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Gairloch In North-West Ross-Shire
Its Records, Traditions, Inhabitants, and Natural History
With A Guide to Gairloch and Loch Maree And a Map and
Illustrations
Gairloch In North-West Ross-Shire
Its Records, Traditions, Inhabitants, and Natural History
With A Guide to Gairloch and Loch Maree And a Map and
Illustrations
Gairloch In North-West Ross-Shire
Its Records, Traditions, Inhabitants, and Natural History
With A Guide to Gairloch and Loch Maree And a Map and
Illustrations
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Gairloch In North-West Ross-Shire Its Records, Traditions, Inhabitants, and Natural History With A Guide to Gairloch and Loch Maree And a Map and Illustrations

By F.S.A. Scot, F.C.S., F.G.S. and

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Gairloch In North-West Ross-Shire
Its Records, Traditions, Inhabitants, and Natural History
With A Guide to Gairloch and Loch Maree And a Map and
Illustrations

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    Gairloch In North-West Ross-Shire Its Records, Traditions, Inhabitants, and Natural History With A Guide to Gairloch and Loch Maree And a Map and Illustrations - F.S.A. Scot

    The Project Gutenberg EBook of Gairloch In North-West Ross-Shire, by

    John H. Dixon, F.S.A. Scot

    This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with

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    Title: Gairloch In North-West Ross-Shire

           Its Records, Traditions, Inhabitants, and Natural History

                  With A Guide to Gairloch and Loch Maree And a Map and

                  Illustrations

    Author: John H. Dixon, F.S.A. Scot

    Contributor: William  Jolly, F.G.S., F.R.S.E.

                 Rev. John  M'Murtrie, M.A.

                 Professor W. Ivison  Macadam, F.C.S., F.I.C., M.M.S.

    Release Date: October 29, 2012 [EBook #41227]

    Language: English

    *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GAIRLOCH IN NORTH-WEST ROSS-SHIRE ***

    Produced by Tor Martin Kristiansen, Margo von Romberg,

    Michael and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at

    http://www.pgdp.net. This book was produced from scanned

    images of public domain material, including material from

    the Google Print project. Map reproduced by permission of

    the Trustees of the National Library of Scotland.


    FLOWERDALE HOUSE, GAIRLOCH, WEST COAST RESIDENCE OF THE BARONETS OF GAIRLOCH.


    GAIRLOCH

    IN NORTH-WEST ROSS-SHIRE

    ITS RECORDS, TRADITIONS, INHABITANTS, AND NATURAL HISTORY

    WITH A

    AND A MAP AND ILLUSTRATIONS

    By JOHN H. DIXON, F.S.A. Scot.

    including chapters by

    WILLIAM JOLLY, F.G.S., F.R.S.E.; THE REV. JOHN McMURTRIE, M.A.;

    AND PROFESSOR W. IVISON MACADAM, F.C.S., F.I.C., M.M.S., &c.,

    EDINBURGH

    EDINBURGH

    CO-OPERATIVE PRINTING COMPANY LIMITED

    1886

    [Entered at Stationers' Hall.]


    EDINBURGH

    CO-OPERATIVE PRINTING COMPANY LIMITED,

    BRISTO PLACE.


    TO

    SIR KENNETH S. MACKENZIE,

    SIXTH BARONET AND THIRTEENTH LAIRD OF GAIRLOCH,

    AND

    HER MAJESTY'S LIEUTENANT OF ROSS-SHIRE,

    Is Dedicated

    THIS ACCOUNT OF THE ROMANTIC HIGHLAND PARISH

    WITH WHICH, DURING FOUR CENTURIES,

    HE AND HIS ANCESTORS HAVE BEEN SO INTIMATELY ASSOCIATED.


    PREFACE.

    The preparation of the following account of Gairloch has been prompted by regard—almost affection—for this beautiful and interesting Highland parish. It is published in the hope that it may not only assist the tourist, but also be found to constitute a volume worthy of a nook in the great library of local history. Here and there some few general remarks on the subjects dealt with have necessarily been introduced by way of explanation or illustration, but in the main this book relates solely to Gairloch. I have tried to make short chapters, and to dispense with footnotes.

    Without much assistance the work could not have been satisfactorily completed. The necessary help has been given with the greatest freedom and kindness. Sir Kenneth S. Mackenzie, Bart. of Gairloch, has himself furnished much valuable and accurate information, and Lady Mackenzie of Gairloch has kindly assisted. From Mr Osgood H. Mackenzie of Inverewe, youngest son of the late Sir Francis Mackenzie, Bart. of Gairloch, I have received a large amount of personal aid. Much of the information about the Mackenzies has been culled from the works of Mr Alexander Mackenzie (a native of Gairloch) with his consent. He is the able author of a copious history of the Mackenzies and other important books, and the editor of the Celtic Magazine, from which last the memoir of John Mackenzie of the Beauties and several of the traditions have been mainly taken. From the MS. Odd and End Stories of Dr Mackenzie, Eileanach, only surviving son of Sir Hector Mackenzie, Bart., eleventh laird of Gairloch, numerous quotations will be found. These extracts are published with the consent of Dr Mackenzie, as well as of Mr O. H. Mackenzie to whom he has given his MS. volumes. With one exception, wherever Dr Mackenzie is quoted the extract is taken from his Odd and End Stories. The Dowager Lady Mackenzie of Gairloch has been so good as to prepare a short statement, from which extracts are made. Dr Arthur Mitchell, C.B., Senior Commissioner in Lunacy for Scotland, has permitted the use of his paper on the Isle Maree superstitions. Mr Jolly has contributed three valuable chapters, and the Rev. J. M'Murtrie and Professor W. Ivison Macadam have each given a chapter. To Mr William Mackay of Craigmonie, Inverness, I am indebted for full notes on ecclesiastical matters, and for extracts from the old records of the Presbytery of Dingwall. The Rev. Alexander Matheson, minister of Glenshiel, has supplied extracts from the records of the Presbytery of Lochcarron. I have to thank Messrs Maclachlan & Stewart, of Edinburgh, who in 1882 brought out a sumptuous edition of the Beauties of Gaelic Poetry, by the late John Mackenzie, a Gairloch man, for permission to use the accounts of John Mackay (the blind piper), William Ross, William Mackenzie, and Malcolm Maclean, contained in the Beauties. James Mackenzie, of Kirkton (brother of John Mackenzie of the Beauties), has furnished a large chapter of Gairloch stories, besides a number of facts, traditions, and anecdotes; wherever the name of James Mackenzie occurs in these pages, it is this worthy Highlander who is referred to. Other Gairloch traditions, stories, and information have been furnished by Kenneth Fraser, Leac nan Saighead (through the medium of the Celtic Magazine); Alexander Maclennan, Mossbank; Roderick Mackenzie (Ruaridh an Torra), Lonmor; George and Kenneth Maclennan, Tollie Croft; John Maclean (Iain Buidhe Taillear), Strath; Simon Chisholm, Flowerdale; Roderick Campbell, Tollie; Donald Ross, Kenlochewe; Alexander Mackenzie (Ali' Iain Ghlass), piper, Poolewe; George Maclennan, Londubh; and Alexander Maclennan (Alie Uistean), Inveran, who especially has given me considerable assistance. The legend of Ewan Mac Gabhar is mainly in the form given in the works of James Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, supported to some extent by several of the old people now living in Gairloch. That enthusiastic friend of the Highlander, Professor Blackie, has kindly contributed two English versions of Gaelic songs; and Mr William Clements Good, of Aberdeen, has given similar aid. Professor W. Ivison Macadam has communicated the results of his analyses of ores and slags, and has assisted in examining the remains of the old ironworks. Mr D. William Kemp, of Trinity, Edinburgh, has generously done a very great deal to unravel the history of the ironworks, and in other ways. Lieutenant Lamont, of Achtercairn, has procured the traditions given on the authority of Ruaridh an Torra. Mr Mackintosh, postmaster, Poolewe, has supplied some anecdotes and facts. The Glossary has been prepared with the aid of Mr O. H. Mackenzie; the Rev. Ronald Dingwall, Free Church minister, Aultbea; Mr Alexander Cameron, the Tournaig bard; and Mr Alexander Maclennan, Inveran. The names of some others who have rendered valuable help are stated where their information is utilised. To all these ungrudging helpers, and to many others not mentioned by name, I beg to offer my sincere thanks.

    To render the natural history of Gairloch complete, lists are still needed of the insects, sea-anemones, grasses, mosses, lichens, fungi, sea-weeds, and fresh-water weeds. Any information on these and other branches of natural history will be heartily welcomed, with a view to insertion in a possible future edition.

    The process of zincography, by which nearly all the illustrations have been reproduced, has not in many cases realised my expectations, but it has been thought best to issue the book at once rather than wait until the illustrations could be rendered in a superior manner.

    The profits, if any, from the sale of this book will be applied in aid of the Poolewe Public Hall.

    JOHN H. DIXON.

    Inveran, Gairloch, 1st September 1886.


    LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.


    ANTIQUITIES

    From Drawings by Finlay Mackinnon. The numbers correspond with those

    given on pp. 103, 104.


    Notes.—The portraits of Sir George Hay, the Ironfounder of Loch Maree, are lithographed reproductions from photographs of pictures in Dupplin Castle, taken by permission of the present Earl of Kinnoull.

    All the illustrations are original, except No. 12 of the Antiquities, which is reduced from that in Mr Jolly's paper on Bronze Weapons and other Remains found near Poolewe.

    The sketches for the illustrations of Flowerdale House and the Natural Arch at Cove are after photographs by Mr Fraser of Reilig. In no case have published photographs been used in the preparation of illustrations.



    CONTENTS.

    Part I.—Records and Traditions of Gairloch.

    Part II.—Inhabitants of Gairloch.

    Part III.—Natural History of Gairloch.

    Part IV.—Guide to Gairloch and Loch Maree.

    Tables.

    Appendices.


    The pronunciation is given approximately in parentheses. In many cases no combination of letters pronounced in English fashion can accurately represent the Gaelic pronunciation.

    The pronunciation of ch is almost the same in Gaelic as in German. Sometimes the ch is best rendered as an aspirate only, the c being treated as if silent.

    The letter c, unless followed by h, is always pronounced in Gaelic like the English k, a letter not found in Gaelic.

    The Gaelic pronunciation of the letters b, d, and g is soft, and they are often sounded more as if they were p, t, and k.

    In Ross-shire Gaelic sr is pronounced as if it were str, and rt as if it were rst.

    The consonant d before the vowels e and i, whether followed by another vowel or not, is pronounced as if it were j.

    The consonant s before the vowels i or e is sounded as sh.

    The consonant l has a liquid double sound, unlike anything in English; it may be approximated by lisping the vowel u before and the letter y after the ordinary sound of the letter l.

    The letter h after the consonants d, f, g, t, and s, in Ross-shire Gaelic, renders those consonants silent; bh and mh are usually pronounced like v, a letter not found in the Gaelic alphabet. Sometimes adh seems to be pronounced very like ag.

    The possessive case is frequently formed in Gaelic by the insertion of the letter h after the initial consonant, and of the letter i after the vowel in the first or second syllable.

    The aspirate h is often inserted between the definite article and a noun beginning with a vowel. Sometimes the letter t is similarly inserted before a noun commencing with a consonant. These, and some other changes, are made for the sake of euphony.

    The vowel sounds can only be defined with difficulty. The attempts made in this glossary are but imperfect. It may be stated that ach is generally pronounced och; ao and u, as oo; ea, as a in bake; a, e, and i, usually as in French; ei, sometimes as a in bake, and sometimes as i in bin; and ai is sometimes almost like u in dull, and sometimes like a in tan.

    Anyone desiring to pronounce a Gaelic name or word correctly, should ask a native to render it, and try to imitate him; even then, in some cases, it will be impossible to be exactly right.


    A cheardach ruadh (ar charstock rooer), The red smithy. Ceardach, a smithy; ruadh, red.

    A Mhaighdean (ar veytchen), The maiden. See Maighdean.

    Achagarbh, properly spelt Achadhgarbh (ach a garrav), Rough field. Ach, a field; garbh, rough.

    Achagarve. See Achagarbh.

    Achdistall, or Achdiestal (achjestel), Field of Diestal. Ach, a field; Diestal, a Norse word, probably the name of a rock.

    Achnasheen (achnasheen), Field of storms. Ach, or achadh, a field; sian (shee-on), means wind and rain combined, i.e., a rainstorm. Sian dubh (black storm) is so-called in contradistinction to a snowstorm, which is designated cur is cathadh. An old Kintail priest long ago prophesied that this country would be brought to nought by Sian dubh, and that the people would have to go away to islands at the other side of the world.

    Achtercairn, properly Achadhacharn (achterkairn), Field of the cairn. Ach, or achadh, a field; carn, a heap of stones.

    Aigeascaig (aigaskaik). Name of place, meaning unknown. Colonel Robertson says Aigeas is a corruption of aiguisg, by reason of the water. The termination aig signifies a small bay; it was originally Danish.

    Aird (aird), a height, a promontory or headland.

    Aird na h'eigheamh (art na heyhugh), eight of calling. Aird, a height; eigh, to call.

    Airdheslaig (artishlak). Supposed to be a Norse name. Aird, a height; heslaig may be for h'aslaich, aslaich, to entreat; aslachadh, entreaty.

    Alastair Breac (allaster brake), Alexander the spotted. Alastair, Alexander; breac, spotted, or more correctly pock-marked. See Breac.

    Alastair Buidhe Mackay, properly MacAoidh (allaster boo-ie mackai), Yellow Alexander Mackay. MacAoidh is pronounced Macooie.

    Alastair Buidhe MacIamhair (allaster boo-ie makeemver), Yellow-haired Alexander MacIver; pronounced MakEever.

    Alastair Liath (allaster leear), Grey-headed Alexander. Liath, grey, grey-headed. It means light blue when not applied to a human being.

    Alastair MacIain Mhic Earchair (allaster makeeanvic erraquhar), Alexander, son of John, son of Farquhar. Earchair is incorrectly written for Fhearchair, the possessive of Farquhar; Fhearchair is pronounced Erraquhar or Earchair.

    Alastair Mor an t' Sealgair (allaster more ant shollager), Big Alexander the hunter. Sealgair, a hunter, a stalker, literally a sneaker.

    Ali' Iain Ghlais (alian loss), Alexander [son] of Pale John. From Alie (short for Alastair), Alexander; Iain, John; and glas, pale or sallow. Glas means grey when not applied to human beings.

    Alie Uistean (ally ooshtan), Alick Hugh. Alie, short for Alexander. See Uistean.

    Allt a Choire Dhuibh Mhoir (arlta corrie oo-ie vore), The burn of the great black corrie. Allt, a burn; choire, possessive of coire, a corry; dhuibh, possessive of dubh, black; mhoir, possessive of mor, great.

    Altgreshan, properly Alltgrisean (alt-grishan), Roan or grizzly burn. Allt, a burn; grisfhionn (grishan), grizzly.

    Am port Leathach (am porsht layoch), The port at half [tide]. Leath is half.

    An Amilt, or An Amhuilt (ann amvilt). Name of a place; means the stratagem.

    An Fhridh dhorch (an ree dorroch), the dark forest. Fridh, forest; dorch, dark.

    An Groban. See Groban.

    An t' Eirthire Donn. See Eirthire Donn.

    Angus. See Aonghas.

    Aonghas (unnus), Angus, or Æneas, which last is nearer in sound to the Gaelic.

    Applecross. English name as now used. Colonel Robertson says it is for the Gaelic Abercroisean, or Abhircroisean, from aber, mouth, or confluence of; croisean, of troubles; or perhaps croisean was the name of the little river.

    Ardlair (ardlair), The mare's height or headland. Aird, a height; lair, a mare.

    Ath nan ceann (arnankown), Ford of the heads. Ath, a ford; ceann, heads. Often written Anagown.

    Aultbea, should be spelt Alltbeithe (arltbay), Burn of birches. Allt, a burn; beath, or beith, a birch.

    Bac an Leth-choin (bark an lechun), Shelf of the crossbred dog. Leth-choin, a crossbred dog, a lurcher. Bac is a shelf or flat on the side or top of a hill; in this case the name is popularly applied to the whole hill.

    Bac Dubh (bark dhoo), Black shelf. Bac, a shelf or flat place among rocks or on a hill; dubh, black.

    Bad (bat), a clump, a grove.

    Bad a Chrotha (badachro). Full Gaelic spelling of Badachro, which see.

    Bad a mhanaich (bat er vannich), Grove of the monk. See Bad. Mhanaich, possessive of manach, a monk.

    Bad an t' Sluig (bat ant slook), Grove of the miry puddle. Bad, a grove; sluig, possessive of slug, a miry puddle.

    Badachro (badachro), Grove of the cruive. Bad, a grove; chro, possessive of cro, a cruive, a fank.

    Badfearn, should be Badfearna (batfern), Alder grove. Fearn, the alder tree. See Bad. The place has still a clump of alders.

    Badluachrach (bat loocharar), Rushy clump. Luachair, rushes.

    Baile na h'eaglais (bally-na-herkless), Town of the church, or Kirkton. Baile, a town; eaglais, a church. Compare Ecclesia.

    Ballymeon (bally-mey-on), properly spelt Baile-meadhon, pronounced exactly the same. Baile, a town; meadhon, middle. Anglicè, Middleton.

    Bard Mor an t' Slaggan (bart more ant slaggan), The great or big bard of Slaggan, which see.

    Bard Sasunnach (bart Sassenach), English bard. Sasunnach, English, i.e. not a Gaelic speaker.

    Bathais Bheinn (boorsh ven), Forehead mountain (very descriptive). From Beinn, mountain, and bathais, forehead; or perhaps it should be called Baoisg Bheinn (boiskivin), the mountain of gleaming, because it catches the first rays of the rising sun. This is also true of this mountain.

    Beag (bek), little. It seems to appear as bach in some English names.

    Beallach Glasleathaid (baaloch glass laid), Pass of the gray slope. Beallach, a pass; glas, pale; leathaid, possessive of leathad, a slope.

    Beallach nan Brog (baaloch nam progue), Pass of the shoes. Brog, a shoe.

    Beallach a Chomhla (baaloch a korvla), Pass of the door. Comhladh, a door.

    Beinn Alligin (bin allikin), Jewel mountain. Properly Ailleagan, a jewel, or darling, anything precious.

    Beinn a Chaisgean (bin a harshkin), Mountain of casgean; which may be a corruption of caisg, Easter.

    Beinn Aridh Charr (bin arry har), The mountain of the rough shieling. Beinn, a mountain; aridh, a shieling; charr, a corruption of garbh, rough.

    Beinn a Chearcaill (bin a herkill). Mountain of the hoop. Cearcall, a hoop. Descriptive of bands or lines of stratification encircling this hill.

    Beinn a Mhuinidh (bin ar voonie), Mountain of the Pisvache.

    Beinn an Eoin (bin-in-eeōn), The mountain of the bird. Beinn, a mountain; eoin, possessive of eun, a bird. The bird in this case is the ptarmigan.

    Beinn Bheag (bin vek), Little mountain. Beag, little.

    Beinn Bhreac (bin y vraick), Spotted mountain. Breac, spotted.

    Beinn Damph, properly Beinn Damh (bin damff), Mountain of the stag. Damh, a stag.

    Beinn Dearg (bin jarrak), Red mountain. Beinn; and Dearg, red.

    Beinn Eighe (bin ay), File mountain. Eighe, a file. The topmost ridge is jagged or serrated like a file.

    Beinn Lair (bin lar), Mountain of the mare. Lair, a mare.

    Beinn Liathgach (bin learoch). This mountain should not be called Beinn Liathgach, but Liathgach, which see.

    Beinn na h' Eaglais (binnaherkless), Mountain of the church. Beinn, mountain; eaglais, church.

    Beinn nan Ramh (bin an rahv), Mountain of the oar. Ramh, an oar.

    Beinn Slioch or Sleugach (bin sleoch). Should be Slioch without Beinn. See Slioch.

    Beinn Tarsuinn (bin tarsing), Mountain across.

    Beinn Tarsuinn Chaol (bin tarsing chool), Narrow Beinn Tarsuinn. Caol, narrow or slender.

    Bhantighearna Ruadh (vancherna rooar), Red lady. Bhantighearna, literally she-lord.

    Bho Iutharn, or Bho Iuthrna (vo ewern), From hell. Bho, from; Iuthrna, hell.

    Bidean clann Raonaild (peetyan clan ruynuld), Clan Ranald's peak. Bidean, a peak.

    Blar na Fala (blar ner falla), Plain of the blood. Blar, a plain or bog, or flat place; fala, possessive of fuil, blood.

    Blar na Pairc (blar ner park), Battle of the park. Pairc, possessive of parc, a park or field.

    Bonaid donn (boanat down), Brown bonnet. Bonaid, a bonnet, a cap; donn, brown.

    Boor (bore). Either from buradh, a bursting forth of blood; or from a word containing the root boor, meaning roaring, because stags used to roar here.

    Bothie (bothy, othie pronounced as in frothy), a little hut or hovel. Both, a hut. Compare English booth. The ie is an old Gaelic diminutive, often written idh.

    Braemore, properly Braighmor (bray more), Great summit or hill. Mor, great; braigh, summit.

    Breac (brake), spotted, marked with smallpox (when applied to human beings), a trout.

    Breacan an Fheilidh (brayken an aylie), the belted or kilted plaid. Breacan, a tartan plaid; fheilidh, possessive of feileadh, a kilt.

    Bruachaig (brooachak). Perhaps from Bruach, and achadh, a field; bruach, a bank, border, edge, steep; aig, means a small bay in old Danish.

    Buaile na luib (pool na loop), Fold of the bend. From buaile, a fold; and luib, a bend or loop.

    Buidhe (boo-ie), yellow-haired, yellow.

    Cabar Feidh (kapper fay), deer's antler. Cabar, antler, or a stick; feiah, possessive of fiagh, deer.

    Cabar Lar (kapper law), Turf parer. Cabar, a stick; lar, a floor, the ground.

    Cadha Beag (kaar pek), Little pass in the rock. Beag, little; cadha, a pass in a rock.

    Cailleach a Mhuillear (kaillyoch a vuillyear), The miller's wife. Cailleach, an old woman; muillear, miller.

    Cailleach Liath Rasaidh (kaillyoch leear raasa), Grey old woman of Raasay. Cailleach, an old woman; liath, grey (light blue when not applied to a human being).

    Callum a Ghlinne (kallum a glinnie), Malcolm of the glen. Callum, Malcolm.

    Carn a Ghlinne (karn a glinnie), Cairn of the glen. Carn, a cairn or heap of stones; ghlinne, possessive of gleann, a glen.

    Carn Anthony (karn anthony), Cairn of Anthony. Carn, a heap of stones.

    Carn Dearg (karn jarrak). Red cairn. Carn, a heap of stones. See Dearg.

    Carn Liath (karn leear), Light blue cairn. Carn, a heap of stones; liath, light blue.

    Cas chrom (kas-rhoum), foot plough; literally crooked foot, from cas, a foot; and crom, crooked.

    Cathair mhor (kaar more). Big seat, i.e. Fairies' seat. See Kerrysdale.

    Ceann a Chro (kayoun-a-chroe), End or head of the cruive. Ceann, end or head; cro, a cruive, or fank.

    Ceann a chruinn (kayoun a chreinie), mast head, or tree head or end. Ceann, a head, end; cruinn, possessive of crann, a tree or mast.

    Ceann an t' sail (kayoun an tarl), end or head of the salt water. Ceann, end or head; sail, salt water. Corrupted further south into Kintail.

    Ceann loch iu (kayoun loch ew), head of Loch Ewe. Ceann, a head.

    Ceardach ruadh (karstoch roo-er), Red smiddy. See A cheardach ruadh.

    Ceilidh (kayley), social meetings. From ceilidh, to visit.

    Ceistear crubach (kaister crupboch), lame catechist. Ceistear, a catechist; crubach, lame.

    Cibear Mor (keeipber more), big shepherd. Cibear, a shepherd; mor, great or big.

    Clach (klarch), a stone. Possessive, Cloiche. Compare clough, found in some English names.

    Clach a Mhail (klarch ar varl), Stone of rent. Clach, a stone; Mal, rent, tribute.

    Clach an t' Shagart (klarch an taggart), Stone of the priest. Clach, a stone; shagart, possessive of sagart, a priest.

    Clach nam Brog (klarch nam progue), Shoe stone. Clach, a stone; brog, a shoe.

    Clachan garbh (klachan garrav), Rough village. Clachan, a village; literally stones; supposed to have originally been a Druidical term. See Garbh.

    Cladh nan Sasunnach (klug nan sarsenach), Burial-place of the English. Cladh, a burial-place; Sasunnach, English, Saxon, not a Gaelic speaker.

    Claidheamh mor (klymore), a broadsword, a claymore. Claidheamh, a sword; mor, great, here broad.

    Clais na leac (klarsh na lyck), Hollow of the flat stones or flags. Clais, a furrow, a hollow between ridges or hills; leac, a flag.

    Claonadh (kluanar), slopes. Compare inclining.

    Clann Eachainn (klan erchen), offspring of Hector. Clann, offspring or descendants. See Eachainn.

    Claymore. See Claidheamh mor.

    Cleireach (klearoch), literally clerk. Priests often called so from their scholarship. The Priest island off the Greenstone Point is called Cleireach in Gaelic. Compare Clericus.

    Cliabh moine (kleea moanyer), peat creel. Cliabh, creel; moine, peats.

    Cliff, or Clive (Gaelic Clu). See Meall na Cluibha.

    Clu (kloo), a local name; now treated as synonymous with English cliff. See Meall na Cluibha.

    Cnoc a chrochadair (kroka chrochater), Hangman's hill. Cnoc, a hill, a hillock; chrochadair, possessive of crochadair, a hangman.

    Cnoc a croiche (krok a chroich), Gallows hill. Croich, a gallows.

    Cnoc na mi-chomhairle (krok na mee ho-airlie), Hillock of evil counsel. Cnoc, a hillock; mi (like mis-), evil, comhairle, counsel. Mi is also a negative prefix like un-.

    Coigeach (ko-yoch), probably the fifth portion [of a davach]. Coig, five.

    Coille Aigeascaig (kul yaikaskaik); Wood of Aigeascaig. Coille, a wood; see Aigeascaig.

    Coinneach (kuinyoch), Kenneth. The progenitor of the Mackenzies.

    Coinneach Mac Sheumais (kuinyoch mak eearmis), Kenneth the son of James. Coinneach, Kenneth; Seumas, James.

    Coinneachadh Beag (koonyochor bek), Little meeting-place. Coinneachadh, meeting-place; beag, little.

    Coire an Easain (corrie an easan), Corrie of the little waterfall. Easan, a little waterfall.

    Coire Cheud Cnoc (corrie hehud crok), Corrie of a hundred hillocks. Coire, a corrie; ceud, hundred; cnoc, a hillock.

    Coire Cheud Creagh (corrie hehud krayar), Corrie of a hundred spoils. Coire, corrie; ceud, a hundred; creagh, spoils. Name erroneously given by some to the Corrie of a hundred hillocks. See last name.

    Coire Dubh Mor (corrie dhoo more), Great black corrie (or dell).

    Coire Mhic Cromail (corrie vic krommle), The corrie of the son of Cromail. Mhic, of the son of; Cromail, an old name, meaning unknown.

    Coire nan Cuilean (corrie nan coollin), Corrie of the cubs. Cuilean, a cub, a pup.

    Coppachy, properly Copachaidh (koppachie), Foam field. Cop, foam; achadh, a field.

    Corcur (korker), red, crimson.

    Cota gearr (koita gaerr), short coat. Cota, a coat; gearr, short.

    Co-thional (ko-yearnal), gathering together. Comh, or co, fellowship (compare company); tional, gathering.

    Cove. English name altered from cave. The Gaelic name of the place is really An Uamhaidh (nouahvie), or the place of caves, from uamh, a cave. But it is more properly called An Uamh Mhor, or the great cave, a name descriptive of the cave still used as a place of worship.

    Cradh Gheadh (crargeear), Shieldrake. Geag, a goose.

    Craig (kraik), a crag or rock; properly spelt creig, or creag.

    Craig a Chait (kraig a hart), Rock of the cat. Chait, possessive of cat, which is the same in Gaelic as in English, but was originally applied only to the wild cat.

    Craig an Dubh Loch (kraigan dhoo-loch), Rock of the black loch.

    Craig an Fhithich (kraig an eech), Crag of the raven. Fhithich, possessive of fitheach, a raven.

    Craig an Fhithich Mhor (kraig an eech vore), Big crag of the raven.

    Craig an t' Shabhail (kraig an towl), Rock of the barn. Sabhal, a barn.

    Craig Bhadain an Aisc (kraik vatn an ashk), Rock of the clumps or groves of burial. Badan, clumps or groves; aisc, obsolete word, meaning burial or interment, or preparation for burial.

    Craig Bhan (kraig varn), White crag. Ban, white; and see Craig.

    Craig Roy. Properly Craig Ruadh, which see.

    Craig Ruadh (kraik roo-er), Red crag. See Craig and Ruadh.

    Craig Thairbh (kraik-harve), Bull rock. Tarbh, a bull.

    Craig Tollie (kraig tollie), properly Creag Thollie (kraig holly), Rock of Tollie. See Tollie.

    Crannag (crannog). A crannog, or insulated fortress, usually constructed on piles in a loch; the same word as crannag, a pulpit.

    Crasg (krask). Meaning uncertain, possibly something that lies across. Crasg is the top of a spade, or cross piece of a crutch. Crasgach is something that goes contrary.

    Creagan an Inver (kraigan an innyr), Little rock of the mouth of the river. Inver, mouth of a river.

    Cromasaig, properly spelt Crom Fhasadh (krommasak), Crooked hollow. Crom, crooked; fhasadh, possessive of fasadh, a hollow.

    Crubach (kruboch), lame of a leg. Compare cripple.

    Cruitear, or Cruitire (kroo-iter), a musician, a harper.

    Cuairtear nan Gleann (kooairter nan gleyoun), Pilgrim of the glens. Cuairtear, a pilgrim; gleann, glens.

    Cu-dubh (koo dhoo), black dog. Cu, a dog.

    Cuil an Scardain (kool an scarten), Corner of the screes. Cuil, a corner, a nook; sgardan, screes. The name is very descriptive.

    Cuilchonich (kulhoanie), Mossy corner. Coinneach, green moss; cuil, a corner.

    Culinellan, properly Cul an eilean (koolineylen), Back of the island. Cul, back of; eilean, an island.

    Cumha Thighearna Ghearrloch (koovtcheerna yairloch), Lament of or for the laird of Gairloch. Cumha, lament. See Tighearna.

    Dal Cruaidh (dal crewie), hard field or flat. Dal, a flat field; cruaidh, hard.

    Darach (darroch), an oak.

    Dearg (jarrak), red, like a rose.

    Diabaig (teapik). Norse name, meaning unknown; possibly connected with Dia, God; aig, a small bay, so that it may mean the small bay of God. Perhaps this has reference to religious rites imported from the neighbouring monastery of Applecross. Diabaig is spelt Typack on the map of 1662.

    Doire (derry), a grove.

    Domhnull Dubh (donnullul dhoo), Black Donald. Domhnull, Donald; dubh, black.

    Domhnull Gorm (donnullul gorrum), Blue Donald. Gorm, blue.

    Domhnull Greannach (donnullul gruonnoch), Sour or savage-looking Donald. Greannach also means irascible.

    Domhnull M'Eaine Roy Vic Choinnich, should be Domhnull Mac Iain Ruadh Mhic Choinnich (donald mak eean ruar vick kuinyoch), Donald son of John Roy (red John) son of Kenneth. Mac, son of; Mhic (or Vic), possessive of Mac.

    Domhnull Mor (donnullul more), Big Donald. Domhnull, Donald; mor, big.

    Domhnull Odhar MacIain Leith (donnullul our mak yan lay), Sallow or dun Donald son of Iain Liath or grey-haired John. Odhar also means drab. Leith, possessive of Liath, grey.

    Donald. See Domhnull Dubh, &c. Donald is often written in these pages instead of its Gaelic spelling.

    Donn (down), brown, bay, or sable. Compare dun.

    Donnachadh Mor na Tuaighe (donnochar mor na tew-ay), Big Duncan of the axe. Donnachadh, Duncan; mor, big; tuagh, an axe.

    Donnachadh na Fadach (dunochar na fardoch), Duncan Fadach. Donnachadh, Duncan; Fadach, name of the farm he had in Kintail before he came to Inveran.

    Druim a Chait (dream a-hart), Ridge of the cat. Druim, a ridge; chait, possessive of cat.

    Druim Carn Neill (dream karneyal), Ridge of the cairn of Neil. Druim, or droim, a ridge or keel.

    Drumchork, properly Druim a choirc (drum-a-hawk), Ridge of corn, or oats. Druim, a ridge; coirce, oats, corn.

    Dubh (dhoo), black.

    Dubh Loch (dhoo-loch), Black loch.

    Dun (doon), a castle; Dunan (doonan), a small castle.

    Dun Naast (doonarst), Castle of Naast. See Naast.

    Eachainn (erchen), Hector. Hector is considered the English equivalent, though it is not a translation of this Gaelic name.

    Eachainn Geal (erchen gayal), White Hector. See Eachainn and Geal.

    Eachainn Ruadh (erchen roo-er), Hector Roy. Hector is considered the English equivalent for Eachainn; and see Ruadh.

    Eilean (eylan), an island, isle.

    Eileanach (eylanoch), Island of the field. Eilean, isle; ach, or achadh, or achaidh, a field. Perhaps it would be more accurately translated The place of islands.

    Eileandonain (eylan donnan), Island Donain. Donain, name of a saint, probably short for Donnachadh, or Duncan.

    Eilean a Mhor Righ (eylan a vor ree), Island of the great king. An erroneous

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