To understand the occurrence of Gaelic in place names in Scotland we thought it would be good to show a map and a breakdown of places and their Gaelic equivalent or the Gaelic the modern name is derived from. We hope you find this interesting:
Roy Pedersen, Chair of Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba, and author of the first Gaelic map of Scotland.
Scotland/Alba
Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Aberchirder
Obar Chiardair
“The mouth of Chirder Burn”
Aberdeen
Obar Dheathain
“The mouth of the Don”
Aberdeenshire
Siorrachd Obar Dheathain
Aboyne
Abèidh
Alford
Athfort
“The Fjord”, Norse.
Auchenblae
Achadh nam Blàth
“field of flowers”
Badenyon
Bad an Eòin
“knoll of the birds”
Ballater
Bealadair
Balmedie
Baile Mheadhain
Banchory
Beannchar
Banff
Banbh
Braemar
Bràigh Mhàrr
“upland of Mar”
Corgarff
Corr Garaidh
Crathie
Craichidh
Crimond
Crith MhonadhCrioch Mhonadh
Cruden Bay
Inbhir Chruidein
Traditionally, the name was derived from the Gaelic Croch Dain (Slaughter of Danes).
Dinnet
Dùnaidh
“Fort/Castle/Fortification belonging to Aidh/Aed”
Drumoak
Druim M’Aodhaig
“the ridge of St Aodhag”
Ellon
Eilean
Fetterangus
Fothair Aonghais
“Field belonging to Angus”, or “Field of Angus Cattle”
Fettercairn
Fothair Chàrdain
“Shelving or terraced slope at the copse”
Findon
Fionndan
Formartine
Fearann Mhàrtainn
“Martin’s land”
Fraserburgh
A’ Bhruaich
Huntlyformerly Strathbogie
Hunndaidhformerly Srath Bhalgaidh
Insch
An Innis
The name of the village may have come from the Scottish Gaelic innis, meaning an island,or, as in this context, a piece of terra firma in a marsh.
Inverallochy and Cairnbulg
Inbhir Aileachaidh agus Càrn Builg
“At the mouth of the river/burn Allochy” and “Memorial to Builg/Bulg”
Inverbervie
Inbhir Biorbhaidh
“Mouth of the River Bervie”
Inverurie
Inbhir Ùraidh
“At the mouth of the river Urie”
Inverurie
Inbhir Uraidh
“Mouth of the Ury”
Kemnay
Ceann a’ Mhuigh
Kildrummy
Cionn Droma
Kintore
Ceann Tòrr
“head of a hill”
Laurencekirk
Coinmheadh
“an obligation to provide free food and board to passing troops”
Lumphanan
Lann Fhìonain
Macduff
An Dùn
“hill fort”
Marrformerly Mar
Màrr
Maud
Am Mòd
New Deer
Achadh Reite
Oldmeldrum
Meall Druim
Peterhead
Ceann PhàdraigInbhir Ùigidh
Portlethen
Port Leathain
Portsoy
Port Saoidh
The original name of the town was Port Soaidh, which translates as ‘The wooded place of the warriors (or heroes)’.
Rattray
Raitear
Rosehearty
Ros Abhartaich
Rothienorman
Ràth Thormoid)
St Cyrus
Eaglais Chiric
St Fergus
Peit Fhearghais
Stonehaven
Cala na CreigeSron na h-Aibhne
Strathdee
Srath Dhè
“Deeside”
Strathdon
Srath Dheathain
Tarland
Turlann
Tarves
Tarbhais
Torphins
Tòrr Fionn
Turriff
Baile ThurraTorraibh
Angus and Dundee City
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Aberlemno
Obar Leamhnach
Angus
Aonghas
Arbirlot
Obar Eilid
Arbroath
Obar Bhrothaig
Brechin
Breichinn
Carmyllie
Càrn Mhoillidh
Carnoustie
Càrn fheusta
“cairn of the feast”
Dundee
Dùn Dè
“Fort/Castle/Fortification belonging to Daigh/Dee”
Dunnichen
Dùn Neachdain
EdzellOriginally called Slateford
Eigill
Forfar
Baile Fharfair
Inverkeilor
Inbhir Chìollair
Kirriemuir
Cearan Mhoire
Monifieth
Monadh Feith
“Hill of the deer”
Montrose
Monadh Rois
“moor peninsula or promontory”
Tarfside
Bruach Tarbha
Argyll and Bute
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Acha, Coll
An t-Achadh
Achahoish
Achadh a’ Chòis
Achnamara
Achadh na Mara
Aird of Kinloch
An Àird
Annat
An Annaid
Appin
An Apainn
Ardalanish
Àird Dealanais
Ardanaiseig
Àird an Aiseig
Ardbeg
Àirde Beaga
Ardentinny
Àird an t-SionnaichÀird an Teine
“the hill of fire”
Ardfern
Aird Fheàrna
“the head-land of alder-trees”
Ardlui
Àird Laoigh
Ardrishaig
Rubha Àird Driseig
Ardtun
Àird Tunna
Arduaine
An Àird Uaine
Argyll and Bute
Earra-Ghaidheal agus Bòd
Arinagour
Àirigh nan Gobhar
Arrochar
An t-ÀrarAn Tairbeart Iar
Barcaldine
Am Barra Calltainn
Bellochantuy
Bealach an t-Suidhe
Benderloch
Meadarloch
Bonawe
Bun Abha
Bowmore
Bogh Mòr
Bunessan
Bun Easain
Cairnbaan
An Càrn Bàn
“the white hill”
Cairndow
An Càrn Dubh
“the black hill”
Calgary, Mull
Calgarraidh
Campbeltown
Ceann Loch Chille ChiarainCeann Locha
“head of the loch by the church of Ciarán”
Cara Island
Cara
Cardross
Càrdainn Ros
Carradale
Càrradal
Cladich
An Cladach
Colintraive
Caol an t-Snàimh
“swimming strait””swimming narrows”
Coll
Cola
Colonsay
Colbhasa
Connel
A’ Chonghail
Coulport
An Cùl Phort
Cowal
Còmhghall
Craigendoran
Creag an Dòbhrain
Craighouse
Taigh na Creige
Craignish
Creiginis
Craignure
Creag an Iubhair
Crinan
An Crìonan
Dalavich
Dail Abhaich
“meadows/valley of the River Avich”
Dalmally
Clachan an DìseirtDail Mhàilidh
Drumlemble
Druim Leamhan
Dubh Artach
Dubh Artach
Dunbegformerly known as Dunstaffnage
An Dùn BeagDùn Stafhainis
“the small fort”
Dunstaffnage
Dùn Stafhainis
Dunoon
Dùn Omhain
Erraid
Eilean Earraid
Fingal’s Cave
An Uaimh Bhinn
“the melodious cave”
Fionnphort
Fionnphort
Fishnish
Finnsinis
Ford
Àth na Crà
Furnaceformerly Inverleacainn
An FhùirneisInbhir Leacainn
“the mouth of the River Leacainn”
Garelochhead
Ceann a’ Gheàrr-loch
“head of Geàrr-loch”
Gigha
Giogha
Glen Fruin
Gleann Freòin
Glenbarr
Am Bàrr
Glendaruel
Gleann Dà Ruadhail
Gometra
Gòmastra
Gulf of Corryvreckan
Coire Bhreacain
“cauldron of the speckled seas””cauldron of the plaid”
Gunna
Gunnaigh
Hebrides
Innse Gall
Helensburgh
Baile Eilidh
Holy Loch
An Loch SiantaAn Loch Seunta
Inch Kenneth
Innis Choinnich
Inchmarnock
Innis Mheàrnaig
Inner Hebrides
Na h-Eileanan a-staigh
“the inner isles”
Inveraray
Inbhir Aora
Inveruglas Isle
Innis Inbhir Dhughlais
“island at the mouth of the black stream”
Iona
ÌÌ Chaluim ChilleEilean Idhe
Islay
Ìle
Isle of MullMull
Muile
Isle of JuraJura
Diùra
Kames
Camas nam Muclach
Kerrera
Cearrara
Kilberry
Cill Bheiridh
Kilmartin
Cille Mhàrtainn
Kilmelford
Cill Mheallaird
Kilmun
Cill Mhunna
Kilninver
Cill an InbhirCill Fhionnbhair
“appears to mean ‘church by the river mouth’, although an older form of Cill Fhionnbhair, ‘Finbar’s church’ appears.”
Kintyre
Cinn Tìre
Knapdale
Cnapadal
Knockan
An Cnocan
Kyles of Bute
Na Caoil Bhòdach
Lagavulin
Lag a’ Mhuilinn
“hollow by the mill”
Lismore
Lios Mòr
Little Colonsay
Colbhasa Beag
Loch AweLochawe
Loch Obha
Loch Eck
Loch Eich
Loch Etive
Loch Eite
Loch Fyne
Loch Fìne
“loch of the vine or wine”
Loch Gilp
Loch Gilb
Loch Goil
Loch Goill
Loch Linnhe
An Linne Dhubh (upstream of Corran);An Linne Sheileach (downstream of Corran)
“the black pool””the salty pool”
Loch Lomond
Loch Laomainn
Loch Long
Loch Long
“Ship Lake”
Lochbuie, Mull
Locha Buidhe
“yellow loch”
Lochgair
An Loch Geàrr
Lochgilphead
Ceann Loch Gilb
Lochgoilhead
Ceann Loch Goibhle
Luing
Luinn
Luss
Lus
“herb”
Machrihanish
Machaire Shanais
Muasdale
Muasdal
Mull of Kintyre
Maol Chinn Tìre
Oban
an t-Òban
Ormsary
Ormsaraidh
Otter Ferry
An Oitir
Port Askaig
Port Asgaig
Port Bannatyne
Port MhicEamailinn
Port Charlotte, Islay
Port Sgioba
Port Ellen
Port Ìlein
Portavadie
Port a’ Mhadaidh
Portnahaven
Port na h-Abhainne
“river port”
Rhu
An Rubha
Rhubodach
Rubha a’ BhodaichAn Rubha Bhódaich
“old man’s point (or promontory)””the Bute headland”
River Orchy
UrchaidhAbhainn Urchaidh
Rosneath
Ros Neimhidh
Ross of Mull
An Ros Mhuileach
Rothesay
Baile Bhòid
Saddell
Saghadal
Salen, Ardnamurchan
An t-Sàilean
Salen, Mull
An t-Sàilean
Sanda Island
Sandaigh
Sandbank
An OitirTaigh a’ Chladaich
Scarba
Sgarba
The island’s name is from the Norse and may mean “sharp, stony, hilly terrain” or “cormorant island”.
Seil
Saoil
Shuna, Slate Islands
Siuna
Skerryvore
Sgeir Mhòr
“”The Great Skerry” A skerry is a small rocky island, usually defined to be too small for habitation.
Skipness
Sgibinis
Southend
Ceann mu Dheas
Staffa
Stafa
from the Old Norse for stave or pillar island
Stewarton
Baile nan Stiùbhartach
Strachur
Srath Chura
Strathlachlan
Srath Lachlainn
Strone
An t-Sròn
“the nose”
Succoth
An Socach
Tarbert
An Tairbeart
Tarbet
An Tairbeart
Tayinloan
Taigh an Lòin
Taynuilt
Taigh an Uillt
“house by the stream”
Tayvallich
Taigh a’ Bhealaich
“house of the pass”
Texa
Teacsa
Tighnabruaich
Taigh na Bruaich
Tiree
Tiriodh
Tobermory, Mull
Tobar Mhoire
Torinturk
Tòrr an Tuirc
Toward
Tollard
Uisken
Uisgean
Ulva Ferry
Aiseag Ulbha
Ulva
Ulbha
West Highland Line
Rathad Iarainn nan Eilean
West Highland Way
Slighe na Gàidhealtachd an Iar
Whitehouse
An Taigh Bàn
Ayrshire
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Ardrossan
Aird Rosain
“headland of the little promontory”
Auchinleck
Achadh nan Leac
“field of the flagstones”
Ayr
Inbhir Àir
“mouth of the River Ayr”
Cumnock
Cumnag
Hurlfordformer names include Whirlford and Hurdleford.
Àth Cliath
“the ford of the hurdles”
Kilmarnock
Cille Mhèarnaig
Largs
An Leargaidh GalldaAn Leargaidh
“the slopes”
Lochranza
Loch Raonasa
Muirkirk
Eaglais an t-Sléibh
Prestwick
Preastabhaig
Polnessan
Poll an Easain
“pool (or stream) of the little waterfall”
Clackmannanshire
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Alloa
AlamhaghAllmhagh Mor
Alva
Allmhagh Beag
Tillicoultry
Tulach Cultraidh
“the mount or hill at the back of the country”
Dumfries and Galloway
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Annan
Inbhir Anainn
Dumfries
Dùn Phris
Gatehouse of Fleet
Taigh an Rathaid
“House on the Road”
Gretna
Greatna
Gretna means “(place at the) gravelly hill”, from Old English greot “grit” (in the dative form greoten) and hoh “hill-spur”.
Kirkcudbright
Cille Chuithbeirt
“the church of St Cuthbert”
Langholm
Langaim
Also known colloquially as the “Muckle Toon”. From Norse – long field by the river
Lockerbie
Locarbaidh
The name means Lockard’s Farm in Old Norse.
Sanquhar
An t-Seann Chathair
“the old seat”
Stranraer
An t-Sròn Reamhar
The name is believed to come from the Scottish Gaelic An t-Sròn Reamhar: literally “the fat nose”, it means “the broad headland”.
Whithorn
Taigh Mhàrtainn
Dunbartonshire
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Alexandria
Am Magh LeamhnaCathair Alastair
“plain of the Lennox”
Balloch
Bealach
“the pass”
Bearsden
Cille Phàdraig Ùr
Bishopbriggs
Coille Dobhair
the name of the old parish of Cadder
Clydebank
Bruach Chluaidh
Dumbarton
Dùn BreatannDùn Breatainn
“fort of the Britons”
Duntocher
”Dùn TòchairDruim Tòchair
Kirkintilloch
Cathair Cheann TulaichCair Ceann Tulaich
“fort at the end of the hillock”
Falkirk
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Bo’ness
Ceann Fhàil
Falkirk
An Eaglais Bhreac
Grangemouth
Inbhir Ghrainnse
Larbert
Lèirbert
Polmont
Poll-Mhonadh
Fife
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Aberdour
Obar Dobhair
Cowdenbeath
Coilltean Beithe
Cupar
Cupar
Dunfermline
Dùn Phàrlain
Glenrothes
Gleann Ràthais
Inverkeithing
Inbhir Chèitein
Kirkcaldy
Cair Chaladain
Rosyth
Ros SaidheRos SaoitheRos Fhìobha
St Andrews
Cill Rìmhinn
Glasgow
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Glasgow
Glaschu
Govan
Baile a’ Ghobhainn
Partick
PàrtaigPearraig
Highland Region
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Aberarder
Obar Àrdair
Aberchalder
Obar Chaladair
Abriachan
Obar Itheachan
Achachork
Achadh a’ Choirce
Achanalt
Achadh nan Allt
Achandunie
Achadh an Dùnaidh
Acharacle
Àth Tharracail
Achaphubuil
Achadh a’ Phùbaill
Achateny
Achadh an Teine
Achentoul
Achadh an t-Sabhail
Achgarve
An t-Achadh Garbh
Achinahuagh
Achadh na h-Uamha
Achintee
Achadh an t-Suidhe
Achintraid
Achadh na Tràghad
Achindrean
Achadh an Dreaghainn
Achininver
Achadh an Inbhir
Achinduich
Achadh an Dabhaich
Achnacarry
Achadh na Cairidh
Achnaha
Achadh na h-Àtha
Achnahanat
Achadh na h-Annaid
Achnagarron
Achadh nan Gearran
Achnasaul
Achadh nan Sabhal
Achnasheen
Achadh na Sìne
Achnashellach
Achadh nan Seileach
Achriesgill
Achadh Rìdhisgil
Achosnich
Achadh Osnaich
Achvarasdal
Achadh Bhàrrasdail
Achvaich
Achadh a’ Bhàthaich
Alness
Alanais
Inveralligin
Inbhir Àiliginn
Altnaharra
Allt na h-Eirbhe
Alvie
Albhaidh
Kensaleyre
Ceann Sàil Eighre
Ardachu
Àrd Achadh
Ardcharnich
Àird Cheatharnaich
Ardclach
Àird Chlach
Aviemore
an Aghaidh Mhòr
Ballachulish
Baile a’ Chaolais
Beauly
A’ Mhanachainn
Broadford
An t-Àth Leathann
Castlebay
Bàgh a’ Chaisteil
Craignure
Creag an Iubhair
Cromarty
Cromba
Culloden
Cùil Lodair
Dingwall
Inbhir Pheofharain
Dornoch
Dòrnach
Fort Augustus
Cille Chuimein
Fort William
An Gearasdan
Fortrose
A’ Chananaich
Glencoe
Gleann Comhann
Inverness
Inbhir Nis
John o’ Groats
Taigh Iain Ghròt
Kingussie
Ceann a’ Ghiuthsaich
Kyle of Lochalsh
Caol Loch Aillse
Mallaig
Malaig
Nairn
Inbhir Narann
Portree
Port Rìgh
Rosemarkie
Ros Maircnidh
Strathpeffer
Srath Pheofhair
Thurso
Inbhir Theòrsa
Tongue
Tunga or Cinn Tàile
Ullapool
Ulapul
Wick
Inbhir Ùige
Inverclyde
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Gourock
Guireag
Greenock
Grianaig
Port Glasgow
Port Ghlaschu
Wemyss Bay
Bàgh nan Uaimhean
Lanarkshire
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Airdrie
An t-Àrd Ruigh
Coatbridge
Drochaid a’ Chòta
Cumbernauld
Comar nan Allt
East Kilbride
Cille Bhrìghde an Ear
Hamilton
Hamaltan
Kilsyth
Cill Saidhe
Lanark
Lannraig
Motherwell
Tobar na Màthar
Rutherglen
An Ruadh Ghleann
Lothian and Edinburgh
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Dalkeith
Dail Chè
Dunbar
Dùn Bàrr
Edinburgh
Dùn Èideann
Haddington
Baile Adainn
Leith
Lìte
Livingston
Baile Dhùnlèibhe
Linlithgow
Gleann Iucha
Moray
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Aberlour
Obar Lobhair
Alves
An Àbhais, An Àbhas
Buckie
Bucaidh
Cullen
Inbhir Cuilinn
Dallas
Dalais
Dufftown
Baile Bhainidh
Elgin
Eilginn
Forres
Farrais
Keith
Baile Chè
Lossiemouth
Inbhir Losaidh
mouth/estuary of the Lossie
Tomintoul
Tom an t-Sabhail
“Hillock of the Barn”
Orkney
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Kirkwall
Baile na h-Eaglais
Outer Hebrides
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Balallan
Baile Ailein
Stornoway
Steòrnabhagh
Tarbert
An Tairbeart
Perth and Kinross
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Aberfeldy
Obar Pheallaidh
Blair Atholl
Blàr Athaill
Callander
Calasraid
Crieff
Craoibh
Comrie
Cuimridh
Dunkeld
Dùn Chailleann
Gleneagles
Gleann Eagas
Perth
Peairt
Pitlochry
Baile Chloichridh
Scone
Sgàin
Renfrewshire
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Erskine
Arasgain
Paisley
Pàislig
Renfrew
Rinn Friù
Scottish Borders
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Eyemouth
Inbhir Eighe
Galashiels
An Geal Àth
Hawick
Hamhaig
Jedburgh
Deadard
Kelso
Cealsaidh
Melrose
Am Maol Ros
Newcastleton
Baile a’ Caisteal Nuadh
Peebles
Na Pùballan
“The Tents” – the English probably in fact from the British: compare Welsh “Pebyll”.
Selkirk
Salcraig
Stirling
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Aberfoyle
Obar Phuill
Arnprior
Earrann a’ Phriair
Bannockburn
Allt a’ Bhonnaich
Cowie
Collaidh
Crianlarich
A’ Chrìon-Làraich
Dunblane
Dùn Bhlàthain
Killearn
Cill Earnain
Kippen
An Ceapan
Stirling
Sruighlea
Tyndrum
Taigh an Droma
Scottish glens
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Glen Tilt
Gleann Teilt
Glendaruel
Gleann Dà Ruadhail
Scottish hills and mountains
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Beinn a’ Ghlò
Beinn a’ Ghlò
Beinn an Lochain
Beinn an Lochain
Beinn Bheula
Beinn Bheula
Beinn Bhuidhe (Glen Fyne)
A’ Bheinn Bhuidhe
Beinn Dorain
Beinn Dòbhrain
“hill of the streamlet””hill of the otters”
Beinn Lochain
Beinn Lochain
Beinn Luibhean
Beinn Luibhean
Ben Narnain
Beinn Narnain
Beinn Reithe
Beinn Reithe
Beinn Ìme
Beinn Ìme
Ben Arthur
Beinn Artair
Ben Avon
Beinn Athfhinn
Ben Donich
Beinn Dòmhnaich
Ben Ledi
Beinn Leitir
“Mountain of the slope”
Ben Lomond
Beinn Laomainn
Ben Lui
Beinn Laoigh
Ben Macdui
Beinn Mac Duibh
Ben More (Mull)
Beinn Mhòr
“great mountain”
Ben Nevis
Beinn Nibheis
Ben Vane
Beinn Mheadhain
Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond)
Beinn Mhùrlaig
Bennachie
Beinn na Cìche
“hill of the breast”
Binnein an Fhidhleir
Binnein an Fhidhleir
Braeriach
Bràigh RiabhachAm Bràigh Riabhach
Cairn Gorm
An Càrn Gorm
“blue or green hill”
Cairn Toul
Càrn an t-Sabhail
“hill of the barn”
Cairngorms
Am Monadh Ruadh
Clach Bheinn (Lochgoilhead)
Clach Bheinn (Lochgoilhead)
Cnoc Coinnich
Cnoc Coinnich
Cruach nam Miseag
Cruach nam Miseag
Cruach nam Mult
Cruach nam Mult
Cruach nan Capull
Cruach nan Capull
Cuillin
An Cuiltheann
Carn Glas
Càrn Glas
Grampian Mountains
Am Monadh
Lochnagar
Beinn Chìochan
“mountain of breasts”
Monadhliath Mountains
Monadh Liath
“grey mountains”
Mount Keen
Monadh Caoin
Mounth
Monadh
Mullach Coire a’ Chuir
Mullach Coire a’ Chuir
Schiehallion
Sìdh Chailleann
Stob an Eas
Stob an Eas
Stob na Boine Druim-fhinn
Stob na Boine Druim-fhinn
The Cobbler
Beinn Artair
The Devil’s Point
Bod an Deamhain
Tom Molach
Tom Molach
Tom nan Gamhna
Tom nan Gamhna
Scottish passes
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Cairnwell Pass
Càrn a’ Bhailg
Footdee
Bun Dè
Lairig Ghru
Làirig Dhrù
“pass of Dhru or Druie”
Scottish rivers
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Alladale River
Abhainn Alladail
Abhainn a’ Ghlinne Mhòir
Abhainn a’ Ghlinne Mhòir
Bervie Water
Uisge Bhiorbhaigh
Carron Water, Aberdeenshire
Carrann
“the shrimps”
Carron Water, Dumfriesshire
Carrann
“the shrimps”
Cowie Water
Uisge Chollaidh
River Add
Abhainn Àd
River Carron (Forth)
Abhainn Carrann
“the shrimps”
River Carron, Sutherland
Carrann
“the shrimps”
River Carron, Wester Ross
Carrann
“the shrimps”
River Clyde
Abhainn Chluaidh
River Dee, Aberdeenshire
Uisge Dhè
River Dee, Galloway
DèUisge Dhè
River Don
Deathan
River Forth
Uisge For or Abhainn Dubh
“The black river”
River Garry, Inverness-shire
GaradhAbhainn Gharadh
River Garry, Perthshire
GarAbhainn Ghar
River North Esk
Easg Thuath
River Spey
Abhainn Spè
River Tay
Abhainn Tatha
River Teith
Uisge Theamhich
“The pleasant water”
River Tweed
Abhainn Tuaidh
River UryRiver Urie
UaraidhÙraidh
Water of Aven
an t-Uisge Bàn
Scottish lochs
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Campbeltown Loch
Loch Chille Chiarain
Gare Loch
An Gearr Loch
Holy Loch
An Loch SiantaAn Loch Seunta’
Loch Affric
Loch Afraig
Loch Ard
Loch na h-Àirde
Loch Arkaig
Loch Airceig
Loch Assynt
Loch Asaint
Loch Awe
Loch Obha
Loch Cluanie
Loch Cluanaidh
Loch Doon
Loch Dhùin
Loch Drunkie
Loch Drongaidh
Loch Earn
Loch Éireann
Loch Eck
Loch Eich
Loch Ericht
Loch Eireachd
Loch Etive
Loch Eite
Loch Fyne
Loch Fìne
Loch Garry
Loch Garraidh
Loch Goil
Loch Goill
Loch Katrine
Loch CeiteireinLoch Ceathairne
Loch Lochy
Loch Lochaidh
Loch Lomond
Loch Laomainn
Loch Long
Loch Long
“Ship Lake”
Loch Lyon
Loch Lìomhann
“Ship Lake”
Loch Maree
Loch Ma-ruibhe
Loch Morar
Loch Mhòrair
Loch Ness
Loch Nis
Loch Ossian
Loch Oisein
Loch Quoich
Loch Chuaich
Loch Rannoch
Loch Raineach
Loch Riddon
Loch Ruel
Loch Shiel
Loch Seile
Loch Shin
Loch Sìn
Loch Tay
Loch Tatha
Scottish firths
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Firth of Lorn
An Linne Latharnach
Scottish Islands
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Ailsa Craig
Creag Ealasaid
Baleshare
Baile Sear
Barra HeadBerneray
Beàrnaraigh
Barra
Barraigh, Eilean Bharraigh
Benbecula
Beinn nam Fadhla
Berneray, North Uist
Beàrnaraigh (na Hearadh)
BerneraGreat Bernera
Beàrnaraigh (Ùig)Beàrnaraigh Mòr
Burnt Islands
Eilean MòrEilean FraoichEilean Buidhe
“Large Island””Heather Island””Yellow Island”
Canna
Canaigh
Coll
Cola
Colonsay
Colbhasa
Davaar IslandIsland Davaar
Eilean Dà Bhàrr
Easdale
Eilean Èisdeal
Eigg
Eige
Eilean Dubh Mòr
Eilean Dubh Mòr
“big black island”
Eilean DubhGlen Caladh Island
Eilean Dubh
“Black Island”
Ellenabeich
Eilean nam Beitheach
“island of the birchwoods”
Eriskay
Èirisgeigh
Fair Isle
Eilean nan Geansaidh
Flodaigh
Flodaigh
Fraoch-eilean
Fraoch-eilean
Gigha
Giogha
Grimsay, South East Benbecula
Griomasaigh
Grimsay (north)
Griomasaigh
Harris
Na Hearadh
Inner Hebrides
Na h-Eileanan a-staigh
Iona
ÌÌ Chaluim Chille
Islay
Ìle
Isle of ArranArran
Arainn
Isle of ButeBute
Eilean BhòidEilean BhòdachBòd
Isle of JuraJura
Diùra
Isle of MullMull
Muile
Lewis and Harris
Leòdhas agus na Hearadh
Lewis
Leòdhas
Lismore
Liosmòr
Muck
Eilean nam Muc
North Uist
Uibhist a Tuath
Orkney
Arcaibh
Outer Hebrides
Na h-Eileanan Siar
Raasay
Ratharsair
Sometimes, Ratharsaigh, but this is incorrect
Rum
Rùm
Scalpay, Inner Hebrides
Sgalpaigh
Scalpay, Outer Hebrides
Sgalpaigh (na Hearadh)
Shetland
Sealtainn
Skye
An t-Eilean Sgitheanach
South Uist
Uibhist a Deas
St Kilda
Hiort
The same name is used for the main island of the group.
The Black Isle
An t-Eilean Dubh
Tiree
Tioridh
Vatersay
Bhatarsaigh
Other islands
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Channel Islands
Eileanan a’ Chaolais
Isle of Man
Eilean Mhanainn
Rathlin
ReachlainnReachra
Scottish regions
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Borders
Crìochan na h-Alba
Central Region
Roinn Meadhanach
Dumfries and Galloway
Dùn Phrìs is Gall-Ghaidhealaibh
Grampian
Roinn a’ Mhonaidh
Fife
Fìobha
Highland
A’ Ghàidhealtachd
Lothian
Lodainn
Orkney
Arcaibh
Tayside
Taobh Tatha
The Outer Hebrides
Na h-Eileanan Siar
Shetland
Sealtainn
Strathclyde
Srath Chluaidh
Pre-1975 counties
English
Scottish Gaelic
Meaning or Notes
Aberdeenshire
Siorrachd Obar Dheathain
Angus(Forfarshire until 1928)
Siorrachd Aonghais
Argyll
Earra-Ghàidheal
Ayrshire
Siorrachd Inbhir Àir
Banffshire
Siorrachd Bhanbh
Berwickshire
Siorrachd Bhearaig
Caithness
Gallaibh
Clackmannanshire
Siorrachd Chlach Mhanainn
County of Bute
Siorrachd Bhòid
Dumfriesshire
Siorrachd Dhùn Phris
Dunbartonshire
Siorrachd Dhùn Breatainn
East Lothian(Haddingtonshire until 1921)
Lodainn/Labhdaidh an Ear
Fife
Fìobha
Inverness-shire
Siorrachd Inbhir Nis
Kincardineshire
Siorrachd Chinn Chàrdainn
Kinross-shire
Siorrachd Chinn Rois
Kirkcudbrightshire
Siorrachd Chill Chuithbeirt
Lanarkshire
Siorrachd Lannraig
Midlothian(County of Edinburgh until 1890)
Meadhan Lodainn/Labhdaidh
County of Moray(also known as Elginshire until 1918)
Very impressed with your work on Scots Gaelic placenames list. How can I buy a copy?
I’m working on a book set in an alternate timeline where Scotland and England never became united. Your list would be absolutely invaluable to me. Also, if you have or can recommend a pronunciation guide and/or a Scots for the language learning challenged I would be deeply appreciative of your aid; I have faulty wiring in my head which, while not officially a learning disability, was only 2% from being one when I was tested to find out why I couldn’t finish my foreign language requirement to complete college.
Thank you again for your hard work. I hope to hear from you soon. — Most sincerely, Ms Rillan macDhai-Anthony, Aelfheim Farm, Pennsylvania, USA
I have one of those maps, found by my Dad, in a thrift shop in the middle of the USA ; specifically Lincoln, Nebraska if I recall correctly. He called me to tell me that he found a map that he believed was of Scotland but he was unable to read any of the words. It’s a thing of beauty.
The derivation of Alford cannot be from the Norse for Fjord. It far from the sea and there are no Norse names in that area of Scotland.
Alford is normally pronounced Athford and Ath is the Gaelic for a ford, so it is probably the English and Gaelic for a ford. There are other examples of this like Knochill, from the Gaelic and English for a hill.
Very impressed with your work on Scots Gaelic placenames list. How can I buy a copy?
I’m working on a book set in an alternate timeline where Scotland and England never became united. Your list would be absolutely invaluable to me. Also, if you have or can recommend a pronunciation guide and/or a Scots for the language learning challenged I would be deeply appreciative of your aid; I have faulty wiring in my head which, while not officially a learning disability, was only 2% from being one when I was tested to find out why I couldn’t finish my foreign language requirement to complete college.
Thank you again for your hard work. I hope to hear from you soon. — Most sincerely, Ms Rillan macDhai-Anthony, Aelfheim Farm, Pennsylvania, USA
I have one of those maps, found by my Dad, in a thrift shop in the middle of the USA ; specifically Lincoln, Nebraska if I recall correctly. He called me to tell me that he found a map that he believed was of Scotland but he was unable to read any of the words. It’s a thing of beauty.
love this! thankyou
Criedeas agus urram dha Roy
The derivation of Alford cannot be from the Norse for Fjord. It far from the sea and there are no Norse names in that area of Scotland.
Alford is normally pronounced Athford and Ath is the Gaelic for a ford, so it is probably the English and Gaelic for a ford. There are other examples of this like Knochill, from the Gaelic and English for a hill.
Where can I purchase a copy of this map?
COULD YOU TELL ME WHERE I CAN PURCHASE ACOPY OF THIS MAP