The Royal Burgh of Elgin bears Argent, Sanctus Egidius habited in his robes
and mytred holding in his dexter hand a pastoral staff and in his left hand a clasped
book all proper : supported by two angels proper winged or volant upwards : and the
motto " Sic itur ad astra " upon ane compartment suitabill to a Burgh Royal and for
their colours red and white : recorded in terms of an interlocutor of Lyon King of
Arms of 28th November, 1888, and agreeably to the blazon of James Skene, Lyon
Depute of Date 9th October, 1678.
St. Egidius, or Giles, was an abbot of the seventh century, and an Athenian by
birth. He is said to have migrated to France, and to have spent several years of his
life in the wild desert near the mouth of the Rhone, and subsequently in a forest in
the diocese of Nismes, where the hunted animal with the arrow in its left shoulder
came up to him tor refuge. St. Egidius died in the beginning of the eighth century,
and his remains were removed to Tolouse, where they were deposited in the church
of St. Saturnius.
THE PLACE NAMES
OF
ELGINSHIRE.
BY
D. MATHESON, F.E.I.S.,
m
Late Headmaster Anderson's Institution , Elgin.
STIRLING :
ENEAS MACKAY, 43 MURRAY PLACE.
LONDON : DAVID NUTT, 270 STRAND.
1905.
We W 31
608G28
DEDICATION.
This work is respectfully dedicated to ANDREW
CARNEGIE. LLD., Esquire of Skibo, as a small but
sincere recognition and esteem of bis noble work towards
tbe cause of education in Scotland, of bis munificence
to tbe Scotcb Universities, and tbe spread of knowledge
tbrougbout tbe country, witb tbe fervent bope tbat be
may be long spared to see tbe seeds be bas so gener-
ously sown grow more and more into full fruition.
D. M.
Printed at tbo
Stirling Observer Office,
CONTENTS
-v -:jr
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE,
I. PARISH OF ABERNETHY,
II. THE PARISH OF ALVES,
PARISH OF BELLIE,
BIRNIE,
BOH ARM,
CROMDALE,
DALLAS,
DRAINIE,
DUFFUS, '>-.'
DUTHIL,
DYKE AND MOY,
EDENKILLIE,
ELGIN,
FORRES,
KINLOSS,
KNOCKANDO,
EAFFORD, -
ROTHES,
NEW SPYNIE,
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXI.
XXII.
ST. ANDREWS-LHANBRYD,
SPEYMOUTH,
URQUHART,
ALPHABETICAL INDEX,
PAGE
9
- 21
32
- 40
47
- 56
68
- 83
93
- 100
107
- 117
124
- 137
153
- 159
163
- 173
178
- 182
185
- 191
194
- 199
ILLUSTRATIONS.
FACING PAGE
1. ELGIN COAT OF ARMS, - - Title
2. MORAY BURGH SEAL, - 36
3. GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY BURGH SEAL, 65
4. LOSSIEMOUTH AND BRANDERBURGH BURGH SEAL, - 97
5. ELGIN BURGH SEAL, - 137
6. TORRES COAT OF ARMS, - 153
7. TORRES BURGH SEAL, - - 157
8. EOTHES BURGH SEAL, - - - - - - 181
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.
THE aborigines of Scotland were clans of the same Gaelic
origin as those who in early ages settled in England, and at
the time of the Roman invasion under Agricola, they were
in a similar condition to those of England. Scotland, from the
Tweed and Eden on the south, to the Pentland Firth on the north,
was divided among twenty-one tribes. Those on the east coast,
owing to the greater fertility of the soil and drier climate, were
more numerous and powerful than those on the west coast ; but
all of them, in accordance with Celtic customs, were independent
of one another, and only co-operated under pressure of outward
danger. Of these, the Vacomagi occupied the country from the
Deveron on the east to the Beauly river on the west, comprehend-
ing Banffshire, Elginshire, Nairnshire, and the eastern portion of
Inverness-shire, or the territories on the south of the Moray Firth
or Sinus Vararis of the Romans. Their towns were : Ptoroton,
the Alata Castra of Ptolemy, now Burghead ; Tuessis Old
Fochabers on the Spey ; and Tamia, supposed to be Cullen ; and
Banatia, supposed to be Banff. The Vacomagi were so denomi-
nated because they occupied these shores, from the old British
word, Vac, a bay or firth a word which runs through all the
branches of the Aryan languages : Sanscrit, veca ; Greek, oikos ;
10 INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.
Polish, wies-, Irish, fich\ Welsh, quic ; Gaelic, uig', and also the
British word, magh, a plain. This is a root of great antiquity,
and in the Latinised form, magus, is frequently used in the ancient
place names of Gaul, as Caesar-o-magus, Drus-o-magus, Novi-o-
magus, and Rigio-magus.
These tribes appear to have been little raised, at the time when
history introduces them to our notice, above the condition of
savages, but they were brave, alert, and had remarkable powers of
enduring fatigue, cold, and famine, and Dio tells us they were
literal democrats, acting as clans, and adopting any public measure
only by common consent. Their vessels consisted of currachs or
coracles boats made of twigs and covered with skins. Thus they
were until the year 140 A.D., when Lollius Urbicus was deputed to
reduce them to obedience to Rome. It is said he reduced the
country up to the Beauly Firth, the district from which southward
to the Wall of Antoninus he called Vespasiana. In the year 306,
while still under Roman influence, we find a new native name
other than Britons given to the inhabitants of Scotland. Irish
history informs us that the " Picts " were driven out of that
country by the brave Milesians, when they took ships to Cruith-
an-tuath, the old name for Scotland, and that their leader,
Cathluan, obtained the sovereignty of the country, and was the
first monarch of a long line of seventy kings. We can only accept
this as a mere conjecture, as there is little doubt that the Picts
were no other than a part of the race of ancient Caledonians under
another name. Little is known of Pictish history for more than a
hundred years after the Romans finally surrendered Britain,
further than that some old chronicles give a list of the Pictish
kings. By the accession of Bredi, the thirteenth king, in 586, to
the Pictish throne, some light is let in on the darkness which
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. II
surrounded the history of previous kings by his conversion to
Christianity. He not only was converted himself, but was the
means of making his people embrace the same faith. This,
though proud of his many victories, was his greatest glory. The
battles of the Pictish kings were with the Scoto-Irish from
Dalriada, but the greatest of all was that fought at Dun-Nechtan,
in Aberdeenshire, in 685, between a later Bredi and Egfrid, one of
the Saxon princes of Northumbria, who crossed Bernicia, or river
Forth, penetrated through the defiles of Perth and Aberdeen, until
his career was ended by his annihilation at Dun-Nechtan, now
Dunnichen, where he and the majority of his soldiers fell. In
710 the Picts were finally defeated by the Saxons, who returned
to the conquest under a new leader.
tip to this period the pirate or Vikingr of the northern seas
confined his ravages to the countries south of the Baltic, but
in 787 he appeared on the northern shores of England, and a few
years after on the Caledonian shores. But it was not until 839
and following years that he entered the territory of the Pictish
king, along the Moray Firth, where murderous conflicts between
the fierce Norsemen, on the one hand, and Uen, the son of Ungus,
and Bran, his brother, on the other, took place, with fatal results
to the Picts. These events hastened the downfall of the Pictish
monarchy. The Scottish king, Kenneth, carried into execution, in
the year 843, the project he had long entertained of uniting the
Scots and Picts, and placing both crowns on one head. For long
after the union of the two crowns, the two races were recognised
as distinct people, until in the 12th century they lost their
characteristic distinctions by amalgamation with their conquerors.
They were races of common origin and cognate speech, con-
sequently they coalesced the more easily. The union increased
12 INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.
the power of both, and by the ascendancy of the Scots, their name
was given to the whole of the northern part of Britain. The
Scottish period extended from this union in 843 till the death of
Donald Bane in 1097. During this period the Gaelic Scots
predominated, and their language, being the same as that of the
Picts, was universal throughout the country. From 1097 to 1306
a new people appears, " a new dynasty ascended the throne, a new
jurisprudence generally prevailed, new ecclesiastical establishments
were settled, and new manners and a new speech overspread the
land." The fusion of the Celtic and Saxon races was a social
conquest, and its results were to almost suppress the Celtic tongue
and Celtic manners, or imprison them within the fastnesses of the
Highlands.
It is now generally acknowledged that the Celts originally
came from the East. They were, undoubtedly, the primitive
inhabitants of Gaul, Belgium, and the British Isles, and their
history has to be built up of the fragments we find scattered here
and there in the form of ancient tradition, the discoveries of the
spade and pick-axe, and above all by the traces of their original
language found in the etymology of the names still attached to
places, and monuments of undoubted Celtic origin. We find the
primaeval names given to places in our own country in the
original language appearing through the subsequent strata laid in
v/arious times, and the variations of spelling from the original root
which have followed. Mallet says " All Celtic nations have been
accustomed to the worship of the sun" whose name in the
Sanskrit, Hebrew, Greek, Norse, and Celtic languages is frequently
met with. Laertius places the Druids of ancient Britain on an
equality with the Chaldeans, and the Magi of Persia in point of
learning and literature. Hence we may at once dispel the idea
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. 13
that names were given to the hills, rivers, and fields in
a haphazard manner, or that the mass of our place-names
are derived from the Saxon speech. It is evident from
Ptolemy's Geography of Britain, and from the Itinerary of
Antoninus, that many places bore Celtic names merely altered by
Latin terminations and English garb. We find a good example of
this in the name Ptoroton, or now Burgh ead, which before the
circumnavigation of Britain by the Romans was Tor-an-duin, the
fort on the headland ; Ben Cruachan was Pen-o-Crucium. From
these and many other examples that might be given there are
strong grounds for believing that the great majority of the place
names were given by its earliest occupants, handed down to us with
the alterations introduced by writing and spelling which have,
more than anything, changed and obscured the original term, but,
notwithstanding, are still capable of being traced back to their
original etymon. This involves labour, and the surest way in
which it can be done is by finding out the primary orthography
from which alone can the signification of a word be even approxi-
mately determined. In Scotland, and particularly throughout the
county of Elgin, a large number of names can be interpreted as
they are found by any one acquainted with the laws of transmuta-
tion of words. Elginshire names present many peculiarities, and
have to be traced to the original through the three strata of
English, Norse, and finally Gaelic. In their present form they are
to be regarded from the phonetic standpoint, having been put
down as they had been spoken, not as written in the original, and
are in consequence materially corrupted. They are therefore of
some importance from an ethnological as well as from a philological
point of view.
" The ethnology of the ancient Britons has given rise to so much
14 INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.
disputation that it is impossible to form any clear idea as to either
their origin, physical features, manners, or religion, but of their
language we are sure." Throughout Elginshire there is a large
number of old records which contain the orthography of many of
the names as written in mediaeval times. It is thus the most
important of all sources of information on this interesting subject,
as embodying very approximately, if not the original form, at least
the original sound, now for the most part strange and meaningless
to other than the student of place names. The next important
source of information is local pronunciation, which is, however, of
no use in the lower part of this county on account of its being lost
in the all-prevailing doric from which the Celtic aspiration has
completely disappeared Inver-aven, anciently, Inbhir-amhuinn
is now sounded Inner-an. This dropping of the aspiration
throughout almost the whole of the county presents many
difficulties which can only be removed by an appeal to old records
and to the configuration of the place.
The majority of Elginshire place names are compound words,
made up of a substantive and qualifying word or words, as Tulach-
min, the smooth hillside; the qualifying word, as in many
languages, coming after the substantive, and in several instances
made up of two or more substantives, as Kintrae Ceann-traigh,
the shore head. In such words the emphasis usually falls upon
the qualifying word ; and, remembering this, it is of considerable
assistance in the explication of words. Phonetic changes have
been frequent and peculiar, because every new sound was in a
direction further removed from the original, of which a good
example is found in the word Urquhart. Adamnan wrote it
Airchartdan ; the next form is Orchartan, then Orcharden, then
Orchard, then Urchard, and finally Urquhart, signifying the
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. 15
tribal territory, and in which, through its various forms, the
original pronunciation has been to a great extent preserved. In
reducing these old names to modern form the inevitable result was
the omission of the aspirates and the dropping out of the Celtic
consonants, as a natural consequence of the Saxon's inability to
give full effect to aspiration.
In the Celtic alphabet there are several letters subjected to
aspiration.
B is aspirated Bh equals V in English
C Ch K
D Dh Y
F Fh has no representative sound
G Gh equals Y in English
M Hh V and W
P Ph F
S Sh H
T Th H
It will, from the foregoing table, be seen that the initial
consonants of the aspirates are subject to eclipse that is to say,
the aspirate subdues the distinct sound of the primary consonant.
The Article an plays an important part in the subduing of the
aspirates, and is used both before palatals in the masculine sense
and before linguals in the feminine sense, as (Mas.) an cogadh,
the war, an gniomh, the deed ; (Fern.) an doimhne mhor, the
great deep, an nochd, to-night. The effect is that in the
masculine the initial letter of the word to which it is prefixed is
eclipsed as for example Aber-an-aitionn Abernethy ; Camus-an-
fhearna Camus-nearn. In the feminine the initial letter of the
article is entirely dropped, and the final letter n is embodied in the
following word as an-earran the portion, found as Nearan and Nerrin.
1 6 INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.
The Norse names can be treated with more certainty being the
stratum medium or middle layer, and of more recent date. They
retain more of their original appearance and are not subject so
largely to elision. The old name of the Lossie River was Laxa.
The terminal a in Norse is river and forms the stem of a great
many streams on the continent and elsewhere. The Gothic and
old German form is aha changed into au and ach, but the simple
a or o with prefixes expressive of the character of the stream is
that used in countries occupied by the Norsemen. It is also
very noticeable that wherever the Norse oe, o or a are found as
distinct from the Anglo-Saxon ea, ey, and ay an island, these
denote the presence of the Vikingr.
The word Berg as changed into Burg is applied to towns and
fortresses, as Burghead. Bo, Bol, or Bolstadr, a dwelling is widely
diffused in the north and west of Scotland as in Skibo, Skelbo, and
Embo in Sutherland. It takes the forms of Busta, Bousta, and
Bister, and when used as a generic term, is shortened into Bost, which
accounts for the number of bosts found in Skye. Bro or Bru, a
bridge, is found in Brora in Sutherlandshire. By or Bie, from the
Norse verb biga to build, is found in the Scotch doric as bigg to
build, and as a terminal in Lockerby, Canoby, Canisby and
Golspie.
Dalr, a dale or valley, is usually placed by the Norsemen after
the adjective or defining word, as in Laxdale and Swordale, while
the Celt adopts the opposite, as in Dallas, Dalness and Dalcross.
Eidh, which looks Celtic, is the Norse for an isthmus, and is
found in Ayth and Aith, in Eday and Aisdale, and takes the forms
of ay, eie, vye, uie, and eye.
The Norse Farr, a sheep, is found in Sutherland, in Farra,
Faray and Fare, a hill in Aberdeenshire. Feld or veld are not pure
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. IJ
Norse, being borrowed from the Teutonic, but Fell, Fiall, or Fjold,
a mountain, are pure Norse, as in Snafel. Fiord or Fjord, an
inlet, takes many forms, as ford, fort, forth, furt, and phonetically
ort, ord } irt, and urt. The Firth of Forth is a tautology. Fos or
Fors, a waterfall, is found in Suyderfors and Forsinard. Gat, an
opening, is found in Cattegat, Margate, Ramsgate, the passage of
Ruim. The word gat is cognate with the Indian ghat, which is
used to signify a passage between hills. Gill and Gja, a ravine, is
found in Ormsgill, Thorsgill named after two of the Norse leaders,
and Almanna-gja Allman's ravine. The word is cognate with
the Hebrew gae, also a ravine, and found in Ge-Hinnom. It is
met with as goe, as in Ravensgoe and Redgoe.
Hafen or Havn, a harbour, from haff, the ocean, is found in
Thorshaven, Stonehaven, Milfordhaven. Hagen, an enclosure, is
not found in the North of Scotland, but is common on the
Continent ; but Hjem, or Heim, cognate with the Greek keimai, a
home, is quite diffused over the British Isles, and is contracted into
om, urn, and am ; while Hel, Helle, Helge, and Heil, prefixes with
various meanings, are found scattered throughout the country,
generally signifying holy, as in Hellwell the holy well and Heligo-
land the holy land.
Holm, an island, not common as such, but when used to signify
an isolated hill is frequently found. Hoo or Hoe, a spit of land,
are common in the North. The Norse Kirche, a church, is
certainly the most common of all Norse terms in Scotland ; the
word is usually derived from the Greek kuriake, and many parishes
prefix the word as Kirkcaldy, Kirkhill, Kirkconnel. Lad, a pile or
heap, enters into the names of mountains and high rocks, as Lad-
cragg and Ladhill, and Leadhills in Lanark. Lund, a sacred
grove, is found in Lundsgarth and Lundy island.
I 8 INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.
Mor or Moer, waste land or heath, is found in all the moors of
Scotland; in Scotch it takes the form of Muir. Noes, a, point or
headland, cognate with the Latin Nasus, plays an important part
in Scotch topography, while equally important is Nor, the North.
Throughout the Western Isles chiefly we find the word eyre or ore
cognate with Latin ora, Greek horos, a shore or boundary, as in
Airor and Kensaleyre ; while ord, a point or corner, and oster, the
east, assert themselves in such places as the Ord in Banff and Ord
in Caithness, and Ostend and Osterburg.
Rain, Rand, and Ra, a promontory or peninsula, is found in
Old Rain, Rhynie, Rhind, Reay.
Scale or Skali, a hut or shed from which is taken the Scotch
Sheal or Shealing is very commonly diffused throughout the
British Isles, as in Scalloway, Scalby, Galashiels, and Shields, and
Skail in Sutherland.
SJcaer, a sharp rock allied to the Welsh y-sgariad and Gaelic
Sgeir is found in Scarnose, Scarabines, and Scordale, while Skaw
or Skagi, an isthmus or promontory, is only found on the continent,
and Stackr, a projecting rock, is rarely met with in Scotland.
Stav, a stake, pole, or pillar, and applied to a perpendicular rock, is
found in Dunstaffnage and Staffa, Ster, anciently setr, contracted
from stadr, a station or place, is found in Lybster, Leinster,
Hunster, and Ulster. Stor, great, is found in the Store Rock
and Storehammer greathills, and Stoer in Sutherland.,
Taing or Tanga a point of land is found in Tongue in
Sutherland. Thing or Ting, a term applied by the Norsemen to
their legislative assemblies, and also to places where these
assemblies met, is found in Dingwall, Tingwall Tynwald,
Tinwald, and Thingwald, and Tain in Ross is the Norse Thing.
Thor and Thur, prefixes derived from the Norse god Thor, is
INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. 19
found in Thurso, Thorsoe, and Thorshaven. Tun, an enclosure,
originally meant a place rudely fortified, and was also applied to
farms and manors, and in this sense is still used as tun and toon.
Vain or vand, a lake, is only found in the western isles, as
Vattin in Skye, but vie, ve, wy, holy, is found in Advie, Wigan,
Wydale, and Wigton.
Voe or Vogr, a bay, is found in Laxvoe, Grunavoe, and Westvoe,
while Wick or Vig, a dwelling, village, or town, the primary
meaning of which seems to have been a station for ships, but with
the Anglo-Saxons a station on land, is one of the most common
Norse words round the coast of the British Isles.
These are some of the more common of the important additions
made by the Scandinavians and Danes to the place names of
Britain, and are easily distinguished because they do not readily
lend themselves to assimilation.
In Orkney and Shetland where the sway of the Norsemen
obliterated all traces of the Celtic topography, there are only two
classes of names Old Norse and English, and a Norseman of the
present day can as easily explicate the place-names there as those
who gave the names. In other parts of the country the sway of
the Viking was not so long nor so complete, hence a great many
of the names have been joined to the names already given, and in
the process of transcription have become so obscured that only
scholars with a knowledge of both Celtic and Norse can attempt
to explicate them. A good example is seen in Kensaleyre
Celtic, Ceann, a head ; Sal, the sea ; and Norse Eyre or Eyrr,
the Shore The head of the Sea Shore. While we find Norse
words conjoined to the original Celtic in many cases, it is not so
universal as their conjunction with English, because the two are
kindred speeches, consequently Norse names, as might be expected
20 INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.
have not undergone so many changes. They are still robed, as it
were, in their original dress. Even at this remote period of time
traces of Norse physiognomy as well as of Norse names are found
in the fair-haired, blue-eyed, and round-shouldered men and
women found in the north and east of Scotland, to whose
progenitors we are indebted for many of the mythologies and
customs, traces of which we find in the place names they have
left, and which have only been dissipated by the stronger glare of
more enlightened times. Their gods and heroes are found in Thor
and Ran ; and Harold and Carl and Sweyn, and their usages and
customs of measuring land by rentals are found in penge,
penningr, as in Pennyfeiler, Feorlig, and Unganab.
While there are a few Norse names in Elginshire it is evident
that the Norsemen did not, for any length of time, if at all, settle
on the southern shores of the Moray Firth, and we have it on the
authority of Dr. Skene that Helgi, one of the most notable of the
Vikings, whose name had for long been supposed to be found in
Elgin, never sailed farther South along the eastern shores of
Scotland than the Orkney Islands. The Stone of Sweno in Forres
and the Cairn of Duffus are relics pointing out their existence for
some time.
The third or upper stratum of names in Elginshire is an
intermixture of Ecclesiastical and English names. The former are
chiefly attached to the parishes, while the purely English are
found attached to modern holdings and reclaimed land.
THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
i.
PARISH OF ABERNETHY.
AT one time this large parish formed a part of the county of
Elgin, but some years ago it was put under the jurisdiction
of Inverness-shire, although much further removed from
the county town than from the county town of Elgin. It is 14
miles in length, 12 in breadth, and is bounded on the south by the
famous Cairngorm range of mountains, by the river Spey on the
north and west, and by the neighbouring parish of Cromdale on the
east. The population is about 1,200. In summer the climate and
scenery in this parish are scarcely equalled in all Scotland, and
year by year, as this becomes more widely known, many visitors
resort thither during the summer season. It is purely a Highland
parish, and few if any of its place names indicate the incursions of
foreigners who so frequently visited the seaboard of the Moray
Firth and left their indelible impression on the places they visited.
Nor has the universality of the English language even yet obscured
the names given by the first occupants of the soil. Thus the great
majority of the names found is as purely Celtic as can be found in
21
22 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
any part of Scotland. There are some words that present
difficulties in the way of explanation from the fact that they have
been already too much explained.
Abernethy is one of these. About Aber, the first part of the
word, there has never been any doubt. It is derived from Ath, a
ford, and Bior, water, and is generally supposed to belong to the
Welsh rather than to Gaelic, while Inver, meaning the same thing,
is the Gaelic form. Aber is chiefly confined to the east of
Scotland, while on the west its place is almost entirely occupied by
Inver, and means a confluence of waters : here, where the Nethy
discharges itself into the Spey. The meaning or origin of the
word Nethy has been a topic of discussion for a long time. The
common theory is that it is taken from Nechtan, the Pictish king,
who is said to have founded a church in Abernethy, Perth, about
the year 700. Robertson makes it to come from Neithe, the God
of Waters. It is quite plain, however, that he knew not either the
spelling or pronunciation of the word, and had written it so as to
fit in with his own theory. When it rains very heavy it is quite
common in some parts to hear the expression, " Tha na neitheach-
ainn a tigheann nuas " the waters are coming down, or, in other
words, the heavens are coming down, showing that Neitheachainn
and Neamhain are two words for heavens. In 1292 the form of
the word was Nethyn, and we find the same word as the terminal
of Cambusnethan in Lanark. The terminal n was dropped about
the year 1400. Nethan comes from Aitionn, gorse, broom, or
juniper, and Nethyn is from the same root. Aber-n-ationn is
doubtless the origin of Abernethy.
Ach-na-gonaln is a combination of the two Gaelic words, Achadh,
a field or plain, and Gainailan, folds or cattle enclosures. Na is
the genitive form of, the field or place of enclosures. Achadh
PARISH OF ABERNETHY. 23
plays an important part in the topography of the country, and is
frequently found in the various forms of Achad/i, Auch, Aug/i, and
Auchen. Auchgourish should be Achadh-gobhairich, the field of
the goats, or goats' pastureland.
A Hen is purely Gaelic without any disguises, and means a green
plain or meadow, frequently and perhaps more particularly applied
to a green patch in the bottom of a valley.
Aitenlea. Here we have the root Aitionn, so often found in this
parish, meaning juniper or gorse in combination with lea, or
meadow or field, and the word Juniperfield was at one time most
applicable.
Dell is not a pure Gaelic word, although the word Dail is
commonly used. It is derived from the M.E. dale, Icelandic dalr.
In many cases the word Dal means a portion of land or territory as
Dalriada, from the Milesian king, Cairbe-Riada.
Tomdow is but slightly different from Tomdubh, the black
hillock. We find the word used adjectively in Inchtomach, from
the Gaelic Innis, a meadow, and Tomach, humpy the humpy
meadow
Clachaig. Clack, a stone, plays an important part in the
topography of the country, and the word Claclian is frequently
met with in Scotland, and was originally employed to define a
circle of stones, inside of which the Druidical rites of worship were
celebrated, and in course of time churches were erected near these
spots, then houses, and thus the application of Clachan was
extended to mean hamlet, and has now the same meaning as
Kirkton.
Lup-na-damph. The first part, Lup, comes from the Gaelic
Lub, a bend or incline or elbow of a hill. Na is the genitive form
of, and the latter part is from Damh, an ox, and when applied in
24 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
high land, frequently meaning a stag, as probably in this case
the ox or deer pastureland.
Glenlochy. In Adamnan's Life of Columba the word Lochy is
written Lochdiae, a Latinised form of Lochdubh, the black loch,
but probably the word Lochy here means the little loch
Glenlochy, the glen of the little loch.
Garten, a tilled piece of ground, sometimes Goirtean, is derived
from the Teutonic Garth or Gart, and in Ireland is found in the
form of Gort. The Welsh is Garrd or Garz. It is also applied to
an enclosed place, as a stackyard or a fold for cattle.
Banedden. This word comes from Bun, literally a root, but
here meaning the mouth, and Feadan, a small stream. Bun is
frequently met with in Scotland, as in Bunowen, the mouth of the
Avon ; Bunawe, at Lochawe ; and Buness, the mouth of the
cascade.
Lairg is taken from the Gaelic Learg, a slope, and is found in
Sutherland as Lairg, in Ayr as Largs, in Fife as Largo, and there
is Largan-na-greana, the sunny slope, and Largan-reagh, the
smooth slope.
Muckrach. Sir Herbert Maxwell makes this word to mean
swine pastureland. Although the wild boar was common in the
country in days long ago, it is very doubtful whether the
application is correct. There is another word Mucrach, literally
meaning a sand hillock, but generally applied to undulating,
uneven, ground, which is evidently the signification here.
Druim is the Gaelic for a ridge, from Droma, the backbone of
an animal, cognate with Latin Dorsum, and is met with in the
various forms of Drom, Drum, Drym, Dreem, conspicuously found
in Drumalban or Dorsum Britanniae.
Cullackie. The first part, Cull, must not be confounded with
PARISH OF ABERNETHY. 25
Cul, a corner. It is from Coille, wood, and Achadh, a field the
woodland stretch. Coitte is found in this form in Culleen, a little
wood, and Barnacullia, the top of the wood.
Rynattin, from the Gaelic Reidh, a plain, and Aitionn, jumper.
The Welsh form of the word is Eithin, and prominent in the
topography of Scotland.
Garline is from the Gaelic Garbh ; Welsh, Garw, rough ; and
Lian, a field the rough field or marsh. Lianaig is a small field.
Tulloch, from Tulack, a hill, and sometimes a measure of land,
and variously found as Tulla, Tullow, Tully, and Tulli. It is,
however, more frequently used in the adjectival form than as a
substantive.
Delbog. The prefix Del is defined above ; Bog comes from the
Gaelic Bog, wet or marshy the marshy dell.
Congash is an expressive word from the two Gaelic words Con,
equal to the English co, as in co-operate, and Gats, a torrent.
Congash is the confluence of two streams.
Pit-youlish. Pit or Pitten, a hollow, is an old Pictish word,
with which is cognate the Anglo-Saxon Pyt, Latin Puteus, a
well. In the Book of Deer it is found as Pette, where the
meaning of Baile, a town or dwelling-place, is attached to it, and
in many places it is now made the substitute for both, old Gaelic
form Buth, with which is cognate the Icelandic Bud t Swedish Bod,
allied to the Sanskrit Bha-yana, a house, from the root word BJnt.
That Pit is interchangeable with both can be seen from
Pitgavenie, formerly Bothgounan, the smith's dwelling, made
historically famous by Shakespeare as the scene of Macbeth's
assassination of Duncan, and from Pitcairn, formerly Bothcarn.
In 1667 the word was Pit-ghouish. From this it is easy to arrive
at the proper meaning, which is Pit-a-ghiuthais, the firwood hollow.
26 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Ellan-eorn. Ailean is a fertile piece of ground,and Eorna is the
Gaelic for barley. Barley being a surface feeding cereal, shallow
humic soil is more suitable for growing it, and as a consequence
many patches of such soil are called Ailean-eorna.
Coul-na-fea. The first part, Coul, is from Citil, a moor or
hollow, and Fea comes from the Gaelic Feidk y deer the deer's
hollow or the deer's retreat.
Lyne-beg, from the Welsh Llyn, Gaelic Linn, a pool, with
which is cognate the Anglo-Saxon Hlynna, and Beg, little Linn
bheag, the little stream.
Connege. In 1690 Conait is an old Gaelic word meaning a
stream, as Conait in Perth and Conan in Ross.
Auchernack is an unpardonable corruption from Achadh-
fhearnach, meaning the field of the alderwood.
Duack is the hard form of Duag, black water. In this and the
foregoing word the substitution of the hard terminals for the soft
would indicate at some time the influence of the Norse elements.
Rye-hillock from the two Gaelic words Reidh, a stretch of
land, and Seileach, the willow the willow field or plain.
Ault-garroch from the Gaelic Allt, a stream or burn, and
Garbhach or Garroch, turbulent the turbulent stream.
Bail-an-tua from the Gaelic Baile, a residence, town, or
hamlet, and Tuath, tenantry, here probably meaning a community.
1 Leitir-aiten from the Gaelic Leitir, the side of a hill, and
Aitionn, gorse or broom, literally meaning Broomhill.
Auld-charn from the Gaelic Allt, a burn or stream, and Cam
or Cairn, a pile of stones, here probably meaning a rock. The
cairns are frequently met with throughout the North of Scotland,
and were first of all erected to mark the spots where the couriers
who carried the fiery cross were to meet.
PARISH OF ABERNETHY. 2 7
Coul-na-Kyle. This is a mutilated form of the Gaelic words
Cuil-na-Coille, the woody hollow, or the woody back of a hill. The
word Coille is met with in various forms throughout the country.
Kel, Kil, Kelly, Killy, and Kyle. The Cymric form of the word is
Coed or Coid, variously written as Cvit, Coat, and Cuit, a wood.
Slia-more. The first part, Slia, is from the Gaelic Sliabh, a
mountain or heath, and is found as Slieve or Slieu, akin to the
German Sliet, a declivity. The latter part, More, is from the
Gaelic Mor, large the great hill.
Tober-aie. In 1670 it was Tobar-fhaidh, which is the literal
Gaelic for the seer's or prophet's well. Tobar is from the Pictish
Dobhair, water, and Faidh is a prophet or seer. "Wells were held
in great veneration by the Celts in heathen times," both in Scotland
and Ireland, and upon the introduction of Christianity by St.
Columba many of his followers erected their churches near these
venerated wells, which were called after the particular saint, by
which they are known to this day. Some wells were supposed to
be possessed of certain charms or healing virtues. Tobar-nam-
buadh in Skye is the well of virtues, and the rivers Tiber in Italy
and the Tiverone (Tobar-abhuinn) are from the same root.
Ballintuim is from Baile, a dwelling, and Torn, a hillock or
rising ground. The dwelling on the hill.
Lyn-a-chaiL Lyn here does not mean a pool of water, but is
derived from, or is rather the Anglicised form of, an old Gaelic
word, Lann, a piece of enclosed ground or garden, and variously
found as Lyn, Lynn, and Lin, which are the oblique forms of
Lainn. Chail is from the Gaelic Cal, cabbage. Lyn-a-chaU\s> the
cabbage garden.
Upper and Nether Plotta. At first sight Plotta would seem to
be a Norse word, Flair, or Danish Flada, a flat isle. It is not so,
28 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
but is from the Gaelic Pladain, a plot of ground. The upper and
lower plots of ground.
Tombae from the two Gaelic words Tom, a hillock, and Beithe,
birchwood the birchwood hill.
Buck-charn, in 1670 Buck-arn from middle English Bukke,
Anglo-Saxon Bucca, a he goat, Dutch Bok, Icelandic Bukkr,
Swedish Bock, Danish Buk, German Bock, Gaelic and Irish Boc,
and Sanskrit Bukka. The name would seem to be applied to a
mountain here, and Arn, a place which eagles frequent, as Amis-
dale and Knock-arn, the eagles' mountain.
Lyne-breck. Lyne here means a pool, and Breac, trout the
trout's pool.
Elian is another form of the word Ailean, a green plain or
meadow, very common in the country.
Ballifurth. In 1600 it was Balifert. Baile, the first part, is
one of the most prevalent of prefixes in Scottish topography.
Pert, the latter, is almost now an obsolete word in Gaelic, although
still common in Irish. It signifies a grave or trench, and is found
as a prefix in the term Feart-thuinn, rain, or a place for holding
water.
Topper-fettle from the Gaelic Tobar, a well, and Feadail,
cattle; also Feudail. Italy, anciently Eudalia, comes from this
word, and signifies the country adapted for rearing cattle. Topper-
'fettle means the cattle's drinking place or well.
Mulling&rroch. Before the days of steam the meal or grinding
mills were erected on the banks of rivers and streams with
sufficient supply of water. Mullin is the Gaelic for mill, and
Garroch, from Garbh, rough or turbulent, and Ach, the Norse
water the mill on the turbulent stream.
Braeniddin. The first part is from the Gaelic Braigh, a top or
PARISH OF ABERNETHY. 29
summit, and frequently an incline. Brae is the Scotch form, and
is found as Bri, Bre, and Bray. The n is a contraction of an, the
genitive preposition of; Iddin is a corruption of Aodann, a face,
and is found as Edin, A din, Odin, Eden. The word signifies brae face.
Rynirich from the Gaelic Reidh, a plain or slope, and Feurach,
grassy the grassy slope.
Cichanloope, in 1722 Cioch-an-luib. The first part, dock, has
the same meaning as the word Pap, in the Pap of Caithness, and
signifies an isolated knoll, and Luib is a bend the knoll at the
apex of the bend.
Rynuan from the Gaelic Reidh, a plain or slope, and Uan, a
lamb the sheep's slope or hill.
Doir from the Gaelic Doire, a grove, a thicket, or an insulated
clump of trees.
Ry-voan, Gaelic Reidh, a plain, and Mhoine, peaty or mossy
the mossy plain.
Ryncleich, in 1700 Reidh-na-cloich, stony field.
Causer. There is a Gaelic word Casair, signifying
phosphorescent light proceeding from old wood in the
dark, and what is commonly called by Gaelic-speaking people
Teine-sionnachan. The same word is also differently applied to
mean a thorn, slaughter, carnage, and probably the latter is the
proper signification.
Corchully from the Gaelic Co-ire, a deep gully or mountain
dell, and Coille, wood the woody mountain dell.
Lurgfrom the Gaelic Learg, a slope or hillside, as found in
Lairg in Sutherland, Largs, and Largo.
Balnagowanf&dbto Baile-na-gobhain~\k& smith's dwelling-place.
Lynstock from Linn, a pool and Stuchd, allied to the Norse,
Stalk, a cliff making a cascade the cascade pool.
3<D THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Sliachlach from the Gaelic Sliabh, a hill, and Clack or
Clachach, rocky the rocky mountain.
Derrydow from the Gaelic Doire, a grove or thicket, or hollow,
and Dubh, black or dark the dark or shady hollow.
Lanntichan. The first part Lann, of this word is a root
common to several languages. In middle English it was Laind,
with the d dropped ; in old French it was Lande, Spanish
Landa, a wild, untilled, shrubby, or grassy plain; Welsh Llan,
and Gaelic Laitn ; English Lawn. Its primary meaning seems
to be an enclosed piece of ground. It is not found extensively in
local nomenclature. Tickan, the latter part, comes from Tiadhan^
a little hill. The word signifies the hill enclosure. Lann has
afterwards come to mean a church, from the fact that it was
usually built in an enclosed piece of ground.
Croft-na-queen. This word has assumed an English form. So
late as 1798 it was Croit-na-cuinne, the corner croft.
Croft-ronan was in the same year Croit-Ronan the croft of
St. Ronan. This, however, is doubtful, as St. Ronan died in the
year 737 in the island of North Rona, but probably his followers
might have named the place after him, as many other places in
Scotland have been so named.
Croft-na-haven was Croft-na-hamhuinn the croft on the bank
of a stream or river.
Anadorach. The first part is a contraction of Amhuinn t a
river, and Dorrach is the Gaelic for rough or turbulent the
rough flowing stream.
Tonterrie in 1790 was Tonntir, from the Gaelic Tonn, a wave
or undulation, and Tir, the land, cognate with the Latin Terra
the undulating land.
Lettoch. The word Davach is frequently met with in the place
PARISH OF ABERNETHY. 3!
names of the north-east of Scotland, and means a measure of
land. Originally it was a measure of capacity, and the extent of
land that would take a davach of corn to sow it was itself called
Davach. The half of that extent was a half davach, or in Gaelic
leth-dabhach or lettoch.
Revach from the Gaelic Reidh, a plain or slope, and Bachd,
the summit the summit plain.
Curr y a Gaelic word meaning a corner, an end, a pit, a fountain,
and situation or site, and is frequently met with in topography.
Lyne-cork from Lann, an enclosed piece of ground; Corca,
oats a piece of enclosed ground suitable for growing oats.
Inch-brock from the Gaelic Innis, pasture-land near water, and
the Gaelic word for badger is Broc, which is usually Anglicised
Brock, and found in the terminals brock, na-brock, nam-brock, of
the badgers, and brocach means the haunts of the badgers, while
Brocair is the badger or fox hunter.
Tomchrocher. Tom is a hill or knoll, and Crocher is from the
Gaelic Crochaire, a villain, one deserving to be hanged, from which
we have another substantive, Crochadair, a hangman. Tomcrocfier
is the villain's or hangman's hill, the latter probably, as in olden
times executions usually took place on some high ground.
Rynerick from the Gaelic Reidh, a plain, and Eirig, a ransom,
forfeit, reparation, amercement, or fine a piece of good forfeited
land.
Achgotirish from the Gaelic AcJiadh, a field, and lubhar, or
lubharach, the yew tree the field of the yew wood.
II.
THE PARISH OF ALVES.
THIS parish lies in the North- West of Elginshire. It includes
about a mile of coast, and is 6J miles long and 5J miles
broad. Its area is about 9404 square acres, valuation about
9000, and population a little over 1000. The surface presents a
pleasant diversity of hill and dale and undulating ground. The
land here shows evidence of early cultivation, and in several
places historical remains of the long past have been unearthed in
fields where the plough has been at work for ages. Some years
ago a cist constructed of rude stone slabs jointed together with
something like bitumen was discovered on the farm of Wester
Alves, containing what appeared to be the bones, not well
preserved, of a female. In one of the jawbones handled there were
several teeth, on two of which the enamel was pretty well preserved.
This discovery led to the belief that others might be got in the
neighbourhood, but as no extensive excavations were made since,
hone has been found. The knock on the eastern boundary of the
parish is crowned by a tower, from which an extensive view of the
surrounding country and of Ross and Sutherland across the Moray
Firth can be commanded. By tradition the knock is connected
with the story of Macbeth and the witches. Possibly there may
be some foundation for this, as the knock is on the road between
Bothgownan and the Blasted Heath, the one by a curious
32
THE PARISH OF ALVES. 33
coincidence being about three miles east of Elgin, and the other a
similar distance east of Nairn.
But the object (here) is not to write the history of Moray,
but to show that the topographical names of the county are
of considerable historical interest and importance, and to show
that from these names, although the Gael was the native
occupant of the soil, the seaboard districts of the county frequently
made the acquaintanceship of Danes and Scandinavians, who
crossed the German Ocean on their marauding expeditions.
Taking the parishes in alphabetical order, we have first the
Parish of Alves. The configuration of this parish and its place
names go a long way to suggest that at some remote period of the
country's history there was a large river flowing eastward through
the low ground between the parishes of Alves and Duffus, very
likely the Findhorn, or Eren, as it was anciently called, and form-
ing one outturn flnminis with the Laxia and Spechan the Lossie
and Spey. The word Alves itself furnishes a good example. It is
derived, the first part, from Abh, water, which is allied to the
Sanskrit ahab, as in Douab, Chenab, in India ; to the Norse aa,
as in Lena, sluggish river; Laxa, salmon river; Thurso, Thor's
river. Ess, the latter part, is simply the Gaelic Eas a stream. In
Celtic countries A bh is frequently applied to a ford. It should be
remembered that in Abh the aspirates bh equal v. Alves, there-
fore, means Abh-eas, the ford of the river.
Another example is Inchstellie, Gaelic innis, an island, and very
frequently pastureland near water, with which is cognate the
Welsh ynys, German insel, Latin insula, and Greek nesos. Stellie,
the latter part of the word, comes from the Teutonic stal, stu/il,
and stelle y a place, seat, or farm. Inchstellie, the island farm, or
the pastureland farm.
C
34 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
The next word, Ordies, supplies, evidence of the irregular
action of water, from the Norse ord, Dutch oort, and
German ort t a point, a corner, or a round knoll. The terminal
diminutive here strongly suggests that the word Ordies means
undulating ground or little knolls. Then comes Carsewell. The
first part, Carse, of this word is generally thought to be from the
Scotch, while as a matter of fact it is from cars, a word peculiar to
the Armoric dialect of the Celtic, and meaning a level, fertile
tract of country. The word well is a superimposed addition to
denote a spring of water in the carse.
Earnside. Eren was the ancient name of the Findhorn, from
which doubtless the form Earn is taken. A considerable
difference of opinion has for a long time prevailed regarding
the derivation of this word. Dr. Skene says it is derived
from Eire, the Irish Queen mentioned in Nennius, who is
supposed to have gone from Scotland. Windisch, another
eminent writer, gives it as from the Gaelic earruinn, a fertile
portion of land. Rhys puts it far back into the pre-Celtic
period, a fashion of his with words he cannot explain. He has
not told us yet when the pre-Celtic period ended and the Celtic
period began, and Robertson makes it to be composed of two
words, "Ear" the east, and "An" a contraction of abhuinn, a
river the east-flowing river. The Earn in Perth was formerly
called Eirenn, which is a near approximation to Eren. We find
the same word disguised in Nairn, anciently Inver-na-ruinn. It
does not follow that because all these forms have a certain
semblance they are correct Our ancestors did not go about the
nomenclature of the country without palpable objects in view.
Dr. Skene 's derivation cannot therefore be accepted, because he
has gone on the assumption that all the Earns in Scotland have
THE PARISH OF ALVES. 35
the same improbable origin. Robertson's derivation is purely
fanciful, while Windisch's meaning, though nearer the point, is
still not correct. When it is considered that the valleys and
straths through which these rivers flow are rich, fertile pieces of
land, there is a good deal to be said for his meaning. There is an
old Pictish word, Earran, modern Gaelic, Earrann, meaning an
end, limit, extremity, a water boundary. This is the origin of the
word Earn, and upon investigation it will be found that every
Earn in Scotland at one time formed the specific boundary
of a particular district, hence Earn means Earran, the boundary
river.
The word Cloves is of more recent origin, and indicates the
presence of the Norsemen in the country. It is derived from the
Danish Klove, a hollow at the foot of a slope, and cognate with it
are the Anglo-Saxon Cleofan, Dutch Kloven, Icelandic Kljufa,
and German Kliben, Gaelic Clu, a sheltered spot. Monaughty is
a pure Gaelic word from Monadh, a moorish hill, and frequently
contracted into Mon and Man. Aughty is from Aite, a place of
residence, which in this case means the hill farm.
Reeves is another impression from the Norsemen. It is taken
from the Icelandic Greifi, a steward or governor, here meaning the
steward's portion or possibly the factor's farm. Lachlan-ivells,
formerly Lochlin, without the wells. Lochlin is a Gaelic
substantive meaning hollow, and it is to this day applied to
Holland, and a Dutchman is always called a Lochlineach.
Cardonhill, anciently Caerdun, indicates the presence of the
Cymric element in the North. It comes from the Welsh Caer> a
fort, and Dun, a hill. It is probable this name was given by
monks of the order of St. Asaph in Wales, who are said to have
been in Morayshire. We find the same word slightly different in
36 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Garden in Peebles, Cardon-ness in Kirkcudbright, and Cardowan
in Lanarkshire.
Wards. This word is pretty common along the north-east coast
of Scotland wherever the Norsemen landed. Besides this one we
find the name in Cruden (Aberdeen), Caithness, and Orkney. It
is derived from the Norse Wart, Warth, and means a tower or
beacon; Anglo-Saxon Wcerdian, German Warten, to guard. Then
there is Waring, a fortification. Asliesk, an old ruined tower in
the parish, situated on the side of a ridge. The word is a
combination of the Norse and Gaelic As or A as, Norse, a hill
ridge ; and Slios, Gaelic, the side of the ridge. Toreduff is a
native word, from the Gaelic Torr, a conical hill, cognate with
which are the Welsh Twr, French Tur, Latin Turris, and Greek
Pyrgos. The latter part, Duff, comes from the Gaelic Dubh,
black. The name black hill was once very applicable. Hempriggs
(in Elgin and Caithness) is derived from the Anglo-Saxon Hemp,
signifying hemp. This word was borrowed at an early period from
the Latin Cannabis, Greek Kannabis, and has undergone many
consonantal letter changes. We have the Dutch Hennep, from
which source we probably got it in Scotland, Icelandic Hampr,
Danish Hamp, all meaning the plant hemp. Riggs, the latter
part of the word, comes from Icelandic Hryggr, literally a ridge,
but commonly used in such expressions as a ploughed rig. Hemp-
riggs means patches of land for growing hemp. Muirhead. The
word Muir is quite common throughout Scotland, so much so that
many people look upon it as an indigenous word. We are,
however, indebted to our Danish invaders for its introduction.
Danish Moer, a moor or swamp, or a mossy plateau, as the moor
of Rannoch.
Moray's-Catrn.The derivation of the name Moray has long
Moray,
THE PARISH OF ALVES. 37
been a source of considerable speculation among philologists. Sir
Herbert Maxwell, the latest writer on the subject, says it is
derived from the two Gaelic words Mur y the sea, and Magh, a
plain or land, and makes it to mean the land overlooking the sea.
He arrives at this conclusion by taking an old spelling or form,
Mureff. Then he takes Magh, and eliminates the double
consonantal aspirate (gh), for which he substitutes the double (f).
He also banishes the initial letter M, and appends the effio Mur,
and thus arrives at Mureff. If this were the oldest form of the
word there might be some ground for the meaning, but in the year
970 the Pictish chronicle gives it as Morovia, in 1085 we have
Murieh, in 1200 Mureff, and in 1295 Morref. So that the form
Sir Herbert has adopted is rather a late one. There is little
doubt that the form Morovia in the Pictish Chronicle is nearest
to that in which it was left by the Romans, and as they as a rule
did not give new names, but only Latinised those they found,
Morovia is therefore nearer the original, which ought to be taken
into account in the explication of the word. If we could only strip
these Roman disguises from the words there would be little
trouble in finding the original form. It will be observed that in
the first part of the word as given in the various forms there is
little change, with the exception of the alternate transposition of
the vowels o and u\ that is to say, making the first syllable at one
time Mor, at another Mur, the first signifying large or big, the
latter signifying the sea. It is therefore a question which of
these is the one really meant. If it were Mur, the sea, it would
have been easy for the Romans to have used their own word Mare
without disguising the meaning, but being Mor, they left it as they
found it. It is a violation of Gaelic idiom to prefix Mur to Magh,
because it only conveys a general and not an applicable expression
38 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
of " land overlooking the sea." Retaining the first adjectival form
Mor, big, and affixing thereto the Gaelic Aibh, the plural form of
Abh, a river, we have the word Moraibh, pronounced Mor awe,
signifying the district of large rivers. The ancient province of
Moray extended from Petri-Promontorium in the east to Varar
on the west, a stretch of country through which more than any
other in Scotland there flows a large number of rivers. The two
districts, Morava and Moravia, on the Continent, signify river
districts.
The next word, Ardgye, is derived from the Gaelic Ardgaoith,
the windy height, and is a common name in the country. The
final th is frequently dropped, and we find it variously spelled goy,
gie, gye, gee, gi.
Ryeyards at first sight appears to be purely English. It was
formerly Rathard, from the Gaelic Rath, a round earthen fort, a
mound, and often a hill, and Ard, a height. Cothill is locally
supposed to be the hill of the Cots. This, however, is too recent a
meaning. It comes from the Welsh Coed, a wood, and variously
written Coit, Cot, Coat, and Cuit, as found in Cotswold hills, woody
hills ; Coitmore, the big wood ; Glascoed, greenwood ; Cal-de-cot,
corrupt from Cit-y-Coed, the woody retreat ; and Calcots, also the
woody retreat. This word Coed, a wood, though found in place
names, is more a Welsh word, while Coille is more frequently used
in Scotland, as found in the next word, Coltfield, which has also the
appearance at first sight of being purely English. It was formerly
written Cuiltfield, from Coillte, the plural of Coille, wood, and Veld,
a hill.
Brodieshill, formerly Brothichill. We find this same word in
Aber-brothoc, and means a marsh, the hill beside the marsh.
Crook of A toes. The word Crook is taken from the Icelandic
THE PARISH OF ALVES. 39
Krockr, Swedish Krok, which indicates the presence of the
Norsemen.
Kill iflat, formerly Kilfleot, from the Gaelic Kil t a cell or church,
and the Dutch Vliet, a channel or arm of the sea the church by
the water.
Clachbrae comes from Clach, a stone, and Brae, an incline the
stoney brae.
III.
PARISH OF BELLIE.
THIS parish is situated on the east side of the Spey. Its
length is nearly six miles, breadth about four miles, with an
area of 13,212 acres, for the most part allotted into large
farms. The valuation is about 11,000, and the population 4500.
At one time the greater part of the parish was attached to the
county of Banff, but some years ago a readjustment was made by
which the whole was put under the jurisdiction of Elginshire.
The Romans, in their circumnavigation round Britain at the
beginning of the Christian era, are said to have landed at the
mouth of the Spey in this parish, and made an encampment
there, vestiges of which are said to be still visible. In Ptolemy's
Geography the river Spey is called Teussis, from the Greek word
Teukrion, the technical term for the common plant spleenwort,
frequently met with on the banks of the river. As a rule the
names in the Parish of Bellie do not belong to the Norse element;
wherever the names abound in prefixes it may be safely concluded
they are of native origin. Celtic names abound in superimposed
additions, and frequent reduplications or tautological names are
found.
Bellie itself is one of the former. Etymologists have given
various derivations of the word. One has it from the Gaelic
40
PARISH OF BELLIE. 4!
Bealaidh broom, another that it comes from Baile, a town,
village, or house, another that it is from the corrupt word Bel, a
ford. All these are only euphonical guesses without regard to
circumstances or the configuration of the place. The real signifi-
cation of the word is from the two Gaelic words, Beal, the mouth,
and Abk, a river the mouth of the river Spey. This is also in
keeping with the names given to all the other places at the mouths
of rivers along the Moray Firth. Banff, from Bunabh the river
mouth ; Forres, from For and Eas land at the ess or river ;
Inverness the mouth of the river ; and Beauly, so often attributed
to the French Beau-lieu, is nothing else than Bellie, or Beal-abh,
over again. Our progenitors paid a great deal more respect to
system and method in the process of land naming than they get
credit for in the present age. Wherefore we must be careful in, as
far as possible, finding out their design or reason for giving the
particular name.
Dallachy is a combination of two Gaelic words with a redupli-
cated or tautological meaning, and is derived from Dail, a field or
valley, and akin to the Welsh Dot, Scandinavian Dahl, German
Thai, and Achadh, also a field literally the plain of the field.
Carse-moor. How two words so antagonistic in signification as
Carse, from the Armoric dialect of the Celtic Cars, a fertile tract
of land; and the Norse Moer, waste land or heath, should be
combined together is explained by the fact that the name was
originally given to a large level tract of heath.
Tynet, in 1667 Tinait from the two Gaelic words Tigh
(sounded ti\ a house, and Aite t a place or site the sight of
the house or dwelling.
Bogmoor, in 1686 Bogmore from the Gaelic Bog and
sometimes Bulge, a marsh, and Mor, big or large the great
42 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
marsh. From the root Bog we have the Gaelic Bogan and
Boganach, Irish Bogach a quagmire.
Cowiemoor, in 1667 Cobha-more from the Gaelic word Cobhar,
literally foam or froth, and frequently applied to marshy places,
and especially to quagmires, and Mor, as in the foregoing word
Bogmoor.
Sauchwells is directly derived from the Scotch Sauch. Old
English Salig, Salh ; Latin Salix, and Gaelic Saileack, the
willow, and is met with in such words as Sauchieburn and
Sauchrie, meaning the willow burn and the willow field.
Cunnen-haugh. Celtic people seem to have in some way
associated the rabbit with Cu, the dog or hound, of which the
word Coinen is a diminutive and is the Gaelic for rabbit. It is
akin to the Danish Kanin, Scandinavian Kannina, Latin
Cuniculus, and the English Coney. Haugh in Scotland denotes a
low-lying meadow between hills or on the banks of a river. Thus
the word means the Coinen-haugh or the rabbit warren.
Long-howe, in 1674 Loh-howe. Taking the earlier form,
evidently the prefix here is a foreign word. Dutch Loh, Loo,
Loke, a meadow, prefixed to the middle English Heigh, Hey, Hy ;
Anglo-Saxon Heah, Heh ; Dutch Hoog ; Icelandic Har ; German
Haivks, Hocks, a hill or long stretch of hillside the hill
pasture.
' Auch-in-reath from the Gaelic Ac/iadk, a field, and Reidh,
smooth or plain, free from undulations the smooth or level field.
Otdifish, in 1667 Ord-a-goush. Ord is from the Scandinavian
Ord, Dutch Oort, and German Ort, a point, a corner, elbow of a
hill, and sometimes a place. Goush is evidently the Gaelic
Giuthas, fir the firwood hill. The name is found in the beginning
of the century as Ordiquish.
PARISH OF BELLIE. 43
Floods is not a common word in the northern part of Scotland.
It is of Teutonic origin Fleot, Fliez, Dutch Wleit, Gaelic Fleod,
or Fleod-radh, literally signifying floating, a flush of water, but
more frequently applied to a narrow channel or arm of the sea, as
found in the river Fleet, Loch Fleet. We have it also as Floss, as
in the Mill on the Floss, and akin to Adflumina, at the stream.
Auld-thash. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Allt, a burn
Anciently the word was Ault-gash. The latter part is an old
form of Giuthas, the firwood burn.
Byres, in 1542 Bairs ; 1660 Byrys. Taking the earlier form
approximating the original, the word is derived from the Gaelic
Bair, a battle, strife, rout. The supposition is general that
between the natives and the Danes a struggle had taken place
here. Old people still call the place Ma-bhar, from Magh, a
plain, and Bair, the battlefield.
Ault-derg is derived from the two Gaelic words A lit, a burn,
and Dearg, red, which affix is frequently found in the place names
of Scotland as in Benderg. Ruadh is another word for red, and is
also frequently used in topography Cnocan-ruadh, the red hill.
Delfur. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic Dail, a
plain or field. Fur is from Fuar, signifying cold, and is found as
part of a great many names, the place so designated being
probably exposed to the north, or being marshy, cold spots. The
word Fuar is as frequently found as a prefix to the noun which it
qualifies, as in Forgie, where the adjective Fuar acts as a prefix.
The latter part of the word is from Gaoth y wind, and is
representative of exposed, bleak situations, which are often
designated by the word Forgie, the windy land or windy place.
Shiel is one of the few Norse words found in this parish, Skali,
Icelandic Skjol, Swedish Skjul, literally a temporary summer hut.
44 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
The word used in this country is Shelling, in Ireland Sheelln, and
used in the hills in the days of summer herding.
Starry -hang JL The first part of this word is a Low German
root, Ster, or Ester, a stream, and must not be confounded with
the Scandinavian Ster or Stadr, a station or place. Forestman
says that in Germany he finds more than a hundred streams with
the root Str, and we find the same root in this country in such
streams as the Stour, the Ister. It is very common all over the
Continent. Haugh is from the Scotch Heugh, and is found in How
and Hope, and generally denotes a low-lying meadow on the banks
of a stream. The word signifies the haugh stream.
Chapelford, from the Celtic Capel, German Kapelle, both of
which are probably derived from the Latin Capella, a chapel or
small church, and the Anglo-Saxon Ford, German Furt or Furth,
Dutch Foord, a shallow passage over a river, and is frequently
found in placenames, as in Coil-an-togle ford in Scott's " Lady of
the Lake."
Culriach, from the two Gaelic words, Cul or Cuil, a nook or
corner, and often, at the back of the land. The second part, Riach,
is from Riabhach, greyish, brindled, or grizzled. This particular
place was once covered over with the plant louse-wort, and the
Gaelic name for it is Riabhach, having got the name from its
greyish appearance, which makes the word to mean the louse-wort
Corner.
Wellheads. The prefix of this name is not, as might at first
sight be supposed, from the Anglo-Saxon Well, but from the
German Wila, a hamlet. It is often met with in the North of
Scotland, as in Langwell and Braelangwell in Ross, Kintradwell in
Sutherland.
Dryburn. The prefix Dry in this word does not signify the
PARISH OF BELLIE. 45
absence of water. In olden times and in some remote places at the
present time illicit stills had been erected in secluded places where
good water could be easily obtained. Such was once the case
beside this burn. The Gaelic for malt is Drab/i, English draff,
and the old form of the word is Dra-burn.
Ryeriggs. The first part is from the Gaelic Reidh, a smooth,
level field, and old English Hriek, Icelandic Hryggr, Danish Ryg,
a ridge of land the smooth riggs.
Auchinhalrig. Here we have a Celtic word as a prefix to a
Norse word Achadli, a field, na, of, and hair, a slope the field of
the hillside slope. The Danish Ryg, a ridge of land, forms the
appendix.
Braes is from an old Norse word Bra, a hill slope, and cognate
with the Gaelic Braigh, signifying the top of the hill. It is met
with in Braehead, in Braemar, Braes in Skye and Shetland
Fochabers. In the year 1125, when the Priory of Urquhart was
founded by David I. of Scotland, Fochabers was then called the
Village of Fothopir, after the Thane of Fothopir, who was superior.
This form of the word continued down till about 1325, when it was
Fouchabre, in 1514 it was Fochabars, in 1660 it wt&FocAafar, and
about the middle of last century it assumed its present form. If
the earlier form be taken, the signification of the word is very
different from what it is generally supposed to be, and as anciently,
according to the late Professor Blackie, it was Beulath, there are
reasonable grounds to suppose that Fothopir was the original form
of the present name. Foth is a Pictish word signifying land, as
found in Fotheringham and Foveran ; Opir is the Pictish form of
the present Gaelic word Abar or Eabar, a marsh, bog, or fen, a large
tract of marshy ground. Thus the word would mean the marshy
land, which is not at all inconsistent with the nature of the ground
46 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
as it would likely be in those early days. The signification usually
given is from the Gaelic Faich^ also a field or plain, and allied to
Foth and A her, the mouth of a river the plain at the mouth of
the river. Looking at the word as it was in 1514 and 1660, the
forms of Abers and Abhar seem to support the idea of the place
being a marsh or fen, and the situation of the town is six miles
from the mouth of the river.
IV.
PARISH OF BIRNffi.
THE parish of Birnie lies south of Elgin, which bounds it on
the east, north, and west. It is bounded on the south by
Rothes and Dallas. It is the most sparsely peopled parish
in the county. In the year 667 the valuation was 734 13s. 8d. ;
nearly one hundred years after it was twopence less, 734 13s. 6d,
and now it is about 3000.
Birnie has long been known as one of the earliest spots in
Scotland where the Christian faith had been established, and it
is now universally thought, as stated by Dr. Cameron Lees in
his history of Inverness, that St. Columba himself erected the
first church there, from which as a base of their missionary
operations his missionaries made pilgrimages throughout the north
and east of Scotland. The earliest form of the name Birnie is
Brinuth, as given in the latter part of the tenth century. Celtic
ecclesiastical names are the most complex and puzzling of all land
names. Many of the old saints are to us very dim personages,
only legendary beings at best, whose history and identity it is
at this remote period of time, particularly in the absence of
documentary evidence, almost impossible to establish with any
degree of certainty. In topography, however, it is remarkable
that while church names are very common on the west of Scotland,
47
48 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
secular names have as a rule been retained on the east of
Scotland, with few exceptions, such as Birnie, Lumphannan,
Tannadyce, and Brechin. The fact that this parish is one of the
exceptions is in itself powerful evidence of its early occupation as
a missionary station. St. Brendan, the titular saint, was the
friend and contemporary of St. Columba, and the old kirk of
Birnie must have been built on the site of the old Cathedral of
Birnie founded by St. Brendan, In 1200 we meet with the name
as Brennach. The Irish for Brendan is Brennach, while the
Gaelic is Brennan. In either the Irish or Gaelic form the word
means the portion of St. Brendan, in exactly the same sense as
Kirrimuir means the big quarter or portion given to the bishop,
and Brechin means the portion of St. Bricius.
Easterton. The present form of the word would lead us to
think that it is pure English, without any change from the
original. In 1660 it was Esgartun, which is distinctly from the
Welsh Esgair, a long low ridge, and Dun, a hill or fort. How the
d came to be eclipsed by / is not known, unless it was for
euphony's sake.
Dykeside is a common name throughout the country, and is
purely Teutonic, from the M.E. Dik t A.S. Die, Dutch Dijk,
Icelandic Diki, Greek Teikos, Gaelic Dig, a dyke or rampart,
also a ditch or fosse. Dhigh is the Gaelic verb to raise a wall or
a rampart.
Castlehill is also a common name in Scotland, from O.E. Castel,
Latin Castellum, and a diminutive of Castrum, a fortified place.
The Welsh form is Castel I. Irish Caiseal, Gaelic Caisteal. The
form Cashel is common in Ireland and twice met with in Scotland
the castle or stronghold on the hill.
Tomshill, anciently Tomail, distinctly two Gaelic words, Tom,
PARISH OF BIRNIE. 49
a hill, and frequently found as the prefix in place names ; Ail is
rocky the rocky hill.
Star. This word is doubtless from the Scandinavian Ster,
Icelandic Setr, both of which are contracted forms of the Norse
Stadr, a place or station, and is found as a legacy from the
Norsemen wherever they went in the North of Scotland, the
Hebrides, and Ireland, as Tyhstr, Monkstad, Ulster, Leinster,
Munster.
Randy-gairn, anciently Raith-gairn, from the Gaelic Rath,
a circular fort, cognate with the Welsh Rhath, a mound or hill.
Gairn is doubtless from the Gaelic Gairnain, a shout, and often
an echo the reverberating rock or hill.
Shogle, in 1670 Sugail. This is evidently from the Gaelic
Sughail, a marshy place, or land with surface moisture. The
generally attributed meaning is Sab hall, a barn, but looking at
the early form this is incredible.
Glenlatterach, in 1774 Glenlaterach from the Gaelic Glean,
Welsh Glyn or Glann, and Anglo-Saxon Glen, a small valley.
Latter ach is from the Gaelic Leitirach, the side of a hill or of a
country the glen on the hill side.
Middleton is another word of Teutonic form, Anglo-Saxon Mid,
Icelandic Midr, Latin Medius, Greek Mesos, the middle, Anglo-
Saxon Ton, Scandinavian Tun, an enclosure, or as now understood,
a town or residence. The primary meaning of Ton comes from
the Gothic Tains, Norse Teinn, German Zann, a fence formed of
twigs, or a place rudely fortified by stakes, and is brought down
to us in Scotland in the word Toon.
Greenward, in 1702 Greanwart. At first sight it would appear
that the first part of the word is simply the name of the colour of
growing herbs, but looking at the older form, the signification is
50 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
entirely different. It is derived from the Gaelic Greann,
frowning, and the Teutonic Wart or Warth, a watch tower or
beacon, a guarded place, or a fortification, the frowning or
commanding place.
Blairnkall, in 1669 Blar-an-aile, from the Gaelic Blar, a plain,
and consequently a battlefield, and Aile, wind the windy plain or
field.
Kirkton is from the Norse Kirche, Welsh Cyric, and Dutch
Kerk. The Anglo-Saxon Ton, an enclosure, forms the latter part
the place of the kirk, in Gaelic, Clachan.
Trockail, in 1514 Trical, 1570 Tricels. In ancient times
among people who followed the double occupation of tillage
and pasturage, before the days of imperial measures, when every
community to a certain extent had its own idea of bulk, length,
and area, and when the country became more densely peopled,
consequent sub-division of land took place, with fixed boundaries.
In land as in other matters standards of measurement were
adopted. Whether the standard Trichel was common universally
or confined to certain districts it is impossible to say. In the
North, however, the land was divided into Trichels, or thirty
divisions to each family. What the extent of a Trichel was the
writer has not been able to find out. Of course this mode of
distributing the land is long ago obsolete, but in several places
, throughout the country whose names begin with the prefix Tri
or Tre or Tra or Tro we find indications that this system was in
force. In Ireland the equivalent was Tricha or Trichas.
Trochail therefore means thirty measures of land, and is evidence
of the early occupation of the parish of Birnie.
Grangemonth is not found in old documents. It must therefore
be taken as a modern name, from the French and Scotch Grange,
PARISH OF BIRNIE. 51
a farm or storehouse for grain, and is cognate with the Gaelic
Grainnseach, and the low Latin Grangia. In Ireland we find it
as Granagh and Granaghan, all of which signify places producing
grain.
Bardenside, anciently Barrdin. The suffix side was
superimposed about the end of last century. The word is derived
from the two Gaelic words Barr, the top, the uppermost part of
anything, and Din is a contraction of the word Dinnein, a small
heap, but commonly applied to small hills the farm on the hill
side or on the top of small hills.
Rasher ook. This word comes from the Gaelic Riasg, a fen or
marsh, and is cognate with the M.E. Rusche, Rische, Resche,
Dutch Ruse -/i, a small, soft reed, usually of coarse grass growing
out of marshy places ; and Crook, a hook in the land or bend, from
the Dutch Kroke or Kreuk, Icelandic Kroke Swedish Krok the
marshy corner.
Wallbrae, auciently Waldbrae from the Middle English Wold
or Wald, German Wald, Icelandic Vollr, used in various senses as
Down, a plain, open country, a wood or forest, waste ground, a
field. Brae signifies a hill or acclivity. Probably here meaning
the farm on the Brae.
Mossend from the German Moos, Scandinavian Mos, Icelandic
Most, Swedish Mossa, and Russian Mokh a moss, moorland, or
swamp the end of the moorland or swamp.
Durie, in Elgin and Fife. The Ditrie in Fife is said to have
been named by Ptolemy in his circumnavigation round Britain.
The Romans only Latinised the names they found. Hence this
form of the Welsh Dwr or Divfr, Gaelic Dobhr or Dobhair, water,
and the same root appears in Duro, Dour, Dore, Dnir, Thur,
Adour, Derwent, and in Ireland it is met with as Doory and Derry.
52 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Hanging folds, anciently Hanganfeld, which is clearly a Norse
word, from the Scandinavian Hang, Hangen, and Anglo-Saxon
Hongian, a declivity, cognate with Icelandic Hengja, and allied to
the Latin Cunctari, and the Sanskrit Cank. Field is also from
the Norse Veld or Velt, a hill. The traditional signification of
the latter word is folds, pens for sheep or cattle, derived from the
Icelandic Fjol, Fjalar, and Anglo-Saxon Falad or Fahtd, enclosure
on the declivity. The former meaning is preferable.
Lochbuie, in Elgin and Mull. The latter part of this word is
frequently found as a qualifying word to lakes and hills
throughout the country as well as to trees and flowers. It comes
from the Gaelic Buidhe, yellow, and is cognate with the Latin
Bodins, French Bai, English Bay the yellow lake or marsh.
Stankhouse. Stank is an old word in topography, and derived
from the old French Estang, a pond or linn, Spanish Estanque,
Sanskrit Stak, and is applied to a linn in a river or a pond
Stankhouse therefore signifies the house on the margin of the
pond or linn.
Level. This is an Anglicised Gaelic word from the substantive
Laibh the adjective is Laid/tail, pronounced laval, signifying clay
or clayey ground, and is often applied to marshy or wet soil. In
Gaelic words the aspirate bh invariably is eclipsed by v, and mk
becomes eclipsed by w.
/ Claypots. The first part of this word comes from the Middle
English Clau or Clee, Anglo-Saxon Claeg, Dutch and German Kiel.
The latter part, pots, was formerly pits, which evidently is derived
from the Gaelic Pitt, a hollow hollows made by digging out clay,
or sometimes by landslips.
Wardend, in Elgin and Banff from the Teutonic Ward,
Wart, and Warth, a watching place. The prefix is very common
PARISH OF BIRNIE. 53
throughout the country. Wardie, Edinburgh ; Wardlawhill,
Lanark ; Warthill, Aberdeen, are examples.
Foths is not a common name in topography. It is from the
Gaelic or Pictish Foth, a lake or marsh, and frequently a sterile
place. Then we have the adjective Fothannach, a place overgrown
with thistles and weeds.
GedlocJi. The prefix here is from the Scandinavian Gat, an
opening or passage in this case between two hills. In 1667 it
Gadlock. Gat is found as a prefix and also as a root word in
many if not all of the Aryan family of languages. The Sanskrit
Ghat, as in the Eastern and Western Ghats in India; Calcutta,
anciently Kalicutti the gate of the temple of the goddess of
Kali ; and Calicut on the Malabar coast present the word in
various forms. In the Anglo-Saxon it is Gaeat, Gaelic Geata, and
English Gate, all signifying an opening or passage. The affix
Loch is a super-imposed addition suggesting the idea of water
thus making the word to mean a water passage.
Coinloch. The traditional meaning of this word is the loch of
the dogs, from the Gaelic Cu, a dog, plural form Coin. This,
however, is only a euphonical guess. It is derived from the Celtic
Cong, the point or end of a hill between two valleys or a tongue
of land forming a narrow passage.
Boggs- Bog is a purely Celtic word, although now an
acknowledged word in the English language. We find it used in
its proper sense in the works of Shakespeare, Milton, and Bunyan.
As it stands, in Gaelic it signifies soft, but is applied to peaty and
mossy ground and a quagmire.
Corries. From the Gaelic Coire, a glen, ravine, or deep gully.
It is also applied to a cauldron or a whirlpool, as Corryvrechan on
the west of Argyll, given by Adamnan as Vortex or Chary bdis
54 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Brecain, the whirlpool of St. Brecan, grandson of the famous Niall,
and Sir Walter Scott, in the " Lord of the Isles," says
"And Scarba's isle, whose tortured shore
Still rings to Corryvrecken's roar."
The proper Corrivrecken or whirlpool is not that between Scarba
and Jura on the West of Scotland, but that between the historical
island of Rathlin and the coast of Antrim, where the Irish
merchant with his fifty curachs or boats with their crews were all
swallowed up in this awful cauldron of Charybdis Brecani. The
old name has long been given up, and the equally expressive name
of Slog-na-mara, the throat of the sea, is applied to it.
Paddockhill is not an old word, meaning a small enclosure. It
is a corruption of the Middle English Parrock or Parroche. It is
not the same word at all as paddock, a toad, from the M.E. Paddok,
Icelandic Padda, Swedish Padda, Danish Padde, Dutch Padd, a
jerker or jumper; Sanskrit Spand, to vibrate whence Sparca-
Spanda, a frog.
Cockmoor. The first part of this word is from the Middle
English Cok, Anglo-Saxon Cocc, so named from the bird's cry
" Cryde anon cok ! cok ! " Nun's Priest's Tale, 456. In Greek we
have Kokku y the cry of the cuckoo ; and Moor, a heath, from the
Dutch Moer, a moor the moor of the game blackcock.
Duffushillock, in 1667 Dobhashillock.^z first part is from the
Gaelic Doibheas, literally a voice, but invariably applied to a
reverberating hill or rock. We have Cnoc-an-doibheas in the west
of Inverness, and Creag-an-doibheas in the west of Argyll. As in
all ancient languages, so in Gaelic, the adjective usually follows the
noun the echo hill.
Glenlossie is rather a misleading name so far as the application
PARISH OF BIRNIE. 55
of the name concerns the actual situation. For the hollow called
the glen is east of the course of the Lossie considerably. The
derivation of Lossie will be given under Lossiemouth in the parish
of Drainie.
Cloddach, or anciently Clodach, is a word in general use along
the coast of the country, and signifies a flat, stony shore, here
applied to the shore of the river Lossie, and as distinguished from
Traigh, a sandy beach. In Gaelic-speaking districts Traigh is
definitely employed to distinguish that part between high and low
water marks, and Cladach to that part between high water mark
and the edge of the grass.
V.
PARISH OF BOHARM.
THIS parish was at one time partly in Banffshire and partly in
Elginshire, but a few years ago, by order of the Boundary
Commission, the whole was put under the jurisdiction of
Banff. The area is 16,741 acres; valuation, 7,496 4s. lid. ; and
population about 1166. It is bounded on the west by the river
Spey, on the south by the Fiddich, on the north by Bellie, and on
the East by Keith. Benaigen, 1500 feet high, occupies much of
the area, and a valley overhung by that hill occupies most of the
arable land. The average height above sea level of the whole
parish is 450 feet. Being an inland parish and some distance from
the sea, the land names are mostly derived from the Celtic
element, and are almost entirely free from Norse, while, on the
other hand, a few present a Brythonic appearance, suggesting the
presence of the Welsh element, but it is somewhat uncertain at
what period it was introduced.
Boharm in its present form assumes a Teutonic appearance, but,
when the history of the name is made known, it will be found to
have sprung from the Celtic. In the year 1000 it was Bucharin,
in 1200, according to Shaw, it was Bockairn, in 1220 it was
Bucharin, and shortly after it was Buharme Somewhere about
1774 it assumed its present form. Shaw makes the word to mean
the bend or arch about the cairn, from the Gaelic Bogha, a bow or
56
PARISH OF BOHARM. 57
bend, and others have, by adopting his meaning, fallen into the
same error. In the year 1200 already mentioned a chapel was
built by the Bishop of Moray, called the Chapel of Bocairn, which
was situated about fifty yards north of the castle, and which, like
the tower of Blervie, was built on the site of one of the ancient
sheilings used for herding cattle. This sheiling was called a cairn
for herding cows, or Bo-cairn Bo being the Gaelic for cow, and is
allied to the Latin Bos, a cow.
Arndily. The prefix here comes from the Teutonic Am, Ern,
Arm ; Latin Ara, Basque Area, French Aire, Celtic Arcs, a place,
farm, or dwelling, and is found as a suffix in such words as
Whitern, Candida Casa, or Whitehouse, Aros in Mull, and Arasaig
in Argyll. The suffix is from the Gaelic Dile, a flood. Arndile
the residence beside the flood ; in this case beside the Spey.
Cobblepot. Cobble here is not the name of a small boat, but is a
corruption of the Teutonic word Kabbelen, a bend in the bank of a
river, made either by the beating of the waters of the river, or by
the waters of a tributary. The word is frequently met with as
gobble.
Tornhead is from the Gaelic Tom, a round hillock or knoll, or an
eminence.
Bogmuck. The initial part of this word is often found in land
names throughout the country. It is taken from the Gaelic Bog, a
marsh or fen. The latter half is from the Gaelic Muc, a pig, with
which is cognate the Welsh Moch, Cornish Moh the pigs' marsh.
Killiemore. The word Coille plays an equally important part in
place names, and is variously found as Killie, Kelly, Cil, and some-
times Coll, a wood. Mor is the Gaelic word for big the large
wood.
Per render ron. This word is taken from the Gaelic Fear ami,
58 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
land, ground, or country. In its topographical use it is applied to
a particular portion of land, but is widely used as a prefix. The
latter part comes from the Gaelic Dar, Dero, Deryn, oak, with
which is allied the Latin Drus, Sanskrit Dm the oak forest.
Tominachty. For the initial part see Tomhead. In is the
article An, of, and the Gaelic Faiche, a field or a piece of land
the field eminence.
Maggieknockater, anciently Magh-cnoc-an-oitir, from the Gaelic
Mag/i, a plain ; Owe, a hill ; and Oitir, a ridge. The combination
is most descriptive of the place the plain of the hilly land.
Tanzie. In topography the Welsh word Tan, Gaelic Teinne,
fire, is found in the various forms of Tin, Tinny, Tane, and Dinnny,
indicating spots where fires of importance used to be made. They
might be beacon fires, or the Beltane fires kindled by the ancient
Celts on May Day, connected with the religious observances of the
Druids. The affix Zi is the Old French for habitation, and was
introduced into this country by Catholic missionaries, as found in
Sussi, the habitation on high, and Issy, the dwelling on the low
ground. Tanzie signifies the place of fire.
BalnaconL Baile, a town or dwelling, plays an important part
as a prefix in the topography of all Celtic countries, and is allied
to the Greek Polis. Joined with the article An it is found as
Ballin and Baile-an. Coul signifies a corner or the back of a hill,
from the Gaelic Cul, and is variously found as Coul, Coull, Cults,
and Cool the corner residence.
Tomnabreck. For the first part see Tomhead. Brack is the
modern form of Broc, a badger the badger hill.
Knockandn is the Gaelic Cnocan, a little hill, and Dnbh, black
the little black hill.
GauldwelL Wherever the Danes or Norwegians were met with
PARISH OF BOHARM. 59
by the Gaelic-speaking people of this country they were called
Galls, or strangers. The Norwegians were distinguished as
Fingalls, white strangers; the Danes as Dngalls, the black
strangers. Gauldwell is the strangers' well.
Eottenmoss comes from the Gaelic Rotan, belching or shaking,
as a quagmire the shaking moss.
Balnellan is from the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence, and
Ailean, a green meadow the farm of the green pastureland.
S/iians. The belief in the supernatural beings called the fairies
was at one time general among Celtic people. They believed
these beings dwelt in habitations in the interior of pleasant
eminences, which got the name of Sith or Sitheans pronounced
Sians S titans signifies the abodes of the fairies or fairy hills.
Aiichmadies, from the Gaelic Achadh, a field or plain. There
are two words in use in Gaelic for a dog Cu and Madadh but
the latter form is more commonly found in place names. Madadk
is also applied to any wild animal of the dog species. Consequently
Auchmadies may signify the field of the dogs or the field of the
foxes.
Starhcad is from the Scandinavian Ster, Icelandic Setr t both
contracted forms of Stadr, a station or place the head of the
station.
Tombain is from the two Gaelic words Tom, a hillock, and Ban,
white the white hillock.
Belnagarrow. From the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence, and
Garau, a thicket the dwelling in the wood.
Cruach. This word was originally used to designate a stack of
corn or hay, but the application was extended to hills presenting
a round or stacked appearance. The Welsh is Crng, and in
Cornwall it is Cruc the stack-like hill.
60 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Aldernie. The Gaelic A lit, a mountain stream, is usually
Anglicised Aid or A uld, and the alderwood is called F/ieama,m
which the//; is eclipsed by the combination of the two words
the alderwood burn.
Marchside. This is a comparatively modern name, from the
Anglo-Saxon Mark, a boundary, French Marche the boundary
side.
ColdJiome. So named from the exposed situation of the place
and the uncongenial nature of the soil. This word is very common
in the north-eastern counties of Scotland where the soil is marshy
or mossy.
Windy hillock signifies a hillock exposed to all winds, especially
to the cold north-east winds which blow so keenly down the
Moray Firth.
Berry leys. About 1516 the form of this word was Bearaglas,
from the Gaelic Bearradk, the top of a hill, and Glas, literally
grey, but when applied to pasture it is green. The Gaelic for
green ground or green field is Talamh Glas, and this word would
therefore mean the green hill top.
Lochleask. In 1766 this word was Lochlasg. Running water
has often got names from the manner in which it flows straight
or crooked, fast or slow, turbulent or smooth. The adjective Lasg
or Leask is from the Gaelic Leasg, literally lazy, but here
signifying the slow flowing water.
Dowalls. The first part, Doiv, of this word is from the Gaelic
Du, Dubh, black, and when found in patronymics signifies a black
stranger or a Dane, and by extended use has become to signify
any treacherous person, from the manner in which the Danes
treated the natives. The latter part of the word, Alls, is from the
Gaelic Ail, a rock the black rock or black hill.
PARISH OF BOHARM 6 1
Fid dick. It is locally believed that this word signifies the
ravens' stream (Fit/icach, a raven), and is locally pronounced
Fittach. In 1478 the word was Fidhach, which puts an entirely
different aspect on the signification. This early spelling is from
the Gaelic Fiodh, wood, which is cognate with the Welsh Guid r
German Witu, and Anglo-Saxon Verdu, English wood. Ach is
the Gaelic termination of adjectives formed from substantives.
Hence Fidhach or Fiodhach signifies woody the woody stream.
Dinnyom. The prefix of this word is Celtic Din, a fortified
height, and is cognate with the Gaelic Dun. It is also found as
Din t Dan, and Den. The latter part, Yorn, was anciently Ghorn,
from the Teutonic Gora or Goran, a mountain the hill
fortification.
Auchroisk, from the Gaelic, Achadh, a field or plain. The suffix
Roisk was formerly Rasg, which is another form of the substantive
Riasg, a moor, fen, or marsh, or ley ground, or coarse mountain-
grass the plain of the coarse grass or moorish plain.
Clay land is a modern name from the old word Clabarach, clayey
land, and is cognate with the Middle English Clai, Anglo-Saxon
Cley, Dutch and German Klei, also allied to the verbs Anglo-
Saxon Cleofan t Dutch Kloven, Icelandic Kljufa, Greek Glaphos,
to stick.
Corrie. Round hollows were often designated by the Gaelic
terms which correspond to the English Vat, Kettle, and Caldron.
Coire literally means a kettle or boiler, and in land names is-
applied to deep hollows in mountains or a whirlpool in the sea.
Barns is the modernised form of the word Bearnas, from the
Gaelic Bearnach, full of gaps in a hill or mountain. Bearnan is a
little gap. The word is frequently found as Barns, Barnes, and
sometimes as Barons.
62 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Strypeside. From the Gaelic Streup, strife, contention, or
plunder, and corresponds with the Anglo-Saxon Strypan, Dutch
Stroopen, to plunder. The signification of Streup is also
extended to mean a skirmish or insurrection. Most likely the
place of the skirmish.
Carlnsk is taken from the Gaelic Curr, a corner, an end, a pit,
or fountain ; and Liasg, a hut the corner hut, pit, or fountain.
Caltanach. The hazel in olden times was a common wood all
over the country, and many places abound with it at the present
day. Calltuinn is the Gaelic for hazel; Ach forms the adjectival
termination in Gaelic. Caltanach signifies abounding in hazel.
Ardoch signifies the plain on the height from the Gaelic Ard,
a height, and Achadh, a plain or field the plain on the height.
Newtack. How this word carne to assume its present form is
difficult to make out Of euphonious similarity to the former word
very little remains. In 1700 it was Nadag from the Gaelic
Neadag, a circular hollow ; literally a bird's nest.
Popine. The portions of land set apart for the use of the
priests in former days were quite numerous all over the country.
This word is the Scandinavian Papa, a priest, and means the
priest's land. It is met with in the various forms of Papa,
Pfaffen, Papen, Poppo, and Popine, as here.
Mansfield comes from the Celtic Mm, men, and Maen, a high
f rock or the brow of a hill. Field the latter half of the word, is a
mutation of the Norse Velt or Veld, a range of hills or mountains.
The combination here forms a tautology or a reduplication of
words having the same meaning united into one from different
sources.
Craigellachie. Various significations have been given to this
name. One says it might be Craigdhealachidh, the dividing or
PARISH OF BOHARM. 63
boundary rock. Another that it is Craigelach, the swans' rock ;
and the writer at one time with equal persistency maintained it to
be Craigiolachie, the rock from which the Clan Grant shouted
their war cry. In 1759 the form of the word was Craigaileach
from the Gaelic Craig, a rock, and Aileach, windy. At the same
time, the word is found in another form Craigailbheach, from the
Gaelic Ailbhe, a rock. The adjective also means flint. The word
may therefore mean the flinty rock or the windy rock.
Delfur from the Gaelic Bail, a plain. Fnar is the Gaelic
adjective for cold, and is applied to wet, marshy soil the cold plain.
Auchlunkart from the Gaelic Achadh, a field or plain; Lnnd
or Lunk is from the Norse, and means a sacred grove a place
where the ancient Druids performed their religious ceremonies.
Art is a contraction of Wart, a guarded place. The word
signifies the field of the guarded grove.
Cannaburn. Canna, the first part, comes from the Latin and
Greek Canna, a reed. The Gaelic equivalent is Cuilc the willow
or bulrush burn.
Fidde, anciently Fidh, which is a contracted form of the Gaelic
Fiodh, wood or woody.
Rinnocliat, in 1706 Rinagat, from the Gaelic Reidh, a hillside
stretch ; Na is the genitive preposition of\ and Gat is the Norse
for a gap or opening in a hill or mountain the serrated stretch of
land.
Garland, anciently Garlach, from the Gaelic garbhach, the
rugged part of a country or the rough bed of a river. The word
GarbJi, is frequently met with in topography.
Delmore from the Gaelic Dail, a field or plain, and Mor, big
or large. There are several Dalmores in the country, all having
the same signification.
64 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Burgknamary. Burgh is from the Teutonic, Scandinavian
Borg, French Bourg, a town or city, but literally an enclosed dwell-
ing often fortified place and is a contracted form of the Teutonic
Bergen, to protect. These fortified places were built on isolated
rocks, as in Dumbarton, Stirling, and Edinburgh, for greater
security, consequently the word Berg, a hill, was synonymously
used. Na is the genitive of the article. Mary is a corruption of
the old Gaelic word Maer, or as now used Maor, a steward or bailiff.
The old form of the word was Borgnamhaer the steward's residence.
Knowekead. Knowe is the Scotch form of the English Knoll
the hillock head.
Drakemyres, anciently Drachmeer, evidently from the Norse
Drccht, a meadow or pasture-land, and Moer, waste land the
waste pasture-land.
Midben, in 1669 Maolbein, which is evidently from the Gaelic
Mao I, bare or bald, and when applied in topography signifies
destitute of vegetation. Ben is from the Gaelic Beinn, a mountain
or hill the bare hill.
Shalloch, Gaelic Seilack, Latin Salix, the willow. In the Isle of
Man it is called Shell, Welsh Helyg, and is to be frequently found
in the place names of the country under a variety of forms.
Sonndmoor. At first sight this word would appear to be
English. In 1711 it was Sundmuir, which shows at once that the
' first part of the word is not of native origin. Both in the Norse
and Teutonic languages the word Sund signifies a piece of
privileged land, and in olden times many pieces of privileged land
were set apart for flocks and droves to rest and feed on in their
journey from one part of the country to another. Soundmoor
means the free moor.
Clachnaivarren, anciently Clachnabarphan, from the Gaelic Clack,
Grantown-on-Spey.
PARISH OF BOHARM. 65
a stone, and Barpannan, conical heaps of stones put up as
memorials of the dead, or of any great event, and the word is met
with as Barrows, from the Scandinavian Barrow, a mound of earth;
Anglo-Saxon Beorh the memorial cairn.
Forgie, from the Gaelic Fothir, land, and Gaoth or Gaoithe,
wind the windy land ; that land very much exposed to wind.
Lochdhu. Loch, and the Gaelic Dubh, black. Adamnan has
Latinised this word as LocJidiae, meaning the black loch.
Balnabreich from the Gaelic Baile, a residence, and Bruaich, a
brae or the face of an incline the residence on the brae.
Holl from the Teutonic Holle, cave or hollow. It is also found
as Hohle, allied to the Icelandic Hoi, Danish Hul t Gothic Us-Jmlou,
to hollow out.
Cummingston, anciently Comanton, and is after the ancient
Abbot Cumaine or Cummene, a follower of St. Columba, who died
in 669. He wrote a life of the Saint, much thought of by the
Irish, but little known in this country, on account of the superior
importance attached to Reeves' translation of the life of the Saint
written by Adamnan. Several places throughout the country have
been denominated after Cumaine, notably Fort- Augustus the old
name of which was Kil-Cumin, in Gaelic to this day Kil-a-
Cliuimain. There is also Kilchoman in Argyllshire.
Cullieshangan. The first part of the word is from the Gaelic
Coille, a wood. The pismire or ant is generally found in woods
and among the roots of trees. The Gaelic word for these creatures
is Seangan, which is often found in the names of the places where
they abound the wood of the ants.
Gorlioch. This is a corruption of the Gaelic word Garluch, a
mole, which, like the ant, has contributed not a little to the
naming of the places where it much abounds.
66 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Backshalloch comes from the Gaelic Bachdseileach, the willow
brae or hill. Bachd literally signifies the top of the brae or hill,
as seen in the expression Bachd-na-bruaich, the top of the brae.
Clach-na-yell, in 1574 Clach-na-geill from the Gaelic Clack, a
stone. Na is the genitive of. Throughout the country in olden
times many of these stones and cairns were erected to point out
and commemorate both triumph and defeat in many a sanguinary
contest. In this case it is defeat or submission, Geill being the
Gaelic word for yielding or submitting.
Craiglug from the Gaelic Craig, a rock, and the Teutonic
Ltig, Luka, Luz, Gaelic Leoig, a hollow or bend the rocky
hollow ; or vice versa the hollow rock.
Culfoldie from the Gaelic Cuil, a nook or corner, and the
Gaelic Foilte, a den or hiding place ; also the lair of a wild beast.
The word is meet with as Fail, Foil, Foild. Another word is
Brocluinn, having the same signification.
Bauds is a word frequently found in the topography of the
north-east of Scotland, and is generally given where there have
been clumps of trees or brushwood, from the Gaelic Bad, a clump
of trees. The plural is Bada, and the diminutive is Badan, a
little clump of trees, and is generally found as Bad, Bod, Bawd,
and rarely Bode.
Tarn. In 1710 this word was Taim, which would appear to be
the Gaelic Tamh, rest or quietness, but here signifying abode
the sheltered dwelling.
Clackenwells, anciently Cloc/ienwells, from the Gaelic plural
Clachan, abounding in stones or pebbles, or rocks. Water issuing
out of rocks or stony places.
Spey. the Romans named this river Teusiss, which is evidently
from the Greek word Teukrion, a plant called germander,
PARISH OF BOHARM. 6/
vulgarly the spleenwort. The oldest form of the word that can be
traced is in 1235, when it was Spe, which is probably the
original form. Spe is an old Pictish word, from which is derived
our Gaelic Spcidh, rapidity or strength, cognate with which is the
Sanskrit Sphiti, to increase in strength or force, and allied to
which is the Danish Spoed, Anglo-Saxon Spoivan, both signifying
rapidity. The Spean, a river in the county of Inverness, is from
the same source Spe, rapidity, and Amhuinn. Spcdlin, in
Dumfries, a strong, turreted, ancient tower on the Annan river,
has a similar signification.
Ben-Aigen. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic
Beinn or Ben, Welsh Pen, a mountain. The latter part is from
the Gaelic Aigeann, an abyss or deep pool or gorge the ben of
the abyss or of the gorge, the latter not far from Arndilly House.
The word is variously met with as Aigin, Aigen, Aikcn.
Aikenhead, in Forfar, and Aikenhead, in Renfrew, come from the
same source.
VI.
PARISH OF CROMDALE.
THIS large parish is intersected by the Spey. Prior to 1870
part of it was in Inverness-shire. It is seventeen miles long
by ten miles broad. Its real property is about 12,000. The
hills of Cromdale are on its southern boundary, and the haughs on
low grounds were the scene of a famous battle in 1690. In this
parish is situated Castle Grant, the ancient seat of the Earls of
Seafield, and also the ruins of Muckerach and Lochindorb. Gaelic
is spoken throughout the most part of it at the present day, and
being inland its place names are almost entirely Celtic. Few of
the more modern names are from the Teutonic, and still fewer
from the Welsh. With these exceptions the original language
supplies the rest.
Cromdale. The first part of this name runs through all the
Aryan family of languages. Gaelic Crom, Welsh Crwm, German
Krtimm, Anglo-Saxon Crumby all signifying crooked. The latter
' part is from the Gaelic Dail, a valley, and is akin to the
Icelandic Dalr y Danish Dal, and German Thai. The winding
valley following the sweep of the Spey.
Lynemore, is from the Gaelic Linne, Welsh Llynn, Anglo-Saxon
Hylnna, a pool or lake. The suffix is from the Gaelic Mor, big
the big pool.
Garthkeen. The first part of this word comes from the
68
PARISH OF CROMDALE. 69
Teutonic Garth, allied to the Scandinavian Gart, and the Gaelic
Garrad, Welsh Garrd, an enclosed place, and by usage has come
to signify a farm. The French words Garda and Warda,' also
allied to this word, originally signified a fortified place, but are
now used in the same sense as Garth. Keen, the latter part of
the*name is a corruption of the Gaelic Ceann, a head the farm at
the head of the valley.
Lochnellau. In 1690 this was Loch-an-alen, evidently from the
Gaelic Loch, a lake, an being the genitive form of, and Ailean, a
green plain or meadow here signifying the meadow on the
margin of the loch.
Uig is a Gaelic word signifying a nook, a retired place, a
solitary hollow, a cove or den, cognate with which is the Teutonic
Wick, Wic, Wyk, the Scandinavian Wick, Vig, and the Icelandic Vic.
Callendar. It is evident this is an imported word from the
neighbouring county of Perth. Anciently the word was Calentyr
and Kalentar, and some make this to signify Coille-an-tir the
wood of the land which is improbable, the meaning seems to be
the common form Coille-an-doir the oak wood from the Gaelic
word Dair, with which is cognate the Welsh Dar, Dero, Deryn,
Latin Drus, Sanskrit Dru, an oak. The d is here eclipsed by /, in
the old forms according to custom when it succeeds the preposition
an. The oak wood.
Polcreach is from the Gaelic Poll, Welsh Pwl, and Teutonic
Pool, a pool or marsh, with which is cognate the Latin Palus.
The latter part is from the Gaelic Criadhach (pronounced Criac/i),
clay. Another Gaelic word is Clabar. The clay pool.
Balnacrieve. From the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence, and
Craoibh (pronounced Grieve), trees or wood. The residence in the
wood or by the wood.
7O THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Salvation. From the Gaelic Baile, as above, and the
Scandinavian Vatn, or Vand, a lake. This latter part is met with
throughout the country in the various forms of Vatan, Vattin,
Vatton, and Watan. The residence near the lake or marsh.
Dalchroy, anciently Dalcroive. One person gives this word as
Dalcruaidh, but looking at the old form it is evidently from the
Gaelic Dail, a valley, and Craoibhe (the plural of Craobh), a tree
the woody valley.
Straan, anciently Strathan, evidently from the Gaelic Strath,
anglicised Strath, a valley. Straan is a little valley. The valley
of the Ugie in Aberdeenshire was in olden times known as Straan
Uigie. The Welsh word for strath is Ystrad, and found in the
word Yester in Mid-Lothian.
Knocktulchan, in Gaelic Cnoc-na-tulaichain. This is in reality a
tautology, from Cnoc, a hill, and Tulach, also a hill or mound. The
Welsh form of Cnoc is Knivc.
Knockanbuie. Knockan is a little hill. The second part, Buie,
is from the Gaelic BuidJie, yellow, of a gold colour, and is frequently
found in Scotch topography. The yellow hillock.
Culdreen. The first part of this word is from Cnl or Ctiil, a
corner, or the back of anything. With reference to its application
to places, it is used in the same sense as the Latin prefix trans is
, applied in such terms as trans- Atlantic, trans-Caucasia, and such
like, so Cul in relation to a hill is applied to the side remote from
the person speaking. Dreen is from the Gaelic Droigheann y a
thorn, with which is cognate the German Dorn, Dutch Doom,
Anglo-Saxon Thyrn, Welsh Draenen. The thorny hillside or
thorny corner.
Glentulckan. From the Gaelic Glcann, Welsh Glyn or Glann,
English Glen, a small valley, often named from the river or stream
PARISH OF CROMDALE. 71
flowing through it, but in this case it is designated from the plural
of Tulach, a little hill. The glen of the little hills.
Culdrachbeg and Culdorachmore. See Culdreen for the word
Cut, Dorach, or Drach in both cases is from the Gaelic Doireach,
a grove, Beg and Mhor signifying little and big. Culdrachbeg is
the little woody corner ; Culdorachmor is the big woody corner.
Delyorn. The first part is from the word Dail, a plain or field.
The affix Yorn is not directly a Gaelic word. It is the Teutonic
Goran, a hill or mountain. The Gaelic for it is Dorn, a hill. The
plain at the base of the hill.
Fanmore. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Founn, a portion
of land ; is also applied to the earth or soil. The suffix is from
Mor t big. The large portion of land.
Achvockie. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Achadh, a plain
or field, and Otic, the plural form of a young buck or roe deer
the field or plain of the deer.
Tormore. From the Gaelic Torr y Welsh Twr, a conical hill,
and Mor, big the large hill.
Garvalt. Garbh, the Gaelic for rough, is quite a common
qualifying word in topography, and frequently found as a designat-
ing word in the names of streams and mountains. Ault is the
Gaelic for a burn the rough stream.
Airdbeg. Aird, the first part of the word, is not to be con-
founded with the word Ard. The former means a point of land,
the latter a height. Beg, the qualifying word, is from the Gaelic
Beag, little the little point.
Advie. Mr. Johnston, of Falkirk, thinks this word is from the
Gaelic Fhada, long, and Ad/i, a river, which is far from correct.
This word has a history. Ad, the first part, is a contraction of the
Teutonic Abt, Latin Abbatis, an abbot. It is a well-known law of
72 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
orthographical interchange that the consonantal letters b, c, d, f, g,
p, s, t are each eclipsed by a special letter of its own. The
terminal letter t in Abt is eclipsed by d, and the alteration has the
effect of silencing the b altogether ; hence Abt became Ad. Vie,
the suffix of the word, is the Norse, literally for holy, but by usage
extended to signify a church or cell. The abbot's church or cell,
and the ruins of this very old church or cell are still to be found
not very far away from the site of the present church.
Deldow, from the Gaelic Dail, a plain or field, and Dubh, black
the black or dark field.
Aultyorn, from the Gaelic Allt, a burn. Frequently this word
is confounded with Alt, Welsh Alit, a height or cliff. Yorn is from
the Teutonic Goran, Gaelic Dorn, a hill. In its latter form it is
met with as Dorn or DJwrn (pronounced Yorn). The mountain
stream.
Duier is a corruption of the Gaelic Dobhr or Dobhair, found also
as Dur, Welsh Dwfr or D^vr, Breton Dtwr. Dobhr is one of the
many Gaelic terms for water, which is evidently directly taken
from the Sanskrit Dabhra, the sea. For this word Ptolemy in his
geography uses Dur. Dobhar-chu is the Gaelic for an otter, and
Dobhar-fus is water cress.
Dalvey, from Dail, a plain or field, and Beith, Welsh Bedw, and
Bedwen, cognate with the Latin Betula, the birch tree. Many
places have received their names from this wood, and as a
terminal syllable it takes various forms, as Bay, Veagh, Beith, and
Beath, Beat hie, and Beth. The birch wood plain.
Balnallon, from the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence, and
Ailean, a green meadow. There is another word, Ailleann, signify-
ing beautiful, and found in the different forms of Aluinn, Alainn,
and contracted as Aille, but more probably the former, as the
PARISH OF CROMDALE. 73
article n or na would be unnecessary were the signification the
beautiful residence. The proper Gaelic form would be Baile-an-
ailean the meadow residence.
Shennoch, from the Gaelic Sean, old, and cognate with the
Latin Sen-ex. Sanskrit Sana is often found in place names of the
country chiefly applied to natural features and to use. Och, the
affix, is from the Gaelic Achadh, a field. The old field or fallow
land ; land formerly in cultivation but allowed to become fallow.
Camriach. The first part, Cam, is the Gaelic word for crooked
or curved. It is more particularly applied to glens and straths,
and with reference to the sea coast is found as Cambus. The affix,
Riach, is from the Gaelic Riabhach, greyish or brindled. A word
frequently applied to hills torn by water spates. The brindled head.
Ballyblair, from the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence, and Blair
or Blar, a plain originally a battlefield the residence on the
plain.
Dalriach, from the Gaelic Dail, a plain or field, and Riabhach t
greyish or brindled the rough, grey plain.
Lettoch. In olden times Davach was a measure of land. The
word was first used as designating a measure of capacity, and the
piece of land sown by the Davoch of corn was called a Davoch. The
Gaelic word for half Davoch is Lethdavoch, shortened into Lettoch.
Culfochmorc, from the Gaelic Cnil or Cut, a nook, corner, or back
of, and Faiche, a field ; Mor, big the corner of the large field.
Knock-na-kist. CHOC is the Gaelic for a hill, and Ciste, literally
a box or chest, but in topography a well-defined hollow the knock
of the hollow.
Dellifure, from the Gaelic Dail, a plain or field. The latter
part is from the Gaelic Fuar, cold, and usually applied to exposed
and marshy soft places.
74 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Tomvaic/i, from the Gaelic Tom, a hillock. Vaich, the latter
part is from Baoghach, an old Gaelic word denoting the resort of
fairies, generally supposed to inhabit little green eminences called
Baoghans or Sitheans. The fairy hillock.
Knock-na-cardich. The Gaelic Cnoc, a hill, also found as
Crock, where the combination en is changed into cr for purposes of
pronunciation. Knock is the Anglicised form in which usually the
initial k is silent. Cnuic is the plural form. C ear dock is the
Gaelic for smithy. The smithy hill.
Achnahamet, formerly AchadJinahaniet ; from Achadh, a field or
plain, and Annait, literally a church, but in topography also-
extended to signify churchland ; that is, land which was in olden
times set apart for the purposes of church revenues. When the
double n was eclipsed by the aspirate in is not known. The word
is frequently found in the place names of the country, as Annat in
Inverness, Hanat in Argyll, Anait in Skye, all of which have
retained the original n in preference to the m. The church lands.
The English equivalents to these names is teind lands.
Achnagallen, from the Gaelic Achadh, a field or plain, and Gallan,
the well-known plant the butterwort the field of the butterwort.
Clachendeagle, from the Gaelic Clach, a stone. In olden times
and at the present day it was and is the custom in fine evenings
for people, young and old, after the labours of the day, to assemble
at particular spots, such as on a knoll, or at a large stone dyke, or
under a tree. Deaguil is the old Gaelic word for evening or
twilight, hence these rendezvous were termed Cnoc-an-deaguil r
Clach-an-deaguil, Garradhdeaguil, and Craobh-an-deaguil, so that
the word is literally the twilight stone.
Derraid. Doire is the Gaelic for a grove or hollow or dell, arid
Fhada, long or sinuous the long or sinuous grove or dell.
PARISH OF CROMDALE. 75
Aiichtogorum. How the old form Ochdgorm came to assume
the present form is not known ; from the Gaelic Uchd, the brow of
a hill or rising ground, and Gorm, grassy or green the green brae-
face.
Lagg, from the Gaelic Lag, Lug, German Luckc, cognate with
Latin Lacus, Greek Lakkos, a hollow or lake. It is not common
for this word to affix the double g except when the diminutive an
is affixed, which in this case was probably dropped from the form
Laggan, a little hollow. It is also found as Lig, Leg, and Luig, as
in Baileanluig, &c.
Craigbeg, from the Gaelic Craig, Carrig, Carrick, Welsh Craig, a
rock, and Beag, little or small the little rock.
Craigdhu is the black rock, from the Gaelic Dhu, black. It is-
also found as DubJi and Du.
Auchnarroivmore, from the Gaelic Achadh, a field or plain, and
Ara, slaughter or battle or field of battle; Mor, big the field of
the big slaughter.
Kuchanroy, from the Gaelic CaocJian, a small stream. Roy is
usually the Anglicised form of the Gaelic word RuadJi, red the
red streamlet.
Balnadash, from Baile, a town or residence, and Clais, literally
a furrow, but extended to signify a ditch, hollow, or grove the
residence in the hollow.
Lynemore, from the Welsh Llynn, the form assumed in the
word; Gaelic L inn, a pool, and Mor, big the big pool. In many
cases the application of the word Lynn has been extended to-
signify a hollow or dark dell.
Auchnafairn. AcJiadh, a field or plain. The alder is in Gaelic
Fearna ; in Irish it is Fearn ; and is very common in the topo-
graphy of Scotland the field of the Alderwood.
76 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Ballieward, from the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence, and
Bhard, a poet or bard. In this word the combination bh is
eclipsed by v, the ancient form being Bailevard, and in course the
v became eclipsed by w a well recognised interchange of conson-
ants in the process of Anglicising words.
Glaschoil, from the Gaelic Glas, grey, having the appearance of
the bark of the birch tree, not the same meaning as when used in
the term Talamh-glas. Coille is the Gaelic for wood. There is a
place of the same name in the parish of Glenelg on the north side
of Lochnevis.
Anabord, from the Gaelic Ath or Abh t a ford or stream, and the
Gaelic Bothar, a lane, road, or passage. The change from Bothar
to Bord is found in Bordcoille, Bordroy, and Bordgleinn, also
Bordaonich, respectively the passage through the wood, red
passage, glen road, and mountain path. The ford to which several
roads lead.
Druirnguish, from the Gaelic Druim, cognate with the Latin
Dorsum, and literally applied to the back of an animal, and by
extension has been applied to ridges or long low hills. Giuthas is
the Gaelic for firwood. It is also found as Giubhas, the firwood
ridge.
Atendow, from the Gaelic Aitionn, gorse or juniper, and Dhu,
black the black gorse field or place.
Ourock, anciently Odharach (pronounced Orach). The old form
of the word was Odhar (sounded Oar), signifying dun colour or pale
.grey, and is found as Ore, Oar, Our, and Ower, and frequently
applied to grey hills, particularly those covered with withered
grass.
Rait, anciently Rate, and found as Raith, Ra, Rah, and Ray,
and in Latin it is found as Atrium, and applied to a circular mound
PARISH OF CROMDALE. 77
or entrenchment thrown up to protect the enclosed residences. In
Gaelic we have the three words Lios, Rath, and Dun, having a
similar signification.
AnagacJi, from the Gaelic EngacJi, a track, a fetter, or snare, and
by extension applied to any obstruction, particularly to a marsh or
quagmire ; in this case probably the marshy place.
Rynaballoch, from the Gaelic Reidhe, a hill stretch, and Bcalach,
a road or mountain pass. When this word is found as the affix it
is usually changed into Valoch, the b being eclipsed by v t as in
Aldivalloch, in " Roy's Wife," &c. The ridge of the passes.
Dellachapple, found as Delhapel, Delhaple, and Delchaple; from
the Gaelic Dail, a dell or plain, and the Gaelic Caibeal, a cell or
church, applied particularly to the rude places of worship erected
by the Columbian monks throughout the country, cognate with the
French Chapele, Latin Capella, a shrine. When land or a portion
of land is used as a prefix to another word signifying church the
combined word usually signifies land set apart in olden times for
church purposes.
Tominourd, from the Gaelic Tom, a mound or knoll, and Onrd.
The latter part is a corruption of Scandinavian Ord, Gaelic Uird, a
mountain of a round form and steep, and generally applied to a
point or corner.
Sterendy. The old form was Sturandlii, from the Gaelic Sturr,
the rugged point of a rock or hill, and Aindibk, an accident or
calamity the rock or hill of affliction or calamitous hill.
Tomingarn. The Gaelic Tom, a hill or knoll, and Garan, a
thicket or underwood. The latter part is also found as Guirean
the shrubby hill.
Balnafetlack, from the Gaelic Bailc, a residence, and Fcadag, the
plover, which gets this Gaelic name from Fead, a whistle, the cry
78 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
of the bird resembling a whistle. The word generally forms the
affix of a place name. Often the initial letter f is eclipsed by v,
and by the combined aspirants bh, as Yidog and Bhidog.
CorshellocJi, from Coire, literally a caldron, but in topography a
round deep hollow, just as the crater of a volcano was derived from
the Greek Krater, a cup, and Seileack, the willow, cognate with
the Manx Shell, Welsh Helgy, and Latin Salix. The initial s is
often eclipsed by t, as in Coille-an-tseileaclian the willow hollow.
Polowick, from the Gaelic Poll, Welsh Pwl, Armoric Poidl, a
pool, and Teutonic Wick, Wic, Wyk, Norse Wick, Vig, Sclavonic
Was, Wies, a dwelling, and is supposed by some writers to come
from the Anglo-Saxon root Waes, German Wiese, a meadow. The
primary signification seems to have been a station. The root runs
through all the Aryan languages. Sanskrit Veea, Greek Oikos,
Polish Wies, Celtic Qwic. In this country the word seems to have
been first used with reference to stations on bays and creeks of the
sea, or at the estuaries of rivers.
Waulkmill. This is a comparatively modern name. The first
part of the name was introduced through the Flemish merchants,
but the word itself is of Dutch origin Walken, to press or full
cloth, and is cognate with the Icelandic Valka, Danish Valke, and
Scotch Waulk the mill for pressing or fulling cloth.
BalnabodacJi, from the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence, and
/
Bodach, an old man. Also used to define a clown, a surly, churlish,
ill-natured fellow, and a ghost or fairy. Probably here the old
men's place of abode.
dagger snick. The terminations Nach, Tack, and Lack are
found in all Gaelic-speaking counties in combination with prefixes
ending in the letter r, and when the letter s is joined to r they
take the oblique form of Nick or Nick, Teach, and Lech. The
PARISH OF CROMDALE. 79
word dagger in topography is taken from the Gaelic Claigcach, a
steeple, which in its turn gets its name from Clog, a bell. Hills
having a round bell-like shape are usually termed Cloigcach or
Cloigernich.
Cragganmore, from the Gaelic Craig, a rock, and Creagan is the
diminutive form meaning a little rock. Mor, the suffix, means
big. This name therefore signifies the big rock.
Lethendry. This word was imported into this parish from the
neighbouring county of Perth. In 1280 it was Lcthendy, and is
evidently from the Teutonic Laen or Lehen, and latterly Lcthen,
signifying fiefland. The terminal syllable dy is also a contraction
of the Teutonic Ende, signifying a corner the corner fiefland.
Balcktile, from the Gaelic Baile, a residence, and Coille, wood.
This word assumes many other forms in topographical names, as
Kel, Kil, Kelly, Killy. The plural of Coille is Coillte, and is met
with in the form of Kilty, Coillidh. The diminutive form is
Ooillin and Coillteann, applied to underwood or shrubs.
Knockanhighle, from the Gaelic CHOC, a hill. The terminable
part Highle is a corruption of the old Gaelic word EocJiaill, the
yew wood, as found in the Ochil Hills and Ochilty, the yew wood
hills and yew wood. This word is therefore the yew wood hill.
Croftindam, from the Gaelic Croit, a croft, and Damli, an ox,
and cognate with the Latin Dama, a deer. Max Muller says that
the transference of a name from one species of animals or plants to
another is a curious phenomenon, and not frequently met with.
The Greek Phegos signifies an oak, while the corresponding Latin,
Gothic, and English terms Fagus, Boka, and Beech are applied to
the beech tree.
Callinduim, from the Gaelic Coille, a wood. The latter part,
Duim, is from the Gaelic Dumh, cognate with the Latin Tumulus,
8O THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
a raised head, which is derived from the verb Twneo, I swell.
These Duims are known in Scotland as sepulchral mounds. The
wood of the tumuli.
Balmenach. This word is generally supposed to signify Middle-
ton, from the Gaelic Meadhon, the middle. This is not so. The
Gaelic for Monk is Manac/i, which evidently is taken from the
Latin Monachus, Greek Monachos, a monk. Again from the Greek
Monos y alone or solitary. The monks' residence.
Croft-na-mollach, from the Gaelic Croit, a croft. The Gaelic
for curse is Mallachd, and is used in topography to signify sterile
pieces of land that will produce little crop notwithstanding what
amount of labour is spent on them.
Achroisk, from the Gaelic Ac/iadk, a field, and Riasg, a fen or
marsh, cognate with the German Risch and the Anglo-Saxon
Risge. It is also found as Ruasg, and as terminals it assumes
various forms, as Riesk, Reisk, Risk, Reask, Rtisk, and Ruise.
It is applied generally to wet land, as in the phrase Talamh-
rosgach.
Phaebuie (pronounced Faebtiie), from the Gaelic Feith (pro-
nounced Fea), used to designate a bog or boggy stream flowing
through marsh where rushes grow. The latter part is from
Buidhe, yellow, cognate with the Latin Badius, French Bai. The
yellow marsh.
Aucliosnich, from the Gaelic Achadh, a field, and Cosnach (also
written Cosnaic/ie), a labourer or workman the labourer's field or
portion of land.
Dreggie, anciently Dreggn, evidently from the Gaelic Draig-
hionn, the thorn, and variously found as Droigen, Draen, Drain
and Dreen, and as a suffix it is found as DraigJie, as in Coldraigh.
Gortons, from the Gaelic Goirtean, a piece of ploughed land. It
PARISH OF CROMDALE. 8 1
is found as Cart, and cognate with the French Jardin, Anglo-
Saxon Geard, and evidently glosses Hortus.
Ryecorrach, from the Gaelic Reid/te, a stretch of hillside, and
Corrach, steep or precipitous the steep declivity or steep hillside.
Glengour, from the Gaelic Glean, a glen. The word Glen is the
Anglo-Saxon form, and is independent of the Gaelic Gleann, which
is much older, being in use in this country in pre-Saxon times.
Gobhair is the Gaelic for goats. It is common to a number of
languages. Latin Caper, Welsh Gafer, Cornish Gavar, Anglo-
Saxon Haefer. This word was at a very remote period applied to
a horse in the form of Gobur and Gabur.
Rynacrach, from the Gaelic Reidhe, a hillside stretch, and
Creach, plunder, spoil. Evidently a place where formerly the free-
booters were in the habit of hiding their plunder.
Tiribeg. In the initial letter of this word T has taken the place
of D. From the Gaelic Direadh, an ascent, and Beag, little the
little ascent ; and in contradistinction to Direadhmore, the big or
long ascent. The word as a prefix is frequently found throughout
the country.
Corriechorach, from the Gaelic Coire, a deep hollow or ravine,
and Corrach, steep or precipitous the precipitous ravine.
Glentarrach, from the Gaelic Gleann, a glen, and Tarbhach,
fertile, also ToracJi the fertile Glen.
Kyleantra, from the Gaelic Coille, a wood, and Srath, a strath.
In the word Srath it is usual to insert a t between the s and the r,
and the word becomes Strath. The same with the word Sraid, a
street, which becomes Sir aid. Sron, a nose, becomes Sir on, and
Sruth becomes Stritth.
Dulaig. This is a provincial word from the Gaelic Dula, a
hollow, and signifies a little hollow.
82 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Inverallan, from the Gaelic Inver, a confluence of two streams
or the estuary of a river. Evidently the latter part of this word is
from the Gaelic Ailean, a green plain or meadow. The Allan in
Stirling and Allen in Ross are from the same source. The
confluence plain or meadow.
Gaich, from the Gaelic Gag or Gachd, a cleft. It is also found
as Gabhaig and Gob/tag.
Rynchra, from the Gaelic Reidhe, a hillside stretch, and Crodh,
cattle the cattle hill pasture.
Crannich. The common Gaelic word for a tree is Crann, Welsh
Pren, Armoric Prenn. The genitive form is Crainn. The word
Crannich signifies abounding in trees.
Fionlarigy from the Gaelic Fionn, white. Common to all Celtic
languages, and evidently glosses Albus. It is also found as Foun
and Fin or Finn. The terminal Larig is from Learg, the side
slope of a hill the white hillside.
Rynedean, formerly Ri-n-edean, from the Gaelic Reidhe, a hill-
side stretch, and Aodann, the face, literally the forehead. It is
also written Eodan, and used in topography to signify the brow of
a hill. The face of the hillside.
Lochindorbt from the Gaelic Loch, a lake, cognate with the
Latin Lacus, and Doirbh the minnow, Gaelic Meanbh, little or
small, a small British fish found in fresh water lakes. Lochs are
usually designated after the fish found in them, as Loch-na-
neasgainn, the lake of eels; Loch-na-inurcan y the loch of the
lumpfish. Lochindorb is the loch of the minnow.
Toberluag, on the west bank of the Spey opposite the Church of
Cromdale, from the Gaelic Tobar, a well or spring of fresh water,
and Luag, one of the Columban monks.
VII.
DALLAS.
THIS Parish occupies the centre of Elginshire. It lies to the
south-east of Forres, and is twelve miles long by nine broad,
with an area of nearly 23,000 square acres. Its valuation is
about 6000, and population 1000. The river Lossie, issuing
from a small lake at the south-western extremity, cuts it into
nearly two equal parts. Several burns discharge their waters into
the river, which acquires at certain seasons considerable volume.
Dallas Lodge is a modern residence, and the ruins of Tor Castle is
the chief antiquity. In a few of the names of the parish we find
the Norse element, supplying evidence that the foreigners pene-
trated pretty far inland.
Dallas is derived from the two Gaelic words Dail, Middle
English Dale, Icelandic Dalr, a valley, and Eas or Ess, and some-
times Essie, literally applied to a waterfall, but by extension now
commonly used to designate a river. The strath or valley of the
Lossie stretching or extending between the Lossie and Lochty on
the south side of the hill of Melundy must have been at one time
under water. The nature of the soil is peaty, evidencing the fact
Among the early inhabitants of the country streams and rivers
were objects of special observation, and each has a legend of its
own which has impressed its name on the places through which it
flows. The legend of this strath being in former ages under water
83
84 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
is that which has determined the name Dallas or Dollas, as it was
formerly called.
Aultguhorn. This word is common throughout the country
under various forms Aultvern, Aultquhorn, from the Gaelic Allt,
a burn, and the Teutonic Goran or Gorn, a mountain or hill. This
suffix is found in recent writings as Tarn, Icelandic Tjorn, Swedish
Tjarn, which has come to signify a mountain lake.
Loan is from the Gaelic Lon, a marsh. We find the root of this
word in the word Lena, a river of Siberia, signifying the sluggish
or marshy river. The English word Lawn is also derived from it.
Lonach means abounding in marshes.
Torchastle was once a strong fortalice, and forms the chief
antiquity of the parish. It is derived from the Gaelic Tor, Latin
Turris, German Thurm, and Greek Pyrgos,, a mound, a conical
hill, and Anglo-Saxon Castel, Latin Castelhim, a fortified place.
There is another such place on the estate of Balmaduthy in the
Black Isle.
Rhininver. The first part comes from the Gaelic Reidhe, a hill-
side stretch or a mountain flat or a moory level piece of land
among hills, and found as Rea, Re, and Rey. The latter part is
from Inbhir, which is the original form of the word still retained in
Ireland, but in Scotland the form Inver has been adopted, where
the letter v has eclipsed the combination b/i, and signifies a river
mouth or the confluence of two streams. It is seldom used as a
suffix. Lochinver and this word are the only two examples which
occurred to the writer. The Bhir or Ver is evidently cognate with
the Latin Ferre, and Greek P herein. The hillside stretch or
mountain flat at the confluence.
Carries. The word Coire, a deep round hollow, very common in
mountainous districts. It is also applied to a ravine or a deep
DALLAS. 85
gulch. Coire is also the Gaelic for the household utensil kettle,
and it is from this that it was applied in topography, just as the
crater of a volcano was taken from the Greek Krater, a cup.
Probably the plural form here signifies a number of hollows.
Tomcork, from the Gaelic Tom, a hill or round knoll, and the
Gaelic Core, Irish Coirce, Welsh Ceirch, and Armoric Kerch, oats.
The cereal has been cultivated in this country from very early
ages, and on account of the fact that, with the exception of barley,
it is the grain that requires the shortest summer and least sunshine
to bring it to maturity, along with another equally important fact,
namely, that it feeds upon coarse decayed vegetable matter, which
accounts for its being the first crop grown in reclaimed land, being
thus adapted to soil and climate, are the reasons for its early
cultivation.
BellacJiraggon. The transformation through which many place
names have gone in the Anglicising process, is very evident in this
word. The old form of the word was Bail-a-creggan, from the
Gaelic Baile, a residence, and Craggau, the diminutive form of
Craig, a rock the residence at the little rock.
Aultiunisk. So recent as the year I860 the form of this word
was Aultayuish. The former would mean the burn of the Insh,
from the Gaelic Ault,& burn, and luis, Welsh Ynys, Armoric Enes,
and Latin Insula, an island, which is applied to a holm or low flat
meadow along a river, and is found in the various forms of Inis t
Inish, and Inch. The latter form is preferable, being the oldest
and the most probable. Yuish, the latter part, is from the Gaelic
Giuthas, the fir. This tree has given names to many places in the
north and west of Scotland, showing that in former times it was
very abundant.
ScottackleyS) from the Gaelic Sgotan or Sgotaig, a small farm,
86 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
also by extension, signifying a small flock, and the Middle English
Ley, a meadow, with which is cognate the German Loh, Belgian
Loo, as found in Waterloo. The small meadow farm.
Ediuvail. The word Eudan, or more commonly Aodunn,
literally a forehead, but topographically used to signify a hill brow,
is very common throughout the country in the forms Edin and
Eden, and generally applied as a prefix. The latter part is from
Baile, the genitive form of which is Bhaile, a residence. The
initial combination bh is usually eclipsed by v t hence the form
Vail the house on the brow of the hill.
Ardoch, from the Gaelic Ard t a height, used sometimes as a
noun, and as in this case as an adjective, and cognate with the
Latin Arduus. The latter part is a common contraction of the
word Achadh, a field. The field on the height, and so is Ardoch in
Perthshire.
Anargate. In comparatively recent times markets were held in
almost every parish. The Gaelic word for an assembly of this sort
was Aenach in Ireland, Aenart in Scotland. It is locally supposed
this is the meaning of this word, but as the word Aenart has long
ago been obsolete, I am disposed to think the word has a different
meaning on account of the word Gate affixed, and that it is derived
from the Gaelic Anariadh, a toll. Thus the word would signify
the toll gate.
Goatcraig,faom the Gaelic Craig, a rock, found frequently as Car rig
or Carraig,2xA usually applied to a large rock the rock of the goats.
Torrwhinnie, from the Gaelic Torr, Welsh Twr, a round, well-
defined hill. Caithne, the arbutus or strawberry tree, is more
frequently found as Quhinn, Cuinn, Queen, and Whinn. It is
generally supposed that this tree is not indigenous to this country,
but was introduced from the Continent by the monks.
DALLAS. 87
Auchness, from the Gaelic Achadh, a field. The old form was
Achadh-an-eas, the field on the margin or bank of the river. Eas
is always used as a substantive, and primarily signified a cascade or
waterfall, and is cognate with the Norse Foss, but by extension has
become to signify a stream.
Succoth is a corruption of an old term used for a measure of land.
Socach, an extent of land as much as one pair of oxen or one
plough could cultivate.
Hatton. There are several Hattons throughout the country, and
in England the word is found as Helton or Heaton. In the Pictish
Chronicle of 970 it is Athan, and in 1200 it was Ay ton. The
initial a is subject to aspiration, which accounts for the aspirate //
being prefixed. The word is found also as Atten, Aiten, and Attan,
from the Gaelic Aitionn, the gorse or juniper.
Clashden. A deep trench, a farrow, or ditch, or fosse is usually
designated by the word Clais. The word Den affixed is only a
reduplication or a tautology.
WJdtcrashes. This word had at not a remote period been
imported into the parish from the county of Aberdeen, from the
Middle English Rusche, Dutch Rusch, and Latin Ruscum, rushes
the field of the white rushes.
Rynagoup. The first part is from Reidhe, a hillside stretch. Na
is the genitive form of. A mouth, beak, or snout is known in
Gaelic by the words Gab or Gob, both forms being frequently
found in place names. There is a distinction, however, made, Gab
literally signifying a mouth and Gob a beak or snout, the latter
being the form used here, and meaning the peaked or pointed hill.
Colebnrn. The prefix here is the old Gaelic word Coll, hazel,
cognate with the Latin Corylus, Welsh Coll, modern Gaelic
Calltuinn the hazel burn.
88 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Craigroy, from the Gaelic Craig, a rock, and Ruadh, red, and
cognate with the Latin Ruber. This termination is extensively
used in the formation of Scotch local names. It has an equivalent
in the word Dearg, also signifying red. The English word ruddy is
from the root Ruadh.
Tapp. In several parts of the country, particularly in the north
and east, the word Tapp is frequently met with in local names, as
in Tap-o'-Noth, in Aberdeen, signifying a round mass or knock.
From the Norse Tapp, German Zopf, Icelandic Toppr, a tuft.
Soldow, from the Anglo-Saxon Sealk, a kind of willow so named
from growing near water. Icelandic Selja, Swedish Salg, Danish
Selje, and Gaelic Sail or Saileach, Welsh Helgy, Greek Elieke.
Found when a prefix in the various forms of Sal, Set, Sol, and
Sul. The affix Dow is from the Gaelic Dubh, black. The black
willow hill.
Wangle, from the German Wang, Anglo-Saxon Wang, a field or
strip of land. Found in several places throughout the country as
Wangen. In the Scotch doric it is Whang.
Shade is a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon Shaw, Scandinavian
Skeg, a wood or grove; Icelandic Skogr, Sanskrit Shu. Also
found in the forms of Scaga, Shide, Scide, and Skid.
Tombrake, from the Gaelic Tom, a conical hill or knoll. The
latter part is from the Gaelic Breac, speckled or parti-coloured, and
is generally applied to hillsides or upland districts which often
present a speckled or spotted appearance. It is also found in the
various forms of Brack, Brit, Briot, and Breat, which in reality is a
different word having the same signification.
Rimichie, from the Gaelic Reidhe, a hillside stretch or mountain
moorland, and the Gaelic Maigheach, Irish Maitheach, a hare, or
place abounding in hares.
DALLAS. 89
Bodnamuir. The prefix Bod is common to all the branches of
the Celtic languages, and signifies a dwelling. The root is found
in the Sanskrit A bad, English Abode, Gaelic Abaid, a dwelling.
The latter part is from the Norse Mor or Moer, Scotch Muir, a
piece of waste land or heath.
Buinneach. Amhuinneack is the adjectival form of the Gaelic
word Amhitinn, cognate with Amnis, a river, literally signifying
abounding in rivers, but is frequently applied to marshy or moist
places. The word Buinneach has a similar signification, and is
from the root Boinne, a small quantity of water. A soft, marshy
place.
Kellas. The first part of this word is from the Norse Kehle, a
gorge or defile, and is cognate with the Gaelic Caol, or as found in
some places Gael. In the English it is found as Kell and Kyle.
The substantive As is found in Eas, a stream. The gorge or defile
of the river.
Badymichael. Bad is another form of Bod see Bodnamnir.
The old form of the word was Bodmoyseal. The change took place
about the year 1690. The suffix would therefore seem to be
derived from Magh, a plain, more frequently found as Moy, and the
Gaelic losal, low or a hollow. The residence of the low plain.
Bauds is another form of Bod. The introduction of the vowel u
into the word is attributable to the Scotch language being
distinguished by its lengthened sounding of the vowels, as the
word is not found so spelled outside the area of the Scotch.
Mains. The word Maen, a place or district, is common to all
the branches of the Celtic languages. In Welsh it is Maenor,
Latin Mansio, and French Maison.
Brockintore. The word Broc, a badger, is in extensive use in
local names throughout all Scotland. The Anglicised form is
9O THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Brock. It is perhaps more often found as a terminal than other-
wise. Brocach signifies the haunt of the badgers. Tore, the
latter part, is from Torr, Welsh Tivr, a hill the badgers' hill.
Bodnapluck. For the first part of this word see Bodnamuir.
Pluck is from the Gaelic Ploc, a round mass or a flat piece of land,
and extensively applied to the topography of the country. The
dwelling on the flat piece of land.
Bod-na- Stalker. See Bod as above. Stalker is from the Norse
Stackr, Gaelic Stuaic, a projecting rock or point, and found in the
forms of Stack and Stock. The dwelling at the rock or point.
Bogbuie. The word Bog, though a pure Gaelic word, is now an
acknowledged English word as well, having found its way into that
language at an early date, and signifies soft. The adjective Bide is-
from the Gaelic Buidhe, yellow, cognate with the Latin Badins,
French Bai, English Bay. The yellow bog or marsh.
Coldhome. Middle English Kald, Anglo-Saxon Ceald, Icelandic
Kaldr, Latin Gelidus, cold. The cold dwelling-place. This name
is applied to houses in a windy situation, as well as to those in
moist, wet places. It is also applied to places having a northern
exposure.
Slackend. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic Slochd,
a pit, den, or hollow. The Anglicised forms are Slack and Slock,
where the combination ch is hardened into k and the terminal d
dropped. The end of the hollow or den-end.
Slackmaisley. For the first part see Slack as above. The old
form of the word was Slackmaisel. The Gaelic for beautiful is-
Maiseal, and applied to local names frequently. The beautiful
hollow.
Branc-hill. The first part is a foreign word pure and simple ;
from the Scandinavian Bronga, a well, literally a mineral well, and
DALLAS. 9 1
frequently met with within the Norse range of influence on the
northern shores of Scotland. Brangan and BrankanentJiam in the
parish of Boyndie, Banffshire, are examples.
Reynavey. The first part is from the Gaelic Reidhe, a hillside
stretch. Beithe, Welsh Bedw t birch, is extensively found in Scotch
topography. The initial b in this and similar words is usually
eclipsed by v in the Anglicising process. The birchwood hillside.
Tom-na-Moin is from the Gaelic Tom, a round hill or knoll, and
MotJie, peat or moss. The mossy or peaty hill.
Lochty or Black. In the ordnance survey map this stream is
known as the Black or Lochty. In Adamnan's "Life of St.
Columba" the Lochy is found as Lochdiae, signifying the black
stream, and also Nigra-Dca. The termination ty of this word is
evidently a hardened form of the adjective DnbJi, black, and
probably the old form was Lochdubh, the black stream.
Melundy. The first part Me is from the Gaelic Magh, a plain or
flat. Lnndy is from the Scandinavian Lund, a grove where the
ancient Druids used to observe their religious rites. At one time
the belief was prevalent that on the hill of Melundy were the
remains of a Druidical circle where they were wont to perform
their sacred ceremonies of fire-worship.
Gervaul. The usual Gaelic term for roughness or coarseness of
land is Garbh, found in English as Garrieff, Garry, and Garve.
In its adjectival form it frequently forms the component part of
river names. The final part of the word is from the Gaelic Baile,
a residence. The rough place of abode or rough farm.
Silverford. The Gaelic word for silver is Airgiod, and is
cognate with Latin Argentum, and with the Sanskrit Regata.
Several places have got their name from this word from the
practice of people in ancient times hiding their treasure in
92 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
particular spots easily distinguished, and probably this place was
so called from this custom. The ford of the hidden treasure.
Tandagart. The old form of this word was Tigh-an-f Sagairt.
The first part Tigh is the dative of Teach, a house or dwelling.
Sagart, a priest, is taken directly from the Latin Sacerdos, and is
quite common in the topography of the country in the form of
Taggart, where the initial s is eclipsed by t, and in the word under
review by d. The priest's dwelling.
Febbegg, from the Gaelic Feith, a ditch, literally a miry place,
and Beag, small the small ditch or small marsh.
Conachie. The old form of this word was Ceannachie, from the
Gaelic Ceann, a head or point or the end of anything, and is
frequently found as Kin or Ken, and Achadh, a field or plain the
end or head of the plain.
Shatebrae. The first part of this word is a corruption of the
Gaelic Sceach (pronounced Ska), the hawthorn, and Brae, a hill
declivity the hawthorn brae.
VIII.
DRAINIE.
THIS Parish extends four miles along the southern shore of
the Moray Firth, and inwards for about two miles. It has
an area of 6949 acres ; population about 4000 ; and valua-
tion 1300. It is bounded on the east by the river Lossie, on the
south by the site of the once beautiful Loch of Spynie, on the west
by Duffus, and on the north by the firth. Before Loch Spynie was
drained, the parish consisted of a peninsula formed by it, the
Lossie, and the Moray firth, stretching east and west, and was
known as Kinnedar. The two parishes of Kinnedar and Ogston
were conjoined about the year 1675, as indicated by the date on
the old spire. There are some most interesting caves on the coast,
which in former days were the receptacles of many a hogshead of
Holland gin and French wine, and the scene of many a conflict
between smugglers and the Excise. The site of the ancient strong
castle of Kinnedar adjoins the churchyard. The patron saint of
the parish was the venerable St. Gerardine, who took up his abode
in a natural cave 10 feet square, and adorned with a beautiful
Gothic window and door. This cave was in the rock now adjacent
to the railway station, but in the course of working the quarries it
was destroyed. A spring of medicinal water issued from the rock
above the saint's hermitage.
93
94 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Drainie is a pure native word, which, notwithstanding the
frequent incursions of Norsemen, has retained its hold on the place
from the first. Its ancient form was Draighn, which is clearly
from the Gaelic Draigliean, the thorn, not the usual black thorn,
but the " hippophai ramnoidos " or seabuck thorn, which thrives so
well on the seashore, and of which little or none is to be found in
the parish now. The word is found throughout the country as
Draen, Dreen, Drain, Drynie, DrynocJi, with which is cognate the
German Doru, Dutch Doom, Anglo-Saxon Thyrn, Welsh Draenen.
Janetsfield. This word has not the signification usually given to
it that of being Janet's field. The old form of the word was
Thanetsfield, from the Middle English Thein, Anglo-Saxon Thogen.
Icelandic Thegn, a thane, or literally a warrior. The thane's field
or portion of land.
Newlands. This name applies to land recently brought under
cultivation. From the Middle English Newe, Anglo-Saxon Niewe,
Icelandic Nyr, Danish Ny, Welsh Neivydd, and Gaelic Nuadh,
Greek Nesos, Sanskrit Nava, new. The word is found frequently
as a qualifying word to the names of towns as well as to reclaimed
land, as in Newburgh in Fife, a town of considerable antiquity,
owing its origin to the Abbey of Lindores in its immediate
neighbourhood. It was erected into a burgh of barony by
Alexander III. in 1266, and in the charter it was called " Novus
burgus, juxta monasterium de Lindores."
Hamlets is from the Middle English Hoom, Dutch Helm,
Icelandic Heimer, a village ; English home, Scotch hame. Hamlet
is directly formed from the Fresian Ham, with the diminutive Let
affixed, signifying a little village or a dwelling-place.
Paddockhill. This is not an old word. It was first used by
Evelyn, and is a corruption of the Anglo-Saxon Parrocke or
DRAINIE. 95
Pear roc, an enclosure, literally a small enclosed park adjoining a
mansion, and cognate with the English Park, Gaelic Pairc. Skeat
says the double d was introduced in the same way as in the word
Poddish for porridge, which is a softened form of pottage.
Overalehouse. This is a drastic corruption of an applicable
word. The first is from the Dutch Over, German Ufer, Anglo-
Saxon Ofer, Scandinavian Eyre, a border, boundary, or shore,
cognate with the Latin Or a, and Greek Horos\ and Ail, a rock or
hill. The house on the hill or on the high boundary.
Covesea, from the Anglo-Saxon Cofa, Icelandic Kofi, a chamber
or cave, cognate with Latin Cauea and Cauns, a cave or hollow ;
also the form Cauerna. The sea caves on the estate of Gordonstoun.
Balormie. One of the Scandinavian pirates or vikings who
infested the southern shores of the Moray Firth was Ormr. Baile
is the Gaelic for a residence, hence the word would originally have
been Baile Ormr. The place or portion or residence of Ormr.
Penrose, from the Celtic Pen, a head or promontory, and Ros,
also a promontory. This is a tautology, the two words having the
same signification, and usually found where different people or
people speaking different languages apply words having the same
meaning.
Balgreen, from the Gaelic Baile, a residence, and the Gaelic
Grian, the sun. It also signifies a summer-house or bower. It is
supposed by some that this word is from Bal or Bel t the solar
divinity and god of light, and originally the god of all power and
might, hence in Gaelic forts and fortified places were called Bal,
from the same circumstances, and thus many places have got their
etymon through a secondary channel while the root is still the
same.
Gordonstoun is a patronymic word, and has been in the posses-
96 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
sion of the family for hundreds of years. Robert Gordon of
Gordonstoun, who received the title of baronet, was the first in
Scotland to get the honour in the year 1625, when this new order
was created or instituted by James the Sixth of Scotland and First
of England as one of the sources from which he expected to obtain
money.
SilverJiilL There is an old legend about this word wherever it
occurs to the effect that in any time of danger from invasion or
attack the people were in the habit of hiding their treasures in
particular places which might be easily distinguished afterwards,
particularly hills and streams. Many such places are found in the
country, and known in Gaelic as Cnoc-an-airgiod, or silver hill.
Szveetkillock, anciently Suithillock, which is evidently a corrup-
tion or rather an old form of Southhillock, from the Dutch Zuid,
Icelandic Sudr\ also Sunnr, the south. We find the word in
Sud-reyjar, the southern islands; Zuydersea, the south sea.
Ogston. The name of the place where the mensal church under
the old Church of Kinnedar was placed. This is not a patronymic
word, as might at first sight be supposed. It comes from the
Teutonic Houc or Hoog, a little elevation or corner, allied to the
Scottish Heugh and the Scandinavian Haugr. The dwelling on.
the elevation or in the corner or neuk.
Greens. Many of the names of places are taken from the Gaelic
word Grian, the sun, which in Gaelic is a feminine noun, as-
opposed to the English masculine, and is usually applied to places
where the ancient Druids worshipped the sun, or more recently to
sunny spots, which latter are found in Latin writings as Solarium
or Terra Solarius.
Ar divot. The first part of this word is Aird, a point, in contra-
distinction to Ard, a height. The second part is commonly
Lossiemouth and Branderburgh.
DRAINIE. 97
supposed to be the Gaelic Bhata, a boat, but this is doubtful, as
the old form of the word was Airdivod, which points to the
Scandinavian Vad, a ford, and with which is cognate the Latin
Vadum, Gaelic Ath, and the Anglo-Saxon Wad. The signification
would therefore be the ford point or point at the ford.
Plewland is a modern name from the Middle English Plough,
Icelandic Plogh, a plough. Grimm affirms that he has grave
doubts as to whether the word plough is Teutonic. He suspects it
is Celtic, from the Gaelic Ploc, a block of wood, a stump of a tree,
hence a primitive plough. The ploughed land.
Coulardbank, from the Gaelic Cut, the back of anything, and
found as Coul, Cuil, Coull, Cults, and Culter. It is often very
difficult to tell whether the word signifies Cuil, a corner, or Cul, a
back. This can only be done when the configuration of the place
is known. In this case there can be no doubt but Cul is the
proper word. Ard here means the height, so that the word signifies
the back of the high bank.
S tot field. This also is a comparatively modern name, from the
Scandinavian Stoat, an animal, and thus has the same signification
as the word Stag, which in the English language is a general name
for a male animal. It is cognate with the Icelandic Studr,
Swedish and Danish Stut, the ox field.
Kinneddar. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic
Ceann, a head, point, or promontary. Welsh Cyn or Cefn, Greek
Kephale, and Sanskrit Kapala. The second part Eddar is from
the Gaelic Edar, French Entre, Latin Inter, between. This word
enters into a large number of names throughout the country whose
signification express position between two physical features. The
point between two waters.
Spynie. The first form of this word was Spinne. In 1295 it
G
98 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
was Spyny, about 1400 it was Spine t shortly thereafter the present
form was adopted. We find the same root in Spean, a river in
Inverness-shire ; in 1516 Spayng, 1552 Spane. The first syllable
Spi, or Spe, or Spa is a Pictish word signifying water, but by
extension has become to be understood as a running stream, and
then rapidity. The same root is also found in the word Spa, a
watering-place. The name was given from the loch to the east,
which should be called Loch Spynie, not the Loch of Spynie, as is
generally the case.
Lochside is now an inland farm, but when the valley to the north
of it was full of water the name was very applicable. This is what
those who live on the farm say is the signification, but the more
probably correct one is from Dutch Loof, German Lauf, a stream
or current. The farm beside the current.
Sunbank. This is a recent name given to a farm not so long
ago reclaimed, and is so called because it has a fine southern
exposure.
Oakenhead. The old form of this word was Oichenhead, which is
derived from the old Gaelic word Oichen or Oichel, water, and it is
found throughout the country in the various forms of Okcl, Oykell,
and Ochel, when strictly applied to water, but when applied to
places near water as Ocal, a large cavern in Ardnamurchan,
Argyllshire ; Ochils, in Perth and Stirling ; Ogle, in Forfar.
1 Kaysbriggs, from Kay, a man's name, and the Middle English
Brigge, Anglo-Saxon Bryeg, Icelandic Bryggja, Swedish Brygga t
literally a pier, then a pavement and a bridge.
Lossie. In Ptolemy's Geography it is given as Loxa, and
afterwards it is found as Laxia, from the Norse Laxa, a salmon.
The root is Lax, and the final a, and in some cases o, a river, with
a prefix expressive of the character of the stream, is the most
DRAINIE.
99
frequent form of the word in Iceland, Scandinavia, and in the parts
of Britain colonised by the Norsemen. There is a place in a
turbulent stream in the west of Ross called Leamlox, signifying
the salmon leap or Saltus Salmonis. It is very common in the
local names as Laxay, the salmon stream in Lewis ; Laxdale, the
valley of the salmon stream, also in Lewis ; Laxfirth, the salmon
firth, in Shetland; and Laxford, the salmon stream, in Sutherland.
IX.
DUFFUS.
THIS Parish extends along the shore of the Moray Firth west
of Drainie. It is about six miles in length and three in
breadth, with an area of 9475 acres, and valuation of about
1400. Population, 6000. The surface, with the exception of
two small eminences, is level. The old Loch of Spynie when full
extended for about a mile into this parish. The old Castle of
Duffus stood on the north-west shore of the lake. This castle was
surrounded by a deep moat, a parapet wall, with a drawbridge.
The rude workmanship of the walls would indicate that the strong-
hold must be a very ancient one, and is supposed to have formed a
place of protection for the Palace of Spynie opposite it on the
south-east side of the then lake. One of its earliest possessors, and
possibly its founder, was Freskinus de Moravia, whose family
became conspicuous in Moray in the reign of David I. Near the
place called Kaim stood an obelisk, conjectured to have been that
erected near the village of Camus in commemoration of the victory
obtained by Malcolm in Moray over the Danes under the great
leader Camus. At the picturesque village of Duffus there is a
square surrounded by four regularly paved streets, the workmanship,
it is said, of Oliver Cromwell's soldiers, who marched hither on
account of the loyalty and devotion of the inhabitants to the Stuart
dynasty.
100
DUFFUS. 101
Duffus, in 1290 Duffhus, 1512 Duffous.The first part, Duff, of
this word is clearly from the Gaelic Dubh, pronounced Dhu,
signifying black or dark coloured, and is found in a large number
of place names throughout the country in the various forms of
Duff, Doo, Dhu, Du, and Dub, and in such patronymics as Douglas,
literally meaning dark grey, and Dugal, meaning dark stranger.
It is also very frequently applied to water in which there is an
infusion of mud or the dark reflection of the surrounding hills.
The second part, Us, is from the Gaelic Uisge, Welsh Gwy, water,
and is met with as Esk, Usk, Oise, Ouse, and Use, which also enter
largely into the topography of the country.
CrosshilL It was usual with the ancient Celts in this country
to mark the place where any providential event had happened, or
where they founded a church or village, by erecting a cross to
commemorate the event in this case supposed to have been in
memory of Malcolm's victory over the Danes. From the Latin
Crux, Gaelic Crois, a cross. The hill of the cross.
Unthank. It was the custom of the Norse to apportion or
measure land by rental, and like the metre in the metric system,
the ounce was the base or unit. The old Gaelic for ounce was
Unga, from which by mutation came the modern Unnsa, and is
cognate with the Latin Uncia, Old French Unce, and allied to the
Greek Ogkos, a mass or weight, then as now the twelfth part of a
pound, whence the prefix Un. The second part, Thank, is from
the Icelandic Thegn, a dignitary; German Degen, a warrior;
Middle English Thein, English TJiane. Unthank is thus so much
land rented by the thane for an ounce of silver or gold. We find
other measurements in such words as Penningham in Wigton,
Pcunyfeiler in Skye a pennyweight's worth of land from the
Icelandic Pennigr. The oldest form is Pending, having the same
IO2 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
base as the Duteh Pand, a pledge, a token, or coin. Then we have
Feorlig in Skye a farthing's worth.
Philaxdale. The first part of this word comes from the Gaelic
Pill, a small river inlet, and is the oblique or genitive form of the
Gaelic word Poll, a pool or hole. The second part, Lax, is the
Norse word for salmon. Philaxdale is the dale of the salmon
stream.
Begrow. The prefix here is from the Scandinavian Bee or Bock,
a brook, and the Gaelic Strath, a valley or dale. Bee is also found
as Bock and Bach, and by mutation it is met with as Fach and Vach.
Spindlemoor. The old form of this word was Spansalmoor,
which is evidently a corruption of the English Spancel, German
Spannen, to tie, to fetter, from the custom of fettering or tethering
cows or horses in a pasture or moorland. The tethering ground.
Gillston. The first part of this word is from the Scandinavian
Gill or Gja, Hebrew Gae, a ravine, and also found as Goe. By
extension it is applied to a small bay and to land depressions.
The latter part is the Anglo-Saxon Ton, Scandinavian Tun, an
enclosure or dwelling-place. Single enclosures became in Celtic
times a village, and the village a town, which particularly arose
around the Duns, Raths, and Lises.
Rothills. The word Rath was in Pictish times applied to a
circular mound or entrenchment of earth thrown up for shelter and
protection, and translated by Latin writers as Atrium, and met
with as Rot, Roth, Rath, and Raith. The hill entrenchment.
Waterton. This word is not at all what it would at first sight
appear to be. The old form was Watnster, which got corrupted
down to its present disguised form. It is from the Scandinavian
Vatn, a lake, and Ster, a place or dwelling. The same word is
found almost identically with this in Waternish in Skye.
DUFFUS. 103
Cummingston, in 1696 Cnmineston, both in Elgin and Aberdeen,
from Cummene, the abbot who wrote the life of St. Columba, and
who died in 669. The word is found in the Gaelic for Fort-
Augustus Kil-a-chuimen.
Clashaugh. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic Clash,
a trench or fosse, but frequently applied to a narrow dale or hollow
ground. The word Haugh being superimposed makes it a tautology.
Roseislc. The first part is from the Gaelic Ros, a promontory.
It also signifies a wood, and it is often very difficult to determine
which of the two meanings should be applied. When such is the
case the nature and configuration of the place ought to be carefully
considered. In this case the more likely signification would be the
island, headland, or promontory, from the fact that both the
parishes of Duffus and Drainie, forming one peninsula, were once
nearly surrounded by water.
Shempston. The prefix here is from the Scandinavian Helm,
literally a place of shelter, Anglo-Saxon Hama, and cognate with
the Greek Heima. On the Continent and in several places in
England this word takes the form of Eim, Em, Sheim, Shem, and
Shemp, and the suffix is from the Scandinavian Tun, an enclosure,
so that in this as in several other cases the combination forms a
tautology.
Starrmoss. The prefix here is also a Scandinavian word. Ster,
contracted from Stadr, a place or station, and by extension a
dwelling. The dwelling beside the moss.
Buthil. This is purely a Teutonic word Buttel, a dwelling, and
found as Bold, Battle, Bottle, Scandinavian Z?0/and Bo t and is a very
common word wherever the Norsemen set foot in the country.
Buittle in Kirkcudbright. By extension the word is now applied
to a farm.
IO4 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Charleston. The origin of this word is from the Anglo-Saxon
Charlock, a species of wild mustard; also found as Kedlock. There
is a local tradition that the name was given from the familiar name
Charles's- Wain, the cluster of seven stars in the constellation Ursa
Major or the Great Bear.
Standing Stones. The latter part is from the Anglo-Saxon
Stan, a stone. In several places throughout the country an
assemblage of upright stones is found. These were usually put up
in circles, and were used by the early inhabitants for special purposes
Inchkeil, from the Gaelic Innish, Welsh Ynys, an island, and
now frequently applied to land near water or a plain. The latter
part is from the German Kahl, Anglo-Saxon Calo, bald, bare,
devoid of vegetation, and cognate with the Latin Calvus. The
bare field.
Bruntland, from the German Brand, a place cleared by burning,
and cognate with the Icelandic Brenna, Danish Braende, Swedish
Branna, and perhaps allied to the Latin Feruere, to glow. Cleared
land.
Sandymoss. The old name of this was Skandmoss, which is
evidently from the German Schwand, a wood clearing.
Maisonhangh, from the French Macron, a house. The dwelling
in the haugh.
Inverugie. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Inver or Inbhir,
a confluence or creek, and is an element in numerous names
throughout Scotland. The suffix Uig is also common throughout
the north and west, and is from the Scandinavian Vig, Icelandic
Wig, Vyg, Teutonic Wick, Wic, Wyk, a creek or bay. The
primary meaning seems to have been a station for ships or a
harbour. This is an imported word from Peterhead, anciently
Invemgie-Petri or Petri Promontorium.
DUFFUS. 105
Picky law. The prefix of this word is from the Anglo-Saxon
Pic or Pike, French Pic or Puy, a peak. The suffix is from the
Anglo-Saxon Law, Low, or Hleaw, cognate with the Gaelic Lagh,
& hill. A tautology.
Weddershillock. The old form of this word was Widrohillock,
which is clearly from the Scandinavian Widr, wood. The woody
hillock.
Hopeman. There are many traditional derivations given of this
word according to the fancy of persons who too readily jump at
conclusions. It is still vulgarly called Howdmon or Howdman.
Its ancient name was Hautmon, from the Norse Haupt or Hoved
or Haut or Hoot, a head or promontory. The word is found in
Howth in Ireland, in Hod or Hoddam in Dumfries, in Honna in
Caithness and Roxburgh; then there is Hounamlaw. On the
Continent it is found as Haupt, Hoft, and Hatten. The second
part comes from the French Mont, literally a mountain, but
applied to lofty headlands. The lofty headland.
Keam. The old form of this word was Kaims, latterly Kaim,
and finally Keam, from the Teutonic Kamen, a stone. There was
an obelisk erected near this place in commemoration of the victory
obtained by Malcolm in Moray over the Danes under their famous
leader Camus. Or, judging from the oldest form, it may be from
the patronymic Camus.
Burghead. The old name of this place was Terryton, and we
find it in Ptolemy's Geography as Ptoroton, which is evidently his
form of the still older form Tor-an-dun, the fortified hill or head,
Latterly it was supposed to have been a Danish fort or burgh at
one time distinguishable on the headland, but is now generally
thought to be of Roman origin, as it corresponds with the Alata
Castra of Ptolemy. Within its limits a Roman bath was
IO6 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
discovered, and on the llth of May, 1809, Mr. Anthony Carlisle-
exhibited to the Society of Antiquaries in London a drawing of a
bull taken from a stone found here, obviously of Roman sculpture.
An engraving of it is given in the 16th volume of " Archseologia,"
page 365. General Roy has preserved a plan and sections of this-
station. Against this opinion it is observed by Mr. Rhind, in his'
" Sketches of the Past and Present State of Moray," published in
1839, that it does not appear at all probable that the Romans ever
had any permanent footing in Moray. Agricola sailed round the
island on a voyage of discovery. It was from this voyage that
Ptolemy drew his materials for his rude map of the country. The
Ptoroton of Ptolemy appears to correspond with Burghead, at that
time nothing more than a headland. The Varar is the river
Beauly. Varris may have been Forres, and Teusis the Spey. Not
only from these circumstances, but also from the simple and rude
construction of the well itself, the probability is that the Picts
were the founders of the fort and the artificers of the well. Nor
on this account is it the less interesting as a relic of ancient art.
We have abundant examples of the Roman art in other situations,
and but few specimens indeed of the ingenuity of the Scandinavians.
That the Picts held this stronghold of Burghead there can be no*
doubt. The very name and the traditions of the battles which,
tjiey fought in the vicinity indicate this.
X.
DUTHIL.
THIS Parish is purely Highland, and exceedingly interesting
and romantic. It is sixteen miles long by thirteen broad,
and is situated on the banks of the River Spey. The
population is about 1600. Valuation about 6,000. Three miles
to the east of Duthil Manse stands the picturesque ruin of the old
tower of Muckerath, a seat of the Grants of Rothiemurchus, which
was erected in 1598 by Patrick Grant, a son of John, surnamed the
"Simple." The Church of Duthil is one of the few Roman
Catholic edifices which escaped the relentless destructive energies
of the Reformers.
DutJiil. Various derivations have been given of this word. One
is Taobh-thall, signifying the other side. This is supposed to have
been given in contradiction to Deshar, where the old church
formerly stood, and supposed to signify the south side. This is not
so. The word Deshar is from the Latin Desertum, and used in an
ecclesiastical sense to denote churches built in secluded spots, such
as the early saints loved to select, and found variously throughout
the country as Desert, Disert, Dysart, Dysert, Dishard, Deshar, and
in Clachandysert in lona, and in the old name for Glenorchy.
Another derivation given is Tuathal, having a northern exposure.
These derivations, however plausible, point to only a part or
division of the parish, while our forefathers gave comprehensive
107
IO8 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
names that conveyed a general idea of the place to be named.
Very frequently whole districts were designated by the word Dubh,
black. Hills, islands, and large areas of land were so designated.
The word Dubh is softened into Duth, Dith, Di, and Doo\ also Dow.
and Du. The latter part of the word is Alne, or more frequently
Ail, a rock, cliff, or hilly land. Duthil is therefore the black hill,
from the ridge that runs through the parish. Another derivation
given is the " Glen of Heroes," from a legend that the chief of these
on one occasion cleft a hill with one stroke of his sword, which cleft
is to this day called Bearn-a-Claidheamh.
Kinveachie. This word is pure Gaelic, from Ceann, a head or
point, and Beitheach, abounding in birch, Welsh Bedwen and Bedw,
and variously found as Beagh, Bei, Vey, Veagh, and Veach, Beath.
The initial b is usually eclipsed by v.
Knockgranish, from the Gaelic Cnoc, a hill, and the Teutonic
Gran or Grenze, a boundary. The old form of this word was
Knockgransie. The latter part of the word is not common in this
country, though found in a few places, but on the Continent it is
frequently met with.
Dellvoult. In olden times this word was Dail-na-Muilt, from
the Gaelic Dail, Dutch Deel, German Thel, and Irish Dal, a dell or,
as is sometimes the case, a field or district. In the latter part, the
m in the old form Muilt is eclipsed by v. Muilt is the plural form
of Mult or Molt, a wedder. The wedder grazing place.
Lackgluie, from the Gaelic Lag, Lug, German Lucke, and cognate
with the Latin Lacus, and Greek Lakkos, a hollow or lake, and
Laogh, plural Laoigh (pronounced Luie), a calf or calves. The
hollow of the calves.
Drumullie, from the Gaelic Druim, the literal meaning of which
is a back, but in its topographical application a hill or ridge, and is
DUTHIL. 109
cognate with the Latin Dorsum, and the Gaelic Ulaidh, a treasure.
One of the conspicuous places where in olden times the natives hid
their treasure.
Laggan-tigh-a-gotvn. Laggan is the Gaelic for a little hollow.
Tigh is the Gaelic for a house, and is cognate with the Latin
Tectum, German Dach, and Scandinavian Tag, a roof. The Welsh
is Ty, and it is anglicised Tagh and Tigh. The third syllable is a
corruption of the Gaelic Gobhainn, a smith. The combination is the
hollow in which is the smith's house.
Avielochan. The first part, Avie t is from the Gaelic Abh, a
river, with which is cognate the Sanskrit Ab and the Persian Aw Y
water. Lochan is the Gaelic for a little lake or loch.
Aviemore. For the first part of this word see Avielochan. The
latter part is the Gaelic Mor, Welsh Mazvr, great or big. The big
river.
Carrbridge, from the Gaelic Carr, a rocky shelf or projecting
part of a rock ; or it may be from the Gaelic Car, a bend or curve.
Slack, from the Gaelic Shig, literally the throat, but in local
place names is applied to a narrow passage or opening between two-
hills.
Lynardry, from the Gaelic Linne, Welsh Llynn, and Anglo-Saxon
Hlynna, a pool, a lake, and sometimes applied to a waterfall; Ard,
a height, and Reid/ie, a hillside. The pool or waterfall at the hill-
side height.
Tnllochgribban, from the Gaelic Tnlach, a little hill or mound,
and sometimes a measure of land ; and Gribban, an instrument for
breaking the surface of land. It is called in Ireland Graf an, in
which is hidden the Greek verb GrapJio, to write or engrave. In
the Gaelic word Scriban we find the Latin verb Scribo.
Lyntarr, from the Gaelic Linne, Welsh Llynn, a pool or lake,.
IIO THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
and Tarr, literally the lower part of the belly, but in topography
applied to the base of a hill or the lower part of a valley.
Dalrachnie. The old form of this word was Dal-ra-naoi, which
is evidently from the Gaelic Dail, a district or part, and Rath, a
circular mound or entrenchment thrown up as protection round a
level space or garden, and is termed in Latin Atrium. The third
syllable is clearly from the Gaelic Naomh, a saint. The dale of
the saint's enclosure.
ShealacJian, from the Gaelic Scileach, the willow. Literally this
is the adjectival form, the substantive being Sail, cognate with the
Latin Salix, Manx Shell, Welsh Helgy. Several places throughout
the country get their names from the species of wood naturally
growing there. The willow field.
Lethendiy. This word has been imported from Perthshire, the
old form of which was Lethenendy, which evidently comes from the
Gaelic Leana, grassy land with a soft, spongy bottom. The plural
form is Leantaidhe. The form Leana is found as a prefix in many
places throughout the country.
Beananach is a pure Gaelic word signifying many small peaks or
serrated or pointed hills. Abounding in peaks or points.
Delnahatnich, from the Gaelic Dail, a plain or level district; Na,
the genitive of\ and Aitneach, a stranger. The stranger's field or
plain. The aspirate h has been prefixed to the last syllable to
form the genitive case after the proposition na.
Balnacrivey from the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence ; Na, the
preposition of: and Craoibh, trees or wood.
Loggie. A name very common, both as a patronymic and as a
place name, throughout the country. The old form was Logyn and
Logan, from the Gaelic Lagan, a hollow. It is also found as
Laggan.
DUTHIL. I I I
Bogroy, from the Gaelic Bog, a bog or marsh or quagmire ; and
Ruadh, red, cognate with the Latin Ruber, English Red m Ruddy,
and is found as Rua, Row, Ruf, Roogh, and Ro. The red bog.
Slackmuick, from the Gaelic Slug, literally the throat, but
applied to narrow passages ; and Muc, a pig ; also the heap raised
over the mouth of a vessel in measuring, and hence applied to land
raised above the surrounding level. Here probably signifying the
pigs' passage.
Avingornach, from the Gaelic Amkuinn or AbJiuinn or Avninn.
The mh in the first form is eclipsed by bh in the second, and bk by
v in the third, which is how the numerous Avens and Avons
throughout the country are arrived at from the proper form
Amkuinn. Gornach is from the Norse Corn, Sclavonic Gora, and
cognate with which is the Greek Ores, a hill or mountain. The
termination Ach signifies abounding in. The hill stream.
Aultcheanach. The first part, Ault, of this word should be Alt,
a hill, and Cheananach signifies heads or peaks. The pointed or
peaked hill or mountain.
Elian is from the Gaelic Ailean, a green plain.
Mullochard. The first part is the Gaelic Mullach, the top. As
a root word this word enters extensively into the formation of place
names. Mullein, a little top, is the diminutive form of Mullach.
The latter part, Ard, signifies a height, but in this word it is used
in the adjective form. The high summit.
Balnafruch, from the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence. Na,
the genitive of. The latter part, Fruch, is a corruption of the old
Gaelic word Farrach or Forrock, a meeting place. Locally the
signification given to the latter part is Fraoch, heath or heather.
Lynechurn, from the Gaelic Linne, Welsh Llynn, a pool or lake,
and sometimes a waterfall, as in the Linn of the Dee and Corra
112 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Linn on the Clyde. Churn is the oblique form of Cam, a cairn, a
heap of stones, also a rocky mount, as found in the Cairngorm
mountains.
Cornaich. The old form of this word was Carnaich y which is
from the Gaelic Cam, a cairn or heap of stones, but here signify-
ing a rough, rocky or hillocky ground.
Delfabr, anciently Dalfahr, from the Gaelic Dail, a plain, and
the old Gaelic Fachair, shelving land, and is met with only
occasionally throughout the country. It is allied to the other
word Faiche, a field or lawn.
Lynfeul. For the first part of this word see Lynechurn. The
latter part is from Fiall or Fell or Fjeld, the Scandinavian for
mountain. The mountain linn.
Inchtomachy from the Gaelic Innish, Welsh Ynys or Enez,
German Insel, Latin Insula, Greek Nesos, an island, and in many
cases pasture-land near water. It takes the form Inch when
applied in the latter sense. Tomach, the latter part, is from the
Gaelic Tom, a hill or knoll, and AC/I, abounding in. The hilly or
knolly pasture-land.
Buttangorm, from the Gaelic Badan, a small cluster, a tuft, a
little grove, or a round hill with trees, and Gorm, blue. It is often
applied to mountains or hills. It was also used to designate
tne colours of various natural objects. The green hill or green
grove.
CoilnervauL The first part of the word is from the Gaelic
Coille, a wood, and is represented by various modern forms, as Kil,
Kyle, and sometimes Cil, but in the latter case care must be taken
to distinguish it from Cil, a church. The old form was Coil-an-
Arigeal. The present form was adopted about 1764. Arigeal
DUTHIL. 113
signifies a habitation or a small church or a cell, and is cognate
with the Latin Oraculum. Coilnervaul signifies the habitation or
church in the wood.
Balintraid, from the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence, and
Sraid, a street, derived from the Latin Strata. In topography it
is applied to a road, and found as Straid, Strad, and Srad. The
dwelling beside the road.
Auchtalanch. The old form of this word was Achattdach, from
Achadh, a field or plain, and Tulach, a little hill, and found as
Tilly, Tully, and Tuloch ; also as Tealach. The hill field.
Lochgorm, from the Gaelic Loch, a lake, and Gorm, blue. The
loch of the blue water.
Lochanhully, from the Gaelic Lochan, a little lake. The latter
part of the word is from the old Gaelic Uladh, a tomb or cairn. It
is applied to a stone altar from the ancient practice of devotees of
making their devotions on tombstones. The loch of the tomb or cairn.
Chruich, from the Gaelic Cruach, the primary signification of
which is a stack or rick, but in topography it is applied to hills of
a round or stacked form.
Gallovie, or sometimes Gollivie. The word Gall has been used
in Scotland from very remote times to denote a stranger or
foreigner. It is frequently applied in another sense that of a
stone pillar or a rocky mountain or hill. Here it is used in the
latter sense. The rock or pillar beside the water.
Inchline, from the Gaelic Innis, an island or pasture-land near
water, and when applied to pasture-land takes the form of Inch,
and the Gaelic Linn, a pool or lake. The pasture-land beside the
linn.
Corrinch, from the Gaelic Coire, a ravine, hollow, or whirlpool.
H
114 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
There is another word much resembling this Cora or Coradh, a
weir across a river. For the latter part of the word see Inchline.
Ballagan, from the Gaelic Baile, a residence, and Lagan, a little
hollow. The residence in the little hollow.
Delbuiack, from the Gaelic Dail, a field or plain, and Bnidheag,
a yellow flower. The field of the yellow flowers.
Dochlygie. The first part, Dock, of this word is a contraction of
the Gaelic Dabhoch, a farm ; in olden times applied strictly to a
farm sufficient to pasture a certain number of cattle. In the
Hebrides it is three hundred and fifty. The latter part, Lygie, is
from the old Gaelic Liagan, the diminutive of Liag t a standing
stone or the side of a mountain or hill. The hillside farm.
Balnaconeagh, from the Gaelic Baile, a residence, and Coin-
neamhe, a meeting. The meeting house. Such places were so
named at cross roads in olden times or where people used to meet
to discuss any matter of importance.
Docharn. For the first part of this word see the word Dochlygie.
The latter part, Arn, is from the Teutonic Am, a home, Latin
Ara, French Aire, Gaelic Aros. The home farm.
Kinchurdy, from the Gaelic Ceann, a head or point of land, and
found as Kin or Ken ; Carr, a rock, and Dubh, black. The head
or end of the black rock.
' Inverlaidnan, from the Gaelic Inver, and found as Inbhir and
Inner ; a river confluence or a creek at the mouth of a river. The
middle part is from the Gaelic Liath, literally grey, and applied to
the silvery colour of water. When prefixed to the letters n or a it
invariably assumes the form Laidwt Leader Led, in place of Liath.
The latter part, Nan, is a contraction of Am/minn, a river. The
mouth or confluence of the silvery stream.
DUTHIL. I I 5
lelv. This is rather a peculiar word, surrounded as it is with
Gaelic names, and points to a later date than the names of the
other places in the parish. It is from the Gaelic Elv or Elf, a
river. It is not frequent in the place names of Scotland, but is
common on the Continent, and is found in such names as A If, Alb,
Elbe, Elben. Laagenely, the river in the hollow; Dolelf, the valley
river; and Elbing, a town on the river.
Forigen, from the Gaelic Fothir (pronounced for), land, and
Elgin, to oppress ; Eigmach, an oppressor. The oppressor's land.
That is to say, land reclaimed by excessive labour, without
remuneration therefor.
GarbhaJior. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic
Garbh, rough, and is frequently found as an attribute to place
names. The latter part is from the Gaelic Saothair, labour. The
old form was Garbh-haothair, in which the initial s of the proper
root is eclipsed by the aspirate h, and by extension was dropped
altogether. The rough labour.
Auchtercheper. The initial part of this word is from the Gaelic
Uuchdar, and found as Auchter, Ochter, Welsh Uchder, the upper
part or the summit, and is sometimes anglicised water. The
second part is from the Gaelic Ceap, the top of a hill or a stake or
block, and is cognate with the Latin Cippus, a sharp stake, and
with the Welsh Cyff, and is found as Kip and dp. The last
syllable er is a contraction of Tir, land, and the proper form of the
word is Uachdar-cheap-tir, the first two syllables forming a tauto-
logy. The summit of the land.
Ess is the Gaelic for a waterfall. There are two nominative
forms of this word, Ess and Ass ; the genitive is Essa and Essy,
and in these forms it enters largely into the place names of the
country.
Il6 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Rymagag, from the Gaelic Reidhe, a hillside stretch, and
Magach, abounding in fields. The old form was Reidhmagach,
which literally signifies a stretch or series of fields.
Balnafettach. For this word see the parish of Abemethy.
Totimtighleach, from the Gaelic Tom, a round hill or knoll, and
Tulach or Tulaich, a hillock ; also a tautology.
XL
DYKE AND MOY.
THESE two Parishes were united in 1618. This united parish
is an irregular, four-cornered figure, on the margin of the
Moray Firth, to an extent of six miles, and extending south-
wards nearly the same length. A great portion of it is fertile and
highly cultivated. Along the coast is that extensive sandy desert
known as the Culbin or Maviston Sandhills. Hector Boethius
represents this desert as produced by the same inundation of the
the sea which swept away the estate of Earl Goodwin in Kent in
1100, now known as the disastrous Goodwin Sands. Since the
original devastation the sea appears to have been encroaching
considerably on the coast, and the evil extended by the blowing of
the sand inland. These sandhills were originally piled up in three
great hills below Maviston, in the parish of Auldearn ; and from
this great reservoir the sand has been drifted towards the north-
east in such enormous quantities that the barony of Culbin, and
anciently known as " the granary of Moray," was literally and
wholly buried under it about three hundred years ago. The lands
were covered to a depth of several feet between the years 1670
and 1695, and the estate so much destroyed, that the proprietor
petitioned Parliament to be exempted from paying the ordinary
public dues. The removal of the sand to Culbin is said to have
117
Il8 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
been facilitated and accelerated by the country people pulling up
bent from the ground in the parishes of Dyke and Auldearn, and
the practice was, in consequence, prohibited by Act of Parliament.
In the churchyard of Dyke is an old tombstone belonging to the
family, thus remorsely disinherited. On the upper part of the
stone are the initials V.K.E.I., and date 1613, after which runs the
following legend :
VALTIR KINNAIRD, ELIZABETH INNES.
" The builders of this bed of stane
Are Laird and Lady of Cowbine,
Quhilk tua and theirs, quhane braithe is gane,
Pleis God, vil sleip this bed vithin."
The heath of Hardmoor, which adjoins the now sterile district of
Culbin, is celebrated as the place where Macbeth was met by the
Weird Sisters while he journeyed with Banquo from the Western
Isles to meet King Duncan at the Castle of Forres.
Dyke. This place was so called from the fact that it is the site
of an ancient camp, and is taken from the Middle English Dik,
Anglo-Saxon Die, Dutch Dijk, Icelandic Diki, Greek Teixos, and
Sanskrit Dehi, a wall or rampart, a trench and embankment.
May. This word was the ancient name, and is derived from the
Gaelic Magh, a plain or level track of country. It perhaps is one
of x the oldest Gaelic words, and Latinised Magus. The modern
Gaelic is Ma-chair, that is Magk-t/iir, the level track of land. It
is variously found as Magh, Moy, Ma, and Mag ; also as Maw.
Whitemire is a recent name, the old form being Whitemer,
which evidently signifies the white lake, from the Middle English
Mere, Dutch Meer, Icelandic Marr, German Meer, Welsh Mor,
Gaelic Mttir, Latin Mare. The original sense, according to Skeat,
is " dead," once a pool of stagnant water, also the waste ocean.
DYKE AND MOY. I 19
Bank/iead, from the Middle English Banke or Boncke, a mound
of earth, Dutch Banck, Icelandic Bakki, the end or head of a bank
of earth.
Brodie, in 1311 Brody, which is evidently from the Gaelic
Brodha, a point, a spot, a level piece of land. The same root is
found in Brodiesord, in Banffshire, which signifies a level piece of
land at the base of the Ord hill.
Bineness, from the Gaelic Beinn, a mountain or hill, and the
Scandinavian Noes, Anglo-Saxon Naes, French Ness, and English
Ness, a promontory. The high headland.
Kintessack. The old form of this word was Kintesk, from the
Gaelic Ceann, and frequently found as Kin, Ken, and Cin, a head-
land, and Teasg, boisterous, wind, storm, or furious waves. The
stormy head or cold place.
Dalvey, from the Gaelic Dail, Dutch Deel, a plain or district.
The latter part of the word comes from Beithc, the birch. The
plain of the birch wood.
LogiebucJinie. This is evidently in a disguised form the word
Logiebuchan, from the Gaelic Lag, Lug, a hollow, cognate with the
Latin Lacus, a lake, Greek Lakkos. In the Book of Deer, about
1295, the word Buchan is found as Bonwan, in 1601 as Baughan,
but an older form still is Bochon, and taking this as the most
approximately correct one, the word would be derived from the
Gaelic Bochthonn, a surge or billow, a swelling wave, hence by
extended use the undulating land. This part of Aberdeenshire
once formed a county of itself, and an earldom which was vested in
the chief of the Cummins, until their forfeiture in 1309 The
alternately undulating and hollow land.
BroadsJiaw, from the Middle English Brood, Dutch Breed,
Icelandic Breidr, broad, and S/iaw, a thicket, Icelandic Skogr,
120 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Swedish Skog, Danish Skov, Sanskrit Sku. The original significa-
tion of this root seems to be a covering or shelter. The broad
wood or thicket.
Darnaway. In 1453 it was Tarnewa\ 1498 Darnway, from the
old Gaelic Dair or Doire, which are, however, more strictly applied
to clumps of wood or groves than to the oak species. The Latin
Drus and Sanskrit Dru are cognate with it. The latter part comes
from the Gaelic Baigh, a noble, hence the phrase Duine Baigheach,
a nobleman. The nobleman's oak wood or forest. Adjoining the
modern mansion is the princely hall built by Earl Randolph,
Regent of Scotland during the minority of David Bruce. Here
Mary Queen of Scots held the court in 1564. Among the pictures
is one of the " Bonny Earl of Moray, who was murdered at Doni-
bristle, in the county of Fife, in 1592, on the 7th of February.
The Earl of Moray was cruelly murdered by the Earle of Huntly
at his house in Dunnibrissell."
" He was a braw gallant,
And he played at the glove ;
And the bonny Earl of Moray.
Oh ! he was the Queen's love."
Suable. The old form of this word was Chnaip, which is evidently
from the Gaelic Cnaip, the plural, and Cnap, the singular for a hill
of a round form. The aspirates ch are eclipsed by s in the angli-
cising process, the former being pronounced hard, like k in Gaelic,
but soft like s in English. Chnaipal, or Chnaipach, abounding in
round hills.
Craigfield, from the Gaelic Craig or Carrig, a rock. Creagach
is the adjective form, and means rocky, and Field, from the Middle
English Feld, Dutch Veld, a field. The rocky field.
Bogs, from the Gaelic Bog, soft or marshy, hence the Gaelic
DYKE AND MOY. 121
Bogan, a quagmire. Another word for a quagmire is Suit-
cliniitheach.
Crowhall, from the Gaelic Crodh (pronounced Cro), a dowry.
The word also signifies cattle, and there is another word Cro,
signifying a cattle fold. The bequeathed hall.
Feddan, from the Gaelic Feadan, a small stream; also applied to
a conduit or to a crevice in a rock
Kincortk, from the Gaelic Ceann, a head, and found as Kin and
Ken. The latter part was formerly Sgarth, from the Gaelic
Sgarta, a division. The dividing headland or the dividing hill.
Earn/till. For Earn, the first part of this word, see the parish
of Alves. The hill beside the river Findhorn.
Tearie. The old form was Tearvie, which is evidently from the
Gaelic Tir, land, and the Scandinavian Vie, a church. The church
lands.
Carse, a term applied in Scotland to low ground on the banks of
rivers, and cognate with the Welsh Cors, a bog.
Wellhill. This is only a modern form, given from the fact that
a well, supposed at one time to possess medicinal properties, issues
out of the hill,
MudhalL This is an Anglo-Saxon corruption of the old word
Mothill or Moothill, a place of assembly. We find it in Moothill,
near Aberdeen, Motehill in Perth, Almoot, which has been
corrupted into Old Maud, near Peterhead. The Gaelic for Bute is
Baile-mhoid, and also extended Boid-cnoc-a-mhoid, in Lochcarron.
Boat/till. This is from the Teutonic Butteloi Bottle, a dwelling.
The word is found as Bold, Battle, and Blod. Battlehill, near
Huntly, is from this word. Cognate with it is the Norse Bol and
Bo.
Blinkbonny. The first part of this word is from the French
122 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Blanc, German Blanc, Anglo-Saxon Blank, white, and found in the
various forms of Blenk, Blink, and Blunk. The latter part is not
the English adjective Bonny, but is from the Gaelic Ban, a hill or
height, and found in Wales as Fan, where by mutation the b
becomes/, as in Cefn-y-fan and Tal-y-fan. The white hill.
Muirside, from the Scandinavian Moer or Mor, Scotch Mnir t
waste land or heath. The side of the muir.
Abbotshill, from the Syriac Abba, literally a father, Latin Abbatis,
Teutonic Abt, and were introduced into the languages of Europe
in connection with the Monastic system and are attached to
names of places belonging to church lands. These words are
frequently found throughout the country in the various forms of
A bt, A bs, Ab,A bdle, A d. The Gaelic Uag is the Irish form. The
abbot's hill.
Banarach, from the Gaelic Banaireach, a sheep fold or an
enclosure where sheep are milked, and the milkmaid is termed
Banarach.
Berryley. The Gaelic pronunciation of this is Bearrad/i-liatk,
from the Gaelic Bearradh, the top of a hill or rock, and the Gaelic-
Liatk, grey. The grey hill or rock.
Darklass. The old form of this word was Dearglas, which
comes from the Gaelic Deargail, a red place. Our forefathers
generally designated places by their most obvious characteristic.
Every name denoting the feature that most strongly attracted
attention. The red land.
Ellands, from the Anglo-Saxon Ealand, Dutch Eylandt, literally
an island, and is applied to tracts of land in the same sense as-
Innish.
Broom, formerly Brem, which is the Dutch for the plant broom.
Whiteunie. The prefix here is pure English, but the latter
DYKE AND MOY. 123
part, Uuie, is the much disguised word Oync or Oven, and found
in the various forms of Ouyn, Ovyn, Otvyn, Unc, Unie, as here ;
Ban, Een, all of which signify a soft, marshy place. The white
marsh.
Clodiemoss, from the Middle English Clot, Clotte, Scandinavian
Clod, Danish Klode, Icelandic Klot, German Kloss, a ball of earth.
The moss abounding in clods.
Flockleys, from the Middle English Flok, Icelandic Floke, Danish
Flok, Swedish Flock, a herd of sheep or cattle, and the Middle
English Lea, Lay, Ley, untilled land. The flock pasture-land.
Grangcgreen, from the French Grange, a farm or storehouse for
grain. The Gaelic is Grainnseach, and cognate with both the
Latin Granaria and Grannm ; and the Middle English Green,
Dutch Groen, Icelandic Graenn, the colour of growing herbs, and
might be defined the fertile farm.
Bernery, from the Gaelic Bearna or Beam, a gap, and usually
applied to a gap in a hill or mountain, but also applied to a greater
depression than the surrounding land, and Airidh (pronounced
ery), hill pasture, or a level green among hills ; also a summer
residence for herdsmen, a shealing. The green hollow.
XII.
EDENKILLIE.
THIS Parish is pastural and hilly, but not mountainous, the
highest hill, the Knock of Moray, being of small elevation.
It lies on the right bank of the Findhorn, and is watered by
the Divie and other streams tributary to the Findhorn. On the
banks of the Findhorn and Divie are some of the most romantic
rural scenes which wood, water, rock, and variety of ground can
produce. The natural woods are very extensive, and the ancient
forest of Darnaway covers about 700 acres, and farther up the river
is the wood of Dundaff. Southwards up the Dorback is Lochindorb,
in the middle of which is an island, with the ruins of Lochindorb
Castle, formerly a place of great strength. It was blockaded by Sir
Andrew Moray the Regent during David Bruce's captivity in
England, and Edward III. in the following year honoured it by
raising the siege. It was afterwards used as a State prison. The
Doune Hill of Relugas is a conical hill, round a great part of which
runs the Divie in a deep, rocky channel. On the summit are the
remains of a strong fortress of antiquity, beyond the period of
authentic history. Higher up the Divie stands the Castle of
Dunphail upon a rock of singular appearance. It formerly
belonged to the Curnmings. The singular bridge of Rannoch here
124
EDENKILLIE. 125
is also of great antiquity, which traditionally derives its name from
the illustrious Randolph Earl of Moray and Regent of Scotland.
Edenkillie. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic-
Eudan, the face, literally a brow ; hence by extension it is applied
to the face of a hill. It is also found as Aodann, and contracted 1
to Edin, Eden, Edan, and Edn. The latter part is from the Gaelic
Coille, a wood, and in topography takes the forms of Kel, Kil,
Kelly, Killy, and Kyle, the wood. Signifies the woody hillside or
braeface.
Tomdoiv, from the Gaelic Tom, a round hill or knoll, and Dhit
or Du, black. The black hill. This name is very frequently met
with in the Gaelic-speaking districts of Scotland, and is quite
expressive of this hill.
Tullyglens. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Tulach, a little
hill or mound, and variously found as Tiilla, Tullow, Tully, and
Tulli. In an Irish glossary it is given as the equivalent of Bri r
which is another word for a little hill, and cognate with which is
the English Brae. The latter part is from the English Glen, and
has the same signification as the Gaelic Gleann, and though nearly
identical in form, the one has not been derived from the other, the
one being Anglo-Saxon, and of much later date than the Gaelic-
Gleann, Welsh Glyn. The hill glen.
Longley. The old form of this word was Longleith, which is
evidently from the old Pictish word Luinge, a place of encampment.
From this word has come the modern Gaelic word Lonn, a fortress
or stronghold. The latter part is a corruption of the old word
Lios or Lis, now signifying a garden or an enclosure, but literally
and formerly strictly applied to a fortification. The entrenched
encampment.
Craigroy, from the Gaelic Craig or Carrig, a rock, and Ruadh r
126 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE,
red, reddish, and is equivalent to and cognate with the Latin
Ruber. It is extensively used as a qualifying word. The red rock.
Dunphail, from the Gaelic Dun, the primary signification of
which is strong or firm. In Latin writings it is often found as the
equivalent of Firmus and Fortis, and in Gaelic it is used as the
equivalent of Lis, a stronghold. It also glosses Arx&ud Castrum,
and Adamnan writes it as Munitio. It is found in other languages
as well as the Celtic. Welsh Din, German Zun. In recent
names it assumes the forms of Dun, Doon, and Don. The latter
part, Phail, is an appendix from the Scandinavian Fiall or Fjold,
a mountain or mountain range. The Norsemen, after landing
upon the Scottish coast, would have heard of the strength of this
hill fortress, and would have designated the hill by their own
word ; hence the hill fortress.
Berryley. For this word see the parish of Dyke and Moy.
Redstean. Where the Norsemen had settlements this word
Steen, literally a rock or stone, but in topography sometimes
applied to a rock fortress, often marks the site of the grave of one
of their heroes. The red rock or stone or fortress.
Dallasbrachty. The first part is from Dal, a plain or district.
Dutch Deel, German Tkeil, Irish Dal, and is also applied to the
river which flows through the district. The second part is Eas or
Ess, literally a waterfall, but by extension applied to a rapid
stream or river. The third part, Braclity, is from the Gaelic
Braich or Brack, malt, literally fermented grain, and often applied
to places where illicit stills were erected. Brackla Distillery gets
its name from this word.
Conicavel. The old form of this word was Cong-a-Caibhail,
which lets us at once into the signification of the word. The word
Cong is an old Gaelic word for a habitation. It was a common
EDENKILLIE. 1 27
word with the old monks in the form of Congel. The modern
Gaelic is Cai, and is found in the next part, Caibeal, a chapel.
The church habitation or the monks' habitation.
Meiklegreen. The initial part of this word is from the Scandi-
navian Mickla and Mycel, Scotch Muckle or Mickle, and signifies
great. It is frequently met with on the Continent, and particularly
applied to fortresses, mountains, and marshes.
Recall is from the Gaelic Rcidh, a plain or level field, and more
commonly employed to signify a mountain flat, and Anglicised
Rea, Re, and Ray, and the second part is from the Gaelic Ail, a
hill or rock. The smooth hill or rock.
Bogney. The old form of this word was Bognach, which comes
from the Gaelic Bog, signifying soft or marshy. Nac/t, the latter
part, is an adjectival termination formed from substantives, and
in the Anglicising process has assumed the new form Ncy. Thus
M ulad is the Gaelic substantive sorrow. Muladach is sorrowful,
Gaol, love, Gaolach, lovely. The soft place.
Oichquhorn. The first part Oich is from the obsolete Gaelic
word Oiche, water, as found in the Oich river, the Oichel, and Loch
Oich. It is also found as Ock t Ocker, Ocke, Eck, and Uich. The
latter part of the word is from the Gaelic Cam, a mound, and by
extension applied to a stack-like hill. The genitive form is
Chuirn ; hence the old form of the word would have been OicJi-a-
Chuirn. The mountain stream or the mountain lake, as the case
might be.
Balnain, from the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence. The
second part is from the Gaelic word A in, a stranger. The old form
was Baile-an-Nain. The strangers' residence.
Relugas, from the Gaelic Reidhe, a smooth hillside, and Logais,
uneven,rough,full of hindrances arid obstructions. The rough hillside.
128 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Pressley, from the Gaelic Preas, a furrow or ground cut up by
running water, and Ley, a meadow. The furrowed meadow land.
Logic is derived from the Gaelic Lag, Lug, German Lucke, Latin
Lacus, Greek Lakkos, a hollow or lake. In topography the word
assumes various forms, but the form Logie is more common in
Aberdeen and Perth than in any of the other counties. In Ireland
Leg and Lag are frequently found. In Ayrshire we have it as
Logan, signifying the little hollow.
Brvckenhow. The first part of this word is from the Anglo-
Saxon Bracce, German Brake. Braccen is the plural form, signify-
ing ferns. Icelandic Burk?ii, Swedish Braken, Danish Bregne.
Skeat says it was so called because growing on rough or broken
ground. The second part is from the Anglo-Saxon Heah, Heh y
Dutch Hoog, Icelandic Har, Danish Hor. The original sense of
these words is bent, hence rounded, knob-like, as a mound or hill.
Howe is the English form. The fern hillock.
Glassfield, from the Gaelic Glas, grey, blue, or green, and
frequently applied as an adjective to local names. Glasgow is said
by a Welsh author to be a corruption of Glas- Coed, the green
wood. We have Glassgreen, near Elgin, which is actually a
tautology. The green field.
ChapelJiall, from the Latin Capella, German Kapella, which are
derived from the Latin root Capa, a hooded cloak ; hence a shrine
in which was preserved the cape or hood of St. Martin. The word
is common in Scotland, and indicates where these shrines were
originally erected. Another form of the word is Kirkhill.
Knockiefin, from the Gaelic Cnoc, a hill or knock. Knockie is
the diminutive form. The latter part is from the Gaelic Fionn,
white. It is also frequently found as Fin, Welsh Gwynn. Perhaps
the most extravagant form of this word is found in Phoenix Park,
EDENKILLIE. 129
Dublin, and was so called from a beautiful spring well in the
grounds. We find it also in Loch Fyne, a clear or beautiful lake.
The word signifies the fair or white hill.
Doivnduff. The first part of this word is a corruption of the
Gaelic Dim, a stronghold, a hill fort, the primary meaning of which
is strong. By extension it has long been applied to hills and
mountains having no fort or stronghold. The latter part of the
word is from the Gaelic Dn or Dubh, black. The black hill.
Cooperhill. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Cabar, a height
or eminence as in the phrase Cabar Beinne, the mountain top.
The word hill appended forms a tautology.
Gervally. There is an old Gaelic word Gaertha (pronounced
Garhd) used to signify a woodland along the banks of a river,
literally meaning bushes or underwood. It is found as Ger t Gear,
Gaer, and Gair. The latter part is from Baile, a residence. The
word signifies the residence in the wood near the river. The local
meaning is Garbk-bhaile, the rough place of abode or rough farm.
Greens. The old form of this word was Grianach, which was
corrupted into its present form about 1724. It is from the Gaelic
Grian, the sun, and signifies the sunny spot or solarium or terra
Solaris. The name was usually given to the spots where royal
residences were built in Pictish times ; hence all palaces built on
sunny hills were Greenans. In course of time the diminutive an
was dropped, and the form Greens was adopted.
Drumine. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic Druim
or Drom, the back, and cognate with the Latin Dorsum. The
second part is the Celtic Mtn, Men, or Maen, a high rock or the
brow of a hill, The hill ridge.
Slide. The old form of this word was Sleagh, which is the
Gaelic for a spear, and in topography is applied to wood, especially
I
I3O THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
to tall trees, and is met with in such words as Cnoc-na-Sleagh,
Dail-na-Sleagh, and Bruaich-na-Sleagh. The word was first
applied from the fact that in olden times warriors used to cut
their spears from these woods in a green state, as they were more
pliable and less liable to be broken.
Romack, from the Gaelic Rumach, a marsh or quagmire.
Another form of the word is Rumaick, and the adjective form is
Rumachail, marshy or boggy.
Tomnamoon. The old form was Totn-na-Moine, from the Gaelic
Torn, a hill. Na is the genitive of, and Maine is the Gaelic for
peat. The hill of the peat moss.
Falkirk is an imported word after the place so called in Stirling-
shire. In 1382 it was Fawkirc, but the word prior to that date
was Eglaisbhreac. About the year 1000 it was Egglesbreth ; in
1160 it was Latinised " Ecclesia de Egglesbrec" Eaglais is the
Gaelic for church, and Breac signifies speckled or mottled. The
Scotch Faw, vari-coloured, was about the year 1382 substituted
for Breac ; hence Falkirk signifies the church of the mottled stone.
Lynaghone, from the Gaelic Linne, Welsh Lynn, a pool, a lake,
and sometimes applied to a depression in the ground. Na is the
genitive of. The latter part is from the Gaelic Gobhainn> a smith.
The smith's hollow or pool.
/ Aitnoch, from the Gaelic Aitionn, broom or gorse. Noch or Ock
is the adjectival termination NacJt or Ack. The word signifies
abounding in gorse.
Culfairn. From the Gaelic Cul or Cuil t the back or corner.
The latter part is from the Gaelic Fearn, the alder, and is found as
Fern, Farn, Fairn, Vern, Yarn, and Varna. The alderwood
corner.
Torchroisk. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Torr t Welsh
EDENKILLIE. 13!
Twr, Latin Turns, Greek Pyrgos, a mound, heap, or conical hill.
We find it on the Contintent reduplicated as in Torres-Torres, the
fortification of the mountains, and Turris-Cremata, the burned
tower. The latter part, Chroisk, is the oblique form of Crasg, a
cross, which is cognate with the Latin Crux. In olden times it
was usual among the people of the country to mark the spot where
" any Providential visitation took place," or where any great event
happened, by the erection of a cross in commemoration of the
event. The hill of the cross.
Boiviesford. The old form of this word was Bothar, without the
affix Ford. Bothar is the Gaelic for a lane, a road, or passage ;
also stepping stones by which to cross a stream. The English
Ford being affixed, the word forms a tautology signifying passage.
Tormore. This is quite a common word, and is frequently met
with throughout the country. It is from the Gaelic Torr, a
mound, a heap, or conical hill, and Mhor, big. The big hill.
Stripe, from the Gaelic Streup, strife, contention, a skirmish, or
insurrection. The place of the battle or skirmish, or the place of
contention. Tradition says that in olden times there was a battle
fought in close proximity to this place.
Outlawell. This word is composed of three parts, the first, Out,
being from the Norse Haut, a hill or promontory, and is found in
Scotland as Faut, Out, and It. The second is the Anglo-Saxon
Law, also a hill, and with the former word forms a tautology. The
last word, Well, is the English for a spring of water. The well of
the hill.
Tomcork, from the Gaelic Tom, a round hillock or knoll, a rising
ground, and the Gaelic Corca, oats. The ground suitable for
growing oats, which thrives well on rough land, and feeds upon
coarse decayed vegetable matter.
132 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Achindar, from the Gaelic Achadh, a field or plain, and Dair,
Dar, Dero t and Deryn, cognate with the Latin Drus and Sanskrit
Dm, the oak. The oak wood, field or plain. Daracli is the
adjective form, and glosses quercetum, signifying an oak grove.
Shenval, from the Gaelic Sean, old. The application of the
word old in topography refers to date of occupation or cultivation,
those places first occupied or cultivated being considered as of
older date than more recent places, hence the use of the word.
The second part, Val, is from the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence.
In this word the initial b is eclipsed by its equivalent v.
Ardoch, from the Gaelic Ard, a height, and Achadh, a field or
plain. The plain on the height. This word is frequently met with
in the topography of Scotland.
Pitnisk, from the Gaelic Pitt or Pitten, Anglo-Saxon Pytt,
cognate with the Latin Puteus, a well, signifying a hollow. This
word occurs frequently as a prefix. An is the genitive of, and
Uisge, water. Uisge is found in the various forms of Esk, Isk,
Usk, Eske, and Uisg. The watery hollow.
Corshelloch, from the Gaelic Coire, a hollow or deep gully, and
Seileach, abounding in willows. It is cognate with the Latin
Salix, Welsh Helgy, Manx Shell. The willow hollow.
Achinlochan, from the Gaelic Achadh, a field or plain. The
second syllable, In, is the oblique form of the genitive an, signify-
ing of. Lochan is a little loch. The plain or field of the little
loch.
Kerrow, from the Gaelic Ceithreamh (pronounced Kerrow), a
quarter. It was a custom in olden times to divide the land in
divisions, and the fourth part of that division was called a Ceith-
reamh or quarter. This custom was first instituted during the
time of the Columbian monks, and carried on until the beginning
EDENKILLIE. 133
of the eighteenth century, and from it was taken the old Scotch
measurement, now superseded by the imperial measurement. We
find the word in Kirriemuir in Forfar, the big quarter or the
bishop's division of land.
Dorsella. The old form of this word was Doireshallach, from the
Gaelic Doire, a grove, and Seileach, abounding in willow. The
willow grove.
Lochallan. The latter part of this word is from the Gaelic
Ailean, a green, a plain, or meadow, usually applied to the green
plains on the margin of water. The loch of the green plain.
Dava. Mr. Johnstone, of Falkirk, makes this word to signify an
ox field, from Damh and Achadh. This is not correct, because at
the present day, far less in olden times, there is not much
agricultural land about the place, the nature of the soil being
moorland ? The word is a corruption of the Gaelic word DabJiach,
a district of country, a lot, or certain portion of land. The oblique
bh is eclipsed by v, as is usual in such words.
Rochouln The old form of this word was Rathnllon, and points
to a very ancient designation, from the Gaelic Rath, a stronghold,
and Ullan, the old Gaelic for a cairn, but primarily used to signify
a tomb protected by a cromlech. As is well known, these cromlechs
were erected so as to form small enclosures, which were not
unfrequently designated raths.
Loan, from the Gaelic Lon, a marsh, meadow, or lawn, and first
applied to a wild, untilled, shrubby, or grassy plain. Lon also
signifies the elk, but it is more probable the former is the correct
signification.
Tombain, from the Gaelic Tom, a hill, and Ban, white. The
adjectival suffix here is very common throughout the country.
The initial b of Ban becomes by aspiration v and w, and is met
134 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
with in the forms Vane and Wane, Bane, Bawn, and its pure form,
Ban. ,
Belvlair, from the Gaelic Baile, a residence, and Blair, Blar, a
plan or field, and by extension a field of battle. The residence on
plain.
Renilurig, from the Gaelic Reidhe, a hillside stretch, and Ltirg,
a ridge of hill gradually declining into a plain. Applied in the
same sense to the leg of an animal as it tapers downward.
Achnagairn. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic
Achadh, a field or plain. Gairn is an old Gaelic word for a
mountain or a hill, and is cognate with the Slavonic Gova, Greek
Oros, and is found on the Continent as Hora. The hill plain or
field.
Belnreach. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Baile, a residence.
The latter part is from the Gaelic Riabhach, grey, brindled, or
swarthy. The bh is dropped in several districts of the country,
and hence the word becomes Keach, as found in this word. When
applied to land it indicates dun-coloured appearance or land torn
up by running water. The residence on the brindled hillside.
Longskeach This is a very old word one of the few words
known to belong to pre-Christian times. The word Lann was first
applied to a house or dwelling. After the advent of the Christian
faith it was applied to a church, and retains that application to
the present day, not so much in Scotland as in Wales. It has
undergone several changes, so that now we find it as Lann, Lang,
and Long. The oblique forms are Leng, Ling, and Lyng. The
terminal g is a modern addition affixed somewhere about the year
1661. The latter part Skeach is also from a very old Gaelic word
Sceach, signifying the white thorn or haw tree. In the latter word
the c is eclipsed by k in the former. This plant, by its wide
EDENKILLIE. 135
diffusion all over the country, has given names to a large number
of places, and is found in the forms of Ske, Skea, as in Skeabost, in
the island of Skye. The dwelling in the hawthorn wood.
Half Davocli. For the signification of this word see Dava. The
prefix Half signifies a ploughgate of land, or half a measure of
land.
Aldrishaigi from the Gaelic A lit, a burn or stream, and the
Gaelic Driseag, the diminutive of Dris t the bramble, brier, or
thorn. The bramble wood burn.
SloewJdte. This is a modern word. The first part is from the
Anglo-Saxon Slo, Sla, plural Stan, Dutch Stee, Danish Slaaen,
Swedish Slan. The fruit of the blackthorn, resembling in colour
the juniper berry, having a purple appearance. The affix here
does not mean white, but it is an entirely different word derived
from Vitu, wood, and found in the forms of Whit, White, as here,
and Wit. The sloewood or the blackthorn wood.
Lochnuan, from the Gaelic Loch, a lake, and the Gaelic Uan, a
lamb, cognate with the Latin Agnus, Welsh Oen. As is usually
the case, it occurs here in the genitive plural with the preposition
of prefixed, forming the word Nanuan, of the lambs. Uanan is
the diminutive form. The loch of the lambs.
Bantrach is the Gaelic for a widow or widower. The word
enters into several place names throughout the country, and
indicates pieces of land given to widows free of rent and taxes, a
custom which was quite common in bygone times.
Foebuie, from the Gaelic Feith, a marsh, a boggy stream, or a
stream flowing through a trench. The latter part Bute is yellow,
with which is cognate the Latin Badius, English Bay. The yellow
marsh.
Dusach. This is a corruption of the Gaelic Giuthasach, abound-
136 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
ing in firwood trees. It is not often that g is eclipsed by d, and it
can only be accounted for by the eccentricities of different writers
before the art of printing, when each scribe adopted his own
provincial mode of spelling words. It is found as Dims, Dhuis,
and Dus y as here. The firwood residence.
Craigroy, from the Gaelic Craig or Carrig, a rock, and Ruadh,
red. The red rock.
Burntack. The prefix here is a corruption of the old Gaelic
word Bryn, a hill ridge, modern Gaelic Bron, a round hill, and
frequently found on the Continent, and in Wales as Bryn, in
Scotland as Bron, and the Scotch word Tack, literally a lease of
land from the superior, and by extension became to be applied to
a farm : hence tacksman, one who holds the lease. The farm on
the hill.
Brylack. The first part of this word is an old word from the
Gaelic Bri, a hill or rising ground, and is equivalent to the Scotch
Brae, to which evidently on the incoming of English-speaking
people they added the old word Lagh for the modern Anglo-Saxon
Law, a hill, thus forming a tautology. The hill ridge.
Elgin.
XIII.
PARISH OF ELGIN.
THIS Parish is of irregular form, and extends about ten miles
in length and six in breadth. Its superficial area has been
estimated at about 18 square miles. The surface of the
parish is flat, but the vales of Mosstowie and Pluscarden are
separated by a steep hilly ridge, and the district rises generally
from the vicinity of the town towards the Blackhills. The only
river of any importance is the Lossie, which flows gently through
the level lands, but frequently overflows even its artificial banks.
In very remote times tillage seems to have been far advanced in
this parish, as the scattered facts collected by the writer of the
old statistical account from the political and military history
sufficiently indicate, and Tacitus writes that the people of Moray
do not dwell together in towns but cultivate the land separately,
as a fountain, a plain, or grove pleases them. The hilly ridge
between Pluscarden and Mosstowie consists of strata of a peculiar
hard and pale-coloured sandstone, of which, in 1826, a considerable
quantity was exported to London for the building of London
Bridge. The chief place of interest in the landward part of the
parish is Pluscarden Abbey, situated in the secluded glen of that
name. The old names of this parish have been greatly lost,
187
138 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
particularly those places near the town, while in the districts of
Mosstowie and Pluscarden, a few of the old names still remain,
and are mostly of Gaelic origin.
Elgin. Tradition ascribes two derivations to this word. First
from the Dutch heilig, Icelandic keliagr, helgr holy, and found as-
hely and haly, and Dun, a hill or fortress, i.e., Helydun. The
second traditional meaning ascribed to is that it comes from
Helgy, a general of the army of Sigurd, the Norweigian Earl of
Orkney, who, in the year 927, conquered Caithness and Suther-
land. That the origin of the name is from this source may be
dismissed at once as a fable, because Elgin was a town of consider-
able note before Helgy ever frequented the Scotch coasts, and
because Skene in his " Celtic Scotland " tells us that Helgy never
came further south than the Orkney Islands. The word Helgyn
being in the inscription on the Corporation Seal has had a great
deal to do with the fixing or attributing the word to Helgy.
Young, in his " Annals of Elgin," although he does not attempt any
derivation, says that doubtless it is a Celtic word. Professor Rhys
thinks it is pre-Celtic or Ivernian, and others think it is from
Elga, a character in the Mythic history of Ireland, and also a,
poetic name for Ireland. All these sources are purely conjectural,,
and do not consider the fact that the early inhabitants of the
country when the Romans circumnavigated Britain were Celtic.
Such being the case, and taking into account the antiquity of the
town, we must look to the Celtic source alone for its meaning.
Another important fact that must be borne in mind is that the
early inhabitants gave names chiefly from the configuration of the
place. All primary place names have been given from this source,
or from some other natural aspect, and it is not likely that the
place would retain the name of a devastator or plunderer, whose
PARISH OF ELGIN. 139
sole purpose was to ravage the country, even if the place had not
been previously named.
The other forms of the word found are Ailginn, Aigin, Ailgin y
Ailegin, Eilginn, Elginn. aud finally Elgin. In no case do we find
it, excepting on the Corporation Seal, in the form of Helgyn, and
how is it that the Celtic terminal n has been added to the proper
name Helgy ? Does it not look as if the prepositive part of the
word had been dropped to make room for Helgy ? The oldest
form of the word was Ailginn. In Ross-shire there is another
place very much resembling the situation of Elgin named Aligan.
Both words come from the Celtic Aille, literally signifying beauty,
but in topography a beautiful spot, or valley. The termination
gin or gan are Celtic endings, signifying little, or diminutive
forms, and is very common in ancient names' Its original form
was can, where the initial c is softened into g when affixed to
words ending in vowels. The beautiful valley.
Hillhead. Middle English hit, hul t Anglo-Saxon hyll, Dutch ////,
Latin collis, Lituanian Kalnas, a hill, and head from the Middle
English lied, heed, heued, Anglo-Saxon heafod, Dutch hoofd,
Icelandic hofud, Latin caput, Greek kephale, Sanskrit kapala,
literally a skull, and by usage a head, or end. The head of the hill,
Rosebrae. The first part of this word is from Ros, the old
Gaelic for wood. The woody brae.
Stripehead. From the Dutch stripe, to plunder, to flay ; hence
strype, a strip, or stripe, a streak, then greyish or brindled. The
head of the brindled land.
Whitehouse. Middle English whit t Dutch wit t Icelandic hwitc y
cognate with the Sanskrit qveta, from $uit t to shine. The white
house. Latin writers use the word Candida, as in Candida casa,
the white house.
140 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Castlecraig. From the Anglo-Saxon Castcl, Latin Castellum, a
fortified place, and the Gaelic Craig, Carrig or Carrick, a rock-
The stronghold in the rock. Evidently an imported name, or if
there had been such a place, there are no vestiges left to
distinguish it.
Greenside. The old form of this word was Graenside, which is
evidently from the Gaelic grian, the sun, and is a feminine noun.
The genitive form is greine, and when found appended to another
word it invariably assumes the genitive form. The sunny side.
Clackmarras. The old form of this word was Clachmotharach
(pronounced Clachmorrach). The first part is from Clock or Clack,
-a stone, large or small, and is one of the most common topographical
root terms in the country. In the English forms we find the
terminal k almost invariably changed into k, and frequently the
iinal guttural is dropped out altogether. The latter part, Mothar,
is an old Gaelic word signifying a ruined rath or church, and by
extension used to mean the ruins of any building. In modern
Gaelic the word is used to signify a high or swelling sea. It will
be observed that ack is the adjective form. The stones of the
ruined building, or the stoney undulating ground.
Coleburn. Coll is the Gaelic for hazel, with which is cognate
the Latin Corylus and the modern Gaelic calltuinn, and when it
forms the initial part, as in the word under review, it is usually
found as Coll, Col, Cole, and Cull. The hazel wood burn.
Oldwells. The old form of this word was Eldwell, which was
evidently taken from the Anglo-Saxon Eald, Middle English old,
Dutch oud, and allied to the Latin ad-ultus, signifying grown-up.
The old well.
Stonekouse. The old form of this word was Steinhous, which
indicates that the word is Norse, from the German Stein, Dutch
PARISH OF ELGIN.
Stecn, Icelandic Steiun, Greek Stia, a stone, and the Anglo-Saxon
bus, Dutch fiuis, Icelandic hus, an abode. In the early ages, the
primitive occupants of the country built mud and wooden houses,,
and when stones were used, the houses were given the general
name of Stonehouses.
Longmorn. The old form of this word was Lannmaran. The
word Lann is from the Gaelic, and signifies an enclosure, a house,,
and a church, and, according to Skene, comes from the Latin
Plamun, a plain, as the Gaelic Ian comes from the Latin Plenus.
The word is more common in Welsh names than in Scotland, and'
in its signification of a church enters into a large number of names..
All the instances known in the north of Scotland apply to church
names. The latter part Maran is a corruption of Eran or Email*.
a saint who lived in the 7th century. The initial M, and Mo, and
Ma are frequently in the Celtic language prefixed to names to-
signify endearment. These are not found in Kilernan, or in
Kiltearn. The church of St. Ernan.
W hitewreath. The old form of this word was Whitraith, from
the Middle English whit, Dutch wit, Icelandic hwite white, to-
shine. The latter part is from the Gaelic rath, primarily a mound
or hill, and by extension a round earthen fort or stronghold, a
circle, and cognate with the Welsh rhath. The white hill, or
white hill fortress or stronghold.
Glassgreen. This is a tautology. The first part is from the
Gaelic Glas, and commonly translated green. This is its usual
interpretation. It is also used to signify grey, or sometimes blue, ,
as in the Gaelic expression Suil-G/ilas a greyish blue eye, but in
its topographical application it is exactly as used in the word
under review.
Bogicfearn. The oldest form of this word was Bogfearna, then.
142 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
it was Boganfearna, from which latter came the present form.
Bog is the Gaelic for a Bog or marsh. The latter part fearna is
the Gaelic for alder, and is frequently found in Scotch topography.
The alderwood marsh or bog.
Millbowies. This word has little resemblance to its primary
form, which was Mealbuidhe, from the Gaelic Meall, literally a
lump, but by extension applied to a hill, and applied very often in
place names. The latter part is from the Gaelic BuidJie yellow.
The yellow hill, so given from the appearance presented by
decayed moss.
Minbreck. The first part of this word comes from the Celtic
Min, Men, or Maen a high rock or the brow of a hill. The latter
part is from the Gaelic Breac greyish or brindled. The grey hill.
Cascade is a modern name, and was so called when a sawmill
was erected there in order to get the advantage of water power to
drive the mill ; and as there is a considerable rush of water at
certain seasons, the place is well named.
Coivslacks. The latter part of this word is from the Middle
English Slak, cognate with the Gaelic Slochdz. hollow, and is
frequently met with in the form of Slack, Slag, and Slog, in the
north-eastern counties of Scotland. The cow hollow.
Angushoine. The old form of the word was Angra/iam, which
is evidently from the Norse Anger, a meadow or field. It is not
common in this country, but is very often found in Continental
topography and ham, a dwelling. The meadow dwelling.
Cockmuir The first part of this word is from the Danish Kok,
a heap. Icelandic Kokkr, a lump, a ball, Gaelic Coc, as Coc-
Shronach cocknosed, and the Norse, Mor, Moer a moor, or hill.
The moory hill.
Manbeen. The old form of this word was Maenpeen, which is
PARISH OF ELGIN. 143
evidently from the Celtic Maen or Man, a place or district, and
the Celtic Pen, a hill the district surrounded by hills, or the
plain surrounded by hills. In the Welsh the initial m is frequently
substituted by/, and pronounced v, and fan is shortened into fa,
and still further into a.
Inchallon. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic Innis,
Welsh Ynys, Enez, Latin Insula, Greek Nesos. It frequently
takes the form of Inch when found inland pasture land near
water. The latter part of the word is from the Gaelic Ailean, a
green plain or meadow. Both these roots play an important part
in the topography of the country, and are found wherever Gaelic
has been the original speech of the inhabitants. In Ireland we
find the first as Ennis, and the second as Ailian. The green
pasture land.
Thistleflat. This is a modern name, and was given on account
of the variety of prickly plants which grew in the place. From
the Dutch Distel, Icelandic Thistill, and Danish Tidsel, literally a
tearer. Because of its abundance in the country, it had, at a very
remote period, been assumed as the national emblem of Scotland.
Howe. From the Danish Hoog, Icelandic Har, Swedish Hog, a
mound or hill a height.
Whitetree. The old form of this word was CoidreiJi, which is
evidently from the Gaelic Coid/i, a round small hill, and Coidhean
is the Gaelic for a barnacle. The second part is from the Gaelic
Reid/ie, a hillside stretch. The two roots form a tautology. The
round hillside stretch.
Higlebank. The old form of the word was Uchelbank, from the
Celtic Uchel t or Uch, Gaelic Uchda, a height, and we have it in
Ochiltree, the high dwelling, and the Ochills, Latin Ocelli Monies.
The high bank.
144 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Holl. From the Scandinavian, Holl, an elevation, cognate with
the German Hugel, and corrupted into wool, as in Woolwich,
anciently Hollwich. The high town.
Redavie. The first part is from the Gaelic Reidh, smooth, and
also used as a noun to signify a level field, and found as Re, Rea,
and Rey. The latter part is from the Gaelic Davach, or Davoch,
and found in topography as Davat, Davot, Davy, Davie, and Divy,
a measure of land equal to four ploughgates.
Lochiepots. The old form was Loguypot, which is evidently
from the Gaelic Leoig, cognate with the Latin Lutum, a marsh.
The first name of Paris was Lutetia-Parisiorum, the marshy land
of the Parisii. The suffix Pots has been added to indicate hollows
or depressions in the marsh.
Croy. This word is found as Croie, which is evidently the
French word Crois, a cross Latin Crucem, the accusative of Crux,
a cross. The monks in olden times were in the habit of erecting
crosses in places to commemorate some providential events, and in
consequence the word is frequently met with throughout the
country.
Sauclienbogie. The first part of this word is from the Scotch
Sauch, English Salig, Salh, Latin Salix, the willow. Bogie, the
latter part, is from the Gaelic Bog, soft or marshy, and has given
names to many places. When found as an affix to names it takes-
' the forms of Boggy, Bogie, Voggy, and Vogy, and by extension
sluggish streams are called by the same name. The willow marsh
or stream.
Torriston. The old form of this word was Torstang, which is
evidently from the Gaelic Torr, a mound, heap, or conical hill, and
Stang, a pool of stagnant water, a ditch. The hill by the pool or
ditch.
PARISH OF ELGIN. 145
Callymuck. The first part is from the Gaelic Coille, a wood, and
found in various forms as Coll, Colly, Collie, Call, Cally, and Callie.
The latter part Muck is from the Gaelic Muc, a pig. This is an
old word, and the name was given when the animal was running
wild in the country. The wood of the wild pig.
Hardiehillock. The old form of this word was Ardoch, which
comes from the Gaelic Ard, a height, and Achadh, a field or plain.
The hillock was subsequently affixed. The height of the field or
plain.
Fosterseat. The old form of this word was Fastra, from the
Gaelic Fas, growth, hence also Fasach, a wilderness. Tra, Tre, or
Tref signifies a dwelling. The recent terminal, seat, is a redupli-
cation of Tra. The modern Gaelic is Treabhair (pronounced
trear).
Over ton. Anciently the word was Oferton, from the Anglo-
Saxon Ofer, Dutch Over, Scandinavian Ore, a border, boundary, or
point. The boundary dwelling.
Tore/lead. From the Gaelic Torr, a height, with which is
cognate Welsh tur, Latin turris, Greek pyrgos. The head or top
of the hill.
Mosstowie. The prefix here is from the Middle English Mos,
Anglo-Saxon Meos, Dutch Mos, Icelandic Most, Latin Muscus,
moss or swamp. The latter part, towie, has the same signification
as Towie and Tough, parishes in Aberdeenshire, which come from
the Gaelic Tuath, the north. The north moss.
Stonewells. The old form of this word was Steenwell, from the
Dutch Steen, German Stein, Anglo-Saxon Stan, a rock or stone.
The spring of water issuing out of the rock.
Hillhall. The old form of this word was Hoill, which is
evidently from the Gaelic Aill, a ridge or rock. In some parts of
K
146 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
the country it is found as Faill, and takes the form of Foil and
Foyle, as in Aberfoyle. The prefix hill was superimposed about
the year 1718, and is cognate with the root Aill, thus forming a
tautology. The hill ridge.
Slack/lead. The prefix here is from the Icelandic Slagna, Slag,
Slagi, wet or damp, or marshy, and is allied to the Gaelic Slog.
The head or end of the marsh.
Eldon. The prefix El is the Scandinavian Hell, Helle, Helge,
and Heil, holy, and frequently, as in this case, the aspirate h is
dropped, and the word is found as El, Ell, Elg, and Eil. The
suffix Don is from the Gaelic Dun, literally a fortress, but applied
to a hill. The holy hill.
Cloddach. This is a pure Gaelic word from Cladach, or Clodack,
a flat stony place, but more particularly applied to the seashore, as
distinguished from Traigh, a sandy beach. The word is in general
use throughout the country, and, when used inland, to the banks
of a river or the margin of a lake.
Longhill. The first part here is from Lann, a house or church,
also an enclosure. See Longmorn. The church or inclosure on
the hill.
' Redhill. The prefix here is the Anglo-Saxon Read, Dutch
Rood, Icelandic Raudr, Greek, Eruthros, Gaelic, Ruath, Welsh
Rhudd, Latin Ruber?z&. The red hill.
Crossley. The old form of this word was Crosslaw. The first
part is from the Latin Crux, and plays a prominent part in the
topography of the country. They were put up as memorials of
great events or monuments. The hill of the cross or memorial.
Tackside. In the north-east of Scotland the word Tack is
applied to a farm, particularly a hill farm, and is derived from the
verb Tack, to take, or to rent.
PARISH OF ELGIN. 147
Blinkbonny. The old form of the word was Blankbone, which is
evidently from the French Blanc, Anglo-Saxon Blanc, German
Blank white, and Middle English Blenken to shine, to glisten.
The latter part Bone is from the Gaelic Ban, white, and is found
in the various forms of Bone, Bain, Bane, Bhan, Bhain, Van, and
Vane. When the final e is sounded, it invariably takes the form
of Bonny, Bonnie. A tautology.
Auchtertyre. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic
Auchter, Ochter, Welsh Uchdar, and signifies a summit, but when
u sed as an adjective, it means upper. The Auchtertyre in Perth
was anciently Auchterardower, the summit or source of the water,
but the Auchtertyre in Ross and Elgin signify the upper part of
the land. The latter part Tyre being from the Gaelic Tir, land.
The upper part of, or summit of the land.
Bogentinny. The old form of this word was Bacanteine, from
the Gaelic Bac, a hollow or bend, and the Gaelic Teine, the general
word for fire, which in modern names is found as Tinny. The
kindling of these fires usually indicated some festive assembly, and
such places are frequently found in Scotland.
Sourward. The ancient form of this word was Scaurwart, from
the Scandinavian Scaur, Middle English Scar re, Icelandic, Sker,
an isolated rock or rocky hill, and the Teutonic Ward, Wart, and
Warth, a guarded place, or fortified place. The guarded or
fortified hill.
Mayne. From the Welsh Maen, a place or possession, akin to
the Latin Mansio, a possession or residence. It is found as Man,
Mayn, Mayne, Main, and Mains.
Pluscarden. In 1461 this word was Pluscarty, and in 1639 it
was Pluscardy. These forms point to the word being of Welsh
origin, from the Welsh Plas, a place, a sheltered place, and allied
148 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
to the Latin Platea, Greek Plateia, and originally signified a court
or square, and Cairdean, friends, or tribe, or community. The
place or valley of the brotherhood.
Incharnock. The first part of this is from the Gaelic Innis, an
island, and pastureland near water. The latter part is from St.
Marnoch, or Marnock, which is found in Marnoch in Banffshire,
Inch Marnoch on the Clyde, and Kilmarnock. In this word the
initial M of the proper name is dropped to make a distinction.
Culbockhillock. The first part of the word is from the Gaelic
Cul, the back or other side of anything. The second part was
formerly Buck, and is from the Gaelic Boc, Dutch Bok, Icelandic
Bukkr, Swedish Bock, a he-goat, cognate with the Welsh Bwch,
Irish Boc. This word is usually applied to hills, as in the Buck of
the Cabrach. Hillock is a superimposed addition. The back of
the buck hillock.
Teindland. The first part of this word comes from the Anglo-
Saxon Teothe, Frisian Teinda, the tenth part. In Scotland certain
portions of the landed property in every parish which have been
fixed and valued, and from which parish ministers obtain their
stipends, are called teinds. Hence Teindlands means church
lands.
Mountswift. The old form of this word was Maensuith, which
x is evidently from the Welsh Maen, a rock or stone, and comes
through the French Mont, which in its turn comes from the Latin
Mons, a mountain or hill. Suith is a Gaelic word for black, and is
allied to the English Soot. The black hill.
Fywatt. The old form of this word was Fi-Wid, and indicates
that the word is purely Norse, from the Scandinavian Vie, Ve,
Wy, when suffixed to words, and Fy, Fie, and Fi, when pre-
fixed. The second part is from the Scandinavian Wid, Widr
PARISH OF ELGIN. 149
and Vitu, Vit, Vat, and Watt, wood. A wood in which there
might have been a church or cell.
Stroanhill. From the Gaelic Sron, and frequently Stron, a
nose, promontory, or headland, Welsh Trwyn, as found in such
words as Stronachlachar (stony headland), Strontian (the little
headland), Sorn in Ayrshire, named from the ancient castle on the
rocky promontory, and also Troon and Duntroon. This word is
frequently found in Scotch topography. The pointed hill.
Oldshields. The suffix here is from the Scandinavian Scale,
Skali, Icelandic Skjol, a temporary summer hut, and found as
Sheilds, Shell, Sheilin, and Sheelin. It is also found as Scall, as
in Scalloway in Shetland, and as Gala, as in Galashiels, as Scald*
as in Scaldwell. The old shealings.
Eogeuhernie. The first part of this word is from the German
Bogen, a bend or bow, and in topography applied to the bend of a
river, or bend in a road, or bend in the configuration of the land,
and the German Horn, Anglo-Saxon Hyrne, Dutch Hoorn, a
projection or cape, or a valley between hills, or curved like a horn.
This is a tautology. The curved valley or land.
InverlocJity. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Inver, Inbhir,
or Inner, a river confluence, or a creek at the mouth of the river.
The Welsh equivalent is Aber, and is generally found on the east
of Scotland, while Inver is chiefly confined to the west. For the
signification of Lochty, see the parish of Dallas. 1 he confluence of
the Lochty and the Lossie.
Lochinver. For this word see Inverlochty.
Pittendreich, The first part of this name is from the Pictish
Pitte, Pitt, Pit, and Petti. The letter p is not found in modem
Gaelic in connection with the names of mountains, but is eclipsed
by its equivalent b, as in beinn and ben, consequently all the
i
150 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
words beginning with this letter, such as Pen, Pette, are Welsh.
We find the word also as Pitten, a hollow, and Pettyn. It is
allied to the Anglo-Saxon Pytt, Latin Peuteus, a well, hollow, or
cavity. The latter part Dreic/i, is from the Pictish Druidh
Welsh Derwydd. The old form was Drui, and takes a d at the
end of its oblique cases, and was borrowed in this form by the
English, whence the word Druid. In modern Gaelic Druidh
would be Druiach, that is, one who augurs or foretells. The
Druid's hollow, or abode.
Dunkinty. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic Dun,
a stronghold, a hill fort, and is cognate with the Welsh Din. As
an adjective it signifies strong. It also signifies a hill or mound,
and under this meaning is found as Dune and Down. The second
part is from the old Gaelic word Queintibk (pronounced Kinty), a
meeting or assembly. The word, therefore, would appear to mean
the moot hill, or the meeting hill.
Tyock. The ancient form of this word was the Gaelic Dubhag,
from Dubk, black, and Ag, a diminutive termination, and signifies
a stream or pool, or a deep gulf. The small stream.
Batcken. The first part of this word is another form of the
Pictish word Pette, which is found in the double forms of Eat
Butt. The latter part Chen, is a corruption of the Welsh word
Cafen, a ridge, and cognate with the Greek KepJiale, a head, and
by mutation it becomes Chen or Ckev, as in the Cheviot hills,
Chevin in York, or Chen in Derby. The hollow at the end of the
ridge.
Palmercross. From the Middle English Palmere, one who bore
a palm branch in memory of having been in the Holy Land, or a
pilgrim. The cross of the pilgrim, or the abode of the pilgrim.
Auchteen. The traditional signification given of this word is,
PARISH OF ELGIN. 151
that it is the Doric of eighteen, but it is difficult to understand
how this duodevigintal number has anything to do with it. It is
from the Gaelic Uchd, a hill or rising ground, and the Gaelic
Teine, fire. Uchdteine. One of the hills on which the ancient
Bealtane fires used to be kindled.
Allarburn. The first part of this word is from the Anglo-
Saxon Air, A Her, A liar, Dutch Els, Icelandic Olr, Latin Alnus,
the Alder. The alderwood burn.
Chanonry. The old form was Canonry, from the Anglo-Saxon
Canon, Latin Canon, Kanon, a rod, rule, an ecclesiastical dignitary,
and Old English Rice or Ric, a jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of
the Canon.
Gallowcrook. In many places throughout Scotland where
there are, and have been, stone circles, the name Gallow and
Gallan are to be found, which names are the Celtic equivalents to
the Hoar- Stones in England and Hare-Stanes in Scotland, and
the Maengwyr of Wales. These stones were supposed to have
been erected as memorial stones or boundaries. For the meaning
of Crook see the Parish of Alves.
Hattonhill. From the Gaelic Aiteann, furze, and found in the
English forms as Hattan and Hatton. The furze hill.
Bilbohall. The first part is from the Teutonic Bill, a plain or
level spot. The second syllable is the Norse Bo, a dwelling. The
dwelling on the level spot or plain.
Stenmanhill. From the Teutonic Stein, Dutch Steen, a stone
or rock, and sometimes in topography applied to a rock fortress.
The second part is the Welsh Maen, also a stone a tautology.
The stoney or rocky hill
Aldroughty. From the Gaelic A lit, a burn, and the Gaelic
Drochaid, a bridge. The bridged burn.
152 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Fleurs. From the French Fleurs flowers, and cognate with
the Latin Flos. Floralis, belonging to Flora, the goddess of
flowers.
Haughland. In Scotland the words Haugh and Heugk t How,
and Hope, denote a low-lying meadow between hills, or on the
banks of a river or stream; though in some places the word
Haugh is from the Scandinavian Haugr, a mound, somewhat like
the cairns so common in Scotland, the former is doubtless the
meaning here. The low-lying land.
Eruceland. From the Teutonic Brache, Scandinavian Brak,
land broken up for tillage, or the ploughed land.
Norriston, both in Elgin and Stirling, is evidently a common
Scotch surname, as Norris Law in Ayr.
x The Coat of Arms of Forres are not recorded in the Lyon Office.
In a meadow with springing palms the martyr St. Lawrence, vested as a deacon,
holding in his dexter hand the Book of the Gospel, and leaning with the sinister upon
a bed of iron bars : in the dexter chief the moon increscent, and in the sinister the
sun in his splendour.
The motto is "Jehovah Tu Mihi Quid Deest." St. Lawrence, after being
scourged, was grilled alive on a sort of large girdiron over a slow fire during the night
between the Qth and loth August, A.D. 258. The Seal and Coat of Arms, which are
of great artistic merit, represent the saint standing in a meadow whence are springing
what appears to be palms of victory. These and the whole group ought to be tinctured
proper. He is fully vested in alb and dalmatic. This dalmatic ought to be red, on
account of his being a martyr, and in representation of Lawrence it is very often
powdered with flames of gold.
XIV.
FORRES.
THIS Parish is bounded on the north by Findhorn Bay, a
large basin of shallow water formed by the meeting of the
tide and the Findhorn River ; on the east by Kinloss and
Rafford ; on the south by Rafford ; and on the west by the River
Findhorn. It is irregular in form, and is 4 miles in length and
2 1 in breadth. Its area is about 9 square miles. "In point of
climate and situation it is inferior to no part of Scotland. The
most interesting antiquities are the celebrated " Sweno's Stone "
and the " Witches' Stone." The name Sweno would indicate or
suggest Swein, King of Norway. This stone is a magnificent
Runic obelisk of dark grey stone. The stone steps around the
base were placed as supports to the pillar by a Countess of Moray,
Lady Ann Campbell, about 200 years ago. The stone is 23 feet
above the ground, and is said to be 14 feet under the ground.
The breadth at the base is 4 feet, and thickness 15 inches. It
bears every appearance of having owed its origin to a period of
remote antiquity, and is one of the most remarkable in Britain.
It is supposed to commemorate a treaty of peace between
Malcolm II. of Scotland and Sweno, the Norse king, about the
153
154 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
beginning of the llth century, and its traditionary name would
seem to support this theory. Others suppose that it com-
memorates the murder of King Duff us, in the Castle of Forres,
and the execution of the murderers ; and the character of the
figures seems to favour the latter tradition.
The "Witches' Stane" was that on which the unfortunate
beings accused of witchcraft were wont to suffer. When the turn-
pike road was in process of being made, the workmen broke this
mass of stone, but the townspeople discovering this, and wishing
to preserve a relic of the bygone times, immediately caused it to
be clasped with iron, in which state it still remains. On the
south-eastern side of the town is a small glen, known by the
sobriquet of Hell's-Hole-Valley. On one of the heights of the
Cluny Hills is a lofty Pharos, commemorative of Nelson and the
Battle of Trafalgar. The town of Forres must have been a place
of some note at a very early period of our history, and is in all
probability the Varris of Ptolemy. Boethius, so early as the year
535 makes mention of it as a burgh having merchants, who, for
some cause, were put to death, and their goods confiscated to the
King's use. It was frequently visited by the Scottish kings
during the ninth and tenth centuries. Donald, the son of
Constantine, was slain at Forres. Malcolm frequently resided in
' the vicinity, and was killed in 959 at Ulern, the old name for
Aldearn. King Duffus, as stated above, was murdered at the
Castle by Donevald, the governor, about the year 966, and his
body, according to Boethius, was buried under the bridge of
Kinloss.
Forres. In 1187, Fores; 1283, Forais. Like all other ancient
places, several significations are given to this word. It is supposed
TORRES. 155
that it is the Fodresach mentioned in the Pictish chronicle of 970.
By others it is supposed to be from the tribe Horestii or Foresti,
mentioned by Tacitus in his Agricola as occupying this place. By
others it is supposed to be from the Gaelic Far-ms, signifying near
water. And by others that it is from the Scandinavian Fors, a
waterfall, which is the most probable. The word Fors, or the
modern Foss, was not strictly applied to a waterfall; it also
signified a cascade or turbulent water. The combination Fors and
ess, or ass, or es, forming a tautology, and the old forms of the
word, support this signification.
Mu n 'dole. This is a Norse word from Munde, or Mund, a river
mouth, or a. valley on the bank of a river. The old form was
MundaL The latter part is the Anglo-Saxon Dale, a tautology.
The hollow land.
Sanquhar. The old name was Sanchar, and is from the Gaelic
Sean, old, and Cathair, Welsh Caer, castle, seat, or fort. The old
fort or castle.
Slieriffbrae. The old form of this word was SJdrabrae, from the
Gaelic Star, west. The west brae.
Chapelton. From the Latin Capclla, Gaelic Capel, a chapel or
church. Church land.
Scour ie. From the Gaelic Sgor, Sgeir, Norse Skaer, Sguir, or
Sgur, common names for sharp rocks or mountain or scaur, and
allied to the Welsh Skerid, and Ysgariad, the Scaur.
Bullctloan. The old form was Bullagloan, which is evidently
from the Gaelic bolg or builg (pronounced bullig), and applied to
soft places. The latter part loan is from the Gaelic lon t a marsh or
morass. The word is a tautology.
Mannachy. The common Gaelic word for a monk or friar is
156 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Manach, which is the equivalent of the Latin MonacJius. In
Ireland it is Managk. The land of the friar or monk.
Greeshop. From the Icelandic gris, Danish grus, Scotch grise, a
pig. The latter part is from the Teutonic /wf, Dutch hoeve, and
frequently found as hap and hop, an enclosure. The pigs' fold or
enclosure.
Blervie. In 1667 the form of this word was Blairie, from the
Gaelic blair or blar, a plain, originally a battlefield. The latter
part is the Celtic ia, or ie, land or country.
Califer. The old form was Kaelifart, evidently from the Dutch
Kael, German Kahl, Anglo-Saxon Calo, bald or bare, and the Gaelic
fert or ferta, a trench, and sometimes a grave. The cold bare or
wet hollow.
Invererne. For the first part of this word see the parish of
Elgin, and for the latter part Erne, see the parish of Alves.
Bucktilly, from the Gaelic boc, a buck, a roebuck, and the Gaelic
tulachi found as tullo, tully, and tilly, a hill or mound or ridge. The
deer hill.
Starlands, from the Scandinavian Ster, contracted from Stadr, a
dwelling place, and is met both in Scotland and Ireland.
Drumduan, from the Gaelic druim or drom, a ridge, cognate
with the Latin dorsum. The latter part duan is from the Gaelic
' dun, a stronghold or hill fort. As an adjective dun means strong,
and as a verb, dunadh, it signifies closed, or shut in.
Altyre. In 1450 it was A lire, in 1573 Alter. Taking the old
form as the most approximately correct one, the word is derived
from the Gaelic Ail, literally a rock or cliff, but more frequently
applied to high land. We have allied to it the Gaelic Alt, or
Welsh Alit t a height. The second part is from the Celtic, or
ForreS,
TORRES. 157
Pictish trc, Welsh tref, a dwelling, or residence. The modern
Gaelic is trebhair. The residence sheltered by the high land or
rising ground.
CothalL The first part of this word is from the Welsh Coed,
Pictish Coid, and variously found as Coit, Coat, Cuit, and Cot, a
wood. The residence in the wood.
Balnafery. From the Gaelic Bailc, a town or residence, and the
Gaelic Faire, watch or guard, and the old form was Bail-na-faire.
The place of watch or guard.
Knockomie. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Cnoc, Welsh
Knwc, a knoll, hill, or mound. The suffix, Omie, is a corruption
of the Gaelic Amaidh (pronounced Amie), trouble, sorrow, disaster.
The hill of sorrow or disaster.
Lingieston. The prefix here is from the Icelandic and Danish
Lyng, heather. The latter part is from the Norse Tun, Anglo-
Saxon Ton, an enclosure.
Pilmuir. The first part of this word is from the Celtic Pile or
Peel, a small fortress, The word is not common in the north of
Scotland, but on the border between England and Scotland the
word is frequently met with, as also in Peel in the Isle of Man.
The moor fortress.
Balnageith. From the Gaelic Baile, a residence. Na is the
genitive, and GaotJi, wind. Gaoith is the genitive of Gaoth.
downside. From the Dutch Kloven, Icelandic Kljnfa, Anglo-
Saxon Cleofan, a hollow or passage between two hills.
Gorskeyneuk. From the Welsh Cors, Gaelic Car, Norse, Ker*
Irish Corgach, a marsh, and is frequently found in the counties of
Aberdeen, Banff, and Elgin, in the forms of Corskie and Gorskie.
The marshy or wet corner.
Cluny. From the Gaelic Cluan or Cloon, a fertile piece of land,.
153
THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
.and found as Clunie, Cluney, dunes, and Clones. These fertile
pastures were the favourite spots selected by the monks in Scot-
land as places of retirement, and eventually became the sites of
monasteries and abbeys, although at first the names of these
meadows, in many instances, had no connection with religious
institutions. This is, however, more with reference to Ireland
than to Scotland.
XV.
KINLOSS.
THIS parish is bounded on the north by the Moray Firth, on
the east by Alves, on the south by Forres, and on the west
by the bay of Findhorn. It is about 3 J miles long, and 3
miles broad, with an area of 10 miles. The ruins of Kinloss
Abbey stand near the south-eastern extremity of the bay. The
Abbey was founded by David I. in 1150 for monks of the
Cistertian Order, and confirmed by a Papal bull in 1174. In 1650
the materials of the Abbey were taken to aid in the construction
of Cromwell's Fort at Inverness, and little else than a mere out-
line of its extent was left. The most distinguished Abbot of
Kinloss was Robert Reid in 1530, Bishop of Orkney in 1557, and
some time President of the Court of Session, and who had a great
deal to do with founding the University of Edinburgh, having
begun the fund by which it was built by a legacy of 8000 merks.
That he was a high personage in the State is seen from the fact
that he assisted at the marriage of Mary Queen of Scots with the
Dauphin of France. Shaw, the historian of Moray, tells us that
the revenues of Kinloss Abbey at the Reformation, according to
the Registrum Moraviense, amounted to 1152, besides numerous
payments in kind. The whole of the property belonging to the
the Abbey, which included land in the counties of Nairn, Inverness,
159
l6o THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Banff, Aberdeen, and Berwick, was seized, and one Edward Bruce,
a commissary of Edinburgh and lord of Session, was appointed to
take charge of the entire establishment, who in 1604 was elevated
to the rank and title of Baron Kinloss. In 1633 the ill-fated
Charles I. raised his son to the higher dignity of Earl of Elgin, a
title still enjoyed by his descendants.
It was at Kinloss Abbey that Edward I. of England, dismayed
by the distant mountains of Inverness and Ross, halted in his
triumphal march through Scotland, and after staying at the Abbey
for three weeks returned southward. It is said that King DufFus,
who was murdered in the Castle of Forres in 966, having preserved
his life by concealing himself in a covered ditch near the spot,
reared a chapel on the site of the Abbey in grateful commemoration
of his escape. Boethius relates the matter thus :
u Killos, in Moravia, nomen habet a fluctibus, qui, praeter omnis
naturam, derepente vicino in campo pullularunt, dum Duffi Regis
corpus revelaretur. Coenobium, post duo fere secula quam Duffus
occubuit, fundatum in memoriam miraculi quod ibidem contigisse
memoratur."
Kinloss. According to Boethius, so far back as the year 966
the original form of this word was Killos, and apparently this form
was retained till about 1187, when we find it as Kynloss, and in
1251 another change was made to Kinlos. Dempster, writing of
the same event above written by Boethius, gives the word as Kilios.
It is evident that the first form of the word was Killos, which
plainly indicates that there was a church or Cell, Cill, or Kil there
long before the famous Abbey. This Kil was founded by St.
Osburn from Dumfries, who, it is said, bequeathed to it the small
heritage in Berwickshire, from which at a later date part of the
revenues of the Abbey were derived. Killos therefore is the
KINLOSS. l6l
Church of St. Osburn. It is significant that in all the names given
after this Saint, if the word Kill is written in full, the latter
syllable of the patronymic is dropped, and if the patronymic is
written in full only the initial letter or a contraction of the word
Kill is written, as in Closeburn, or anciently Cella-Osburnie, and
Killos, both of which was Kilosburn and Kelosbern.
Findhorn. Before the inundation of the sea and river in the
year 1701, the old names were Findhern and Findern. The prefix
is apparently from the Gaelie Fionn, white, and found as Fin and
Fyne in Scotland, in Wales as Gwynn, in England as Ven, and in
Ireland as Phoen, as in Ventry and Phoenix. For the latter part,
Ern, see the parish of Alves. The clear or white stream or river.
Damhead. This is not an old word, and is from the Anglo-
Saxon Damm, Dutch Dam, Icelandic Dammr, a mound or bank
against water ; hence dam, a pool of water, as a milldam.
Struthers, anciently Strothers, from the Gaelic Srut/i, Sruthair y
Sanskrit Sru and Srota, cognate with the Teutonic Stroum and
Struya, a river or flowing water, as in Anstruther in Fife and
Westruther in Berwick.
Muttonhole. In 1617 Muttole, evidently from the Anglo-Saxon
Mot or Moot, a place of assembly. The latter part of the word is
probably a corruption of hill. The hill or place where foreigners
held their courts of justice.
Archieston. This is a comparatively recent name, and is a
patronymic after a man Archibald.
Scotsburn. The burn of the Scots or Celts, so called from the
fact that a band of Celts retained their position in this place when
others were driven inland in the troublous times of the Norse
invasions, and is contradistinguished from Nor-burn and No-burn ,
the burn of the Norsemen.
L
1 62 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Hatton. This word is found in the Pictish chronicle of 970,
A than, signifying the ford of the river, from the two Gaelic words,
Atk, a ford, and Abhuinn, a river. But more probably it is the
Gaelic Aiteann, the furze, or juniper, and frequently found as
Hattin and Hatton. The juniper field.
Langcote. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Lann, Welsh
Llan, Teutonic Land, an enclosure, a church, or house. Skene
says the Welsh Llan is from the Latin Planum, a plain. The
suffix Cote is the Welsh Coed, or Coid, or Cuit. The church wood
or enclosed wood.
Grange. From the French Grange, a farm or storehouse for
grain, which in its turn is taken from the Latin Granaria, and
with which is cognate the Gaelic Grainnseach.
Whiteinch. The latter part of this word is from the Gaelic
Innish, literally an island, but applied to low-lying pastureland
near a river. The white meadow.
Newton, anciently Neuton, signifying the new dwelling. This
is a common name in Scotland.
Seapark, anciently Seaparc, from the French Pare, Gaelic Pairc>
Anglo-Saxon Pearroc, and German Pferch, and signifying an
enclosure for cattle or deer, and also an enclosure for the protection
of game or for pleasure.
Muirton. From the Scandinavian Moer or Mor, Scotch Muir.
Waste land or heath.
Middleton. From the Icelandic Midr, Dutch Mid, Anglo-
Saxon Midd, the Middle, cognate with the Latin Medius, Greek
Mesos, and Sanskrit Madhya, and the Scandinavian Tun, Anglo-
Saxon Ton. An enclosure or town.
XVI.
KNOCKANDO.
THIS parish is bounded on the north by Dallas, on the east
by Rothes, on the south and south-west by Inveraven, from
which it is separated by the river Spey, and on the west
by Cromdale and Edinkellie. It is 10 miles in length and 2 in
breadth. The surface is hilly, and the rocks primitive. Near
Easter Elchies, at the eastern extremity of the parish, is one of
the two celebrated rocks called Craigellachie. The other is in
Rothiemurchus. Signals by fire to convene the inhabitants on
the approach of an enemy were wont to be made in former times
on these rocks, hence the motto of the Grants, " Stand fast,
Craigellachie." Near the mansion house of Easter Elchies in a
wood is the rural and sequestered Churchyard of Macallan, where
a fragment of the church wall is still traceable. Several other
ancient chapels or religious houses are said to have formerly existed
in this parish, and there are still remains of a Druidical temple.
The parish includes the whole of the old parish of Macallan, which
was evidently merged into Knockando somewhere between the
years 1683 and 1712. No legal record of annexation can be found,
but in 1683 they were under separate pastors, while in 1712 we
find them under one only. This parish suffered severely from the
floods of 1829, an account of which is fully and graphically given
by Sir T. Dick Lauder.
163
164 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Knockando. From the Gaelic Cnoc, Welsh Knwc, a hill or
mound. The latter part is from the Gaelic Dhu, black, and is
found as Du and Do, or Dow.
Tomdow. From the Gaelic Tom, a knoll or hill, and the Gaelic
Dhu, black.
Macallan, anciently Magh-Ellan, and St. Colins, a corruption
of the former. This is a very old name, found as far back as the
time of the introduction of the Christian faith into Scotland. The
first part Magh is from the old Gaelic, and signifies a plain or level
tract of land. It is termed Campus or planities by Latin writers,
and found as Magh, Moy, Ma, and Mo, also as Mah and Mac, and
in modern Gaelic it is Mac-hir, from MagJi and tir, the level land.
Then by extension it has come to signify a fertile spot, and in
primitive ages churches were built in these fertile spots ; so in
many places it has also come to signify a church. The latter part
Elian is the genitive or oblique form of St. Fillan. The name is
found in several other places invariably as Elian, as in Killellan in
Ross. It is thought the saint was led hither by the fact that prior
to his time there was a Druidical temple in the place, being thus
a fit place to establish a church for his missionary work.
Dellhallie. The old form of this word was Dail-a-bhaile, from
the Gaelic dail, Anglo-Saxon dal, Dutch deel, and Irish dal, a
district, part, or hollow, and baile, a residence or farm.
Borlum. This is a pure Gaelic word, signifying a ridge or
declivity, and also a patch of arable land. It is frequently met
with throughout the country.
Overtown. The first part of this word is from the Dutch Over,
Upper, and found in the German form as Ob and Ober.
Dahnoonack. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic
dail, a part or district, or a level tract of land, and the Gaelic
KNOCKANDO. 165
Monadh (pronounced Monag/i), a heath, or heathy expanse, or
mountain.
Bogroy. From the Gaelic bog-ruadh, red bog, so called from the
fact that the alluvial deposits consist of clay, iron ore, fuller's earth,
and marl.
Kirdals and Kirdalbeg. The first part of this word is from the
Gaelic Car, Welsh Cors, Scandinavian Ker, a marsh, and is found
in the various forms of Corse, Cors, Car, Ker, Kir, and Keer, and
dal, a hollow. The marshy hollow. Beg at the end of the latter
word signifies small or little. The little marshy hollow.
Tomlea. From the Gaelic Tom, a hill, and Hath, grey. The
local pronunciation is Tomliatk, the grey hill or knoll. A very
applicable name.
Tomnahera. From the Gaelic Tom, a hill. Na is the genitive
of. The latter part, hera, assumes the oblique form oifaire, to
watch or guard, where the aspirate h eclipses the initial/! The
signal or watch hill.
Lynechurn. From the Gaelic Linne, Welsh Llynn, Anglo-Saxon
Hlynna, a pool, lake, and sometimes applied to a waterfall. Churn
is the oblique form of earn, a heap of stones such as was thrown up
by the ancient Britons over the graves of their heroes; also a
conical rock or mount.
Tulisk. From the provincial Gaelic Tuilaisg, a disaster or a
mournful event, or a place of accident.
Cathrinbrae. The old form of this word was Cathair-Braidhe,
from the Gaelic Cat hair, a seat, or house, and Braidhe, the face or
top of a hill. The house on the top of a hill.
Clune. From the Gaelic Cluan, or Cloon, a fertile piece of land
surrounded by a bog. The word is found in the various forms of
Clune, Clunie, Cluny, Clunes, and Clones.
1 66 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Cardookhead. For this word see Cardow. The head of the
black rock.
Delnapot. From the Gaelic dal, a district or hollow, and the
Gaelic /0zV, a caldron The hollow or dell of the caldron.
Lady croft. This is an old word. " Our Lady " of the Catholic
ritual signifies the Virgin Mary, and was so called because this
piece of land originally belonged to the Church of St. Fillan.
Buoldow. The first part of this word is from the German Buhil,
a hill, and found as bul, b/ml, buol, and bhouL The latter part is
du or dku, black.
Bishopcroft. The croft of the Bishop, and indicates, like Lady
Croft, land set apart for church or ecclesiastical purposes.
Heathfield The initial part of this word is from the Middle
English Hetk, Dutch Heide, Icelandic Heidr, Gothic Haithi.
Waste land or pasture.
Elchies. This word is not the same as found in Craigellachie.
The old form was Elche. It is one of the few words of Basque
origin, like // and Ura, both signifying water, that we have left in
the country. The first part is El, a town or residence. The
second part, Che, is a hill. The residence on the hill. The prefix
is met with as Ely, Eli, Ell, Ello, and Ole.
WaulkmilL The prefix here is from the Dutch Walcken,
{Swedish Valka, Danish Valke, to press, to full cloth, and allied to
the Latin Uergere, to bend, turn, incline. The mill for waulking
or pressing cloth.
Rhinover. The first part RJiin is from the Celtic Rhynn, Irish
Rinn, Scandinavian Rain, a promontory or peninsula, and is found
both in Scotland and Ireland in the various forms of Rin, Rhin,
Reen, Rine, and Ring. The second part is from the Dutch Over,
a boundary, Scandinavian Eyre or Ore, a boundary or point.
KNOCKANDO. 167
Ballintomb. From the Gaelic Baile, in Ireland Bally, originally
merely a place, a home, then a fort, a town, and allied to the
Greek Polis. The latter part is the Gaelic Tom, a hill or knoll.
Strondow. The first part is from the Gaelic Sron, Welsh
Trwyn, a nose, or promontory, and frequently found as Stron, as in
Stronfearn, Strontian, and Strondeas. Dow is from the Gaelic du
or d/iu, black.
Bal-na Sco. From the Gaelic Baile, a home, or residence. The
latter part is from the Gaelic SgotJi (pronounced Sgo), literally a
gash or cut. In topography it signifies a gully. Sgoth is also the
Gaelic for a boat; so that the word may either signify the residence
in the hollow or boat house.
Ringorm. For the first part of this word see Rhinover. The
latter part is from the Gaelic Gorm, literally blue, but applied in
topography it signifies green. Green grass is translated " Feur
gorm"
Brackenhowes. The first part is from the Anglo-Saxon Braccan,
Icelandic Burkni, Swedish Braken, Danish Bregne, fern, and allied
to Brok, sedge or rough grass. Hoives, the second part, is from
Scandinavian How, a hill, Icelandic Haugr, Swedish Hog, and
Danish Hoi. The fern hills.
Cardow. The prefix here is evidently from the old Pictish word
Carr, a rock, or rocky land, and it is probable that Carrig, a rock,
Cam, a monumental heap of stones, and the Welsh Caer, a hill
fortress, are etymologically allied to this word. The latter part is
from the Gaelic du or dhu, black. The name is a very old one,
being known as Carrdubh about the time the parish of Macallan
was merged into Knockando. It is also, so far as the writer knows,
unique in the topography of Scotland. Both the prefix and affix
are common, but as a combination no other can be found.
1 68 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Darglans. The prefix here is from the Gaelic dobhar, water,
and is found in the various forms of dozver, dover, dur, dar, and
Welsh dwr. The latter part is from the Pictish Glan, a shore, a
brink, a river side. The water side.
Prescalton. The prefix here is from the old Gaelic word Prats,
strong, and by extension a stronghold or fortification. The second
part, Calton, is Cailtane, son of Girim, King of the Picts, whose
stronghold was in this parish. The old form of the word was
Pras-chaltane. The fort or temple of Cailtane.
Gortons. This is a pure Gaelic word, Gort signifying standing
corn, and fields suitable for growing corn are usually called Goir-
tauan in the plural. The singular is Gortan.
Corgyle. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Coire, a ravine or a
hollow. The latter part is from the Gaelic Gall, a stranger. Goil
or Gyle is the oblique form of Gall t and the old form of the word
was Coireghoil. The stranger or lowlanders' hollow.
Caley, Bridge of. The latter part of this word is from the Gaelic
Coille, a wood, and the name was borrowed from the Bridge of
Gaily in Perth.
Rinnifiach. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic Rinn y
literally the point of anything, and in topography is applied to a
promontory or isolated mountain peak. The second part Fiach is
,the Gaelic for raven. The hill of the ravens.
Tombreck. From the Gaelic Tom,& hill; quite common through-
out the country. The second part Breac signifies speckled or parti-
coloured. Hillsides or dry uplands frequently present speckled or
spotted appearance. This word is also found as Brack, as in
Bracklaw in Nairn. The speckled hill.
Gracemount. This is a modern name, taken from the French
Grace, pleasing or beautiful, and allied to the Latin Grains, and
KNOCKANDO. 169
Mount, a hill, Anglo-Saxon, Munt t and Latin Mons. The
beautiful hill.
Garlinebeg. This word is composed of three roots, (1) Garbh,
the Gaelic for rough, (2) Linn, the Gaelic for pool, and (3) Beag,
the Gaelic for little. The little rough linn.
Tomore. From the Gaelic Tom, a hill, and Mhor, large. The
large hill.
Knockandreich. From the Gaelic Cnoc, a hill, mound, or knoll.
An here is a diminutive. Dreich is a corruption of the Gaelic
Draoidh, a Druid. The Druid's hill.
Garlinemore. See Garlinebeg. The big rough linn.
Lynes. From the Gaelic Linne, a pool, or lake, and sometimes
a waterfall. With which is cognate the Welsh Llynn, and Anglo-
Saxon Hlynna.
Haughs, found in Scotland as Haugk or Heugh, and generally
denoting a low-lying meadow between hills or on the banks of a
stream.
Pitckroy.ThQ initial Pit, found in the "Book of Deer" as
Pette, signifies a portion of land. It is also applied to a dwelling,
and has an equivalent in Both, a booth, and so also in the
Scandinavian Bo and By. It is also found in the form of Pitt,
signifying a hollow, and allied to the Latin Puteus, a well. The
latter part C/iroy is a corruption of the Gaelic Craoibh, trees or
wood.
Strat/igean. The first part comes from the Gaelic Srath, a
valley. The latter part Gean is another form of Gen, an
abbreviation of the Teutonic Magen or Megen, a field or plain.
Is a tautology.
GalL This word has been used by the Gaels to denote a
stranger, usually the Danes, and since then it has been applied to
I7O THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
the English. It is more commonly found with a prefix, bub
without one it signifies " the strangers' land."
Bruntlands. Land reclaimed by burning. In olden times
mossy or peaty land was usually brought under cultivation by
burning, and in some parts of the country this mode is adopted in
the present time.
Cardanach, from the Gaelic Carr, a rock, or rocky, and the
Gaelic Danach, abounding in. The rocky land.
Dalmeonach. The old form of this word was DalmoinacJi y
signifying the peaty or mossy dale, from the Gaelic Maine, peat.
Clune> from the Gaelic Cluan, a fertile piece of land.
Culkeen. The first part is from the Gaelic Cuil, a corner or
angle, used frequently in the place names of Scotland. There is
another word Cul, a back, and in distinguishing between the two
it is necessary to know the configuration of the place. The latter
part is from Gin, or Ginealachd, a race or family. Land occupied
by the race for generations. Also from the Gaelic Cinneadh,
a surname.
Rinnagarrie. The first part Rinn means the point of anything.
In its topographical application it signifies a promontory or point
of land, and is frequently met with in the place names of Scotland.
The second part Garrie is from the Gaelic Garad/i, a dike. The
point or end of the dike or boundary.
Corshelloch. From the Gaelic Coire, a deep hollow, and the
Gaelic Seileach, abounding in willow. The hollow of the willows.
Balmenach. From the Gaelic Baile, a town or residence, and
MeadJionacJi, the middle, Middleton.
Balnaglack. From Baile, a town or residence. Na is the
genitive of, and Glac, a hollow or narrow valley. The residence in
the narrow valley.
KNOCKANDO.
Clashdow. From the Gaelic Clais, a ditch, and dubh, black.
The black ditch or valley.
Clashindarish. For the first part see Clashdow. The latter
part is from the Gaelic dorracJi, rough, rugged. The rough or
rugged hollow.
Ballinteem. From the Gaelic Baile, a residence, and Tuaim, a
mound of earth or stones raised over a grave or in a churchyard,
and cognate with the Latin Tumulus^ the place of the mounds, or
Tumuli.
Altcosh. From the Gaelic Ault, a burn or stream, and Giuthas,
fir. The firwood burn.
Lochanstone. From the Gaelic Lochan, a little loch. The word
stone was superimposed.
Allacrough. The first part Alia is from the Gaelic A ill, a rock,
cliff, or precipice, and Cruach, a pile, heap, or stack, and in
topography a high hill. The rocky hill.
Tomneen. From the Gaelic Tom, a hill or mound, and Na, the
genitive of, and Eun, a bird. The hill on which birds congregate.
Tomindugle. For Tom, see Tomneen. The old form of the
word was Tom-an-tabhal, from the Gaelic Sabhal, a barn. The
hill of the barn.
Knocknagore. From the Gaelic Cnoc, a hill. The latter part is
from Gobhair, goats, cognate with the Latin Caper. The goat
hill.
Claggan. From the Gaelic Claigcann, uniformly found as
Claggan ; topographically applied to a round, hard, dry rocky hill.
The adjective is Claigneach.
Sheancanop. From the Gaelic Shean, old ; but how the word
came to be applied in topography it is difficult to say, as one
natural feature cannot be older than another. The second word is
172 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
from the Gaelic Cnap, a little hill. The old hill. Perhaps the
name was applied from the fact of early cultivation or residence
near it.
Corglass. From the Gaelic Coire, a deep hollow, and Glass,
grey or speckled, and also used in Gaelic to signify green. The
green hollow.
Boghur. This is rather a curious corruption of the older form,
Bogfuar, from the Gaelic Bog, soft. In its original sense it meant
a peat moss, or simply a bog, and is found as Bhog and Vogg, and
is equivalent to the word Flinch, wet. The latter part, Fuar^
signifies cold. The cold bog or marsh.
Lekin. From the Gaelic Leacann, steep, shelving ground or the
side of a hill. Leac, the root, originally means a large flat stone,
and is cognate with the Welsh Llech, Latin Lapis, and Greek
Lithos.
Ringorm. From the Gaelic Rinn, the point of anything, a
point or spit of land, and Gorm, literally blue, but when used in
topography it signifies green.
Phaebuie. From the Gaelic Feith, a marsh, and Buidhe, yellow.
The yellow marsh.
Croftindakart. Sagart, a priest, is only the Latin Sacerdos, and
is quite common in place names throughout the north of Scotland.
The old form of the word was Croit-an-tagart, where the initial s
was eclipsed by the letter /. The priests' croft.
Delvenvan. This word is made up of three Gaelic roots. The
first is Dail, a valley, sometimes a field, and is frequently found
prefixed to other words as Del. The second root is Min, smooth,
where the initial m is eclipsed by its equivalent v. The third root
is Bhan, or Ban, white, where the combination bh is eclipsed by its
equivalent v. The smooth white field or valley.
XVII.
RAFFORD.
THIS parish is in the west of the County. Its length is-
upwards of 8 miles, and its breadth varies from 3 to 5
miles. Its surface is partly low, flat, and fertile ; partly
elevated, moorish, and rocky, and the landscape much diversified.
About 1840 sandstone and grey slate were quarried. Altyre, now
annexed to Rafford, was formerly a distinct parish belonging to-
the parsonage of Dallas, until in 1661, by an Act of Parliament, it
was joined to Rafford. The walls of the old church remain, and
in the burying-ground the remains of the Cummings of Logie are
interred. The chief mansions are Blervie, Burgee, and Altyre, of
which latter, in the beginning of the century, Miss Sinclair wrote :
" Our next step was through a scene of unearthly beauty to Altyre,.
the most lovely and loveable place you can conceive, belonging to
Sir William Gordon Gumming, chief of the Clan Gumming, and
representative of the old lords of Badenoch."
Rafford. The old form of the word was Raffart, from the
Gaelic Rath, and cognate with the Welsh Rhath, an earthen fort
or stronghold, also a mound or hill. In modern spellings it takes
various forms, such as Raw, Ray, Rah, and Ra. The second part
is from Ard, a height. We find the word as Ard-na-Raith, the
height of the fort, and as Rath- Ar da, the high fort.
174 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
CothalL From the Celtic Coed or Cold, a wood, and variously
written Coit t Coat, Cidt, and Cot. In the south of England it is
Quite, in Wales it is Goed, and in Brittany it is found as Koat and
Koad.
Burgle. In 1240 Burgn, from the Gaelic Burgaid, or Burginn,
a muddy stream, from the root Burn, water. We have also the
adjective Burgaidich, signifying muddy or silted.
Scotsburn. It is said that this place was debatable ground
between the Picts and the Scots that is to say, was claimed by
both races or tribes ; that finally it came into the possession of the
Scots, hence the name.
Marcassie. From the Gaelic Marc, a horse, and A is, a covert,
a hill, or stronghold. A tilting field.
Granary. This is a Scotch word signifying a farm or store-
house for grain, from the Latin Granaria, or Granum, and cognate
with the Gaelic Granniseach.
Todholes. From the Scandinavian Tod, a fox, Icelandic, Toddi,
German Zotte, Zote. Is so called from his shaggy hair. The
lairs or holes of the foxes.
Tore. From the Gaelic Torr, Welsh Twr, Latin Turris,
Greek Pyrgos, a conical hill or a tower.
Brockloch. From the Gaelic Brochlach, a warren or a badger's
den.
Firmoss. This is a modern name, from the modern English Fir,
Anglo-Saxon Furh, Icelandic Fura, Danish Fyr, Welsh Pyr.
The moss where fallen fir is found.
Phorp. From the Anglo-Saxon Thorpe, an assembly of people,
or a village, Welsh trof, Icelandic forp, Dutch dorp. The form
phorp is evidently of Norse origin, and was applied to a few houses.
Tarras. From the old Gaelic Tara, a height, as found in
RAFFORD. 175
Tarland in Aberdeen, Tarradalc, Ross, Tarrel, Ross, and Tarves,
Aberdeen.
Rewerrand. From the Gaelic Ruadhan, a mineral scurf or
sediment that collects on the surface of marshy places. Then by
extension the land on which the scurf is formed came to be termed
Ruadhfhearann. The red land.
Starwells. From the Scotch Starr, Norse Starr, sedge or
rashes. A marshy place where rashes grow.
Blervie. The first part is from the Gaelic Blair or Blar, a
plain, originally a battlefield. The second part is from the Gaelic
Beith, Latin Betula, the birch tree. The birch wood plain or field.
Breach, from the Gaelic Breac, speckled or parti-coloured, an
appearance caused by different kinds of vegetation or by the
different colours of the ground. Speckled appearance.
Bahill. Ba is the plural of Bo, a cow, and glosses Bos, with
which it is cognate. The cow hill or pasturage.
Tulloch, from the Gaelic Tulach, a little hill, and used to denote
fertile land.
Cautsford. From the Gaelic Cauta, a lake, or a puddle, or a
sluggish stream ; also applied to the quince tree. The ford of the
sluggish stream.
Bognie, now Bogan, anything soft, a quagmire. The root is Bog t
It is also found as Bogack and Bognachd, and enters greatly into
the place names of the country.
Shogle. For this word see the parish of Birnie.
Sourbank. From the Anglo-Saxon Sur, Icelandic Surr, Danish
Suur, Welsh Sur, course or rough. The rough bank or hill.
Bothies. From the Gaelic Both, a tent or hut, Welsh Bod t
Cornish Bos or Bod\ originally applied to the huts built in the
hills for the purposes of summer herding. Bothies is a plural form.
176 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Cluny. From the Gaelic Cluan, a fertile piece of land. These
fertile pieces were favourite spots selected by the monks for
building purposes.
Wardend. From the Teutonic Ward, Wart, and Warth, a
guarded place, a watchtower.
Cassieford. From the Gaelic Cas or Cassach, steep, an ascent ;
also, a difficulty, an emergency, a trying situation. The steep
ford.
Lawrencetown. This is not a patronymic, as is generally sup-
posed. It is from the Gaelic LobJiar, a Leper, a place for the
seclusion of lepers the land or farm of the lepers. There are also
Leper lands in Elgin. Lobharach is the adjective, and Lobharanach
signifies one covered with leprosy.
Kilnflat. The first part is from the Gaelic Cill, a cell or
burying-ground, or a church. The old form of the word was
Kil-na-vlait. The prefix is more frequently found as Kit and Kel.
The second part is from the Dutch Vleit, a stream of water, or an
arm of the sea or channel. The church or burying-ground beside
the stream, or lake, or marsh.
LochiehilL For this word see Lochty in the parishes of Dallas
and Elgin.
Clodach. See the parish of Birnie.
Templestones. From the Latin Temphim, Greek Temenos, a
temple or sacred enclosure, Gaelic Teampull. These temples were
built by the ancient Picts, or by their priests, the Druids ; and
those remarkable Druidical remains are termed rocking-stones, or
in Gaelic Clachbhrath, the stones of knowledge, which had
apparently been used for the purposes of divination.
Clashdhu. From the Gaelic Clash, a trench, or ditch, or Fosse,
and D/iu, black. The dark hollow or trench.
RAFFORD. 177
Reade. This is the Welsh word R/iyd, a ford, and is cognate
with the Gaelic RatJiad, a road.
Farnaley. The old form of this word was Fearnaliatli, from the
Gaelic Fearna, alderwood, and Liath, grey. The grey alderwood.
Dobinsbush. From the Gaelic Dabhan, a hollow, a little lake.
The shrubby hollow.
Bogawood. From the Gaelic Bogach> wet or marshy. The
wood in the marsh, usually alderwood or willows.
Bodnafiach. The old form was Badnafiach y the hill of the
ravens, from Bad, a tuft or cluster, or little hill, and Fiach, a raven.
Craigroy. From the Gaelic Carrig, a rock, and RuadJi y red.
The red rock.
Newtile. Formerly N entile and Neutisle, from the Gaelic
Nuadh, German Ncu, Welsh Newydd, new, cognate with the Latin
Novus, and the Greek Neos, and the Scandinavian Twistle, a
boundary. The new boundary or march.
M
XVIII.
ROTHES.
THIS parish is in the Strathspey district of Morayshire.
Heath-clad hills surround this parish, and limit its agricul-
tural lands to the narrow valley of the Spey, jwhich bounds
it on the east. On the hill to the west of the village of Rothes is
a quantity of white and red agate, uniformly smooth and finely
shaded in its colours, and capable of high polish. On the summit
of a round hill in the vicinity of the village stand the ruins of
Rothes Castle, the ancient seat of the noble family of Leslie, Earls
of Rothes. The castle is one of the most ancient ruins in the
country. In 1238 Eva De Mortach, daughter of Muriel De Police,
was Domina De Rothes, and in that capacity, in 1263, she made
gift by charter of the lands of Inverlochtie to the Cathedral of
Moray. It is said that the Leslies had come from Hungary with
Atheling, the wife of Malcolm Canmore. In 1457 they were
' created Earls of Rothes by James II. They seem to have resided
at Rothes till somewhere about the year 1620, when they removed
to Fifeshire. In 1700 they sold their possessions in Moray to
Grant of Elchies. The late Dr. Wilson of Worcester, a native of
the parish, bequeathed to it a sum of 500 for educational
purposes, the interest of which ought to be enjoyed by the
schoolmaster.
178
ROTHES. 179
Rothes Several derivations have been given of this word
Ruadhuis, red water, is given by Shaw. Roth-ess, a bend in the
river, is given by another. These, however, do not convey a
sufficient signification, either as to configuration or situation. The
term Rath was in very ancient times applied to fortifications, or
strongholds, and it is evident from the antiquity of the Rothes
fortalice that after it was built it was called Rath. In 1420 we
find it written as Rath-es, that is, the stronghold by the Ess or
river, or by the waterfall.
Greens. This is from the Gaelic Gtian, the sun. Its literal
meaning is a sunny place when applied to place names, but its
meaning has been extended to signify a beautiful sunny spot, a
green spot, or bower or summer house.
Garbity. From the Gaelic Garbh, rough, and Aite, a place, the
rough land or rough place, whose present appearance belies the
appellation, but which, before the influence of cultivation had
changed the appearance, was very suitable.
Whiteriggs. Dutch Wit, Icelandic Hvitr, Danish Hvid, and
German Weiss, allied to the Sanskrit Gveta, white, or to shine,
and Danish Ryg, Swedish Rygg, Icelandic Hryggr, a ridge, or the
back of a man or beast. The white ridge.
Corqwhite. From the Gaelic Coire, a deep, round hollow in a
mountain, also a deep pool, and a whirpool in the sea. The latter
part Qukite is from the old Gaelic word Ceide, a hill. This suffix
is not in 'general use, and in the few instances in which it is met
with it is much obscured owing to the ancient phonetic custom of
writing. The hollow in the hill.
Inchberry. The initial part is from the Gaelic Innis, often
taking the form of Inch and lush, pasture land near a river, and
sometimes applied to a large level piece of land. The second part
i8o
THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
is from the Gaelic BearradJi, the top of a mountain, hill, or table
land. This place is a fertile terrace on the left bank of the river Spey.
Aikenway. From the Icelandic Aik, or Eik, an oakwood,
Danish Eeg, Swedish Ek, Anglo-Saxon Ac, English Oak. The
suffix En is the adjectival form, and the word might be anglicised
the Oakenway. The path through the oakwood.
Clachbrack. The old form of this word was Clachbhreac, from
Clack, a stone, and Breac, grey or brindled. The grey ridge,
Dundurcus. The first part is from the Gaelic Dun, a stronghold,
a hill fort, and also applied to hills, mountains found in England as
in Downs, and in Flanders as in Dunes. The second part is a
violent corruption of the Gaelic Tiorcais, to save from danger, and
an old form of the word was Duntorcas. The stronghold of safety.
Sourdenhcad. The first part is from the Icelandic Svordr,
literally the skin, rind, or covering, and applied to the grassy
covering of the land. Den is a hollow, and the word as a whole
signifies the head of the grassy hollow.
Or ton. From the German Ort, Dutch Oort, Scandinavian Ord,
a point, corner, and sometimes a place. The dwelling at the point
or corner; here at the end of a hill.
Bogincur. The first part Bog is the Gaelic for soft, and is
frequently met with in the place names of the county. The latter
part Cur is the oblique form of Car, a marsh. The word is a
tautology signifying the marshy or soft place, Car being the first
name, and latterly the prefix Bog was imposed, or prefixed thereto.
Dandaleith. In 1612 the form of this word was Dun-da-lec. In
1700 we find it as Dan-da-leth, and finally in its present form.
From dun, a hill or stronghold ; da is the Gaelic for two, Leac is
the Gaelic for a large smooth stone. The hill with two rocky faces
or sides.
Rothes,
ROTHES. iSl
Conrock. In 1598 the form of this word was Cunrag, which is
evidently a corrupted form of the old Gaelic word CunradJi, a
covenant, or bargain, or agreement. The Federal hill.
Achinroath. The old form of this word was Acli-an-rath, from
the Gaelic Achadh, a field or plain, and the Gaelic Rath, cognate
with the Welsh Rhath, a round earthen fort or stronghold. The
plain or field of the fortress.
Brack-hill. From the Teutonic Brache, French Braque, German
Brack, a place for hunting; literally a dog that hunts by the scent.
The hunt hill.
Ardcanny. From the Gaelic Ard, a height, and Canach,
mountain down. The height of the mountain down.
Barluack. From the Gaelic Barr, Welsh Bar, Scandinavian
Bard, literally a summit, but applied to pasture-land on the banks
of a river, as Barr- Tatha, the old name of Perth, or on heights.
The latter part is from the Gaelic Lothag, pronounced Loag, a
young filly. Horse pasture-land.
Pitcragie. From the Gaelic Pitt, a hollow, and Craig, a rock.
The rocky hollow.
Collie. From the Gaelic Coill, a wood. This word enters
largely into the place names of Scotland.
Doivnieha is a comparatively recent name, from the Icelandic
dunn, Swedish dun, Dutch dons, literally soft plumage, but here
signifying grassy. Ha the latter part, is a contraction of haugh, a
low-lying meadow. The grassy meadow.
Loanside. From the Gaelic Loan,*, marsh. The side of the marsh.
Drumbain. From the Gaelic druim, a ridge or hill, and Ban,
white, the white, here brindled hill or ridge.
Sauchenbush. From the Anglo-Saxon Salh, Sael, Latin Salix,
Scotch Sauck, the willow. The hollow or clump of willows.
XIX.
NEW SPYNIE.
THIS parish is bounded on the north by the parishes of
Duffus and Drainie, on the east by St. Andrews-Lhanbryd,
on the south by Elgin, and on the west by Alves. Its
length is four miles, and its mean breadth 2 miles, and area about
8 square miles. The river Lossie traces almost the whole
of the southern boundary. The Loch of Spynie, formerly a
beautiful sheet of fresh water, 3 miles long by 1 broad, and
originally a marine bay, stretched along the northern boundary,
but, at the expense of nearly 11,000, has been converted into an
unsightly morass an impregnation of sulphur and iron ore
athwart its bed having ruined the hopes which occasioned it to be
drained and converted into fertile land. In its lacustrine state it
richly ornamented the landscape, and attracted numerous flocks of
wild swans, and drew to the woods on its margin the capercailzie
or cock of the wood. Spynie Palace, the ancient residence of the
Bishops of Moray, the site of whose cathedral, from 1057 till 1224,
was in Spynie, now exists in massive, but irreparable ruin near
the east end of the bed of the once beautiful lake. It formed a
quadrangle of about 120 feet with strong towers at the corners,
thus much resembling Dunstaffnage Castle four miles north of
Oban. Spynie formerly gave the title of baron to the noble family
182
NEW SPYNIE. 183
of Lindsay. The peerage was created in 1590, and became
dormant on the death of George, the third lord, in 1672.
This parish is locally " Quarry wood," from the fact ^of the
church and the manse being in the vicinity of the old castle of
Quarrywood.
Early in the present century the Barons of the Exchequer
expended 900 in planting and otherwise improving a large
extent of bishop's land adjacent to the castle, which is Crown
property.
Spynie. In 1295 the form was Spyny. Evidently this word is
derived from the old Pictish word Spine, a hill, or point, or cliff,
or rock, and is allied to the modern Gaelic Spinnean, a little hill.
Findmssie. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic Fin
or Fionn, Welsh Gwynn, fair or white. The second part is from
the German or Dutch Dreclit or Dreisch, fallow ground or meadow
pasture. The white meadow or fallow ground.
RosehaugJi. The first form of this word was Roshaugh, from
the Icelandic Ros, Gaelic Ros, signifying Red, like a rose. Haugli
or Heugh is the Scotch for a low-lying meadow. The red meadow.
Knockbrae. From the Gaelic Cnoc, a little hill, and invariably
found in the English form as Knock, and the Scotch Brae, an
incline. The hill incline.
Loan/iead. From the Gaelic Lon, a marsh, morass, meadow, or
lawn. The head or end of the meadow or marsh.
Kintrae. From the Gaelic Ceann, the head or end of, and
Traigk, the shore. The head of the shore. The word TraigJi
corresponds with the Welsh Traeth, Cornish Trait, and Latin
Tracttis.
Quarrywood. The first part of this word is from the Gaelic
Ceathramh, a quarter, from Ceathair, four. The monks in olden
184 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
times were in the habit of dividing the land into sections, and in
consequence the word quarter, or Ceathramh, is frequently met
with in the place names of Scotland. The quarter wood.
Myreside, from the Gaelic Maor, Irish Maeir, an officer of
justice, a Bailiff or messenger, and found as Moyr, Moyre, and
Myre. In olden times the word was applied to factors and ground
officers. The bailiffs land.
Aldroughty. From the Gaelic Ault or Alt, a stream, and found
as Aid, Auld, A lit, and droichead, a bridge. The origin of stone
bridges may be approximately fixed in the eighth century, as the
fourteenth Abbot of lona from the years 726 to 752 was Cilline,
who was surnamed Droichteach that is, bridge-maker from his
being the first to build bridges in Scotland. Many places through-
out the country take their names from this word.
Terchick Burn. From the Gaelic Teora, a boundary. The
oblique form is teorsag, and the genitive is teorann. The terminal
ick is a corruption of uisge, water; the water boundary or the
boundary burn. It is found as torick and teorsag, also as deorsag.
The root or literal meaning is deor, a drop or small quantity of water.
Scroggiemill. From the Gaelic Sgrog, a kilne, or place for
shrivelling grain ; Sgrogadh, the act of shrivelling. The mill for
grinding shrivelled or dried grain.
Laverock Loch. The gurgling noise made by running water was
in ancient times termed Labhairach, from the root Labhair, to
speak, and doubtless Laverock is a corruption of this old expression,
and by extension it was applied to a muddy place as Labaran and
Labar. We find it also as Lowrach and Lourish* On the
Continent it is found as Labarus.
Surradale. From the Dutch Swoord, Icelandic Svordr, German
Schwarte, a sward, and dalr, a dale. The green dale or valley sward.
XX.
ST. ANDREWS-LHANBRYD.
^ I A HIS parish now includes what were formerly two indepen-
dent parishes that of St. Andrews, which was the southern
and western part of the present parish, and Lhanbryd, the
eastern portion. The two parishes were united in 1781, and in
1796 a new church was built midway between the old churches,
about a mile to the north-west of the village of Lhanbryd. The
old name of St. Andrews was Kil-Ma-Lemnoc, which is at the
present day known as Kil-Molymock. Up to the present time
these old churches retain the names of their founders, to which are
either prefixed or suffixed the words Kill and Teampull, both
signifying church. The latter is often contracted into Te or Ty.
The latter is not common in Scotland, having given place to Kit
and Llhan, the former frequently found and the latter in few cases.
It is evident that the name of the monk or saint after whom the
church was called has been greatly obscured. St. Molaga, or as he
was sometimes called Molochein, was born near Cork in Ireland,
and after establishing a monastery at a place called Tulachmin
near Cork, he came to the north of Scotland, thence to Wales. He
then became the patron saint of the north of Scotland and Bishop
of Lismore and Argyle. A great many churches throughout Scot-
land were called after him. He was known in Scotland as Moluag,
and subsequent writers have written it as Moloivok, Milauk,
185
1 86 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Moluoc, Malogue, Mullag, and in Latin Molingus, Mollumoc, and
Molemoc. He died on 20th January, 664. The original name
was Luag or Lochein, and as we are told in Irish histories of these
saints the syllables mo (my) and do or da (thy) were frequently
prefixed to the names of saints as terms of endearment or
reverence, and are now substituted by the term Rev., while the
diminutives an, in, and og and oc were affixed. These additions
very often greatly changed the names, and those who are not
acquainted with the uses of these superimposed syllables are apt
to be misled. The land which belonged to this church included
Link wood and Barmuckity, and extended in direction northwards
on both sides of the Lossie to the shores of the Moray Firth below
Inchbroom.
Lhanbryd. The first part of this word is Gaelic Lann, Welsh
Llan, and Teutonic Land, originally an enclosure, a church, a
house. Its signification in Scotland and Wales is strictly confined
to church, but in Ireland it signifies a house as well. About the
middle of the fifth century there were fifteen holy women in
Ireland, who were distinguished by the name of Brigit. The
most eminent of them was Bridget, the daughter of Dubhthaig,
who lived in the province of Leinster, and who was thus descended
from Fuathnairt, a famous prince, and brother to the renowned
Conn, the hero of the hundred battles. The character of this
pious woman extended not only throughout the whole of Ireland,
but throughout the whole of Europe, and the chronicles
of the Irish saints tell us that many churches were founded
by her and in honour of her in Scotland. She was
also called St. Ite or Ide, but as patron saint of the northern and
western portion of Scotland she is best known as St. Bridget, and
was succeeded by St. Moluag.
ST. ANDREWS-LHANBRYD. 1 87
Tiendland Well. The first part is the old legal Scotch term for
the Biblical term Tithe, and is cognate with the Icelandic Tiund,
Swedish Tiende, a tenth part. The part of the land allocated for
the upkeep of the clergy, or commonly church land.
Cranloch. From the Gaelic Crannlach, woody, trees, a woody
place. The word also signifies a Teal, or web-footed waterfowl of
the duck family, but the former is the more likely correct meaning.
WaulkmilL For this word see the parish of Cromdale. The
mill for pressing or fulling cloth.
Barmuckity. The old form of this word was Barmucdhach, and
signifies the top of the undulating ground; from the Gaelic Bar,
the top, and Mucach, little hills or knolls.
Coxton. This is a patronymic word, derived in the original from
the Italian Cocca, the notch of an arrow ; whence also Coccare, to fit
an arrow on the bowstring ; whence also the word Cock, a gun, by
transference of the old archery term, an archer became to be called
Cox, and a stronghold Coxton, and there are the ruins well preserved
of such a tower in this place.
Harestanes. From the Icelandic Heri, Swedish Hare, the
common field animal, so called because it has a divided upper lip.
Harestanes therefore signifies a boundary wall, with openings
between the stones, just as the common Scottish bluebell is called
Harebell, on account of the notches in the bell lip.
Calcots. This is a tautology from the Gaelic Coill, a wood, and
the Welsh Coed, also a wood, and variously written Coit, Coat, Cult,
and Cot, and found on the Continent Koat, Koad, and Goed.
Darkland. The old form of this word was Borland, which
signifies the watery or marshy land from the Gaelic Dur or Dobhr,
cognate with the Welsh Dwfr, Dwr, and Basque Dour, water.
Pitgaveny. The first part of the word is from the Welsh or
1 88 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Brythonic, and commonly used in olden times by the Picts. The
Gaelic equivalent is Both, Cornish Bod, and the three forms, Pit,
Both, and Bod, signify a tent, booth, or hut. This prefix, Pit, is
not found in pure Gaelic. The word is found variously
written as Pit, Pitte, Petti, Pete, and Petty. Its original
meaning was supposed to be a piece of land, but in the
"Book of Deer", its signification distinctly points to a
place of residence, and the latter is the signification used in the
word Pitgaveny. The affix Gaveny is clearly a corrupted form of
the original Guanan, 1200 Guam, 1260 Guaenan, and 1421
Gobhain. The prefix Both was primarily attached, and we find
the word as Bothguanan in 1175, Bothguane in 1190, and
Bothguanan in 1300. The Smith's residence or abode. It must
have been after the time that Shakespeare wrote the tragedy of
Macbeth that the word was changed to Pitgaveny. Dr. M'Lauchlan
(late of the Free Gaelic Church, Edinburgh) thinks that Boath in
Nairnshire is the Bothgownan of the dramatist, but this cannot
be, as we now know the heath of Hardmoor, celebrated as the
place in which Macbeth was met by the weird sisters while he
journeyed from Inverness to meet King Duncan at Forres, to be
west of Bothgownan, and Skrine tells us that it is three miles east
of Elgin, so that there is now little doubt that Pitgaveny is the
famous Bothgownan.
Bogton. From the Gaelic Bog, soft or marshy. The farm or
residence near the marsh or moss.
Cranmoss. For this word see Crariloch in this parish.
Hatton. For this word see the parish of Speymouth.
Lesmurdie. The old form of this word was Losmurdy. The first
part is evidently from the old Gaelic Lios, Lis, or Les, a circular
mound or entrenchment or earthen fortification, and Mordka,
ST. ANDREWS-LHANBRYD. 189
great, eminent. The great stronghold, or the residence of the
great man.
Troves. The old name was Trover. It is said that at one time
this place was disputed property, and that an action at law was
raised to decide the question ; hence the name from the French
Trouver> to find. The finding of property.
Pittenseir. For the first part of this word see Pitgaveny. The
latter part is the Gaelic Saor, a carpenter. Some suppose it is-
from iar, west, but the old form was Pit-an-taor, where in the
modern name the t has been properly eclipsed by s.
Templand. From the Gaelic Tcampull, a church, cognate with
the Latin Templuvi, and Anglicised Temple Church land.
Cotts. For the meaning of this word see Calcots. The woody
place.
Sheriffslon. The oldest form of the word was Schereston, then
Sherraston, Sherrachton. The general idea is that it simply
signifies the sheriff's dwelling, While not disputing this without
positive proof to the contrary at hand, we know that the monks in
olden times were in the habit of dividing the land into portions,
such as Trichas, Bailebiataighs, and Seisreachs, which latter was
an extent of land that could be ploughed by six horses in one year,
and throughout the country are many places called Baile-an-
tseisreach, which might be Anglicised Sherrachston, and in the
former divisions of this parish the land was similarly divided.
Oldshields. From the Scandinavian Sheal, Shiel, Shielin Y
Skeelin, Icelandic Skjol, Swedish Skjul, a shelter, a cover, a shed
or hut, usually built for the purposes of summer herding. The
old huts.
Inchbroom. From the Gaelic Innis, often taking the form of
Inch and Insh, signifying an island or land near water. The plain
IQO THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
of the broom, which abundantly grows along the southern shores
of the Moray Firth.
Scarfbanks. From the Gaelic Sgarbh, the cormorant, Scotch
Scarf and Scart. The resort of the cormorant.
Gordonsward. The latter part is from the Teutonic Ward,
Wart, or Wartk, a guarded place or watch-tower. The watch-
tower of the Gordons.
Lochnabo. The latter part of this word is from the Gaelic Bo,
cognate with the Latin Bos, and in a Latin manuscript it is found
as Lacus Bovis. The loch of the cows.
ErrolL From the Gaelic Ar, land, or, literally, ploughed land,
and Reile, pebbles, stones. The pebbly or stony land.
Forsterseat. The old form of this was Foresterseat, hence the
name. The forester's place or farm.
Sauchenburn. The willow burn.
Clatterinbriggs. The old form was Cladernbrigg, from the
Welsh Cladd, an embankment, or dyke, or ditch. The bridge over
the ditch.
Gillevorside. From the Gaelic Geillmhor, yielding, submission.
The act of doing penance, obedience. This hill is sometimes
called the confessor's hill.
Leuchars. This is the Welsh Llwch, a lake or marsh, and the
/ Gaelic Ar, ploughed land. The soft or wet cultivated land.
Pitairlie. For the first part see Pitgaveny. The latter part is
the English early, so given from the fact that it is one of the first
farms in Scotland on which the crops ripen.
XXL
SPEYMOUTH.
THE parish of Speymouth occupies the north-east corner of
Elginshire, and is bounded on the east by the river Spey,
from which it gets its name. It is 6 miles long, and has a
mean breadth of 1 J miles, and consists of the suppressed parishes
of Essil and Dipple, which were united into one in 1743.
Essil was the lower, or nearer the sea, of the two old parishes,
and is from the Gaelic losal, low or lowlying. It is also found as
Iseal, Eeskal, and is frequently found in topography, as in Essel-
mount, the low mountain, Moysel Magh-iosal, the low plain.
Dipple was an ancient rectory, and comprehended the southern
or highland part of the parish. The church of Dipple, now
demolished, was dedicated to the Holy Ghost, but the burying-
ground is still in use. At the style of the churchyard there
formerly stood a small house called the " House of the Holy
Ghost," around which the people walked with the corpse at burial,
which custom was strictly observed until the house was demolished.
The word is evidently from the old Gaelic word Diopal, literally
signifying the side of the roof of a house, or the side of a hill.
The two were thus called upper and lower, a very appropiate
appellation as regards the configuration of both.
Lyne. From the Gaelic Linne, Welsh Llynn, a pool, lake, and
often a pool of stagnant water, hence a hollow.
191
192 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Ward, Wart, and Warth, Icelandic Vordr, a watchtower,
beacon, or a guarded place, Anglo-Saxon Waerdian, German
Warten, thence Waering, a fortification.
Orbliston. The first part of this word is the Scandinavian Ord,
a point or corner, and on account of the initial letter of the affix
the d has been supplanted or eclipsed by b. The second part is
from the Teutonic Lyst, applied in topography to a large house or
mansion. The house or dwelling at the point or corner of the
rising ground.
Mosstodlach. From the Icelandic Most, Swedish Mossa, Danish
Mas, moorland, and the Gaelic Tudlach, a heap, and applied to
places having irregularities on the surface. The irregular moor-
land.
Dellachapple. For this word see the parish of Cromdale.
Trochelhill. For this word see Trochail, in the parish of Birnie.
Whinny haugh. Middle English Whynne or Quyn, Welsh
CJnvyn, gorse, and haugh, a low-lying meadow.
Birniestripe. The first part of the word is from the Welsh Bron,
Gaelic Broinn, the side of a hill. The second part is from the
Dutch Strijpe, modern English Strijpe, a streak. The striped or
streaked hillside.
Garmouth. The old form of this word was Garmach, from the
Gaelic Garbh, Welsh Garw, rough, and Mack, outlet or mouth.
The rough outlet or mouth of the river Spey. Very descriptive of
the place.
Blinkbonny. The first part of this word is from the Dutch
Blinken, Danish Blinke, Swedish Blinka, and cognate with the
Greek Phlegein, to burn, to shine, with which also is allied the
French Blanc, Italian Blanco, white, and bonny, fair, or beautiful.
The beautiful spot. See parish of Dyke and Moy.
SPEYMOUTH. 193
Stynie. From the Dutch Steen, German Stein, rocky or stony
ground.
Bawds. For this word see the parish of Boharm.
Corskie. The old form of the word was Coruisk, which is a
contraction of Coire- Uisge. The watery hollow or Corrie. This
word is frequently met with in topography.
CorsehilL This is a corruption of Crossbill, upon which, at the
time of the Norse invasion, in the Moray Firth, was erected a
cross to commemorate some noticeable event.
Deanshillock. The old form here was Daneshillock, another of
the hills on which some memorial of a conflict with the Norsemen
was erected.
Balnacoul. From the Gaelic Baile, a town, village, or residence,
and Coille, wood. The village in the wood.
Hatton. For this word see the parish of Kinloss. From the
Gaelic Aiteann, furze or juniper.
Mannochburn. The word Mannoch is the Gaelic for Monk or
friar, and is perhaps an adaptation of the Latin Monachus, whence
the English Monk. It plays an important part in the topography
of the country, and is also frequently met with in Wales. The
word for a nun is Cailleach, from the Gaelic Caille, a veil. The
veiled woman.
Redburn. Dutch Rood, Middle English Reed, Icelandic Randr,
Swedish Rod, Goth Rands, Greek, Eruthros, Welsh Rhudd, Latin
Ruber, Gaelic Ruadh, English Red. Reddish or fox-coloured, and
found Anglicised as Roy, Roe. In is extensively met in the
formation of place names.
N
XXII.
URQUHART.
THIS parish stretches along the Moray Firth from the Spey
to the Lossie, without any creek or landing place, and in
olden times, as now, water was scarce. The Loch of Cots,
formerly a conspicuous feature, has been completely drained. The
mineral well of Fintan has had about the beginning of the century
some provincial fame as a medicinal spa, but its waters, having*
been analysed, were found not to possess any of the qualities
attributed to them. The Abbey Well, the fountain which supplied
the monks with water, marks the site of a demolished ancient
priory built in 1125 by David I., and made a cell of the Abbey of
Dunfermline. Its endowments, the lordship of Urquhart, the lands
of Fochabers, other lands in Moray, and part of the fishings on the
Spey, were distributed among patriots and Court favourites at the
/ Reformation. Previously, however, the priory had decayed when
disunited from Dunfermline in the fourteenth century, and almost
suppressed by its union to Pluscardine, The insurgents of Moray
in 1160 were met in the moors of Urquhart by the King's army,
and were defeated with great slaughter.
Urquhart. The local meaning given to this word is that it is
the Gaelic words Oire, a coast or border, Fad, long, and Amhuinn,
a river. This is not so. In the writings of Adamnan it is
194
URQUHART. 195
Airchartan, in 1100 "Orchard, in 1287 Urquhart, and Owrchard.
It will be observed that in subsequent forms to that of Adamnan's
the terminal an is dropped. In Pictish times ar or air was land,
and Ceartan or Ceartain was friends, or tribes; then Airceartan
would mean the tribal lands. The modern Gaelic for Ceartain is
Cairdean, which is strictly confined to signify friends or relations,
and we find the same word doing duty in Pluscardine, where the t
has been eclipsed by d, as also in the Kincardines throughout
Scotland. It was an ancient custom to divide the land among
tribes in this manner.
Muir. From the Scandinavian Mor and Moer, Scotch Mnir.
Waste land or heath.
Clockeasie. The first part of the word is from the Gaelic Clack,
Clock, a stone, and Iosa y the Saviour. The old form of the word
was Clach-Isa, and signifies the same as Clack N'iobairt in Perth-
shire. The stone for offering a sacrifice to the Saviour.
Binns. The old form of the word was Druimbinns. The prefix
was omitted about 1700, and the local signification is little hills or
knolls, but it is known that the ridge is one of the places selected
by the Missionaries of lona for worship, and particularly for the
singing of their hymns; hence Druimbinneas, the hill ridge of
melody, from the Gaelic Binneas, melody.
Cranloch. For this word see the parish of St. Andrews Lhan-
bryd. The woody place.
Triepland. The old form of the word was Thriatland, which is
evidently the Gaelic Triath, a lord, noble, or chief. The land of
the noble or chief.
Folds. Anglo-Saxon Fald, also Falod and Falud, and allied to
the Icelandic Fjol and Fjalor, an enclosure or a pen for sheep or
cattle.
196 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
Lochs. Where there was once a loch which is now completely
drained, and the site agricultural land.
Waterscot. Middle English, Cote, Dutch Kot, Icelandic Kot, a
small dwelling ; hence Cottar ; or Cott-er, and Cott-age. The small
dwelling by the water.
Ferny field. Anglo-Saxon Fearn, Dutch Varen, Sanskrit Parna,
a family of cryptogamic plants. The field abounding in ferns.
Finfan. The prefix here is from the Gaelic Fin or Fionn,
Welsh Gwynn, fair or white, and the Latin Fanum, a temple or
church, having the ultimate syllable dropped. The white church
or place of worship.
Innes. This is a patronymic name.
Leuchars. From the Gaelic Fleuch, wet or marshy, and Ar or
Air, land. The wet or marshy land. The initial /is omitted in
the adjectival form.
Meft, from the Gaelic Maithe, a chieftain, a noble, ruler, or hero.
This is elevated ground on which was once a house belonging to
some personage of importance.
Elginshill. For this word see Elgin.
Speylaw. For the first part of this word see Spey. The latter
part is from the Anglo-Saxon Hleaw, a hill, and cognate with the
Irish Lagh. The hill overlooking the Spey.
Unthank. For this word see the parish of Duffus.
Burnie Stripe. A strip of land along the course of a small
stream.
Jointure. This is a modern name, and signifies a community or
land held conjointly.
Brandston. From the Icelandic Brandr, Dutch Brand, a burn-
ing of wood. The beacon place or hill.
Broomhill.&QQ the parish of Cromdale.
URQUHART. 1 97
Wallfield. r \& old form was Wellfield. The field of the well
or spring.
Kenneth's Mount. The old form of this word was Cnoc-coinneach,
the meeting hill, and was once called the Moothill, as Maud in
Aberdeen. Meeting.
Malverston (pronounced Maverston). From the Welsh Mawr y
Gaelic Mor, great. The chief's town, or residence of the great
man.
Cappieshill From the Gaelic Capa, a hill top, the old form
being Capa Hill, the hill top.
Corbiewell. Scotch for raven or crow, Danish Korp, Latin
Corvus, French Corbel. The well of the raven. Locally called
the freebooter's well.
Glad Hill. From the Anglo-Saxon Gled, a kite, or a rapacious
bird, so called from its gliding or hovering motion in the air.
Dutch Glijden, Swedish Glida, German Gleiten. The kite hill.
Lochnabo. See the parish of St. Andrews Lhanbryd.
Cranmoss. From the Gaelic Cran, a lot. The lotted moss
land.
Slintack. From the Gaelic Slinn, stones or slate.
Slinntag. The stony or slate hill.
Bauds. From the Gaelic Bad, a little knoll, or tuft, or wood.
Ballisland. The old form was Bailies' Land. Bailie is a Scotch
word signifying a factor or ground officer.
Tippertait. From the Gaelic Tobair, a well, also, a hollow, and
the Scandinavian Thveit, Thivaite, a cleared piece of land, and
allied to the Danish Tvede, a bare piece of land. The cleared
hollow land.
Kempson. The old form of the word was Knapan, a little
hillock, allied to the Scandinavian Knap, Knop,&s& Gaelic Cnap.
198 THE PLACE NAMES OF ELGINSHIRE.
It is difficult to make out how the word was changed to its present
form.
Doulsburn. From Duil or Tuil Water. The streamlet.
Corskie. For this word see the parish of Speymouth.
Counagedale. For this word see the parish of Abernethy.
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
A
Page.
Page.
Page.
Abernethy -
Aldroughty -
- IS 1
AuchernSch -
- 26
Abbotshill -
122
AldrSughty -
- 184
Auch-lunkart
- 63
AchSdh
41
Alla-crough -
- 171
Auchmaddies
59
Achadh-gobharach
Achgourish
23
31
Allar-burn -
Alt-cork
- 184
Auch-na-fairn
Auchn&rrowmore
- 75
- 75
Achindor
132
Altyre
- 156
Auchness
- 87
Achinlochan -
132
Alves -
- 33
Auchosnich -
- 80
Achinroath -
181
Anabord
- 76
Auchroisk
- 61
Achnagairn -
134
An ad orach -
- 30
Auchtal&nach
- "3
Ach-na-gSllen
74
Anagach
- 77
Auchteen
- 150
Ach-na-goiilSn
22
Anargate
- 86
Auchtercheper
- "5
Ach-na-hammet -
74
Angushome -
- 142
Auchtertyre -
- 147
Achroisk
80
AodSnn
- 29
Auchtogorm -
- 75
Achvockie -
71
Archieston -
- 161
Avieloch^n -
- 109
Advie
71
Ardcanny
- 181
Aviemore
- 109
Aikenway
180
Ardivot
- 96
Aving5rnach
- in
Allen -
23
Ardoch
- 62
Auldcharn -
- 26
Airchartdan -
Ardoch
- 86
Auldthash -
- 43
Airdbeg - -
71
Ardoch
- 132
Aultcheannach
- in
Aitendow
76
Ardgaoith
- 38
Ault-derg
- 43
Aitenlea - -
23
Ardgye
38
Aultgarrach -
- 26
Aitionn
2 5
Arndilly
- 57
Aultgash
- 43
Aitn5ch
130
Ashleisk
- 36
Aultinnish -
- 85
Alata -
9
Auchen
- 23
Aultquhorn -
- 84
Aldernie
60
Auchenlarig -
45
Aultyorn
- 72
Aldrlshaig -
135
Auchenreath -
. 42
B
.,; " : ; :
Backshalloch
66
Ballieward -
- 76
Balmeanach .
- 170
Badymichael
89
Ballifurth -
28
Balmeanach -
- 80
Bahill
175
Ballint5mb -
167
Balnabodach
- 78
Bail-an-tua
26
Ball-in-tuim -
27
Balnabrdich -
- 65
Bailantraid
113
Ballintuim
171
Balnaclash -
- 75
Balchule
79
Ballisland -
Balnaconeagh
Balgreen
95
Bal-luack
181
Balnacoul -
58
Ballagan
114
Ballyblair -
-<73
Balnacoul -
- 193
200
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
B Continued.
Page.
Page.
Page.
Balnacrieve -
69
Bernery
- 123
Boh arm
- 56
Balnacrieve - -
no
BSrryley
- 122
Bothies
- 175
Balnafery
157
Berryley
- 126
Bowiesford -
Balnafettach -
116
Berryleys
- 60
Brackhill -
- 181
Balnafettack-
77
Bilbohall ->
151
Braemdden -
- 28
Balnafruch -
in
Bineness
- 119
Braes -
- 45
Balnageith -
!57
Binns
- 195
Brakenhowe -
- 128
Balnaglack -
170
Birniestripe -
- 192
Brakenhowes
- 167
Balnagowan -
29
Bishopcroft -
- 166
Branchill
- 90
Balnain
127
Blairnhall
50
Brandston
- 197
BalnallSn -
72
Blervie
- 156
Breach
- 175
Balnasco
167
Blervie
- 175
Broadshaw -
- 119
Balnfcllan -
59
Blinkbonny -
- 121
Brockintore -
- 89
BalSrmie
95
Blinkbonny -
' 147
Brockloch -
- 174
Balvatton
70
Blinkbonny -
- 192
Brodie
- 119
Ban&rach
122
Boathill
- 121
Brodieshill -
- 38
Banatia
9
Bodnamuir -
- 8 9
Broom
- 122
Bauds
66
Bodnapluck -
- 90
Broomhill
' 197
Bauds
89
Bodnastalker
- 90
Brenuth
Bauds
197
Bodnafiach -
- 177
Bruceland
- 152
Ban-eddin
24
Bogawood
- 177
Brunthill
- 104
Bankhead
119
Bogbuie
- 90
Bruntlands -
- 170
Bantrach
135
Bogenhernie -
- 149
Brylach
- 136
Bardenside -
51
Bogentinny -
Buck-charn -
- 28
Barmuckity -
Barns
187
61
Boggs
Boghur
- 53
- 172
Bucktilly
Buinneach -
- 156
- 89
Batchen
15
Bogiefearn -
- 141
Buldow
- 166
Bawds
193
Bogincur
- 180
Bulletloan -
- 155
Be"ananach -
no
Bogmuir
41
Burghead
- 105
BegrSw
Bellacraggan
IO2
85
Bogmuick
Bogney
- 57
- 127
Burgnamary -
Burgie
- 64
- 174
Bellie
Bognie
Btirniestripe -
- 196
Belnagarrow -
59
Bogroy
- in
Burntach
- 136
Belnreach -
134
Bogroy
- 165
Buthill
- 103
Belvlair
134
Bogs -
- 120
Buttangorm -
- 112
Benalgen
67
Bogton
- 188
Byres
- 43
/
c
Caesar-o-magus
10
Cappieshill -
- 197
Cascade
- 142
Calcots
187
Cardanach -
- 170
Castlecraig -
- 140
Caley
Califer
1 68
156
Cardookhead
Cardow
- 166
- 167
Castlehill -
Cassieford
" 4 !
- 176
Callander -
69
Cardowhill -
- 35
Castra
9
Callinduim -
79
Carglass
- 172
Catherinebrae
- 165
Callymuck -
H5
Carluke
- 62
Causor
- 29
Caltanach -
62
Carrbridge -
- 109
Cautsford
- 175
Camriach
Camus-an-fhearna
73
15
Carse -
Carsemoor -
- 121
- 41
Ceannatrigh -
Chail -
- 14
- 27
Cannaburn -
63
Carsewell
- 34
Chanonry
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
201
C Continued.
Page.
I
'age.
Page.
Chapelhall -
- 128
Coldhome
90
Craigellachie
. 62
Chapelton
Charleston -
- 155
- 104
Coleburn
Coleburn - "
87
140
Craigbig
Craigfield -
- 66
- 120
Chruich
- "3
Collie
181
Craigroy
- 88
Clochan-loope
- 29
Conachie
92
Craigroy
- 125
Clach
- 30
Congash
2 5
Craigroy
- 136
Clachaig
Clackbrack -
: ,g
Conicavel
Connege
126
26
Craigroy
Cranloch
- 177
- 187
Clachbrae -
- 39
Cooperhill -
129
Cranloch
ClachendeSgle
- 74
Coracles
10
Cranmoss
1 88
Clach-na-warren
- 64
Corbiewell -
197
Cranmoss
- 197
Clach-na-yell
- 66
Corchully - *
Crannich
- 82
Clackenwells
- 66
Corgyle
1 68
Croft-in-dagart
- 172
Clackmarras -
- 140
Corsehill
193
Croft-in-dam
- 79
Claggan
Cornaich
112
Croft -na-haven
- 30
Claggersnick-
Clashden -
- '78
- 87
Corqwhite -
Corrinch - , -
179
Croft-na-mollach
Croft-na-queen
- 80
- 30
Clashhaugh -
- 103
Corrie
I 6 3 i
Croft-ronan
- 30
Clashdhu -
- 176
Corrie-corrach
Si
Cromdale
- 68
Clashd5w
Corries
53
Crosshill
- 101
Clashindarich
- 171
Corries
84
Crook
- 38
Clatterinbriggs
- 190
Corshelloch -
78
Crossley
- 146
Claylands -
- 61
Corshelloch -
132
Crowhall
- 121
Claypots
- S 2
Corshelloch -
170
Croy -
- 144
Clockeasie
- 195
Corskie
i93
Cruach
- 59
Cloddach
- 146
Corskie
198
Cruith-an-tuath
10
Cloddach -
- 176
Corskie Neuk
157
Culbockhillock
- 148
Cloddach -
- 55
Cothill
38
Culdrachbeg-
- 71
Clodiemoss -
- 123
Cothill
174
Culdreen -
- 70
Cloves
- 35
Cothall
157
Culfairn
- 130
Clovenside -
Cotts -
189
Culfochmore
- 73
Clune
- 165
Coularbank -
97
Culfoldie -
- 66
Clune
170
Coul-na-fea -
26
Culkeen
- 170
Clunie
- 157
Coul-na-kyle
27
Culbackie -
- 24
Cluny
- 176
Connagedale
198
Cullieshangan
- 65
Cobblepot .
- 57
Covesea
95
Culriach
- 44
Cockmoor
- 54
Cowiemoor - -
42
Cummingston
- 65
Cockmuir
- 142
Cowslacks -
142
Cummingston
- 103
Cogadh
'5
Coxton
187
Cunnenhaugh
- 42
Coilnervaul -
- 112
Cragganmore
79
Curr -
- 31
Coinloch
- 53
Craigbeg - . -
75
Currachs V
10
Coldhome -
- 60
Craigdhu
75
D
Dalcroy
- 70
Dalmoonach
164
Dalvey
- 119
Dallachy -
4
Dalr -
16
Damhead
- 161
Dallas
- 83
Dalrachnie
no
Dandaleith -
- 180
Dallasbrachty
- 126
Dalriach
73
Darglans
- 168
Dalmeonach-
- 170
Dalvgy
72
Darkland -
- !8 7
202
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
D Continued.
Page.
Page. .
Page
Darklass
- 122
Derraid
- 74
Drumbain
- 181
DarnSway
- 120
Dinnyorn
- 61
Drumduan -
- 156
Dava...
- 133
Derrydow
- 30
Drumine
- 129
Davach
3
Dipple
- 191
Drumullie
- 108
Deanshillock-
- 193
Dobinsbush -
- 177
Drus-o-magus
10
Dearg
- 43
Docharn
- 114
Dryburn
- 44
Delbuiack -
- 114
Dochlygie
- 114
Duag -
- 26
Deldow
' 72
Doimhne-Mhor
- 15
Duffus
- 101
Delfabr . -
- 112
Doire
- 29
Duffushillock
- 54
Delfuar
- 43
Dorrach
- 30
Duier
- 72
Delfur
63
Dorsella
- 133
Dulaig
- 81
Delhallie -
- 164
Dowalls
- 60
Dundurcas -
- 1 80
Dellachapple-
- 77
Downduff -
- 129
Dunkinty
- 150
Dellachapple-
Dellifure
- 192
- 73
Downieha
Drainie
- 181
- 94
Dunphail
Durie
- 126
- 51
Dellvoult
. 108
Drakemyres -
- 64
Dusach
- 135
Delmore
^3
Dreem
- 24
Duthil
- 107
Delnapot
- 166
Dreggig
- 80
Dyke
- 118
Delv6nvan -
- 172
Druim
- 24
Dykeside
48
Delybrn
- 71
Druimguish -
- 76
ESrnhill
Earnside
Easterton
Edinkillie
Edinv^il
Eire -
Eithin
Elchies
121
'11
34
25
166
Eldon
Elgin
Elginshill
Elian -
Elian -
Ellands
Ellaneorn
146
138
196
28
in
122
26
Eren -
Errol -
Ess
Essil -
Eudaiia
Eyre -
Eyre -
33
190
H5
191
28
18
19
Faebuie
- 135
Feurach
29
Flockleys
123
Falkirk
- 130
Fhearnach
- 26
Floods
43
Fanmore
- 71
Fich -
10
Flumims
33
Farn^lley
- 177
Fidde -
- 63
Fochabers
45
Farr - r , - /
16
Fiddlch
- 61
Folds -
195
Feadail
- 28
Findhorn
- 161
ForgiS
43
Feart-thuim -
28
Findrassie -
- 183
Forgie
65
Febb^gg
- 92
Finfan
- 196
FSrigen
US
FSddan
- 121
Fionlarig
- 82
Forres
154
Feidh '
- 26
Fiord
- 17
Forsterseat
145
Fell - >,
"1 17
Firmoss
174
Forsterseat
- 190
Fernyfield
Ferrinderron -
- I 9 6
- 57
Fladda
Fleurs
- 27
- 152
Foths
Fywatt
: : 41
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
20.
Pajre.
Page.
Pape.
Gaich
- 82
GSrvally
- 129
Goatcraig
- 86
Gainailan
22
GSrvaul
. 91
Goe -
- 17
Gallnemore -
. I6 9
Gill -
17
G6rdonst5un
- 95
Gall -
- 169
Gillevorside -
- 190
GSrdonsward
- 190
Gailovie
* "3
Gillston
- 102
Gorlloch
- 65
Gallowcrook
Gja
17
Gortons
80
Garbhahor -
- "5
Giadhill
Gortons
- 168
Garbity
- 179
Glaschoil
' 76
Gracemount -
- 168
Garlanbeg - '
- I6 9
Glasc66d -
' 38
Granary
- 174
Garland
' 6 3
Glassfield -
- 128
Grange
- 162
Garline
Garmouth -
Garten
- 25
- 192
- 24
Glassgreen -
Glengour
Glenlattarach
- 141
- 81
r 49
Grangegreen
Grangemouth
Greens
- 123
Garroch
Garthkeen -
- 28
- 68
Glenlochy -
Glenlossie
- 24
54
Greens
Greens
- 128
Garvalt
7 1
Glentarrach -
- 81
Greenside
- 140
Gat -
- 17
Glentulchan -
- 70
Greshop
- 156
Gauldwell - '
- 58
Gniomh
Guithas
- 42
Gedloch
- 53
H
Hafen
- 17
Hattonhill -
- 157
Hillhall
145
Hagen
- 17
Haughland -
- 152
Hillhead ' -
- 139
Halfdavoch -
- 135
Haughs
- 169
Hjeim
- 17
Hamlets
. 94
Heah
- 42
Hlynna
- 26
Hanging Folds
- 52
Heathfield -
- 166
H611 -
- 65
Hardiehillock
- H5
Helm
- 17
H611 -
- 144
Harestanes -
- 187
Helge
17
Holm
- 17
Hatton
- 87
Hellg
- 17
Hoo -
Hatton
Hatton
. 162
- 188
Hemprigg
Higlebank -
- 36
- 143
Hopeman
Howe
- 105
- 143
Hatton
- 193
lelv -
1
- 115 Inchbroom -
- 189 Innis
- 23
Inbhlr-amhuinn
14
Inchkeil
- 104
Inverallon
- 82
Inchallon
- 143
Inchline
Invererne
- 156
Incharnock -
- 148
Inchstellie -
- 33
Inverlaidnan
- 114
Inchberry '-
- 179
Inchtomach -
- 112
Inverlochty -
- 149
Inchbrock -
31
Innes -
- 196
Inverugie
- 104
Janetsfield -
94
Jointure
196
204
ALPHABETICAL INDEX,
Page.
Kanin - 42 Kincorth
Page.
- 121 KnockangSre
Page.
Kannabis
36
Kinloss
- 160
Knockanhigle
- 79
Kaysbriggs -
98
Kinneddar -
- 97
Knockans
- 164
Keam -
Keimai ''',
105
17
Kintessack -
Kintrae
- 119
- 183
Knockgranish
Knockiefin -
- 108
- 128
Kelias .'-. -
89
Kinveachie -
- 108
Knock-na-cardich
- 74
Kempson
198
Kirche
- 17
Knock-na-kist
- 73
Kennethsmount -
197
Kirdais
- 165
Knock omie -
Kerron
132
Kirkton
- 50
Knocktulchan
- 70
Killiemore -
57
Kljiifa
- 35
Knowehead -
- 64
Kil-ma-Lemnoc -
185
Klove
- 35
Krockr
- 38
Kilmolmoc -
185
Knockanbiiie
Kuchanroy -
- 75
Kilnflat
38
Knockanbrae
- 183
Kuriake
- 17
Kilnflat
176
Knockandreich
- 169
Kyleantra -
- 81
Kinchurdy -
114 Knockandu -
- 58
L
LSchlSnwells
35
Loan -
- 84
LogiebuchniS
- 119
Lackgluie -
108
Loan -
- 133
Longhill
- 146
Lad -
17
Loanhead
Longhowe -
- 42
Ladycroft -
166
Loanside
- 18?
Longley
- 125
Lagg -
Laggan-tlgh-a-gown
Langcote
75
109
162
Lochanhully -
Lochanstone
Lochallan
- 133
Longmorn
Longskeach -
Lossie
- 141
- 134
- 98
Lanntlchan -
30
Lochbiiie
- 5 2
Lund
- 17
Laverockloch
Lawrenceton
184
176
Lochdu
Loch-Dubh -
- 65
- 24
Lup-na-damph
Lurg -
- 23
- 29
Laxia
33
Lochgorm
- "3
Lynachail
- 27
Learg
29
Lochiehill -
- 176
Lynaghone -
- 130
Leitir-alten -
26
Lochindorb -
- 82
Lynardry
- 109
Lekin
172
Lochinver
- 149
Lyne -
- 191
Lesmurdie -
188
Lochleask
- 60
Lynebeg
- 26
Leth-davoch-
3 1
Lochlin
35
Lynebreck -
- 28
Lethendry -
79
Lochnabo
- 190
Lynechurn -
- in
Lethendry -
1 10
Lochnabo
- 197
Lynechurn -
- 165
Lettoch
30
Lochnellan -
- 69
Lynecork
Lettock
73
Lochnuan
J 35
Lynfeiil
- 112
Leuchars
190
Lochs
- 196
Lynemore
- 68
Leuchars
196
Lochside
- 98
Lynemore
- 75
Lhanbryde -
1 86
Lochty
Lynes
- 169
Lian -
25
Logie
- no
Lynestock
- 29
Lingieston -
159 Logic
- 128 Lyntarr
- 109
M
Ma-bhar - .
43
Magas
10 Maiverston -
197
Macallan
164
Mains
- 89
Manbe6n
- 142
Maggieknockatter -
58
Maisonhaugh
- 104
Mannachy -
T^
- 155
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
205
M Continued.
Page.
Page.
Page.
Mannochburn
Mansfield
- 193
- 62
Mogh
MolocheKn -
IO
- 185
Muckrach -
Mttdhall
- 24
- 121
MSrcSssie
- 174
Monaughty -
- 35
Muir -
' 195
Marchside
- 60
Mor -
18
Muirhead
' 36
Mayne
- 147
Mor -
- 27
Miiirside
- 122
Meft -
- 196
Moravia
- 38
Miiirton
- 162
Meiklegreen -
- 127
Moray's cairn
- 36
Mfllben
- 6 4
Meiundy
- 9i
Moss-end
5i
Mullingarroch
- 28
Mhoinne
- 29
Mosstodlach -
- 192
Mullochard -
III
Middleton -'
- 162
Mosstowie -
- 145
Mttttonhole -
- 161
Millbowies -
- 142
Mountswift -
- 148
Mundole
- i ss
MJnbreck .
- 142
Moy -
- 118
Myreside
- 184
Moer -
- 18
N
Nasus
Neamhain -
Neitheachainn
Nethan
Nethyn
- 18
22
22
22
22
Newlands
Newtack
Newtile
Newton
94
62
177
162
Noes
Nor ^
Norrieston -
Novio-Magus
152
10
Oakenhead -
Ogston
Olchquhorn -
Oikos
Oldshields -
Oldshields -
Oldwells
:- 98
- 96
- 127
9
- 149
- 189
- 140
Orbliston
Orchartan
Ord
Ordies
Ordifish
Ordiquish
Ort
192
14
17
34
42
42
17
Orton
Ostium
Ourock
Outlaw-well -
Overalehouse
Overton
Overtown
- 180
- 33
- 76
- 131
- 95
- 145
- 164
Paddockhill -
- 94
Phorp
174
Pladain
Palmercross -
- 150
Pickylaw
- 105
Plewland
PSarroc
95
Pilmuir
- J 57
Pluscarden
Penge
- 20
Pitairlie
- 190
Polecreach
Penocrucium
13
Pitcraigie
- 181
Polowick
Penningr
- 20
Pitcroy
- 169
Poplne
Penrose
95
Pitgaveny
- 187
Prescalton
Phaebuie
. 80
Pitnlsk
- 132
Pressley
Phaebuie
- 172
PittendreTch -
- 149
Ptoroton
Philaxdale -
- 102
Pittenseir
- 189
Pyrgos
97
147
69
78
62
1 68
128
9
2O6
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
Q
Quarrywood
183
Page.
Ra
- 18
Rhininver
Rain -
. 18
Rhinover
Rait -
- - 76
Riggs
Rafford
- 173
RimichiS
Ran -
- 20
Ringorm
Rand
- 18
Ringorm
Randy-gairn
- 49
Rinnagarrie
Reade
- 177
Rinnifiach
Redavie
- 134
Rinnochat
Redhill
- - 146
Rochoiiln
Reeves
- 35
Romach
Regal
- 127
Rosebrae
Reidh-na-cloich - 29
Rosehaugh
Relugas
- 127
Roseisle
Renilfurig
- 134
R6th.es
Revach
- 3 1
Rothills
Rewenrand
- 175
Riiadh
s
Sal
TO
Shenval
Sandymoss - - 104
Sanquhar - - 155
Sauchenbogie - 144
Sauchenburn - 190
Sauchenbush - i8i
Sheriftbrae -
Sheriffston -
Shians
Shogle
Silverford
Sauchwells
- 42
Silverhill -
Scale -
- 18
Sinns
Scarfbanks
- 190
Skaer
Scotsburn
- 161
Skagie
Scotsburn
Scottackleys
- 174
85
Skali -
Skatebrae -
Scourie
- 155
Skjol
Scroggiemill
- 104
Slack
Seapark
- 162
Slackend
Seileach
- 26
Slackhead -
Setr -
- 18
Slackmaisley
Shade
- 88
Slackmuick -
Shalloch
,.- 64
Sliachlach
Shgalachan
- no
Sliamore
Sheancanop
. : - 171
Slintack
Shell -
43
Slintag
Shempston
- 103
Slios
Shennoch
'. - 73
Sloewhite -
84
1 66
36
88
167
172
170
1 68
63
133
130
139
183
103
179
102
43
132
%
59
175
96
9
18
18
18
92
43
109
90
146
90
in
30
27
197
197
36
135
Rudh
Ryecorrach,
Ryehillock
Ryeyards
Rymagag
Rynaballoch
Rynacrach
Rynagoup
Rynattm
Rynavey
Rynchra
Rynedean
Rynerich
Rynirich
Rynuan
Ryvoan
Sluie
Snable
Soldow
Soundmoor -
Sourbank
Sourdenhead
Sourward
Spey
Speylaw
Spindlemoor
Spynie -
Spynie
Stackr
Stadr
Stalk
Standingstones
Stankhouse -
Starhead
Starlands
Starmoss
Starryhaugh -
Starwells
Stav
Stenmanhill -
Page.
42
81
26
38
116
77
81
87
25
9i
82
82
29
29
29
129
1 20
88
64
175
180
147
66
196
1 02
97
l8 ^
18
18
29
104
52
95
156
103
44
175
18
157
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
S Continued.
207
StSr
StSrendy
Stonehouse
Stonewells
Stor
Stotfield
Page.
- 18
- 78
- 140
145
- 97
Straan
Strathggan
Stripe
Stripehead
StrOanhill
Strondow
Page.
70
169
131
139
149
167
Page.
Stuchd - - 29
Stynie - - 193
Succoth - - 87
Sunbank - - 98
Surradale - - 184
Sweethillock - 96
Tackside - . -
146
Tom -
- 27
Torchroisk -
- 130
Taing
iS
Toraach
- 23
Torchastle -
- 84
Tarn
66
Tombae
28
Tore -
- 174
Tamia
9
Tombain
- 133
Toreduff
- 36
Tandagart -
92
Tombain
Torehead
145
Tanzie
Tombrake -
- 88
Toremore
- 71
Tapp
88
Tombreck -
- 160
Toremore
Tarland
175
Tomcork
- 85
Torwhmnie -
- 86
Tarvas
174
Tomcrochir -
Torriston
- 144
T6arie
121
Tomdow
- 125
Toulsburn
- 198
Templand -
I8 9
Tomdow
- 23
Toflmtighleach
- 116
Templestone
Terchickburn
I 7 6
l8 4
Tomdow
Tomendugle -
- 164
TrSipland -
Trochail
- 195
Teussis
9
Tomingarn -
- 77
Trochglhill -
- 192
Thing
18
TominSurd
77
Troves
- 189
Thistleflat -
143
Tomlga
- 165
Tiilach
- 25
Thor -
20
Tomnahera -
- 165
Tulick
- 165
Thor - - -
18
Tomnamoin -
- 96
Tulloch
25
Tiendland -
148
TomnamSon
- 139
Tulloch
- 175
Tiendlandwell
187
Tomnggn - ,
- 174
Tullochgrlbban
- 109
Tiene-sionnachan -
29
Tomore ' -
- 160
Tullyglens -
I2 5
Tippertait -
197
Tomshill
- 41
Tun -
- 19
TirlbSg
Si
Tomvaich -
78
Tunga
- 18
Tober-aie -
27
Tonterrie
30
Tynet
41
Toberluag - ' -
Todholes
82
174
Topperfgttle -
Toranduin -
- 28
- 13
Tyock
- 150
Can
Uig
u|
29
10
69
u
Unthank
Unthank
101
196
Urqiihart
Urquhart
14
194
208
Vac -
Vacomagi
Vand -
Vararis
ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
V
Page.
9
9
19
9
Vatn
Vega
Veld
Vie
Page.
19
9
38
19
VISit
Voe
Vogr
Page.
38
19
19
w
Wiring
Wall Brae
Wallfield
Wangie
Ward
Wardend
Wardend
Wards
Waterseat
36
Waterton -
51
Waulkmill -
197
Waulkmill -
88
Waulkmill -
192
Weddershilloch
52
Weis
176
Wellheads -
36
Wellhill
196
Whinnyhaugh
102
Whitehouse
78
Whiteinsh
1 66
Whitemire
187
Whiterashes
105
Whiteriggs
10
Whitetree
44
Whiteunie
121
Whitewreath
192
Wick
129
162
118
187
179
143
122
HI
19
Y-sgari&d
page 1 8
DA Matheson, Donald
880 The place names of
M8M37 Elginshire
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
CARDS OR SLIPS FROM THIS POCKET
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