<<

Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 69

Kallin (), Na Ceallan. Kenary (Grimsay), Ceann Àirigh. "The cells", as inhabitanted by . "Sheiling end". Kames (), Camas nam Muclach. Kendibig (Harris), Ceann Dìbig. "The of the pig places". "Head of the deep bay", from / Norse. Katewell (Ross), Ciadail. Kendram (Skye), Ceann Droma. "Cattle fold ", from Norse. "Ridge end". Keanculish (Ross), Ceann a' Chaolais. Kenknock (Perth), Ceannchnoc. "The head of the ". "End hill". Kearstay (Harris), Cearstaigh. Kenmore (Lewis, Perth, Ross), A' "Hart island", from Norse. Cheannmhor. "The big headed place". Kebbock Head (Lewis), A' Chàbag. (Argyll), Ceann na Creige. It is unclear what this means. "The end of the rock". Keil (Argyll), A' Chill. Kennacreggan (), Ceann nan "The cell" or "the church". Creagan. "The end of the rocks". Keill (Muck), A' Chill. Kennoway (). See Keil. Old forms of the name such as Kennochin Keills (Argyll), Cill Mhic Carmaig; (), and Kennoquhy suggest a Gaelic origin from A' Chill. The Argyll name is "the cell of the ceann, "end" or "head", and while the latter of O'Cormack", while the Islay name is part of the name is unclear, it may be related simply "the cell" or "the church". to Kenknock and the Gaelic name of Brig Keiloch (), An Caolach. O'Turk. "The arrow place". Kenovay (Scalpay, ), Ceann a' Bhàigh. Keils (Argyll, Jura), A' Chill. "The head of the bay". "Cell" (Skte), Ceann Sàil Eighre. Keir (, ). "The head of the at the beach", from "Fort". In Dumfries this probably comes Gaelic/Norse. from Brythonic, while in Stirling it may be Kensalroag (Skye), Ceann Sàil Ròdhag or either Brythonic or Gaelic cathair. Ceann an t-Sàile. "The head of inlet". Keiss (Caithess), Céis. Gaelic also has the shorter name, "the head This Norse name may indicate either a of the inlet". rounded ridge or promontory. Kentallen (Argyll), Ceann an t-Sàilein. Keistle (Skye), Ceasdail or Ciosdal. "The head of the small inlet". This Norse name may mean "low valley". Kentangaval (), Ceann Tangabhail. Keith (Banff), Baile Cheith. "Head of the hill at the sharp point", from This appears to come from Brythonic coed, Gaelic/Norse. "wood", but a Pictish territorial division in (Argyll, Ross), Ceann Tràgha. this area was known as Cé, and the "Beach end". may be related. The Gaelic name is the same, Kentulavaig (Lewis), Ceann Tùlabhaig or but is prefixed by baile, "". Formerly Ceann Thùlabhaig. "The head of the rocky the town was known as Kethmalruf or Ceith bay", from Gaelic/Norse. Maol Rubha, "St Maol Rubha's Keith", this Kenvar (Tiree), Ceann a' Bhara. 's name later becoming confused with "The head of the cliff", from Gaelic/Norse. that of Rufus. Keoldale (), Cealldail. Keithick (Perth). This may be "keel valley", from Norse. "Small wood", based on Brythonic coed with Keose (Lewis), Ceòs. a Gaelic ending, suggesting "Hollow", from Norse. Keose Glebe is Glìb Ceitheag. Cheòis. Keithmore (Banff), Ceith Mhór. Keppanach (Inverness), Ceapanach. "Large wood", with Brythonic coed. "Arable land". Keithock (Angus). Keppoch (Inverness, Ross), A' Cheapach. See Keithick. "The tillage land". is Cùl Kellas (Angus, ), Ceallas. na Ceapaich. Keppoch Muir is an Sliabh "Church place". Ceapanach, "the moor of the tillage land". Kelso (), Cealsaidh or Cealso. Kernsary (Ross), Cearnasair. "Chalk heugh", from English. " on good land", from Norse. Keltneyburn (Perth), Allt Chailtnidh. , Cearrara. "Stream of the hard river". "Copse island", from Norse. A Kerrera Kelty (Fife, Perth). person is a Cearrarach, also nicknamed an "Hard place", from the element caled found eireag, "pullet". in river names such as Calder and Caladar.

Ainmean-Àite 69 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 70

Kerry (Argyll), An Ceathramh Chomhalach; Kilbucho (). (Ross), Cearraidh. In Argyll the name means This may be "Begha's church", named after a "the quarter-land", an inhabitant of little known 7th century Irish nun. which is known as a Ceathrach. This word Kilcalmonell (Argyll), Cill Cholmain Eala. also appears in An Ceathrach, "the "Colman Eala's church", a saint also Kerry strait" or West Kyle of Bute. In Ross, commemorated in "Colmonell". the name may be "copse river", from Norse. Kilchattan (Argyll, Bute, , ), Kerrycroy (Bute), An Ceathramh Cruaidh. Cille Chatain. "Catan's church". In Colonsay "The hard quarterland". there are Lower Kilchattan and Upper Kerrysdale (Ross), A' Chathair Bheag. Kilchattan. Lower Kilchattan comprises both This may be "copse valley", from Norse, Baile Ìochdarach, "lower farm", and Baile while the Gaelic name is "the little fort". Uachdrach, "upper farm". Upper Kilchattan Kersavagh (North ), Cearsabhagh. is Baile Mhoire in Gaelic, "the Virgin Mary's This may be "copse bay", from Norse. farm". Kershader (Lewis), Ceirseadar. Kilcheran (Lismore), Cill Chiarain. "Copse dwelling", from Norse. "Ciaran's church". Kessock (Inverness), Ceasaig or Ceasag. This Kilchiaran (Islay), Cill Chiarain. is named after the saint of the same name, See Kilcheran. more commonly associated with (Argyll), Cille Chomhghain. area. "Comgan's church". The Gaelic name can Khantore (Aberdeen), Ceann Tòrr. also be seen spelt Cill a' Chòthain which "Hill end". sounds similar but is meaningless. Kiel (Argyll), A' Chill. (Islay), Cill Chomain. "The cell" or "church". "Coman's church". Kilanallen (Mull), Cill an Àilein. Kilchousland (Argyll), Cill Chuisilein. "The church in the meadow". "Constantine's church". Kilarrow (Islay), Cill A Rubha. Kilchrenan (Argyll), Cill Chrèanain. "Maol Rubha's church". Although there is no saint recorded as Kilaulay (), Cill Amhlaigh. Crèanan, there is a Kilmacrenan in "Amhlaigh's church". There is no Gaelic which may refer to the son of a saint of this saint of this name recorded, so the name may name. be an old dedication to a Norse Olaf, of Kilchrist (Argyll, Mull, Ross, Skye), Cille which Amhlaigh is a . Chrìosd. "Christ's church". (). Kilchurn (Argyll), Caol a' Chùirn. "Berchan's church", from Cill Bhearchain. "The strait at the ". Kilberry (Argyll), Cill Bheiridh. Kilconquhar (Fife). "Berach's church". This suggests "Conchubhar's church", from (). Cill Chonchubhair. "Brendan's church", from Cill Bhreannain. St Kilcoy (Ross), Cùil Challaidh. Brennan's Fair was held here each year. "Secluded spot at the hazel place". Kilblain (Bute), Cill Bhlàthain. Kildary (Ross), Caoldaraigh. "Blane's church". "Narrow plain". Kilblane (Argyll), Cill Bhlàthain. Kildavie (Argyll), Cill Dà Bhì. See Kilblain. "Dà Bhì's church". Dà Bhì was a by-name of Kilblean (Argyll), Cill Bhlàthain. Berchan. See Kilblain. Kildermorie (Ross), Cille Mhuire. Kilbowie (Dunbarton). "Mary's church". Kildermorie Forest is Frìth "Yellow church", from Cill Bhuidhe. Chille Mhuire. Kilbrandon (Argyll), Cill Bhrianainn. Kildonan (several), Cill Donnain. "Brendan's church". "Donnan's church". The Kildonan area of Kilbrare (Sutherland), Cill nam Bràthair. Sutherland is known as Sgìre Ilidh, "district "Church of the brothers". of the Ilidh or River". An old Kilbrennan (Mull), Cill Bhrianainn. saying claims, Cill Fhinn, Cill Duinn 's Cill "Brendan's church". Donnain, na trì cilltean as sine as Albainn, Kilbride (Argyll), Cille Bhrìghde. "Killin, Kildun and Kildonan, the three "'s church". oldest churches in ". Kilbridemore (Argyll), Cille Bhrìghde Mhór. Kildrochit (). "Big church of Bridget". "Bridge end", from an original Ceann Kilbryde (Perth), Cill Bhrìghde. Drochaid. See Kilbride. (Aberdeen), Cionn Droma.

Ainmean-Àite 70 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 71

"Ridge end". "Cronan's church". Old Killiechronan is An Kildun (Ross), Cill Duinn. Seann Bhaile, "the old farm". "Brown church". See Kildonan. (Perth), Coille Chreithnich or Kilduthie (Kincardine). Coille Chneagaidh. "Aspen wood" or "Duthac's church", from Cill Dubhthaich. possibly "the wood at the knobbly place". Kilerivagh (), Cill Éireabhagh. The site of the is This Gaelic/Norse name may mean "church known as Raon Ruairidh, "Roderick's field". at the bay with a beach". Killiehangie (Perth), Cille Chaomhaidh. Kilfeddar (Wigtown). This may be "'s church". "Peter's church", from Cill Pheadair. Killiehuntly (Inverness), Coille Chunndainn. (Argyll), Cill Fhìonain. "Wood at the confluence". "Finnan's church". Killiemacuddican (Kirkcudbright). Kilfinnan (Inverness). Cill Fhìonain. "Mo Chuda's church", showing a diminutive See Kilfinan. form of the saint's name from Cille Mo Kilfinnichen (Mull), Cill Fhionnchain. Chudagain. "Findchan's church". A local saying Killilan (Ross), Cill Fhaolain. describing a detour was Rathad Mhóirnis do "'s church". Chill Fhionnchain, "via Mornish to Killin (Inverness, Perth), Cill Fhinn; Kilfinnichen". (Sutherland), Cill Eathain. In Inverness and Kilhenzie (Ayr). Perth, the name means "white church", while "Cainnech's church", from Cill Choinnich. in Sutherland it is "John's church". The fair Kilkenneth (Tiree), Cill Choinnich. held at Killin in Perth was known as Féill "Cainnech's church", from Cill Choinnich. Faolain, "St Fillan's Fair", dedicated to the Kilkenzie (Argyll), Cill Choinnich. saint named in nearby Strathfillan. See "Cainnech's church", from Cill Choinnich. In Kildonan. English it is pronounced as Kilkenny. Killinaig (Mull), Cill Fhionnaig. Kilkerran (Argyll, Ayr), Cill Chiarain. "Fionnag's church". "Ciaran's church". Killochan (Wigtown). Killallan (Renfrew). "Onchu's church", from Cill Onchon. "Fillan's church", from Cill Fhaolain. Killundine (Argyll), Cill Fionndain. Killanaish (Argyll), Cill Aonghais. "Fintan's church". "Angus's church". Kilmachellaig (Argyll), Cill Mo Cheallaig. Killandrist (Lismore), Cill Anndrais. "Mo Cheallag's church". "'s church". (Renfrew). Killean (Argyll, Lismore), Cill Eathain. "Church of 's devotee", from Cill "John's church". Mhaol Chaluim. (Stirling), Cill Earnain. Kilmahoe (Argyll), Cill Mo Chotha. "Ernan's church". "Mo Chotha's church". Killearnan (Ross), Cill Iùrnain. Kilmahog (Perth), Cill Mo Chùig. "Iotharnan's church", a saint who died in 669 "Mo Chùg's church". AD. Killearnan Parish is Sgìre Iùrnain. Kilmahumaig (Argyll), Cill Mo Chumaig. (Harris), Ceileagraigh. "Mo Chumag's church". "Island of the burial place", from Norse. Kilmaichlie (Banff), Cill Mhèichlidh. Killen (Ross), Cill Annaidh or Cill Fhannaidh. This name appears to be meaningless as it It is not clear which saint is commemorated does not refer to any known saint. in this name. Futhermore, an older recorder form of the Killeonan (Argyll), Cill Eónain. Gaelic name is Cinn Mheachlainn which "Adamnan's church". includes ceann (end or head), rather than cill Killernandale (Jura), Cill Earnadail or Cill (church). The English form of the name is Earradail. "The valley of Ernan's church", a also found as Kilnmaichlie. hybrid Gaelic/Norse name where an earlier Kilmain (Sutherland), Cill Mheadhain. Gaelic name had Norse dalr attached. "Middle church", situated between the Killichonan (Perth), Cille Chonnain. churches at Killin and Kilbrare. "Connan's church". (Inverness), Cill Mhàilidh. Killiechassie (Perth), Cill Chasaidh. See . "Casan's church". Kilmannan (Stirling). Killiechonate (Inverness), Cille Chonaid. This may be "the church of Manau", from "Conaid's church". Cill Mhanainn. See Clackmannan. Killiechronan (Mull), Cille Chrònain. Kilmany (Fife). See Kilmeny.

Ainmean-Àite 71 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 72

Kilmarie (Skye), Cill Ma Ruibhe. Kilmure Easter (Ross), Sgìre Mhoire Shìos. "Maol Rubha's church". The refers to the eastern part (Ayr), Cill Mhearnaig. of Kilmure, while the Gaelic name is "lower "Ernoc's or M'Ernoc's church". parish of Mary". Kilmaronock (Dunbarton). Kilnaughton (Islay), Cill Neachdain. "Ronan's or Cronan's church", from Cill Mo "Nechtan's church". Rònaig or from Cill Mo Chrònaig. Kilnave (Islay), Cill Néimh. (Argyll, Ayr), Cille Mhàrtainn. "Ném's church". "Martin's church". Kilninian (Mull), Cill Naoi Nighean. Kilmaveonaig (Perth), Cill Mo Mh'Eónaig or "Church of the Nine Maidens". Cill Mo Bheònaig. This is either "Adamnan's Kilninver (Argyll), Cill an Inbhir. church" or "Beoghna's church", both possible This name appears to mean "church by the derivations showing a diminutive form of the river mouth", however an older form of Cill name. Fhionnbhair, "Finbar's church", appears Kilmelford (Argyll), Cill Mheallaird. together with an earlier version of Cill M' This may be "church at the lumpy headland". Fhionnbhair, "Dear Finbar's church". Kilmeny (Islay), Cill Mheinidh. Kiloran (Colonsay), Cill Odhrain. "Eithne's church", from an affectionate form "Oran's church". of the name. Kilpatrick (Arran, Ayr, Mull), Cill Phàdraig. Kilmichael (Argyll), Cill Mhìcheil. "Patrick's church". "Michael's church". Kilpheder (South Uist), Cille Pheadair. Kilminning (Fife). "Peter's church". This may be "Maoineann's church". Kilquhockadale (Wigtown). (Argyll), Cill Mhaodhain. This name is "Cuaca's church", from Gaelic "Modan's church". to which Norse dalr, "valley", was added. Kilmoluag (Skye, Tiree), Cille Mo Luaig. Kilravock (), Cill Ràthaig. "Mo Luag's church". "Church at the small circular fort". Kilmolymock (Moray). Kilrenny (Fife). Older forms of the name, such as This may be "bracken church", from cill and Kilmalaman and Kilmalemnock from Cill Mo raineach. Lomain and Cill Mo Lomanaig, suggest that Kilry (Angus), Caol Ruigh. St Loman may be commemorated here. "Narrow slope". Kilmonivaig (Inverness), Cill Mo Naomhaig. Kilrymonth (Fife), Cill Rìmhinn. "Naomhan's church". See . (Inverness), Cill Mhóraig. Kilslevan (Islay), Cill Sléibheainn. "Moroc's church". The Gaelic version "Slevan's church". suggests the name Mórag, but the dedication (Perth). is to Moroc. The area of East Kilmorack is "Pensandus's church", from a lost Gaelic known as Leathair nam Manach, "the monks' form. slope". (Dunbarton), Cill Saidhe. Kilmore (Argyll, Skye), A' Chille Mhór. This may be "Sadhbh's church". "The big church". (Inverness), Cill Targhlain. Kilmorich (Argyll), Cill Mhuirich. "Talorcan's church". The Kiltarlity district is "Muireadhach's church. known as Bràigh na h-Àirde, "the upper part Kilmory (Argyll, Arran, Rum), Cille Mhoire. of ". "Mary's church". Kiltearn (Inverness), Cill Tighearn. Kilmote (Sutherland), Baile na h-Àtha. "The Lord's church". Kiltearn Parish is Sgìre The English name suggests a church Thighearn. dedication to Mayota from an older Gaelic (Skye), Cille Bhacastair. name including cill, while the Gaelic name is This appears to be a Gaelic/Norse name "the farm with the stable". meaning "the church at the settlement on the Kilmuick (Banff), Cill Muice. bank". This name suggests "pig church", and may Kilvickeon (Mull), Cill Mhic Eóghainn. refer to a nearby river or stream. "Church of Eóghann's son". Kilmuir, Cill Mhoir (Ross), Cille Mhoire Kilwhannel (Ayr). (Skye). "Mary's church". "Conall's church", from Cill Chonaill. (Argyll), Cill Mhunna. Kilwhipnach (Argyll). "Munna's church", using an affectionate by- This may be "Coidbenach's church", from name of the St Fintan. Cill Choidhbeannaich. (Ayr), Cill Dingeain.

Ainmean-Àite 72 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 73

"Finian's church". This name may show a "End of the marsh", from ceann and gronn. Brythonic rather than Gaelic form of the An earlier form of the name was Kyngorn. saint's name. Kinglassie (Fife). Kinaldie (Aberdeen). "The church at the stream", from Cill "Head of the rock", from Cinn Allaidh. Ghlaise. Kinaldy (Fife). Kingoldrum (Angus), Cionn Coilldruim or See Kinaldie. Druim Cionn Coill. The English name and Kinbeachie (Ross), Cinn a' Bheathchaidh. the first Gaelic name suggest "the end of the "The head of the birch wood". hazel ridge", but the second Gaelic name Kinblethmont (Angus). means "the ridge at the end of the wood". This name may be "the head of the blossom Both Gaelic names were noted from speakers or smooth moor", from either Brythonic or of dialects. Gaelic Ceann Blàthmhonaidh. Kingsburgh (Skye), Cinnseborg or Kinbrace (Sutherland), Ceann a' Bhràist. Cinnseaborg. This may be "king's castle" , This may be "the head of the upland", from Norse. including a form of bràigh, "upland". Kingscavil (West ). Kincaldrum (Angus). This may be "end of the fish catching creel". "The end of the hazel ridge", from ceann, Kingscross (Arran), Rubha na h-Àirde. and druim. This name is very similar to The English name seems to be from Gaelic that of Kingoldrum. Cinn a' Chrois, "end of the crossing place", Kincardine (Fife, Ross). Cinn Chàrdainn. while the Gaelic name is "point of the "The head of the copse", including the headland". Brythonic/Pictish word carden, "copse". Kingsmuir (Fife). Kincardine O'Neil (Kincardine), Cinn This may be the "king's moor" referred to as Chàrdainn. See Kincardine. An older name rìghmhonadh which became contracted to for this place was Eaglais Iarach, "Iarchadh's rìmhinn in the names of Balrymonth and St church". Andrews. Kinclaven (Perth), Ceann Cliathain or Kingseat (Perth), an Ruighe. Cionn Clìobhain. "The end of the hurdle". "Seat of the slope". Gaelic ruigh (slope) Kincorth (Aberdeen), Ceann na Coirthe. sounds very similar to rìgh (king) and in "The head of the standing stone". several cases, such as Kingsridge and Kincraig (Inverness), Ceann na Creige. , ruigh has been superceded by rìgh. "The head of the rock". Kingshouse (Argyll), Taigh an Rìgh. Kincraigie (Perth), Cionn Chnagaidh. Both English and Gaelic names refer to an This may be "the end of the knobbly place". inn on the king's highway. Kindallachan (Perth), Ceann Daileachain. (Inverness), Ceann a' Ghiuthsaich "The end of the little valley". or Cinn a' Ghiuthsaich. "The end of the pine Kindeace (Ross), Cinn Déis. wood". The meaning of this name is unclear Kinharvie (Dumfries). although it contains ceann (head) and This suggests "the end of the boundary wall", possibly dias (corn). from Ceann na h-Eirbhe. Kindrochit (Aberdeen). Kininmonth (Aberdeen). "Bridge end", from Ceann Drochaide. "The end of the white moor", from Ceann Kindrogan (Perth), Ceann Drogain. Fhinnmhonaidh. This appears to mean "dragon head", and Kininvie (Banff). may have referred to a river, stream or This appears to be "the end of the fair plain", topological feature. from Ceann Fhinn Mhuighe. Kineddar (Moray). Kinkell (Aberdeen, Perth, Ross), Ceann na "Between headland", from Ceann Eadar. Coille. "The end of the wood". Kinell (Angus), Ceann an Fhàil. Kinloch (Lewis), Ceann an ; (Barra, "The end of the dyke". Perth), Ceann Loch; (Rum, Skye), Ceann Kingairloch (Argyll), Ceann a' Gheàrrloch. Locha; (Sutherland, Ceann Loch an "The head of the short loch". Reidhinidh. "Loch head". Reidhinidh is (Bute), Ceann a' Gharaidh. unclear although it may be derived from "The end of the den". reidhneach, "cow yielding no milk". King Edward (Aberdeen). Kinlochard (Perth), Ceann Loch na h-Àirde. This name is from the same origin as "The head of the loch of the promontory". Kineddar, but was adapted to render it Kinlochbeoraid, (Inverness), Ceann Loch meaningful to English speakers. Bheòraid. "The head of Loch Beoraid". (Fife).

Ainmean-Àite 73 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 74

Kinlochbervie (Sutherland), Ceann Loch This Norse name may mean "lady's farm", Biorbhaigh. This may be "the head of the and is one of the places referred to in the loch of boiling water", if the second element saying, Tha ceithir busaichean fichead an is related to that in . However if Ìle, "there are twentyfour 'buses' in Islay, bus the second element is of Norse origin, being a shortened form of Norse bólsta∂, which is likely given its location, it may be "farm". "the head of the loch of the rock river". Kinnaird (Aberdeen). (Inverness), Ceann Loch Iall. "High headland", from Ceann Àrd. "The head of the thong loch". Kinneil (), Ceann an Fhàil. Kinlochetive (Argyll), Ceann Loch Éite. "The end of the dyke", being located at the "The head of the loch of the foul one", end of the . referring to Éiteag, a water spirit. Kinnell (Perth), Cinn Alla. (Ross), Ceann Loch Iubh. "The end of the rock". "The head of the yew loch". Kinnettes (Ross), Ceann Iteais. Kinlochgair (Argyll), Ceann Locha Giorra. This may be "the head of the corn place". "The head of the short loch". Kinnettles (Angus). Kinlochlaggan (Inverness), Ceann Loch an The Gaelic pronunciation of this name was Lagain. "The head of the loch of Laggan". recorded as kynn-nettel, and although it (Argyll, Inverness), Ceann Loch contains ceann, "head" or "end", the second Lìobhann. "The head of the loch of Leven". element is unclear. Kinlochmoidart (Inverness), Ceann Loch Kinnordy (Angus). Mhùideart. "The head of the loch of This appears to be "the head of the hammer- ". shaped place", from Ceann Òrdaigh. Kinlochmorar (Inverness), Ceann Loch Kinnoull (Perth). Mhórair. "The head of the loch of ". "The head of the rock", from ceann and al. Kinlochmore (Inverness), Ceann Loch Mór. Kinnudie (Nairn), Cinn Iùdaidh. "The big head of the loch". The meaning of this name is unclear. Kinlochourn (Inverness), Ceann Loch Shùirn Kinrive (Ross), Ceann Ruighe. or Ceann Loch Shubhairne. "The head of the "Slope end". loch of the berry gap". (Kinross), Ceann Rois or Cinn Rois. Kinlochquoich (Inverness), Ceann Loch "Wood end". Chuaich. "The head of the loch of the (Perth), Cinn Rosaidh. hollow". "The end of the wood place". Kinloch (Perth), Ceann Loch (Ross) Ceann an t-Sàil (), Raineach. "The head of the loch of Cinn Tàile (); (Sutherland) Ceann Rannoch". Tàile. "The head of the inlet". The full name Kinlochroag (Lewis), Ceann Locha Ròg. of Kintail by Loch Duich is Cinn Tàile "The head of the loch of Roag". MhicCoinnich or Cinn Tàile MhicRath, Kinlochsheil (Ross), Ceann Loch Seile. "MacKenzie's Kintail" or "MacRae's "The head of the loch of Sheil". Kintail". A saying goes Cho fad 's a bhios Kinlochspelve (Argyll), Ceann Loch monadh an Cinn Tàile, cha bhi MacCoinnich Spéilbhidh. "The head of Loch Spelve". gun àl sa Chrò, "as long as there is moorland Kinlochteagus (Argyll), Ceann Loch Tiacais. in Kintail, MacKenzie will have stock in the "The head of Loch Teagus". pen". Kintail Church is Cill Dubhthaich or Kinloid (Inverness), Ceann an Leothaid. Dubhthaich, "Duthac's church or "The end of the slope". churchyard". A native of the area is a (Moray), Cinn Lois. Sàileach or Tàileach from which may come "Herb headland". the Tallach. In Sutherland the full Kinmont (Dumfries). name of the place is Ceann Tàile MhicAoidh, "Head moor", from ceann and either Gaelic "MacKay's Kintail". monadh or Brythonic mynydd. Kintarvie (Lewis), Ceann Tharabhaigh. Kinmundy (Aberdeen). This compound Gaelic/Norse name is "ceann "Munna's church", from Cill Mhunna, using of seaweed bay". the by-name Munna for Fintan. Kintillo (Perth). (Inverness), Ceann a' Mhìlidh. "End of the green hill", from Ceann Tulaich. "The head of the warrior". Locally this is Kintore (Aberdeen), Ceann Tòrr. known as Ceann a' Mhìle, "Mile end". "Hill end". Kinnaber (Angus). (Islay), Cinn Tràgha; (Mull), Ceann na "Marsh end", from Ceann and eabar. Tràgha. "The head of the beach". Kinnabus (Islay), Cionnabus. Kintradwell (Sutherland), Clìn Trolla.

Ainmean-Àite 74 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 75

"Triduana's slope". Kirkhill parish is Sgìre Mhoire, "Mary's Kintrae (Moray). parish" and Sgìre Cnoc na Gaoithe, "the See Kintra. parish of ". (Argyll), Cinn Tìre. Kirkiboll (Sutheland), Circeabol. "Land's end". The older name was Sàil Tìre, "Church farm", from Norse. "heel of land". A native of Kintyre is a Kirkinner (Wigtown). Cainntireach, but local people were "Cainnear's church". nicknamed eich, "horses". (Dunbarton), Cathair Cheann Kinuachdrach (Jura), An Ceann Uachdrach. Tulaich. "Fort at the end of the green hill". "Upper end". This was originally a Brythonic name, Kinveachy (Inverness), Ceann a' Bheithich. Caerpentaloch, which was adapted to Gaelic "End of the birch wood". phonology but carried the same meaning. Kippen (Stirling). Kirklauchline (Wigtown). "Small stump", from ceapan. "Lachlann's quarterland", from Ceathramh Kirivick (Lewis), Cirbhig. Lachlainn. "Quiet bay", from Norse. Kirkmabreck (Kirkcudbright). Kirkaboll (Tiree), Circepol. "Broc's church", from Mo Bhruic, a by-form "Church farm", from Norse. of the saint's name. Kirkandrews (Kirkcudbright). Kirkmadrine (Ayr). "Andrew's church". The group of placenames "Draighne's church", from Mo Dhraighne, a in the south-west beginning with Kirk and by-form of the saint's name. ending in a saint's name may originally have Kirkmahoe (Dumfries). been created in Gaelic with Cill, then "Cua's chuch", from Mo Chua, a by-form of translated into Scandanavian or English, as the saint's name. many of the commemorated are of the (Ayr). Gaelic church. "Etain's church", from M' Éadain, a by-form Kirkbean (Kirkcudbright). of the saint's name. "Beathan's church". Kirkmartin (Wigtown). Kirkblane (Dumfries). "Martin's church". "Blane's church". (Ayr, Banff, Perth), Cille Kirkbride (Ayr). Mhìcheil. "Michael's church". Kirkmichael "Bridget's church". parish in Banff is Sgìre Eaglais Mhìcheil, Kirkbuddo (Angus). "the parish of Michael's church". "Buite's church", commemorating a saint Kirkmirran (Kirkcudbright). who visited Nechtan's court nearby. "Mirren's church". (Fife), Cathair Chaladain. Kirknewton (). "Seat of the hard fort", probably first coined "Church of the new township", from English. in Brythonic, then adapted to Gaelic then Kirkoswald (Ayr). English phonology. "Oswald's church". Kirkcarswell (Kirkcudbright). Kirkpatrick (Dumfries, Kirkcudbright). "Oswald's church". "Patrick's church". (Wigtown). Kirksheaf (Ross), A' Chroit Mhór. "Colum's church". The Gaelic name is "big ". A 16th (Dumfries). century form of the English name, Kerskeith, "Conall's church". suggests a Gaelic origin meaning "hawthorn Kirkcudbright (Kirkcudbright), Cill seat". Chuithbeirt. "Cuthbert's church". Kirkton (several). Kirkebost (Bernera, ), Circebost. "Churchyard" or "village with a church". In "Church farm", from Norse. the Gaelic name is an Clachan, "the Kirkettle (Midlothian). churchyard" or "the village with a church", "Kettil's cairn", created originally in Gaelic while in Perth and Sutherland it is Baile na perhaps as Càrn Cheatail, featuring a Norse h-Eaglais, "village of the church". There are . several Kirktons across the country. Kirkton Kirkfield (Inverness), Achadh na h-Eaglais. of Glenisla in Angus is Baile na h-Eaglais "Church field". Ghlinn Ìl', "the village with the church in Kirkhill (Inverness), Cnoc Mhoire or Cnoc Glenisla". Kirkton of in Ross is an Odhar. While the English name is "church Clachan Aillseach, "the Lochalsh clachan". hill", the Gaelic ones are "Mary's hill" and Kirkton of Skene in Aberdeen is Clachan "-coloured hill". The old name was Dul Sgàin and Kirkton of Strathfillan in Perth is Bachlach, which may be "crozier haugh". Clachan Shraithibh.

Ainmean-Àite 75 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 76

Kirriemuir (Angus), Cearan Mhoire. "Speckled hill", from Cnoc Breac, to which "Mary's quarter-land". an English plural has been added. Kirtomy (Sutherland), Cathair Tomaidh. Knockcuien (North Uist), Cnoc Cuidhein or This may be "fort at the hillock place". Cnoc Uithein. "Cuidhean's hill". Kiscadale (Arran), Cisteal. Knockdamph (Sutherland), Cnoc Dhamh. This name came from Norse kistudalr, "Stag hill". "coffin valley". North Kiscadale is Cisteal Knockdon (Islay), An Cnoc Donn. Bheag while Mid and South Kiscadale "Brown hill". collectively are Cisteal Mhór. (Ayr). Kishorn (Ross), Ciseorn. "The hill at the well", from Cnoc an Tiobair. "Large bulky headland". Knockespock (Aberdeen). Kisimul (Barra), Cìosamul. "The 's hill", from Cnoc an Easbaig. "Castle island". This is the castle referred to Knockfarrel (Ross), Cnoc Fearralaidh. in Bàgh a' Chaisteil, "". "Hill of the high cliff". Klibreck (Sutherland), Cleithbrig. Knockhill (Fife). Although the second element of this name is This name is a good example of where an clearly Norse brekkr, "stream", the first is original name coined in one has obscure. had the name word added in the superceding (Argyll), Cnapadal. language as the original element ceased to be "Knob valley", from Norse. The area was understood by the population. In this case known as Cnapadal a' bhuntàta mhóir, Gaelic cnoc, "hill", has had English "hill" "Knapdale of the great potatoes", and local added to it in to explain the name after people were nicknamed crodh maol, Gaelic had died out and been replaced in Fife "hornless cattle". by English. Knapp (Perth). Knockintorran (North Uist), Cnoc an Torrain. "Lump", from cnap. "The hill at the little hillock". (Lewis), Cnìp or Crìp. Knockline (North Uist), Cnoc an Lìn. "Cliff edge", from Norse. "The flax hill". Knock (several), An Cnoc. Knocknamonie (Benbecula), Cnoc na Mòna. "Hill". The full name of Knock in Inverness- "The hill". shire is Cnoc na h-Àirde, "hill of the Aird". Knockrioch (Argyll), An Cnoc Riabhach. In Lewis Knock near is Cnoc "The brindled hill". Chàrlabhaigh, "the hill of Carloway", and Knockrome (Jura), An Cnoc Crom. Knock in Point is Cnoc na h-Aoidhe, "the hill "The crooked hill". of the Eye isthmus". Knock is Skye is an Knockvologan (Mull), Cnoc Mhaolagain. Cnoc Uaine, "the green hill", and in Mull is "Maolagan's hill". Maolagan means "little Cnoc Tìr Mhàrtainn, "the hill on Martin's tonsured one", denoting a monk. land". (Inverness), Cnòideart. Knockaird (Lewis), An Cnoc Àrd. "Knut's ", from Norse. "The high hill". Kyle (Ayr), Cuil. (Sutherland), An Cnocan. This area is named after Coel, a ruler of the "The hillock". Britons locally around 400 AD and Knockando (Moray), Cnoc Cheannachd. immortalised in the rhyme, Old King Cole. "Market hill". The name person is also named in Coylton. Knockandu (Banff), An Cnocan Dubh. (Skye), Caol Àcain. "The black hillock". "Haakon's strait". Knockanduie (Lewis), Cnoc Iain Duibh. (Ross), An Caol or Caol "Black John's hill". Loch Aillse. "The strait" or "the strait of Knockaneorn (Banff). Lochalsh". Local people were known as "The barley hill", from Cnoc an Eòrna. steàrnairean, "terns". Knockantivore (Mull), Cnoc an Taigh Mhóir. (Skye), Caol Reatha. "The hill at the big house". "The narrows of Reatha", naming a member Knockbain (Ross), An Cnoc Bàn. of the legendary band of warriors known as "The fair hill". the or Féinne. Knockban (Ross), An Cnoc Bàn. Kyles (Argyll), Na Caoil; (Harris), See Knockbain. Stiadar. The Argyll name is "the kyles or Knockbreck (Skye), An Cnoc Breac. ", referring to the Na Caoil Bhòdach, "The speckled hill". the . The Harris name in Knockbrex (Kirkcudbright). English is "the strait", while in Gaelic in full it is "the strait of Stiadar".

Ainmean-Àite 76 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 77

Kyles Flodday (Benbecula), Caolas Fhlodaigh. "The strait of Flodday", a Gaelic/ Norse name. Kyles Knoydart (Inverness), Caolas Chnòideart. "The strait of Knoydart". Kylesku (Sutherland), An Caolas Cumhang. "The narrow strait". Kyles Morar (Inverness), Caolas Mhórair. "The strait of Morar". Kyles Scalpay (Harris), Caolas Sgalpaigh. "The strait of Scalpay". Kyles Stockinish (Harris), Caolas Stocainis. "The strait of Stockinish", a Gaelic/Norse name. (Sutherland), Caol Sròim. "The strait of the current", a Gaelic/Norse name. Kyllachy (Inverness), Coileachaigh. "Woodcock place". Kynachan (Perth), Coinneachan. "Meeting place" or "junction".

Ainmean-Àite 77 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 78

Labost (Lewis), Làbost. "Long hill", from Norse. "Muddy farm", from Norse. Langamull (Mull), Langamul or Langabhail. Lackalee (Harris), Leacan Lì. "Long ridge" or "long field", from Norse. This appears to be a Gaelic/Norse name Langass (North Uist), Langais. meaning "slab or slabs at the slope". "Long ridge", from Norse. Ladybank (Fife). Langay (Harris), Langaigh. "Damp slope", from Leathad . "Long island", from Norse. Laga (Argyll), Làga. (Dumfries). "Low island", from Norse. "Long holm", from English. (Islay), Lag a' Mhuilinn. Langley Park (Angus). "Hollow of the mill". This name was given by a landlord to replace Lagg (Arran, Ayr, Jura), An Lag. an earlier name derived from Gaelic Eaglais "The hollow". Eòin, "John's church". Laggan (Arran, Inverness), An Lagan. Langwell (, Ross, Sutherland), "The little hollow". The full name of the Langail. "Long field", from Norse. place in Inverness is Lagan Choinnich, Lanrick (Perth). "Cainneach's little hollow". See . Lagganallachie (Perth), Lagan Aileachaidh. Larachantivore (Ross), Làrach an Taigh "The hollow at the rock place". Mhóir. "The site of the big house". Laggan Bridge (Inverness), Ceann Drochaid. Larachbeg (Argyll), An Làrach Beag. The Gaelic name is "bridge end". "The small site". Lagganlia (Inverness), An Lagan Liath. Largie (Argyll), An Learg. "The grey-green hollow". "The slope". Lagganmore (Argyll), An Lagan Mór. Largiemore (Bute), An Leargaidh Mhór. "The big hollow". "The big slope-place". Laggantygown (Inverness), Lagan Taigh Largieside (Argyll), Taobh na Leargaich. Ghobhainn. "The hollow at the 's "The sid or area of the sloping place". house". Largo (Fife). Lagganulva (Mull), Lagan Ulbha. "Slope place", from Gaelic Leargach. "The little hollow of ". (Ayr), An Leargaidh Ghallda. (Moray), Mhoireibh. "The Lowland sloping place". "The plain of Moray". Largy (Argyll), Leargaich; (Arran), Leargaidh. Laid (Sutherland), An Leathad. "Slope place". To express "in Largy" with "Slope". reference to the place in Argyll, Gaelic uses Laide (Ross), An Leathad. air an Leargaich, "on Largy". Largybeg in See Laid. Arran is Leargaidh Beag, "little Largy"; Laig (), Lathaig. Largymeanoch is Leargaidh Meadhanach, This is possibly "muddy bay", from Norse. "middle Largy"; and Largymore is Leargaidh Laight (Wigtown), Leac Ailpein. Mór, "big Largy". This was originally "Alpin's grave", and Laroch (Argyll), An Làrfhaich. English name has kept only the "grave" part. "The bottom lawn or green". See Glenapp. Lasgair (South Uist), Laisgeir. (Sutherland), An Luirg. This name is unclear although it may contain "Shank". sgeir, "". Lamacha (Peebles). (Caithness), Latharan. The Grange of Romanno was thus renamed "Muddy place". in the 18th century by Admiral in Latheronwheel (Caithness), Latharan a' memory of the Spanish province. See Phuill. "The muddy place by the pool". Romanno. Lathrisk (Fife). Lamlash (Arran), Loch an Eilein or An "Ethernascus's churchyard". The first t-Eilean Àrd. The Gaelic names are "the loch element of this name is from Brythonic with the island" or "the high island". The which is found gaelicised as lann. English name is a contraction of an older Laudale (Argyll), Labhdal. Gaelic one, Eilean Mo Laise, "Laisren's "Low valley", from Norse. island", referring to Holy Island nearby. (Kirkcardine). Lanark (Lanark, Perth), Lannraig. "Laurence's church". Locally the place is "Clearing", from Brythonic lanerc. known as Lowrin, a form of the saint's name Land, The (Tiree), Lag an t-Seagail. found as Labhrainn in Gaelic. The Gaelic name is "the rye hollow". Laurieston (Kirkcudbright, Stirling). Langal (Argyll), Langal.

Ainmean-Àite 78 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 79

"Laurie's farm". An older name for Ledmore (Sutherland), An Leathad Mór. Laurieston in Kirkcudbright was based on "The big slope". Gaelic Clach nam Ploc, "the stone of the Leirable (Sutherland), Lìreabol. lumps". "Muddy farm" or "tern farm", from Norse. (Perth), Labhar. Leirinbeg (Sutherland), An Leithrinn Bheag. "Talkative one", referring originally to a "The small peninsula". stream. East Lawers is Labhar Shìos, "lower Leirinmore (Sutherland), An Leithrinn Mhór. Lawers", West Lawers is Labhar Shuas, "The big peninsula". "upper Lawers", and Mid Lawers is Labhar (Midlothian), Lìte. na Craoibhe, "Lawers of the tree". Lawers The origin of this name is from a Brythonic churchyard is Cladh Magh Thuaim, "the element signifying wetness or dampness, and graveyard of Machuim". may also be found in Lithlithgow. Laxay (Lewis), Lacasaigh. Lemlair (Ross), Leum na Làir or An Leum. "Salmon river", from Norse. "The mare's leap". This is also known as (Lewis), Lacasdal. simply "the leap", in Gaelic. The old "Salmon valley", from Norse. churchyard here was Cladh Mo Bhrìgh, Laxford (Sutherland), Lusard. "Brìgh's graveyard". "Salmon firth", from Norse. Lemreway (Lewis), Leumrabhagh. Leachcan (Harris), Na Leacainn. This Norse name contains vágr, "bay", but "The broad hillsides". the first element is unclear. (Inverness), An Leacainn. Lendrick (Angus, Kinross). "The broad hillside". See Lanark. Leachonich (Ross), An Leachanaich. Lenimore (Arran). "The sloping hill face". See Thundergay. Leacnasaide (Ross), Leac nan Saighead. Lennox (Dunbarton, Stirling), An "The flat rock of the arrows". Leamhnachd. "The elm land". The Lord of Leadburn (Midlothian). Lennox is Morair Leamhnach, and a native "The grave or flat rock of Bernard". An older of the area is a Leamhnach. form of the name was Leckbernard, from Leny (Perth), Lànaigh. Leac Bhearnaird. The meaning of this name is unclear. The Lealt (Jura, Skye), Leathallt. Pass of Leny is Cumhang Lànaigh. "Stream with one high bank". (Dunbarton). Lealty (Ross), Leathalltaidh. This appears to be from Lèanaidh, a locative "Place of the stream with one high bank". form of lèana, "wet meadow". Wester Lealty is Leathalltaidh Shuas, "upper Lephin (Skye), An Leth Pheighinn. Lealty". "The half ". Leanaig (Ross), Lianaig. (), Léiruig. "Meadow". "Mud bay", from Norse. Leanish (Barra), Lèanais. (Lanark). This may be "slope headland", from Norse. This was originally "Mo Chuda's church", Leargybreck (Jura), An Leargaidh Bhreac. from Eaglais Mo Chuda which became The speckled slope". altered to Lios Mo Chuda, "Mo Chuda's Lebhall (Aberdeen), An Leth Bhaile. garden". "The half farm". Lesmurdie (Ayr, Moray). Lecht (Aberdeen, Banff), An Leac. "Murdoch's enclosure", from Lios Mhuirich. "The flat rock". Lethen (Nairn), Leathan Dubhthaich. Leckie (Perth, Ross), Leacaidh. "Duthac's broad slope". The Laird of Lethen "Flat rock place". is Tighearn Leathan Dubhthaich. (Ross), Leac Mhailm. Lethendy (Perth). "The slab of Mailm," possibly a personal "Place of the broad slope", from Gaelic name and referring to a gravestone. Leathandaidh. Ledaig (Argyll), An Leadag; (Barra), An (Arran), Leitir. Leideag. "The small slope". "Gentle slope". The full name used to be Ledbeg (Sutherland), An Leathad Beag. Leitir nan Canach, "gentle slope of the "The small slope". canons". Ledgowan (Ross), Leathad Ghobhainn. Letterewe (Ross), Leitir Iubh. "The smith's slope". "The gentle slope of the Ewe". Ledlanet (Kinross). Letterfearn (Ross), Leitir Fheàrna. This may be "elm slope", from Leathad "Gentle alder slope". Leamhnach.

Ainmean-Àite 79 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 80

Letterfinlay (Inverness), Leitir Fhionnlaigh. "Body harbour", from Norse, possibly a "Finlay's gentle slope". place from which bodies were ferried for Lettermorar (Inverness), Leitir Mhórair. burial. "The gentle slope of Morar". Lindores (Fife). Letters (Ross), An Leitir (), Na The first part of this name is either Brythonic Leitrichean (). These names are llyn or Gaelic linn, "pool", while the second "the gentle slope" (Loch Broom) and "the is unclear but may be dubhros, "dark point" gentle slopes" (Easter Ross). or "dark wood". Lettoch (Perth, Ross), An Leatach. Lingay (Barra, Harris, South Uist), . "The half davoch", from leth and dabhach. "Heather island", from Norse. Leuchars (Fife, Moray). Lingerabay (Harris), Lingearabhagh. "Reeds", from Gaelic luachair. "Heather bay" or "heather beach bay", from (Lewis), Liùrbost. Norse. "Clay farm", from Norse. Liniclete (Benbecula), Lianacleit or Level (Moray). Lìonacleit. "Flax rock" or "flax hill", from "The half farm", from An Leth Bhaile. Norse. Leven (Fife), Inbhir Lìobhann. Linicro (Skye), Lianacro. "The mouth of the Leven". The older English "Flax land", from Norse. name was Innerleven. Liniquie (South Uist), Lianacuidh. Levencorrach (Arran), An Leth Pheighinn "Flax enclosure", from Norse. Corrach. "The uneven half pennyland". (West Lothian), Gleann Iucha. (Harris), An Tòb or An t-Òb. "Lake by the wet hollow", from Brythonic. The Gaelic name is "the bay", from Norse The Gaelic name appears to contain gleann, hóp. The English name used to be Obbe until "valley", but this was a rationalisation on the it was renamed by the proprietor, Lord part of Gaelic speakers to give the name Leverhulme. meaning for them. The name occurs in a Levishie (Inverness), Lìbhisidh. number of Gaelic sayings, such as This name is unclear, but might be "smooth tobraichean Ghlinn Iucha, "the wells of meadow place". Linlithgow", one of the marvels of Scotland, Lewis, Leódhas. and tomhas Ghlinn Iucha, "a Linlithgow One explanation is that this name came from measure", one of the weights and measures Norse ljó∂ahús, "song house", which was which disappeared after 1707. gradually applied to the entire island. A Linshader (Lewis), Lìseadar or Linnseadar. native of Lewis is a Leódhasach, and the "Flax township", from Norse. island is known by the by-name Eilean Linsidemore (Sutherland), Lianasaid Mhór. Fraoich or Eilean an Fhraoich, "heather "Large flax township", from Norse/Gaelic. island". Lintrathen (Angus). Lewiston (Inverness), Blàr na Maigh. This name was recorded from speakers of The English and Gaelic names are unrelated, Perthshire Gaelic as lan-tréin and lyann-tré- the Gaelic being "the field on the plain". an. This suggests that the first element is (Moray). Brythonic or Gaelic for "church" or "pool", "Bridget's church", from Lann Brìghde. See but the second element is unclear and may Lathrisk. also be of Brythonic origin. The name would Li (Inverness), Lì. be written in Gaelic as either Lann Tréithean "Slope", from Norse. or Linn Tréithean. (Argyll, Roxburgh). Lintrose (Angus). In Argyll the name is Lìdeasdal which An older form of the name suggests appears to be from Norse and may represent "shelving slope by the wood", from fothair a valley named after an individual. In and ros. Roxburgh, this is the name, from English, of Lionel (Lewis), Lìonail. the valley through which the Leader flows. "Flax field", from Norse. Lienassie (Ross), Lianaisidh. Lismore, Liosmór. "Place of the wet meadow". "Big garden". A native of Lismore is a Lierinish (North Uist), Lìoranais. Liosach. "Muddy headland", from Norse. (Lewis), Beàrnaraigh Beag. Lighthill (Lewis), Cnoc an t-Solais. (Mull), Colbhasa Beag. "Hill of the light". (Cumbrae), Cumaradh Beag. Likisto (Harris), Liceasto. Little Daan (Ross), Dathan Bhig. "Small davoch". Little (Perth), Baile a' Mhuilinn.

Ainmean-Àite 80 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 81

The Gaelic name is "the farm with the mill". Lochawe (Argyll), Loch Obha. Little Ferry (Sutherland), Am Port Beag. "Loch of the water". Natives of the area were The Gaelic name is "the little harbour". nicknamed liath chearcan, "heath hens". Little Lude (Perth), Leòid Bheag. This place appears in a number of sayings, Little Sand (Ross), Sannda Bheag. such as Cha leithne Loch Obha null na nall, Little Scatwell (Ross), Sgatail Beag. " is no wider across than back"; Liveras (Skye), Laoras. Eireachdas mnathan Loch Obha, am bréid The meaning of this name is unclear, but it odhar a thionndadh, "the ingenuity of the appears in part of a poem, bidh cnàmhan Loch Awe women, to turn the dun-coloured nam fear móra air tràigh bhàn Laorais, "the cloth"; Is fad an éigh o Loch Obha is cobhair bones of the big men will be on the fair o Chlann Ó Duibhne, "It's a far cry from beach of Liveras". Loch Awe and help from the Campbells". Livingston (West Lothian), Baile Léibhinn or Lochbay (Skye), Loch a' Bhàigh. Baile DhùnLéibhe. "Leving's village". The "The loch with the bay". Gaelic name Baile DhùnLéibhe is common (South Uist), Loch Baghasdail. but erroneous as it is based on the surname "Baegi's loch", containing a Norse personal MacDhùnLéibhe, "Livingston", which is name. North Lochboisdale is Taobh a Tuath unconnected with the name of the town. Loch Baghasdail, "the north side of Lix (Perth), Lic. Lochboisdale", and South Lochboisdale is "Slab place". Lower Lix is Lic Ìochdarach Taobh a Deas Loch Baghasdail. and Mid Lix is Lic Meadhanach. Lochbroom (Ross), Loch Bhraoin. Loandhu (Ross), An Lòn Dubh. "The loch of water". A native of the area is a "The black wet meadow". Braonach, also nicknamed a clamhan, Loanreoch (Ross), An Lòn Riabhach. "hawk". "The brindled wet meadow". Lochbuie (Mull), Locha Buidhe. Loanroidge (Ross), An Lòn Roid. "Yellow loch". "The wet meadow of bog myrtle". Lochcarnan (South Uist), Loch a' Chàrnain. (Inverness), Loch Abar. "The loch of the little cairn". "Muddly or swampy loch". A native of the (Ross), Loch Carrann. area is an Abrach. A Gaelic equivalent of "Loch of the rough water". A native of the "carry coals to Newcastle" is fiodhrach a area is a Carrannach, also nicknamed a thoirt a Loch Abar, "to take wood to fitheach dubh, "black raven". The old name Lochaber". of the village was Tòrr nan Clàr, "hill of the (Inverness), Loch Ailleart. flat slabs", and changes of name are recorded This Gaelic/Norse name contains both in the rhyme, Faire, faire, Tòrr nan Clàr, ' elements for a "sea loch", but the Baile Séine ' ort an-dràst'. Chan eil taigh defining Norse element is unclear. air an téid fàd, nach bi similear air no dhà, Lochainort (South Uist), Loch Aoineart. "Alas Tòrr nan Clàr, now you're called "Isthmus loch", from Norse name with loch Janetown. Every house burning peat will added. North Lochainort is Taobh a Tuath have a chimney on it or two". Loch Aoineart, "the north side of Lochcroistean (Lewis), Loch Croistean. Lochainort", and South Lochainort is Taobh The second part of the name is unclear. a Deas Loch Aoineart. Lochdonhead (Mull), Ceann Loch Dona. (Argyll), Loch Àlainn. "The head of the bad loch", referring to the "Beautiful loch". loch's tendency to dry up. Lochalsh (Ross), Loch Aillse. (Perth), Ceann Loch Éireann Possibly "loch of spume". Lochalsh parish is or Ceann Loch Éir. "The head of the loch of Sgìre Chomhghain, "Comgan's parish". A Ireland". native of Lochalsh is an Aillseach. Various Lochend (Inverness), An Dabhach Dearg or villages in the area and their inhabitants Dabhach na Creige. The village at the end of appear in the ditty, Steàrnairean a' Chaoil, Loch Ness has two Gaelic names, "the red faoileagan Abhairnis, taighean dubha davoch" and "the davoch by the rock". Réaraig, pàilisean Bhaile Mac Ara, Locheport (North Uist), Loch Euphort. Diùranais an eòrna, clòbhair Ach nan "The loch at the isthmus port", a Gaelic/ Darach, Druim Buidhe nan deargannan, Norse name. Earbarsaig nan con clomhach, "terns from Locheye (Ross), Loch na h-Ùidhe. Kyle, gulls from Avernish, black houses in "The loch of the isthmus". Reraig, palaces in Balmacara, Duirnish of the Lochgair (Argyll), An Loch Geàrr. barley, clover in Achindarach, Drumbuie of "The short loch". the fleas, Erbusaig of the scabby dogs".

Ainmean-Àite 81 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 82

Lochganvich (Lewis), Loch a' Ghaimhich. North Loch Tay-side is Deisear, "south- "The sandy loch". facing land", while South Loch Tay-side is Lochgelly (Fife), Loch Gheallaidh. Tuathar, "north-facing land". "Loch of the white water". Lochtreighead (Inverness), Ceann Loch (Argyll), Ceann Loch Gilb. Tréig. "The head of the loch of death". "The head of the chisel loch", referring to its Lochuisge (Argyll), Loch Uisge. shape. A native of the area was a Gilbeach "Freshwater loch". and the parish was known as Cill Logan (Ayr). Fhionnbhair, "Finbar's church". "Hollow", from lagan. (Argyll), Ceann Loch Goill. Loggie (Ross), An Lagaidh. This appears to be "the head of the non- "Place of the hollow". Gael's loch". The church here is Cill nam Logie (Moray), Lagaidh. Bràithrean, "the church of the brothers". "Place of the hollow". (Moray), Loch nan Doirb. Logie Almond (Perth). "The loch of the minnows". "The place of the hollow by the Almond", (Sutherland), Loch an Inbhir. from Lagaidh Amain. "The loch at the river mouth". Logie (Aberdeen), Lagan Talargaidh. Lochluichart (Ross), Loch Luinncheirt. The Gaelic name is "Talorcan's hollow", "The loch of the encampment". while the English name is from lagaidh, (Dumfries). "place of the hollow". "Maban's or Maponos's loch", referring to (Aberdeen), Lògaidh. the Gaelic equivalent of Apollo. The English name contains lagaidh, "place (North Uist), Loch nam Madadh. of the hollow", while the second part is said "The loch of the wolves", referring to rocks to come from comhdhail, "tryst", which was in the bay known as Na Madaidhean. West held at a particular stone marker. The current Lochmaddy is An Rubha Iar, "the west Gaelic name comes from the anglicised point". pronunciation of Logie. Lochnabo (Moray). Logie Easter (Ross), Lagaidh. "The loch of the cows", from Loch nam Bó. The Gaelic name is "place of the hollow", Lochnellan (Moray), Loch an Eilein. while the English distinguishes between this "The loch with the island". place and Logie Wester. Lochore (Fife). Logie Mar (Aberdeen), Lògaidh Mhàrr. This may be "dun-coloured loch", from Loch "The place of the hollow in Mar". See Logie Odhar. Coldstone. Lochportan (North Uist), Loch Portain. (Perth), Lag an Ràtha. "Crab loch". "The hollow at the circular fort". The older -side (Perth). name was Lagan Mo Choid, "Mo Chuda's The north side of Loch Rannoch is known as hollow". An Slios Mìn, "the smooth slope", while the Logie Wester (Ross), Lagaidh Bhrìghde. south side is An Slios Garbh, "the rough The Gaelic name is "Bridget's Logie", while slope". the English differentiates between here and Lochranza (Arran), Loch Raonasa. Logie Easter. "Loch of the rowan river", a Gaelic/Norse Loinveg (Aberdeen), Loinn Bheag. name. The village used to be known as "Small enclosure". Ceann Loch Raonasa, "head of Lochranza" Lonach (Aberdeen), Lònag. or Kinlochranza. "Small wet meadow". A native of Lonach is Lochs (Lewis), Na Lochan. a Lònagach. "The lochs". The inhabitants are referred to Lonbain (Ross), An Lòn Bàn. in Sùlairean sgìre na h-Aoidhe, 's muinntir "The fair wet meadow". aoigheach nan Loch, "The gannets from the Londubh (Ross), An Lòn Dubh. Eye district, and the hospitable people from "The black wet meadow". Lochs". South Lochs contains the district of Longa (Ross), Longa. Park, known as A' Phàirc or A' Phàirc "Ship island", from Norse. Leódhasach. Longannet (Fife). Lochskiport (South Uist), Loch Sgioport. This appears to be "the churchyard of the "Ship loch", from Norse, with loch added. mother church", from lann and annaid. Lochslin (Ross), Loch Slinn. (Ross), Longaigh. "The loch of the weaver's sleye", referring to See Longa. its shape. (Perth), Forgann. Loch Tay-side (Perth).

Ainmean-Àite 82 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 83

The Gaelic name is "the place above the "Non-Gaeldom". The Lowlands are also bog", while the English form has long known as Am Machaire Gallda or A' prefixed. Mhachaire Ghallda, "the Lowland plain". Longformacus (Berwick). Lubcroy (Ross), An Lùb Chruaidh. "Macas's camp", from Longphort Mhacais, a "The hard bend". personal name also found in Maxton. Lubreoch (Perth), An Lùb Riabhach. Longman (Inverness), An Raon Réidh. "The brindled bend". The Gaelic name is "the level plain", and Ludag (South Uist), An Lùdag. unrelated to the English, which is unclear. "The little finger", referring to a headland. (Moray). Lude (Perth), Leòid. This could be "the church at the marsh", "Slope place". A person from here is a from lann and morgrann. Luidneach. Longridge (West Lothian). Lugar (Ayr). "Clearing", from Brythonic lanerc. This name was originally that of a river, Longrigg (Argyll), An t-Iomaire Fada. formerly called Lugdour and meaning "The long rigg". "bright water", from Lughdhobhar then Lonmay (Aberdeen). Lughar. This may be "wet meadow on the plain", Luib (Perth, Ross, Skye), Lùib. from lòn and magh. "Bend". The full name of Luib is Ross is Lonmore (Skye), An Lòn Mór. Lùib a' Ghargain, "the bend at the little "The big wet meadow". rough place or stream". The inn at Luib is Lorgill (Skye), Lobhairgil or Lobhargail. mentioned in a ditty, 'S e taigh-òsta Chailein The full meaning of this Norse ravine name a dh'fhàg mo phòcaid falamh; 'S iomadh stòp is unclear. is gloinne chuir mi 'n tarraing ann, "Colin's Lorne (Argyll), Latharna. inn has left my pocket empty; I had many a "Loarn's land", referring to the leader of one stoup and glass there". of the groups of Dal Riada. A person from Luibchoinnich (Ross), Lùib a' Chòinnich. the area is a Latharnach, but also nicknamed "The bend of the moss". as a losgann, "frog". The applied Luing, Luinn. to inhabitants of various parts of Lorne are This is probably a pre-Gaelic name of found in the rhyme, Fithich dhubha unclear meaning. A native of the island is a Chreiginis, coilich Chille Mhàrtainn, liath Luinneach, also nicknamed a piocach, chearcan taobh Loch Obha 's coin-odhar an "coalfish". Àtha, "Black ravens from , cocks Lumphannan (Aberdeen), Lann Fhìonain. from Kilmartin, heath hens from Loch Awe- "Finan's church". See Lathrisk. side and otters from Ford". Upper Lorne is Lumphinnans (Fife). Bràigh Latharna while Nether Lorne is See . Latharna Ìochdarach. The String of Lorne is (Perth), Longartaidh. An t-Sreang Latharnach. "Encampment place", referring to the (Moray), Inbhir Losaidh. camping place of a Danish fleet unable to "The mouth of the herb river". pass the rapids at . The Danes are Loth (Sutherland), Loth. also commemorated in the nearby farm, "Mud". Local people are known as Lothaich. Denmarkfield. Lothbeg is Loth Beag while Lothmore is Lundale (Lewis), Lunndail. Loth Mór. "Roller valley", referring to rollers used to Lothian, Labhdaidh or Lodainn. launch ships. This name is apparently of Brythonic origin, Lundavra (Inverness), Lunn Dà Bhrà. and was known as Machair Labhdaidh, The name has drawn many attempts at "plain of Lothian". The Perthshire surname interpretation, but none satisfactory. The Lothian is Labhdain or Loudin in Gaelic. term lunnd, "marsh", may be the origin. Loudon (Ayr), Lughdun. Lundie (Angus). "Lugh's fort", referring to a pre-Christian "Marshy place", from Lunndaidh. deity. Lundin Links (Fife). Lovat (Inverness), A' Mhoroich. This may come from lunndan, "small The English name comes from a Gaelic marsh", with the later addition of English source suggesting rotting or putreaction. The links. Gaelic name is "the carse" or "sea plain". Lundy (Inverness), An Lanndaidh. Lowlands, A' Ghalldachd. "The marshy place". Lunga (Argyll, Luing, Mull), Lunga. "Ship river", from Norse.

Ainmean-Àite 83 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 84

Luskentyre (Harris), Losgaintìr. This name is unclear. (Dunbarton), Lus. "Vegetation". Lussa Bridge (Skye), Drochaid Lusaidh. "The bridge over the bright river", a Gaelic/ Norse name. Lussagiven (Jura), Lusa Dhìomhain. "Lazy bright river", from Gaelic/Norse. Lusta (Skye), Lusta. "Bright farm", from Norse. Lybster (Caithness), Liabost. This Norse name may be "slope farm". Lynachork (Banff), Lainn a' Choirce. "The enclosed field of oats". Lynchat (Inverness), Lainn a' Chait or Baile a' Chait. "The enclosed field of the cat" or "the village of the cat". Lynedale (Skye), Lianadail. "Flax valley", from Norse. Lyngarrie (Inverness), Lainn Gharaidh. "The enclosed field in the den". Lynwilg (Inverness), Lainn a' Bhuilg or Baile a' Bhuilg. "The enclosed field of the bellows" or "the village of the bellows".

Ainmean-Àite 84 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 85

Maaruig (Harris), Màraig. native of Mar is a Màrnach from which "Sea mew ridge", from Norse. comes the surname Marnoch. Macallan (Moray). Marble Lodge (Perth), Taigh a' Mharbail. "Fillan's plain", from Magh Fhaolain. "The marble house". Macduff (Banff). Marchmont (Berwick). The Duff were prominent landowners This may be "horse hill", from Brythonic. locally, but the village was earlier known as Marganaish (Arran), Marg an Eis. Doune, from Dùn, "hill" or "hill fort". "The merkland by the stream or waterfall". Machair Illeray (North Uist), Machair Margmonagach (Argyll), Marg Mòineagach. Iolaraigh. "The machair of Illeray". "The peaty merkland". Macharioch (Argyll), Am Machaire Margnaheglish (Arran), Marg na h-Eaglais. Riabhach. "The brindled machair". The old "The merkland of the church". name was Am Baile Sear, "the east village". Marishader (Skye), Mairiseadar. of (Wigtown), Machair "Sea village", from Norse. Ghallghaidheil. "The plain of the foreign Markinch (Fife). ", a term attached to Gaelic speakers of This is "horse meadow", from Marc Innis, Scandanavian origin. but may originally have contained Brythonic Machrie (Arran), Am Machaire or rather than Gaelic marc for "horse". Macharaidh. "The machair" or "machair Marrel (Sutherland), Maraill. place". "Sea field", from Norse. (Argyll), Machaire Shanais. Marvig (Lewis), Marbhaig. "The machair of Sanas". "Sea bay", from Norse. Machrins (Colonsay), Na Machraichean. (Ross), An Lagaidh (Logie Easter), "The ". Bruach Màiri (). Marybank in Logie Machuim (Perth), Magh Thuaim. Easter commemorates Mary Ross of "The plain of the tomb". Balnagowan, while the Gaelic name means Maggieknockater (Banff). "the place of the hollow". The Urray names "The plain of the fuller or waulker", from mean the same as each other, and the Gaelic Magh an Fhucadair. is probably a translation from English. Malaclete (North Uist), Màlacleit. Maryculter (Kincardine). This Norse name may be "small rock or "Mary's Culter". cliff". Marykirk (Kincardine), Obar Luathnait. Maligar (Skye), Màileagar. The English name is "Mary's church", while This Norse name may be "small bays". the Gaelic name is "mouth of the swift river". (Inverness), Malaig. (Ayr), Machlainn. This Norse name may be "small bay". This name is unclear and may be of Mallaigmore (Inverness) Malaig Mhór. Brythonic origin. According to legend it was "Big Mallaig". the site of one of the wonders of Scotland, a Mallaigvaig (Inverness), Malaig Bheag. miraculous underground quern which "Little Mallaig". worked constantly except on Sundays. Near Mambeg (Dunbarton), Am Màm Beag. to Mauchline is Achnebron, "the field of the "The small mountain gap". quern", from Gaelic Achadh na Bràthann. Mandally (Inverness), Manndalaigh or Maud (Aberdeen). Meanndailidh. This may be "place of the This may be "meeting place", from Gaelic kids' haugh". Mòd. Mangersta (Lewis), Mangartaigh. Mauld (Inverness), Màld. "Monk place". The meaning of this name is unclear. Manish (Harris), Mànais. Mause (Perth), Meallaibh. "Sea mew headland", from Norse. "Lump-shaped hills". Mannel (Tiree), Manal. Mawhill (Kinross), Magh Chuaich. This Norse name is said to mean "man field". The Gaelic name is "the plain of the hollow", Mar (Aberdeen), Màrr. while the English name implies the opposite. This may be from a Brythonic personal (Ayr). name. The divisions of the area are "Maidens' dwelling", from English. Gaelic or Bràigh Mhàrr, the upland of Mar", beag and mór were added to distinguish two or Crò Mhàrr, "the enclosure of separate places of which there are now no Mar", and Midmar or Mic Mhàrr, which may trace. be the "the bog of Mar". Mar Lodge is An Mayish (Arran), A' Mhàis. Dail Mór, "the big haugh", and the place used to be known in English as Dalmore. A

Ainmean-Àite 85 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 86

This may be from Brythonic maes, "field" or "Bent-grass bay", from Norse. The village is from the Gaelic equivalent magh, "plain", also known by the A' Bhoilc and a with the -ais ending indicating "place". person from Melvaig is a Boilceach. A Meadowside (Inverness), Coille an t-Suidhe. saying concerning Melvaig is 'S fhada bhon The English name is self-explanatory, whilst lagh Dìobaig, 's fhaide na sin sìos the Gaelic name is "the wood by the seat". Mealabhaig, "Diabaig is far from the law, (Lewis), Mealasta. and Melvaig even further". "Bent-grass place", from Norse. Mealista (Sutherland), A' Mhealbhaich or island is Eilean Mhealasta. Mealbhaich. This may be "bent-grass bay", Mearns (Kincardine), A' Mhaoirn or A' from Norse. To express in Melvich, Gaelic Mhaorainn. "Territory of the steward". A uses air a' Mhealbhaich, "on Melvich". native of the Mearns is a Maoirneach. (Perth), Tèadhaich. Meavaig (Harris), Miabhaig. This name is from that of the River Teith. "Narrow bay", from Norse. Meavaig in The English form appears to be from an South Harris has the full name, Miabhaig older Gaelic form containing mon, "moor", nam Bàgh, "Meavaig in Bays", while in which in turn is probably from Brythonic. A North Harris the full name is Miabhaig nam native of the area is a Tèadhach. Beann, "Meavaig in the mountains". Meoble (Inverness), Meobal or Miabol. Meddat (Ross), Meitheid. "Narrow farm", from Norse. "Soft or spongy place". (Inverness), Marc Innis. Meggernie (Perth), Migearnaidh. "Horse meadow", and similar to Markinch. "Boggy place". Merkland (Arran), Am Marg. Megstone (Inverness), Clach Mhairearad. "The merkland". Merkland Point is Rubha "Margaret's stone". Shalach, "dirty point" or "willow point". (Ayr, Perth), Mìgeil. Methven (Perth), Meadhainnigh or In Perth this is "boggy haugh". The Ayr Meithinnigh. "Middle stone", from name may be the same. Brythonic. The Gaelic name was believed to Meikle Daan (Ross), Dathan Mhór. derive from meadhan, "middle", and "Big davoch". Methven Wood was known as Coille Meikle Ferry (Sutherland), Port a' Choltair. Mheadhain. "Big ferry", known in Gaelic as "the port of Miagro (Sutherland), Mèathgro or Miagro. the ". "Narrow river pit", from Norse. (Perth). Mial (Ross), Mìtheall. "Big yew", from English/Gaelic. There was "Narrow field or hill", from Norse. also a "Littleour". Mianish (Tiree), Mianais. (Lewis), Mealabost. "Narrow headland", from Norse. "Bent grass farm". The full name of Miavaig (Lewis), Miabhaig. Mealabost Bhuirgh, "Melbost of Borve", is "Narrow bay", from Norse. used to distinguish Melbost on the west coast Micras (Aberdeen), Miagra. from Melbost near . This may be "boggy circular fort". The Melgarve (Inverness), Am Meall Garbh. English name was originally Micra, with the "The rough lump-shaped hill". plural added to reflect the place's division Mellon (Ross), Meallan Theàrlaich. into two parts. Easter Micras is Miagra Shìos "Charles's lump-shaped hill". and Wester Micras is Miagra Shuas. Mellongaun (Ross), Meallan a' Ghamhna. Mid Argyll (Argyll), Dal Riada. "The lump-shaped hill of the stirk". This The middle part of Argyll was where the place is also known as Stirkhill in English. Scots' first settlement took place. They Mellon Udrigle (Ross) Meallan Ùdraigil. brought with them the name of the area in "The lump-shaped hill of Udrigle", a Gaelic/ Ireland from which the settlers came, Dal Norse name. Riada, "Riada's territory". Melness (Sutherland), Taobh Mhealainis Midcalder (West Lothian). "Bent-grass headland". The Gaelic name is Calder is "hard water", from Caladar, a the same with taobh, "side", prefixed. common river name throughour Scotland. Melrose (Selkirk). Midcalder is part of a larger area along with "Bald moor", from Brythonic moelros, East Calder and . cognate with Gaelic Maolros. It has been Middlequarter (North Uist), An Ceathramh suggested that rather than meaning "bald", Meadhanach. "The middle quarter-land". maol may refer to the monks of the Middle Quarter (South Uist), Na Meadhanan. through their tonsure. "The middle lands" in Gaelic, situated Melvaig (Ross), Mealabhaig.

Ainmean-Àite 86 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 87

between Boisdale to the south and to (several). the north. There are many places with this name which Middleton (Tiree), Am Baile Meadhanach. means a farm or village with a mill "The middle village". (milltown). Normally the Gaelic equivalent Mid Fearn (Ross), Feàrna Meadhanach. is Baile a' Mhuilinn but this is not always the "Middle alder place". case. Milton is Ross is known by the full Mid Lawers (Perth), Labhar na Craoibhe. name of Baile Mhuilinn Anndra, "Andrew's "Lawers by the tree". milltown", while in South Uist Milton is Mid Lix (Perth), Lic Meadhanach. known as Gearra-Bhailteas, "fertile land by "Middle Lix". the river mouth", from Norse. Midlothian, Meadhan Labhdaidh or Meadhan Milton Eonan (Perth), Baile Mhuilinn Eónain. Lodainn. "The middle of Lothian". "Adamnan's milltown". Midmar (Aberdeen), Mic Mhàrr. Milton of Clova (Angus), Baile Mhuilinn This may be "the bog of ". Chlàbhaidh. "The milltown of Clova". Mid Ross (Ross), Ros Meadhanach. Milton of Kincraigie (Perth), Baile a' "Middle Ross". Mhuilinn. "The milltown". Midstrath (Aberdeen), Mig Srath. Milton of Roro (Perth), Baile Mhuileann "Boggy ". Ruadhshruth. "The farm at the mill of Roro". Midtown (Ross), Am Baile Meadhain; Minard (Argyll), Mionaird. (Sutherland), Am Baile Meadhanach. "The "Tiny headland". middle village". Mingarry (Argyll), Mìogharraidh; (South Midtown of Duntelchaig (Inverness), Bail Uist), Mingearraidh. "Main field", from Shìos. The Gaelic name is "lower farm". Norse. Migdale (Sutherland), Migein. (Skye), Minginis. The English name is "boggy valley", while "Main headland". the Gaelic is "little bog". (Barra), Miughalaigh. Migger (Perth), Migear. This Norse name may be "main hill island" "Boggy place". or "narrow hill island". Migvie (Aberdeen), Migeaghaidh; (Inverness), Minigaig (Perth), Miongag. Mìgibhidh. "Boggy hill face". "Little cleft". Millbuie (Aberdeen), Am Maol Buidhe. Minish (North Uist), Midhinis. "The yellow rounded hill". "Narrow headland", from Norse. Millbuies (Moray). (Ayr). See Millbuie. In this case an English plural This may mean "sacred shrubbery", from has been attached to the basic name. Muine Sianta. Millburn (Inverness, Sutherland), Allt a' Minmore (Banff), A' Mhon Mhór. Mhuilinn. "The stream of the mill". "The big moor". Millcraig (Ross), Muileann na Creige. Miodar (Tiree), Am Mìodar. "The mill by the rock". This Norse name may mean "narrow valley". Milleur Point (Wigtown). Mishnish (Mull), Misinis. This may be "dun-coloured headland", from This Norse name contains ness, "headland", Maol Odhar. but the first part is unclear. Millfield (Arran), Achadh a' Mhuilinn. Modsarie (Sutherland), Modsairidh. "Field of the mill". This Norse sheiling name may include a Mill of Sterin (Aberdeen), Muileann Stairein. personal name as its first element. "Mill at the stepping stones". Moidart (Inverness), Mùideart. Millpark (Raasay), Pàirc na Muilne. This Norse name probably means "narrow "Field by the mill". sea loch". A native of the area is a Milnafua (Ross), Maol nam Fuath. Mùideartach. "Rounded hill of the ghosts". Moine (Sutherland), A' Mhòine. (Dunbarton). "The peat bog". West Moine is Us-Mhòine, There are a number of interpretations of this "upper Moine". name, varying from "Davie's mill", from Molinginish (Harris), Mol Longinis. Gaelic Muileann Dhàibhidh, through "Shingle beach by the heather headland", a "windmill", from Gaelic Muileann Gaoithe, Gaelic/Norse name. to "windy or boggy rounded hill", from Moll (Skye), Am Mol. Gaelic Maol na Gaoithe. "The shingle beach". (Skye), Mìolabhaig. Monachylemore (Perth), Monachul. This Norse name may be "bay at the narrow The meaning of this name is unclear. The field". English name is "big Monachyle", containing

Ainmean-Àite 87 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 88

Gaelic mór, suggesting that at one time there "Large meadow". Morangie Forest is Frìth may have been a Monachul Beag or "small Mhóraistidh. Monachyle" which no longer exists. Morar (Inverness), Mórar. Monaltrie (Aberdeen), Mòine Ailtridh. "Great water". North Morar is Mórar The first part of the name is "peat moss", MhicShimidh, "Lovat's Morar", while South while the second may be "rocky place". Morar is Mórar MhicDhùghaill, Moncrieff (Perth). "MacDougall's Morar". "Hill or moor of the tree", from Gaelic Moray, Moireibh or Moireabh. Monadh Craoibhe. "Sea settlement". A native of Moray is a Moniack (Inverness), Mon Itheig. Moireach which gives the surname Murray. The first part of the name is "upland" or Morefield (Ross), A' Mhór Choille. "moor", while the second is unclear. The English name is a corruption of the Monifeith (Angus). Gaelic "the big wood". Morefield Cottage is If this is a Gaelic name it may be "peat bog An Ceanna-Chruinn, "the round head", by the stream", from Mòine na Féithe, possibly referring to a headland. however a large number of placenames Morenish (Perth), Móirnis. locally come from Brythonic/Pictish. "Big meadow". Monimail (Fife). Morile (Inverness), Móirl. This may be "bald or exposed moor", from This may be Brythonic/Pictish, meaning "big Gaelic Monadh Maol, but may be from a clearing". cognate Brythonic/Pictish source meaning Mornish (Mull), Móirnis. the same. This may be Gaelic/Norse for "big (Lanark), Bad nam Manach. headland". A local saying denoting a detour The English name is "land of the monks" is Rathad Mhóirnis do Chill Fhionnchain, while the Gaelic form is "spot or clump of "via Mornish to Kilfinichen". the monks". Morsgail (Lewis), Morsgail. Monkstadt (Skye), Mogastad. This Norse name may be "sea house". "Monk village", from Norse. Mortlach (Banff), Mórthlach. Monorgan (Perth). "Big green hill". "Peat moss on land above a marsh", from (Argyll), A' Mhorbhairne. Mòine Fhorgrainn. "The sea gap". This name was earlier applied Monquhitter (Aberdeen). to Loch , and Morvern used to be The first part of the name suggests Gaelic known as Cineal Bhaodain, "Baodan's tribe". monadh, "upland" or "moor", whilst the Lower Morvern is An Leathair second is unclear. Mhorbhairneach, "the Morvern slope", and Monreith (Wigtown). Mull and Morvern together are An This may be "level moor", from Monadh Dreòllainn. A native of Morvern is a Réidh, but may be of Brythonic origin. Morbhairneach. Montgarrie (Aberdeen). Morvich (Ross), A' Mhormhoich. This may be "the hill of the den", from "The carse". Monadh a' Gharaidh. Moss (Tiree), A' Mhòinteach Ruadh. Montgreenan (Ayr). The Gaelic name is "the red-brown mossy "Hill at the sunny place", from Brythonic moor". and/or Gaelic, Mon a' Ghrianain. Mossat (Aberdeen). Montrose (Angus), Mon Rois or Monadh This may be "stale damp place", from Rois. "The moor by the wood". A native of Musaid. Montrose and the east coast is a Tròsach. Mossend (Arran), Ceann na Mòine. Monyquil (Arran), Mon a' Choill. "The end of the peat moss". "The hill of the hazel tree". (Lanark), Tobar na Màthar. Monzie (Perth), Magh Eadh (), Mon "The well of the mother", referring to the Fhiadh (). Magh Eadh is "corn field" Virgin Mary. and Mon Fhiadh is "deer moor". Moulin (Perth), Maoilinn. Monzievaird (Perth), Magh Bhàird. "Smooth round hill". Moulin was known for The Gaelic name is "poet's field", while the its good weather according to the saying, Cur English name has amended the first part of is cathadh am Bealach Dearg, sneachd is the name to link it to Monzie. reòthadh an Càrn a' Bhalg, cùl ri gaoith air Moor of (Aberdeen), Sliabh Muileann Làirig Bhealaich, grian gheal am Maoilinn, Dùnaidh. The Gaelic name is "moor of "Drifts and strorms at Bealach Dearg, snow Dinnet mill". and frost at the Cairnwell, back to the wind Morangie (Ross), Móraistidh. at Lairig Bhealaich, bright sunshine at

Ainmean-Àite 88 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 89

Moulin". The fair held here was called Féill This may be "swine fort", from Mucrath. Mo Cholmaig, "Colman's Fair". Muckross (Fife). Moulinearn (Perth), Maol an Fheàrna. "Swine wood", from Mucros. "The round hill of the alder". Mucomir (Inverness), Magh Comair. Mound, The (Sutherland), A' Mhùnd. "Plain of the confluence". The English name of this artificial mound Mudale (Sutherland), Modhudal. was adopted into Gaelic. "Valley of the muddy river", from Norse. Mount (Inverness), Mùrbhlagan or (Skye), Mùigearraidh. Mùrlagan. While the English name refers to "Narrow field", from Norse. a landlord, the Gaelic name is "rounded little Muie (Sutherland), A' Mhuigh. inlet". "The plain". Mountblairy (Banff). Muieblairie (Ross), Muigh Bhlàraigh. This may be "dappled hill", from Monadh "Dappled moor". Blàraigh. Muir of Fairburn (Ross), Blàr Fharabraoin. Mounteagle (Ross), Cnoc na h-Iolaire. "Moor of Fairburn". "The eagle hill". (Ross), Am Blàr Dubh. Mountgerald (Ross), An Claon. "Ord" is a rounded hill, from Gaelic òrd. The The English name refers to a local notable, Gaelic name is "the black moor". The Ord while the Gaelic name is "the slope". Arms Hotel is on the site of an Taigh Bhàn, Mountrich (Ross), Cill Chomhghain. "white house". The English name is a 19th century creation, Muir of Tarradale (Ross), Blàr Tharradail. replacing Kilchoan, from the Gaelic name, "The moor of Tarradale". "Comgan's church". Muirshearlich (Inverness), Muir Sìorlaich. Moy (Inverness), A' Mhòigh; (Ross), A' "Plain of the broom rape". Gaelic muir Mhuaigh; (Sutherland), A' Mhuigh. "The means "sea", and the original name was plain". Magh Sìorlaich, which became corrupted. Moy Bridge (Ross), Drochaid Mhuaigh. (Inverness), Baile an Fhraoich; "The bridge of Moy". (Ross), Mórdun. While the English name is Moy Lodge (Mull), Taigh na h-Abhainn. "moor farm", the Gaelic name in Inverness is The Gaelic name is "the house by the river". "heather village", and in Ross may be "great Moyness (Nairn), Muighnis. fort". "Meadow on the plain". (Banff), Am Muileann Bàn. Mualich (Perth), Muthalaich. "The white mill". This may be "gentle green hill". Mualaichbeg (Barra), Maol Dòmhnaich. is Muthalaich Beag, "small Mualich", and "The blunt headland of the Lord". Mualichmore is Muthalaich Mór, "big Mulhagery (Lewis), Mol Chadha a' Mualich". Ghàrraidh. "The shingle beach at the pass by Muasdale (Argyll), Muasdal. the enclosure". This Norse name may be "moss valley". Mull, Muile. Muck (Inverness), Eilean nam Muc. This name is pre-Gaelic, and has no Although this name appears to mean "the connection with the names of headlands such island of the pigs", it is actually "the island as "". Poetically Mull is of the whales", from Gaelic muc, "pig", a known as Muile nam Mór Bheann, "Mull of short form of muc-mhara, "whale". A native the great mountains". The coastland of Mull of the island is a Mucanach. opposite Morvern is An Leathair Mhuileach, Muckairn (Argyll), Mucàrna. "the Mull slope", while Mull and Morvern The meaning is unclear although the old were jointly known as An Dreòllainn. The form of the name, Bo-càrna, suggests both, placenames of Mull are mentioned in the "hut". Muckairn churchyard is Cladh an saying Ceithir busaichean fichead an Ìle 's Easbaig Earaild, "the graveyard of Bishop ceithir àrdacha fichead am Muile, "Twenty Harold". The strangeness of local people was four buses in Islay and twenty four ards in referred to in the term iongantas muinntir Mull". A native of Mull is a Muileach and Mhucàrna. the alleged nature of Mull people is referred Muckernich (Ross), A' Mhucarnaich. to in a number of sayings, such as Slìob am "The swine place". Muileach is sgròbaidh e thu, sgròb am Muckovie (Inverness), Mucamhaigh. Muileach is slìobaidh e thu, "Stroke the Mull "Swine plain". person and he'll scratch you, scratch the Mull Muckrach (Inverness), Mucrach. person and he'll stroke you" and Muileach is "Swine place". Ìleach is deamhan, An triùir as miosa air an Muckraw (West Lothian). domhain. Is miosa am Muileach na an

Ainmean-Àite 89 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 90

t-Ìleach, Is miosa an t-Ìleach na an deamhan, "A Mull person, an Islay person and the devil, The three worst in the world. The Mull one is worse than the Islay one, The Islay one is worse than the devil". Mull of Cara (), Maol Chara. "The rounded headland of Cara". Mull of Galloway (Wigtown), Maol Ghallghaidheil. "The rounded headland of the foreign Gaels". Mull of Kintyre (Argyll), Maol Chinn Tìre. "The rounded headland of Kintyre". Mull of Logan (Wigtown), Maol Logain. "The rounded headland by the hollow". Mull of Oa (Islay), Maol na h-Obha. "The rounded headland of ". Multovie (Ross), Multabhaidh. "Wedder plain". Mundurno (Aberdeen). This may be "pebbly hill or moor", from Monadh Dòrnach. Mungasdale (Ross), Mùngasdal. "Monk's valley", from Norse. Munlochy (Ross), Poll Lòchaidh. The English name is "the mouth of the dark water", from an older Gaelic name Bun Lòchaidh. The modern Gaelic name is "the pool of the dark water". Murlaggan (Inverness), Mùrbhlagan or Mùrlagan. "Rounded sea inlet". Murthly (Perth), Mórthlaich. "Large green hill". Musall (Sutherland), Musal. "Moss field", from Norse. Musdale (Argyll), Mùsdal. This may be "moss valley", from Norse. Mussadie (Inverness), Musadaidh. "Stale damp place". Muthil (Perth), Maothail. This may be "gentle place". The Roman camp at Ardoch was known in Gaelic as Cathair Mhaothail, "Muthil fort".

Ainmean-Àite 90 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 91

Naast (Ross), Nàst. was known as Féill Chealsaidh, "Kelso This may be "boat place", from Norse. Fair". Nairn, Inbhir Narann. New Luce (Wigtown), Baile Ùr Ghlinn Lus. "Mouth of the Nairn". The Gaelic name is "the new village of Narrachan (Argyll), An Arthar. Luce". These names are unclear. Newmills (Ross), Am Muileann Ùr. Nask (Barra), An Nasg. The Gaelic name is "the new mill". If this name is of Gaelic origin, it means "the Newmore (Ross), An Neo Mhór. link" or "connection". "The large sacred lands". Navar (Angus). Newpark (Lewis), Gearraidh Sgor. "The sacred lands of Barr", from Neimheadh The English name is self-explanatory, while Bharra. the Gaelic is "fertile land by the wood", from (Islay), Eilean Néimh. Norse. "Ném's island". (Aberdeen). Navidale (Sutherland), Neimheadal. Pitsligo contains Pictish pett, "share" or "Valley of the sacred lands", a Gaelic/ Norse "lands", while the second element is Gaelic name. sligeach, "shelly". Navity (Ross), Neamhaididh. New Street (Lewis), Am Poileagan. "Place of sacred lands". The Gaelic name is unclear. Nedd (Sutherland), An Nead. Newton (several). "The nest". "New village or farm". The are a variety of Neist (Skye), An Éist. Gaelic names for the different Newtons "The horse" from Norse. A more full name is throughout the country. Newton in Argyll is An Éist Fhiadhaich, "wild Neist". Neist Point An Fhadhail Dhubh, "the black ford". is Rubha na h-Éist or Gob na h-Éist. Newton in Arran is Baile Nodha, "new Ness (Lewis), Nis. farm", and nearby Newton Point is Rubha a' "Headland", from Norse. A native of Ness is Chùirn, "the headland by the cairn". In a Niseach. Lewis, Newton is Ionaicleit, "brow cliff", Nether Lorne (Argyll), Latharna Ìochdarach. from Norse, and the people were nicknamed "Lower Lorne". fithich dhubha, "black ravens". In North Uist Nethybridge (Inverness), Cinn Drochaid. it is Baile MhicPhàil, "MacPhail's farm". In The Gaelic name is "bridge end". Ross and Tiree, Newton is Am Baile Nodha, Nevie (Banff), Neimheadh Chrìosda. "the new farm or village". "Sacred lands". The Gaelic name is "the Newtonferry (North Uist), Port nan Long. The sacred lands of Christ". English name is "the ferry at Newton", while New (Aberdeen), Obar Dobhair. the Gaelic name is "the harbour of the ships". "Mouth of the water". New in the English Local people are nicknamed faoileagan, name distinguishes this place from its "seagulls". namesake in Fife. Newtonmore (Inverness), Baile Ùr an t-Sléibh Newbigging (Aberdeen, Angus, Lanark). or An Sliabh. "The new village of the moor". "New building". Newbigging in Mar is in Gaelic also has the shorter name, "the moor". Gaelic Coire Laoigh, "the corry on the Lui". Newton Stewart (Wigtown), Baile Ùr nan Newburgh (Aberdeen), Baile Ùr Fobharain. Stiùbhartach. "The new town of the The Gaelic name is "the new village of Stewarts". Foveran". New Valley (Lewis), An Gleann Ùr. (Aberdeen), Achadh Reite. "The new valley". The English name distinguishes this place Nigg (Aberdeen, Ross), An Neag. from . The Gaelic name contains "The notch". The Sands of Nigg are An Oitir, achadh, "field", but the second part is "the long low promontory". unclear. It is found anglicised as Auchreddy. (Dunfries), Srath Nid. Newe (Aberdeen). "The valley of the Nith". The old name in "Sacred lands", from Neimheadh. English is Stranit. New Kelso (Ross), Eadar Dhà Charrann, Nonach (Ross), Nònach. Cealsaidh or Cealso Ùr. The English name "Foam or spume place". was given by a farmer who settled here from Nonakiln (Ross), Neo na Cille. Kelso. The original Gaelic name, Eadar Dhà "The sacred lands of the church". Charrann, is "between two Carrons". (Barra), Am Bàgh a Tuath. Cealsaidh is a gaelicisation of "Kelso", and "The north bay". Cealso Ùr is "New Kelso". The fair held here (), Bearaig a Tuath. North distinguishes this place from

Ainmean-Àite 91 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 92

Berwick in , which for a time was termed South Berwick. North Cuan (), Cuan Saoil. The English name distinguishes this place from South Cuan. The Gaelic name is "Cuan of Seil", cuan here meaning "bay" rather than the normal meaning of "ocean". North Kessock (Ross), Ceasaig a Tuath or Ceasag a Tuath. See Kessock. (Fife), Port na Banrighinn. The English name distinguishes this place from . The Gaelic name is "the port of the queen". (Lewis), Rònaigh. The English name distinguishes this island from the other Rona near Raasay. The name means "rough island", from Norse. It is also known as Rònaigh an Daimh which appears to be "Rona of the stag" but may in fact be Rònaigh an Taibh, "Rona of the Atlantic", containing the old word tabh, "ocean", from Norse. Northton (Harris), An Taobh Tuath. The English name is "north farm" while the Gaelic name is "the north side". North Uist, Uibhist a Tuath. See Uist. North Uist is also known as an Ceann a Tuath, "north end". A native of North Uist is a Tuathach, "northerner". Noss Nead (Caithness), Rubha Nòis. "The headland of the river mouth", from Gaelic/Norse. This name was originally Rubha an Òis but became contracted. Noster (Harris), Nostair. "North farm", from Norse. Nostie (Ross), Ceann na Mòna. The English name is from Nòsdaidh which in turn is from òst-thaigh, "inn", while the modern Gaelic name is the end of the peat bog". Novar (Ross), Taigh an Fhuamhair. "The house of the giant". Nuide (Inverness), Noid. "Green place". Nunton (Benbecula), Baile nan . "The village of the nuns". Nunton graveyard is Cladh Mhoire, "graveyard of Mary".

Ainmean-Àite 92 Iain Mac an Tàilleir 2003 93

Oa (Islay), An Obha. (Lewis), Orasaigh. "The headland". Local people were "Ebb island", from Norse. nicknamed cuthagan, "cuckoos". , Àrcaibh. Oape (Ross), An t-Òb. "Land of the swine or whale people", a tribal "The bay", from Norse. name. An Orcadian is an Àrcach. Pentland (Argyll), An t-Òban. Firth is An Caol Àrcach, "Orcadian Sound". "The little bay". The full name is An t-Òban Ormaclete (South Uist), Ormacleit. Latharnach, "little bay of Lorne". "Shale rock or hill". Obsdale (Ross), Òbasdal. Ormidale (Argyll), Ormadal. "Bay valley", from Norse. "Shale valley". Ochtermuthil (Perth). Ormiscaig (Argyll), Ormasgaig. "The top of Muthil", from This may be "shale strip of land" or "Orm's Mhaothail. strip of land", from Norse. (Perth), Uachdar Thìre. Ormsaigbeg (Argyll), Ormsaig Bheag. "The top of the land". "Shale bay" or "Orm's bay", from Norse, (Argyll), Ocal. with Gaelic beag, "small". This Norse name is unclear but appears to (Argyll), Ormsaraidh. contain vøllr, "field". "Orm's field" or "shale field", from Norse. Oldany (Sutherland), Alltanaigh. Ormscaig (Ross), Ormasgaig. "Fruit island", from Norse. Oldany Island is See Ormiscaig. Eilean Alltanaigh. Oronsay (Colonsay), Orasa; (Skye), Orasaigh. Old (Mull). See Orinsay. There is no Gaelic equivalent of this name as (South Uist), Orasaigh. Gaelic distinguishes between Old Croggan's See Orinsay. two parts, Baile Geamhraidh, "winter farm", Orsay (Islay), Orasa or Orasaigh. and Baile nan Seabhag, "the hawks' farm". See Orinsay. Old Deer (Aberdeen), Déir. Osdal (Skye), Òsdal. The English name uses old to distinguish this "River mouth valley", from Norse. place from New Deer. The Gaelic name was Ose (Skye), Òs. believed to be from deur, "a tear", but this is "River mouth", from Norse. dubious. The earliest example of written Osedale (Ross), Òsdal. are notes in Leabhar Dhéir, See Osdal. "the ". Oskaig (Raasay), Ósgaig. (Dunbarton). "Strip of land at a river mouth", from Norse. Old is used to distinguish this place from Oskamull (Mull), Osgamul. at . Kilpatrick itself This may be "ox island", from Norse. is Cill Phàdraig, "Patrick's church". Osmigarry (Skye), Osmaigearraidh. Oldshorebeg (Sutherland), Àisir Beag. "Asmund's field", from Norse. "Small path or pass", a Norse/Gaelic name. Osnaburgh (Fife). Oldshoremore (Sutherland), Àisir Mór. This name appears to include the same first "Big path or pass", from Norse/Gaelic. element as in Osnabrück in Germany. This (Skye), An t-Òlach. place is also known as Dairsie, which is "oak This may be "the rank grass". Upper Ollach stance" from dair and fasadh. is An t-Òlach Shuas. Ostaig (Skye), Ostaig. (Inverness), Omhanaich. "East bay", from Norse. This is thought to mean "froth place", Ostem (Harris), Ostam. possibly referring to a frothy beach. "East islet", from Norse. Opinan (Ross), Na h-Òbainean. (Argyll), An Oitir or Port na "The little bays". h-Oitrich. "The long low promontory" or "the Orbost (Skye), Òrbost. harbour at the long low promontory". This Norse name may be either "Orri's farm" (North Uist), Odarnais. or "seal farm". "Sharp point headland". Orchill (Perth), Urchoill. Outend (Scalpay), An Ceann a-Muigh. "Wood side". "The outside end". Ord (Skye), An t-Òrd. Overscaig (Sutherland), Ofarsgaig. "The rounded hill". "Over strip of land". Ordie (Aberdeen). Ovie (Inverness), Ubhaidh. "Place of the rounded hill", from Òrdaigh. This is said to be from uabhaidh, "terrible", Ord of Caithness (Caithness), An t-Òrd but may actually refer to some oval-shaped Gallach. "The rounded hill of Caithness". feature, from Gaelic ugh, "egg".

Ainmean-Àite 93