd? ” etc.

(Beautiful Flodigary, where is thy value of ground?)Sgiamhach is the Skye spelling and pronunciation of

Sgeimheach.Another name for this place is Eilean a Chinn Mhoir,

the island of the great head or promontory. Old beliefs, traditional and otherwise, still linger here. It lies opposite Eilean Altivaig. See “ Rudh’ an Eun Gorma.”

F lod S g e ir . Rock afloat or a-wash (air flod, seldom covered by the sea); ploti, as before, which signifies a raft in Norse.

F lossman . Not known. A bay or inlet, S.W. of Duirinish.F o liar t . See “ Lochs.”F oreligg, F eorlick , q.v.; also found given Ferinleod or Ferin-

lead.F orsan, F o r sa w . The little waterfall, dim. of fors, forsa, a

waterfall. Am Fors or Forss, with Ceofin, called Little Struan, which (i.<e., struan or sruthan) means streamlet. Bracadale.

F orse, F orss, F orce, Foss. The waterfall. Many places named here from or in connection herewith, e.g., Forsa- britheam, Fors a Bhreithimh, Judgeland waterfall (in Waternish); Forsch-reggan, Fors ’chreagan, the little rock waterfall. Another term for waterfall is uar.

F raoch C h o ir e . Heather Corry. Strath.F r ith ean ac h . Forestry, off or belonging to a deer-forest; frith

has several other meanings, e.g., the mouth of a river, etc.F rodday , T rodday , q.v. At Aird of Kilmuir.F ronim us. Froni’s moss; may be meant for Stroinimus,

Stronimus, which go with Soalpa, or perhaps even Strola- mus, Srolamus. Near Broadford.

N


GG ainem han, Gaineam han. Sandy bottom of the sea.

Gainmhein, sandy beach, from gaineamh, sand, etc.

G a ir , Y ar e , or Z a ir . See “ Cairidh.”G a ir b h -E il e a n , E il e in , E il e a n a n , G a r v e l a n . Rough

island or islands. See “ Dunvegan.”G a ir id h G h l u m a ig . See “ Cairidh.”G allanach , A G h allan ac h , G a il l e a n a c h . Place of young

trees, etc. (gallon, branches, slender tree-shoots, etc., and ach, place of). Cf. “ Gallanach” in Balquhidder or Allt na gallanach, the burn of the branchy trees.

G a lta , M or agus B eag . Gaut, gata, a pig. N.E. of Troternish.

G alteragill , G altarag ill , G altr ig il , etc. Pig or hogs gyll or place. On Loch Dunvegan, Duirinish; also found Gualtergill or Gualtarcill, explained as being “ Rudha Dhunbheagain.” Here was born Donald Macleod, who guided Prince Charlie to the Long Island.

G ar ad h a B h a o b h a il . The dyke or boundary-land of the wicked deed or act, baobhaileachd. This place owes its name to a fight to the death between the two brothers of Lachlan Mackinnon the bard. Baobh means a wizard, also a wicked female. See N.G.P. This place is between Dunan and Srolamus.

G ar ad h n a n G a m h a in n , G a m h n a . The stirks’ dyke or mound; garradh a more ancient form of the word.

G aradubh , G ar ad h D u b h . Black dyke or ridge; garadh said should be gearradh, from Norse Gardr, though garadh once had a special meaning in Skye o f a wall or dyke in the sea for catching salmon. See also in connection herewith, “ Cairidh” ; this does not apply here. This place is in Kilmuir.

G a r ay , G arr oy . See “ Eilean.” Found in titles as being in Oynart and Bracadale.

G arbh B h e in n . The rough or wild mountain. There is a name “ Gairbein ” in Strath signifying locally “ a stormy point,” but see “ ’Ghearra Bheinn,” in Sleat. This one is north of Blaven, near Belig, 2,649 feet.


G arbh B h l a r . Rough plain or field (of battle).G arbh C h o ir e . Rough or wild corry, between Sgurr Dubh and

Garsbheinn. This oorry is full of enormous blocks of stone, volcanic, and of a reddish colour and cinder-like surface.

G arbh E il e a n . Rough Isle, off Bracadale. See “ Gairbh.”G a r bh eileach . Rough, hilly pasture. A place in Strath.

Eileach means a mill-dam, also a weir, a bank of stones to guide fish into a cabhuil or bag-net or fish-creel. See “ GarvelLach.”

G arbh leath ad . Garbh, rough, and Imthad, a slope or hillside, etc.

G arbh Sg eir , G air bh S g eir . The rough or wild skerry or sunken rock. In Kilmuir.

G arafad , G ar fad , etc. The long garth or field; Norse Gardr, equalling Garth-r (Goard or Gord), a court, garden, field, dyke, wall, or yard, pronounced girt, an enclosed space; gar in terminology equals garth', fada, long. A noted wizard, Iain dubh, Black John, once resided here; also a familj of Macqueens of some renown. There is a farm called “ Gearraidhfada ” here (Kilmuir), on part of which a parish church and manse was erected in 1828. See “ Gearradh.”

G ar lappin , G a r al apain , G a r sh l a p p in . Slapin garth, etc. (see above). Snizort.

G armore, G ar rym ore . The great garth or farm. See “ Gearradh.”

G arrabost. The Garth homestead, etc. (host, as before); also given as Geir’s farm or homestead, as being from geiri, a gore or triangular strip of land; first meaning preferred.

G arradh a P harsoin , P herseon , P h earsoin . The parson’s garden or plot (glebe).

Gar radh n a F ia n a ic h e a n . The wall or dyke of the Fingalians, a well-marked trap-dyke on Creag Sneesdale.

G arr ah an , G e a r r d h a n , G ea r r a id h e a n . Grazing-place or places for cattle; also found “ Garrachan,” the little dirty one, a hill south of Cnoc a Chrochadair.


Garran. Den, thicket, underwood, etc. (obsolete). Thought may be meant for g&arran, a gelding, a horse-shaped rock or islet north of Skye, and called in the O.S. Map “ Lord Macdonald’s Table” ; but it is a companion islet. See' “ Bord MhicDhomhnuill.” Garran or gearran said to be short for gabharan, dim. of gabar or gabhar, gobhar; gabar O.G. for horse.

G a r r ie , G a r r y . Norse, a farm, generally in terminations., e.g., Oshmigarry, Caligarry, etc. Said to equal garaidh, which, however, is the gen. sing, of gàradh or gàrradh, garden, etc.

G arros, G arras, G aros, G a w s e , G eaross. Short or narrow river-mouth (gearr, short, etc., and os, mouth, or outlet of a river).

G arrich uien (garry, farm, and chucm, sea). The Sea-farm. Troternish.

G arridou , G a r r id o w . The black farm (garry dubh). Sten- echoll.

G a r sb h e in n . ------ mount. Not known. Suggested echo-mount, gàir, shout, echo, etc.; gàir-chreag, an echo. North of Soay Sound. Gairsinn, goirsinn, calling, etc.

G arvellach , G ar b h ellac h . Bough, hilly pasture. There are two “ Eileacbs ” or “ Ellachs ” in Kilmuir, each being a mill-dam, which eileach means; this word has been connected with eileacha or ellacha naomha, but these thought to mean “holy buildings,” and gave name to certain islands.

G au lsean . See “ Paulsean.”G a v e i e w h i l e a n . Supposed Garbh-Eilean, q.v.G e a b h a il , G e a d h a il . A park, a ploughed field, etc. GeabhaU

an t-oirchmnnaieh, the golden-headed field.

G e a d -a -C h l a id h e a m h . The sword-rig or land (arable), held for military services; geòtan, another word for a spot of arable land.

G eal -G h il l e a n . White-Boys; white rocks protruding through darker strata. In Strathaird.

G ealta M o r . Not known. One meaning, hardly applicable, is cowardice. There is a word geilt, a fierce, untameable animal. May be gaut, a pig.


G ea rra d h , A n G e a rra id h M o r , G earrm ore, G arem ore. Enclosure, the great enclosure, from Geroi, Norse, an enclosure; gearraidh, Gaelic, the strip between machar and monaidh, where houses stand; cf. “ Caligarry ” : see “ Gardr.” Gearraidh also means a point or knuckle-end of land (Uist), D.C.; paisture land about a township, fenced fields, enclosed grazing between the arable land and the open moor (as above machar and monaidh), C.R.; common grazing and arable land between the moor and the crofts, D.M.C.; place where the sheilings are built, P .J .M .; one other authority gives as gardr, equalling gerdhi, land, a garden land, also equals gearraidh, a garth, house, or yard; geroi, as before; also geòtan, a spot of arable ground. In Lewis, gearraidhean is a term for places or outer pastures to which cattle were taken in summer, generally with stone and turf-built shelters.

G earr a R oigh , R uig h e , R ig h e . Thought may be garra enclosure, and ruighe, sheiling, the sheiling enclosure; the word ruidhe or ruighe is pronounced roy on the Eist coast.

G eary , G e a r ie , G ear r y , G er r y . See Gearraidh.” The word gearraidh is the genitive of gearradh, but often used as the nominative.

G e a v il e a w n , G eavileaun , G ear rileaum , G a r il e a m . Supposed misreading or miswriting of gearradh -l e - a inn, enclosure by or at a river, or the river Snizort. Also suggested hawn, a haven (Nome).

G ed in t a il l e a r . Rig of the salter or dealer in salt, fish-curer. At Braes, Portree.

Gellin, G illin . See “ Gillin,” Sleat.G em baill , G l e n b a il l , G om baill , G e n ib a il l , G e n b a il l . Not

known.G emmore. Not known, unless geun, geum, roar (as of deer or

lowing of cows).Gen. Said to stand for guin, a narrow strip of land, shairp-

pointed. In Strath.Geodha ’Bhuic. The creek of the buck. At Portree. Geodha,

Norse geo, a partial opening, as of a door or mouth; gia, Icel., rift, creek; also go (O.G.), the sea, goe and geob, gja, chasm, rift; in Shetland, a rocky creek with precipitous sides, as distinguished from voe, a fiord and wick, a broad open bay. Cf. gial or giall, a jaw, gill of a fish, etc.


G eodha-D araich . The creek of the oak-tree, geob, gja, gjo, as before. South of Minginish.

G eodh ’ an E ich B h r ic . Grey horse creek, also geodha nan each, horses’ creek.

G eodh ’ A llagraich . The creek of the wild dog or hound, alladh graich or grech.

G e o d h ’ a n R ia d h a in , R ia g h a in . The creek of the passage (temporary for water to run in), if riaffhain a swing or surge of sea-current. On Score coast.

G eodh ’ an T a ir b h . Bull creek. S.W. of Dunvegan Head.G eodh ’ a Ch u a in . Ocean creek.G eodh ’ a G h a m h n a . Stirk creek.G eo d h ’ E r rach . Not known. One suggestion, cup-shaped,

with springs.G eodha F h ea r c h ar . Farquhar’s creek.G eodha G orm . Green creek. In Strath, near Glas-na-Cille.G eodha M hic E o g h a in n . Evan or Ewen’s son’s creek. On

Bororaig coast.G eodha M or . Great creek. S.W. of Duirinish. A waterfall

near here.G eodha n a G liongraich , G liongaraich . The creek of the

jingling or tinkling noise or sound. Near Dunvegan Head.G eodha n a h - A ib h n e . Burn or river creek.G eodha n a A ir ig h e . Sheiling-creek. Portree.G eodha n a M o in e . Moss-creek. Near Rudha Hunish.G eodha n an G o bh ar . Goats’ creek. S.W. of M inginish.

G esto, G eusdo, G resto, G uesto . Meaning not found. One of the show-places of Skye, and famed for a family of Macleods, to whom “ The Gesto Collection ” of Highland music, by Dr. Keith Norman Macdonald of Ord, has been dedicated. “ Fear Gheasto ” was well known and loved; a poem by him will be found in the “ Celtic Monthly,” intituled “ Farewell to Skye ” in English only; it refers to Fionnghal Nighean Raonuill an Airigh-Mhuilinn, Flora Macdonald of Milton or Sheiling-Mill.

’G hara L a p a in . See “ Garlappin.”


’G h er vad , A G h ea r r a f a d . See “ Garafad.”’G hlac D horch a . The dark hollow. Torrin.’G hlaic Ch a o l . The narrow hollow. Torrin.’G hlaic M h o r . The great hollow. Torrin.’G h l in n e M h ea dh o n ach . The mid or middle glen. See

“ Gleann Dail ” for gleann mmdhonach.’G huala M h o r , ’G h u a l a in n . The great shoulder (corner of

a mountain). In Strath Beag.G igarum , G ig ar u n , G ig alu m . See “ Eilean.” Name said to

be given from its being the smallest inhabited islet known, even as the insect or mite (gigalum) is the smallest known. North of Skye, near Boreray. Dean Monro gives other islands as being adjacent. Fineag, a cheese-mite, said to be larger than a gigalum.

G il l e n . See “ Sleat.” This place is in or near Aros Bay, Waternish or Duirinish, and is the place where Major- General Norman Macleod, C.B., was born.

G ir t , G io r t . The sanctuary or protection; akin to gart, an enclosed space. “ Thug e 'n girt air” he betook him to the sanctuary; he fled. See “ Commerwell.”

G lac A l l a r a id h , F h a l a ir e . The hollow of the funeral entertainment or refreshment; also falairidh. There is a word faraire, night entertainment watching corpse.

G lac-a n -S gulamus, G lac S gulam uis . Sgulamus hollow, two miles S.E. of Broadford.

G lac L uachrach . Rushy or reedy hollow.Glac M hor an t -S eana D h i t . Thought dhit meant for dhid,

dhidmn, fort or sanctuary. The great hollow of the sanctuary, etc. This place is at the head of “ Coruisg.”

Glac na or n am M eir l eac h . Thieves’ hollow.G lac n a n S ear r ach . Foals’ hollow.G laic an D u b h a ir . Hollow of the shade or darkness. In

Kilmuir.G laic an E ir e a n n a ic h . The Irishman’s hollow. Near Camus-

tinvag. A statement has been advanced that this should be erenagh or eireanagh, a lay superintendent of church land, hereditary.


G laic an F h e id h . The deer hollow.G laic an T u ir id h . The hollow of weeping or mourning. On

Ferinvicguire Common.G laic Ca b h a ig . Hurry hollow; secondary meaning, hollow of

straits, difficulties.G laic F h e a r n a . Alder-tree hollow.G laic-G lum agach . The hollow of pools, or pool-like. Near

Broadford.In reference to the foregoing words glac and glaic, the

latter, though the genitive, properly glaice, is frequently used as the nominative.

G lais B h ea lac h . The Green Pass. At Beinn Dearg Mor.G lais-B h e in n n am F ia d h . The green mount of the deer (1835

feet). Near Loch Eynort.G laisboirein nam F ia d h . The green hollow of the deer. Glais

also means a fold or enclosure, and boirein, the dim. of boire, a hole or hollow. In Irish, boreen.

G l a m . The chasm or gorge. Near Sconsar. This word, with its derivatives, glpmag, etc., conveys the idea of swallowing voraciously the surrounding country.

G lam aig , G lam ag . The meaning, as found in dictionaries, of this word is a V greedy woman or female ” ; the meaning given above applies. This mountain has been a subject of note from time immemorial. Pont gives “ Klammaig, a trinket of hills, also called Glamich” ; it rises 2,537 feet above Glen Sligachan, while a prominent peak, “ An Coileach,” The Cock, is 2,203 feet in height. It is a beautiful, conical-shaped hill or mountain, with a fine green plateau and spring on the summit; it descends sheer down to the sea. Another spelling is “ Glannock,” given by Dean Monro. See Introduction to this work.

G las-B h e in n . See “ Glaisbheinn.” Green mount. In Strath. There are, however, two mountains, beag agus mor, small and great; one at least in Stenseholl. It may be observed that the word glais means a fold, an enclosure (primarily a lock), also an obsolete term for a streiam.

G las-B h u a il e . The green fold or pasture.


Glas-E ilean, Glasellan. Green isle, common; the one here given is in the Haripol district of Strath; also given as at Broadford Bay, and opposite Coruisg. There is another south, of Fladday. Cf. “ Na Glais-Eilein ” at entrance to Loch Nevis.

G l a sh n a k il l , G lasnacille , - k il l , - k il l ig h , - k il l y , etc. The green (meadow) of the church. Given as a farm near Kirkibost; elsewhere said to be in Elgol. Cf. “ Glasnacille,” at Loch Nevis.

G lasph ein , G laspeen , G l aspein . The pennyland green spot, pronounced Glais-phei’nn. A local song is “ Suiridh na Glaispheinthe courtship of Glasphein. In Kilmuir.

G lastean , G laistean , etc. The green spot or place. In Kilmuir.

G l astu ir . Grey tower. In Watemish.G l e a ir l e a w n . Not known. Last part of word may be meant

for lian, a field, a plain, etc.G l e a n n . A glen. Only descriptive names given. Glens are

older than mountains, and have been contrasted with straths, corries, etc.; glenis have been variously described among many as “ a valley leading quite through.”

G lean n A ir ig h B e a t h a ig . Beathag or (Saint) Bethoc’s sheiling glen; also named Meall Beathaig.

G lean n A llt a G h a ir b h e id . The glen of Garafad River. See “ Garfad.”

G l ean n A l l t E ig in n , A ig in n , A ig e in n . If eiginn, the glen of the river of violence or steep banks; if aiginn (aigeann), abyss, pool, etc.

G l ean n A n n ish a d e r , q.v.G lean n A oineasdail , q.v. May be “ Hingisdal.”G l ean n a P h u il l . Pool or mud glen.

G l ean n A rroch . May be meant for arrachd, spectre, dwarf, etc.; suggested earr, short or tail. This glen is north of Beinn Bheag, on borders of Sleat.

G lean n B h ar ag ail , V aragill , V argil , q.v.G l ean n B h r e a t a in n . Glen Britain; but there is “ Breatail,”

q.v.


G l ean n B oil , B oile , G em boil , G lenam vooil , etc. The glen of madness, etc., or perhaps the wild glen.

Gleann Breatal, Bretill, Brittle. Given in titles, etc., “Achasochand.” Meaning not found. This glen is one of the more important main valleys on the west side of the Coolins, the river draining southward into Loch Breatal. Sheriff Nicolson described it as “ the most beautiful glen in Skye, or perhaps in Scotland.” It is the landing-place from Corries Greadaidh, Banachdich, Lagan, and Grunnda, the latter said to be the most wonderful corry in all the Coolins, if not the most awful. The “ Window Buttress ’ near.

G l ean n Ca la d a le , Ca l a d a l . Cold dale, cold dalr\ or Kalis dale—Kali a proper name.

G le a n n C h ad alach . The sleepy glen.G l eann C olbost, C obost (pronounced Cailbost). The glen of

the cold farm.G lean n C onon , q.v. This glen stretches eastward from Uig

Bay to Beinn Eadarra, in Kilmuir.G lean n -D a il , G l e n d a l e . Pleonastic, Gaelic and Norse mean

ing practically the same. Dalr, Norse, a dale, a glen, etc.This glen has always been, and still is, a notable spot

or rather district; many men of note hailing therefrom, inter alios, Neil Macleod, the Skye bard, son and brother of bards all born here. Neil died in Edinburgh on 6th September, 1913; before him was born, about 1780, Roderick Campbell, who composed some religious poems or hymns.

In the dim distant past Glendale was noted as being one of the four best pasture-grounds of the Glas-gobhar nam Ficmn, grey goat of the Fingalians, or Glas-ghoillean or ghuailne, a cow (grey-shoulders) alleged to have the gift of speech. Also named “ Glas-Gaibhnann.”

The other three places of pasture-grounds were Glen Uig in Trotemish, Glen Hinisdale, and a Glen Sgaladal, of which latter, however, there are two or three in Skye. The following ancient rhymes or verses refer to above:

“ Gleanndail an Diuirinish,Glernm Uig an Tròtamish,Gleann sgiamhach Sgàladail,Glemn aluinn Romasdail.”


The Rev. Neil Ross, a Glendale man, says the last is thought doubtful.

“ Glemn breagh (or briagh) Sgaladair,Glecmn riabhach (or riach) Rhomasdail, Glecmn Dal an Diuirinish,Gleanrn meadhonach nan torr.”

See “ Gleann Shasaig,” Sleat. It is not deemed necessary to translate.

Glendale district consists of no less than ten townships, from Mealbhaig in the north to Skianadan in the south; in titles it is described as “ Glendall, comprehending northern or Galtrigill division.”

Glendale is also noted for a fine species of cabbage; and the “ Abhainn Mhor,” or Great River, runs through the glen into Loch Poltiel. It is thought many names in above ten townships yet remain to be secured.

G leann D rynoch . The thorny glen. Runs westward to Loch Harport.

G leann E abost, q.v.

G l ean n Eo. Salmon glen. There is also iach with same meaning, though stated to be the genitive of eo, which also, as; an adjective, signifies “ good, worthy.”

G l ean n E o d h a in n , E o g h ain n . Evan or Ewen’s glen.

G l ean n E ynort , q.v. Follows a circuitous course to or from Loch Eynort.

G leann F htjachd. Glen of (the) cold.G leann G hrasco . Glengrasco, q.v. In Snizort.

G l ean n G rast , G h r a st . Rugged-faced glen; or allied to gmnda, grim, etc. In Troternish.

G l eann H a l t in , H a l ty n , H a u l t in , T alto n , T e l t in e , and U a l t y n , Gleann Shealtainn (s silent). Glen Shetland, Norse Hjaltland. See “ Gleann Shealtainn.”

G leann H in g isd a l , H in io sd ail , H in is d a l , etc. Hengist’s dale glen. See “ Gleann Tillisdaill.” There is a rivulet of this name in Troternish; this glen is in Snizort.

G leann H eysd al . High-dale, Norse hei, for a mound; so this may be the mound-dale glen. In Waternish.


G l ean n H y las . Thought phonetic spelling of Chaolas, firth, etc. In Kilmuir.

It may be observed that no Gaelic word commences with the letter H, used simply as a sign of aspiration.

G l ean n I nch , In n is . Island or meadow glen. See “ Inis.”G lean n I n n e r , I n ’ir , I n b h ir , a n I n ’i r . The glen of the

confluence or inver, inbhir, q.v.G lean n I o n ad al . The friendly or clannish glen (ionad, a

place, etc.).G le a n n L orgasdal. Meaning not known; suggested lurg,

lurgan, ridge of a hill extending gradually into a plain, shank-end, and asdal, astail, a dwelling. See “ Lorgill.”

G l ean n M acCa sk il l , M ac A scuill , ’I c A scuill . Glen Casgill, etc. Macasgaill, from Norse askell, as-ketill, the kettle (sacrificial vessel) of the Auses or gods, a vessel of holiness; “ K etil,” a Norwegian prince, who was sometime king in Skye, etc. See “ K e til.”

G le a n n G -M -na F. Gleann mor nam Fiadh. The great glen of the deer. There is Glenmore, near Portree. Harvie Brown.

G l ean n n an L eac . The glen of flags or flat stones.G l ean n Ois. Glen of the river mouth, etc. See “ Ose.” In

« Bracadale.G l ean n O r a id , O rroed. Glen of speech. See “ Glenoraid.”G l ean n R a t h a d . Road Glen. Also found given Gleann fa

Rathad, the glen on, upon, or above the road. In Talisker.G lean n R omasdal , q.v.G l ean n S galadal , Sg alad ail , S caladair . “ Gleaam Sgaladair

fhwxr nam beann.” Cold glen Sgaladair of the hills. The glen of the cold shade, sgàile; may be Norse skali.

G leann S h e a l t a in n . Glen Shetland. See “ Gleann Haltin.”G l ean n Sn eesd all . Glensnisdale. See “ Sneosdal.” In Kil

muir.G leann S h u a r d a il . Swordale Glen; stretches from Sithean to

Kilbride. See “ Strath.”G leann T il l isd a il l , T in is t l e . See “ Gleann Hingisdale.”


Gleann U achdarach. Upper Glen. In Kilmuir. Another, “ Iochdarach,’’ lower.

G leann U ig , U igg . Glen bay, vig or vik, now named Glen- conan. In Snizort.

G l ean n U l l in is h , q.v.G lean n V arkasaig , B hargasaig , q.v.G l ean n V ar r ag ill , V ar ig il , etc., q.v. This is a “ quiet green

glen ” (Sh.N.), near Portree.G lenaim bost , G lenanabost , - bhost, - vost . In Duirinish. See

“ Unabost.”G lenanooil , G l en an yo il . See “ Gleann Boil.”G lenoraid , - oraide , - o r id . The glen of speech. Near Glen

Earr, in Minginish. Glen Earr, glen of the end or boundary, or noble, grand glen; earr obsolete.

G le n s . Na glinn. Grishernish.G l e n v ie . Might be Glenuie, uidhe, uighe, glen of the ford.G l u m a ig . The deep pool. A bay near Duntulm Castle.G noban , G roban a B h ia t a ic h . The little knobbly hill, the

little knobbly point of the raven; also sgeir. This is the outer end of a long peninsula between Loch Follart and Lovach Bay. Beyond this point lie the three islands, Isay, Mingay, and Clait or Cleit, etc. See “ Grobain.”

Gnogan, Gnogane, G nogaire, A n Cnomhag, Cnomhagan, Cnomhagag. The large whelk, periwinkle, or buckie.

G oban T ro id , T r o id h t . The little knoll of the worn-out shoe.G obhlag , P ort G obh laig . The fork, port forked, or split into

two parts; dim. of gobhal, forked part of anything.G ob an D a in n ir e . The point of the obstructing one, or

obstruction; dainn, rampart, barrier.Gob na H oe. The point or promontory of the haugh or howe,

burial-ground; Norse kaugr; also a cairn; hoe, hoo, a spot of land, see “ Hoe.” Gob has various other meanings; here it has the signification of cop (British, Welsh, and Pictish), a summit. This place is in Loch Bracadale, Duirinish.

G ob T u n n a ig . Duck’s beak or neb, from • resemblance of a point of land.


G ob U isgebrigh (pron. bree), O isgebrigh . The point or promontory of the well-spring.

G oille , G oile n a G a o it h e . The throat or pass of the wind, windy-gowl. In Kilmuir.

G oirtean - a -B h r a g h a d , G o irtean - a -B h l a r . Little field of the upland, or battle-field; here a fight took place against the Norse; also may be the croft or enclosure of the upper or breast-land. Gort (of which goirtmn a dim. cognate with Latin bortus,. Greek chortos). Gort, gart, gartan equals lios, henoe English garden and yard. A lso found translated a craig or rock. This place is near Broadford.

G orstan , G oirtean - n a -T r a g h a d . Beach croft, etc.G ortan , G oirtean A l a sd a ir . Alexander’s little croft. This

is an arable field of some extent. There is an Old Celtic word, mumthaig, meaning an enclosed gart or garden, mùr, a wall, a rampart, etc., and achadh, a field.

G ortan , G oirtean n a C r eig e . The little croft or enclosure of the rock. In Portree or Troternish.

G ortan , G oirtean D u b h . Black croft. Torrin.G ortan , G oirtean na C loiche G l ao d h aic h . The croft of

the stone of calling or proclamation; otherwise echoing.G ory St o n e . See “ Clach Fuileach.”G r a b a n . See “ Gnoban, Groban.”G racalaig , G ragalaig . The bay of cackling. Gracail, Gragail,

and vik.

G rasco. Not known. Suggested Norse garha, a woodland, etc., and sco, Norse Skogr; but see “Mansco” ; also “Soobhal.”

G r e a d a id h . A mountain. See “ Coire.”G r e a l in , G r eau l in , G r ia l l in , G r au lin e , etc. Not known;

there is a word greollan, a cricket (insect). This place is in Kilmuir.

G reanigil (C lach an , C noc). The sunny gill or glen. In Stenscholl.

G reenack , G reenach , G reonack , G rianag , G r ia n a n . Sunny place or spot; a pendicle of Uiginish. In Duirinish.


C reep , G reeb , K reep , C r ip , C riop , G r ib e . Coast precipice, part of sea-coast where it is rocky and difficult to land. Griob or grioba, Norse Gnipa, Ioel. Gnipr, a peak, etc. This place is near Uig, on the shore of Loch Dunvegan.

G rem iscaig . Grim, Grimm or Grimr, a proper name, and skiki, a river strip of land, Grim’s-land. In Kilmuir.

G rencraig , G r ia n -C h r eag . Sun-rock.G renigle , G ren icle . See “ Greanigil.” Might be green gill

or gyll. Near Staffin.G r e sh a n . Not known. Suggested gris-fhionn. The spotted

place.G r esh er n ish , G reshornish , etc. Grice or pig’s ness, on

northern slope of Sron-nan-aighean range of the Coolins; a fine sheep-farm and residence sacred to the memory of “ Coinneach Gheusto,” the late Kenneth Macleod, who endowed a free hospital for the Skye people.

G r ia n a l , G r ia n a n . Of or pertaining to the sun, sunny; also a sunny spot, ia special sunny chamber in large duns and raths erected on walls thereof, or some sunny place where shadows would not fall; also, as here, a round hill on the top of a rock, and quite level. This latter is near Camus- tianavaig. See “ Dun Grianan.” C f. “ Grainan (grianan) of Aileach, at Derry, Ireland, as mentioned in “ Four Masters,” etc. Some authorities consider this to be Druidical.

G ribn ac h . The place of precipices. See “ Greep.”G r im sh a d e r . Grimm’s seat, etc. Grimm or Grimr, a Scandin

avian proper name, and setr, seat, pasture, etc; this name, Grimm or Grimr, is an epithet applied to Odin, from his travelling in disguise, and is a common masculine proper name connected with many place-names in the Scottish Isles, e.g., Grimsta, Grimr and stadr, last half of bolstadr, homestead.

G r im e r a , G r im er ald , etc. Grimm or Grimr’s river, à, river, etc. See “ Abhainn.” This name has numerous spellings; all in Kilmuir.

G rob. The junction or narrow water-channel. At Loch Slapin. In Arran this word signifies the channel or sewer of a cowhouse or byre. See “ Gnoban.”


G robain , C rouban , C hrouban , G rum ban , etc. The knoll. See “ Gnoban.” Said also to be from gnupr, a peak.

G rob(a ) n a n E ac h . Knoll of the horses. South of Beinn Edra, Troternish. Gnob.

G roban na S g e ir e . The skerry knob or point. In Loch Dunvegan. This word grob, properly gnob, is very common.

G rosgaig. Chios, snout, etc., and vik, bay. The bay promontory. Near Gamustianavaig. Also a name “ Grogaig,” supposed gnogaig.

G ruagach , G rua ’ic h . The young woman; in derision, a young man with long hair. Places with this name are pretty numerous, and, as a female, a supposed household goddess; as a male, a brownie; connected with pagan worship. Much has been told and written about these imaginary sprites, the belief in them having only died down of late years. For the use of these imaginary beings, and to secure their goodwill, it was a common practice to select a stone, with hollow therein, whereon libations of milk were poured; in most places this being was represented as a fair-haired young man, an Apollo (sun-worship), .the sun’s rays representing a man’s ruddy or yellow locks, the ancient sun-god, Grannos. Sheriff Nicolson, for one, describes “ it ” as “ a long-haired friendly sprite of the brownie species, but female ” ; so does J. F. Campbell in his “ West Highland Tales.” Other sprites are, or used to be, known all over the Highlands, if not elsewhere, glaistig, for instance, a water-imp or she devil in the shape of a goat, an enchanted woman; the word glaistig said by some to be from glas, grey, pale, etc., or from the old word for water, the female generally haunting a stream; a word nathach or neithich, pale, gloomy, said to be similar to above.

G r u d a id h , A G h r u d a id h . The distillery, perhaps tavern, grudfiir, distiller, gruid, malt.

G ru la , G rule , G r u l l , G r e il e . Not known. In Minginish.G ru la in n , G r u l in . The stony land; perhaps from grijot or

grjot, stones; gru, sometimes gnu, famous, also grippy, “ cho gnu ri broc," as grippy as a badger; also means surly, wild, gru and lainn of an enclosure, etc., the rough land or part of a district. Sayings and songs exist in connection


with this place, “ 'S ami cm Grulainn fo'n sgurr,” and “Nighecm bhàn Ghrulainn,” sung to the tune of “ Lais an lurgainn,” the fair maid of Grulainn, with the (shapely) leg, one line of which is “Th&id i 's gun teid i learn,” she will go and go she will with me. Cf. “ Rudha na Cruaidh- linn.”

G runagar y . Ground - farm, arable, from grun, grunn, or grumid, and the Norse termination, garry, in different forms and spellings.

G uala-a -B h asr aid h , B h asr u id h , B asraich . The shoulder- lump or hill of hand-clapping or wringing of hands. See “ Aird-a-Chomhraig.”

G uala Ch a id h ir . The shoulder or slope of the seat or town, etc., though cathair, which has several other meanings,, genitive oathrach, and, grammatically, should be Gualann na oathrach.

G uala- a -C h l a r sa ir . Harper’s hill, etc. In Snizort.G uala ’Ch u ir n . The cairn hill or slope. Near Mill Bridge,

Broadford.G uala F a ’n D uth aic h , D ubh aich e . Lamentation hill, or the

hill of wailing, dubhach, sad, sorrowful. On the slope of this hill the natives witnessed the defeat of their men byi the Lochlannaich or Norse on one occasion. The use of the preposition fa may be noted here; it means under, etc. See “ Beinn an Dubhaich.” These names show that the Norse invaders either did not name these places, or that, if so, their nomenclature was not adopted. This place is between Broadford and Strolamus.

G uala Sh l a o p a in . Slapin shoulder-slope. Near Torrin.G uala ’Ch oire m h o r . Great corry shoulder-slope.G uala n a h -E asan d u b h a . The slope of the black waterfalls;

also “ Guala-an-Easan-dubh, the slope of the little waterfall.

N.B.—All the foregoing names with “ Guala ” should be “ Guakmn

G ualann n am F ia d h . Deers’ hill-slope.Guidad. Not known. A mountain.

o


G uillem on , G u llavan , G h u il l a m ia n . Thought meant for “ Gullavore,” q.v. M'Culloch gives this as a small island off Scalpa, 40 or 50 feet in height. Other meanings suggested, e.g., guaV a man, for guala mam, shoulder of the rounded hill; this latter meaning may be held, seeing the place is said to be near Monkstadt House, and the place where Flora Macdonald landed when she brought, or came with, Prince Charlie from Uist; he landed farther south, at Kilbride; guaille mem, also advanced as a diminutive, “ the little slope.”

G uillego . The hill-slope of the creek. This is properly the place of landing referred to in last entry. Gmille or gmilne, the genitive of gualann, is frequently used as the nominative; geo, as given before.

G u lban , G u il b e in . Gulban’s (Mountain). This is alleged to be the ancient name for “ Beinn Dionavaig,” q.v. ; gulha signifies a mouth. This is one of several so-named mountains where Diarmaid was said to have been killed, and where, with Grainne and two hounds, he lies buried; traditionally, the others are in Lochbroom, Argyllshire, and Sligo, in Ireland. In notes to the 1760 translation of the Ossianic poems, Gulbcm is given as golb-bheann, crooked hill or mountain, golb, gulb, gulba.

G ullavore, G uaille m h o r . The great shoulder (shaped). This is a rocky and conspicuous islet south of Fladda- Chuan, to which the prefix eilecm is usually wanting.

G u ln are . Not known. At Dunan.G u m in u le , G u m in ite (G. comm) I s l e . Babbits’ isle. In

Waternish.G u n e l . See “ Ard Ghunel,” Sleat.G unnach an , N a . The guns or cannons. Certain caves near

Kilmuir, into which the sea rushes with loud reports like big guns; also named Gunners’ Caves, and said to be near

• Loch Staffin. C f. “ Trumpan.”


H

The place-names beginning with the letter H are mostly, if not altogether, Norse or Scandinavian; no word in Gaelic commences with it, but is simply used as a sign of aspiration; Norse words or names beginning with that letter may be supported by a t, e.g., Holm, An t-Holm, Tolm, Tuilm, in Norse a holm, haugh, or small island in a bay or river, not common; also low-lying land, e.g., “ Duntulm,” dun an t-holm, an isolated hill, and, as such, frequent in names; different terminations are an, mil, and lum.

H abost, H aboist, T habost (An t-Haboist). Sloping (lying) farm or homestead, or the dwelling on the slope, high-town, from Norse hallr, a slope or declivity, and host, bolstadr, homestead, Ha-bolstadr; ha is sometimes transposed in Gaelic to sa, e.g., Sabhal, Saval, equalling ha-fjall, high fell. Thabost is given in Gaelic as aspirated from an imaginary Tabost.

H aich , C h ao ich . See “ Allt.”H algerda . The sloping garden or enclosed space or yard, etc.

Some authorities suggest this name as that of a Norwegian princess brought up in Skye. There was a well-known physician, named Hali, of the Middle Ages, who died about 995 a .d . ; his name is cited in medical MSS.

H a l ib h a l , H al iv a l , H allivails , H ealaval , H elvels (mor agus beag, great and little, 1,538 feet). The fell with ridge of terraces, Icel. Hjalli-fjall,; also called Bord mor agus Bord beag ’Ic Leoid, great and little tables of Macleod; the larger extends to Dunvegan or Galtrigil Head, the lesser to the points of Idrigil and Waterstein. See “ Helaval ” and “ Macleod’s Tables ” ; the above are chiefly in Duirinish. Cf. “ Helvellyn.”

An article by R. C. Macleod of Macleod in “ Celtic Monthly ” of October, 1914, is also referred to.

H alistra , H allistra , H aldersta , H ald istra , H a l m s t r a s . The town or residence on the slope, hallr, as above, and stadr, last half of bolstadr, Norse termination, as sta, Gaelic stadh, a farm stead, said to be shadder in Hebrides., e.g., “ Kershadder.” See “ Setr.”


H allag , H alleg , H eilag - r (Icel.), H allaig , H allarg , H al- t a ig , and K a l l d ig . Holy or Saint’s Isle. An island off Raajsay, in the parish of Portree.

H a l l in , H a l la n , H a l e n e , H a l l e in . Holl (Icel.), a hall; given as “ upper and nether.” In Waternish, Kilmuir, and Duirinish; see hallr, as above. C f. Scottish “ hallan.”

One of Skye’s many bards or songsters, Norman Macdonald, composed—

“ Sud am t-àit do 'n d'thug mi gradh,’i$e Halim is ainm dha,0 bhrmgh Fhasaich sios mu 'n Charnaich,’8 lionmkor gearr-shruith memiimnach”

H am ar , H am arr , etc. The hammer-shaped craig; in Norse a steep place or hillside, with many large rocks on it; Old Norse bctmar-r, hammer-shaped craig jutting or stretching out.

There are seven cairns here, commemorating seven natives who quarrelled and fought to the death. Ham may be Norse hoammr, a grassy slope. Macleod of Hamar or Hamara wrote a treatise on “ second sight ” under the title “ Theophilus tnsulanus.”

H am ar aver in , H a r m a r a v ir e in . The hollow of the hammer- shaped rock (hamar and bhorem). See “ Glaisboirein.” Locally given as bhiorain or bhorein, a hard kind of grassi. One authority gives hamara as rock-water.

H am psdale , H um psdale . The dale of the grassy slope; Ham, as above.

H aripol , H arrapol , etc. The lord’s dwelling; Harri, a lord or great man, and bol, Old Norse for house, the chief farm of a tun or township. Personal names were often given to farms, especially with bol, also with pool; bol also means a couch or resting-place for animals; see “ Bost.” This place is in Strath.

H arlas, H arloes, H a il a e s . See next name.H arlosh . Buck tail; Norse hafra, a buck, or he-goat, and los,

Old Celtic for tail, end, e.g., in dobhran losleathan, the otter of the broad tail. This is an island point and skerry in Loch Bracadale. One Lowland authority gave the meaning of this name charr lois, rock of the fire.


H arport, H erport . Goat fiord; hafra and fjord.

H a r t a C orry or C oire T h a r ta , H a r t -o -C o r r y . The corry of the hart. Sight in the Coolins, and drained by Sligaohan River. Some think this oorry finer than Coruisg; a huge glacier filled this corry at one time.

H artaig . Little Harta, a branch of the corry, it is said. One authority gives Harta vik, Harta bay, but no bay near.

H a r t a v a l . Harta fell, a bealach. Harta as before and fjal or fjall.

H ask eval . The fell of the rocky ridge; ass, a rocky ridge, and fjal or fjall. See “ Asaint.”

H au l tin . See “ Haltin.”H aversay, H aver ser . Island of the he-goat. Haver or Hafra,

a buck or he-goat, and ey, island. Off Bracadale. See “ Forbes’ Gaelic Names of Beasts, etc.”

H east, H easta , H easte , etc. The horse-shaped isle; Norse hestr, a horse; more correctly heste or he-ste, Danish. This isle or place is named from the township on a river on mainland of Skye, at Loch Eisheort, south coast of Strath. The inhabitants of Heast, it is said, share in the nickname of Na mearlaich or meirlich, but for this we do not vouch.

H e b r i. See “ Tobar Tellibreck.”H e i-F e a u l d . The mound-fell; hei, Norse, a mound, and fjall,

fell. This word fjal has the usual termination of vcd, lit., a high hill, also hvall, a knoll; hei, hoi, hoide, different forms of Norse haugr, a mound, etc.

H e il l a , H e il l e , H ellya , etc. The Stone. In Minginish. Described as “ cnoc glas agus dubh, a green and a black knoll.” It is a grass-covered black rock at the sea-shore, sometimes used for fishing; Gaelic iola, iolla, ioladh; derived from hellyr, a cave, Old Norse hellir, hely-r, a cave drilled out by action of sea-waves; also therefrom hella, stone. In Shetland called lela. This rock or stone is on the shore of Loch Harport.

H eisgejr. High skerry; hei, as before, and sgeir; according to one authority, it is thought or said to mean “ bright rock.” C f. “ Eisgir,” a ridge of mountains, etc.


H elaval , H olbhal , H e l v e l . Flagstone fell. There are two Helavals, the greater and the lesser, with a maximum of 1,700 feet in height, green and verdant, the summits perfectly level, hence named “ Macleod’s Tables,” see “ Bord Cruinn” ; see above as to hellyr. An authority suggests helgi fjall, holy fell, the majestic size and smooth flat tops of the two masses suggesting great natural altars, pagan if not Christian; they are remnants of the great level plateau out of which the Coolins and other mountains have been carved. See “ Halival.”

H eldersta . Stone or stone-cave farm or residence; hellyr and stadt, as before.

H elva R ock . See “ Uig.” May be “ Reilla/’ as above.H eribost, H eribusta , etc. The lord’s dwelling, from Harri

(see “ Haripol ” ) and bost in Skye, a generic term; at end of names it is a contraction of the Norse or Icelandic word bolstadr, denoting “ homestead, farm, or farm-steading; in Islay it takes the form of bus; it equals poll and by; also said to equal aras and baile (the latter in a restricted sense), meaning a dwelling, a settlement, a village; also bo, bol, basta, bousta, boust, bister; bo in Norse means estate. Heribost and Herbusta are separate names; the first is in Duirinish, the latter in Kilmuir; both are upland townships. The above derivation from harri, haerribustadr 01 bolstadr, and in each case meaning “ Upper-town,” and the configuration suits; in Gaelic Bail’ uachdarach. A saying is Sgreigeagan Thearbusta, the little rocky spots of Heribusta.

H er ish ad er . Lord’s seat, place, or town, Lord-ton. Harri, as above, and shader, one form of setr, a seat or residence, etc.

H igichan , H ig ie d a n . Supposed mistake for Sligachan, q.v.H iysdal , H eysd al . High dale, hei or hey, a form of haugr,

a mound, etc., and dal, from dalr, Norse, a dale, etc., always ends a name. This place is in Waternish.

H in n isd a l , H in g isd a le . See “ Gleann.”H oabhal , H obh al . H igh fell, ho or hoe, another form of

haugr, and fjall, as before.

H oe R ape , H oe Cape (also called The Hoe, Toe, i.e., an t-ho). The high sea-cliff. From haugr, as before. Ho generally means as above, not to any cultivated lands; there are Ho


Ramasaig, Ho Bhororaig, Ho Abalac or Abalag. Ho is cognate with Saxon heh, high, as in each case ho is high rocks; Ramasaig has Ho bheag and Ho mhor; on or at the top of Ho Bhororaig is Sloe or Slochd nam Piobairean. Cf. Mull of Oa, in Islay, Plymouth Hoe in England, etc. Hojde(en) in Norse and Hogde, Danish, both mean a height. See “ Collihoe ” (oollis hoe), stone; this latter (pleonastic) said to be near Kyleakin; “ Gob na H oe” in Duirinish; while gob or cop appears in a Dorset place-name, above Warminster, which is described as a “ barrow-crowned knoll.” The personal name “ Cobb ” is just cop, etc.

H oinaclead . This thought to be a mis-spelling by Pont of “ Inacleit,” q.v.; in pronunciation this word stands for the name “ Hungladder,” q.v., having a shut vowel between g and I; the final r may be the Norse nominative or genitive; also found given “ Aoinecleit,” “ Aonacleat.”

Hole, H oal, H oil, H ol, H olle, etc. Hill-slope. This fits well. Gaelic toll or an t-hol. There is a Cnoc Hoil,” almost a duplication.

H olebhal , H e l a b h a l . See last name; hole and fjall.H olm , H olme , H olms, H ollom . The holm, Norse holmr, a

holm, haugh, or small island in a bay or river, low-lying land; also an isolated hill, and as such frequently found in names. Gaelic tolm, a rounded hill, which is just t-holm, generally beside a river or stream; this place is named “ Holm ocra ” and “ icra,” i.e., uachdarach agus iochdarach, upper and nether. It lies about six miles from Portree, at north end of Raasay, and has a cataract of some magnitude.

H olmesdale , H olm isdal , H olmasdale , H o lm asd ill . Holm- dale. In Duirinish. Holm, as above, and dal, dalr.

H oravaig, T h orvaig . Thor or Thori’s bay.

H orloch, T horloch . Thor’s loch. At Dunvegan, near Glen M ‘Askill.

H orneval , H ornaval, H eornabhal (pron.). The eagle-fell, from horn, om, am, earn, a sea-eagle, and fjall,os, before; there is a boundary stone here called the Clach ghlcts, or grey stone, q.v. This place is in Duirinish.

H ornisco. The place of eagles. See “ Sco,” ante. Near Braoadale.

H orseglen, H orseglan, H orsquhar, H onquhar. See “ Ors- clan.”

H orste. The isolated mountain, formerly joined to others.

H usedale, H ous- dale, H ousdle, H oustle, H outle and T oustle, i.e., an t-houstle. House-dale, Icel., Danish, and Swedish bus and dal, dalr; Beag agus mor. Both in Minginish.

H uisgil. The house on the ravine; bus and gil, as before. Near Talisker.

H uisinish . See “ Uishness.” The outer ness house, or house on the point. C f. Hushanish in Harris, Husanes in Iceland, and Ushanish in Lewis.

H umbla. Humblus’ rock. This said to be a rock named after a Danish king or prince of that name.

H ungag, T hungag, T ungag, q.v. The little tomb or burying- ground, tomb. A local poet sang the praises of this place.

“ '8 mi tighinn roimh chata Thungaig,'8 cm driuchd air na badagon,” etc:

—D. Macleod.The word chata signifies sheep-cot; the proper word ìb chadha, pass or defile.

H unglader, H unglatter, U niglader, etc. The farmstead or residence of Hunn or Hung, a, Norse prince or leading man. This etymology is doubtful, though farther research shows that there was a Hungus (or Angus), a Pictish monarch, a .d . 731-761, whose name was also spelled Aengus, and said to equal unicus, the only one, aen, one; thought, however, the first syllable may be ung or unga, ounce-Land, Norse measure of land introduced into the Hebrides, and lader or ladder, one of the many forms of bolstadr, or last half thereof, which signifies a residence, homestead, etc., and enters into so many place-names. The spelling “ Uniglader ” strengthens this supposition. See “ Ungshadder,” etc.

This place is in Kilmuir; a class of lay-preachers or readers (somh meaning convert) are spoken of as “ Somh- adairean Thungladder ” ; it was occupied from time immemorial by the M ‘Arthurs, hereditary pipers to the Lords of the Isles, and subsequently to the Macdonalds of Sleat. Angus, the last of them (the M ‘Arthurs), died in 1800.



H unigil. Hunn’s gyllor ravine; or unga gil, gyll of the ounce- land; or even from huna, a bear.

Hunish. Hwrm, as above, and Norse ness, a nose or point, or unga, also as before.

This point is in Kilmuir and north end of Skye, and is not unknown to fame; here, at Hunish House, lived Donald Miaeleod of Bernera, a famous man in many ways; three of his sons became generals in the British Army. Another worthy, styled “ Seoc Unish,” Jock of Hunish, was a famous recruiter for our Highland regiments, and kept all around him in a stir; in fact, in a local song, the very cattle are made to say, after Seoc’s decease, “ Co ni bhuirich? ” who will do or make the bellowing or perhaps loud lament; a word Hunais, Huna’s place, said to be a proper name.

H uraman, T huraman, T hurraban. The oscillating or moving ones. Not known. Na turaman also.

H usabost, U sabost, A usabost, etc. The house of the homestead. Hus, Norse, house, and bolstadr. It is situated at Leinish Bay, Duirinish; here Sheriff Nicolson was born, 27th September, 1827; died at Edinburgh, 12th January, 1893.

H usgar, T husgair. The house skerry; hus and sgeir.

IIadhaird , A n F hiadhaird , F hiaghart. The lea or ley land,

fiadhair, uncultivated ground, wild field, gart. Near Dunvegan. Art also signifies house, etc., e.g., muc-art, pig- house.

Iasgair. The fisher; iasg, fish, and ar, place of; ar is also a contraction of abar, e.g., Arbroath; also suggested iasg sgeir, the fish rock, other sgeirean being near. Iasgair has been corrupted into Jeskar and Yesker, which supports the ar.

This corruption includes esker, etc., but thought this latter refers to easoar or easgar, Old Celtic word for a ridge of gravel or detritus from glaciers, also spelled eiscir, esger’, in these forms it equals asar, from osar, plural of the Swedish word as, which signifies the same thing; easgar or easoar also signifies a fall (of gravel, sand, etc.); the so- called “ serpent-mounds ” are now thought to be eascars, etc.


Idrigal, I drigil, Iorigle, Uadrigill, etc. Outer hill, cleft, or gully, from Utarr-gil, or Ytri-hollr (helir, a stone). Cf. “ Udrigle ” or “ Udrigill.” One lowland authority says “ Possibly Norse hlid argil, hill, ravine, or idris, a giant, and gil, a ravine.” Another Celtic authority states “ decidedly not gil, a ravine.” Lady Grange was imprisoned here for a time. This point is at Uig, north of Loch Bracadale, next sea.

Ilan-na-H erda. Isle of the tail-end of land, eilean-na-h-earr or earradh. Not certain that this place is in Skye.

Ilan- n i-L iy . Not known. Said to be in Strath. See “ Beinn Lee,” opposite Dun Can, in Haasay.

I nacleit, U nacleit, E unacleit. The cloven cliff of the ounce- land, or vice versa, as given by one authority, i.e., ung' a chleit, unga, ounce, Norse land measure (see “ Peighinn ” ), and cleit, cleite, an isolated rock, Norse Klettr, a sea-cliff, cloeft, cloven, for rocks cloven from land (where cormorants and other sea-birds roost, etc); a rugged eminence; a ridge or reef of sunk rocks, e.g., “ Cleit Hunish,” off Rudha Hunish, extreme north of Skye. Said also, though doubtful, to equal “ Aonaclair.” See also “ Unabost,” etc.

I nbhig , I ndhebheg. See “ Inibhaig,” “ Dianabhaig,” etc.Inbhir, A n Ionbhar. The confluence with the sea. Inbearaib

is an old Celtic term for estuaries. In connection with ionbhar, it is desirable to refer to abar, aber, abre, said to be Pictish or British, and means the mouth of a river where two or more streams meet (also comar); a lesser water flowing into a greater; at or od ber (Eng. bear, Latin fers), od meaning out; oper is the old .Welsh form, also oth,O. G ., a ford, and bior, water, frequently abh (see. “ Abhainn” ). No name commencing with abar found in Skye, the closest approach thereto being eabar, mud, slime, etc.; the ancient British word cymmer (plural cymmere) equals co-ionbhar, the meeting of two or more rivers. Abar, as above given, a burn into a river, a river into a loch; or sea, etc. It is further defined as a Brythonic-Celtic term (or Brittonic).

There are 88 places with abar or aber in Great Britain, 60 or 70 in Wales, but only one inver. “ Abers ” are rare in Ireland, and sparse in the Highlands of Scotland; there are none in Argyll, only invers; ionbhar or inbhir said to


mean also “ stepping-stones imber, now inbhear, means a delta at a river mouth, usually verdant, “ Os imber mungmch Masain,” above the shaggy river of Masan. The ancient Celtic word bir, water or well, enters into this word; a-mot, the river-meet or confluence, takes the forms iamat, amaite.

Skene says, “ Invers always at mouth of the river, close to its junction with another river or the sea; abers usually a little distance up the river, where there is a ford.” Inver, Gaelic inbhir, being masculine, demands the termination ar, and should be written ionbhar.

In eleventh or twelfth century, Aberdour was spelled Abbordoboir, abar, water.

Inbhir-a-G arraidh . The confluence at the point or knuckle- end of land. See “ Gearradh ” and cf. “ Invergarry.”

Inbhir G hualainn . The confluence of or at the sloping- shoulder hill.

I nibost. See “ Unabost.”

Inis, I nnis (gen. Innse). An island. This word does not appear in combination with many Skye place-names (but see Sleat, Lagan, Meall, etc.); it is now obsolete, and has been replaced by eilean, q.v., from Icelandic ey land, equalling island-land; ey is found in names of small islands adjacent to large ones; one authority (among many) states the two words are inis and eilean, the former native (Welsh ynys), the latter borrowed from Norse, as above, ey land, Irish oilean; another gives Armoric enez, and Latin insula (See Arms., s.v. an, water); the Hebrides generally are termed Innse-gall, the isles of the strangers (i.e., Norse); innsean or innseachan is the proper plural of innis; innseag is a diminutive, and forms a placei-name in Duror, Argyll; inis or innis generally means a sheltered valley, a pasture field, etc, frequently beside or near streams, “ innis nam bo,” meadow of the cows; three meanings of innis are (1) island, (2) meadow, as above, and (3) a resting-place for cattle, etc.; frequently spoken of as “ An t-Innis,” the pasture or grazing land.

If the qualifying or generic word is prefixed to innist that word or name is always Gaelic; that prefixed to neS is always Norse.

Inneal-a -C hlarsair. The harpers instrument; a hill in Waternish, so named from resemblance to a harp.


I nnean , An t\ The anvil, a rook or hill near which is “ Tobar nan Uaislean,” q.v.

I nner aros, I nerairies, etc. The dwelling at the confluence; inner, for inbhir, and aros (sometimes mas), a house, a dwelling, etc.

Inneruig, I nnerneig, Innereg, Innervig, etc. The confluence of the Uig. Raasay.

I nveraulavaig. See “ Sleat.”Inverley. Not known, unless liath, grey, pale, etc. See

“ Lay glen.”I nvermeadale. Confluence of Meadale River. See “ Meadale.”I nvertote. See “ Tota.” The confluence of the River Tote.I olagag, Iollagaig, I ullagaig. The fishing stance. This name

is derived from iola or iolla, a fishing station off a rock in the sea, sometimes submerged at high tide; iolla also a quick look or sight, gabh iolla ris, just look at him; iolla sometimes confounded with ealadh, creeping after game and taking a quick sight in hunting.

I olan, I ulan D ubh . Another form of last name; supposed “ black rock.” There is a word iodhlann pronounced almost similarly which means com-yard, or any fenced place, and as this place is near Kingsburgh farm-house, it may be the latter.

I olla G-heoain, G hoain . Goan rock, as above. In Kilmuir. Goan thought to be a proper name. See “ Doire Ghoain,” Sleat. From first spelling, might be diminutive of geodha, a creek, from gjo, geo, Norse, a creek, a partial opening as of a door or mouth; gia, Icel., rift, creek, also goe and geob, gja, chasm; not known if such exist here.

I omadal, I onadal. See “ Gleann Ionadal.” There is a glen, burn, and Loch Ionadal. There is a word iomadal, imideal, imbhuideal, signifying a dish for carrying milk or cream.

I osa, Iosal, I sa, N isay, N ysa, etc. Ice Isle. Nisay, etc., is just ian isa or isay. Long thought to mean “ Jesus Isle.” A small island near is called Ovia, Ouia, or Buya, q.v. In this island a laird of Raaeay and others were assassinated by Ruairidh MacA.ilein Macleod, a clansman, if not a kinsman, in 1569. Isa is in Dunvegan Bay.


I re. Earth, land, portion, also produce. May be meant for “ Eyre,” q.v. C f. “ Strath Ire,” i.e., srath-iodhair or eadhar, the strath of the yew trees, or the aspen tree.

Islandtaigh. Island house. Portree. Tmgh an eilean properly.

KWords or names beginning with the letter K are merely

corruptions of Gaelic hard C. See under that letter.

K ammey, K eanney, K eanvaig, K eanveg, Ceann-a -B haid h e , q.v. Head of the bay.

K amsa, K amusa (camus). A bay, a harbour, etc. In Duirinish.

K andram , K endram . Ridge-head, ceann droma. In Kilmuir.K anliskar . Thought meant for “ Talisker,” but not known.K apgill. See “ Casgill.”K arsicbrecht. Not known, unless Carsaig breac. Cf.

“ Carsaig ” in Mull. Might be Kari’s mg or Kari’s bay.K eanchroick. The head or promontory of the deers’ antlers,

ceann-a-chroic.K eandendruym . Head of the ridge, ceann an druim, droma.K eanloch, K inloch. Head of the loch, ceann-loch. Several

in Skye.K eanlochslugach. The head of the swallowing loch. May be

meant for sligeach, shelly-sand. See “ Sligeachan.”K earra. The fourth part (of land), a measure. Ceathramh,

ceithreamh, a hill near Talisker.K eil , K eille, K il . This may be meant for cill, a cell, a

church, and is given as in Strath. This word as a termination is considered most uncertain; it may be any one of the following—ooille, a wood, mol, caolas, a strait, cuil, a corner, a recess, cul, a back, a ridge; cill as above is the dative case of the old noun ceall or cealla, genitive cille; often Jcel, kelly, killy, and kyle; Kill in Norse means a spring of water, also a creek, etc.; cill said to be the radical of celare, Latin.


K eist. See “ Eist ” also “ Heast.”K eistle. See “ Ciostal,” also “ Kestill,” “ Keistill.”K elso. A name given by Pont.K enbay. See “ Kammey.”

K endrom, K endromes. The head or end of the ridge, ceann droma, upper and lower. In Kilmuir, where the Rev. D. Macqueen, of literary fame, lived, and died in 1749.

K enachtrich, K enochtrich, etc. Upper head or promontory, cecmn uachdaraich. In Kilchrist, Strath.

K enchreggan. Head of the little rock, ceann a chreagan. At Portree.

K enlochow. The head of Loch Ow <or Awe. C f. “ Loch Awe.” Oth, etc., signifies a large body of water, see “ Abhainn o or oth is a side form of a, water.

K ennackegan. See “ Kenchreggan.” This place, however, is in Troternish. There is a word ceig (Keig), a mass, a lump, from Norse Kagge, a round mass; ceigean may be the diminutive, and this name to mean the head of the little lump.

K ensaleyre. Head of the sea gravelly beach, ceann-sail-ire, eyrr, Norse for a gravelly beach, etc.; ire, q.v.; see alsio “ Eyre.”

K ensalroag. Head of the salt water of (loch) Roag, cecmn sàile Roaig.

K eppoch, A Cheapach, ’Cheapaich . The tillage plot. Near Strathaird.

K erral, K errol. The quarter part (of land), ceathramhal. In Duirinish.

K etil . A Norwegian king of the Hebrides, the earliest or first Viking appearing there in 912; this questioned. Ketil was son of Biorn, chief of Raumsdal, in 890; he died, as alleged, King of the Hebrides; Helgi, his son, succeeded him for a few years. The Hebrides and other isles were ceded to Scotland in 1266; Ketil, Helgi, and Biorn or Bjorn, left their names in Skye.

K eyburg, K eylburg, K ysburg, etc. (Cisborg). Tax-town. See “ Kingsburgh.”

K igg. May be a mistake for “ Rigg,” q.v., or ceig, as above.


J£ilashig . See “ Askimilruy.”K ilbride , K ilbridye, K ilbry, etc. (Cille Bhrighid, Brighde).

Saint Bridget’s cell or church. There are, or were, thirteen or fifteen saints or holy women of this name in Ireland alone in the fifth century, while there are, or were, eighteen Kilbrides in Scotland.

This one is in Strath, and it is there the parish clergyman’s manse is situated; there is also a Kilbride in Tote- soore, Troternish. “ Mary of the Gael,” St. Bride or Bridget Ni Dhubhaig, was the most famed; St. Bridget’s Day is 1st February (0 . S.), La Fheill Bride; called after her is Brideag, an image of the saint, and Bridein, Brid- eun, Bride’s bird, and Gille-Brighde, Bride’s servant or messenger, the sea-piet or oyster-catcber. At Kilbride is the famous “ Anniat ” stone, eight or ten feet high even now, also a well of “ Annat,” q.v.

K ilchoan, K ilkoan . See “ Cille Comghain.” Cf. “ Kil- choan,” Ardnamurehan.

K ilcholkill, Cille Cholumcille. Cell or church of Columba of the cells or churches. In Snizort, 1640. As is well- known, St. Columba was the most famous of all saints; he was also called St. Ide or Ite, an Abbot of St. Bennet’s Order, born in Lagenia or Ladenia (now Louden), and lived in the monastery of Ban-cor, in Huense (Hi-irmis or innse),i.e., Iona. He died in 597, aged nearly 80 years.

K ilchrist, K ilcrist, K ilkrist, K eilchrist, etc. (Cille- Chriosd). Christ’s cell or church, the original name of the present parish of Strath, “ Kilchrist in Askimilruby,” 1505 to 1848, designated in titles “ Strathawradall.” Dr. John Walker, in 1808, called it “ Hul-christ,” and said that the manse was built of the local marble, white and grey, of which also was the chief altar at Iona; this altar was destroyed about 1790. Various other buildings of note, at home and abroad, are built, or partially built, of this marble. Of course, it is well known that Roman Catholics claim this name as of their particular faith. In reference to Iona, among the many famous Abbots, there was John, son of Lachlan Macfingon (Mackinnon). There is an old church, now in ruins, with burying-ground, at Kilchrist, with several notable slabs, a cross 54 feet long, and a stone circle, etc.


K ilchro (K ilchrist). The cell or church of the circle or enclosure. Cro, the primary meaning of which is a circle, is also used «us a term for a sheep-fold; here it signifies a district surrounded by hills; a variant is era, a cruive, Old Norse Kro. Two very ancient and curious stones are to be seen here; one of these bears a striking resemblance to a heathen or pagan idol, a crom-cruaich. See the work on the Parish of Strath by Rev. D. M. Lamont.

K ilconan, K ilchonnan. Ancient name of Trumpan, q.v. St. Conan’s Cell. In Waternish.

K ildonan, K ildonnan, K ildoren, etc. (Cille-Domum). The brown-haired one. At Lynedale, near Edinbane, q.v. Dorman equals donn-aon, brown one. This church is but one of eleven churches or chapels where the saint’s memory was preserved and held in veneration, and has a very ancient burying-ground attached; this church has been compared and associated in name with Kildonan in Sutherland, which, however, has been explained as originally “ Kildomhnach,” or Lord’s Church, from Dominus; there were three St. Donnans; one of these, in the island of Eigg, held chief place, and is styled “ one of the most popular saints of Scotland.”

K ildorais, Cille-T urois. Saint Turos’ cell or church. Opposite “ Poldòrais, q.v.

K ilena , K ileana, Cill E adhna or Eadhain Bhaist . This supposed to stand for Eunan or Eonan, equalling Adhamhan or little Adam, but not vouched for.

K illach (Cailleaek). Old woman or hag. See “ Clach a Chaillich.”

K illtjrid. Thought a corruption of “ Cilbhrighid,” q.v. Suggested cill oraid, the cell of the speech or prayer.

K ilmaluag. Numerous different spellings, 1501 onwards, when it was Kilmolowocke, etc. Also found in “ Register of Great Seal” as “ Kilmabuk ” (Raisay); also Kilmolemy or Kilmolemoc; while Pont has Kilmo Lowag, all signifying Cille Moluac or Moluag, Saint Moluac’s cell, church, or chapel. In Troternish. The name is “ Lughaich,” with suffix oc and prefix mo, otherwise lu-oc, a diminutive or pet name for “ Lugaid,” with mo els before..

Another rendering may be given, viz., that this saint


was St. Molaga or Molochein, who died in 664, the original name being Luag or Lochein; this name has been subjected, like so many others, to numerous changes, e.g., Malogue (Ir.), Milauk, Mullag, Molenoc (Latin), also Molingus, Mollamoc; one of these variations, viz., “ Kil-mo- Lemmoc,” was conferred on St. Andrews—Llanbryd, the enclosure, house, or church of Bride or Brigit; this has further changed to Kil Molymock; other forms are Luag, Lua, Leu (suggested Latin lupus), Molocus, Molua, Mul- vay. As hinted at above, the prefix mo is a term of reverent endearment equal to “ My dear Luoc,” etc. Cf. “Mungo.” M'aona ghuth.

Saint Moluoc was founder and patron of Lismore, Argyllshire; this island, as its name, the great garden, was doubtless selected by the Saint for its exceptional fertility, a fact which is found connected with all the settlements— or nearly all—of the pious devotees of yore. Saint Moluac came from Ban-cor (Bangor) in Ireland, where he was also called or named Lugadius, Lamluoc, or Lughaidh, another endearing term for Lua, etc.; he died in 592 (or 664). We also find it stated that Saint Molua was the- first bishop of Killoloe, i.e., Cill (Mh)olua, in Ireland, about 600 a .d .

Kilmaluag was the old name for Kilmuir, and has had some curious local meanings given it, one being “ Cill mo luaidheag,” the cell or church of my little beloved one, etc.

K ilmarie, K ilmaree, K ilmorie, etc. (Cille Mael or Maolrubha or Malrube). The cell or church of the servant of peace? See “ Askimilruby.” Saint Maolrubha was patron saint of the south-east of Skye; the name is pronounced locally Kilvoree, and is in Strathaird, on the shores of Loch Slapin. There is a Kilmolruy in Bracadale. There are three standing-stones at Kilmarie. From above local pronunciation, this place is often given as “ Cille-mhuire,” Kilmuir; “ Cille-ma-Ruibhe,” “ Cille-mha-Ruibh ” are other forms, even “ Malrubber.”

K ilmartin, Cille M hartainn , K ilmertin (1588). Saint Martin’s cell or church; thought to be named after Saint Martin of Tours. A river at Kilmartin is somewhat famed for large horse-mussels, from which pearls are, or used to be got; these mussels are also found in a river near Ord, Sleat.

P


K ilmolruy. Malrube’s cell or church. See “ Kilmarie.” St. Maelrubha was of Irish extraction, and died a martyr’s death, a .d ., 722. His festival is, or was, observed on 21st April. C f. “ Kilmory,” in Arasaig.

K ilmorocht. St. Moroc’s cell or church. Cf. “ Kilmorack,” Inverness-shire.

K ilm uir . St. Mary’s cell or church, formerly named or called Kilmaluag, q.v. The spelling of this name has varied greatly, e.g., Kilmoor, Kilmorie (1633), Kilmori, Kil- mary (1616), Kylemure, etc. Situated S.W. of Troternish and N.E. of Duirinish (at one time designed as “ Kilmuir and Raasay ” ); Cillmoriihe ri sgèth (sgeith) a ohuain; this parish or district was once the bed of a loch; the land now is very level and fertile. Kilmuir, as may be inferred, is dedicated to St. Mary, hence Cill-Moire, Cille Mhoire or Mhuire; it is the most northern parish in Skye, and called “ Duthaich na stapag ” or “ Am fearann stapagach” the land of erowdie (meal and cream) or the crowdie land; this name given by the Macleods to Troternish generally, and complimentary; Kilmaluog and Kilmeanoch, the mid or middle cell, etc., are also names by which the parish was known, at least the portion of the district served ere parishes were formally erected; the latter name is accounted for by the fact that the parish, etc., is divided into three, viz., Kilmuir proper, Kilmaluag, and Stenscholl or Eastside, each with a clachan midst wild and rocky surroundings.

This part of Skye has bulked largely in the public eye, mythically, traditionally, and historically. Pennant called or named it “ Kilmore, the granary of Skye.” . The public records and other ancient writings contain frequent references to this parish, in one of which we read that in 1580 Alexander Campbell was parson of Kyllychmynewyr, i.e., Kilmuir.

From the dim distant past to 1715, and subsequently, as may be surmised, feuds, clan and family differences were rife here and in Skye generally, religion, not to speak of Christianity, being little in evidence, despite the existence of the many so-called ecclesiastical settlements which succeeded the pagan and monastioal rule in Kilmuir. However, matters improved, two of Kilmuir’s famous clergymen latterly being the Revs. Robert and Alexander MacGregor,

• the latter being well known as “ Sgiathanach” of Inverness;


the former wrote the “New Statistical Account of Kilmuir,” to which we refer our readers.

Kilmuir churchyard is the last resting-place of many celebrities, among others being Flora Macdonald of Prince Charlie fame, or Fionnghdl nighean Raonuill ’'ic Aonghais oig, tacksman of Milton, South Uist; also the remains of nearly all the MacCrimmons, the last being laid there in 1822. What is termed “Reilig Mhor Chlann Donuill ,” the Clan Donald groat burial-ground (reliquice), is the site where the ancient church of St. Mary stood; this is a misnomer, as the “ Reilig ” proper is in Kilmore Churchyard, Sleat. There is a Kilmuir in North Uist, also with burial- ground; it is called “ Sgire Mhoire,” Mary’s parish (sgirmchd). Cf. “ Kirkhill.”

Kilmuir and district abounds in places of interest, and a considerable volume could easily be written about them and the antiquarian lore therewith connected. The following list of knolls or cnuic, etc., alone show that to some, extent: Cnoc Airigh bheag, knoll of the little sheiling; Biorach, pointed; Na Cuibhle, the wheel; An Annlainn, the “ Kitchen” ; Na Miurag, Meurag, little finger; A Chleachda, Chleachdag, the ringlet; Flasgair, the gleamer or beacon, falasgair; An Fhradharc, the sight or view; Na Caillich, the old women; Sartail, the muddy-dale; Na h-Easgainn, the eels; A Mheirlich, the thief; Lingaill; Ghriancm, sunny-spot; Cubhra, the fragrant; Na h-lnnse, the island; Nan Capull, horses; Ghorm-Shuil, blue-eye; An Lin, the lint; An Dobhrainn, the otter; Druim Feothalain (feothan), the little dormouse ridge, or feolacan; Nan Laogh, calves; Nan Cmrach, sheep; Nan Suirichean, sweethearts; Na Croise, the cross; Siniseachan, Smiachan, a corruption of Uisneachan, sons of Usnach; Mhaoldomh- naich, servant of the Lord (Domimus); Roll, Roladh, rolling, revolving; Mhic Thorlain, Torla’s son. To all these names the word “ Cnoc ” is to be prefixed.

Space does not permit of giving other prominent and antiquarian features of interest. Some additional cnuic elsewhere herein.

K ilmtjn, K ylem u n n (Cille-Mhunna) . St. Munn’s cell or church.

K il t y n e . Not known. Monro writes of “ Waiter of.”


K il P h ead a r. Saint Peter’s cell or church. Allan MacDonald ■of Clan Ranald (Ailein Muideartach) used to worship here, but not known if in Skye at all.

K ilsch an . Not known; probably a mis-spelling of some other name.

K iltarr aglan , K il t a r a g l a w , etc. (Cilltaraglan, Cill Taragh- lain, Cill Talorgan). Talorgan’s cell or church. Ancient name for the parish of Portree. Talorgan was a noted saint (some say Pictish, but Celtic); see “ Cill,” etc. Etymology of this word erroneously given in “ Statistical Account.” Cf. “ Kiltarlity.”

K ilvaxter , K eilbakstar (1501), K illaxter (1574), K il - vak isa , K il l iv a t e r , etc. (Cille Bhagstar). The cell or church of the baker, thought the refectorium attached to the monastic settlement in Kilmuir, Troternish.

Some searchers after Norse origins render it as Cill bdkka meter, the church or cell (or sheiling') on the bank of the loch, but this cannot stand; bakka means certainly “ banks,” also cliff, steep rock shore, and equals bac, while meter is just a form of setr, a seat, a residence, with many other significations given throughout this work. Another authority says it has been explained as “ Bay-stead,” from Norse mgr, a bay, and setr, a eheiling, but it is (now) about a mile from the sea, and in the local name of the bay there is neither bagh nor vagr, but oamus, viz., An oamus mor. A third authority pronounced bakka meter and vagr setr both “ unsatisfactory ” on account of position, as above stated.

K inagm ore . The great pail or stoup, cuinneag mhor. A hill in Strath. Cf. “ Quinag.”

K ingsburgh, K in gsbu rrow , K isbu rg, K ysburgh mor agtjs BEAG, ClNSBORG, ClNNSEBURG, q .V . Toll-town (cÌS, tax, tribute), given in all these different ways. It is said traditionally that even the great Cuchulainn was subjected, “ Thoireadh Cuchulainn dhomh e,” Let Cuchailainn yield it (tribute) to me.

The change of cis to “ Kings ” was the bright idea,, doubtless, of some illiterate etymologist after Prince Charlie and James V. having both lodged for a night at the house' of a tacksman or farmer named Macdonald; this house


is not now in existence; this Macdonald was the chief man of the place at the time, and well known throughout Skye, and it was from his house that the funeral of Flora, Macdonald took place.

To this Macdonald of Kingsburgh was composed a sweet song intituled “ Ailein Duinn an till thu an taobh so,” (Brown-haired Allan, return you hither) a great favourite with Gaelic singers.

K inloch E n sid , Ce a n n -L och . Head of the loch (ensid not known). Near Portree.

K inloch eynort. Head of Loch Eynort. In Troternish. Ceann Loch Aoinmrd.

K inlochslipan or Slip p a n , K enlochslepan , K in lo ch sh ippen , etc. Head of Loch Slapin, q.v. This place goes in titles with Torrin, Strath.

K insansam , K usdusam , etc. See “ Vinsansam.”K irkabost , K ir k ib o st . Church-place at the home-farm or

town; kirkju a bolstadr. Near Kilmaree or Kilmory, Strath. Also Kirkabister, the church beside the cattle- steading, kirkju bu stadr.

Here is a temple, or remains of one, said to be Druidical, the stones whereof are locally known as “ Na clachan breugach,” the lying or false stones (false worship); other stones here are called “ Na clachan breathach,” breitheach, the judicial stones, from breitheamh, a judge; probably a place where a Mod, or miniature law-court, was held to settle disputes between proprietors and tenants, etc.; whether connected with this “ court” or not, a peculiar black stone, like a small pestle, was found here. Kirkabost or Ciroabost owes its name to a church having been built there by the Norse invaders after having embraced Christianity, about 1000 a .d .

K ist l e . See “ Ciostal.” In Snizort.K n a p k il l . The cell at the little lump of a hill, cnap-dlle.

In Snizort. Cf. “ Cnapadal.”K nockbreck , K n o ck br eak . The speckled or spotted knoll, cnoc

breac or a chnoc bhreac. In Duirinish. Knock or cnoc often pronounced crock or crochd.


K nockerisko , K nockerresco, C noceresco, C noc E risco. Erik’s town-port knoll. In Borve, Snizort. Erik is supposed to have been a Norwegian prince, a famous (or infamous) Viking. See “ Port.” The word Erisco has had various corruptions or changes, Erisgaig, Erik’s bay, being one; possibly the above “ Port.”

K nockow , K nockcowe, K nockhoe . Cairn knoll, cnoc and haugr. Found given as Cnoc dhubh, but this errs in gender of adjective. This place is in Kilmuir. See “ Hoe ” and “ Kenlochow.”

K n o t t . Not known. The word cnot in Skye means an oarslip. This place is in Bracadale.

K raaulan (Pont). See “ Crowling.”K r a ik in is h . See “ Crakenish.”K roshener (Pont). Not known; crois.K y l e a k in , K e il l a k in , etc. Acunn’s strait or kyle; Caolas

Acuinn, pronounced Caolahcuin. Accounts differ as to the origin of this name; found given Acoain, Hakon (1263). There is a Cnocàco (cnoc Haco) close by, which may be the “ Collihoe Stone ”—explained as from collis, Latin, a hill, and hoe, as before; also “ Cailleach Ho,” old wife’s hill or mound (haugr); the sea ebbs here three times in the twenty-four hours; generally styled “ A Chaol ” or “ A Chaoil,” with Kylerhea “ Na Caoil,” the Kyle or Kyles, while the village is found named “ Scalpa Chaoil,” Scalpa Strait. So great is the force of the stream here that even steamboats at certain periods are hard pressed to win through, justifying what a certain Captain Pottinger styled it so far back as 1690, “ the horrible sound of Kellachie.” There is a raised sea-beach here, with a small island at the N.W. end, called “ An t-eilean b a n the white or fair isle; the “ Acunn” above referred to is said by some to have been a Norwegian prince or chief, also called Haco, who frequented the coast or sailed through with a fleet on a piratical cruise; a still more mythical account says it wap named after one of the Fingalians, while Kylerhea was named after his brother Readh!

K yle B o n a . Bona Strait. Off Portree, and locally known as “ An Caol mor eadar Sgalpaidh is Baasaidh, agus an caoV beag, eadar Sgalpaidh is an Dunan.”


LXjACHASAi g , Lachasay, Lachsay, etc. Salmon bay or water.

Loch, lachs, Norse, a salmon, and aig, a modification of the Norse or Icelandic vie, a small creek, inlet, or bay; when at the end of a Gaelic name (all Norse here) it is feminine, whereas the Norse vig is masculine; vik or vig must not be confounded with wic (A.S.), a dwelling-place or town, e.g., Wick, in Hebrides Uig. Vikingr means a bay-man.

In Shetland, Lach,' a sea-trout river. This place is in Kilmuir, near Duntulm. Cf. “ Laxdale,” “ Laxay,” etc.

L a c h i n d i n e . Not known, unless it stands for lag an dùin, the hollow of the dun.

L adibichro , L achbichro . Not known.L a g . A hollow or den, etc. Common as mor, great, beag, little,

etc. Cf. “ Logie.”L ag a B h id e , B h io d a . The hollow of the pointed top. In

Scorr.L ag a C h it h e M h o ir . Hollow of the great snow-drift; cathadh

na fuar chithibh, drift in cold showers.L ag a D h e a la , D h a l a . Leech hollow. This word has several

other significations, e.g., eel, etc.; “ Tha 'n deala 'snamh, thig fra&an blath roimh fheasgar,” the leech is swimming, warm showers will come ere evening. N.G.P. At Broadford.

L agan , L aggan . Little hollow; also the name of an island off Eaasay.

L ag a n T ea m p u il l . The temple hollow, an old burial-ground.L ag a S m aig , Sm a ig e in . Hollow of the toad or frog. In

Ferinvicguire.L ag-a n - t -S earrag . The hollow of the bottle or cup. Between

Orbost and Roag. This cup-hollow is supposed to have a stone as the receptacle for milk poured therein for the gruagach, which is said to have haunted this place, inter alia. ? Searrach.

L agan C noc a C h a t h a . The little hollow of the battle knoll. See “ Cnoc.”

L ag B a n . White hollow. South of “ Sguman.”


L aglar . May be the ground or lower hollow; if not, meant for lair, a mare, but the genitive of lair is laire or larach. This place is in Kilmuir.

Lag M or. The great hollow. In Elgol.L ag nam B a n Saor . Hollow of the free women, noble or titled.

Said also to be nuns of a high degree or order.L ag n a n C n a im h , Cn a m h . Hollow of the bones.L ag na B ath aich . Byre hollow. This may be the genitive of

bathach, which means s a n c t u a r y ; also, under forests, a shelter.

L ag na M arach . The hollow of the hag, or big ungainly woman.

L ag na S giuchaig, S geachaig, S geicheig . Hollow of the hawthorn berry, haws, sgeach, sgitheach, hawthorn; there is a thorn-hedge growing there still.

L ag na Sonasaig , S onasain . Tadpole or frog hollow (sonas- aon, the happy one, even the one of blessing, etc.).

L ag n a S uile B a in e . The hollow of the white eye (lit.); here meant for opening in ground, suil-chritheach, quaking eye, a very treacherous bog, covered with a mat of grass, and “ eye ” in centre. Here it is white, though generally similar to surrounding ground. This place is in Scorr.

L ag n an T a ig h e a n . Hollow of the houses.L ag Stuam aich or a Stu a m a ic h . The hollow of the temperate,

sober, or modest (person). Near Huisabost.L aim h r ig na M o in e . The moss landing-place. Some have

alleged this word to be from Norse hladhamarr and vig\ this is questioned, as laimh ruig means hand reach, sometimes pronounced lamaraig, lamraig, “ Eadar long is lam araigbetween ship and shore, or an easy stretch.

L a in is h . See £f Leinish.”L am an , A n . Not known; might be lamhan (lamhcmatih),

obsolete term for a man or giant who lived in a cave by the sea-shore; also termed samhanaich. The word lamh signifies a hill (law), but not thought in use in Skye names.

L am pay (islands). Not known. These are in Loch Dunvegan, N. of An Doirneil.


L angal, L a n g il l . Long gyll or ravine.L angasgeir . Sea-weed skerry. Langi, lang-ad-arr signifies

a particular kind of sea-weed, long-leaf, plentiful here; another Norse term is langi-oddi-vara, also langstre, long tree.

L aoras, L eir th eas , L eorth as . Name of a farm near Broadford. See “ Peighinn.”

L aplach , L ap ach , L abach . A swampy or boggy place, lab, lap, a swtfmp, or bog; called also lapam, laopain, etc. At head of Loch Slapin, q.v.

L arsdale . Not known. In Flodigarry.L athach m hor N igh ean an T r e a b h . The great bog-land,

daughter (or produce) of the plough—reclaimed bog-land; the opposite of this is dithreabh, a desert or uncultivated land, a waste, di-treb, tribelass.

L avac h . Maybe lathach. A place at Loch Dunvegan.L ayglen , L ayglene (1541). Liath-gleann, grey glen. In

Bracadale.L eaba na L ar ach . The mare’s bed or resting-place, leabaidh.

East of Camushorn, camuseoma, barley bay.L eab a id h a M h e ir l ic h . The thief’s bed. Near “An ladhart.”L eabost, L ebost, L iebost, L ubost, etc. See “ Raasay.”

L y foster is just the same.L eac a B h u ac h aill , B h u ac h aille . The herd’s flag-stone.

Leac in Skye generally means a ledge of rock jutting out from the foot or base of a cliff on the foreshore and covered by the sea at flood-tide; a term leacann therefrom has been translated as the broad side of a hill, a broad slope, steep shelving ground, also a steep green surface; many hills in Skye are Imcach, i.e., having or being sheets of rock piled flat over each other, often 2,000 feet in thickness—lava flows; leac also signifies a tombstone, and sometimes given leachd; lie, the genitive, also given.

L eac a C h l a r sa ir . The harper’s flat or flag-stone; may also mean his tombstone, bed, or grave; sleac, slic, in Badenoch.

L eac a C h l e r ic h . The cleric, clerkly person, or minister’s flag or tomb-stone.

L eac a C h lo bh a , GTh l o b h a . The tongs flag-stone, forked place.


L eac a G h a r b h . The flat or flag-stony place of the rough (place), a rough slope. At back of Relig. See “ Leac (a) mhin.”

L eac a H tjlm. T he round h ill slope, leac an tuilm (Holmr).L e a c h ic l e a r ic h , L e a c h ic l e a r is h , etc. Leac a chlerich, as

above. In Bracadale.L e a c l iv ic h , L e a c l iu c h , L eac F h l i u c h . The wet slab, or hill

side; v here for u.

L e a c a in , L e a c a in n , L e a c a n n . The mountain slope, etc. In Kilmuir. Leackdan used for leaca, the cheek, etc.; leacan plural of leac.

L e a c a n n N ig h e a n a n t -S io s a l a ic h . The mountain-slope of the Chisholm’s daughter.

L eac a M h i n or L e a c (a ) M h i n . The hill-slope of the meal, or the smooth hill-slope, etc.; the latter supposed correct. This elope is on the side of Belig.

L eac a S t o ir . The storr flat or platform; this lies beneath the pinnacle.

L eac B h i g . The little flat or level (place). This is a dangerous foot-path between Coruisg and Camasunary, near or at the ceum carrach or ceum sleamhuinn, in Strath.

L eac I a in O i g . Young John’s flag-stone; also found leachd, leacht, a grave, etc.

L eac n a B a i n n e , L eac n a B u in n e , B o in n e . The flag-stone of or for milk, or the drop (of milk), all referring to the practice of leaving or pouring 6ome milk into a hollow on some flat stone or rock for the gruagach.

L eac n a F u a r a n , n a m F u a r a n . The flag-stone of the wells or springs. In Fasach.

L eac n a n C r a o b h . The flag-stone of the trees. Near Torrin,L eac n a m F a o il e a n , F a o il e a n n . The sea-gulls’ flag-stone

(perch); faoileag generally used in Skye. This resort of sea-gulls is on the N.W. side of Soay harbour. See “ L ie .”

L eac n a n G a m h n a . The flag-stone, or flat place of the stirks. Near Portree.


L eac n an S te a r n a n . The terns’ flag-stone (or lighting-place). Soay harbour; this noted, as terns more frequently seen on the wing. Steamcm pronounced in Skye often steardan (sterna hirundo). See “ Lie.”

L eac T ressernish . Tressernish flag-stone. This is a flat rocky place S . of Na Famhairean and N.E. of Troternish. Fomor, Fomorach, a Fomorian, a mythic race of invaders of Irelamd, said to be fo muitr, under sea or sea-coast men, from Holland or some unknown place; pirates like the Norse settlers.

L e a d in . Not known. A word leadan signifies teazle, burdock, or a head of hair; “ leadan aluinn,” pretty head of hair; among other meanings it has barnacle-goose. This place is in Kilmuir.

L e a e e n h a w m . Half-penny holm. In Kilmuir. Leth- pheighinn and holmr.

L ea l t , L eau lt , L e t h - A l l t . Half-etream or burn (lit.), really half-height, as applied to a burn or stream with one steep side or bank. In Kilmuir.

L e a n ish , L e a n a ish . See “ Leinish.”L ean a - n a n -C udaigean , L ia n . The swampy plain of the

cuddies or small saithe, etc., found there when sea overflows. There are two such in Glendale.

L ean clad d ic h . The shore swampy meadow or shore-meadow. Near Kingsburgh.

L e a p a id h , L e a b a id h . See “ Liapaidh.”L easgary, L easgeary . Leas prov. for lios; garry a Norse

termination for farm; geary again may be Norse geroi, an enclosure, gearraidh, the strip between machar and monaidh, where houses stand. Cf. “ Caligarry.” See “ Gardr,” which is O.N. for garth-r (goard or gord), court, garden, field, dyke, wall, or yard, pronounced girt, an enclosed space; gar in termination equals garth; gearraidh also means a point or knuckle-end of land, pasture-land about a township, fenced fields, enclosed grazing between the arable land and the open moor, common grazing and arable land‘between the moor and the crofts, the place where the sheilings or sheik are built; the foregoing is obtained from the best authorities. This place is south of Portree. See


“ Lisigarry.” Leasg means “ a spot of ground, and ary is a Norse termination signifying farm, as before; thus Leasgary may mean farm-stead or place.

L eathad B e it h e . The birchen slope or broad brae with birch - trees growing thereon; Manx Ihmthee.

L eathad Ch o in n ic h . Kenneth’s slope or declivity; thought this place named after a guide to the Coolins.

L eathad Ch r it h in n . The aspen-tree slope; critheann, an, the trembling or shivering one, populus tremula. This place is north of Loch Ainort.

L eathad D u b h . The black or dark elope or declivity. In or among the Coolins.

L eathad n an C raobh . The slope or brae of the trees. At Torran. See “ Leac nan Craobh.”

L eathad na Steiseig . The slope or declivity of the blow or hard bump, etc.; steiseig thought a prov. variety of deiseag, deiseige, properly deillseag. “Am fear a theid ri leathad gheigh 'e steismg,” he who falls down a slope will get a bump! This place is S.W. from Sligachan; one of many. Ui or uidh leathaid, a gradual declivity or slope, etc.

Lec. See “ Letac.”L e h a l t , L eth a l t , L e t h A l l t , L e a l t , q.v. Said to have

originally meant a wooded valley.L e in ish , L eo n ish . May be meadow-point or promontory. A

township on mainland of Skye, west side of Dunvegan; also cnoc and bay, the latter near Colbost.

L e ip h e n , L e p h in , L ie p b e in , L e t h -B h e in n . Half-mount or hill. This is a township in Duirinish with sowming rights to half the adjacent hill, hence, it is said, the name.

L e it ir , L e ite r , A n L e t h T ir (lit. the half-land), a sloping hill on one side, and glen or plain, half the land cut away. See “ Old Stat. Acct. of Scotland,” vol. xi., p. 613, s.v. “ Callander.” This leitir is off Loch Sligachan; another in Kilmuir, west of the Loch Columcill; the top is flat, and called druim-na-leathad, the ridge of the slope; Welsh llethyr.

L e it ir Casleac. Hillside of the steep or abrupt flagstone; a word adisleae signifies a stream.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYe 237

L e o g a d a d . See “ Buaile.”L e o id e M or (A), L e o t h a id e . Breadth, the great breadth or

stretch (of land). Cul-da-leothaid found as a name for Castle Leod; also Leothad and Leoide for “ Lude.” This place is in Kilmuir. Lend is the word for breadth, gen. leoid.

L e p h in a c h a v in e . Thought the half-penny land of the curved bay; leth-pheighinn a chorran, or ghobhainn, smith. See “ Penyzegeyn.”

L e u m a n D o il l . The leap of the blind (man). Near Dun Bhoraraig. Mackay, a famous piper, who was blind, either evaded being thrown, or, being actually thrown over a precipice, made a miraculous escape by leaping a chasm of about 24 feet. Jealousy was the cause, and Padruig Caogach ’Ic Cruimmein was blamed; caogach, squint-eyed. See “ Lag-an-Doill.”

L e u m M h ic - n a - B a n t r a ic h . The leap of the widow’s son; he was fleeing from the press-gang. This place is south of Camus Beag, in Uig, west of Cuidreach House.

L e u r a s (Pont), L iv e r a s , L e o r a s , L e o r t h a s . A measure of land. See “ Tirung,” also “ Linerass.” This place is in Strath, opposite Scalpa. If “ Leunas ” correct, it may be from leur, which equals leir, mud. There is a chambered cairn here, opened in 1832, it is thought, for a second time, and which is very ancient; about fourteen feet in height and nine feet in width; an old sepulchre or burial-place. See also “ Laoras.”

L ia n or L ia n a ’B h o r e in , B h o ir r e in . The mat or moor-grass meadow; also borraeh and beitem. This grass is found particularly in Ferinvicguire and Eilean Lianadal or Lyn- dale, q.v.

L ia n a g a C h a i t . The little m eadow o f the cat (w ild ).

L ia n L e g o . The meadow or plain of L e g . This place is in Kilmuir, and apparently named after the lake or loch in Ulster of that name.

L i a n or L ia n a ’M h o r r a ic h , B h o r r a ic h . The moor-grass meadow (see above). See also “ Mourournycht.”

L ia n n a n G o is t in , a G h o is t in , G o is n e in . Meadow or field of the snares (hare).


L ia n a ir id h n a n G e a d h . The goose-meadow near the fold, or lion airigh nan geadh, the meadow near the house for the geese.

L ia p a id h , L e a p a id h , L eaba id h n a G las G h io ll a n . The bed of the sallow-faced lad; glas ghiollan thought meant for glas ghuailne, grey shoulder, a mythical cow belonging to one of the Feinne that yielded eleven gallons of milk at each milking.

Lie, L eacan F aoilean , F ao ilean n , agus n an Ste a r n a n . See “ Leac.” These two stones, with Beinn Bhreac, all in Soay, are termed “ torridonian.”

L iesol, L esole, L iosal, etc. The garden rock. Lios and al, not known. In Minginish.

L in d il l . See “ Lyndale.”L incro, L inicro , L yanacroe . The meadow of the fold, lian

a chro, all now changed.L inerass, L iverass, S iver ass . See “ Leuras.” The termina

tion as in Nome and Danish means ridge of hill. This place in Strath.

L in g ay , L ongay. Ling, or heather, island; Norse lyng. If “ Longay,” then see “ Longa.” In this island the cattle, as in some other places, feed largely on seta-ware, the beef being extra good.

L in n e C hrolaigeach . Crowlin Sound, between Scalpa and the Crowlin Isles.

L in n e S gith eanach , L in n e C h u c h u l a in n . Skye or Cuchullin Sound, S.W. of Skye.

L in sh a d e r . Flax-stead; lin, lion, lint, flax, and setr, & residence, etc., as before. Lianasaid, Lionasaid, the same, and stadr.

L ip o r t . The harbour slope; li or lidh, a steep, grassy slope, from Norse hlid. In Snizort.

L isigarry , L isgarrie , L ig avie , L isigearie , L ios-G e a r r a id h . The garden farm. This seems the only example of the word lios, a garden or fort, etc.; of old it was the homestead of a flath or chief, if enclosed and set apart for cattle, etc.; also “ Rath” or “ Tathan ” (lord’s place.), a shelter, etc. In the Book of Clanranald lios (by extension) is translated fence; the o in lios prevents the s being sounded sh. See “ Leasgary.”


L o a n f e r n . Alder meadow (or burn). See “ Lon ” ; Ion fear na.

L o b h a i r g il . The valley of the leper, etc. Near “ Macleod’s Maidens,” q.v.

This place is very retired and out of the way, where a; a leper or lepers were isolated, or anyone affected with a loathsome disease, galar; even an obnoxious person from infirmity or otherwise desired to be “ put away,” a troich, or poor wretch.

A more pleasant etymology for this name has been advanced, viz., “ Lothairgill,” lavender ravine, or lus-na- tuise, which was much in demand for incense.

Loth again, it may be observed, signifies “ mud ” (O.G.), hence lothach, lathach. Cf. “ Loth ” in Sutherland, pronounced “ Loh.” Lo means water also, but the spelling does not encourage this latter etymology.

In connection with Lobhairgil is the tale of MacNeill of Colonsay and the witches, also the large black dog.> We have, however, not been able to vouch for this.

L obhta Co ir e . Loft corry; an upper storey, so to say, of Harta Coire, a tremendous precipice of black rock, the wildest of the Coolins; it was here Prince Charlie is said to have found refuge for a while. See “Tobar-a-Phrionnsa,” which is close by.

L och, L a k e . Arm of the sea; lacus, lake (Old Celtic turlaigi, winter loch, turloch). As is of course well known, there are many inland lochs which, according to Celtic custom, are named after the stream that flows through or from same, the stream being the primary cause of their existence, consequently the older.

Descriptive names are hereinafter given, though such as ard, high, b&ag, little, etc., not being all given.

Loch has occasionally been spelled luich, plural luichan, and in ancient British or Welsh Ihuch, also guydhelian; Ihyn British for loch, pond, pool in a river.

A loch is just “ a piece of land covered with water,” also “ water shut in by land” ; a word loch in Gaelic means black.

The lochs in Skye (inland) occur at all levels down to the coast lands, and all—or nearly all—owe their origin to ice erosion during seven successive stages, each stage separated from the other by thousands of years. Moraines,


or the accumulation of glacier debris, may also have formed lochs, but these are easily distinguished.

A general “ sea of ice ” spread over Scotland, and formed the great fiord basins of the Sounds of Raasay and Sleiat, with many others running into or out of same, and called

■ lochs. In the West Highlands, these glaciers worked up to a height of 1,300 feet, as evidenced by their record of markings, while corries also held each their own glacier.

For interesting and instructive details as to these changes our readers are referred to the works of Professors Edward Forbes, Sir Archibald Geikie, and James Geikie, also J. D. Forbes, all famous geologists who have written extensively on the subject. Other writers on geology are very numerous, a list in one of the works of the above-mentioned four extending to upwards of six hundred. Skye is by no means overlooked in these works.

Many of the following “ loch ” names are attached to, and form part of, names given before and after herein.

L och a B hac G h l a is . Loch'of the grey hollow. See “ Bac,” South of Talisker.

L och a B h aister , B h a s a d a ir . The loch of the executioner. Near Sgurr nan Gillean. See “ Bàsadair.”

L och a C hoire R ia b h a ic h . Loch of the russet corry.

L och a Ch r e a c h a in n . Loch of the bare summit. On Beinn Dianabhiaig.

L och a Chrochaire , a C hr o c h ad air . The loch of the. scoundrel or of the hangman.

L och a G h a r b h l a ic h , a G h a r b h a c h . The loch of the rough or wild place or district. North of Beinn Mheadhonach, in Troternish. Gharbhach, garbh, rough, and ach, place, has also an old meaning of grandson.

L och ’G h il l e C h n a p a in . Loch of the stout lad, crnpan, little lump, etc.; cnapach, again, means a youngster, etc.

L och ’G h l in n e B h ig . Loch of the little glen.

L och ’G h l in n e D h u ib h . Loch o f the black glen.

L och a L a g h a in , La g a in . Loch of the sowens, which in Lewis is spelled laghcm; this may be meant for lagan, a little hollow. See “ Coire Laban.”


L ochan a B h ealach , B h ealaich B h ig . The little loch of the little pass.

L ochan a S guabaiche . See “ Loch or Lochan na Sguabaig.”L ochain a M h u l l a ic h . The little lochs of the summit or

height, lit. top.L ochain A in o rt , E inor t , E yn o rd , A o in ear d . The little

Lochs Einort; there are at least two lochs of this name in Skye, one at N.W., opening off Sound of Scalpa.

L ochain D u bh a , N a L ochain D u b h a . The black little lochs or tarns. Near Broadford. The royal fern, osmunda regalis, plentiful here at one time. These locbans are reputed to be haunted by an evil sprite called the“ Ludag ” (little.finger), a troll or trull; see “ Loch Ludag.” Another small loch between Broadford and Sleat is said to exist under the name “ Loch Luideag,” the loch of the slut or slovenly woman.

L ochain S ratha M hoir or L och a n t -S ratha M h o ir . The little lochs of the great strath.

L ochain T e a n n a . The close-lying little lochs. There are three of these adjacent to each other or stretched out end to end.

L och A ir ig h e n a S u ir id h e , q.v.L ochan an A ir ig h F h u a r . The little loch of the cold sheiling.L och an A sa r a id h , q.v. “ Abhainn.”L och an A t h a . The loch of the kiln; ath, a ford, is a s.m.

indecl.; ath, gen. atha, s.f., a kiln. See “ Loch nan Aan.” The latter is a little loch between Gnarbheinn and Blaven, under “ Ruadh Stac.”

L och a n A t h a in . The loch of the little ford.Loch a n A t h a i r . Loch o f the sky (ethereal).

L ochan, L ochain B e in n na Ca il l ic h . The little loch or lochs of Ben-na-Callaich, q.v.

L ochan or L och B u id h e . The little yellow loch. 2i| miles south of Broadford.

L ochan Coir5 a G h o b h a in n , q.v. This loch is in Minginish. Gobha-uisge, water-smith, is a Gaelic name for the water- oueel.

L ochan C r u in n . The round little loch. Near Strolamus.Q


L ochan D o b h b a in . The little loch of the otter; also loch.L och an D roma B h a in . Loch of the white or fair ridge. Near

Coire Buidhe.L ochan D ubh n am B r ic . Little black loch of the trouts.

North of Eilean Heast, an inner or upper branch of Loch Eishort.

L och an E il e a n . The island loch. Near Loch na Stairsich, Strath, north of Beinn a Charn.

L ochan n an D ubh B h r eac . Little loch of the black trouts. South of Broadford.

Loch an F hir Bhallaich, L ochan. Loch or little loch of the spotted or marked man (pock-marked?). Near Coire Laban. There is a knoll or hillock called Am Fear Ballach, the spotted or marked one, near Glen Brittle House.

L och an F h u d a ir . Loch of the powder. Some kegs of powder were found in this loch upwards of fifty years ago.

L ochan G obh lach . The little forked loch.L och a n L e o id . Liot or Macleod’s loch. South of Ben

Bhuidhe. But see “ Leoide.”L och L e t h -U il l t , L e t h - A l l t . Loch of the burn with one

high side or bank. S.W. of Minginish.L ochan na h - A ir d e . Little loch of the aird, height, or pro

montory. At Rudh’ an-Dunan.L ochan nan Ceann, L och a Ch inn . Loch of the heads or

head. Near Cuidreach and Uig. Here is the scene of the murder of Taog Mor MacLuinn (or Cuinn), whose head, after being struck off, is reported to have said, “ Ab, ab, a b or “ Èep, eep, eep.” One of many severe combats took place here between the Macdonalds and Macleods; Domhnull Maclain ’Ic Sheumais (Donald the son of John, the son of James), the arch-enemy of the Macleods, lived then at Cuidreach. See “ Tota Thaoig ” and “ Cnoc na h-Ip.”

L ochan na Sa il e . Little salt-water loch. South of Kyleakin.L och a n S guirr M h o ir , S gu r ra . Loch of the high-pointed

hill; also given sgor, scuir, scoor; the Norse skor is a sea- rock.

L och an t -S r at h B h i g ’s a n t -S s a t h M h o ir . Loch of the little strath and of the great strath; also lochain, q.v.


L och an T h u g id . Not known. Said to mean the capricious or changeable loch; may be meant for slugaid, slough, miry place, quicksand, from slug, s.f., miry puddle, or slug, s.m., a gulp; the verb sluig means to swallow; there is also a word tugaid, signifying cause or reason, but thought inapplicable.

L och an t -S each r ain . Loch of the wandering, seachmnach, wanderer, the wandering loch.

L och an Udail. Loch of distress; also floating or moving, eddying.

Loch A oineard, E inort, Eynord, Eynort, I nord. See “ Eynord.” This is a narrow and tortuous sea-loch, noted for storms, and difficult to navigate. It is not far from Portree, and near it is, or was, the church of Saint Maolrubha, which possessed a beautifully-carved font, now in the Antiquarian Museum, Edinburgh; the carving portrays Saint Michael. This saint’s name (Maolrubha) has undergone numerous corruptions, as before stated, such as “ Summareve,” summer-eve, and “ Malruve” ; but see “ Askimilruby.”

There is a loch of this name in South Uist, spelled “ Ainneart,” whence sailed the famous and historical birlinn of Clan Ranald. See the descriptive poem thereon by the family bard, Alasdair Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair (Alexander the son of Mr. Alexander), a Macdonald of the Macdonalds, and whose poetry has just been collected and translated into English, and is being published of new by the authors of the “ History of the Clan Donald.”

L och A r d . The high loch; a celebrated painting by Horatio MacCulloch of “ Sunset on Loch Ard.”

L och A rnisort , A r nizort . Eagle fiord, loch; am, om, an eagle, and fjordr, a firth, etc.; ord, ort, ard, art, and worth are all corruptions of fiord or fjordr, a firth or sea-loch; Gnaelic arst said to be the same, but thought art; there are numerous other mis-spellings of this name where p or f was substituted for s, owing to the mis-reading of old MSS. where the long s was frequently in use.

L och A ruisg , A raisg . Thought loch of the demon or evil spirit, arrais; there is a word farasg, dead fish cast ashore; it may be aros, a dwelling. In Waternish. Farasg when aspirated is fharasg, fh silent; doubtful.


L och A t h a in . Loch of little ford.

L och B a y . Near Stein, Kilmuir. A bay or offshoot of Loch Follart or Loch Dunvegan, capacious and sheltered, and in which the island of Isay lies.

L och B eta M eal a h a n , B ota M h ia l l a c h a in . The little protruding lump. Meallachan, meall and ach or achan, place of lumpy hills.

L och B h r aigh B h l a ir , B raigh a B h l a ir . Loch of the meadow-breast or slope. South of Broadford, Boraraig. Blàr also means “ battle-field.”

L och B lar an T a ir b h . Bull-meadow loch, In Kilmuir.L och B racadail , V r a k d il l , etc. Loch Bracadale, q.v. Norse

called it Vestrafiord i.e., Westerfiord or firth (1463). Three rocks at entrance called “ Macleod’s maidens ” (also said to be mother and two daughters). See “Nic Cleosgeir.” Two parts or divisions of this loch are Lochs Beag and Harport, while on the coast are several duin, Dun Beag being the best preserved of all the many duin in Skye.

L och B r e t il , B r ettle , B r it e il . See “ Gleann Breatal.”L och C aroy , q.v. This loch is sometimes confounded with Loch

Vatten.L och Ch olum cille , C h o l u m b k il l . Saint Columba’s loch.

This loch is now drained, but the site goes still under that name; it was two miles in length, and had a small island' in the centre, artificial, and thought to be the only one, of! that kind in Skye. This place lies north-west of Kilmuir, near Monkstadt. Before 1829, when the loch was drained, swanis used to frequent it regularly from about 25th October in each year; returning thereafter, the poor birds circled round for a time, uttering strange cries. Two hundred and thirty acres were reclaimed, which yields a considerable quantity of natural hay; the expression by the people is frequently used of “ drying their hay in the loch.” There are ruins of a monastery on what was the “ island,” also some other ruins on the borders. It was here the last; Norseman in Skye took refuge after “ Blar a Bhuailte,” q.v., but a certain Macdonald had him speedily routed out and slain; it is said there were more than one Norseman slain, and that they were under the leadership of one Arco Brainn or Bronnmhor, Arco the corpulent.


L och Chracaig , q.v. North side of Portree harbour.L och ’C h a ise . The loch of the cheese; perhaps Easter observ

ances.L och Ch r ie st , C illechriosd . Christ’s loch or Christ’s ser

vant’s loch. ■■ From this loch flows the Broadford River. On the slope of the hill, above and south of this loch, are some large quarries of different kinds of marble; nearly the whole district has limestone.

L och Chriseness, G h risern is , q.v.L och C h u ir in is h . Thought “ Chuisinish,” q.v. ; but see “Ard

Thuirinish,” Sleat.L och C le a t , C l e a it . The loch of the sea-cliff, Tdettr, etc., as

before. This loch is north of Druim a Ruma, q.v.L och Coireasgil, Corcasgil, C orcisgill (Coir'-Ascully

Ascuill). The loch of Ascull’s corry. North-east of Beinn Edra, q.v.

L och C oire G h r u n n d a . The loch of Grunnda corry, a small loch on the lower slope of Sgùrr Sgumain, most extraordinary, alike in its position and savage character. See “ Coir’ a Ghrunnda.”

L och Coir ’ -U aigneich , q.v.Loch C olb ost. An offshoot of Loch Dunvegan.L och C onardan , C om h nar dan , q.v.L och Conon . Above Skeabost.L och C r eich , L och n a C r eich e . Loch of the spoil which was

divided here by the victors in one or more of the many, sanguinary combats between the Macdonalds and Macleods. See “ Coire na Creiche.”

L och C r e it h e a c h . See “ Loch na Creubhaich.”L och Currant. The loch of the fold or place of the fold, etc.,

cuidh, cuith, a pen, a fold, etc., and ar, place of. See “ Cuiraing,” “ Quiraing.” Elsewhere stated that this word probably gets the r by analogy with the word cuith reang. Diatomite found here, and has created an industry. This loch lies directly under Sgurr a Mbadaidh Ruaidh.

L och C ul- n a -C reag , Cuil na C r eig e . Back or recess of the rock loch.

L och D ear g . Red loch. Near Meall an Fhuarain.Loch D o ir ’ a C hream ha. Loch of the wild garlic grove or

clump. Soay.

Loch D o w n o rt. Loch of the black firth, dubh fjordr, or dyn- fjordr, noisy firth, or a mistake for “ Eynort.5’

L och D ro ig h in n . Bramble-thorns loch. Near Sron Vourlinn, Troternish.

L och D uagrich , D h uagraich , D ugerich , T ow agri (Pont). See “ Duagrach.”

L och D ubh ar -S goth . The loch of the shadow of the steep rock or cliff. North end of Beinn Edra.

L och D dbh n am B r ic . Black loch of the trout®. Near Broadford.

L och D uich , D u b h th a ic h . Loch of the black or dark district; ac, ach, a place.

L och D unbegan , D u n veg an .

L och E ash al , I osal. Nether or lower loch. In one of the Ascribe.

L och E iordslard . The isthmus land of the firth; eid, eidh, an isthmus, fjordr's-land.

This word eidh enters into many combinations in place- names; it is a Norse form; aid and aith equal ay, eie, eye, ui, uie, and uidh (from aose), also a peninsula; uidh also means a ford, the part of a stream leaving a loch before breaking into a current, also spelled aoi, from Norse eidt, an isthmus, a neck of land, eye or ui. Near Stornoway. Older form huy, Old Norse eid, meanmg a narrow neck of land joining two larger places together.

L och E ish eort , E iseord . Ice fiord or firth. There are two lochs of this name, the first a small inland loch, whence Moonen Burn flows, the second a sea-loch of considerable size and importance, dividing Strath from Sleat in part. About 1644 this loch was the scene of a fight between three ships of the Scottish Parliament and Alasdair Mac- Colla, who escaped with the loss of his ships or galleys.

L och E n s id . Not known.L och E r g h al l an . Not known.



L och E y n o r t . See “ Loch Aoineard.” Given as in Minginish, S.W. of Skye.

L och F a d d , F a d , F ad a , L ocha- F a d a . The long loch or lochs. On eastern face of Quiraing, or north of same, with no outlet, south of Sron Vourlinn, wild, eerie, and haunted!

L och F a l la r t , F aillo rd , F oliart , F o llar t . Loch of Paul’s firth. Pal, and art, Norse termination for sea-loch, fjordr.

This Pal was Paul Balkasson, son of Boke or Bakki, who was for a time Sheriff of Skye under the King of Norway in 1223. This name is another for that of Loch Dunvegan, but not so named locally, it being in fact only a part of that loch. Near here fine agates are said to have been found, while topazes, rock-crystals, and other more or less precious stones, inseparable from the igneous rocks of the island generally, are often discovered by painstaking searchers, chiefly in burns and among mountain torrents’ debris.

L och F e o ir l in n . Farthing-land loch; a branch of Loch Roag, Duirinish.

L och F h r id h e in , F r it h e in . Loch of the deer forest.L och F o r d . Not known. Portree.L och G ilch rist , C illechriosd , K ilch r ist , q.v. Near head

of Loch Slapin, whence boat generally taken for Coruisg.L och G l ean n I onadal , q.v. Glenineddale.L och G len m o ire , a G h l in n e M h o ir . Loch of the Great Glen.

A fresh-water loch near Portree.L och G orsarnis, G r ish e r n ish , q.v.L och G renbaeg (Pont). Not known.L och G r ish e r n ish . Also known as Loch Amisort. In Duirin

ish. A branch of Loch Snizort.L och G row ban (Pont), G noban , G h roban , q.v. In Drynoch.L och H arlosh , H aerloish , q.v.L och H arport , H erport (Pont), E ar por t . Buck firth loch;

hafra fjordr. A continuation of Loch Bracadale.L och H arry (Pont gives this). Not known.

L och H asco. The loch of the high place; ha, high, sco, town, place, situation. This loch lies high up the north face of Quiraing, has no outlet, and is very deep and clear.

L och H ellohald (Pont). Not known; might be Halibhal.L och H elport ? Harport, q.v.L och H in is h , H u n ish , U n is h , q.v.

Loch H ollom (Pont). ? Tholm, q.v., with Eilean Holm.L och H o unam . Not known; thought to be near Loch Roag,

and receives the Allt Dearg therefrom.L och H uiska (Pont), U isg e . Water. A fresh-water loch

between Troternish and Bracadale.L och I ch C a im e . Thought ’Ic Cuinn, Macqueen’s loch. East

of Ben Tianavaig. See “ Sleat.”L och K e n . Thought Ceann-loch. Head. See “ Sleiat.”L och K e n sa le . Loch of the head of the salt-water.

L och K e n sa le se r lo ss (Monro). Thought may be meant for Kensaleyre Loch, q.v.

L och K ilchro , q.v.L och L euravay , L u ir avay , L eu r a b h a ig h . Muddy-bay loch.L och L angaig . Long-bay loch. Lang vik. There is a loch

“ Langaid ” in Kilanuir, near Sron Vourlinn; also given as on north side of Portree Harbour.

L och L easgeary, q.v.L och L e a t h a n n . The broad loch. Near Storr on the

Scorribreac Farm; famed for its yellow trout. A river or burn thence flows into the Sound of Raasay, and has a, waterfall of some size.

L och L eisort (Pont). Thought meant for either Eisheort or Snizort.

L och L eum nan B r a it h , n am B reac . The loch of the leap of the trout; but not known.

L och L e y n d il l , L e n d il l , L e d il l (Pont), L yn ed ale , q.v.Loch Lie-a r d . High-level loch. North-east o f Talisker.L och L onach . The marshy loch. Partly filled up with reeds,

etc.L och L onach a n . Diminutive of above. This loch at anyrate

is at Heast.



Loch L osait, L osoit, L ossait. The loch of the small stream, or the loch of the hollow or trough; loisid, loistean. This loch said to be south of Aros Bay, Loch Snizort.

There are two places in Kilmuir called Losaid, low-lying, wet troughs of land. This word has the signification of a joint, a hollow, into which some other part fits, e.g., the joint in the leg or haunch of a cow, chaidh a bho as a losaid,” (lit.) the cow went out of her joint.

L och L udag , L udiuch , L u d n ic h . The loch of the ludag, a sprite, goblin, or imp (some say one-eyed, one-handed, one- legged). Ludag means little finger. This sprite often reported to have been seen near Broadford. See Campbell’s “ West Highland Tales ”—“ Direach Ghlinn Eiti, or Fachan” ; also Vol. I. of “ Reliquiae Celticse,” “ An t-Athach lodknaidh,” that Ossian met in Crom (a) Gleann nan Clach (i.e., Glenlyon); this monster answered to description given above.

L och M ead h o n ac h . The Middle Loch. South of Coire Ghrunnda. In maps “ Meachdannach.”

L och M eag h a ilt , M ea l t , M ia g h a il t , M ia d h a il t . The loch of the unlucky river. This word or name has been found spelled in many different ways, and, failing local help, might be mjo (Norse), narrow, and allt, river, stream; the stream runs or falls over Creag-na-Feile, and flows to the sea by, in parts, a subterranean passage; the fall is three hundred feet. Lies south of Elishadder, Troternish. Mialt, mialta, provincial for malda, mild, pleasant, etc., but more generally applied to persons.

L och M eal lac h ain . The loch of the little hills or heaps (? tumuli).

L och M h a r a l a in , V al le r a in , q.v.

L och M h ic C u in n , ’I ch Ca im e , q.v.

L och M onadh na F ia d h . Deer-mount loch. In Kilmuir.L och n a B e ist e . Loch of the beast; a suppositious “monster.”

South of Kyleakin.L och n a Ca ip l ic h , Ca plaich . The brushwood place, from

caplaeh. But see “ Caipleach.” Here the rare plant EHocaulon Decangulare said to be found.


L och n a C a r r a . Loch of the rocky shelf, can. This loch runs between high-shelved land about half a mile in width, between Scalpa and Skye, caolas Sgalpaidh.

L och n a C reag , C r eig e . Loch of the rock. Thought to be the same as above.

L och n a C r eubh aich , C reabh aich , C r eath aic h . The loch . of the brushwood. An inland loch, north of Loch Scavaig.

L och na C uilc , C u ilce . Reed or rush loch. This is “Inner” Loch Scavaig, into which Allt Chaoich falls.

L och na E lachan (Pont), na h -E alac h an . Loch of the swans. See “ Loch Cholumcille.”

L och na F a o ilin n . Loch of the sea-gulls.L och na F eit h e S e il ic h . Loch of the willow-bog or swamp.

A stream runs herefrom into Allt Coire nan Clach.L och n a A ir id h F u ar , an A ir ig h F h u a r . Loch of the

cold eheiling. In Strath Mor.L och n a L earg , n a n L earga , L e ir g e . Loch of the black-

throated diver, rain-goose, or cormorant. Near Beinn Diabaig.

L och na M ad ad h U isge . Loch of the water-dogs, i.e., large mussels or cockles. In Strath Mor, north of Druim a Ruma. Also “ Loch na Madadh” ; both said to be two large rocks at entrance to loch. Cf. “ Lochmaddy.”

L och na M e a l l , n a M il l . Loch of the heaps, tumuli. Neighbourhood said to be haunted and frequented by the ludag, as before referred to, this generally in stormy weather. District very wild and lonely.

Loch n a n A a n , A a n a n . Either loch of the fords or kilns, as given, and said to be situated near Harta Corry. See “ Loch an Atha.” Thought, however, it should be Loch nan Ian, Eun, or Eoin, loch of the birds. At base of Blaven; surrounded by mountain on three sides. Sir Walter Scott made a reference hereto, more or less “ mixed.”

L och n an E il e a n . Loch of the islands.

L och n a n U a n . Loch of the lambs; also found given Loch na Nain and Loch nan Annan. In N.W. Waternish. See “ Loch an Atha.”


L och or L ochan na S guabaidh or S guabaig . The loch of the sweeping blast or whirlwind. This is an inland loch, north of Loch Slapin. For Sguabag,” see N.G.P.

L och na St a ir sic h . Loch of the threshold or barrier, etc., stairsneach, stairseach. A small loch or tarn north of Heast and south of Loch Buidhe.

L och an T eanga R ia b h a ic h . Loch of the russet tongue (of land), grey-looking.

L och N arsco. ? Marsco, q.v.

L och N ig h ean F h io n n l a id h . The loch of Finlay’s daughter. About a mile south of Tarskveg Bay. See “ Sleat.”

L och O rroid (Pont), L och a R o id . Loch of the bog-myrtle. Suggested Loch Oraid, but doubtful.

L och Oy e st il l . Loch Osdal, q.v.

L och P o ltiel , P o ltil , P ooltiel . Named after Norwegian prince drowned here, Diel’s Pool. Formerly Loch-a- Chuan, loch of the ocean, open. The large river Glendale falls into this loch, over a cascade; the “ pool ” said to be thirty feet in depth, even at low water.

L och P ottech . N ot known.

L och P or tr ig h . Portree sea-loch; formerly called Loch Columcille.”

L och R avag , R oag, R ow aeg , R araeg (Pont). See “ Roag.” Allt Dearg flows out of this loch into Loch Hounam (supposed Loch Poltiel (Pont), who calls it “ Whouildan ” ); after leaving latter, called “ Allt Garbh,” and flows into Loch Snizort Beag.

L och R o w e n -D ounen , R tjdh’ an D u n a n . Loch of the little fort, hill, or castle promontory.

L ochrye , L oghrye (Pont) (Loch righ). King’s loch ■(? Portree).

L och S cavaig, S ca-V ag , S cathvaig , S gathavaig , q.v.

L och S consar, S conser, q.v.

L och S cour, S gurr . The Peak Loch. Not known which; Thought Sgurr Mor, west of Troternish. See “ Sgurr.”


L och S eu n t , Seu n t a , Sh a n t , Sh ia n t , S ia n t . The holy or sacred loch, in which are four islands. It lies a little below Quiraing, and formed from a conflux of several freshwater springs into a shapely lochlet of considerable depth; it is (or was) much resorted to as a catholicon, as evidenced by the adjacent oopse flourishing untouched, being also held sacred; no one would pull or cut a twig even therefrom.

This word seunta, etc., is only one use of many similar, e.g., breaaadh-seun or sian, freckling of blessing, a blessing in disguise, lucky; Latin signum, a sign, of the cross.

L och S g iab aid h , Sgiobaidh , S ia b a id h . Sweeping, drifting loch; siabcm, sand-drift, sea-spray.

L och Sk a h a n a s k . Spectral or shadow loch. See “ Scavaig.” Thought another name for Loch Sligachan.

L och Sl a p in , Sl eippan , S laopain , etc. The sluggish, muddy loch; locally Loch Laopain. Between Strathaird and Strath; formerly part of the Mackinnon property, “ Johne M'Kynnand of Lochslaban,” 1586; laban, mire, etc.

L och Sl e a d a le . Not known.L och Slig ach an . Loch of the shells, or sihelly land or place,

sligmch. This is a loch very subject to storms, and dangerous to mariners at all times almost. Part of this loch is Scavaig Bay, where mooring rings are placed; here it is dark and sombre in the brightest day, owing to the overhanging hills, notably Sgurr Dubh, the black Scaur. Loch Scavaig has a bad reputation, having been described as “ if there’s a hell on earth, it’s in Scavaig.” The island of Soa is at the entrance of Loch Sligachan, and frequently serves as a breakwater and refuge to ships and boats in distress.

L och S m earal , S m ear ail , S m io r ail . The strong, lively loch. North of Beinn Edra.

L och Snasporte , Sn izort , q.v.

L och Sneesdale , S neosdal, q.v. North of Druim a B-uma.L och Snizort , S nisort , S n isa r t . See “ Snizort.” This is

the largest and most capacious bay or loch in or on the coast of Skye, and runs twelve miles inland from Vaternish Point.


L och T eanna (T e a n n ). The straight stretched-out loch. See “ Lochain Teanna,” Strolamus. There is a word teanna, signifying surfeit, etc.

L och T ellibar t (Pont), T ellibreck (Tobar), q.v.L och U ig , U ge, q.v.L ochs V ar k a sa ig ; V ar k an sa , V u r k a n sa ; V a t t in , V a t n ;

V id ig il l , V ig isgill ; and W h ouillan (Pont). See all above; for last see “ Poltiel.”

Lomag, A n . The bared one; the barley after being bared of spikes and distilled into whisky. Lomag agus tiorlamcm, whisky and oatmeal; tior, to dry com as in kiln, root of tiomm, dry.

L o n . A wet meadow or marsh, a dub, with diminutives lonag, lonan.

This word, while spelled alike, has many different meanings. A few of these have been gathered from different sources, and are given as follows. It may be mentioned, firstly, that in Skye km is used for a slow- running marshy stream, and not for meadow, etc., as a rule, lian, lianag being used therefor, though see “ Allt an Loin Bhuidhe.” In the song “ Tha ’n crodh air cm loin,” the translation is “ the cows are on the marshy lands.” The diminutive lonan signifies a rivulet in Muckairn, while there is “ Glenlonain,” with same meaning, near Loch Etive; in Sutherland it also has the meaning of stream or rivulet. In “ West Highland Tales,” loin, plural of Ion, signifies bird, also Ion or lonn, a sword, blade, or bar, a stake of wood, a bier pole, auger, a surge, a sea-swell, e.g., Lon Mac Liobhain, blade son of furbishing, Mac an Luinn, son of the surge, lunn, Mac an Loin; this term “ Mac an Loin ” said to be derived from the sword-maker’s name or title, by extension, the sword itself; an allied (Perthshire) word is lunndcm, a green or smooth grassy plot; also “ Am bernm feidh agus loin,” in the mountain of deer and elk. In the Ossianic poem, “ Darthula,” occurs “ Cairbar sat at the feast in the silent plain of Lona.” Mary Mac- pherson, in one of her poems, has “ Chottaich mi ri GaidJilig torman tlath nan Ion,” I likened unto Gaelic the gentle murmur of the brooks; Ion has the same meaning here as allt, etc., while in Arran it means a mud island! Lon, m a brook, is masculine, though loin, a little brook, etc., is


feminine. In “ Reliquiae Celtic® ” (Turner’s MS.) occurs “Togbhar leo na gml-chroinn chorrach suas le ’n lonaibh” ; Ion here means haulyards. Allt is frequent in Sleat and Strath, but Ion or loin, for stream, also found; but see “ Allt an Loin.” Inverbroom, or Balloan, is bail' cm loin, meadow-town. The Ossianic poetry has this word differently used, q.v. In “ Bardachd Irt ” (St. Kilda) occur these lines:

“ 'Nuatvr dh' fhalbh mit an todha,’8 nach robh mo lo(mha)in ri feurn dhuit.”(When from you went the rope,And my hide-rope was in vain.)

Lomhainn means a leash, or oord to lead a dog by; ball is frequently used for a cable or strong rope.

Lon, therefore, means not only a meadow, but, by extension, the brook or stream that runs through it; whereas allt is more generally and appropriately used for a more brattling, brawling brook or stream; most of the “ Ions,” therefore (Englished “ meadows ” ), are really streams or rivulets, as will be seen hereafter. In Irish, Ion is given for rivulet, lo, water, and in or inne, a channel, “ Loch Long ” is Loch loin.

As may be surmised, the word Ion has been subjected to various changes, if not corruptions. Lòn-nam-Manach, a fertile spot near Beauly is dubbed Leòr or Leabhax nam Manach, the monks’ meadow, to the monks’ book!

As before stated, Ion in St. Kilda ie a rope made of or covered with hides, used in lowering people for bird- catching or fowling, and spoken of m Ion laidir na feuma, the strong rope of need.

See Dictionary for other meanings for Ion, e.g., food, etc.; the accent tells. In regard to meadow, the word clumn does not appear in Skye place-names.

L on a B h il e . The stream o f the tree cluster or thicket.

L on A ch ’ an R e it h e a n . Stream of the field of the little ram.L on a C haorach . ,The stream of the sheep. This burn runs

into Varragill River.L on a C h l e r ic h . Minister’s meadow.L on a C h o ir e . Corry burn. Near Broadford.


Lon a C h r e a m h a . The field of garlic.

L on a G h e a r r a id h . The burn of the point (of land). See “ Galigarry,” Sleat.

L on a G h l e a n n a n . Little glen burn. Runs into Loch Portree.L on A ir ig h F h io n n l a id h . Finlay’s sheiling burn.L on A ir ig h U ig e . Uig sheiling burn.L on A ir ig h a n t -S r a t h a . The strath sheiling burn.L on a G h l in n e B h ig . The little glen burn.L on B a n . The white or fair meadow.L on ’M h u il in n . The m ill burn.

Lon a n E ich . The horse meadow.L on an E ir e a n n a ic h . The Irishman’s burn. In regard to

this “ burn,” a story is current of an Irish pedlar who got a night’s lodging in a house at Garalapin, near Portree, who apparently overheard the eon of the house say to his father, “ Nach 'ml e 'n t-am dhuinn an t-eibhrionnach a mharbhadh ? ” (Is it not time for us to be killing the wedder-goat?) This frightened the Irishman, who speedily escaped, but, in the dark, he stumbled into this stream, and was drowned.

In several other names, the word eireannaich occurs, but, though generally translated Irishman, it is thought, from the context, that it not only may have the second meaning given above, but stand for something totally different, viz., eirchinneach, pronounced erenach, and which means lay stewards of the church who seized and held church lands in absence of monks who had died or been dispossessed, and constituted themselves hereditary possessors. As to this, we do not dogmatise.

L on an I n b h ir . Stream of the confluence. South of Loch Kilchrist, from which it flows into the sea here (Broadford). Inbhir is the genitive of inbhear, more correctly ionbhar, ionbhcdr, s.m.; this word is very rarely found in Skye names.

L on an t -S it h e in . Hillock or “ fairy ” burn. North of Portree.

L on T a ir b h . Bull meadow. Duirinish.

L on T ig h -C h l a c h . Stone-house meadow; probably an exception from turf.

L on B ealach T e a r n a id h . Meadow of the descending pass.L on B earra ’ -C l a c h a n . Meadow of the stone edge or ridge;

bearradh, sky-line of a hill or mountain.Lon B e a th a . Life meadow; possibly a mistake for beithe,

birch-tree.L on B e in n e T h u a it h . Meadow o f the north or northern

mount; Ion na bemne tuath or tuaith.L on Bho Lainn . Meadow of the oow-enclosure or house;

bo-lann, byre. Not often found in use.L on B irkisco . Birkisco bum .

L on B uaile n a B a t h a ic h . Meadow of the byre-fold.L on B u id e il . The meadow of the cask. Thought near Corry,

Broadford. “ Am Buideal ” was a nickname for a certain man!

L on B u id h e . The yellow meadow. Near Heast.L on Cadha nam: Ba . Cow-pass meadow or burn.

L on C h a ir isg il . Kari’s ravine or gyll, or Icjarra, copsewood, etc. See “ Carabost.”

L on Chaorach . Sheep meadow or burn. There is a bum of this name in a ravine in Varragill valley, with a water-fall; being a bum, suggested chaoireach, foaming, etc.

L on C h u id h e T ro d an . The meadow of the fold of quarrelling; Trodan may be a proper name. Kilmuir.

Lon C leap . Not known; might be cliob or clip; might be a meadow-morass, and so treacherous.

L on C ul n a h - A ir d e . Back-of-the-height meadow.L òn D ruiseach . Dewy meadow.L on D u isd il . Duiedale burn. Kilmuir.L on D u isg il . The meadow (or burn) of the dark, black, or

gloomy gyll or ravine. May be same as last.L on F e a r n , F e a r n a . Alder burn, meadow, or plain; vestiges

of cairns, etc., here. Kilmuir. But see “ Totagan nan Druidhean.” This place held by one family of the name of Nicolson for .some hundreds of years consecutively.



L on G lac , G laic n a C r ic h e . Meadow (or burn) of the boundary hollow.

L on H ol, L on H orro (Thora ?). Not known.L on L eum n a L araich , L ar ach . Burn of the mare’s leap.L on ’L och M h o ir . Great loch meadow or burn (thence).L on L uachrach . Rushy meadow.

L on M illah o r s . Not known.

L on M or F ala n a n T a ig h e a n . The great meadow or field of the house-turf, cut here for building houses, fal.

L on na B uaile R u a id h . Meadow of the red fold.L on n a C r ic h e . See “ Druim.”L on n a C u il e . Recess or corner bum; thought this may be

meant for “ Cuilce ” reeds. Runs into Uig Bay.L on n a h - A ir ig h -C h ar n aic h . Burn of the cairney or stony

sheiling. Runs into Portree Loch.Lon n a h - A t h a . Burn of the kiln.L on na h - I olain n , I o d h l a in n . Burn of the bam-yard.L on n a L ar ac h . The burn of the mare. Suggested that this

should be laraich, ruins, the field of the ruins (of some old building).

L on na L eabaig C u idr each . Burn of the strong little channel (of a river); leabag, dim. of leabaidh.

L on n am B a n . The women’s meadow; supposed nuns.L on n am B reac . The trout stream.Lon n a M o in e . The moss burn.

Lon n a M u ice. The pig’s park.L on n an A ir ig h e . Burn of the sheilings. Near Lon a

Chaorach, or south thereof.L on n an D r u in ic h , D r u it h n ic h , or D r u it h n e a c h . Artificers’

burn. In Strathaird. Druids or Eremites.L on n a n E ach . Horses’ meadow.L on n an A r . Battle meadow or field.L on nan G obh ar . Goat field.

L on nan Sl u g an . Burn of the pools.R


L on na Saorach, S a oth rach . Field of labour or service.L on Osg u illean . The meadow of the white-shouldered elk,

deer, or stag; os gumllfhionn. “Lem thus’ cm os bhallach follow thou the spotted stag. Said also to be a burn in Braes.

L on Ostatoin . The field of the bellowing (of deer); tathunn, tabkann, tabhunn.

L on U oagil . The field of the splashing hollow or gyll. See “ Roag,” near Balmeanoch.

L on R u a d h . Red bum; also B l a t h L on , bonnie burn. Both run into Kilmuir River.

L on or L onan T h eigo . Tague, Tad, or Thady’s meadow.L on T ig h M hic C u ie n . Mac Cuien’s home meadow or park.

This said to be very ancient.L on T or-C a t . Cat-hill meadow. At Kilbride.

In a few cases, the English meaning attached to “ Lon ” may be different, but no authorities found.

L onga, L ongay . Long isle. In or off Strath, east of Scalpa. See “ Lingay.”

L orgill, L oirgil , L ourgill, L o w er gill , etc. The ravine or glen of the deer’s cry, (Norse) loroa gil. Also found given as a bay in Kilmuir or Duirinish. See “ Lobhairgil.”

L ossaid. The soft or boggy place. See “ Loch Losait.”L ota , L otts. L o ft; lobhta. Portree.

L ota C o ir e . Loft oorry. A continuation of Harta corry. This corry has loft above loft, and has been described as “ that most barren of all corries” ; “ lo ft” also given “ slope.” It is drained by the River Sligachan.

L ub , L uib a S g ia t h a in . The bend or crescent of the little portion (of land). Troternish.

Lub n a C a rra B uidhe, C arra gh , C arra ig h . Bend of the yellow pillar or rock or monument. Above Loch Snizort (beag).

L ub R obac, R obag . Little Robert’s nook. Scudaburgh. May mean anything small.

L ub S core. Score bend, hollow, or nook. Lub, often luib, a glen or small bay, etc.


L ub Stac n am M e a n n . Kids’ hill glen or corner, etc. Luib- Stue near Rudh’ an Aieeig.

L ub T r ia sl a in . Treaslane barn, etc. Assumed that above meaning as given, and not lub, a pool, a dub.

L ubanh ore . The gold or golden recess, etc.; lùb cm oir.L uib. The bend or corner or little glen. In Strath. Another

in Portree under Loch na Madadh. Bends or windings of a stream. “ Caothan win luban uaine, green-winding Caotban.

L uib na M o il , L uib a M h a o il . Bend of the mull or bare rounded hill; also spelled “ Moyle.”

L uib R a in ic h . Ferny glen, etc. Loch Slapin.L uissine , L uisure , S uissine , S u isk n ish . See “ Raasay.”L u r a n . The pretty one, a hill. Not known.L urgan , L urgann , L u r g in . The ridge; part of a hill pro

jecting into a plain.L us-a , L usay, L ussay. The flower or flowery land; lus a or ay.

The terminations a, ai, ay, ey, oe, etc., are from Norse (pyja, or uyea, island of second magnitude, as Islay, Jura, Faroe; an island of first magnitude is called a land, as Iceland, Zealand; an island of third magnitude is called a holm, as Doorholm, Geirholm; holm is cognate with colUs. Ai, a col, a saddle between hills; col also signifies a plateau or saddle-like ridge, also a neck or isolated pass, and equals bealach in Gaelic; col sometimes confounded with cal or cald, e.g., Colbost, which means cold bast, bolstadr, cold homestead. Several places named “ Lussa one in Pabba Island, parish of Strath.

L u sk in t y r e . Not known; lus cinn tire suggested.L usta, L ussta, etc. Not known. Suggested lus stadr or sta.

Tobar and Camus.L ynacroe, L inicro , q.v.L yndale , L y n ed ale , L in a d e l l , etc. Flax-dale. The differ

ent spellings of this name found are very numerous and varied in Acts of Parliament, records, titles, etc.; in latter it is given as “ Estir and Westir Leindale, the ounce lands of Leindale, Leyndill, and Liendal.” Situated in Snizort, Duirinish, and Bracadale. “ Seven large rivers ” said to


be here! Noted for four generations of Mac queens, ministers of considerable erudition. This name is sometimes abbreviated into “ Lionel,” e.g., in the Lewis. One authority gives lin vollr, flax hill. Linen garments, worn by men (kilts) and women, were in much use of yore in Skye and the Highlands generally, the flax being grown and manufactured by the peasantry of the Celts from ancient times. Reference is made to lint being specially blessed; the very word leine, a shirt, etc., is derived from lin or rather lion, “ la buan an lin," the day of reaping the lint, Nevermas; lint is plucked. Bla or blath-lin means winding-sheet, the safe - wrapping. Macdonalds have possessed and resided in Lyndale for long, one of whom had composed to him a very popular song, “ An Domhnullach Furanach,” the hospitable Macdonald. Another well-known Macdonald held land and died here lately in the person of Donald Macdonald, better known as “ Tormore,” while Lord Napier of Magdala once occupied the mansion-house here; he died in 1921.

MM aam , M a m . Rounded hill. From Latin mammce, breasts, etc.M am a P h o pu ill , P h o b u il l . The people’s hill. Below Cich

or Cioch na Beinne Deirge; above Sligachan.M a m -C oire-C h r io stal . Chrystal corry hill.M am V rech ty , U rech ty , U ru isg ; ur, a child, a person, and

uisge, water. The brownie’s hill. A supposed water-god, child of elfin female and a mortal man. Much has been and might be written about these suppositious creatures, which go under a variety of names, and akin to the gruagach; they were mostly harmless, though much dreaded. Many places on mainland and island named after them and their supposed haunts.

M abachar . The rough place or place of roughness, refuse, etc.; mob, bob, pap, ravelled, entangled, confused, ackar, place of.

M ac- a - R a n n , B ac- a - R a n n . The hollow of the (tree) roots. This given elsewhere; but rann properly signifies a part, a portion, also a promontory. Cf. “ Ranna,” “ Rhinns ” (of Islay), “ Rannach ” (a man from there). So “ Mac ” here may hold good.


M ach all . Shrub or plant, common avens, octopetala; said to be like oak-leaves. It is the badge of the Mac Neills and Lamonts. Not numerous in Skye. In Troternish.

M acleod’s M a id e n s . The name given in English to certain up-standing rocks in the sea, south of Duirinish, near Idrigil; they were once four in number, and called “ The Mother and her Daughters,” or “ Macleod’s Wife and Daughters or Maidens.” Here a galley was once driven ashore in a storm, and Lady Macleod and two of the daughters of the then chief perished.

The largest of these rocks is “ The Mother,” in Gaelic “ Nic Cleoisgeir Mhor,” q.v., and is about 200 feet in height; the others are about half that height. The largest shows ten different strata or sheets of igneous rock, representing successive or separate volcanic lava flows; these, however, are exceeded in the case of other stones or terraces of stones, which show traces of twenty or thirty different strata on basaltic columns.

They can be viewed from several different points, one about four miles from Dunvegan, and variously described, such as being “ like choosers of the slain,” also “ as gaunt as the old toy Noah’s ark wives,” etc.

To the north hereof are “ Macleod’s Tables ” (see “ Halibhal ” and “ Bord Cruinn” ). They are styled “ tables ” from being two “ flat-topped ” mountains, and are 1,600 feet in height, after ages of denudation; they also are built up of horizontal lava beds, which once spread away out into the Atlantic on one side, and over the hills of Skye on the other.

Not far from Dunvegan Castle are these two terraced heights, on the north-west of Skye, called “ Healabhal Bheag ” and “ Healabhal Mhor,” q.v.

M aen es . See “ Raasay.”M ah eru sk a , M a t h a ir -U isge . The mother of water, fountain-

head, spring or water-shed, source. On Meall-na-Suirean- ach, in Troternish. See “ Bun-an-Uillt.”

M aig h sh ia d a ir . Shiadar, plain or pasturage; magh, a level plain; and setr, etc., residence, pasturage, etc.

Magh means literally a mach, out, in the field, in the open, e.g., magnus, machar, magh-tir. This place is in Milovaig.


M ain n richean , N a . The folds (for cattle, etc); mainnir, main,, hand, and air, eir, ir, etc., agent or doer, enclosure by hand. There are three, called respectively Mainnir mhor, bheag agus cm t-Sionnaich, the great and little fold and the Fox; they are natural features of the hill or ground near Camustianavaig.

M alag . Measure or speech-bay. Mala vik according to one authority; suggested dim. of mal, king, etc., and to mean the little kingly one, impressive.

M alagan , M alic an . This is a double dim. of above. See “ Sleat ” for Cnoc Mhalagan. This place is near Portree. Cf. “ Loch Valican, Mhaileagan.” This word or name may have been given from that of a ruling Druid of infamous memory, named “ Mailgenn” ; he is said to have compassed the death of King Cormac of Ireland.

M alagar , M a l ig a r . Not known. In Staffin.M a n ish , M anos, M an a is , M a n u is . Mani, a proper name;

Mani’s ness.M an n er or M an n ers ’ St o n e . See “ Clach-a-Mhodh ” or

“ Clach-a-Phog.” At Galtrigill. This stone has also been found given as Clach-a-Mhoid, the stone of the meeting- place or court of justice.

M ao ilead h , M aoladh M o r . The great mull, brow of a rock, etc., maol', the above two words mean act of becoming bare or blunt (provin.). This place is west of Cnoc-a- Mheirlich, in Troternish.

M aol an T a ir b h . The bull hilltop, etc.; moel (Corn.), a, promontory. This term is common, ajid is akin to meall, a lump of rock, etc. In Kilmuir; now attached to Kil- maluag.

M aolrubha , M ao lru d h a . The bare point or promontory. As first given, this name or word stands for a saint’s name, signifying the bald or tonsured one, the shaveling, also the servant of peace, from maol, tonsured, and ruba, peace or patience according to one authority, though in Skye ruba means a small quantity of wool. But see ‘Askimilruby.” Cf. “ Maol Colum,” “ Malcolm.”

Corruptions of this saint’s name are numerous, the word maol being also rendered “ devotee,” and as such prefixed


to saints’ names, also mael, mel, mol, etc., Maolrubha being also Mialrube, Malrubiuis, Mulruy, Murie, Mourie, Maree, etc. The word maol or mael, etc., is explained as lad, servant, or even slave, while a writer in “ Celtic Review ” emphasises the meaning as promontory, rudha, and not ruba, peace. Gille also akin to or cognate herewith, e.g., gille-bràtha, servant of doom (now M ‘Gillivray) for maol- bratfaa; we have also maoldonaich, shaveling of the church (Lord). A fair in honour of St. Maolrubha is, or was, held at Keith on 25 th August, also at Forres on 21st April; in Applecross he was spoken of as the god “ Mourie,” a graft from paganism; he died in Apercrossan, a .d . 722. As may be surmised, numerous cells or churches were dedicated to him, one at least in Skye at Loch Eynord, Bracadale, where a beautiful baptismal font was found* recovered after having been stolen by certain Roman Catholics; this cell or church is known as Clachan Eynort or Kilmolruy, and has Tobar Bhrennan near by; other churches dedicated to this saint are one in Sartle and another near Portree, near the former being two holy wells, viz., Tobar-an-Domhnaich, the Sunday well (or Lord’s well, dominus), and Tobar-na-Slainte, the well of health or healing. Cf. “ Maelrutha,” an old church at Arasaig.

M araig , M a ra vaig. Sea-gull or sea-mew bay; mar and vig. Also Martaig.

M a rish a d er , M a rish a d d er , etc. Mare-town; mari, setr, pasture or summering ground for mares. Kilmuir.

M arsco, M arscow , etc. Sea-gull rock; mar, as above, and isgo or sgoth, a steep rock, etc. This is an isolated maiss of granite, “ Marscoite,” or isolated rock pyramid. One authority renders this word “ Mares’ town,” which—unless there be another place of this name—is impossible here. There is, however, an Old Celtic word sco or scoth, signifying a green, open plain, e.g., Rusco for riasgach, marshy land, sgo as a terminal, from skogr, a shaw.

M eabost. Narrow homestead or dwelling; mjo, narrow, and bost as before. Glendale, also Strathaird.

M e a d a le , M e d d le , M io d a il, etc. Narrow dale or glen; mjo (Norse or Icelandic), narrow, and dal, dale, etc. Cf. “ In verm ea dale,” near Struan.

M e a lb h a ig , M eilb h eag , etc. Milovaig, q.v.


M ealista , M ealasta . Grass-links steading; mela sta, melr stadhr, melr, sandhills overgrown with bent, grass links, and stadr (last half of bolstadr), p. house or home-stead, etc. There are the ruins of the site of a nunnery heire, spoken of as “Larmchmn na Caillmchan dubha”

M e a l l . A heap pr almost shapeless lump (of a hill), e.g., meall a mhàim, the lump of the round hill, meall a mhaoil, the lump of the mull, north of Loch Eynord, meall <m daimh, ox-hill, etc.; màm, a breast-like protuberance.

M eallac h an . Lumpy; abounding in lumps or heaps. This thought for meallan, little lump. South of Portree.

M eall an F h u a r a in . The well hillock.M eall B e a t h a ig . Beathag’s hill. Beathag given as Rebecca,

also Sophia; Beathag is the feminine form of Beathan, whence Mac Bheathan, Macbain, Macvean; Macbeth from Beathag.

M eall B r at aig . Caterpillar hill; or meall bradaig, thief’s hill (woman); or it may be a mis-spelling of last name,“ Beathaig.”

M eall B uaile Chaorach . Sheep-fold lump; this might be chaoireach, sparkling, flashing, etc.; also full of thorns, etc., and “ hot-going,” oaoir-dhris; one known.

M eall G reepa , G rioba . Precipice hill.M eall na G a in m h ic h . The hill of the sand. S.S.E. of

Portree or N.W. of Sligachan.M eall na h - A cairseid . Anchorage hill or lump. Above

Portree Bay.M eall n a C uilce . Hillock of the reeds.M eall na D a -B h e in n . Two-mount hillock.M eall na S uir eanach . The hillock, height, or table of the

maiden or nymph, etc.; suire, maid, sea-nymph, etc. In connection with this name, and near it, is Sron Bhiomaig or Sron Bhiorail, said to be named after a Norwegian princess who is buried there; Bjorn, a bear, is the masculine form of Biormig. This meall is the highest part of the hill or mountain above Quiraing (1779 feet), and the fountainhead of the district.

M eall Od h a r B eag . Little dun hillock. Near Sligachan.


M e a l l T u a t h . North hillock or height, etc.M e a n i s h . Narrow point or promontory; mjo nes: mjo is mjor,

narrow, mea or mm.M eassin . Narrow sound or tirth; mjo sund.Mea vig , M ia v ig . Narrow bay; mjo vig.M egalay , M eg aly . Not known; may be meant for Mingaley

or Mingalay, ming, great, and ey, island. This is an island north of Bemeray.

M e e k ad a l e , M e r k id l e . Merk dale. In Minginish.’M h a o il e . The mull. Norse muli, a high, bold headland, not

implying bareness.M e a t h a l l . Narrow entrance or hall; mjo hallr. In Kilmuir.M i -B hogh a , B hodh a B eag agus M o r . The great and small

evil, wicked, dangerous reefs, the worst or most treacherous. These lie off south-west of Duirinish, near Loch Bracadale.

M ibost . Narrow or little homestead; mjo host {bolstadr).M ichaig , M ic h eig . Not known. Near Portree. See “ Tor-

michaig.”M ilovaig , M il iv a ig , M ellivaig , etc. Bent-grass or links-bay;

mel, melr, and vik.M im a ig . Thought proper name of a girl. It is not near a

bay; ag or aig dim. “ Uchd Mimaig,” the slope or gentle rise of Mimag. Found given Lesser Isle, but not known.

M in g a r y . The great or large farm. Cf. Mingary Castle of the Maclans of Ardnamurchan of old.

M in g in ish , M in n g n is , M in n h n is , etc. About thirty different spellings of this name have been found in titles, etc., from 1498 onwards. The great promontory; ming, mingl, mikil, great (Norse), and nes, a point, etc., cognate with rudha mor. Various other meanings of this prominent part of Skye have been given, e.g., Mani, a proper name, and nes, Mani’s or Manish point or promontory. Various parties— some more or less mythical—connected herewith, e.g., the composer of “ Oran Sheadhain” Shuggan’s Song or Poem, who was supposed to be leannan-fatach or leannan-sith, a fairy sweetheart or hidden, and on which song based; Ronald Macdonald, bard and wit, also Iain Og Murray, composer of “Moch sa Mhaduiam,” etc., resided or were born here. Minginish is one of the four provinces of the northern portion of Skye.


M in g ay , M ingoy . Great island; ming, etc., and ey, as before. At mouth of Loch Dunvegan, with Isay.

M in is h , M aenes , q.v.M in r in n e s . Large promontory point; ming, rinn, nes. Martin

writes of a purple chrystal found here.M ogstat, M onkstadt , M ugastad , M ugstot, etc. Monks’

town or abode; munku stadhr, stadr. “Mugastad nan Ròiseal,” Monkstadt of the high waves. In Kilmuir.

Coinneach Odhar, Dun Kenneth, the seer, prophesied as to this place, which is now divided by a large drain or culvert which passes through the former bed of Loch Columcille, draining into Camus Mor. This was where Sir Alexander Macdonald resided after vacating Duntulm. Cf. “ Mugaster,” in Shetland.

M oineach , M ointeach M a r a r u lin , M a r a u l in . Not known what last word stands for. Momeach, etc., is mossy place, peat-bog, etc. May be a moss or moor near some place.

M ointeach a n T a ir b h . The bulls’ moss or moorland. In Waterstein.

M ointeach M or , M h o r . The great moss. Near Portree.M ointeach na D ia c h a in n , D e u c h a in n . The moss of distress

or hardship, etc. In Kilmuir.M ointeach na F a l a . M oss of the turf covering; faladh, fàl,

divot, or sod.This word has been supplied as being fala for fola, gen.

of fuil, blood, with a specious explanation that cattle were bled here for certain reasons; doubtful. Such a practice did exist when hard times forced people to bleed cattle and mix blood with meal, etc., for food; also cattle bled under the belief that they would mate sooner thereby. This place is on the Ferinvicguire Common.

M ointeach n a St e a l l . M oss of the spout; possibly a subterranean stream. At Fasach.

M oisnes, M aenes , q.v.M ol, M oll, M al, M tjl. Shingly or pebbly beach. One place

which is noted among others is near Loch Eynort. A Norse word mol or mul also has the same meaning.

M ol A b h u in n . River-beach; this refers to above.


M ol- a -M h a id e . The wood or timber beach. The word maidè has many meanings, especially in combination with other words.

M o l - a n - F h o d a i r . The straw or fodder beach. In Glendale.M ol, M oll-B e a t h a . Life-beach. Here a drowning is said

to have occurred. May be meant for mol-beithe, birch- beach. The word beatha means food, victuals, etc.

M ol-C lach , M ol C h l a c h . Stone beach or heap. M ol Shoay in Soay.

M ol-D earg na h ’U niort , E y n o r t . A s above.

M ol F ad a na D ubh air d . The long beach of the black height. In Monkstadt. See “ Dubh-Aird.”

M ol Staiseall St a p h a in . The curved beach of Stenscholl.This beach, like the last, said to have been thrown up

and formed by the sea on the occasion of the great storm when Iain Garbh of Raasay and crew were lost. Mol is in common use. Of “ Mol-a-Mhaide, as above, one Calum Ban MacMhannan in 1803 refers to it in a local poem, “ ’Se crudidh le d o im e ig and it is hard with round (hand) pebbles.

M onadh D earg . Red mountains, granite. In Strath.M onadh U a in e . Green mountains, grassy. In Waternish.M oonen, M u n a n . The trickier, water-fall. A burn falling

into bay near Milovaig, south of Beinn-na-Coinnich, close to Eist. Name of an Ossianic hero, “ Munan, son of Stirmal.”

M o r a m h u in . See “ Bealach.”M ourournycht, M orbh ach . Land liable to sea-flooding at

high tides; muir-mhagh, sea-meadow; also muireach, murnch, muir achadh, a shingly back at shore of sea or loch. Lian a Mhoraich, cf. “ Murrach Mor,” near Tain. Moroch again means sea-pink, sea-thrift (armeria mari- tima), and equals “ carse.” Morfhaich, a name for Lovat district.

M osgaraidh . Mossy garth or enclosure; geary, geroi.M ourteachmhor (Muir tmch, tiach mhor). The great sea-

thickening; tiaghachd, titheachd, jelly fish, etc.


Muc F h a il e ig . Dog-rose hip, dog-brier berry or lump.M uclach, ’B hoglach . The bog; a side form. Muclach signi

fies piggery, from muc, a pig, and ach, a place; this place, however, is a bog. See “ Sleat.” There is a Tor na Muclach, found given Mucrach, undulating ground.

M udalach , M unktj-D alach , or M jo-D alach . Monks’-dale, narrow dale. This is a hill or mountain, however, at Kyle- akin. May be the rough one, from mudach, rough, etc.

M ugeary, M ugary , M u g arvie . Dark field or garth; mug, muig, cloudiness, gloom, etc. Norse ary.

M u il e a n , M u il e a n n , M u l l ie m . The mill (land). In Snizort.M ullach B e in n S ca, q.v. The summit of Ben Scà.

M ullach ’G h a r a id h D h u ib h , D h u ib h e . Summit of the Black Dyke.

M unan, A m . The little spout or waterfall. A fall over a sea- cliff between Bioda Mor and Ramasiaig; thought to fall over Creag an Fheilidh, q.v. See also “ Moonen.”

NN a F am hairean . See “ Famhair.”N agli. Not known. Said to be an island.

N agoyneyNe . Islands of the coneys or rabbits; na coinein.

N a G unnaichean. The guns. Caves at north end of Kilmuir into which the sea rushes with loud reports like guns. Cf. “ Uamh an t-Seididh,” Eigg.

N a h - U i l l t E igein . The burns of extremity or distress. This meaning, though found given, should be the burns of the precipitous banks or sides; these bums flow into Lochan- a-Sguabaiche, q.v.

N ead-an-T rean, Trian. The corn-crake’s nest. A t Strathaird. This bird called trean-ri-tr&an, traon, and traona. It has been confounded with Nead an Fhirein, Fhireoin, eagle’s (true-bird’s) nest.

N eist, A n Eist. See “ Rudha Neist.”


N ic-Cleosgeir, Gleosgair M hor. The great foolish female. This is one of three remarkable “ stacks ” of rocks off Idrigil Point, Bracadale, which, along with two others (at one time three) is known as “ Nic Gleosgair mhor ’s a triuir nighean,” Great Nicleosgar and her three daughters, also avrmrean, maidens, from ainnir, a maid, etc. Two of these, called Am Beart-Fhighe, the loom, and Am Fucadair, the fuller or waulker, have disappeared. These stacks showed ten separate strata or sheets of lava, and were once part of the mainland.

N isabost, N isbost, N esbuster . House or farm of the cape or promontory; nes bolstadr; also Port Nisabost, on the Claigean or northern shore of Loch Dunvegan.

N isort (Pont). For Shnieort. Oblique form of Snizort; s silent by aspiration—(Sh)nisort.

OOa n s . The wet green spots. A point off Stein, Loch Bay,

Waternish; much exposed. One of the Skye bards described this place as “ the most beautiful place on earth.” It is composed of a series of broad receding terraces, and are two in number, one west and one east of Waternish, and both close to the sea-shore.

This word is formed from othan, a green elevation in wet ground; o is the Old Norse word for a bum or rivulet, now a, see “ Abhainn” ; oth also signifies broad water; we have obhan, omhan, othan, etc., signifying froth (of milk), while loinid-omhcm means a milk whisk. There was a high dignitary or “ superior ” of the name of “ Oan ” in the island of Eigg, which island—in the dim distant past—formed part of Skye.

0 b , A n t -O b . The bay (obbe) or tidal inlet, or a bay within a bay; this word is common, with its diminutive oban, a little bay; in the Lewis the word is tob for cm t-ob.

Ob B r e a k ish , B reacais, B hreacais . The Bay of Breakish. The termination ais said to be specifically Pictish. Cf. “ Altais,” in Sutherland, “ Forb-ais,” etc.

Ob D uin, A n D uin . The bay of the fort or Dun Iaghairt, south of Olach, Dunvegan. There is a remarkable cleft in the rock here. See “ Olach.”


O b B uaile an T each d air e . The bay of the messenger’s fold- this might be “ missionary.”

O b G auscavaig, q.v. Near Kyleakin.O b L usa, L ussa, q.v.O b n an L ong . Bay of ships. Cf. “ Port nan L ong,” Sleat.O b n am P ootan, P u t a n . The bay of the young grouse, or

animal of any kind, leveret, etc.O b n an E ò n . Seal Bay.O bost. See “ Eabost,” in Duirinish.O d h a r -S g eir . Dun. or dusky-grey skerry; also odhair, uidhir,

etc.O ir -C h ea nn a ch , A n t - . The boundary headland. There is

a word oir, signifying furze, etc., which may abound here.O isgill , O sigill . Os gyll or ravine. This runs into and forme

a bay on Cladach Oisgill, Oisgill shore or coast-land. Duirinish.

O lach , O l ic h , O llac h , A n t -O lach (uachdarach agus iochdarach). The upper and nether Olach. In Braes, Portree, off Raasay Sound. From an fholaich, genitive of / olach, rank grass, sometimes irrigated; the fh is silent.

O llaig , O llag , U l la g . May be Nollaig, Christmas (Nollaig mhor), New Year’s Day (Nollmg bheag, etc.); there is a word ollag, offal, refuse, etc., ullag, a handful of meal with water.

O l lisd a l , Olasdale , O la stil , etc., even Cl a stile . Olave or Olaf’s dale. A valley in Duirinish, near “ Macleod’s Maidens.” Olave a name in Dunvegan family. Mairi mghean Alasdair Ruaidh has

“ Sir Tormod mo run, Ollaghairmch thu, Foirmeil o thus t-abhaist.”

SUochd Ollaghar nan lann, etc., applied to the Dunvegan chiefs.

Olaf, or Amhlaimh, was a King of Man and the Sudereys, Norse, 1237.

O rbost. Orr or Orris’ town, etc.; Orriston; Norse orris-bolstadr. One authority suggests orkn, seal, and host, or Norse ork-bol; the word or has numerous meanings. The bay here is described as also of Varkasaig, q.v.


Orley , O rlo . A river, runs into Loch Bracadale. Or, as above; if “ Orlo,” lo means water. Or may be eyrr, Eyre. “ Orla,” Norse.

Oronsay, O r an sa . See “ Isle Ornsay,” Sleat. This is an island off Orbost, both high and green, with a remarkable rock, pierced by a natural arch of some magnitude; also a cave named “ An uamh bhmn,” the melodious cave; also found given as in Loch Grishernish.

OrRil , O r r a il . A personal name. Some Norseman.O rsclan , N a h -O rsc la in . Not known. Also Osglan. In

Kilmuir. Lan means a plain.Osdal , O sdale , O st il l , etc. East fell; aust fjal. See

“ Oyestill.” Os of course means the Norse os, oss, as a termination, outlet of river; the sand-bar frequently formed by such is called oitir, os tir; oyce, a water source (Old Norse oc), related to the verb ouse, n-ausa, to throw out water, to bale a boat. Scottish “ souse.” Fàsag, a plughole. Dun Osdail was a noted watch-tower, whereon beacon was lit. The “ Fairy ” Well is near here.

Ose . River-mouth, as above; òs, genitive òis, may stand for a border or edge, as òs tumne; but the genitive of òs is òsa (pis, elk, deer, etc.). In the Lewis this word means slowly-moving water.

Ostaig . East Bay. Near Dunvegan. See also “ Sleat.”OsNAGARRY, OSMIGARRIE, OsHMIGARRY. Asmund’s garth.

Osmaund gardr or Asmundar gardhr, Asmund or Osmund’s farm, enclosure, etc.

Ou d e r n a . Not known. Near Portree.Ouia. See “ Buya,” “ Wia,” etc. An island in Loch Bracadale,

on which Prince Charlie once landed.Ou ld alie , A uld alie , C u l d a lie . See “ Auldali,” in Raasay.Oyestill for “ Osdal ” (1541), q.v.

Oyn a r t , O y n e r t , D y n a r t . See “ Eynort.”


PNo genuine Gaelic word contains the letter P except ae the

result of some late combination of consonants. See “ Rhys.” One authority says, “ Initial Indo-European P disappears in Gaelic ” ; while another informs us that “ the first Celtic speech of Alba was British, not Gaelic, its traces remaining stronger in the East thian the Weet. The Celtic language of the P type was spoken in Alba in the first century; Gaelic came to Scotland from Ireland in latter part of second century, and was re-inforced about 500 a .d .” The Saxon P equals our W. P changes into C, K, or Q, and must be watched in place-names.

P abba , P abbay, P apa , etc. Father (monk or priest) island; Norse pap and ey or papar, father, etc.; Gaelic celi De ceile; Latin servi Dei, both meaning servants of God; spelled also Pabra, which is given as near Breakish, Strath, and north of Kyleakin. Pabba forms a breakwater to Broadford Bay, lies low, and is of a mossy green meadow nature. Dean Monro mentions it specially.

There are three Pabbas at least; this particular one is famed for petrified fish found on its shores, also for fossils and petrifactions generally; it contains an ancient burying- ground and chapel, all in ruins.

P airc A il e a n , A il e in . The park of the green meadow or plain; a hybrid. In Monkstadt.

P airc D h u b h . Black park. In Strath.P airc ’G h o b h an n , G h o b h a in n . The blacksmith’s park. At

Monkstadt.P airc na L eapr aich , L eaba ich . The park of the water-

lodging, muddy; local provincialism for eabarach, eabraich, from eabar, abar, mud, etc. In Borreraig; a boggy park. See “ Laplach.”

P airc n am F ia d h . Deer park or enclosure. Paraic also found, and said to be merely a space frequented by deer; famed from the days of Ossian and the Feinne, who hunted often in Skye. This place is near Loch Slapin.

P airc n an L aogh . Calves’ park. At L iveras; an ancient burying-ground here.

P alm ore . See “ Polinore.”


Pa k b h . See “ Carbh.” A turning, angle, or shelter; Norse Invarf. This is an instance of C taking the place of P.

pANSTIFFAN, PEINSTAFFIN, PeINSTAFAN, q .V .

Paulsean . A place named after some one of the name of Paul. Watemish.

Peallag . The rough mat. In Skye this word is used for the straw-mat under the pack-saddle (srathmr), under creels, etc. The primary meaning of peallag is a shaggy hide or skin, also used when available for above purpose; it is cognate with Latin pellis, a hide. Na toir breith cabhagach air loth pheallagmch, do not judge hastily of a shaggy colt.

Peanch yaich . Not known; like peighinn chaoich; might be chathach, the pennyland of or belonging to the warrior.

Peanicullen , P e in c h u il l in . Holly pennyland, cuilfhionn. In Snizort.

Peanouchter . The upper pennyland; peighinn uachdar. In Kilmuir.

P e a n v a n is h . Magnus’ pennyland; peighinn Mhanuis or Mhanms. See “ Maenes.”

Peanyvickvanan. Buchanan’s pennyland; also Peinvickannan,, Peinvicrannan, Peanyvickvannan. In Kilmuir. The Buchanans in Skye are also called “ Na Canonaich ” or “ Cananaich," the canonists, reciters, preachers, singers, and known as “ the Skye Macphersons,” the children or descendants of the parson; they were a rather arbitrary and passionate race, whence the saying, “ Fuil bhras Clann- a-Phearsoin,” the hasty or hot-blood of the Miacphersons; those belonging to this particular pennyland were dubbed “ Daoine gomch peighinn Mhicmhannan, ’ ’ the foolish men of Buchanan’s pennyland.

Peanybeg . The little pennyland; peighinn bheag. From this it may be gathered that “ penny lands,” as well as other measures of land, were not all of same extent, etc.

Pecscoraid. The peaked or pointed part of the rock or slope. Peac, peue, anything sharp or pointed; soor, sgor, a rock, etc., and termination aid, piece or part of.

Pein-a - C h l e i b h . Chest or breast pennyland (a slope); cliabh. See “ Pein-an-Uchd.”


P e in a f e il e r . The fiddler’s penny land; peighinn-an-fhidhleir.P e i n a h a . The pennyland of the ford; peighinn-na-h-ath;

given erroneously as the pennyland of the kiln; but the genitive of ath, kiln, is atha.

P e i n - a n -U c h d . The pennyland of the brow or breast (of a hill), hill-face. In Kilmuir.

P e in c h e a l , P e n h e a l . White pennyland; peighinn gheal; but ceal signifies a cliff or a ridge. See “ Ceallaichean.” Perhaps peighinn-a-cheala.

P e in c h l a d ic h . Shore pennyland; peigkinn-a-chladaich.P e in c h o in n ic h . Kenneth’s pennyland; peighinn Choinnich.

In Kilmuir.P e in d in a v a ig . See “ Beinn Dianavaig.”P e in g o w n , P e a n y g o w a n , P e n g o w n , etc. The smith’s penny

land; peighinn a ghobhainn. This was a free-holding, in Kilmuir, of the MacArthurs, hereditary pipers to the Macdonalds; they had a school or college for teaching piping here, some say at Troternish; see “ Cnoc Phail ” and “ Penyzegyn.” The people of this place were spoken of derisively by some as seilcheagan — or silichem — pheighirm-a-ghobhainn, the snails or the pitiful, poor-looking creatures of Penagown. In regard to this word gobhainn, some writers on place-names maintain that it should be gabhann or gobhann, a jail, a cattle-fold; but this does not apply here.

P e in a c h o r r a n , P e in c h o r a n , P e n c h o r r a n , etc. The pennyland of the bend, or semi-circular bay, a curved point of land; peighinn-a-chorran. This place is south of Bal- meanoch. Corran is the masculine form of corrag, a finger, a point.

P e in d u in , P e in d u in e , P e n n in d u n , etc. The pennyland of the dun or fort. Said by some to be Dunvegan; but there is a farm in Snizort known as Penduin, Peninduine, on which is a castle and fort, built by (H)Uistean Mac ’Illeaspuig Chlerich, Hugh the son of Archibald the cleric, and also said to be on the farm of Cuidreach. See ‘ ‘ Caisteal-Uisdean. ”

It was in the farmhouse of Peinduin that Flora Macdonald died, while on a visit there from Kingsburgh, tho adjacent farm.


P e in e s s , P e in e s s . Pennyland of the waterfall, cataract, or stream with high precipitous banks. There is a place called or named Pendas, Peindeis (peighinn deas), south pennyland, in Snizort. See “ Peintua,” north pennyland.

P e in k n o c k e k is c o . The pennyland of the knoll of Erick’s (town). See “ Knockerisco.”

pE IN K AR SB R E C K , PEINH ARSBRECK, R i IIN H ARSBRECK. Not known; may be oarr, a bog, etc., or carra, carragh, a rock; a word oars, a Gaelic spelling of the Scottish word “ carse ” exists; if so, it means the pennyland of the spotted, speckled rock, etc.

P e in l ic h . The doctor’s pennyland; peighinn an lighiche. In Kilmuir.

P e in m o r e , P e in m o r ie . The large or great pennyland. See “ Peanybeg.” This place is in Duirinish, and reputed as being the place where Diarmaid fell, and asked for a drink of water from Tobar an Tuirc, the boar’s well, which is close by; this well received its name from the boar which Diarmaid is mythically reported to have slain.

P e in - n a -C i l l e . The pennyland of the church. This place is also in Kilmuir, and has very ancient associations; stones (said to be Druidioal) once stood here, and also “Totagan na Druidhean,” the Druids’ huts or house-ruinis; two such stones are at Kenealeyre, more than seven miles north of Portree.

P e in o r a id , P e in v r a id , q.v. Oraid means speech, prayer, etc.P e in o r r a . The pennyland of incantation, etc.; also ortha,

prayer, from having been a landing-place of St. Columba; the inhabitants of this place, however, bore the description “Meirlich Pheigh'un-ora,” the thieves of Peinora. Latin oratio.

P e in s o r a ig , P e a n so u r a g , P e in s o m a ig , etc. Mud-bay pennyland; peighinn saw vig; sobhrag, a primrose.

P e in s t a f a n , P e in s t a f f in , P a n s t if f a n , q.v. The pennyland of Staffin. At Hallein or Hallin in Waternish. Here, in 1829, was erected a church and Manse. See “ Staffin.”

P e in t u a . North pennyland; peighinn tuath.


P e in t u a k e s t il l . The northern pennyland of Ciostal or Kestle, q.v.

P eintjchter , P e a n o u c h t e r , q.v.

P e in v il l e . Town or township pennyland; peighinn a bhaile; probably a common or part thereof.

P e in v in ic h , P e in v in is h e t , P e a n v a n is h , q.v.

P e in v k a id . The pennyland of theft, if last syllable short, peighinn a bhraid; if long, then the pennyland of the slope of a hill, throat, etc, peighinn a bhràg/haid, genitive of braigh, upland country.

P e n c h a r y , P e n g a r r ie . The pennyland of the farm or common grazing, etc.; geroi, Norse, an enclosure; Gaelic gearraidh; also garaidh, “ garry,” a Norse termination.

P e n is t . The east pennyland; ios (prov. iost), down, east— ? uisg’—water. There is a mill here; and a fair is held at certain intervals. Waternish.

P e n n ie c a p p a n , P e n y c h a v a n , P e n n y c h a v ia n , P e n n il a p a n . Not known for certain; the nearest thought cabhan, a Held, a plain. Found given as in Trotemish and Snizort.

P e n n im o r e , P a n n im o r e , P e in m o r e , q.v.

P e n v ic h il r o y . The pennyland of MacGilroy, the son of the red lad or boy or servant, red-haired. In Bracadale.

P e n y z e g e y n (1541). The pennyland of the smith; peighinn- a-ghobhainn. See “ Peingown.” In Braoadale.

This word peighinn is common in Skye, and also feorling, but there are twelve of the former to one of the latter.

It is deemed desirable to give here some notes, culled from various sources, as to the word peighinn, Celtic pinginn, Norse penge, penningr, etc.

The usages and customs of measuring land by rentals is Norse, a penny-weight’s worth in silver of land; feorlig, feorling, a farthing’s worth; unga, an ounce, e.g., unganab, in North Uist and Tiree; in the latter island, the tirung equals or equalled six-merk land, which was sub-divided into forty-eight malzies or malies, or twenty pennylands, according to Argyll rental; see “ Feorlick.” Another


division (Norse) of land was called sheading; some of the penny lands have been called by other names, e.g., King’s Cross (Arran), in Gaelic peighinn na croisè; a word penick in Nairn is the Gaelic diminutive of a' pheighinneag. Feorling, again, is a farthing, from Anglo-Saxon feorpling, whence also feorlan, a firlot.

For a conventional use of peighinn, see s.v. “ Elgoll.” An extreme corruption or shortening of this name is Lefnol, which stands for leth-pheighinn Amhalghaidh, i.e., Olaf’s, Olave’s, or Aulay’s half-pennyland. The value of the penny lands depended upon the number of cows, etc., each would feed during a year.

Pennylands and fractional parts—quarter lands, cowlands (mccates), mark or merk lands, so called during the occupation of the Isles by the Norse or Scandinavians—have nothing to do with the proper Scottish denominations, for instance, fifty-six penny and three farthing lands equalled twenty pound or thirty mark land Scottish.

One statement of land-holding is peighinn, penny; leth- pheighinn, half-penny; feorlinn, farthing; leth-fheorlinn, half-farthing; ckmag, cianog, cionog, quarter-farthing; clitag, cleitig, clitig, one-eighth of a farthing of pennyland.

Tirung is the Gaelic-Norse word for ounce-land, tir, land, ung or unga, ounce, or unciata, e.g., “ the unciata of Bogar- tillis ” (bog-an-t-seilich, willow-marsh), the “four unciatae of Braoadall,” value four marks or merks (Gaelic marg); thus “ the four merk-lands of Terruga de Duntullyn.”

The ounce, unga, Gaelic unnsa, was the base or unit, and is given by some as ten merks, by others as ten shillings —that was the unga mor, or great ounce; the unga beag, or little ounce, was only twenty pence.

Holdings and farms, etc., were variously characterised; for instance, the “ Baile-biadhtach,’ ’ grazing-town or the land attached to a hostelry, place of the victualler or steward, equalling cow-land; also “ Baile-bò,” sometimes called mth, land, or iadh, enclosed; iath itself means land, and is found given tath; see “ Tobar Tàth,” which is cognate with tot, tote, or tobht, the Old Irish, being Celtic of course, teite, teti, a habitation.

The baile-biadhtach sufficed to graze twenty-one oows; in Gairloch tathag or tadhag means a small infield; see “ Baile.”

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE

The following is one statement of division: 11 damch, or baile-biadhtach equalled 20d. land, or 1

10 merks, or 133s. 4d., or 1 tir-imga. Ij damch, etc., equalled 5d. land, 2j merks, 33s. 4d., I

or a ceathramh. I davach, etc., equalled 2|d. land, 1 merks, 16s. 8d., |

or an ochdamh. Ixir damch, etc., equalled lfd . land, f merk, 8s. 4d., I

a leirtheas or leorthas. I-g ? dg,vach, etc., equalled fd. land, t f merk, 4s. 2d., 1

or a cota-bàn, or groat land. 10 damch, etc., equalled Ad. land, A merk, 2s. Id., 'J

dha or da sgillinn, two penny lands. IThe mark, merk, or 'marg, equalled 13s. 4d. IThe term leirtheas or leorthas also means “ two four- I

penny lands.” IIn regard to the term damch, dabhach, or baile-biatach, I

biadhtach, thirty of these went to one tuath, or tenantry, I and the word lettach found in a place-name just means ] leth-dàmch. ]

A dabhach of land is said to have been probably thei I extent which a damch or vat-full of grain would sow, either I one or four plough-gates; a plough-gate is 104 acres, and I was the endowment of a parish church in the twelfth cen- I tury, when recoverable; see “ Arichamich ’ ’ for “ Arachor.” I The Old Gaelic was dabach, and is frequently contracted to | dauch, doch, etc., e.g., Dauch, a branch of the Clan Forbes, ' Dochfour, Dochinassie, etc. See “ Fas.” I

The system of land measure which prevailed in the I Western Isles, and thereafter took root in Argyllshire, was, I it is maintained, neither Pictish nor Irish, but Norse; the I unit was the “ ounce ” land, i.e., the extent of land which ] paid a rent of an ounce of silver; the word was borrowed I by Gaelic, and appears as unnsa; the land term was imga, ,1 unganab, terunga, terunge, teruga, one and a half of which I equalled six merk; lands; in charters we find terung, teiroung, etc.

This extent of land was divided into twenty parts—sometimes into only eighteen—such parts being called peighinn, penny; hence are derived many place-names. In some places the penny-land was sub-divided, as, for instance, on


Lochfyneside we meet with Lephinmore, Lephincorrach, etc., the big half-penny land, and the steep or precipitous; the word peighinn, it may be observed, calls for an adjective in the feminine gender; it has been translated “ tillage,” peighinn air machair, tillage on low, level land or farm, part payment of constable appointed by crofters. As before stated, there is an fheoirling, also called cingeog, the farthing (lajid).

Another division of land (in Islay) is:1 ounce land equalled 20d. sterling, 12 or 10 merk

lands, 133s. 4d. Scots, or 1 tir-unga.% ounce land equalled lOd. sterling, 5 merk lands,

66s. 8d. Scots, leth-pheighinn. j ounce land equalled 5d. sterling, 2\ merk lands,

33s. 4d. Scots, ceathramh, or quiarter-land. ounce land equalled 2fd. sterling, 1J merk land,

16s. 8d. Scots, ochdamh.Yt ounce land equalled l^d. sterling, ■§ merk land,

8s. 4d. Soots, leorthas.^2 ounce land equalled fd. sterling, tw merk land,

4s. 2d. Scots, cota bàn or groat land, ounce land equalled TVd. sterling, ^ merk land, 2s. Id. Soots, da sgillinn (two pence).

In Islay lands were valued in 1541 in quarters, halfquarters, and eighths; in 1562 these began to be given as equivalents of multiples and fractions of 10 marks (or 12 as before), which sum was taken as amounting in value to an ounce of silver, the value of the mark, as before mentioned, being 13s. 4d.

It is further to be noted that a ceathramh, or quarter davach (quarter-land), contains on an average 75 acres, though such measures varied; in one place was found the old dahach, ddbhach, or davach, and half davach, the ceathramh, and the ochdamh, while the davach was four ploughgates; in another the marg, the peighinn, the leth- pheighinn, also the plang appeared, while the “ seisreach- ncm-gaidheail," six-horse team of the Highlander, held place alongside the ung of the Lochlannaich or Norse; this word seisreach meant as much land as could be ploughed in a year by six horses (when working yoked abreast), iarachar or ploughgate.

In the eleventh century, an Anglo-Saxon term for land


of thirty acres was “ Virgate,” while “ Hide®” was for one plough.

The foregoing is only a brief abstract of much that has been written on the subject, along with information elsewhere procured.

P o l l - a -B h a i n e . The milk-pool. In Suishnish, q.v. This pool seethes, and is white and milk-like with foam.

PoL D IL L , POLTIEL, q.V.P o l l - a n - D o b h r a in . Otter-pool.P o l d o r a is . St. Turos’ Pool (pronounced Poll-dòbhrais).

Narrows between the island and Eilean Altavaig. Poll, a dark, deep stream or gulf. See “ Kildòrais.”

P o l g a d u a h . The thief’s pool. This only surmised; gaduah may be a mis-spelling of gaduach, gaduich, gadaiche, a thief; in Irish, goduigh. There is a word gadcm, noise, gadanach, noisy, as of a strong, rushing stream or current; pol signifies a pall.

P o ll a n S t a i m h . Sea-tang or tangle pool, etc.; stamh, broadleaved sea-tangle, laminaria digitata. Near Sgudaburgh.

P o ll C h a m a l a ig . The pool of the turn or curve, etc. This is an arm or branch of Loch Dunvegan.

P o l l C a s -G o ib h r e . Goat-foot pool, of a river. Near Kyle, between Stamag and Ruantyre, rudh’ an tir or rudh' an t-saoir.

PoLLDUN. The pool o f the dun, poll an duin.P oll G h a r r a id h or a G h a r a id h . Garden pool. Garradh

also signifies a wall or dyke of stones in the sea for catching or retaining fish.

P oll G o r m . The blue (or green) pool. This is a favourite fishing-bank in Loch Slapin.

P oll n a h - E a l a i d h , P o l l n a E l l a , P o o l n a h a l l a . Swan’s pool; eala, a swan (ealaidh, as given, is the genitive of ealadh, which is a provincial form of eala). This pool was the anchorage or harbour of (H)Uisdean Mac ’Illeas- buig Chlerich’s galley, in which he sailed from Cuidreach to North Uist suddenly, to escape the vengeance of Domhnull Gorm; (H)Uisdean, however, was captured shortly afterwards and tortured to death in a dungeon of Duntulm Castle; ©alt meat being given him, he died raging with thirst; by a refinement of cruelty, an empty pitcher was lowered once or twice to the wretched man.


P o llosgan , P o l l o s g a in . Frog’s pool; poll losgainn, but osgcm is a provincial shortening of othaisgmn, plural of othaisg, a sheep or ewe. This place is south of Loch Poltiel.

P oll or P ol H oag , R o a ig . R o ag pool. A branch of Loch Garoy or Loch Vattin, Duirinish.

P o l m o r e , P o le m o r e , etc. The great pool or bay to anchor ships. In Bnacadale. The word “ pool ” often applied to a section of a loch or natural or artificial harbour. Poll has other meanings; c.f. “ The Pool,” off coast of England, “ Liverpool,” also “ the Pool ” in the Thames.

P o l t ie l , P o l t e e l , P o l l - D i e l , P o l d il l , P o o l t ie l . Diel’s pool, a Danish prince whose body was washed ashore here, and buried in Cill-Chodhain or Chomhain. This loch or pool was formerly known as “ Loch-a-Chuain.” Till then Loch-a-Chuan described ais “ Poldill nan creag arda ’s na traigh mine, Poltiel of the high rocks and the smooth shore. A monument of some sort once existed here, and a rock in the neighbouring shore still bears the name or term of the “ Lochlannach.”

P ort à B h a t a . The boat port or harbour. E.N.E. of Portree (common).

P ort a C h a d h a R u a i d h . Port of the red pass. At Soorr.P o rt a C h a i m . Port of the bend or curve. At Caiman, the

point between Lochs Slapin and Eisheort.P ort A l l t a B h a g h o n n , B h a g a in . The port of the river

of the bay (for ships). Near Dun Mor, Mackinnon’s landing-place, Strathaird. A daughter of Domhnull Gorm Og, “ An t-Aigionnach,” Aigeannnach the courageous (or turbulent) female, composed a song commencing:

“ Nuair thig thu air Ur ’s na baghonmm,Bidh fion is branndai laidir ann ” !

referring to Mackinnon’s home-coming.P ort A l l t a B h i l e . The port of the river of the tree-cluster

or copse. In Strath.P ort A l l t a C h u i l . Port of the back river, an inner harbour.P ort A l l t a G h o r t a in D h u ib h . Port of the black garden

or little enclosure. Torrin school-house.P ort a n L u ig M h o r . Port of the great hollow. Prince

Charlie’s cave here.


P o e t a n T e a m p u il l . Temple or church port, a landing-place, Flada-Chuan.

P o r t a n t -S a l a i n n , The port of or for (landing) the salt. Strath. A word micmn, salainn, harmony, etc.

P o r t a R u g h a in M h o ir . Port of the great stack (of hay or peats). This may be meant for rudhain, diminutive of rudha, a promontory, etc. It is in Leinish Bay, Colbost.

P o r t A s l a ig . The port of supplication or entreaty; but not certain. May be meant for Asbig or Ashaig, q.v.

P o r t C a ig in , C a g a in n ,- n a C a i g i n n . Port of the pass; eaigeann, of which caiginn is the genitive, means a winding pass through rocks and brushwood, a rough mountain pass, cadha-eiginn. It has other meanings.

P o r t C u m h a g , C u m h a n g . Narrow port. In Glendale.P o r t E a g a ir , E a g o ir , E u c o ir . If eagar, the port of order,

regular row, etc.; if eucoir, injury, wrong, etc. Near Elgol.

P o rt E a r l a is , A ir l e i s . Port of earnest or pledge; ear signifies east, and here is an obsolete word lais, hand, etc. Suggested las, laise, flame, hence east flame or beacon.

P o r t E risco . Erik’s-town port. In Duntulm Bay.P o r t -G o b h l a ig , G h o b h l a ig , n a G o b h l a ig . Forked or double

harbour, being Port-a-Chlachain and Port Chille-Moluag, both in Kilmoluag Bay. The first was the landing-place for the church and clachan.

P o r t M h ic E o i n . John’s son’s port. Near “ Airigh na Creige,” q.v.

P o r t M o s a ig . Port of the tawdry woman; mosag or musag. Suggested mosach, dirty, nasty, uninviting, as it is. A point near Elgol. The word mosach seldom applied except to persons, though Professor Blackie called a place at Oban “An t-oisinn mosach,” the dirty or nasty comer!

P o r t n a C a l a d h , sometimes C a l a . Harbour or ferry port; mlaidh. In Elgol.

P o r t n a C a r n a ic h . The oairney or rocky port; a boat slip. Glendale or Ferinvicguire.


P ort n a C u l a i d h . The boat harbour; curaidh, a side-form of curach, a boat, coracle, wherry. Ullinish.

P ort n a C r e il e ig , C r a id h l e a ig . Port of the oval-shaped basket or creel. There is a word creithleag, horse cleg or gad fly pronounced almost, though not quite, the samet, the latter sounding like crilleag.

P ort n a F e a n n a ig . Carrion-crow harbour.P ort n a n L o n g . The port or harbour of the ships. In Loch

Harport. See “ Sleat.”P o r t r e e , P o r t r o i, P o r t r y , etc. The king’s port or harbour;

port righ. The Capital of Skye, of old designated “ a publick house in the Isle of Skye.” This name was given in 1540, when James V. paid a short visit to Skye. The former name was Loch Chaluim Chille, Columba of the Cells’ Loch; but still older are the two names or designations of Cilltaraglan, q.v., and Baile na h-Acairseid, anchor or anchor,age-town. Talorgan was a Piet, it is said. Though named as a memorial of the visit of King James, his haul of independent chiefs, etc., made it more so to many. The parish of Portree dates only from 1726, having formed part of Snizort till then. As to the old name, Killtarraglan, some doubts exist, as from the Annals of Tighernac alone there appears to have been three Talorgans, viz., Tailorgan or Talorg, son of Congus, drowned by the Piets, a .d . 734; Talorgan or Tolarcan, son of Drostan; and another of same name, son of Fergus; not known which of these gave the name to the present Portree. The parish of Portree in 1833 had no less than three stated places of worship besides the parish church proper; despite all this, superstition was in existence in 1800, many narratives in reference to Bodach cm t-Sdibheir, Saoibhire, or Saoibhreis, the old man of prosperity or riches, and or an a chnuic, song of the knoll, a churning-song, still said to be known and sung; tales of ghosts, second-sight, etc., are still current.

Portree, as may be inferred, was the place of call for all; the Lochlannaich made Westrafiord, as they named the loch, their headquarters for long periods while they infested Skye and the Hebrides generally. The loch forms a double harbour, a big and a little, and is the centre of


considerable trade from all parts, while markets and free fairs, with other important gatherings, are held annually. The population, in common with the rest of Skye, is on the decrease.

P oet S g aile . Shadow port; port of refuge; and ghost bay. This part of Loch Scavaig merits all these titles, for in a loch within a loch, loch na leac, much ingenuity is often called for to preserve boats and ships from the sudden storms which rage round; frequently anchors fail, as is evidenced by the iron rings found fastened firmly into the surrounding rocks for mooring purposes, while all around is dark or at least “ shadowy,” which gives the place its name; loch, bay, rock, and point all share in the gloom, Rudha Sgaile, shadow point, on one side, and Rudha Buidhe, yellow point, on the other.

P ottech . Not known as found. In Duirinish.P rabost, P eaebost, B eaebost, q.v. Initial B provected into P.

P resh al , P e ie s h w e l l , P riosm h eall , etc.; even Breezekill, Brishmeal. P again for B. Breas, eminent, great, and meall or fjall, hill or fell. Noted for its perfect columnar jointing; it lies about a mile south of Talisker, and, as said, “ has in front a fine series of genuine basaltic columns like the Giant’s Causeway. The pillars here are about twenty feet in height, and have four, five, and six angles, mostly five. The district hereabouts generally displays the awful effects of volcanic action, the igneous rocks being in evidence in most fantastic form all around. See “ Duntulm.”

Preshal or Brishmeal is a mountain, or rather two mountains, called Big and Little, 2,033 and 1,110 feet respectively.

P e e s k il a n . Thought breas, as above, and Norse kill, kil<m, a spring of water. Probably a fine waterfall.

P e isad al , A l l t . The river of the beautiful dale, breas-dal. These may be near each other, but not known.

In regard to the word breas, as given above, it has been urged that it should be preas, a bush, etc., in Sutherland a copse. P and B as before. This thought unlikely here.


0Quir ain g , C uir ain g , q.v. (cuidh, cuith, cuithe reang, Quiraig,

Ciraig, etc.). The round fold or pen; also given as the reoess or pit of the row or range of rock pillars; cuith, etc., a pen, from kvi or qvi (v equals u), and rand, rang, a column, cuidh-rang, c.f. “ Quinish,” cuidh-inis, meadow fold, a place for sheltering cattle; cuith also said to equal quoy, a subsidiary enclosure to a principal farm, sometimes only a few square yards of land enclosed by a rough stone wall or dyke called cro. This place (Quinish) could shelter 4,000 head of cattle. In connection with the word cuidh, etc., it equals cuid, cud, cudag, cùdainn, a tub or dish of large size, a round enclosure. “ Clach na cvdainn the tub-stone (erroneously translated the rocking-stone) was a stone whereon the women of the village of Inverness in the olden times placed their tubs for washing at the brink of the River Ness.

Every tourist to Skye, has, it is believed, seen Quiraing, and, as may be surmised, much has been written about it, good, bad, and indifferent. Professor Edward Forbes says “ the truly wonderful scenery of Storr and Quiraing far surpasses for majesty any other rock landscapes in Great Britain, not excepting the Giant’s Causeway,” (which, however, is “ mostly in Ireland ” ), and Professor A. Geikie, the eminent geologist, describes it as “ a striking example of the breaking up of the great basalt plateaux.” The place awes many, one writer describing its wildness as “ repellent.”

This place has not only been described in prose by Scottish and English writers, but, at least in one instance, in verse, and that by a Skyeman, Neil Macleod, the well- known Skye bard; he gives a description of a visit paid by him thereto in 1873 in sonorous Gaelic blank verse.

Quiraing has had its detractors also, whether actuated by jealousy, ignorance, or having been unfortunate in the weather, resulting in the prosaic remark that “ there is no real beauty in Quiraing, merely a mis-sihapen group of eccentric blocks and pinnacles piled in confusion.” Such sightseers should stay at home. The “ curiosities,” if we may use the word, are the Needle, the Prison, and the* Table, the latter a green oval in the centre of “ chaos,” said to be one hundred by sixty feet, and upwards of one hundred feet in height—some table. The highest pinnacle


is the “ Needle ” rock, one hundred and twenty feet high, ' from its base, it is thought, as another measurement gives | no less than 1,779 feet, which must be from sea-level. As to the “ Prison ” rock, or Creag a Phriosain, it is whence the ghost of a cleric of some sort emerged at stated periods, till laid to rest, or routed by the magic of iron!

This place did not escape the amateur etymologist down to at least the end of the eighteenth century, as we find the name explained as “ Cuith Fhir F h i n n the recess of the men of Fionn, the Feinne; “ Cuith Filming," Frank’s fold; “ Coire Fhraing,” or rang, Frank’s corry or cirque; it was also compared to, and even connected with “ Uamh Fhraing,” in the Island of Eigg, though this cave commemorates Saint Francis of Assisi, Umbria, 1182-1226, an advocate of poverty, celibacy, and obedience.

Q uirtolan , Q uir tollan , Q u ir to tan . ? Cuairt&alan, of or belonging to a circle. Might be a misprint for “ Cuid Thorlainr See “ Aird-Mhic-Ceolain.”

RR aagill , R a ig il l . Roe ravine. Snizort.R aasay . Roe-isle or roe-ridge-isle; raa, a roe, and ey, island,

equal to ràr-àss-ey, roe-ridge-isle; in Norse rauneyjar. Torfeeus called it Rosay, and mentions “ Mulcalloun ” as the proprietor. Raasay lies north and south on the east coast of Skye, opposite Portree, in the parish of which it now is, formerly in Snizort; it extends from 13 to 16 miles in length by 2 miles in breadth, according to latest official measurements. The name is also found given as Raarsay, which is rars, a genitive of ra.

The first historical account of this island is in that of King Haco’s expedition to Scotland in 1262; also referred to (as Dean Monro’s account) by George Buchanan in his “ History of Scotland,” written in Latin.

Raasay was at one time held—if not possessed—by the MacHardys, a sept of the famous “ Siol Torcuil,” the race of Torcul (Macleod), and subsequently by a Macleod, who was familiarly named “ Mac ’Ille Chaluim Camachasach,” bandy or crooked-legged son of the descendant (or son) of Calum or Malcolm; this word carna also signifies “ strong,”

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 287R A A S A Y ( Continued) —

etc., which, he was in a very marked degree; this designation appears in 1580 as “ Gilleschallum M‘Gilleschallum of Rasay ’’ ; his eldest son held the title of “ Rona,” an adjacent island which belonged to the family.

The said “ Mac ’Ille Chaluim,” also known as “ Iain Giarbh Mac ’Ille Chaluim,” was a great man in many respects, physically and mentally; a famous warrior and even a reputed wizard, the latter owing to his superior knowledge and education, this caused him to be “ suspect ” by his more or less barbarian neighbours, among \yhom a Macdonald of Sleat ranked prominent, plotting his destruction, which, it is traditionally reported, he actually accomplished by witchcraft as exercised by his (Macdonald’s) foster-mother, who was a noted witch, whom he bribed, as before stated, by promise which he failed to keep; the tale of how this was brought about is well known, and need not be repeated, the result being that this eminent man was drowned on his passage from Stornoway to Raasay.

The name Raasay, as may be surmised, appears in numerous documents and prints, etc., from at least 1549 onwards, and varies considerably from Raarsa to Ratharsair, etc., the late Dr. Norman Macleod (Carmd nan Gaidheal) spelling it Rathasa. In the Book of Clanranald, Macleod of Raasay is designed “ Eoin Garbh Mac Giolla Cholum Baarsaigh.”

The drowning above referred to is said to have taken place on Di-luain Caisge (Easter Mondiay), 1626. See “ Mol Staiseall Staphain.”

Many writers, from Dean Monro’s time onwards, have described or referred to Raasay more or less in detail, or even accurately, each giving his own account, with occasionally a rendering of the meaning of the name; even Dr. Johnson tried his head and pen to the effect of its.' being “ from ms (Icel.), a course, or m, a landmark, and ay or ey, an island.

The ancient history of this island has yet to be written, and it is hoped will some day appear.

The topography of the island is not deficient in interest, ancient chapels, etc., existing, in connection with one or more of which a tearmunn or sanctuary exists; one at any rate appears defined by eight crosses. Most of these chapels

288 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYERAASAY ( Continued)—

are now in ruins, though one is said to have been worshipped in so late as 1833.

Local lore in connection with Raasay is not wanting. For instance, the people thereof, like others, bore a nickname, connected with an alleged occurrence, viz., “ Na Saoidhein the saithes, from their day of a cairidh only producing saithe, while their neighbours in Skye secured herring on theirs; see “ Cairidh Shnisort.” But the Raasay folk are not the only people called by that nickname, for the Whalsay people bear it also, and it is said the word comes from the Norse seidhr. A saying attributed, rightly or wrongly we cannot say, to the Raasay people is “Is mdtfo (bu mkath) an sgadcm nuair nach fhaighear (nach fkaigJimmaid) saoidhm nherrings are good when saithe cannot be had! this, doubtless, as a set-off against their ill-luck with the cairidhl

One more saying or belief of the Raasay people, shared in, however, by others, is that the king-otter has a jewel in his head. Other tales and beliefs must be passed over brevitatis causa.

Raasay is honey-combed throughout with innumerable “ sinks or swallow-holes,” dobina, which are very treacherous and dangerous, cattle and sheep, and occasionally human beings, falling into and down them; one woman who fell in one managed to escape after three days’ confinement and struggle; being funnel-shaped, they give little or no chance to escape. The stone of the island is limestone, and iron exists.

It is desirable here to refer shortly to the work by Professor James Geikie intituled the “ Great Ice Age,” where he tells us that the basins of the Sounds of Raasay and Sleat are, along with many others, the latter particularly, simply the continuations of fiord (or glen) valleys; if the land was elevated, they would be found to form the lower reaches of mountain valleys or glens; Sleat’s Sound (Linne Shleite) would be continued with the valley that now holds Lochalsh and Loch Hourn. The rock-basins in our sea-lochs were ground out by glaciers which once filled these now submerged land-valleys, the whole of the country—with the exception of the higher hill-tops—being at one time deeply smothered in ice, which flowed out from all the sea-lochs, overflowed Skye and the other islands

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 289RAASAY ( Continued)—

of the coasts, and only stopped at last in th© deep waters of the Atlantic.

Sir Archibald Geikie, brother of above Professor, describes Raasay ajs on© of the most varied of the islands as regards geological structure, and also explains the rock- basin®, which he tells ub are double the depth of west of Skye, or 528 feet.

Both of these eminent Professors have supplied much more information as to Sky©, etc., but space does not permit of further references, except that on the east of Raasay and Rona, the sound is one of the deepest on the west coast of Scotland, no less than 138 fathoms below the surface of the sea, shallowing gradually to the North Minch, and deepest in the narrows. The mighty course of the massive glaciers, which, as said, flowed over Skye, is further described in the works of the said Professors, to which we refer our readers.

We now give the place-names of Raasay, so far as secured, alphabetically:

A c h a r n e t , A c h e r n e t . Might be achadh, ’charnaid, the field of incarnation; but not known.

A l l t F e a r n s , F e a r n a . Alder Burn.A l l t G l a m , q.v.A l l t H a l l a i g , q.v.A l l t I n b h i r a r i s h , I n n e r a r o s , q.v.A l l t M a n i s h m o r e . Great Manish burn. See “ Maenes.”A l l t n a B r a e . The brae burn. Thought this should be breac,

trout burn. Runs west into Bagh an Inbhire.A l l t n a N i g h e a d h . Washing burn. Said to be connected

with the superstition of the bean-nigheadh.A l l t R e i r e i g . Reireag burn. Runs S.W. into Loch na

Cairidh.A m Bagh. The bay; or Bagh an Inbhire, the bay of the inver

or confluence with the Storab bum.An C a o l , N a C a o i l . The kyle, kyles, or narrows; between

Raasay and Skye.A n R o i n n , R i n n , R h i n n . The point or promontory.

T

290 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYEEAASAY ( Continued)—

A r d a n T o r r a in , n a T o r r a i n . The height or place of the; heap or heaps. Thought tumuli or burial mounds.

A r n i s h , A w i r n i s . Eagle point; am or om (Norse), eagle, and nes or wish, a point.

A t h r o . Suggested back-stream; ath, the prefix of repetition, and sruth, a stream; or àth, a ford. Not known, except that there is an island of this name.

A u l d a l i , A u l d a l ie , O u l d a l i , O u l d a l ie (1637). A n island, not known. See “ Culdalie.”

A u sa c h , A m h a s a c h . The wild place.A w o y n e s , A w i r n i s , A r n i s h , q.v.A y r e . Sandy, gravelly beach; eyrr (Icel.), eyri, eyrar, a

narrow low tongue of land, which this is, at the point; (pri (Old Norse (f>yri), urie. See “ Eyre ” and “ Keneal- eyre.”

B a g h a n I n b h i r e . Confluence bay. See “ Am Bagh.”B a il e c h u ir n . Cairntown; baile and chuirn, genitive of carn.B a il e m e a n a c h , B a il e M e a d h o n a c h . Mid or middle town or

hamlet. This was of some importance once, as the ruins of a castle, dun, or fort, on a place called “ The Aird *’ here, and opposite the present clachan; a ferry from here to Skye used to exist. See “ Brochel.”

B a l n a k e e p a n , B a il e n a C io p a n , C i p e i n . Tether-peg town or stake-town or village. This name given from the necessity for tethering children, etc., out of doors to prevent1 them sliding or rolling off the hill-sides into the sea or pot-holes; this seemed to have been referred to in Campbell’s “ West Highland Tales,” where mention is made of “ Cathair-shiomain, and translated “ Tethertown.” The same precaution exists on the slopes of the Naero Fjord, | Norway.

B e in n a C h a p u i l l . Horse, or mare, mountain (1,272 feet).B e in n n a h - I o l a ir e (826 feet). Eagle mount.B e in n n a n L e a c , n a L i c e , L e i g h t . Mountain of the flat or:

flag stones; a series of shelves on the east side (1,009 feet).B e in n R e ir e a g B e a g . Little Mount Reireag, q.v. (725 feet);.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 291RAASAY (Continued)—

Bo, B odha na C urrachie . Currach signifies a bog, also a burying-place; and curach, a boat made of wicker and covered with, skins, a coracle, etc.; the meaning “ bog” also applies to this spelling. The reef of above. This reef lies off Raasay, N.E. of Fladday.

Bo, B odha L each an , L eacan , L eacann . The reef of the flat or sloping rocks. South of Griana-Sgeir.

Bo, B odha L e a d r a n . Suggested as from leadarra, harmonious, musical, etc.; a secondary meaning, however, is mangling, perhaps very dangerous. One at least off Raasay, near Eilean Trodday and Rona.

Bo, B odha na F aochag. Periwinkle or whelk reef; faochag also means a whirlpool, etc. At Loch a Sgurr, q.v.

B ochter. Not known.B orradail , B orrow dale , B o r radale . Borg-dalr; borg

(Icel.), a fort, castle, hill dome-shaped; equals dùn, dalr (Icel. and Norse), a dale, dell, or valley, and always ends a name. It may also be dail (Gaelic), a field, a dale, etc., but doubtful, as this word always comes first in Gaelic names, Both are given as a separate portion of land.

Brochel, B rochail, B roich in , V r eo k ill , V reokle (v for bk); also Caisteal Braiehin, Broichan, Brollach, Breooall. The rock fort; bro, broch, brok, etc., and ail, genitive of al, a rock; here a patched or conglomerate mass.

This rock, on which the ruins of a castle stand, is volcanic, and consists of various kinds of stone fused together; also said that this rock is separate from the castle, which is about three miles from the north end of Raasay, on east side. The castle was of considerable size, having been constructed to hold 800 persons (the whole population), water being led in with a drawbridge between it and the rock, about a quarter of a mile from shore. This castle was destroyed by the Hanoverians after 1745, Mac Gille- Chaluim having sided with Prince Charlie. The foresaid mass is said to have given the name to the castle, and that the word is derived from breoc, to patch or put together, to mass, pr. part, breocail.

It is difficult to separate it from the mass on which the castle itself stood, or stands, and the whole forms a notable and conspicuous land-mark.

292 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYERAASAY (Continued)—

There is ia well-known pipe tune called “ Spiocadaireachd Geo B h ru th a ilor Bhruthaimz, the meanness or the cowardice, etc.’ of the Bruthail Creek; bruthall (bruthach- iall or ial, rock face or brae) meians precipitous, while bruthainn means heat, etc., probably the volcanic heat which fused the rock and formed the geo or geodha.

The account of the fight which this tune commemorates has not been got. A term “A bhruehail bhreac” the streaked, speckled mass or being, also “ the brindled or burnt one,” in addition “ the cat witch ”■—in short, the very Devil—is said to exist!

In addition to the foregoing, it may be admitted that there wtas a Pictish Druid named Broichan-Magus, the speckled or variegated one, from his imposing robes, etc.; this Druid opposed Saint Columba at the time or on the occasion of the conversion by the latter of King Brude at Inverness. The name “ Broichan ” is claimed as half-Irish, Brocan, Welsh Brychcm. Breaoan, a plaid, cognate.

The Bretons speak of France (beyond Brittany) as Bro- Chall, which sounds similar, but is explained as borg or brugh Ghall, the fort of Gaul; and broohaUl is known as the banner of Gaul, son of Momi; call, asp. chall, caille, means a veil, hood, flag, etc.; so this may have also been Gaul’s house or castle-fiag.

The meaning first given holds, being a variation in common use of the word borg (Icel.), adopted into Gaelic, with brog, bruigh, burg, as equivalents, a tower, fortress, eastle.

B roradell . Castledale. Borg and dalr, as before?Caisteal K ilmorocht, K ilm o rac h . The castle of the church

or cell of St. Moroc.Camus B a il ’ a n E aglais, n a h -E aglais . Church-town bay,

on S.W.Camus H oloman , T h o l o m ain . Bay of the little knoll or

hillock; an tolman.Car n M o r . The .great cairn. This thought sepulchral at base;

it, however, is more of a hill than a cairn proper, being 1,204 feet in height, and is near Screapadal.

Car n n a n E u n . Birds’ cairn. S. of Storab, q.v.Clachan T ig h R a a sa id h . The village of the House of Raasay.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 293BAASAY (Continued)—

Clam , C lam ad a l , C lau m , etc. Glam, glmm, lit ., a noise, a mouthful, etc.; thought here a chasm or rift in the side of a hill, bitten out, as it were; dalr, a dale, adjacent.

Cnoc an H a t h a . The knoll of the circle, thought as usual to be Druidical; but also found translated knoll of prosperity, good luck, etc. 365 feet. Rath also signifies a fortress, a royal seat. The first meaning probable, taken in conjunction with “ Cnoc Seunt.”

Cnoc Se u n t , Seunta , K n o cnsh int . The holy or blessed knoll. See “ Crochill.”

Cr aig lead h , C reagleagh . The fused rock; much in evidence here; creag, rock, and leagh, to melt, to fuse, etc.

C reag an E o in . The bird rock, eun, eoin. This thought same as “Carn nan eun”

C reag na B r u aic h . The bank rock; bruaeh, a bank, a border, etc. Similar to, and often confounded with it, is bruthach, an ascent, steep hill-side, even a precipice, a brae.

Croch ill . The fold or circle of the cell or church; cro and cill. Cro has several different meanings; here it is religious, or connected with a church; there is an expression “A Chriosda Chro^moimhe,” O Christ of the holy blood. See “ Kilchro.”

C u ld alie , also A u l d a l i. Not known.D ornaguilla . A proper name. This an ancient fort, Dùn

Dornagaila.D ruim a n A onaich . The ridge of the hill or hill-slope. On

east.D un B h o r a d a il . See “ Borrodail.” This is in south-west,

and generally termed “ broch.”D un Ca a n . The white fort or hill, Latin canus. This hill

also said to be named after some Danish Prince or other who built a fort thereon, but not known if any remains exist of such; it is the highest hill in Raasay, and said to be 1,456 feet in height. Sailors and others have dubbed it “ Raasay’s Cap ” ; an extreme etymology is “ can,” from the English word!

This hill equals in height Ben Lee, on opposite side of strait; both are table-lands, similarly shaped, and may have

294 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYERAASAY ( Continued) —

been joined in the long ago ages; specially noted by Sir A. Geikie as “ one of the most wonderful monuments of geological denudation in the Inner Hebrides” ; all basalt. A particular kind of chrystals said to be found here.

E il e a n a n F h r a o i c h . Heather island; this with Garbh Eilean, or rough island, at south end of Kyle Rona.

E il e a n a n I u b h a i r . Yew-tree island. This a mistake for “ Eilean an Inbhire,” the island of or at the confluence, which, with Raghan or bay island, is on S.W.

E i l e a n F l a d d a , etc., q.v.E il e a n H o l o m a n . See “ Camus.”E i l e a n M h a n i c h . See “ Maenes.”E i l e a n S t o r a i b . In Am Bagh, q.v.E i l e a n T i g h e . House island; a peninsula on N.W.E y r e P o i n t ; eyrr, as before. On extreme S.E., on which is

a lighthouse.F e a r n a D e a s a g u s T u a t h . Alder; thought to be two small

low-lying islands.F o r t u n a and F u n e r v e g . Not known. There is a word fumair,

a large lump? Funner veg thought a corruption by a non-Gaelic speaker of tumair, tumaire beag, the dipper, diver, or ducker, from fancied resemblance, or its being a haunt of these beautiful sea-birds.

G a r b h B h e i r t , B h e a i r t . The rough or great loom; a rock.G a r r a c h a n . Not known. One meaning is the greedy one,

the little greedy one, applied to the young of the hoodie- crow, fecmnag og.

G l a m . A cry, a noise, as of a brattling burn; also used to, express a “ mouthful,” as of land being eaten away. See “ Clam.”

G l e n g r a s t . The rugged-faced glen, gràsda; might be gràda, granda, nasty, grim.

G r ia n a s g e i r . Sun-rock or skerry, i f n o t Gailig Ghallda. A rock off Eilean Fladday.

H a l l a g , H a l l a i g . See s.v. ante. A river or burn here.H a m p s d a l e . Modern; from Norse ham, ham, a harbour, and

dalr, dale. See “ Hamar.”

PLACE-NAMES, OF SKYE 295RAASAY (Continued)—I n b h i r e , An I n b h i r e . The confluence with Allt Storab, q.v. ',

ioribhar. West of Beinn a Chapuill.I n v e r a r is h , I n n e r a r o s , etc. See s.v. ante.I n v e r u ig , I r e . See s.v. ante.K a m io r i c k , K a m o r ic k . Not known.E j l m il u a c h , K il m a l u a g , K i l l m o l o w o k e , etc. Moluog,

Moluag’s cell or church. Raasay and Kilmnir parishes bore this name.

K il m o r o c h t . St. Moroc’s cell or church.K y l e h a n . The narrows; caailtean.L a g g a n , L a g a n . The little hollow. At Borradail.L a r g , L a r a g . Larch-tree; but this is an island, and might

be learg, cormorant, or a plain, etc. Not known.L e a c , L e a c h d , L e a c h g , L e a g h k , L e i d h , L e i g h . As explained

before, the primary meaning of this word is a flag, a flat etone, etc.; it is thought here to mean a tomb, a bed, or grave, though leidh and leigh are Norse, and mean a road, a flat surface; Old Gaelic lecht, from Latin lectus, a bed, a grave; while lia, genitive liag, signifies a stone; lia fail, the stone of destiny.

The application to “ grave ” of leac appears in the well- known Gaelic proverb or saying, “ Bidh dùil ri fear- feachda, ach cha bhi ri fear-lice,” the man of war may return, but not the buried man.

L e b o s t , L e a b o s t , L ie b o s t , etc. Road homestead; leidh (Norse), a road, and host (bolstadr), a homestead, etc.

The Bethunes of Skye fall to be noticed here, though for fuller information see a small work on “ The Bethunes of Skye ” by Thomas Whyte, Lillieston, 1778, wherein that family is styled as of Leabost, Skeabost, Lourkill, Trein, Auchork, Drumoy, Rudh ’n Dunan (spelled Runnunan), Boraraig (or Burrerick), Fernaleas (2), Brebost, Ostle, Clochamish, etc. Angus and Ewen Bethune held the title of “ Donnelrich,” i.e., Domhnull Riabhach (see “ Baile,” s.v. ante); in addition to the Bethunes (or Beatons) being famous medical specialists, they—or some of them—adopted the military profession; one was a clergyman, the Rev. John Bethune of Bracadale, who was the first to dispense the Sacrament in Skye, towards the end of the seventeenth century.

296 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYERAASAY ( Continued) —

[Lochs and Lochain abound in Raasay, and, as in Skye, manyare noted for weird tales of the each uisge, etc.]

L o c h a C h a d h a C h a r n a i c h , L o c h - n a - C a d n a , -C a r n a i c h . L o c h o f th e s to n y pass.

L o c h a M h u i l i n n . Loch of the m il l .

L o c h a n - g u n -Gi-r u n n d . Bottomless little loch; possibly one of the sink-holes.

L o c h a n B a t h a d . The road loch. S.W.L o c h a n U a c h d a i r . Summit or upper loch.L o c h A r n i s h , q.v. N e a r la st.

L o c h - a - S g u r r ; sgurra. The sgor loch. A prominent loch in N.W., virtually between islands Tighe and Fladday.

L o c h - e a d a r - D a - B h a i l e . Loch between two townships, Baile- chuim and another.

L o c h M a l l a i c h t e . The cursed, loch.L o c h M e a l l D a i m h . Stag-hill rise or rounded hill loch.L o c h n a M n a , n a M n a t h a n , n a m B a n . This refers to a

traditional tale of the each-uisge, or water-horse, having killed a girl whom he visited in the guise of a young man, and the subsequent revenge taken by her father, a blacksmith. As is reported, in the process of luring the “ horse ” to its death, it spoke; the entire narrative has to be suppressed brevitatis causa. The name is given from the smith having disguised himself as a woman, hence Loch-a-Mna.

Boswell in his writings gives a very garbled account of foregoing.

L o c h n a N e i l i c h , a n E i l i c h , M e il i c h , M e a l a c h , M e il e a r - a c h . The loch of the sea maram or mat-weed; also known as muirineach, muran, a weed growing in this loch. See Forbes’ “ Gaelic Names of Beasts, Etc.,” p. 98.

This loch is high up on Dun Caan.L o c h n a N ig h e a d h , N i g h e i d h . With “ Allt,” which latter

runs out of Loch a Mhuilinn into Churchton Bay. This loch and river signify the loch and river of washing, by a mystical female who before a death occurs is seen washing the shroud of the doomed one, a bhean nighe.

BAASAY ( Continued)—

L och Scorn, S goin , S gonn . The loch o f the unshapely lump, though it may be sgoinn, a rocky pool in a river where salmon lurk.

M ad in r o , M adniso . Not known.M aenes , M ainess , M a n ish , etc. Sea-gull point; Icel. mani,

mama, a gull, and nes or nish, point.There is also a proper name Man or Mona, also Mani;

Man said to be Celtic and signifying a district. This place in N.W. There are at least two, Manish beag agus Manish mor, in Raasay.

M eall a C hois , Ch ò is . H ill o f the crevice or cave; cos.M eall a n D a im h , Ox or stag hill.

N aseiring , N efu er nyn (/ for old long s). This name spelled in many different ways in titles, etc.; even Vinsanam or Winsimsem. Not known.

Osgaig, O sk aig , O iscaig, O sgog. Outlet (or mouth of river) strip. Eng. Owskiech! Os, as before, and Norse slciki; os or oss, a sandbank, etc.

Ostaig , O istaig , O istage . East bay (see “ Sleat); one authority renders it Oakswick.

P ortinum ichaig , etc. Port Michaig. See “ Tormichaig.” There are various spellings of this name, even Portan- unchary.

R a m isd a l l . See “ Romesdal.”R eireag , R ia r a ig . The portion, or portioned part or place;

also rudha.R u dh a B reacaichte . The spotted, speckled, or pitted pro

montory.R u dh a C r io n . The little or short promontory.R udha G a r b h . The rough point; also called An Caarn Garbh,

the rough cairn.R u dh a G u a l a in n . Shoulder point. The corner of a hill on

east side.R u d h ’ U ib h a ir e , U ib h a r , U ig h a r , U it h a r . Yew-tree point.

luthar beinne and talmkainn, juniper, mentioned in Ossianic poems. But see “ Eilean an Iubhair.”

PLACE-NAMES, OF SKYE 297

RAASAY ( Continued)—R udha na C lo ich ’ U ain e. Green-stone point; also just Rudha

na Cloiche.This stone said not to be green as if covered with verdure,

but a stone of a green colour throughout. A similar stone to be found in the island of Rhum.

R udha n a n L eac. Flag or flag-stones’ point. See “ Leac,” as a grave. On east coast.

R udha n an S g ar bh . Cormorants’ point.Satie ,. Norse. An island off Raasay.Screapadal, S crapidale , Sk r e b id il l , etc. Sgreapadal. If

Gaelic, the rough or scabbed dale; sgreab.Sgeir C napach , Ch n a p a c h . The knobby or lumpy skerry;

opposite Oskaig. Near this is “ Macmillan’s Rock.”S geir Fhada. The long skerry or reef. Shelters the anchorage

of Oskaig or Osgaig.S geir nam B odach . Rock of the old men; suggested monks.

Bodach ruadh a common name for the fish codlings.S geir nan E u n . Bird skerry.S gurr n an G a l l . The Lowlanders or strangers’ sgor or

pinnacle (Norse).Stachro . Cliff fold or enclosure. Stac a chro.St a ir , St a id h ir , q.v. Not certain as to locality.Storab , A l lt Storaib , and U a m h Storaib . Storab’s burn

and grave. A proper name. S.W. of Dun Caan.St ro n u irin ish , S r o n u ir in ish . Not known; may be Sron

Dhuirinish, q.v.S u ish n ish , S uisnes, etc. Seething point. Given as Suishnes

Mor, with a hill of same name, from Norse seyisnes, the seething nees, nish, or point; but see forward. Found given as two islands off Raasay, with stormy headlands, Norse sis, sus, suis, susi, roaring. Various, but impossible, etymologies of this name exist, local and otherwise.

S w a s t . May be a corruption of sum, up, westward.T orradoill, T o rradallie , even Z o n ad allie . May be tor or

torr, the tower (tur) or conical hill, etc., and dal, vale, dell, etc.

If termination doill, then hill of the blind (men); dall, plural doill.


PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 299rA A SA Y ([Continued)—

Torran , Na T o r r a in . The heaps; supposed tumuli or graves. At Loch Amish.

Uam h C h a l u im . Calum’s or Malcolm’s cave, where Macleod of Raasay took refuge for a time on being outlawed.

U g i s a r d e r . Not known. See “ Uigshader.”Unachan , A onaichean . The heights, slopes.

[End of E aasay .]

R a h , Eau, Eaw. Thought a mis-spelling of Eha, q.v. This has been found given as a river, a knoll with waterfall in Snizort and at Uig (Eha-deor), said to be Old English roe-deer. Ra, Egyptian name or term for Jehovaih.

R a i m h e . Of or belonging to roots, trees, etc.; ramh, genitive raimh. Also explained as the root-centre of a range of hills. We find Buthcm na Raimhe in the song “ ’8 trie mo shuil air an linne.” The cots of the thicket.

Raisburgh , E aisaborg . Not known; borg, as before, but see “ Euisebreac.”

Ramasaig, E am esaig , etc. Eaven’s bay; hrafn or hramn, a raven, and vik, vig, a bay, etc.; or hrafn, etc., and skiki, a river strip of land, or a waste only haunted by ravens. First meaning preferred.

Ramasgar . The ravens’ skerry; hraf, as before, and sgeir. There is a Norse word rauma, giant.

Ran lag allan . The fort in the little hollow. Lagan, however, means little hollow, and a fort is seldom or never in a hollow. Rath an lagallan.

Dean Monro describes this place as a watter.”Rathad a G h a r a id h D h u ib h . Black dyke road. See

“ Garadubh.”R a t h k il l . The church fort or mound. Snizort. Rath a chill.R ath or R a th a Soluis. Circle, mound of light. The word

rath also stood of old for homestead when a dwelling-house existed; also a beacon on a fort for signalling purposes.

Ravag, E oag, q.v. A loch.

R eachan , R eochan , etc. The russet or grey place; riach, riabhach.


R e id h e a n , An. The little level place.

R e id h na L och . The loch level (place). There are three lochs here, and lie west of Brocbheinn.

R eileag , R eilig M hoir Ch l o in n D o m h n u il l . The great (or chief) burying-place of the Clan Donald. This asserted to be in Kilmuir; but see “ Kilmore,” Sleat. Reilig said to be from Latin reliquiae, remains, etc.; also given Reidhlig, Reilic, from reidh, a plain or flat surface, and leac, a fliat stone or slab, a tomb-stone.

The adjective mor should not be inserted here; thought applicable to burying-ground of “ Macdonalds,” though not of the chiefs, or Lords Macdonald. It is known that only one tomb-stone in Kilmuir bears the cross-crosslet-in-hand of the “ Macdonalds of the Isles,” and that bears a seventeenth century date. Many famous cadets of the Macdonalds, however, lie buried in Kilmuir.

R e in t r a , R en etr a , R e n e t r a y . The shore level (place); reidh na traighe, tragha, traghad.

R eith e Ch o il l e . Ram’s wood, as given, may be reidh, the wood level place.

R eiv a l , R e it h e v a l . Smooth level fell; reidh fjal. In Kilmuir.

R eshaburg . Brushwood town or place; Norse hris and borg.

R esh uiron , R e s h w ir o n . Not known.

R h a . Name for a river or burn which joins the Conon at Uig. Rha thought to equal rath, a fort, etc. See “ Rah.”

R h u d u n a n , R h u e d u n a n , R u d h - a n -U n a in . The point or promontory at the little hill. See “ Rudh’-an-Dunan.”

R h u a d h a in , R u id h e a n , R h it h e a n . The summer pasture, of sheiling; if ruidhe, ruighe, or righe, means the same, also the outstretched slope of a mountain. This place is on the south of Uig Bay.

R iasal . See “ Risadal.” This, however, is a knoll on which much rough grass grows; as also in a morass, dirk-grass; also sedge-grass; riasg, a morass.

TR ig , E igg . The ridge. Near Scorribreac. Norse hryggr, a

ridge. On Eigg shore there is a black stone on surface of rock which resembles goat’s horns, near which there is a cataract or waterfall. This place is good grazing ground.

I Calum Ban MacMhannian, a local poet, sang its praises,“ ’(S' gum be ’n t-àite bho e,” and the place for cows it was, or is. The word righe or ruighe, ridge or part of a hill, etc., has been advanced in connection with the etymology of this name. Eigg is famous also for a family of Mac- queene who bulked largely in the history of Skye.

R in g il l , E in g ell , E ingoll , etc. The point or promontory of the gyll or ravine; rinn or roinn and gil. Upper and Nether in Strath. See “ Dun.”

R isad al , E iosdal . Brushwood dale; hris and dalr. In Glendale.

R isagan , E isachan , etc. The little brushwood or bushy place. Also an island off Eaasay; and a place, with Trien, in Watemish.

R oag, Eòg (Island and Loch). The noisy or splashing (place), from Norse ròk; also suggested as from ro, romance, noisy sound, etc., but uncertain.

There is a Eoag at Ard Mor, Waternish, on a promontory west of Trumpan, near which was fought Blar milleadh gàraidh, q.v. It was here also that a strong body of Campbells landed, and eleven chiefs, or leading men, were subsequently murdered by Iain Dubh Macleod, the tenth chief of the clan for a time; the saying, “Cha leatha (leithne) Loch-a-rbg a null (nunn) na Loch-a-ròg a nail,” Loch Eoag is no broader hither than thither, applies to another loch of the same name in Lewis, also to Loch Obha, Awe. Another famed Skye family, Macsween (Mac- Suibhne), resided here. Eoag has been spelled “ Eavag,” q.v., as a loch, and there is a “ Lon Eoagil,” q.v.

E obastan , E obustan, E obistow n , etc. Bob’s town or place, either in Strathaird or Snizort, and has the saying: “ Robastan a choroa (choirce) ghlais,” Eobastan of the grey (ripe) corn.

Sometimes given “ Bomastan.” Also chorca should be chorsa, coast or shore, it is alleged. Some enthusiasts claim Eobastan as the birth-place of William Roes, the poet; but see “ Sheehan.”


1R ocabarra. See “ Dunvegan.”R odh , R u d h a . Headland near the Snod, q.v., if not meant ■

therefor.R oineval . The raven’s fell; roine, hraun, hrcmm, hrafn a

raven, and fjal, a fell, etc. This a rocky-faced hill with fissures, etc.; also described as “ a bold moorland hill” (1,440 feet). North of Dry nach, and W. N. W. of Sligachan. i

R o in n , A n , R in n . The point or promontory. North of I Eilean Fladday.

R oishader , R osshadder . Horse-town or pasture; hross and 1 setr. Lies south of Loch Snizort beag. 1

R omasdal, R om asdail , R om isd ale . Giant or giant’s dale; muma, giant, or great man, and dalr. See “ Ketil,” who was chief of Raumsdal.

R ona, R onay, R oneh a , even R ourhae (1637), also R aneira by Torfseus. Many etymologies of this name have been given, the most probable being rock-surfaced isle, rough or rocky isle; Norse hraun and a, ai, ay, ey, oe, etc.; , Norse (pyja equalling uyea, an island of second magnitude; an island of first magnitude is a land; and an island of ì third magnitude a holm, which is cognate with collis; other etymologies are, or were, ròn, a seal, and ey, royn ey, 1 (St.) Ronan’s isle (by Bishop Forbes in seventh or eighth ! century); also, said to be akin, romm, i.e., ro muir, to ] among other meanings signifying “ very much,” i.e., very j much sea, great, or tempestuous! ■

A saying “ Rona na nav ” found, which means Rona of the ship, naibk (obsolete), probably from Latin navis. Like Raasay, there are many caves here; both islands, indeed, J are more or less honey-combed. Rona is now in the parish of Portree. Another Rona forty miles north of the Butt of Lewis.

The following names of places in Rona are given:A cairseid M h o r . The great, or chief, anchorage, which is

south of Acairseid Chirm (thioram), the dry or sheltered anchorage. North-west.

Am B r a ig h . The brae or face. On south.


An T e am pu ll . The temple.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 303RO N A (Continued)—

B eann na h - I olair e . Eagle mountain (823 feet). N.E. of Arnish, in Raasay.

B r e a g . May be breug, a lie, noun; if a v e r b , it means to entice, deceive, etc. This is a small island off Rona.

Caol R o n a . Kyle or narrows.

Cow R ock . Creag a mhairt. On north.D oire n a B uaile , D oire n a G uaile (guaille). Copse or grove

of the fold or of the mountain shoulder or slope.E ilean an F h raoich . Heather island. Off Rona, also applied

to Roma itself, as to others of the Hebrides.E itean G a r b h . Rough kernel or grain, as of corn, etc. May

be meant for eiteag, a white peeble, quartz, etc. Eiteag was the name of a deity of Loch Etive, Argyll.

G a m h n ac h ain , Na, G a m h n aic h ean . The farrow cows, or cows one year without calving. These are rocks in a bay, anglicised Gantocks as being likest to gamhntaich; but gantocks claimed as being for caointeach, the wailer, a female water-kelpie, who warned her favourites in a household of the approach of death by weeping and wailing.

Ga r b h -E il e a n . Rough isle. South of Dubh Chamuis, the black or dark bay.

L och a B h r a ig h e , a B h r a g h a d . The brae loch.M eall A cairseid M h o r . The hill above the great anchorage.Ob an D r eallaire , D rollair e . Idler’s bay. N.W. Also

O b n am F eusgan, F iasgan . Mussel bay.

P ort an F h e a r a in n , agus an T e a m p u il l . Land port and temple port.

R udha ’n D ubh C h a m u is . Black or dark bay point. Also A n S gath M oire , M ora. The great or deep shadow point.

Sgath B h a n n a ic h . The shade or retreat of the crafty one (fox) in a mountain.

Sgeir n a n E u n . Bird skerry or rock. Common. Off Eilean Fraoich.

Sgeir Sh u a s . The upper skerry.[End of R on a .]


R onacha . Seal-field or place abounding in seals. This name also applied to Rona proper.

Ros a M h e a l l a in . Little lump or hill promontory; ros, ross also signifies a wood; Welsh rhos.

R ossgill, R o sk h il l . The gyll, gully, or ravine of the point or promontory; suggested by advocate of Norse as hross, horse. There is a small river or burn here.

R ossey. Horse isle; hross-ey.R uadh Stac . Red stack; case of adjective preceding noun, and

intensifying meaning, a stack of redness.R u aig . Pursuit, chase, etc.; but improbable; suggested rudha

vig or vik, the point at or on the bay, near one of which it is. Ruaig is notorious for several reasons, among which tradition speaks of Hallowmas cantrips by the fairies on horseback, reversed; also as being whence a parson, Sir Andro, leapt from a rock, the Storr by one account, and started for Rome with his Satanic Majesty!

Ruaman, R u d h ’ Am an. River point or promontory; aman, Old G iaelie for abhainn, hence amar, a trough, water channel, dish. Ruaig said to be the name of a free-bold granted to a Mackinnon, a “ gillie” of “ The Macalister,” successor to “ Mackinnon ” of that ilk, for bravery. There is a Ruaman Mor and a Ruaman Beag.

R u d h a , R ugha , R u t h a . A point or promontory; numerous; most follow.

R u d h ’ A ch adh a C h u ir n . Cairn field point, with bogha, bend, in land. Both south of Broadford.

R u d h a id h e a n , N a . The points, etc. Strath.R u d h ’ a n T orra M h o ir . The great rock point. In Strath.

For both last, see “ Sleat ” also.R u d h ’ A rd de C h eolan , A ird a Ch e o l a in . See “ Aird-Mhic-

Ceolain.” Off Trotemish.R u d h ’ A rd T r e sh n ish . The point of the height of Treshnish.

See “ Tressernish,” also “ Leac.” At Kyleakin.R udha B h e a n n a c h a in . Point of the peaked one (hill). In

Kilmuir. See “ Bearni.”R udha Ch e a n n a c h a n . Little head point.


R u d h ’ an C a ir n ic h , Ca r n a ic h . The point of the cairney, stony, or rocky place; camach also signifies a heathen priest.

Rudha D ubh, ’Chinn L eith, ’Chorachan. Black or dark point. At Camus-Mallaig; hoary-headed point, grey; and the point of the steep place, chorrachcm, from corrach, steep, precipitous. (2) Loch Snizort and Camus Beag, Uig. Rudha ’Chinn Leith also given as ’charn or a chuirn leith, cairn.

R u d h a -C r u a id h l in n , C r u a il in n . Point of the mountainous, rocky ground, “A thriath C hr anno ckruaidhlinn,” Chief of Rocky Cranno, Ossian, Lodin.

R u d h a -G a r a -F a d d , G ar ad h F a d a . Point of the long dyke. See “ Garafad.”

R u d h a G h eo id h B h u id h e . Yellow goose point, as given; but thought gheoidh should be gheodha, creek or cove On west side of Loch Scavaig, where there is a Rudha Ban and a Rugba Buidhe. Soay Sound.

R u d h ’ A ir d M h o ir . Great height (airt) point.R u d h ’ an A ir d e D u ib h e , na h - A ir d e D u ib h e . Black height

(airt) point.

R u d h ’ an A isig . Ferry point; Rudha Hunish. One of the two extreme northern points of Skye. See “ Ashig.”

R u d h ’ an D u n a n . Dunan, or the little hill, point. In Soay Sound, south-west of Strath. There is a dun or fort here in ruins.

R u d h ’ an E asgann , n a h -E asg ain n e . Eel point. South of Spar Cave, sloe an altrumain, Strathaird. Eels not highly valued for eating in Skye, but are selected for baiting long lines; easg, a ditch, etc.

R u d h ’ a n E ir e a n n a ic h . Irishman’s point. Near Broadford. Here Alasdair Og, Mac na Caillich, one of the Maequeens of Rigg, after a long and strenuous struggle, overcame in a wrestling bout an Irish champion, who died while passing through the Sound of Scalpay on his way to the doctor; the body was landed and buried at this place; long and specious accounts of this combat are still well known in Skye.

u


R udh an E u n , R u d h ’ an E un G o r m a . See “ Flodigarry.” Bird point, the point of the blue bird; thought gormag. Hobby, a species of falcon.

R u d h ’ an I asgaich . Fishing point. Common.R u d h ’ an TIil l t D h u ib h . Black or dark bum point.

R u d h ’ an t -S a il l e ir , S u il l e ir . Point of the salt-store, salter, or fishcurer. Troternish.

R u d h ’ an t -S ao ir . Carpenter’s point. Near Kyle.R u d h ’ an U il l t D h a r a ic h . Oak-tree burn point. East of

Loch Sligachan.R u d h ’ A onghais . Angus’ point. Soay.R udha B h o r n ask itaig . Bornaskitag Point. Here tradition

says is the spot where Donald, eldest son of Reginald Mac Somerled, cut off his hand and oast it ashore. South of Score Bay.

R udha B h a it e r n is . 'Waternish point or promontory. This was the first land-fall made by Prince Charlie after leaving Uist. He landed, however, near Mogstat House, Kilmuir.

R udha B h r e id in , B h r e d e in . Not known, unless coif or woman’s head-dress; may be meant for bridein, brid-eun, gille-bride, oyster-catcher. This point is off Lyndale.

R udha D ubh a G h r ia n a n . The black or dark point of the summer-house, etc. North of Talisker.

R udha D h u n b h e a g a in . See “ Galtrigil.”R udh’ Earr an Sgurr. Skerry-end point. South of Min

ginish.R udha G a r b h a ig . Point of the rough place or bay; garbh aig

or vig; aig a diminutive. A word garbhag signifies a, sprat or small herring, garvie.

R udha H u n ish , R o w h ounish (Pont). See “ Hunish” and “ Unish.”

R udha L e in ish , q.v.R udha L usa, L ussa, q.v. Lusa is a genitive of lus, a flower,

a herb, etc.R u dha M aol n a G a ir b h e . The rounded or blunt point of the

rough place; if gairbhe, the genitive of gairbh, then that word has another meaning, the paunch of a deer being one. Loch Dunbheagan.


R udha M e a n ish . See “ Maenes.” Other etymologies of this word have been suggested, e.g., mjo nes, the narrow point, which seems tautological here; mjo gives mia- and mea. This place said to be at Duntulm, not Raasay.

R udha M harsco, q.v.R udha M hic ’I lle D h u ib h , “ Blackie ” point. Near Elgol,

Strath. This meaning assumed; literal meaning, point of the son of the black lad or servitor.

R udha n a Ca il l ic h . Nun’s point; cailleach, veiled one, from cattle, a veil. See “ Sleat.”

R udha n a C loiche , R udh a n a n C lach , R unacloich . Stone or stones’ point. Near Loch Harport, north of Talisker Bay. These stones said to be Druidical; also traditionally connected with the Cailleach Bheur, a point of same name in Mull, and were said to be the stepping-stones of this witch or shrieking hag, though also called Clacharan Cailleach Bheur, or A Chaillich, the last staid to be at or on Loch Eite, and connected with that witch’s leap from a mountain in Duirinish to Ben Cruachan, Argyll! See K. W. Grant’s account in “ Life and Work ” for September, 1909, Gaelic Supplement.

R udha na C reige M o ir e . Great rock point. On S.E. coast of Loch Brittle.

R u dh a n a G aed , G a e id , G e a d , G eaid F lu ch , F liu ch , F h l u ic h . The point of the damp or wet patch of arable land, lazy-bed, also called feannag, as being “ skinned” from the surrounding damp soil.

R u dh a n a G o ir te . Point of sorrow, sadness, etc.; also supplied as “ starvation point,” also a poor sour spot. This place is at Loch Dunvegan. Suggested goirtein, of the small field or enclosure.

R u d h a na h - A ir d e . Point of the height. This one at Snizort. See “ Sleat.”

R udha n a h - A irde G l aise . Point of the grey point; glaise also means green. North of Portree.

R u d h a n a h - A ir ig h , A raighe B a in e . Point of the white or fair sheiling; araidhe, though given, thought inapplicable. South of Camusunary.

R u d h a n a h -A ise ig . See “ Rudh’ an A is ig .”


R udha n a h - A oidhb M o ir e . Point of the great possession, property, inheritance, as given. See “ Drum A o i .”

R udha na h - A rd B h a n . Point of the noble women; some dignitaries.

R ud h a n a h -O l l a ig . See “ Ollaig.” In Badenoch, used for nollaig, Christmas; sometimes ullag, a small quantity of meal. May be the name of a place at the point.

R udha n a h -U a m h a . Point of the cave.R udha n am B o t h . Point of the bothies or dwellings etc.;

may be both, wild agitation, a disturbance. At Loch Dun- vegan.

R udh a n am B rad a n , R un a -B r a d a . Salmon point.

R udha nam B r a t h a ir e a n , B r er ran , etc. Point of the brothers (friars or monks); Latin frater. This is a conspicuous point by having or being constructed of huge and regular basaltic columns. North-west of Sound of Raasay, near Lonfearn.

R udha n an Cl ac h . See “ Rudha na Cloiche.”R udha nan Con G orma (two points here). See “ Airigh Mhic

Iain Ghill.”R udha n an C orr , Corr a . Heron or crane point. East of

Grishernish.R u dh a n a n C u d aig ean . Cuddies’ point; young saithe, etc.

Loch Snizort beag.R udha n an G n o igean . Point of the knobs, i.e., ball of worsted

and tar put on the points of the horns of vicious cattle; this has erroneously been given as cnogan, q.v.

R udha n an S g ar bh . Cormorant point; this also means heron, but not to be confounded with Rudha nan Corr, as cormorants are much more common. Norse skarj, scaraff; also called “ Scarf.” Caves here.

R udha na S g ian ad ain , S k ia n a d a in , Sk in id in , q.v. This point, however, is said to be N.W. of Broadford, and to be from skjona, meaning not found. There is a word sgianadair, a cutler?

R udha na T r ag h a , T rag h ad , T r a ig h e . Shore point; beach exposed at low water.


R u d h a N e ist , a n E ist, n a F e is te . See “ Eist.” This is the most westerly and most exposed point of Skye, most dangerous before a lighthouse was erected thereon in 1908. See N.G.P., p. 390. The word traigh has an equivalent eistreadh, suggested ais traigh, but doubtful; eistreadh, treadh, treadhan, ebb, or stony beach at low water; eis means delay, hindrance, etc.

R u d h a -P rionnsa-T earlach . Prince Charles’ Point, where he landed; below Monkstadt.

R udha R iadhain , R iaghain . Swinging or heaving point, billowy seas from W. or N.W. winds; this word by extension, means swinging on a gallows, etc., from verb riadh, to hang, to crucify, also a noun meaning gallows or cross. An imprecation frequently used is “A mhic an reidh,” son of the gallows, extended to “ A mhic an riache, riabhaiche son of the brindled one (the devil), a disreputable scape- the-gallows! In Sutherland, ridhean is used for a flowing stream, ruithean or sruithean; the first spelling above, riadh, seems interchangeable with riagh. This point is at Camus Beag, Uig.

R u dh a S loc- a n -E orna . Barley-hollow point.R udha Sm uraig. Point in the dirty, dusty bay; smur and

vig.R udha S tach , S tac. Precipice point. One account gives this

point at Camusunary, N.E. of Strath; if stach, not known; if stac, at Dunvegan Head; rudha locally pronounced rodha.

R udha S taich d in ish . Stac an inis or an nes, or nish. Island stack or pinnacle or point of the point precipice. Near Husabost House.

R udha Sughar, Sughm hor. Billowy point; sumaid, sumainn, billow, great wave, etc.

R udha V annarain , V a lle r a in , q.v.R udha V a te rste in , W a te r s te in . Water stone point, One

of the highest headlands in or on the coast of Skye; given also as “ Peak More,” mor.

R udha V oreven , M h o r b h e in n . Point of the great mountain.R udhan Mor, An. The great little point; rudhan, dim. of

rudka.


R uigh e , R ig h e . Outstretched base of a mountain, a sheiling, etc. (lit., arm); almost the same as airigh, a rough land sloping up to a hill in ridges; used also as a term for small huts or bothies for shepherds, etc., in summer; righ na Scotach, the Scot’s sheiling, at Aberfeldy. Cf. “Amulree.”

R u id h e , R ighe C r u a id h . A s above, cruaidh, hard or stony. On side of Loch or Lochan Sguabaich.

R uighe M harsco. Marsco slopes. The broad glens between Marsco and Strathaird, where sheilings were of old; the pasture-ground of the mares. There are also Na Ruigh- ecmnan, the Rhives; Ruighe na Capuill, the same.

R uighe P h u il l . Mud or pool sheiling, etc. May be near a bog or burn.

R uighe V in n se a in , U in n s in n . Ashtree slope or sheiling, etc. Near Allt-na-Dunach.

R uisebreac. Ruis means the elder tree or bush; breae, spotted, etc.; may be rois. See “ Roishader,” hross. Macleod of Macleod is termed in one writing as “ Chief of Rushgarry,” also “ the excellent son of Rory,” 1705; Rushgarry, hross gearraidh.

R u t h a . See “ R u d h a .”

S

Sa a v e t in . Not known; said to be an island off the coast of Skye; suggested samh, surge, billowy, and eitin, eitean, eiteag, white stone (place).

Sa b h a il , Sa v a l . High fell; ha-fjall.S agerr y . Not known; suggested samh, as above, and gearraidh.Saig h a M h i n n . The kid’s peak, sharp-pointed peak. In

Sutherland it stands for “ bitch ” as a place-name, which is the primary meaning of saigh, which, however, is the root of the word saighead, an arrow; hence saighdear, an archer, a soldier.

Sail m h o r . The great base (of a hill); sàil na beinne, foot or base or the mountain.

Sa iv e n , Sal y e n , Saoi-B h e in n . Heroes’ or warriors’ mount; moidh, hence “ saoidhean M h cm u isManus’ warriors; if first, then saigh, as before.


Salach arie . Suggested salach airigh, dirty sheiling; adjective before noun; ary is a Norse termination for farm or homestead. In Minginish.

Salaeder , Sa lad er , Salar d er , Salau d er . Not known. In Trofcernish. Suggested salldair, a chaldron or measure (of land).

Sallac h . The dirty or stormy point or place (ach). In Loch Foliar t. Doubtful.

Sa m ar a . Summereve, a corruption of Saint Maolrubha. There used to be a fair or market (feill) held near Portree, called “ Feill Sham aranow thought called “Feill Shligachain, ’ which is held in September. There is a church of St. Maolrubha near Portree. See, however, “ Hamar.”

Samara is the ancient Celtic name of a river in Belgium.Saros. ? Aros. Near Kilvaxter.San d w ic k , San d aig , San d abh aig . Sand or sandy bay. Cf.

“ Sandaig,” in Knoydart, opposite Sleat. This bay is near Kingsburgh.

Sa r t le , Sarttll . Muddy vale; saur, muddy, and dal, dalr, dale, etc. Here is another church or cell dedicated to St. Maolrubha, with open burial-place. Sartle had many athletes and sportsmen, being noted for shinty matches (iomain).

Sa t r a n , S otaran , etc., even Sa l t y r e . Not known. This is a hill in Oynart and Bracadale.

Sca, S caalan , S calar, B e in n , q.v.] also “ Scalpa.”Scaladal, S caladale , S k a l l e d il l , etc. Booth, hall, hut dale;

skali, skala, scale, Old Norse, and dal, dalr, Icel. skjol, a shelter. Cf. “ Scalloway,” in Kirkwall, skali and vagh, shelter-bay; hence sheal, sheiling.

S calar . Skali, & hut, etc., as above, and ar, place of. The place of sheiling, etc. This is the name of a hill. See “ Soalpa.”

S calbisdale , S calpisdale . Dale of the sheiling at or near homestead; skali host dal. In Duirinish.

S callasaig . Sheiling bay; skali vik or vig. Cf. “ Scallasaig,” in Glenelg, opposite Skye.


S calpa, S calp a y , S galpa , Sk a l p a , etc. Cave island; sgailp cave or den, and a, ai, ay, island; one authority, however gives it as from Norse skalpr, ship, and ey, ship isle, and instances “ shallop” ; another says shalpeidh, eid, an isthmus, or neck of land, which it is not; cf. “ Soapa ” in Orkney and in Loch Tarbert, Lewis. There are three or more Scalpa’s, but not known if all are islands. This island is given as being in the parish of Bracadale, but a certain poet in Skye gives it as “ Scalpa 'n t-Sratha,” Scalpa of (the parish of) Strath, in Iain Beton’s song to young “ Charles of Scalpa.” Another song—both beautiful and touching—is that composed by Ann Campbell, daughter of the Laird or Chief of Scalpa, to her betrothed, Ailean Donn, brown-haired Allan, a Lewis man, who was drowned on his way to Scalpa; this song is well known, and frequently sung; it is called “Ailein Duinn, o hi shiubh- lainn l e a t I ’d go with thee, and her crave to be “ arms a bhad icm deach thu,” in the spot thou has gone to, was singularly gratified, as, after her death, her body was lost crossing to the Skye burying-ground. This fact upsets the theory—or proves the exception to the rule—that “ a funeral boat gets a quiet sea,” “ tha siubhal sith aig bàta t ò r r m d h Scalpa is about ten square miles in extent, and has an ancient castle 'dedicated to St. Fillan. Some of the place-names follow. Scalpa has been called “ Island Glass,” or An t-Eilecm glas, the green isle.

The following are uillt or streams: A llt L ia t h : grey, runs north, out of Loch an Leoid to sea. B r id e : St. Bridget’s. Gum S h u a s : upper peak; in south. R udha B h e a g : little point or cape. M hic L e a n a in : Mac- lennan’s; runs north into Caolas Scalpa or Loch na Creag., N a C r ic h e : boundary; runs also into above.

A n A il d u n n . Ail signifies mouth, also stone, and dunn, teacher, doctor; mil again signifies a steep rock or place, and dun, genitive duin, a fortress or castle. This thought to be, therefore, the fortress or castle on the rock. There is An Dùine Loisgte, the burnt or vitrified fort, thought to be the same; but one account supplied locally gives An Duine Loisgte, the burnt man, a hill; thought improbable.

A osail Sligeach . The aged or ancient shelly (place); but see “ Rudh.”

SCALPA ( Continued)—

Be in n R e id h B h ea g . Little level mountain or hill (725 feet). North-west.

Be in n Ch a r n . Cairn mount or hill; but see “ M ullach.”

B e in n L och- a-M h u il in n . Mill-loch mount or hill (949 feet).Be in n n an Caorach . Sheep mount or hill (886 feet).

Camus na F ist e a d h , F o isteadh , F a sd a d h . Bay of hire or hiring; also stoppage or seizure.

Camus n an U isgeachan . Bay of the waters, or streams flowing into.

’Ch a n n a id . The can or cup-shaped one. This is a hill in N.W., and is thought like Dun Cann in Raasay; aid as a termination may mean of or belonging to, a part or portion.

Chaol , ’C h ao il , A n Caolas. The sound or narrows between Scalpa and Skye.

Coire na G ead aig . The cultivated corry. In S.W. Lit., the corry of the small strip or patch of arable land.

Corran a C h in n U achdarach . Point of the upper head; horn of a bay.

D un G leois. Fort or hill of the bright fire, beacon, one of many similar stations along the coast; gleus has other meanings, as in “ Pioban mor gan spreigeadh is feadcmnan gan gleusadh,” great pipes a-stirring up and chanters being tuned.

E il e a n L eac n a G a in im h . Isle of the sand flags or stones, or sandy beach.

G u l n a r e . Not known. A rock or stack on coast south of Sgeir Dearg; another at Dunan, Skye. Suggested GuaV an airigh, hill-slope of sheiling.

K e a n b a l l . Town-head. The seat of the chief or laird; ceann- a-bhaile.

L och G lac- a n - I m e . Butter-hollow loch. South of Beinn Charn.

L och a L eoid , L och an L e o id . Loch of breadth or broad loch.

L och a M h u il in n . The mill loch.


314 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYESCALPA ( Continued)—

M ullach Ca r n , M ullach n a n Ca r n . Cairn summit or summit of the cairns; also mullach a chuirn. This “ cairn” i8 the highest mountain in Scalpa (1,289 feet).

R u d h ’ a Ch in n M h o ir . Point of the great head or headland. North-west.

R u d h ’ a C h o n n a id h . Fuel or firewood point.R u d h ’ a Ch orrain m hor agus b h ig . Promontory of the big

and little horn (of the bay).R u d h ’ a n L och ain . Little loch point. North-east.R u d h ’ A osail Sligeach . The ancient shelly place point.R u d h a D oire- n a -B o-C e a n n a in . Point or promontory of the

white-headed cow (ceann-fhionn). N.E. Also rudha dubh na boiceannan, boicionnain. Black or dark point of the goat-skins or hides this also given bòcannan (bòcain), spirits, ghosts, spectres!

R udha M e a n ish . Meanaish or Manus’ point. Meanish might be from mjo, narrow (which takes mia, mea), and nes, nose or point, sharp point of the promontory.

R u dh a na D roma B h a in . White or fair ridge point. In south.

R udha n a T r u sa id h . Gathering point (as of sheep?), or gathering of different currents.

R udha n a h -U a m h a D u ib h e . Black cave point. At south.R udha R e id h B h ea g , B h ig . The point of the little level

(place).

R udha R eib h n is , R e id h n is . The level plain point.

S geir D ear g . Red skerry. North-east.S geir T h a r su in n . Cross (lying) skerry. In N.E. Lying

athwart an entrance. A beacon has now been placed on this skerry.

S it h e a n G lac-a n - I m e . Butter-hollow hillock, or fairy knoll.St appa . The stepps; also Stapcm, seat of.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 315SCALPA ( Continued) —

Team pull F h r a in g , C ille F h r an g aig . Frank or Francis’ temple (Saint); or the cell or church of or at Frank’s bay.

This church is at the south end of the island, near where the saint first landed; like most other churches of the period, it, or its ruins, is only 26 feet in length; a Latin cross is said to be incised on a pillar therein, which still survives, and is about 4 feet high.

Torre, T o r ii, T o r y . Hill-island. Off Scalpa. Tor, ey. Scalpa is hilly or rather rocky, Soalpa chraganach, as given in “ Cabarfeidh.”

[End of Scalpa .]

It may be observed here that words or names beginning, asfound, with Sc should preferably be Sg\ Sb also should be Sp,and Sd, St.Scalar . The shrieking place; sgal and ar, place of; sgalair,

a shrieker, and sgalar, hounds’ cry when hunting; sgal means a blast, a sound of high wind shrieking over a hill, as this is; skali? See ante.

Scamadal, S cam adale . The short dale; Norse skam, dalr. A river runs through here which is frequently spoken of as Glen Scamadal; a somewhat conspicuous rock also here, i.e., in the Aird of Kilmuir.

Scarbhaig . Cormorant bay; sgarbh and vig. Near Elgol.Scard . The scree or shingly slope; sgaird, Icel. skard, a ravine,

etc.Scardan . Diminutive of above. At Dunan.Scarpa. The sharp or pointed isle. This island known as

Scarpa Vevecum, or Scarpa-nam-mult, Scarpa of the wedders or wethers; found given Scarpamutt and Scarpna- mutt. Lies north of Fladday, near Mingalay; two miles long.

Scavaig, S gathvaig , S gathavaig . The shadowy, gloomy, or dark bay in the loch of that name; scàth, sgàth, and vig.

This loch is surrounded by hills which overhang, and forms an appropriate entrance to Loch Coruisg; found suggested Scahvag, Shawick, skagi vik, etc. As may be surmised, eerie tales are told of “ sights,” such as funeral'

processions on impassable, precipitous hill-sides, foretelling loss of life b j drowning. Going to this loch is, or was, an event worthy of song, a favourite one being sung at waulking, viz., “ Chaidh na fir a Sgathavaig,” the men have gone to Sgavaig, a risky proceeding by reason of its sudden j storms, one of which intituled “ In Its Wrath,” was painted I by Horatio MacCulloch, said to be “ strikingly true.”

S cead B h e in n . The mount of the white spot, spotted (sgeadaichte, adorned). See “ Sgiath-Bheinn.”

S ch iadder , Sh e a d e r . One form of setr, a seat or residence, a mountain pasture, a house, hut, or sheiling; changed into seader, shader, siadeir, and (s)hiader (genitive); also seter, ster, and stra, contracted from stadr, a station or place; but see “ Bolstadr.” Other meanings, given before, herein.

Schoan . The sea (island); 'chuan. Thought meant by Admiralty for “ Flada-Chuan,” q.v.

Sciabost, S geabost, Skeabost , q.v.S ciepadeall , S creapadal . See “ Raasay.”S citeal , S giteal , S g id e il . Plash of water; muc sgideil, a

small whale. This is the right-hand entrance to Loch Eynort, into which a small burn of that (sgideil) name runs. Other suggestions have been advanced, e.g., sguideil, foul, dirty, etc., cf. Drochard Sguideil, Gaelic name for Conon Bridge; also sgiothiol, a sheiling hut or bothan àirigh, cf. “ Scitheboll,” the old spelling of “ Skibo.”

S cobhal, S coebhal, S gobhal . The valley plain; sco or scoth, an Old Celtic word signifying a green plain; sgoth much the same as fell or fjall, a steep rock; the Norse skogr, a shaw, suggested, though generally a termination. See “ Grasco,” “ Marsco,” etc.

Sconsar, S cousar, etc. Not known; ar, place of; might be sco, as above. One suggestion advanced as sgonn, a lump, etc., but questionable.

S core, S coir, S cor, S gor, etc. The peak. This is a township in Kilmuir, and some authorities claim it as being from Norse skari, a cut, a mark, such as a headland, or part, separated from mainland by a cut, etc. Not known whether this applies here. See “ Sgorr.” Score Bay here, on the shore or coast of which is Duntulm, q.v.

316 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE |


Score, S cor, S gor H o r an . See “ Sgurr Ouran.” Cf. Beinn or Cnoc Ouran,” in Kintail. A marching tune of the Clan Forbes is “Cath Ghlinn-Ouran”

Scor - n an - D a oine , S corr n a n D u in , S gurr n a n D a o in e , S gurr an D u in e . The men’s ridge or rock.

Scornisiey . Isa or Isay rock; Ice sgor.Scorribreac, S corribreak , etc. The speckled, or parti-coloured

rock; sicor, Norse, a sea rock; sgor in Gaelic is a sharp, steep hill rising by itself, or a little, steep, precipitous height, etc.; but see “ Soorriclett.” This place is near Portree, and is somewhat noted as being near “ Nicolson’s Rock,” where Prince Charlie landed on his way from Raasay, also from the family of Nioolson (Clann Neacail), who are said to be of Russian descent through Neacal Mor, who was in Mugstot (Mungastadt); this Neacail possessed a oere-cloth or wax shirt (leine-chèir), which he lent to the Macleods of Dunvegan on every occasion of a death in that family; Norman Nicoleon, a bard, also resided here; he composed a well-known song intituled “ ’8 gann gu’n dirich mi chaoidh,” before he had to emigrate. Soorribreac, or immediate neighbourhood, is one of the places where the crodh-sith, fairy cows, came to land; they lived, it is believed, on a sea-weed called meillich, or bladder-wort; Creag Mhor Mhic Neacail is the place these cows came ashore at, and, being valuable, were prevented whenever seen, from returning to the sea by tossing earth between them and the sea, earth from a church-yard preferred! Much lore has been written about these fairy cattle; see Forbes’ “ Gaelic Names of Beasts, etc.,” s.v. “ Cow.”

Another mythical animal is, or was, the tarbh-eithre, also aoidhre, boidhre; eithre has, as the secondary meaning, ox, bull, cow; such cattle also called marrach', these kept a person spell-bound; might just mean of or belonging to the sea, mar a, genitive of muir, sea. A waterfall near Soorribreac named Easa Sue Con, which is unexplained as given, only that beneath it the hollow or trough was the place into which leprous patients were placed for a cure, mùr, mùire, leprosy.

Scorreden, S corridiene , S corradow n . Thought meant for Scor-nan-Daoine, q.v., which, however, is said to be in Duirinish, and this place in Waternish.


S corriclett. The farm or piece of land at the Scor or Sgor-1 Nome klat, but there is also Jclettr (Norse), a rock or cliff: or stretch of rock; also cleit, cleite, as before given; claimed as from Norse skari, a young sea-gull, and klettr.

Scosa. A ferrytoun (Pont). Scousar, q.v.S coulomin, S coulonir, S goulaman . May be meant for Sgula-

mus, q.v.S courie. Place of birds; Norse skorrie, or from skari, as above; jj1

found explained as “ the fort of the champions,” but not known. Cf. Soourie, Sutherland. "

S criag, S griag . The shrivelled or hard, rocky (ground or place). This place lies between ID unvegan and Kilmuir. Also spelled sgreag.

S cudaburg, S cudaborrow , etc. The cluster of islets, town or village; scud, sgud, a cluster; in the Hebrides a boat; there is a dun or fort and a stac here. In Kilmuir, north of Uig.

S cud a ig . Might be sgud, as above, and vig, a bay, bay islands; there is a word sgudag meaning a female with a sweeping I gait, stately. This is a mountain or hill, and may have a I “ stately ” appearance.

S cudarach, S gudarach , Sgudrach . Not known.S eafort , Seaforth , S eath fo r t . Sea fiord; Norse sae, sea,

and fjordr, fiord or firth, a loch.S eantalabh , Se a n -T a l a m h . Old earth, soil, or land; a saying

exists, “Seagain scan talmhainn,” ants of old land.S eisr id h , Se is ir id h . The six-team plot. This word means a

certain portion of land workable annually by a team of six oxen or horses of old—now a pair. Seisreach fearainn, a ploughland.

S eodalan , Seo tatan . The little shuttle. See rock named the loom. This place is at Pengown, Kilmuir.

S eoglatter , Sh ag later , S heogletter , T hocgladder . The hawk’s hillside; smbhag and leitir.

S gabal , S giobal . The cauldron or pot. In Kilmuir.S gadan , S g a t h a n . The shadowed or shadowy one; a hill or

mountain.S gain n ir n an D u in , S g a ir n ir . If the first, might mean the

shame of the forts, etc.; if the second, might be from sgairn, howling of dogs or wolves; a mythical spectre, also sgree.

PLACE-NAMES. OF SKYE 319

Sgalan , S g ailean . The sheltering one; this is a perpendicular rock sheltering Cam ustiana vaig; Norse skali.

Sg eir . An isolated rock which rarely disappears under water, and with no vegetation; Ioel. sker, Irish skellig, equals scopulus maris. These kinds of rocks are numerous, the Dubh-sgeire, or black skerry, on south-east of Soay being a noted one of evil reputation; sgeir, being a feminine noun, requires qualifying adjective aspirated.

S geir- a -C h a ist e il . The castle skerry. Not known which castle; may be Dunvegan.

Sgeir a C h r och adair . The hangman’s skerry. On Score coast.Sgeir- a -C h u a n , Sgeir a Ch u a in . Ocean skerry or sea-rock.

There are several of this name; one at Eilean Iosa or Iosal, the north “ cliff another in Loch Caroy.

S geir a L och lannaich . The Norseman’s skerry.Sgeir a n D u in . The fort or hill skerry; the Aird, north of

Skye.Sgeir an E ich B h a in . White horse skerry. North of Kilmuir

Bay.Sgeir an E id h , E ig h e . The isthmus skerry. This is the

meaning according to the first spelling, the place being an island at high tides; according to the second spelling, variously rendered, eighe is the genitive of eigh, a cry, a long continued, swelling cry; also of eigh, ice, but first holds.

The word eidh is Norse for isthmus, and has many variations, iaid, aith, equalling ay, eie, eye, ui, uie, uidh (from ooee), eidh also means a peninsula; Norse ei% etc.

S geirean M hor , B heag agus B h u id h e . Great, little, and yellow skerries. In Loch Slapin.

S geir an O i r . The skerry of gold, or gold skerry, a nom de plume of a Celtic scholar and writer from Skye.

S geir a n t -S ru it h (sometimes S rotha) . The stream skesrry. At Boraraig.

S geir D h orcha . The dark skerry; north in Loch Scavaig, q.v. Sgeir Dorcha also found given.

S geir E ir in n . Ireland skerry. Off North Alta vaig.S geir E irapach , C rapach , C napach . The hilly or lumpy

skerry.


S geir F asar-a -C h o ille , F asair , A sa ir . The skerry of the wood-asarum, which grows thereon, or rather opposite to, on land, at Sgianadan. This skerry is noted as having been last dry in 1846, a year of famine, which caused some people to think it was “ Rocabarra,” when the destruction of the world was predicted, as stated ante.

S geir F h ea rc h air . Farquhar’s skerry. “ Creag Fhearchair,” another name for it, and was named after one Farquhar Beaton, a Kilmuir “ character,” who used to fish from it at Bomaskitag; the Rev. Alexander Macgregor, “ Sgiath- anach,” wrote about Farquhar, and gives his daily prayer, in which he invariably inserted the petition, “ Na tuiteadh do gfaràs mnm mar an t-uisge air druim a ghèoidh,” let not thy grace descend on us like the water on the back of the goose, unabiding.

S geir G obhlach , G h o b h lach . The forked skerry. Off south end of Pabba, in Broadford Bay.

S geir G ormul , G horm uxl. The meaning of this given as the skerry of the blue-eyed one; but it is Gormal, a place in Lochlin, Scandinavia, and woody; tradition has it that Skye was named Gorma or Gormar, the blue island, and kingdom of Armin, who was a chief or petty king there once; Armin signifies a hero; he called Skye “ the lonely isle.” This place, or skerry, is in Loch Eisheort.

S geir G r aitic h , G h r a it ic h , G r a t h a c h . The horrible, fearful, or ugly skerry; also grathail. This skerry lies far out beyond the north of Skye, Rudha Hunish, q.v., and is near Sgeir na Maoile, q.v. ; a beacon thereon now; Sgeir Mhaola said to be the same, but it is another dangerous reef near Trodda, which is not quite so far out.

S geir M h ao l(a ). The flat sea-swept skerr|y;. or reef.S geir M hic E ac h a in n . M acEachan’s skerry.

S geir M hor (common and numerous). The great reef. At Torrin; Portree Bay, N.; Rudh’ an Dunan; Loch Eynort; Camus Miallaig; Loch Slapin, etc.

S geir M h u r c h a id h . Murdoch’s reef. Near Elgol.S geir n a Caorach . The sheep skerry. Off the island of Isay.S geir n a Ca p u il l , n a n C apu ll , a Ch a p u il l . The horse or

horses’ skerry. Near the Ascribe.


S geir na C oille . The skerry or reef of the wood, now inundated by sea. See “ Sgeir Fasair a Choille.”

S geir n a C o in n ic h . Reef of gathering, lit.; not known unless cross currents, etc., here. There is a Sgurr na Coinnich, q.v.

Sgeir na G r e in e , G r ia n -S g eir . Sun reef. Off Fladda,Sgeir na h - I n g h in n . The girl’s reef, where she was drowned.

On Score coast.Sgeir n am B iast , S geir a B h e iste . The beast skerry, a haunt

likely of an old walrus. In Loch Bay.Sgeir n am F aoilean , F aoiteann (err.). The sea-gull skerry.

N. of Rudha Garbhaig, and off Breun Phort.Sgeir nam M aol, n a M ao ile , M il e . The flat, rounded skerry.

Off Rudha Hunish, near Sgeir Graitich, q.v. A great haunt of seals, with occasional walrus.

Sgeir n an E at h a r B a n a , an E a t h a ir B a in e . The reef of the white (fishing) boat. This reef is off Balmacquien, Troternish.

This word mthar seldom used in Skye; the writer knew only one man there who used it; it is a masculine noun, except in Gairloch, where it is always feminine, with the genitive eathmeh.

Sgeir na R uideag , R u id e ig . Kittiwake reef. North of Iasgair, q.v. The white sea-eagle is called “ An t-lasgair the fisher.

Sgeir R in g il l . Ringill reef. North of Kilmaree Bay.Sgeir R o in , n a R o n . Seal skerry.

Sgiaban , S g iabain , S ia b a n . Sand-drift, sea-spray, place where sand accumulates after storms, and where the muran, sea-

• maram, mat-weed, or sea-bent, always grows; mur, muir, sea. The word siab means a cast, throw (as a line in fishing), drift. East of Harrapol.

Sgianadan , Sk in id in , q.v. Broadford.Sg ia t h . Wing, piece of land jutting into the sea; also sheltered

side of a mountain or district. Cf. Sciath or Sgiath- Gabhra, near Inniskillen, Ireland.

Sg iath -B h e in n . Sgiath, as above. Given as “ Scead-Bheinn, near Dunsgaich.”


S gorgruin . The round rock; sgor cruinn. North-west of Dun- vegan Head.

S gorridow n . Sgor an duine, q.v.

S gorr M h a n u is . Manus’ rock or sgor. Near Husabost House.

S griob- a n -D u in e . The man’s journey; also crevioe or hiding- place (scraped out), a bare stretch of land on a hillside by action of water, etc. This also found given as “ Sgriob-an- Dùin,” the hillock or fort, etc,

S griob M h o r . Sgriob, as above, the great.S griob n a B eit h r eac h . The wild beast’s crevioe or cave.

Beithir, beathrach, any wild beast; sometimes lightning. Sgriob feaminn, a stretch, a portion of land.

S gulamus, S kulam us , S holomoss, etc. Skuli’s moss or moorland, a five double penny land.

The Landnambok gives Skuli as a brother of Liotr, the earl, with whom he contended in Skye and other islands for dominion. This is the Liotr from whom the Macleods claim to be descended. Skolla signifies a slope or side of a hill, while skolli means a fox, both Norse. This moss or moor lies between Broadford and Kyleakin, quite near the coast.

S gum an , An. The stack or stack-shaped hill; an irregular boss- formed mass in the Coolins, with a beautiful peak perfectly symmetrical, hence the name; part of it near the summit is called “ An Cioch,” the pap, and very precipitous crags surround, the mass being named “ Sron na Ciche,” the nose of the pap; also “ Sron a Sgumain ” stands out above all.

The primary meaning of the word sgumcm, as used in Skye, is a baling or skimming dish for a boat, from sgum, s.m., scum; it has also other meanings not applicable here.

S gurr . A large steep rock or precipice; spelled scoor, scor, soorr, scow, scuir, scùr, sgòar, sgoir, sgor, sgorr, etc. Norse skor, a ridge or peak; sgor and sgurr generally used in Gaelic; sgor a is the Icelandic form. Sgurrs are numerous, and mainly confined here to the Coolins. The u sounds long.

S gurr- a -B h a g h , Scoravaigh . The sgor of the bay.


S gurr- a -B eoch, B e ach . Bee sgor or sgor of the bees; beach, locally used for beast, insect, wasp, etc.'; the word seillean,, bee, generally used, beach being merely a contraction of beathach, any living animal, from beatha, life; alleged that the word beoch should be ccoch, dock. See “ Sguman.”

S gurr a B h a ist e ir , B h a sa d a ir . The sgor or peak of the executioner. This is a dangerous peak to ascend, and lies near Sgurr nan Gillean, q.v. Soay has a peak of first name as above, and translated literally “ the baptiser or baptist’s peak.”

S gurr a Ch a ise . Cheese sgor, lit. sgor of the cheese, either from shape, or as suggested in “ Cnoc Caise,” Sleat, q.v.

S gurr a Chait. The cat-craig or peak; wild cat.S gurr a C hoire B h ig . Sgor of the little corry (2,870 feet).

South of Garsbheinn.S gurr a F io n n -C h o ir e . The sgor of the white or bright corry,

or cold oorry (fimnairidh). This sgurr is a small peak between Sgurr a Bhasadair and Bruach na Frith©.

S gurr a G h r e a d a id h . The peak of torment, anxiety, etc. (3,197 feet.); various but improbable meanings supplied, even that it should be “ Grita.” This noble peak has been termed “ the great central dome of the Coolins.” As its name implies, it is hard to climb, being the longest rock- climb in the British Isles. This noted peak or mass is just south of Sgurr-a-Mhadaidh. See “ Raimhe.”

S gurr A l a sd a ir . Alasdair or Alexander’s sgor or peak (3,300 feet), the highest and one of the finest peaks of the Coolins. This peak is said to have been called “Sgurr Lagain ” by the natives, the hollow sgurr or sgurr of the hollow, which seemed great by contrast; the present name was given to it appropriately of Alexander (Nioolson, a Skyeman), who was the first one known to ascend it, in 1873; it dominates the neighbourhood, though Sgurr Sgumain and Sgurr a Ghreadaidh lie not far off, both approximately high. Sgurr Alasdair, as may be imagined, forms the subject of many sketches, drawings, and photographs.

S gurr a M h a d a id h - r u a id h . The sgor of the red dog, the fox, giving rise to the name “ Foxes’ Rake” or haunt; it properly consists of four separate peaks, one of which is split in two; gullies and crevices abound.


S gurr a M h a l a id h , M h a l a id , M h a l a . Sgor of the satchel, bag, etc.; mala means also the brow or border of a hill, also the genitive of mal, a prince, a champion, etc. See “ Cnoc Mhalagan, Sleat.

Sgurran , A n . The little sgor or peak; thought may be Sgurr a Fionn-Choire.

S gurr a n D u in e , S corrinduine . The man’s sgor, either from being a man’s work to climb, or from having been a refuge or hiding-place for some man or other. In Kilmuir, south of Minginish.

S gurr a n E asan D u ib h . The sgor of the black little waterfall.S gurr an F h e a d a in , S gurr na F e a d a in . Sgor or peak of

the water spout or spouts, or wind crevices through which the wind whistles as on a chanter, etc. There is a gully here dividing Coir’ a Mhadaidh from Tairnelear, and is well named, upwards of two dozen waterfalls or spouts being here. It is about 1,200 feet in height; other meanings given are “ Peak of the pipe-chanter,” and “ Peak of the water-gully,” both more or less appropriate.

S gurr B h r e a t a l . The Peak of Brittle. North of the loch,' and in S. Minginish.

S gurr C oir ’ a n L o ch ain . The sgor of the corry of the loch; Loch Coruisg. This is a splendid rock mass, and forms a lower buttress of Sgurr Mhic Coinnich. This “ corry ” Sgurr was first ascended by Dr. Norman Collie in 1896; elsewhere stated that it was Sgurr Mhic Coinnich he ascended. Sgurrs are sometimes called after the very corry that lies at their base or in gremio.

Sgurr Dearg. Red sgor, red sandstone, and for long considered inaccessible, being the second highest peak of the Coolins (3,234 feet); it has of late been frequently climbed, and named “ The Old Man of Skye,” a supposed translation of “Alt Maen, high rock! A spur of this sgor is called “ An S t a c the stack. Sgurr Dearg varies in appearance according to the point of view, in one case like a huge horn, in another like a chimney can, and climbers say it is the most difficult of all the Coolins to reach, Bidean or Bidein Druim na Ramh being the next.


S gurr D ubh an D a -B h e in n . The black peak of the double mountain; one of the two peaks of Sgurr a Mhadaidh- H u a i d h , q.v. It is said that the name madadh ruadh, red dog, was given this peak from its appearance, as it is remarkable for a red, rusty weathering; first climbed by. Sheriff Nicolson on September 6th, 1874; he said “ it was the hardest climb I ever had among the Coolins.”

S gurr E ad ar - d a -C h o ir e . The sgor between two corries; Coir’ a Ghreadaidh one.

Sgurr G h r it a . Greeta’s peak. May be a proper name; a word griod, griodar, a great noise, but doubtful.

S gurr L ag h ain , L a g an . Peak of the hollow; old name for Sgurr Alasdair, q.v.

S gurr L achlain M hic D h o m h n u il l . Lachlan M acDonald’s Peak; thought of Ord, Sleat. This peak is near Elgol, or vioe verm.

S gurr M h a ir i . Mary’s Peak; not known what Mary.S gurr M hic Co in n ic h . Mackenzie’s Peak; called or named

after a famous guide to the Coolins.Sgurr M or . The great sgor; though, by comparison, not so

great, being only 1,774 feet in height. It lies north of Meall na Suireanach, which is 1,460 feet.

S gurr na B anach dich , a B han ac h d aich . Small-pox peak; so-called after the corry, it is believed, from the marked, or pitted, appearance of the rocks from oxidation; more correctly “ vaccination ” peak, or the whitening or purifying; locally “ Banaraich ” and “ Bànanaich,” said to be in use, “ the dairymaid.” A well-marked dyke crosses the ridge of this sgor, which is 3,167 feet in height.

S gurr n a Co in n ic h . The sgor of the meet or of meeting; tìomneachadh more correct; thought this should be “ Sgurr Mhic Coinnich,” q.v. 2,401 feet.

S gurr na h -E id h n e . Ivy peak. South of Drumhain.S gurr n a h -U a m h a . Cave peak. This is the eastmost peak of

Sgurr nan Gillean, and divides Lobhta Coire from Coire nan Allt Geala, above Coruisg; a loch called the Black Loch near; also Bealach-a-Beoch.

S gurr n am B oc. Bucks’ peak, he-goats. South of Minginish.

326 PLACE-NAMES OK SKYE

S gurr nam F ia d h . Deer peak.

S gurr n an Caorach . Sheep peak.

S gurr n an E a c h . Horses’ peak. Goats, deer, sheep, and horses all frequent above; the peak of the horses is a prolongation of Blaven, a narrow ridge rather, running east from north end of Clach Ghlas, near Garbh-Bheinn, overhanging Garbh-Choire.

S g u rr n a n E ag. The notched or serrated peak, the sgor of notches, etc.; also found given Sgurr-Eag, the notch, and on the top of Sgurr Dubh Mor. Splendid views hence.

S gurr n a n G il l e a n , S gor-G il l e a n , etc. The lads’ peak, 3,167 feet. This peak ranks prominently among all the Bgurrs; it actually consists of five peaks, or pinnacles like needles, and furnishes a wonderful echo. Accounts given of this peak are many and varied, one detailing it as consisting of three sharp, well-defined ridges, one of which, the southeast, was climbed for the first time by Professor J. D. Forbes on 7th July, 1836, with Duncan Macintyre as guide; one of the peaks used to be called the “ Needle ” rock, afterwards the “ Little Horn ” on suggestion of Alexander Nioolson (Sheriff); another peak on the western ridge is named variously “ Gendarme,” “ Policeman,” “ Freiceadan,” watch.

The word gillean has been rendered gillies or servants, also gy 11s.

Professor Blackie says, “ As you look down from the peak, the highest point in the island, commanding, a wide survey of the most savage of all savage regions,” etc. The Professor is mistaken in two or three details; he does not say from what peak he looked down. When viewed from Sligachan, all the peaks appear as one, and was spoken of by a German as “ Jungen-manner-spitze.” Another of the peaks, named the “ Pinnacle ” ridge, divides Coir’ a Bhàsadair from Glen Sligachan, while another “ Knight’s Pinnacle,” is named after a member of the Scottish Mountaineering Club; the Journal of this club is referred to for much interesting and valuable information as to the Coolins generally, and we cannot refrain from referring particularly to an article written by Sheriff Nicolson in 1865, intituled “ Skye and Sgurr nan Gillean,” also In 'Memoriam of the Sheriff by Professor Veitch.


Accident® to climbers with guides are unknown on this sgurr or indeed on or among the Coolins generally, and only two deaths of climbers have been known to take place within the last twenty or thirty years, on which occasions no guide accompanied the climbers. There is a Sgurr nan Gillean ” in the island of Rum.

Sgurr n a n G o bh ar . Goats’ peak. In the Coolins, 2,047 feet.S gurr n a St u a id h , n a n St u a d h . Sgor of the pinnacles or

summits. Not known what sgor this is, but might be Sgurr nan Gillean, q.v.

Sgurr n a St r i , St r it h , etc. Peak of the conflict or fight— opposing wind®, it is thought. A neighbouring peak ip called the Devil’s Scaur, both overlooking Loch Scavaig, the latter being nearer Talisker, below Preshal Beag, and north of Soay.

Sgurr O n rach ainn , A onrachainn (A onarach). The desolate, solitary sgor or peak; or might be the peak of the solitary one, or hermit.

Sgurr O u r a n . The wolf’s sgor; odhar aon, odhar-chu (dh silent); also suggested from our, old term for water, i.e., the small water (or stream) peak. Cf. “ Sgurr Ouran,” in Glenshiel; found given “ Heuran.”

Sgurr S g u m ain . See “ Sguman.”Sgurr T h earlaic h , S gurr-T earlach . Charles’ Peak; named

after Charles Pilkington, another member of the Scottish Mountaineering Club. This peak is next or nearest to Sgurr Alasdair, and was formerly known as “ North-east peak.”

S gurr T h o r m a id . Norman’s peak, named after Dr. Norman Collie of above club.

S gurr T h u il m . Tulm’s Peak. This said to be a proper name, and not from tolm, a hill; alleged that Duntulm and Eilean Thuilm, off Troternish, called after this person. The sgurr is cleft by a dyke.

Shageary , Sh agarie , Sh aggary . The sea enclosure or strip of land; sja-r, the sea, and geroi, geary, enclosure, etc., sea-garth. In Oynart and Bracadale.

Sh aglater , S eoglater , q.v. The hill-slope at the sea; sja-r and leitir, hillside, etc.


S h aw b ost . The sea-steading or homestead; sja-r as above, and host, bolstadr.

S h ea de r , Sh a d d e r , etc. The seat or residence. From setr as before given. This word setr appears in many other forms, hiader, for instance, being the aspirated form minus the s, also sta. Sir Archibald Geikie calls setr “ rock shelves owing to erosion of sea old level.” Sheader or Siader bore a somewhat unfortunate reputation, if we may judge from the following:

“ Siadair sin ’us Siadair,Cha do chinnich duine riarnh ann,’S ged is Uonmhor do cknoom,Leagihmdh do chuid mar am fiar arm,”

which may be thus translated:Siader there and Siader,Where no man ever prospered,Though many are your knolls so gray,Your substance melts like grass away.

The word flar is the Skye pronunciation of feur, grass.The above is a saying of Coinneach Odhar, the Brahan

Seer. As in other places, a nickname was attached to this place and its people, “ Stapag shughain Shiadair” Sowens-crowdie of Seader. SugJian or subhan means the juice of corn-seeds or husks of meal, steeped; after being boiled, it thickens, and is then in Skye called cabhruich, càth, seeds of corn, bran, etc., and bruich, boiled, làgaw> elsewhere, flummery and sowens in the Lowlands, sowens just sugban. There is a dun or fort in Siadair, which some claim to be from seid (English shed), a portion of land separated from another. There is a Shiadar at Heynish Hill, in the island of Tiree. Siadair in Gaelic means a dirty, lazy fellow, etc.

S h each an , S h e e h a n , Seach an , S it h e a n , q.v. This place is where William Ross, one of the Skye poets, was born.

S h e o d l a w , S heodlane , Seotlan , S eobalan , q.v.

S h esh ad er . The sea land, seat, or place of residence, etc.; Norse sae or sja-r and setr.


S h ia n t Is le s . Ilandschant. The sacred or enchanted isles; seun, a charm, seunta, enchanted, fortunate, lucky, etc. There are three islands, Eilein na Cille, isle of the church, Worrey (Mhuire, Mhoirei), Mary, and G-arbh, rough, more or less joined to or connected with each other; they lie about fourteen miles out from Troternish, in fact, a continuation of the island; like Staffa, they are columnar and basaltic, the columns having a diameter of eight or ten feet, with a length or height of five hundred.

A ©acred loch (Loch Seunta) exists in one of the islands.Etymologically, seun is connected with signore, segnen,

sain, to make the sign of the crow, to bless; seuntd is thought to be Gaelic sith, s.f., peace, or adj., spiritual; ia enters into the words for e long. The word saint herefrom .

Sh in ag , S k in a g . See “ Skinidin.”

Sh u lista . Solan-goose steading; sula, sukm, sulair, gannet, solan-goose, etc., and sta, for stadr, last half of bolstadr, as before. This name derived from the place being held for a delivery of a certain number of geese annually to the Macleods or Macdonalds by the Macleans, hereditary physicians to the Macdonalds. This was in use down to 1790.

Sim ilear an I o l air e . The eagle’s chimney. By a chimney here is meant a perpendicular cleft or narrow fissure in the rock, which, in many cases, forms the only mode of access to the desired summit; here an eagle had its nest.

Sim ilear G obhlach . The forked chimney; affording an alternative climb.

Sim ilear ’Ic N eacail . Nicolson’s chimney (Sheriff). This, along with the two preceding, are all in or near Sgurr nan Gillean, leading to Coire Bhàsadair.

Sit h ean , An, An t -S it h e a n , S h e e a n , S ia n , S it h -D h u n . The hill or hillock, fairy hill; sith means both a hill and fairy; sithich, sithiche, daome-sith, men-fairies; and ban- sith, female fairy. This particular Sithean, for there are many more, is near Broadford, and is more than a mere hillock, large stones being here, which are said to indicate this place as having been a quondam Druidical Court; in later days celebrated as being the birth-place of William Hoss, the poet, 1762. See “ Sheachan.”

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE

Many and various are the accounts of these fairy hilllocks and their supposed inhabitants. In Skye, at any rate, the female fairies were always dressed in green; the males were described as demine beaga ruadh, little red men, dressed so or in any colour, often in crotal-dyed cloth, crotal being a lichen that dyes red and brown, while another lichen, corcur, dyes scarlet; the dress of the females—na mnathan-sith— appeared shaggy or ruffled, with dishevelled hair, especially when wailing as a prognostication of death, which was one of their special privileges, described as caiteineach, shaggy or frizzled. The fairies were, or are, said to have been originally a tribe or community, aes or aos-sidhe (gliding or vanishing ones). See N.G.P., “ Lamh d’Athair,” etc. Indeed, it is alleged that the “ fairies ” were not fairies at all, but merely a dwarf or dwarf-like race which preceded the present Celts about 300 a .d ., or perhaps their predecessors, whoever they were.

Barrie, among many others, refers to the fairies as coming from or being the first baby who laughed for the first time, when its laugh broke into a million pieces, and they all went skipping about!

Fairies are called “ piskies ” in the south of England, and said to be “ one span in height, clad in green, with straw hats or little red caps ” ; though no mention made as to male or female, their attributes, etc., appear to be the, same as elsewhere.

We venture to give the following very descriptive verses or lines from the compositions of Donald A. Mackenzie as to the above:“ The wee folk, the green folk, the red folk and grey;

The light folk, the lone folk, the folk that will not stay;The hill folk, the still folk, the folk that flit away;The droll folk, the knoll folk, the folk that dance alway;The wee folk, the peace folk, the folk that work and play;The quick folk, the fine folk, the folk that ask no pay;The good folk, the honest folk, the folk that work alway;The fierce folk, the angry folk, the folk that steal and

slay.”We refrain from dilating on the above subject.

Other sithein in Skye are Sithean a Bhealaich Chumh- aing, hillock of the narrow pass, north of Portree; Na


Sitheanan beag agus mor, the hillocks, little and great; Beinn-a-Mhorrain, the sea-kale mountain, morran; also Praiseach - Bhuidhe, yellow cabbage, bmssica oleracea; Biorach, sharp or pointed; Gorm Agus Uaine, blue and green; Neill, Neil’s; Beinne Bhoidhich, pretty or beautiful mountain hillock, near Portree.

The above word sithecm may be translated also “ fairy hill.”

Skeabost, Skaebost , S geubost, Sgiathbost . The sheltered house; sgioth, portion of land projecting into the sea, also shelter, protection, etc., and host as before. Norse etc., derivations given are skeif-r (Icel.), and bost; sjà-r, the sea, and bost\ skjdr, a window (?), and bost', sgiach, hawthorn; Skidhi’s town, Skidhi a proper name; cf. Skibo, equal to Scythebol. First meaning holds, from locality. Mary MTherson (Mairi nighean lain Bhan) was born at Sgiathbost in 1821; ©he ranked high as a poetess, and never wearied of singing the praises of Skye.

Sgiathbost has several features of antiquarian interest, viz., an old chapel on an islet in the River Snizort; also a gruagach stone, which was supposed to have been used within the memory of man to protect the cows from harm, especially witchcraft!

Sk e a d in , S k e o d in . Sea fort; skeif-r dun, doubtful; might be sgead, speck, ornament, and in or inn, country, island; possibly the last, as in titles it goes with Scalpa.

Skelbost. Skali-bost supplied. Shealing town or homestead, but doubtful; may be meant for “ Skeabost.”

Sk e r d in . The fort or hill skerry; sgeir an dùin.Sk er -H o ren , S gurr O ur an , q.v. A waterfall here, which

possibly gives the name, as our, war, signifies water.Skeriness , S k e r in is h , S k ir in is h , S k u r in ish , etc., S goirinish

(as pronounced). The rock or skerry at the point; sgor and nes. A quasi island here, which is known as Gob- Skerines, the beak or point of the skerry-point, and lies between south end of Loch Snizort Beag and Loch Eyre, etc.

This place is noted for a mythological native who claimed to have been at the North Pole, the first to get there, and who stopped the north wind by finding and stopping up its exit (temporarily!). This “ discoverer,” on being asked


how he got there, replied by going dir each, direach, straight straight; he was, therefore, called “ Direach, Direach ” ■ but another account says he was merely ja simpleton, a deformed dwarf, a direach, i.e., di-reachd, wanting in 0r devoid of strength (of mind). Skerines is found given as in Snizort and Portree parishes.

S k e r - n a -M ile (M e ela), M aoile , S geir- n a m -M aol, q.v.S k ia n l e a n . Not known, unless meant for Skinidin, q.v.S k ib in is . Ship point; Norse skipja, ship, and nes, point, etc-

suggested sgib, Gaelic for ship, skiff, and inis, island, etc.Sk in id in , S k in id e a n , S g ian ad ain , etc. Bleached or withered

grass dun; Norse skmni and dun. Cf. Skinid, in Sutherland. This place is in Duirinish, south-west of Loch Dunvegan, with three other duns near, viz., Dun Cruinn, Dun Fada, and Dun Gòirid, round, long, and short.

S k in V o ire . Great or large knife; sgian 'mhor. This is a sharp peak or ridge above Sligachan. The above name Skinidin may be sgian m duin, from some equally sharp ridge or point.

Sk r ia g , S greag, S griag . The dry, parched, or shrivelled-up place; rock ground.

S k r id a n , S g r id a n . The little scree or sgree, stony ravine, or track of mountain torrent; Icel. skritha; the word sgribhmn, scridhinn, is the rocky side of a hill, whence sgrioth, sgriothail, gravel, etc., pour down as a sgree.

S k ud ibu r g , S gudaburgh , S cudaburg, q.v.S k y , S k y e . An t-Eilean-Sgitheanach, “ the sky,” in old

writings, etc; the introduction to this work is referred to, so it may suffice to state here that the first Sheriffdom of Skye was created in 1292, though one, Paul Balkason, was said to have been Sheriff, or petty ruler, in 1223; Skye, however, then paid tribute to the King of Ulster in Ireland, who claimed sovereignty, while the above Paul, “ Pall, the son of Balki,” was called the “ Vicount of Skye.” Before that, in 888, Skye was definitely under the rule of Harold Harfagr, Harold the fair-haired.

Various and numerous are the descriptions of Skye; one writer credits it with having no less than seven “ great rivers” ; another writer limiting these seven to Snizort alone. This may refer to seven natural divisions or provinces, all Norse-named, or claimed to be so.

Man

se

op

Sl

ea

t—

1815


The familiar name, used by the natives especially, is “ Eilean-a-Cheo, the isle of mist, or “An t-Eilean,” the island. The former is applied to Skye alone, but its inhabitants or children do not therefore claim the title of “ Olann-a-Cheochildren of the mist, which, it is understood, pertains to the Macgregors alone. Skye extends, according to the Ordnance Survey, 643 square miles.

Further references to Skye cannot be made here brevitatis mum.

Sl a g a n d in e . Pit or dungeon of the dun or castle; sloc-cm- dùin. Possibly a memorial of heritable jurisdiction.

Sl a p in . See “ Loch Slapin.” Slaban (1586). “ Slapin’s caverned shore.”—Scott.

Slat-B h e in n or An D a -B h e in n , q.v. Slatach, stately.

Slead ale . Not known.

Sl e a t (1634-1649), Sclait (1690), Sclate (1626), Sklait, Sklaittay (1561), Sklett (1610), Slait (1644-1676), Slaite (1693), Slaitt, Slaitte (1587), Slate (1776), Slaty, Slatyne, Sleibhte, Sleit (1644), Sleitt, Slet (1475), Slete, Sletty (1649), and Sliach; such are a selected few of the various forms in which this name appears, written and printed, in records, services, titles, Acts of Parliament, etc. It means the mountain slopes, or sloping moorland, much ground down and smoothed by passage of ice from north and northwest; sliabh is the noun in the singular, and means a mountain of the first magnitude; the modern mode of spelling the name in Gaelic is Sleibht or Sleibhte, which is the plural of sliabh. Sleat, like other parts of Skya, held prominence in Ireland, and, according to MacFirbis, it has the Irish form, sleibhte, slebte, slebti, sleipti, slebtib, and sl&aty, sliab, genitive sleibe or shliab, the Old Irish plural, is sleibe, the te added by analogy from other nouns when it was the regular form of the plural; there is a Sleibhte in Queen’s County, Ireland, where the famous Gaelic literary Bishop Fiacc flourished; in the “ Fionn Saga,” the name is given as Sleibhteadh, where the Feinne were familiar, and frequently hunted, their chief, Fionn, being with or visiting them from time to time. As usual, a Norse derivation of this name has been sought for, viz.> sletta, a plain, slettr, level, which it is in parts only.

SLEAT ( Continued)—

Sleat in 1463 was described as 28 mark lands, supplying one ship, birlinn or galley, long-fhada or lymphad, of twelve, sixteen, or eighteen oars, for the naval service- long is the general term for any kind of ship, loingeas or luingeas, shipping, navy; there is a port at Aird, or the Point of Sleat, called Port-na-Long, the ship harbour, q.v

Other official descriptions of Sleat give it as a thirty merks land, while in the inventory of property left by Sir Alexander Macdonald, who died on 23rd November, 1746 it is given as “ the twenty pound land of old extent of Slate,” viginti libmtis terrarum antiqui extentus de 8lait\ Sir Alexander’s funeral to Reilig Mhor Chlann Domhnuill, in Kilmore, on 8th December, was the largest and most imposing ever seen in Skye; it is said it cost nearly £3,000 sterling.

Sleat and Strath were formed into one parish in 1661- 1726; Sleat was then re-erected, and the church there was built in 1631. This church survived until 1876 (now in ruins; see “ Kilmore” ), when a new church in close proximity thereto was built, and the church-yard extended. The church contains several ancient monuments.

There have been fourteen parish ministers in connection with Sleat since the year 1609, and much might be written about them were space available; we merely give their names: 1609, Kenneth Mackenzie; 1641, Neil M'Kinnone,or Neill M£Kinnane; 16------, Angus M'Queen (literary);1726, Edmund M‘Queen; 1742, John Macpherson (literary); 1765, Martin Macpherson, eldest son of preceding (literary); 1812, John M'Kinnon (afterwards of Strath); 1826, Alexander M ‘Iver; 1844, John M'lver; 1851, John Forbes (literary); 1863, Donald Macdonald; 1870, Archibald M'Neil; 1881, Alexander Cameron; 1915, Kenneth Ross.

The manse was not built until 1815, at the same time as the castle at Armadale; part of the plans of the latter were utilised in the building of the manse, which has a tower and is battlemented; it is called “An tigh Bhàn,” and forms a landmark.

Descriptions of the parish have been written and printed down to 1876; in 1750 the Rev. J. Macpherson describes it as being twelve miles in length and two and a half in breadth, which, nowadays, is somewhat misleading; High-


PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 335SLEAT (Continued)—

land miles were then longer, and Sleat (and Skye) miles have been described as “ much the longest in all the Highlands.” The boundaries of the parish of Sleat now run from the head of Loch Eisheort eastwards to Kylerhea, thence southward to the Point of Sleat, about twenty statute miles.

The coast of Sleat is fairly diversified, and contains several considerable bays and lochs; on the east the Sound bounds it entirely, and is of considerable depth, being, off Glenelg, seventy-three fathoms close to the shore, where the ice first carved out the rock basin of which it consists.

One conveyance of Sleat in 1506 is to Ranald Alansoun of Ylandbigrim and his heirs, “ 28 mercatas terror urn de Sleit, una cum castro et fortaliees de Dunskahay,” see “ Reg. Mag. Sig.”

As to objects of antiquity in Sleat, these are numerous and interesting—holy wells, duns, extinct volcanoes, ancient and modern castles, and so forth. Historians, poets, and minor bards of both sexes have kept Sleat well to the front, among which fall to be mentioned the famous Secmachie, Hugh Macdonald, also the literary clergymen before referred to, and several of the laity down to the present date, while special mention must be made of Mac Beathais or Mac Beathaig, of the seventeenth century, while one piper at least flourished in 1723 in the person of Malcolm Macintyre; one sweet singer was Peigi Eoin, or Maggie Maclnnes, who, among several others, composed the song “Tha mi'fo chura m I am anxious; of a later date we have a writer, musician, and collector of ancient Skye tunes or airs in the person of Dr. Keith Norman Macdonald of Ord; he wrote much which we cannot detail here, merely mentioning his famous “ Gesto ” Collection; he was styled the Tyrteeus of the Clan Macdonald.

Though not a native, Alexander Smith occurs to one when mentioning Ord; his “ Summer in Skye ” is widely known, while “ The Brave Sons of Skye ” is the title of a work by Colonel John Maclnnes, late of Sleat.

Among places of note of old were Terung’ Chaisteil and Terung Uachdar (the first at anynate supposed to be the castle of Knock land), which were set apart by Domhnull Gorm Mor in 1614, as provision for his third wife; his designation in 1590 was “ Donald M ‘Conell Gorim,

336 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYESLEAT ( Continued)—

pretendit posseasour of the landis of Trouterness, Ewist' and Slait” ; apropos of Ewist or Uist, John MacCodrum- or MaeOdram, the Gaelic bard and satirist, was family bard to the Macdonalds of Sleat. As to the Sleat Macdonalds, it may be mentioned that, in 1665, it was “ Sir James M‘Donald of Sleat ” (in 1618 “ M'Connald de Slaitt ” ) Sir James was not then a lord, but a baronet the creation of the baronetcy being in 1625; but see “ Duntulm.”

Sleat has been variously named by her children and I others; “Sleibhte riabhach nam ban boidheach, russet Sleat of the bonnie women; Mnathan Sleibhte, Sleat wives (worth having); Sleibhte nam bradan, Sleat of the salmon; and a questionable characteristic is Ceilidh nam ban Sleibh- teach,” the gossiping of the Sleat women, frequent and prolonged, according to some!

Nicknames, as elsewhere, prevailed in Sleat, given, of course, by outsiders, such as “Na coilich is na cearcan the cocks and hens. Among themselves various names, with

, attributes, more or less appropriate, were given, sarcastically, to individuals, extending even to versification; these, if given, might offend some, and to most others would be like the Skye man’s puzzle (toimhseachan or toimhseagan), which takes seven men seven years to answer!

As to the merits of the Sleat women, we find in Duncan Bàn’s song to his wife the lines, “8 tu shiol nam fear bha ’n Sleibhte,” thou of the seed of the dwellers in Sleat; also in “Harm Gearradh Arm,” “ an onoir a fhuair na saoir Sleibhteach,” the honour or renown the Sleat carpenters earned (for good workmanship).

Sir Walter Scott also refers to Sleat, the “ Clans ” being brought forward in Canto IV. of the “ Lord of the Isles,” where Loch Eisbeort, Dunsgaich, and Caligarry are mentioned.

Sleat has by no means escaped the notice of learned scientists of almost all descriptions, geologists as well as naturalists; one mineral specially mentioned is called maroasites, of various kinds, while notice is taken of finely variegated pebbles, Professor Geikie informing us that the rocks are chiefly Torridonian. A famous naturalist, James Robertson, was the first to discover in Sleat the rare plant Eriocoukm de ecmgulare in 1768; also elsewhere'in Skye.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 337SLEAT ( Continued)—

Antiquarian “ finds ” are not unknown; about 1851, on the north side of the Point of Sleat, a deposit of bronze weapons having been found in the moss, a sword, two spear heads, and a long slender pin with cup-shaped head.

Further references to details of the parish will be found throughout this work in connection with the names of the places given hereafter.

Sleat having been the parish in Skye where the author passed his infancy and youth, he has thus been afforded greater facilities for securing the names, which it is hoped

and believed will be found fairly full and complete; they are given alphabetically:

A b h ain n an U ir d . The river of Ord, q.v.A bh a in n C ean n -L ocha. The river of Kinloch, so called from

falling into Loch-an-Daal, Kinloch; by receiving the waters of several streams, it has attained the dignity of being styled a river; this and the preceding are the only two; all the others are mountain streams, allt, uillt.

A B h r u a ic h . The Brae. Near Tarskavaig.A cairseid, A carsaid-a n -R u d h a . The anchorage of the Point

of Sleat; near Aird, where Port-na-Long is. In a chart of Skye, not the Admiralty’s, this appears as Archasig Hirm, Amirseid thioram, the dry anchorage; the word acairseid is derived from the Norse or Old Icelandic word iàkkeri-sàt, akkarsaeti, anchorage or anchor-seat.

A cha ’ T ag h a , T a g h a d h . Choice field.A cha T oirsgil, T oirsgian , Sg e in . The mound of the peat-

knife; this is the only case where acha means a mound or bank, bac-mòine. Toirisgil, etc., from Norse torf, turf, and gil, toirisgian, sgian, knife. See “ Terriskle,” at Stonefield.

A cha ’ , A c h ad h , A uch Cat h a n a M h oar , M h o t h a ir . Field of the noisy Baemicle-geese; this as given, but elsewhere given as Acha’ Leathan a Mhoar, Mhothair, the broad' field of green grass, etc.; mothar has several other meanings. At Ferindonald.

A chacoshenach . The field of stalks or stems; coisem, coiseanach; suggested ooisinneach, earning, gaining, profitable, or comaich, wage-earner, and thus a field given as


A c h ’ , A c h a ’ , A ch a d h an L och . The loch field. This and last at Stonefield.

The word Achadh enters into many place-names, and frequently appears contracted, or even varied, e.g., aueh but the diphthong au is not admissible in modern Gaelic* see abh or amh, amhach, neck, frequently found as auch, etc.

A ch a d h a B h ica ir . The vicar’s field. This Gaelicised word stands for the parish minister, who resided at Ostaig before the manse at Kilmore was built. This field is at Ostaig.

A ch adh or A ch , A uch- a -L ochan . The field of the little loch. A t Stonefield.

A ch adh a n E as, E asa . The field of the waterfall. Near Knock.

A chadh L eirabh aig , L etjrabhaig. Mud or muddy bay field. Near Ord. Cf. “ Lerwick.”

A c h ad h , A uch M o r . The great field. Armadale.A ch adh na B a t h a c h a d h . The field of drowning; suggested

as local pronunciation of the genitive of bathaich, byre, and just byre-field.

A chnacloich , A uchnicloigh , A ch ad h - n a -C loiche (cloich is the dative of clach). The field o f stone, stone-field, from discovery o f a stone cist there, though it may be mentioned1 that the fields are generally stony,; a favourite spot to embark for the Spar Cave, also noted for some old families, now dead and gone, one noted violinist, Alexander Macdonald (who taught Dr. Keith Macdonald, Ord), familiarly known as Alasdair Fidhleir, an elder in the parish church; he died in 1898, and was much missed.

A gh aid , A g h a id h - a -C hosnaich . The face, hillside slope of the labourer or wage-earner. See “ Achacoshenach.”

A ir d c h u ir in ish . See “ Ard Thuirinish.”A ird M h o r . The great Aird or Airt; a part of land.A ird R e a m h a r . The fat or rich height of land, etc.A ird L oisgte . The burnt Aird. Here are some remnants of

a vitrified wall, it is said.


A ird S h l e ib h t e , A rd lait , A r d -S h l e ib h t . The A irt or promontory of Sleat, the southernmost point of Skye; here a volcano once existed, one o f the most recent to become extinct, and said to have caused the separation between Skye and Eigg.

The Aird people till lately were a class per se, the Norse type of tall, blue-eyed, and handsome men and women being much in evidence here; they were dubbed “ 'JSla faoileagan/ ’ the sea-gulls, the saying being, “ Buntat' ’us faoileagan, biadh luchd na h -A ir d e potatoes and sea-gulls, Aird folks’ food!

A ird S naosaig . Snow or snowy bay; Norse snae(s), and vig; claimed locally as from snaois, a piece or slice, and to be the little slice or piece of ground or land, and given snaoiseag.

A ir ig h , A ir ig h Corrach . The rough or steep sheiling. On Monadh Meadhonach.

A irigh D h u b h , C noc na h - A ir ig h -D u ib h e , and C noc D ubh a F hr ao ic h . The black or dark sheiling; the knoll thereof, and the black knoll of the heather, all above and common to Sasaig and Tongue.

A irigh L o in id , L o in id -O m h a in . Sheiling of the churn-staff. On Ord hill.

A irigh M hic D h a ib h id h . The sheiling of the son of David, Davidson. On Sasaig hill.

A irigh n a C a p u il l . Sheiling of the horses or mares. Sasaig.A ir id h n a G o bh ar . Sheiling of the goats. In Monadh

Meadhonach.A irigh n a L osgainn . Sheiling of the toads or frogs. In

Monadh Meadhonach.A irigh n a S u ir ig h , S u ir id h e . The sheiling of courtship.

Only partly in Sleat.A irigh na G r ia n a n , ’G h r ia n a n , or r i G r ia n a n . Sheiling

of the sunny spot. In Sasaig Glen.A irigh r i Creagan . The sheiling against (the) rocks. In

Sasaig Glen.A llen , A il e a n . A green or meadow, etc. This place doubt

ful; said to be near Camuscross.


A l l t a C h a m a ir t . River of the crooked neck (lit.); art means a stone, a house, etc., and is frequent in terminations; sometimes for iard, ord, height or district. Camart may mean a winding bank or banks of this burn, or crooked height. ' At CamuscrosB.

A l l t a C h e a n n e a c h a in , C h e a n n a i c h e a n . The merchant or packman’s burn; also na Ceannaiehean. In a narrow pasB near this burn, one “ Big MacGillivray ” killed two packmen; the bodies were found at the junction of this bum with the sea. This is just a tradition.

A l l t a C h i n n M h o i r . The stream o f the great head-land. At Ord.

A l l t a C h o i n . The dog burn. Kinloch.A l l t a G h a i r b h e i d , G h a r b h a i g , q.v.A l l t A g h a r r a c h , A g h m h o r a c h . The beautiful burn, or

atkarrach, changing or winding burn.A l l t A i l e i n , a n A i l l e i n n . The burn of the herb elecampane

(inula Helenium); this is a large herbaceous plant which produces a bright blue dye. There is also a profusion of blue, lily-like flowers growing near Isle Ornsay. This burn runs from Beinn-na-Seamrag into the Minch, between Kylerhea and Isle Omsay. Said to mean “ pheasants’ eyes.”

A l l t a M h u i l i n n . The mill burn. At Ostaig. No mill there now. There is another burn of this name near Beinn Suardal, Strath.

A l l t A n a b h a i g , q.v. Between Ashaig and Kyleakin. This burn runs only partly in Slqat.

A llt a n D a r a i c h . Oak-tree burn. Also a n D o i r e - D a r a i c h , oak-copee.

A l l t a n D o m h n a ic h , A l l t D o m h n a ic h , D i - D o m h n a ic h . The Sunday or Lord’s burn; has also the meaning of the sad burn. This burn runs south of the low square, Armadale.

A l l t a n D u b h l a n . The challenge or defiance burn (thought to cross it!). At Tongue. The boys of Tongue versus the boys of Saeaig.

A l l t a n E r a n , E i r i o n n , E i r i n n , A i f r i n n . Burn of the mass or chapel. At Kinloch.


A llt a n R eoghann , R ig h in n , R ib h in n , R io m h a in . The burn of the beautiful maid, etc.

A llt a n Stu ic . Stack or cliff burn. Runs out of Loch Doir’- an-Eich.

A llt an T e a n g a id h . Tongue burn. See “ Allt an Dubhlan.”A llt B ealach na C oise . Foot-pass burn. South-west of Isle

Ornsay. The word bealach common, and ajpplies to very small defiles.

A llt B h o c h aid h . Vokie or Mochie’s burn. This word just represents a favourite form of “ frightfulness,” and is general in Sleat and district at any rate; bocan, a bogle or other terrifying object. A specious tradition exists of a giant of the name of Mòchaidh, that haunted “ Sgiath- Bheinn an Uird,” q.v., and performed many wonderful feats, one being the kicking or pushing a huge boulder into the loch or sea at Ord, the saying being, “Thilg Mochaidh a mach i le gmgag de aorban (aobrainn) is tha i a comhag loch eas far an seas i gu dealcm («dilinn),” Mbchaidh cast it out by a slight knock of his ankle (foot). It now forme a waterfall in the loch (or an obstruction), where it will stand for ever.

A llt Ca ilg ear r aid h , C h a ilig e a r a id h . Caligarry burn, q.v. Near Tormore.

A llt Ca il l t e , Ca il l te -D a r aic h . The lost burn, oak-tree burn. Falls into sea between Kylerhea and Isle Oronsay, from Beinn Alasg or Beinn na Seamraig, south of Port Aslaig.

A llt C e a n n -L ocha, L och- n a -D a a l . Falls into this loch.A llt C oire G asgain , G hasgain , q.v. This burn falls into

eea near Sgeir Chulaidh, at Rudha Guail.A llt Corrach , An t - A l lt C orrach . The steep (banked)

burn. Between Sasaig and Ferindonald.A llt C haol-R e it h e . Kylerhea burn. Rises in Beinn Bheag,

and falls into the eea here.A llt C oire- a n - F h raoich . Heather oorry bum . Flows into

last.A llt D earg. Red burn. Off the Gasgan; at Ord.

342 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYESLEAT ( Continued) —

A llt Cu l- A ir ig h -L a g a in . The burn at the back sheiling itt the hollow. Airigh-làgmn, “ sowens sheiling ” furnished.

A llt D h o n n a c h a id h . Duncan’s burn; a Duncan Macintyre Teangue.

A l l t D h u g h a il l . Dugald’s burn. See “ Loch Dhughaill.”A l l t D iu b aig . This burn runs into Loch Diubaig, north from

Beinn Eristan.A l l t D u isd e il . Duisdale burn. South of Allt Bealach na

Coise. See “ Lon Duisdeil,” in Kilmuir.A llt E as- a -M h u ic . Burn of the waterfall of the pig (wild

boar). North of Kylerhea.A llt E o g h a in n . Ewen’s burn. North-east of Kinloch (Ewen

Curlach?).A llt F iodh ach , A llt (a ) F io d h ach . The wooded burn.

Runs between Kilmore glebe and the farm of Ostaig; rises near Cnoc Mhàlagan, and flows east into the sea. Another name, iseldom or never used, is Allt-Sgiath-Bàn, the burn of the fair or sheltered slope, the hill between Maol Buidhe and Cnoc Mhàlagan down to the sea.

The word allt here is invariably pronounced allta, the added a being a phonetic softener between the two consonants t and /, which do not blend well, the a preventing a disagreeable sound; the addition of a is also seen in the termination aire of some words properly ending in re.

A ll t -G ead - a n -L i n , G e a d l in . Burn of the lint plot, or small piece of arable land. Lint used to be grown here, i.e., between Sasaig and Tongue. It is believed no lint is now cultivated in Skye.

A llt G l ean n H oravaig , A l l t H oravaig , T horvaig . Not known; may be Baravaig. Said that this burn runs into Knock Bay.

A llt G r ian ach , G h r ia n a c h . The sunny burn. Runs into sea near Kylerhea.

A llt L e t h -S h it h e in . Half-hillock or gentle slope burn. Flows through Glen Meodal into Knock Bay.

A llt L ochan-S geir , L och- a n -S goir . Burn of the little loch skerry, or loch of the sgor or peak.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 343SLEAT ( Continued')-

A llt L och- n a - h -U a m h . Burn of the cave loch; supposed more than one loch of this name.

A llt M h ao d ail , M h io d a il . The burn of the narrow dale or glen, from Norse mjo, mjor, narrow, and takes the form mao, mea, mia. This burn was rendered famous, locally, by Iain-Mor-Buachaill, Big John the herd, a Macpherson, who composed a song called ironically “ Caisteal Mor Allt Mhaodail," the big castle of Meodal Burn, near which a certain “ Tearlach ” built unto himself a hut, which Iain Mor characterised in scathing terms; four lines must suffice, from the exigencies of space:“ 'S mm aig Tearladi cool tha ionghnadh mm Eileanan,

Caisteal mor Allt Mhiodail, le saothair a rinneadh e, Tha rampavrean gu h-iosal air aoladh gu daingean ann, 'Vs loingeas mkor mm Innsean ’cuir dion son taobh eile

dheth.”

Tearlach Mor na Cròige, as he was dubbed, felt rather sore, it is said, ever after.

The word maodail has been explained also as being equal to moda, modr, Norse for muddy. Mhaodail has been corrupted into vodal; see “ Leir Vodal.” Cf. “ Maodlach,” at Kingairloch. Locally, this word took its meaning, it is believed, from maodal, stomach, etc.

A llt M o r . The great stream. Falls into the sea at Port na Long, Aird. Not called Abhainn as a title, though this and other uillt are often referred to as such.

A llt M h u il in n T h u ir in n , T h u ir e in n . The wheat-mill burn. Not here now; wheat not grown in Sleat nowadays.

A llt M uchte , M u ch ta . The suppressed stream, suppressed or humming; this thought akin to “ Allt Caillte,” q.v.

A llt n a B eist e . The burn of the beast. See “ Gleann,” also “ Loch an Doirreanaich.”

A llt n a C ean n - a -M h air eac h . Sea-head burn. Thought this the same as Allt a Vorevein, Mhorbheinn, near Tormore; also given Ceann-a-Phort, head of the harbour or port.

A l l t - n a -C riopag . The rimpling burn. Runs west into Abhainn Ceann-Locha.


A l lt nam M eacan . Burn of the plants, bushes, or growth. The word memcm, with numerous additions, has many significations; here it is thought to represent a luxurious growth of the great common burdock, meacan-tobhach or bur, altered in pronouncing or naming to Mae-an-Dogha, dogh or doth, attached, clinging, as does the bur, the clinging son or one.

A l l t n a n U a m h a . Burn of the caves. Between Loch na h-Uamha or nan Uamha and Loch Dhughaill.

A l l t n a P a ir c e - F r a o ic h . Burn of the heather park. South of Kyleakin, in Sleat.

A l l t n a T ean ga M h o r . Great tongue (of land) burn. At Calligarry.

A l l t R e id h -G h l a is . The smooth, grey stream (Old Celtic glas, a stream, etc.). Runs south-west into Loch Eiseort.

A l l t T h u il l . The holes’ burn. Falls into the sea north of Rudha Guail and south of Allt Caillte.

Am B ealach B reac . The speckled or variegated pass; also Bàn, white. Both near Tarskavaig.

Am B l a r . The field or stretch of land; also Am Blar Buidhe, the yellow field, etc.; Am Blar Dubh, the black field; Am Blar or Am Blarach Rogach, Fhrogach, the field or plain with holes, dens, or marshy. All at or near Tarskavaig.

A n a b h a ig . The height or meeting-place by or at the bay; aomch vig. Near Ashaig, the Ferry, q.v.

An A ir ig h F hraoich . The heather or heathery sheiling. Near Tarskavaig.

An t -A llt R u a d h . The Red Burn; also called “ Dearg,” q.v.

An t -S a o t h a ir . The false land or promontory covered by sea at high tide, between what is known as an eilean tioram and the mainland; two rocks at or near Ostaig bear this name. See “ Eilean Mòr.”

A n t - A o d a in n M o r . The great face or slope; a field at Armadale.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 345gLEAT ([Continued)—

A kaisg, A ruisg , A irisg , E aglais A raisg . Arasg church, now in ruins, and said to date back to 1744, when one Alexander Nicolson was minister or assistant at Aird. Much speculation has arisen as to the meaning or etymology of this name, but no information procurable in the district or parish. The word arasg itself signifies “ word.” Various interpretations and suggestions have been offered, equally unsatisfactory; generally thought that it refers to a place, such as an airigh, ar, ploughed land, etc.; it is even given as ar os, and Arasaig (or os vig or aros vig) quoted. Not known.

A rdavasar , A rdvasar-S a ir , -S o ir . The deadly, fatal height, airt, or point. Equals aird, and heard pronounced Airdi- vasar.

A rock in the neighbourhood is called Sgeir nan Saoir, the carpenter’s rock, a crew of carpenters having come to grief there; but that tradition is comparatively modern, and does not hold; a saothair, a passage between the mainland and some outlying island, or part passage, covered at high tide, certainly exists here, but this also rejected; the nearest saothair proper is said to be at Ostaig, two miles distant.

Ardvasar is the principal village of the district, a trading centre in a small way, and in close proximity to Armadale Castle and steamer pier, etc.

A rd ch ilan , A r d n a k e ld a n , A ir d na C o il l tean . Woody heights. Near Loehindaal. C f. “ Dunkeld.”

A rd G h u n e l , G u n el , G u n h il d . Gunhilda’s height, place, or promontory. At Camuscross. Opposite this place lies Eilean Tioram (Isle Ornsay), on which stands a lighthouse; the plateau of this height is called Druim Ban, the white or fair ridge, and there the people of Camuscross have for generations placed their cattle in summer quarters, airigh; a Norse etymology has been advanced of gunnd, equalling w;ar.

A rd L oisgte . Burnt height. This said to be either a vitrified fort or the markings and burnt rocks of a beacon fire, common long ago all along the coast.


A r d , A ir d ’I c I llican , U il l ic e in , C u ilcein . MacKilliean’s,j Wilkinson’s, or Willkins’ height, place, or stance. This is a field on the Glebe in Kilmore nearest the seashore- this name recalls religious differences between Episcopacy and Presbyterianism in the seventeenth century; in 1657 a certain John M'Killican was minister of Fodderty, who, along with a Mr. Hogg, refused to conform to Episco- palianism, and took to travelling about the Highlands and Islands, preaching the Word; he held meetings or services on this particular field, but, as he had little or no Gaelic, did not persevere, but returned to Ross-shire (Alness) in 1686. This field is also called the sea-park. Cf. I “ Artilligan,” as equalling Aird-Uilleagain. j

A r d m ills , A r d m id l e . Old name of Dowry House attached I to Armadale. Situation not known, but thought near or at ! Ostaig; goes in title as “ a two merkland in Slate.”

A r d - n a -M eacan , etc. See “ Allt-nam-Meacan.” This place 1 is north of Lochindaal, and is noted for an extensive coppice of hazel, the nuts whereof are “ superior (“ Cnothan Aird na Meacan,” the nuts of Ardnameakin), being much sought after. Off the entrance of the burn to the loch is a sgeir or rock called Sgeir Ghobhlach, the fork or forked rock.

A r d n a t h a n , a t h a i n . The height or place of the little ford. Near above rock.

A rd S nusaich . See “ Ob.”A rd T h u ir in is h , H u r in ish , C h u a r n ish . Wheat point;

tuireann, tuireinn, tuirinn, and nes or nish. This point is near Port na Long. Suggested St. Turos, but doubtful; might be Norse hver or thver, a point, or a proper name.

A r m a d a le : Ardmillo (1499), Airmadillis (1561), Ardmidyllis (1644), Armidill, Armodel, Armidle. See “ Ardmills.” Bay-dale.

An authority gives this name as from Icel. arm-r, O.E. arm, arm of the sea, spur, or branch bay, and dal, dalr, a dale, but thought Latin arma, arms and dale; spoken of in Skye as “ Armadail nan luireachArmadale of the mail or armour, which is still shown in the present castle. There are two Armadales, a great and a little.

This place or these places have a special history of their own, and were of great importance both from a national

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 347gLBAT CContinued)—

as well as a local point of view, eo far as we can gather or refer to here.

The Lords of the Isles, or rather the Macdonalds of the Isles, as is generally known, successively inhabited Islay, Mull, and finally Skye, and, up to the last century these Macdonalds, latterly of Sleat, lived within Skye at Duntulm Castle (q.v.), afterwards at Monkstadt, or Mug- stat, in Troternish, which they held on to strenuously, despite the claim, under a charter, by the Macleods of Dunvegan. It was decided by the then chief of the house to build a castle compatible with his position and dignity, and in 1815 or thereabouts the modern castle of Armadale was erected in a pseudo-Gothic style, according to the taste or ideas current in the Georgian age. In 1773 Dr. Johnson found Sir Alexander Macdonald at Armadale in the small house of “ Armidle” ; Sir Alexander showed great hospitality to both Johnson and Boswell, which was ill requited, by the latter at any rate.

The modern castle occupies a lovely site, and has within many ancient and interesting articles—old armour and paintings, with an illuminated stained-glass window, portraying the famous ancestry; one of the paintings is that of the brothers Sir James (the Marcellus) and Sir Alexander, the first Baron of Slate in the County of Antrim, Ireland, which barony was superimposed on the Scottish Parliamentary barony, which had been enjoyed by the Lords of the Isles from early times. The full history of this family, with others of the clan, will be found in the famous work on the Clan Donald.

Donald Gregory, author of the “ History of the Highlands and Isles of Scotland,” dedicated his work to “ Mac- Dbonuill nan Eilean, heir-male of John, last Lord of the Isles, 1346-1493.”

The Macdonalds of Sleat were said to be subject to a kind of pulmonary affection called glamch, a swelling in the hollow of the hand, etc., often referred to as tinneaè mm Domknullach, the Macdonalds’ sickness; to heal this complaint, a charm, however, was obtained from a certain ship-wrecked foreigner to whom hospitality had been extended.

Mary Macpherson, the Skye bardess, is said to have composed a poem to the “ Macdonald ” of her day, intituled


“An Domhnullach Furanachthe hospitable Macdonald- this poem is also attributed to Bean Bhaile Ranuill, the good-wife of Ranald’s-town. See “ Lyndale.”

The name “ Macdonald ” has been the subject of various spellings: a few are M'Conill Growmicht, M'Doneill Gor- moch (gruamach, surly) (1580), MacKonald (1586), Mak- coneil, Mackoneyl, Makoonnele, Makoonnell, Makconyle MakDonald (1571), M'Coneill (1587), M'Connill’ M'Kconil (1597), M‘Konnell, M ‘Oneill, etc. The Irish wrote “ Clann Domnaill,” but in an instrument of sasine of 1597 the spelling is “ Donald Gorm Macdonald ” of Sleat.

This word Donald, Domhnall, Do'all, is derived from Domnovalos, world-chief, eventually Domnall or Dovnall, in Latin Dovenald, which accounts for the final d; it has also been explained that Domnall is the oldest form, dating back to about 700 a .d ., and has much the same rendering as above, viz., Dumno-valdos, world-wielder, the Old Welsh form being Dumogual; this Dumno or Dumo appears now as domhan, the world, the universe (an domhan). The foregoing is the correct etymology, therefore, of this name, though some writers have explained or interpreted it as down shuil, brown eye! The form “ Maconnell,” Gregory says, is the proper way, and was that formerly employed by the Macdonalds of Dunnyveg and the Glens; Sir James, the last of this family in the direct male line, signed “ Makdonall.” Kuno-valos also alleged to be the rendering M‘Conail, etc.; while Shakespeare, in “ Macbeth,” gives it “ Macdonwald.” “ Donald ” itself is found as Dwnwalhon, Douenald, Doneuald, Donewaldus, Doneuall, Dolfnal, Donivaldus, Duneval, Douenhal, and Dopnalde, etc.; Norse Dofnaldr.

William C. Mackenzie, in his “ History of the Scottish Highlands,” informs us that the title of “ Lord of thdi Isles ” was lost in 1493, that title going to the Crown in 1540, the last holder having died a pauper in an obscure lodging-house in Dundee, or, as elsewhere stated, as a monk in Paisley Abbey; it is further stated that from 1598 the shadowy mantle rested on the shoulders of “ Macdonalcl of Sleat, who is the sole representative, so to speak, of Somerled, Lord of Argyle, or Somhairle MacGillebride na h-Uamha, Somerled (or Samuel), the son of the servant


of Bridget of the Cave. As well as being “ Lords of the Isles,” the Macdonalds were “ Earls of H obs. ”

The foregoing account of the Macdonalds can easily be verified and found in a more extended form in various publications.

The clan contains many noted historians, poets, or bards, warriors, and pipers; one of the latter composed a bitter satire on the Macleods, with whom the Macdonalds were at enmity, the title of the pipe-tune being “The ’n dubh- thuil air Macleoid,” the Macleods are disgraced, the literal meaning of an dubh-thuil being the black-flood alias diarrhoea, the piper having escaped being burnt to death by the Macleods. Few collections of pipe music are wanting in compositions by members of the clan Macdonald.

In addition to above account of the Macdonalds, reference may be made to the Book of the Dean of Lismore, while in the Book of Clanranald we find “ Sir Domnall Gorm mac Giolla asbuig mhic Domnaill, triath Sleibhte > (agus) Thomtamis, cuirteir mor aig ri Serlus,” Sir Donald Gorm, son of Gillespie Macdonald, Lord of Sleat and Troterness, a great courtier with King Charles (I.).

This Sir Donald, it is said, was the cause of the death by drowning of Iain Garbh Mac ’Ille Chaluim of Raasay, as elsewhere given; he therefore promised a certain piece of land to a Troternish witch, but which promise he did not implement; the witch herself was found drowned not far from Raasay. Donald Gorm’s saying in connection with above promise has become proverbial, viz., “ Domhnull da fhem," Donald to or for himself. From all appearances, Donald was afraid of some one or other wreaking vengeance on him, so he had a “ body-guard ” of twenty of the most able-bodied of his clan, hench or haunch-men; this bodyguard, or “ Tail ” as it was called by Lowlanders, was the practice, it is believed, of all chiefs at a certain period till about the end of the seventeenth century; the men of this body-guard had to pass some crucial teste ere being deemed qualified to serve as Luohd coimhid, taichd or frithealaidh.

The Campbells felt the scourge of the Macdonald bards’ tongues pretty often. There is extant an aoir or satire between one of the Macdonalds and Mac-Cailein-


Mor in the seventeenth century, the latter being the aggressor; we can only supply the Macdonald's reply thereto; it is as follows:

“ Ni ’m b’usa buntain ri rn' sbamhuilsa,’8 mi mar cheann nathrach 's teang air chrith;’8 mi mar eisg (easg) an deis a' bearradh ’8 beist air buiri a h-earra dhi.”No easier were it to deal with my likeAs I am like the adder’s head with tongue shaking,Like an eel after being docked,And a beast that has its tail cut off!

Some have called this “ Spàg - a - da - ghliog Chlann- D o n u illthe Macdonald swagger.

A s h a g g . See “ A s h i g . ”

Aslag, Aslaig. The ridge of the hollow; Norse as or ass, a ridge. A port near Kylerhea. See “ Beinn.”

A u l a v a ig . Olive, Olaf, or Amhlaidh’s bay. See “ Inbhir.”B a g h a M h u i l i n n . The mill bay. Ostaig.B a g h a n D u b h a i r d . The bay of the dark height. At Ord.B a g h D u n R u a ig e , q.v.B a i l e . N o place-name beginning with this word found in

Sleat.B a r a v a ig , B a r r a v a i g , B a r s a v a ig , B a r v a ig , etc. Summit of

the bay; barr, head, point, etc., a vig, of the bay. Also found as Barr’s bay. Lies between Knock and Camuscross. Two bays; has a dun and three hillocks. Not given in Ordnance Survey.

B e a l a c h a C h n u ic , a C h n o c (locally). Knoll pass. Sasaig.B e a l a c h a C h r e a g a i n . Little rock pass. Tarskavaig.B e a l a c h a G h l i n n e C h r u a i d h . The pass of the hard or stony

glen; this glen is actually composed of three glens, the above, with glens Meanoch and Capistol; in the first, tradition has it that a “ treasure ” lies hidden or sunk in a loch there called Lochan na Poite, the little loch of the pot (of gold?); vague sayings as to how and when the treasure can be located and found; another tale said to be connected with above.


B e a la c h a L och . The loch pass. Tanskavaig.B e a la c h a M a ig . Pass of the arable field, or broad ridge of

land; màg. Sasaig.Bealach a n t -S leuchd , Sl ia c h d . The pass of kneeling, genu

flexion, bowing reverently. Here the first glimpse of the parish church was, and is, to be seen on worshippers’ way from north thereof. This pass is at the junction of Ferin- donald with Kilmore.

B ealach B an . The fair or white pass. Above Gillen House.Bealach B h o ir b h . Borve pass, where a fort or borg was of

old. At Aird.Bealach B reac . Speckled pass. West of Maol Buidhe.Bealach B uscaig, B riosgaig . The pass of Brisgag, the bright

or the lively one; a woman’s name.B ealach D r u im - n a -S a il e . Sea-ridge pass.B ealach L ag- a -L ochan . Pass of the little loch hollow.B ealach n a G reigh L e im . Pass of the flock of the leap or

bound—bounding (deer). Between Beinn na Seamraig and Beinn Alasg.

B ealach na h - A ir id h D u ib h e . Pass of the black or dark sheiling.

B ealach n a h - I u bh r aich . Yew-tree pass, fine view pass; the latter thought correct; “ Is briagh an t-iubhrach it is a fine sight, found applied to a ship under full sail; in Barra it means a good sailing vessel.

B ealach na L aire D u ib h e . Black mare pass. Tarskavaig.B ealach n a S eana G h i d . Pass of the old piece of cultivated

land, lazy-beds, gmd.

B ealach n an Ca r n . Pass of the cairns. On road from Tarskavaig and district to Kilmore burying-ground. Hereabouts funeral parties rested and partook of refreshments (falair); these cairns marked where coffins rested or were laid for the above, and passers-by were expected to throw or place a stone on such cairns; sometimes names, etc., scratched on stones.


B ealach Od a l , U d a l , U d a il , U d l a id h . The gloomy pass, or pass of distress. Near Kylerheia. This pass stretches westward, and forms one of the most striking views in the 1 Highlands. Of course, it is haunted by a monster (beisd) which appears in various shapes (cruth, riockd); it has not been seen since the dead body of a man was found in the neighbourhood!

B ealach T h o l l . Hole pass. See “ Clach Tholl.”B e in n A l a s k . Not known; but according to O.S. in north

east of Sleat (1984 feet), with “ Goat peak ” (1977 feet).B e in n A slag , A sl a k , A sh l a ig . May be meant for the above.

See “ Aslag.”B e in n B h e a g . Little mountain (1488 feet). West of Dun

Ruaige.B e in n B hochdaich , B ochdaich , B hocaidh , V o k ie . See “Allt

Bhochaidh.”B e in n B h r a d h , a B h e a d h , B r a . Mount of or like the quern

or hand-mill; round. At Duiedale.B e in n B h reac . Speckled mount (1427 feet). South of Beinn

na Seamraig.Beinn Dhubh Leathan. Black broad mount. At Camuscross.B e in n D u l a id , D io l l a id . Saddle mount. A narrow ridge

near Camuscrose.B e in n F eur , F eo ir . Grass mount. North of Gillen. Few

in Skye is pronounced fiar, and fiar means crooked, etc.B e in n F id h l e ir . Fiddler mount. South of Meall Buidhe,

near Loch-na-h-Uamha.B e in n G a s k in , a G h asgain , q.v. Gasgm here means a spot

running to an acute angle, a plateau.B e in n na Ca il l ic h . The old woman (or perhaps nun) moun

tain (2,388 feet). West from Kylerhea. See this mountain elsewhere in Skye.

B e in n M ael la n , M e a l l a n . Mount of the little lump (1,425 feet); known also as “ Beiaoon Mount.” North of Isle Ornsay.

B e in n n a Se am r aig . Clover mount, or Mount Shamrock, Between Kinloch and Lochnadaal, north of Isle Ornsay.


B e r a ig . Precipice bay; berg-vik, bergs-vik, vig; berg means a mass of firm rock, cliff, or crag; ateo found bjorg; the term “ barrow ” said to be derived therefrom, also bmp. The Gaelic word bemradh may also be compared.

B eul- a n -G a r b h . The mouth or opening of or into the rough (place).

B eul- A t h a -G arbh . Ford-mouth to above. Between Ord and Tocavaig, Ord River.

B eul- A t h a M aigh stir N ia l l . Ford-mouth of Mr. Neil. Near the last two, and thought to have been named afteir one of the sons of Macdonald of Ord. Another statement made that the name of this ford dates back to 1641, and was named after the Rev. Neil M Kinnon, but not certain.

B eul- A t h a n a m M a ir b h . Ford-mouth of the dead, where funerals crossed. Near Tarskavaig.

B eul- A t h a R ogach, F hrogach (fh silent). The ford-mouth of the holes, or marshy, treacherous. On Allt-aii-Teang- aidh, near Knock.

These four used as passes, the last said to be haunted!In Sleat and Skye generally, beul is pronounced bial

(beeal).B i o d ’ a O h a t t . The pointed top of the cat (wild), bioda, also

named the “ Cat-nick.” At or above Sasaig. See “ Uamh a Chait,” or nearer Knock.

B iod ’ a C h l a m h a in . The gled, kite, or buzzard’s peak. Above Sasaig or Tongue. A proverb says, “Cha dthainig even, glan riardh £ nead a chlamhaina clean bird never came from the kite’s nest.

B lar na D ig e . The field of the ditch or dyke. This field is at Armadale. The word dig signifies a moat, a ditch; also applied to a dyke, likewise the hollowed out rhines at low tide between what are islands at high water. See “ Faodhail.”

B ogha C h airstic h , C hairslice , Ch aislic , etc. The bend of the ford stepping-stones; cas Imc, caisleac, a stream, where the land juts out. This place is near Tormore.

B ogha Dar ach . The oak-tree bend or promontory. At Tarskavaig.

SLEAT ( Continued) —

B r uaich . The bank, banks, or borders of the Gasgan, q.v.; bruaich is given as received, but it is the genitive of bruach, the plural being bruachcm.

B ruach an F h e a d a n , F h e a d a in . The brae or bank of the chanter, or spout, etc. At Tarskavaig.

B ruaich L och D h u g h a il , q.v. The banks of Loch Dugald.B ruaich R u aid h Ch eann lo ch . Kinloch red braes or banks.

B ruthach A m erica . America brae or hill-side. A small field at Ord.

B ruthach an E as . The waterfall precipice.B ruthach n am B roc. The badgers’ brae.B ruth aich ean B reaca . The speckled braes.

B u ail ’ an E a s . The fold of the waterfall. Near Tarskavaig.B uaile B h u id h e . The yellow fold. Tongue.B uaile R u a d h . The red fold, or a bhuaile ruadh.

B uaile T h u ir n . The fold of the wheat (field). Above Ostaig Square. Tuireamv, tuireinn, wheat, as given before.

Though “ fold ” is the primary meaning of buaile> it also means dairy, or even a circle.

B uaile U r , A B h u aile U r . The new fold, etc.; ur means also flourishing, fresh, beautiful.

B u d h a , B ugha B eag . The little green spot (by the side of a stream). Near Tarskavaig.

B u d h a , B ugha D u b h . The black or dark bend (of land); side form of bogha; also given bodha, sunken rock, breaker, etc.

B u d h a , B ugha ’n F h e o ir . The grassy green.B u d h a , B ugha n am B a n . The women’s green.B u d h a , B ugha Ni’ L a c h l a in . Lachlan’s daughter’s green,

windings of a stream.The above five are in or near Tarskavaig.

B unastabhaig . Not known. Might be bun a stamh, port of the sea-tangle, or it may mean some weed. This is a field near Ostaig.



B u t h , B u , or B ogh ’ Ch l e r ic h . The minister’s field, homefield. This is the name of a field on the left of the approach to the Manse of Sleat, which was built on land of old; devoted to the use of the cleric for the time, the glebe; bu or bo is a contraction of the Norse word boe-r, meaning a household, a farm, or piece of enclosed ground; also by extension the domestic animals; the word bogha, a hollow or flat piece of land, generally damp, answers. In Kilmuir the term am bugha holds, e.g., Bugha Stotharlain. See “ Tobar a Chleir.”

Ca-Ar, Ca t h A r. The battle pass (cadha) or field of slaughter, according to tradition.

C a c h a il e it h , C ach laid h a C h ib ir , C h io b a ir . The keeper’s gate or pass to the hill, a rustic gate, frequently of wicker work. This gate is below Ord Fank.

C a d h ’ a n D om h n aic h . Sunday pass or road. Near Ord.Ca d h ’ a n D u in e . The man’s pass.Ca d h ’ a n E ic h . The horse pass.Ca d h a C aol, A n . The narrow pass.

C a d h ’ I a in M hic A lasd air . The pass of John M acAlastair. A fter a boy who was accidentally killed by the bursting of a self-made gun. Near K ilbeg.

C a d h a L e a t h a n n , An. The broad pass.Cad h a M or, A n . The great pass.C a d h a n a h - I om aire , I m ir e . The pass of the balk or ridge

of land.C ad h a n an O rd , A r d . The pass of the heights or steep places.

At Carradale. These steep places were a source of grief to one who had to work them; he said—

“ ’Mo mholachd gu pianadh aig Càradal,'S;e tarruing nan cliabh rinn mo sharuchadh ’Mach cadha nan Ord's craicionn air mo dhom,Is toimach aig mo bhrogan air fàileagadh.”My curse on the torments of Caradal,Carrying creels ’tis that’s awfully wearied me;My hands they are sore by the pass of the Ord, While my boots are almost past walking in.


C a d h a n a n S t a m h . Pass o f the sea-tangle. C f . “ Bunastabh- aig.”

C a d h a R u a d h , A n . The russet pas®. Carradale.

C a d h a S g u m a in . The stack pass; a mass of conglomerate rock at glebe shore. At outlet of Allt (a) Fiodhach.

C a is t e a l C h a m u i s , I C h a m u i s . Castle of the bay; island of the bay. Knock, 1632. See “ Cammes.” Also Caisteal Ruaidh or Uaine, red or green castle (the latter modern). This castle, though now in ruins, was a favourite stronghold of the Macdonalds of Sleat; it stands upon a rock which is sheer and precipitous seawards; it is almost surrounded by the sea; a modem house (Knock House) has been erected close by. There are rumours or traditions of this having been the castle so bravely and ably defended by one “ Mairi,” or, as thereafter named, “ Mairi a Chaisteil,” it is thought against the Macleods, though some say the Norwegians.

C a l l i g a r r y , C a l g a r y , C a il e a g a r a id h B e a g a g u s M o r . Kali’s garth, enclosure, or steading. This thought now to be the accepted etymology of this name. The following different renderings have been found: Coille Goraidh, Godfrey’s wood, after Godfrey, Lord Macdonald; Coille na Graich, Greaich, wood of the nuts? Kali-gearraidh, Norse kali, a proper name, and gerdhi, gar dr, a garth or house and yard, gerdhi, an enclosure, the land between macbar and monadh, the (enclosed) strip where the houses stand. This last thought the most applicable. See “ Gearraidh,” as before.

Caligarry has not escaped criticism, as a saying exists: “CmMtfmrraidh mhor nam bonnach, far naeh d’ fhag am bochd a bhem nachdGreat Caligarry of the bannocks, where the poor left no blessing!

Another word has been adduced as being connected with “ Caligarry,” viz., eirbhe, airbhe, which signifies a fence or wall of stone or turf, built to separate crop-land from hill-ground, commonly known as garadh bragh’d; but this applies to other plaoes; the ground above this garadh was said to be the eirbhe, though this word is more akin to and has the same meaning almost as eileag, eillearag, iolarag, iolairig, a wall or turf cul de sac in deer hunts.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 357BLEAT (Continued)—

Cam ala n , An. The crooked field or enclosed piece of ground; cama, crooked, curved, etc., and lann, an enclosed piece of ground, etc.; Ian, Celtic, a plain.

Cam alt , C a m ’ A l l t . Crooked river. A t Tormore.Cammes, Cam us , C am ys , etc., Caisteal- i -C h a m u is . The Bay.

Generally known now as A Chnoc, Knock. This castle is partly modern, though all in ruins; it dates back as a residence to 1575 at least.

As mentioned under “ Caisteal Chamuis,” this castle was besieged by the Macleods in the reign of James IV., but the siege was raised by the address and intrepidity of a lady of the Clan Macdonald, thereafter known by the name of “ Mairi ’Chaisteil.” It was a residence of the Macdonalds of the Isles, and the centre of attraction for long. Many superstitious tales are still extant as to the belief in “ spectres,” both the glmstig and the gruagach being well known. The usual clach a ghruagmch, the gruagach's stone, is still pointed out, the spectre being described as a young woman, with long hair, generally yellow; gruagach, as is well-known, is the term for a young unmarried woman; as before mentioned, the gruagaeh was described as a well- dressed, “ gentlemanly” young man. The glaistig of Knock was spoken of as a she-devil in the shape of a gray goat, also as an enchanted woman, a beautiful female, dressed in green; glcts, grey (or green), and stic or stig, an imp, etc.; also maighdmn uaine, green maiden. The bean nighe, as before referred to, also haunted a stream here, neithich, nighiche.

Cam n a F a a , F a t h . The bend of the glen or field; used as such in Gairloch.

Camus A b h a ig . Bay of the dwarf or spectre. The primary meaning of abhag is terrier; this bay said to be haunted; also furnished “ Camus aigh Bhig,” the bay of little luck, unfortunate; might be the genitive of agh, a heifer, a hind or fawn, though aighe is the accepted spelling. This bay is near Ord.

Camus a C h a ise . Cheese bay. See “Allt Digeadh,” “ Cnoc a Chaise,” “ Coire Chaise.”

Camus a M h u il t , n am M o l t . Bay of the wether or wethers; molt, mult, muilt; rocks in the sea. Below Duisdale House.


C a m u s B a r a v a ig , q.v.C a m u sc r o s s , C a m is c r o s s , C a m u s - n a -C r o is e . The bay of the

Cross. Camuscross in 1774 went on lease with Tortaman- och, Oransay, and Bamavaig (? Baravaig), with grazings of Aslaig and Teangour. The neighbourhood of this bay was a centre of monastic institutions of yore.

C a m u s D a r a ic h , n a D a r a i c h . Oak-tree or wood bay. At Point of Sleat; but little or no oak grows there now.

C a m u s L e a t h a n , L e a t h a n n N o d h a . The new broad bay. Near Point of Sleat.

C a m u s - n a - G e a d a ig . The bay of the crofts, or small plots of arable ground; supplied as “ of the large trouts,” given as being the last above. A Camus of this name at Scalpa.

C a n a m o ir , C a n a M o r . The great grampus, porpoise, or little whale; a rock or small island.

C a o l a s a n L a m h a c h a i d h . Artillery strait. At Kylerhea, between east and west ferry houses.

C a p is t l e , C a p is d a l , C a p is t o l , C a p s t a l , etc. Not known; may be a proper name with dal. “ Capasdal nam Faochag,” Capistle of the whelks or buckies.

The spelling Capstil, Capstill, seems to favour cap, capa, top or high (Gaelic), and Norse termination stul, stuhl, stelle (Teutonic), farm or seat.

C a r n a n a R u m a ic h . The little cairn of the Rum man. Between Kilmore and Tocavaig, on the moor; here a lunatic from the island is said to have been buried; this cairn stands isolated.

C a r n a n t - S e a c h r a in . The wanderer’s cairn. Between Sleat and Strath. West of Kylerhea.

C a r n B r e a c . Speckled cairn. Stonefield.C a r n D e a r g . Red cairn. At Aird; a cave here said to pass

through to Strathaird, eight miles distant, to which the, “ piper ” tradition is also attached. The stones of this cairn differ entirely from the rock in the neighbourhood.

C a r n n a S io n n a i c h . F o x cairn; also an t-sionnaich, of the fox. Stonefield.


C a k e .a d a l e , C a r a d a i l . Copse or copsewood dale. Norse Icjarr, oopse, and dal, dalr, dale, etc. This was a fairly-sized “ township ” once, but is now uninhabited, except by sheep; “ Aird-Bheithe Charadail,” birch-brae of Caradale, a lovely spot, while a place near by is called “ Earnasgal,” eagle (sea-eagle) retreat or eyrie, earn, am, orn also; this meaning borne out by the tradition of this place being the home of a “ large bird,” as preserved in the following lines:

“ Tha eun mor an Caradal,Is tigh aig ann an Eamasgail;’S is faide tigh a nabuidh uaithe Cha tar e dhol air chèilidh”

There’s a great bird in Carradale,With a home it has in Earrnasgal;Its neighbour’s house ’s so far away That he cannot go to call on him.

Carraig na h-Aem. Rock of the arms or army. Near Armadale.

Castleton . Castle town. Knock.Cea n n -L och- n a -D a il ic h , D al ac h . See Lochnadall. Head

of Lochnadal or Kinloch.Ceum a C haora C h a im . Step, track, or pathway of the blind

sheep, one-eyed. Above Linne-nan-Each on Allt (a) Fiodhach; a track made by this sheep to an almost inaccessible crevice in the river bank.

Ch a m a ir d . The crooked slope or height. Here Tormore School used to be; Alexander Nicolson sometime master.

’Ch a m a -R e id h . Crooked-smooth! A field at Knock.’Ch olaraich , Colarach . The common pasture, etc., ground

or plain; comh larach. This is a stretch of hill-land common to Kilmore and at least one other township; also suggested col, a plateau, etc., and arach, plain; but first thought correct.

C h r u in n e -B h u a il ’ . The round or compact fold; chruinne, comp, of cruinn (a«p.), round, neat, etc. This fold is on the Gillen road, not far from Kilbeg.

SLEAT (Continued)—

Clach-C hr aoibh I a in ’I c T h e a r l a ic h . The stone-tree of John the son of Charles (John Mackinnon), Camuscross, lat© teacher; he placed this stone in the fork of the tree about 1850, and it remains there almost grown into the wood* it cost considerable labour placing, as it is some size.

C lach D h o n ac h aid h . Duncan’s stone or rock. On seashore at Ostaig, where a man of that name used to fish many: years ago; it cannot now be reached.

Clach L uath. Luath’s stone. This stone is named after “ Luath,” swift, Cuchullin’s favourite dog, which was sometimes fastened here. This stone is also known as “ Claeh- a-Choin,” the dog’s stone. It is near Dunsgaich, Tocavaig, Cuchullin’s castle. Various impossible and ludicrous etymologies have been advanced in regard to the word luath% which we do not trouble our readers with.

Clach T h o ll , T h u il l . Hole, pit, cave, or den stone; asp. form of tuill, genitive of toll. This particular stone was considered a catholicon or cure for rheumatism; galar tholl, diarrhoea, according to some; also galar tholldach, lit. the perforating or hole-boring complaint or disease. Accounts vary as to the application, one being that water which had accumulated, or oozed through a crevice or crevices, was drunk by the patient; another that the stone was calcareous, and being ground into a powder was a specific against the last-mentioned trouble.

Stones of various kinds have for long played a conspicuous part in supposititious cures and as antidotes to witches, etc.

Claig ean n , C l a ig in n . Field or farm of rich soil. At Tor- more. This noun is feminine, though there is a masculine noun pronounced exactly alike, viz., claigionn, the Gaelic word for skull. One authority described or explained claigeann as the oldest cultivated portion of a townland, and cognate with cladhaich, dig, cladhach, digging, cladh, a burying-place, a trench.

C n ea p a il t e . The border or surrounding piece of land. This word is used in Skye for cneaball, which means a garter or band, also a garter of thrums round hose, etc.

This word is the name of a field between Knock and Loch-nan-Uirichean; once cultivated.

360 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE ^

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 361gLEAT ( Continued)—

Onoc a B h o n n aich . Bannock knoll (big and little). This cnoc along with Cnoc a Chaise (also big and little) are near each other, the first on Knock Farm, the second on Tongue Land. See “ Camus a Chaise,” etc., which may be Knock Bay; the adjectives big and little apply to the bannocks and cheese, not to the knolls.

All these so-named knolls are where Easter ceremonies were observed, Càisg.

Cnoc a B h r a g h a d . Knoll of the upland country; braigh, braighe, braghad. Near Tarskavaig.

Cnoc a C h ad h a ir . Knoll of the mossy, soft, or boggy ground, the dry part of a peat moss; cathar. “ 0 chàthair ’s o chrmich,” from marsh and from mountain.

Cnoc a Chearstach , C h ea rd ac h . See “ Cnoc na Ceardach.”Cnoc a C h r id h e . Heart knoll. This is the primary meaning,

but cridhe has other meanings, courage, etc. On right hand side of Gillen road, going south.

Cnoc a F hraoich -S h io m a in . Heather-rope knoll. Fine pliable heather grows hereon. Near Tarskavaig. Heather is used frequently in Skye for ropes; but the sioman is generally twisted straw or hay, sometimes rushes.

Cnoc A ir ig h M hic D h a ib h id h . Knoll of the fold of the son of David (? Davidson). Near Tarskavaig.

Cnoc an I a r n a , I o r n a . Knoll of the hank or skein of yarn (primary meaning); also of confusion. In Caligarry.

C noc a n L och M h ao d ail , q.v.

Cnoc a n S gum ain (669 feet). The stack knoll. Near Armadale.

Cnoc an T e a m p u il l . The temple or church knoll. At Gillen. A relic of the time when Roman Catholicism or quasi Episcopalianism had a footing here. There is a stone close by to which miraculous powers were ascribed; this stone or boulder has a hole or hollow in it in which water collects; it is reputed a certain cure for warts if used three times. As may be surmised, there is an old burying-ground near the temple.


C noc an T o bair . Well knoll (common). The particular one in view has never been known to dry up. It is situated near the church of Kilmore, on the upper side of the public road; countless generations of Sleat and Skye people have been baptised with the water therefrom.

Cnocantoul, Cnoc-a n - t -S a b h a il . Barnyard knoll; common. This one is on the glebe at Kilmore.

Cnoc a n t -S a g a ir t . The priest’s knoll. In Sasaig. This was where the priest’s house stood of yore, being central. As mentioned by the late A. R. Macdonald, tacksman of Ord, all the land between Kilmore and Knock, upwards of two miles, was church land, belonging to the church of Sleat; the priest could view his domain in either direction. The foundations of this house were discovered many years ago. See “ Creag an t-Sagairt.”

Cnoc a n U a i r i d h . Knoll of the freshly-made quern meal. This name comes in appropriately after the last; as said, much of the district of Sleat was ecclesiastical (see “ Cnoc an Teampuill ” ), and the uairidh was specially prepared for the use of the priests and their retainers, etc., thei corn being winnowed on this knoll; eararadh and fuirearadh are other terms for this process. The word uar is a waterfall, and said to mean a sgree or fall of small stones, etc., from a hillside. Cf. “ Coir’ Uairidh,” in Sutherland. Uar said to be Pictish.

C noc an U g h l a in , A b h l a in . Knoll of the (consecrated) wafers. Latin oblatio thought also connected with foregoing. Might be ubhladh, a fine in church courts, or umhlas, humbling, correction by penalties in church, etc. This knoll is at Teangue, not far from the foregoing “ ecclesiastical ” district, or possibly part thereof.

C noc an U n g a id h . The knoll of annointing, etc. Sasaig.Cnoc B uaile na Stocain . The knoll of the fold of the little

stumps (of trees). At Kilbeg, on the site of an old forest or plantation.

Cnoc Ca ise . Cheese knoll. Near Knock House. Easter customs or ceremonies; also a fairy knoll.

Cnoc D ubh M or . The black big knoll. Tarskavaig.


C n o c F eall. The knoll of the fell. If fjal, Norse, as claimed; locally said to mean the false knoll, or knoll of treachery, etc. Ferindonald.

C n o c F i o n n . The white or fair knoll; but, as it is given as being near Dunsgaich, may be Fionn or Fingal, the king, though it remains in the nominative.

C n o c F h r a d h a r c , a n F h r a d h a i r c , R a d h a i r c . The view knoll. At or near Kylerhea and Kyleakin.

C n o c M h a l a g a n . The little queenly knoll (605 feet); mal, noble, etc.; ag and an, a double diminutive; mal also signifies king, etc.; ag is a feminine termination. Suggested meallagm, small rounded hill, etc.; but it is conical. Above Kilmore and Ferindonald. Also attributed to Mailgenn, a certain Druid.

C n o c M o i n e . Peat knoll. Stonefield. Cnoc Monadh, hill knoll.

C n o c n a C e a r d a c h . The smithy knoll. At Ostaig. The smithy now at Ardvasar.

C n o c n a C o r r a g , C n o c C o r r a g . Knoll of the finger, but supposed should be corrach, steep. At Camuscross.

C no c n a C r o ic h , C r o ic h e . Gallows knoll; but said to mean “ cross ” here, being in the aforesaid ecclesiastical district, between Bealach-an-t-Sliachd and the sea. At Kilmore or Ferindonald. Croich cognate with Latin crux, a cross. See “ Lag-na-Croisean,” not far distant; this knoll was the Calvary to which the symbol was brought or carried.

C n o c n a F u a r a c h d . The knoll of coldness. Near Ord.C no c n a G r u a g a ic h . Knoll of the young woman or maiden.

This knoll, also attributed to the “ fairy ” called the gruagach, is at or near Stonefield, on the brink of “Abhainn nan Gillen.”

C n o c n a h - A c a ir s e id . The anchorage knoll. At Aird or Point of Sleat.

C n o c n a h - A t h a c h a n . Knoll of the giants or monsters; fathach.

C n o c n a h - I g h n e a g . The girl’s knoll; little girl; ingheann, nighean.


Cnoc n am B u ach aillean . Herds’ knoll. At Teangue.C noc n a n C o n . Knoll of the dogs.C noc n a n C oer , C o r ea . Herons’ knoll.Cnoc n a n C roisean . Knoll of the crosses. Near Cnoc an

Teampuill, q.v.C noc n a n G il l e a n . The boys’ knoll or cnocan. In Sea-park,

Sleat glebe, a miniature fort. Situated above Larach Tigb Neill Ghriasaich.

C noc n a n G obh ar . Goats’ knoll. Near Tarskavaig.C noc n a n S g r a th . Divot knoll. This the primary meaning

only.C noc Ol laig , N ollaig . Christmas knoll.

C noc S g iat h an , a S g ia t h a n . Knoll of the slope; sgiath, a piece of land jutting into the sea, etc.

C nocan B iorach . The little pointed or sharp knoll.C nocan D o n n . The little brown knoll.C nocan L eath ac h , L e t h e a c h . H alf-w ay knoll; leitheach.C nocan n a C o m h a ir l e . Council, counsel hillock. See “Cnoc-

an-t-Sagairt.”Coire G h asga in . The Gasgan oorry. Near Ord.C ollistone, Collickston , Callickstone . Cailleach stone.

Old wife or nun’s stone. Cailleach applied to women not “ old.”

C orlarach, C orrlarach . The excellent site, farm, or tract of land. Three in Sleat: Corlarach a Ghobhainn, of the smith; na Cillemoire, of Kilmore (? cholaraich) ; and na Caoich, Caoiche, of the blind or one-eyed; the last at Ord. Not certain that meanings correct.

C reag a B h e o ir . Beer rock. At Ord. Beer used to be made in the Highlands and Islands from the juice of the birch tree and otherwise before the introduction of whisky; this drink was called uisge-beithe, birch-tree water or juice.

C reag a C h a im . The rock of the bend, curve, or turn of the coast into the bay at Armadale, where landing-place from steamers, now a pier; erroneously given Creag-a-Chaimp, the camp-rock, from soldiers encamping here of yore, but that, if so, comparatively modern.


Creagach , C raigach , a Chreagach . The rocky (place).

C reag an A ir g id . The silver rock; mioa-studded and glitters. Ferindonald.

C reagan C o m h nard , Na. The level, even rocks. Near Sasaig.C reag a n F h a r a id h , F h a ir id h . The look-out or beacon rock.

Off Ostaig.C reag an t -S a g a ir t . The priest’s rock. Between Lag-na-

Croieean and parish church.C reag D ub h , A Chreag D h u b h . The black rock. At Point

of Sleat. Volcanic.C reag L ia t h . Grey rock. Sasaig.C reag M h o r . The great rock. At Camus Daraich; also at

Aird; common.C reag na B a M aola . Rock of the hornless or polled cows.

At Knock. Cows of this description a rarity in Sleat.C reag na h -E ig h ic h . Rock of the cry, proclamation, etc.;

thought crying, lamentation, etc. See “ Dun Flo.” This rock is also at Tormore.

Creag Ni’ Ch o in n ic h . The rock of the daughter of Kenneth. At Sasaig. This was a prominent rock in the landscape, and considered by an artillery officer as an ideal site for ia battery, etc., for defensive purposes.

C reag U isd e a n . Hugh’s rock (Hugh Macdonald of Sleat). This is a rock on the steep side of a river or bum at Caligarry.

C rossavaig, C rossabaig M o r . The great bay of the Cross.Not known; ? farms.

Cr uach an , A n. The little stack-like hill; conical hill; cruach, dim. cruachan.

C r u a ir d , C ruard , A Ch r u a ir d . The hard or rocky height. At Camuscross. Also given A Chro Ard, the high fold.

C uid R u a ir id h . Roderick’s portion (of land), a holding. At Aird.

C ul n a Ca il l ic h . The back of the old wife. Might be cuil, and mean retreat, etc., as of a nun, or devotee.

C ul n a C noc, Cul n a Cn u ic . Back of the knoll or knolls. Three here in Baravaig.

366 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYESLEAT (Continued)—C ul n a h - A ir id h e . Back of the sheiling. At Dalavil.C ul n a h - I n n s e . Back o f the island; here pasture. Neai

Tarskavaig.D ail ’C h a il , A n D a il C h a il . Cabbage dale or field; asp

genitive of càl. There is a word càil, an assembly, etc. but its genitive is càile. Glendale ia noted for a fine specif of cabbage.

D a il a C h a it . Cat dale (w ild). See “ Sgurr.”D a il B h e a g . The little field, or a chill bhig. On Ostaig

Farm.D ail M hor, An D a il M h o r . The great field. At Gillen.D alan B eaga, N a . The little meadows, parks, or fields, re

claimed from moor but now gone back. On Ostaig Farm, opposite Glebe, on south side of Allta Fiodhach.

D al a v il , D a l v ie l l , D a l v il l e . Hill or fell, dale or meadow; drtil and val, fjal; also given as voltr, a field; vellir, fields; valla, etc. Locally explained as dail a bhile, copse-dale; trees, etc., used to be here; other explanations given, but improbable. There is a heronry here, and the dale generally is good grazing ground. Dalavil a mhaoraich, Dalvil of the shellfish. There is a loch and inbhir and a dal or dail mor here, and another at Tormore.

D al B h a it e . The drowned, water-logged dale, field, or portion of land; past of bàth, to drown, etc. Above Knock Castle.

D alreoch , D a il R ia b h a c h . Russet dale, etc. At Caligarry.D eirena A chlais, D e ir e a d h a n A ch lais . The end or turn

in or of the armpit, or land formation. Gleann Meadhonach.

D oir ’ a n T r o d ain . The grove of quarrelling. This meaning as supplied, but thought should be Doir’ an Druidean or Druidein, the grove of the starlings or thrushes. At Tarskavaig.

D oire G h o an , G h o a in . Goan’s grove; some Druid or pagan priest’s name; also where worship of ancient deities held; No grove here for generations. The late Dr. Keith Norman Macdonald of Ord, where this place is, described it as above to author, and suggested “ Choan ” as the name of a Druid or high-priest who served here of yore; or possibly the deity itself.


D o i r e n a c h . The grove place or locality; a rocky place where a township exists. Near the Point of Sleat. Camus Daraich close by. The word doire in Skye also means a collection of sea-tangle, doire staimh.

D o i r e n a F e a n n a ig . Raven grove, or carrion crows. Below Meall Fuarman, or Fuarain, Sgiath-Bheinn an Uird.

D o ir e n a n G a d . The withies’ copse; birch twigs grew here which were in use as for making ropes, etc.; at one time used as traces when ploughing with oxen, of which eight constituted a team; also used for other purposes such as horse halters, etc. For withies, or gmd, gadan, see N . G . P . “ Is mitMch ’bhi bogadh nan gad,” it is necessary, or it behoves, to be steeping the withies (equivalent to it is time to be going), and, as these grew dry by want of use, and were apt to get brittle, it was necessary to steep them ere using; sometimes Willows were used, as they grew quicker than birch; indeed, some grow twelve feet in a season. An English (Dorset) saying is “ a withy tree will buy a horse before an oak will buy a bridle and saddle.” As may be known, the word withe (withie) equals willow (seileach, Latin salix), and the word rigwiddie is ridge-withie, now rig-body, i.e., the chain across the ridge in the saddle on back of a cart-horse. This place is at' Tongue.

D o ir e S h o l a i s . The grove of delight. This doire not now existent; was on Ostaig Farm, opposite Lunne-na-Dunach.

D o n e w r ig g , D o n a f e a n ig , D o r r a f e a n a g . See “ Doire-na- Feannaig.”

D o r n e i l , An, D o i r l i n g . The isthmus. At Isle Ornsay. Doirlinn, a neck of shore dry at ebb-tide, sometimes called <m dubh-chladach, the black shore, rolag-roid, sea-weed cast up, otherwise an tiurr. A superstition exists that below this is a safe asylum from or against the pursuit of evil spirits!

D o w is g il l Y c r e and O c r a . Duisdale iòchdarach agus uaeh- darnch, i.e., nether and upper Duisdale; duis or dowis, gloom, etc., and gill, a ravine, etc. See “ Duisdale.”

D r a o ir e a g . Not known. May be connected with draigh, droigh, dmighinn, thorns, and mean the little thorny field. A small field at or near “ Creag-a-Chaim.”


D rochaid a G h asga in . Gasgan bridge. See “ Gasgan.” Haunted!

D rochaid a M h u il in n . Mill bridge. At Ostaig. This mill said to have been used to make flour as well as meal, etc. It has disappeared long ago; the old name of the river on which it stood has even been forgotten; it rune through gloomy defiles, and, as usual, in consequence said to be haunted!

D rochaid M hor L e t h -S h it h e a n . The great bridge of the half-hillock. Also given leitir - shithean, hillock-slope. This place is near Isle Ornsay.

D rochaid na h - A ir d e Cao ile . The bridge of the narrow height or pass. Near Armadale.

D roighneach , An, I ochdar na D roigh nich . The thorny or brambly place, the lowest part thereof, thorneybaulk. A field at Armadale.

D ruim an t -S eana B h a il e . Old-town ridge. At Ostaig.D ruim an T a ir b h . The bull ridge. A field below Armadale

and Ardvasar.D ruim C r u a id h , An. The hard (stony) ridge. At Tarskavaig.D ruim D io m h a in , An. The useless, or waste, ridge; facetiously

called “ idle back.” At Tarskavaig.D ruim F io n n . The white, fair, or pleasant ridge. At Tar

skavaig.D ruim an U ir d . Ord ridge (of the height).D ruim n an G o bh ar . Goat ridge. At Tarskavaig.D rum fer n , D ru m fear n , An D r u im - F h e a r n a . Alder ridge;

fearna. Also given as eorna, barley; but this is questionable. This village or township lies, more or less isolated, to the west, but is by no means insignificant; it has received, in common with Troternish, q.v., some renown, its inhabitants bearing the same nickname of “Na Coin” the dogs, or heroes; said also, though it is thought wrongly, to be poor ground in which weeds abound, one specially being called earna, which has medicinal properties, and hence druim-eama.


D u i s d a l e . The misty or gloomy dale; duis, mist, gloom, etc., and dal, dalr, Norse, though also may be dail, a meadow, etc., as this place is frequently called “An Dail,” the field, meadow, or plain. Extremists have supplied dubh-uisg’ dail, black water dale, which is improbable; also dubh- mtail, fhasdail, black-dwelling, Duisdale.

Duisdale was the home of a family of Mackinnons, who held the township of Duisdale Beag (there is also a Duisdale Mor) for their services as standard-bearers of the Macdonalds of Sleat; this family is now believed to be extinct in the male line.

D u n a C h l e r i c h , C h e i l i r i c h . The musical hillock or hillock of music or singing. This hillock said by some to be a fairy hillock, and the singing that of fairies. Others speak of it as a fort at Tormore, now in ruins.

D u n a n C h o i n n i c h . Kenneth’s hillock. Here, or at a point called “ Am Biod Uaine,” the green peak, was found the dead body of a young man named Kenneth Shaw, son of a smith at Isle Ornsay, who fell from the rocks abovei while harrying a raven’s nest; tradition has it that thei ravens followed his body as it was borne to his home, and subsequently to the church-yard at Kilmore, five or b ì x

miles distant; this tale is well-known and vouched for. Shortly thereafter another lad successfully scaled the same height in order to destroy the ravens’ nest, Raonall Og Mac Stiubhairt, young Ronald the son of Stewart, who made the remark after his feat of “ Tha mi ’ereidsinn gun robh gu leoir aig na h-inean ri d h em a m h I believe the finger-nails had plenty to do !

D u n a n R u a d h . The red hillock or fort. This place goes, in titles, with Leitir, not the one in Bracadale however.

D un Ban . Fair fort. At Ard Snusaich; between Aird and Tarskavaig.

D un F a i c h , P h a i c h , F a i c h e . The fort of the plain, meadow, or green field; if faiahe, the fort of the cleft, hole, or retreat, now called “ Dunpark” ; the first meaning quite applicable. This dun or fort, now unrecognisable, stood on a mass of rock on the coast at Ferindonald; below is a landing-place known as “ Laimhrig Dhuin Faich,” and the rocks thereabouts are much favoured by fishers. From


its position and prominence, this fort formed one of the chain of such along the coast, on which alarm beacons were lit. See “ Dun Phaick.”

D u n F l o . The fort of slumber, etc. This is a meaning not vouched for, as also eiaid that Flo is an abbreviation of Flora, but not known. In 1690, twenty men of King William’s troops, as the tradition has it, landed at Tormore, and burnt certain houses in the neighbourhood before the Sleat men were aware of their presence; they were, however, pursued, slain, and buried near this dun; a Robertson distinguished himself on the occasion, and there is a tale therewith connected which was told the writer by one of the descendants—Matthew Robertson, Kilmore.

D u n G a n . Not known; might be can or cam, white, or tribute, fine, etc. See “ Dun Can,” Raasay.

D u n G e il b , G e i l b t , G e i l t . Not known. Geilt means fear, etc.; also an untameable animal. This place is at Caradale, q.v.

D u n L e i t h , L e a t h . Half dun or fort; leth, or genitive of liath, grey, etc. At Sasaig.

D u n n a n C e a r d . The tinkers’, craftsmen’s, or artificers’ hillock (fairies or warlocks). At Ardvasar Bay. These tinkers, etc., were said to be able to convert any piece of iron or wood, brought to them by night, into any desired implement or tool, etc.; to test this, “ some one” once went with a simide-lin (a lint mallet), and asked them to make a crcmn gath (a spear-shaft) of it; off the fairies ran, exclaiming, “M ’airc is m’aimbeart (repeat), crcmn-gath’ a dhecmamh de ’n t-simide-lin," My distress and calamity (repeat), etc., make a spear-shaft out of a lint mallet (or beetle)! m’aimbeart pronounced m’emairt by narrator. Another saying somewhat similar is “ Diomaich (diombach or diombadh) is mi-bhuaidh air an fhear a dh(fh)iarr oimn crann mor luinge fada ’dheanamh de mhaide bhola lion” short life (grief or trouble) and ill luck attend the man who asked us to make a long ship’s big mast of the wood; of a fishing-net (or line), buoy, or float. See N.G.P., “ An Uaisle,” etc. Slachdan-lin another term.

D u n P h a i c k , P h a d r u i g . Patrick’s hillock or dwelling of some monk of that name; but see “ Dun Faich.”


D un R uaige , n a R u aige . The dun of the chase, hunt, or flight. This is, or the ruins are, a mile south of Kylerhea, and described as being on “ mylonised rock.”

D unsgaich , D unsgathaich , D unskah ay (1424), etc. The shadowy fort, fort of gloom. This name, as will be understood, has appeared under various spellings, even since above date, while the etymology of the word has also been varied; the shadowy town or fort, the fort of the jutting-out land, sgathaich, branches or brushwood, which no Gaelic scholar would give; even the latter word being pronounced differently should suffice, but worse is to follow in “ the hillock of the skates ” ! One, more probable, cannot be ignored, viz., Sgathach’s Fort, but the queen after- mentioned took her name or title from the fort and not the fort from her; in point of fact, the fort itself took the name from the bay or loch, Sgàth vik, shadow bay, and the district Sgàthavaig is always now in use. The queen above referred to was, according to one account, and accounts vary considerably, she whom Cuchullin fell in love with, the beautiful Aisè, Aoisè, or Aoife (long s mistaken for /), a daughter to Ardgenny; another account gives it that a school of arms was kept by her (Aisè or Aisi) in conjunction with her father, here named Otha or Uathaidh; see “ Death of the Children of TJsnach.” Again, it is stated that Cuchullin fell in love with Uathach, “ daughter of the princess of the dun.” Anyway, this person seems to have been, as above stated, Aisè, who bore a son to Cuchullin, named Conlach, the word gu, con, it may be noted, appearing in the names of both father and son; this son was slain, in ignorance of whom’ he was, by his father.

Cuchullin came very young to Skye from Ireland, where one of his castles stood; he came to learn the feats taught in the military school kept by Sgatbach the Terrible,” her territorial title. This Cuchullin did so as to win the love of an Irish princess, “ Emer or Eimhir the Lovely,” the daughter of Forgall Manach, Forgall the Monk, also designated “ the wily.” While in Skye, he met Aisè, as

■' above stated, but forsook her; see “ Bàs Chonlaoich,” the death of Conlaoch, as given in the Book of the Dean of Lismore. Cuchullin apparently returned to Ireland, and married Emer, Evir, Awoir, or Ayvir, in modern Gaelic

372 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYEBLEAT (Continued)—

Eimhear, for by all these names has she been referred to in ancient script, etc., in one or more of which she is said to have proved as faithless to Cuchullin as he was to Aisè,. or Bragela (Braighe Gheala) (fair-bosom, as a poetical title), and said to have been Cuchullin’s wife also, mother of Conlaoch at any rate, and whom he left to pine in Skye. Going to Ireland, he engaged in many combats there, in one of which he fell; various accounts, as may be understood, are given of this final fight, though an Irish poem has it that his death was due to the arts of magic, Cuchullin was still held as belonging to Skye, for in the Ossianic poems he is designed as “ Chief of the Ielei of Mist.” Among many adventures and feats in Ireland, Cuchullin attacked and slew a king of Munster, and carried off his queen, Blamait or Blathmaid, into Ulster; this, it is believed, he did “ for a friend.”

Queen or princess, “ Sgathach ” lived in the dun or fort with her two sons. Many and wonderful, it is said, were the feats taught in the college here, to which, as said, Cuchullin came as a pupil or student. Along with him, pursuing their military education also, were four grandsons of a certain Druid of the Piets of Ulster, called Cathbad; Cuchullin was one, three sons of Uisneach, and Conall Cearnach, five in all.

This queen or princess, “ fierce and ruthless warrior queen,” as she is styled in some accounts, or her daughter, Uathach, according to others, was in love with “Cuchulainn, the son of Learg” ; none fairer had been seen by her or any other woman, though, it is also said, he loved no woman in Skye, though he was loved by “ three times fifty queens ” ! This warrior-queen Sgathach had the second sight, and foresaw the career and early death (at 30) of Cuchullin, who fell at Muirthemne in Ireland, fighting against great odds. Cuchullin was really older than thirty years, that age having been given poetically, as his full strength and his being “ beardless ” made him appear younger.

Despite the fierce character of this Queen Sgathach, she had other attractions, being passionately fond of music, ■especially of a melodious nature; she possessed a three- etringed magical harp, one string of which, when tuned, caused laughter and dancing, “ Geantraighe,” gean, good'

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 373BLEAT ( Continued)—

humour, cheerfulness, and traigh, strength; a second, crying or weeping, etc., “ G-ultraighe,” gul, guil, weeping, and trcdghe; while the third, “ Suantraighe,” suain, suaine, sleep, and tmighe, caused heavy, balmy sleep.

Queen Sgathach, in addition to the training to arms, etc., inculcated lessons of mutual friendship and fidelity, and bestowed prizes or gifts of arms upon at least two of her favourites, viz., Cuchullin and his friend Ferdagh; these two went to battle, after surmounting many difficulties, on behalf of the three amazons, Sgathach and her two daughters, Uathach and Aisè, while Cuchullin called the queen his “ tender tutoress/’ which apparently she was to him!

The faithlessness of Emer, Emire, Evir, etc., above referred to, is strongly questioned by Irish writers, and reference may be made to her “ Lament for Cuchulainn,” who is there designed Mhic Subhalt, Shubhailt, Shual- tain, also Mhic Sheimhi, in Irish, of course. In the notes to the 1760 “ Trànslation of Ossian’s Poems,” Cuchullin is designed as son of Semo, grandson of Cathbat, a celebrated Druid; there it is stated that he was married very young to Bragela, daughter of Sorglan, at his castle or palace at Dunsgaich; all these accounts conflict, and still another account has it that he married Uathach, the other daughter of Queen Sgathach, but had a son previously (Conlaoch) by her sister, Aoife (Eva); and, on his return to Ireland, he married the before-mentioned Emer or Eimer. All this took place in the first century a .d .

Aife, Aoibhe, Aoive, Aoisè, Aisè, or by whatever name she was known, gave Cuchullin, while in Skye, a model of a fatal—or at least deadly—spear called the “Gath Bolg ” or balg, a bag, etc., made from the bone or bones of some “ monster ” animal. See “ Tain Bo Chuailgne” a mythical tale; the bull referred to here supposed to have been a god.

One of the chief “ Captains ” of Queen Sgathach was “ Maev (Maebh) the Strong,” a warrior woman; there were at least five score of these female warriors, and on one occasion they executed twenty Vikings or Norse seamen, who had escaped drowning in the loch (Loch Scavaig.), by tying the long hair of each to the down-caught boughs of an oak, on which, being let go, the men swung till dead.

In more than one account of this famous fortress


(Dunegàich) it is described as being on the “ North-east coast of Scotland,” also “ in the east of Alba ” (by Alba is meant Ireland), and a famous writer described it as a “ foreign academy ” !

Cuchullin’s name is more immediately associated with Dun Sgàthaich than any other place. In Skye to this day (as elsewhere), his very name is proverbial, “ Cho laidir ri Cuchulainn” and another of his names or titles was “ Setanta,” which was his first name, and which an authority says “ indirectly suggests British ancestry in his case” ; he was designed by another authority as a “ daughter’s son of Cathbad, Conchobar’s famous Druid, who had three daughters; the other two were mothers of Conall Cernach (Cearnach) and Naoise, thus cousins of Cuchullin.”

Many are the tales, traditions, and rumours, local and otherwise, as to this interesting castle, now in ruins; it was one of the most primitive, the keep having been, added about 1266. In an Act *of James V. occurs, “ donaldo gromych mcdonald gallich de dunskàwich,” u long, it should be noted. These tale®, etc., are,, however, vague and not to be depended upon, as, for example, the statement has been made that its origin has been attributed to the Homans, or even to giants, etc.! There are traces of a burial-place near the castle, but no exhumation of bodies or human remains have been made so iar as known. Right below the castle, or dun, and resting on a huge flat rock, is a perfectly round stone of a very considerable size and apparent weight; tradition has it that this was the “ putting stone ” (clach-neart) in use by the “ men” of old; it can hardly be raised by two of the strongest “ men ” of this day. This stone, it may be mentioned, is supposed to be nothing more or less than a “ travelled ” boulder of the Ice Age.

In 1514 Dunsgaich was actually seized, and held for a time, by Lauchlan Maclean of Dowart or Duart (Dubhard)r black height, and that on behalf of Sir Donald of Lochalsh.

The name “Dunskaith” appears in a certain work, and is interpreted “ the fort of mischief” ; this fort, however, is situated on a little knoll on the northern “ sutor of Cromarty,” stated to have been a “royal ” fortress erected by William the Lion, now the site of another fortress; but this by the way.


Dunsgàich proper is shortly described as “ a vitrified fort near Tocavaig, above Gauscavaig Bay.” The present ruins even are thought to be secondary to the original fort built above the “ shadowy ” bay.

Eas a Chait. The oat water-fall (wild cat). Near Knock. See “ Uamh a Chait.”

E as a C hoire B h u id h e . The yellow corry water-fall. At Kylerhea.

E as a M h u ic . The pig or boar’s waterfall. At Kylerhea.E as a M h u il in n . The mill water-fall. See “ Drochaid a

Mhuilinn.” This, it is said, should be eis, hindrance, obstruction, referring to the mill-dam.

E asa M or, A n t -E as(a ) M o r . The great waterfall.E asan D u b h . The little dark water-fall. At Tormore; an

other, or others, at Sasaig.E as T oraig , q.v.E il e a n an E o in . The birds’ isle or islet. Near Knock.E il e a n a n D u b h a . The black islands. South of Kyleakin.E il e a n an F h eddh . The isle of deers. Near Tarskavaig.E il e a n A r d , A ir d n a n G o bh ar . Goats’ height (or haunt)

isle. At or off Tongue.E il e a n E alasaid . Eliazbeth’s isle. Tongue.E il e a n E o in . John’s isle. Said should be Eoghain, Ewen,

a cooper. At Isle Ornsay; but see “ Eilean an Eoin (nan Eoin).”

E il e a n M aol . The rounded or bare island. At Ardvasar.E il e a n M o r . The great island (common). One at Dalavil,

Caradale, and Kilbeg.E il e a n n a n E asgann . Eel island. Off Strathaird.E ilean N aoighean S it h e , N a o id h e a n . The isle of the child

of peace. Off Kilbeg. See “ Port Farala.”E ilean R u a ir id h . Roderick’s isle. In Ob Gauscavaig. Near

Ord. This Roderick was a blacksmith at time of the erection of the castle of Dunsgàich, or some part thereof; he is thought to have dwelt on this island, which is in the bay.


E ilean S corach, A n t -E ilean S corach. The rough or jagged island (common). One at Aird or Point of Sleat; another in Ardvasar Bay.

E ilean S ionnach . F ox island. At Isle Ornsay, on which lighthouse stands.

E ilean T ioram (D ia r m a n ). The dry or ebb island. See “ Ornsay Isle.”

Eis a B h r e it h e a l a in , B h r e a t h a l a in . The hindrance, stop, or impediment of the rock rows or cliffs, etc.; these obstruct a violent current here; breath, a row, a layer.

E n d h eb h eg ? I n ib h a ig . Not known. Said to be at or near Point of Sleat.

F aoidh na F a l a . The bog-meadow of blood; a word faoi, a stream. Here, tradition says, the each-uisge, water-horse, or some other “ monster” was slain!

F ead an , Am F e a d a n . The water-pipe, spout, or chanter. Also among the Coolins.

F er r in d o n ald , F ear ain n D h o m h n u il l . Donald’s land or portion. Next Kilmore.

F haireasg , A raisg . Said to mean place of cow-grazing, a common; but not certain.

F h a o ilin n , An, F a d h l a in n . The beach. This is a pebble- strewn field, which may have been reclaimed from the sea. Below the public road at Armadale.

Fionn A c h a d h . Fair field. Said to be another name for last.F iosgarie . See “ Ob.”F liuch A ir ig h . Wet sheiling. Near Tarskavaig.F ork R ock (Creag Ghobhlach). Loohindaal.F uaram an , F uar A b h a in n . The cold river. This river is

near Ord, and also near a private burying-ground; it has, not inaptly, been styled “ the river of death,” it having to be crossed to the burying-ground with funerals; the word aman or amun said to be Pictish; but see “ Abhainn,” s.v.

G a r a p h e ig h in n , G ea r r (a )p h e ig h in n . The short or little pennyland. At Sasaig.

G araraltan , G arbh A l l t a n . The rough streamlet. At

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE' 377SLEAT ( Continued)—

G a r b h a ig , A G h a i r b h e a g . The little rough place or spot, non-productive. Here a Free Church manse was erected some years ago. A stream, “ Allt a Ghairbhig,” runs close by. Garbhag has several other meanings.

G a s g a n , A G h a s g a in . The green or parterre, the green copsewood. This beautiful place is a hill-slope of natural birch trees, etc., near Ord; it has also been described as a nook, a hollow, a tail or extremity of land, narrowing down from the higher land, viz., monadh Mòrsaig, chiefly on south.

G a u s c a v a ig , A u s g a v a ig . See “ Loch.” This is a bay or loch, allt and ton between Tocavaig and Tarskavaig, east of latter.

G e a d - a - B h o l l a . The boll-ridge; portion o f arable land to sow a boll in. At Ostaig.

G e a l G h i l l e a n . White boys—rocks.G e u r R u d h a . Sharp point or promontory, really “ the point

of sharpness,” a relic of volcanic action famed geologically. At Point of Sleat.

G h e a r r a B h e in n , I o s a l a g u s A rd. The short or little mount, low and high. At Sasaig. Also given ’Gharbh Bheinn, the rough mount.

’G h o ir t e a n A r d . The high or upper corn-field. Near Tarskavaig.

G i l l a n , G i l l e n , Na G i l l e n , etc. The gylls or hollows; gil, a ravine or narrow glen. This spot favourably known in Sleat as having been the residence of several local celebrities, among whom was the famous “ Dotair Ruadh,” the red- haired doctor. A river runs through this place.

G l a ic a n F h e a d a i n . The hollow of the waterspout, etc.G l a ic a n F h u d a i r . The powder hollow. At Ferindonald,

above old school-house. A mineral well here, discovered by the then schoolmaster, Beverley.

G l a ic C h a o l , A G h l a ic C h a o l . The narrow hollow.G l a ic D h o r c h a , A G h l a ic D h o r c h a . The dark hollow. At

Tarskavaig.G l a ic M h o r , A G h l a ic M h o r , G l a ic M h o r n a n G l a c . The

great hollow, the great hollow of hollows. At Tarskavaig.

378 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYESLEAT (Continued)—G laic na Bo, nam Ba M haola. The hummel cow hollow, or

cows.Glaic na Craobh Chaoruinn. Rowan tree hollow. Tarska

vaig.G laic nam M earlach. Thieves’ hollow. At Dalavil.Glaic nan Capull. Mares’ or horses’ hollow.G laic nan Cnauch. Hollow of the raven; cnaimh-fhitheach.

Tarskavaig.Glaic nan Culag, Cuileag. Hollow of the flies. Tarskavaig.G laic nan D oirneag. Hollow of the small round stones; dorn,

hand or fist size. Tarskavaig.G laic Orchadail. Orcadale hollow. Between Tarskavaig and

Tocabhaig.This word glaic is properly the genitive of glac, s.f., and

is frequently used as the nominative; both mean a hollow,, narrow defile, etc.

Gleann M eadhonach. M id glen. Between Dalavil and Ostaig.

G leann M eodal. Above Knock. See “ Allt.”G leann na B eiste. The glen of the beast (water horse?).

Above Sasaig.G leann Shasaig. Sasaig glen. This glen was formerly known

as Gleann Hunisdal or Hinisdal, being one of four glens in which the “Glasghuailne ” (grey-shoulder), a famous cow in the “ Fingalian ” times used to graze; other of the glens are Glendale and Scaladale, also “ Hingisdale,” as above. Gleann Shasaig, when named as above, it is thought, was the scene of a terrible tragedy, several young girls, at Airigh, having been killed by some unknown “ monster,” currently called a water-horse or kelpie in the shape of a horse, which emerged from Loch-nan-Uirichean, Uiridhean, some distance off. Other “ grazing-places,” Eisgeadail, Toisgeadail, Carn a Choin, Braigh Bhran, Uisgè-Seader, Suile-Seader, Beinn Mhoraig, Achachoire, and Màlagan, all north of Portree.

G nob B uidhe, A G hnob B uidhe. The yellow lump (of rock),, a favourite fishing rock. Near Camuscross.

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G noban nam B odach. The knob or rock lump of the codlings; bodaich-ruadh. In Ardvasar Bay.

G ourban. Not known, unless meant for gobhar ban, white goat. It is a rock.

G rim era . Grimm or Grimr’s island. It is thought that there are at least two islands of this name off Skye. Grimr-a- Grimr is a very common Scandinavian name, and appears in many place-names in the Scottish Isles, e.g., Grimsta,, grimr stadr; a, as before stated, means an island of the second magnitude.

I nveeaulavaig, Inbhir A tjlavaig. Amhlaidh, Olaf, or Olive’s confluence, outlet of river. Between Ord and Tocavaig. This place is notable for discovery of stone graves or barrows on both sides of the stream or river of Ord; thought to be connected with the occupation of Dunsgaich and neighbourhood.

Inver , I nbhir , I onbhar D alabhile . The confluence of Dalvil stream with sea. North of Geur Rudha.

I nver, I nbhir T igh L achlain. The confluence at or near Lachlan’s house; thought a Lachlan Macdonald. Ardvasar.

I omaire, I mir F hearchair. Farquhar’s ridge of land or field. At Tarskavaig.

I sle Ornsay. See “ Oronsay,” etc.K eanloch, K inloch, Ceann-L och, -L ocha. See “ Kinloch.”K ilbeg , C il l B heag , A Ch il l B h ig . The little church, cella

parva, so called as, when existing, it was minor or secondary to Kilmore, “ ’Chill M hor,” q.v., about a quarter of a mile between.

K illachan. Said to be in Sleat, but not known. May be meant for “ Kyleakin ” in Strath.

K ilmore, K ilmoir, K ilnmoir, K ilvore, A Chill M hor. The great or principal cell or church, cella magnet, with yard or burying-ground.

This is now the Parish Church, and stands on a site sanctified by successive places of worship or devotion erected since the dawn of the Christian evangelisation of the Western Isles of Scotland; also surmised to be the site of pagan or Druidical sanctuaries or retreats. The first

380 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYESLEAT (Continued)—

church, was built by an ecclesiastic named Crotach Mac Gille Gorm, the hunch or hump-backed son of the blue lad-servant or servitor; he was chief of the Logans of Druimdeurfait, Rose-ahire; a canon of Beauly, he lived in the Lovat country, but travelled to Skye early in the thirteenth century.

This church lasted till early in the seventeenth century, about 1631 it is said, and gave place to a third, the present, in 1876.

As said, the first church existed up to the seventeenth century, when a clan battle was fought in a neighbouring field between the MacIntyres (then in possession of this corner of Sleat, though Macdonald territory) and a foraging band of Macleods. The Macleods won the battle, whereupon the MacIntyres took refuge in the church; the Macleods ruthlessly set fire to the roof, which was only thatched with heather, destroying church, MacIntyres, and all.

The more recent church, the second above referred to, though said to have been built about 1631, was not completed till 1691, though began earlier and not proceeded with, owing to the troublous times, etc. According to Iain Lorn, the noted Lochaber bard, this church was eventually erected by Sir Donald Macdonald of Sleat and the Isles, who died in 1659 or 1691 Iain Lorn says:

“ Gu Eaglais Shleibhte nan stuadh,Chosg thu fein ri 'cur sms,Ged nach d'fhuirich thu buan ri 'sgliatadh”

To the Church of Sleat-of-the-wavee,Its cost you defrayed to build,Though you didn’t wait (survive) to slate it.

This church lasted thus for nearly two hundred years; it is now in ruins (see sketch).

What is reputed to be a very old cup or font, crogtm q bhaistidh, the little dish of baptising, was found or discovered by a minister of the parish, the Rev. John Forbes, among a heap of rubbish beneath the old pulpit at the south or south-east wall of the church; it was duly cleaned and mounted on a brass bracket for use again in baptisms, and, it is believed, is still in use. It is of grey marble, and measures six or seven inches in diameter by nearly


three or four in depth, circular, with a triangular projection on two opposite sides for fixing in position somewhere probably. The marble is similar to the Strath marble. It may have been used by Roman Catholics in Pre- Reformation times. There was a bell, or bells, in this church previous to 1773, and since 1876 there has been one; in 1740 Kilmore possessed a “ change-house,” which was situated “ about a pistol shot from the kirk” ; this house

. is now at Ardvasar in the shape of an hotel. In 1575-6, James M'Conill Growmicht or Gromiche {gruamach, surly or sad) granted an obligation for payment to the Bishop of the Isles of eighteen merks annually for “ the Personage of Kilmoir in Slait ” ; this deed was signed on his behalf by notary; he also granted sixteen merks for “ the bishop’s third part of said kirk.” The “ Personage ” or manse now in existence, was erected about 1815, at the same time as Armadale Castle was built, and was designed in a somewhat castellated form externally, being battlemented, with a handsome and conspicuous circular tower; locally, it is known as “ An Tigh Bhàn,” the white house. It may be added that, in regard to the. above payments to the Bishop, the conveyance contained the clause “ except when land laid waste by Imgmeis (enemies),” and was “ payable in Ycolmkyll betwix Petersmess and Beltane.” All this was escheat to the bishop in 1581.

In 1626 the “ parochin of Sclate ” was composed of, or united to and with, “ Strathordell, Eg, Canna, Rum, and Muck, servit by Mr. Neill M'Kinnane.” The above now forms three separate parishes. See “ Sleat.”

K inloch. Head of the loch. This is the head or upper end of Loch-na-Daal, named Kinlochdale in 1745; there is another Kinloch in Kilmuir, near Dunvegan; and the name also applies to Loch Slapin; and Kinloch of old, with surrounding district, formed part of the barony pertaining to the Mackinnons. Dean Monro styles the loch Nadalae. The name Kinloch is common.

K inlocheisheokt. Ceann Loch Eisheord, q.v.K nock, Cnoc, A Chnoc, K nocko. The knoll. Being on a

knoll or height projecting into the sea on or at the end of a bay; the castle hereon was called Caisteal-I-Chamuis, partly ancient and partly comparatively modern. See- “ Cammes ” and “ Caisteal Uaine.”

SLEAT (Continued)—K ooper.h u . Not known. Said to be gob-a-rudha, the point o

the promontory or point of Sleat; elsewhere said to refe to point on which Dunvegan Castle stands. See “ Duia vegan,” also “ Gob-na-Hoe.”

K ylerhea, K yle-R ea, -R ae, -R aes, -R ath , etc. (Caol Reithe) This strait or kyle is said to have been named after on of the Feinne or Fingalians, Rhea (Readh), who attempts to leap across, but fell in and was drowned; this strai was narrower in those days. He, along with his com panions, was hastening to the help of his womankind; bu doubted. Other etymologies furnished may 6e given Kill-ri, Cool Righ, King’s strait; rhe (Welsh), swift Gaelic rea, rapid; rheau, to run; rhin, that which runs i.e., as a promontory out into the sea; also reidh, smooth which it hardly is, as there is a very strong and rapi current here. The above word rhe, rea, ri, is said to b a root found in many languages, generally meaning “ t flow,” etc. Readh, as above, still holds, and it may b added that, with another hero, he lies buried not far oj

in Iomaire, Imir nam fear Mora, the ridge or field o the big men. This is based on the fact of this imir havin been opened and found to contain the bones or at leas the skulls of two very large-sized men; this, it is believec was testified to by a former minister of Sleat, who wa present; the grave is at Glenelg, opposite Kylerhea, o the mainland.

L ag a B hraghad . The hollow of the upland; braigh, gee braghad.

L ag a Ch raid h . The hollow of pain or anguish. At Uppe Ostaig.

L ag a G haraidh Ch a il . Hollow of the kail garden.L ag a L ochain. Hollow of the little loch.L ag a P huill B hrachaidh . Hollow of the malting-pool c

pit; might also mean fermenting or rotting, a stagnac pool.

L ag an D oill . The hollow of the blind (man). This plac doubttful. By one account it lies between Tormore an Aird; by another near Dun Bhororaig, where there ar ruins of an old church.



Xâg a n T oe,(a ) M h o r . Tormore hollow. In a field here.

L ag Mon, A n L ag Mor. The great hollow.L ag n a h - A ir ig h B a in e . The fair-sheiling hollow.L ag nam B oitean, a Bhoitean. The hollow of the straw or

hay bundle or bundles (muillean).Lag-nan-Ckoisean. Hollow of the crosses. This is a field

on the glebe, on right hand side of approach from thei public road; this field or locality was the via crucis in connection with religious “ processions ” to and from Creag-an-t-Sagairt, the priest’s rock, q.v.; no crosses known to have been there within the memory of man, but, when existing, supposed to have marked the boundaries of a sanctuary or tearmann. See “ Bu ’Chlerich; tearmann, from Latin terminus. All the district hereabout is stamped with names indicating the holy or devout uses to which it was at one time put.

L ag Bain ich . Fern hollow. Sleat, like Skye generally, abounds in ferns, and many of a rare kind.

L agan I nis n a Cn a im h . The hollow of the meadow of the bones. This place is in Glen Sasaig, and the bones are said to be those of the “ beast ” slain there, or the eadh- uisge, water-horse!

L am arscaig . Not known. Hamar (Norse) or Hladhamarr, a cliff. Near Point of Sleat.

L a m h r a ig , L a im h r ig , A L am h r aig M h o r ; also L a im h r ig - a -B,u d h a . The landing-place of the Point (of Sleat); another at Kilmore.

L aplach , L apach , L abach . The bog or swamp. In the peatmoss or moor above Kilmore.

L arach A ir ig h P h a d r u ig . Site or ruins of Patrick’s sheiling. The calling or naming of sheilings after individual headmen of townships; these laraichean are, alas, very numerous throughout Skye.

L arach T ig h N e il l -G h r ia saich . Site or ruins of the house of Neil the shoemaker. Neil was a man of note in Kilmore and for miles around; he held a house, built by himself, on the glebe. Though he had only one hand, having lost the other by an accident, he, with the aid of an iron hook,


showed himself a perfect Jack-of-all-trades; as said, he built his house and at least two boats; he was an omnivorous reader and a bit of a poet and musician, and was held in considerable respect, if not awe, for his power of repartee was well known, a chuid de Pharr as dha.

L eac a M hona’ M headhonach or Clach M hor-na-L eacan. The slope of the Mid Mountains, or the great stone of the broad slope or steep shelving ground; leaoann, leacamn, or leaocm, plunal of leac, flat stones, etc.; Mid Mountains so called from being equidistant from the sea on each side.

L eac-an-D u in . The stone slope of the dun or fort. Between Camuscross and Knock. This dun exists only in name as above.

L eacann R iabhach, L eac na M oine. The russet slope, and the peat-moss slope. Both near Tarskavaig.

L ehener . Half confluence; leih ener, leth mir, in’ir, inbhir, almost a confluence; more correctly ionbhar.

L eideag, L eadag, L eadaid L ia th . Broad stretch of hillside- grey; leathad. Cf. Leideag, Argyll.

L eir M haodail, M aodal. Muddy place; leur vodal, bhoidale. Between Camus-Daraich and Port-na-Long, Point of Sleat. A deposit formed of mud and sand by eddy of conflicting currents. See “ Allt Mhaodail,” also cf. Leurabhaigh or Lerwick, mud bay; Leirable, Lyriboll in Sutherland.

L etterhalluch, L eiter Challich . The nuns’ halfland, a piece of land set apart for an institution of nuns, caUl&achan-dubha, the black veiled ones. Now a sheep farm, thought near Drumfern. Furnished also as Leitir Shalach, the dirty shore or halfland!

L ettir-H urr, L eitir Ur . The new or fresh (reclaimed ?) half-land or hillside. Other etymologies possible are from curr, asp. churr, corner, end, pit, fountain, situation or site; occurs frequently in topography. Also found Letter- foor, even Letterfern. Chir equals chiar, dun, dusky, gloomy.

L eum an Earbag. The little roe’s leap. At Kinloch.L eurabhaig, A uch, A chadh. The field of the muddy bay.

A t Ord.


L inigarry, L enigarry, L ernigary. The lint cutting or spot of land, lintfield; lin and gearraidh or gàraidh.

L inne na D unach, D unaidh . The pool or linn of woe. On Allt (a) Fiodhach, with precipitous and wooded banks. Here, tradition says, several young girls took refuge in a tree overhanging the linn, when a lunatic, who had attacked and chased them with an axe, cut down the tree, with fatal results. See “ Carnan a Rumaich ” and “ Airigh na Dunach.” Cf. Allt na Dunach, Kintyre.

L inne nan Ceann . Linn of the heads. Here the heads or skulls of seven score MacIntyres were cast by the Macleods after the fight near the parish church. See “ Kilmore.”

L inne nan 'Each. Pool of the horses. Here on Allt (a) Fiodhach, in the high park, was, or is, a pool where the minister’s horses, and others, were watered; three of these were named Ossian, Donnag, and Fillan.

L och. In regard to this word, several names of little or no meaning, almost tarns, not given.

L och a B haird , Braigh a Bh aird . The bard’s loch, the brae or upland of the bard; a portion assigned to him. At Tarskavaig.

L och a G hlinne . The glen loch, Gleann Meadhonach. Towards Point of Sleat.

L och a M huilinn . The mill loch. Near Ostaig. See “ Bagh ” and “ Drochaid.”

L och-an-D aal, L och na D alach. The loch of delay or waiting, for etorm-stayed ships, etc.; dàil, dalach. Between Isle Ornsay and Kinloch; one of same name in Islay. See “ Lochnadaal.”

L och an D oirreanaich, L och na D oireanaich (Loch Doir’ an eich). The loch of the grove of the horse. Near here the “ water-horse ” before referred to used to appear, and sometimes in the form of an old hag (cruth caillich), in which shape she got in touch with the girls at the airigh or sheiling in Glen Sasaig, on one occasion destroying them all save one, who escaped and gave the alarm, when the men of the district turned out and destroyed it, burying the remains in a place still pointed out.

386 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYESLEAT (Continued)—L och, L ochan an Iasgaich. The loch or little loch of the

fishing; famous for good catches of trout. At Tarskavaig.L och, L ochan an I me. The loch of the butter. Near here

some kegs or rather parcels of butter made up in hides were found. Near Tarskavaig.

L ochan F ad a . The long lochs or the little long loch. Na Locban Fada also supplied.

L och an t -S eilich . The willow loch. Near Tarskavaig.L och A rd . High loch. Above Tongue.L och A ruisgh, A rtjisg, A r -U isg. The water field loch, from

which a small stream runs. See “ Araisg.” •L ochan na Brice D uibhe, nam B reac D ubha. The little

loch of the black trout.L ochan na P oite. The loch of the pot (of gold). See “ Bealach

a Ghlinne Chruaidh ” and “ Loch na Prais.”L och D hughaill. Dugald’s loch; locally Loch-Dughaill or

Du’ill. On Gillen road, near Tocavaig. Not known after what man of this name the loch was called, but there was at Tooavaig a leading man in that township named “ Dughall Cam Mac Alasdair Oig.” Cf. “ Dola,” in Sutherland.

All the foregoing lochs are inland.L och E iseord, E iseort, A ibhseord. The loch of the ice bay

or firth, fiord, or fjord. A sea loch on north-west of Sleat. The spelling of this loch has varied greatly: Locheafort, the / here again a mistake for s; Lochusherd (1631), iss, ice (Icel.), with suffix art or arth, also ord, ort, worth, all corruptions or abbreviations of Norse fjord, a firth or sea- loch; also fjorar, possibly, though uncertain.

L ocii G ausgavaig, A usgavaig. East bay loch. East from Tarskavaig. This loch is famed for “ rainbow ” trout, and is said to be the deepest loch in or off Skye.

L och H oravaig, T horvaig. See “ Torvaig.” A loch, bay, or place of the name of “ Orabaig,” said to be at the Point of Sleat or Aird.

L och I ch Caime, ’I c Cuinn . Macqueen’s loch. North of Dalavil.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 387SLEAT (Continued)—L och ’ I lle M h ic h e il . St. Michael’s servant’s loch. Above

Knock or Sasaig.L och Lam arscaig, q.v.L och M aodail , M eadal , etc. The narrow dale loch; mjo dal.

See “ Allt Mhaodail,” which runs out of this loch.L och M hic Ca r m ic h e il . See above “ Loch ’Ille Mhicheil. In

the Monadh Meadhonach, near Ord.L och or L òchan n a B a R u a id h . Red cow loch, or little loch,

as above. Near Tarskavaig.L och n a B e ist e . The loch of the beast. Near “ Carn-na-

Beiste,” in the Mona’ Meadhonach, where a beast or “ monster ” was slain; also a sea-loch between Cailleach and Castle Moil. Near here ie the reputed spot where Diarmad slew the boar! South of Kyleakin, in Strath.

L ochnadaal , L och an D a il , L och D a il , L ochnadalae (Dean Monro). See “ Loch-an-Daal.” As said, this loch near Isle Ornsay; it is noted for the locus of the rare plant Eriooaulon Septangulare or Decangulare, as before referred to, also Drynas Octopetala. Cf. Loch Indal in Islay.

L och n a n A d h airc ean , na h - A d h airc ean . The loch of the horns (deer ?).

L och, L ochan n an Cl ac h . Loch or little loch of the stoneis, thought “ standing-stones.”

L och nan D ubhraichean, D ubhrachan, D u bh laich ean , D ubh B h ru th aich ea n . Black or dark braes’ loch. Pronounced Loch nan Uirichean or Neurachan, etc. Between Knock and Isle Ornsay, close to the public road, south of Ben Dulaid (? Diollaid). This loch has till very lately i f not still— borne an uncanny reputation as being haunted or frequented by a “ beast” ; search, therefore, was made so late as 1870 to allay alarm, but nothing found. Rumours and tales as to this suspected monster are still current, and the only explanation is that a seal, or even a walrus from the coast, some distance off, had found its way to the loch; on the coast not far from here a “ beast,” called “ Biasd-na-Sgrogaig, ’ ’ the beast of the little or crumpled horn, was seen, possibly a wandered walrus or narwhal, though unlikely!

Loch n an E il e a n . Loch of the islands.

388 PLACE-NAMES OF SKYESLEAT (Continued)—L och- n a n -U a m h , L och na h -U a m h a . The cave loch. Above

Ardvaear, towards Tarskavaig, and fiear Beinn Fidhleir. Tales are attached to this cave, such as that of the piper’s progress, etc.

L och na P r a is . Loch o f the brass or cast-iron pot; this word applied to a creel-pot of old, sunk in the ground for various purposes; also in lochs.

L och na T u im e , L och T h u im e , T a o im e . Loch of'the torrent or overflow; tamm generally means water that has entered a boat, bilge-water. This loch is in Monadh Meadhonach.

L och N ig h in n F h io n n l a id h . The loch of the daughter of Finlay. South of Tarskavaig or west of Aird. Here the Royal fern, osmwnda regalis, abounds or abounded.

L och S gurr n a n C aorach . Loch of the sheep sgor. Three miles S .S .E . of Tarskavaig.

L och T iu g h . Thick loch. Above Stonefield. May be muddy, and with weeds or rushes.

L on A ir ig h na B e ist e . Meadow, marsh, or burn of the sheiling-of-the-beast. See “ Loch na Beiste,” etc. See “ Lon ” and “ Airigh,” ante.

L on A ir ig h na S lig ean , Slig each an . Shell-burn sheiling. Near Tarskavaig. Said to be raised coast or beaches here; hence the shells.

L on n a R u id h e , R ighe M o r . Great sheiling burn; an righe mor. Teangue.

L on C r e a d h a . Clay or clayey burn. Runs out of Loch an Iasgaich into Kinloch River.

L on M or . The great meadow. Between the parish church and glebe, and is the scene of Blar na Cille between the marauding Macleods and MacIntyres. A burn runs close by.

L on n a C rao ibh e . The tree meadow. This is a boggy meadow near Knock.

L on na h - A ird e Cao ile . Meadow of the narrow or sharp height. A t Ostaig; between the public road and the sea,

L on n a n E ar bag . The meadow (or burn) of the young roe. At Teangue.


M aol, M eall B u id h e . The yellow round hill. Above Kilmore and Ostaig (503 feet); another at Duisdale Mor.

M eall a n F h u a r a in . Round hill of the spring-well; also “ Meall Fuarman ” (or Fuaraman). Near Ord.

M eall a Stuc . Round hill peak or stack. Above Sasaig Glen.M eall n a h - I nnse F e a r n a . Alder-isle or low meadow

hillock.. At Tongue.M eall P ort M e a l a r y . The heap, hill, or mound of Port

Melary.M eall T obar a B h io r a in , q.v.

’M h a o ile . The Mull. A lump of a hill south-west of Loch- nadaal, and north of Duisdale.

’M hointich B h u id h e . The yellow moss or moor.M isgan , M iosgan . ‘ The kit or cheese-vat. This is a rock with

a gash or split, vulgarly attributed to the stroke of a giant’s) sword! There is a word memgan, butterwort.

M onadh A ch ’ -a n - A l l t , A ch adh a n U il l t D h ea rg , q.v. The mountains of the river-field, or the red river.

M onadh M eadhonach . The mid mount or mountains. They stretch between sea and sea equidistant, and contain various places elsewhere given.

M onadh M hcrsaig . Morsaig mountains. These are, inter alia, Mounts Vokie, Sgòrach Breac, Sgiath-Bheinn an Uird, Bràdh, etc. They lie north-east of Loch Eiseort, between Camuscross and Ord. There is a district and river Morsaig, Moursaig, or Moresaig, and is maurs-vik, the bay of the ants, ant-bay.

M uclach, A M huclach . The pig-plaoe, piggery; may be a side form of mucrach, a sand hillock. Pigs did and do not bulk largely in Sleat or Skye.

M u il in n T h u ir n , M uileann T u ir e in n , T h u ir e in n . Wheat mill; tuireann, wheat. South of Ostaig. See “ Drochaid a Mhuilinn.”

N a Biodagan. The points or pinnacles. A sharp, jagged reef running out from Port-na-Clacha-Mora, below Kilmore, next glebe to the north.


Ob A l l t -a n -D ar a ic h . Oak-burn bay.Ob F hiorsgarie , F iosgarie . Not known; suggested fioran,

a species of muran or creeping bent-grass, and gearraidh or garry, a field or strip of land, etc. Near Tarskavaig.

Ob G auscavaig , q.v. The ruins of Dunsgaich Castle are near here.

Ob na D ornaich , D o r n a id h . The channel bay; domaidh means a narrow channel of the sea, where it flows and ebbs, and where at full tide a vessel can be towed to either side of the harbour. Cf. doirling, a narrow sound, etc., and Dornie, in Lochalsh.

Ob S nusaich . Not known. There is a word snaoiseach, in slices, of or belonging to a boat prow, perhaps a very small bay where only a small boat can enter. South of Camuscross. <

Ol laig , O l la g . Offal, refuse; but may be ullag, meal and water; or again might be N ollaig. Also suggested meal dues, multure. Not known.

Or c h ad ail . Whale-dale. Near Tarskavaig, q.v.

Or d . A point or corner, a round steep knoll or height; also hurd, which is Old Norse urd, a heap of boulders at foot of a steep face; also vord, a beacon-hill; originally ard, the o having crept in owing to the Norse element; ard also the adjective “ high ” or a height. This place is an ancient township, settlement, and farm, with a ridge called Druim an Uird. In the earlier times ecclesiastics had a settlement here, which gave rise to the far-fetched suggestion that the name was derived from the Latin word ordo, or even ordugh, the ordinance, etc.; first meaning holds. This place or farm was for long in the hands of a family of Macdonalds, one of whom furnished much information as to the surrounding country in its ecclesiastical bearings, etc. Ord rocks contain a substance called talk, like that of Venice; it is supposed to be a mineral substance, Gaelic talc, named tripola Hebridiana; an African material encrusting rocks is said to be the same, and very valuable; this crust or earthy material called also huana, a white earth, for manure, and smectis, or Spanish chalk like talk or talc; quartzite much in evidence also on the surrounding

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 391SLEAT (C ontinu ed)—

hills, from which full and fine views of the Coolins are to be had. The river Ord contains horse-mussels, in which pearls have been found; one was valued at £20 sterling.

One of the minor bards of Sleat made or composed seven verses on the Ord “ Grieve ” under the title “ Grèidhear an Uird,” in reference to his kindness in promising to assist the “ bard ” with a supply of potatoes! One verse may be given; it takes the form of a “piobaireachd

“ ’FMeasgaich mo ruin, ’s fhearr beachd is tùr Chunnmc mo shuil riamh air a ghrunnd,Bha thu bho thus riaghaiiteach ciuin,Chmnicheadh leat turn gun bhi guidheachan, etc., Fleasgach mo ruin, tha mi buidheach dhiot

Ornsay, I sle. Five miles north of the parish church. English form of Eilean Orasa, Eilean Diarman, etc., as after.

The word or name Oransa, Oraneay, Ornasay, Oronsa, Oronsay, was for long said to mean Oran’s Isle, but it is orfiris-ey, aspirated in Gaelic; silent r disappears before s, thus or(f)i(r)is-ey becomes or’asa as pronounced by Gaelic speakers; the Norse word is the proper name for islands which, at low-tide, are joined to the mainland, or greater land or island, and separated therefrom at flood-tide only, thus being “ Ebb-tide Island.” It is said that there are about twenty such islands at least on the western shores or coasts; the name, therefore, has nothing to do with Oran or Odhran, though it took its present form from ate supposed connection with the saint, and by analogy with so many island names in the Hebrides ending in eg. This island, or place, is called in Gaelic Eilean Diarman, quickly spoken Eilean Iarman or even Tiarman; this locally elsewhere Dermid, Diarmaid, etc.; the last is found in a song by Angus Macleod (presumably a Skyeman), intituled “Modi Diluain gkabh i 'n cuan," on Monday early she (the ship) took to sea. These names are all corruptions of “ Eilean Tioram,” dry island, the Gaelic equivalent of orasa or orfhasa; one authority gave it as Eyrars-ey, which means a connecting reef or bank, etc.; cf. “ Eyre,” between such island and the mainland or other island, the connecting reef or bank itself being called an saothair or an t-saothair, saobh-thir, false land, not real dry land. There is a saothair


in Kilmuir of some size, consisting of a fairly level traj> dyke stretch, covered at high water and bare at low water; at its outer end, however, there is nothing but the sea;, its inner end being on dry land. See “ An t-Saothair.”

On Isle Ornsay there now stand® a lighthouse, built on a rock composed of hornblende schist, full of crystals about two inches in length, also large garnets.

Another authority explained Oransay, Orasay, as from orfiri, ebb or shallow, an island at full tide, sometimes designated a peninsula.

The bay of Ornsay, with Lochnadaal close at hand, is a well-known harbour of refuge, the village itself being of considerable importance as a centre of trade, etc. The neighbourhood is replete with ancient associations, a very old burying-ground being near.

O staig , O istag , O stavaig , etc. East bay; aust vig, Old Norse and Icelandic. There are two Ostaigs, mor agus beag, great and little; in the former lived the erudite Macpher- sons, father and son; see “ Gesto ” collection of Gaelic melodies, etc., for the air to some pathetic verses composed to Mrs. Macpherson (senr.) by a woman simpleton, intituled “ Ho ro, Mhairi Dhubh, ” Ho ro, Black (haired) Mary. There is an Oi&taig in Baasay, q.v., O’ staig\ (fast is Danish and Norwegian for east, and Ost is German; this bay, as east, must be from Tarskavaig on the west, some miles straight across country, looking from south to north.

Poll, A m . The pool, bog, or miry meadow. Near Tarskavaig.

P oll a M h o n a d h , M ho n aid h M h o r . The pool, etc., o f the great hills.

P oll P h a d r u ig . Patrick’s pool, etc.

P ort A ir d , A rd ’I c I llicean , q.v. Seldom used as such, chiefly noted for a small cave for bathers; also a perennial spring or runlet. On Glebe.

P ort a G h o irstein , G hoirstein D risic h . The port or harbour o f the thorny field or gart.

P ort an E a t h a ir , E at h r ac h . The boat harbour. At Sasaig.P ort an F h io n a . The wine port or harbour. Between Tor-

more and Caligarry. Cf. “ Tobar an Fhiona.”

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 393SLEAT (Continued)—P ort a n T ig h M h o ir . Port of the great house; thought

Armadale House before Armadale Castle built; the local mansion-house. Between Ostaig and Armadale.

P ort a S gu m ain . Stack-port, or baling-dish. Near glebe, Kilmore. This is a small hill.

P ort A slaig . Aslag harbour. Between Kylerhea and Isle Ornsay.

P ort a Stac L eu th eir B h a o id e il . Port of the stack or rock both strong and safe. The spelling of the two last words is construed as luthar, luthmhor, and baoghail; might be meant for mhaodail. See “ Leir Mhaodail.”

P ort B h a in . The white port. At Gillen; am port ban.P ort C u l , C u il . The back, recess, or corner port; port a

chwil. At Ard Thuirinish, Aird.P ort F arala (? P h a r a l l ie ), S geir F a r a l a . Farala’s har

bour and skerry; named or called after a girl-nurse who lost her infant charge on a rock or island here, and thereafter called Eilean-Naoighean, the infant’s isle.

P ort M e a l a r y . The sand-hills’ shealing port; melr and airigh.P ort - n a -C lach a(a n ) -M or(a ). The port of the large stones,

forming part of a boundary dyke or wall carried into th© sea. See “ Na Biodagan.” A favourite fishing stance, etc.

P ort n a C u laig . The little back or hidden port. The word culag, culmge, has different meanings, cul, from which it is derived, signifying the back of anything. South of the sand Stangan, q.v.

P ort n a D a i l e B ig e . Kilbeg. Little meadow port, not much used.

P ort n a F aganaich . Port of the left or forsaken ones. This is more or less a coined word, and arose from the belief or tradition that three great stones or boulders at the immediate entrance to this port, and weighing about ten tons each, had “ sportively ” been thrown or cast there from Knoydart, the opposite side of the sound of Sleat, some three or four miles, by some one or more of the “ giants of yore,” and left there; na fàganaich, from the verb fàg, to leave, to abandon, etc. Some extremists give it as Na Paganaich, the pagans, the heathens, turned or changed into stones! They are just boulders from the neighbouring heights, or possibly ice-borne.


P ort n a L a ir e , L arach , and S g e ir . The port and the skerry of the mare. At Kilbeg.

P o r t n a Long, n a n Long. Ship’s harbour. This was a harbour of some importance once upon a time, being the chief anchorage at the extreme south end of Skye, Aird or Point of Sleat. The last noted ship anchoring here was that which bore off a number of emigrants from the island, who had to leave for various reasons, generally believed “ eviction.” A centenarian living in 1901 witnessed their departure, and testified to their unwillingness to leave, the poor creatures actually falling down and kissing the ground as a last farewell. Also called Long-phort, in Sutherland pronounced laghairt, which means a lizard! or, as given by one correspondent, “ sheiling,” etc.; cf. “ Longford.” Longphort has been changed into Longart, Lunkart, a harbour, camp, palace; cf. “ Luncarty.”

P ort na Sg l ia t . Port o f slates, slate stones.

P ort N i ’ C h a l u im . Malcolm’s daughter’s harbour. Off Ostaig.

R am asaig . Raven’s bay. At Sasaig. See “ Ramasgaig,” ante.R hunacallich , R u d h a na Ca il l ic h . Point or promontory of

the old woman or nun, etc., cailliche. See “ Colliehoe.” This place or point is near Kylerhea.

R ia d h a n , A n . The trail, streak, or temporary passage for water to run in, with “ Allt Riadhan.” Both at Tarskavaig; possibly a mill-lade.

R in n , R u in n na Caoraich . The sheep rhinns or peninsula.R u d h ’ a n A ic h r ie . Point or promontory of the level field;

ach’ reidh.R u d h ’ an Iasgaich . Fishing point. This common; one at

each of Point of Sleat, Dalavil, and Tarskavaig.R u d h ’ a n T uirc . Boar point. At Ferindonald.R udha Car n n a n Cearc . The point of the cairn of the hens—

heather hens, cearca-tomain; this place, Point of Sleat, etc., well stocked, and a saying, quoted from a local song, is “ Cho lionmhor ris na Coilich dhubh air rudhaichean na h-Airde,” as numerous or as plentiful as the black-cocks on the Aird promontories or heights.


R udhachan a Ch a ise . Cheese promontories; Easter customs’ resorts.

R u d h a C h il l B h ig . Kilbeg Point.R u d h a C h u ir n D h e ir g . Red cairn point. Near Point of

Sleat. This ciaim is' different from surrounding strata; there are three different kinds of rock or stone in the immediate vicinity.

R u d h a Ch u ir n na Caise , C ar n na Ca ise . Cheese-cairn point. See “ Cnoc na Caise,” “ Rudhachan na Caise,” etc.

R u d h a D ubh A rd or An D u b h - A ir d . Black-height point. Near Ord, at Loch Eiseort. A Rudha Dubh south-east of Armadale Bay, Rudhia Dubh Sheumais.

R u dh a G u a il . Coal point. An inferior kind of coal found near here, north-east of Isle Ornsay.

R u d h a na C reige B e it h e . Point of the birch-clad rock; also given creige leithe, grey rock.

R udha na D allaig , D al la ig e . Point of the shrew-mouse; frequently applied in Sleat to the spotted dog-fish, which appears to be purblind; doll, blind.

R u d h a n a h - A rd B h a n . Point of the tall women, or rather high socially.

R u d h a n a h -E ic h . Horses’ point.

R u d h a na h -U am h a M or(a ). Point of the great cave. At Tarskavaig.

R u d h a n a T raig h B a in e . Point of the white beach, white sand. At Ostaig, Kilbeg.

R u dh a n an E u n , R u d h ’ an E o in . Birds’ point.R u d h a P h o il . Paul’s point or promontory. South-east of

Armadale Bay. Paul Balkason? This is a very notable point; the rocks are siliceous and very massive.

R u dh a P ort- n a - F e a n n a ig . Point of the harbour of the carrion or hoodie-crow; but alleged to be from the ground being laboured in feannaig, feannaige, lazy-beds; feannagain, suited to wet ground.

R u dh a S h l e ib h t e . Sleat Point. The most southerly point of Skye.


R udha Sloc an E or n a . Barley-hollow or pit point. Between the Gillen and Dalavil.

R udha T orra M h o ir . Tormore Point.R uighe a Ch reagan , R ig h e . The slope, hillside, or sheiling of

the little rock. Near the Gasgan, Ord.S aasaig , Sasaig , Sausaig, Soasig , Sea vig , etc. South bay.

South from Knock Bay or Cammes, Camus; saus, south, and vig, bay. Birth-place of several distinguished Sleat and Skye men and women, one of the Latest being Lieut.- Colonel Maclnnes, author of “ The Brave Sons of Skye.”

S corach, S gorach B reac . The speckled, jagged one. A hill near Ord (977 feet), actually between Isle Ornsay and head of Outer Loch Eisheort; also known as Sgurr Breac.

Scoumpan, Sguman. The Stack. A hill above Armadale. See “ Cnoc an Sgumain.”

Sc should be sg in Scottish Gaelic.S geir a Ch e a n n a ic h e . The merchant or packman’s rock. Here,

it is believed, he met his death.S geir a C h r io m a id h . The crumbling rock. Near Tarskavaig.

This doubtless erosion.S geir a R o in . The seal rock. At Isle Ornsay.S geir an I ubh ar , I o n b h a ir . The confluence rock or skerry.

At Tarskavaig.S geir a n Osd a ir . The innkeeper or hosteller’s rock. Near

Sasaig, when inn was at Kilmore.'S geir an t -S aothair m hor agus B h ig . The false land, etc.,

great and little. Near Armadale and Ostaig. See “ An t-Saothair.”

S geir an t -S ean a -C h r e a g . Old rock skerry. Thought to be at Aird, and a relic of a volcano.

S geir an t -S r u t h . The stream rock or skerry. Near Isle Ornsay.

S geir a n T obair . Well rock skerry. Rather a series of rocks running out here. See “ Port Ard ’Ic Illioean.”

S geir B a r l a ig . Not known; may be a proper name. Barlag means a ragged, tattered man, and there is an obsolete word bar, the sea. At Tarskavaig.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYESLEAT ( Continued)—

S geir B heag a P h u ìr t . The little skerry in or of the port. Below Glebe.

S geir B heag E og h ain . Ewen’s little rock. Tarskavaig. Also sgeirmn, buidhe, yellow; charrach, rough, notched; chomh- nard, level, smooth; fhada, long. All at Tarskavaig.

S geir B h e v e r l e y . Beverley’s rock. Where a schoolmaster used to fish from, about 1795. Between Sgeir Bheag a Phuirt and Port na Clacha Mora.

S geir B iodaig , nam B iodag . The rock of the sharp point or points; bioda, pointed top. At Tarskavaig.

S geir Ch alu im - Ch il l e . Colum-ciH’s rock, or the rock of St. Columba, who landed here on a mission to Sleat. Below where the parish church is now, and which has all along been a place of worship.

S geir C h u b h a id h . The seemly, fit, suitable rock; but thought a misprint for culaidh, a boat, etc.; akin to curach, a skin- covered coracle, etc.

S geir I a in L e it h e . White-haired or hoary John’s rock (John Macpherson), which he fished from for many years. Below Ferindonald.

S geir M hic-U isd e a n . Hugh’s son’s skerry.S geir M hor G h obhlach , Sgeir G h o b h lach . The great forked

rock, or the forked rock. Near Lochnadaal.S geir M hor G horm oil , G h o r m u il . The great rock or the

rock of Gormul. Explained as gorm-shuil, blue eyes, a maid of the Feinne or Fingalians. There is, however, a place in Scandinavia called Gormal. This rock or skerry is in Loch Eisheort, near Ord.

S geir na C ioraig , S geir C ioraig . The rock of the pet lamb; dor a. Might be a proper and pet name. Here is the split rock referred to s.v. “ Misgan.”

S geir n a C ostri, Com h -S t r i . The contest or struggle between opposing current of Allt(a) Fiodhach, which flows into the sea here. This rock noted for the fish wrasse, creagag or blalaoghan, which is caught here.

S geir n a C r ich e . Boundary rock. See “ Port na Clacha Mora ” and “ Na Biodagan.”


S geir na h -O tra c h . Dunghill or refuse rock. At Kilbeg. Refuse, etc., from Ostaig house and farm said to be origin of name; thought more likely oitreach, a shallow, sandy part of the seashore, which applies; oitir, oitireach. This rock at Kilbeg.

S geir n a L e u m . Rock of the leap or jum p. At Tarskavaig.S g eir na L u irg in n . The rock or skerry of the ascent or ridge;

lurg, lurgann.

S geir nam F ia d h , S geir an F h e id h . Deer skerry or rock.S geir n a n G o b h ar . Goat skerry or rock. The skerry is now

almost inaccessible; it was a favourite fishing-rock, and frequented by an old man, Niall Mac Dho’ill ’Ic Eoghainn, called “ Sgòthaidh.”

I geir O d h a r . The dun or grey rock. At Tarskavaig.S geir P h a r a l l ie , F a r a l a . See “ Port Farala.”S geir S h in e . Jane’s rock or skerry; Jane Macpherson, Ostaig,

it is thought.S geir S graab , S griab . The skerry of the (sea fowl) shear

water, razorbill, etc. Off Dun Ila.S geir U n a . Una’s rock. A proper name; cf. “ Unaboll.” One

prosaic person suggests unach, bleaching, washing!S g ia th - B hein n an U ir d , Chrossavaig agus Tocavaig.

Shelter-mount or sloping hill projecting into the sea, at all the above places; scead or sgead also given for a similar portion of land, i f not the same. Near Dunsgaich Castle. Sgead means ornament; sgeadaichte, adorned, etc.

Sgor- a -D h r u im or S g ur r . Mountain cliff ridge. Ostaig.S gor- a -G h o b h ain n or S gurr . The smith’s rock, etc. At

Kilbeg. Here a settlement was constituted by building a range of continuous houses, nick - named “ The Exhibition ” !

S gorr, S gor, A n . The precipice rock. Off Kilbeg.Sgulan, A n. The basket or creel, from resemblance; sgulan

also means an old man. This is a hill near Kinloch.S gurr a C h a ise . Cheese-hill. Near or part of Maol-Buidhe;

where Easter ceremonies observed.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 399SLEAT ( Continued)—S gurr a C h aisteil M h o r . Sgor of the great castle. A rock

in Mona’ Meadhonach, resembling a large castle.S gurr a C h a it . The cat sgor. In Glen Capisdal. Once noted

for wild cats.S gurr a L e t h -B h e in n . Half-mount hill. Near Point of

Sleat.S gurr an E asain D u ib h e . The sgor or sharp hill of the black

little waterfall. South of Maol-Buidhe.S gurr G or m . The green sgor. Near Tarskavaig.S gurr I a in B h a in . Fair John’s (John Bain) sgor or precipice.

Near Tarskavaig.S g u rr n a h - I o l a i r e . The eagle’s peak or cliff. Said to be

the highest peak or hill in Sleat. Here, or near here, at one time a military camp or cantonment; and Sgurr na Sealladh, the look-out peak, was here also. At Tarskavaig. Another rock of last name also at Armadale.

S gurr n a n Caorach . The sheep sgor. Above Caligarry.S gurr n an G obh ar . Goats’ peak. A high hill between Isle

Ornsay and Broadford, above Lochindaal.S io r Sioc. The ever frozen, or hard, dried-up one, a bare hill

of peculiar shape. Applied humorously to a well-known “ character” in Sleat, Ailean Ban, in a song, “ Gur mò do shron'na sior seoc ” / Seoc, a helmet.

S it h e a n B eag agus M or . The little and the big fairy hill. At Tarskavaig.

S loc a B h r a g h a d . The hollow of the neck of land; thought properly bmghad, genitive of braigh, upland country, etc. Near Tarskavaig.

Sloc- A l tr u m an , Slochd A l t r u m a in . The cave of the nursling. This cave is also called the “ spar-cave,” and lies opposite Tarskavaig, on the Strathaird shore, near Rudha-na-h-Easgann. It was in this cave that the infant son of the chief of Colonsay—Doun-hula (brown eyes), down shuile—was secretly nursed.

S loc, An Slochd, An S loc B eag . The cave or hollow, little hollow. A narrow, low pasis between Ostaig and the Gillen.

S loc I a in R u a id h . Red John’s pit or hollow; said to be “ lain Ruadh Spruce,” a local simpleton.


Sloc M h ic A u l a id h , A m h l a id h . Macaulay’s hollow, etc. On the road to the Gillen. Macaulay was considered to be eccentric, but he was unusually intelligent!

Sloc n a B io r lain , B ir l in n . The galley hollow; also Sloe na Craoibhe, the tree hollow. Both at Tarskavaig.

Sloc n a M e in n id h , M e in n e . The ore or mine hollow. An old pit at Tarskavaig.

Slugan A ir id h -L o bh ra . The gulf or pool of the leprous sheiling. This is the primary meaning only of lobhra, lobhar. This sheiling may have had some objectionable associations connected with it.

Sornagan , Sornaichean , Na. The fire-places or kilns; sorn- ìachcm, plural of somach, which means a great heap of boulders at the foot of a precipice; also a flue, a vent. E.I. somn; Welsh ffwrn\ Cornish forn, from furnus, an oven, sometimes a kiln; Gaelic ath, atha, in regard to which word a test sentence for Gaelic speakers is “ M as e d' a th ’s e, bath's e, ach mas e m ath 's e, bàthmdh mis' e, if it is your kiln, quench it; but if it is mine, I will.

Taken in connection with Sloe na meinnidh, the inference is justified that metal smelting was at one time carried on hereabouts. See Ps. xii., 6, suacan ere, earthen furnace.

Srona, S ronan G a r b h (a ) . Rough points (lit. noses), viz., sron charrach, rocky, and garbh, rough, both forming Point of Sleat.

S ron D a r a ic h . The oak-tree point. At Ord. This, with Camus Daraich, at Point of Sleat, shows that oak was present at these places at anyrate, though little or none there now.

S tacan D u b h (a ). The black precipices. At Tarskavaig.Stac an T or r(a ) M h o r . Tormore precipice. Along with

Sgeir-an-t-Slapin (slapain, slaopain), the muddy rock; Port Cam, the crooked harbour; Port-na-Heurich (iuraich, iubhairich), the harbour of yew or yews, or those armed with bows made of yew; Lic-an-t-Sail, Leac an t-Sail, if sail, then flat, sloping stone of the mud, etc.; if sàil, then of the salt water, the sea (lie is the genitive of leac); and Port Bhuirbh (bhuirbe), fierceness, boisterousness.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 401SLÈAT ( Continued)—

S tan g an , A n . The little ditch of standing1 water; stang or staing, also a moat or a sharp-pointed rock. Sasaig.

Stuc. A high hill, or one, a lesser, jutting out from a greater, steep on one side and rounded on the reverse; sometimes spelled stuchd. One particular Stuc in Sasaier fflen, with Allt-Stuc.

T arsk avaig , T arsk vaig , T orskvaig , etc., mor agus beag. Whale bay, great and little; torsg, tore, and vig; torsg thought should be tore, an t-orc, the whale; trosg, a codfish, from Norse torsg.

T ar t a r , A n . The noise or noisy one; thought tramping sound as of men marching, etc. This is a rock north oi Knock. From root tar, tor, torrunn; cf. tairneameh, thunder.

T eam pull C h oan , Ch o m g h a in . Comgan or Congan’s temple or church. On south side of Loch Eisheort, Ord. This was a temple or chapel of importance, the walls whereof still, stand to the height of three or four feet. An ancient holy water or baptismal font found here which is, or was, preserved in the farm or mansion-house of Ord; it is a small, flat, stone vessel or dish about eight inches in length and one inch deep, with a hole in it which might be for a candle or crucifix, or merely for fastening somewhere. Another chapel of this name at Boraraig; also one in Scalpa.

T eanga , A n T e a n g a id h . The tongue or narrow strip of land. It runs east and west, in titles called Teangour, cf. Tongue in Sutherland; Old Norse tunga, tomga; also known as Teanga Hoong, teangaidh chumhang, narrow tongue. A place of this latter name at Ostaig. Tongue also called1 Teangleachkach, teanga leachdach, flaggy or flat-stoned tongue. It lies on a slope.

T h u ig h e , An t -T h uigh e M hor , A n t -U i d h . The great ford, etc. A t Point of Sleat.

T oakavaig , T oakvaig , T ocavaig, T okovaig , etc. The swelling or boisterous bay; otherwise given as the south bay, being on south of Tarskavaig Bay; but thought altogether Norse. Another statement found of tore-vig, sea-boar, pig, or whale bay, but doubtful.

T obar a Ch l a d a ic h . The shore well. This referred to before. It runs out in a spout below Glebe, and is much in demand.


T obar a C h l e ir or a C h l e ir e . The minister’s well. This well used to be on Bu Chlerich, q.v., but was closed in 1851; it was a regularly built-in well, looked south-east, and drained into Allt(a) Fiodhach; still to be seen in bank there. As mentioned elsewhere, this place was the centre of ecclesiastical life, and the parish manse is there in close proximity.

T obar a C h o ilic h . The well of the spout or rill of water. On glebe, at lower part of T/noc-an-t-Sabhail. It has been lately utilised to supply water to the manse.

T obar a G ho b h a , G h o b h a in n . The smith’s well. The smiddy used to be at Kilmore, it is believed, but was removed to Ardavasar.

T obar an D o m h n aic h . The Lord’s well (Dommus). Also given as the church or Sunday well. This well, along with Tobar na Slainte, well of health or healing, near Teampull Choan, above; another well of this name at Sartle, the temple or church of St. Malrube.

T obar an D ro bh air . The drover’s well. At Stonefield.T obar an F h io n a . The wine well, so named from its purity

and refreshing quality.

T obar an T om-D r o ig h in n . The well of the thorn or bramble thicket; this thought to be another name for Tobar a Chleir, as bramble-bushes grew around it before it was closed.

T obar C h oan , C h o m h g a in . See “ Teampull Choan,” etc.; otherwise “ Tobar an Teampuill.”

T obar G laic- a n - F h u d a ir , q.v.T obar L oite , L obh ta . The rotten well. This is a mineral well

in Sasaig, said to have been discovered by Mr. Beverley, ischoolmaster, Kilmore. It is now much believed in.

T obar na C iste , C ist e a d h . The chest well. At Sasaig; said to be near a “ stone-chest ” or grave.

T obar na C oireagan . Well of the little corries; coirean, however, is the dim. of coire, and is masc.; coireachan the plural; suggested this latter meant. The suggestion also made of coireag, a little kettle. The well is at Sasaig.

T obar na S l a in t e . The well of health, healing. At Ord. See “ Tobar na Domhnaich.”

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 403SLEAT ( Continued)—T obar n a S l u ic . Well of the hollows or pits. Sluic is the

genitive singular and nominative plural of sloc, q.v. This place is near Gillen. Tobar an t-Sluic if singular.

T o bar T o ir e a s g a il . Peat-knife well; toirsgian. See “Acha Toirsgil.”

T o n g u e . See “ Teanga.”T o r - a -C h a m a - R e i d h . Hill, conical hill of smooth or level turn

or bend; tor should be torr.

T o r a g . The little hill. In diet, a wench. This place or hill near Knock.

T o r m o r e , T o r e m o r e , A n T o r r a M h o r , q.v. This is a notable spot, for long held by a family of Macdonalds, “ Fear an Torr Mhor.” It is next to Aird.

Tor n a M u cla c h . The hill of the piggery. On the east side of “ the green castle,” Knock. Also given Mucrach.

T or n a T a ir b h . The hill of the bulls.

T o r r , A n , T o r r d u b h . The black hill or mound. Near Tarskavaig. Torr is one of the three oldest words. See “ Tor” hereafter.

T o r r n a D a im h , n a n D a m h . Stags’ hill. At Caligarry.T o r r R o id , R o id e . Bog-myrtle hill. Above Knock. Also

translated lavender hill.T o r r S h io t h a ig , S h e e a ig , S h it h e ig , S h id h e ig . Hill of the

female fairy. At Knock. A word for fairy or pigmy is siogaidh.

T o r t a m a n a c h . The monk’s cake or wafer; tort, a small cake, a wafer, and manach, monk. Also found spelled Tarlo- marich, Tarlomurick, and Tontamurich (Pont). This last explained as a tongue of land between two seas; toong, toonga da muir each, muir, the sea; doubtful; additionally, Torfcan-an-Fhirich; mam is the genitive of muir; tortcm may be dim. of tort, which in Arran is said to stand for tobhta, turf walls of a house. This place is near Isle Ornsay.

T o r v a ig , T o r a ig , T or V i g . Hill bay; with a small waterfall. At Knock.


T otaichean , T obh taich ean . The ruins of turf-built houses. At Tarskavaig. This word is feminine, as distinguished from tobhta, tobhtachcm, the rower’s bench in a boat, though also signifying turf, etc.

T u ir in is h . Bee “ Ard Thuirinish.”U am h a B hocsa. The cave of the box or chest. At Tarskavaig..

This word uamha is the genitive of uaimh.The following “ caves ” are all at or near Tarskavaigr

if not otherwise stated: Uamha, Uamh, Uaimh a Bhealaich Bhàn, the white pass; a Chlamhain, buzzard or kite; an Dunan, little castle or hill (Sasiaig); Charadail, Caradale; Dhomhnuill Ghruamaich, surly or sad Donald (Dalavil); Fhliuch, the wet; Mhor, the great; na Ba Leithe, grey or dun cow; nan Calaman, the pigeons; Seideag, Seideig, little bed on the floor, seid, a shakedown of heather or hay, etc.; a Chait, of the cat (Toraig); a Choinnleir, the candlestick, for seeing inside Spar Cave, Strathaird; an Oir, the gold, sometimes confounded with last, from glittering of stalactites, now destroyed by sightseers (this cave also said to be at Loch na h-Uamha, q.v., and to have an exit in Kilmuir; also as being at the Gillen).

U chd a Ch r o ic h . The slope, or brow of the hill of the cross,. The primary meaning of croich is gallows, but this place was the centre almost of an ecclesiastical district, as before referred to. It is near Knock House.

U il l t na T eanga , U il t . The eminences or high places or parts of Tongue, q.v.

[End of Sl e a t .]

Sligach an , Slig ich an , Sleigach an , Sligeach an , Slig n - eachan , etc. The shelly place. This glen said to be the grandest and wildest glen in Skye, though Sheriff Nicolsoit thought another (referred to elsewhere) held premier place. Numerous illustrations exist, among which see that given in “ The Misty Isle of Skye,” second edition. Cf. “ Sligo ” in Ireland, sligeach, and “ Skelbo ” in Sutherland, which means “ shell-stead.”

Sloc a Ch u ir n . The den, hollow, marsh, etc., of the cairn. At Kilmuir. Sloc sometimes means a grave.


S loc a G h r u d a ir e . The brewer or distiller’s pit or hollow. A relic of smuggling days! At Ferinvicguire.

S loc a M h a d a id h . The wolf’s den; may be madadh ruadh, fox. Near Aird-Mhic-Ceolain, where the sea penetrates.

S loc a P h iobaire or P oll a P h io b a ir e . Cave or hole of the piper; here an Irish piper is said to have died. One account gives this place as a deep pool into which he stumbled in the dark and was drowned.

S loc a n A l t r u m a in . The cave of the nursling. See “ Sleat.” This is otherwise named the Spar Cave, and here another “ nursling ” was secreted, a Neil Mackinnon, who was an Episcopalian clergyman in Skye; it is thought he hid here.

S loc D h o m h n u ill D h u ib h . The cave of Black-haired Donald; Domhnull dubh, a sobriquet for the devil!

The following are given consecutively: Sloc Dubh, black, near Carn Mor, q.v.: Gainmheacha, sandy, near Elgol: ’Ghille Ruaidh, red lad, Suishnish: Mòr, Dun vegan Head, a sheltered haven: na Cuileig, Cuileige, the flies, Strath: nam Buideal, the casks, wine casks from a wreck, stored here by Mackinnon of Corry, near Torran, Strath: nam Piobairean, a hollow at Boraraig, where the pipers from the college practised, it was situated in the rear of the building “ athaigh,” ath thigh; “ Chluich na piobairecm air urlar na h -a th a id h the pipers played on the ground at the back (of the house). See “ Uamh.”

S lu g an , A n , S luggans, na Slu g an an . The gorges of a river; several pools, one at Portree, Slugan Dubh, the black pool, or at Torrin; an Leth-Pheighinn, the halfpenny (land); another at Strolamus. General name for a river, gulfy, or having whirl-pools.

S n a t h a d , An. The needle. A very sharp-pointed rock or pinnacle at the entrance to Quiraing, q.v.; generally known as “ An t-Snathad.”

S neosdal . Snow dale or vale; snae(s), snow (Norse) and dal, dalr.

S n io m h , An. The twist or turn. A winding foot-path at Strath.


S nizort , S nisort , Snesfurd , etc. Snow fiord; Icel. snae, properly sneis, snow, and fjordr, Sneisfhord; pronounced Sneezord; also given Sney’s firth. The different spellings of this name from 1501 onwards are numerous, it being Sniothasort at that date. There is a large river Snizort, at the mouth of which is an island with ruins thereon of a large cathedral-like church, supposed to have been the ancient metropolitan or “ mother ” church of Skye; there are several cairns, temples (so called Druidical), Danish and modern forts, or remains thereof, and an obelisk rock stone, about three hundred feet high, with a beautiful and imposing cataract adjacent; this obelisk is said to be the Storr Rock, q.v.

Snizort was formerly Kilcolmkill, St. Col urn’s church, in Snesford. The pronunciation Sneezord is said to be from the Gaelic phonetic law requiring the aspiration of certain consonants in composition.

The above river is supposed to be the water or dobur in which Artbrannan was baptised by Columba.

In 1726 a portion of the parish was disjoined and, with other lands, erected into the parish of Portree; these lands, in Troternish, belonged, it is alleged, to the Macleods of Raasay. In 1833 Snizort had four separate places of worship, ministered to by four generations of Macqueens; another minister here was the Rev. John M'Rury, a noted Gaelic scholar and writer.

Snod , An, Cean n M hor M hic L e o id . The snout or great headland of Macleod. Dunvegan Head, near Loch Dunvegan. Also Gob an t-Snoid, the point or beak of ther snout, the outermost end. A special prophecy disastrous to the Macleods exists as to this headland.

Soa , S oay, So adh , Soyea, etc. The sow or pig island, or isle of swine; so, a sow or pig, and ay or ey, island. This is an island with sound or kyle of that name, in the parish of Bracadale, off S . Minginish, at mouth of Loch Scavaig. It has also been given as the island of goodness, referring probably to the particle so, as contained in soisgeul, good! tidings, but this thought too far-fetched.

Some authorities consider the etymology as Saufta, or saudhar and ey, sheep isle, saudr-ay, soyd-ay, Soay (Norse). Cf. Soyea in Sutherland.


Soay extends to about four square miles, and is noted for raised beaches, also for a good quarry of stone, from which mill-stones are made, the island being built of Torridonian grit; it forms a natural breakwater to Loch Scavaig, and the inhabitants have or had a singular superstition against evil spirits, which they practise on the death of the head of a family. Soa Uretill referred to by Dean Monro, and there is a Soa Island near Tiree.

The following are some of the places in or near the Island:Leac nam Faoileann, in N.W., the seagulls’ stone: Beinn Bhreac, speckled mount (455 feet), in N.; Port or harbour on N.E.; An Dubh-Laimhrig, the dark or black landing- place, N.E.; Rudh’ Aonghais, Angus’ promontory, S.; An Dubh-Chamus, the black bay, N.; Mol Clach, and Clachan Uaime, the stone heap (raised beach), and green stones, N.E.; Ceann na h-Aoairseid, head of the anchorage, E.; Camus nan Gall, bay of strangers, E.; Rudha Dubh, black promontory, S.E.; Doire Chaol, narrow grove, S.; Loch Doir’ a Chreamha, Loch of the garlic grove or clump, S.W.; Loch an Teanga Riabhaich, the loch of the russet or spotted tongue (of land); this is a spit, where island narrows, near the port or harbour on W.N.W.; three small islands, or rocks, named Na Gamhnaichean, the farrow cows; An Coileach, the cock, and A Chearc, the hen, W. of Rudh’ Aonghais; there is another small island south of Ioua, named Soa; this may be the one above referred to as being near Tiree.

Soan. See “ Sothan.”

S oarary . Sheep-farm; saudhr-ary.

Solitote , S olitate , Solitot . Solan-goose house or place; sula and tobhta, also rendered a knoll or hill. Aird of Kilmuir.

S om eedale , S im m e r d a le . In Bracadale. English, possibly after Somerled.

Sornaichean Coir’ F hinn . Fionn or Fingal’s fire-places, or stones for his kettle, pot, or cauldron; som, a kiln, flue, vent, furnace, or oven; these are three “ standing stones” in Kilmuir, to which this fanciful designation has been given. Also see “ Clachan Coir’ Fhinn,” also called “ Sornach.” See “ Sleat.”


In connection with this, it may be mentioned that sorchan means a tripod, a light stand, from sorcha, high, and was the old name for Ardnamurchan district (Sorcha, Ossian). In South Uist there is a Sorrachd Choire Fhinn, which means the same as above, while three similar stones are near Killin, forming a triangle. Sorcha means light, and is the opposite of dorch, dark.

Sotaran , S atr an , q.v. Suggested as being from soti, a proper name, but not known.

S othan , So t h ain , S oan . May be dim. of soa. This place is at Digg, Kilmuir, however. There are the words sodhcm, prosperous, soghan, soghainn, pleasant, etc.; sothan, a spruce fellow, but doubtful. See Psalm lxxviii., 43, “ Machar Skoam.”

S ourby . Sheep house or steading. Norse saudr, soudhar, and by, bie, said to be equal to bost, bolstadr, bus, and poll, and bol. This place is at Kilmuir.

Sourgill. Saudr, etc., as above, and gU, a ravine or narrow glen. This is a place now laid waste.

S r a ’ - n a -C r eit h eac h . Strath or valley of the brushwood or undergrowth. N.E. of Drumhain, q.v.

Sron na C r eith eac h . The promontory of the brushwood, etc. This also found translated poplar or aspen; it is another name for Camasunary valley. Cf. Creithreach, Crathrach, ’Chreitheach, ’Chriarach, Creich, the former meaning a clayey place, a bog.

S ron , A n t -S ron , S roineadh (in Skye). See “ Coir’ Iomhair.”

S ron a B h a in n e . The milk point.S ron a B h e a l a in , M h e a l l a in . The point or projection of

the little lump or hill, a wart-like excrescence on Beinn Dearg, near Sligachan.

S ron a G h r o b ain , G h n o b a in . Pinnacle point.S ron A l a ic h . The promontory of the tribe or crew—prolific—

suggested aileach, windy, etc., or ailleach, beautiful. "This name also found given Stronfailich, Stronfailugh, near or on Lethphein Common. Failich in the Lewis is substituted for j<mtlich, to overcome or baffle; this may be point or headland difficult to round as being stormy.


S ron a M h il l . The lump or hill point. Near Portree, above harbour.

S ron an A ig h e , nan A ig h e a n . Promontory of the heifer or hind, fawn, or hinds, etc. This is a very high hill, about a mile above “ Fairy Bridge,” in Waternish, affording a grand panorama of scenery, Macleod’s Tables, etc.

S ron a n F h u c ad air . The Fuller’s Point; “ waulker” also therefrom; hence the proper name “ Walker.” See “ Stac,” etc.

S r o n an ain , S ron n a n A ig h ean , as before.

S ron an T a ir b h . Bull promontory. At the mouth of Loch na Beiete.

S ron A r d - a -M h u l l a ic h . Summit height point.S ron B h io r a il . See “ Meall na Suireanach.”S ron B ir l in n , a B h ir l in n . Galley point; very precipitous.S ron D a r a ic h . Oak-tree point. South side of Loch Eisheort.S ron D h iu r in is h . Duirinish point; prominent and important.S ron n a C uin n eig e , n an C u in n eag . Promontory of the pails,

Here was a resting-stance for funeral parties.S ron na G laodh aich . Shouting or calling-out point; possibly

where proclamations were made.S ron n a n C ud aig ean . “ Cuddies ” point. Young saithe or

coalfish, etc. See “ Rudha.”S ron n a St r i , St r it h . Combat or conflict point. See “Clach

Fuilteach.” An account furnished that this place was a cause of difference among Macdonalds, Macalisters, and Macleods, who each laid claim to it; also said that this was the scene of Bruce’s encounter with Cormac Dhoil (Dali). Another and more prosaic account is that the point was open to conflicting current® meeting here.

S ron Och r u lan . Not known as found. It is the point or peak of a mountain, and might be A Chrulainn or Chruailinn, mountainous rocky ground.

S ron V o u r lin n , S tro n veu lin . The mill point or promontory; sron a mhmUnn. See “ Meall na Suireanach.” Thought should be Suaineach, Swedish, after a (? Norwegian) princess who was buried here.


Sron, it may be remarked, is frequently pronounced srdmeadh, and stron, the intrusive t coming from the Norse; the definite article makes it also “An t-Sron,” the point (lit. nose). Cf. “ Strone,” in Firth of Clyde.

S roth n a n A ig h e a n . Thought a misprint for Sron, etc., as above. Sroth means a stream, more correctly sruth, gen. srotha, though that iis Old Irish; also given and pronounced struth, which means an ostrich! See “ Sron,” above.

S tac , A n . The rock; the precipitous rock or hill, outstanding generally; Norse stakkr, a pointed rock in the sea. This etac is at Coir’ Uaigneich, and is isolated. There is another of same designation at Talisker (247 feet).

Stac a B h ocain . The goblin rock or peak.S tac a C h a r r a . The rocky shelf stack or rock. On this rock,

ioarr, a rocky shelf, Dunvegan Castle was to have been built, but no water could be found for use therein or thereon; the foundations of a stronghold traceable here.

Stac a M h a d a id h , Stac- a -M h a d a d h . Wolf, fox, or dog rock. North of Loch Eynort, Minginish.

S tac a n F h u c ad air . The fuller’s stack or rock. See “ Sron,” etc. This stac is near Talisker.

S tacan GtOBh l a c h . The little forked or split stack; stman, dim. of stac.

Stac an T u ill. The stack of the hole. Off Sgurr-an-Duine.Stac (a ) P h a il . Paul’s stack or rock. Is this Paul, Balki’s

eon?Stachdachan , Na. The stacks. This should be staccmnan,

•the plural of stac.Stachd A ros. Aros stack or rock; aros signifies a house or

dwelling.Stac Lachlainn. Lachlan’s cliff, etc.; thought named after

one Lachlan Mackiimon. This is a huge isolated cliff near Sloc a Mhadaidh, a wild district in Kilmuir.

Stac na B e a r t a . The cliff of the looms; from resemblance. Cf. “ Portrush.”

Stac na N ig h in n . The girl’s cliff; women or girl climbers. A pinnacle near Sgurr Sgumain. Stachd a corrupt form for stac.


S t a f f in , S t a f a in , St a f in , St a p h a in . The place or upright, staff-like pillars; staff? (Norse), a staff, and inn or in (obs.), a country, a place or locality. This applies to basaltic and other columnar and pillared rocks, as are shewn here. Cf. Staffa, Dunetaffruage, Dunstaffynch (1309), Dun-Stafa-Nes. There are well-marked raised beaches here (Staffin), and it is said these are the real mounds referred to in the name “ Mol Staiseall Staphain.” Staiseal is the local pronunciation of Stenscholl, q.v.

S t aid h ie ,, St a id h ie - D h e a e g . The red stair. This is the meaning furnished; but, as it is known that the Feinne or Fingalians frequented and dwelt in Skye, this may be Staidhir Dheirg, Dearg, or Dargo’s stair or steps, a series of huge regular cliff steps leading up to what might have been a fort or castle, or even a look-out. Not known whether in Skye or Kaasay. See “ Brochel.”

S t a l ist e a . The house of the overhanging rock; stalla, overhanging rock, precipice, and also a block or shelf of a hill or rock, and (Norse) stra, stadr, a residence, etc.

St a m a g . Not known; might be meant for staonag, the slope or inclined place; suggested staoin, shallow, and vig, bay.

S tapag , S tapog . The little step. This is dim. of stap, a step, Norse stappa. A colloquial meaning of the word stapag is a mixture of cream or water and meal. Troternish is named Duthaich na Stapag, the land of crowdie!

S teall G e e e p . The Greep spout or cataract. In Trotemish. See “ Greep.”

S t e in . Stone. From Icel. sten. On northern arm of Loch Dunvegan.

S teinscholl , Steinch ol , Stainchol , etc. The stone slope; sten, as above, and hallr, a slope or declivity; also given as being Stemsboll, bol, Old Norse for house, the chief form of a tun or township; bol also means a couch or resting- place for animals, bolstadr. This name is pronounced Steiseal, and found spelled “ Steinshall ” on a building and a tombstone in Kilmuir, ror “ Steishal.” Stenscholl ie situated in Kilmuir, and is (or was) a quoad sacra parish; has a mineral spring said to equal that of Strathpeffer. Also called “ East-side.”


S t ir b ista . Not known. In Kilmuir. May be meant for “ Herbusta.”

S tolemOr e , Stolm m oir . The great farm or seat; stuhl and stelle (Teutonic); stul is the equivalent, but it is generally a Norse termination. One writer gives tolm mor, but doubtful.

Storachan . The little stor or cliff. See “ Storr.”S torr , S to r . The steep high cliff or pinnacle; sturr also, the

rugged point of a rock; c f. Staur and Staurinn, from Norse staurr, a stake point; storr or stor, Danish for “ great.” The term “ Storr rock ” is collective, there being numerous pinnacles or sharp-pointed rocks or crags; the pinnacle, however, is that round which the descriptive title revolves, as it were. It has received various names, some one or more at anyrate familiar to the natives and other inhabitants of Skye; some of the “ modern ” names are “ The Old Man,” a palpable corruption of alt mam; the old woman, the begging dog, the castle. In Gaelic “ Fiacail Storach ” has been heard used, the buck-tooth! also “ Bodach a Stoir,” the old man. This pinnacle stands out per se 165 feet in height from base, and 2,343 ? feet above sea-level (thought this should be only 234). It appears slightly inclined to the left as viewed from the sea. Cf. “ Hamstorr,” havn, hafen, ham, Norse hamn, Old Norse hofn, hafn, Danish havn, hawm, a harbour. Cf. also “ Stoer ” in Sutherland. Many descriptive accounts of this place are to be found, as well as numerous illustrations. A long tunnel under part of these rocks was discovered in August, 1913.

S to th arlan , St o h a r l a n . The misty enclosure; stoth, mist or steam, and lann, an enclosure or fertile spot; lan (Celtic) means a plain, so this may be “ the misty plain of Lego.” Lano is the name of a lake in Scandinavia from which arose pestilential vapours.

Straloiness, Stroloness, Stroloniss. Thought Strolamus, q.v.

S t r a t h . The low-lying, level land between hills. A strath is larger in extent than a glen, a broad valley with a river running through it. This particular strath is one of the parishes of Skye, and a district formerly in possession of the ancient Clan Fingan or Mackinnons; they held the


position of “ Marshals ” to the “ Macdonalds of the Isles,” some allege to the “Lords of the Jsles” ; this strath therefore is known as “ Srath Mhic Fhiongain,” familiarly called “ Clann Fhiongan-nam-Faochag,” Clan Maekinnon of the whelks or buckies; “ Na Faochagan ” was said to be the nickname for the people of Strath! In 1733 we have Mackfenine or Mackfenayne, pointing to an original Vindo- gmios, or “ Fair-off spring.”

The last of the “ Mackinnon ” property in Skye was parted with in 1791, that clan having possessed their lands for 550 years. They frequently assumed the patronymic of “ MacAlpin ” in addition to their other appellations. Findanus Castle was a title of their seat before thei fourteenth century. In a .d . 605, Lochene MacFingan was King of the Piets; see p. 202, “ Coll. de Ueb. Alb.,” for facsimile signature of Lachlan M'Kinnon in the native Gaelic language and character. A full and copious history of this family or clan exists; also minor works.

The present parish of Strath was formerly known a® “ Kilchrist,” Cille Chriosd, Christ’s cell or church, the old church being formerly at Loch Chriosd, near the centre of the parish. In 1833 Strath had two other places of worship.

As to the antiquities, etc., of Strath, room does not permit of fuller descriptions than that there are several forts (alleged to be Danish) in the parish or district. There are two farms called Suardal or Swordale, whence the general name, Stra’ Shuarda'il, etc. South and east of this strath, between Loch Slapin and the upper reaches of Loch Eisheort, the land is of a peculiar yellow colour, which gives the word buidhe, yellow, to Allt, Beinn, Coire, Loch, and Lon. Four chapels, or the ruins thereof, are here, viz., Aisk, Kilbride, Kilmori, and in the island of Pabba, in Scalpa, attached to this parish, other similar ruins mayi be seen. But of greater interest and antiquity there stands, on the modern glebe, an immense mass of granite, finely poised on a smooth level rock; this is called generally “ Clach na h-Anaid,” the stone of the Annat, or, as claimed to mean, the “ Mother ” church; elsewhere it is called “ Clach Annait,” or Annat’s stone, possibly marking the place of worship or sacrifice in the dim distant past. See s.v. “ Annat.”

Many celebrated clerics and laymen were connected with Strath from the time of Abbot M'Kinnon, who succeeded


Columba in Iona; this abbot was drowned; an account of his death is given in the “ Queen’s Wake,” by Hogg.

Strath is well supplied with good stone, and is famed for marble of different hues; this marble has been in use for many centuries, and entered into the construction of many notable buildings at home and abroad; among the stones is limestone in considerable quantity, and that at Broadford, which includes an entire mountain, viz., Beinn an Dubhaich, is generally called “ the Strath marble ” or “ Durness limestone.” In connection with marble, attention has been drawn to a place in Greece famed for a richly coloured marble named “ Skyros.” In short, “ Clachan an t-Srath,” the stones of Strath, have become proverbial.

“ An Srath-Fhionghuinnemh geal,’8 an guirme beus gun smal;An srath's an cruaidhe clach,’8 an sgaitiche cu is bean! ”Mackinnon’s white (or fair) Strath,Of morals spotless and bright;The strath of the hardest of stones,Sharp-tongued women, and dogs that do bite!

This district is familiarly spoken of as “ Srath nam Bo,” strath of the kine, while Ossian called or named it “ Strath of the Coolins,” and here, as tradition gives it, six thousand deer were slain by three thousand hounds. Another title is “ Srath nam Faochag,” strath of the whelks or the buekies, which furnish the nick-name of “ The Whelks ” to its people. Strath shares with Sleat in possessing aI large number of rare ferns and other wild-growing plants,, among which are the Erinocaulm septmgulare and Dryas octopetala.

Poets or bards are, or were, not wanting in Strath. In 1665 Lachlunn Mac Thearlaich Oig of Clann Ionmhuinn o’n Chreitheach (or na Creitheach) was born here, whose songs, etc., are well known; also William Boss, the sweet singer, was born here in 1762; he left Strath, and lived and died in Gairloch; his songs are reputed as being the most “ polished ” of all the many Gaelic poets; they have been collected and published.

The Mackinnons were also closely connected with the


island of Mull, and it was to those resident there that the nickname of “ Na Faochagan ” applied. This practice of conferring nicknames, it is said, arose among or originated with the Norse; but nicknames exist where the Norse had little or no permanent abode.

Tales of goblinis and spectres seen on the hills and near lochs, etc., are not wanting, but we can only refer to such; for further and more specific information, see work intituled “ Strath in Isle of Skye,” written by the parish clergyman, the Rev. D. M. Lamont (1913); also “Memoirs of Clan Fingon,” by Rev. D. D. Mackinnon.

Strathaird, A ird-an-t-Srath. The height (or airts) of Strath. A district specially famed as containing “ Sloc an Altrumain,” now dubbed the Spar Cave, the spar now having disappeared; it was first “ explored ” by Lowlanders et hoc genus omne in 1808, though of course known to the people under above name of “ Sloc,” etc. Near here are several notable spots or local features: Rudha na h-Easgainne; Cadha na Tathunn (at Dringan); Prince Charlie’s cave; in S.E. with several “ standing stones.” Strathaird is also called “ Srath na Creitheach,” strath of the brushwood or undergrowth.

S t r a t h b l a y . See “ Camas unary.”S t r a th H o u l in . Strath Chuillin, Chuilfhinn. Pont gives

Hollyi, Strathoilyn, as being “ near Skenadyr,” Skinidin, q.v.

S tr a th s w ord a le . The Swordale strath. See “ Swordale.” This name bulks largely in titles, records, Acts of Parliament, etc., and from Pont onwards, who spelled it Stra Ordell, it has appeared differently; we found upwards of thirty different spellings in some of above from 1587 onwards. This district, as stated under the article “ Strath,” was received in 1437 from the then “ Lord of the Isles ” ; before that it was held by the family or Clan “ Gillies,” see N.G.P., “ Cha Bhodach,” etc. In one of the Scottish Acts of Parliament, James V., “ Ewino mak- kymyng de stracardill sepe vocat,” Ewen Mackinnon of Strathcardill,” is given. The parish or district of Strath and Sleat form, as it were, a district per se, the fifth division of Skye, the other four being separated therefrom to a great extent by the Coolins.


In a sixteenth century “ Description of the Isles,” it is stated that “ Strathvardeill perteins to ane laird callit M'Kynvin, given to him by M ‘Conneill for to be judge, and decide all questions and debates that happens to fall between parties throw playing at cairtis or dyce, or sio uther pastime.”

Among others, the Mackinnons received their meed of praise from panegyrics, the chief being described as “ & flaming brand or candle of Molrutha (Maolrubha) and Strathswordale.” The Mackinnons have been, and are, celebrated all the world over.

S t r e b id il l , S t r ib id il l , S creapadail , q.v.St r ig il . The stormy ravine; stri, gil. Stri or strith, Gaelic,

and Norse gil, a narrow glen, etc.S troc-B h e in n . The ragged or rugged mount; strove, strac,

smc, to tear, etc. This mountain (1,300 feet), is near Portree.

S trolamus, S rolamus, etc. Stroli’s moss. This place is in Strath, at fork of roads to Sleat and Kyle.

S tronaskeir , Sron n a S geir , S g eir e . The skerry point.

Strongeers, S tronyears . Sharp points or Geir’s point. Here in the first case the name has been made plural by the addition of 5 ; sron, a point of a hill or mountain running to a strath, and gheur, sharp; the second rendering above conforms to the gender of sron, which is feminine. If Geir, a Norse proper name.

S tro n u irin ish , S ron D h u ir in is h . Duirinish point or promontory. There is, or was a cemetery or burying-ground here.

S tr u an , S r u th a n , etc. The streamlet. There are two of this name, Beag agus Mor, Little and Great; they lie in Braca- dale. Struan Mor is also called Paulmore, Polmore, q.v., and Struan Beag embraces Corfin and Forsan. The former contains several ancient duns and cairns. Both struan and sruthan, as nouns, have other significations, though not applicable here it is considered.

See before as to the intrusion of the letter t, cm having originally existed.

Stuc n am M e a n n . The kids’ cliff. At N.E. of Skye, near Rudha na h-Aiseig.


Stuc N ic Cleosgair M h or , agus a C uid N ig h e a n , or a Da N ig h e a n . The cliff of the daughter of the Cleosgar, and her bevy of daughters, or two daughters; see “ Macleod’s Maidens.” N o word similar in spelling could be found for above; it is suggested that it may be a corruption from clisgmr, the awe-inspiring or terrifying one; clisgeach, startling, fearful.

A stuc also means a little hill or knob jutting out from a greater, but varies; a description by Tennyson in “ The Princess ” appears appropriate, viz., “ Each was like a Druid rock, or like a spire of land that stands apart, cleft from the main, and wail’d about with mews.”

S u ar d al . See “ Swordale.”S uid h e B a n . White or fair seat. This particular seat is above

“ Prince Charlie’s Cave.” A “ seat ” is described as a level shelf on a hill-side, spardan-suidhe.

S u id h e B oid h each . The beautiful seat; thought the same as last. This seat is in or at Elgol, and is a resort of wedding parties, etc.

S u id h ’ a M h in n , Saigh a M h in n , q.v. Saidh and saigh are sometimes confounded.

S u id h e B iorach . Sharp seat. Also at Elgol. See “ Tobar- an-Suidhe.”

S u id h e F h i n n . Fionn or Fingal’s seat. At the northern shoulder of “ Beinn-na-Greine,” south-west of Portree (367 feet). The summit is called “ An Cruachan,” the/ little stac or conical hill; here Fionn sat and surveyed the chase to which he had despatched his men and hounds; also as a look-out for invaders, like many other eminences. See “ Staidhir.”

S u in ig il , S oonigil, S u n u g ill . Suain as a noun means sleep; as a verb, to twist; suggested Gaelic for Sweno, a proper name; Suaineach means “ Swedish.” Suain also means fortification or wall; but doubtful. This place is at Skini- din, and must be a hollow or ravine there.

S u ish n ish , Suisnes . Seethe-nes or nish; Norse seyisnis, also seydis. See “ Raasay.”

S ulasgeir , Sgeir S h u l a , S geir an t -S u l a ir e . The gannet or solan-goose skerry, which bird is also called Mac-fraoir, the son of the sea; fraoigh, fraigh (obs.), the sea. See “ Sulishader.”


S u led ale . See “ Sulishader.” Sulair and dal.S ulish ader , S ulisader , etc. Mor agus Beag. Pillar or rock-

column town. This is sula, Norse for pillar, and setr in one of its forms, a residence, etc. The two preceding namea may also be from sula. Cf. “ Sulven.”

S u n a r d a l . Not known. See “ Suinigil.” Suggested Norse sunar and dalr. This place is in Bracadale, with river.

S v e in s . Suain, Sween, or Sweno, a Danish prince. Not known.S w arbie, Sw eerby, Sourby, Surby, q.v.

S w o r d a l e , S w o r d l e , S u ardal , etc. This place is given as “ north of Dun vegan,” and occurs three times in Skye. It stands for “ Swardardale,” sward dale, from Norse svdrdr or sworftr, a sward or green turf, and dalr, dale, thus “ grassy dale.” See “ Strath Swordale.” The Suardal in Duirinish is the birth-place of Donald Macleod, “ Gobha Shuardail,” father of Norman Macleod, “ Caraid nan Gaidheal.” In connection with “ Swordale,” Dr. Donald MacRaild, Greenock, composed a Gaelic poem or verses-, intituled “ Thoughts on Skia or the Isle of Skye.” Dr. Magnus Maclean gives in a certain publication a list of fifty-one bard® of Skye alone.. Suardal, it is said, was the old name for “ Strathaird.”

T

T a ir n e il e a r . The thunderer; tairn&mach, thunder. This is a corry, or rather one of two coirries into which Coire-na-> Creich is divided; the other is “ Coire Mhadaidh,” where “ The Foxes’ Rake ” is situated.

T alam h F eoghre, F e a d h r e . Wild, savage, uncultivated land; feadhair.

T a l a m h n a it a it h e a n , T aln atae n , etc. Land of the houses; talamh na taighean; talamh also means place or country. Also given Talnotain, Tallinitean, Taluatean, Tatuatean, etc. Found given as of Uig, Snizort, also of Kilmuir; both may be correct, as part of Snizort marches with Kilmuir. A Norse derivation also furnished for first part of name, viz., hallr, a slope; talamh, however, favoured locally, and may just mean house or home-land.


T al isk e r , T alascair, T allask ar r , T halasgair , etc. The house of or at the rock ( ’N t-Halasgair). Norse hallr, hollr, a hall, and sker, a rock, a skerry, or boulder, or hjalli-sker, a shelf-like rock, etc.; t-hallr and sker or skor, a rift in a rock, a precipice on sloping rock, etc.

Talamh, with above meaning, favoured locally, and sgeir. This place is in Bracadale. The Macleods were prominent here, Macleod of Talisker being called “ Fear Tanaistear Teaghlach Mhic Leoid, ” or Fear Thainistear, Macleod’s tanist, regent, trustee, or tutor, etc. This tanist, or “ next in succession,” along with his brother Norman of Bernera, led one thousand of the clan who fought and nearly all fell at Worcester. Cf. “ Dun Thalasgair,” in Eigg.

T alnatoll , T alanatoll , T a l a m h - n a -T oll . The earth, place or dwelling of the hole. This is a cave or opening over a burn running underground, in part a quagmire, which is said to have been inhabited, like so many other places- underground, by a race of pigmies, dwarfs, or 'indersized people, such as the African bushmen, and, appearing to their successors, were called luspardain, afterwards, super- stitiously, daoine-sith, or fairies, and the hillock under which they lived, sithean, fairy hillock.

T a m h a ir , F a m h a ir , A m F a m h a ir . The giant; pronounced frequently fuamhaire (fooarie), a spectre or bogle also. This is a rock N.E. of Dunvegan Head. See “ Na Famhairean ” and “ Leac Tressernish.”

T an er a , T an n e r a y , T a n n r a y , etc. The island haven or harbour; An t-hafnar-ey, havn', Old Norse hafn, etc., a harbour. There are two islets of this name, great and little; for long explained as tain-rath, cattle house, etc. Cf. “ Tanera ” in Loch Broom. Also one east of the Lewis.

Tang, A n , A n t-A ng. The snare or twist. This is a tidal rock which diverts a strong current, and is a danger. There is an obsolete word tangnach, treacherous; been given as a corruption of “ Teanga,” q.v., but very doubtful.

T antabeg . Not known. May be an t-annta or tanta\ the t used to form part of the article an. This place or rock is at Portree.


T aoig . Fit of passion, frenzy. If this, the name of a place, Tadh, Taog means Thaddeus, and is found Tague, Tad, Thady Mac Cuinn or M ‘Queen. There was a Tadg or Tadh, Teague, or more than one, a great poet and teacher in Skye and elsewhere about the fourteenth century; he was also named in various Irish or Celtic writings Tedaco, Theadhaich. Taoig is the genitive of Taog; M‘Caig and MacCuaig said to be derived therefrom. In the Ossianic poems we read of “ Mac Nighin O’ Thaidhg,” the son of the daughter of the grandchild or nephew of Taog, etc.; O’ is the abbreviation of ogha, or bho, from, descended from, sometimes equivalent to Mac, eon of; we have ogha, grand-child, iar-ogha, great grand-child, and dubh-ogha, great, great grand-child. See “ Tota Thaoig.”

T arbert , T a ir b e art . The isthmus; an, the, generally prefixed. This place was the point of sailing via Obbe to St. Kilda.

T a r d il . Not known. T ar means, in combination, the bottom or foot of hills; dil may be dile, which, with many other meaning®, signifies place, etc. Tardil is in Waternish.

T a r n er , T aar n er , T h ar m o r . Not known. May be tar, as above. It is an island in Loch Bracadale.

T arta M hea ll (An t-Harta Meall). The mass of Harta corry, q.v. Mary M'Pherson, the Skye bardess, has “ Tarta- mrnll mor nan each aluinn,’’ Great Tarta-meall of the noble steeds; how this applies is not known. There is a word tartar, a hillock. See tar as above.

T ath ag , T adag , An T a t h a g . The small in-field. A word tadi has same meaning, and tadha signifies a homefield; hagv is pasture or hedge-field; Eng. Taag. See “ Tobar Tath.” Cf. “ Dun Tadha,” in the Lewis.

T ayinlone (Tmgh <m Loin). The burn house, river house. Lyndale. Tmgh frequently given tigh; the Old Gaelic genitive is tige, taigh, also teach, Latin tego, Greek tegos, stegos, a covering for a house.

T eam pull A n a id , A n a it . The temple of Anait or Anaitis. See s.v. “ Annat.”

N .B .—This is not “ Teampull na h-Anait,” the temple of the Annat. For a good description and illustration, see “ Misty Isle of Skye,” by Canon Macculloch.


T eam pull Ch o an , C h o m g h a in . St. Comgan’s temple. This one at Boraraig; another of later date at Liveras; also at Ord, Sleat.

T eam pull F rang , F r ain g , F rangaig , F h r a in g . St. Francis’ temple or church. At or in Boraraig. See “ Scalpa.”

T eam pull St a o in . Not known unless a proper name; primary meanings of staoin, shallow, crooked, etc.

This word teampull just from Latin templum, and shows great antiquity. The Ossianic staying exists “ Ni math teampull gun reilic,” not good is a temple (or church) without a burying-ground (reliquice). Teampull Staoin, like so many others, is only a site.

T eanga B h r o d ain , B h r a d a in . If o in first word long, it might be from bròd, pride, arrogance, chastisement, also (in Mull) land; if o short, then goad, prickle, also small quantity of grain, etc.; if the second word bradan, may be a salmon district or fishing-place; might also be a proper name. This tongue of land is in Strath.

T eanga Ch a r n a ic h . The tongue or the rocky land or place; also Teanga Mor, or An Teanga, the Tongue. This word tmnga also teang, teng, taing, and Old Norse tangi, tonga, tunga, sometimes toonga.

T eanga R iab h ac h . The russet tongue (of land). This word riabhach, given riadhach and riaghach; the latter spelling at any rate is from riagh (gen. reigh), cross, gallows; riabhach, as explained before, means grizzled, etc., an riabhach mor meaning the devil; while a mhic an riaghach or reigh is son of the gallows, bound to be hung!

T engour , T eangour , T eanga O d h a r . Dun, yellowish tongue. See “ Aslag,” Sleat.

T eist , A n t - E is t . See “ Eist.” This is one of the “ Dubh- Sgeirean.”

T e r n s . Not known; it may be a mistake for f, which exists as feam, alder-tree, fearna. At Portree.

T e r r isk le , T er isg ill . This word doubtful. The following meanings, local and otherwise, suggested tairis, acceptable, good, and gil, ravine, etc: Toirisgil, Toirisgeir, Toirisgian, Toiriosgsgian, Tairisgein, Toirsgian, Torr-sgian, Tuireasg- sgian, Torrasdail, all meaning a peat-knife, and that this place is either the place of the peat-knife or shaped like one; but not known. This place is near Heast. Toy slier in Orkney.


T h ea br aid h (? H e b r i). See “ U ig .”

T h e a la sb h a id h . The cave at the creek; helsavagr or helsovagr,, from hellyer, a cave (Old Norse hellir, etc.), and vagr, a creek, a voe or bay, or possibly vagh, a bay.

T hon- E il e a n . Nether-isle. The Cleats.T ia n a r a ig . Peak-bay; tindar-vig, Norse. This, however,,

thought a mis-spelling of “ Tianavaig ” for “ Dianavaig,” etc., q.v.

T ier n ch o ill . Not known; choill, wood. This place is in Snizort. In Welsh there is a word teym, and in Cornish teem, while a word teigr signifies a person’s share of townland; tighearn, lord, superior of land, etc., also suggested.

T ig h - a n -T aoitear . The tutor’s house. This is on a farm at Aird, near Duntulm, specially set apart for him by Donald Gorm.

T ig h C r eig e . House of the rock. On a delta formed by the “ Allt Mor,” Glendale.

T ig h loin , T ig h lo n e . See “ Tayinlone.”T ig h - n a n -D r u in ic h . House of the artificers or craftsmen.

This meaning for druineach has been found given by several authorities, though some, like Martin, consider they were inhabitants of little round stone houses, containing only one person; they were much devoted to contemplation, though possibly not altogether, as mention is made of Druinich or Trinnich (as also found) being employed by St. Patrick and Columba as embroiderers of vestments, which they carried on in a school named “ Druinechus ” (Inis Them Druin&ach). These artificers or labourers have been called Druids, or at least thought to be something the same, but this doubted; the Druids had totally different duties to perform as priests and guides spiritual and temporal among the Celtic and pre-Celtic aborigines of the British Isles; they also performed their ceremonies and worship above ground in groves principally, or among stone circles and the like. The Druinich were, it is thought, a later race of beings, or at least, if co-existent with the Druids, a separate race living underground, and were persons of small stature, as evidenced from the size of their presumed dwellings, the entrance to some of which


did not exceed eighteen by twenty inches. Such inhabitants, a® hereinbefore referred to, were called luspardain, or pigmies, also “ Fideacha-de-De.” One of these dwellings, somewhat larger than above, and walled, was discovered in Church Park, Strath. Fideach or fidean means a green islet, etc. The inhabitants of these small houses, tigh-fo-tkalamh, house underground, are generally assumed to have been “ savages” of the Stone Age, but this may be questioned; living in such houses as suited' their stature did not necessarily infer “ savagery” or ignorance of the arts, albeit in a rude degree; the> so-called “ fairy-mound ” or sithean was merely the roof of their houses whence they latterly emerged cautiously and mostly by night, being, doubtless, in dread of the race that had come to supplant them, and by them were super- stitiously regarded as daoine-sith, etc. In later times, also, many small houses, more or less underground, were constructed as residences and dairies by those in charge of cattle at summer grazing, called airigh, and the huts bothan-airigh; many so-called hothan were underground, and, having been long forsaken, were dubbed “ Piets’ ” houses, or tigh na druinich, as above, while others called them eird, uir, earth (Scot. yird), houses used by the Pechts or Piets, whom we have no reason to believe were very undersized.

T ig h -T ar a , T h a r a . This is just teamhra, and was named after Cuchullin’s castle of that name in Ulster; he was called “ Lord of Tara.”

T im a n , T ao m an . The baling-dish. An island, so called from its shape. It is in Loch Snizort.

T irebtjrie, T ir ebir ur ie , T irch arrie , T ir ch er rie , etc. Wax- land; tir cheiridh, land on which a tax was laid for wax' to make holy candles, etc., for the adjacent Romajo. Catholic church. Near Kilchrist, Strath.

T ioscavaig . See “ Fisgavaig.” Near Carbost.T obar . A well. Old form tiobairt, tiobair, tibirt\ early Irish

tipm, gen. tiprat. See “ Dain Iain Gobha,” etc.The following wells are all in Kilmuir, viz.: Tobar an

Eisgean, well of the scurrilous poet or rhymster; na Bainnde, the goddess; Chaluim Uidhir, dun or grey-haired Calum; a Bhuilg, cattle distemper (from lack of water);


an Crom, the circle, some connection with Crom-dubh, first Sunday of August; Na Baintighearna, the gentlewomen (Monkstadt); an Tuairnear, the turner; Ri’ Achan (Herbusta), the summer pastures; Buaile Faideadh, turf fold (fdd, faid, faideadh, foid, a peat or turf, the turf fold); na Curra, the heron or crane; a Chnuaic, the lump or round hill (head) (Glen Sneosdale); nam Breac, of the trouts; a Chocaine, the cook (Duntulm); a Ghreamhain, the shreds (Bornaskitaig); and Li’ Ir (li, water), the Bea, etc., U ir. The word ir is found as a prefix to various names of rivers, e.g., Irvine, Irwell (suir equals su ir in Ireland), Irawadi in Burma, Irbit in Russia, Irtish in China, etc.

The Iranians were (or are) a branch of the Aryan race from Iran, a district; li, water, formerly fresh or salt, now fresh only; dobur, also water, was common on the east coiast and in Wales, but rare on the west. The names Morar and Duror are said to mean great water and hard water. Other wells in Kilmuir are A Mhogain, the old stocking, also whisky, also hero; and Sgroganach, the short-necked man (Balgown).

T obar a Ch i n n . Well of the head. Here the severed head of a factor or petty estate official was washed; he was named' Donnachadh Mor, and was in the employ of Mackinnon of Strath. He was slain by one Lachlan Mackinnon in retribution for having exacted the “ Each-ursainn ” from his mother and another widow. The laird, not having known of his subordinate’s exactions, did not prosecute. This is said to have been the last case of the kind; it occurred! about the beginning of the eighteenth century, and has been referred to in several articles, “ Celtic Magazine,” etc.

T obar a G h r ia n a n . The “ Greenan ” well; also named Columba’s well. At Tote.

T obar a n D eu d a d h , D e id e , D e id e a d h . The toothache well. Torrin.

T obar an F h io n a . The wine well. At Waterstein. This well, along with Tobar Iaruinn, q.v., was specially recommended by Fearchar Lighiche, Farquhar, the healer or doctor, one of the famous Beatons of Skye and Mull; the water in both is strongly impregnated with carbonic acid, muriac of iron, lime, and soda; see also “ Tobar Loite.”


T obar an F hio n n C h o ir e . The well of the white, fair, or beautiful corry. At foot of base of Blaven. At this well an heir of the Mackinnon was foully slain while having a drink. Also said to be the scene of another murder by one Black Donald of his own son; there is a tale attached to this latter event. Other suggestions made as to the origin of the name of this well.

T obar an L och Se u n t a . Well of the holy loch. On east side of Kilmuir.

T obar- a n -S u id h e . The seat-well. Here childless married women took their devotional seat, which, according to some accounts, was no easy matter, as it was very sharp-pointed, indeed named also “ An Suidhe Biorach.” Also called “ Tobar-na-Cloinne,” children’s well, a wishing-well.

T obar an t -S it h e in . Well of the fairy-hillock. Near Dun- vegan.

T obar an Tuirc. The boar well. Near Peighinn Mhor.T obar A rtbrannan , or D obur . This well, or water, is named

after an old man, a chief of the Geonians or Genunians (Geona cohort), who came specially to Skye to be baptised by Columba. This name has been described as “ a Gaelic as well as a Pictish name ” (the Piets spoke Gaelic, it is maintained); it is compounded of art, meaning, according to Cormac, uasal, noble; or clock, a stone, and brannan, diminutive of bran, a raven, ergo, “ The noble raven,” “ hardy raven,” or “ rock raven.” The chief died shortly after being baptised, and Columba raised, or caused to be raised, a cairn to the chief’s memory. The well preserves it.

T obar A sh ig , T obar na h - A iseig . The ferry well. See •‘Askimolruy” and “ Tobar Mhaolruibhe.” Once said to mean the well of St. Asaph, mistake for Ashig. Tobar Ashig is near Alltan Bhain, Kyleakin; also called Tobar Maree, i.e., Maolrubha.

T obar B h r e n n a n . Brennan or Breunan’s well. St. Brendan.T obar B uaile na h - A ig h e a n . Heifers’ fold well, or hinds.T obar C h a l u im -C h il l e . Columba of the cells or churches’

well. There are many such, all blessed by him.T obar Ch ao ib eir t . Cuthbert’s well; a saint. In Kilmaluag,

Troternish. Found given “ Heibert ” with prosthetic t; cf. “ Kirkcudbright.”


T obar Ch l ia m a in . Clement’s well. In Strath. Clement has been “ sainted” by courtesy; he was a missionary of the eighth century, but not “ canonised.” This well is near Cille Chriosd. See “Cathair Chliamain.”

T obar D r u im -a -M h a r g a id h . Market-ridge well. Near the market stance, Broadford.

T obar E o in . John’s well. At Glendale township, Colbost. Titles give “ Tobar Ian or Jan.” This well is at the base of Beniscaigh, “ Beinn-a-sgath,” q.v. This John has been “ sainted ” also by some.

T obar G reep , q.v.

T obar Choan , C il l Ch om ghan , q.v.

T obar - Cu ch u llin . Cuchullin’s well. Near Talisker. See “ Dunsgaich,” Sleat.

T obar D h o m h nu ill G h r u am aic h . The well of Donald the surly, sad, or grim. Donald was found dead here in 1534. The well lies to the right of Druim nan Cleoc, q.v.

T obar I a r u in n . The iron well. A mineral spring at Sgaladal, Glendale.

T obar L ianacro . Well of the sheep-fold meadow. This is a sacred well, and the word cro may mean a church here; cf. cro-naomha, holy blood.

T obar L usta, L usa, L ussa. Well of the garden of the farmstead ; lios stadr or sta.

T obar a P h r io n n sa . The Prince’s well (Prince Charlie). This well is near Lobhta Coire, and has been cared for and secured by the Macdonalds of Kingsburgh, polished flagstones, with drinking-cup attached, having been provided.

T obar M h ao lr u ibh e . Malrube’s well; a saint. This well is west of Anabhaig, or Allt Anabhaig, in Strath. See “ Tobar Ashig” ; Altan-Bheag, also.

T obar M h u ir e . Mary’s well. This is a well at the base of Beinn-a-Ghobhainn, in Waternish. It is said to have been so named for the Virgin Mary by some Roman Catholic. Cf. “ Tobermory,” in Mull.

T obar M ointeach na St e a l l . The well of the moss spout. Emerging, as it does, from a damp and boggy spot, and clear, it is supposed to have magical properties!


T obar n a B eiste D u ib h e . Well of the black beast; beist- dubh, otter. „

T obar na B uaile D u ib h e . Black fold well.T obar na Ca il l ic h . Woman or old woman’s well. This word

cailleach has many other meanings; here it may be rendered nun, the hooded or veiled one, from cattle, a hood or veil.

T obar n a Cl o in n e . See “ Tobar an Suidhe.”T obar n a C u r r a . Crane or herons’ well; corra.T obar n a F a l a . The well of blood. Superstition has it that

a young girl was killed here by a wild beast, the water- horse!

T obar na h - A n n a it . Well of the Annat. A small fish, said to be immortal, is in this well.

T obar na h -O a n . See “ Oans.” This well given as in Ferin- vicguire.

T obar nam M aor . The officers’ well. This name modern, Sheriff’s officers being meant. See “Uaigh an Albannaich,” the “ Scotsman’s grave,” the newspaper; these names given at time of “ land troubles ” to—at least the well—a place which had a far older name, with a “ history ” thereto attached.

This word maor, O.G. rnaer, generally applied to a ground-officer, and the object of dislike, if not worse, to the crofters, also the factor. Latin major, and hence moirear, lord.

T obar nam B u a d h . The well of virtues, beneficial to health. Cf. St. Kilda.

T obar n an A il e a n , A il l e a n n . The well of the gentry. See “ Tobar nan Uaislean.” Ailean signifies a green, a plain or meadow.

T obar n an C e a n n . The well of the heads. Said to be the scene of a combat among several men. See “ Tobar a Chinn.”

T obar n a n Oigh. Well of the virgins or young girls; locally pronounced Tobar nan Ogh. Near Kilvaxter.

T obar n a n U a isl ean . Well of the nobles or gentry; supposed modern also. The spot in which this well is situated is the centre of a group of springs from which several streams flow, Allt-an-Fhionn-Choire, etc.


T obar E u a d h . Red well. Impregnated with iron, etc.; common. Near Elgol.

T obar T a t h , T a t h a g . Infield well; Norse tafta. See “ Peny- zenyn.” Tath means slaughter, and tadh a ledge or layer of rock. This well is near Cille Chriosd. The Brahan Seer delivered himself as follows:

“ Tobar sin is tobar tath,Tobar jar (aig) an cuirear bhr,Marbhar tore non tri lochan,Gu moch, moch aig Tobar Tath.”

(or Air la fiiuch, etc.)

Another version is:“ '8 bi cnaimhean nam fear fàs,

Air traigh bhàn Laorais;'S marbhar Lmhunn mm tri Lachunn.”

(or Torcull nan tri Torcuill.)

The above has been rendered into English as follows:There is the well called Tobar Taah,A well where yet there shall be war,The three lochs’ boar shall there fall Early, early atèWell of Taah.

(or on a wet day.)or—

And the dead bones of well grown men The Laoras white beach strew shall them; Lachlan of the Lachlans three.At Well of Taah shall surely dee.

(for Lachlan read Torcail also.)

Rev. J. G. Campbell of Tiree also gave his rendering in English.

Tath or Taah has been explained as 'n fa, the water, but this thought far-fetched.

This Lachlan supposed to have been a chief of the Mackinnons. Torcul is a Macleod name.

T obar T ellibreck , T eillebreac . The sacred or holy slope, or the cave on the slope; helgi, with a prosthetic t, and brekka, a slope, or Norse helli/r, hella, a cave. This is a “ holy ” well in the parish of Kilmuir, the water whereof, with a


diet of dulse, said to serve a person without other food for a considerable time. A sunken rock in the island of Coll named “ Cairgean,” Irish moss, properly An Cairgein, from carragheen (Irish), dim. of carraig. This in Scot. Gaelic is known as mathair-an-duileisg, mother of the dulse, well known in Skye; it is bleached and dried, and, when boiled with milk, makes a very pleasant and nourishing dish or pudding.

In reference to this well, a Troternish rhyme runs as follows:

“ Uisge tobar Teiiebreac {Uig),Is duileasg a Loch Shianta (Seunta),Faochagan a Rudha Dhuibh (Uig),Is moidhean Theabraidh (Hebri),

orIs smalagan a Riadhain ” (or Riaghan, Uig).

Water of the well of Tellibreac,And dulse from Loch Shiant(a);Buckies from the Black Point,And saithe from Hebri,

orSmelts from Heeagan.

A somewhat similar saying exists in the island of Eigg, viz., Sloc shellfish, Laig dulse, and biolair, water-cress, from Tobar Tolain. Laig is lathach vig, surf-bay.

T obar T or-C a t . Cat-hill well. Between Kilbride and Kilchro.

Tobar T u l a ic h . Well of the hillock. Near Harlosh; sacred,T obar-U a m h - n a n -C n o . Well of the nut-cave.T o f fn a . Not known. May be meant for “ Tobhta.”T oisgeadal . The dale of tusks; tosg, tusk, etc. North of

Portree.T om M o id , a M h o id . Court hillock. On Eilean Comhairlich,

the island of adviser or counsellor. Thought to be near Duntulm of the Macdonalds; mod from Norse mot, meeting, etc. The word mote means an unfortified mound for courts of justice; in Ireland rath', there a fortified rath is


T om- n a - h -U rach , U r aich , I ubh r aich . Yew-grove hillock; iubhmch has several other meanings, but this thought most applicable, as yew was used for bows of old. At Balmac- quien. Cf. Tom na h-Iurach, Inverness.

T or , T o r r . A pointed hill or tower-like rock. The tors are frequently granite prominences . due to weathering, and often fantastic in shape; the word itself is said to be from the Latin turris, a tower, but it is one of the three most ancient words in the Celtic language, the other two being bo, a cow, and cu, a dog, sometimes hero.

T orgabost. The dwelling at the howe, or burying-ground, etc.; ’n t-horg, haugr, and host, from bolstadr.

T ormichaig , T orra M h ic h e ig . The hill of or at Michaig, a place near Portree; mithich-vig, the opportune or handy bay. These hillocks are on the coast, the latter north-west from Broadford.

T or n a M uclach, q.v.T or n ish . The hill at the promontory; tor nes. Tor is the

Irish spelling of torr.T orr a B h u il g . Hill of the bag, quiver, etc. See “ Dun

Borve.”T orr a M h a it h e a n . Chieftains’ hill. In Torrin.T orran , Na T o r rain , T orrin , etc. The heaps; also treated as

dim. of torr, little hill, but it is generally spoken of as Na Torran, said to be mounds or tumuli. This place is at the shore of Loch Slapin, and has Leapa (Leaba or Leapaidh) na Glais Ghoillean (or Ghuailne). See “ Gleann Daill.” Torran appears in several different places, viz.,

' Torran na Gillean, of the lads, near Portree, the scene of a fight; also a Torran district in Raasay; stone circles and the ruins of a chapel dedicated to St. Bridget, near the above.

T orr ’I lle P h a d r u ig . The hill of the son or lad of Patrick (? St. Patrick). At Elgol.

T orr M hor , M o r . The great heap or hill, etc.; common. This one at Heast.

T orr na h - A it h n e . Hill of knowledge, order, command, etc. From this hill Iain Balbhan (John the Dumb One) Mackinnon was shot by an arrow while walking on the summit or battlements of Castle Bingill.


T ore na L e t h -P h e ig h in n . Half-penny hill. At Torrin.T orran U a in e . The little green knoll; may be plural of torr.

This is a township next to Peinfeiler.T orr na B o d h aig . Sander ling or sea-lark hillock.T orr Sgalair. See “ Scàlar.”T orvaig , T oraig . Hill bay. The name of a farm E.N.E. of

Portree. Sometimes given as Torovaig, Thorovaig, and Horavaig, and explained “ Thor’s bay.”

T ory, T ora, T ourie , T o w r r ie , and T er ir e . Hill island; tor, torr, and ey.

T ota, T o tadh , T otaig, T o bh ta . Ruins of house. This applicable to ruins of houses mostly built of turf; toft in a village, etc., means a house and small plot or garden,

. specially applied to that of a local priest or other church dignitary; a croft frequently associated with above, but lay on the outskirts, and served to furnish him with meal or fodder for his cow, etc. Toft is said to be a Danish suffix, in Old Norse thopt, meaning house-stead, site of ground, plot, or where a house had stood, while croft was an enclosed space for pasture, etc., also doid. There is a “ Beinn Thobhta.” Other forms of Tota, etc., are Totna, Totua, e.g., “Zair of Tottua.” See “Totaig” and “Zair.”

T ota B h reac . The speckled or hoary ruins. At Torrin.T ota B h r iu is , B h r iu t h a is . Brew-house croft, ruins of a brew-

house or distillery in Kilmuir. This word Gaelicised; breis means distilling; bruthaist, brose, also brewage.

Totagan, Tota nan D ruidhean. Druids’ ruined huts. This place, as given, is in Kilmuir; this has been associated with, if not the same as, Tigh-nan-Druineach, q.v., and also given as in Strath or Strathaird. Authorities differ on above terms; as to the latter we are informed that in Loch- awe we have Inis Draoinich and Inis nan Draoineach, Isle of the Sculpture and Isle of the Sculptors, many carved stones being in the neighbourhood. Said also to be in Boraraig.

T o tahoker , T otichoker , etc. (tobht’ a chocaire). The cook’s toft, cook at Duntulm Castle. In Duirinish.

T otaichean D u b h a . The black huts, etc.


T o taig . The toft of or on the bay; tota vig. This is a township in Husabost, Minginish, once the title of Iain Dubh Macleod, who assassinated the chief, Donald Macleod, tenth of Harris and Dunvegan, etc.; it was under his guidance and at his instigation that the massacre in Eigg of three hundred and ninety-five persons of the Clan Ranald was perpetrated, March, 1577. See “ Blar-Milleadh-Garaidh.”

T ota M hic C u in n . Macqueen’s hut, etc. Macqueen, a blacksmith, lived here, afterwards at Doire Mhic Mhathain, Torrin; he married the daughter of Lachlan Mackinnon, the bard. The name Macqueen is “ Mac Suibhne,” it is alleged, meaning “ good going,” the opposite being “ Duibhne ” ; others favour “ Conn.” Macquien also given, but this, it is said, is “ Macaoidhean,” the son of little Aodh or Hugh, also MacCuithean. The above tota, or ruins thereof, are at Totardor in Bracadale; tobht-ard-thir, toft of the high land. Dun Diarmaid here also.

T ota nam B an M u ir e . Huts of the leprous women; by “ leprous ” any other disease may be meant.

T ota T haoig , T othague . Tadg, Thady, or Teague’s hut. There is a farm of this name two miles from Portree.

This name is Irish, but was. used by the MacArthurs, and there was one Donald M'Tade, an Irish prince, who ruled in the Western Isles for two years about the twelfth century.

This name has been explained as the “ ruined walls of Aodh’s house ” ; by Aodh is meant Aodh Mor MacCuinn, and may be the same as described above in “ Tota Mhic- Cuinn,” but not certain. Aodh Mor was so named from his great mental capacity, and his place given as in Duirinish.

T ote U achdarach agus I ochd ar a c h . Upper and Nether Tote or Totte. This place is in Kilmuir, but see “ Tota.” Tott equals toft, tuft, or knoll, as found given in 1688.

T otrome , T ottrome , T ota R oam , T routrome . The toft of the stream; tobht and Norse straumr, stream, current. There another tale is told as to the gruagach.

T otscore, T otscor, etc. The sgor toft; tobht and sgor, a jagged rock, a cleft or fork in a rock, etc. See “ Score.”


T ou ltin , T outtin I cra and O cra (iochdarach ’us uachdarach), nether and upper. This thought a mis-spelling or rendering of Tobhtan or Tobhtaichean, Tofts.

T oum , An. The hillock or lump. A point south of Portree harbour. An tom.

T oustle . An t-Husedale, q.v. Prosthetic t.T rabost. Shore house; tmigh bolstadr.T k aig h B heag ’us M h o r . Little and great ebbs, or between

high and low-water marks. “Na Trainnean” at Dun vegan. Cf. Eistreadh (eis-traigh), explained os a rough, stony ebb shore or sea beach.

T reaslane , T r iaslain , etc. Battle enclosure; treas, battle, etc., and lann, an enclosure; treas also means “ third.” There is a loch here. Advocates of Norse derivations advance a proper name, Tkrasi, and render it “ Thrasi’s land,” but doubtful.

T r een , T r e in , T r ia n , etc. The third, or third-part. This is a portion of land near the head of Loch Harport, with the ruins of two chapels, one named St. Assind or Assàin. We learn that one Kenneth Morrison, a renowned sean- achaidh, lived here.

T roda , T rodda , T rodday . Troll, trold, giant, fairy, or sprite isle; Scandinavian trold and ey, isle; also stated to be trod, pasture or grazing, of old called St. Colm’s Islei, and was specially visited by Columba. It lies off the north end of Skye. It was inhabited, but very remote, and superstition reigned, the gruagaeh being believed in down to 1770; at least this belief was referred to by Dr. Johnson, who said the “ Greocaca ” was well known in his day. A dangerous reef, Bodha Trodday lies on the north-east, and a lighthouse was erected on the island in 1908.

T r o d h u . The Black foot or step. Either from troigh, the foot, a foot, and, by extension, step, black or treacherous; there is a Skye word troidht, a shoe worn out of shape (troit). This is one, or part of one, of the Coolins (1,623 feet), a steep, rocky elevation at entrance to Loch Coruisg, south of Sgurr-na-h-Eidhne. South of Trodhu itself are the “ stepping-stones.”

T rodigal , T r ad ig al . The ravine fold; trodi, Norse, a penfold, and gil, ravine.


T so o b a . The spout; an t-srub(a). This is a cone of red granite.

T roterness, T ronterness, T routerness, etc. This name (county or barony) has been found in various titles, records, Acts of Parliament, etc., spelled in various ways; upwards of thirty from 1507 onwards have been seen, but brevitatis causa, not given here. The meaning is Thrond’s headland or point; Tronda, Thronda (gen. Trondair, Throndar) and nes or wish. Authorities have differed as to the derivation of this name; one gives “ Enchanted cape or promontory,” from trold, a fairy, etc.; another says, as “ Troda ” is similar, it may mean “ Trond’s islet,” the nasal pronunciation of the o favouring the supposition that, formerly, the word was “ Tronday.” Troternish is one of the most northerly and largest of the four divisions of Skye north of the Coolins. Of. “ Truddernish ” in Islay.

Troternish belonged in the dim distant past to Angus or Aonghais Fionn, Angus the fair, who slew the murderer of Donald Herroch (Domhnull na Hearradh), who was Blain treacherously by being caught in a leather thong, suspended over a spot, where he was incited to show his leaping power. The man who planned this murder was called thereafter “ Pol na h-Eile, Paul of the Thong, iall, eille, or èill, a leather thong, etc., and it was he whom Aonghas Fionn killed.

Troternish has been the scene of many doughty deeds and exploits, having, among other troubles, suffered from the ravages of Mac Ruairidh Mhic Uilleim Macleod, a noted raider, etc. In 1498 the Macleod who held Trotemish was bound to have ready one ship or galley of twenty-six oars, and two of sixteen each, for the naval service of the day. Macleod held Troternish by a grant from the Crown, dated 15th June, 1498, but the Macdonalds never admitted ,the validity of this grant, and not only claimed but held Troternish against the Macleods, though, for a time, not actually in occupation. Troternish men well earned the sobriquet of “ Na Coin,” the heroes (sometimes rendered “ dogs” ), as they always, or nearly always, held the field lagainst all comers, being a source of envy and no small trouble to their neighbours, who thought them “ dogs.” This was not the only nickname they had bestowed on them; their very country was called “ Duthaich nan


Stapag ” (or na Stapaig), and the saying existed of “ Bruthaiste mhuimitir Throtamais, bochd, b o c h d also “ Am Fearann Stapagach.” These were given, it is alleged, by the “ wits” of Duirinish; they mean “ the land of meal and water,” “ the brose of the people of Troternish, poor, poor,” and “ the land of meal and water, mixed,” on which they were supposed to exist! A well- known saying is current in Skye as having been given by a iharassed individual at harvest operations as an answer to a query by his wife as to who was vexing him, whereupon he answered, “ Who but my own folk, the dogs of Troternish!” The “ story ” is much longer.

As to these “ nick-names” or “ eke-names,” they are generally accounted for by some as derived from the far or foir ainm given to a child till baptised (far, etc., projecting, forward, antecedent, etc.), one party actually being called “ But-ar-Scionn ” (bun os ciorm), downside up, etc. These names, however, as a rule, were “ love-names,” as, it is alleged, they are of Divine authority, which our readers can verify for themselves; “ Leas-Ainm,” another term for above, or “ good-name.” It may be mentioned here that one of the Maclans of Glencoe came and settled here after the massacre, and took the name of “ Johnson,” though a Gaelic speaker always; another of the family, it is believed, settled in Coll or Tiree under the same name.

. Superstitious beliefs were not absent among the Troter- <nish people, and chief among their ghostly visitants or spectres was the “ Colamn, colann gun cheann,” body without head. This spectre was only a “ visitor,” as it was known elsewhere far and wide, and much has been told and written thereanent.

T ruagh M h e a l l . The worthless, poor, or decayed lump. This lump is 1,345 feet in height, and is situated in South Minginish. Truagh sometimes used as a form of imprecation.

T r u m p an , T rompon, etc., Beag agus Mor (tiumpan). The onesided hillock or tom; said to be named from resemblance to a timpan, a musical instrument, kind of harp, etc. Thig place is at Ardmore of Waternish; here the Macdonalds of Clan Ranald burnt the church of Kilconan on a Sunday when it contained the worshippers, all, or most, of whom were Macleods. A stone near is called “Clach Mhairearald,”


Margaret’s Stone, where she, having escaped, died of her injuries; the Macleods, as usual, took their revenge; see “ Blar-Milleadh-Garaidh.” This was the second and last occasion on which the “ Fairy Banner ” of the Macleods was carried out and unfurled. All this took place about the end of the sixteenth century.

At Trumpan there is a rough pillar of stone, or shaft, about five feet in height, called “ Clach Deuchainn,” the trying or testing stone, alias the priest’s stone, from his attending thereat officially; in this stone is a hole, which, being aimed at by an accused person, blind-fold, successfully or the reverse, decided the matter at stake, or even their ifuture, as is, or was, the local belief; this hole is said to penetrate the standing-stone from side to side. There are other stones, it is believed, in the neighbourhood, as elsewhere in Skye, with cup-like holes peculiarly placed on rocks, and said to be astronomical signs of the Druids. The above first-named hole, again, is said to have been called “ Clach Tholl,” and must have been of considerable size, as patients suffering from consumption were caused to pass through it three times as a cure; this is doubtful, and thought to refer to stones called “ Clachan Tholldach,” in which water accumulated and was drunk or otherwise disposed of for ailments; see the reference to this elsewhere in this work.

The former or old name of Trumpan was Kilchoman or Kilcoman. Some high and notable cliffs are in the neighbourhood. It is here that Lady Grange was buried in May, 1745; her maiden name was Rachel Chiesley. Major Neil Macleod, R.A., also buried here on 7th December, 1898. There is a chapel at Trumpan, now in ruins; it extended fifty-one feet.

T u d d in vain (Pont), T ot , T obht I a in B h a in . Fair John’s house clearing, or ruins; Norse meanings have been found also, one being Toddin (an t-oddin), oddi, Norse for point, and Gaelic bhàn, fair, i.e., the fair or white point or promontory, but doubtful.

T ulloch , T ulloch G orm . The hillock, the green hillock. This is on the summit of Beniscaigh. There is another tulach at Strathaird.

T u lm , T olm A n t -H o l m . The stack or cliff; Norse holmr,. as before herein given.


T ungadal . Tongue dale.T ungag . Thie little tongue or point of land; the meaning also

given to a grassy hillock, tulach glas. In Glendale. Also explained as the dim. of tung, an enclosed family burying- ground; not that h/ere. Domhnull nan Oran composed a poem to this place, also to the Allt Mor. See “ Hungag ” (an t-hwigag).

T u nglader . See “ Hunglader.”T u n n u h . Not known as given; might be tungag, or, according

to sound, tunna, a cask (shaped rock); there is a tumulus near the head of Loch Caroy thought to be this; the rock may be what is meant.

T usdale . Thought An t-Osdal or Husedale.T uych , T ueche, T uath ach . The north (country); said to be

another name for Troternish, as being the most northerly part of Skye; but not known.

uU a d a ir n , U d a ir n , na h -U d a ir n e . The hideous, awful, or in

hospitable caves; uaimh, a cave, and perhaps tarnach, thunderclap, thunder-sounding. There are four oaves in which, when north wind blows strongly, awful sounds are created; the sea also is said to dash into one of these at least, as it is called ton, town cave, wave cave. Near Beinn Tianavaig.

U a m h a C h r e a c h a in n . The cave on the summit or sky-line of hill; cêachann also means scallop shell.

[The word utamh, as used hereafter, should be uaimh, and means a cave, a den, etc.; it is sometimes substituted for uaigh, a grave, also a cave.]

U a m h , U aig h an t - A lban n ach . The grave of the “ Scotsman ” (newspaper), which was solemnly interred here as a protest against its views on the land question; it took the shape of an effigy in addition to copies of the paper! This “ grave ” is at the head of Loch Dunvegan, on the lower side of the road before the approach to Tobar nam Maor, q.v., and past Dun-Osdal.

U am h a C h in n D h e ir g . Cave of the red head or point.


U a m h a 'Ch o in n l e ir . Cave of the candlestick. This is a cave near Idrigil Point, and so called from use of candles while exploring it; also in the same case Sloc an Altrumain, or the Spar Cave, q.v. It has been said that the Goinnleir were the stalactites or stalagmites which were in these caves till destroyed by sight-seers.

U am h an D raoinean , D r a o in . Cave of the sculptor; also given Druinich.

U am h a n T a ib h se . The cave of the spectre or ghost (of a lost shepherd). Near Coruisg.

U a m h a n T a ir b h . The bull’s cave; not an ordinary bull, but one of the crodh sith, or fairy cattle.

U a m h B heag a n -S iosalaich . The little cave of the Chisholm.U a m h B h i n n . The melodious cave. In Oransay Isle.U a m h a B h odach . The old man’s cave; a recluse. At Loch

Slapin.U am h C l e it . Cleat cave. See “ C leat.”

U a m h F h l iu c h . The wet cave.

U am h M hic C o itir , M ac- a -C h o it ir . Cave of the crofter’s son; here the lad hid from the press-gang. This cave is situated north of Portree Bay or Harbour, beyond the “ Black Rock.” It is also called “ The Piper’s Cave,” to which the old tradition attaches; the cave is thought to run through the island and come out at Loch Bracadale; see “ Uamh-an-Oir.” Also reputed to have been the refuge or haunt of a noted cateran, brigand, or reiver!

U a m h n a n Co lu m an . Cave of the pigeons, rock pigeons.U a m h ’ P h r io n n sa . The Prince’s cave. Here Prince Charlie

ate his last meal in Skye. There are two or three caves of this name in Skye, authentic or otherwise, one at Elgol, south-east end of Loch Scavaig, and another at Dun vegan Head.

U a m h -a n -O ir , an O r , O r . The cave of gold, or gold cave. There are two caves of this name in Skye, both supposed to contain hidden gold; one is at Borniskitag, and said to be columnar, like Staff a. The tale of the piper’s adventure much believed in in connection with one or both of these caves, speciously described as being heard regretting, in his encounter with “ something,” that he was not possessed of


three hands, two for the pipes and one for the sword! The principal cave is said to have its chief entrance at Harlosh, south-west of Dun vegan, coming out east near Monkstadt. This tradition is not confined to Skye; see “ Melvaig,” Wester Ross, and Uamh-Chraidh, also the cave of torment at Baile Grunail, where a piper and dog entered, expecting to come out at “ Uamh-an-Duine,” the man’s cave, or dùine, the fort, at Creaganaich, Lismore, Argyll.

U a m h n am P iobairean . The cave of the pipers, where they sometimes practised. Near Boraraig, where also is Leum an Doill,” the leap of the blind (man) John Mackay, Am Piobaire Dali, who was seven years under the tuition of MacCrimmon, which was required as a “ course ” of instruction in ceol mor, great music. John was born in 1656; he incurred the jealousy of Padruig Caogach, Patrick (MacCrimmon), the squint-eyed, by finishing his composition or tune, “Am Port Lethach ” (or Leathachd), the half (composed) tune. John was pushed over a rock twenty feet high. He and other Mackays were pipers to eight successive lairds of Gairloch during two hundred years. See “ Sloc.”

U a m h n a S it h e a n , an t -S it h e x n . The fairies’ cave. At Duirinish.

U a m h T h o ir l e a n . Torlan’s cave. Torlan, the man or hero of the heavy or great spear, one of the Feinne, who dwelt herein or frequented it. Of more modem days, it attracted notice by being utilised as a hiding place for all the spinning-wheels of the district on the rumour that they were to be destroyed in the interests of a new spinning mill at Portree!

U ch dan L e in ib h . Child’s hill-slope; uchd m .

U chd Ban. The white or fair hill-slope. Kilmuir.U chd M im a ig . Mimag’s hill-slope. Girl’s name. Kilmuir.U c h d M o r . Great slope. Near Loch Harport, Bracadale.

The word “ Uchd ” common in names.Udabachd, A n , Udabac. The porch or outhouse. This word

is used in Skye for a wall or erection in front of the door of a dwelling-house to break the force of the wind; also known in Uiet. This is used chiefly in the more exposed parts of the north of Skye.


U d a l . Distress, tossing, etc.; also udail, the adjective, tossing, gloomy, etc.; also found given odal. Vital in Old Irish, is ut, out, away from, not, and mall, slow, hence quick movement.

U d ig il , U t r ig l e . The gloomy glen or gil; udail or udlaidh. One authority suggested ytrigil, the further gil or ravine, but doubtful. See “ Uadairn.”

U gag, U gaig , U igeag . Little Uig; little bay or small harbour. At Balmeanoch Bay, Portree. Also called Torran. See “ Uig.”

U g a r a id h . Uig sheiling (local); uig and airidh; otherwise 'explained as uig and m y, etc., Norse termination signifying farm, Uig Farm.

U i d h . The ford, etc. Uidh (sometimes found uigh) also means an isthjmus, land or water, also islowly-moving water, a peninsula; cf. Eye, equals ui. Provincially rendered a pass, a parting of the ways, half-way pass over a tolman or hillock, etc.

Uig, Uige, Wig (1512), Vig (1552), etc. The nook, or retired place. An d-Uig, An Uig (locally), in Snizort; also said to be “ The Bay,” from Icel. vig, vik, a bay, and to equal Wick; also to be from Norse ogr, an inlet or bay; cf. “ Uig,” in Lewis; the bay off the land. Much has been written about this place, reliable and otherwise; Pennant makes reference to a “ high stone of Ugg named after the poet Uggerus” ! Martin gives “ Uge.” This “ high stone ” has also been prophesied about by the Brahan Seer, who said, “ Olaidh am fitheach a shàth bharr an làir air mullach clach ard Uige," the mven will drink its fill off the ground on the top of the high stone of Uig. This stone now lies on its side on a mountain brow, south of where the Uig Hotel stands. A similar prophesy is attached to a stone in Glendale.

Several notable places and sayings are connected with Uig, one being that there are three things whereby so long as they are to the fore the natives can never be ruined (or starved), viz., (1) a well, tobar tellibreac, q.v.; (t)helgibrekk, for seile (sile, moisture), helgi, holy, brekk, brekkr, slope or brink; s and t are frequently interchanged, e.g., tabaid for mbaid, though this may just stand for an t-sabaid, the fight; (2) Loch Shiant (seunt), dulse;


and (3) Helva Rock (or cave), from hellyr, Old Norse helli, hella; all these lie within a radius of about nine miles. Loch Shiant, as before referred to, is fed from numerous springs, twenty-four being in a circuit of some two hundred yards; there are also several waterfalls in the immediate neighbourhood. The special dulse above referred to owes its peculiar power, etc., to its being tinctured with iron, which colours the water of the loch in which it grows, proved beneficial to health and an antidote to certain complaints or diseases. Certain stones are to be found in the neighbourhood, a fmger-length, and pyramid shaped; these are called “ bott (or botts)-stones,” and considered a specific against colic in horses, the stones being placed in water given the horses to drink. Scientists say that these stones are “ belemites,” and common to many other places in Skye, Flodigarry for one. These stones are fossils, and are said to be called fuil siochaire or clachan sith, dwarf or fairy blood or fairy stones; siochaire commonly used as an epithet signifying a contemptible, worthless person. These stones are said to be found after a display of the aurora borealis, na fir chlis, the merry, active men; these “ men ” are supposed to be one of three bands of fallen angels, still fighting, and the stones, being coloured, are their blood; a red lichen also said to be the same. The above expression siochaire thought to refer expressly to the undersized Piets, or their forerunners, who dwelt in caves or small underground houses, daoine-sithe; see “ Loch Shiant,” with its springs, said to be in Kilmuir, and far from above well; see “ Am Bord Cruinn,” which may be “ Helva Rook.” In addition to the above, W . Macfarlane, in his famous “ Geographical Collections,” says “ Loch Sent dulce and Hebri rock; twenty-four Hebrys (springs) flow into Loch Siant.” The word hebri or herbrys said traceable to the Gaelic word eabar, a confluence of waters, primary meaning “ mud ” ; also rendered abar or aber\ cf. the Hebrew words habar, a verb, to join together, and heber, a junction, etc; abar itself is an obsolete Celtic word meaning wells, also where two or more streams meet; abarach is just eabarach, boggy, marshy, muddy, etc. Uig was formerly known as or had a place of importance named “ Brugh Uige,” house or fort of Uig, though also merely a fairy hillock.

Uig, though a “ corner ” or “ nook,” is situated above the vig, vik, or bay, and at the confluence of the rivers Raw


and Conon, where a flood of these rivers washed away a house and part of an old burying-ground in 1877; this was attributed to “evil spirits,” (urraisgean, an inundation). The people of Uig are hard-working and industrious, they have an original method of manuring land by carrying to the fields or plots of land ashes and manure in creels on their backs, the creels having openings so as to permit of the material falling through; this is done by the bearer striking the creel smartly from time to time with a stick, and when ashes prevail, or sop smrm todhair, wisps of old thatch, etc., their progress is somewhat curious! This performance attracted the notice of an individual from some other place, who said:

“ Am fasan a bii ac’ arm an TJige Cha ’n fhaoa mi riamh na m ’ dhuthaichs’, Gabhail dhe 'n bhat air mo chulthaobh,’S smuid air a chliabh luathadh! ”The fashion they had in Uig I never saw in my country,Striking at my back with a stick,With a stour from the ash creel so thick.

U ig in ish , U ig n is h . Uig island or Uig point; inis or nes; given as in Loch Dunvegan, Upper and Nether; also as in Duirinish. This is the birth-place of a Celtic scholar and indefatigable worker in the Celtic field, Miss Frances Tolmie.

U igsh ader , U gisarder , etc. Uig-town; TJig-setr. This place said to be somewhat distant from any bay or vig; a meaning of “ Ox-town ” has been found given.

U ish n ess . See “ Husini&h.” Uisinnis is one of the places where Prince Charlie landed.

U l lb acky , U il b -A c k y . Wolf or fox field; uilbh, ulbh, Norse ulfr, a wolf; ulp, uilp, a fox, and achadh, field. This place is in Troternish.

U l f h a r t . The wolf height, point, or place; ulfr, as above, and art, ord, ard, etc.; there is a Norse termination art, signifying a sea-loch, but first meaning holds. This is a point or promontory running into Loch Soavaig, opposite Soay; extremists have connected it with ullart, ullartaich, howling, as of wolves, etc.


U l in is h , U l l in is h , U l t in is h . Not certain; found suggested ulfr, as above, and nes, point, etc.; otherwise from TJli, a proper name, Uli’s Point. In Bracadale. Off here there is an island with a cave therein one hundred and eighty feet in depth, and thirty feet in breadth and height; also near Ullinish itself, on Cnoc Ullinish, is a mote named the “ hill of strife.”

U nabost . Una’s homestead; una bolstadr. Una said to stand for Winifred; she was a daughter of the King of Lochlann; cf. “ Unabol.” This may also be from unga, and mean the ounce-land homestead. In Duirinish.

U nacille , U n a k il l e . Church ounce-land; ung-na-dlle. A field, etc., in the neighbourhood is called Ung-a-Chladaich, the shore ounce-land, both in a district eight miles from the inner end of Loch Dunvegan to Dunvegan Head.

U n g ’ A rnisor t . The ounce-land of Amisort; from Loch Grishernish to Rudha Hunish.

U n g ’ n a Sg e ir e . The ounoe-land of the skerry; ten miles’ stretch from Dunvegan Castle to Rudha Hunish. The above three form “ districts,” not mere fields.

U n g sh a d e r . The ounce-land of the home-stead, etc. Given also Unresalider, for ungasetr; ounces of silver representing rent. See “ Penyzegeyn,” etc.

U n is h , U in n is (ù-nes). Nose bay or mk. See “ Hunish,” given as in Watemish.

U nnsa P au l , P h o il . Paul’s ounce-land. Strewn with large boulders; unnsa, pron. oosa.

U r b h u il . Not known. Various suggestions advanced as to the etymology of this word, e.g., as signifying water, and bhuil for bhoil, bivoile, asp. form of boile, rage, etc, stormy or raging sea, ure, urr\ also ur, fire, hence umraraidh, parching corn over a fire; ur, a child, a person, from which ur-uisg, the water child or imp, equalling glaistig, thus the demon-haunted place; uiridh in Skye means a monster, etc.; doubtful.

U r e , Ire. The island. See “ Ire ” and above.U r e t il l , B h r e a t a il , q.v.


U rgag, U rgog, W irgog . The stone heap; urd, urdh, a heap of stones on the sea-beach, or from a land-slip, or urd-vig, the bay of the heap of stones. Cf. Loch Urradhag, Ourahag; suggested urbhaig, udhar-vik, but doubtful.

U s a b o s t . See “ Husabost.”U t r a id , U d r ath ad The town or township road. This is

the road to the common pasture or peat moes; utraid-moine; ut, ud, for put, to push, to forward, etc.; cf. uthard. Common.

VThe following names found beginning with the letter V may

either be U or Bh, unless Norse.V aiscraig . Not known. Suggested ms, from uasal, fine,

elegant, etc., and or mg, rock; if bh, can only be bhàis, asp. form of bàs, death.

V al lay , V a l e y . Whale island; hvalls-ey. Cf. Vallay, in North Uist. This place is at Aird of Kilmuir, where a family of Macdonalds lived alternately with Uist place; they were called the “ Vallay Macdonalds,” and descended from “ William the Tutor.”

V al ler ain , V a n n a r a in . Not known. Given sis north of Quiraing. Fjal and raing.

V altos. Fold-ridge. Rocks at Eastside, Kilmuir; vold-ass; void, old for vollr, voellr, field (Norse); vallar, vellir, fields; valla, of fields; also often wall, well, etc., e.g., Dingwall, Kirkwall; as a termination oil and ell. Cf. “ Valtos,” in Uig, Lewis.

V arr agill , V adrigale , B h a r a g il . Weir-gil, gill, gyll, glen, or ravine. A river runs through here, which drains a large district, north into Portree Loch. Taog MacCuinn lived in this glen. See “ Tota Thaoig.”

V ar kasaig , V ar k isaig , etc. Castle-wick; virhi and vig. This place is near Orbost, Duirinish; there are also Bealach, Glen and Loch. Like other places, this has its own tales of superstitious beliefs, one being that it is “ haunted ” or the haunt of an “ awful beast ” (a female), called “ Biasd-a- Ghlismdh,'' the leaping, jumping beast!

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 445'

V a t e r n ish , V ad ir n es , etc. The water point or promontory (sea); vatn (mdn, Old Norse for water), a lake or loch, and equals vat in Hebrides, a small loch, e.g., Vattin, q.v. This also given as a river running into Loch Dunvegan, and spelled “ Bhataimis ” ; suggested also vatn ster nish, water place point; ster, a form of setr, a seat, etc. The inhabitants of Vaternish or Waternish, q.v., bear the nickname of “ Na Gait” the cats, also “ Na Sgalaich ” (or Sgalaichean), as being ready to raise a hue and cry against their neighbours, or “ Na Sgallaichean” the bald-headed; but this only a rumour and not vouched for.

V a t n , V a t in , V a t t in , W a t t in , etc. The water, lake or loch (Norse or Icel.). Near Dunvegan, in Duirinish. Vatn appears in at least ten of the Hebridean lochs, in Western Isles chiefly, though “ Sandwood ” in Sutherland and Ross- shire said to equal sand-vatn.

V id ig il l , V ig isgill . Not certain; said to mean Vig-gil or gyll, and to lie between Beinn Meadhonach and Reinn Totaig, in South Bracadale.

Viscovaig. See “ Fiscavaig.”V in sa n a m , V insansam , etc. Not known. Also found given

Unisuisam, Unisusod (1610-1637); in infeftments Winsin- sem. See “ Nesnimanim. This place is in Troternish or Snizort, and a “ Vinsinort ” in Raasay.

V nacladdach (1541) (ung' a chladaich). Shore ounce-land. At Unacille.

V ngow orrow {ung' a bhoro, bhorg). The fort ounce-land.V ngroag (1541), V n g r o ak . Roag ounce-land. Bracadale.V oagryne, V oagyn (1541). Not known.V o a k e r . Not known. A burn or small river in Bracadale.V olobhaig , B h olobhaig . Field bay; vollr, etc., as before.V r isk a ig , U rasgaig . The bay of the “ monster” ; uraisg,

uruisg, a monster, a child of elfin female and a mortal man, ur child, etc. This place is a point, with Sgeir Mor, out therefrom, east of Portree Harbour. Uiridh, also a monster, plural uirichean. See “ Sleat.” Might be a corruption of fuamhar, fuamhaire, a giant, etc. The number of “ monsters ” throughout Skye and the north generally, very


great; one thought to be the devil in the shape of “ half- woman, half-goat,” sometimes called the glaistig, while the uruisg is like a satyr. The word biasd often used for any kind of “ monster,” and the word urraisgean equals “ inundations,” etc., the elements personified. There is a Coire an Uruisg at Loch Katrine. Other words signifying “ (monster,” etc., are arracht, arrachd, a spectre, pigmy, idol, or some aerial phenomemon personified (an riochd); arrachdan, dim., *a fairy. Witches, again, are or were known under the names doiteag, ktorag, and glaisrig; in Ireland many similar terms are said to exist, e.g., far dharrig (fear dearg, the red man), three feet in height, quaintly dressed, and belongs to one district only; again, in Skye there is am fuath, the hated one, demon, or spectre, from uath, terror, etc., hence uath-bhas, uamhas, a death spectre, etc., lit. terrible death; there are also tamhaSg, tàchar, tàcharan, and tachradh, all meaning ghosts, etc.; taskdeh is a “ premonition,” and tàradh, the noises or sounds indicating same; while tàran is the ghost or spirit of an unbaptised child. Most, if not all, of these used to be firmly believed in.

V u sat . Ice island. Isa or Isay, q.v. Been given vuia or wia.

WW a d y . Not known. (In Armoric it signifies a dry water

course.)W a te r lo o . S o called from veteran soldiers resident therein at

one time. A hamlet near Broadford.W aterness , W a t er n ish , etc. Water point or promontory. See

“ Vaternish.” At Loch Dunvegan. Several “ notorieties ” hailed herefrom; Major Neil Macleod was born here; he composed a famous song called “ Oran an t-Saighdeir," the soldiers’ song; see “ Trumpan.” A certain clergyman, not resident, was dubbed “ the Prophet of Waternish ” !

W ater stein , W aterstine , V ateI st e in , etc. The water stone or stone in the water, being Vaterstein Head or Peak Mor, on coast of Duirinish.

W attersay , V atersay . Water place island; vat, vatn, ster, ey.


W gysadder . See “ Uigsader.” In a Gaelic charter by Macdonald of the Isles of lands in Isla (1408), the name Wgasgog occurs, and said by a certain “ authority ” to be untranslateable; it is ucas or ugas vig, u gas gag, or ugas- goc, coal-fish bay; ugsa.

W ia , W ia y , W ie . The island. Numerous different spellings of this word, which is from <pyja, uyea, an island of second magnitude. In Loch Bracadale. Known now as Fuidhiadh; noted or famed for crowberries. One of same name off Benbecula. A temple or the ruins of one said to be on the island off Skye.

W il d e r . Not known; suggested uilt and or, valley place or land, but doubtful.

\W may sometimes read U or F.]

YY e l k ie (Dhealgaidh) . Of thorns, thorny. This is a river,

Allt Dheilgidh or Gheilgidh, which flows through the township of Earlish into Camusbeg, on the south side of Uig Bay, Snizort. Suggested this name genitive of dealg, thorn, etc.

Y o n a, U na. A daughter of King of Lochlann; an island named after her; suggested Iona, but not known.

Y o t . Not known. Found as “ the water of.” On east side of hills in Troternish.

ZZ a ir , Y a ir . Found given in title as “ Zare fishings of Toff na

Tottna.” There is a Yairhead, equalling a cheir eud, or a cheir ead; doubtful. Been supplied as Norse japr-ass, serpent-ridge, but this is a càiridh or weir in Loch Snizort, the largest in Skye. Suggested war, which equals waterfall, spring, etc.; cf. fuaran, uaran, spring-well, the / in fuaran said to have crept in, as in jeagal for eagal, though this is to avoid clashing of vowels a and e in tha eagal arm, I am afraid. Vair found given as a corruption of bheithir, a wild beast, a serpent.

A CHRIOCH

I N D E X

D3>

IN D EX

A

Abhainn, Abhainn, etc., 21. Abhainn a Chaisteil, 22. Abhainn a Ghlinne, 22.Abhainn an Acha’ Leathainn, 23. Abhainn an Asaraidh, 23. Abhainn an Atha Leathainn, 23. Abhainn an Duchamais, 23. Abhainn an Loin Mhoir, 23. Abhainn an Tora, 23.Abhainn an Uil’ Leitir, 23. Abhainn an Uird, 23, 337. Abhainn Ashig, 23.Abhainn ’Bhaile Mheadhonaich,

23.Abhainn Bhot, 23.Abhainn Bhreatal, 24.Abhainn Ceann-Locha, 337. Abhainn Chamns-Fhionnairidh,

24.Abhainn Cheann-Loch-Eiseort,

24.Abhainn Choisleadair, 24. Abhainn Chonnain, 24.Abhainn Cille Mhuire, 24. Abhainn Dhubh Bhreac, 24. Abhainn Easa Dubha, 24. Abhainn Ghlinn Uachdarach, 24. Abhainn Ghremiscaig, 24. Abhainn Haultain, 24.Abhainn Loin a Chlerich, 24. Abhainn Mhor, 24.Abhainn nan Cnoc, 24.Abhainn nan Leac, 24.Abhainn Poll-Losgainn, 24. Abhainn Port na Culaidh, 24. Abhainn Rha, 24.Abhainn Boik, etc., 25.Abhainn Bomasdal, 25.Abhainn Scaipeil, 25. 'Abhainn Sheiseiridh, 25. Abhainn Shlaopain, 25.Abhainn Shniosoirt, 25.Abhainn Threaslain, 25.Abhainn Torra Mhichaig, 25. Abeldoire, 25.

A Bhruaich, 337.Abosd, etc., 25. Acairseid-an-Rudha, 337. Acairseid Chirm, 337.Acairseid Mhor, 302.Achabeg, 25.Achachand, etc., 25.Achacork, etc., 25. Achacoshenach, 337.Acha’ Tagha, 337.Acha’ Toirsgil, 337.Acha’ Mboar, 337.Achadh an Loch, 338.Achadh a Bhicair, 338.Achadh a Chuirn, 25.Achadh or Auch-a-Lochan, 338. Achadh an Eas, 338.Achadh Clann na Faitter, 26. Achadh Eaitear, 26.Achadh Flad, 26.Achadh Leirabhaig, 338.Achadh or Auch Mor, 338. Achadh na Bathachadh, 338. Achnacloich, etc., 338.Achadh nan Gobhar, 26.Achadh or Auch Cathan a

Mhoar, 337.Achadh nan Gallan, 26.Achadh nan Gobhar, 26.Achag, 26.Achaleathan, 26.Achnaguie, 26.Acha-na-h-Anait, 26.Achadh nam Bard, 26. Achananan, etc., 26.Acharnet, 289.Achatraneg, 27.Achnahaneg, 26.Achoistore, 27.Achtalian, etc., 27.Acker side, 27.Aghaidh a Chosnaich, 338. Aigeach, an t-, 27. iAird, etc., 27. Aird’-a-Bhaile-Mhoire, 27.Aird’ a Chomhraig, 27. • ,Aird Bhreac, 27.


Aird Mhor, 338.Aird Keamhar, 838. Airdchuirnish, 338.Airdedorch, 28.Aird Loisgte, 338. Aird-mhic-Ceolain, 28.Aird Shleibhte, etc., 339.Aird Snaosaig, 339.Aird Tearc, 28.Air each Liath nam Bo, 150. Aireach Sleibhteach, 85.Airidh, Airigh, etc., 28.Airidh Aisridh, 28.Airidh an Bssan, 28.Airidh an Fhudair, 29.Airidh an t-Sluic, 29.Airidh a Phuill, 29.Airidh Bhadain, 29.Airidh Chalum ’Ic Ailein, 29. Airidh Charnach, 29.Airidh Chroichdeach, 29.Airidh Corrach, 339.Airidh Dhonn, 29.Airidh Dhonnachaidh, 29.Airidh Dhubh, 339.Airidh Fhalach, 29.Airidh Fhuar, 29.Airidh Ghualachan or Bhuach-

ain, etc., 29.Airidh Loinid, 29, 339.Airidh Luachrach Uige, 29. Airidh Meall Beathaig, 29. Aixidh Mhic Dhaibhidh, 339. Airidh Mhic Iain Ghill, 29. Airidh mo Dhubhaich, etc., 29. Airidh na Capuill, 339.Airidh na Craig, 29.Airidh na Creige, 29.Airidh na Dunach, 30.Airidh na Gobhar, 339.Airidh na Grianan, 339.Airidh na Losgainn, 339.Airidh na Suiridhe, 30, 339. Airidh Neill, 30.Airidh ri Creagan, 339.Airidh Samhraidh, 30.Airidh Una, 30.Ais, etc., 30.Aisk, 30.Aite Maol, 31.Aite-Suidhe Fhinn, etc., 31. Aketil (Burn), 31.Aladh Maol, 31.Alasdair Dubh Gap, 31.Allanish, 31.Allaraidh, 31.Alledonand, 31.Allen, 339.Alligro, 31.

Allt, etc., 31.Allt a Bhealaich or a Bhealaich

Bhric, 32.Allt a Bhile, 32.Allt; a Bhrachaidh, 32.Allt a Bhuiribh, etc., 32.Allt Achaidh Bhig, 32.Allt Achaidh na Caillich, 32. Allt a Chaim, etc., 32.Allt a Chamaidh, 32.Allt a Chamairt, 340.Allt a Chaoich, 32.Allt a Chaorain, etc., 39.Allt a Cheannachain, 340.Allt a Chinn Mhor, 340.Allt a Chlobha, 32.Allt a Choin, 340.Allt a Choire Bhuidhe, 33.Allt a Choire Chatachan, 33. Allt a Choire Ghaistich, 33, 129. Allt a Chro, 33.Allt a Chuain, 33.Allt a Ghairbheid, 33, 340.Allt Agharrach, 340.Allt a Ghille, 33.Allt a Ghille Ghuirm, 36.Allt a Ghleannain, 33.Allt a Ghoirtean, 33.Allt Ailein, etc., 340.Allt Airidh Aiseiridh, 33.Allt Airidh Dhonnachaidh, 33. Allt Airidh Meall Beathaig, 33. Allt Airidh na Cr'iche, 33.Allt Aisridh, 33.Allt a Chrainigil, 33.Allt a Mhaide, 33.Allt a Mhaim, 33.Allt a Mheirlich, 33.Allt a Mhuilinn, 340.Allt Anabhaig, 34, 340.Allt an Daraich, 340.Allt an Doire Daraich, 34.Allt an Domhnaich, 340.Allt an Dubhlan, 340.Allt an Bran, etc., 340.Alltan Fearna, 34.Allt an Fhamhair, 34.Allt an Fhionn-Choire, 34.Allt an Fhudair, etc., 34, 119. Allt an Inbhir, 34.Allt an Loin Bhuidhe, 34.Allt an Loin Ruaidh, 34.Allt an Beoghann, etc., 341.Allt an Sgulain, 34.Allt an Stuic, 341.Allt an Teangaidh, 34, 341.Allt an Tota Mhoir, 34. 1Allt an t-Sabhail, 34.

INDEX 453

Allt an t-Seachrain, 34.Allt an t-Sithein, 34.Allt an t-Sratha Bhig, 34.Allt an t-Suidhe, etc., 34.Allt an Uchd Bhuidhe, 35.Allt Aoidh Mhic Larain, 35. Allt a Phollan Duibh, 35.Allt Ban, 35.Allt Beag, 35.Allt Bealach na Goise, 35, 341. Allt Beinne Deirge, 35.Allt Bessa, 35.Allt Beul-an-atha-ruaidh, 35. Allfc Beul-ath-na-Glaisich, 35. Allt Beul-atha-nan-sac, etc., 35. Allt Bhochaidh, etc., 341.Allt Bhroclaichean, 35.Allt Bhrunigill, 35.Allt Breacach, etc., 35.Allt Buidhe, 35.Allt Cailigearaidh, 341.Allt Caillte, 341.Allt Cairistiona Neill, 35.Allt Ceann-Locha, 341.Allt Chaoich, 35.Allt Chaol-Reithe, 341.Allt Choire or Coire nan Clach,

Allt Choire nan Cuilean, 35.Allt Chracaig, 35.Allt Chreag Uisdein, 35.Allt Clachamais, 35.Allt Cnoc a Charnaich, 35.Allt Cnoc nan Uan, 36.Allt Coir’ a Ghobhainn, 36.Allt Coir’ a ghreadaidh, 36.Allt Coir’ à Ghrunnda, 36.Allt Coir’ a Mhadaidh, 36.Allt Coir’ an Fhaoich, 36, 341. Allt Coire Forsaidh, 36.Allt Coire Gasgain, 341.Allt Coire Lagain, 36.Allt Coire na Banachdich, 36. Allt Coire nam Bruadairean, 36. Allt Coire nan Cuilean, 36.Allt Corrach, etc., 341.Allt Cul-Airidh-Lagain, 36, 342. Allt Culeshader, 36.Allt Dabhoch, etc., 36.Allt Daidh, etc., 36.Allt Daraich, 36.Allt Dearg, 341.Allt Dearg Beag, etc., 36.Allt Dhonnachaidh, 342.Allt Dhughaill, 36, 342.Allt Digeadh, 36, 128.Allt Digeinn, 33.Allt Diubaig, 342.Allt Doire na Criche, 37.

Allt Doire ’n Leich, etc., 37., Allt Dorus Neil, 37.Allt Dryna, etc., 37.Allt Dubhailteach, 37.Allt Duisdeil, 342.Allt Dunaiche, 37.Allt Eas-a-Mhuic, 342.Allt Eire, etc., 37.Allt Eoghainn, 342.Allt Eynord, 37.Allt Fasach, 37.Allt Fearna, 37, 289.AÌlt Fearns, 289.Allt Fiodhach, etc., 342.Allt Fionn-Fhuachd, 37.Allt Garbh Mor, etc., 37.Allt Garraranach, etc., 37.Allt Gead-an-Lin, 342.Allt Gilleasbuig, 37.A Ilf-, Glaic nam Meirleach, 37. Allt Glam, 289.Allt Gleann Horavaig, 342.Allt Gobhlach, 37.Allt Grianach, 342.Allt Grillan, etc., 38.Allt Haich, 38.Allt Hallaig, 289.Allt Hamara, 38.Allt Hornisco, 38.Allt Hunigil, 38.Allt Inbhirarish, 289.Allt Kerra 38.Allt Ketil, 38.Allt Lainish, 38.Allt Leoir, 38.Allt Leth Shithein, 38, 342.Allt Leth Shlighe, etc., 38.Allt Linnidal, 38.Allt Lisigary, 38.Allt Lochain Cxuinn, 38.Allt Lochan Dubh na Brie, 38. Allt Lochan na Saile, 38.Allt Lochan Sgeir, 342.Allt Loch na h-Uamh, 343.Allt Lomag, etc., 38.Allt Luib, 38.Allt Luideig, etc., 38.Allt Luig Mhor, 38.Allt Mainnir a Ghobhar, 38.Allt Manishmore, 289.Allt Measarrach, 39.Allt Mhaodail, etc., 140, 343. Allt Mhartuinn, 39.Allt Mhicmhannain, 39.Allt Mhuilinn-Thuirm, 343.Allt Mor, 39, 343.Allt Mor na Sroine, 39.Allt Muchte or Muchta, 39, 343. Allt Murich, 39.


Allt na Ba Grisionn, 39.Allt na Banachaig, 39.Allt na Ban Sgoileir, 39.Allt na Beiste, 39, 343.Allt na Brae, 289.Allt na Buaile Duibhe, 39.Allt na Camalaig, 39.Allc na Ceann-a-Mhaireach, 313. Allt na Ceardaich, 39.Allt na Chaorain or Chaoirein,

39.Allt na Claise Moire, 39.Allt na Cloiche Bideich, 40. Allt na Coille, 40.Allt na Criopag, 343.Allt na Daraich, 40.Allt na Drochaide baine, 40.Allt na Dunach, etc., 40.Allt na Glaic Criathaich, 40.Allt na Goirbhearran, 40.Allt na Grnagaich, 40.Allt na Guile, 40.Allt na h-Airidhe Duibhe, 40. Allt na h-Airidhe Leachdaich,

40.Allt na h-Artaig, 40.Allt na Leth-Pheighinn, 40.Allt na Luachrach, 40.Allt na Luideach, etc., 41.Allt na Luinge, 41.Allt na Marag, etc., 41.Allt na Meachan, etc., 41.Allt na Measarrach, 41.Allt nam Fitheach, 41.Allt nam Meacan, 344.Allt nam Meirleach, 41.Allt na Mna Mairbh, 41.Allt na Moine, 41.Allt nan Clachan Geala, 41,Allt nan con, 41.Allt nan Criopag, 42.Allt nan Easan Dubha, 42.Allt nan Geal Charn, 42.Allt na Nighigh, etc., 41, 289. Allt na Nighinn, 41.Allt nan Leac, 41.Allt nan Sac, 42.Allt nan Suibheag, 42.Allt nan Suidheachan, 42.Allt nan Tighean, 42.Allt nan Uamha, 344.Allt na Pairce, 42.Allt na Pairce-Fraoich, 344.Allt na Plaide, 42.Allt na Potag, 42.Allt na Prionnsa, 42.Allt na Righeachan or ruidh-

eachan, 42.Allt na Saighe, 42.

Allt na Seiceinear, etc., 42, Allt na Sgeithe Baine, 42. Allt na Smuide, 42.Allt na Teanga Mhor, 344. Allt Osecouland, 42.Allt Peighinn Sobhraig, 42. Allt Poll-a-B baine, 43.Allt Port-na-Cullaidh, 43. Allt Reidh, 43.Allt Reidh-Ghlais, 344.Allt Reireig, 43, 289.Allt Riosdail, etc., 43.Allt Robach, 43.Allt Ruadh, 43.Allt Ruaraidh, etc., 43.Allt Ruidhe, etc., 43.Allt Sgiath-Ban, 342.Allt Shlugainn Dheas, 43. Allt Slapin, etc., 43.Allt Slugain Mheadhoin, 43. Allt Srath-Suardal, 43.Allt Storachan, 43.Allt Suardal, 43.Allt Tarsuinn, 43.Allt Thuill, 344.Allt Tor aig, 43.Allt Tot’ a Chocaire, 43.Allt Tota Thaoig, 43.Allt Uil Leitir, 43.Allt Varragill, 43.Allt Voaker, 43.Allt Yelkie, 44.Alltan Luachrach, 34.Allt an Reidhe Mhoir, 34. Alltan Ruadh, 34.Altair, 44.Altavaig, etc., 44.Amadal, 44.Amar, etc., 44.Am Bealach Breac, 344.Am Braigh, 302.Anabhaig, 44, 344.An Aildunn, 312.An Airidh Fhraoich, 344.An Caol, 289.An Doirneil, 44.An Fhaoilinn, 44.An Fheiste, 44.An Innean, 44.Annat, etc., 44.Annishader, etc., 49.An Roinn, 289.An t-Allt Ruadh, 344.An t-Aodainn Mor, 344.An Teampull, 302.An Tom, 49.An t-Saothair, 344.An t-Sratha Mhoir, 49. Aodann-Clach, 49.

INDEX 455

Aoineasdal, 49.Aosail Sligeach, 312.ATaisg, etc., 345.Ard, etc., 49.Ard an Torrain, 290.Ard Beag, 50.Ard Bhornis, 50.Ardchilan, etc., 345.Axd Dorch, 50.Ardfiech, 50.Ardfreck, etc., 50.Ard Ghunel, etc., 345.Ardglass, 50.Ardhoil, etc., 50.Ard ’Ic Uillicein, etc., 346.Ard Loisgte, 345.A id or Aird Mhic Eolain, etc.,

50.Ardmills, etc., 346.Ardmore, 50.Ard-na-Meacan, etc., 346. Ard-na-Mourcladh, 50.A id nan Athan, 50.Ard nan Eireachd, 50. Ardnathan, 346.Ardnish, 51.A id Roag, 50.Ard Snusaich, 51, 346.Ard Thuirinish, 346. Aricharnich, 51.Axinacraig, 51.Arivilveag, 51.Arlish, 51.Armadale, etc., 346.Arnacnaip, 51.Arnamnl, 51.Arnaval, 51.Arnish, etc., 51, 290. Amishader, 51.Arnisort, etc., 51.Aros, etc., 51.Artbrannan, 51.Asaint, etc., 51.Ascrib, etc., 51.As-da-Bogha, 52.Ashagg, 350.Ashig, etc., 52.Askerin, 52.Askimilruby, etc., 52.Aslag, etc., 350.Assint, Saint, 88.Ath an Inbhire, 53.Ath (a) Ruadh, 53.Ath na Glaissich, 53.Ath nan Sac, 53.Athoraster, etc., 53.Athro, 290.Auchan Swinish, etc., 53. Auchinin, etc., 53.

AuchnabaTd, 53. Aulavaig, 350.Auldali, etc., 290. Auldoe, 53. AultchorryvTeskill, 53. Auskaig, 53.Ausabost, 53.Ausach, 290.Awoynes, 290.Ayre, etc., 187, 290.

B

Bac-a-Chlamhainn, 54. Bac-a-Lethchoin, 54.Bac-a-Rann, 54.Bac (a) Ruadh, etc., 54.Bac na h-Uamha, 54. Badnacarrie, 54.Bad nan Nathraichean, 54.Bagh, 54.Bagh a Mhuilinn, 350.Baghan, 54.Bagh an Dubhaird, 350.Bagh an Inbhire, 290.Bagh Dhuin, 54.Bagh Dun-Ruaige, 54, 350.Bagh nan Gunnaichean, 54. Baile, etc., 54, 350.Bail’ a Chlarsair, 54.Bail’ an Tailleir, 55.Baile Chuirn, 290.Baile Meadhonach, 55. Bailemeanach, 290.Baile Mhic Illeriabhaich, etc.* Baile na h-Acarsaid, 56.Baile Sheorach, 56.Balgown, etc., 56.Balintore, etc., 56.Ballach, etc., 57.Balliechurne, 57.Ballishare, 57.Balmacquien, etc., 57. Balmainish, 57.Balmeanach, etc., 57.Balmore, 57.Balnakeepan, etc., 57, 290. Balnaknock, etc., 57.Balnakitag, 57.Balvichay, 57.Bandarsaig, 57.Baravaig, 350.Bard, etc., 57.Baronesmor, 58.Barpa, etc., 58.Barpannan, 165.Barranasketaig, 57.Barrasgil, 58.


Barr na Luinge, 57.Barvie, 58.Basadaix, 58.Baulheshamul, etc., 58.Bay, 58.Bead, 58.Beal, etc., 58.Bealach, etc., 59. Bealach-a-Beoch, 59.Bealach a Bhaisteir, 59.Bealach a Bhorbhainn, etc., 59. Bealach a Bhuiridh, 59.Bealach Achadh nan Gobhar, 59. Bealach a Chait, 59.Bealach a Chnuic, 350.Bealach a Choisiche, 59.Bealach a Chreagan, 350. Bealach a Chrochaire, 59. Bealach a Chruidh, 60.Bealach a Chuiin, 59.Bealach a Ghlas-Ohoire, 60. Bealach a Ghlinne, 60.Bealach a Ghlinne Ohruaidh,

350.Bealach a Leitir, 60.Bealach a Loch, 351.Bealach Amadal, 60.Bealach a Maig, 351.Bealach a Mhaim, 60.Bealach a Mhor-amhain, etc.,

60.Bealach an Fhidhleir, 60. Bealach an Fhraoich, 60. Bealach an Leacaich, 60.Bealach an Loin, 60.Bealach an Rudha, 60.Bealach an Scard, 60.Bealach an t-Sabhail, 60. Bealach an t-Searraich, 60. Bealach an t-Sionnaich, 60. Bealach an t-Sliachd, etc., 124,

351.Bealach Beag, etc., 60.Bealach bhan, 351.Bealach Bhoirbh, 351.Bealach Bhreatal, 60.Bealach Breac, 351.Bealach Buscaig, etc., 351. Bealach Cam, 60.Bealach ’Chaiplin, 60.Bealach ’Charra, 61.Bealach Coire na Circe, 61. Bealach Coire nan Allt Geala,

61.Bealach Coire Sionnaich, 61. Bealach Colluscard, etc., 61, 131,

135.Bealach Corcisgill, 61.Bealach Cumhang, 61.

Bealach Druim na Saile, 351. Bealach-Eadar-da-Bheinn, 61. Bealach Garbh, 61.Bealach Hartaval, 61.Bealach lag-a-Lochan, 351. Bealach Mharsco, 61.Bealach Mhic Coinnich, 61. Bealach Mosgaraidh, 61.Bealach na Beadan or Beadagan

etc., 62. ’Bealach na Beinne-Brice, 62. Bealach na Beiste, 62.Bealach na Circe, 62.Bealach na Coise, 62.Bealach na Croiche, 62. Bealach-na-Feadan, 62. Bealach-na-Glaice-Moire, 62. Bealach-na-Greigh Leim, 351. Bealach-na-h-Airidh Duibhe, 35] Bealach-na-h-Airidh-Mhurain, 62 Bealach-na-h-Imrich, 62. Bealach-na h-Iubhraich, 351. Bealach-na Laire Duibhe, 351. Bealach-na-Lice, 62. Bealach-na-Maighdinn, 62. Bealach-na-Maithreachainn, etc.,

62.Bealach-nam-Bothan, 62. Bealach-na-Moine, 62. Bealach-na-Mulachag, 62. Bealach-nan-Cabar, 62. Bealach-nan-Carn, 62, 351. Bealach-nan-Cas, 62. Bealach-nan-Clach, 63. Bealach-nan-Gobhar, 63. Bealach-nan-Uraisg, 63. Bealach-na-Ramh, 63. Bealach-na-Seana-Ghid, 351. Bealach-na-Sgairde, 63.Bealach Odal, etc., 352:Bealach Ruadh, 63.Bealach Sporaig, 63.Bealach Thais, 63.Bealach Tholl, 352.Bealach Uachdarach, 63.Bealach Uig, 63.Bealach TJilleam, 63.Bealach Yarkasaig, 63.Beann, etc., 63.Beannachain, 65.Beann Aketil, 66.Bearnaig, etc., 65.Beinn a Bhaisteir, 65.Beinn a Bhraghad, 65.Beinn a Bhrac, etc., 65.Beinn achadh nam Bard, 65. Beinn a Chait, 65.Beinn a Chapuill, etc., 65, 290.

INDEX 457

Beinn a Charn, 65.Beinn a Chleite, 65.Beinn a Chlerich, 65.Beinn a Chonich, 65.Beinn a Chraoich, 65.Beinn a Chro, 65.Beinn a Chionasko, 65.Beinn a Deas, 65.Beinn a Gharbhlaich, 65.Beinn a Ghobha, etc., 66.Beinn a Ghuail, 66. Beinn-a-Huillin, 66.Beinn Ainneart, Eynord, 66. Beinn Allarnish, 66.Beinn Alask, 352.Beinn Alligin, etc., 66.Beinn a Mheadhoin, 66.Beinn an Cruachan, 66.Beinn an Dubhaich, etc., 66. Beinn an Dubh Leathaid, 66. Beinn an Dubh Lochain, 66. Beinn an Duine, 67.Beinn an Eoin, 67.Beinn an Fhraoich, 67.Beinn an Laoigh, 67.Beinn an Loch, etc., 67.Beinn an Righ, 67.Beinn an Sgumain, 67.Beinn an Teallaich, 67.Beinn an t-Seasgaich, 67.Beinn an Uisge, 67.Beinn a Sga, 67.Beinn Aslag, etc., 352.Beinn Belig, etc., 67.Beinn ’Bhac-Ghlais, 67.Beinn Bhallach, 67.Beinn Bhaonish, etc., 67.Beinn Bhatain or Bheatain, 67. Beinn Bheag, 67, 352.Beinn Bhochdaich, etc., 352. Beinn Bhoidheach, 67.Beinn Bhradh, 68, 352.Beinn Bhrat-ri-Breac, 68.Beinn Bhreac, 68, 352.Beinn Bhuall, 68.Beinn Bhuidhe, etc., 68.Beinn Bhuirbh, 68.Beinn Blaven, 68.Beinn Brogaskil mor agus Beag,

68.Beinn Charn, 313.Beinn Charnach, 68. Beinnchoineach, etc., 68.Beinn Choire nan Earb, 68. Beinn Chorran, 68.Beinn Chracaig, 69, 141.Beinn Chreagach, 68.Beinn Chuillin, etc., 68.Beinn Cleat, 68.

Beinn Connan, etc., 68.Beinn Corkeval, 68.Beinn Crapan, 69.Beinn Cruachan, 69.Beinn Culeshader, 69.Beinn Deanavaig, etc., 69.Beinn Dearg Beag agus Mor,

etc., 69. *Beinn Dhubh Leathan, 69, 352. Beinn Diabaig, 70.Beinn Dianabhaig, 153.Beinn Dulaid, 352.Beinn Duthaich, 70.Beinn Eachann am Bard, 70. Beinn Earr-na-Meall, 70.Beinn Easaidh, 70.Beinn Edra, etc., 70.Beinn Eristan, 70.Beinn Ettew, etc., 70.Beinn Fad, etc., 70.Beinn Falaisge, 70.Beinn Feur, 352.Beinn Fhionabhaig, 70.Beinn Fhuar, 70.Beinn Fidhleir, 352.Beinn Forsan, 70.Beinn Frochdai, etc., 70.Beinn Gaskin, 70, 352.Beinn Geary, etc., 70.Beinn Ghille-Choinnich, 70. Beinn Ghorm, 71.Beinn Glamaig, etc., 71.Beinn Guidad, 71.Beinn Hallstra, etc., 71.Beinn Hee, 71.Beinn ’Ic Askill, 71.Beinn Idrigil, 71.Beinn Leagach, 71.Beinn Lee, etc., 71.Beinn Loch-a-Mhuilinn, 313. Beinn Maellan, 71, 352.Beinn Meabost, 71.Beinn Mheadhonach, 72.Beinn Mhic Uilleim, 72.Beinn Mhoraig, 72.Beinn Moine, 72.Beinn na Boineid, 72.Beinn na Broclaich, 72.Beinn na Caillich, etc., 72, 352. Beinn na Cloiche, 72.Beinn na Coinich, 72.Beinn na Corrafidheag, 72.Beinn na Cro, 72.Beinn na Croiche, 72.Beinn na Cuinneig, 73.Beinn na Cuithean, 73.Beinn na Duin, 73.Beinn na Feoraig, 73.Beinn na Frithe, 73.


Beinn na Gaoithe, 73..Beinn na Greine, 73.Beinn na Grianan, etc., 73. Beinn na h-Iolaire, 290, 303. Beinn nam Brodaich, 73.Beinn na Meall, 73.Beinn na Nathraichean, 74. Beinn nan Caorach, 313.Beinn nan Capull, 74.Beinn nan Cuileagan, 74.Beinn nan Cuithean, 73.Beinn nan Dubh-Lochan, 74. Beinn na Neimhe, 74.Beinn nan Leac, 290.Beinn na Ree, 74.Beinn na Seamraig, 352.Beinn nin, etc., 74.Beinn Ore, 74.Beinn Reidh Bheag, 313.Beinn Reireig Beag, 290.Beinn Rionn-na-Meall, 74.Beinn Roishader, 74.Beinn Sea, etc., 74.Beinn Scoebhal, 74.Beinn Scudaig, 74.Beinn Sgaalan, 74.Beinn Sgumain, 74.Beinn Sheilg, 74.Beinn Sheimearach, 74.Beinn Shuardal, etc., 74.Beinn Skriag, etc., 74.Beinn Soraig, 74.Beinn Staic, 74.Beinn Store, 74.Beinn Stuc-na-Meall, 75.Beinn Talan, 75.Beinn Thuaithealain, 75.Beinn Tianabhaig, etc., 75, 153. Beinn Toirlean, etc., 75.Beinn Tote, 75.Beinn Trealan, 75.Beinn Tuath, 75.Beinn Uighshader, 75.Beinn Uilleim, 75.Beinn Vatten, 75.Beinn Vokie, 75.Beinn Yolovaig, etc., 76.Beinn VoTe-Scowe, 75.Beinn Vratabreck, 75.Belfinlay, 75.Belig, 75.Bellach, 75.Benelta, 75.Benesson, 75.Beraig, 353.Berkisto, 75.Bernera, etc., 76.Bernisdale, etc., 76.Beul or Bial, 76.

Beul a Chomhraig, 76.Beni an Garbh, 353. Beul-Ath-Domhain, 76. Benl-Atha-Garbh, 353. Beul-Ath-Caisteal, 76. Beul-Ath-Leacach, 76.Beul-Atha Maighstir Niall, 353. Benl-Ath-na-Glaissich, 76. Beul-Ath-na-Mairbh, 76, 353. Beul-Ath-na-Meirlich, 76. Beul-Atha Rogach, 353. Beul-Ath nan Tri Allt, etc., 76. Beul-Ath Sac, 76.Beul Brataig, 77.Beul na Beiste, 77.Beul na h-Amadaig, 77. Beulnahua, etc., 77.Beul na Seolaid, 77.Bharkasa, 77.Bharkasaig, 77.’Bhathaich, 77.Bhatoranish, 77.’Bhuaile Ruadh, 77.Bidean, etc., 77.Bidein Carstael, 77.Bidein Druim nan Ramh, 77. Bidein na h-Iolaire, 77. Biggeaxy, etc., 77.Bil, etc., 77.Bina, 78.Binscard, 78.Bioda, 78.Bioda Ban, 78.Bioda Bhiorain, 78.Bioda Buidhe, 78.Biod a Chaim, 78.Biod a Chait, 353.Biodachan, Biodagan, 78.Biod a Chlamhain, 353.Biod a Choltraiche, 78.Bioda Dedaig, 78.Biod a Ghoill, etc., 78.Bioda Mor, etc., 78.Biod an Aoil, 78.Biod an Athaix, 78.Biodan Fear an or Feuran nan

Cailleach, 78.Biod an Fhithich, 78.Biod Fionnach, 78.Biod Sgiath na Corraghribhich,

79.Blabheinn, etc., 79.Blaighe, 79.Blar a Bhuailte, 79.Blar a Chuspair, 79.Blar a Loch, 79.Blar an Dorain, etc., 79.Blar an t-Siorram, 80.Blar Buidhe, 80.

INDEX 459

Blar-Milleadh-Garaidh, 80. Blar na Dige, 353.Blath Lon, 80.Bo, Bodha na Currachie, 291. Bo, Bodha Leachan, 291.Bo, Bodha Leadran, 291.Bo, Bodha na Faochag, 291. Boc-a-Chra-Bhric, etc., 80.Bo Charrarich, 81.Bochter, 291.Boc-na-Caillich, 80.Bodach an Duine, 80.Bodha, 80.Bodha-Sron-an-Tairbh, 80. Bodh’ Eilean, 80.Bogartallis, 80.Bogha, Am, etc., 80.Bogha, Beag, 81.Bogha Chairstich, etc., 353. Bogha Charrach, 81.Bogha Chille Bhride, 81.* Bogha Darach, 353.Bogha Hunish, 81.Bogha Leacan, 81.Bogha na Fanachd, 81.Bogh’ an t-Sasunnaich, 81.Bo, Bogh Eilean, 80.Bogha na Gruagaich, 81. Bogha na Sgeire, 81.Bogha Ruadh, 81.Bogha Shligachan, 81.Bogha Sron an Tairbh, 80. Bogha Voreven, etc., 81. Bohenuil, etc., 81.Boineid an Fheidh, 81. Boisdale, 81.Bolenhxie, etc., 81.Bolvean, etc., 81.Bonamuck, 81.Bonia, 81.Bonnistadt, 81.Bonsture, 81.Boradale, etc., 81, 291. Borbh-na-Sgiotaig, etc., 82. Bord a Chaim, 84.Bord Cruinn, 84.Bord Meadhonach, 84.Bord Mhic-Dhomhnuill, 84. Boreraig, etc., 84.Boreray, 85.Borlan, etc., 86.Borlick, 86.Bornaskitaig, etc., 86. Borradaill, 87.Borra Feitheach, 87.Borrage, etc., 87.Borraness, etc., 87.Borve, etc., 87.Bothag-Airigh an Duine, 87.

Bothan-Airigh, 87.Boust hill, 88.Bracadale, etc., 88.Brae Stein, 89.Brae-an-t-Shaer, 89.Braebost, etc., 89.Braeinort, 89.Bragler, 89.Braigh a Bhaird, 385.Braigh’ Aluinn, 89.Braigh’ an Duin, 89.Braigh’ an Fhasaich, 89.Braighe, Am, 89.Braighe Bhran, 89.Braighe Coille na Droighniche,

89.Braighe na Cloiche, 89.Braighe Sgulamuis, 90. Brandersaig, 90.Braon a Mheallain, 90. Brayhairport, etc., 90.Breabost, 89, 90.Breacach, Am, 90.Breac-Bheinn, 90.Breachay, etc., 90.Breag, 303.Breakish, 90.Breckill, 90.Breckray, etc., 90.Breeklane, 90.Bretil, etc., 90.Breun Phort, 91.Brish Mheall, etc., 91. Bristeadh-Coire-Bog, 91.Bro, etc., 91.Broadford, etc., 91.Broc-Bheinn, etc., 91.Brochel, etc., 291.Brogaig, 91.Brogaskil, etc., 91.Broisgill, 91.Brolas, 91.Brolokit, 91.Bronachar, etc., 91.Bronnill, 91.Brora, 91.Broradell, 292.Bmach-na-Free, etc., 92.Bruach nam Bo, 92.Bruaich, 354.Bruaich an Fheadain, 354. Bruaich Gheala, 92.Bruaich Loch Dhughail, 354. Bruaich Ruaidh Cheannloch,

354.Bruccairre, 92.Brugh, etc., 92.Brugh Farala, 92.Brughvig, 92.


Brunal, etc., 92.Brundestot, etc., 92.Bxunigil, 92.Bxuthach America, 354. Bruthach an Eas, 354. Bruthach Buaile-an-Tuir, 92. Bruthach na Breac-Bheinn, 92. Bruthach na Glaice, 92. Bruthach nam Broc, 354. Bruthaichean Breaca, 354.Bu, 92.Buabisgill, 92.Buachaille Breige, 93.Buaile, 93.Buaile a Bheathain, 93.Buaile a Bhideachain, 93. Buaile a Bhreacraidh, 93. Buaile a Choircidh, 93.Buaile Airigh nan Gillean, 93. Buaile an Eas, 354.Buaile an Fharaidh, 93.Buail’ an Triaoin, 93.Buaile an t-Sagaixt, 93.Buaile an t-Slugain, 93.Buaile an Tuie, 93.Buaile Bhan, 93.Buaile Bhlair, 93.Buaile Bhuidhe, 354.Buaile Charrain, 93.Buaile Chronain, 93.Buaile Chruaidh, 93.Buaile Dhiaxmaid, 93.Buaile Dhomhain, 93.Buaile Dhomhnullan, 94.Buaile Dhubh Ard, 94.Buaile Earnastachd, 94.Buaile Ghaorra, 94.Buaiie Hoabhal, 94.Buaile Horsa, 94.Buaile Leogadad, 94.Buaile Lianadail, 94.Buaile na Beinne, 94.Buaile na Ceardach, 94.Buaile na Clise, 94.Buaile na Fala, 94.Buaile na Feadag, etc., 94. Buaile na h-Aghaidh, 94. Buaile nam Biorrach, 94. Buaile Phuill Ghuirm, 94. Buaile Ruadh, 354.Buaile Smiogaid, 94.Buaile Thuirm, 354.Buaile Ur, 354.Buaile Yic-Uspaid, 94. Buailintur, etc., 94.Buailtean Chuidhesta, 95. Budha Beag, 354.Budha Dubh, 354.Budha ’n Fheoir, 354.

Budha nam Ban, 354.Budha Ni Lachlain, 354.Bugh or Bugha, 92, 95.Bugha Bhraoin, 95.Bugh or Bugha Chomhraig, 95. Bugha Dhunachaidh, 95.Bugha Leathann, 95.Bugha na Cabaig, 95.Bugha nan Damh, 95.Bugha nan Eun, 95.Bugh na Muc, 95.Bugh Othaidh, 95.Bugh Saltair, 95.Bugh Shabhail, 95. Bughuibiskile, 95.Bun an Uillt, 95.Bunastabhaig, 354.Burrough, etc., 95.Buth, Bu, or Bogh’ Chlerich,

355.Buyamore, etc., 95.

0(See also K .)

Ca-Ar, 355.Cachaileith a Chibir, etc., 355. Cachaileith Righ da Uilleann, Cachlaidh Ruadh, 96.Cadalan, 96.Cadh’ a Bhara, 96.Cadh’ a Chumain, 96.Cadh’ a Ghradanaidh, 96.Cadh’ an Alltain, 96.Cadh’ an Domhnaich, 355.Cadh’ an Duine, 355.Cadh’ an Eich, 355.Cadh’ an t-Saighdear, 96.Cadha Caol, 355.Cadh’ Iain Mhic Alasdair, 355. Cadha Leathann, 355.Cadha Mhara, 96.Cadha Mor, 355.Cadha na Gaibhre, 96.Cadha na h-Iomaire, 355.Cadha nan Caorach, 96.Cadha nan Each, 96.Cadha nan Gamhna, 96.Cadha nan Ingrean, etc., 96. Cadha nan Ord, etc., 355.Cadha nan Staimh, 356.Cadha ’n Tuill, 96.Cadha'Ramasgair, 96.Cadha Ruadh, 356.Cadha Sgumain, 356.Cadhar Ruadb, 96, 104. Caexvalloch, 96, 105.Caigin, Poxt, etc., 97.Cailleach, etc., 97.

INDEX 461

Cailleachan, Na, 97.Cailleach Bheux, etc., 97. Caipleach, 97.Caiplin, 97.Cairidh, 97, 102, 194.Cairidh Ghlumaig, 97.Cairidh na Ceann, 97.Cairidh na Lathaich, 97.Cairidh nan Ob, 98.Cairidh Shnisort, etc., 98. Caisteal Disdein, 98.Caisteal Dubh nan Cliar, 98. Caisteal Dunakyne, 98.Caisteal Eoghainn, 98.Caisteal Kilmorocht, 292. Caisteal Maol, etc., 98.Caisteal nam Faochag, 98. Caisteal Uisdein, 99, 148. Callaybost, 99.Calligarry, etc., 356.Caiman, 99.Calum maol Chomhail, 100. Caluraidh, 108.Camagach, 99.Camalag, etc., 99.Camalan, An, 357.Cama Lon, 99.Cam’ Allt, 357.Camastac, 99.Cambusmore, 99.Camisketil, 99.Camloch, etc., 99.Cammes, etc., 357.Cam na Faa, 357.Camus-Abhaig, 357.Camus a Chaise, 357.Camus Aigh Bhig, 357.Camus a Mhor Bheoil, 99.Camus a Mhuilt, 357.Camus a Mhuran, 99.Camus an Fheidh, 99.Camus an t-Saile Luthair Furra,

100.Camus Bail’ an Eaglais, 292. Camus Ban, 100.Camus Baravaig, 358.Camus Beag agus Mor, 100. Camuscross, etc., 358.Camus Darach, 358.Camus Eorna, 100 Camus Garbh, 100 Camus Geadais, 100.Camus Holoman, 292. Camushorn, 100.Camus Lagain, 100.Camus Leathan Nodha, 358. Camus Lianadal, 100. Camuslusta, 100.Camus Malag, etc., 100.

Camus Mor Bheoil, 100. Camusmor, 100, 292.Camus na Cille, 100.Camus na Feithean, 99, 100. Camus na Fisteadh, 313.Camus na Geadaig, 358.Camus na-h-Anait, 100.Camus na h-Uamha, 101.Camus na Leth-Pheighinn, 101. Camus na Sgianadain, 101. Camus na Totadh, 101.Camus nam Muel, etc., 101. Camus nan Faochag, 101.Camus nan Gall, 101.Camus nan Sithean, 101.Camus nan Uisgeachan, 101, 313 Camustianavaig, etc., 101. Camusunary, etc., 101. Camususta, 102.Canamoir, 358.Canna, etc., 102.Caolas an Lamhachaidh, 358. Caol Bhraigh, 102.Caol Mor, 102.Caol Eona, 303.Capach, 102.Capistle, etc., 358.Caplach, 102.Caradh, etc., 102.Carbost, etc., 102.Car larach, 102.Carnach na Guaille, 102. Carnach a Roimh, 102.Carnan, etc., 103.Carnan a Rumaich, 358.Carn an t-Seachrain, 358.Carn nan Eun, 292.Carn Breac, 358.Carn Chaluim, 102.Carn Choin, 102.Carn Dearg, 102, 358.Carn Liath, 102.Carn, Meaning of, 104.Carn Mhagarain, 102.Carn Mor, 102.Carn na Bodach, etc., 103.Carn na Caillich, 103.Carnach, 103.Carn na h-Ighinn, 103. Carnaich, 103.Carnanaich, 103.Carn nan Each, 103.Carnan ’Ic an t-Sagairt, 103. Carnan Mairi, 103.Carnan Tarmaid, etc., 103.Carn nan Tri Torcaill, 103. Carn nan Tri Tormaid, 103. Carn na Sionnaich, 358. Carneborg, etc., 103.


Cam Sgoir, etc., 104.Carn Urugag, 104.Cam Vreid, 104.Caroy, 104.Carrabus, 102.Carrachan, 104.Carr a Chrom, 104.Carradale, etc., 359.Carraig Mhor, 104.Carraig na h-Arm, 359.Carraig Shleamhain, 104.Casgil, etc., 104.Castleton, 359.Cata, 104.Catha or Cadha, 104.Catha Ghradanaidh, 104.Catha na Beiste, 105.Catha nan Gamhna, 105. Cathadh Criochadh, 105. Ceallaichean, Na, etc., 105, 142. Ceall Bhuidhe, 105.Ceallurach, 108. Ceann-a-Bhaidhe, 105. Ceann-a-Chnoc, 105. Ceann-a-Chuirn, 105. Ceann-a-Gharaidh, 105.Ceann Loch-na-Dailich, 359. Ceannaiche Mhic Leoid, etc.,

105.Ceann Caol, 105.Ceann Cnoc na h-Acairseid, 105. Ceann Dhunbheagain, 106.Ceann Mhor Mhic Leoid, 106. Ceann-na-Beinne, 106. Ceannsaileidhre, etc., 106.Ceann Tomain, 106.Ceann TJachdarach, 106.Ceapach, etc., 106, 142. Ceapanach, etc., 106.Cearcall, etc., 107.Cearn nan Tri Torcaill, 106. Ceum a Chaora Chaim, 359. Ceum Carrach, etc., 104, 106. Ceum na Caora Duibhe, 107. ’Chachailaidh Dhubh, 85. Chaisteal, A, 141.’Chama-Reidh, 359.’Chamaird, 359.’Channaid, 313.’Chaol, etc., 313.’Cheannaiche, 105. ’Cheann-Mhuir, etc., 107. ’Chearc, 107.’Cholaraich, 359.’Chorra Bheinn, 107.’Chriarach, 107.’Chroic, 107.’Chroshener, etc., 107.’Chuilionn, etc., 107.

’Chruinne-Bhuail’ , 359.Ciche na Beinne Deirge, 108.Cill (also K), 108.Cill Ashig, etc., 108.Cillchrist, etc., 108.Cille Comghain, etc., 108. Cill-da-Bhi, 109.Cill Eadhna, 109.Cill Eoghain, etc., 109.Cill Eochaidh or Egbert, 109. Cille-MarTuidh, 109.Cille Mhartuinn, 109.Cill-Mhor, 108.Cille Mhuire, 109.Cilltaraglan, etc., 109. Cinnseborg, etc., 109.Cioch a Sgumain, 110.Cioch na Beinne Deirge, 110. Ciostal, etc., 110.Cipein, Na, 110.Cireabosd, etc., 110.Circwaig, etc., 110.Cirean, An, 110.Cirean Thormaid, 110.Cisteagan, Na, 110. Cist-vaen-maen, 110.Clab Salach, 110.Clach a Bhathaidh, 110.Clach a Chailleach, 134.Clach a Charra, etc., 110, 116. Clach a Chipein, 110.Clach a Chrubain, 115.Clach a Chruinneachaidh, 110. Clach a Ghiomaich, 110.Clach a Mhodha, 111, 115. Clachamish, etc., 111.Clachan, etc., 111.Clachan Coir Fhinn, 111.Clach an Drama or Droma, 111. Clach an Fhithich, 111, 115, 143. Clach an Fhuarain, 111.Clachan Greanigil, 111.Clach an Leabhar, etc., 112. Clachan Tigh Raasaidh, 292. Clach an t-Sagairt, 112.Clach an t-Shair, 112, 113.Clach an t-Siubhal, 112.Clach an Turramain, 112. Clachan Uaine, 112.Clach Ard, etc., 112.Clach a Rossaich, 112.Clach Bhatair, 112.Clach Chraigisgean, etc., 112. Clach-Chraoibh Iain ’Ic Thear-

laich, 360.Clach Chrotach, 113.Clach Deuchainn, 112, 113.Clach Dhearg, 116.Clach Dhonnachaidh, 360.

INDEX 463

Clach Dhubh, 113.Clach Fuileach, etc., 113.Clach Ghlas, 113.Clach Ghlas Chaluim-Chille,

113.Clach Ghlunach, etc , 113.Clach Leam, 114.Clach Luath, etc., 360.Clach Mhic Corchil, 114.Clach MhicCuien, etc., 114. Clach Mhor a Gharbh Bhlair, Clach na Boineide, 114.Clach na Breige, 114.Clach na Comhairle, 114, 119. Clach na Cruailean, 115.Clach na h-Aide, 114, 115.Clach na h-Anait, etc., 115. Clach nan Crubag, etc , 115. Clach nan Ramh, etc., 115. Clach nan Sgarbh, 115.Clach na Phog, 115.Clach na Saothraich, 115.Clach Oscair, 115.Clach Rathad, 116.Clach Tholl, etc., 360.Clachvan, 112.Cladach a Ghlinne, 116. Cladh-a-Chamuis, 111. Cladh-Mhanich, 116.*Claigean, etc., 116, 360.Clam, etc., 293.Claonagan, Na, 117.Clay Vaig, 116.Cleadale, 116.Cleap, etc., 116.Cleat, etc., 116.Cleireach, An, 117.Clifeag, 117.Clinigin, etc., 117.Cnap, 117.Cnap an Roin, 117.Cneapailte, 360.Cnoc, etc., 117.Cnoc a Bhonnaich, 361.Cnoc a Bhraghad, 361.Cnoc a Chadhair, 361.Cnoc a Charnaich, 117.Cnoc a Charran, 117.Cnoc a Chatha, 117.Cnoc a Chearstach, etc., 361. Cnoc a Chlachain, 117.Cnoc a Chleachda, 227.Cnoc a Chomhairle, 119.Cnoc a Chraigile, 117.Cnoc a Chridhe, 361.Cnoc a Chrochadair, 118,Cnoc or Crac a Chxochaidh, etc.,

118.Cnoc a Chruachain, 118.

Cnoc a Chmidh, 118.Cnoca Fuara, 118.Cnoc a Ghaibh-Uillt, 118.Cnoc Airigh Bheag, 227.Cnoc Airigh Chaluim, 118.Cnoc Airigh Lachluinn, 118. Cnoc Airigh Mhic Dhaibhidh,

361.Cnoc Airigh na Cailliche, 118. Cnoc Alainn, etc., 118.Cnoc Altair, 118.Cnoc a Mhadaidh-Ruaidh, 118. Cnoc a Mheirlich, 118, 227.Cnoc a Mhoid, 119.Cnoc an Annlainn, 227.Cnoc an Dobhrainn, 227.Cnoc an Droma, 119.Cnoc an Eiric, 119.Cnoc an Fhaire, 119.Cnoc an Fhaireachaidh, 119. Cnoc an Fheorlan, 119.Cnoc an Fhliuchaidh, 119.Cnoc an Fhradhairc, 119, 227. Cnoc an Fhraoich-Shiamain, 119,

361.Cnoc an Fhreacadan, 119.Cnoc an Fhudair, 119.Cnoc an h-Ip, 120.Cnoc an Iadaich, 120.Cnoc an Iorna, 361.Cnoc an Lin, 227.Cnoc Biorach, 227.Cnocan Biorach, 364.Cnocan Carrach, 121.Cnocan an Comhairle, 364. Cnocan Leathann, 120.Cnoc Lingaill, 227.Cnoc an Loch Mhaodail, 361. Cnoc an Oir, 120.Cnoc an Ratha, 293.Cnoc an Sgumain, 361.Cnoc an Smuididh, 120.Cnoc an Teampuill, 361.Cnoc an Tinne, 120.Cnoc an Tobar, 362.Cnocantoul, etc., 121, 362.Cnoc an t-Sagairt, 121, 362. Cnoc Flasgair, 227.Cnoc na Caillich, 227.Cnoc na Ciste, 120.Cnoc na Cuibhle, 227.Cnoc na Miurag, 227.Cnocan nan Gillean, 120.Cnocan nan Gobhar, 120.Cnoc an Rath, etc., 120.Cnoc an Taibhse, 121, 124.Cnoc an Taighe Mhoir, 120.Cnoc an Tein’ Aighear, 121.Cnoc an t-Sithean, 121.

464 PLACE-NAMES OE SKYE

Cnoc an Uairidh, 362.Cnoc an Ughlain, 362.Cnoc an Ungaidh, 362.Cnoc a Eoladh, 121, 125.Cnoc a Sga, 121.Cnoc Bealach na Coise, 121. Cnoc Beal an Atha Ruaidh, 121. Cnoc Buaile na Stocain, 362. Cnoc Caise, 362.Cnoc Carrach, 121.Cnoc Ceart, 121.Cnoc Cruinn, 121.Cnoc Cubhra, 227.Cnoc Dhomhnuill-a-Cheannan,

121.Cnoc Dubh Mor, 362.Cnoc Duin, 121.Cnoc Eoghainn, 122,Cnoc Fadail, etc., 122.Cnoc Falaisg, 122.Cnoc Fall, etc., 122.Cnoc Feall, 363.Cnoc Feannaig, etc., 122.Cnoc Fhradharc, 363.Cnoc Fionn, 363.Cnoc Fuar, 122.Cnoc Gaidheal, etc., 122.Cnoc Garsin, 122.Cnoc Ghorm-Shuil, 227.Cnoc Ghrianan, 227.Cnoc Glac-na-Luachrach, 122. Cnoc Glas Heila, 122.Cnoc Greshan, 122.Cnoc Ho Abalag, 122.Cnoc Ildeachain, 122.Cnoc ’Ille Dhubhan, etc., 122. Cnoc Leathann, 122.Cnoc Loisgte, 122.Cnoc Mairi Ni’nn Iain, 123.Cnoc Mhalagan, etc., 100, 363. Cnoc Mhaoldomhnaich, 227.Cnoc Mhartainn, 123.Cnoc Mhic Dhiarmaid, 123.Cnoc or Cnocan Mhic Iain, etc.,

123.Cnoc Moine, 363.Cnoc Mor Ceannsaleidhre, 123. Cnoc Mor Riasal, 123.Cnoc na Braclaich, 123.Cnoc or Cnocan na Buachailean,

123.Cnoc na Buaile Carnach, 123. Cnoc na Cachaile, 123.Cnoc na Caillich, 123.Cnoc na Ceardaich, 363.Cnoc na Cille, 123.Cnoc na Ciste, 123.Cnoc na Coile Beithe, 123.Cnoc na Corraig, 363.

Cnoc na Croich, etc., 363.Cnoc na Croise, 227.Cnoc na Cubhaige, 123.Cnoc na Fuarachd, 363.Cnoc na Gaoithe, 123.Cnoc na Grugaich, etc., 363. Cnoc na h-Acairseid, 363.Cnoc na h-Airighe, 123.Cnoc na h-Athachan, 363.Cnoc na h-Easgainn, 227.Cnoc na Eighich, 123.Cnoc na h-Eireann, etc., 124. Cnoc na h-Ighneag, 363.Cnoc na h-Innse, 227.Cnoc na h-Iolalre, 124.Cnoc na Ho, 124.Cnoc na Loch, 124.Cnoc na Maraig, 124.Cnoc nam Braonain, 124.Cnoc nam Buachailean, 364. Cnoc nam Fitheach, 124.Cnoc na Moguill, 124. - Cnoc nan Call Ard ’us Iosal,

124.Cnoc nan Caorach, 227.Cnoc nan Capull, 124, 227.Cnoc nan Con, 364.Cnoc nan Corr, 364.Cnoc nan Croisean, 364.Cnoc nan Gillean, 364.Cnoc nan Gobhar, 364.Cnoc nan Laogh, 227.Cnoc nan Sgrath, 364.Cnoc nan Speireag, 124.Cnoc nan Suirichean, 227.Cnoc nan Taibhs’, 124.Cnoc nan Uan, 124.Cnoc na Paidire, etc., 124.Cnoc na Pairce, 124.Cnoc na Sgairneal, 124, 125. Cnoc na Sgallaich, etc., 124. Cnoc na Sgeithe Baine, 125. Cnoc na Sgradh, 125.Cnoc na Smeorach, 125.Cnoc Ollaig, 364.Cnoc Raisg, 125.Cnoc Boll, etc., 125, 227.Cnoc Euamhair, etc., 125.Cnoc Sartail, 227.Cnoc Sartair, 125.Cnoc Satran, 125.Cnoc Seunt, 125, 293.Cnoc Sgarall, etc., 125.Cnoc Sgiathan, 364.Cnoc Simid, 125.Cnoc Siniseachan, 227.Snoc Slapain, 125.Cnoc Steud, 125.Cnoc thriallain, 125.

INDEX 465

Cnoc Torra Mhoir, 125.Cnocan Biorach, 364.Cnocan Doan, 364.Cnocan Leathrach, 364.Cnocan na Comhairle, 364. Cnogan, An, etc., 125, 149. Cnotag, 113.Cocaire, 125.Coileach Ghlamaig, 125. Coille-Gar bhlaich, 126.Coille Ghuail, 126.Coille Mot, 126.Coille na Grula, 126.Coille Sgideil, 126.Coille Uisdean, etc., 126. Coillore, 126.Coire, etc., 126.Coir’ a Chaisteil, 126, 129. Coir’ a Chaorainn, 127.Coir’ a Chroin, 127.Coir’ a Chrnachain, 127.Coir’ a Chruidh, 127.Coir’ a Ghobhainn, 127.Coir’ Ghrannda, 127.Coir’ a Ghrunnda, etc., 127. Coir’ Airighe na Suiridhe, 127. Coir’ Allt a Ghille, etc., 127. Coir’ an Garbh Choire, 128. Coir’ an Lochain, 128.Coir’ Anna Bhig, 128.Coir’ an Uaigneis, 128. Coireachan Ruadha, 127. Coireagan, Na, 127.Coireag Mhor, 127.Coir’ Amadal, 127.Coire, Am Fraoch, etc., 128. Coire, Am Fuar, 128.Coir’ a Mhadaidh, 128.Coire Bhasadair, etc., 128. Coire Buidhe, 128.Coire Chaiplin, 128.Coire Chaise, etc., 128.Coire Chara, 128.Coire Chatachan, etc., 128. Coire Cheadain, 129.Coire Choinnich, 129.Coire Chriostal, 129.Coire Daraich, 129.Coire Dunaiche, etc., 129. Coire Easgeasgain, 129.Coire Faoin, 129.Coire Fhearchair, 129.Coire Fhinn, 127, 129, 140. Coire Forsaidh, 129.Coire Gaisgeaeh, etc., 129. Coire Gaisteach, etc., 129. Coire Gharbh, 130.Coire Ghasgain, 364.Coire Ghorm, 130.

Coire Ghreeta, etc., 130.Coire Iaghain, 130.Coire Iomhair, etc., 130.Coire Labain, 130.Coire Luachrach, 130.Coire Mhic Eachainn, 130.Coire Mhicheil, 130.Coire na Banachdaich, 130.Coire na Circe, 130.Coire na Creiche, etc., 131. Coire na Geadaig, 313.Coire nam Bruadairean, 131. Coire nan Allt Geala, 131.Coire nan Ceann, 131.Coire nan Clach, 131.Coire nan Cuilean, 131.Coire nan Laogh, 131.Coire nan Sagart, 131.Coire nan Uraisg, etc., 131.Coire na Salach, 131.Coire na Seilg, 131.Coire na Sgairde, 131.Coire Nuadh (Ruadh), 131.Coire Odhar, 131.Coire Reidh nan Loch, 131. Coire Riabhach, etc., 132.Coire Scamadal, 132.Coire Seamraig, 132.Coire Sgreamhach, 132.Coire Sionnach, 132.Coire Trusadh, 132.Coir’ Uisg, etc., 132.Coishletter, etc., 134.Col, 134.Colbost, etc., 134.Colisader, 134.Collehoe, etc., 134.Colliemore, 135.Collistone, etc., 364.Colluscard, etc., 135.Coloye, 135.Columcille, etc., 135. Commerwell, 135.Conardan, etc., 135.Conista, 135.Connon, etc., 136.Coolin, etc., 136.Coorisdol, 140.Copnahoe, 140.Corary, etc., 140.Corcisgill, 140.Corebheinn, etc., 140.Corkeval, 14Q.Corlarach, etc., 140, 364.Corran, An, etc., 140.Corran a Chinn Uachdaraich,

140, 313.Corran na Mudalaich, 140. Corran Shrolamais, 140.

EE


Coull, 140.Coullnacraggan, 140.Cow Rock, 303.Cracabhall, 141.Crac a Chroich, 140.Cracaig, etc., 140.Craceni8h, etc., 141.Craigean Lea, 144. Craigincarroch, 141. Craigleadh, 293.Crannaig, 141.Cransay, 141.Creachaa, 141.Creag, etc., 141.Creag a Bheoir, 364.Creag a Bhodaich, 146. Creagach, 365.Creag a Chaim, 364.Creag a Chaisteil, 141.Creag a Chait, 141.Creag a Chalamain, 142. Creag a Charnàich, 142. Creag a Charra, 142.Creag a Charrain, 142.Creag a Cheala, 142.Creag a Chip, 142.Creag a Chlachain, 142. Creag a Choire ghuirm, 142. Creag a Ghamhna, 142.Creag a G-hlinne, 142.Creag a G-huail, 142.Creag Aircisari, 142.Creag a Lain, 142.Creag a Mhill, 142.Creag a Mhuilinn, 143.Creag an Airgid, 365.Creag an Aoil, 143.Creagan ’Bhalgain, 143. Creagan Boidheach, 143. Creagan Breaca, 143.Creagan Comhnard, 365. Creagan Craigheach, 143. Creag an Daimh, 143.Creag an Daraich, 143. Creagan Dubha, 143.Creagan Eoin, 293.Creag an Fharaidh, 365. Creag an Fheilidh, 143. Creag an Fhiadh, 143.Creag an Fhirich, 143.Creag an Fhithich, 143. Creagan Fuail, 143.Creagan Fulaisg,Creagan Ghearraidh, 143. Creagan Glasa, 143.Creagan Iar, 143.Creagan Iolaire, 143.Creagan Liatha, 144.

Creagan Loisgte, 144.Creagan na Glaistig, 144.Creag an t-Sagairt, 365.Creag an t-Sionnaich, 144.Creag Bharrasgil, 144.Creag Cholluscaird, 144.Creag Chreagach, 144.Creag Chuidein, 144.Creag Dallaise, 144.Creag Dhubh, 365.Creag Dhubh a Mheallainn, 144. Creag Driseach, 144.Creag Fhorsie, 1244.Creag Ghra’main, 144.Creag Ghreepach, 144.Creag ’Ic Cuinn, etc., 144. Creag ’Ic Mhaolain, 145.Creag ’Ic Neacail, etc., 145. Creagan ’Ic Pharlain, 145. Creagile, etc., 145.Creagise, 145.Creag Langall, 145.Creag Liath, 365.Creag Madragil, 145.Creag Mhic Ibheir, etc., 145. Creag Mhic ’Ille Phadruig, 145. Creag Mhor, 365.Creag Mhor Bealach an Nigh’n

Duibh, 145.Creag Mhor Cois an Uisge, 145. Creag mo Sheanair, 145.Creag na Ba, 145.Creag na Ba Maola, 365.Creag na Bruaich, 293.Creag na Cabaig, 145.Creag na Caraiche, 145.Creig na Cille, etc., 146.Creag na Craoibh, 146.Creag na Croise, 146.Creag na Cubhaige, etc., 146. Creag na Doire, 146.Creag na Feile, etc., 146.Creag na h-Airigh, 146.Creag na h-Eighich, 365.Creag na h-Eigin, etc., 146. Creag na Manach, 146.Creag nam Bodach, etc., 146. Creag nam Meann, 146.Creag nam Mor Shluagh, 147. Creag nan Ceardach, etc., 147. Creag nan Con, 147.Creag nan Dealg, 147.Creag nan Gobhar, 147.Creag nan Ron, 147.Creag na Spereig, 147.Creag Ni’ Choinnich, 365.Creag Nisdale, etc., 147.Creag Orril, 147.

INDEX

Creag Shniosdail, etc., 147. Creag Shrolamais, 147.Creag Stoirm, etc., 147.Creag Thuilm, 148.Creag Tigh a Bhaird, 148.Creag Uisdein, etc., 148, 365. Creich, etc., 148.Creitheach, 148.Crepgill, etc., 148.Crickernish, 148.Crionach, 148.Cro, etc., 148.Crochill, 293.Croglan, 148.Crois Bhan, 148.Croisearnais, 148.Crolean, 148.Crom, etc., 148.Cromhagan, An, 149.Cromliagan, 149.Cron, etc., 149.■Crospuing, 149.■Cross, 149.Crossal, 149.Crossavaig, etc., 365.Crossburgh, 149.Cross or Crois Luran, 149. Crossnish, 149.■Crowling, etc., 149.■Cruachan, etc., 127, 149, 365. Cruachan Beinn-a-Chearcaill,

150.Cruachan Beinn ’Ic Askill, 150. Cruachan Mhic Suain, etc., 150. Cruach na Beinne, 150.Cruaidh Choire, 150.Cruaird, etc., 365.Crudh an Eich, 150.Cruinn Bheinn, 150. Crun-a-Bhraghad, 150. Cuairtealan, 150.Cuchulainn, 108, 136.Cuidhesta, 150.Cuidreach, etc., 130, 150.Cuid Ruairidh, 365.Cuid Thorlain, 151.•Cuil, 140, 151.Cuil Muiridhil, 151.•Cuil na h-Airighe, etc., 151. Cuilore, 151.Cuiraing, etc., 144, 151. Cuisinish, 151.Cuithir, 151.Cul a G-haraidh, 151.Culdalie, 151.■Culeshader, etc., 151.Culknock, etc., 151.Cul na Caillich, 365.

Culnacnoc, 151, 365. Cul na h-Airighe, 366. Cul na h-Innse, 366. Culnamean, 151. Cumhag, 152.Cuminile, 152.

D

Dail a Chait, 366.Dail Bheag, etc., 366.Dail Chail, 366.Dail Mhor, 366.Dal, etc., 152.Dalan Beaga, Na, 366.Dalavil, etc., 366.Dal Bhaite, 366.Dal na Saighdear, 152.Dalreoch, 366.Dal Robach, 152.Dal Ruadh, 152.Dalvey, 152.Daoine Sithe, 163.Dedaig, 152.Deireadh-an-t-Soitheach, 152. Deirena Achlais, 152, 366. Delista, etc., 152.Denthan, 152.Diabaig, etc., 153.Diallaid, 153.Dianavaig, etc., 153.Dibidal, etc., 153.Digg, 153.Diurdin, 153.Diminish, 153.Doir’ a Bhoilich, 153.Doir’ a Bhuilg, 153.Doir’ a Chaoil, 153.Doir’ an Leich, 154.Doir’ an Tròdain, 366.Doire, 154.Doireagan, 154.Doire Daraich, 154.Doiredoin, 154.Doire Ghoain, 366.Doire Mhic Mhathain, 154. Doire Mhor Chaol nam Bo, 154 Doire na Banachdaich, 154. Doire na Buaile, 303.Doirenach, 367.Doire na Criche, 154.Doire na Feannaig, 367.Doire nan Gad, etc., 367.Doire Sholais, 367.Domhnull Gorm, 112.Domhnull Gorm Mor, 94. Donewrigg, etc., 367.


Dornaguilla, 293.Dorneil, etc., 367.Dorus, An, etc., 154.Dowisgill, etc., 367.Downort, 154.Draoireag, 367.Drianan, etc., 154.Drimnin, 154.Drimishader, 154.Drinace, 154.Dringan, 154.Drivallan, 154.Drochaid, 155.Drochaid Abhainn an Asaraidh,

155.Drochaid a Ghasgain, 368. Drochaid Airigh na Suiridhe,

155.Drochaid a Mhuilinn, 368. Drochaid an Loin Euaidh, 155. Drochaid an t-Sithein, 155. Drochaid an Suidhe, 155. Drochaid Ard na Mourcladh,

etc., 155.Drochaid Mhor, 155.Drochaid Mhor Leth-Shithean,

368.Drochaid na Cloiche Bideich,

155.Drochaid na h-Airde Caoile, 368. Drochaid na Leth-Pheighinn,

155.Drochaid na Moracha, 155. Drochaid nan Tri Allfc, 155. Drochaid Romesdal, 155. Droighneach, An, 368.Druidilin, 155.Druim, etc., 155.Druim a Bhidh, 156.Druim a Chamaidh, 156. Druim-a-Da-Choille, 156.Druim a Mhagaidh, 156.Druim an Aonaidh or Aonaich,

293.Druim an Eireinich, etc., 118,

156.Druim an Fhuarain, etc., 156. Dxuim an Tairbh, 368.Druim an t-Seana Bhaile, 368. Druim an Uird, 368.Druim-Aoi, etc., 156.Druim a Euma, 156.Druim a Stoc, 156.Druim Ban, 156.Druim Chorbair, etc., 157.Druim Chreacaig, 157.Druim Cruaidh, An, 368.Druim da Neacail, 157.Druim Diomhain, 368.

Druim Dubh, 157.Druim Eadar-da-Choire, 157. Druim Fionn, 368.Druim Fhurain, etc., 157. Druim Ghaulscan, 157.Druim Hain, 157.Druim Leinish, 157.Druim na Cleochd, etc., 157. Druim na Cloiche, 157.Druim na Coille, 157.Druim na Criche, 157.Druim na Croisidh, 158.Druim na Fiadh, etc., 158. Druim na h-Eidhne, 158.Druim nan Gobhar, 368.Druim nan Sgarbh, 158.Druim na Eamh, etc., 115, 158. Druim na Ruaige, 158.Druim na Slochd, 158.Druim Scapail, 158.Druim Shleibhte, 158.Druim Thoro, 158.Druim Uiridh, 158.Drumbuie, 158.Drumfern, etc., 368.Drnmhain, etc., 158.Drumuie, 158.Drynoch, etc., 159.Duagrach, 159.Duart, etc., 159.Dubh-Aird, etc., 159.Dubh-Allt, 159.Dubh-Bhraigh, 159. Dubh-Chamus, 159.Dubh-Charn, 159. Dubh-Laimhrig, etc., 159. Dubh-Loch, 159.Dubh-Lochan, 159. Dubh-Sgeirean, 159.Ducart, 160.Dnich, 160.Duirinish, etc., 160.Duisdale, etc., 369.Duisgear, 161.Dun, etc., 161.Dun a Bhaird, etc., 162.Dun a Cheitechin, 162.Dun a Chlerich, 162, 164, 369. Dun Adhamh, 162.Dunan, 161.Dun an Aird, 162.Dunan an Aisilidh, 161.Dunan Choinnich, 369.Dunan Earr an Sgurr, 161.Dun an Oir, 162.Dunan Buadh, 369.Dunans, 162.Dun Arkaig, 162.Dun Ban, 369.

INDEX 469

Dun Barplacaig, 162.Dun Beag Struan, 162.Dun Bearradh Fadhach, 162. Dun Bharp, etc., 162.Dun Bhoneraig, 163.Dun Bhoradail, 293.Dun Bhuirgh, 163. Dunblabheinn, 163.Dun Borrafiach, 163.Dun Borrastach, 163.Dun Borve, etc., 163.Dun Caan, etc., 293.Dun Cearymore, 163.Dun Chlach, 163.Dun Ohio, 163.Dun-Cnoc, 163.Dun Coire Falaich, 163.Dun Colbost, 163.Dun Comabern, etc., 164. Dun Cruit, 164.Dun Daibhidh, etc., 164. Dun Derig, etc., 164.Dun Diag, etc., 164.Dun Diarg, 164.Dun Diarmid, etc., 164.Dun Donald, 164.Dun Dugan, etc., 164.Dun Eilireach, etc., 164. Dun Byre, 165.Dun Fada, 165.Dun Faich, etc., 369.Dun Feorlig, etc., 165.Dun Flashader, 165.Dun Flo, etc., 370.Dun Gan, 370.Dun Garsin, 165.Dun Geilb, etc., 165, 370. Dun Gernshader, 165.Dun Ghearra-Sheader, 165. Dun Gharsainn, etc., 165. Dun Glas, 166.Dun Gleois, etc., 313.Dun Goirid, 165.Dun Greannan, etc., 166. Dun Grugaig, etc., 166. Dunhallin, etc., 166.Dun Hasan, 166.Dun Iadhairt, 166.Dun Iarla, etc., 166. Dun-Idein, 166.Dun Kearstach, etc., 166. Dun Lianain, etc., 166.Dun Leith, 370.Dun Liath, 167.Dun. Mailerain, 167.Dun Mashader, 167.Dun M e T k a d a le , 167.Dun Mhasan, 167.Dun Mor, 167.

Dun nan Ceard, etc., 370.Dun Neill, 167.Dun Osdale, 167.Dun Phaick, 370.Dun Phail, 167.Dun Raisaburg, 167.Dun Ringill, etc., 167.Dun Ruaige, 158, 371.Dunsgaich, etc., 136, 371.Dun Sgalair, etc., 167.Dun Sgeir Mhoir, 167.Dun Skeriness, etc., 167.Dun Skudborg, etc., 167.Dun Smail, 168.Dun Suledale, 168.Dun Taimh, 168.Dun Tainish, 168.Dun Torvaig, etc., 168. Duntrean, etc., 168.Duntulm, etc., 136, 168. Dunvannarain, 171.Dunvegan, etc., 171.Duthaich MhicLeoid, etc., 160,

177.Dynart, 178.

EBabost, etc., 178.Eaglais, etc., 179.Eaglais Bhreige, etc., 178. Eaglais Bhriagach, 166, 178. Eaglais Uamhalta, 136.Eas, etc., 179.Easa Bana, 179.Eas Aboist, 179.Eas a Chait, 375.Eas a Choire Bhuidhe, 375. Eas a Chronain, 179.Eas a Mhuic, 375.Eas a Mhuilinn, 375.Easa Mor, 375.Easan Dubh, 375.Eas Ban, 180.Eas Dorcha, 180.Eas Eodhainn, 180.Eas Forsa, 180.Easgann, 180.Eas Mor, 180.Eas na Coille, 180.Eas Tardal, 180.Eas Thuilm, 180.Eas Toraig, 180, 375. Edinbane, etc., 180. Edirgill, etc., 180.Edra, etc., 181.Eilean, etc., 181.Eilean Adharcan, 181.


Eileanan Dubha, 375.Eilean an Eoin, 375.Eilean an Fheidh, 375.Eilean an Fhiaoich, 294, 303. Eilean an Iubhair, 294.Eilean an Tar main, 181.Eilean Ard nan Gobhar, 375. Eilean Ascrab, 181.Eilean Askerin, 181.Eilean Bohenuil, 181.Eilean Boradaill, 181.Eilean Boreray, 181.Eilean Cholumcille, etc., 181. Eilean Creagach, 182.Eilean Donan, 182.Eilean Dubh, 182.Eilean Ealasaid, 375.Eilean Eire, 182.Eilean Eirinn, 182.Eilean Eoin, 375.Eilean Fladda, etc., 294.Eilean Gaeilavore, etc., 182. Eilean Garbh, 182.Eilean Garay, 182.Eilean Gearlochie, 182.Eilean Gigarum, etc., 182. Eilean Grianal, 182.Eilean Harlosh, 182.Eilean Haver say, 182.Eilean Heast, 182.Eilean Holoman, 294.Eilean Iasgair, 182.Eilean Isa, etc., 182.Eilean Lampay, 182.Eilean Leac-na-Gaineamh, 182,

313.Eilean Lianadal, 183.Eilean Linga, 183.Eilean Maol, 375.Eilean Megalay, 183.Eilean Mhanich, 294.Eilean Mingay, 183.Eilean Mor Charadail, 375. Eilean Mor Dhalavile, 375. Eilean Mor na Cille-Bige, 375. Eilean na Gunnar, 183.Eilean na h-Airde, 183.Eilean na h-Airighe, 183.Eilean na h-Eigheach, 183. Eilean na h-Ioldhain, etc., 183. Eilean nan Each, 183.Eilean nan Easgann, 375.Eilean nan Eun, 183.Eilean nan Gillean, 183.Eilean Naoighean, 375.Eilean Naoighean Sithe, 375. Eilean-na-Naoimh, 135.Eilean na Ruadhaich, 183.Eilean Oronsay, 183.

Eilean Beamhax, 183. Eilean Reoch, 183.Eilean Roag, 184.Eilean Ruairidh, 184, 375. Eilean Scorach, 376.Eilean Sguir, 184.Eilean Sionnaich, 184, 376. Eilean Soay, 184.Eilean Storaib, 294.Eilean Taarner, 184.Eilean Tighe, 294.Eilean Tioman, 184.Eilean Tioram, 376.Eilean Tornish, 184.Eilean Traigh, 184.Eilean Tuilm, etc., 184. Eilean Wiay, etc., 184.Eis a Bhrethealain, 376. Eisgeadal, 184.Eist, etc., 184. Eist-Fhiadhaich, 184. Eitean Garbh, 303.Elgol, etc., 185.Elishader, 185.Endhebheg, 376.Eorabus, etc., 186.Eport, 186.Erisco, etc., 186.Esketil, etc., 186.Estir, etc., 186.

.Euilvelimi, etc., 187.Evie, 187.Eynord, etc., 187. Eynordstard, 187.Eyre, etc., 187.Eyre Point, 294.

F

Fairnan, 188.Fairy Bridge, 188.Falaisg, 188. Falachadh-Toin, 188. Famhair, Am, etc., 188. Fangan, Na, 188.Fang na Beadan, 188.Fang na Fola, 188.Fang nan Each, 188.Fang na Reitheachan, 188. Fang na Robastan, 188. Fang na Totadh Brice, 188. Faobhar, Am, etc., 188. Faoidh na Fala, 376. Faoileann, etc., 189. Faoilean an Trian, 189.Fas, etc., 189.Fasach, etc., 189.Feadan, Am, 189, 376.

INDEX 471

Fearan nan Cailleach, 190. Fearann an Leatha, 189.Fearn, etc., 190.Fearna, 294.Feaull, etc., 190.Feault, 190.Feiste, Am, etc., 190.Feith Luachrach, 190.Feolin, 190.Feorlick, etc., 190. Ferenvequire, etc., 191.Ferren, etc., 190.Ferrindonald, etc., 376. Ferrinlea, etc., 190.Fest, 191.Feu na Coire, 191.Feur-Lochan, 191.Fhaireasg, An, etc., 376. Fhaoilean Bhoidheach, An, 191. Fhaoilinn, An, 376.Fiacal a Bhasadair, 191.Fiaclan Dearg, 191.Fiaclan Fuar, 191.Fiadhairt, etc., 191.Fidean, 191.Fionn Achadh, 376.Fionnairidh, 191.Fionn Choire, etc., 191. Fiosgarie, 376.Fireach Clach, 191.Fiscavaig, etc., 191.Fiurnan, 191.Fladda, etc., 192.Flada-Chuan, etc., 116, 192. Flaiseadar, etc., 192.Fliuch Airidh, 376.Flodda, 192.Flodigary, etc., 192.Flod Sgeir, 193.Flossman, 193.Foliart, 193.Foreligg, 193.Fork Rock, 376.Forsan, etc., 193.Forse, etc., 193.Fortuna, 294.Fraoch Choire, 193. Fritheanach, 193.Frodday, 193.Fronimus, 193.Fuaraman, 376.Funerveg, 294.

G

Gaineamhain, 194. Gair, 194. Gairbh-Eilean, 194.

Gairidh Ghlumaig, 194. Gallanach, etc., 194.Galta, etc., 194.Galtergill, etc., 194. Gamhnachain, Na, 303.Garadh a Bhaobhail, 194.Garadh nam Gamhainn, 194. Garadubh, etc., 194. Garapheighinn, etc., 376. Gararaltan, etc., 376.Garay, 194.GaTbhaig, etc., 377.Garbh Bheirt, 294.Garbh Bhlar, 195.Garbh Choire, 195.Garbheileach, 195.Garbh Eilean, 195, 196, 303. Garbhleathad, 195.Garbh Sgeir, 195.Garfad, etc., 195.Garlappin, 195.Garmore, 195.Garrabost, etc., 195.Garrachan, 294.Garradh a Pharsoin, 195. Garradh na Fianaichean, 195. Garrafad, Black John of, 118,

195.Garrahan, 195.Garran, etc., 196.Garrichuien, 196.Garridon, etc., 196.Garrie, 196.Garros, etc., 196.Garsbheinn, 196.Garvellach, etc., 196.Gasgan, 377.Gaulsean, 196.Gauscavaig, 377.Gavriewhilean, 196.Geabhail, etc., 196.Gead-a-Bholla, 377. Gead-a-Chlaidheamh, 196. Geal-Ghillean, 196, 377.Gealta Mor, 196.Gearradh, etc., 197.Gearr a Roigh, 135, 197.Geary, etc., 197.Geavileawn, etc., 197. Gedintaillear, etc., 197.Gellin, 197.Gembaill, etc., 197.Gemmore, 197.Gen, 197.Geodh’ a Chuain, 198.Geodh’ a Ghamhna, 198.Geodh’ Alagraich, 198.Geodh’ an Eich Bhric, 198. Geodh’ an Ruadhain, 198.


Geodh’ an Tairbh, 198.Geodh’ Eixeach, 198.Geodha ’Bhuic, 197. Geodha-Daraich, 198.Geodha Fhearchair, 198.Geodha Gorm, 198.Geodha Mor, 198.Geodha na Gliongraich, 198. Geodha na h-Aibhne, 198. Geodha na h-Airighe, 198. Geodha na Moine, 198.Geodha nan Gobhar, 198.Gesto, etc., 198.Gear Rudha, 377.’Ghara Lapain, 198.’Ghearra Bheinn, 377.’Ghervad, etc., 199.’Ghlac Dhorcha, 199.‘Ghlaic Chaol, 199.’Ghlaic Mhor, 199.’Ghlinne Mheadhonach, 199. ’Ghoirtean Ard, 377.’Ghuala Mhor, 199.Gigarum, etc., 199.Gillen, etc., 199, 377.Girt, etc., 199.Glac or Glaic, 200.Glac Allaraidh, 199. Glac-an-Sgulamus, 199.Glac Luachrach, 199.Glac Mhor an t-Seana Dhit, 199. Glac nam Mearlach, 199.Glac nan Searrach, 199.Glagaire Glunach, 114.Glaic an Dubhair, 199.Glaic an Eireannaich, etc., 199. Glaic an Fheadain, 377.Glaic an Fheidh, 200.Glaic an Fhudair, 377.Glaic an Tuiridh, 200.Glaic Cabhaig, 200.Glaic Chaol, 199, 377.Glaic Dhorcha, 199, 377.Glaic Fhearna, 200. Glaic-Glumagaich, 200.Glaic Mhor, 199, 377.Glaic na Bo, nam Ba Mhaola,

378.Glaic na Craoibh Chaorainn, 378. Glaic nam Mearlach, 378.Glaic nan Capuill, 378.Glaic nan Cuileag, 378.Glaic nan Doirneag, 378.Glaic Orchadail, 378.Glais Bhealach, 200.Glais Bheinn nam Fiadh, 200. Glaisboirein nam Fiadh, etc.,

200.Glam, etc., 200, 294.

Glamaig, 200.Glannock, 200.Glas-Bheinn, 200.Glas-Bhuaile, 200.Glas-Eilean, etc., 201. Glashnakill, 201.Glasphein, etc., 201.Glastean, etc., 201.Glastuir, 201.Gleairleawn, 201.Gleann, etc., 201.Gleann Airigh-Beathaig, etc.,

201.Gleann Allt a Ghairbheid, 201. Gleann Allt Eiginn, etc., 201. Gleann Annishader, 201.Gleann Aoineasdail, 201.Gleann a Phuill, 201.Gleann Arroch, 201.Gleann Bharagail, 201.Gleann Bhreatainn, 201.Gleann Boil, 202.Gleann Breatal, etc., 202.Gleann Caladale, 202.Gleann Chadalach, 202.Gleann Chracaig, 141.Gleann Colbost, 202.Gleann Conon, 202.Gleann-Dail, etc., 202.Gleann Drynoch, 203.Gleann Eabost, 203.Gleann Eo, 203.Gleann Eodhainn, 203.Gleann Eynort, 203.Gleann Fhuachd, 203.Gleann Ghrasco, 203.Gleann G-M-na F, etc., 204. Gleann Grast, 203.Gleann Haltin, etc., 203.Gleann Heysdal, 203.Gleann Hingisdal, etc., 203. Gleann Hylas, 204.Gleann Inch, 204.Gleann Inner, 204.Gleann Ionadal, 204.Gleann Lorgasdal, 204.Gleann MacCaskill, etc., 204. Gleann Meadhonach, 378.Gleann Meodal, 378.Gleann na Beiste, 378.Gleann nan Leac, 204.Gleann Ois, 204.Gleann Oraid, 202 , 204.Gleann Rathad, 204.Gleann Romasdal, etc., 204. Gleann Sgaladal, etc., 204. Gleann Shasaig, etc., 203, 378. Gleann Shealtainn, etc., 204. Gleann Shuar dail, 204.

INDEX

Gleann Sneesdall, 204.Gleann Tillisdaill, etc., 204. Gleann Uachdarach, 205.Gleann Uig, 205.Gleann Ullinish, 205.Gleann Varkasaig, 205. Glenaimbost, 205.Glenanvooil, 205.Glendale, 142, 143, 202. Glengrast, 203, 294.Glenoraid, 205.Glens, 205.Glenvie, 205.Glumaig, 205.Gnoban, etc., 116, 205.Gnoban nam Bodach, 379.Gnob Buidhe, 378.Gnogan, etc., 205.Gob an Dainnire, 205.Goban Troid, 205.Gobhlag, 205.Gob na Hoe, 205.Gob Tunnaig, 205.Gob Uisgebrigh, 206.Groile na Gaoithe, 206. Goirtean-a-Bhraghad, 206. Gorstan-na-Traghaid, 206. Gortan Alasdair, etc., 206. Gortan Dubh, 206.Gortan na Oloiche Glaodhaich,

206.Gory Stone, 206.Gourban, 379.Graban, 206.Gracalaig, 206.Graaco, 206.Greadaidh, 206.Grealin, etc., 206.Greanigil, 206.Greenack, etc , 206.Greep, etc., 207.Gremiscaig, etc., 207.Grencraig, 207.Grenigle, 207.Greshan, 207.Greshemish, etc., 207.Grianal, 207.Grianasgeir, 294.Gribnach, 207.Grimera, etc., 207, 379. Grimshader, etc., 207.Grob, 207.Grobain, etc., 208.Grob(a) nan Each, 208.Groban na Sgeire, 208.Grosgaig, 208.Gruagach, etc., 144, 208. Grudaidh, 208.Grula, etc., 208.

Grulainn, etc., 208.Grunagary, 209.Guala or Gualann, 209. Guala-a-Bhasraidh, 209.Guala Chaidhir, etc., 209. Guala-a-Chlarsair, 209.Guala ’Choire Mhoir, 209.Guala Chuirn, 209.Guala Fa’n Duthaich, 209. Guala na h-Easan Duibhe, 209. Gualann nam Fiadh, 209.Guala Shlaopain, 209.Guidad, 209.Guillegeo, 210.Guillemon, etc., 210.Gulban, etc., 210.Gullavore, 102, 210.Gulnare, 210, 313.Guminile, etc., 152, 210.Gunel, 210.Gunnachan, etc., 210.

H

“ H ” Norse, 211. Habost, etc., 211. Haich, 211.Halgerda, etc., 211. Halibhal, etc., 211. Halistra, etc., 211. Hallag, etc., 212, 294. Hallin, etc., 212. Hamar, etc., 212. Hamaraverin, etc., 212. Hampsdale, 212, 294. Haripol, etc., 212. Harlas, 212.Harlosh, etc., 212. Harport, etc., 213. Harta Corry, 213. Hartaig, 213.Hartaval, 213.Haskeval, 213.Haultin, 213.Haversay, etc., 218. Heast, etc., 213.Hebri, 213.Hei-Feald, etc., 213. Heilla, etc., 213. Heisgeir, 213.Helaval, etc., 214. Heldersta, 214.Helva Rock, 214. Heribost, etc., 214. Herishader, 214. Heysdal, 214.Higichan, etc., 214. Hinnisdal, 214.


Hòabhal, 214.Hoe Rape, etc., 214. Hoinaclead, etc., 215. Hole, etc., 215.Holebhal, 215.Holm, etc., 215. Holmesdale, etc., 215. Horavaig, 215.Horneval, etc., 215. Hornisco, 215.Horseglen, etc., 216. Hoxste, 216.Huisgil, 216.Huisinish, 216.Humbla, 216.Hungag, etc., 216. Hunglader, etc., 216. Hunigil, 217.Hnnish, etc., 217. Huianan, etc., 217. Husabost, etc., 217. Husedale, 216.Hasgar, etc., 217.

I

Iadhaird, 217.Iasgair, etc., 217.Idrigil, etc., 218. Ilan-na-Herda, 218. Ilan-ni-Liy, 218.Inacleit, etc., 218.Inbhig, 218.IAbhir, etc., 218, 295. Inbhir-a-Garraidh, 219. Inbhir Ghnalainn, 219. Inibost, 219. Inneal-a-Chlarsair, 219. Innean, An t’, 220.Inner aros, etc., 220. Inneruig, etc., 220.Innis, etc., 219. Inverarish, etc., 295. Inveraulavaig, 220, 379. Inver Dalabhile, 379. Inver ley, 220. Invermeadale, 220.Inver Tigh Lachlain, 379. Invertote, 220.Inveruig, 295.Iola Gheoain, 220.Iolan, etc., 220.Iollagaig, etc., 113, 220. Iomadal, 220.Iomaire Fhearchair, 379. Iosa, etc., 220.Ire, 221.Islandtaigh, 221.Isle Ornsay, etc., 379.

K(jEquals hard O.)

Kamiorick, 295.Kammey, etc., 221. Kamsa, 221.Kandram, 221.Kanliskar, 221.Kapgill, 221. Karsicbrecht, 221. Keanchroick, 221. Keandendruym, 221. Keanball, 313.Keanloch, 221, 379. Keanlochslugach, 221. Kearra, 221.Keil, etc., 221.Keist, 222.Keistle, etc., 222.Kelso, 222..Kenachtrich, 222. Kenbay, 222. Kenchreggan, 222. Kendrom, etc., 222. Kenlochow, 222. Kennackegan, 222. Kensaleyre, 222. Kensalroag, 222. Keppoch, 222.Kerral, 222.Ketil, 222.Keyburg, etc., 222.Kigg, 222.Kilashig, 223.Kilbeg, etc., 379. Kilbride, etc., 223. Kilchoan, 223.Kilcholkill, etc., 223. Kilchrist, 223.Kilchro, 224.Kilconan, etc., 224. Kildonan, etc., 224. Kildorais, 224.Kilena, etc., 224.Killach, 224.Killachan, 379.Killurid, 224.Kilmaluag, etc., 224. Kilmarie, etc., 225. Kilmartin, 225. Kilmiluach, etc., 1295. Kilmolruy, etc., 226. Hilmore, etc., 379. Kilmorocht, 226, 295. Kilmuir, etc., 226. Kilmun, etc., 227. Kilntyne, 227.Kil Pheadar, 228. Kilschan, 228.

INDEX 475

Kiltaraglan, etc., 228. Kilvaxter, etc., 108, 228. Kinagmore, 228. Kingsburgh, etc., 228. Kinloch, 99, 381.Kinloch Ensid, 229. Kinlocheynoxt, 229. Kinlochsìipan, etc., 229. Kinsansam, etc., 229. Kirkabost, 229.Kistle, 229.Knapkill, 229. - Knock, etc., 381. Knockbreck, 229. Knockerisko, etc., 230. Knockow, etc., 230. Knott, 230.Kooperhu, etc., 382. Kraaulan, 230.Kraiknish, 230. Kxoshener, 230.Kyleakin, etc., 230. Kylehan, 295.Kylerhea, etc., 382.Kyle Eona, etc., 230.

L

Lachasaig, etc., 231. Lachindine, 231.Ladibichro, 231.Lag, 231.Lag a Bhioda, 231.Lag a Bhraghad, etc., 382.Lag a Chithe Mhoir, 231.Lag a Chonardan, 135.Lag a Chraidh, 382.Lag a Dheala, 231.Lag a Gharaidh Chail, 382.Lag a Lochain, 382.Lag an Teampuill, 231.Lag an Tor(a) Mhor, 383.Lag an t-Searrag, 231.Lag a Phuill Bhrachaidh, 382. Lag an Doill, 382.Lag a Smaig, 231.Lag Ban, 231.Lag Cnoc a Chatha, 231.Lag Mor, etc., 232, 383.Lag na Bathaich, 232.Lag na h-Airigh Baine, 383. Lag na Marach, 232.Lag nam ban Saor, 232.Lag nam Boitean, 383.Lag nan Cnaimh, 232.Lag nan Croisean, etc., 383. Lag nan Taighean, 232.Lag na Sgiuchaig, 232.

Lag na Sonasaig, 232.Lag na Suile Baine, 232.Lag Bainich, 383.Lag Stuamaich, 232.Lagan, 231.Lagan Cnoc a Chatha, 231. Lagan Inis na Cnaimh, 383. Laggan, 231.Laglar, 232.Laimhrig na Moine, etc., 232. Lainish, 232.Laman, An, 232.Lamarscaig, 383.Lamhraig, etc., 383.Lampay, 232.Langal, 233.Langasgeir, etc., 233.Laoras, 233.Laplach, 233, 383.Larach Airigh Phadruig, 383. Larach Tigh Neill-Ghriasaich,

383.Larg, 295.Larsdale, 233.Lathach Mhor, etc., 233.Lavach, 233.Layglen, 233.Leaba na Larach, 233.Leabaidh a Mheixlich, 233. Leabost, etc., 233.Leac, etc., 233, 295.Leac a Bhuachaill, etc., 233. Leac a Chlarsair, 233.Leac a Chlerich, 233.Leac a Chlobha, 233.Leac a Gharbh, 234.Leac a Hulm, etc., 234. Leacainn, etc., 234.Leac a Mhin, 234.Leac a Mhona’ Mheadhonach,

etc., 384.Leac an Duin, 384.Leac a Stoir, 234.Leac Bhig, 234.Leac Iain Oig, 234.Leac an Bainne, 234.Leac na Buinne, 234.Leac na Euaxan, 234.Leac nam Eaoilean, 234.Leac nan Craobh, 234.Leac nan Gamhna, 234.Leac nan Stearnan, 235.Leac Tressernish, etc., 235. Leacann Nighean an t-Siosal-

aich, 234.Leacann Riabhach, 384. Leachiclearich, etc., 234. Leachlivich, 234.Leadin, 235.


Leafenhawm, 235.Lealt, etc., 235. Leana-nan-Cudaigean, 235. Leancladdich, 235.Leanish, 235.Leapaidh, 235.Leasgary, etc., 235.Leathad Beithe, 236.Leathad Choinnich, 236.Leathad Chrithinn, 236.Leathad Dubh, 236.Leathad nan Craobh, 236. Leathad na Steiseig, 236. Lebost, etc., 295.Lee, 236.Lehalt, 236.Lehener, 384.Leideag, etc , 384.Leinish, etc., 236.Leiphen, etc., 236.Leir Mhaodail, etc., 384.Leitir, etc., 236.Leitir Casleac, 236.Leogadad, 237.Leoide Mor(a), 237. Lephinachavine, 237.Lethalt, etc., 236.Letterhalluch, etc., 384. Lettir-Hurr, etc., 384. Leum-an-Doill, etc., 237.Leum an Earbag, 384.Leum Mhic na Bantraich, 237. Leurabhaig, etc., 384.Leuras, etc., 237.Lian’ a Bhorein, etc., 237. Lianadal, 259.

* Lianag a Chait, 237.Lianairidh nan Geadh, 238. Liana Lego, 237.Lian’ a Mhorraich, 237.Liana nan Goistin, 237. Liapaidh, etc., 238.Lie Faoilean, etc., 238.Liesol, etc., 238.Lincro, etc., 238.Lindill, 238.Liner ass, etc., 238.Lingay, 238.Linigarry, etc., 385.Linne Chrolaigeach, 238.Linne na Dunach; etc , 129, 385. Linne nan Ceann, 385.Linne nan Each, 385.Linne Sgitheanach, 238. Linshader, 238.Liport, 238.Lisgarry, 238.Loanfern, 239.Lobhairgil, 239.

Lobhta Coire, 239.Loch, etc., 239, 395.Loch a Bhac Ghlais, 240.Loch a Bhaird, 385.Loch a Bhaisteir, 240.Loch a Bhraighe, 303.Loch a Chadha Charnaich, 296. Loch a Choire Riabhaich, 240. Loch a Chreachainn, 240.Loch a Chrochaire, 240.Loch a Gharbhlaich, 240.Loch a Ghlinne, 385.Loch Airighe na Suiridhe, 241. Loch a Laghain, 240.Loch a Leoid, 313.Loch a Mhuilinn, 296, 313, 385. Loch a Sgurr, 296.Loch an Asaraidh, 241.Loch an Atha, etc., 241.Loch an Athain, 241.Loch an Athair, 241. Loch-an-Daal, etc., 385.Loch an Doirreanaich, etc., 385. Loch an Droma Bhain, 242. Loch an Eilean, 242.Loch an Fhir Bhallaich, 242. Loch an Fhudair, 242.Loch an Iasgaich, 386.Loch an Ime, 386.Loch an Leoid, 242.Loch an Rathad, 296.Loch an t-Seachrain, 243.Loch an t-Srath Bhig, etc., 242. Loch an t-Seilich, 386.Loch an Sgurr Mhoir, 242.Loch an Thugid, etc., 243.Loch an Uachdair, 296.Loch Aoineard, etc., 241, 243. Loch Ard, 243, 386.Loch Arnish, 296.Loch Arnisort, etc., 243.Loch Aruisg, etc., 243, 386. Loch Athain, 244.Loch Bay, 244.Loch Beta Mealahan, 244.Loch Bhraigh Bhlair, 244.Loch Blar an Tairbh, 244.Loch Bracadaill, etc., 244.Loch Bretil, etc., 244.Loch Caroy, 244.Loch Chaise, 245.Loch Cholumcille, etc., 102, 135,

152, 244.Loch Chracaig, 245.Loch Chriest, etc., 245.Loch Chriserness, 245.Loch Cleat, etc., 245.Loch Coireasgil, 245.Loch Coire Ghrunnda, 245.

INDEX 477

Loch Coir’-Uaigneich, 245.Loch Colbost, 245.Loch Conardan, 245.Loch Conon, 245.Loch Creich, 245.Loch Creitheach, 245.Loch Cuithir, etc., 245.Loch Cuil-na-Creag, 245.Loch Dearg, 246.Loch Dhughail, etc., 386.Loch Doir’ a Chreamha, 246. Loch Downort, 246.Loch Droighinn, 246.Loch Duagrich, 246.Loch Dubhar-Sgoth, 246.Loch dubh nam Brie, 246.Loch Duich, 246.Loch Dunbegan, 246. Loch-Eadar-da-Bhaile, 296. Loch Eashal, 246.Loch Eiordsland, etc., 246.Loch Eiseord, etc., 246, 386. Loch Ensid, 246.Loch Erghallan, 246.Loch Eynort, 247.Loch Fadd, etc., 247.Loch Fallart, etc., 247.Loch Feoirlinn, 247.Loch Fhiidhein, 247.Loch Ford, 247.Loch Gauscavaig, etc., 386.Loch ’Ghille Chnapain, 240. Loch ’Ghlinne Bhig, 240.Loch ’Ghlinne Dhuibh, 240.Loch Gilchrist, etc., 247.Loch Glac-an-Ime, 313.Loch Gleann Ionadal, 247.Loch Glenmoire, 247.Loch Gorsarnis, 247.Loch Grenbaeg, 247.Loch Grishernish, etc., etc., 247. Loch Growban, 247.Loch Harlosh, 247.Loch Harport, 247.Loch Harry, 247.Loch Hasco, 247.Loch Hellohald, 248.Loch Helport, 248.Loch Hinish, 248.Loch Hollom, 248.Loch Horavaig, 386.Loch Hounam, 248.Loch Huiska, 248.Loch Ich Caime, 248, 386.Loch ’Ille Mhicheil, 387.Loch Ken, 248.Loch Kensale, 248.Loch Kensaleserloss, 248.Loch Kilchro, 248.

Loch Lamarscaig, 387.Loch Langaig, 248.Loch Leasgary, 248.Loch Leathann, 248.Loch Leisort, 248.Loch Leth-Uillt, 242.Loch Leum nam Braith,. 248. Loch Leyndill, etc., 248'.Loch Lic-Ard, 248.Loch Leuravay, etc., 248.Loch Lonach, 248.Loch Lonachan, 248.Loch Losait, 249.Loch Ludag, etc., 249.Loch Mallaichte, 296.Loch Maodail, etc., 387.Loch Meadhonach, 249.Loch Meaghailt, etc., 146, 249. Loch Meallachain, 249.Loch Meall Daimh, 296.Loch Mharalain, 249.Loch Mhic Carmicheil, 387.Loch Mhic Cuinn, 249.Loch Monadh na Fiadh, 249. Loch na Beiste, 249, 387.Loch na Brice Duibhe, 386.Loch na Caiplich, etc., 249.Loch na Caira, 250.Loch na Creag, 250.Loch na Creubhaich, etc., 250. Loch na Cuilc, 250.Lochnadaal, etc., 387.Loch na h-Ealachan, 250.Loch na Faoilinn, 250.Loch na Feithe Seilich, 250. Loch na h-Airidh Fhuar, 250. Loch na Learg, etc., 250.Loch na Madadh Uisge, 250. Loch na Meall, 250.Loch na Mna, etc , 296.Loch nan Aan, 250.Loch nan Adhaircean, 387.Loch nan Clach, 387.Loch nan Dubhraichean, etc.,.

387.Loch nan Eilean, 250, 387.Loch na Neilich, etc., 296.Loch na Nigheadh, 296. Loch-nan-Uamh, 388.Loch nan Uan, 250.Loch na Poite, 386.Loch na Prais, 388.Loch Narsco, 251.Loch na Sguabaidh, etc., 251. Loch na Stairsich, 251.Loch na Teanga Riabhaich, 251. Loch na Tuime, 388.Loch Nighean Fhionnlaidh, 251r

388.


Loch Orroid, etc., 251.Loch Oyestill, 251.Loch Poltiel, etc., 251.Loch Portrigh, etc., 251.Loch Pottech, 251.Loch Ravag, 251.Loch Rowendounen, etc., 251. Lochrye, 251.Loch Scavaig, etc., 159, 251. Loch Scoin, etc., 297.Loch Sconsax, etc., 251.Loch Scour, 251.Loch Seunt, etc., 252.Loch Sgiabaidh, 252Loch Sgurr nan Caorach, 388.Loch Skahanask, etc., 252.Loch Slapin, etc., 252.Loch Sleadale, 252.Loch Sligachan, etc., 252.Loch Smearal, etc., 252.Loch Snasporte, 252.Loch Sneesdale, 252.Loch Snizort, 252.Loch Teanna, 253.Loch Tellibart, 253.Loch Tiiigh, 388.Loch Uig, 253.Loch Varkasaig, 253.Loch Varkansa, 253.Lochain a Mhullaich, 241. Lochain Dubha, etc., 241. Lochain Sratha Mhoir, 241. Lochain Teanna, 241.Lochan a Bhealaich, 241. Lochan an Airigh Fhuar, 241. Lochan a Sguabaiche, 241. Lochan Beinn na Caillich, 241. Lochan Buidhe, 241.Lochan Coir’ a Ghobhainn, 241. Lochan Cruinn, 241.Lochan Dobhrain, 242.Lochan Dubh nam Brie, 242. Lochan Gobhlach, 242.Lochan gun Grunnd, 296. Lochan Fada, 386.Lochan na h-Airde, 242.Lochan nan Ceann, 242.Lochan na Saile, 242.Lomag, An, 253.Lon, etc., 253.Lon a Bhile, 254.Lon Ach’ an Reithean, 254.Lon a Chaorach, 254.Lon a Chlerich, 254.Lon a Choire, 254.Lon a Ghreamha, 255.Lon a Ghearraidh, 255.Lon a Ghleannain, 255.Lon a Ghlinne Bhig, 255.

Lon Airigh an t-Sratha, 255. Lon Airigh Fhionnlaidh, 255. Lon Airigh na Beiste, 388.Lon Airigh na Sligean, 388.Lon Airigh Uige, 255.Lon an Eich, 255.Lon an Eireannaich, 255.Lon an Inbhir, 255.Lon an t-Sithein, 255.Lon Ban, An, 255.Lon Bealach Tearnaidh, 256. Lon Bearra’-Clachan, 256.Lon Beatha, 256.Lon Beinne Thuaith, 256.Lon Bho Lainn, 256.Lon Birkisco, 256.Lon Bota Mealahan, 256.Lon Buaile na Lathaich, 256. Lon Buideil, 256.Lon Buidhe, 256.Lon Cadha nam Ba, 256.Lon Charisgill, 256.Lon Chaorach, 256.Lon Chuidhe Trodan, 256.Lon Cleap, 256.Lon Creadha, 388.Lon Cul na h-Airde, 256.Lon Druiseach, 256.Lon Duisdil, 256.Lon Fearn, 256.Longa, 258.Lon Glac na Criche, 257.Lon Hoi, 257.Lon Leum na Laraich, 257.Lon ’Loch Mhoir, 257.Lon Luachrach, 257.Lon ’Mhuilinn, 255.Lon Millahors, 257.Lon M o t , 388.Lon Mor Fala nan Taighean,

257.Lon na Buaile Ruaidh, 257.Lon na Craoibhe, 388.Lon na Criche, 257.Lon na Cuile, etc., 257.Lon na h’Airde Caoile, 388.Lon na h-Airigh-Carnaich, 257. Lon na h-Atha, 257.Lon na h-Iolainn, 257.Lon na Larach, etc., 257.Lon na Leapaig, etc., 257.Lon nam Ban, 257.Lon nam Breac, 257.Lon na Moine, 257.Lon na Muice, 257.Lon nan Airighe, 257.Lon nan Ar, etc., 257.Lon nan Druinich, 257.Lon nan Each, 257.

INDEX 479

Lou nan Ear bag, 388.Lon nan Gobhar, 257.Lon nan Slogan, 257.Lon na Ruidhe, etc., 388. Lon na Saorach, etc., 258. Lon Osgaillean, 258.Lon Ostatoin, 258.Lon Roagil, 258.Lon Ruadh, 258.Lon Tairbh, 255.Lon Theigo, 258.Lon Tigh-Chlach, 256.Lon Tigh Mhic Cuien, 258. Lon Tor-Oat, 258.Lorgill, etc., 258.Lossaid, 258.Lota, 258.Lota Coire, 258.Lubanhore, 259.Lab a Sgiathain, 258.Lub na Carra Buidhe, 258. Lub Robac, 258.Lub Score, 258.Lub Stac nam Meann, 259. Lub Triaslain, 259.Luib, etc., 259.Luib na Moil, 259.Luib Rainich, 259.Luissine, etc., 259.Luran, 259.Lurgan, 259.Lus-a, etc., 259. Luskintyre, 259.Lusta, 259.Lyanacroe, etc., 259. Lyndale, etc., 259.

M

Maam, etc., 260.Maam a Phobuill, 260. Maam-Coire-Chriostal, 260. Maam Vrechty, 260. Mabachar, 260. Mac-a-Rann, 260.Madinro, 297.Machall, 261.Macleod’s Maidens, 261. Maenes, etc., 261, 297. Maheruska, 261. Maighshiadair, 261. Mainrichean, Na, 262. Malag, 262.Malagan, etc., 262. Malagar, 262.Manish, 262.Manners’ Stone, 262. Maoileadh M ot, 262.

Maol an Tairbh, 262.Maol Buidhe, 389.Maolrubha, etc., 262.Maraig, 263.Marishader, etc., 263.Marsco, etc., 263.Meabost, 263.Meadale, etc., 263.Mealbhaig, 263.Mealista, etc., 264.Meall, etc., 117, 264.Meall Acairseid Mhor, 303. Meallachan, 264.Meall a Chois, 297.Meall an Daimh, 297.Meall an Fhuarain, 264, 389. Meall a Stuc, 389.Meall Beathaig, 264.Meall Buidhe, 389.Meall Brataig, 264.Meall Buaile Chaorach, 264. Meall Greepa, 264.Meall na Cuilee, 264.Meall na Da-Bheinn, 264.Meall na Gainmhich, 264.Meall na h-Acairseid, 264. Meall na h-Innse Fearna, 389. Meall na Suireanach, etc., 264 Meall OdhaT Beag, 264.Meall Port Mealary, 389.Meall Tobar a Bhiorain, 389. Meall Tuath, 265.Meanish, 265.Meassin, 265.Meathall, 265.Meavig, etc., 265.Megalay, 265.Merkadale, 265.’Mhaoile, 265, 389.’Mhointich Bhuidhe, 389. Mi-Bhogha Beag ’us Mor, 265. Mibosfc, 265.Michaig, 265.Milovaig, etc., 265.Mimaig, 265.Mingary, 265.Mingay, etc., 266.Minginish, etc., 265.Minish, 266.Minrinnes, 266.Misgan, etc., 389.Mogstat, etc., 266.Moineach Mararulin, 266. Mointeach an Tairbh, 266. Mointeach Mor, 266.Mointeach na Diachainn, 266. Mointeach na Fala, 266. Mointeach na Steall, 266. Moisnes, 266.


Mol or Moll, etc., 266.Mol Abhuinn, 266.Mol a Mhaide, 267.Mol an Fhodarr, 267.Mol Beatha, 267.Mol-Clach, 267.Mol Dearg, etc., 267.Mol Fada na Dubhaird, 159, 267. Mol Staiseall Staphain, etc., 159,

267.Monadh-Ach’-an-Alit, 389. Monadh Dearg, 267.Monadh Meadhonach, 389. Monadh Mhorsaig, 389.Monadh Uaine, 267.Moonen, 267.Mor amhuinn, 267.Morournycht, 267.Mosgaraidh, 267.Mourteachmhor, 267.Muc Fhaileig, 268.Muclach, 268, 389.Mudalach, 268.Mugeary, etc., 268.Muileann, etc., 268. Muilinn-Thuirn, 389.Mullach Beinn Sea, 268.Mullach Carn, etc., 314.Mullach ’Gharaidh Dhuibh, 268. Munan, 268.

N

Na Famhairean, 268.Nagli, 268.Nagoyneyne, 268.Na Gunnaichean, 268.Na h-Uillt Eigein, 268. Naseiring, etc., 297. Nead-an-Trean, 268.Neist, etc., 268.Nic Cleosgeir Mhor, etc., 269. Nisabost, etc., 269.Nisort, etc., 269.

0Oans, etc., 269.Ob, etc., 269.Ob Allt-an-Daraich, 390.Ob an Dreallaire, 303.Ob Breakish, etc., 269.Ob Buaile an Teachdaire, 270. Ob Duin, 269.Ob Fhiorsgarie, 390.Ob Gauscavaig, 270, 390.Ob Lusa, 270.

Ob na Doinaich, 390.Ob nan Long, 270.Ob nan Pootan, etc., 270. Ob nan Eon, 270.Obost, 270.Ob Snusaich, 390. Odhar-Sgeir, etc., 270. Ofifna. 429.Oir Cheannach, An t-, 270. Oisgill, 270.Olach, etc., 270.Ollaig, etc., 270, 390. Ollisdal, etc., 270.Oransay, 141.Orbost, etc., 270.Orchadail, 390.Ord, etc., 390.Orley, 271.Ornsay, etc., 391.Oronsay, etc., 271.Orril, 271.Orsclan, 271.Osdal, etc., 271.Ose, etc., 271.Osgaig, etc., 297.Osnagarry, etc., 271.Ostaig, etc., 271, 297, 392. Ouderna, 271.Ouia, 271.Ouldalie, etc., 271.Oyestill, 271.Oynart, etc., 271.

P

Pabba, etc., 272.Pairc Ailean, 272.Pairc Dhubh, 272.Pairc ’Ghòbhann, etc., 272. Pairc na Leapraich, 272. Pairc nam Fiadh, etc., 272. Pairc nan Laogh, 272. Palmore, 272.Panstiffan, 273.Parbh, 273.Paulsean, 273.Peallag, 273.Peanchyaich, 273. Peanicullen, etc., 273. Peanouchter, 273.Peanvanish, 273. .Peanybeg, 273. Peanyvickvanan, etc., 273. Pecscoraid, 273.Peighinn (Notes, etc.,), 276. Pein-a-Chleibh, etc., 273. Peinachorran, etc.,. 274. Peinafeiler, etc., 274.

INDEX 481

Peinaha, 274.Pein-an-Uchd, 274.Peincheal, 274.Peinchladich, 274.Peinchoinnich, 274.Peindinavaig, 274.Peinduin, etc., 274.Peiness, etc., 275.Peingown, etc., 274. Peinkarsbreck, 275. Peinknockerisco, 275.Peinlich, 275.Peinmore, 275.Pein-na-Cille, etc., 275. Peinoraid, 275.Peinorra, etc., 275.Peinsoraig, etc., 275.Peinstaffan, etc., 275.Peintua, 275.Peintuakestill, 276.Peinville, 276.Peinvinich, 276.Peinvraid, 276.Penchary, 276.Penist, 276.Penniecappan, etc., 276. Pennimore, 276.Penvichilroy, 276.Penyzegeyn, etc., 276.Plod, 117.Poll ox Pol, 280, 392.Poldill, 280.Poldoxais, 280.Polgaduah, 280.Poll-a-Bhaine, 280.Poll, Am, 392.Poll a Mhonaidh, 392. Poll-an-Dobhran, 280.Poll an Staimh, 280.Poll Chamalaigh, 280.Poll Cas-Goibhxe, 280.Polldun, 280.Poll Ghaxxaidh, 280.Poll Goxm, 280.Poll na h-Ealaidh, etc., 280. Polloegan, 281.Poll Phadruig, 392.Poll Roag, 281.Polmoxe, 281.Poltiex, etc., 108, 281.Port a Bhata, 281.Port a Chadha Ruaidh, 281. Port a Chaim, 281.Port a Ghoirstein, 392.Port Aird ’Ic Illicean, 392.Port Allt a Bhaghonn, etc., 281. Port Allt a Bhile, 281.Port Allt a Chuil, 281.Port Allt a Ghortain Dhuibh,

281.

Port an Eathair, 392.Port an Fheaxainn, 303.Port an Fhiona, 392.Poxt an Luig Mhor, 281.Poxt an Teampuill, 282, 303. Port an Tigh Mhoir, 393.Port an t-Salainn, 282.Port a Rughain Mhoir, 282.Port a Sgumain, 393.Port Aslaig, 282, 393.Poxt a Stuc Leutheir Bhaoideil,

393.Port Bhain, 393.Port Caigin, etc., 282.Port Cul, 393.Port Cnmbang, 282.Port Eagaix, etc., 282.Port Earlais, 282.Poxt Erisco, 282.Port Faxala, etc., 393.Port Gobhlaig, etc., 282. Portinumichaig, etc., 297.Port Mealary, 393.Port Mhic Eoin, 282.Port Mosaig, 282.Port na Caladh, 282.Port na Camaich, 282.Port na-Clacha-Mora, 393.Port na Creileig, etc., 283.Port na Culaidh, 283.Port na Culaig, 393.Port na Daile Bige, 393.Port na Faganaich, 393.Port na Feannaig, 283.Port na Laire, 394.Port nan Long, etc., 283, 394. Port na Sgliat, 394.Port Ni Chalum, 394.Portree, etc., 283.Port Sgaile, 284.Pottech, 284.Prabost, etc., 284.Preshal, etc., 284.Preskilan, 90, 284.Prince Charlie, 99, 104.Prisadal, 284.

QQuiraing, etc., 151, 285. Quirtolan, etc., 286.

R

Raagill, 286.Raasay, etc., 286.Rah, etc., 299.

FF


Raimhe, 299.Raisburgh, etc., 299.Ramasaig, etc., 299, 394. Ramasgar, 299.Ramisdall, etc., 297.Ranlagallan, 299.Rath, 120.Rathad a Gharaidh Dhuibh, 299. Rathkill, 299.Rath Soluis, 299.Ravag, 299.Reachan, etc., 299.Reidhean, An, 300.Reidh na Loch, 300.Reilig Mhoir Chloinn Domhnuill,

300.Reintra, etc., 300.Reireag, 297.Reshaburg, 300.Reishuiron, etc., 300.Reithe Choille, 300.Reival, 300.Rha, 120, 300.Rhuadhain, etc., 300.Rhudunan, etc., 300. Rhunacallich, etc., 394.Riadhan, An, 394.Riasal, 300.Rig, etc., 301.Ringill, etc., 301.Rinn na Caoraich, 394.Risadal, etc., 301.Risagan, etc., 301.Roag, etc., 301.Robastan, etc., 301.Rocabarra, 302.Rodh, etc., 302.Roineval, 302.Roinn, An, 302.Roishader, 302.Romasdal, etc., 302.Rona, etc., 302.Ronacha, 304.Ros a Mheallain, 304.Rosgill, 304.Rossey, 304.Ruadh Stac, 304.Ruaig, 304.Ruaman, etc., 304.Rudh’ Achadh a Chuirn, 304. Rudh’ a Chinn Leith, 305.Rudh’ a Chinn Mhoir, 314.Rudh’ a Chonnaidh, 314.Rudh’ a Chorrain Mhoir agus

Bhig, 314.Rudh’ Aird Mhoir, 305.Rudh’ an Aichrie, 394.Rudh’ an Airde Duibhe, 305. Rudh’ an Carnaich, 305.

Rudh’ an Dubh Chamuis, 303. Rudh' an Dunan, 305.Rudh’ an Easgann, 305.Rudh' an Eireannaich, 156, 305. Ruadh’ an Eun, 306.Rudh’ an Iasgaich, 394.Rudh’ an Lochain. 314.Rudh’ an Torra Mhoir, 304. Rudh’ an t-Sailleir, 306.Rudh’ an t-Saoir, 306.Rudh’ an Tuirc, 394.Rudh’ an Uillt Dharaich, 306. Rudh’ an Uillt Dhuibh, 306. Rudh’ Aonghais, 306.Rudh’ Aosail Sligeach, 314. Radh’ ard de Cheolan, 304. Rudh’ Ard Treshnish, 304.Rudh’ Earr an Sgurr, 306. Rudha, etc., 304.Rudha Bhaiternis, 306.Rudha Bheannachain, 304.Rudha Bhorniskitaig, 306.Rudha Bhreidin, 306.Rudha Breacaichte, 297.Rudha Carn nan Cearc, 394. Rudha Cheannachain, 304.Rudha Chill Bhig, 395.Rudha Chorachan, 305.Rudha Chuirn Dheirg, 395. Rudha Chuim na Caise, 395. Rudha Crion, 297. Rudha-Cruaidhlinn, 305.Rudha Dhunbheagain, 306. Rudha Doire na Boiceinnein

(Bo-Cheannain), 314.Rudha Dubh, 305.Rudha Dubh a Ghrianan, 306. Rudha Dubh Ard, etc., 395. Rudha Gara-Fadd, 305.Rudha Garbh, 297.Rudha Garbhaig, 306.Rudha Gheoidh Bhuidhe, 305. Rudha Guail, 395.Rudha Gualainn, 297.Rudha Hunish, 306.Rudha Leinish, 306.Rudha Lusa, 306.Rudha Maol na Gairbhe, 306. Rudha Meanish, 307, 314.Rudha Mharsco, 307.Rudha Mhic ’Ille Dhuigh, 307. Rudha na Caillich, 307.Rudha na Cloiche, etc., 307. Rudha na Cloich’ Uaine, 297. Rudha na Creige Beithe, 395. Rudha na Creige Moire, 307. Rudha na Dallaig, 395.Rudha na Droma Bhain, 314. Rudha na Gaed, etc., 307.

INDEX 483

Rudha na Goirte, 307.Rudha na h-Airde, 307.Rudha na h-Airde Glaise, 307. Rudha na h-Airigh Baine, 307. Rudha na h-Aiseig, 307.Rudha na h-Aoidhe Moire, 308. Rudha na h-Ard Bhan, 308, 395. Rudha na h-Eich, 395.Rudha na h-011aig, 308.Rudha na h-Uamha, 308.Rudha na h-Uamha Duibhe, 314. Rudha na h-Uamha Mor (a), 395. Rudha nam Both, 308.Rudha nam Bradan, 308.Rudha nam Braithreaa, etc.,

308.Rudha nan Clach, 308.Rudha nan Con Gorina, etc.,

308.Rudha nan Corr, 308.Rudha nan Cudaigean, 308. Rudha nan Eun, 306, 395.Rudha nan Gnoigean, 308.Rudha nan Leac, 297.Rudha nan Sgarbh, 297, 308. Rudha na Sgianadin, 308.Rudha na Tragha, etc., 308. Rudha na Traigh Baine, 395. Rudha na Trusaidh, 314.Rudha Neist, etc., 309.Rudha Phoil, 395.Rudha Phrionns’ Tearlach, 309. Rudha Port-na-Eeannaig, 395. Rudha Reibhnis, 314.Rudha Reidh Bheag, 314.Rudha Riadhain, etc.*, 309. Rudha Shleibhte, 395.Rudha Sloc-an-Eorna, 309, 396. Rudha Stach, etc., 309.Rudha Smuraig, 309.Rudha Staichdinish, 309.Rudha Sughar, 309.Rudha Torra Mhoir, 396.Rudha Uibhaire, etc., 297.Rudha Vannarain, 309.Rudha Vaterstein, 309.Rudha Voreven, 309.Rudhachan a Chaise, 395. Rudhaidhean, Na, 304.Rudhan Mor, An, 309.Ruighe, etc., 310.Ruidhe a Chreagan, 396.Ruighe Cruaidh, 310.Ruighe Mharsco, 310.Ruighe ’Phuill, 310.Ruighe Uinnseain, 310. Ruisebreac, 310.Rutha, etc., 310,

S

Saasaig, etc., 396.Saavetin, 310.Sabhail, 310.Sagerry, 310.Saigh a Mhinn, etc., 310. Sailmhor, 310.Saiven, 310.Salacharie, 311.Salader, etc., 311.Saltach, 311.Samara, etc., 311. Sandabhaig, 311.Sandwick, 311.Saoidhean, 310.Saros, 311.Sartle, 311.Satir, 298.Satran, etc., 311.Sayal, etc., 310.Sc—Sg, 315.Sea, etc., 311.Scaladal, etc., 311.Scalar, 311, 315. Scalbisdale, 311.Scallasaig, 311.Scalpa, etc., 140, 312. Scalpa Chaoil, 313. Scamadal, etc., 315. Scarbhaig, 315.Scard, 315.S cardan, 315.Scarpa, 315.Scarpamutt, 315.Scavaig, etc., 315.Scead Bheinn, 316. Schiadder, 316.Schoan, 316.Sciabost, etc., 316. Sciepadeall, 316.Sciteal, 316.Scobhal, 316.Sconsar, etc., 316.Scorach Breac, 396.Score, etc., 104, 316.Score Horan, 317. Scor-nan-Daoine, etc., 317. Scornisiey, 317.Scorreden, etc., 317. Scorribreac, etc., 317. Scorriclett, 318.Scosa, 318.Scoulomin, etc., 318. Scoumpan, 396.Scourie, 318.Screapadal, etc., 298. Scriag, etc., 318. Scudaburg, etc., 318.


Scudaig, 318.Scudarach, etc., 318.Seafort, etc., 318.Seantalabh, 318.Seisridh, 318.Seodalan, 318.Seoglatter, etc., 318.Sgabol, 318.Sgadan, etc., 318.Sgainnir nan Duin, 318.Sgaimir, 318.Sgalan, 319.Sgathan, 318.Sgath Bhannach, 303.Sgeir, etc., 319. Sgeir-a-Chaisteil, 319.Sgeir a Cheannaiche, 396.Sgeir a Chriomaidh, 396. Sgeir-a-Chxochadair, 319. Sgeir-a-Chuan, 319.Sgeir a’ Lochlannaich, 319.Sgeir an Duin, 319.Sgeir an Bich Bhain, 319.Sgeir an Eidh, 319.Sgeir an Iubhair, 396.Sgeir an Oir, 319.Sgeir an Oedair, 396.Sgeir an Tobair, 396.Sgeir an t-Saothair Mhor, etc.,

396.Sgeir an t-Seana Chreag, 396. Sgeir an t-Sruth, 319, 396. Sgeir a Roin, 396.Sgeir Bar laig, 396.Sgeir Bheag a Phuirt, 397.Sgeir Bheag Eoghain, 397.Sgeir Bheverley, 397.Sgeir Biodaig, 397.Sgeir Chaluimchille, 397.Sgeir Chubhaidh, 397.Sgeir Cnapach, 298, 319.Sgeir Dhearg, 314.Sgeir Dhorcha, 319.Sgeir Eirinn, 319.Sgeir Eirapach, etc., 319.Sgeir Fasair a Choille, 320.Sgeir Fhada, 298.Sgeir Fhearchair, 320.Sgeir Ghobhlach, 320.Sgeir Ghormul, etc., 320.Sgeir Ghraitich, 320.SgeiT Iain Lei the, 397.Sgeir Mhaol(a), 320.Sgeir Mhic Eachainn, 320.Sgeir Mhic Uisdean, 397.Sgeir Mhor, 320.Sgeir Mhor Ghobhlach, 397. Sgeir Mhor Ghormoil, 397.Sgeir Mhurchaidh, 320.

Sgeir na Capull, 320.Sgeir na Cioraig, 397.Sgeir na Coille, 321.Sgeir na Coinnich, 321.Sgeir na Costri, etc., 397. Sgeir na Criche, 397.Sgeir na Greine, 321.Sgeir na h-Inghinn, 321. Sgeir na h-Otrach, 398.Sgeir na Leum, 398.Sgeir na Luirginn, 398.Sgeir nam Biast, 321.Sgeir nam Bodach, 298.Sgeir nam Faoilean, 321. Sgeir nam Fiadh, 398.Sgeir nam Maol, etc., 321. Sgeir nan Caorach, 320.Sgeir nan Eathar Bana, 321, Sgeir nan Eun, 298,303.Sgeir nan Gall, 298.Sgeir nan Gobhar, 398.Sgeir na Ruideag, 321.Sgeir Odhar, 398.Sgeir Pharallie, 398.Sgeir Ringill, 321.Sgeix ’Roin, 321.Sgeir Sgraab, etc., 398.Sgeir Shine, 398.Sgeir Shuas, 303.Sgeir Tharsuinn, 314.Sgeir Una, 398.Sgeirean Mhor, 319.Sgiaban, 321.Sgianadan, 321.Sgiath, 321.Sgiath-Bheinn, 321, 398. Sgor-a-Dhruim, 398. Sgor-a-Ghobhainn, 398. Sgorgruin, 322.Sgorr, An, 398.Sgorridown, 322.Sgorr Mhanuis, 322.Sgriag, 318.Sgriob-an-Duine, 322.Sgriob Mhor, 322.Sgriob na Beithreach, 322. Sgulamus, etc., 322.Sgulan, An, 398.Sguman, 322.Sgurr, etc., 322. Sgurr-a-Bhagh, 322. Sgurr-a-Beoch, 323.Sgurr a Bhaisteir, etc., 323. Sgurr a Chaise, 323, 398. Sgurr a Chaisteil Mhor, 399. Sgurr a Chait, 323, 399. Sgurr a Choire Bhig, 323. Sgurr a Fionn-Choire, 323. Sgurr a Ghreadaidh, 323.

INDEX 485

Sgun Alasdair, etc., 127, 323. Sgurr a Leth-Bheinn, 399.Sgurr a Mhadaidh Ruaidh, 323. Sgurr a Mhalaidh, 324.Sgurran, An, 324.Sgurr an Duine, 324.Sgurx an Easan Duibh, 324, 399. Sgurr an Fheadain, etc., 324. Sgurr Bhreatal, 324.Sgurr Coir an Lochain, 324. Sgurr Dearg, etc., 324.Sgurr Dubh an Da-Bheinn, 325. Sgurr Eadar-da-Choire, 325. Sgurr Ghrita, 325.Sgurr Gorm, 399.Sgurr Iain Bhain, 399.Sgorr Lachlain Mhic Dhomhn-

uill, 325.Sgurr Laghain, 325.Sgurr Mhairi, 325.Sgurr Mhic Coinnich, 127, 325. Sgurr Mor, 325.Sgurr na Banachdich, 325.Sgurr na Coinnich, 325.Sgurr na h-Eidhne, 325.Sgurr na h-Iolaire, 399.Sgurr na h-Uamha, 325.Sgurr nam Boc, 325.Sgurr nam Fiadh, 326.Sgurr nan Caorach, 326, 399. Sgurr nan Each, 326.Sgurr nan Eag, 326.Sgurr nan Gillean, etc., 326. Sgurr nan Gobhar, 327, 399. Sgurr na Stri, etc., 327.Sgurr na Stuaidh, 327.Sgurr Onrachainn, 327.Sgurr Our an, 327.Sgurr Sgumain, 327.Sgurr Thearlaich, 127, 327. Sgurr Thor maid, 327.Sgurr Thuilm, 327.Shageaiy, 327.Shaglater, 327.Shawbost, 328.Sheachan, etc., 328.Sheader, etc., 328.Sheodlaw, etc., 328.Sheshader, 328.Shiant Isles, etc., 329.Shinag, 329.Shulista, 329.Similear an Iolaire, 329.Similear Gobhlach, 329.Similear ’Ic Neacail, 329.Sior Sioc, 399.Sithean, An, 329.Sithean a Bhealaich Chumhaing,

330.

Sitheannan, Na, 331.Sithean Beag, 399.Sithean Beinn a Mhorrainn, 331. Sithean Beinne Bboidhich, 331. Sithean Biorach, 331.Sithean Gorm agus Uaine, 331. Sithean Mor, 399.Sithean Neill, 331.Sithean Praiseach-Bhuidhe, 331. Skeabost, etc., 331.Skeadin, etc., 331.Skelbost, 331.Skerdin, 331.Sker-Horen, 331.Skeriness, etc., 331. Sker-na-Mile, 332.Skianlean, 332.Skibinis, 332.Skinidin, etc., 332.Skin Voire, etc., 332.Skriag, etc., 332.Skridan, etc., 332.Skudiburg, etc., 332.Sky, Skye, etc., 332.Slagandine, etc., 333.Slapin, etc., 333.Slat-Bheinn, 333.Sleadale, 333.Sleat, etc., 333.Sligachan, etc., 404.Sloc a Bhraghad, 399.Sloc a Chuirn, 404.Sloc a Ghrudaire, 405.Sloc Altrumain, 399, 405.Sloc a Mhadaidh, 405.Sloc, An, 399.Sloc a Phiobaire, 405.Sloc Beag, 399.Sloc Dhomhnuill Dhuibh, 405. Sloc Iain Ruaidh, 399.Sloc Mhic Aulaidh, 400.Sloc na Biorlain, 400.Slugan Airigh Lobhra, 400. Slugan, An, etc., 405.Snathad, An, 405.Sneosdal, 405.Sniomh, An, 405.Snizort, etc., 406.Snod, An, etc., 406.Soa, etc., 406.Soan, 407.Soarary, 407.Solitoto, etc., 407.Somerdale, 407.Sornagan, Na, etc., 400. Sornaichean Coir’ Fhinn, 407. Sotaran, 408.Sothan, etc., 408.Sourby, 408.

486 PLACE-NAMES OE SKYE

Souigill, 408. Sra’-na-Creitheach, 408. Sron a Bhainne, 408.Sron a Bhealain, 408.Srona Garbh(a), 400.Sron a Ghxobain, 408.Sxon Alaich, etc., 408.Sron a MhiU, 409.Sron an Aighe, etc., 409. Sronanain, 409.Sron an Fhucadair, 409. Sron an Tairbh, 409.Sron Ard-a-Mhullaich, 409. Sron Bhiorail, 409.Sion Birlinn, etc., 409. Sron Daraich, 400, 409. Sron Dhioixinish, 409.Sron na Creitheach, 408. Sron na Cuinneige, 409. Sron na Glaodhaich, 409. Sron nan Cudaigean, 409. Sron na Strith, 409.Sron Ochrulan, 409.Sron Vourlinn, etc., 409. Sroth nan Aighean, 410. Stac, An, etc., 410.Stac a Bhocain, 410.Stac a Charra, 410.Stac a Mhadaidh, 410.Stac an Fhucadair, 410. Stac an Torra Mhor, 400. Stac an Tuill, 410.Stac (a) Phail, 410.Stacan Dubh(a), 400. Stacan Gobhlach, 410. Stachdachan, Na, 410. Stachd-Axos, 410.Stachro, 298.Stac Lachlainn, 410.Stac na Bearta, 410.Stac na Nighinn, 410. Staffin, etc., 411. Staidhir-Dhearg, 411.Stair, 298.Stalistra, etc., 411.Stamag, 411.Stangan, 401.Stapag, etc., 411.Steall Greep, 411.Stein, 411.Steinscholl, etc., 411. Stirbista, 412.Stolemore, etc., 412.Storab, 298.Storachan, 412.Storr, An, etc., 412. Stotharlan, 412.Straloiness, 412.Strath, etc., 412.

Strathaird, etc., 415.Strathblay, 101, 415.Strath Houlin, etc., 415. Strathswordale, etc., 415. Strebidill, 416.Strigil, 416.Stroc-Bheinn, 416.Strolamus, 416.Stronaskeir, 416.Strongeers, 416.Stronuirinish, 298, 416.Struan, etc., 416.Stuc, 401.Stuc nam Meann, 416.Stuc Nic Cleosgair Mhor, etc..

417.Suardal, 417.Snidh’ a Mhinn, 417.Suidhe Ban, 417.Suidhe Biorach, 417.Suidhe Boidheach, 417.Suidhe Fhinn, 417.Suinigil, etc., 417.Suisnish, 298, 417.Sulasgeir, 417.Suledale, 418.Sulishader, etc., 418.Sunardal, 418.Sveins, 418.Swarbie, etc., 418.Swast, 298.Swordale, etc., 418.

T

Tairneilear, 418.Talamh Feoghre, 418. Talamhnaitaithean, etc., 418. Talanotoll, etc., 419.Talisker, etc., 419.Talnotain, etc., 418.Tamhaix, 419.Tanera, etc., 419.Tang, An, 419.Tantabeg, 419.Taog, etc., 420.Tarbert, 420.Tardil, 420.Tamer, etc., 420.Tarskvaig, etc., 401.Tarta Mheall, 420.Tartar, 401.Tathag, 420.Teampull Anait, 420.Teampull Choan, etc., 401, 421. Teampull Fhraing, etc., 315r

421.Teampull Staoin, 421.

INDEX 487

Teanga, etc., 401.Teanga Bhrodain, 421.Teanga Charnaich, 421.Teanga Riabhaich, 421.Teist, etc., 421.Tengour, 421.Terns, 421.Terriskle, etc., 421.Theabraidh, 422.Thealasbhaidh, 422.Thon-Eilean, 422.Thuighe, etc., 401.Tianavaig, 422.Tiemchoill, 4122. Tigh-an-Taightear, 422.Tigh Creige, 422.Tighloin, 422.Tigh-nan-Dniinich, 422. Tigh-Tara, 423.Timan, etc., 423.Tioscobhaig, etc., 423.Tir Cheiridb, 423.Tirebirnrie, etc., 423.Toakvaig, etc., 401.Tobar, etc., 423.Tobar a Chinn, 424.Tobar a Chladaich, 401.Tobar a Chleir, 402.Tobar a Choilich, 402.Tobar a Ghobha, 402.Tobar a Ghrianan, 424.Tobar an Deudadh, etc., 424. Tobar an Domhnaich, 402.Tobar an Drobhair, 402.Tobar an Fhiona, etc., 402, 424. Tobar an Fhionn Choire, 424. Tobar an Loch Seanta, 425. Tobar an Suidhe, 425.Tobar an t-Sithein, 425.Tobar an Tom-Droighinn, 402. Tobar an Tnirc, 425.Tobar a Phrionnsa, 426.Tobar Artbrannan, 425.Tobar Ashig, etc., 425.Tobar Bhrennan, 425.Tobar Bnaile na h-Aighean, 425. Tobar Chaluim-Chille, 425.Tobar Chaoibeirt, 425.Tobar Chliamain, 426.Tobar Choan, etc., 402, 426. Tobar Dhomhnuill Ghixuamaich,

426.Tobar Dxuim-a-Mhargaidh, 426. Tobar Eoin, 426.Tobar Glaic an Fhudair, 402. Tobar Greep, 426.Tobar Cuchullin, 426.Tobar Iaruinn, 426.Tobar Lianacro, 426.

Tobar Loite, etc., 402.Tobar Lusta, 426.Tobar Mhaolruibhe, 426.Tobar Mhuire, 426.Tobar Mointeach na Steall, 426. Tobar na Beiste Duibhe, 427. Tobar na Buaile Duibh, 427. Tobax na Caillich, 427.Tobar na Ciste, 402.Tobar na Cloinne, 427.Tobar na Coireagan, 402.Tobar na Curxa, 427.Tobar na Fala, 427.Tobar na h-Annait, 427.Tobar na h-Oan, 427.Tobar nam Buadh, 427.Tobar nam Maox, etc., 427. Tobax nan Ailean, 427.Tobax nan Ceann, 427.Tobar nan Oigh, 427.Tobar nan Uaislean, 427.Tobar na Slainte, 402.Tobar na Sluic, 403.Tobar Ruadh, 428.Tobar Tath, etc., 428.Tobar Tellibreck, etc., 428. Tobar Toireasgail, 403.Tobax Toi-Cat, 429.Tobax Tulaich, 429. Tobax-Uamh-nan-Cno, 429. Toffna, 429.Toisgeadal, 429.Tom Moid, etc., 429.Tom na h-Uxaich, 430.Tongue, 403.Tor, Torr, 430. Tor-a-Chama-Reidh, 403.Torag, 403.Torgabost, 430.Toxmichaig, etc., 430.Toxmoie, 403.Tor na Muclach, 403, 430.Tor na Tairbh, etc., 403. Toxnish, 430.Toxr a Bhuilg, 430.Tonadoill, etc., 298.Toxx a Mhaithean, 430.Tonain, Na, 299, 430.Toxxan, 430.Toxxan Uaine, 431.Toxr Dubh, An, 403.Tone, etc., 315.Toxr ’Ille Phadxuig, 430.Toxr Mhor, 430.Torr na Bodhaig, 431.Torr na Daimh, 403.Torr na h-Aithne, 430.Torr na Lethpheighinn, 431. Tori Roid, 403.


Torr Sgalair, 481.Torr Shiothaig, etc., 403. Tortamanach, 403.Torvaig, etc., 403, 431.Tory, etc., 431.Tota, etc., 431.Tota Bhreac, 431. .Tota Bhriuis, 431.Totagan nan Druidhean, 431. Totahoker, etc., 431.Totaichean, 404.Totachean Dubha, 431.Totaig, etc., 432.Tota Mhic Cuinn, 154, 432.Tota nam Ban Maire, 432. Tota-Thaoig, etc., 432.Tote Uachdarach ’as Iochdarach,

432.Totrome, etc., 432.Totscore, etc., 432.Toultin, etc., 433.Toum, 433.Toustle, 433.Trabost, 433.Traigh Bheag ’us Mhor, 433. Treaslane, etc., 433.Treen, etc., 433.Trodda, etc., 135, 433.Trodhu, 433.Trodigal, etc., 433.Trooba, etc., 434.Troterness, etc., 434.Truagh Mheall, 435.Trumpan, 117, 118, 123, 435. Tuddinvain, 436.Tuirinish, 404.Tulloch, etc., 436.Tulm, 436.Tungadal, 437.Tungay, 437.Tungladair, 437.Tunnuh, 437.Tusdale, 437.Tuych, etc., 437.

UUadaim, etc., 437.Uamh, Uaimh, Uamha, 404, 437. Uamha Bhocsa, etc., 404.Uamh a Chinn Dheirg, 437. Uamh a Chreachainn, 437.Uamh an t-Albannach, 437. Uamh a Choimnleir, 404, 438. Uamh an Draoinean, 438.Uamh an Taibhse, 438.Uamh an Tairbh, 438.

Uamh Bheag an t-Siosalaich, 438.

Uamh Bhinn, 438.Uamha Bhodach, 438.Uamh Chaluim, 299.Uamh Cleit, 438.

■ Uamh Fhliuch, 404, 438.Uamh Mhic Coitir, 438.Uamha nan Calaman, 404, 438. Uamh-an-Oir, 404, 438.Uamh nam Piobairean, 439. Uamh na Sithean, 439.Uamh ’Phrionnsa, 438.Uamh Thoirlean, 439.Uchd a Chroich, 404.Uchdan Leinibh, 439.Uchd Ban, 439.Uchd Mimaig, 439.Uchd Mor, 439.Udabachd, 439.Udal, etc., 440.Udigil, etc., 440.Ugag, etc., 440.Ugaraidh, 440.Uidh, 440.Uig, etc., 440.Uiginish, etc., 442.Uigshader, etc., 299, 442.Uilt na Teanga, 404.Uishness, etc., 442.Ulbacky, 442.Ulfhart, etc., 442.Ulinish, etc., 443.Unabost, 443.Unachan, 299.Unacille, etc., 443.Ung’ Arnisort, 443.Ung’ na Sgeire, 443.Ungshader, etc., 443.Unish, etc., 443.Unnsa-Paul, 443.Urbhuil, 443.Ure, 443.Uretill, 443.Urgag, etc., 444.Utrigle, 440.

y(See Bh and U.)

Vaiscraig, 444.Vallay, 444.Vallerain, etc., 444. Valtos, 444.Varkasaig, etc., 444. Varragill, 444.Vaternish, etc., 445. Vatn, etc., 445.

Yidigill, 445. Yiscovaig, 445. Yinsanam, etc., 445. Vngcladdach, 445. Vngoworrow, 445. Yngroag, 445. Yoagryne, 445. Voaker, 445. Volobhaig, etc., 445. Vxiskaig, 131, 445. Yusay, 446.

WWady, 446. Waterloo, 446.

I Water ness, etc., 446. Water say, 446. Waterstein, etc., 446. Wygsadder, 447.Wia, etc., 447. Wilder, 447.

INDEX

YYelkie, 447.Yona, 447.Yot, 447.

ZZair, etc., 447.

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U.S.A. 2 copies.


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FORBES, N. MACKENZIE, Esq., Box 308, Wanganui, New Zealand.4 copies.

FRASER, GEORGE MACKAY, Esq., Solicitor, Banker, and Factor to Rt. Hon. Lord Macdonald, etc., Portree, Skye. 2 copies.

FRASER, JOHN, Esq., J.P., Lieut.-Colonel, 317 Bulwer Street, Box 149, Pietermaritzburg, Natal.

A FRIEND.FROST, WALTER, Esq., 32 George Street, Ponsonby, Auckland, New

Zealand.GALBRAITH, Rev. MALCOLM, Free Church. Manse, Dunvegan, Skye.GEORGE, LLOYD, DAVID, late Prime Minister, London, per. J. Davies,

Esq.GILLESPIE, R., Esq., 12 Virginia Avenue, Eden Terrace, Auckland, New

Zealand. 'GORDON, Mrs. SETON, Glencuaich, Oban, Argyll.•GRANT, ROBERT, & Sons, Messrs., Booksellers, etc., Princes Street,

Edinburgh. 6 copies.HENDERSON, SARAH, Mrs., Stirling Villa, Oban.HODGES, FIGGIS, & CO., Messrs., Booksellers, 20 Nassau Street, Dublin.

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Chatham, Kent.KEMBLE, H. W., Lieut.-Col., Knock, Broadford, Skye.KENNEDY, HECTOR, Rev., The Manse, Raasay, Kyle.KER, W. P., Esq., All Souls’ College, Oxford.LAMONT, DONALD, Rev., B.D., The Manse, Blair Atholl, Perthshire.LE VERHULTVÌE, Viscount, The Hill, Hampstead Heath, London, N.W. 3.LING, W. N., Esq., President, Scottish Mountaineering Club, Ashgate,

Wetheral, Carlisle.LIVINGSTONE, Miss, Flodigarry, Staffin, Skye.LIVINGSTONE, A. MACKENZIE, Esq., The Cedars, St. Alban’s Road,

London, N.W. 5.LOYD, EVELYN S., Miss, Tormore, Ardvasar, Skye.LURCHER, Dr. E., Finkenherbelweg 22, Berne, Switzerland.MATHESON, ANGUS, Esq., 3 Chalmers Crescent, Edinburgh. <■MATHESON, JOHN, Esq., M.A., M.D., etc., 14 Gibson Square, London,

N. 1.MORRISON, HEW, Esq., LL.D., Public Library, Edinburgh. 2 copies.MURRAY, DONALD, Esq., M.P., 4 St. Alban’s Road, London, N.W. 5.MACALISTER, Sir DONALD, K.C.B., The University, Glasgow.MACCALLUM, A., Esq., M.C., Estate Office, Uig, Skye.MACAULAY, ALFRED N., Esq., Solicitor and Banker, Golspie.MACAULAY, MURDOCH, Esq., School House, Bernisdale, Skye.MACCOWAN, RODERICK; Rev., Free Church Manse, Kiltarlity, Inver

ness.MACDONALD, LADY, OF THE ISLES, Thorpe Hall, Bridlington, York

shire. 2 copies.

PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE 49a

MACDONALD, Hon. Mrs., Ostaig, Skye.MACDONALD, A., Miss, Kilmuir School, Portree, Skye.MACDONALD, ALEX., Rev., The Manse, Waternish, Skye.MACDONALD, ALEX., Esq., Home Farm, Portree, Skye.MACDONALD, D. J., Rev., Manse of Killean, Muasdale, Kintyre. MACDONALD, JOHN, Esq., West Mount, 59 Albert Drive, Pollokshields,.

Glasgow, S.S.MACDONALD, JOHN, Esq., 1623 Parker Street, Vancouver, B.C. MACDONALD, JOHN F., Esq., Mounthill Avenue, Chelmsford, Essex. MACDONALD, JOHN M., Esq., Glenbrittle, Skye.MACDONALD, J., Esq., 39 Station Terrace, Remuera, Auckland, New

Zealand.MACDONALD, KENNETH A., Col., Tote, Skye.MACDONALD, LACHLAN, Esq., 1308 Majestic Building, Milwaukee,.

Wisconsin, U.S.A.MACDONALD, Sir MURDOCH, K.C., M.G., etc., M.P., 72 Victoria Street,

London, S.W. 1.MACDONALD, R., Esq., Hon. Sec., Auckland Caledonian Society, Victoria

Lane, Auckland, New Zealand. 6 copies.MACDONALD, W. T., Ashbank, Shawlands, Glasgow.MACILRAITH, Dr. A. R. M., I l l Priory Road, Anfield, Liverpool. MACILRAITH, W. M., Esq., “ Duntulm,” 2 White’s Terrace, Manningham,

Bradford. 3 copies.MACINNES, COLIN, Esq., 362 St. Vincent Street, Glasgow.MACINNES, M., Esq., The Hotel, Broadford, Skye.MACINNES, MALCOLM, Esq., Box 1135, Johannesburg, South Africa. MACINNES, Dr. NEIL, 5 Union Street, Oldham.MACKAY, J. G., Esq., O.B.E., J.P., etc., Beaumount House, Portree,

Skye.MACKAY, WILLIAM, Esq., LL.D., etc., Craigmonie, Inverness. MACKENZIE, ALEXANDER, Rev., M.A., The Manse, Dunvegan, Skye, MACKENZIE, Hon. Lord, 47 Heriot Row, Edinburgh.MACKENZIE, JAS. A. H., Esq., Architect, Seafield, Portree, Skye. MACKENZIE, WM. C., Esq., 94 Church Road, Richmond, Surrey. MACKENZIE-CATTON, A. H., Esq., Waterloo, Bankfoot, Perthshire. MACKINNON, A. D., Esq., C.M.G., O.B.E., M.D., Dunringill, Kyleakin,

Skye.MACKINNON, ALEX. D., Esq., Procurator Fiscal, Portree, Skye. MACKINNON, CALUM, Esq., 2 Suffolk Road, Edinburgh. MACKINNON, L. K. S., Esq., 120 William Street, Melbourne, Australia.

2 copies. 'MACKINNON, LACHLAN, Esq., “ Hamara” House, Inverkip Road,,

Greenock.MACLAREN, W. J., Esq., Councillor, J.P., 25 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh. MACLEAN, J., Esq., 1448 Taunton Street, Victoria, British Columbia. MACLEAN, KENNETH, Esq., Headmaster, Public School, Malladg.

2 copies.MACLEAN, MAGNUS, Professor, The Royal Technical College, Glasgow. MACLEAN, NORMAN, The Rev., D.D., 6 Grosvenor Gardens, Edinburgh.


MACLEAN, WILLIAM, Esq., Tallisker, Carbost, Skye.MACLEOD, D. J., Esq., H .M .I.S., Porterfield House, Inverness.MACLEOD, Sir JOHN LORNE, G.B.E., LL.D., 72 Great King Street

Edinburgh. ’MACLEOD, JOHN N., Esq., Knockbain, Kirkhill, Inverness.MACLEOD, RONALD, Rev., Captain, Hon. C. F., 130 Jameson Avenue,

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Colintraive, Argyll.MACRAE, A., Rev., C.F., 34 Upper Baker Street, London, N.W. 1. MACRAE, DONALD, Esq., British Vice Consul, 75 South Third Street,

Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.A.MACRAE, WALTER G., Esq., Captain, Co. “ C,” 7th Regt., N.C.F.,

Lee’s Army (U .S.A.), Box 14, Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.A. MACRAE, Dr. F., Gesto Hospital, Edinbain, Skye.M'ALISTER, W. J., Esq., 15 Trinity Square, London, E.C. 3. M'ASKILL, KENNETH, Esq., Borreraig, Dunvegan, Skye.M'CASKIE, NORMAN J., Esq., M.A., M.D. (Camb.), 14 Onslow Square,

London, S.W. 7.M'EWEN, WILLIAM C., Esq., W.S., 9 South Charlotte Street, Edinburgh. M'ILWRAITH, T. F., Esq., St. John’s College, Cambridge, England. M'LEOD, A. M., Esq., S.S.C., 27 Rutland Street, Edinburgh.M'LEOD, Mrs. DUNCAN, Kinloch Lodge, Broadford, Skye.M'LEOD, DUNCAN, Esq., Kinloch Lodge, Broadford, Skye.M'LEOD, R., Esq., 70 Second Avenue, Kingsland, Auckland, New Zealand. MTHERSON, ARCHD., Esq., Inspector of Poor, Ferrindonald, Sleat, Skye. NICOLSON, ALEXANDER NEIL, Esq., 6 Queen’s Gate, Inverness. NICOLSON, ANGUS, Esq., Scorrybreck House, Portree, Skye. NICOLSON, JESSIE, Miss, Cross Roads, Harthill, Lanarkshire. OLDFIELD, J. R., Captain, Achnagairn, Kirkhill, Inverness-shire. PATERSON, HUGH, Esq., 58 Brookside Road, Golders Green, London,

N.W. 11.PATERSON, T. SWINTON, Esq., S.S.C., etc., Priestfield Road, Edinburgh. PHILLIP, COLIN B., Esq., Arts Club, 40 Dover Street, Piccadilly,

London, W.PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTION, per W. Addis Miller, Secy., 4 Queen

Street, Edinburgh.POTTER, ROBERT D., Rev., The Manse, Mallaig, Inverness-shire. QUINN, ALLAN A., Esq., St. Andrews Channell, Cape Breton, Nova

Scotia, Canada. 2 copies.REID, A. W., Esq., Rockfort Place, Helensburgh.RENNIE, J., Esq., Wellcroft, John Street, Helensburgh.ROBERTSON, ALEX., Rev., D.D., Oa’ Struan, Ponte Della Salute, Venice. ROBERTSON, ATHOLL, Esq., M.C., M.D., “ Dunalasdair,” Salen, Loch

Sunart, Argyll.


ROBERTSON, DONALD J., Rev., The Manse, Jura, Argyll. ROBERTSON, W. J., Esq., Procurator Fiscal, County Buildings, Kilmar

nock.ROGER, H. S., Esq., c /o M'Leod, 27 Rutland Street, Edinburgh.ROSS, HUGH, Esq., 41 Bellevue Road, Edinburgh.ROSS, NEIL, Rev., B.D., 12 Mentone Terrace, Edinburgh.SALVE SEN, Hon. Lord, Dean Park House, Edinburgh.SAMUEL, Sir JOHN S., K.B.E., 13 Park Circus, Glasgow.SCORGIE, D., Esq., 16 Railway Street, Newmarket, Auckland, New

Zealand.SHAW, DONALD, Esq., S.S.C., 53 George Street, Edinburgh.SHAW, F. M., Esq., 5 East India Avenue, London, E.C. 3.SIMPSON, JAMES, Esq., North Bank, Portree, Skye.SOLICITORS’ SUPREME COURTS LIBRARY, Parliament House, Edin

burgh, per “ Librarian.”THIN, JAMES, Esq., Bookseller, 55 South Bridge, Edinburgh.TOLMIE, Miss FRANCES, Kilchoan Cottage, Dunvegan, Skye. TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY, per Geo. H. Locke, Chief Librarian,

Toronto, Canada.VALENTINE, G. D., Esq., Sheriff- Substitute, St. Martins, Portree, Skye. WARD-THOMPSON, B., Esq., Ault Daraich, Sligachan, Skye. 2 copies. WATT, Rev. LAUCHLAN MACLEAN, D.D., 7 Royal Circus, Edinburgh.

JUST PUBLISHED.

NEW AND CHEAPER EDITION. . REVISED.Demy 8vo. Over 550 pages. Price, 15j- net ,* postage, 1(3.

With over 60 Illustrations and Maps.

Wanderings in the Western Highlands ® Islands

Recounting Highland History, Traditions, Ecelesiology, Archaeology, Romance, Literature, Humour, Folk-Lore, &c.

By M. E. M. DONALDSONAuthor of “ The Isles of Flame,” “ Tonal Mactonal,” “ Islesmen of Bride,” etc.

Sometime Exhibitor at the Scottish Photographic Salon and the Royal Photographic Society’s Exhibitions.

Illustrated by 40 of the Author’s Photographs; a Special Map, Line Drawings, and Original Plans by I s a b e l B o n u s ; and other Plans of Brochs, Forts, Castles, and Churches.

Glossary o f Place-Names and Full Index.

gttiichhaB stt aghsi&ft mtt

Some Press Notices of First Edition.“ This handsome volnme is the record . . . by an enthusiast who handles

her camera with more than usual artistic skill and has in consequence been able to adorn her volume with a series of photographs of more than ordinary interest and beauty. Miss Donaldson . . . loves her country and all its romantic and sacred memories with a passion that is unusually deep, and this devotion is what gives her book its rather naive charm. . . . Miss Donaldson’s enthusiasms are infectious—and her Jacobitism allows of a hearty allegiance to the house of Windsor. ”— The Timet Literary Supplement.

“ The book is full of good things. The writer takes the reader on a delightful journey through a great part o f the Western Highlands and Islands, telling with literary charm of the beauties, historical associations, and natural features of the district. She displays a Jacobite fervour that captures the heart of any Scot who reads the narrative . . . and she writes lovingly of Iona and St. Columba and all his works. . . . The volume is one that will afford both pleasure and instruction to the reader.”— Glasgow Herald.

“ The strong undiluted Celtic and Jacobite spirit in which it is steeped should heighten rather than prevent its enjoyment. . . . It gives flavour and piquancy to a chronicle which is crammed full of varied and curious information. ... . She has catholicity of taste in at least the antiquarian subjects in which she takes, an interest; and nothing in the shape of * Highland and clan history, traditions, ecclesiology, romance, literature, folklore,’ comes amiss to her net. What may be still more appreciated than her investigation of old sites . . . are the bits of living West Highland humour and character which she has collected in her wanderings, chiefly, as one perceives, through the magnetism of her own personality and sympathy.”— The Scotsman.

“ A notable volume.”—Edinburgh Evening News.

PAISLEY: ALEXANDER GARDNER, L i m i t e d

A N D ALL BOOKSELLERS

SUMMARY OF CHIEF CONTENTS.

C h a p t e r I — I n t h e L a n d o f Pr in c e C h a r l ie .Clans and all about them—Tartan and its origin—Clanranald and the

chiefship of Clan Donald—Glenfinnan and the raising of the Prince’s banner—the fiery cross—old Highland dress—the Roman Church in the Highlands—Eilean Finàn—Columban legend of Moidart—Castle Tirrim —Kinlochailort to Borrodale—resting-cairns—Prince Charlie and Borro- dale House and Loch nan Uamh: his hiding-place there—a vitrified fort and experiments in vitrification—Jacobite songs: Lowland versus Highland—Arisaig and some sails with a typical Highlander—the crannog of Loch nan Eala—Kilmory o f Arisaig and S. Maelrubha—the Clanranald bard, Alasdair Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair—the old church: its history and sculptured stones—Highland archery and the true claymore —Morar: its Loch and Prince Charlie and Lord Lovat—Highland superstitions and a typical cottage—the people—native dyes, spinning, and peat-cutting—Mallaig.

C h a p t e r I I .— T h e Isl e o f M is t .The three clans of Skye—Armadale Castle and the Macdonalds of Sleat—

the legend of Somerled—the romance of the dispute over the chiefship of Sleat—the Coolin and the legend of Cuchullain—Dunscaith Castle— Knock Castle and its glaistig—Folk-lore of the glaistig and gruagach— Armadale to Broadford—Loch nan Dubhrachan and its water-bull— Folk-lore of the water-horse—the one-legged goblin—Ashaig and S. Maelrubha—Broadford and its burial cairn—Seonaid and her story of the Macdonald’s “ bloody hand ”—the old house of Corrie and Dr. Johnson—fairy hill and fairy folk—Kilchrist and its antiquities— Standing-stone and well at Kilbride—Torran to Elgol—Loch Scavaig— Prince Charlie and Elgol—the Mackinnons—the Prince’s Cave—Broadford to Sligachan—Luib and the Prince’s journey through it—the “ hill of the cloaks ” and the well of the death of Donald Gruamach—Sconser —Sligachan Inn—'Highland nomenclature—putting the evil eye on a cottage—the Braes and folk-lore—the cos chrom in use—Loch Columcille and its remains—the fight of Corrie na Creiche—Prince Charlie in Glen Sligachan—over the “ Bad Step ” by Camasunary—the “ Bloody Stone ” —Fairy lore—earth-house and fairy bower at Struan—Clan Macleod and their pipers—Dunvegan Castle: its legends, history, architecture, and relics—tales of the Fairy Flag—prophecies of the Brahan Seer—tales of the “ Little Folk” and of the Macrimmons’ Piping—the humours of a coach ride to Portrèe—Kingsburgh House and Iain Dubh Macleod— Peindun and the death of Flora Macdonald—Caisteal Uisdein—Uig and witchcraft—Loch Chalumcille and its ancient Columban monastery—the last stand of the Norsemen—Kilmuir: Flora Macdonald’s grave—Dun- tulm Castle—the Lord of the Isles as judge—the Barrel Hill—the return to Uig with Flora and “ Betty Burke ”—the Prince’s landing-place— his encounter at Skudiburg with a herdsman—the journey to Kingsburgh and his stay there-—his parting with Flora at Portree—sailing southward on a “ mixed boat ”—Kyle Akin—Castle Maol and its story.

C h a p t e r I I I .— F r o m t h e C a s t l e o f E il e a n D o n n a n t o t h e B r o c h s o f G l e n e l g .

Kyle and its curiosities of cargo loading—Ardelve—Eilean Donnan as it was and as it is—the castle—the Clans Mackenzie and Macrae—of brochs in general and that of Totaig in particular—Kyle Rhea and its legends—the Fianna—Glenelg and the Macleods—“ Fairy Footprints ” —the origin of Highland fairy-lore—on the Mam Ratagan Pass—John Maclnnes’ Loch and its water-horse—Scallisaig and its stories—somS baghanS—the wealth o f Glenbeg: its brochs, stone circle, arid other antiquitiès — Dun Grugaig — the. walk to Arnisdale — the forcible suppression of Episcopacy and imposition o f Presbytery.

C h a p t e r IV .—T h e Is l a n d o f E ig g .Legendary origin of its naming—the island’s exceeding beauty—the charm

of some of its women—the bean nighe of Cuagach—the poets o f Eigg— Laig House as it used to be—the Rùn of Hospitality—the wonderful Bay of Laig: its geology, flora, and folk-lore—stories of the caves on the north coast—the cliffs of Eigg—legends of S. Donnan—his grave and relics—the old church of Kildonan—the ceremonies of inaugurating the Lords of the Isles—the wells of Kildonan and its tumuli—gathering peats—a legend of the wren—Cleadale: its wells and their folk-lore— the “ white bird of corpses ” and the “ knock of the pipers ”—Eigg and its lochs—the water-horse of Lochan Nighean Dughaill—the crannog of Loch nam Ban Mor—the famous Sgurr of Eigg and its legends— Gruline and its antiquities—the massacre: the cave and its story—the Cave of Devotion—the “ Christ-Child’s Lullaby ” and the “ Pilgrim’s Rùn of Eigg ’ ’—the little folk on Muck—a Jacobite incident.

C h a p te r V.—T h r o u g h L o c h a b e r t o t h e C o u n tr y o f t h e M a c d o n a ld s .

Inverlochy: its ancient history, castle, and battles—Iain Lom, the Bard of Keppoch—Clan dispositions in battle and the Highland method of fighting—the siege of Fort-William in 1746—Onich and Clach-a-Charra —North Ballachulish and S. Bride’s Church—Ballachulish ferry and its legends—Eilean Coinneach—S. John’s, Ballachulish—the native Church of this country and its history—the “ hollows of the Holy Feast ”— second sight verms spiritualism—tales of Ewan Mor MacColl—the Duine Mor of Ballachulish—the “ Macdonald’s Burial Isle ” and its patron saint—tales of the island, its graves, and old church—second sight in Glencoe—the massacre of Glencoe: its inception, history, and local tales of its many incidents—present-day scene of the massacre—the many bards of Glencoe—the septs of the clans—the hereditary offices in Clan Donald and the origin of some of its sept names— “ broken ” clans— local tales of Glencoe and of Ballachulish House—the Pass of Glencoe: a water-bull and Ossian—the story of the “ Bloody Pool ”—how Glencoe was snatched from the Macdonalds.

C h a p te r VI.—T h e C o u n tr y o f t h e S t e w a r t s .The Stewarts of Appin- their origin, history, and character—the history

of the Church in Appin—the Culloden Memorial there—Castle Stalcaire: its history and stories—the walk from Port na Crois to Duror—Keil, and its meaning—Achara and Duror and their people—Springtime in Duror — the glaistig of Achindarroch — S. Adamnan’s Church — the banner of Appin and its vicissitudes—Lag-na-ha and its cave—the adventures of Ardsheal after Culloden—the whole story of the Appin murder—Glenuire’s cairn in Lettermore—the trial of James of the Glens: his execution, and tales told of it—the burning of Ballachulish House.

C h a p t e r V II .— T h e H o m e o f S . C o l u m b a a n d t h e Is l a n d o f St a f f a .

Iona: its origin and meaning—Iona of the tourists—restoration, true and false—Martyrs’ Bay and its story—the old “ Street of the Dead ”— characteristics of modern Iona—S. Columba’s landing-place—the “ bay of ruins ” and the earliest inhabitants—the “ cairn of the back turned to Ireland ”—an ancient Celtic poem—the Machar and its bay—the “ spouting cave ”—the “ hill of the angels ” and S. Columba—martyrdom at the “ white sands of the monks ”—Dun I—S. Columba a;nd his Iona— dress of the monks and their peculiar tonsure—site and description of the first monastic buildings—the “ secluded hollow ” of Iona and its

4story—the constitution of the Columban order, their practices, peculiarities, and worship—S. Columba and the flounder—the hallowing of King Aidan—the death of S. Columba—conjectures as to the place of his burial—his relics and their wanderings—the memory of S. Columba: his day, bird, and flower—the legend of S. Columba and the robin—sheiling hymn of S. Columba—post-Columban Iona and its frequent invasion by Danes—the remains of the later Celtic monastery —Scotland’s most famous burial-ground: its chajpels, graves, stones, and their stories—the legend of the burial of S. Oran—the art of the sculptured stones: their symbols and representations—the effigies: their costume, armour, and arms—fragments of a great cross-—the mediaevalmonastery and its founding------“ S. Columba’s tomb ”—S. John’s Crossand the “ Stones of Judgment”—the Abbey Church: its architecture, tombs, and stones—S. Matthew’s and S. Martin’s Crosses—the Chapter House and other buildings—the famous “ black stones of Iona ”—Maclean’s Cross—the founding of the Nunnery: its buildings and stones— S. Eonan’s Chapel—the stories of the glaistig of Stonaig and of one of the fairy hills of the island—the folk-lore of the wells—Staffa and its caves—a night on the island.

C h a p t e r V III .— T h e A t t r a c t io n s o f A r d n a m u r c h a n .Its ancient naming and history—Clan Maclain and. the Campbells—

Greideal Fhinn—on the road to Ardnamurchan Point—ingenious gate- hinges—Girgadale and Mac Iain Ghiòrr: his cunning by land and sea— Port-na Cairidh and Eilean Chalum-cille—Ardnamurchan Point and the legend of the Macintyres—the ecclesiastical divisions of Ardnamurchan —Kilchoan: its saint and sculptured stones—tales of the Episcopalian incumbents—the famous Maighstir Alasdair—round the north of Ben Hiant to Camus nan Geall—the conjectured Muir bole Paradisi of Adamnan—S. Columba’s associations with the bay—Cladh Chiarain and S. Kiaran—remarkable inscribed monolith and some megalithic remains —S. Columba’s well at Ardslignish and its story—back to Kilchoan by the coast—Coire-mhuilinn and the “ Sugar Brook ” of Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair—Mingary Castle: its description and history—to Kilmory, Clach Chatain, and S. Cathan—Celtic practice regarding dedications and mediaeval re-dedications—Kilmory probably an instance—Uamha Thuill and a wonderful bay.

C h a p t e r I X .— P l a c e s o f U n iq u e I n t e r e s t o u t o f t h e B e a t e n T r a c k .

A pilgrimage to Eileach an Naoimh, as the Hinba of Adamnan—folk and other tales of islands on the way there—the Garvellochs and their history—a complete survey of the structural remains on Eileach an N’aoimh: their description and .history—S. Columba’s connection with the island and other references to it in Adamnan—Psychic experience —Corrievreckan and its legends—Dun Domhnuill and the Lords of the Isles—a Highland chief’s retinue—Clan Malcolm, and the archaeological treasure of its country—cup and ring stone at Cairnbaan—standing- stones and burial-cairns at Nether Largie—Bronze age burials—Unique crucifix at Kilmartin—Celtic representations of the Crucifixion— Dunadd: its ancient importance, history, and remarkable symbols— Installation of the Lords of the Isles—on the road to Tayvallich—an unusual stone oval, an ancient pillar cross, and a well at Kilmory Oib —description of the fort on Druim an Duin—a natural transition to Culloden—Vale !

USABHARLANN SABHAL MOR OSTAIG

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PLACE-NAMES OF SKYE - 8 HERBUSTA