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THE    PLACE-NAMES    OF    ARGYLL 


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THE    PLACE-NAMES 
OF  ARGYLL 


BY 

H.  CAMERON  GILLIES,  M.D. 


WITH     A     SHORT    PREFACE     FROM 

HIS   GRACE  THE   DUKE  OF  ARGYLL 


LONDON 

DAVID  NUTT,   57-59  LONG  ACRE 

1906 


Printed  by  Bali.an  rVNK,   HANSON  &*  Co. 
At  the  Ballantyne  Press 


PREFACE 

This  seems  to  me  a  valuable  book,  and  I  am  glad  the 
London  Argyllshire  Association  has  encouraged  the 
author  in  what  must  have  been  a  really  hard  work.  It 
must  be  of  interest  to  all  branches  of  the  Celtic-speaking 
people,  not  only  to  all  the  Highlands  and  all  Scotland  as 
well  as  to  Argyll,  but  to  Ireland,  Wales,  Cornwall,  and 
Brittany,  where  the  old  language  is  retained,  if  not 
always  as  a  spoken  tongue,  yet  always  in  their  own  old 
names  from  the  same  or  a  kindred  origin.  It  may  be  of 
interest  to  even  those  outside  the  Celtic  circle  to  learn 
how  much  of  true  and  important  history  lies  dormant  in 
the  place-names  of  a  country.  Argyll  is  exceptionally 
complex  in  its  history  and  therefore  very  rich  in  its 
names,  and  I  am  not  surprised  that  the  author  found 
many  of  them  to  be  difficult  to  explain,  and  some  even 
impossible. 

The  several  layers  of  names  left  by  succeeding 
races  come  out  very  clearly.  There  are  the  "  bottom  " 
names  of  the  pre-Celtic  race,  variously  named  "  Iberian," 
"Pictish,"  and  otherwise.  These  must  be  difficult  to 
explain,  perhaps  they  never  can  be  explained. 

The  Gaelic  names  are  by  far  the  most  numerous,  but 
they  seem  to  be  coming  well  into  the  control  of  Gaelic 


128855;-^ 


o 


vi  PREFACE 

scholars.  They  are  always  poetically  appropriate  to  the 
land-features  of  the  country. 

Norse  names  are  surprisingly  numerous  in  some 
parts,  in  the  islands  especially.  This  shows  what  a 
strong  hold  the  conquering  Norseman  had  upon  the 
West,  through  something  like  five  hundred  years. 

The  chapter  upon  the  names  derived  from  the 
Columban  Church,  seated  in  venerable  lona,  is  especially 
interesting  to  all  who  have  watched  the  influence  of  the 
"  pure  Culdees  "  in  the  spreading  of  Christianity. 

I  am  very  glad  to  accept  this  work  on  behalf  of  the 
Association,  and  I  hope  it  will  be  appreciated  by  our 
people  as  I  believe  it  deserves  to  be. 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

PREFACE     V 

INTRODUCTION xi 

THE  COUNTY  NAME i 

GENERAL  TERMS     7 

THE  DISTRICT  NAMES— 

KINTYRE 22 

GiGHA         .          .          .         .          .          .         .          •  33 

KNAPDALE 34 

ARGYLL 39 

COWAL 45 

LORNE 55 

Shuna,  Luing,  Torsay,  Seil,  Easdale,  Kerrara    .  62 

APPIN 65 

LiSMORE       ........  73 

KILMAILLIE 75 

ARDGOWER 80 

SUNART 83 

ARDNAMURCHAN 89 

Rum,  Eigg,  Muck,  Canna   ....         96-100 

MORVEN 102 

MULL 109 

Coll,  Tiree,  Ulva,  Iona       .  .  .  .       122-130 

vii 


viii  CONTENTS 

THE    DISTRICT    NAMES     {Continued)— 

PAGE 

JURA 132 

COLONSAY  AND  ORONSAY     .         .        .         .140 

ISLAY 144 

THE  CHURCH-NAMES 160 

THE  GAELIC  ELEMENTS  IN  NAMES          .         .  186 

THE  NORSE  ELEMENTS 220 

SOME  NOTES 243 

INDEX 252 


LIST   OF   REFERENCES 

F.      .     .     .  ' .  Ftonn,  Mr.  Henry  Whyte. 

C.  Gr.     .     .     .  Carinina  Gadelica,  Mr.  Carmichael. 

S.  Gr,     .     .     .  Sylva  Gadelica,  Mr.  Standish  O'Grady. 

Mb.       .     .     .  Dr.  Macbain's  Dictionary. 

Kal.      ...  The  Calefidar  of  Allans  the  Culdee,  Stokes. 

C Cormac's  Glossary. 

C.  P.  S.     .     .  7"-^!?  Chrotiicles  of  the  Picts  and  Scots. 
L.  B.     .     .     .  Leabhar  Breac. 

0.  C.     .     .     .  The  Materials  of  Ancient  Irish  History,  O'Cnrry. 

Sk Celtic  Scotland,  Skene. 

H.  S.  D.    .     .  The  Gaelic  Dictionary  of  the  Highland  Society. 

Adamn.    .     .  Life  of  Adamnan,^GGwes. 

0.  P.     .     .     .  Origines  Parochiales,  Cosmo  Innes. 

D.  L.    .     .     .  The  Book  of  the  Dean  of  Lismore. 
J Dr.  Joyce,  Place-names  of  Ireland. 

Cleasby's  Dictionary  of  the  Old  Norse  {Icelandic)  Tongue, 
Whitley  Stokes'  Glosses  and  other  works  of  his  wonderful 
scholarship,  Windisch's  Irische  Texte,  and  many  more,  I  have 
had  to  draw  upon. 


DISTRICT    REFERENCES 


K Knapdale. 

K Kintyre. 

R Argyll. 

0 Cowal. 

L Lome. 

P Appin. 

E Kilmaillie. 


G Ardgower. 

S Sunart. 

A Ardnamurchan. 

V Morven. 

M Mull. 

J Jura. 

I Islay. 


"  ARGYLLSHIRE  " 

By  His  Grace   The   Duke  of  Argyll 
Written  for  the  "  London  Argyllshire  Association,"  April  1902 

IVho  knows  Argyllshire's  story 

Can  tell  all  Britain's  fate, 
Since  there  the  Romans'  glory 

Broke,  at  her  Highland  gate, 
To  leave  to  sons  of  Erin, 

To  bring  the  Scottish  name, 
Where  blessed  by  holy  Kiaran, 

A  town  has  kingly  fame. 

For  there  the  stone  of  wonder. 

To  Eastern  Magic  known. 
Was  brought,  the  Oak  thwarts  under. 

Great  Britain's  Crowning  Stone  ! 
Kinloch,  Dunadd,  Dunstaffnage, 

Three  forts  of  old  renown. 
Safe  kept  that  stone,  the  presage. 

Where  Scot  shall  wear  the  Crown. 


"ARGYLLSHIRE" 

Once  more  lona  !  waken, 

Wiih  Choral  song  the  deeps; 
Lift  fear  from  hearts  sin  shaken, 

Where  great  Columba  sleeps  : — 
Green  isle  of  white  sands — bearer 

Of  happiness  and  doom — 
Dyed  with  a  hue  yet  fairer, 

The  Red — of  Martyrdom  ! 

Argyll's  sweet  dewy  splendour, 

Looks  over  Loch  and  Sound, 
Whose  purple  lights  attend  her, 

Imperially  crowned ; 
And  kissed  by  loving  Nature, 

In  Ocean's  arms  she  lies. 
Fair  fenced  with  hills  whose  verdure, 

From  Isle  and  Mainland  rise. 


She  knows  she  gave  the  cradle, 
From  whence  has  Empire  grown, 

And  proudly  minds  the  fable, 

^^  Scots  rule  where  stands  yon  Stone.' 


INTRODUCTION 

I  HAVE  undertaken  this  rather  difficult  piece  of  work, 
first,  from  a  feeling  that  it  ought  to  be  done,  and  did  not 
know  of  any  one  else  anxious  or  ready  to  do  it,  and 
second,  on  behalf  of  the  London  Argyllshire  Association, 
who  have  shown  a  keen  interest  in  the  matter,  and 
readily  undertook  the  considerable  expense  which  the 
publication  entails.  I  am  quite  aware  that  the  work  is 
far  from  perfect.  No  person  could  make  it  perfect ; 
and  certainly  no  one  in  my  position,  with  my  poor 
scraps  of  available  time,  could  do  it  better.  I  believe 
it  is  as  nearly  correct  as  any  one  could  make  it.  I  say 
this  not  for  myself  altogether,  but  because  I  have  had 
the  constant  utmost  assistance  of  competent  friends, 
whose  only  regret  has  been  that  they  could  not  assist  me 
more.  Their  feeling  of  weakness,  as  mine  also,  has 
been  because  in  a  work  of  this  kind,  even  fairly  com- 
petent knowledge  must  fail  when  the  outmost  limits  of 
reliable  history  and  language  are  reached.  The  scope 
of  such  a  work  as  this  is  practically  without  definite 
limits.  In  the  case  of  Argyll  this  is  peculiarly  true. 
Far  beyond  the  time  of  the  Dalriadic  kingdom,  there 
was  an  intimate  contact  of  the  land,  now  and  for  so 
long  called  Argyll,  with  the  hoary  history  of  Ireland — 
a  contact  more  easily  felt  than  found  out  or  definitely 
stated  by  any  one  searching  in  that  way  ;  and  far  beyond 
the  accepted  Norse  invasion  of  the  early  ninth  century 


\ 


xii  INTRODUCTION 

there  is  abundant  evidence  to  show  that  the  Norseman 
was  a  considerable  factor  in  the  historic  dawn  of  the 
Western  Isles  and  the  West  Highlands  of  Scotland. 
Then  there  is  the  great  chapter  of  the  Columban  Church 
— one  of  the  cleanest  and  finest  chapters  that  has  ever 
come  into  the  life  of  any  people — to  which  we  owe  more 
than  can  be  easily  measured  or  ascertained.  There  is 
beyond  all  this  the  fragmentary  record  of  a  past  race 
and  people  which  must  have  come  appreciably  into  our 
making,  and  have  left  us  a  few  "bed-rock"  names,  which 
are  the  despair  of  the  historian  and  of  the  linguistic 
historian  particularly.  We  know  that  they  long  ago 
passed  away  ;  we  know  that  they  have  left  us  a  few  of 
their  bones  in  caves  and  "  barrows  "  ;  we  beheve  that 
they  have  left  us  fragments  of  their  speech  in  our  place- 
names,  and  perhaps  in  our  language;  we  must  believe 
that  they  have  left  us  a  few  drops  of  their  blood — and 
that  is  all  we  know  or  can  believe  regarding  them. 

The  Gaelic  language  is  the  big  factor  in  the  place- 
names  of  Argyll — and  it  carries  far.  It  has  been  there 
from  the  "  beginning "  as  we  appreciate  time  and  tide. 
The  Church  did  not  detract  from  it,  but  rather  added  to 
its  fulness.  The  Norseman  tried  to  blot  it  out,  as  others 
have  tried  in  later  days,  but  it  has  survived  and  prevailed. 
It  conquered  the  Norseman  and  his  tongue,  and  it  will 
do  the  same  to  all  powers  whatsoever.  It  is  written  in 
the  rock.  The  first  purpose  of  my  effort  is  to  make  the 
writing  intelligible,  lovable,  indelible — to  provide  a  hand- 
book to  the  great  original,  that  all  sons  and  daughters, 
and  even  fosterlings,  may  know  and  understand  the 
voice  of  the  days  that  are  gone,  as  spoken  for  ever  by 
our  native  hills  and  streams  and  lovely  valleys.  I  am 
sorry  that  I  have  had  to  present  it  ^m  so  barrenfform.     I 


INTRODUCTION  xiii 

could  have  clothed  it  here  and  there  with  a  fine  piece  of 
tradition  or  romance,  but  had  to  refrain  for  reasons  that 
may  be  easily  understood.  Any  appreciable  attempt  in 
that  way  would  have  made  the  book  too  large,  and  would 
go  altogether  beyond  its  intent  and  purpose.  I  have 
no  doubt  that  some  day,  by  some  one,  my  very  dry 
skeleton  will  be  re-covered  in  every  limb  with  the  flesh 
and  blood  of  its  great  romance,  and  so  restore  its  fine, 
full  form. 

The  plan  that  I  have  followed  (p.  22)  I  have  found  to 
be  very  helpful.  It  has  the  merit  of  historical  sequence, 
and  it  has  enabled  me  to  go  over  this  very  large  ground, 
as  I  believe,  somewhat  effectively.  There  may  be 
omissions,  and  there  may  be  errors,  but  I  venture  to 
say  that  from  the  one  side  or  from  the  other,  these  are 
not  very  considerable.  A  very  competent  knowledge  of 
old  and  modern  Gaelic,  as  well  as  of  the  old  Norse 
language,  is  necessary  for  the  full  interpretation  of 
Argyll  names,  and  while  I  may  with  some  justice  lay 
claim  to  the  former,  I  cannot  with  anything  like  so 
adequate  reason  lay  claim  to  the  latter.  Again,  a  full 
knowledge  of  local  environment  and  history  and  tradition 
is  necessary,  which,  in  respect  to  some  districts,  I  do  not 
possess  intimately.  The  local  pronunciation  of  names, 
again,  is  often  a  great  help,  even  a  necessity — for  in- 
stance, Killarow  in  Islay  is  there  pronounced  as  the 
word  shows,  with  the  accent  on  the  second  syllable,  but 
in  Kintyre  the  name  has  the  accent  correctly  on  the  last 
syllable,  and  this  at  once  gives  the  keynote  to  the  mean- 
ing of  the  name  (p.  175).  The  tendency  of  the  accent 
to  come  forward  is  strong  to  mislead.  For  all  these 
reasons,  error  is  always  possible.  Minute  knowledge,  so 
far,  SQ  wide,  and  so  deep,  can  hardly  be  expected  of  any 


xiv  INTRODUCTION 

one  person.  I  have,  however,  had  the  help  of  competent 
men,  natives  of  such  districts  as  I  do  not  myself  know 
well,  so  it  may  be  taken  that  possible  error  has  been 
guarded  against  as  carefully  as  it  could  well  be. 

Because  the  body  of  the  book  is  so  very  hard  and 
dry,  I  have  thought  that  it  might  be  well  to  indicate 
briefly  the  method  that  shows  itself  in  our  place-names. 
English  neglected,  and  that  prehistoric  element  already 
mentioned,  the  Gaelic  language  and  the  old  Norse  speech 
are  the  sources  of  nearly  all  the  place-names  of  Argyll. 
The  mental  method,  so  to  put  it,  of  both  languages  is 
closely  the  same.  The  great  number  of  names,  from 
both  sources,  consist  of  two  parts — (i)  a  general  or 
generic  part,  and  (2)  an  attributive  or  specific  part. 
Gaelic,  as  a  rule,  puts  the  attributive  second,  the  Norse 
puts  it  first,  in  the  name.  The  Norse  has  ha-r-bost, 
the  high-steading,  or  "  town "  on  the  high  ground,  the 
adjective  being  first ;  but  Gaelic  has  baile-ard  for  the 
same  name,  the  adjective  coming  second.  Both  lan- 
guages use  the  adjective  and  the  attributive  noun- 
genitive,  in  perhaps  the  same  proportion — the  only 
difference  being  that  just  mentioned. 

There  are  exceptions.  In  old  Gaelic  the  attributive 
was  nearly  always  first,  and  remnants  of  that  usage 
remain  in  our  speech,  and  especially  in  our  place-names, 
to  the  present  day — for  instance,  glais-bheinn,  grey- 
mount ;  Mor-vern,  the  sea-cleft  {p.  102). 

A  few  groups  of  place-name  elements  stand  so  dis- 
tinctly out  from  the  main  body  of  names  that  I  refer  to 
them  specially. 


INTRODUCTION  xv 


RIVER-NAMES 

The  River-names  are  the  oldest,  most  interesting,  and 
most  difficult  of  all.  Names  like  Fin-e,  6sd-e,  Oiid-e, 
Sheil-e,  seem  to  carry  us  back  to  the  very  limits  of  our 
knowledge  and  understanding.  Ath-a,  Foll-a,  lol-a, 
belong  without  doubt  to  the  same  class,  notwithstanding 
p.  69.  The  terminals  are  identical  in  sound — which  is 
an  indefinite-vowel  short  sound  as  near  as  can  be  to 
that  of  the  English  u  in  but.  It  is  quite  different  from 
the  unquestionably  Norse  terminal  of  Aor-&,  Shlr-d, 
Lang-a,  which  is  the  full  open  a,  as  in  English  car ;  and 
yet  it  would  be  as  unsafe  to  say  that  these  endings  have 
not  had  a  kindred  origin  in  language,  as  it  would  be  to 
assert  the  contrary.  All  that  can  be  said  with  certainty 
is  that  the  ending  must  mean  water,  or  river,  and  that 
the  first  part  is  the  specific,  attributive  part,  and  in  these 
instances  extremely  difficult.  The  forms  in  -aidh,  as 
Lbch-aidh,  Mail-idh,  Orch-aidh,  are  also  old,  perhaps  as 
old  as  the  others,  and  perhaps  akin  to  them — the  sound 
is  that  of  English  y,  as  it  is  expressed  in  Lochy,  Maily, 
Orchy. 

The  names  in  -aig,  -ail,  -ain  seem  to  come  nearer  to 

ourselves,  and   to    be   easier   understood   in    both  their 

parts.    Dubhaig,  Eachaig,  Faochaig,  Suileiff,  are  quite 

easy ;    so   is   Gaodhail,  Cainneil,  Teitheil ;   and   so  also 

Fionain   and  Caolain.     These  all,  and  such,  are  easily 

within  the  reach  of  the  Gaelic  language  of  comparatively 

modern  time.     Glas,  as  the  river-terminal,  in  Dubh-ghlas, 

Fion-ghlas,  is  certainly  old.     It  seems  to  be  essentially 

the    colour-adjective    glas;    and    seeing    that    the   old 

nominative  form  is  glais-e,  there  is  a  strong  suggestion 

b 


xvi  INTRODUCTION 

that  it  might  be  classed  withFin-e  as  a  descriptive  River- 
name  of  the  very  old  time,  the  meaning  of  which  in 
later  days  was  forgotten  or  lost,  so  that  the  original 
compound  name  was  looked  upon  as  a  simple  word 
needing  a  new  descriptive,  which  was  supplied  by  Dubh 
and  Fion.  The  ending  in  -lighe,  as  in  Dubh-lighe,  Fion- 
lighe  (p.  77),  is  evidently  the  same  as  comes  into  the  stem 
of  Leven  and  Liver  (p.  72).  The  River-ending  in  -ir  is 
rare. 

HILL-NAMES 

The  names  of  Hills  are  altogether  fanciful.  Figures 
and  concepts  of  familiarly  near  forms  and  things  are 
thrown  against  the  sky  according  as  resemblances  in 
greater  and  remoter  objects  suggest  themselves  to  the 
imagination.  Cruachan  (Ben)  is  the  hip  of  the  human 
body  projected,  and  that  greatly.  Mam — a  frequent 
name  for  round,  smooth  hills — is  the  human  female 
mam7na,  the  "breast,"  or  "pap,"  thrown  into  big  per- 
spective, as  is  also  Cioch,  so  finely  figured  in  "The 
Paps"  of  Jura.  Ceann,  the  head;  Mala,  the  brow; 
Aodann,  the  face;  Guala,  the  shoulder;  Uileann,  the 
^^  elbow"  ;  and  Ton,  the  podex,  are  all  in  the  same  way. 
Such  names  as  Buachaill  Etive,  the  Shepherd  of  Etive ; 
am  Bord  Latharnach,  the  Table  of  Lorn  ;  Greideal  Fhinn, 
Fionn's  griddle,  are  all  of  them,  and  many  others  of  a 
similar  kind,  really  fine  imagining. 

The  general  and  most  common  names  for  large 
mountains  are  Beinn,  Sgurr,  Monadh,  and  Sliabh.  Beinn 
— the  English  Ben — is  always  a  distinct  mountain,  rising 
sharp  and  definite  to  a  top  or  point,  like  Ben  Dorain, 
Ben   More,  &c.     The   Sgurr  (a  variant   of   Sgorr)   is  a 


INTRODUCTION  xvii 

scarred  Ben,  high  and  distinct  as  a  Ben^  but  rough  and 
torn  and  scarred.  Many  a  Beinn  is  sufficiently  rough 
and  torn  to  be  named  a  Sgiirr,  but  when  named  Sgiirr 
the  mountain  name  is  always  pertinent  to  its  character 
and  to  the  explanation  given.  The  general  name  Monadh 
is  that  of  a  comparatively  high  mountain,  not  rising  to  a 
top,  but  long-extending  and  of  uniform  height  in  all  its 
length.  Sliabh  is  not  a  very  common  name  in  Scottish 
Hills.  It  seems  to  mean  as  nearly  as  possible  not  a 
definite  Hill,  but  as  much  of  a  Monadh  as  can  be  seen 
from  one  side — with  kindred  in  language  to  English 
slope,  perhaps. 

Maol,  a  very  frequent  mountain  name,  is  simply  the 
Gaelic  word  for  bald,  used  in  the  same  sense,  only 
remotely,  as  it  was  used  for  the  ^^  bald,"  or  tonsured, 
Saints  of  the  old  Church  (p.  75).  The  name  as  applied 
to  Hills  is  distinctly  fanciful.  Meall — a  Gaelic  word 
also — is  simply  "a  mass,"  or  an  indefinite  ^^  heap,"  of  a 
mountain,  and  has  nothing  to  do  with  Maol.  The  N. 
Mul-r,  again,  which  takes  the  same  form  in  Gaelic  as 
Maol,  seems  to  have  no  kinship  with  the  Gaelic  word. 
The  Norse  word  is  always  applied  to  a  sea-promontory, 
like  t/ze  Mull  of  Kintyre.  Many  terminals  in  -mal,  -val, 
are  Norse  Hill-names  from  Mul-r  possibly  sometimes, 
but  certainly  often  from  N.  fjall  and  hvall. 

Biod  and  Stob  are  not  uncommon  Hill-names.  They 
are  in  a  sense  the  opposites  of  the  Gaelic  Maol.  They  are 
pointed  always,  and,  usually,  comparatively  high  hills. 

Torr,  which  seems  to  have  remained  in  Cornwall 
more  than  in  any  other  of  the  Keltic  districts,  is  a  hill, 
not  very  high,  but  always  round  and  **  flat."  The  word 
Torran,  the  dim.,  is  used  of  a  mound,  or  even  of  a  small 
heap  or  round  elevation  of  even  a  few  feet  high. 


xviii  INTRODUCTION 

TuUach  is  very  close  to  the  meaning  of  Torr,  but  it  is 
always  upon  a  high  ground.  It  also  carries  the  feeling 
of  having  some  extension,  as  in  Monadh,  but  on  a 
smaller  scale. 

COLOURS 

Names  with  Colour  attributives  are  so  very  frequent 
that  I  have  thought  a  note  upon  them  would  be  well. 

Ban  is  white,  fair,  and  Geal  is  white,  but  there  is  a 
very  interesting  difference  in  their  usage.  Each  ban,  a 
white  horse,  is  correct,  but  each  geal  is  impossible  in 
ordinary  speech  ;  and  yet  the  "  white  horse  "  of  Rev.  vi.  2 
is  each  geal,  a  vivid  and  powerful  picture  which  would 
be  exceedingly  weakened  as  each  ban.  Gille  ban,  a  fair 
youth,  is  in  good  taste,  but  gille  geal  would  be  ridiculous 
and  even  offensive.  On  the  other  hand,  nighean  bhan  is 
correct  for  a  fair  girl,  but  a  certain  condition  of  mind 
not  only  excuses  but  demands  the  use  of  geal.  A 
beautiful  love  song  has  it — 

Ged  theireadh  each  gu'n  robh  thu  dubh 
Bu  gheal  's  an  gruth  learn  fh^in  thu; 

and  in  a  song  to  "Prince  Charlie"  he  is  spoken  of  as 
"  Mo  run  geal  6g."  It  is  remarkable  that  he  was  almost 
always  referred  to,  poetically,  as  a  beautiful  young 
woman.  The  snow  is  always  geal  by  best  right  ;  ban  is 
geal — in  the  shade.  The  old  word  fionn,  white,  which 
is  met  with  in  old  names,  has  lost  its  touch  with  the 
modern  language. 

Glas  is  of  very  wide  and  various  usage.  Each  glas  is 
the  only  correct  expression  for  a  grey  horse,  but  ceann 
glas  for  a  man's  ^r^  ^^«^  would  be  quite  unintelligible. 


INTRODUCTION  xix 

It  is  always  ceann  liath.  The  pale  horse  of  Rev.  vi.  8  is 
rendered  as  each  glas,  which  one  feels  to  be  wrong. 
The  pale  horse  ridden  by  anaemic  Death  is  not  the  grey 
horse  of  Gaelic,  which  is  somehow  peculiarly  and  ex- 
ceptionally in  mental  association  with  force  and  power 
and  strength — and  yet  we  speak  of  neula  glas  a'  bhais, 
the  pale  shadow j  or  cloud,  of  death.  The  Psalmist  is  made 
to  lie  down  in  the  green  pastures,  air  chluainibh  glas, 
and  this  seems  to  be  an  old  and  reliable  value  of  the 
word.  Islay-men  speak  ever  affectionately  of  ile  ghlas 
an  fheoir,  green,  grassy  I  slay.  Some  may  be  disposed 
to  think  that  this  seemingly  loose  use  of  language  shows 
an  indiscriminating  and  obtuse  mind  in  our  language 
and  people.  It  is  not  so.  The  touch  and  tinge  of  these 
words  is  outside  the  English  language.  The  glorious 
gamut  of  the  day-dawn  as  it  comes  down  from  the  hill- 
tops into  the  valley,  and  the  infinite  shades  of  the  even- 
ing, cannot  be  cast  in  even  mental  moulds  nor  limited 
by  straight  lines,  Gaelic  is  the  language  of  these,  which 
grew  from  them  and  is  of  them — and  that  is  the  explana- 
tion of  its  fine  and  indefinite  variety  of  shade. 

Gorm  and  Uaine  and  Liath  merge  into  each  other 
and  even  into  other  shades.  Gorm  is  roughly  translated 
as  blue,  Uaine  as  green,  and  Liath  has  its  most  common 
and  most  correct  usage  in  the  instance  already  given. 
All  three  are  used  of  the  waves  of  the  sea,  and  any  one 
who  knows  the  sea  will  not  ask  a  reason  for  this.  The 
blends  of  colour  indicated  by  dubh-ghorm,  liath-ghlas, 
blue-black  and  grey-green,  while  showing  an  effort  to  be 
precise  in  expression,  show  also  the  kinship  of  the 
colours  so  blended.  Colours  that  are  dictinctly  different 
are  never  blended.  Dubh-liath,  however,  is  the  Gaelic 
name  for  the  Spleen,  but  this  is  not  a  difficult  combina- 


XX  INTRODUCTION 

tion  ;  it  is  a  fairly  correct  statement  of  the  colour  of 
the  organ. 

Buidhe,  yellow,  has  the  same  wide  range  of  applica- 
tion as  in  English.  It  runs  all  the  way  from  clay  to 
gold  up  to  the  buidheag,  "The  opening  gowan  wet 
wi'  dew,"  and  it  has  most  interesting  "sidings,"  which 
cannot  be  here  entered  upon.  I  have  a  feeling  that 
Loch-buy,  M.,  is  named  upon  the  river,  of  the  -e  terminal 
(p.  xiii.),  and  that  this  is  the  base  of  the  name.  Carnbuie, 
Dalbuy,  Breidbuidhe,  all  K.,  are  built  upon  it. 

Dubh  is  black  pure  and  simple.  It  needs  no  explana- 
tion. In  the  old  language  dubh  was  used  as  a  noun,  for 
ink.  In  all  names  it  is  now  used  as  an  adjective.  Dorch, 
dark,  seems  to  be  related  to  dubh  as  ban  is  to  geal. 
Geal  was  the  highest  white,  as  dubh  was  the  deepest 
black.  Ban  is  a  degrading  from  white,  as  dorch  is  an 
aggrading  towards  black.  It  is  impossible  to  say  where 
the  one  ends  or  where  the  other  begins. 

Breac  means  spotted.  A  trout  is  called  a  breac, 
because  it  is  "spotted,"  and  so  is  small-pox,  the 
spotted  disease,  and  so  are  "  freckles  "  the  breaca  sianain, 
the  pretty  ^^;;z-spots  upon  the  human  skin. 

Odhar  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  words  in  Gaelic  to 
translate  into  English.  It  is  usually  given  to  mean 
"  dun,"  but  this  dun  is  itself  a  Gaelic  word,  donn,  and  of 
quite  different  meaning.  Odhar  is  a  colour  frequent 
in  cattle,  but  rare  in  horses,  in  which  donn  is  the  pre- 
vailing colour.  Odhar  is  a  deep  or  dark  cream  colour  ; 
donn  is  about  half  and  half  red  (as  red  hair  is  spoken  of) 
and  black.  The  word  is  not  far  from  the  value  of 
English  ochre. 

Dearg  and  Ruadh  (for  which  English  only  gives  red) 
have    a    wide    range,    from   the   colour    of    the   "  roe," 


INTRODUCTION  xxi 

which  is  the  Gaelic  ruadh-ag",  right  up  to  intensest  scarlet. 
In  such  names  as  Bealach-ruadh  the  adjective  refers  to 
the  red  earth,  or  to  the  red  appearance  of  the  surface — 
in  this  weak  sense.  The  gradation  is  practically  infinite 
between  dearg  and  ruadh. 

Riabhach  is  usually  translated  as  brmdled.  The  most 
exact  meaning,  however,  is  that  it  is  the  colour  of  the 
lark— ihQ  riabhag.  One  of  the  "titles"  of  the  Devil  is 
an  Riabhach  mdr,  the  mighty  singed-oney  an  expression 
that  may  help  towards  a  correct  understanding  of  the 
colour — and  of  other  things. 

Grisionn  is  literally  grey-white,  from  gris,  grey,  and 
fionn,  white.  This  also  is  translated  brindled,  but  they 
are  altogether  different  colours.  The  only  element 
common  to  them  is  that  they  are  more  or  less  striped — 
riabhach,  red  a?id  black  ;  grisionn,  grey  and  white. 


THE    "DUNS" 

The  name  Dun  is  always  a  general  term,  but  some- 
times it  loses  its  attributive  and  becomes  specific,  as  an 
Dim,  an  Dunan.  The  primary  meaning  of  the  word  is 
simply  a  heap — in  fact,  the  "  midden  "  or  a  dung-heap  is 
an  dim  especially.  In  place-names  the  word  means  a 
low  heap  of  a  hill,  or  an  old  stronghold  of  wdiich  the 
remains  are  usually  to  be  seen.  When  the  word  has  the 
latter  meaning,  it  often  has  with  it  the  personal  name 
with  which  its  story  is  associated  ;  as  Dun-Aoidh,  Dun- 
Askain,  Dun-Abhertich,  Dun-Bhruchlain,  Dun-Cholgain, 
Dun  -  Domhnaill,  Dun-olla(f),  Dun  -  Mhurchaidh,  Dun- 
Rostain,  Dun-Sgobuill,  &c.  When  it  simply  means  a 
hilly  the  attributive  is  commonly  an  adjective — Dun-ban, 


xxii  INTRODUCTION 

Dun-dubh,  Dun-glas,  or  some  fanciful  association,  as  in 
Dun  -  losgain,  Dun  nam  muc,  Dun  na  muir  -  gheidh. 
Whether  of  the  one  meaning  or  the  other,  the  Dun 
may  be  named  upon  its  surroundings  or  neighbourhood, 
hke  Dun- Add,  named  upon  the  river  Add  (which  is  really 
Fada,  long,  with  f  aspirated  away),  the  fort  upon  the 
(river)  Add.  Dunstaffnage  is  the  Dun  fort  upon  the 
N.  Staff  a  +  nes,  Dun-leacainn,  the  leacann-/^///  (p.  i6), 
Dun-troon  =  Dun  an  t-sroin,  the  hill  by  the  knowe,  Dun- 
Charnain,  the  fort  by  the  cairn  (Fincharn,  the  white  cairn). 


THE    FORMATION    OF   NAMES 

I  have  thought  that  a  short  statement  of  the  way  in 
which  names  have  been  formed  might  be  a  help. 

1.  The  simplest  form  of  name  would,  of  course,  be  a 
single  noun,  unqualified — but  I  have  not  found  any. 
lie  and  Muile,  and  such,  would  appear  at  first  sight  to 
be  of  this  kind,  but  they  are  certainly  compound.  Rum, 
which  is  the  only  quite  naked  name  I  can  recall,  must 
have  lost  its  terminal  part. 

2.  Single- Noun  Names  with  the  Article  are  quite 
numerous — an  Calbh,  an  Cnap,  a'  Mhaol,  na  Torran,  and 
so  is  this  combination  +  the  diminutive — an  Clachan 
an  t-6ban,  an  Crianan,  na  Feannagan.  The  ending  in 
-an  is  masculine,  that  in  -ag  feminine. 

3.  Certain  regular  terminations  come  into  names 
such  as — 

-ach  {a)  as  one  of  the  ;  {p)  the  place  of  the ;  {c)  as  the 
terminal  of  quality  in  adjectives — Breatunn-ach,  one  of  the 
Britons  ;  Eirionnach,  an  Irishman.  Names  under  {b)  are 
referred  to  (p.  8),  and  diminutives  of  the  same  class.     As 


INTRODUCTION  xxiii 

adjectives,   such   words   as    biorach  point-ed,   Gobhlach 
fork-ed,  creagach  rock-ed,  are  everywhere. 

-a  for  N.  ey,  island^  is  constantly  met  in  the  island 
names — Diiir-a,  Orons-a,  Colons-a. 

-a  for  N.  a,  river,  is  also  quite  familiar — Aor-d,,  Shir-^, 
Lang-a. 

-aidh,  which  has  been  already  referred  to  in  the 
River-names,  has  a  locative  value  in  such  names  as 
Largie,  Lorgie,  Machrie. 

-aig,  also  a  River-ending,  is  referred  to  (p.  8). 

-ail  is  an  adjective  terminal,  as  well  as  that  of  Rivers. 
It  is  frequent  in  description — gaothail,  wind-y  ;  grian-ail, 
sun-y. 

-ar  -air  -aire,  as  in  machair,  Conair,  Uanaire,  is  best 
translated  as  the  place  of.  Machair  has  been  derived  from 
magh,  a  field,  +  tir,  land,  in  the  aspirated  form  of  which  t 
disappears.  It  is  not  impossible  that  all  these  terminal 
forms  have  come  by  this  way.  It  is  quite  certain  that 
all  the  fragmentary  endings  of  names  are  simply  withered 
fuller  forms  of  the  old  time. 

-ain  is  the  gen.  form  of  the  dim.  -an,  as  well  as  a  River- 
ending  for  abhainn,  river,  or  old  ain,  Water. 

-ad  as  in  leth-ad  (p.  21)  also  means  place,  or  land,  as 
does  also  -as  in  Beam-as,  the  notch  place. 

-lach  and  -rach,  in  Seasg-lach,  Muc-lach,  and  Muc- 
rach,  also  mean  the  place  of. 

All  these  terminations  are  found  with  the  dims,  -an 
and  -ag,  Luachair-ach-an,  Cadal-ad-an,  Giubhas-ach-an, 
Tir  Aed-ag-ain. 

TPIE    NORSE    INVASION 

The  Church  chapter  (p.  160)  carries  its  own  slight 
thread  of  continuity.     A  few  more  or  less  reliable  facts 

c 


xxiv  INTRODUCTION 

will  be  helpful  to  run  a  thread  through  the  Norse  names. 
Our  first  acceptedly  correct  knowledge  of  the  Norseman 
in  the  West  comes  from  the  closing  years  of  the  eighth 
century,  when  he  is  known  to  have  robbed  and  ravaged 
his  way  down  through  the  Western  Isles  as  far  as  Man. 
It  is,  however,  quite  certain  that  he  was  in  the  Isles  and 
the  West  for  a  long  time  before  this — perhaps  for  cen- 
turies. At  first  he  came  for  plunder  pure  and  simple, 
but  later  on  he  thought  he  would  come  to  stay.  He 
took  possession  of  the  richer  islands  and  of  the  fertile 
valleys  especially.  Argyll  was  indeed  "the  Dales"  to 
the  Norse  records  of  the  time.  In  a.d.  852  the  Danish 
kingdom  of  Dublin  was  founded  by  an  Olave,  son-in-law 
of  Ketil  the  fiat-nosed  (Flatnef),  who  was  at  the  time 
supreme  in  the  Isles.  A  grandson  of  this  Ketil  was  the 
man  who  pushed  the  Norse  power  into  the  mainland. 
There  are  two  outstanding  men  in  the  Norse  history  of 
this  time,  namely,  Harold  the  fair-haired,  and  Magnus, 
called  Barelegs,  because  he  took  to  the  kilt,  the  dress  of 
the  conquered  people.  It  was  A.D.  1098  that  Magnus 
set  out  for  the  conquest  of  the  Western  Isles,  not  for 
his  kingdom  or  people,  but  for  himself.  "The  terror  of 
the  Scots  was  his  glory ;  he  made  the  maidens  to  weep 
in  the  Southern  Isles  ;  he  made  the  Manxman  to  fall." 
He  was  killed  in  Ulster  A.D.  1103.  From  his  time  on- 
ward it  was  incessant  feud  and  faction,  until  another 
Magnus,  the  man  who  sailed  round  Kintyre,  attempted, 
in  A.D.  1252,  to  consolidate  the  kingdom,  and  he  suc- 
ceeded so  far  as  the  Isles  were  concerned.  The  Scottish 
king  (Alexander  III.),  however,  determined  to  have  the 
Isles.  Haco  of  Norway,  hearing  of  this,  came  south 
with  a  great  fleet  that  met  with  defeat  and  disaster  at 
the    Battle   of    Largs.      This   ended   the    Norse   power. 


INTRODUCTION  xxv 

Magnus  of  the  Isles  submitted  to  the  Scottish  King, 
A.D.  1264.  He  died  the  next  year.  In  1266  the  King- 
dom of  Man  and  the  Isles  came  into  that  of  Scotland, 
after  at  least  500  years  of  Norse  rule. 

I  have  to  acknowledge  most  valuable  assistance  from 
my  friend  Mr.  Henry  Whyte,  of  Glasgow  ("  Fionn  "),  who 
has  followed  every  word  of  the  work  with  almost  as  much 
care  and  anxiety  for  correctness  as  myself.  I  am  in- 
debted also  to  the  Rev,  J.  G.  Macneill,  of  Cawdor,  the 
Rev.  D.  J.  Macdonald,  of  Killean  (Kintyre),  Mr.  Angus 
Sutherland,  of  the  Scottish  Fishery  Board,  and  Dr. 
W.  A.  Macnaughton,  Stonehaven,  for  their  willing  and 
very  considerable  help. 

I  offer  the  work  to  His  Grace  the  Duke  of  Argyll,  our 
Chief,  who  gave  me  every  help  that  he  could  ;  to  Mr. 
Samuel  Greenlees,  our  good,  kind  President ;  and  to  the 
members  of  the  London  Argyllshire  Association,  as  my 
contribution  to  the  patriotic  purposes  of  the  Association, 
with  only  one  regret — that  it  is  not  better  done  than  it 
is.     If  I  can,  I  may  make  it  better  some  day. 

I  have  put  the  groups  of  smaller  islands,  Canna, 
Rum,  Eigg,  and  Muck,  under  the  Ardnamurchan  head- 
ing ;  and  Coll,  Tiree,  lona,  &c.,  under  Mull — simply 
for  convenience.  Working  from  the  Ordnance  Survey 
Map,  I  strangely  enough  took  in  the  first  group,  which 
since  1891  have  belonged  to  Inverness-shire.  I  should 
have  been  glad  not  to  commit  the  mistake,  for  they 
are  not  at  all  easy — but  "  it  is  no  loss  what  a  friend 
gets." 

My   many   cross   references,  although    they   do   not 


xxvi  INTRODUCTION 

improve  the  look  or  the  readableness  of  the  book,  are 
all  for  the  saving  of  space.  If  I  did  not  use  them,  much 
explanation  would  be  necessary  vv'here  they  are  used. 

A  few  reference  marks  are  wanting  in  the  Gaelic  Voc. 
It  would  entail  a  big  labour  to  find  them.  I  shall  be 
thankful  to  any  one  who  may  locate  them.  I  shall  also 
be  glad  to  have  my  attention  directed  to  omissions  or 
clear  errors. 


THE  COUNTY  NAME 

ARGYLL,  ARGYLE— EARAGHAIDHEAL 

This  is  a  very  old  name.  It  is  much  older  than 
Scotia  and  Scotland,  as  these  are  now  used.  It  was 
not  till  about  the  tenth  century  that  the  name  Scotia 
got  transferred  from  the  north  of  Ireland  to  the  present 
Scotland.  It  is  well  to  keep  this  in  mind  ;  it  will  be  an 
interesting  side-light  upon  the  explanation  to  be  here 
offered  of  the  county  name.  No  such  name  as  Scot- 
land or  Scotia  is  or  was  known  to  the  Gaelic  language 
or  to  the  Gaelic  people.  The  present  Scotland  was  and 
is  "Alba"  always.  Ilia  regio  quae  nunc  vacatur  Scotia 
antiquitus  appellabatur  Albania  (C.  P.  S.).  Malcolm  II. 
was  the  first  of  Scottish  kings  called  "  rex  ScoticB " 
[circ.  1030).  A  writer  of  1080  A.D.  has  "  Hibernia 
Scottorum  patria  quae  nunc  Irland  dicitur " — H.f  the 
home  of  the  Scots,  which  is  now  called  Ireland. 

Even  the  leading  and  great  names  "  Alba "  and 
"  Scotia "  have  not  yet  been  satisfactorily  explained, 
but  it  is  hoped  here  to  be  able  to  explain  "  Argyll." 
The  Latin  form  of  'the  name  in  old  documents  was 
"  Ergadia "  most  commonly,  but  "Argathelia"  some- 
times. Upon  the  first  form  a  most  distinguished  scholar 
has  based  an  outrageous  interpretation,  that  the  name 
means  nothing  more  nor  less  than  "  cattle-stealers." 
Whatever  of  reason,  much  or  little,  may  have  been 
in  the  dictum  of  a  Glasgow  Judge,  not  so   very  long 


2  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

ago,  that  "  a  man  must  be  a  fool  to  let  a  cow  out  of 
his  sight  beyond  Dumbarton,"  it  must  be  said  that  this 
derivation  of  the  name  is  weak  philologically,  and  cannot 
be  accepted — even  when  it  comes  from  Oxford. 

The  native  pronunciation  of  the  name  is  Eara- 
ghaidheal,  as  given,  or  Araghaidheal  in  the  northern 
part,  which  prefers  the  open  voice ;  but  the  name  is  the 
same  always.  It  is  shown  in  (D.  L.,  104)  a  erle  orreir 
zeil  (the  vocative,  O  thou,  Earl  of  Argyll),  where  z=y,  in 
its  correct  form  ;  so  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the 
true  original  form  is  Airir  and  Oirir-ghaidheal.  Now, 
this  first  part  is  shortened  from  Airthir,  or  Oirthir,  for 
the  two  forms  are  the  same  word  and  of  the  same 
meaning,  and  this  again  breaks  up  into  two  parts,  air  + 
thir.  The  last  syllable  is  easy  ;  it  is  the  word  tir  with 
which  Gaelic  people  are  very  familiar.  It  means  the 
land,  or  the  earth,  and  is  akin  to  the  Latin  word  terra,  of 
the  same  meaning. 

The  first  part,  air,  or  oir,  remains  in  our  language 
to  this  day  in  various  usages,  but  all  pointing  in  one 
certain  direction.  We  speak  of  oir  na  sgine,  the  edge  of 
the  knife ;  of  oir  na  mara,  the  border  or  coast  of  the  sea ; 
of  oir  na  h-aibhne,  the  bank  of  the  river — or  the  edge, 
border,  forepart,  always — and  when  we  say  an  aird  an- 
ear,  the  east,  or  eastern  "  airt,"  it  is  the  same  word  that 
we  use.  It  is  the  place  of  the  rising  sun,  the  Or-ient,  as 
English  people  say — using  a  kindred  Latin  word.  In 
the  very  beautiful  old  Gaelic  "  Lay  of  Deirdre,"  which 
is  at  least  a  thousand  years  old,  the  first  lines  are 

Inmain  tir  an  tir  ut  th-oir 
Alba  cona  h-iongantaib. 

— a  lovely  land  that  land  east-ward,  Alba  with  its  wonders. 


THE    COUNTY   NAME  3 

The  forefathers  of  our  Gaelic  people  were  sun-wor- 
shippers, and  in  their  worship  they  turned  the  face,  the 
edge,  the  front,  towards  the  sun  rising  from  the  east. 
The  back  was  iar,  or  west-ward,  the  right  hand  was  deas, 
or  south-ward,  and  the  left  hand  tuath,  or  north-ward. 
Our  preposition  air,  which  till  lately  used  to  be  written 
iar,  means  after,  or  behind,  just  as  it  means  west.  We 
say  air  sin,  after  that,  and  iarthir,  the  West-land.  To  go 
deiseil,  or  to  the  right  hand,  was  a  right  and  luckful 
action,  but  to  go  tuathal,  or  to  the  left-hand  way,  was 
esteemed  a  wrong  and  unfortunate  course  always.  All 
this  is  very  simple  and  quite  familiar  to  the  Gaelic 
people,  even  if  they  may  not  all  or  always  know  what  it 
signifies. 

The  oir-thir,  therefore,  was  the  "  East-land,"  and 
oirthir-Ghaidheal  was  the  "  East-land  of  the  Gael." 

If  there  may  be  any  doubt  still  remaining  as  to  the 
origin  and  meaning  of  the  name,  reference  to  old  Gaelic 
books  and  records  will  make  it  clear.  A  few  examples 
will  suffice. 

Adamnan,  or  little  Adam,  who  was  ninth  Abbot  of 
lona  after  Colum-Cille,  the  founder,  and  died  in  703  A.D., 
has  left  us  two  notable  works  :  his  Vision,  called  Fis 
Adhamhnain,  and  a  Life  of  Colum-Cille.  In  a  GaeHc 
version  of  the  Life  (L.  B.,  p.  31)  occurs  is  amlaid  bias 
ferand  inmeic  seo  .i.  aleth  fria  muir  anair  (.i.  inalbain) 
7  aleth  fria  muir  aniar  .i.  aneirinn — it  is  thus  (or  so)  is 
the  land  (or  province)  of  this  son,  a  half  against  the  sea  in 
the  east — in  A  Iba  ;  and  a  half  against  the  sea  in  the  west 
— in  Eirin.  This  shows  also  how  very  close  the  contact 
was  in  this  early  time  between  the  people  of  the  north 
of  Ireland  and  the  west  of  Scotland.  In  a  most 
valuable  glossary,  written  by  Cormac  MapCullinan,  King 


4  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

of  Munster,  about  875  A.D.,  he  says  (under  word  airber), 
air  then  is  everything  eastern,  but  ir  is  everything  that 
is  western,  i.e.  Irmuma,  West  Munster;  et  ut  dicitur 
Ara  airthir,  Eastern  Arran.  Again  (under  word  Mug- 
eime,  "  the  name  of  the  first  lapdog  that  was  in  Ireland  ") 
he  says,  "  Cairbre  Muse,  son  of  Conaire,  brought  it  from 
the  East,  from  Britain  ;  for,  when  great  was  the  power 
of  the  Gael  on  Britain,  they  divided  Alba  between  them 
into  two  districts,  and  each  knew  the  residence  of  his 
friend,  and  not  less  did  the  Gael  dwell  on  the  east  side 
of  the  sea  quam  in  Scotica.  .  .  .  Cairbre  Muse  was  visit- 
ing his  friends  and  his  family  in  the  east,  in  Alba  " — 
when  he  procured  the  dog.  The  word  airther  means 
a  dweller  in  the  east;  nom.  pi.,  airthir,  " anterioruni  qui 
Scotice  indairthir  nuncupatur"  (Kal.  Gloss.).  Nairn 
airthir  in  domain,  the  saints  of  the  East  (land)  of  the 
world  (F.  A.  4)  ;  and 

Sanct  martain  sser  samail 
Sliab  oir  iarthair  domain, 

St.  Martin — noble  simile 

The  mount  of  gold  of  the  West  of  the  world. 

— Kal.  Nov.  II. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  follow  the  matter  any  further, 
however  interesting  it  might  be  ;  there  can  be  no  doubt 
as  to  the  meaning  of  the  name.  Argyll  is  "  the  East-land 
of  the  Gael."  Let  us  take  it  now  that  this  is  clear  ;  we 
have  still  to  ask,  Who  gave  this  name  ?  It  is  a  Gaelic 
name  in  every  part.  It  was  given  by  a  Gaelic  people.  A 
people,  or  rather  say  the  dwellers  in  any  country,  are 
always  named  by  those  outside  themselves.  No  people 
can  rightly  speak  of  an  eastern  land  but  a  people  living 
to  west  of  that  land ;  and  if  a  western  people  name  an 


THE   COUNTY   NAME  5 

eastern  land  as  the  East-land  of  the  Gael,  it  is  an  ac- 
knowledgment by  them,  and  a  proof  to  us,  that  even  so 
early  as  the  time  in  which  the  name  was  not  even  a 
name,  but  a  description  and  a  statement  of  simple  fact, 
the  people  of  the  north  and  east  of  Ireland  knew  and 
recognised  that  the  people  of  the  west  of  Scotland  were 
of  themselves  and  one  in  race  with  them.  The  name 
Argyll  was  given  by  the  Gaels  of  the  north  of  Ireland 
for  these  very  good  reasons,  and  for  a  further  and  even 
better  reason,  if  that  is  possible,  namely,  that  there  was 
no  other  people  or  person  who  could  rightly  give  it. 

Argyll  was  much  larger  in  the  old  time  than  it  is  now. 
It  covered  the  whole  area  from  the  Mull  of  Kintyre  to 
the  Clyde,  west  of  Drum-Alban,  as  far  north  as  the  lower 
borders  of  the  present  Sutherland.  The  Book  of  Clan- 
Ranald  speaks  of  the  Isles  and  all  the  Oirir  from  Dun 
Breatan  to  Cata — -from  Dumbarton  to  Caithness ;  and  the 
northern  and  the  southern  oirir  is  constantly  referred  to. 

The  eastern  limit  was  Druim-Albain.  The  Tractus 
de  situ  AlbanicB  (which,  it  must  be  said,  seems  to  be  not 
genuine)  refers  to  Druim-Albain  as  "  Montes  qui  divi- 
dunt  Scotiam  ab  Arregaithel,"  the  mountains  which 
divide  Scotland  from  Argyll.  This  name  was  in  fact  a 
general  term  covering  the  whole  west  of  Scotland, 
which  was,  or  was  supposed  to  be,  inhabited  by 
Gaels — much  the  same  as  the  word  "  Highlands  "  is 
used,  and  "  the  Highlanders  " — a  general  term  for  all 
the  people  inhabiting  the  //z^//-lands — are  spoken  of  in 
the  present  day.  There  is  no  "  Highlander  "  in  Gaelic  ; 
it  is  a  southern  and  English  name. 

In  an  Act  of  the  Scottish  Parliament  in  the  time  of 
William  the  Lion,  Argyll  was  referred  to  as  consisting  of 
two  parts,  "  Ergadia  quae  pertinet  ad  Moravian!  " — the 


6  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

northern  part  which  pertained  to  the  province  of  Moray, 
as  against  "  Ergadia  que  pertinet  ad  Scotiam "  —  the 
southern  part ;  and  in  a  statute  of  Robert  the  Bruce 
the  same  expression,  "  Ergadia  que  pertinet  ad  Scotiam," 
occurs,  and  it  further  refers  to  "  terra  comitis  de  Ros  in 
Nort  Argyl,"  showing  that  the  west  at  least  of  Ross 
came  under  the  name. 

By  process  of  a  poHtical  Hmitation  which  belongs  to 
general  history,  Argyll  got  smaller  and  smaller  until 
ultimately  the  present  county  is  of  very  nearly  the  same 
extent  as  the  old  kingdom  of  Dalriada,  which  never  at 
any  time  was  co-extensive  with  Argyll  in  its  full  mean- 
ing. Not  only  this,  but  the  name  has  come  to  be 
now  actually  limited  to  that  district  of  the  county  which 
lies  between  Loch  Fyne  and  Loch  Awe — north  of  Crinan. 
This  part  is  the  Argyll,  as  spoken  of  by  natives  of  the 
other  districts  north  and  south  of  it ;  they  always  say 
"the  County  of  Argyll"  when  they  mean  the  whole 
administrative  Argyll  of  the  present  time. 

It  may  be  said  that  there  is  nothing  in  the  philological 
history  of  the  name,  either  for  or  against  either  of  the 
English  forms.  Argyle  is  the  older  form  by  far;  it  goes 
back  with  slight  variations  for  hundreds  of  years.  The 
form  Argyll  has  no  history,  and  is  very  modern. 

By  Edward  H.  (1310)  :  "  Potestas  datur  Johanni  de 
Ergayl  recipiendi  Galvidienses  ad  pacem  regis  Angliae  "  ; 
and  in  the  same  year  :  "  Donatio  terrae  de  Knapdale 
facta  Johanni  de  Ergadia  et  fratribus  suis  si  poterint 
eam  eripere  e  manibus  Scottorum  "  ;  and  what  is  very 
interesting,  this  John  is  "  filius  Sweinei  de  Argadia," 
showing  a  Norse  strain.  In  a.d.  1255  Henry  III.  took 
"  Eugenius  (Eoghan)  de  Argoythel  "  under  his  protection, 
and  "  Duncan  de  Argatile  "  signs  a  document  in  1244. 


GENERAL    TERMS 

The  words  treated  in  this  chapter  are  old  forms  which 
in  their  first  use  and  application  were  simply  descriptive 
terms,  but  which,  in  later  days,  have  hardened  into 
proper  names  almost  always.  It  will  be  easily  seen 
that  they  could  not  be  adequately  explained  by  the 
naked  translation  of  the  vocabularies,  in  which,  how- 
ever, they  all  appear  for  convenience  of  reference. 

The  way  in  which  the  names  of  the  different  parts 
of  the  body  come  into  place-names  is  very  interesting 
and  very  instructive.  A  wise  man,  Heine  I  think,  said 
that  "the  ego  equals  the  non-ego,"  which  means  that 
man  in  his  consciousness  is  equal  to  the  whole  world 
outside  of  himself — one  of  the  most  completely  perfect 
statements  ever  put  into  words ;  meaning  that  man,  in 
fact,  takes  and  makes  the  outside  world  to  be  like  him- 
self, a  sort  of  second  self.  This  is,  perhaps,  the  explana- 
tion for  that  the  Gael  gave  the  same  names  to  the 
prominent  features  of  nature  as  he  gave  to  those  of 
his  own  body — according  as  he  saw  resemblance.  He 
calls  one  part  or  place  Ceann,  a  head  (which  meets  us  in 
English  forms  as  Ken-more,  Kin-loch,  &c.) ;  another 
he  calls  Claigionn,  a  skull;  Aodann,  a  face ;  Suil,  an  eye  ; 
Beul,  a  mouth  ;  Teanga,  a  tongtie ;  Cluas,  aji  ear ;  Sron, 
a  nose,  "  knowe  "  ;  Mala,  a  brow;  Amhach,  the  neck  ;  Guala, 
the  shoulder ;  Achlas,  the  arm-pit ;  Slinnein,  the  shoulder- 
blade  ;    Uileann,   the  elbow ;  Ruighe,    the  forearm ;   Glac, 


8  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

the  hollow  of  the  hand  ;  so  also  Druim,  the  back,  back-bone  ; 
Cliabh,  the  thorax ;  Uchd,  the  breast;  Mam,  Brii,  Ton, 
Cruachan,  Sliasaid,  Gliin,  Calpa,  Cas,  and  others— all 
which  are  to  be  found  in  the  vocabulary. 

There  is  an  important  class  of  names  ending  in 
-ach,  all  of  which  are  grammatically  feminine  nouns, 
and  may  be  closely  translated  as  the  place  ^-}-the  stem. 
Thus  giiibhsach  is  giubhas,  yf  r,  +  ach,  the  fir-wood,  or  the 
place  where  the  fir  grows.  Fearnach  is  fearna  +  ach, 
the  alder-wood ;  so  Beitheach,  the  birch-wood ;  Droigh- 
neach,  the  thorn-wood,  and  others,  named  on  trees  and 
plants.  Animals  show  in  Gamhnach,  the  place  of  stirks ; 
Caipleach,  the  place  of  horses  ;  Mucrach,  the  place  of  pigs 
— from  gamhainn,  capuU,  muc.  Carnach,  Cluanach, 
Criadhach,  Easach,  Lianach,  Pollanach,  Sgornach,  Soc- 
ach,  express  the  nature  of  the  land  or  soil.  Carnach 
is  the  place  of  the  cairns  or  stone-heaps ;  Cluanach,  the 
place  of  meadows;  Criadhach,  the  place  of  clay,  and 
so  on. 

Akin  to  these,  and  following  the  same  lines,  are 
forms  in  -achan — the  diminutives  of  names  in  -ach. 
We  find  Beitheachan  G.,  Giubhsachan,  Raineachan  S., 
Luachrachan  G.P.,  Caorachan,  Narachan  K.  All  these 
are  grammatically  masculine  nouns  because  of  the  ter- 
mination— an. 

Of  the  same  nature  are  many  names  in  -aig,  -eig, 
which  are  diminutive  feminine  nouns.  Clachaig, 
Creagaig,  Driseig,  are  from  clach,  creag,  dris ;  Eachaig, 
lolaireig,  are  from  each,  iolair ;  Grianaig,  Claonaig, 
Crossaig,  are  from  grian,  claon,  cross.  Names  of  this 
termination  are   not   always   easy   to   distinguish   from 


GENERAL  TERMS  9 

names  of  similar  form  that  come  by  quite  another  way. 
The  Norse  v/k,  a  creek  or  small  bay^  appears  in  Argyll 
as  terminal  -aig;  for  instance,  Ormaig,  Alsaig,  Askaig, 
are  clearly  Norse,  meaning  serpent-bay,  eel-bay,  ash-bay. 
Plocaig  and  Driseig  and  Dubhaig,  on  the  other  hand, 
are  simple  Gaelic — from  ploc,  dris,  and  dubh.  Carsaig, 
Diseig,  and  Innseig,  are  not  so  definite,  but  any  diffi- 
culty that  may  arise  in  this  way  can  be  easily  settled  by 
local  knowledge.  If  the  place  is  on  an  inlet  of  the  sea  it 
is  almost  certain  to  be  Norse — at  least  in  the  terminal 
part.  It  is  found  that  as  a  rule,  if  one  part  of  a  name 
is  Norse,  the  other  part  is ;  and  it  is  so  with  Gaelic 
names  also.  There  are  exceptions,  however,  like  Coire- 
dail,  Uamh-dail,  Acha-fors,  which  are  distinctly  Gaelic 
in  the  first  part  and  Norse  in  the  last.  There  is  another 
very  interesting  check  —  a  grammatical  one.  The 
Gaelic  names  of  this  termination  are  always  feminine, 
but  the  Norse  v/Ar-names  are  grammatically  masculine, 
even  though  vik  itself  is  originally  feminine.  It  seems 
that  the  grammatical  agreement  in  such  cases  is  with 
the  first  element  rather  than  with  the  second,  and  that 
the  name  should  be  looked  upon  as  a  compound  noun. 
We  have  Ormsaig  mdr  and  beag  A.,  a  form  which  would 
be  impossible  if  the  terminal  was  Gaelic.  We  meet 
with  instances  of  the  same  agreement  in  purely  Gaelic 
names,  Cnoc-a'-stapuill  m6r  and  beag  K.,  and  Creag- 
an-tairbh  mdr  and  beag  I.  show  it  well.  The  former 
is  simple — the  adjective  rightly  agrees  with  Cnoc,  or 
rather  with  Cnoc-a'-stapuill;  the  latter  is  very  peculiar. 
The  whole  name  is  masculine,  though  the  first  element 
is  feminine,  and  this  for  the  very  good  reason  that  if 
the  agreement  of  the  adjective  was  with  Creag,  the 
right  meaning  of  the  name  would  be  altogether  changed. 


10  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

The  grammar  of  place-names  is  very  instructive,  but 
sometimes  very  troublesome.  For  full  lists  of  these 
names,  see  p.  i86. 

Aber,  which  is  so  common  in  Pict-land,  on  the  other 
side  of  Druim-Albain,  is  not  met  with  in  Argyll,  unless 
we  claim  Lochaber.  There  is  an  Apper  in  Mull,  but  it 
stands  for  Eabar,  mud.  The  word  is,  however,  so 
interesting  in  itself  and  in  its  kinship  that  I  have  thought 
it  well  to  include  it.  It  is  taken  to  mean  a  confluence^ 
formed  from  the  old  preposition  ad  with  ber,  to  bring, 
like  Latin  af-fer-re  =  ad-ferre,  to  bring  to  or  towards.  It 
is  important,  however,  to  observe  that  the  Argyll  pro- 
nunciation is  obair,  not  aber,  if  the  word  is  initial  in 
a  name ;  for  instance,  obair-thairbh,  Abertarff.  This 
would  seem  to  offer  a  suggestion  that  the  word  may 
really  be  made  up  of  od-f-ber,  meaning  outflow,  and 
good  confirmation  comes  from  Comar  =  com -h ber,  which 
is  without  doubt  the  true  confluence.  It  is  not  likely 
that  two  words  of  different  forms  would  start  out  from 
the  same  origin  at  the  same  time  to  express  or  describe 
the  same  thing.  The  correct  explanation  would,  there- 
fore, seem  to  be  that  this  aber,  or  preferably  obair,  is 
really  the  out-bear  and  the  opposite  of  inbher,  the  in-bear, 
and  that  Comar  from  the  same  source  was  and  is  the 
com -|- ber,  the  bringing-together  of  rivers  or  streams — that 
is,  the  point  or  place  at  which  the  waters  meet.  It 
will  be  found  that  this  explanation  always  fits  the  actual 
natural  conditions.  The  word  amar,  the  channel  of  a 
river,  does  not  seem  to  belong  to  this  family  of  names. 

The  adjective  Ard,  high,  which  occurs  very  often, 
may  come  at  the  beginning  or  at  the  end  of  names. 
Modern  usage  puts  it  at  the  end,  the  older  language  had 
it  at  the  beginning,  e.g.  Dun-^rd,  Ard-airidh. 


GENERAL  TERMS  ii 

The  noun,  Ard,  Aird,  which  also  is  very  common, 
usually  comes  first  in  a  name — Ard-namuruchan,  Aird- 
ghobhar,  Ard-nahua,  Ardincaple,  Ardmaddy.  It  is 
almost  certain  that  in  all  these  and  in  all  such,  it  would 
be  more  correct  to  write  and  to  say  ^ird  always.  There 
are,  of  course,  reasons  for  the  difference  in  form,  but 
more  is  lost  than  is  gained  by  the  deference  to  physio- 
logical convenience  which  entails  the  change. 

There  is  an  -art,  -airt,  coming  at  the  end  of  names 
which  some  have  thought  to  be  the  same  word  as  Mrd 
always,  but  this  is  open  to  doubt.  There  is  nothing  in 
Gaelic  or  in  the  Gaelic  method  that  can  explain  the 
name  Call-art,  for  example,  but  it  can  be  readily  and 
consistently  explained  from  the  Norse  kaldr-jart,  cold 
land,  the  -/art  being  of  the  same  origin  as  the  English 
word  earth.  Some  others  have  thought  that  all  these 
-arts  or  -iorts  stand  for  the  Norse  word  fjordr,  a  frith — 
the  f  being  aspirated  out  by  the  Gaelic  influence.  There 
can  be  no  doubt  that  this  is  true  to  a  good  extent,  but 
that  it  is  true  all  the  way  is  by  no  means  certain. 
Suain-eart,  as  Sweyris  fiord,  seems  to  be  quite  clearly 
Norse,  but  Du(bh)-airt,  for  instance,  is  as  clearly 
Gaelic. 

There  are,  then,  four  words  which  should  be  kept  in 
mind,  namely,  Ard,  the  adjective;  Ard  and  Aird,  the 
noun ;  fjordr,  the  Norse  fiord ;  and  -/ort,  -jart,  lattd,  or 
a  district.  There  is,  too,  the  word  aird,  point  of  the  com- 
pass, as  in  aird-an-iar,  the  West,  to  which  the  Scots  word 
"airt"  is  so  closely  related  in  form  and  usage  as  to 
prove  it  almost  certainly  to  be  one  and  the  same  word. 
The  kinship  of  these  again  is  with  the  Teutonic 
forms  {^ov.jord,  Ger.  erde),  rather  than  with  the  Gaelic 
forms  starting  from  ard. 


12  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Aoineadh. — This  is  one  of  the  many  words  in  Gaehc 
names  which  the  English  language  cannot  convey.  The 
only  right  and  sufficient  explanation  of  the  name  is  to 
see  the  place.  It  is,  as  nearly  as  it  can  be  put,  a  rocky 
front  rising  sheer  from  the  sea  ;  but  every  such  front 
is  not  always  named  Aoineadh.  The  name  usually  takes 
the  form  Innie  in  English,  and  it  seems  to  be  akin  to  the 
Norse  Enni,  the  forehead. 

Aonach,  a  moor,  heath,  or  high-ground^  is  also  a  very 
difficult  word  to  translate.  The  main  idea  is  that  of  a 
good  stretch  of  high,  or  rather  say  hill-ground  ;  and 
whether  it  is  level  or  a  slope  does  not  seem  to  make  a 
difference.  It  must,  however,  be  a  good  stretch  of  such 
ground,  and  not  cultivated,  to  be  an  Aonach. 

B^rr  is  met  with  often  standing  alone,  as  well  as  in 
combinations.  The  word  has  a  wide  range  of  meaning, 
from  ihQ  point  of  a  needle,  the  tip  of  the  finger,  staff,  &c., 
to  the  top  of  the  head  or  of  trees,  and  of  the  head  of 
growing  crops.  It  was  used  of  the  "  head  of  hair  "  in 
old  personal  names,  e.g.  St.  Findbarr=  White-head.  The 
idea  is  the  same  always,  and  it  is  not  difficult  to  follow 
it  into  the  uplands,  to  which  it  is  now  most  commonly 
applied  as  a  place-name.  It  seems  to  convey  the  sense 
of  an  arable  upland  nearly  always. 

Caigean  means  a  couple  (of  animals) — a  pair  of  animals 
coupled  by  means  of  a  wooden  instrument  which  fixed 
their  heads  together.  It  was  specially  used  for  the 
taming  of  wild  goats.  Dr.  Macbain's  derivation  is  con 
+  ceann,  heads-together.  The  use  of  the  word  as  a  place- 
name  must  be  from  the  resemblance  of  some  natural 
features  to  such  coupling.  The  name  occurs  in  Morven, 
and  Caichean  occurs  in  Mull.  It  is  difficult  to  say 
whether  or  not  they  are  one  and  the  same  word. 


GENERAL  TERMS  13 

Caipleach  (see  names  in  -ach,  p.  8)  means  the  place 
of  the  capuill,  or  horses.  Capull  was  a  masculine  noun 
in  its  beginning  like  the  Latin  Caballus,  but  in  later  days 
it  has  come  to  mean  a  mare  always,  although  strangely 
enough  even  now  the  grammar  of  the  word  is  masculine 
and  not  feminine.  We  say  Capull  m6r,  a  big  mare^ 
as  we  say  Each  m6r,  a  big  horse,  the  adjective  being 
masculine  in  both.  This  is  a  very  interesting  survival. 
Long  after  the  word  became,  and  has  remained  feminine, 
its  masculine  origin  is  asserted  by  its  grammatical  bonds. 

Caiseal  has  more  than  one  possible  meaning  in 
names  :   [i)   a   bulwark   or  castle  (from  Lat.  castellum) ; 

(2)  a  hurdle-wall,  or  a  mound  in  a  river  for  fishing ;  and 

(3)  as  Caisleach  or  Caslach  (Cassley),  a  ford.    We  have 
in  Islay  a  double  form  Atha-caisil. 

Camus,  a  small  round  bay,  from  cam,  bent  or  roundly 
crooked.  This  is  one  of  the  few  Gaelic  sea-names ;  such 
names  are  largely  Norse — 6b,  geodha,  bodha,  sgeir,  &c. 

Carnach,  a  frequent  name,  is  from  earn,  a  heap  of  stones, 
a  cairn.     (See  names  in  -ach,  p,  8). 

Ceapach,  frequent  in  the  English  form  Keppoch,  has 
been  said  to  refer  back  to  an  old  Keltic  keppo,  a  garden, 
akin  to  the  Greek  /c^tto?  of  similar  meaning,  but  this  is 
doubtful.  It  is  clearly  a  Gaelic  name  in  -ach,  with  ceap 
as  the  stem.  Ceap  has  various  meanings,  but  always  in 
one  direction,  such  as  a  clod,  block,  stump  ;  or  Ceapach, 
the  adjective,  is  given  as  ^^  abounding  in  stumps  or  trunks 
of  trees"  (H.  S.  D.).  I  am  inclined  to  refer  the  name 
to  the  cloddy  character  of  such  lands  as  are  so  named. 

Cleit,  a  rocky  eminence^  usually  by  the  sea,  comes  from 
Norse  Jdettr,  a  cliff. 

Comarach,  a  sanctuary,  or  place  of  safety,  looks  as  if 
it  might  be  related  to  Comar,  a  confluence,  and  this  is  not 


14  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

impossible.  The  old  "Sanctuaries"  may  have  been 
situated  at  Comars  by  choice  or  accident ;  but  the  old 
forms  of  the  language  do  not  encourage  this  origin  of 
the  name.  Comairche  is  the  old  word  for  protection 
generally,  but  in  later  times  it  got  specialised  to  the 
"  Sanctuary  "  of  a  place  of  worship  to  which  accused 
persons  might  flee  for  refuge,  as  to  the  old  Hebrew 
city  (Num.  xxxv.  12).  The  root  idea  in  the  word  is 
arc,  defend^  which  we  have  in  adh-arc,  a  horn,  and  in 
treasairg  =  to  +  ess  +  arc,  save. 

Corpach  is  from  corp  (Lat.  corpus),  a  body.  There  is 
a  Corpach  in  Lochaber  and  in  Jura ;  and  I  have  it  from 
intelligent  natives  of  both  places  that  the  name  came 
from  the  fact  that  corpses  on  the  way  to  burial — in  the  one 
case  to  Eilean  Fhianain  in  Loch  Shiel,  and  in  the  other 
to  Colonsay — were  rested  temporarily  at  these  places, 
because  of  weather  or  of  time  and  distance.  There  is 
a  Corparsk  (!)  in  C.  which  looks  like  the  same  name. 

Corran  is  a  diminutive  formed  from  cbrr,  excess,  out- 
growth. The  name  is  applied  to  small,  blunt  promon- 
tories at  which  the  tidal  current  runs  swift.  Some  have 
thought  that  the  name  has  had  origin  from  Corran,  a 
sickle,  and  the  shape  of  the  various  Corrans  helped  to 
support  this  view ;  so  far  as  the  word  is,  however,  con- 
cerned, this  must  be  given  up,  but  as  regards  the  fact, 
being  descriptive,  the  error,  if  it  is  an  error,  is  still  a 
help.  There  is,  indeed,  no  reason  apparent  why  the  two 
words  may  not  have  had  a  common  origin.  It  is  the 
same  root  we  find  in  Corr-ag,  the  thumb. 

Doire,  a  grove.  The  old  form  was  daire  (Derry), 
coming  by  the  same  way  as  dar-ach,  oak,  which  itself 
is  the  genitive  of  old  dair.  The  tree-names  of  early 
language   are   very   mixed.      The   Latin   larix  and    the 


GENERAL  TERMS  15 

English  larch  are,  in  fact,  the  same  words  as  the  Gaelic 
darach,  and  the  word  tree  itself  is  perhaps  from  the 
same  source. 

Doirlinn,  an  isthmus y  or  rather  a  neck  of  shore  which 
the  tide  leaves  dry  at  ebb.  These  are  numerous.  The 
elements  in  the  word  are  do  +  air  +  ling,  from  an  old 
verb  lingim,  I  jumpy  or  spring,  from  which  leum,  a  jump, 
perhaps  because  the  tide  came  in  so  quickly  as  to  juvip 
over  the  place. 

Druim  (Lat.  Dorsum),  a  back,  ridge.  The  word 
has  many  meanings,  or  rather  say  values.  Druim- 
Albain,  Druim  -  uachdair,  and  such,  are  very  large 
dorsums,  but  between  them  and  the  many  and  small 
Drum-begs  there  is  a  long  gradation.  There  is  a  Tigh 
an  droma  in  Islay  ;  but  it  is,  in  a  sense,  a  small  affair 
compared  with  the  Tigh  an  droma  which  stands  on 
the  back-bone  of  Scotland — upon  Druim  Albain.  The 
essential  meaning  is,  however,  always  the  same. 

Faodhail,  a  hollow  in  the  sandy  shore,  retaining  a 
considerable  quantity  of  water  after  the  tide  has  gone 
back.  There  are  some  good  examples  in  North  Ardna- 
murchan  and  in  Islay.  The  word  has  taken  a  peculiar 
shape  in  the  name  Benbecula,  which  stands  for  Beinn 
na  faodh'la.  It  seems  to  mean  a  ford  also,  and  perhaps 
that  is  its  value  in  this  last  name.  This  is  a  very  good 
example  of  a  word,  the  clear  significance  of  which 
cannot  be  determined  through  philology,  but  only  by 
the  facts  and  circumstances  of  its  position  as  a  name. 

Gart,  Gort,  and  the  diminutive  Goirtean  are  of  the 
same  origin  as  the  English  gard-en  cindgarth,  an  enclosure. 
It  has  nearly  the  same  meaning  at  the  beginning  of 
names  as  -garry  has  at  the  end.  The  Norse  is  gardr, 
an  enclosure.     The  Gaelic  order  has  it  first  in  compound 


i6  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

names  as  Gart  an  doill,  the  blind  man's  enclosure,  or  patch 
of  land  ;  Goirtean  Mhuirrein  S.,  Murrins  enclosure  ;  the 
Norse  has  it  second,  as  Olosary  M.,  Kynagarry  L,  Olaf's 
farm  and  Queen's  town. 

The  nearest  value  of  the  present  usage  is  a  fallow 
upland  field,  or  a  field  or  once-enclosed  ground  now 
gone  out  of  cultivation,  even  if  there  is  no  enclosure  now. 
In  the  old  language  f^r-gort,  a  grass-garden,  and  luib- 
gort,  herb-garden,  are  met  with,  which  suggests  that 
the  two  ideas  of  enclosure  and  cultivation  are  contained 
in  the  word. 

Leacann  is  applied  to  a  hillside,  from  a  portion  of 
which  the  earth  has  been  washed  away,  exposing  a 
smooth  surface  of  flat  rock.  The  stem  of  the  name 
is  without  doubt  leac,  a  flag-stone,  although  it  has  been 
referred  to  leac,  a  cheek — a  word  with  which  I  am  not 
familiar.  It  seems  to  occur  in  the  older  language.  The 
old  form  was  lec.  There  was  another  word  lecht,  which 
meant  a  grave,  according  to  Stokes,  Windisch,  and 
others  —  trusting,  as  would  seem,  to  Cormac's  Glos- 
sary. Leac  is,  however,  the  most  common  name  for 
the  headstone  of  a  grave  (usually  a  slab  of  slate  or  of 
freestone),  and  it  is  the  name  especially  for  the  slab 
that  covers  a  grave.  So  when  Stokes  translates  relicc 
lechtaig,  Mod.  reilig  leacaich,  of  a  grave  -  abounding 
cemetery,  one  wonders  whether  he  might  not  have 
come  nearer  the  verbal  meaning  if  he  had  put  grave- 
slab  instead  of  grave.  It  is,  at  any  rate,  quite  certain 
that  in  the  later  language  there  is  only  one  word,  namely, 
leac,  a  slab  of,  or  a  flat  stone,  and  that  the  other  leac 
and  lecht,  if  they  ever  had  independent  existence,  are 
now  lost,  or  merged  in  the  remaining  word. 

Learg,  the  slope  of  a  hill-side,  gives  Leargach  K.,  which 


GENERAL   TERMS  17 

has  been  softened  to  Largie,  in  Kintyre  especially.  It 
occurs  also  as  Largy  and  Larki ;  and  in  the  Isle  of  Man 
as  Largee,  Lhargee,  Largy.  A  good  deal  of  this  seeming 
softening  of  the  terminal  is  due  to  the  Locative  form  of 
the  names. 

There  is  another  word  Lairig",  of  closely  the  same 
meaning,  the  form  in  -ach  of  which  would  give  these 
softened  forms  more  readily,  but  I  have  not  met  with  it. 

There  is  a  Lorgie  K.,  but  I  prefer  to  take  this  from 
the  form  in  -ach  of  lorg",  the  footprint  of  an  animal,  or  a 
fath. 

Machair,  afield,  carse,  either  by  analogy  with  Largie, 
or  from  its  own  genitive  in  -ach,  has  also  taken  the 
softened  form — Machri-hanish,  Machri-m6r  and-beag,  K. 

Maol  is  primarily  the  Gaelic  adjective  bald,  though 
it  is  almost  always  used  as  a  noun  in  place-names.  The 
Norse  tnul-r,  ajtitting  crag,  takes  the  same  form  maol  in 
Gaelic,  and  is  frequent  on  the  sea-coast.  It  may  not 
always  be  easy  to  distinguish  the  one  from  the  other, 
but  local  knowledge  will  give  the  necessary  light.  The 
Gaelic  word  carries  the  idea  of  bluntness  and  roundness 
of  shape,  especially  in  the  names  of  inland  mountains. 
The  two  words  have  merged  in  their  grammar,  both 
being  feminine  nouns  in  the  later  Gaelic,  although  the 
Norse  word  was  originally  masculine. 

Morbhach,  land  over  which  the  high  tide  comes  ;  literally 
muir  +  magh,  or  sea-field — a  level  stretch  of  land  from 
which  the  sea  has  receded,  but  over  which  exceptionally 
high  tides  may  come.  Such  land  is  covered  with  the 
short  green  grass  and  herbage  characteristic  of  sea- 
land.  Another  sea-word,  Muireach,  has  been  confused 
with  morbhach;  but  they  are  certainly  different  words. 
Mr.   Moore,  in  his  "  Manx  Names,"  says  that   for  the 

B 


i8  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Mooragh  at  Ramsey  the  best  rendering  is  the  shingle 
bank,  and  with  this  I  am  disposed  to  agree,  from  what 
I  know  of  places  so  named  myself. 

Peighinn,  literally  a  penny,  in  names  always  means  a 
penny-land,  and  Lephin  (leth-pheighinn),  a  half-penny-land, 
as  in  Pennygown  (Peighinn  a'  ghobhainn),  the  smith's 
penny-land ;  and  Lephincorrach,  the  steep,  rugged,  half- 
pen7iy-land.  The  old  land-names  are  very  interesting. 
The  names  in  the  West  of  Scotland  were  the  Davoch, 
which  contained  twenty  penny-lands,  and  the  Tirung, 
the  Ounce-land,  which  came  by  the  Norseman,  whose  stan- 
dard measure  of  land  value  was  an  ounce  of  silver  [eyrir). 
We  meet  with  terra  unciata  constantly  in  old  charters. 
The  Tirung  was  nearly  of  the  same  size  as  the  Davoch, 
for  it  contained  eighteen  or  twenty  penny-lands,  which 
were  so  called  because  under  the  Norwegian  rule  each 
homestead  paid  a  penny  as  scat  or  tax. 

Ceathranih  and  ochdamh  are  also  land  -  measures 
which  come  frequently  into  names,  the  one  meaning  a 
quarter  of  a  Davoch,  the  other  an  eighth,  coming  into 
English  form  as  Kera,  Kirrie,  Oct,  Ocht,  &c. 

The  whole  subject  of  old  land  values  and  measures 
stands  in  need  of  correct  investigation — and  deserves  it. 

Rath  is  an  old  Gaelic  name  for  a  stronghold,  or  for  a 
"  residence,"  which  in  these  early  times  evidently  had  to 
be  well  protected.  It  is  common  in  Gaelic  place-names, 
but  more  so  in  Ireland  than  in  Scotland.  It  is  found 
far  away  in  the  Gaulish  names,  Argento-ra/wj,  silver-town. 
Cormac  says  it  was  "  a  circular  earthen  fort."  There 
is  an  extremely  interesting  note  in  "  S.  T." — quoted  from 
Curry  :  "  A  Dun  is  an  elevated  circular  enclosing  wall 
or  bank,  within  which  a  dwelling-house  was  erected. 
A  Dun   required  to   be  surrounded  by  a  wet  fosse  or 


GENERAL  TERMS  19 

trench  to  distinguish  it  from  the  Rath,  which  had  no 
trench." 

Ruighe,  a  shelling  (H.  S.  D.),  the  outstretched  base  of  a 
mountain  (Mb),  is  almost  certainly  from  the  same  origin 
as  ruighe,  the  fore-arm,  and  the  infinitive  ruighe-achd, 
to  reach ;  hence,  a  stretch  of  high  or  of  low  ground  to 
which  cattle  were  sent  in  the  summer-time  to  graze. 
There  is  not  much  difference  in  meaning  between  this 
word  and  airidh,  for  we  meet  with  Airidh-shamhraidh 
and  Ruighe-samhraidh  in  almost  equal  numbers.  The 
airidh  points  to  a  high  ground  always,  the  ruighe  to  the 
low  ground. 

Ros,  a  promontory y  "  a  point  extending  into  the  sea 
or  into  a  lake"  (C.  141).  It  means  a  wood  also.  In  one 
place  it  means  the  one,  in  other  places  the  other,  and  it 
has  been  suggested  that  the  word  may  have  originally 
and  essentially  meant  a  zuood-covered  promontory.  There 
is  many  a  Ros  that  is  not  wooded,  but  most  of  them  are. 
There  is  a  Coille-ros,  in  Kilmaillie,  which  must  mean 
the  wooded  Ros — a  very  correct  description,  although  the 
form  of  the  name  is  not  familiar  Gaelic  ;  so  there  is  a 
possibility  that  the  modern  Coille,  a  wood,  has  been  pre- 
fixed to  an  old  ros,  meaning  the  same  thing — a  process 
that  is  very  common  in  the  names  of  England,  and 
which  is  not  unknown  in  Gaelic ;  for  instance,  Atha-Caisil 
(Islay).  The  Ross  of  Mull  is  a  woodless  promontory  ; 
Coille-ros,  in  Kilmaillie,  is  a  wood  without  much  promon- 
tory— but  "promontorium  nemorosum "  remains  the 
nearest  meaning  of  the  true  Ros.  The  two  ideas  are 
contained  in  the  word — to  the  native  understanding. 

S^ilean  is  sail-linne,  according  to  H.  S.  D.,  but  this 
is  not  tenable.  The  grammar  is  against  it.  Linne  being 
feminine  would  with  the  article  be  an  t-sail-linne,  which 


20  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

is  never  heard.  It  is  an  s^ilean  always — in  masculine 
form.  The  stem  is  of  course  saile,  tlie  sea  or  sea-water^ 
and  the  name  comes  on  exactly  the  same  lines  as 
clach-an,  s6ileach-an,  &c.  Strangely  enough,  there  is  a 
Sailean  on  Loch  Shiel  where  there  is  no  saile.  I  must 
not  risk  any  speculation  upon  the  name,  but  it  is 
extremely  interesting. 

Stalla,  ^^  an  overhanging^  shelfing,  beetling  precipice" — 
another  of  the  words  which  cannot  be  fittingly  trans- 
lated. It  seems  to  be  the  Norse  word  stall-r,  a  block,  or 
shelf,  upon  which  another  thing  rests,  and  this  idea 
closely  accords  with  the  nature  of  the  places  so  named, 
In  Ardnamurchan  we  meet  with  a  very  interesting  old 
plural  form,  na  Stallacha  dubha,  the  black  stallas,  one 
sight  of  which  would  explain  the  word  far  better  than 
any  statement  in  words  that  can  possibly  be  given. 
Tier  upon  tier  of  shelving  rocks  is  the  picture  and  the 
fact  in  the  name. 

Tairbeart,  usually  translated  an  isthmus,  means  more 
than  that.  The  word  is  made  up  of  tar+bert,  the 
preposition  tar,  across,  and  ber,  to  carry,  bear — quite 
close  to  the  meaning  of  the  Latin  trans-fer.  It  is  the 
isthmus  over  which,  in  early  times,  the  people  used  to 
drag  their  boats  from  sea  to  sea.  An  isthmus  need  not 
be  a  Tarbert,  but  it  is  not  likely  that  it  would  become  a 
Tarbert  were  it  not  an  isthmus.  A  look  of  the  various 
Tarberts  even  on  the  map  will  explain  them  all  at  once. 
Although  the  name  is  Gaelic — old  Gaelic — there  may  be 
a  suspicion  that  it  had  origin  in  fact,  though  not  in 
language,  from  the  Norseman.  When  the  "  Western 
Isles"  were  conceded  to  Magnus  of  Norway  in  the  end  of 
the  eleventh  century,  Kintyre  was  included  in  the  "  Isles  " 
because  he  sailed  round  it  by  carrying  his  boats  across 


GENERAL  TERMS  21 

the  Tarbert.  I  have  not  been  able  to  make  sure  if 
Tarbert  was  so  named  before  this  event,  but  it  certainly 
was  afterwards.  It  may  be  so  with  other  Tarberts  also. 
As  to  the  meaning  and  signification  there  can  be  no 
doubt. 

Leth,  a  half,  comes  into  place-names  in  interesting 
ways.  Leith-ead  is  a  brae,  usually  not  facing  another 
brae,  and  leideag  is  the  diminutive  of  this  =  leathad-ag. 
Then  Leitir,  a  very  common  name  (Eng.  Letter),  is  for 
leth-tir,  half-land — always  perfectly  descriptive,  meaning 
a  hill-side  without  another  opposite.  Leth-allt  is  a  single 
Burn,  where,  for  natural  reasons,  two  might  be  looked 
for  ;  so  also  Leth-bheinn,  half -mountain,  where  there  is  a 
felt  want  of  another.  There  are  many  other  such  words 
and  names.  In  body-part  names,  which  are  also  extended 
to  the  land,  the  word  comes  in  very  interestingly,  and 
as  a  very  good  side-light  upon  the  general  names  just 
mentioned.  Leth-cheann  is  half-head,  or  a  cheek  ;  Leth- 
shuil  is  one-eye  (lit.  half-eye) ;  Leth-lamh  (ach)  is  a  man 
with  only  one  arm  ;  Leth-chas  is  (having  only)  one  foot. 
It  is  the  same  idea  throughout. 


THE    DISTRICT    NAMES 

In  this  chapter  I  examine  the  several  districts  of  the 
county  from  Kintyre  northwards,  and  I  shall  keep  as 
closely  as  I  can  to  the  following  order  : — 

I.  An  examination  of  the  meaning  of  the  district 
name. 

II.  A  reference  to  the  English  names  in  the  district. 
III.  Observations  upon  peculiarities  of  the  grammar 
of  Gaelic  names,  and  upon  difficult  names. 
IV.  Norse  Names. 
V.  Church-Names. 
VI.  Personal  Names. 
The  names  which  I  have  classed  as  "difficult"  are 
not  all  of  them  difficult ;  but  even  the  easier  of  them  are 
such  as  I  have  thought  to  be  worthy  of  a  special  note. 
Some  are,  of  course,  difficult  in  the  fullest  sense,  and 
a  few,  I  fear,  are  quite  hopeless — at  any  rate,  they  are 
beyond  me,  for  the  present. 

The  simple  Gaelic  names,  and  those  plainly  Norse, 
can  be  easily  determined  from  the  vocabularies. 

KINTYRE— CINN-TIRE 

I.  This  is  a  purely  Gaelic  name.  It  means  Land's- 
end,  like  French  Finisterre  =  Lat.  Finis-terrcs.  The  Cinn 
is  a  case  form  of  ceann,  a  head,  Point,  or  end,  and  -tire 
is  the  genitive  of  tir,  land.  The  form  Cinn  has  been 
called  the  locative  case,  because  it  is  only  met  with  in 


KINTYRE  23 

place  -  names,  such  as  Kintra  =  Cinn-tr^gha  A.,  Kin- 
gairloch  =  Cinn  a'  ghearr  loch  V.,  Kingussie  =  Cinn  a' 
ghiubhsaich,  Kintail  =  Cinn  t-saile. 

The  treatment  given  by  the  Survey  to  the  names 
of  Kintyre  is  as  bad  as  it  is  conceivably  possible  for 
bad  work  to  be.  It  is  altogether  most  contorted  and 
ignorant  and  careless.  There  is  hardly  a  name  right. 
The  Gaelic  names  are  hopelessly  bad  in  spelling  and 
in  grammar.  Cockalane  and  Pollywillin  are  comically 
stupid  renderings  of  Cnoc-alainn  and  Poll  a'  mhuilinn. 
Rhu-point  and  Pluck-point  and  Eden  =  aodan  show 
pure  ignorance ;  Achabrad  and  Achavraid,  Gartavaich 
and  Achavae,  Achaluskin  and  Gartloskin,  for  Achadh- 
braghad  and  Achadh-bhraghaid,  Gart  a'  bhathaich  and 
Achadh  a'  bhathaich,  Achadh  -  losgainn  and  Gart-los- 
gainn,  within  short  distances  of  each  other,  show  extreme 
carelessness. 

II.  English  Names  come  in  two  ways — as  original 
names  like  Campbeltown,  Carolina,  &c.,  or  as  transla- 
tions, like  Pointhouse,  Oatfield,  Whinhill,  Todhill,  and  the 
like.  This  class  of  names  will  not  have  much  attention. 
It  is  to  be  distinctly  regretted  that  translations  have 
ever  been  attempted  or  permitted.  The  old  Gaelic 
names  were  poetical ;  the  translations  are  not.  It  is, 
however,  fortunate  that  the  Survey  could  only  translate 
the  very  simplest  names,  which  might  even  now,  and 
with  advantage,  be  restored.  The  old  names  they 
could  not  understand  nor  translate,  and  these  therefore 
remain. 

Difficult  Names 

III.  For  purposes  of  reference  and  of  local  interest 
and  because  the  local  circumstances  are  more  clearly  in 


24  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

my  own  view,  I  have  thought  well  to  deal  with  "  difficult  " 
names  in  smaller  areas  than  full  districts,  when  I  have 
thought  it  necessar)',  and  I  put  the  names  in  alphabetical 
order.     I  mention  the  Norse  and  Church-names. 

Crossie,  Hervie,  Largie,  Lorgie,  Machrie,  and  such, 
are  forms  that  are  almost  peculiar  to  Kintyre.  They  all 
look  like  diminutives,  but  they  really  are  not,  at  any  rate 
not  always,  as  may  be  seen  under  Learg  (p.  1.6). 

Norse  Names  are  also  numerous.  All  the  -t/a/,  or 
-dale  names,  are  clearly  Norse  :  Borgadale  =  Fort-dale, 
Cattadale  =  Cat-dale,  Saddell  =  Sand-dale,  Torris  dale 
=  Thor  s-dale.  These,  with  such  as  Ormsaryy  Skipness, 
Cleit,  &c.,  are  all  plain  ;  but  still,  Norse  names  present 
many  difficulties. 

Church-Names  are  very  frequent,  more  so  indeed 
than  in  any  other  district,  and  more  so  than  in  any  other 
part  of  Scotland.  The  reason  for  this  will  be  apparent 
from  the  special  chapter  on  these  names. 

The  Land-Names,  especially  in  South  Kintyre,  are 
very  interesting.  There  is  the  Pennyland  and  Penny- 
gown  and  Pennysearach,  and  Peninver,  with  Lephin- 
corrach,  Lephingaver,  and  Lephinstrath.  There  is  also 
Kerran,  Kerafuar,  Keramenach,  and  Deucheran,  all 
which  are  explained  in  their  place. 

(i)  From  the  South  to  Campbeltown 

Amod  is  not  a  common  name,  but  it  occurs  twice 
in  K.  It  is  applied  to  a  green  plain  almost  encircled  by 
the  bend  of  a  river,  or  perhaps  better  to  the  meeting  of 
two  waters  =  N.  d-mot,  river  meet-ing. 

Achincorvey  =  achadh  na-cairbhe  (note). 

Achinhoan  =  achadh  nan  uan,  lamd-Jield. 


KINTYRE  25 

Arinarach  =  airidh  nathrach  (nathair). 
Arinascavach  =  airidh  na  sgabhach  =  Mridh+sgabh, 

sawdust. 

Ballygreggan  and  Ballygroggan  are  Survey  render- 
ings of  Bail'  a'  chreagain  and  Bail'  a'  chrogain  (creag 
and  crog). 

Breackerie  is  for  breac  +  Mridh  and  Breacklate  for 
breac  +  leathad  (pp.  19,  21). 

Brunerican  is  part  Norse  part  Gaelic — Brun  (N),  the 
brow^  or  brae,  of  Brie,  with  the  Gaelic  dim.  -an  added. 

Carrine,  with  caibeal  Carrine,  seems  to  refer  to 
St.  Ciaran. 

Carskie  =  craskie  (crasg),  with  the  loc.  ending  (see 
Crasg  and  Learg). 

Chiscan  =  sescenn,  boggy  land. 

Christlach,  Cristalloch  (1695).     Eng.  crystal  +  ach. 

Coiydrain  seems  to  be  coille-droighinn,  thornwood ; 
but  in  Manx  names  a  similar  form  is  derived  from 
Kuldi-rani,  Cold-hill,  where  rani  means  a  hog-backed  hill. 

Corylach  is  coire-chlach,  stoney-corrie,  or,  even  better, 
coire  +  lach.     See  p.  27. 

Culanlongairt  is  clearly  all  of  it  Gaelic ;  still  it  is 
difficult.  Ciil  is  certainly  the  back,  an  is  of,  the  gen,  sing. 
masc.  of  the  article,  and  long  would  seem  to  be  a  ship 
+  art,  one  of  the  "arts"  (p.  11).  But,  strangely  enough, 
in  old  Gaelic,  there  is  a  word  longphort,  that  through 
*'  attrition  "  might  come  to  this  form  of  Longairt,  which 
has  been  explained  (glossed)  as  "  castrum,"  a  camp,  ov  fort, 
and  there  is,  in  fact,  a  *'  fort "  in  close  proximity  to  the 
name  in  K.  The  supreme  scholar  in  our  time,  not  only 
of  Gaelic  but  of  all  languages,  has  failed  with  the  word, 
and  I  do  not  venture  to  be  conclusive.  It  may  be 
mentioned,  however,  m  this  connection,  that  there  are 


26  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

several    inland    names   in    K.    which    look    like   Norse 
sea-words — for    instance,   lang-a,    sker-oblln^    skernishy 

and  most  likely  this  was  a  coast  name  in  its  beginning. 

Ourrach  is  a  level  plain,  a  marsh,  bog,  or  fen.  It 
has  come  latterly  to  be  applied  to  a  race-course,  but  this 
is  because  it  is  a  level  plain,  and  not  for  any  connec- 
tion with  racing. 

Davaar  (island),  which  has  been  thought  difficult  to 
explain,  is  in  my  opinion  certainly  Gaelic  =  da  bharr  = 
da,  two,  and  barr,  which  is  explained  at  p.  12.  The  real 
difficulty  is  in  finding  the  reason  for  the  name.  I  suggest 
one  of  the  following  two  reasons  as  probable  :  (i)  that 
the  island  shows,  as  I  am  told,  two  points,  or  rather 
say  prominences,  on  its  summit,  especially  as  viewed 
from  the  sea  side  ;  and  (2)  that  the  island  may  have  been 
named  with  reference  to  two  Barrs,  features  or  names, 
on  the  mainland  opposite  to  it.  This  is  a  very  common 
way  of  naming  islands — compare  Eilean  Ghrianain, 
named  on  Grianan  on  land  opposite — and  if  I  could  find 
two  such  Barrs  I  would  favour  this  explanation  ;  but, 
though  Barr-askomill  is  there  quite  fittingly,  I  cannot 
find  the  other ;  whether  it  is  there,  or  was  there  in  the 
past  but  is  not  now,  I  am  not  able  to  say. 

Feorlan  is  one  of  the  land-names  (p.  18).  Feoirling 
is  a  farthing,  therefore  a  farthing-land.  The  H.  S.  D. 
has  feorlinn,  the  fourth  part  of  a  farm,  but  this  rendering 
is  doubtful. 

Feochaig  is  based  upon  the  stem  of  feoch-adan,  the 
corn-thistle  (see  names  in  -aig",  p.  8). 

Gartnagerach  (see  gart  and  gearr). 

Beinn  Ghiiilean  is  most  likely  from  gualann,  shoulders. 

Glecknahavil  =  glac  na  sabhal,  or  perhaps  better  glac 
an  t-sabhail,  with  irregular  Agreement. 


KINTYRE  27 

Glemanuil  is  not  easy.  Glem  is  not  Gaelic,  although 
the  other  parts  seem  to  be.  It  may  be  a  metathesis  of 
Gleann-amail  {note). 

Glenhervie  =  gleann  +  thairbhidh  (tarbh). 

Glenahanty  =  gleann  +  shean-tighe,  the  glen  (of)  the 
Old-house. 

Gleann  na  muclach  is  the  Glen  of  the  pig-kind.  Muc 
\s  a  pig  {ox  2^  boar),  and  -lach  is  a  termination,  meaning 
an  aggregate  or  collection  of  the  entities  represented 
in  the  stem,  for  example,  teaghlach,  a  family  =  teg,  a 
house  +  lach,  therefore  a  household,  so  with  oglach  =  q%, 
young  (men)  +  lach,  &c.  It  is  interesting  to  observe 
the  frequency  of  the  muc-names  in  Argyll  —  possibly 
suggesting  the  time  when  the  "  wild  boar  "  was  there, 

Keprigan  has  same  stem  as  in  Keppoch  (p.  13)  + 
air-ag-an.  Ceapair  is  "a  piece"  of  oatcake  on  which 
the  butter  is  spread  thick  and  generous,  in  fact  the  best 
of  the  kind  was  spread  with  the  thumb,  "  in  heaps  ;  "  and 
with  an  equally  generous  super-stratification  of  brown 
sugar,  it  has  been  known  not  to  hurt  the  feelings  o^^ 
hungry  boys. 

Remuil  =  ruighe  +  maol. 

Sanish,  in  Loch  Sanish,  Machrihanish,  is  from  sean- 
innse,  Old-inch  or  haugh.  Sanas,  a  whisper,  or  warning, 
is  possible,  but  the  former  is  correct. 

Rudha-stathish  contains  the  same  Norse  stem  as  in 
Staffa  and  Dunstaffnish.  The  -ish  is  for  nes,  with  a 
Gaelic  inflection  of  the  genitive, 

Trodigal  is  difficult.  It  is  not  Gaelic.  It  was  Tradi- 
gill  in  1695,  and  may  therefore  mean  trddi  +  giil,  the 
pen  (fold)  ravine. 

IV.  The  Norse  Names  in  this  part  are  somewhat 
mixed.    Borgadale  (the  "Fort"  is  there)  is  pure  Norse  = 


28  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

Fort-dale.  So  is  Cattadale,  Carradale,  Ormsary;  but  Gleil' 
A'dale,  Loch- oro- dale,  Skerry  Fell  fada,  Drum." lemble, 
Glen- ramskill,  are  mixtures.  Glen-d-dale  shows  a  very 
common  form  of  hybrid  word  and  name.  The  Glen 
may  have  been  called  gleann,  long  before  the  Norseman 
came.  It  may  have  been  even  called  Gleann-abhann, 
Glenavon.  When  the  Norseman  came  he  called  the 
glen  d'dale,  or  Riverdale  ;  when  he  left,  the  native  re- 
verted to  his  Glen,  but  kept  the  whole  Norse  form 
along  with  it,  not  understanding,  nor  perhaps  at  all 
thinking,  of  the  meaning  of  these  things. 

V.  Church-Names  are  Keil  (high  and  low),  Kilblaan 
=  Cill-Bhlathain  (p.  175),  Kilchrist  =  Cill-Chriosd,  Kil- 
chattan  =  Cill-Chatain  (p.  175),  Kilkivan  and  St.  Coivin's 
Chapel  =  Cill-Chaomhain  (p.  183),  Kildavie  is  the  Kil 
of  David,  Kilellan  is  Cill-Ellain,  Kileonain  is  Cill- 
Adhamhnain  (p.  179),  Kilkerran  is  Cill-Chiarain  (p.  170) 
Kilmashanachan  (p.  184),  Kilwhipnach  seems  to  be 
named  upon  one  of  the  old  "Flagellants,"  Killypole 
is  not  a  cill  but  coille,  a  wood. 

VI.  The  only  Personal  Names  are  Johnstone's  Point 
and  Tir-Fergus  =  Fergus'  land,  and  Rudha  MacShannuich. 
I  cannot,  of  course,  give  the  origin  of  these,  no  more 
than  I  am  likely  to  be  able  to  give  the  origin  of  a  good 
many  such  names  that  will  meet  us.  Campbeltown  was 
so  named  in  1680  as  a  compliment  to  the  Argyll  family. 

(2)  Campbeltown  to  Carradale 

II.  Translations  are  frequent  :  Hillside,  Sealrock, 
Thornisle,  Westport,  Whitehill,  Whitestone.  Backs 
and  Craigs  are  bac  and  creag,  with  the  English  plural 
form  in  s;  Moy  is  quasi-English  for  magh,  afield. 


KINTYRE  29 

III.  The  Gaelic  Names  are  very  badly  done.  I 
prefer  to  recast  them  than  to  explain  them  at  length. 

Achalochy  =  achadh-locha,  loch-field,  not  Lochy. 

Ardnacross  =  ard  na  croise,  the  aird  of  the  Cross. 

Aross  (see  N.),  likely  an  imported  name.  There  is 
no  river  here  ;  but  aros  is  Gaelic  for  a  dwelling. 

Ballivain  =  bail'  a'  mheadhoin,  middle-town. 

Bealochgair  =  bealach-gearr,  the  short  pass. 

Breckachy  =  breac-achadh,  the  spotted  field. 

Bunlarie  =  bun  larach— in  loc.  form. 

Callyburn,  or  Killipole,  clearly  for  coille,  not  for 
cill.  Although  both  forms  are  corrupt,  the  one  explains 
the  other  in  a  very  interesting  way. 

Carrick  (Point)  =  carraig,  a  rock. 

Clackfin  (Glen)  =  clach-fionn,  white-stone. 

Clochkel  =  clach  gheal,  white-stone  also. 

Crossiebeg  =  an  crossadh  beag,  the  small  crossing, 

Darlochan  seems  to  refer  to  Durry  =  doire,  a  grove 
which  is  close  by,  therefore  doire-lochan.  Of  course 
d^ir  is  possible,  and  even  eadar ;  and  if  there  were  two 
lochans  I  should  prefer  this  last. 

Drumgarve  =  druim  garbh,  the  rough  Druim. 

Easach  (Hill)  =  eas,  a  waterfall  ■\-  ach  (p.  8). 

Gartgunnal  =  gart  +  dhuineil  {note). 

Gobagrenan  =  gob  a'  ghrianain  (grian). 

Lagalgorve  =  N.  lag-r-  voll-r  +  garbh. 

Langa  would  do  for  Norse  langa  +  4,  long  river,  or 
langa  +  ey,  if  an  island.  It  is  most  likely  a  late  and 
imported  name,  like  say  Carolina,  and  has  no  local 
significance  ;  but  it  may  refer  to  Barr  Water  which  cer- 
tainly is  a  long  river. 

Leckyvroun  =  leac  a'  bhroin  (fiat)  stone  of  lamentation ! 

Maol  a'  chiiir  (Hill-names). 


30  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

Peninver  =  Peighinn  an  inbhir,  the  Inver  penny-land. 

Puball  {V>\\x\\)^te7it-biirn. 

Putachan,  Putachantuy,  Corr-putachan,  are  all  from 
put,  a  young  moor-fozul,  akin  to  pullei,  and  Fr.  poiilet 
+  achan  (p.  8).  The  an  in  the  first  and  third  names  is 
the  diminutive,  but  an  in  the  second  name  is  the  gen. 
article,  with  suidhe,  a  sitting,  or  sitting-place y  so  that  -antuy 
=  an  t-suidhe.     Cnoc-suidhe  is  quite  near. 

Sgreadan  (hill)  =  sgriodan  =  N.  skriCta. 

Skeroblin,  Skeroblingarry,  Skeroblinraid — I  am  not 
able  to  explain  satisfactorily  {note). 

Strathdugh  (Water),  rightly  srath  dubh. 

Tangy  =  Norse  tangi,  a  tongue  of  land,  but  the  Gaelic 
teanga  would  do  as  well. 

IV.  Bauvr-askomill,  Carradale,  Gleann-/ussa,  Guesdale, 
Ifferdale,  Rhonadale,  Torrisdale,  Smerby,  Ugadale  (High 
and  Low)  are,  as  indicated,  Norse. 

V.  Church-names  are  Killarrow  (p.  174),  Cill-Ch§,maig 
(p.  171),  Kildonald,  Kilkenzie  =  Cill  Choinnich  (p.  171), 
Kilmaho  =  Cill  mo  Choe  (p.  181),  Kilmaluag  (p.  179),  and 
Kilmichael.  Killocraw  and  Killagruar  are  Coille  Chno 
and  Coiir  a'  ghriithair,  the  Nut-wood  and  the  Brewer  s- 
wood. 

VL  Personal  Names. — Port  Corbet,  Cnoc  Eoghain 
(p.  32),  and  Mac-Cringan's  Point.  The  last  is  Rudha 
Mhic  Naomhain,  MacNiven's  Point.  It  is  the  sequence 
of  c  and  n  that  brings  out  the  r  in  the  Survey  form  given. 
Cn6  is  in  Gaelic  always /r.  Cro.     See  Killocraw  above. 

(3)  Carradale  to  Tarbert 

In  this  part  the  names  are  distinctly  clearer  and  less 
troublesome. 

II.  Names  like  Queenhill,  Rockfield,  Scotmill,  Stewart- 


KINTYRE  31 

field,  are  either  English  names  or  translations.  Braids 
is  Gaelic  braghad  with  the  English  plural. 

III.  Achinadrian  =  achadh  nan  droigheann. 

Achinafaud  =  achadh  nam  fod  (see  f^d). 

Achavae  =  achadh  a'  bhathaich,  byre-field. 

Achnancarranan  =  achadh  +  nan,  gen.  pi.  of  Article 
+  carran,  spurrey  +  an  unnecessary  plural  ending  -an. 

Achenrioch  =  achaidhean  (pi.)  riabhach. 

Altgalvalsh  =  allt  gailbheach {p.),  furious-stream. 

Ballachroy  =  Baile  a'  chruidh  (see  crodh),  or,  perhaps 
better  Bealach  ruadh  (P.). 

Beachmore  =  Beitheach  mhor  (beithe). 

Cour  (and  Bay  and  Island),  see  Hill-names. 

Deucheran=diubh  chea(th)r(amhn)an  (ceathramh). 

Eascairt  and  Eascaird  =  eas  -f  ag  +  aird. 

Freasdal,  compare  Glen  Risdell  =  gleann-fhreasdail. 

Garrachroit  =  garbh,  rough  +  croit,  a  croft. 

Garveoline  =  garadh  {garth)  Bheblain  itiote). 

Grogport  is  English.     I  do  not  know  the  history. 

Kirnashie — is  this  the  beautiful  Coire  na  sith  of  Gaelic 
tales ;  it  looks  like  it — the  fairy  corrie^  or  the  corrie  of 
peace  ! 

Laoghscan  (Cnoc)  =  laoighcionn  {note). 

Leamnamuic  is  for  leum  na  muice,  the  pi^s  jump. 

Leanagboyach  =  lianag  bhoidheach. 

Refliuch  =  ruighe  flinch,  the  wet  ruighe  (p.  19). 

Reileiridhe  =  ruighe  -j-  leiridh  {note). 

Ronachan  =  ron,  a  seal  +  achan  (p.  8). 

Skible  (Glen)  is  N.  Skip-bol,  ship-town — in  the 
vicinity  of  Skip-ness  =N.sA:/pa-/ies. 

Taychromain  =  tigh  a'  chromain  (crom). 

Taynchoisin  =  tigh  an  choisin,  little  cave. 

Taynloan  =  tigh  an  loin  (16n). 


32  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Tayntruan  =  tigh  an  t-sruthain. 

Toitdubh  =  N.  toft,  a  clearing  -\-  Gael.,  dubh,  or  per- 
haps better,  doid,  a  croft,  +  dubh  (F.). 

IV.  The  purely  Norse  names  are  Crubasdal,  perhaps 
Crossaig,  DIrigadalj  Muasdale,  Rhonadale,  Skipness, 
Sunadale,  Ulgadal;  but  a'  Chlelt,  Rhu-na-/iao/r-ine,  Povit, 
and  l-alla-toll  are  mixed  with  Gaelic.  Rhunahaoirine 
Point,  for  instance  =  Gaelic  rudha,  a  point -{-Jidi.  +  'N.  eyrr, 
a  gravelly  beach,  with  a  double  Gaelic  genitive  ending 
-in  +  e.  This  is  a  most  instructive  name.  Its  growth 
must  have  been  somewhat  as  follows  : — (i)  Whatever 
the  old  name  was,  when  the  Norseman  came  he  called 
the  Point  eyr-r,  the  gravelly  or  sandy  beach.  (2)  When 
he  left,  the  Gaelic  inhabitants,  recognising  that  the  place 
was  a  Point,  and  being  familiar  with  the  Norse  name, 
they  prefixed  their  own  Rudha,  from  which  would  come 
Rudha  na  h-eyrr  +  their  own  necessary  genitive  termina- 
tion -in,  and  later  still  they  added  the  final  e  which  the 
gen.  fem.  of  the  language  seeks  after,  although  in  long 
names  it  is  commonly  dropped.  As  a  matter  of  fact, 
the  name  is  always  spoken  as  Rudha  na  h-aoirinn,  with- 
out the  terminal  e.  Later  still  the  name  of  the  sea-Point 
was  transferred  to  a  land  farm,  and  when  the  English 
Survey-man  came,  he  named  the  promontory  upon  the 
farm,  and  called  it  Rhunahaoirine  Point. 

V.  Balnakill  =  baile  na  cille  (with  clachan),  Kil- 
berry  =  Cill-Bhairre  (p.  172),  Kilchamaig,  Killean  =  Cill- 
Sheathain,  and  Kilmichael  =  Cill-Mhicheil,  are  all  the 
Church-names. 

VI.  The  only  new  name  apart  from  Church-names  is 
in  Eilean  Eoghain,  which  has  been  explained  to  mean 
"well-born,"  like  Gr.  evyevrj'i. 


KINTYRE  33 

(4)  GiGHA  (Island) 

I.  The  name  of  the  island  is  Norse,  gja  +  ey,  rift-island. 

II.  There  are  a  few  English  names,  like  Highfield  and 
Newhouse,  which  are  probably  translations.  There  is 
a  good  example  of  a  doirlinn  between  the  Island  and 
Eilean  garbh  ;  of  gamhna,  sticks,  as  applied  to  island 
rocks,  north  of  the  Island ;  and  of  a  Tarbert  between  the 
northern  portion  and  the  southern  and  larger  part  of 
the  island. 

III.  Airdaily  =  aird  +  aillidh,  beautiful. 

Allaidhe  (Port),  the  stranger's  port,  or  harbour.  The 
root  in  the  word  is  th-all,  over,  or  across  sea,  or  foreign. 
It  occurs  in  Madadh-allaidh,  fierce,  or  foreign,  dog — the 
wolf ;  and  in  All-mhurach,  across-sea  man,  foreigner.  Every 
foreigner  was  fierce  and  wild  to  the  native  "  conceit." 
We  made  Brahma,  the  god  of  the  Indian,  our  Bramain, 
the  devil,  and  that  the  same  faculty  is  exercised  nearer 
home  "  is  muckle  pity." 

Drumyeon  =  druim  eoin  (eun,  a  bird),  or  personal 
name,  Eoin,  fohn. 

Ghlamaidh  (Meall  a')  and  Ardlamey  =  Aird  a'  ghla- 
maidh,  from  glam,  devour,  gobble. 

Kinerarach  =  cinn  +  ear,  east,  +  ar-ach. 

Sgiathain  (Port  an),  figurative  from  sgiath,  a  wing. 

IV.  Acha>-mbinlsh,  CaXh-sgeIr,  Grob -bagh  are  mixed 
Norse.  Cara  and  Craro  also  are  almost  certainly  Norse. 
Gigalum  (island)  is  peculiar  =  gja  +  holm-r. 

V.  Cairvickuie  =  cathair,  the  chair,  or  seat,  of  MacKay. 

VI.  There  is  Port  na  cille,  on  Cara  Island,  but  there 
is  no  indication  of  an  old  church. 


34  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 


KNAPDALE— ONAPADAL 

I.  This  name  is  pure  Norse — knapp-r+dal-r.  The 
word  cnap  is,  however,  so  very  old  in  Gaelic  and  so 
general  in  European  language,  that  it  need  not  be  looked 
upon  as  necessarily  or  essentially  Norse,  but  there  can- 
not be  a  doubt  that  this  name  came  by  that  way.  It  is 
the  same  word  as  English  knolf,  or  its  older  form  knop. 
The  Anglo-Saxon  had  it  as  cncBp,  extremely  close  to  the 
Gaelic  sound.  The  Dutch  and  the  German  have  it  as 
knop,  and  there  is  in  Cowal  an  gnob. 

The  cnap  which  gives  the  name  to  the  district  is  the 
south  point  of  the  land  between  Loch  Caolasport  and 
Loch  Sween,  which  rises  very  sharply  to  a  rounded 
height  of  three  hundred  feet. 

The  dal-r,  or  dak,  which  gives  the  second  part  of  the 
name,  is  without  doubt  the  valley  of  the  Abhainn-mh6r,  or 
Great-river,  which  runs  inland  from  the  cnap  for  some 
six  or  seven  miles.  It  is  most  interesting  to  notice  that 
the  middle  a  of  the  native  pronunciation  of  the  district 
name  represents  the  old  Norse  r  of  knapp-r,  which  is 
now  but  rarely  heard.  There  are  other  cnaps  in  Argyll 
district  and  in  Lome. 

II.  The  Enghsh  names  are  few  and  of  no  importance. 
Ashens  and  Erins  are  hybrid  English  plural  forms. 
Cruach  na  Bren-field  is  a  very  bad  mixture ;  Bren-field 
is  for  breun-achadh,  vile-field. 

III.  The  difficult  Gaelic  names  from  Loch  Tarbert 
to  Crinan  are  not  many. 

Achadh  da  mhillein  =  achadh  +  da  -f-  dim.  of  meaU. 


KNAPDALE  35 

Achachoish  =  achadh  a'  chois,  a  cave,  or  hollow. 

Ardnackaig,  perhaps  fern,  of  Neachtan  (p.  62).  I 
cannot  offer  any  other  explanation. 

Artilligain  is  the  Ard  of  Uilleagan,  whoever  he  was. 
The  name  contains  two  dims.,  -ag  +  an.  Compare  Tir- 
fet-ag-ain,  Leac-oUagain,  &c.,  perhaps  Uilleam(h)-agan, 
a  certain  William. 

Bailevaurgain  =  baile  a'  bhorgain,  the  farm  of  the 
little  fort  (N.). 

Baranlongairt  (see  p.  25) ;  but  the  position  of  the 
name  here  makes  the  simple  rendering  of  long-airt  quite 
possible. 

Barnaguy  =  Barr  na  gaoithe,  the  windy  Barr. 

Barnashalig  =  Barr  na  seilg,  the  Barr  of  the  hunt. 

Baun  is  for  bann,  a  band,  or  bond,  which  the  position 
of  the  name  also  makes  appropriate. 

Cainikain  =  caineachain,  dim.  of  canach. 

Caoirain  (Burn)  is  almost  certainly  caorunn,  the  rowan. 

Caolas-port  (Loch)  =  caolas  (caol)  +  port. 

Car-mor  and  Cour  a'  mhaim.     See  Hill-names. 

Craiglin  =  creag  linne,  the  rock  by  the  pool. 

Crear  is  criathar,  a  sieve,  not  an  uncommon  name  for 
streams  which  "  filter  "  through  their  course — one  time 
below  the  surface,  next  in  the  open. 

Cretshengan  =  croit  sheangan,  ant-croft. 

Cuil-ghaltro  =  cuil  -f  gen.  pi.  of  N.  golt-r,  a  boar. 

Daltot  =  dail  +  tobhta,  turf-field. 

Duarman  (Cnoc  nan) — same  as  torman,  murmur. 

Eilthireach  (Cnoc  nan)  =  eile,  other,  +  tir-each,  other- 
landers — therefore  a  pilgrim,  or  an  emigrant. 

Errol  (Loch)  is  possibly  Norse,  but  see  p.  43. 

Ghallagain  (Eilean  da)  is  for  E.  d^  Ghall-ag-ain,  the 
island  of  the  two  {little)  Lowlafiders,  or  strangers. 


36  THE   PLACE-NAMES  OF  ARGYLL 

Gleannralloch  is  most  interesting.  It  is  gleann  (eada)r 
(dh)a  loch,  the  gleji  between  the  tzvo  lochs  (Tarbert).  The  r 
is  all  that  is  left  of  eadar,  and  the  a  is  all  of  dha.  Rowany 
(Manx)  =  eadar  dha  mhoine,  between  two  turbaries  {note). 

lolaireig  is  iolair,  the  eagle,  +  aig.    See  p.  8. 

Leirg  (Gleann  da)  =  the  glen  of  the  two  leargs.  See 
p.  i6. 

Naomhachd  (Eilean),  the  island  of  holiness. 

Odhain  (Tigh),  or  omhan,  the  froth  of  milk,  or  whey 
(H.  S.  D.). 

Orran  =  oirean,  edges,  borders,  or  limits ;  pi.  of  oir. 

Sgreagach  (Lochan),  scraggy,  dry,  parched. 

Stighseir  (Cnoc),  based  on  Eng.  stance. 

Tayvallich  =  tigh  a'  bhealaich,  the  house  on  the  pass. 

Tiobairt  (Blar  an)  the  field  of  the  well — the  gen.  of 
tipra,  Old  Gaelic  ;  mod.  tobar. 

Tiretagain  =  tir  +  Aed,  now  Aodh  +  ag-an,  Aed  or 
Hughie^s  land, 

IV.  Norse  names  are  few  and  they  are  mixed.  Car- 
saig,  Danna,  Fascadal,  Ormsary,  Scotnish  (Loch),  Stor- 
naway, Ulva,  seem  pure  Norse,  but  Ardminish,  Ardnoe, 
Airidh-staic,  Bailivaurgain,  are  mixtures.  A.Td.-my-Des  = 
Ard-niidge-ness,  Ard-a,n- haug-r,  the  aird  of  the  howe, 
^iridh  +  stakk-r,  Baile  a'  bhorg-a,m.  Loch  Sween 
(Suain),  Loch  Racadail,  and  Lussa  are  quite  open  to 
doubt.  If  the  Norseman  had  never  come  to  Knapdale, 
Loch  Sween  would  be  the  beautiful  Gaelic  Loch  Suain 
(as  it  is  locally  named)  the  loch  of  peace,  or  of  sleep — so  very 
appropriate.  Racadal  is  Gaelic  for  horse-radish,  coming 
by  a  metathesis  of  rotacal  from  Sc.  rot-coll,  which  Jamie- 
son  says  means  the  burning  root — but  I  prefer  to  look 
upon  the  name  as  Norse,  in  both  its  parts,  rakki,  a  dog, 


KNAPDALE  37 

+  dal-r,  dog-dale.  Lussa  also  is  no  doubt  Norse,  but  it  is  a 
little  troublesome  to  find  Cruach-lusach  (the  herb-abound- 
ing Mountain)  standing  some  1600  feet  high  immediately 
over  the  stream  named  Lussa.  Cruach-lusach  is  quite 
good  and  pertinent  Gaelic.  Did  this  name  pass  down 
to  the  stream,  or  did  a  Norse  stream-name  get  trans- 
ferred to  the  mountain  ?  The  one  and  the  other  is 
possible.  It  is,  however,  perhaps  safer  to  believe  that 
Cruach-lusach  comes  by  the  local  philologer,  who  did 
not  know  Norse  or  the  Norseman,  but  took  the  mountain- 
name  from  the  river. 

V.  Church-names  are  Killanaish  =  Cill  Aonghais  = 
Kil- Angus,  Kilcalmonel  =  Cill  Cholmain  Ella  (p.  169), 
Kilberry  =  Cill  Bhaire,  Kilmahumag  =  Cill  mo  chumag, 
Kimaluag  =  Cill  mo  Lu-ag  (p.  179),  Kilmory  =  Cill  Mhoire 
=  Kil-Mary.  Kilmichael  is  evident,  and  there  are  such 
kindred  names  as  lochan  a'  Chille  Bhlathain,  Cruach 
Cille  Bheagain,  and  achadh  Cill  Bhrannain,  although 
there  is  not  now,  if  ever  there  was,  any  indication  of 
their   churches  in  the  neighbourhood  of  these  names. 

VI.  Personal  names  are  : — 

Domhnaill  (Dun),  Dun-Donald.  This  is  one  of  the 
very  old  Gaelic  personal  names.  Its  elements  and  its 
existence  as  a  name  can  be  traced  far  away  into  the 
earliest  forms  of  Keltic  speech.  The  name  means  world- 
ruler — domno  -f-  val. 

Dhonnchadh  (Sgeir)  is  another  of  the  old  names — 
Duncan — from  donn,  brown  or  dun  -j-  cath,  warrior,  now 
battle. 

Dughaill  (Lochan).  This  name  comes  from  the 
north.  It  means  black- stranger,  dubh  +  Gall,  as  against 
Finn-Gall,  the  fair  stranger;  the  one  was  the  Dane,  the 
other  the  Norwegian  of  the  Northern  invasion. 


38  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

Imheir  (Cnoc)  =  Ivor,  Ivaar  (N.) — as  in  Mac-Iver. 

MacKay  (Loch),  a  translation  of  Mac-Aoidh.  See 
Tiretigan. 

Bheathain  (Port  Mhic),  Macbean,  from  beatha,  life ; 
"son  of  life." 

Eunlaig  (Loch  Mhic).  It  is  almost  certainly  Loch 
Mhic-Eanlaig,  which  I  am  told  means  MacNeilage, 
locally. 

E6in  (Cladh)  =  E5in  John's  +  cladh,  burial-place.  This 
is  the  same  name  as  occurs  in  Cill  (Sh)eathain,  John's 
church  (I.),  and  in  the  surname  Maclean  =  Mac-(gh)ille- 
(Sh)eathaiii.     The  form  Iain  is  modern  Gaelic  iov  John. 

Mh^rtain  (Eilean)  =  Martins  isle.  This  is  common 
now,  as  name  and  as  surname.  The  great  Martin  was 
Martin  of  Tours  (p.  i6i),  and  perhaps  we  may  refer  the 
name  to  him,  all  the  way.  The  idea  in  the  name  is  that 
in  mart-ial  and  in  Mars.  It  is  from  him  we  have  Martin- 
mas, an  f  h^ill-Mhartain. 

Thormaid  (Barr)  =  Normans  Barr,  or  high-land.  A 
Norse  name,  Thdrr  +  mod:r,  Thorr's  wrath.  By  an 
extremely  peculiar  deviation  it  has  become  Norman, 
really  a  North-man  in  English  form.  Whether  there  is 
any  bond  of  fact  or  imagination  between  the  two  words 
I  am  not  able  to  say. 


ARGYLL  39 

ARGYLL— EARAGHAIDHEAL 

I.  This  is  the  name  given  by  natives  of  other  parts 
of  the  county  to  the  district  extending  from  Crinan 
northwards,  having  Loch  Craignish  and  Loch  Awe  on 
the  one  side,  and  Loch  Fyne  on  the  other.  Why  the 
old  and  far-reaching  name  came  to  be  Umited  to  this 
district,  I  am  not  able  to  say,  but  it  is  the  same  name 
as  that  of  the  whole  county. 

(i)  From  Crinan  to  Furnace 

n.  English  names  are  comparatively  numerous, 
especially  on  Loch  Fyne,  in  the  south — Scotstown,  New- 
house,  Pointhouse,  Birdfield,  Rowanfield,  &c.  Most 
English  names  here  are  translations.  Craigens  and 
Tunns  are  Gaelic,  creagan  and  tunna,  with  the  English 
plural  added. 

III.  Gaelic  names  are  fairly  well  stated,  but  the 
grammar  is  sometimes  different  from  that  of  the  names 
of  the  northern  part  of  the  county,  and  from  that  ordi- 
narily accepted.  Tigh  an  traigh,  for  instance,  and  Cruach 
a'  bhearraich  are  in  masculine  form,  though  ordinarily, 
and  perhaps  more  correctly,  they  should  take  the  femi- 
nine forms,  tigh  na  traighe  and  cruach  na  bearraiche 
(the  latter,  from  beithir,  a  monster^  and  not  from  bearach, 
a  dog-fishy  would  be  better  spelled  beathrach).  On  the 
other  hand,  Dalnahasaig  is  feminine,  though  it  is  usually 
masculine  :  dail  an  aisig,  the  field  by  the  ferry. 

Achagoyle  =  achadh  gaothail,  windy  field. 
Achnaleppin  =  achadh  na  leth-pheighinn,  half-penny 
{\a,nd)  field. 


40  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Barnakill  is  Barr  na  coille.  Though  the  name  shows 
the  form  of  -killy  there  is  no  church  there.  If  one  is  not 
famihar  with  a  locaHty  and  even  with  its  history,  this 
-kill  form  may  mislead.  I  spent  months  in  looking  for 
St,  O'Craw,  as  I  thought  he  was  commemorated  in  Kilo- 
craw  K.,  but  he  was  not  "  among  the  Saints,"  for  the 
name  is  simply  Coille-chnb,  the  nut-wood! 

Baroile  =  Barr  aoil — the  Barr  where  there  is  lime. 

Barsailleach  =  mod.  Barr  seileach,  the  willow  Barr. 
The  old  form  was  sail — compare  Salachan. 

Carnassary  =  Cam  -f-  asaraidh,  pasturage. 

Carron  is  on  one  of  the  sharp  twists  of  the  River  Add, 
so  it  may  have  origin  from  Car,  a  twist,  and  an,  which  is 
a  frequent  formation  of  names.  It  is  difficult  to  give  the 
ordinary  explanation  of  a  rough  river  to  the  name  here, 
even  if  we  supposed  that  the  name  may  have  applied  to 
even  a  part  of  the  river  here,  where  in  fact  it  flows  faster 
than  in  any  other  portion  of  its  course.     See  Carlonan. 

Crarae.  Although  the  name  looks  crooked,  it  may 
be  very  simple.  There  is  Craleckan  =  cra-leacann  close 
to  it,  and  Leacann  River  and  Loch,  which  suggests  that 
the  Cra-leacann  is  the  starting  point ;  from  which  it 
might  be  inferred  that  Cra  was  adjectival  in  both  names, 
and  that  -rai  =  reidh,  or  smooth.,  or  level  (land),  in  the 
name  Crarae. 

Crinan  =  crion,  small,  withered  +  an,  on  same  lines  as 
Corr-an.     Crion-ach  is  dry  brushwood. 

Deora  (Port  an),  the  Port  of  the  exile.  This  is  the 
source  of  the  name  Dewar — Bail'  an  deora  (p.  58). 

Drynlea  cannot  be  anything  but  droigheann  liath. 

Ducharnan  =  dubh-charn,  with  dim.,  an. 

Edderline  =  eadar  linne,  between  the  pools, 

Eurach  =  iubhrach,  the  yew-wood. 


ARGYLL  41 

Gallanach  =  gallan,  a  branch;  poetically  a  youth 
{note) — also  a  rock,  standing  stone  +  ach. 

Garvanchy  =  garbh,  rough,  +  an  +  ach  +  aidh. 

Gilp  (Loch),     See  Nant,  p.  60. 

Glassary  =  glas  +  ^iridh,  grey  or  green^  ^iridh. 

Karnes  =  Camus,  a  bay  ;  a  very  frequent  name. 

Kiarnan  =  Cea(th)r(amh)nan.    See  Kerran  and  Kirn. 

Largie.     See  p.  16. 

Lecknary  =  leac  nathrach,  the  (flat)  stone  of  the  serpent. 
See  p.  16, 

Lochgair  =  loch  gearr,  surely  an  appropriate  name, 
short  loch. 

Minard  is  for  min-Mrd,  the  smooth  dird.    See  p.  11, 

Otter  is  oitir  =  od  +  tir.     See  p.  44. 

Poltalloch  =  poll  +  taobh  +  loch  {note). 

Stronesker  =  sron  iasgair,  the  fisher's  knowe. 

Tayness  is  tigh  an  eas,  the  house  by  the  waterfall. 

Tibbertich,  a  name  in  -ach,  from  tipra.  See  Voc. 
and  p.  36. 

Tomdow  =  torn  dubh,  the  black  hillock. 

TuUochgorm,  the  green  hillock  =  tullach  -f  gorm. 

Uillian  for  uileann,  the  elbow.    See  p.  7. 

IV.  The  Norse  names  are  few.  There  is  Scodalg 
from  skoda,  to  scout  +  vik,  Ortnaig=orm-r  +  vik,  Rudale, 
and  Inver-ae,  in  part. 

V.  The  Church-names  are  Kilmartin  =  Cill  Mh^rtain 
(p,  161),  Kilbride  ==  Cill  Brigide  (p.  160),  Kilmichael  = 
Cill  Mhicheil,  Killineuar  =  Cill  an  iubhair,  yew  church ; 
Cill  Eoin,  fohn's  church. 

VI.  Eilean  Aoghain  is  the  same  as  Aodh  +  ain. 


42  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

(2)  From  Furnace  to  the  River  Orchy 

In  this  large  area  the  names  are  almost  altogether 
Gaelic,  and,  upon  the  whole,  fairly  good  Gaelic.  Such 
a  name  as  torn  an  sgalaig  transgresses  the  ordinary 
grammar,  and  yet  strangely  enough  it  cannot  be  con- 
sidered altogether  wrong.  The  form  of  the  word  is 
grammatically  feminine,  but  the  meaning  of  the  word 
is  masculine,  a  farm-servant. 

II.  English  names  are  very  few.  Ladyfield  is  English, 
but  it  may  be  a  translation  for  dail  na  bain-tigheama, 
and  Kenmore  is  only  quasi-English  for  Ceann  m6r. 

III.  The  more  or  less  difficult  Gaelic  names  are  : — 
Achanafanndach.     See  Fanans,  p.  59. 
Achindrain  =  achadh  an  droighinn,  thorn-field. 
Achintiobairt  =  achadh  an  tiobairt,  well-field. 
Achnangonl  =  achadh  nan  gobhal,  fork-field  {note). 
Ardchonnel  is  Mrd  -h  coingheal.     See  p.  59. 
Ardteatle  =  Mrd  -I-  teitheil.     See  p.  70. 

Bail'  a'  ghobhainn,  the  smith's  farm. 
Balantyre  =  Bail'  an  t-saoir,  the  carpenter  s  farm. 
Barran  is  the  dim.  of  barr,  the  small  Barr. 
Beochlich  (Allt)  =  beo  -I-  chloich,  living  stone  {note). 
Bocaird  =  boc  +  Mrd,  the  aird  or  high-land  of  bucks. 
Bochyle  is  b6  -f  choille,  the  cow-wood, 
Brackley  =  breac  -{-  leathad. 
Braevallich  =  braigh  a'  bhealaich. 
Brenachoil,  almost  certainly  braigh  na  coille. 
Caolaran  =  caol,  narrow^  -f-  ar-an. 
Carlonan  =  car,  a  twist,  or  bend,  +  lonan. 
Chonnain   (Innis),   Connan's  isle.      He    had    a    bad 
reputation  among  his  fellows  of  the  F6inn  {note). 


ARGYLL  43 

Chroisg  (Allt  a'),  a  genitive  form  of  crasg,  which  see. 

Claonairt  =  claon  +  aird,  the  sloping  height. 

Corrbhile  (Bun)  =  corr  +  bile,  an  edge. 

Craim  (Loch  na)  =  loch  na  creamha. 

Craleckan  =  cr^,  red,  bloody  +  leacann,  or  cr^dh. 

Currach  (a').    This  ought  to  be  an  currach.    See  p.  26. 

Dalmally  =  dail  mMlidh,  with  Uachdar  m^ilidh,  sug- 
gests that  the  name  has  origin  from  the  stream,  which  is 
the  usual  way.  The  name  would  therefore  point  to  a 
very  old  origin,  which  has  not  yet  been  clearly  determined 
{note).  KilmaiUie  is  almost  certainly  from  a  different 
source,  see  p.  75. 

Dailchenna  =  dail  Choinnich,  Kenneth's  field. 

Dougflas  (river),  an  exceptionally  old  Gaelic  name 
Dubh,  blackj  is  yet  in  common  speech,  but  glas  for  a 
stream  is  not,  and  has  not  been  for  a  very  long  time. 
The  name,  however,  like  Finglas,  fionn-ghlas,  white, 
or  bright,  stream,  is  thoroughly  Keltic,  e.g.  Douglas  (here), 
Douglas  (Man),  Dowlais  (Wales),  Dub-glaissi,  gen.  (L.  na 
h-Uidhre),  which  are  all  the  same,  and  from  the  same 
source. 

Drumlee  =  druim  liath  (Colours). 

Drumork  and  Archan  (river)  seem  to  contain  the 
same  root,  and  the  same  as  Aircaig  (river),  namely,  old 
arc,  black. 

Drynich  (Innis)  =  innis  droighnich,  the  isle  of,  or  by 
the  thorn-wood,  or  Druidhnich,  Druids. 

Dychlie  can  hardly  be  other  than  dubh-choille,  dark 
wood. 

Earalach  (Lochan),  the  gen.  of  earail,  a  warning, 
caution.     Is  this  a  dangerous  lochan? 

Eredinn.  There  is  nothing  in  Gaelic  that  will  explain 
the  name  but  eiridinn,  which  means  attendance  upon. 


44  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

or  nursing  of,  the  sick.  There  is  hardly  room  to  doubt 
that  this  is  the  same  word,  but  why  the  place  was  so 
named  is  difficult  to  say. 

Lobhair  (abhainn)  is  leper-river,  but  in  old  usage 
lobhar  was  any  diseased  person.  It  is  almost  certain  that 
this  should  be  labhar,  loud-sounding. 

Oitir  is  the  name  given  as  "Otter,"  a  sloping  land 
by  the  sea — a  /c»-land ;  for  old  od,  ad  +  tir,  land,  there- 
fore od-tir.     It  is  Uitir  in  Luing. 

Pennymore  =  a'  pheighinn  mh6r,  the  large  penny-land. 

Sallachry  is  saileach-^iridh,  mod.  seileach,  willow. 

Saunach  from  samh,  sorrel  =  samhnach  is  the  same 
name  as 

Sonachan  (with  dim.  an). 

Sgornach  (ruadh)  =  sgor,  Sc.  scaur,  Eng.  scar,  a 
cliff  or  a  sharp  rock  -f-  ruadh,  red. 

IV.  The  Norse  names  are  few.  Inverary  named  upon 
the  River  Aray  is  hybrid,  the  Inbher  being  Gaelic  (p.  lo), 
— aray  Norse.  More  than  one  word  is  possible  for  the 
first  part  of — dor-d,  e.g.  ar,  an  oar,  as-r,  a  ewe.,  and  eyr-r, 
a  gravelly  beach,  or  bank.  I  prefer  the  last,  therefore  the 
Inbher  of  the  sandy-banked  river — for  there  can  be  no 
doubt  regarding  the  final  A  =  river.  Shira  (River  and 
Loch)  is  also  Norse. 

V.  Kilblaan  (p.  175),  Caibeal  Ohiarain  (p.  170),  Kil- 
maillie  (p.  75),  Kilmun  (p.  163),  and  Clachan,  the  stone 
church,  are  all  the  Church-names. 

VI.  Lochan  Mhic  Dhiarmaid  =  dia  -|-  ermit  (are- 
ment,  on-minding).  Eng.  Dermot  means  "  God-reverenc- 
ing," and  p.  95. 

Cmach  Mhic  Ghaolie  is  not  familiar  Gaelic,  if  it  is 
not  for  Mac  fhaolaidh  =  MacLellan,  "  Wolf-son.'* 


COWAL  45 

COWAL— CbMHGHAL 

I.  The  whole  of  the  district  between  Loch  Fyne  and 
Loch  Long  is  included  under  this  name,  for  convenience, 
even  if  it  may  not  be  strictly  correct.  The  district  has 
been  thought  to  have  been  named  upon  Comhghal,  son 
of  Domangairt  and  grandson  of  Fergus  M6r  MacErc,  the 
founder  of  the  Dalriadic  kingdom — as  Lome  was  sup- 
posed to  have  been  named  upon  Loarn,  brother  of  Fergus 
M6r.    All  this  tradition,  however,  is  open  to  doubt  [note). 

IL  In  the  Loch-Fyne  third  of  Cowal,  English  names 
are  very  few  and  of  no  interest. 

in.  The  Gaelic  names  are  very  corrupt,  especially 
on  the  south  and  east,  where  the  English  of  the  Low- 
lands comes  into  close  contact.  There  are  some  names 
that  are  positive  gems.  Meall-an-T,  for  instance,  is  for 
meall  an  t-suidhe,  with  Coirantee  for  coire  an  t-suidhe 
in  the  near  neighbourhood,  as  gloss  and  explanation. 

I  have,  for  convenience  of  reference,  divided  the  dis- 
trict into  three  parts. 

(i)  From  Loch  Fyne  to  the  Kyles,  Loch  Riddon, 

AND   GlENDARUEL 

Achadalvory  =  achadh  dail  Mhoire.    Dail-Mhoire  is 

the  earlier  name,  with  achadh  added  later. 

Achagoyl  =  achadh  gaothail,  windy-field. 

Achanelid  =  achadh  an  eilid,  hindfield—W\ih  Agree- 
ment exceptional. 

Acharossan  =  achadh  -I-  the  dim.  plural  of  ros. 

Achnaskioch  =  achadh  na  sg^theach,  haw-thorn  field. 

Ardgaddan  =  aird  ghad-an,  the  plural  of  gad. 

Ardlamont  is  the  Aird  of  the  Lamonts  =  N.  logmenn^ 
law-men — locally  Aird  Mhic-Laomuinn. 


46  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

Ardmarnock  =  Mrd  mo  Ern-oc.  See  Church-names, 
p.  184. 

Ballochandrain  =  bealach  an  droighinn. 

Broighleig  (Cruach  na),  the  C.  (Hill-names)  of  the 
whortle-berry. 

Callow  =  cala,  bay^  cove — a  very  appropriate  name,  by 
circumstances. 

Camuilt  (Cruach)  is  cruach  a'  cham-uillt,  winding 
stream  (cam  +  allt). 

Chamchuairt  (a')  =  cam  -f  cuairt,  a  circling.  Cuairt  is 
used  as  a  noun,  a  circuity  with  cam  as  adj.,  here  meaning 
crooked,  although  essentially,  and  as  a  rule,  it  means 
simply  bent. 

Chuilceachan  (Cruach  and  Lochan)  is  a  peculiar 
plural  form,  from  cuilc,  a  reed. 

Corachria  seems  to  be  corr  -f  criadh,  with  wrong 
Agreement.  Rudha  m6r  de  chorachria,  quite  close, 
seems  to  prove  this  rendering. 

Corr-mheall.     See  corr  and  meall. 

Craignafeich  =  creag  nam  fitheach,  ravens' -rock. 

Dailinglongairt,  which  occurs  twice  at  the  head  of 
Holy  Loch,  may  quite  well  have  its  easy  meaning  from 
long  +  airt — in  this  position. 

Evanachan  =  Eoghan  +  ach-an.  This  is  doubtful, 
and  exceptional  even  if  right. 

Ganuisg  (Barr)  =  gann,  scarce,  +  uisge,  water.  It  is 
a  very  dry  Barr. 

Inens,  on  the  Kyles  of  Bute,  is  the  English  plural  of 
aoineadh  =  na  h-aoinidh,  p.  12. 

Largiemore  =  an  leargach  mh6r  (p.  16). 

Lephinchapel  =  leth-pheighinn  chapuU  {q.v.),  not  Eng. 
chapel.     Cf.  Lephinsearrach,  K. 

Lindsai^  =  N.  //n,  Gen.  ///i-s-J-aig=  v/A ;  but  see  note. 


COWAL  47 

Meldalloch  (Loch  na)  =  the  Gen.  of  mil,  i.e.  meala  + 
the  old  Gen.  of  dail,  therefore  the  Loch  of  the  honey- 
Jield. 

Peilige  (Rudha  na),  Porpoise-point — "A  species  of 
sea-animals  most  destructive  of  the  salmon  .  .  .  are 
found  playing  in  the  Clyde  off  the  Castle.  These 
are  called  buckers,  pellocks,  or  porpoises "  (St.  Ac. — 
Dunbarton). 

Portavaidue  is  for  Port  a'  mhadaidh,  dog-port. 

Riddon  (Loch)  seems  named  upon  a  river  {note). 

Sgat  (bheag  and  mhor),  the  small  and  the  little  skate 
(shaped)  islands. 

Stillaig  is  the  -aig  form  with  Gen.  of  steall,  a  spout, 
squirt,  or  drop.  Eng.  dis  -stil.  Better  Stiallaig,  from 
Stiall,  a  strip  (of  land), 

Tilgidh  (Carn  an)  from  tilg,  throw — the  cairn  of  the 
throwing,  perhaps  of  the  shooting, 

(2)  Between  (i)  and  Loch  Striven,  Glen  Kin,  and 
Loch  Eck  to  Strachur 

n.  English  names  and  translations  are  frequent. 
Southall  and  Springfield  may  be  original  English  names  ; 
but  Milton,  Salthouse,  Loch-head  (L.  Striven),  Midhill, 
and  Little  (River)  must  be  translations. 

in.  The  Gaelic  names  are,  upon  the  whole,  good, 
although  there  are  a  few  that  need  correction. 

Achnagarran  =  achadh  nan  gearran  (see  ge&rr), 
gelding-field. 

Altgaltraig  is  allt  +  N.  goltr,  a  boar,  +  aig.  The  re- 
currence of  these  ^6/^r-names,  taken  with  the  prevalence 
of  the  muc-names  in  Argyll,  is  very  interesting.  We  may 
wonder  whether  the  Norseman  translated  an  old  native 


48  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

Gaelic  muc-name,  or  whether  the  wild-boar  existed  in 
the  Norseman's  time.  According  to  Boyd-Dawkins,  the 
wild  boar  was  not  extinct  in  Britain  until  well  into  the 
eighteenth  century. 

Ardantraive  and  Colintraive  are  for  Aird  an  t-snaimh 
and  Caol  an  t-snaimh,  referring  to  the  fact  that  cattle 
used  to  be  made  to  swim,  across  this  the  narrowest  part 
of  the  Eastern  Kyle  (Caol)  into  Bute. 

Ballochyle  =  BaU'  a'  Ohaoil  (p.  67). 

Bemice  is  for  Gael.  Be^mach,  or  Beamas  (F.). 

Braingortan  =  braigh  nan  goirtean. 

Branter  (Gleann)  is  gleann  a'  bhranndair,  gridiron^ 
but  why  ? 

Conchra  =  con  4-  chea(th)ra(mh),  dogs'  quarter  (land), 
p.  18,  or  con,  together^  +  pi.  of  cro,  a  fold  {note). 

Coraddie  =  coire  fada,  the  long  corrie — the  adjectival 
part  being  aspirated  out,  that  is,  fh  is  silent. 

Corparsk — is  it  Corpach  ?  (p.  14). 

Corrachaive  =  coire  a'  chaitheamh. 

Craigandaive  =  creag  an  daimh,  ox-craig. 

Cruach  (and  Allt)  Neuran  is  for  cruach  an  fhiurain, 
the  Cruach  (Hill-names)  of  the  sapling.  Fh  is  silent,  and 
n  of  the  article  fixes  on  the  beginning. 

Duilater  =  an  dubh-leitir.     See  p.  21. 

Feorlean  is  iht  farthing  land.     See  p.  18. 

Finnart  =  fionn,  zuhite  (Old  Gael,  find),  -f  ^ird.  Cf 
Finglas.  This  adjective  is  not  now  in  use  ;  its  place  is 
taken  by  geal.     See  clachfin  and  clochkel. 

Garrachra  =  garbh+chea(th)ra(mh),  the  rough  quarter 
(land),  p.  18. 

Garvie  refers  primarily  to  the  rough  stream  on  which 
the  farm  is  situated.  It  is  from  garbh,  rough,  so  common 
as  garbh  alt,  rough  stream. 


COWAL  '  49 

Glendaruel,  said  to  be  gleann  d^  ruadh-thuil,  the 
glen  of  the  two  red  floods  or  rivers  [note). 

Glenlean  =  gleann  leathan,  the  broad  glen,  and  Glen 
Kin,  gleann  cumhang,  the  narrow  glen. 

Inbherchaolain  =  Inbher  +  caol,  narrow,  +  ain  = 
a(bha)inn,  river — the  Inver  of  the  river  called  narrow — 
an  extremely  descriptive  name.     Cf.  Inverinan,  p.  57. 

Lephinkill  =  leth-pheighinn  na  cille,  with  the  Clachan 
of  Glendaruel,  and  the  modern  church,  close  by. 

Robuic  (Allt)  =  allt  an  ruadh-bhuic,  roebuck  Water. 

Striven  (Loch)  is  Loch  Straven  (1695).  There  is  a 
strong  disposition  towards  the  narrow  vowel  in  this 
district.     I  therefore  prefer  the  old  form  {note). 

Srondavain  =  sron  damh,  an  ox,  stag  +  dim.,  ain. 

Sronafian  =  sr6n  nam  flan ;  fian(t)ag  is  the  berry 
of  Empetrum  nigrum,  the  black  crow-berry,  or  Crake- 
berry  (Hooker),  or  the  Fingalians  Knowe  (F.). 

Sgarach  m6r  (mountain),  a  variant  of  Sg6r  and  Sgiir, 
a  scarred,  notched,  or  jagged  hill  (Hill-names). 

Tamhaisg  (Creag  an),  the  rock  of  the  ^^  brownie!'  This 
is  from  amhasg  with  the  t  of  the  article  fixed  on,  like 
Tamhnach,  from  samhnach. 

Tamhnach  (Burn).  This  form  comes  of  the  Article, 
which  has  fallen  out,  an  t-samhnach,  from  samh,  sorrel. 
The  same  thing  occurs  in  Morven.  This  t  of  the  Article 
is  the  remnant  of  a  longer  word,  which  led  to  the  aspira- 
tion and  silencing  of  s. 

Vegain  (Abhainn  and  Inbher).  This  is  again  a  name 
in  which  the  terminal  -ain  =  abhainn.  Cf.  Inbher  chao- 
lain — the  first  part  is  beag,  little,  aspirated,  therefore  the 
small  river. 


50  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 


(3)  East  of  (2)  to  Loch  Long 

IL  English  names  are  numerous,  as  might  be  ex- 
pected. Southhall,  Springfield,  Salt-house,  Midhill,  need 
no  explanation.  Milton,  Burnt  Islands,  River  Little,  are 
clear  translations.  Couston  and  Troustan  are  distinctly 
irregular. 

in.  The  Gaelic  names  in  the  south  are  strongly 
perverted,  and  in  some  cases  it  is  difficult  to  get  them 
straight.  In  the  northern  part  of  the  district  the  Gaelic 
names  are  good. 

Ardchyline  is  aird  a'  chuilinn,  the  Air d  of  the  holly. 

Ardhallow  is  ard,  the  adj.  high  +  talamh,  land,  there- 
fore the  high-land. 

Ardentinny  =  aird  an  teine,  the  Aird  of  the  fire.  I 
am  not  able  to  say  whether  the  basis  of  the  name  is  in 
the  old  Bealltuin  or  May-day  need  fires ^  or  in  the  very 
common  faire  or  watch  fires.  There  can  be  no  doubt  as 
to  the  verbal  meaning. 

Ardnadam.  Although  the  English  influence  is  driving 
this  name  into  something  like  Ard-in-adam,  it  is  almost 
certainly  aird  nan  damh,  ox  or  stag  height,  but  plural. 

Ardnahien  =  aird  na  h-aibhne,  the  Aird  of  the  river. 

Ardyne  (Point  and  Burn)  with  Glenfyne.  The 
element  here  is  Fyne  the  river  =  Fin-e,  the  bright  river 
— the  same  as  in  Loch  Fine.     Compare  Sheil-e. 

Badd  (The),  a  Hill-name  from  Gael,  bad,  a  thicket. 

Beach  =  beitheach,  the  birch-wood. 

Blairmore  is  the  blar  mor,  the  great  field,  or  moss. 

ButhkoUidar.  The  first  part  of  the  name  is  biith, 
now  meaning  shop,  but  in  older  usage  a  hut,  or  booth,  as 
in    Eng.   booth,    Gael,   bothan  -^  coille(  d)air,    a    woodman 


COWAL  51 

— therefore,  the  place  of  the  woodman's  hut.  The  first 
part  meets  us  in  other  parts  of  Scotland  as  Boath,  Both, 
and  Bo(h). 

Cluniter  is  for  claon-leitir,  the  inclining  or  oblique 
leitir,  p.  21.  The  1  has  dropped  out  because  nl  is  not  an 
acceptable  sequence.  It  is  the  n  that  usually  disappears, 
but  the  1  in  the  first  syllable  has  caused  the  retention  of 
n  rather  than  of  1  in  the  second. 

Corlarach  =  corr  +  larach. 

Corrow  =  an  coire,  the  corrie  (perhaps  pi.) 

Coylet  is  the  caol-leathad,  p.  21. 

Cuilmuich  is  cuil  (na)  muice,  the  pig's  recess  or  nook. 

Donich  (River,  Beinn,  and  Inbher).  Inveronich  has 
the  d  aspirated  out,  as  in  Toberonchy  for  tobar-Dhonn- 
chaidh. 

Dunoon  is  Gael.  Dun-omhan,  with  nasal  short  6. 
This  is  why  I  have  given  this  spelling  of  the  name. 
Some  have  said  that  the  second  part  may  be  the  same 
element  as  in  Loch  Awe,  Gael.  Loch  Obha,  with  open 
short  0,  but  this  is  quite  impossible.  The  form  strongly 
suggests  that  the  terminal  is  a  noun  feminine,  and  most 
probably  a  river  name,  which  would  be  good  enough 
if  we  knew  that  the  name  of  the  stream  flowing  at  the 
foot  of  the  hill  was  anything  like  this — and,  even  if  we 
do  not  know  the  stream-name,  the  suggestion  remains. 
Compare  Dun-add,  the  fort  on  the  (river)  Add  =  fhada, 
or  the  long  river.  The  form  not  being  a  Masc.  gen, 
does  away  with  the  possibility  of  a  personal  name  like 
Dun-Domhnaill,  or  Diin-Rostain,  K.,  and  also  with  the 
possibility  of  a  descriptive  second  term  like  Dun-Mrneig, 
or  Dun  chreagaig,  R.  It  must  be  a  gen.  Sing,  fem.  or  a 
gen.  Plur.  masc, — the  latter  most  unlikely.  The  whole 
feeling  is  towards  a   river-name   in    -an,   and   there   is 


52  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

nothing  in  the  form  against  odhan,  foam,  as  the  base 
of  the  name.    Omna  is  old  Gael,  for  oak-tree. 

Dornoch  (Point)  is  a  name  in  -ach,  from  dorn,  a  fist, 
therefore  the  place  of  pebbles,  or  round  stones  of  the 
size  of  the  fist. 

Drumsynie  =  druim  sine,  from  sian,  a  storm,  therefore 
the  stormy  Druim.     Cf.  Loch  Fyne,  &c. 

Eachaig"  (River)  and  district  also,  seems  to  point  to 
the  district  Eachaig,  or  the  place  of  horses,  as  the  origin 
of  the  name  for  all  its  connections,  with  the  River  and 
with  Loch  Eck  =  L.  Echaig  {note). 

Finbracken  =  fionn  +  bhreac  +  an.  Fionn  is  old  Adj. 
white,  clear,  or  bright,  and  breacan  is  a  descriptive  name 
in  -an  (p.  8),  from  breac,  spotted  or  striped — the  same 
as  breacan,  a  tartan  plaid.  Compare  Dubh-aig,  and 
Liath-aig,  L. 

Gairletter  =  ge^rr-leitir  (p.  21). 

Gantocks.  Gamhn(t)aich  is  a  favourite  name  for  stirk- 
shaped  small  island  rocks.  There  is  no  clear  reason 
against  this  rendering  here. 

Garrowchorran  =  garbh,  rough,  +  corr-an. 

Gailich  (Ard  na)  is  (aird  na)  gaillich,  which  means 
a  place  where  cattle  were  wont  to  contract  a  disease 
of  this  name — an  inflammatory  swelling  of  the  gums. 
Cf.  Achinarnich,  flux-field  (in  cattle  also). 

Glenfyne.  See  Ardyne.  This  is  the  same  word,  with 
f  aspirated  out,  as  it  always  is  in  the  Masc.  Genitive. 

Glenkinglas  is  gleann  +  cinn-glas,  the^/^«  named  on 
the  head  of  the  river — glas.  See  Finglas.  It  is  not  possible 
to  derive  the  name  from  Fin-glas,  although  the  suggestion 
is  apparent.  Ard-Kinglas  is  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  on 
Loch  Fine. 

Inellan.     There  can  be  no  doubt  that  this  name  is 


COWAL  "  53 

1-an-eilean,  although  it  is  not  at  all  easy  to  be  sure  of 
the  value  of  the  first  element ;  and  there  is  the  further 
difficulty  that  there  is  no  island  within  nameable  distance, 
except  The  Perch,  which  is  a  very  small  thing  now,  even 
if  it  may  have  been  considerably  larger  in  the  past.  If 
the  Norseman  was  not  so  remarkably  absent  from  the 
names  on  the  Clyde,  and  of  this  district,  a  duplication 
of  the  island  n^iVCiQ  might  be  offered  as  explanation — N. 
ey  and  G.  eilean  with  the  Gaelic  article. 

Inverchapel  =  inbher  chapuU. 

Laglingartan  must  be  a  Genitive  form,  from  longairt 
(p.  25)  =  lag  luingairt  +  an. 

Letter  may  is  either  Leitir  mhaith  or  L.  mhaighe,  the 
good  (land)  L.  or  the  Moy-leitir. 

Mhuinne  (Goirtean  a')— rightly  Goirtean  a'  bhuinne, 
a  stream,  rapid  current. 

Miseag  (Cruach  nam)  =  minnseag,  a  yearling  she- 
goat,  from  meann,  a  kid. 

Poll  Chorkan  =  pi.  of  core,  a  knife,  or  Eng.  cork. 

Restil  (Loch).     See  Freasdal  (p.  31). 

Riachain  (Eas)  is  from  riach,  tear.,  +  ain,  as  in  Inver- 
inain. 

Sron  bhochlan  =  sron  bhuachaillean,  shepherds'  knowe. 

IV.  Norse  names  are  not  numerous.  Ascog  and 
Ormidale  are  pure  Norse  ;  Ardlamont  and  AUtghaltraig 
are  hybrids  ;  Abhainn  Osde  and  Bagh  Osde  are  also  mix- 
tures. It  is  distinctly  remarkable  how  few  Norse  names 
are  in  this  district  and  upon  the  Firth  of  Clyde.  It  would 
seem  that  there  was  some  check  upon  the  Norseman  in 
this  direction,  which  he  endeavoured  to  remove  at  the 
battle  of  Largs  (October  2,  1263),  and  failed. 

V.  The  Church  is  not  very  frequent  in  Cowal.  There 
is   Kilfinan   and    Kilmun,    both   famous    churches,   and 


54  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

perhaps  named  upon  one  and  the  same  Saint.  In  Kal. 
(Oct.  21  n)  occurs  Fintan  .i.  nomen  artus  .i.  Mundu  = 
mofhindu  .i.  Fintan,  i.e.  his  name  at  first,  i.e.  Mundu 
my  Findu,  i.e.  Fintan.  So  it  is  not  unlikely  that  the 
whole  district  of  Cowal  came  under  this  one  religious 
name  and  influence  from  Kilmun  as  centre  (p.  165). 
There  is  Kilbride  also,  and  Kildavaig  and  Kilail,  but  I 
am  not  sure  that  the  last  two  are  at  all  Gills.  There  are 
several  names  about  Dunoon  which  probably  have  a 
Ghurch  origin,  such  as  Gleann  Moraig,  Ard  Fillayn, 
Kilbride  Hill,  and  the  Bishop's  Seat.  There  is  Kil- 
marnock Hill  on  Loch  Striven  =  Gill  mo  Ern-oc,  but 
there  is  no  indication  of  his  church. 

VL  Personal  names,  with  exception  of  those  in  Eng- 
lish, are  quite  wanting.  This  shows  the  commendable 
good  taste  of  the  inhabitants  of  Gowal.  It  may  indeed 
be  said  that  Argyll  altogether  compares  to  great  advantage 
in  this  way  with  other  counties,  some  of  which  have  been 
vulgarised  exceedingly  by  "this  craving  after  immor- 
tality" of  small  people. 


LORNE  55 

LORNE— LATHARNA 

I.  In  this  district  is  included  all  that  part  between 
Loch  Awe  and  the  sea  on  the  west,  from  the  foot  of  Loch 
Awe  to  Loch  Etive.  The  usual  and  traditional  explana- 
tion of  the  name  is  that  it  is  that  of  Loarn,  son  of  Ere 
and  brother  of  Fergus  Mor  of  the  early  Dalriads.  A 
similar  explanation  is  given  of  Cowal — that  it  was  named 
after  Comgal,  a  grandson  of  Fergus  Mor.  I  am  far  from 
satisfied  with  this  explanation,  but  I  have  none  other  to 
offer,  better  or  worse.  The  old  forms  are  no  help. 
They  are  Ladharna,  Lagharna,  Laverna,  without  any 
plan  or  suggestion  {note). 

II.  There  are  not  many  English  names.  Hayfield, 
Kirkton,  Midmuir,  may  be  translations ;  Australia  and 
New  York  are  clearly  imports. 

(i)  From  the  Foot  of  Loch  Awe  to  Abhainn- 

FHIONAIN 

III.  This  district  is  nearly  all  Gaelic,  and  it  is  fairly  well 
done,  so  that  the  exceptional  names  are  not  numerous. 
It  is  a  little  troublesome  because  of  its  broken  west  coast 
with  its  many  small  islands.  On  this  west  side  there  is 
a  good  deal  of  Norse. 

Achinarnich  =  achadh  an  eamaich,  murrain-field. 

Avich  (Loch,  river,  Dail-)  =  amhaich  {of)  the  neck, 
most  appropriate  to  the  neck  of  land  between  the  northern 
end  of  Loch  Avich  and  Loch  Awe. 

Bailivicair  is  the  vicar  s  farm — of  Kilbrandon,  no 
doubt. 

Barnacarry  =  barr  na  cairidh.     Cairidh  is  a  mound, 


56  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

or  a  semi-circle  of  stone,  thrown  round  the  mouth  of  a 
river,  or  at  the  end  of  a  sea-loch,  so  that  fish  getting  in 
there  on  full  tide  are  left  stranded  on  the  ebb. 

Barnaline  =  barr  an  ailean,  the  meadow  Barr. 

Barmaddy  =  barr  a'  mhadaidh,  the  dog's  Barr. 

Bhulais  (Lochan  a'),     biilas  is  a  pot-hook. 

Biirrich-bean  seems  to  be  a  double  corruption  of 
Beinn  a'  bhiiiridh.  Buireadh  means  generally  roaring  or 
bellowing,  but  it  is  specially  applied  to  the  rutting  season 
of  deer. 

Caddletown  is  perhaps  a  hybrid  cadal,  sleep,  +  town, 
for  an  old  Bail'  a'  chadail,  sleepy  town,  or  farm.  It  is  an 
Cadal-ad-an  locally — of  same  meaning. 

Cheallair  (Loch  a'),  (of)  the  cellarer,  or  steward,  of 
the  (Monastery  ?)  Church  of  Kilmelfort. 

Craignamoraig  =  creag  na  M6raig,  Sarah's  rock.  The 
article  is  not  as  a  rule  used  in  personal  place-names. 

Craignish  is  Gael,  creag  +  N.  nes,  rock-ness. 

Dailermaig  =  dail  +  Dhiarmaid,  which  is  locally  pro- 
nounced Dhiarmaig  (F.). 

Dalachulish  =  dail  a'  chaolais  (caol),  the  field  by  the 
Narrow. 

Doirlin  (on  Loch  Avich)  is  peculiar,  where  there  is 
no  tide— but  compare  Sailean  on  Loch  Shell,  p.  87.  Of 
course  fresh  water  lakes  have  their  rise  and  fall,  and 
analogy  may  account  for  the  name. 

Earna  (Eilean  na  h-),  one  of  the  many  forms  of 
N.  Eyr-r. 

Eleraig  and  Elerig,  and  Eleric  P.,  have  their  best 
explanation  from  lolaireig,  p.  8. 

Garraron  =  garbh-shron,  rough-knowe,  or  nose. 

Gemmil  =  geum,  lowing,  +  ail  (?) 

Innie  (on  Loch  Tralaig)  is  interesting  as  an  Aoineadh 


LORNE  57 

on  an  inland  lake,  but  there  is  a  fine  example  on  Loch 
Awe. 

Inverinan  =  inbher-fhion-abhainn,  the  Inver  of  the 
bright  river.  There  is  abhainn  fhionain,  but  it  is  almost 
certain  that  there  is  a  repetition  of  abhainn  here,  and 
that  fionain  itself  is  fion-abhainn.  Compare  Glenfinnan 
=  gleann  fhion-abhainn. 

Kilmhealaird  is  as  nearly  as  possible  the  correct  native 
pronunciation  of  Kilmelfort — perhaps  Cill  a'  Mhill  aird. 
See  Meall  (Hills). 

Lagalochan  =  lag  an  lochain.  It  is  quite  a  common 
thing  that  n  of  the  Gaelic  article  drops  out  before  1. 

LeacoUagain  is  leac  +  a  personal  name  +  the  double 
diminutive  ag-an,  leac  01a(fh)-again. 

Lergychoniemore  =  learg  a'  chonnaidh-mor.  For  the 
grammar  of  this  see  p.  9. 

Lome  (Corrie)  must  be  referred  to  the  same  source  as 
the  district  name. 

Maolachy  =  maol-achadh,  bald  or  bare  field. 

Mhadail  (Sron)  =  mhadaidh  +  ail. 

Oude  (river).     Compare  Fin-e,  Seil-e,  &c.  {note). 

Pollanduich  =  poll  an  dubhaidh  (dubh) — in  I  slay  also. 

Seil  (Sound  of,  and  Oban,  and  Loch).  A  now  name- 
less river,  Saoil  (locally),  may  have  been  the  starting- 
point  of  the  names,  but  Saoil  is  applied  to  the  whole 
island  cut  off  by  the  Sounds  of  Seil  and  Clachan  {note). 

Tralaig  (Loch),  also  based  upon  a  river-name,  tradh, 
a  fish  spear .^      ail  +  aig. 

Turnalt  =  turn,  a  turn,  +  allt,  a  burn. 


58  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

(2)  From  FioN-ABHAiNN  to  Loch  Etive 

Achcasdle  =  achadh  a'  chaisteil,  castle-field. 

Achleven  =  achadh  leamhain,  elmfield. 

Achnamaddy  =  na  madadh,  dog  (k'mdyfield. 

Annat  is  the  parent  church  of  a  monastery.  Bishop 
Forbes  thought  the  name  was  that  of  a  heathen  goddess  ! 
This  was  the  Annat  of  Kilchrenain. 

Ardnaskie  =  aird  an  fhasgaidh,  tke  Aird  of  shelter. 

Ariogan  =  airidh  Eogain,  Hughie's  airidh. 

Awe  (Loch,  river,  Inver),  are  locally  Loch-obha,  but 
the  river  is  Atha  and  Bun-atha — a  very  peculiar  differ- 
ence (note). 

Balindore  =  baile  an  deora,  pilgrim-town  {note). 

Balinoe  is  a  hybrid,  baile  an  haug-r,  or  perhaps  better, 
am  Baile  nodha,  new  town  (F.). 

Barachander  =  barr  a'  channtair.  Was  this  the  Barr 
of  the  cantor  of  Kilchrenan  ? 

Braglenmore  and  -beg — braigh-ghleann,  "brae  "-glen. 
The  adjectival  part  being  first  makes  the  name  a  com- 
pound noun,   and  therefore  takes  the  masc.  adjectives 

m6r  and  beag. 

Cathlun  is  a  lumpy  an  excrescence — a  figurative  name. 

Ghaineachain  (Lochan  a')  is  the  dim.  of  canach,  eirio- 
phorum  (Bot.) 

Clachadow  =  clacha  dubha,  the  black,  or  dark,  stones. 

Cleugh  is  a  lowland  Scots  import.  It  is  quite  common 
in  Lowland  names,  meaning  a  rocky  precipice,  or  a  cliff, 
and  sometimes  a  glen.     See  Jamieson. 

Cnoclomain  =  cnoc  +  lorn,  naked,  +  dim.  an.  Loman 
is  a  naked,  or  needy,  one,  therefore  the  cnoc  of  the  needy 
one,  unless  lom  applies  to  the  cnoc  itself  as  being  naked 
or  bare. 


LORNE  59 

Coillenaish  is  coille  +  Nais,  an  old  Gaelic  personal 
name — Naish's  wood. 

Conflicts,  at  junction  of  Loch  Awe,  with  river  Awe 
and  other  streams,  is  simply  a  translation  of  coingheal, 
whirlpools,  or  meetings  of  waters. 

Corachadh  and  Corlarach  are  corr  +  achadh  and  + 
l^rach. 

Ghoromaig  (Allt  a')  is  either  gen.  of  the  personal 
name  Cormac,  or  from  cothrom,  level.  This  last  word 
is  most  interesting.  It  in  fact  means  equal  weight,  ihdii 
which  holds  the  beam  level;  therefore,  the  watershed, 
where  streams  flow,  in  a  sense,  equally  towards  both 
sides  of  the  cothrom,  or  watershed. 

Crutten  (Glen),  natively  Gleann  cruitein,  is  evidently 
named  on  the  stream  {note). 

Dorlin,  on  Loch  Avich,  a  fresh-water  lake,  is  peculiar, 
see  p.  15  ;  but  it  is  not  more  so  than  Ceann  mara  on 
Loch  Awe,  or  Sailean,  Loch  Shell. 

Fanans  =  na  Fans.,  gentle  slopes,  pi.  of  fan.  It  comes 
into  a  bhan  =  a  (bh)  fan,  downwards. 

Feochain  (Loch,  and  Rivers — mor  and  beag).  The 
name  has  (xigin  from  the  river,  locally  Faoch-ain. 
Faoch  is  a  winkle,  but  the  essential  idea  is  in  the  shape — 
a  whorl,  and  whirl-pool,  the  latter  being  a  characteristic 
of  these  rivers. 

Glenamachrie  =  gleann  na  machrach,  the  field-  or 
carse-glen. 

Killhounich,  for  Cill  Choinnich  (p.  171). 

Kilvarie  is  coille  a  bharra  (gen.  of  barr),  the  Barr- 
wood. 

Livir  (Abhainn  and  Inver)  has  in  it  the  root  lighe,  a 
flood  (p.  77).  This  terminal  is  not  common  in  river- 
names.     Cf.  Leven. 


6o  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Nant  (Loch  and  Gleann).  This  is  a  very  exceptional 
name.  It  is  without  doubt  the  same  word  that  is  met 
with  so  very  often  in  Welsh  names  ;  for  instance,  Nant 
(Denbigh),  and  Nant-Clywd,  Nant-ddu  (Brecon),  Nant- 
garw  (Glamorgan),  Nant-mor  (Merioneth),  and  many 
more.  It  is  the  same  in  meaning  as  Gael,  gleann,  and 
when  we  say  Gleann-Nant  we  simply  say  Glen-glen.  The 
word  can  be  followed  into  Continental  names.  The 
point  of  great  interest  is  how  the  name  got  there,  a 
purely  Cymric  or  Cymro-British  word,  from  the  lan- 
guage of  a  people  that  have  never  been  thought  to  have 
entered  the  Highlands.  There,  however,  the  name  is, 
and  its  origin  cannot  be  doubted,  and  perhaps  it  is  not 
the  only  one.  More  may  underlie  this  than  can  rightly 
be  inquired  into  here.  Loch-gilp,  for  instance,  may  have 
its  best  interpretation  through  Welsh,  as  Loch-gwlyb,  or 
as  it  was  in  Old  Welsh,  gulip,  the  wet^  damp,  or  swampy 
loch,  which  is  not  at  all  unfitting.  There  are,  and  there 
have  been,  other  Argyll  names  which  distinctly  suggest 
that  the  Britons  of  Strathclyde  went  "beyond  Dum- 
barton." The  only  Gaelic  word  which  comes  near  the 
name,  gilb,  a  chisel,  does  not  seem  pertinent. 

Nell  (Loch).  This  is  simply  Loch  nan  eala,  swan- 
lake. 

Pennyfuar  is  the  Peighinn  fhuar,  the  cold  penny- land. 

Siar  (Loch)  is  the  Western  loch  (p.  78). 

Taymore  =  tigh  mor,  the  big  house. 

Taynuilt  =  tigh  an  uillt,  tlie  house  by  the  burn. 

Tervin  is  most  likely  tairbhein,  from  tarbh,  a  bull — 
a  masculine  form  on  the  same  lines  as  feminine  -aig 
names. 

Thanahine  =  tigh  na  h-aibhne,  the  house  by  the  river. 

Tromlee  (Loch)  is  peculiar.    Trom-lighe  is  night-mare. 


LORNE  6i 

which   this   name    almost   certainly   is ;    but  why   so    is 
beyond  me.     There  is,  however,  lighe,  a  flood  {t^.  77). 

IV.  On  the  west  coast  of  Lome  there  is  quite  a 
number  of  Norse  names,  but  there  are  not  many  inland. 
Almost  all  the  numerous  small  islands  here  are  Norse  in 
name  :  Ars-a,  Fladd-a,  Luing,  On-a,  Orms-a,  Shun-a, 
Tors-a  ;  and  Asknish,  Degnlsh,  Eardale,  are  coast  names. 
Rarey  and  Scamadale  are  inland. 

V.  The  Church-names  are  Annat,  Bailevicair  with 
others,  and  Kilbrandon  =  Cill  Bhrannain  (p.  175),  Kil- 
bride =Cill  Brigide  (p.  160),  Kilchattan  =  Cill  Ohatain 
(p.  175),  Kilchoan  =  Cill  Chomhghain  (p.  178),  Kilchrenan 
=  Cill  Chrethamhnain  (p.  177),  Kilmahu  =  Cill  mo  Choe, 
Kilmaronog  =  Oill  mo  R6nag  (p.  182),  Kilmelfort  (p.  57), 
Kilmore  =  Cill  Mhoire,  Kilmary,   Kilmun  =  Cill  Mhunna 

(p.  53)- 

VI.  Personal  names  are : — 

Chaiscin  (Loch  Mhic),  perhaps  better  Mhic-Ascain ; 
most  probably  a  Norse  name,  akin  to,  if  not  the  same  as 
Mac-Askil,  formed  from  as-kettil  =  ans-kettil,  the  sacri- 
ficial vessel  {kettle)  of  the  Norse  Anses,  or  gods. 

Ciaran  (Eilean  Mhic)  is  the  dusky  one  (see  Colours). 
This  is  the  name  and  meaning  of  the  two  St.  Kiarans. 
See  p.  170. 

Ghoinnich  (Lochan  diol).  Cain-neach  is  the  fair  one, 
akin  to  the  Can-nach  and  Cainneachain  {Eiriophorum), 
or  bogwool-plant.  Diol  here  means  revetige  or  satisfaction, 
and  the  name  doubtless  contains  a  history. 

Guaraig  (Lochan  Mhic),  the  name  Kennedy — of  old 
Mac-Ualraig,  from  older  Walrick.  Mac-Quarrie,  Mac- 
Wharrie,  is  a  GaeHc  name  from  guaire,  proud,  noble. 

Isaac  (Port  Mhic)  is  a  Biblical  name. 

Lachlainn  (Bagh)  is  a  Norse  name  in  origin,  very 


62  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

likely  Loch-lann,  or  fiord-la?id,  itself  ;  therefore,  Mac- 
Lachlan  =  a  son  of  Scandinavia. 

Mhartain  (Loch  Mhic).  Martin  was  the  famous 
Saint  "  of  Tours  "  (p.  i6i).  The  fox  is  strangely  enough 
called  an  gille  Martain,  perhaps  because  March  (Martius 
mensis)  is  his  favourite  time  of  activity. 

Nechtain  (Airidh).  This  is  a  Pictish  name.  It  comes 
to  us  now  as  Macnaughton. 

Roich  (Lochan  Mhic  a').  Munro,  which  is  of  terri- 
torial origin,  from  Bun-roe,  the  foot  of  Roe  (Ruaidh),  a 
river  in  co.  Derry,  from  which  the  family  is  said  to  have 
had  origin  (Mb). 

(3)  The  Islands. — i  Shuna,  2  Luing,  3  Torsay,  4  Seil, 
5  Easdale,  6  Kerrara. 

I.  These  are  all  Norse  names. 

II.  There  are  no  English  names,  excepting  the  per- 
sistent translations.  Island,  Sound,  Point. 

III.  The  Island  in  which  a  name  occurs  is  indicated 
by  its  figure,  as  above  given. 

AchafoUa  (2)  =  achadh  +  pholla,  the  gen.  pi.  of  poll, 
puddle ^  pool.     There  is  no  kinship  with  Inver-folla. 

Airdintrive  (6)  is  Aird  an  t-snaimh,  the  point  at 
which,  as  in  C,  cattle  swam  across  to  the  mainland. 

Aireig  (Sgeir  na  h-)  (2),  most  likely  fanciful — the 
gland-shaped  skerry. 

Airdanamair  (2),  Aird  -I-  an  +  amair,  the  bed  of  a 
river,  or  stream  channel. 

Airdchoric  (6)  =  aird  a'  choirce,  oats-  or  corn-aird. 

Bach  (island)  (6)  =  bac,  a  bank,  hip,  ledge  of  rock. 
N.  bak,  of  same  meaning.  It  is  used  with  the  Art. 
am  bac. 

Ballahuan  (2)  =  baile  a'  chuain,  lit.  ocean  steading  or 


LORNE  63 

farm,  which  is  quite  pertinent,  but  the  shade  of  differ- 
ence in  sound  between  Cuan  and  Cumhang,  narrow, 
which  also  is  appropriate,  is  very  small. 

B^rr-driseig  (2)  =  Barr  +  dris,  bramble,  +  aig. 

Bhearnaig  (Port  a')  (6),  particularly  fitting  to  the  Port 
or  bay,  which  is  exactly  a  notch  or  a  bite. 

Bhreaslaig  (Rudha)  (6)=  Breasail  (pers.  name)  +  aig. 

Cr6  (Port  nan)  {1),  pen  {io\d)port. 

Ciiise  (Sgeir  na)  (2).  It  seems  impossible  to  give  this 
any  meaning,  but  through  cos,  a  hollow,  or  a  cave,  even  if 
this  gen.  form  is  not  familiar. 

Diar  (Sgeir)  (2).  With  Sgeir  hhmdhQ, yellow  skerry, 
Dubh  sgeir,  black  skerry,  and  Glas-eilean  all  around  it,  one 
might  readily  think  that  this  was  Ciar  sgeir,  hoary  skerry, 
especially  because  Eilean  mhic  Ciarain  is  next  to  it, 
within  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  I  venture,  however,  to 
suggest  that  it  is  an(d)iar  sgeir,  the  west  skerry,  with  the 
old  d  of  the  art.  reasserting  itself,  as  we  have  it  in  deigh 
=  an(d)eigh,  the  ice,  dearc  =  an(d)earc, ///^j/><?^i^/^^(one), 
and  in  many  other  words. 

Ellery  (Hill)  (6).     See  Eleraig  (p.  56). 

Feundain  (Rudha  na)  (6),  almost  certainly  funntain, 
the  benunibment  from  cold.  It  is  to  be  noticed  that  many 
Points  are  named  in  this  way — from  the  exposure  entailed 
in  "  negotiating  "  them.  Compare  Rudha  nan  Amhlais- 
tean,  V. 

Figheadair  (Sgeir  nam)  (2),  the  weavers'  skerry. 

Furachail  (Binnein)  (2),  the  hill  of  watchfulness,  or  the 
watch-hill. 

Griaraidh  (Sgeir)  (2),  from  griadhradh,  roasting. 

Gylen  (na)  (6)  for  gillean,  lads — figurative. 

Lkir-bhan  (i),  the  white  mare — on  the  same  lines  as 
the  gamhna,  rocks,  which  are  so  frequently  thus  named. 


64  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Redegich  (Rudha)  (6) — almost  certainly  for  r^itichidh, 
from  r^idh,  smooth^  r^itich,  put  things  smooth,  straight^ 
correct,  ready. 

Scanach  (Rudha)  (6).  The  word  is  Gaelic,  but  not 
now  familiar.     The  root  idea  is  in  Sgan,  disperse,  scatter. 

Seoul  (Eilean)  (2) — most  likely  N.  skval,  a  squall.  It 
is  not  Gaelic. 

Slatrach  (6)  is  from  slat,  a  rod,  or  twig,  +  ar-ach,  the 
place  of  twigs,  doubtless  from  the  woody  growth  there. 

Toberonochy  (2)  =  tobar  Dhonnchaidh,  Duncan's 
well. 

IV.  Orosaig  (Eilean)  (6)  is  Norse,  and  possibly  Culli- 
pol  (2). 

V.  The  Church  appears,  perhaps,  in  Eilean  mhic 
Ciarain  (2),  and  in  Port  Phatruic  (6). 

VI.  Rudha  mhic  Mharcuis — Mac-Marquis,  from  old 
Gael,  marc,  a  horse,  still  remaining  in  the  spoken  language 
as  marc-aich,  a  rider. 

Lachlainn  (Bagh).     See  p.  61. 


APPIN  65 


APPIN— AN  APUINN 

I  have  for  convenience  of  reference  included  in  this 
name  the  whole  district  from  the  River  Awe  to  Loch 
Leven.  I  know  that  in  doing  so  I  am  doing  wrong, 
because  the  real  Appin  was  never  so  extensive  as  this ; 
but  as  my  purpose  is  only  to  examine  names,  I  hope 
this  transgression  may  be  overlooked. 

I.  The  meaning  of  the  district  name  is  clearly  the 
Abbey  lands  pertaining  to  the  Abbacy  of  Lismore — of 
Cill-mo-Luag — to  which  full  reference  is  made  under 
the  Church-names.  The  older  form  of  the  name  is 
Abdaine.  It  is  frequent  all  over  the  range  of  the 
Columban  Church.  It  takes  the  Lat.  form  Abbatia 
and  Abthania  in  old  documents.  The  Gaelic  p  comes 
of  the  double  b — Coromarbhsat  in  Apaidh  et  xv  viros 
do  Sruithibh  na  Cille  (I  on  a).    An.  Ulst.,  a.d.  986. 

II.  There  are  not  many  English  names  in  this  large 
area.  Such  names  as  Black-crofts  are  translations.  Sea- 
bank  is  a  new  name.  Dallens  is  an  English  plural  form, 
added  to  an  already  plural  Gaelic  name  —  dail-ean, 
fields. 

For  purposes  of  reference,  I  divide  the  district  into 
two  parts. 

(i)  West  of  Loch  Etive  to  the  Sea 

The  names  here  are  easily  understood  by  one  who 
knows  them,  but  many  of  them  have  been  spoiled 
exceedingly  by  an  English  affectation,  which,  strangely 
enough,  has  come  from  within  and  not  from  that  outside 

E 


66  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

pressure  which  is  so  excusable  on  the  Clyde  border,  for 
instance.  Hardly  a  name  has  escaped  this  perversion 
on  the  low  ground.  This  is  now,  however,  done  with. 
The  names  are  as  beautiful  as  ever  when  stripped  of 
their  outlandish  garments. 

Achacha  is  achadh  a'  chadha,  the  field  of  the  path. 

Achnacone  is  Achadh-nan-con,  the  dogfield. 

Achnacree  is  Achadh-na-craoibhe,  treefield. 

Ardentinny  is  aird  an  teine,  the  fire  height  {note). 

Ardtur  =  ard  an  tiiir,  the  height  of  the  tower. 

Acharra  =  achadh  a'  charraigh,  the  field  of  the  standing 
stones,  from  carragh.    The  standing  stones  are  there  now. 

Ardochay  is  ardach,  with  the  loc.  ending  -aidh,  from 
ard,  high,  +  ach  +  aidh. 

Ardseile  =  ard  +  seile.  This  last  part  is  very  old. 
Adamnan,  in  his  Life  of  St.  Columba,  calls  the  Ardna- 
murchan  river  Sale,  and  it  is  Selli  in  D.  L.  The  source 
of  the  name  is  akin  to,  or  the  same  as,  that  of  seile, 
saliva,  still  remaining  in  the  Gaelic-spoken  language — 
e.g.  a'  ghlas  sheile,  the  water-brash.  Although  there  is  no 
river  named  Seile  near  this  name  now,  it  may  almost  be 
taken  for  certain  that  the  stream  flowing  into  Kintalen 
=  Cinn  an  t-sailean,  was  so  named  in  the  past.  The 
word  must  have  been  a  general  term,  much  the  same 
as  "  Water  "  is  used  now  in  Kintyre — but  very  long  ago. 

Baileveolain  =  baile  a'  bheol-ain,  from  baile  +  a  dim. 
of  beul,  a  mouth,  or  Beolan,  a  person  name. 

Balloch,  with  accent  on  the  first  syllable,  is  bealach, 
a  pass. 

Barcaldine  =  am  Barr  calltuinn,  the  hazel- Barr. 

Benderloch  is  beinn  (ea)dar(dha)loch,  the  ben  between 
the  two  lochs — Loch  Etive  and  Loch  Creran.  This  is 
now  the  district  name,  but  it  must  have  had  origin  from 


APPIN  67 

some  mountain,  almost  certainly  the  very  fine  beinn 
bhreac  (2324).  Compare  Beinn-ralloch  and  Beinn- 
mhor-luich — the  Ben  of  the  great  loch  (Lomond) — which 
shows  a  peculiar  genitive,  the  same  as  in  Beochlich. 

Bhocain  (Torr  a')  ^^ bogie"  hill {sqq  Hill-names). 

Blarcreen  =  blar  +  crithinn,  aspen-field. 

Camus  anfhais  is, growth  Bay,  a  reference,  no  doubt,  to 
the  good  growth  which  one  sees  in  a  specially  sheltered 
Camus.     This  is  a  very  fine  example  of  a  Camus. 

Chrinlet  (Eas  a').  Eas  a'  chrin-leathaid,  from  crion, 
very  small,  and  leathad;  p.  21. 

Creran  (Loch),  named  upon  the  river  {note\ 

Cuirte  (Camus  na),  court-bay.  I  cannot  say  why  it  is 
so  named. 

Culcharan  =  Ctil,  the  back  of,  +  c^rn  in  pi. 

Churalain  (Beinn)  =  Cur  (Hill-names)  +  al  +  ain. 

Dalachulish  =  dail  a'  Chaolais,  the  field  by  the  Narrow 
(Caolas)  on  Loch  Creran. 

Dalnatrat  =  dail  na  traghad,  the  field  by  the  shore. 
This  is  an  old  genitive  form.  We  find  traighe,  and  even 
traigh,  frequently  in  recent  names,  but  tragha  and  this 
traghad  are  the  old  genitives. 

Duirinnis  is  Norse,  =  dfr,  a  deer,  or  wild  animal,  +  ties, 
and  I  have  wondered  if  the  best  explanation  of  Duror 
may  not  be  found  in  the  same  direction  ;  as  d^r+k-r, 
with  some  word  lost  at  the  beginning — some  word 
governing  the  genitive  form. 

Etive  (Loch,  River,  and  Glen).  This  is  not  an  easy 
name.  Many  explanations  have  been  offered,  but  none 
has  been  satisfactory.  If  we  examine  the  name,  one  or 
two  things  are  clear.  First,  the  name  is  Gaelic  essentially 
in  sound  and  form.  The  terminal  part,  which  we  should 
expect  to  take  the  genitive  form,  is  doubtless  the  locative 


68  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

case-form,  with  which  the  GaeHc  ear  is  quite  familiar, 
The  stem,  then,  is  the  only  difficulty.  There  are  several 
possibilities.  There  is  6ite  and  6it-eadh,  a  stretching  or 
extending,  referred  to  the  same  root  as  is  found  in  Lat. 
i-re,  to  go.  This  is  quite  pertinent  and  appropriate  to  this 
fine  far-extending  river  and  glen.  There  is  again  eit-ich, 
fierce,  or  gloomy,  although  this,  being  an  adjective,  seems 
to  be  out  of  the  question.  And  there  is  dit-eag,  a  white 
pebble,  which  could  easily  give  name  to  the  river.  I 
prefer  to  offer  another  rendering.  The  old  Gaelic  for 
cattle  was  ^t  and  even  ^t-ibh,  the  exact  form  as  it  stands. 
This  is  the  root  element  in  feudail,  cattle,  in  even  the 
present-day  speech  =  (f)-^t-ail.  My  defence  of  this  in- 
terpretation, or  rather  my  great  witness,  is  that  the 
grand  Buachaill-Etive,  the  herdsman  of  Etive,  is  there 
looking  after  his  cattle  in  the  fine  valley  below.  The 
name  comes,  as  is  almost  always  the  case,  from  the  river, 
and  comparative  instances  are  abundant — eg.  Echaig  and 
Gour,  from  horse  and  goat,  in  the  rivers  of  that  name. 

Faodhail  (Loch).     See  General  Terms,  p.  15. 

Fasnacloich  =  fasadh  na  cloiche.  The  first  part  is  a 
fairly  common  element  in  names.  It  carries  the  mean- 
ing of  a  point  of  land,  level  always  and  green,  with  a 
dwelling-house,  or  steading,  upon  it.  The  Fasadh- 
fe^ma  on  Loch-Eil  is  a  good  instance, 

Fiannaidh  (Sgorr  nam)  =  sgorr  nam  JBann(t)-aidh,  the 
heath-berry,  Sgorr. 

Fraochaidh  is  the  heather-y  place  ;  a  good  example  of 
the  locative  form,  which  usually  appears  with  terminal 
-ie  and  -y,  as  in  Largie,  Lorgie,  Tangy,  &c. 

Gaoirean  (Allt  nan).  It  is  strange  not  to  find  this 
word  in  the  dictionaries,  but  it  is  a  well-known  Gaelic 
word.     It  means  the  dry  dung  of  animals. 


APPIN  69 

Invernahyle  =  inbher  na  h-iola.  lola  here  takes  a 
Gaelic  genitive  form,  but  whether  the  word  itself  is 
Gaelic  is  open  to  doubt.  lola  is  Gaelic  for  a  fishing-rock, 
and  it  is  quite  possible  here,  but  it  is  not  probable.  It 
is  very  interesting  to  notice  that  while  this  name  takes 
the  Gaelic  article,  Inverfolla  does  not.  The  river  Folia 
is  not  now  so  named,  although  Inverfolla  is  there,  show- 
ing without  doubt  that  Foll-a  was  the  name  of  the  stream 
which  joins  the  lola,  about  a  mile  up.  There  are  one 
or  two  points  of  interest.  lola,  Illie,  and  Isla  are 
frequent  river-names.  They  are  very  old,  and  they 
almost  certainly  convey  the  same  meaning.  The  root 
idea  has  been  referred  to  the  same  as  that  in  Lat. 
i-re,  to  go,  or  in  this,  to  flow.  The  name  may,  therefore, 
be  old  Keltic.  On  the  other  hand,  we  must  observe  that 
the  Norseman  shows  himself  distinctly  in  this  neighbour- 
hood. There  is  Erlska  and  Shuna,  and  especially  Glen- 
stocka-dale  in  the  next  valley,  so  that  with  the  terminal 
-d,  the  Norse  for  river,  in  both  lola  and  Folia,  we  may 
be  excused  a  suspicion  that  both  names  are  really 
Norse. 

Kintalen  is  Cinn  an  t-sailean,  the  head  of  the  Sailean, 
and  a  very  good  example  of  a  Sailean. 

Lair  (Lochan  an),  level  ground,  a  plain,  a  floor,  in  the 
sense  that  "the  floor  of  the  glen"  is  spoken  of — in  fact 
lar  is  the  same  word  2iS  floor  in  origin. 

Leich  is  for  leth-ach,  and  leideag  is  of  the  same  kind 
=  leth-ad-ag,  where  leth  is  a  half,  or  a  side,  of  a  valley  or 
district. 

Lora  is  "Ossianic"  and  modern. 

Lurgan  (Beinn  mo),  a  shank,  shin-bone,  tibia.  One  of 
the  body-names  (p.  7),  although  it  is  awkward  to  find 
the  accent  on  mo  in  the  Survey  rendering. 


70  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Muidhe  (Leac  nam)  is  a  churn — the  flag-stone  of  the 
churns. 

PoUanach  =  poll,  a  vmd-hole  or  pool  4-  an-ach. 

Salachail  =  saile,  willow^  -\-  choill,  wood. 

Selma  is  from  the  same  source  as  Lora. 

Sgluich  (Beinn)  and  Sguiliaird  (Beinn)  I  am  not  able 
to  explain  satisfactorily. 

Shenvalie  =  sean-bhaile,  old  farm.  This  is  Shambelly, 
in  Bute  1 

Sian  =  sithean,  a  fairy-know e. 

Stairchaol  =  staidhir,  a  stair,  -f-  caol. 

Teitheil  (Rudha  and  River)  is  from  teth,  hot,  ■\-  ail  = 
(s)amhail,  similis.  This  is  most  likely  the  explanation  of 
the  curious  name  Teatle  (p.  72). 

Trilleachan  (Ard  and  Beinn),  the  pied  oyster-catcher. 

Triochadain  (Loch  and  Achadh),  trioch,  a  stripe, 
+  ad  -1-  an. 

Tynribbie  =  tigh  an  ribidh.  Ribe  is  a  snare,  from 
verb  rib,  snare,  therefore  the  house  of  the  snaring, 
without  doubt ;  but  what  is  the  history  of  this  house  ? 


(2)  East  of  Loch  Etive 

Ceitlein  (Allt  and  Beinn) — cannot  now  explain. 

CochuU  is  the  same  essentially  as  Lat.  cucullus,  a 
hood,  but  in  Gaelic  usage  it  is  applied  to  the  outer  skin, 
or  husk,  of  fruit,  as  cochuU  end,  a  nut  husk. 

Coileter  =  coill,  wood  +  leitir  (p.  21). 

Copagach  (Meall).  Cop  -H  ag-ach,  the  docken-d^ah.,  the 
place  of  the  cop-ag,  which  is  dim.  of  cop,  a  top,  or 
head,  akin  to  German  kopf,  a  head,  referring  doubtless 
to  the  floral  head  of  the  plant. 


APPIN  71 

Crulaist.  The  H.  S.  D.  says  a  rocky  hilly  and  Mb. 
suggests  a  derivation  from  cruaidh,  hard. 

Dalmally  is  certainly  from  a  different  source  from 
that  of  KilmaiUie,  which  is  explained  (p.  75).  The  native 
pronunciation  encourages  the  interpretation  of  a  wet 
land,  which  is,  in  all  instances,  apparently  correct. 

Dalness  is  dail  an  eas,  the  field  by  the  (rough)  stream. 

Dochaird  =  doch  +  aird,  from  dabhach,  an  old  land- 
measure  at  first,  and  meaning  a  vat,  but  in  some  peculiar 
way  has  got  transferred  to  be  a  measure  of  land,  as,  say, 
so  much  as  a  vat  of  corn  would  sow. 

Dychlie  =  dubh  +  choille,  the  dark  wood. 

Eilde  (Lairig).  Lairig  (p.  17)  +  eilde,  gen.  sing,  of 
eilid,  a  hind. 

Eileandonich  is  eilean  +  d6mhnaich,  Lat.  dominica. 

Eunaich  (Beinn)  is  from  eun,  a  bird ;  so,  eunach  is 
a  birding,  therefore  a  shooting. 

Fiodhan  (River)  =  fiodh,  wood,  +  an,  which  last  part  is 
frequent  in  river-names.  This  is  the  wooded  river.  This 
same  word  is  the  name  for  the  strong  wooden  frame  in 
which  the  native  cheese  is,  or  at  any  rate  used  to  be,  shaped. 

Gearr  (Eas  na)  is  the  rough  mountain  stream  (eas)  of  the 
hare.  The  word  gearr,  for  hare,  is  not  commonly  used  in 
Argyll,  but  in  this  name  I  think  it  is  unquestionable. 
The  word  is  really  the  Adj.  gearr,  short ;  and  in  old 
Gaelic  the  hare  was  gearr-fhiadh,  short  deer.  The 
adjective  only  now  remains  for  the  whole  name. 

Ghartain  (Lairig  and  Allt  a'),  a  variant  of  goirtean. 

Glenorchy  is  in  Gaelic  gleann  iirchaidh  [note). 

Glenure  is  gleann  iubhair,  the  glen  of  the  yew-tree. 

Inion  is  na  h-inghnean,  the  nails  of  the  hand,  another 
of  the  body-names.  This  is  more  likely  the  correct 
rendering  of  Inens,  C. 


72  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Innishail,  said  to  be  Pauls  island  {note). 

Inveresragan  =  inbher  +  eas-ar-ag-ain.  Eas  is  a  rough 
mountain  stream,  and  a  water-fall. 

Inverfolla.     See  Invernahyle. 

Glenstrae  =  gleann  +  s(t)rath  ?  {note). 

Hallater  (AUt)  =  allt  thaobh,  side,  +  leitir. 

Inver-ghiubhsachain  =  inbher  +  guibhsach  +  ain.  See 
Fiodhain  for  meaning  of  terminal  -ain. 

Inverkinglas  is  another  inver,  and  points  to  a  Fin- 
glas,  although  it  is  then  difficult  to  account  for  the  k 
in  the  name,  unless  it  be  for  Cinn-glas,  the  end,  or  the  old 
inver  of  the  glas  =  river. 

Inverlochy,  another  inver,  of  loch-aidh,  the  terminal 
being  a  common  river-ending,  like  -aig  and  -ain.  Loch 
is  an  old  Gaelic  word  for  dark  ;  therefore,  the  inver  of  the 
dark  river. 

Leven  and  Liver,  from  lighe,  a  flood,  stream,  overflow 

(PP-  59;  77)- 

Mhoirlich  (Meall  a')  the  gen.  of  m6r  +  loch. 

Oe  (Abhainn  and  Gleann).  "  Fionn,"  who  knows,  if 
any  one  does,  assures  me  that  this  is  Abhainn  and  Gleann 
nodha,  nodha  meaning,  of  course,  new,  or  recent.  If  there 
was  any  distinct  change  in  the  river  course  the  name 
would  be  sufficiently  explained.  If  there  may  be  funda- 
mental objection  to  this,  which  I  certainly  cannot  see, 
we  must  fall  back  upon  the  Norse  haug-r^  a  ^^  howe," 
mound,  or  cairn,  as  the  essential  part. 

Riaghain  (Meall).  Riagh  is  a  snare  (round  the  neck), 
and  riaghan  is,  therefore,  the  gallows.  I  do  not  know 
the  local  history. 

Starav  (Beinn).  This  can  only  be  the  same  stem  as 
in  Starabhanach,  a  strongs  stout  person,  or  even  animal. 

Teatle  (River  and  Aird).     See  Teitheil,  p.  70. 


APPIN  73 

IV.  The  Norse  names  in  this  district  are  few.  They 
are  all    on    the   west  :  Erlska,   Shuna,  Glen-stocka-dal, 

Dlurlnnis.     The  last  two    are  hybrids — the  last   taking 
the  Gaelic  innis  instead  of  the  Norse  -&  =  ey. 

V.  Church-names  also  are  not  numerous.  There  is 
a  nameless  Kiel,  and  Ard-Chattain  (p.  175),  and  Eilean 
Choinnich,  and  Eilean  Mhuinde,  and  Beinn  Mhaol- 
Chaluim,  and  that  is  all. 

VI.  The  Personal  names  are  in  Baile  mhic  Cailein, 
the  farm  of  Mac-Cailein.  The  names  here  need  not  have 
reference  to  the  family  of  Argyll,  although  Mac-Cailein 
is  the  familiar  Gaelic  name  for  the  Duke  of  Argyll. 
The  name  is  simply  Colin  s  son. 

Dhomhnaill  (Sgorr) — already  explained. 

Fhionnlaigh  (Beinn),  Mount-Finlay.  The  name  seems 
to  be  Gaelic  in  both  parts  =  fionn,y^z>,  +  laoch,  a  hero. 

Ghoiridh  (Coire).  This  name  is  common,  especially 
among  the  Macleods  and  Macdonalds  of  the  Western 
Isles,  which  would  suggest  that  its  origin  was  Norse,  as 
it  almost  certainly  was,  even  if  it  travelled  all  the  way 
round  from  the  Teutonic  Gott-fried,  ^'God's  peace,"  or  its 
forebears. 

(3)  LiSMORE  =  Lios-Mor 

I.  The  name  of  the  island  is  Gaelic  in  both  parts — 
lAo^,  a  garden,  and  the  adj.  mor.  This  is  the  ordinary 
and  local  acceptance,  but  in  older  Gaelic  lios  was  a 
stronghold,  or  fort ;  and,  for  so  small  an  island,  it  is 
remarkable  how  many  Duns,  ov  forts,  are  there  :  an  Dun, 
the  fort  ;  Sean  Dun,  the  old  fort ;  Dun  m6r,  the  great  fort, 
from  which  perhaps  the  name ;  Dun-chruban,  Diin- 
cuilein,  and  Acha-Dun,  fort-field,  from  a  nameless  fort 


74  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

on  the  west  coast — so  that  a  suspicion  arises  whether 
the  name  may  not  be  from  the  great  fort. 

IL  There  are  no  English  names. 

in.  Bachuill  seems  to  be  ba  +  choill,  cattle-wood,  but 
in  a  district  so  full  of  the  Church  it  is  not  impossible 
that  this  is  from  gen.  of  bachuU,  a  crozier,  with  some 
governing  word  fallen  out. 

Balnasack  =  baile  nan  sac,  sack-farm, 

Choirce  (Tlr  a'),  the  corn-land. 

Dobhrain  (Bagh  clach  an),  otter-stone  Bay. 

Eithir  (Sloe  an),  from  eathar,  a  ship,  boat. 

Faire  (Tom  na),  watching,  guarding — the  watch-hill. 

Sgeir  sgoraig,  the  notch  (sgor),  skerry,  both  parts 
possibly  Norse  sker  and  skor  +  aig. 

IV.  Bemera  (island),  Frackersaig,  and  Pladda  (island) 
are  Norse  ;  Rudha  kicd-Sirianish,  Eilean  Musdile,  Eilean 
Loch  Oscairj  and  Lochan  TreshtU  are  mixtures. 

V.  The  Church  names  are  numerous,  for  the  size  of 
the  island.  Oill-ma-luag  was  the  name  of  the  principal 
church,  and  there  is  Port-ma-luag  on  the  north-east 
coast  (see  p.  172).  There  is  also  Port  Cill-chiarain, 
Killean  =  Cill-sheathain  =  John,  Killandrist  =  Oill-And- 
rais,  and  Sloe  a'  Bhrigide  and  Ach-na-croise,  the  field  of 
the  cross,  and  the  remains  of  a  chapel  on  Bernera. 

VI.  Personal  names  are  wanting. 


KILMAILLIE  75 

KILMAILLIE— CILL  A'  MHAILUIBH 

I.  This  name  has  hitherto  been  made  into  Kilmary, 
but  it  is  quite  impossible  to  accept  this  rendering.  The 
natives  always  call  the  district  Cill  a'  mh^iluibh,  as  given 
above,  a  name  which  is  well  worth  examining.  There  can 
be  no  doubt  that  the  first  syllable  is  an  old  AT/Z-name  ;  and 
because  of  that  the  second  part  must  be  in  genitive 
form.  It  is  so.  The  Article  is  in  the  genitive,  and  so 
also  must  be  the  Noun  following,  with  which  it  agrees, 
and  both  forms  are  masculine,  and  not  feminine.  The 
part  now  written  m^il  is  old  mael,  the  tonsured  one  (Lat. 
calvus),  which  we  have  remaining  with  us  in  the  name 
Macmillan  (Macmhaoilean,  or  Mac(a'gh)-ille  mhaoil)  to 
this  day.  The  terminal  syllable  is  the  only  difficulty. 
Its  form  would  suggest  a  dative  plural  case,  but  that  is 
quite  impossible  when  all  the  rest  is  a  gen.  sing,  mas- 
culine. This  compels  us  to  see  that  this  part  cannot 
then  be  a  Noun,  but  an  Adjective,  and  without  doubt 
dubh,  black.  The  name,  therefore,  means  the  Kil  of 
the  black  monk^  or  of  Maeldubh,  for  though  the  term  is 
clearly  a  general  term  in  its  origin,  it  seems  to  have 
hardened  into  the  personal  name  of  certain  men  of  the 
brotherhood,  and  that  long  ago. 

It  is  surely  interesting  to  find  that  Fintan,  whose 
name  is  so  well  known  in  this  neighbourhood,  was  a 
mael-dubh.  In  Kal.  under  Oct.  20,  we  find  pais  eutaic 
lafintan  maeldubh,  the  passion  of  Eutychius  with  Fintan 
Maeldubh.  This  seems  to  be  as  suggestive  as  anything 
can  well  be,  from  that  long  time,  that  Fin(t)an  of  Eilean 
Fhianain  was  the  founder  of  the  Black-friars'  Church  of 
Kilmaillie,  of  which,  even  to  this  day,  part  of  the  walls 
remains  in  the  old  churchyard.     He   may  have   been 


76  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

called  Maeldubh  from  personal  appearance,  but  far  more 
likely,  as  I  have  suggested,  from  the  habit  of  the  brother- 
hood. Those  black-friars  were  the  historical  forebears 
of  the  present  Benedictines.  It  was  Maeldubh,  or  a 
mael-dubh,  who  founded  the  famous  Benedictine  Abbey 
at  Glastonbury,  in  Somerset,  which,  according  to  Cormac, 
was  "a  town  of  Alban,"  and  which,  strangely  enough, 
has  a  very  large  place  in  very  old  Gaelic  tradition.  A 
Mailduff  also  was  founder  of  Malmesbury,  in  Wilts,  the 
very  fine  abbey  of  which  still  includes  part  of  the  walls 
of  the  old  monastery.  The  old  name  of  Malmesbury 
was  Mailduff's-burg. 

The  old  names,  or  forms,  of  the  Lochaber  Kilmaillie 
are  :  Kilmalduff  (1304),  Kilmald  (1372),  Kilmalzhe  (1492), 
Kilmalye  (1493),  Kilmalyhe  (1495),  Kilmailzie  (1695) — all 
which  goes  to  show  that  the  origin  of  the  name  here 
offered  is  almost  certainly  correct. 

In  a  confirmation  by  Robert  III.  of  certain  lands  in 
this  district  to  "  Reginal  de  Insulis,"  there  occurs  "terra 
de  Kylmald,"  with  a  stroke  across  the  stem  of  the  d, 
indicating  a  final  vocalic  syllable  which  was  not  written. 
This  again  suggests  that  the  gen.  of  dubh  is  the  last  part 
of  the  name,  and  this  finally  gives  the  native  pronuncia- 
tion to  complete  exactness. 

It  must,  however,  be  mentioned  that  the  stream  flow- 
ing by  the  church  and  churchyard  of  Kilmaillie  is  Allt 
Ciiil  a'  Chiarain,  the  burn  flowing  by  Si.  Ciaran's  Retreat. 
If  I  knew  that  Ciaran  was  a  mael  dubh,  which  he 
most  likely  was,  I  should  have  put  him  for  Fintan  in  all 
that  goes  before.  The  Annaid,  quite  near,  with  other 
things,  gives  the  suggestion  that  there  must  have  been  a 
considerable  monastery  near  to  where  now  stands  the 
parish  church. 


KILMAILLIE  77 

II.  There  are  no  English  names,  but  there  has  been 
a  steady  tendency  to  give  English  form  to  the  native 
names." 

III.  There  are  some  very  interesting  and  old  names. 
Achdaliew  is  locally  pronounced  achadh  d^  leth-6, 

with  this  last  sound  short,  the  only  doubtful  part  of  the 
name.  With  leth-bheinn,  implying  clearly  another  leth- 
bheinn,  or  half-hill^  or  hill  on  one  side  with  another 
opposite,  standing  over  the  achadh,  I  offer  Achadh  da 
leth-(th)aobh,  the  field  with  the  two  (half)  hill-sides. 

Banavie  =  banbh-aidh, ///^ //«^^  ^/z'^j.  One  reliable 
authority  gives  banbh  as  name  for  land  left  unploughed 
for  a  year — but  there  is  little  room  to  doubt  the  meaning 
here  given.  The  end  part  is  that  so  often  met  as  -ie, 
and  -y. 

Chamaghail  is  for  cam  +  dail,  therefore  rightly  a' 
cham(a)dhail  the  curved  field;  it  is  in  a  bend  of  the  river 
Lochy. 

Chl^ireig  (Aodann),  is  clearly  aodann,  a  face  (p.  7)  + 
a  stream  name  now  lost.  Compare  Beag-aig,  Suil-eig, 
quite  near. 

Corpach,  see  p.  14. 

Dogha  (Allt)  and  macan-dogha  is  burdock. 

Drumnasaille  is  druim  +  saill,  fat^  rather  than  saile, 
willow — evidently  a  good  farm, 

Dubh-lighe  and  Fionn-lighe,  the  black  and  the  white 
rivers.  This  lighe  is  not  now  used  in  the  spoken  lan- 
guage, but  the  root  li-  is  frequent  in  river-names.  In 
Welsh,  a  stream  or  flood  is  Hi,  which  indicates  the  Gaelic 
pronunciation  even  better  than  the  native  form. 

Gulvain  =  gaothail  +  bheinn,  windy  mount. 

Loy  (river  and  Glen)  =  laoigh,  from  \zsi^,calf.  Com- 
pare  Gour,   Eachaig,   Tairbh,    &c.,   into   which   animal 


78  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

names  come.  The  river  is  really  outside  Argyll,  but  I 
have  taken  it  in  as  an  illustration. 

Laragain  (Gleann)  must  be  from  lar,  floor  (p.  69), 
or  from  lairig",  which  is  doubtful. 

Muirshirlich  is  very  interesting.  The  correct  native 
name  is  mor-,  or,  perhaps  better,  mur-siar-luich,  and  I 
venture  a  peculiar  rendering.  I  take  the  last  syllable  to 
be  the  gen.  of  loch,  as  in  Ben  Vorlich  =  beinn  a'  mhor- 
luich ;  siar  is  west — the  motion-to  form  ;  and  the  mur  is, 
I  suggest,  for  old  mul,  an  eminence,  and  I  think  I  have 
met  the  name  so  spelled  in  records.  This  is  the  first 
point  from  which  a  traveller  coming  down  the  Great 
Glen  sees  the  western  sea — Loch-Linnhe  ;  therefore,  the 
eminence  of  the  Western  Loch  (Linnhe) — Se  non  ^  vero  k 
ton  trovato  ! 

Onfhaidh  (Meall)  is  stormy  hill. 

Putachan.     See  in  K.  (p.  30). 

Srachdach  (an),  better  Sracach,  from  srac,  tear;  there- 
fore, the  torn  hill. 

Siiileig  (river),  is  from  siiil,  the  eye,  perhaps  having  re- 
ference to  the  "  eye  "  of  its  source.  This  is  the  gen.  form 
of  siiil-eag,  governed  by,  say  abhainn  and  gleann. 

Uamhachan  (na  h-)  =  na  h-uamh  +  ach-an,  a  peculiar 
form  of  the  plural  not  now  used  much.  The  Survey  has 
the  name  as  Wauchan  !  It  is  Nahoacho  in  a  grant  of 
James  IV.  (1493),  which  perhaps  deserves  quoting.  The 
grant  is  to  Johannus  Makgilleoun  de  Lochboye  of  lands 
(i)  "in  dominio  de  Morwarn "  he  gives  the  lands  of 
Achenbeg,  Yecomys,  Kowelkelis,  Achafors,  Achena- 
gawyn,  Henyng  beg,  Areangus,  Corosmedyll,  Cleynland, 
Carmawin. 

(2)  "In  Locheale  infra  dominium  de  Lochabria" — 
terras  de  Banvy,  Mikeannich,  Fyelin,  Creglong,  Corpich, 


KILMAILLIE  79 

Inverate,  Achido,  Killmalye,  Achmoleag,  Drumfair- 
molach,  Faneworwille,  Fasefarna,StonsonIeak,Correbeag, 
Achitolleoun,  Drumnasalze,  Culenape,  Nahoacho,  Clere- 
chaik,  Mischerolach,  Crew,  Salachan,  et  dimidiam  Lyn- 
dally. 

(3)  And  Achlenan,  Drummyn,  Achywale,  Auchtycht, 
in  Arnfflane,  Aldachonnych,  Dowderre,  Yaore,  Derna- 
mart,  Barr — "  in  dominio  de  Moravia  (sic.)  Vic,  In- 
verness." 

This  is  a  very  good  example  of  the  very  mixed  forms 
of  these  old  documents.  They  are  wretchedly  done,  by 
persons  who  knew  nothing  at  all  of  the  names  nor  of 
their  meanings,  and  evidently  were  not  keen  to  know. 
One  can  see  at  a  glance  that  there  is  not  much  to  be 
learned  from  documents  such  as  this,  and  certainly 
nothing  adequate  to  the  time  wasted  in  examining  them. 
One  breath  of  the  native  speech,  guided  by  the  true 
native  ear  and  understanding,  is  worth  more  than 
"departments"  of  this  stuff — for  the  present  purpose, 
and  perhaps  for  any  or  every  purpose. 

IV.  There  are  no  Norse  names  in  Kilmaillie. 

V.  No  Church-names — except  the  district  name,  and 
one  or  two  side-names  already  mentioned. 

VI.  There  is  not  one  Personal  name,  and  that  surely 
is  not  because  there  was  not  a  man  in  Kilmaillie  or 
Lochaber  worth  naming  in  this  way.     There  were  many. 


8o  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

ARD-GOWER— AlRD-GHOBHAR 

I.  The  first  part  of  the  name  is  aird  certainly,  and  the 
second  part  has  been  always  taken  to  be  the  gen.  plural 
of  gobhar,  a  goat.  The  meaning  of  the  name  would  thus, 
and  therefore,  be  the  height  of  the  goats,  or  the  high  goat- 
land,  and  there  is  nothing  in  the  name  to  contradict  this 
rendering.  Some  have,  however,  raised  doubts,  because 
the  natives  say  Gleann  na  gobhar,  so  making  the  word 
gobhar,  or  the  word  so  pronounced,  apply  primarily  to 
the  river,  from  which  it  was,  as  is  almost  always  the  case, 
carried  on  to  the  land-names  of  the  Glen  and  the  district. 
I  have  heard  Corran  dirde  goibhre  spoken  of  locally, 
which  would  seem  to  be  confirmation  that  gobhar, 
a  goat,  is  the  essential  in  the  name,  unless  indeed  it  may 
be  taken  to  point  another  way.  This  expression  uses 
the  singular  genitive ;  the  district  name  uses  a  plural. 
The  singular  form,  without  doubt,  refers  to  the  river- 
name  as  singular,  and  whether  it  is  a  piece  of  folk 
etymology  is  not  easy  to  determine.  The  river-names  of 
Gaelic  are  feminine,  but  that  may  be  because  they  follow 
the  grammatical  gender  of  abhainn,  a  river,  which  is 
feminine  always.  The  river-name  of  the  district  is  the 
Gour,  assumed  to  be  gobhar,  and  this  is  neither  im- 
possible nor  improbable.  It  is  remarkable  how  many 
rivers  are  named  upon  animals.  A  difficulty  has  been 
raised  in  that  the  natives  say  Gleann  na  gobhar,  which 
would  throw  the  whole  burden  of  the  name  upon  the  river, 
and  would  leave  the  meaning  of  the  river-name  in  doubt ; 
but,  on  the  other  hand,  it  has  been  denied  altogether  that 
the  article  na  appears  in  the  name,  but  only  a  bridge- 
tone,  as  Gleann  (a)  gobhar  which  helps,  or  is  necessary 


ARD-GOWER  81 

to,  the  pronunciation.  Lochan  nan  gobhar  is  on  the  river 
course,  and  regarding  this  or  its  clear  meaning  there  can 
be  no  doubt.  So  it  is  almost  quite  safe  to  say  that 
the  Gaelic  gobhar,  a  goaty  is  here  the  principal  element 
in  the  name. 

II.  There  are  no  English  names,  and  no  attempt 
to  translate. 

III.  The  grammar  and  form  of  names  are  good.  In 
fact,  one  wonders  whether  the  touch  of  a  vanished  hand, 
that  of  the  lovely  man  and  scholar  of  Kilmaillie,  is  not 
yet  visible  in  these  names  on  both  sides  of  Loch  Eil. 
There  are  not  many  troublesome  names. 

Achafubil  =  achadh  a'  phubaill,  tent-field  (Lat.  papilio  ; 
Eng.  pavilion). 

Arihoulan  =  ^iridh  Ualain  =  Valentines  ^iridh,  a 
name  which  was  not  uncommon  in  the  old  time. 

Beathaig  (Mam),  a  stream-name  +  mam  (Hills). 

Bheitheachain  (Creag)  is  beithe,  birch,  +  ach-ain. 

Blathaich  =  blath,  warm,  sheltered^  +  aidh. 

Callop  =  calpa,  the  calf  of  the  leg — a  body-name. 

Chreagain  (Sron  a'),  would  point  to  the  rock  —  i.e. 
knowe — but  the  local  pronunciation  is  Sron  a'  chrith-eag- 
ain,  which  would,  if  that  was  possible,  and  I  am  not  able 
to  say,  make  the  name  aspen-tree  knowe  or  nose. 

Clovulin  =  cladh,  burial-place  by  the  mill. 

Conaghleann  =  the  river-name  +  gleann  {note). 

Conaire,  from  con,  dogs,  or  con,  together  {note). 

Duisky  =  dubh-uisge,  black  water  stream. 

Garbhan  =  garbh,  rough,  +  dim.  -an  (p.  41). 

lall  (Loch),  from  iall  (pi.),  a  thong  {note). 

Salachan  =  seileach-an,  the  place  of  the  willows,  -f- 
dim.  -an. 

Sleaghach  (Doire),  from  sleagh,  a  spear,  +  ach. 

F 


82  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Tarbert,  here,  as  in  other  places,  is  from  Loch  (Eil) 
to  Loch  (Shiel).    See  p.  20. 

IV.  There  are  a  few  Norse  names  along  the  coast. 
Camus  nan  Gall  and  Eilean  nan  Gall  are  a  memorial 
of  the  Viking-r.  Trlsleig  is  a  Norse-named  bay.  Inver- 
scaddle,  which  is  inbher-sca^-cfa//,  is  Norse  in  its  last 
two  parts.  The  river  may  have  been  named  Scat  by 
the  Norseman,  whence  Scat-dale,  which  the  native 
thought  was  the  river-name,  and  he  prefixed  his  own 
inbher.  The  only  Norse  word  which  seems  to  fit  the 
name  is  scat,  a  tax,  or  rent,  and  therefore  it  might  be 
rent-dale,  for  some  reason  of  Viking=r  economics  that 
perhaps  can  never  be  known.  Inversanda  =  inbher 
sand  -\-  a,  river.  Feith,  a  bog — Feith-raoiceadail  suggests 
Norse,  but  it  is  a  simple  and  common  Gaelic  form  from 
raoic,  roar,  or  bellow. 

V.  There  is  only  one  Church-name,  Kiel,  in  the  district. 

VI.  Bheathain  (Stob  mhic)  is  in  English  form 
Macbean,  Macbain,  Macvean,  &c.,  from  beatha,  life — 
therefore,  "  son  of  life." 

Eacharn  (Sgorr  mhic).  The  name  comes  from  each, 
horse,  -f  tighearna,  lord.,  or  knight.  There  is  in  the  Book 
of  Leinster^  referring  to  a  raid  into  Kintyre,  tain  teora 
nerc  ecdach,  with  which  it  is  surely  interesting  to 
compare  Ptolemy's  Epidium  Proinontorium,  and  Prof. 
MacKinnon's  observation  that  this  was  the  primal  home 
of  the  MacEacherns. 

Mhic  a'  Phee  (his  Camus).  This  is  one  of  the  oldest 
personal  Gaelic  names  in  existence.  It  is  dubh  +  sith, 
the  black  (one)  of  peace.  It  is  in  Irish  names  common  as 
Duffy.  Its  plan  and  concept  go  far  away  beyond  those 
of  even  our  old  names. 


SUNART  83 


S  U  N  ART— SU  AINE  ART 

I.  This  is  a  purely  Norse  nd.me  =  Sweyn's  fjord  or 
/rt/A.  The  name  is  found  as  Swynwort  (1392),  Swyn- 
fiurd  (1499),  Soynfort  (1505),  Swnorthe  (1517),  Swynfurd 
(1543),  called  "Isle  of  Shunard"  (1667),  and  Swenard 
(1723) — all  of  which  leaves  no  doubt  as  to  the  origin 
of  the  name.  The  "Isle  of  Shunard"  has  its  ex- 
planation in  "TheTarbert"  from  Loch  Linne  to  Loch 
Sunart,  although  it  does  not  make  an  isle  of  Sunart 
but  of  Morven — in  the  same  sense  as  Kintyre  was  made 
an  island  (p.  20).  It  often  happens  that  a  sea-name 
is  transferred  to  the  land  and  is  again,  as  here,  also 
carried  back  to  the  sea.  Suaineart  was  a  sea-name 
at  first ;  then,  the  district  was  named  Suaineart,  and 
then  the  district  name  was  again  carried  back  to 
the  sea — as  Loch  Sunart.  There  is  a  Suaine-port  a 
few  miles  down  the  loch,  and  Loch  Sween  in  K.  is 
almost  certainly  of  the  same  origin.  The  Sweyn  who 
made  his  mark  was  a  Dane,  father  of  the  Canute  of 
British  history.  He  overcame  Norway  about  A.D.  1000, 
and  England  some  years  later,  and  in  the  meantime 
the  whole  west  of  Scotland. 

II.  The  English  names  are  few,  and  they  are  mostly 
all  translations, hke  Longrigg,for  lomaire  fada  and  Wood- 
end  for  old  Ceann  na  coille.  Scotstown  is  a  memory 
of  the  time  when  Lowlanders  went  there  to  work  the 
lead-mines.  It  is  remarkable  that  they  were  looked 
upon  as  "  Scots "  and  strangers.  Bellgrove  is  modern, 
and  strongly  out  of  place. 

III.  The  Gaelic  names  are  good.  They  are  not 
well  rendered  by  the  Survey,  but  to  me,  knowing  them 


84  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

well,  they  present  no  difBculty.  Some  are,  however, 
of  sufficient  interest  for  note. 

Achnanlia  on  Loch  Sunart,  even  if  familiar,  offers 
suggestions.  There  is  old  lia,  a  stone,  which  fits  it 
perfectly,  and  there  is  liagh,  a  ladle,  which  also  is 
quite  possible,  if  we  remember  the  constant  factor  of 
imagination  and  of  accident  in  these  names — therefore, 
achadh  nan  lia,  stone-field,  or  achadh  nan  liagh,  ladle- 
field. 

Albannaich  (Beinn  an)  and  Sron  a'  Bhreatunnaich 
are  peculiar,  in  that  the  "Scot"  and  the  "Briton" 
are  marked  and  commemorated  as  outsiders.  The 
whole  history  of  Argyll  is  consistent  with  this  feeling. 
The  "Scot"  is  historically  supposed  to  have  come  from 
Ireland — from  the  Irish  Scotia — but  one  thing  is  ab- 
solutely certain,  that  he  has  not  left  a  single  fragment 
of  his  name  in  Argyll,  and  it  is  certain  also  that  he 
was  looked  upon  as  coming  from  east  of  Drum-Alban, 
whatever  the  explanation  may  be,  rather  than  from 
the  west.  It  is  almost  certain  that  the  Briton  of  Strath- 
Clyde  found  his  way  more  or  less  effectively  into  the 
county,  as  many  of  the  names  show. 

Aisridh  (Meall  an)  is  for  ais-ruighe.  The  ais  here 
is  only  heard  in  a  few  phrases  of  the  language  now, 
usually  with  Verbs  of  Motion,  e.g.  thainig  e  air  ais, 
chaidh  h  air  ais,  he  came  (or  wejit)  back.  The  best 
rendering  would  be  something  like  counter-rm^'^,  with 
which  may  be  compared  oi(d)-tir,  and  frith-allt,  and 
many  other  names. 

Anaheilt  is  for  ath,  the  ford  of  the  eilid  (6ilde)  a  hind. 

Camusine  is  for  Camus  eidhinn.  Ivy-bay. 

Ceanna  garbh,  on  Loch  Shiel,  shows  a  peculiar 
development   in   the  final  a  of  the  first  part.     There  is 


SUNART  85 

no  reason  to  look  upon  the  form  as  plural,  and  this 
a  is  very  rarely  met  with  in  singular  forms,  unless  it 
be  in  river  (glen)  names,  such  as  Gleann(a)  Comhann, 
Gleann(a)  M^ilidh,  Gleanii(a)  Cingidh,  in  which  I  have 
myself  ventured  to  suggest  that  the  Article  appeared 
— Gleann  na  Comhann,  Gleann  na  Mailidh,  Gleann  na 
Cingidh,  and  1  must  say  that  I  am  even  now  more 
strongly  of  this  mind.  The  meaning  of  Ceanna  garbh 
is  the  rough  hmd-\a,nd,  which  is  quite  descriptive. 

C6mh-dhail — pr.  co-ail  (Carn  m6r  na)  is  1800  feet  up, 
on  the  western  shoulder  of  big  Ben  Resipol,  the  big  cairn 
of  the  meeting,  the  great  cairn  which  marked  the  meeting- 
place  where  the  kind  people  of  Moidart  and  Loch  Shiel 
"met  the  body"  on  its  way  to  Eilean  Fhianain,  borne 
so  far  upon  the  strong  shoulders  of  the  men  of  the 
Sunart  side.  The  poor  clay,  whatever  its  merit  or  de- 
merit in  life,  became  in  death  the  sacred  common 
property  and  responsibility  of  all,  when  he  who  was 
the  strongest  and  best  forgave  most,  and  forgot  every- 
thing but  his  duty  to  the  highest.  This  name  remains, 
and  let  us  hope  the  Cam  m6r,  for  ever,  as  the  memory 
and  memorial  of  an  exquisite  humanity,  and  of  a  man- 
liness which  "the  miserable  sons  of  arithmetic  and  of 
prudence"  have  not  understood,  and  have  not  now 
any  hope  of  ever  being  able  to  understand.  "  Mar  ghath 
soluis  do  m'  anam  f^in  tha  sgeula  na  h-aimsir  a  dh- 
fhalbh." 

an  Crasg,  on  Loch  Shiel,  is  an  across-\?Lnd.  It  is 
from  the  same  source  as  cross  and  cross-ag,  which  latter 
would  be  possible  only  for  the  grammatical  gender-form, 
which  for  crasg  here  is  Masculine,  and  makes  crass-ag 
not  possible. 

Dig  is  here  always  a  ditch     There  are  three  of  them 


86  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

flowing  into  the  lower  end  of  Loch  Shiel — Dig  na  criche, 
the  march  ditch,  Dig  a'  bhogha,  the  bow  ditch,  and  Dig  an 
sgulain,  the  ditcJi  of  the  wicker-basket. 

Crudh  an  eich,  also  on  Loch  Shiel,  is  the  horse-shoe, 
simply  descriptive  of  the  shape  of  the  Point.  There  is 
another  at  Kerrara. 

Loch  an  Duileat  is  for  Loch  an  duibh-leathaid,  named 
upon  the  leitir  dhubh  rising  from  it. 

Creag  an  Eighich  is  the  rock  of  the  echo — although,  in 
speech,  the  first  syllable  of  eighich  has  become  short, 
where  it  is  naturally  long. 

Frith-allt  (Leac  nam),  the  leac  of  the  parallel  streams, 
or  the  streams  against  each  other.  This  frith  is  the  old 
Gaelic  Preposition,  which  now  remains  in  the  language 
as  ri,  e.g.  riumsa  =  frith-um-sa,  Lat.  vers-us  me.  There  are 
about  twenty  of  these  streams  within  a  mile  and  a  half, 
beyond  Goirtean-Mhoirein,  flowing  practically  parallel 
into  Loch  Shiel. 

Lochan  bac  an  lochain  is  a  peculiar  Gaelic  repetition. 
The  bac  is  named  on  the  lochan,  and  then  again  the 
Lochan  is  named  on  Bac  an  lochain. 

Torran  nam  mial  shows  a  peculiar  change  in  the  value 
of  a  word.  Mial  now  is  a  louse  always,  but  in  old  com- 
binations it  simply  means  an  animal,  or,  rather,  a  wild 
animal,  whence  mial-chii,  a  deer-hound,  or  wild  animal 
hound.   The  name  was  applied  to  a  deer,  hare,  whale,  &c. 

Meille  (Coire  na)  is  the  "corrie"  of  the  cheek-^vdiO.. 
Meill  is  old  Gaelic  for  the  cheeky  and  with  the  name  may  be 
compared  the  Norse  name  Kina-bus,  Chin-town,  I.  This 
meille  is  the  genitive  of  meill. 

Polloch  =  poll  (an)  locha,  Loch-pool. 

Resaurie  =  (an)  ruighe  samhraidh,  the  summer  shelling 
(see  p.  19). 


SUNART  87 

Sailean  (see  p.  19),  There  are  three  Saileans  in  the 
west-southern  corner  of  Sunart  —  the  Sailean  proper, 
Sailean  nan  cuileag  (J//^^-Sailean),  and  Sailean  an 
e6ma,  the  dar/ej'Sa,ilea,n.  They  are  all  good  examples. 
The  Sailean  Dubh,  on  Loch  Shiel,  is  interesting  as  a 
Sailean  where  there  is  no  s^ile — that  is,  no  sea-water, 
It  is  either  a  comparison  with,  or  an  imitation  of,  the 
sea-name,  or  is  it  a  memory  of  the  time,  long  ago,  when 
Loch  Shiel  itself  was  sea.     This  last  is  altogether  unlikely. 

Slinndrich  (Torr  na).  This  word  is  not  given  in  our 
dictionaries,  but  it  means,  as  nearly  as  possible,  the 
''jingling"  of  a  chain,  or  a  sound  of  that  kind.  The 
"clanking"  of  a  heavy  chain  is  not  near  the  meaning, 
nor  the  "  tinkling  "  of  a  small  chain.  It  is  the  medium 
sound — which  I  have  heard  applied  to  the  noise  pro- 
duced by  shells  on  the  sea-shore  falling  and  rubbing 
over  each  other. 

IV.  Norse  names  are  not  many.  Sunart  itself,  and 
Resipol,  and  Scamtnadal  are  clearly  Norse.  The  Cnap 
need  not  be  looked  upon  as  Norse,  and  Ariundail  is 
doubtful. 

V.  The  Church  names  are  all  on  Loch  Shiel.  Eilean 
Fhianain  (St.  Finan's  Isle)  is  there,  about  six  miles  up  the 
loch,  and  his  Chapel  is  on  the  island,  and  his  Well  is  on 
the  mainland  (Tobar  Fhianain).  In  the  near  neighbour- 
hood are  Camus-Bhlathain  (p.  175),  Goirtean  Mhoirean 
(p.  185),  and  Allt  MhicCiarain.  The  name  of  Glenfinnan 
is  not  related  to  the  name  of  St.  Finnan.  It  is  Gleann 
Fhion-abhainn,  the  glen  of  the  clear,  or  bright,  river,  pro- 
nounced natively,  as  nearly  as  possible,  the  same  as  the 
name  MacKinnon  =  Mac  find-gen  =/rtz>-(^c?r«.  See  Fion- 
abhainn  and  Inverinan. 

VI.  There  is  quite  a  number  of  Personal  names.     No 


88  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

man  in  the  history  of  time  has  had  a  more  magnificent 
monument  to  his  memory  than  the  man  immortalised  in 
the  name  of  Sgurr(a)  Dhomhnaill,  and  yet  this  man  is  as 
utterly  unknown  as  death  can  make  him.  A  Donald, 
surely  of  some  sort  of  importance  in  his  day — perhaps  a 
Lochiel,  perhaps  a  zany — but  now  indistinguishably  lost. 
There  is  Eilean  mhic  Dhomh'aill  duibh,  on  Loch  Shiel, 
down  below,  and  Lochan  Mhic'ille  dhuibh  half  way 
between, 

Ruighe-Raonaill  gives  a  Norse  name  from  rdgn-valdr, 
a  ruler  from  the  gods,  with  the  Gaelic  ruighe. 

AUt-Eachain  might  suggest  the  name  Eachann,  now 
rendered  Hector,  but  I  am  confident  that  the  name  is 
Each  +  -ain,  horse-Water,  with  which  compare  Each-aig 
and  others.  The  distinguishing  point  here  is  most  diffi- 
cult to  convey.  The  Gaelic  ear  will  recognise  at  once 
the  small  but  essential  tinge  of  difference  between  AUt- 
Eachain  and  AUt-Eachuinn.  The  two  names  are  the 
same  in  the  first  part,  Each  = //^rj^.  It  is  in  the  second 
they  differ,  the  one  being  a  stream,  the  other  a  warrior, 

Ciarain  (Lochan  mhic)  should  perhaps  be  referred  to 
the  Church-names.  See  Ciaran,  p.  170.  The  name  is 
from  ciar,  dusky — therefore,  the  dusky  one — a  personal 
characteristic. 


ARDNAMURCHAN  89 


ARDNAMURCHAN— ARDNAMURUCHAN 

This  name  is  Gaelic  in  all  its  parts,  and  still  it  is 
not  understood  by  even  the  Gaelic  people.  The  first 
part  Ard,  a  height,  has  been  explained  (p.  10) ;  the  nam, 
of  which  the  m  disappears  by  overlapping  with  the  other 
following,  is  the  gen.  pi.  of  the  article  ;  the  end  part 
— muruchan — itself  of  necessity  a  gen.  pi. — is  the  difficult 
part.  Some  have  said  that  the  name  is  Ard  na  mor 
chuan,  the  height  of  the  great  seas,  and  others  that  it  may 
be  Ard  nam  murchon,  the  height  of  the  sea-hounds,  the 
Gaelic  form  being  an  old  name  for  whales.  The  name 
is,  however,  locally  and  correctly  pronounced  as  a  word 
of  five  syllables,  corresponding  as  nearly  as  possible  to 
the  Gaelic  form  given  above.  I  have  therefore  thought 
that  there  is  not  any  word  in  Gaelic,  neither  now  nor  in 
the  older  language,  which  more  fitly  fills  the  place  and 
fits  the  circumstances,  than  the  word  mnrdhuchan,  which 
has  been  rendered  as  mermaids,  sea-nymphs,  or  sirens, 
or,  as  might  be  said,  the  sighing  sad-ones  (dubhach-an) 
of  the  sea,  for  that  was  the  Gaelic  concept  of  the 
mermaid-kind.  In  a  land  full  of  poetic  imagination  and 
expression,  this  rendering  is  not  only  possibly  true  but  is 
very  likely  to  be  so.  There  certainly  cannot  be  any 
fault  to  find  with  it  from  the  side  of  language.  Ard 
na  mur(dh)uchan,  the  height  of  the  sea-nymphs,  is  there- 
fore offered  as  the  best  interpretation  of  the  name  that  I 
can  give.  In  an  old  Gaelic  text,  Cath  Fitttragha,  the 
word  is  finely  used  :  Is  ann  sin  imoro  ro  eirgeadar  na 
gaetha  ocus  roardaigheadar  na  tonna  conach  cualadar- 
san  enni  acht  imall  mear  maithreac  na  murdhucann, 
and  then  indeed  arose  the  winds,  and  the  waves  o^rew  hisrh. 


90  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

so  that  they  heard  nothing  but  the  furious  mad  sporting  of 
the  mermaids. 

A  new  meaning  of  the  name  has  been  suggested 
lately  by  the  distinguished  scholar  who  is  Bodley's 
librarian  at  Oxford.  Adamnan,  in  his  Life  of  St.  Columba, 
has  occasion  to  mention  Ardnamurchan  a  few  times. 
In  one  place  he  writes  the  name  Ardtamuirchol,  and 
in  another  place  he  gives  the  dative  form  Ardtaibmuirchol. 
The  interest  is  in  the  last  syllable  of  this  form  of  the 
name.  Dr.  Reeves,  in  his  magnificent  rendering  of 
Adamnan's  work,  explained  -col  as  hazel,  the  present 
call-tunn.  This  would  be  quite  acceptable  if  we  were 
compelled  to  believe  that  Adamnan's  form  was  correct. 
Mr.  Nicholson,  however,  gives  another  meaning.  He 
says  that  this  is  the  height  of  the  sea  (or  Passage)  of  ^oll, 
the  island,  which  lies  some  ten  miles  west  and  south 
of  the  Point.  This,  however,  is  exposed  to  the  further 
and  fatal  objection  that  if,  as  is  almost  certain,  the 
Norseman  gave  its  name  to  Coll,  then  it  was  not  so 
named  in  Adamnan's  time.  It  is  perfectly  safe  to  trust 
the  native  spoken  transmission  of  the  name,  for  any 
length  of  time,  especially  in  a  place  so  far  removed  from 
outside  influences  as  this  is,  and  there  never  has  been  any 
suggestion  of  Adamnan's  form  in  the  native  speech. 
Old  written  forms  of  the  name  are  Ardenmurich  (1293), 
Ardnamurchin  (1307),  Ardnamurchan  (1336),  Ardna- 
murcho  (1478),  Ardmurquhane  (1494),  Ardnamurchane 
(1515),  Ardnamurquhan  (1519),  Ardnamorquhy  (1550). 
"The  Clan  Ean  Murguenich  were  the  old  inhabitants," 
we  are  told  by  one  of  the  best  writers  upon  Scottish 
history — Cosmo  Innes.  He  did  not  know  Gaelic,  nor 
the  Gaelic  method.  There  never  was  any  such  clan. 
The  Muruchanaich  were,  and  are,  the   native    people, 


ARDNAMURCHAN  91 

named  upon  the  place  in  shortened  form,  the  same  way 
as  Lochaber  men  and  Kintyre  men  are  spoken  of  as 
Abaraich  and  Tirich.  Ian  Murchanach  was  one  of  the 
Ardnamurchan  people,  the  chief  among  them  almost 
certainly,  and  they  were  named  his  clan  because  he  was 
their  Chief,  as  we  have  the  Clan  Ronalds  and  others. 

II.  English  names  are  few.  Shielfoot  is  simply  the  foot 
of  Shiel  river.  It  is  Bun  na  h-abhann  locally ;  but 
there  is  the  other  genitive  in  Meall  bun  na  h-aibhne. 
Newton,  Braehouse,  Camphouse,  Horsgate,  Raelands, 
are  of  no  interest,  unless  the  last  is  a  hybrid  of  Gaelic 
with  English  =reidh,  levels  +  lands,  which  is  appropriate. 

III.  The  grammar  of  names  is  here,  upon  the  whole, 
good.  Lochan  na  caisil  and  Loch  a'  chaisil,  the  one  Fern, 
the  other  Masc,  within  a  short  distance  of  each  other,  is, 
however,  peculiar.  The  difference  can  only  be  explained 
by  full  local  knowledge.  There  is  a  Gaelic  Fem.  noun 
which  fits  the  first  name  and  conditions  well,  and  there 
IS  a  Masc.  noun  of  the  same  form,  caiseal,  but  meaning 
a  castle,  which  fits  the  second  name,  if  the  local  history 
fits.  It  is  very  difficult  to  believe  that  two  different 
forms  or  grammatical  genders  of  the  same  word  can 
have  grown  within  five  miles  of  each  other.  Port  na 
croisg'  is  almost  certainly  the  same  name  as  Crask  on 
Loch  Shiel,  but  this  is  Fem.,  the  other  Masc.  Rudha  a' 
choit  is  here  Masc.,  but  in  the  north  the  word  is  usually 
Fem. — "an  aite  na  coit  drochaid-Bhana."  Lochan  a' 
churra  again  is  out  of  the  common  usage,  the  noun 
being  usually  Feminine. 

There  are  not  many  difficult  Gaelic  names. 
Ariveagaig  is  on  a  nameless  stream,  which  must  have 
been  called  Beagaig,  the  small  river,  for  this  -aig  is  quite 
a  common  river-ending,  cf  Aircaig,  Eachaig,  &c. 


92  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Borrodale  (Glen)  is  Norse  =  feorg- +  cfaZ-r,  fort-dale. 
The  Survey,  or  some  wise  person,  thought  that  Borrodale 
was  some  great  man,  after  whom  the  place  was  named, 
and  they  here  mark  his  grave  !  Borrodale  was  not, 
however,  a  man,  but  the  fine  Borg-ar-dale,  tlie  castle-dale, 
the  "larach"  of  which  may  be  seen  there  to  the  present 
day  as  the  caisteal  breac,  or  grey  castle.  Tom  a'  chadail, 
the  sleeping  hillock,  in  the  near  neighbourhood,  is  almost 
certainly  Tom  a'  chaisteil,  castle-hill. 

Bourblaig  has  a  very  foreign  feeling,  and  most  likely 
has  its  explanation  in  Camus  nan  Geall,  which  see. 

Briaghlann  =  breagh,  fine.,  +  lann,  enclosure. 

Camusinas  is  camus  +  Aonghas,  a  certain  Angus. 

Camus-nan-geall  should  clearly  be  Camus  nan  Gall, 
the  bay  of  the  strangers — the  Norsemen,  without  doubt. 
It  is  easily  possible  that  this  was  the  Bourblaig  =  6or^  + 
bol-^vik,  of  the  strangers  themselves — the  fort-steading 
Bay — and  that  the  natives,  after  the  departure  of  the 
strangers,  made  this  appropriate  if  not  literal  translation 
of  the  name,  which  now  remains  as  that  of  the  farm 
close  by. 

Eididh  (Sgeir  an).  Eideadh  is  Gaelic  for  clothes,  but 
it  is  almost  certain  that  this  should  be  Sgeir  an  t-s6ididh, 
from  s^id,  blow  (of  the  wind),  therefore  Sgeir  an 
t-s4ididh,  the  windy  skerry,  with  an  "  eclipsis  "  which  is 
not  common  so  far  south  {note). 

Ghallain  (Dun).  The  Norseman  is  strongly  evident 
in  this  part,  so  that  Dun  a'  Ghall-ain  is  probably  the 
best  rendering.  Gallan  means  a  branch,  and  poetically 
a  youth,  but  with  Port  nan  Gall,  the  Port  of  the  strangers 
immediately  next  the  Dim,  I  think  this  rendering  is  safe. 

Ard-druimnich  (Rudha — twice)  is  ard  +  druim  +  an 
-aich. — See  Druim. 


ARDNAMURCHAN  93 

Ghanntair  (Tom  a') — gainntir,  a  prison  (Voc). 

Branault  =  braigh  nan  allt,  the  brae  of  the  streams. 

Faodhail  (bhan  and  dhubh)  are  very  good  examples 
and  illustrations  of  this  name  and  its  signification 
(see  p.  15). 

Fiann  (Lochan  nam)  and  Greideal  Fhinn,  Fionn's 
griddle^  ox  grille,  speak  of  Fingalian  times  and  traditions. 
Those  who  are  disposed  to  discredit  Macpherson,  and 
to  look  upon  his  Poems  of  Ossian  as  a  baseless  and 
fraudulent  imposture,  have  much  to  learn  from  the 
place-names  of  the  Highlands  —  which  were  before 
Macpherson.  We  can  no  more  believe  that  Macpherson 
knew  of  these  names  than  that  he  made  them, 

Glendrian  =  gleann  nan  droigheann,  thorn-woods'  glen. 

Gruagaich  (Loch  na).  The  name  is  here  feminine, 
although  in  the  elf-tradition  of  the  Highlands  it  is  usually 
masculine.  Gruag  means  the  hair  of  the  heady  and 
Gruagach  means  one  with  an  abundance  of  hair.  It  is 
now  finely  applied  to  a  young  woman  on  this  account, 
and  not  with  any  reference  to  the  gruagach  of  Elf-dom 
and  Fingalian  tradition.  For  a  full  and  most  interesting 
description  of  the  life  and  functions  of  the  Gruagach, 
consult  Mr.  Carmichael's  Carniina  Gadelica,  vol.  ii. 
p.  289.     Compare  maldag  (p.  121). 

Imeilte  (Beinn  na  h-),  is  Gaelic,  but  it  is  uncommon. 
It  seems  to  be  akin  to  iomall,  a  border,  or  boundary,  like 
early  Irish  imbel  and  Welsh  ymyl  of  the  same  meaning. 

Kintra  is  for  Cinn-tragha,  a  good  example  of  the 
locative  form  (see  p.  92),  with  an  interesting  old  genitive 
form  in  tragha,  the  head  of  the  land,  so  far  as  the  tide 
reached,  and  which  was  left  dry  at  ebb. 

Luingeanach  (Rudha),  is  from  long,  a  ship — there- 
fore, the  place  so  oiiQn  frequented  by  ships. 


94  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Mhadaidh  riabhaich  (Lochan  a').  Madadh  is  the 
generic  term  for  the  dog-kind.  The  madadh-ruadh  is 
the  red  dog — the  fox.  The  madadh-allaidh  is  the  wild 
dog — the  wolf.  The  otter  has  been  called,  among  other 
things,  the  madadh  donn,  the  dun-dog — without  regard  to 
zoology.  The  madadh  riabhach,  the  brindled  dog  may 
be,  simply  a  local  dog. 

Sligneach  (Mhor  and  Bheag),  are  two  small  islands, 
named  from  slige,  a  shell,  in  which  they  presumably 
abounded.  It  is  very  interesting  to  observe  that  Ard- 
slignish,  on  the  mainland,  has  taken  and  kept  the  Norse 
nes  for  the  Point.  The  Norsemen  must  have  kept  the 
Gaelic  name  and  added  their  aes,  or  the  natives  must 
have  become  so  familiar  with  the  Norse  tongue  as  to 
have  affixed  the  nes  themselves. 

Shianta  (Beinn),  is  the  charmed  or  blessed  mountain. 
The  word  is  akin  to  Lat.  signum,  "  the  sign  of  the  Cross," 
and  it  is  impossible  to  say  how  the  name  may  be  related 
to  the  church  of  Cill-Chomhghain,  which  it  almost 
certainly  is. 

Spainteach  (Port  nan),  the  Spaniards  Port,  is  a 
memory,  without  doubt,  of  the  Spanish  Armada,  of 
which  so  very  interesting  relics  have  been  lately  dis- 
covered in  the  bay  of  Tobermory. 

na  Stallacha  dubha,  the  black  ledges  (p.  20),  is  a  very 
good  instance  of  the  way  in  which  the  native  Gaelic  has 
assimilated  the  pertinent  Norse  names.  The  name  is 
from  N.  stalUr  a  block  (of  rock),  or  a  shelf,  and  in  this 
case  it  is  perfectly  descriptive. 

Tairbeart  here,  near  Salen,  is  peculiar,  for  there 
is  no  isthmus,  unless  the  name  is  a  little  displaced,  and 
properly  refers  to  the  narrow  part  from  Salen  to  Loch 
Shiel,  which  it  almost  certainly  does. 


ARDNAMURCHAN  95 

IV.  Norse  names  are  numerous.  Some  are  pure,  like 
EUagadal,  Fascadal,  Groudle,  Qirigadal,  Laga,  Ockle, 
Ormsaig,  Risga,  Suairdail;  some  are  mixed  like  Ardt-oe, 
Bogha-CQ,o\  kr6.,  Camus-^orsa,  Gleann-feorroda//,  Sualne- 
port;  and  some  like  Acairseid,  Cnap,  and  Stallacha 
dubha,  are  so  much  at  home  in  the  native  language  that 
they  need  not  be  looked  upon  as  outsiders. 

V.  There  are  only  a  few  Church-names : — Kilchoain  = 
Cill-Chomhghain  (p.  178),  Kilmory  and  Cill  Mhairi  (the 
same),  St.  Columba's  Well  and  Cladh  Chaluim  (the 
same),  and  Cladh  Chattain  (p.  175). 

VI.  The  Personal  names  are  : — 

Cathair  Mhic  Dhiarmaid,  tAe  son  of  Diarrnad's 
ckair.  The  chair  is  figurative,  like  Greideal  Fhinn,  am 
Bord  Latharnach,  &c.  The  name  Diarmad  gives  its 
fundamental  strain  to  the  family  of  the  Dukes  of  Argyll. 
The  Diarmad  of  history  was  son  of  Fergus  Cerr-beoil, 
whose  stronghold,  as  monarch  of  Erin,  was  Kells,  in  the 
early  time  of  St,  Columba.  It  is  surely  interesting  to 
remark  that  not  only  has  the  Diarmad  element  remained 
for  so  long  in  the  Argyll  tradition,  but  the  Cerr-beoil 
also,  although  it  is  now  Cam-beul — the  same  thing — the 
wry  mouth.  It  was  in  the  time  of  Fergus  Cerr-beoil  that 
"Tara's  Halls"  were  cursed  and  ruined.  Diarmad 
is  said  to  have  died  A.D.  550. 

Farquhar's  Point — Rudha  Fhearchair  in  Gaelic — is 
named  after  a  certain  Farquhar.  Who  he  was  I  cannot 
say.  The  name  is  an  old  Keltic  name  =  Ver-car-os  (Mb.), 
**  super-di^2LX  one."  The  elements  remain  in  the  language 
still — the  Prep,  air,  old  for  +  car,  as  in  car-aid,  a 
friend. 

Maclean's  Nose  is  a  very  fine  nose — a  perfect  instance 
of  the   imaginative   transport    of   the   body-part   to   the 


96  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

land.  It  is  natively  called  Sron  mhor,  the  big  nose,  and 
rightly  so,  for  it  rises  upon  the  lines  of  a  good  nose 
from  the  sea  to  the  height  of  over  a  thousand  feet. 

Diin-Mhurchaidh  is  the  stronghold  of  Murdoch,  the 
first  of  whose  name  was  Muri-cat-os,  "  sea- warrior  " — 
the  muri  part  being  the  familiar  muir,  the  sea,  and  the 
second  part  is  cat,  which  remains  in  cath,  battle,  ox  fight. 
See  Donnchadh,  p.  37, 

Neill  (Sgeir),  Neilfs  rock,  is  on  the  south  coast  near 
Glenborrodale,  and  Eilean  mhic  Neill  is  on  the  north 
coast.  This  name  too  is  old.  It  carries  the  essential 
idea  of  "  warrior,"  or  "  brave,"  still  remaining  in  the 
Adj.  ni-ata,  courageous. 

Rum 

I.  The  name  is  not  clear.  It  does  not  seem  to  be 
Gaelic.  The  N.  rym-r,  aroaring,  seems  possible  and  not 
quite  improbable,  because  of  its  many  roaring  waterfalls. 
I  have  not  met  the  name  with  terminal  -i,  but  as  -e. 

II.  There  are  no  English  names.  Schooner  Point, 
and  Wreck  Bay,  on  the  east  coast,  are  the  memory  of  a 
comparatively  recent  event.  Waterfall  occurs  often,  but 
it  is  a  translation  of  eas. 

III.  Rum  is  remarkable  in  that  the  later  Gaelic 
restoration  of  names  has  almost  altogether  cleared  the 
Norse  names  away  and  replaced  them,  all  but  on  the 
highest  hills — Allival,  Ashval,  Tralllval,  &c. 

Airidh  na  maith  innse,  the  airidh  (p.  20)  0/  the 
fruitful "  haughy 

Atha  (Camus  na  h-),  the  bay  of  the  ford. 

Barr-saibh,  the  grassy  Barr.  Feur-saibh  is  scytJie-grasS) 
or  grass  that  is  or  may  be  cut  with  a  scythe,  but  there 


ARDNAMURCHAN  97 

would  not  seem  to  be  any  connection  between  the  words 
saibh  and  scythe,  although  they  are  close  to  each  other  in 
sound. 

Dornabac  =  dorna,  gen.  of  dorn,  the  fist,  +  bac,  a  bank 
— a  figurative  name,  following  the  Norse  order  of  having 
the  attributive  part  of  the  name  first. 

Fiadh-innis,  deer-haugh ;  innis  as  above,  and  again  in 
the  Norse  order,  or  as  well  say  that  of  earlier  Gaelic. 

Fionn-chr6,  the  white-pen,  ox  fold. 

Gillean  (Sgurr  nan),  pi.  of  gille,  a  lad.  Compare 
Gylen. 

Harris  (Gleann).  This  has  nothing  to  do  with  the 
Island  of  Harris.  It  is  simply  the  across  glen,  thairis, 
which  goes  nearly  across  the  island.  Harris,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  glen,  may,  of  course,  be  a  hybrid — ba-r, 
high,  +  Gael,  innis,  a  haugh,  or  inch. 

Laimhrig  and  Fearann  Laimhrige,  a  landing  place, 
harbour  (p.  117). 

Mharagach  (a').     N.  mbrk,  a  march,  forest,  +  ach. 

Mhiltich  (Monadh  a'),  strong  viountain-grass, 

Roinne  (Rudha  na).  Ruinn  is  a  sharp  Point.  In  A. 
it  has  gen.  sing,  ranna,  and  it  has  the  English  plural  in 
Islay,  the  Rhinns.  This  form  in  Rum  suggests  that  the 
word  is  of  the  same  origin  as  roinn,  division,  which  is 
most  likely  correct. 

Samhnan  innsir  is  very  interesting.  The  first  part  is 
the  same  as  in  Samhnach  V.,  Sonachan  L.,  and  innsir  is 
almost  certainly  a  gen.  of  innis,  already  referred  to. 

Shleitir  (Lag)  is  lag  leitir  (p.  21). 

Snidhe  (Sgorr  an  t-),  a  dropping — water  falling  in 
drops. 

Stac  (Beinn  n-a.n),  precipice  (pi.)     N.  stakk-r. 

IV.  AWval,     Ashvalf    Asklval,     Barkeval,     Dibidil, 

G 


98  THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

Qiurdil,  Mlnishall,  Orval,  Papadil,  Pliasgaig,  Raonapol, 
Rhangail,  Ruinsival,  Scresort,  (Loch)  Sgaoirishall, 
Trail val,  are  all  Norse. 

V.  Kilmory  =  Gill  mhoire,  in  the  north,  is  the  only 
Church-name.  There  is  at  the  south  point  Inbher  cille 
and  the  Norse  Papadil,  which  are  very  interesting  as 
showing  (i)  that  this  nameless  Kil-  survived  the  severe 
Norse  occupation,  and  (2)  that  the  Norseman  turned  an 
old  Achadh  an  t-sagairt,  perhaps,  or  priest's  fields  into 
his  own  form  of  Papa-\-daI-r. 

VL  There  are  no  Personal  names. 


EiGG — Eige 

L  The  name  of  the  island  is  Norse  egg  (fem.),  an 
edge,  +  ey,  island.  The  last  syllable  remains  in  the 
Gaelic  name,  though  it  does  not  show  in  the  English 
form.  The  name  is  extremely  appropriate  to  the 
north-east  coast,  which  would  be  the  part  to  give  the 
Norseman  his  first  impression. 

IL  There  are  no  English  names. 

III.  Beinn-tighe,  the  mountain  with  the  house  upon  it. 

Clith  (Bealach),  the  left-hand  pass.  It  is  always  so  to 
a  person  going  north  from  Kildonan.  There  are  two 
such  on  the  way,  and  Cleadale  is  almost  certainly  from 
the  same  source. 

Chuagach  (a'),  the  place  of  the  cuckoo,  or  it  may  be  from 
cuag,  a  "  kink!'  The  heel  of  a  shoe  is  said  to  be  cuag- 
ach  when  it  is  down  at  one  side,  so  this  name  may  bear 
a  resemblance  to  a  lop-sided  place. 

Curach  (Bogha  na),  a  coracle,  or  boat  of  the  old  time. 
See  Port  na  curach  (lona).     See  Tancaird,  p.  99. 


ARDNAMURCHAN  99 

Dorchadais  (Glac  an),  the  dell  of  darkness,  from 
dorcha. 

Dubhachais  (Poll  an),  the  poll  of  blackness,  or  sorrow, 
from  dubh,  black. 

Fharaidh  (Sgurr  an).  Faradh  is  a  ladder — referring 
to  the  ladder-'^  steepness  of  the  hill. 

Grulin  (iochdarach,  lower,  and  uachdarach,  upper). 

Sandavoure  =  Sa/7c/a-mh6r,  a  mixed  name,  sand-r+a 
4-  mh6r. 

Sgaileach  (Sgurr),  the  sAadj/  sgurr  (Hills) — sgMle,  a 
shade, 

Tancaird  (Rudha  an)  is  very  suspicious.  It  is  very 
like  English  tankard,  but  Bogha  Thangairidh,  on  the 
same  west  coast,  a  few  miles  farther  north,  seems  to 
redeem  it.  The  bogha  here,  as  in  other  places,  should  be 
bodha  for  N.  bodl,  a  sunken  rock,  +  tangi  +  garCt-r. 

IV.  Charadail  (Gleann),  Eskernish  (Sgeir),  Flodsgeir, 
Qalmisdale,  Laig,  Thalasgalr  (Dun),  and  Taltn,  with 
Eilean  Thailm,  are  Norse. 

V.  The  Church,  Cill  Donnain,  is  the  greatest  factor  by 
far  in  the  history  of  Eigg  (see  p.  177).  There  is  Tobar 
Chaluim-Chille  in  the  north  of  the  island,  and  Crois 
Moraig  =  Moire +  aig  in  the  south.  Rudha  na  crannaige 
at  Kildonan  is  surely  reminiscent  of  an  old  preaching 
station,  for  it  cannot  well  be  for  an  archaeological  lake- 
"  Crannag,"  in  this  position. 

VI.  Alasdair  (Clach),  Alexander's  rock.  This  name 
comes  to  us  from  Greek  Akk^avhpo^,  "  defending-man," 
through  the  Latin  form  Alexander. 

{Bodha)  Mhic  Ghilliosa,  Gillies's  sunken  rock.  The 
name  means  "  Servant  of  Jesus,"  as  Gilchrist  is  servant 
of  Christ,  and  Gillespie,  servant  of  the  Bishop — Gille- 
Chriosd,  and  Gill'  Easbuig. 


100        THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

Muck  (Island)  =  Eilean  nam  Muc 

L  The  island  name  is  Gaelic,  It  means  the  isle  of 
pigs  ;  an  old  reputation  which  it  is  understood  to  deserve 
even  now,  for  superior  pigs  are  reared  there. 

II.  The  names  are  all  Gaelic.  There  is  nothing  of 
Norse,  and  no  Church-names. 

Creadha  (Port  na),  day-port. 

Earrair  (Beinn)  is  the  eastern  or  east-ward  mounts 
from  ear,  east. 

Eag  na  maoile,  the  notch  on  the  Mull — the  northern 
point  of  the  island. 

Gallanach  (an),  p.  41. 

Ghodag  a'  (island-rock),  about  a  mile  north  from  the 
island.  The  word  means  a  flirt,  coquette,  therefore  a 
fancy. 

Teis  (Sron  an)  is  the  gen.  of  teas,  heat — perhaps  where 
the  cattle  took  to  in  hot  weather. 


Canna— Canaidh 

L  This  is  a  Norse  name.  The  terminal  -ey  shows  in 
both  English  and  Gaelic,  and  the  stem  seems  to  be  from 
the  verb  kunna,  to  know,  "  ken.^^  On  the  north  coast 
Cam  a'  Ghoill  suggests  a  watching  hill.  Compare  Eilean 
sjon-d  the  sight{ing),  or  watch,  island,  and  the  frequent 
Cnoc-faire  of  Gaelic. 

II.  There  is  one  English  name,  Compass  Hill,  of 
which  I  cannot  give  the  history  ;  and  there  is  one  name- 
less Kil-,  with  a  stone  cross  and  other  indications  of  its 
old  existence. 


ARDNAMURCHAN  loi 

III.  Bre-sgorr  and  lola-sgorr  =  braigh,  upper  part^ 
and  lola  (p.  69)  +  sgorr  (Hills). 

Carr-innis,  the  rough  islajid.  The  carr  here  is  the 
root  in  carraig,  a  rocky  and  perhaps  in  Carron  (river). 

Conagearaidh  =  con,  dogs,  +  aig  +  airidh  [note). 

Ghoill  (Carn  a),  the  stranger  s  cairn. 

Haslam  is  N.  hasl,  hazel,  +  holw-r,  islet. 

Oban  (an  t-),  the  Oban,  or  small  bay.     N.  h6p. 

Ruail  (Sron),  from  ruadh,  red,  +  ail.  See  Glendaruel, 
p.  49,  and  note. 

St^idh  (an),  a  foundation,  figurative  of  the  island-rock 
on  the  south  coast  of  the  island. 

Stdl  (an),  the  ^^  stool"  or  seat,  and  Bod  an  st6il,  a 
figurative  body-name. 

Tarbert,  as  in  other  places,  but  there  is  a  peculiar 
form  in  Camus  Thairbarnish,  Tarbert-ness  Bay,  on  the 
north  side  of  the  Tarbert. 

Tighe  (Beinn),  the  same  as  in  Eigg. 

IV.  Carrisdale,  Langanish,  Sanday,  are  Norse. 
Ealaish  is  doubtful. 

V.  The  Kil-  and  Cross  mentioned,  and  Sgor  nam  ban 
naomha,  the  rock  of  the  holy  women,  are  all  that  pertain  to 
the  Church. 

VI.  There  are  no  Personal  names. 


102         THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 


MORVEN—        a'  MHORAIRNE 
or  MORVERN— or  a'  MHARAIRNE 

The  name  is  not  settled.  It  has  been  thought  to 
mean  a'  Mhor-bheinn,  the  great  mounts  a  rendering  which 
has  found  ready  acceptance  outside,  but  never  within 
the  district  itself,  nor  with  its  near  neighbours.  The 
local  feeling  has  always  been  towards  a'  Mhor-earran, 
the  great  division  (of  land),  and  the  etymological  bias 
has  been  so  strong  in  this  direction  as  to  cause  a  wrong 
lengthening  of  the  vowel  in  the  first  syllable,  which  is 
without  doubt  naturally  short.  The  mor,  or  mar,  is 
certainly  short,  and  is  almost  certainly  the  same  as  muir, 
the  sea.  The  strong  "  infection  "  by  the  initial  a  of  the 
second  part  easily  explains  the  native  sound  of  the  first 
part,  which  is  represented  as  nearly  as  possible  by  the 
second  Gaelic  form  given  above.  A  very  competent 
scholar,  and  a  Highlander — which  in  such  work  as  this 
is  must  always  count  for  much — has  thought  that  the 
name  stands  for  a'  Mhuir-bhearna,  the  sea  cleft.  The 
rendering  is  good  in  several  ways.  It  is  good  Gaelic, 
which  the  name  certainly  is,  whatever  may  be  the  inter- 
pretation. It  can  bear  the  recognised  changes  of 
language,  or  rather  of  form,  which  would  carry  it  into 
the  present  a'  Mharairne.  It  goes  a  good  way  to  meet 
old  forms  of  the  name  ;  and  it  is  consistent  with  its 
explanation  in  the  actual  form  of  the  land.  There  is  a 
bearna,  or  cleft,  running  right  through  the  district,  divid- 
ing it  nearly  into  two  distinct  parts.  The  cleft  is  made 
up  of  Loch  Teacuis,  Loch  Doire  na  mart,  Loch-airidh 
Aonghais,  the  river  of  Gleann  dubh  with  Loch-uisge, 
and  abhainn  na  C6inniche  into    Loch    a'   Choire — and 


MORVEN  103 

there  is  only  half  a  mile,  or  less,  of  break  in  the  cleft 
from  sea  to  sea,  a  distance  of  nearly  thirty  miles.  I  am 
therefore  disposed  to  commend  this  interpretation  of 
the  name  (given  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  George  Henderson) 
as  the  best,  in  my  judgment,  that  has  been  proposed  up 
till  now.  It  is  of  interest  to  notice  that  the  better 
English  form,  Morvern,  gives  a  distinct  support  to  this 
rendering ;  and  the  old  records  point  the  same  way — 
Morwarne  (1510,  1545),  Morwerne  (15 17),  Morverne 
(1671). 

II.  There  are  no  English  names  worth  mentioning. 

III.  Achafors  is  a  hybrid  =  Gaelic  achadh  +  N.  fors, 
a  rushing  current. 

Achadh-lianain  =  achadh  +  lian-ain,  a  small  meadow. 

Airbhe  (Camus  na  h-)  is  an  old  word  meaning  a 
fence,  wall,  or  enclosure.  It  is  pronounced  eirbhe,  with 
the  e  short.  There  is  another  word  meaning  movement, 
or  disturbance,  which  is  quite  consistent  with  the  position 
of  this  Camus,  into  which  the  flood-tide  comes  with  great 
force  causing  something  like  a  whirlpool.  The  Norse 
eyrr,  gen.  eyr-ar,  a  gravelly  bank,  \sd.\so  3.  ch2iV3iCiQv\s{\Q,  of 
the  bay.     I,  however,  prefer  the  first  of  these  renderings. 

Aire  (Torr  na  h-)  =  tdrr  na(fh)aire,  the  watch  hill, 
at  the  mouth  of  Loch  Aline. 

Arcain  (Bol)  seems  to  be  Norse,  as  I  have  supposed, 
for  Haco-stead,  but  a  native  suggests  that  it  is  Bodha- 
Lorcainn.  The  N.  boSi  part  is  certainly  preferable, 
but  in  that  case  I  can  offer  no  explanation  of  the  second 
part.  The  name  is  natively  pronounced  as  I  give  it,  and 
it  is  so  on  the  Survey  map. 

Ardtornish  is  a  mixed  name  =  ard,  a  height,  +  N. 
Thbfs  nes. 

Arienas  =  ^iridh  Aonghais,  Angus's  ^iridh. 


104         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

Auliston  (Point,  and  farm)  is  locally  rudha  nan 
amhlaistean.  The  sea-name  has  been  carried  to  the 
farm  on  the  mainland.  The  word  is  quite  familiar  to 
me  as  meaning  tricks,  or  circuni-ventions,  and  it  certainly 
contains  the  old  preposition  ambi,  around.  It  may, 
therefore,  express  some  acts  or  difficulties  of  sailing 
round  this  very  difficult  Point. 

Beitheach  (Coire).  This  is  the  Adj.  birchy,  and  not 
the  Noun  beitheach,  a  birch-wood. 

Beathrach  (Beinn  na).     See  p.  39. 

Chairn  (Achadh  a')  is  a  peculiar  genitive.  It  disobeys 
the  ordinary  rule,  as  does  also  Tigh  a'  Chnoic — but  they 
are  none  the  worse  for  that.  Achadh  a'  chiiim  and  Tigh 
a'  cnuich  are  the  regular  forms  of  later  Gaelic. 

Chaise  (Meall  a')  is  cheese-mount. 

Chaisil  (Beinn  a')  is  evidently  named  from  Lochan 
a'   Chaisil,    and    the   word    here    means   a  ford.      See 

P-  13- 

Cheallaich  (Allt  a'),  the  Burn   of   the  Cell-man,  or 

Monk,  of   Kilmalieu — without  doubt.     It  is  a   name   of 

very   long   ago,   bearing   for   all    time   the   anonymous 

immortality  of  some  worthy  man. 

Kingairloch  =  Cinn  a'  ghearr-loch,  the  head  of  the  short 
loch — perfectly  descriptive.  The  only  point  remarkable 
about  the  name  (apart  from  the  locative  form  of  Cinn)  is 
that  loch  is  not  in  the  genitive. 

Claigionn  (An)  is  a  skull,  and  is  figurative.  It  is  said 
that  the  name  is  used  for  a  good  field,  or  for  the  best 
field  —  in  Islay  —  but  that  does  not  seem  to  apply 
here. 

Claon  leathad  =  claon  +  leathad.  It  is  written 
Clounlad  in  the  Survey  mao.  Claon  means  awry,  or 
sloping. 


MORVEN  105 

Croise  (Camus  na)  is  the  Bay  of  the  Cross,  doubtless 
an  old  Cross  of  the  Church  of  Kilmalieu  =  Cill  mo 
Libha  (p.  184). 

Doirenamast  is  doire  na  mart,  cow-grove — a  Mull- 
man's  rendering  of  the  name. 

Rudha  na  droma  buidhe  shows  exceptional  grammar, 
for  druim  is  usually  masculine  ;  it  is  here  feminine. 

Druimeannan  (na)  is  a  peculiar  plural,  from  druim, 
a  back. 

Earnaich  (Rudha  Aird)  is  locally  aird  l^irionnaich, 
which  I  believe  is  right,  but  N.  eyrr-ar,  +  Gael,  -naich, 
is  quite  appropriate. 

Eiligair,  from  eilig",  the  willow-herb  {Epilobium, 
Onagr.),  or  possibly  N.  elgr,  the  elk,  though  this  is  unlikely. 

Eug  (an  t-allt) ;  ^ug  means  death. 

Fionary  =  fionn,  white,  or  fair,  +  airidh. 

Gearr-chreag  is  short  rock  =  gearr  +  creag. 

Guda  (Gleann  na),  named  upon  the  river,  itself  being 
named  from  guda,  gudgeon-fish. 

ladain  (Beinn)  and  Itharlain  (Beinn).  The  two  are 
like  Personal  names.     I  cannot  explain  them  otherwise. 

Inntreadh  (an  t-),  the  entrance — which  is  very  des- 
criptive, 

Lurga,  or  Lurgann  (an),  the  shank,  shin  bone. 

Luachran  (Poll)  =  luachair,  rushes,  +  ar-an. 

Lundie  =  lundaidh,  akin  to  Ion,  a  marsh,  and  this  is 
nearly  the  meaning  always. 

Meinn  (Allt  na)  is  English  a  mine,  therefore  Mineburn. 

Mhonmhuir  (Bealach  a'),  an  imitative  word,  the  same 
as  English  murmur,  referring,  almost  certainly,  to  the 
murmuring  sound  of  a  stream. 

Mucrach  (and  Coire  nam)  =  muc,  pigs,  +  ar-ach. 

PoU-airinis  has  a  Norse  feeling,  and  Ard-ness,  close 


io6         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

by,  suggests  its  meaning — the  pool  of  Ard-nes,  a  mixed 
name  in  genitive  form — Poll-airde-/i/s. 

Rapaiche  (Sithean  na)  is  the  noisy,  rabbley  place — 
fem.  gen.  from  rapach,  noisy. 

Saighde  (Leac  na),  from  saighead,  an  arrow. 

Samhairidh  (Savary)  =  samh,  sorrel,  +  airidh.  Samh 
is  also  the  Gaelic  for  juniper ;  and  there  is  samhnan,  or 
samhnachan,  a  large  trout,  and  this  would  do  well  for 
AUt  na  Samhnach,  if  it  did  not  seem  to  be  more 
correctly  referable  to  the  Samhnach  near  it,  as  the 
next  stream,  AUt  na  Socaich  is,  without  doubt,  to  its 
Socach. 

Seasglaich  (Coire  an  t-)  =  seasg,  dry,  used  of  a  cow 
not  giving  milk,  +  lach.     See  p.  27. 

Sleaghach  (and  Dunan  na)  is  clearly  from  sleagh,  a 
spear — a  figurative  name  applied  to  the  hill. 

Sleibhtecoire  =  coire  +  the  gen.  of  sliabh,  a  hill. 
It  is  a  word  thoroughly  familiar  in  the  language,  though 
not  nearly  so  much  used  in  Scottish  names  as  it  is  in 
Ireland. 

Slabhaig  (Coire).  Slabhag  is  the  pith  of  a  horn. 
When  the  horn  of  an  animal — of  a  cow,  for  instance — is 
struck  off,  the  core  part  which  remains  is  the  slabhag. 

Sorn  is  a  furnace,  flue,  or  veyit,  so  this  is  possibly  all 
Gaelic  as,  -ag  -an,  certainly  is.     See  p.  139. 

Sruthan  na  creige  bain  airde  is  a  good  bit  of 
grammar,  showing  a  correct  agreement  of  two 
Adjectives  in  the  genitive  case. 

Streang  (an)  is  imitative,  and  is  the  same  as  English 
string.     It  is  on  the  same  lines  as  Loch-Iall. 

Stuadh  (an),  a  gable,  pinnacle — figurative. 

Teacuis  (Loch)  is  more  correctly,  according  to  local 
rendering,  Loch-tiacais  [note). 


MORVEN  107 

Tearnail  (Loch)  is  the  sheltered  or  protected  loch — a 
most  appropriate  description. 

Tiobairt  (Ard  an).     See  p.  36. 

Uileann  (an),  the  elbow,  is  another  of  the  body-names, 
which  are  exceptionally  numerous  in  Morven. 

IV.  Eignaig,  Laudal,  Liddesdal,  Mungasdal,  Suar- 
dail,  with  the  islands  of  Carna,  Oronsa,  Risga,  are  pure 
Norse;  Airidh-anncfa//,  Co'ire-bhorodaiJ,  AWt-easgadall, 
Acha-/ors,  Gle&nn-galmaaail,  Abha,imi-ghardaII,  Gleann- 
sanda,  Ard-tbrnlsh,  are  mixed ;  Bol-arcain,  Poll- 
airinnis,  Miadar,  Loch  Teacuis,  Sornagan,  and  Uamh- 
dail  are  not  quite  certain.  All  the  mixed  names  take  the 
Gaelic  gen.  even  into  the  Norse  part — governed,  of 
course,  by  the  later  prefixed  Gaelic  part. 

V.  The  Church-names  are  few.  There  is  Cill-Mhairi 
on  Loch  Sunart,  Kilmalieu  =  Cill  mo  Libha,  and  Kil- 
lundine  =  Cill  -  Fhionntain,  shown  as  Gill  -  Fhionntaig 
also. 

VL  The  Personal  names  are  not  many. 

Artair  (Feith  mhic-)  shows  two  very  interesting  parts. 
F^ith  is  the  same  word  as  the  Gaelic  for  a  vein  (blood- 
vessel), but  in  place-names  it  means  the  stream  which 
flows  through  a  local  bog.  It  might  well  come  in  with 
the  body-names.  The  Artair  part  is  very  old.  It  has 
been  referred  to  an  old  Gaelic  root,  art,  a  bear  (Mb),  and 
to  arto,  from  ar,  to  plough,  and  therefore  a  cultivator — by 
Principal  Rhys. 

Aonghais  Ruaidh  (Tom),  the  hillock  favoured  by  a 
certain  red-haired  A^tgus.  The  name  Angus  is  made  up 
of  two  parts — aon  +  gus  =  one  (or  unique)  choice.  This 
is  the  name  in  Airienas,  which  see.  It  is  the  same  end- 
part  as  in  Fer-gus. 

Cugain  (Cnoc   mhic)  =  mhic  dhubh(a)gain,  on  the 


io8         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

same  lines  as  Mackinnon  =  find  +  gen,  therefore  the 
dark-born. 

Dhonnchaidh  (Lochan).    See  p.  37. 

Chormaig  (Lochan)  =  corb-mac,  from  corb,  a  chariot 
— therefore,  the  charioteer. 

Sioruith  (Tigh  mhic),  perhaps  Siorruidh,some  famous, 
or  eternal,  son  of  Kilmalieu,  but  F.  says  that  in  Mull  a 
branch  of  Mackinnons  went  by  the  name  Mac-Siridh, 
which  suggest  a  Norse  ancestry  from  Sigrid. 


MULL  109 

MULL— MUILE 

I.  The  name  of  Mull  is  in  Gaelic  Muile,  as  given. 
The  readiest  derivation  would  be  from  N.  Mull,  a  Mull, 
jutting  cragy  or  ^^  snout,"  +  -ey,  and  perhaps  it  would  be 
correct.  The  Norsemen  called  it  Myl,  but  I  have  not 
found  the  terminal  -a  or  -ey  with  this  form.  There  is, 
however,  a  difficulty  in  that  Ptolemy,  about  A.D.  125, 
called  the  island  Mal-eus,  long  before  the  Norse  invasion 
of  the  west — if  we  must  believe  that  the  association  of 
the  name  is  right.  The  old  names  in  the  records  do  not 
help — Mowyl,  Mulle,  Mowyl,  Mwll,  &c. 

II.  The  English  names  are  few,  and  of  little  interest. 
Such  names  as  the  Wilderness  and  Portfield  are  trans- 
lations. Livingstone's  Rocks,  Rankin's  Rocks,  Frank 
Lockwood's  Island,  Lord  Lovat's  Cave,  have  some  sort 
of  history  in  them  which  I  cannot  give. 

III.  The  Gaelic  names  are  good — extremely  good. 
There  is  no  district  or  part  of  the  county  in  which  the 
native  language  has  so  full  and  so  fine  a  vocabulary  as 
in  Mull.  It  is  in  fact  a  splendid  "text"  of  the  Gaelic 
tongue  ;  and  while  Mull  and  its  names  exist  it  is  only  a 
foolish  person  who  will  venture  to  say  that  the  Gaelic 
language  is  either  dead  or  dying — the  one  hope,  or  fear, 
is  as  baseless  as  the  other  ;  the  event  is  impossible. 

Achaloist  =  achadh-loisgte,  burnt-field. 

Airich  (Allt  an)  is  the  cowherds  burn,  from  aireach. 

Artunna  =  aird  +  tunna,  a  tun,  vat. 

Athairidh  =  ath  +  airidh.  Ath  is  now  a  prefixed  pre- 
position meaning  again,  or  re-,  so  it  is  very  nearly  of  the 
same  value  as  frith,  p.  80.  The  meaning  then  is  the  airidh 
against  the  other  airidh.      Obair  is  ath-obair  is  work, 


no        THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

and  the  same  work  over  again.  An  excellent  instance  of 
the  usage  is  on  Loch-uisge,  where  there  is  dubh-leitir  on 
one  side  of  the  loch  and  ath-leitir,  or  the  again-si  leitir 
on  the  other,  opposite. 

Arragain  (Tir).    Compare  Tir-dtagain,  K. 

Ardchiavaig  =  Ard  +  kyrr,  quiet,  +  vik,  or  ky-r,  cow. 

Braclaich  (Cnoc  na),  grey,  or  badger-coloured  place,  a 
brake. 

Bhutan  (Beinn) — several  meanings  {note). 

Caigeann  (an),  p.  12.  Perhaps  the  Caigean  here  are  the 
fine  hills,  Beinn  Bhuidhe  (2354)  and  Creach-bheinn  (2289). 

Chaise  (Torr  a')  is  the  torr  of  the  steep —  a  noun  made 
from  Adj.cas,  steep,  which  though  here  masc.is  fem.in  form. 

Chaoidh  (Torr  a'),  the  t6rr  of  weeping  or  la^nentation. 

Carraigean  (an),  carraig,  a  rock,  +  dim.  an. 

Carlvalg  =  Cam  (?)  +  bhalg,  bags. 

Cameron  is  cam-shr6n,  the  same  as  the  personal 
surname,  the  curved  "  knowe,"  or  nose. 

Cloidheig  (Lochan  and  Port  na),  a  prawn,  shrimp. 

Comhla  (Creag  na),  a  deal  door,  or  half-door,  door-leaf. 

Choimhich  (Lag  a'),  a  foreigner. 

Conarst  =  comhnard,  level,  equally  high,  the  most 
perfect  definition  of  level  that  can  be  given.  Compare 
cothrom,  p.  59. 

Crabhaiche  (Eilean  a'),  a  devout,  religious  person, 
almost  certainly  the  retreat  of  one  of  the  men  of  St. 
Kilda,  on  Loch-buy. 

Crogan  (an)  is  from  crog,  a  claw,  and  is  a  name  given 
as  fancifully  indicative  of  the  shape  of  the  place. 

Chronain  (Cnoc  a'),  a  ^^  crooning,"  or  purring^  perhaps 
from  the  sound  of  the  stream. 

Crossan  (an),  the  same  as  Eng.  across  +  an — the  small 
across-land. 


MULL  III 

Crullach  (Port  nan),  almost  certainly  an  error  for 
curach,  coracle^  boat  {note). 

Droma  (Ceann  an), the  end  of  the  druim  ox^^  back ^"  ridge. 

Dromain  (Barrach  an),  the  barrach  (b^rr)  of  the  elder- 
tree^  or  the  dim.  of  the  previous  word. 

Eaglais  (Aird),  ecclesia,  a  church — the  Aird  by  the  church. 

Falbhan  (Clachan),  an  aimless  travellings  or  a  wanderer. 

Feoirlin,  see  p.  i8.  It  is  here,  with  Pennycross, 
peighinn  na  croise. 

Fealasgaig  (Uisge)  is  N.  //a//,  hill,  +  skiki,  a  strip  of 
land. 

Fellon-m6r  has  its  explanation  in  Cnoc  na  faoilinn 
next  it.  Faoileann,  primarily  a  gull,  is  applied  to  a 
pebbly-white  sea-shore,  and  is  even  carried  inland,  as 
near  Bunessan. 

Ghamhnach  mhor  (a'),  from  gamhainn,  a  stirk,  +  ach. 
This  is  a  frequent  name  for  island-rocks. 

Garradh  (an)  =  an  garadh,  the  enclosing  wall,  secondary 
to  a  garden. 

Geodha  ceann  dk  aoinidh,  the  creek  at  the  head  of  the 
two  aoineadhs  (p.  12).  The  first  and  the  last  words  are 
Norse. 

Gortendoil  =  gort  an  doill,  the  blind  man's  field,  or 
enclosure. 

Lethonn  =  leth  +  fonn,   land,   therefore   a   half-land 

(p.  117). 

Liathanaich  (na),  from  liath  (Colours)  -f-  an-aich  (pi.). 

Lighe  (Beinn).     See  p.  77. 

Lungadain  (Rudh'  aird)  =  gen.  of  long,  a  ship  (gen. 
luing)  4-  ad-ain,  on  Loch-buy. 

Natain  (Druim)  =  druim  Neachtain.  This  name  has 
come  from  the  Eastern  or  Pictish  side  of  Scotland. 

Omhain  {kWi),  froth,  ov  foam.     See  p.  51. 


112        THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Ohirnie,  from  odhar,  otter-coloured  =  odhar(ii)  +  aidh. 

Pennyghael  =  peighinn  a'  Ghaidhil,  t/te  Gael' s  penny- 
land. 

Reinge  (Rudha  na)  is  from  N.  rbng,  a  boat-rib,  taking 
the  Gaelic  gen.  form. 

Rossal  is  almost  certainly  Norse  =  hross  +  holl,  horse- 
hill. 

Samhna  (Maol  na).  This  is  so  straight  a  gen.  of 
Samhuinn,  Hallow-mas,  that  it  must  come  by  this  way — 
from  some  old  rite  on  that  day  or  eve. 

Samhan  (Eilean  nan),  a  juniper  bush  (pi.)  This  is  the 
most  direct  meaning  (p.  io6). 

Sastail  (Cnoc)  seems  to  be  a  N.  -<fa/  name,  from 
sait,  crop,  "  seed."  The  name  is  lost  in  its  first  use 
now. 

Saor  pheighinn,  the  free  penny-land  {^p.  i8). 

Sealltair  (Tom  an  t-),  the  watchman's  hillock,  right 
opposite  the  entrance  to  Loch  Spelvie — a  most  suitable 
position,  from  seall,  look. 

Seilisdeir  (Camus  an  t-),  the  "flag,"  ov  yellow  iris. 

Sgalain  (Loch  an),  a  shade,  shelter,  tent,  hut.    N.  sk&U. 

Se^rsainn  (Airidh  na).  This  is  pi.  of  Eng.  serjeant, 
which  really  means  a  servant,  although  it  has  had  many 
meanings. 

Sgrithinn  (Torr  an)  has  in  it  the  same  root  element 
as  Sgriodan,  N.  skrlda,  a  land-slip,  and  would  be  better 
written  sgridhinn. 

Slaochain  (Port  an  t-),  a  raft,  sled ;  therefore,  the 
raft-port. 

Sleibhtechoire  =  sl^ibhte  (sliabh)  +  coire.  See  V., 
p.  io6. 

Slugaid  (a'  Chruachan),  a  noun  from  slug,  swallow ; 
therefore,  the  swallow,  gorge,  Fr.  la  gorge,  applied  to  a 


MULL  113 

place  where  a  stream  bores  its  way  through  a  rock, 
forming  a  gorge.  There  is  a  Slugan  dubh,  the  masc. 
form,  on  the  Sound  of  lona. 

Taoislin  =  taois,  dough,  +  lin  {note). 

Teanga,  a  tongue  (p.  30).  There  is  a  fine  example 
between  the  two  burns  which  flow  into  the  north  corner 
of  the  southern  end  of  Loch  Spelvie. 

T6n-tire  is  in  a  sense  the  opposite  of  Cinn-tire. 

Uisken  =  uisge  +  ain,  the  small  watery-place. 

IV.  Assapol,  Carsaig,  Eorabus,  Ormsaig,  Shiaba, 
are  unmixed  Norse  ;  QiiQdjm-alasgaig,  Axd-alanlsh,  Ard- 
chrisnish,  a'  chleit,  Erraid,  Gle3,mi-libidll,  Gleann/e/cTy/, 
and  Inagart,  are  mixed  with  Gaelic,  and  with  the  Gaelic 
"  infection."     Eilean  Amalaig  is  uncertain  {note). 

V.  The  Church-names  are  Killinaig  =  Cill(Fh)inn(t)aig 
(p.  113);  Kilviceuen  =  Cill  mhic  Eoghain  (p.  184); 
Kilpatric  =  Cill  Phatric  (p.  160),  St.  Kilda's  Church,  and 
there  is  an  old  burial-ground  with  the  ruins  of  a  name- 
less chapel  on  Carsaig  Bay,  with  a  Pennycross  or  the 
penny-land,  on  which  stood  the  Cross.  There  is  another 
Pennycross  right  opposite  on  the  north  coast  —  on 
Loch  Sgridain — with  Crois  an  oUaimh,  all  doubtless 
referable  to  Cill-in(t)aig. 

VI.  Ailean  (Rudh'  Iain  Mhic-),  Allan — a  name  said  to 
come  the  same  way  as  Lat.  alo,  I  rear. 

Cribhein  (Airidh  Mhic),  for  MacNiven  =  mac  naom- 
hain,  Saint' s-son  (p.  30). 

Fhearchair  (Allt),  Farquhat^s  Burn.     See  p.  95. 

Ghillandrais  (Carraig)  =  gille,  servant  of,  Andrew. 

Ghuaire  (Uamh),  Godfrey's  Cave. 

Mhenuis  (Aoineadh),  Magnus ,  and  p.  12.     The  name 

has  come  from   Lat.  magnus,  great,  through  Norse,  in 

which  the  name  as  Magnuss  is  common. 

H 


114         THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

Oighrige  (Eilean).  This  is  the  Gaelic  for  the  Eng. 
female  name  Effie,  from  oigh,  maiden,  +  rig-da ;  there- 
fore, royal  maiden. 

Slamhaich  (Allt  Mhic-)  —  a  familiar  name  for  the 
Devil,  or  the  greedy  one.  It  is  not  a  Highland  personal 
name. 


(2)  From  (i)  to  the  Head  of  Loch  nan  Keall 

AND   SALEN 

Airdvergnish.  There  is  old  Gael,  meirge,  a  standard^ 
but  I  prefer  N.  bjork,  birch,  +  nes  here. 

Airinasliseig  =  airidh  na  sliseig,  a  shaving,  or  slice. 
It  occurs  in  K.  also.  The  dim.  of  slios,  a  side,  or  flank,  is 
also  possible,  although  the  grammar  is  against  this. 

Be^rnach  (Coire),  the  notched,  or  cleft,  "  corrie."  See 
Bernice,  C. 

Bith-bheinn.  Bith  is  most  commonly  used  of  the 
resin  which  oozes  from  the  bark  of  fir.  It  seems  to  mean 
generally  an  oozing  of  any  kind  ;  but  Armstrong's 
Dictionary  has  bith,  quiet,  or  peaceful.  The  first  mean- 
ing is  almost  certainly  the  meaning  in  this  name — the 
oozing  mountain.  Or  it  may  be  Buidhe-bheinn ;  the 
Goirtean  buidhe  is  at  its  foot.  Other  forms,  like  Glas- 
bheinn,  would  be  in  favour  of  this. 

Brideig  (Allt)  is  Brigit's  Burn,  and  next  it  Allt  Gille- 
Chaluim,  that  of  Coluviba  s  servant.  There  is  also  Meall 
a'  chl^rsair  and  Leac  an  t-sagairt,  the  harper's  hill  and 
the  priest's  stone — all  which  points  to  the  Church  record, 
spreading  from  Kilfinichen  and  Killinaig. 

Brimishgan  =  bramasag,  Burr  -  weed  (Xanthium), 
+  an. 


MULL  115 

Cannel  (Gleann) — named  upon  the  river  {note). 

Chapuill  (Aoineadh  a'),  in  the  Survey  map  Aoineadh 
thapuill.     See  p.  12. 

C^rnacha  fionna  (na),  the  white  Carnochs,  shows  a  good 
example  of  good  grammar,  which  is  indeed  pecuHarly 
rich,  in  the  Mull  names.  In  the  same  district  is  fiona 
mh^m,  the  white,  or  fair,  Mam. 

Carrachan  m6r,  the  great  carrach  +  an,  perhaps  better 
as  carragh,  same  as  carraigf.  The  carrachan  creige  is 
the  "  cobbler"-fish,  and  there  is  "The  Cobbler"  moun- 
tain at  the  head  of  Loch-Long — fanciful. 

Chonnaidh  (Allt  a')  is  dry  wood,  ready  for  the  fire, 
that  '\s,fireivood. 

a'  Chonnail  is  the  same  as  Coingheal  (p.  59).  It  is 
the  meeting  of  waters — in  this  case  of  Allt  a'  mhtichaidh 
smothering,  and  abhainn  Bail'  a'  mhuilinn. 

Choiredail  (Cruach  Mam,  &c.),  and  Goladair  River, 
are  almost  certainly  the  same,  the  latter  form  being  an 
ignorant  metathesis.  Coire-dail  is  quite  easily  under- 
stood as  Coire  -\-  dal,  like  Uamh-dal  (V.),  but  Goladair 
conveys  no  sense  that  I  can  find;  like  Glemanuil  (K.)  and 
others,  all  errors  of  the  Survey. 

Chrdtha  (Aird  a').  This  is  a  good  and  nearly  lost 
genitive  of  cr6,  a  pen,  or  a  fold. 

Craignure  =  creag  an  iubhair,  yew-rock. 

Dererach  (an)  =  an(d)ear,  the  east,  -f-  -ar-ach  (pp.  32, 
100). 

Derryguag  =  doire  dhubh-aig,  the  grove  on  the  black 
Water — the  aig  here  standing  for  river. 

Deuchainn  (Cnoc)  is  trial,  difficulty,  trouble. 

Diseig  is  most  likely  Norse,  named  upon  the  Bay, 
vik,  although  the  next  stream,  Dubhaig,  is  certainly 
Gaelic. 


ii6         THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Domhnaich  (Maol  an).  Domhain,  deep,  is  here  quite 
possible,  the  name  being  that  of  practically  a  sea-rock, 
but  the  fact  that  it  is  a  "calf"  of  Inch-Kenneth  makes  it 
almost  certainly  Domhnach  =  Lat.  dominica,  the  Lord's 
place,  or  the  place  of  the  Lord's  inaji. 

Duairt  =  dubh  +  aird,  with  accent  thrown  forward 
on  to  the  first  syllable,  as  always  happens  in  such 
combinations. 

Duatharach  (Beinn  na).  This  is  the  Argyll  rendering 
of  what  might  be  better  w'ritten  dubh-ar-ach,  a  shade,  or 
a  protection  from  the  heat  of  the  sun.  The  root  is  dubh, 
black,  or,  in  this  case,  dark. 

Eararadh  is  the  parching  of  corn  before  grinding,  and 
it  is  here  quite  possible,  with  -ach  as  the  place  of. 

Eilireig  (an)  =  iolaireig  (p.  56). 

Coirenahenchy  and  Coire  nan  eunchair  are  clearly 
from  the  same  source,  the  one  being  singular,  the  other 
plural — eun,  a  bird;  eun&ch,  fowling ;  the  first  +  aidh, 
the  other  +  air. 

Faoileann,  in  its  secondary  meaning,  p.  iii,  is  very 
common  in  Mull. 

Gall-mor  (Rudha  nan)  shows  agreement  with  rudha 
in  the  singular,  and  not  with  Gall,  which  is  the  gen.  pi. ;  so 
the  name  is  a  compound,  Rudha-nan-gall.  The  grammar 
/  of  the  names  of  Mull  is  very  good  and  very  interesting. 

Gaodhail  (River) — gaodh,  old  Gaelic,  a  leech;  there- 
fore, the  leech-river. 

Ge^rna  (an)  is  from  gearr,  cut,  and  means  the  cutting, 
as  bearna  means  a  cleft,  from  old  bher,  cut. 

Ghraig  (Beinn  a'),  from  grag,  crowing,  croaking — 
imitative. 

Grilline,  a  common  name,  probably  from  groth, 
.  gravel,  pebbles,  +  lin  {note). 


MULL  117 

lolaich  (Bagli  an),  Bay  oijoy,  or  merriment.  It  is  on 
Inch-Kenneth,  and  surely  conveys  a  story  of  the  olden 
time  and  custom. 

Java  must  be  an  import. 

Laimhrige  (Sgeir  na).  Laimhrig  is  a  landing-place, 
or  harbour.  It  seems  to  be  based  on  laimh-rig,  a 
handling. 

L^pan  (an),  mire,  mud,  clay.  It  is  from  the  same 
origin  as  lathach ;  therefore,  a  wet,  miry  ground. 

Lethonn  =  leth  +  fhonn,  a  half -land.  Fonn  is  an  old 
and  poetical  word,  not  now  in  use,  though  kindred  bonn 
is.  It  means /(?««^-ation,  or  foot-Jiold — the  earth.  The 
name  occurs  on  Loch  Don  and  on  Loch  Sgridain. 

Lochdon — almost  certainly  Loch-domhainn  {note). 

Lurgann  (Achadh),  the  shin  bone — one  of  the  body- 
names. 

Mainnir  nam  fiadh,  the  deer  fold,  ov  pen.  It  has  been 
referred  to  early  Fr.  maneir,  a  dzvellingj  coming  on  the 
same  lines  as  Eng.  Manor. 

M^m  a'  choir'  idhir,  the  Mam  (Hill)  of  the  ''dun" 
corrie,  shows  a  very  interesting  "  infection  "  of  the  Adj. 
odhar.  There  is  also  a  good  plural  form,  na  Saighdean 
odharra,  the  "  dun  "  swords  —  figurative.  The  origin 
of  the  word  odhar  has  been  suggested  to  have  been 
the  same  as  that  of  ''otter,"  colour,  but  the  otter  is 
the  b^ist-dubh,  and  never,  that  I  know,  the  b^ist-odhar, 
in  Gaelic.  I  have,  however,  heard  it  called  the  cu-donn, 
the  dun-dog.  See  Colours  (Intro.).  For  Saighdean  com- 
pare Sleaghach  (p.  106)  and  Claidheamh. 

Partan  (Cnoc  nam),  a  crab-fish  — "  Parian  "-hillock, 
strangely  enough  an  inland  name. 

Pennygown  =  Peighinn  a'  ghobhainn,  the  smitii s penny- 
land. 


Ii8         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Sl^ibhtecoire  =  gen.  of  sliabh  +  coire  (p.  io6). 

Sr^ine  (Beinn  na),  gen.  of  srian,  a  bridle. 

Talaidh  (Beinn).  The  word  means  to  entice^  or  tame, 
an  animal,  and  in  this  way,  for  some  reason,  the  name 
doubtless  came. 

Thunacairidh  (Beinn)  =  N.  Sunna  +  gard-r{p.  ii8). 

Tiompain  (Mam  an),  a  musical  instrument ;  Lat. 
tympanum,  a  drum,  tymbrel,  used  fancifully  of  a  round 
hill,  in  this  case  of  a  Mam. 

Tiobairtean  (Coire  nan) — the  gen.  pi.  of  tipra  (p.  36). 

Tomsl^ibhe  =  torn  +  a  gen.  of  sliabh. 

Ton  dubh-sgairt.  This,  if  not  poetical,  is  distinctly 
suggestive  ;  and  if  we  could  be  in  doubt  as  to  the  mean- 
ing of  sg^irt,  the  ton  part  supplies  any  necessary  proof 
of  the  meaning.  It  is  ton  +  dubh,  black,  +  sgairt,  "  squirt," 
or  severe  diarrhoea — figurative  clearly. 

Torness  =  tbrr  an  eas,  the  Torr  by  the  waterfall. 

Uruisge  (Coire  an),  "  a  being  supposed  to  haunt  lonely 
and  sequestered  places,  as  mountains,  rivers,  and  water- 
falls" (H.  S.  D.),  a  goblin,  "  brownie." 

IV.  The  following  names  are  Norse  pure  :  Caskadal, 
Eorsa,  Fishnish,  Scallasdal,  Scarrisdal,  Rossdal,  Toro' 
say.  Brvim-sorn-alg,  Gleann-/ors-a,  Rudha  Leth-T/ior- 
cuil,  UIuv-dAlt  are  mixed.  Mam  Bhreapadail  and  Mam 
Bhraghadail  are  mixed.  . 

V.  The  old  Church-names  are  Kilfinichen  =  Findchan 
(p.  182),  Inch-Kenneth  =  Innis-Choinnich,  the  Cain-each, 
or  "fair  one"  (p.  171),  Kilphatrick,  near  Duairt,  and  Tir- 
orain  perhaps ;  Kilbeg  =  a'  Chill  bheag,  Rudha  na  cille 
(on  L.  Spelvie),  Druim  na  cille  (between  Fishnish  and 
Scallastle)  show  forgotten  and  now  nameless  Kils  ;  Aird- 
eaglais  and  Meall  an  t-sagairt  clearly  refer  to  a  church 
that  has  disappeared.     Killiemore,  on  Loch  Sgridain,  has 


MULL  119 

its  good  gloss  in  Maol  na  Coille  moire  standing  over  it. 
It  is  not  a  Kil,  but  a  coille  (p.  40). 

VI.  Barr  Shomhairle  is  the  Barr  of  Somerled,  a  word 
which  means  "  Summer-sailor  "  (Mb.),  Sumar-li^i.  The 
name  is  common  in  the  Western  Isles,  and  it  is  of  Norse 
origin,  without  doubt — a  viking-r  of  the  olden  time,  who 
wisely  chose  the  summer  for  his  raids  on  the  West. 

Port  Donain  may  refer  to  St.  Donnan  of  Eigg  (p.  117), 
but  this  is  not  likely.  It  is  a  personal  name  from  donn, 
"  dunr 

Rhaoil  seems  to  be  a  naked  gen.  of  the  name  Ronald, 
where  the  governing  word  has  fallen  out.  This  name  is 
Norse  Rogn-vaJdr,  reign-ruler ^  or  ruler  from  the  gods  (Mb.). 
There  is  another  explanation  possible,  however.  The 
name  is  on  Allt  Coire  fraoich,  the  stream  of  the  heather- 
corrie,  so  the  name  may  be  fraoch-ail  softened  down. 
Compare  Ruadh-ail  in  Gleann  da  ruadh-ail,  Glen- 
daruel,  C. 

Thomais  (Carraig  Mhic-),  Thomas-son's  rock. 


(3)  From  (2)  to  the  North  Coast 

Airidh-phoU  =  airidh  +  gen.  pi.  of  poll,  a  pool,  or 
puddle. 

Amais  (Carn  an),  the  gen.  of  Amas,  aim,  and  meeting, 
which  is  after  all  the  same  idea. 

Ba  (River  and  Loch)  can  only  be  from  ba,  a  cow — 
another  of  the  Animal-rivers. 

Bail'  iochdair,  the  farm  or  steading  upon  the  low 
ground,  iochdar,  as  opposed  to  uachdar,  the  upper,  or 
higher,  ground^  which  appears  in  such  various  forms  as 
Achter-,  Auchter-,  Ochter-,  though  not  in  Argyll. 


I20         THE   PLACE-NAMES  OF   ARGYLL 

Ballygown  =  baile  a'  ghobhainn,  the  smiths  steading. 

Bellart  (River),  not  a  River-name  {note\ 

Biolaireach  (L6n),  Adj.  the  water-cress,  from  biolair, 
which  in  old  Gaelic  was  biror,  from  old  bir,  water,  or 
well. 

Burg  and  Dun-Askain  show  the  effort  of  Gaelic  to 
come  to  its  own  again.  This  was  the  borg,  without 
doubt,  of  Askan,  a  Norseman.  When  he  and  his  left, 
the  native  people  saw  the  borg,  which  they  recognised 
as  a  dun,  or  stronghold,  and  they  kept  the  name  of  Askan 
for  their  dim,  that  was  previously  attached  to  the  borg, 
and  the  borg  was  sent  adrift,  without  a  specific  name. 

Coille  and  Cill  a'  mhorair  shows  again  that  there  is 
a  risk  of  mistaking  the  one  for  the  other.  The  Cill  here 
is  clearly  the  coille,  the  wood,  and  not  the  Kil-  of  the 
Church-names, 

Criadhach  mhor,  the  large  clayey  place,  from  criadh. 

Crionlarach  is  the  small  larach,  the  same  as  is  per- 
verted into  a  supposed  nominative,  Crianlarich,  on  the 
West  Highland  railway. 

Cuilce  (Lochan  na),  the  reedy  Lochan,  see  p.  46, 

Cuin  (Loch)  seems  to  be,  and  appropriately  is,  an 
Loch  Cumhang,  the  narrow  loch. 

Dubh-leiter  is  the  black  leitir,  p.  21. 

Eas-/ors  (Allt  an)  is  very  interesting,  as  again  showing 
how  the  Gaelic  people  preserved,  when  they  certainly 
did  not  understand  the  meaning  of,  the  Norse  names. 
The  Burn  was  named  fors,  or  the  waterfall,  by  the 
Norseman,  and  when  he  left,  the  natives  called  the  Burn 
by  its  appropriate  and  perhaps  its  older  name,  eas,  a 
waterfall  also ;  but  being  familiar  with  the  Norse  name 
iors  they  kept  it,  although  they  did  not  know  that  it 
meant  the  same  thing  as  their  own  eas.     This  is  quite 


MULL  121 

a  common  occurrence.  The  name,  then,  means  the 
Burn  of  the  waterfall  twice  over,  once  Norse  and  again 
GaeHc. 

Fan-more  is  the  great  gentle  slope.  See  Fanans,  p.  59, 
and  am  fan. 

Fiann  (Torr  nam)  is  another  instance  of  FingaHan 
evidence  in  topography. 

Fudar  (Coire  an)  \s  powder ,  almost  certainly  a  modern 
name,  having  reference  to  this  Corrie  as  a  hunting  or 
"  shooting  "  Corrie. 

Ghigha  (Druim)  is  the  same  as  the  island  name 
Gigha,  off  the  coast  of  K.,  meaning  the  N.  gia,  chasm, 
or  rift,  +  ey,  island ;  but  why  the  name  is  here  given, 
which  is  not  within  sight  of  Gigha,  is  very  difficult  to 
suggest.  Druim  ghiadha,  the  Druim  of  the  (wild)  geese, 
is  easily  acceptable,  especially  because  of  the  full  forms 
of  the  plural  so  peculiarly  preserved  in  the  names  of 
Mull.     Compare  Saighdean  odharra,  &c. 

Kellon  =  Ceall  -f  fhonn.  The  first  part  is  the  same 
as  in  Loch  nan  Ceall,  and  fonn,  p.  117,  occurs  in  Leth- 
(fh)onn  (p.  117). 

Kingarbh  =  Cinn,  loc.  of  ceann,  a  head,  +  garbh, 
rough. 

Maldaig  (Sgeir)  is  a  feminine  form  in  -aig,  from 
malda,  gentle,  therefore  a  gentle  maiden,  a  mermaid, 
perhaps. 

Ladhair  (Loch  an),  a  hoof,  therefore  the  Loch  of  the 
hoof -mark. 

Ledmore  =  an  leathad  mor.     See  p.  21. 

Leth-ghleann  is  the  half  glen,  in  the  sense  of  p.  21. 

Lin  (Glac  ^.n),Jlax  (growing)  dell. 

Penalbannach  =  peighinn,  penny-land,  +  Albannach, 

Phollachie  (Coire)  =  poll,  a  puddle  (pi.),  -f  achadh. 


122         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Sean-pheig-hinn  is  the  old  penny -land. 

Sgiilan  (Breac)  is  the  spotted  sgulan,  wicker-basket — 
figurative,  no  doubt. 

Tonan  (Na),  plural  of  ton,  podex. 

Trath  (Loch),  the  early  loch — perhaps  because  of  its 
early  fishing  time,  which  its  position  suggests. 

IV.  Norse  names  are  frequent.  Aros,  Ensay,  Haum, 
Mishnish,  Momish,  Oskamal,  Quinish,  Reudle,  Sga- 
lanish.  Some,  Sunipol,  Treshnish,  Tostary,  Udmail, 
are  nearly  all  pure  Norse. 

V.  The  Church-names  are  Kilbrennain  =  Cill  Bhran- 
nain  (p.  175),  Killichronain  =Cr6nan  (p.  184),  Kilmore  = 
Cill  Moire,  Kilninian  =  Cill-ninidh-ain  (p.  162),  with 
Loch  nan  Ceall,  and  Kellon. 

VL  Personal  names  are  few.  Gleann  Mhic  Cairidh, 
the  gen.  of  Mac-ara  (?). 

Dhomhnaill  (Meall  Mhic-),  p.  37. 


Coll— Colla 

L  This  is  a  Norse  name,  said  to  come  from  koll-r,  a 
top,  crown,  +  ey,  an  island,  although  there  are  no  high 
hills — nothing  over  250  feet.  This  fact  gives  a  prejudice 
against  this  rendering.  There  is  another.  The  word 
koll-r  is  grammatically  masculine,  and  would  take  a  gen. 
in  s  (I  would  say  the  chief  element  in  Colonsay),  but 
here  the  name  has  clearly  a  fern,  genitive,  and  therefore 
I  offer  kolla,  a  hind,  or  humble-deer,  -f  ey,  as  the  origin  of 
the  name.  "  It  is  very  fertile  alsweill  of  corns  as  of  all 
kinds  of  catell.  There  is  some  birkin  woodis  within  the 
said  ile  and  will  raise  seven  score  men  in  tyme  of  troublis 
or  weiris." 


MULL  123 

IL  There  are  one  or  two  En<4lish  names  which  are 
likely  translations,  such  as  Roundhouses,  Broadhilis. 

II L  The  difficult  names  are  exceptionally  so.  They 
are  more  than  a  third  of  them  pure  Norse,  and 
almost  all  the  Gaelic  names  seem  to  have  the  Norse 
infection. 

Acha  and  Diin-achaidh  is  achadh, 7zr/<a^. 

Airileoid  =  airidh  +  perhaps  the  personal  name  in 
(Mac)leod  with  correct  genitive,  as  Gael.  Mac-leoid. 

Airinabost  =  Gael,  airidh  an  +  N.  ha-r  +  host. 

Airivirig  =  airidh  +  Gael.  gen.  of  N.  borg-r.  Com- 
pare Burg  and  Dun-bhuirg,  M. 

Anlaimh  (Loch),  or  better,  Anlaifs  loch.  This  is  the 
N.  name  Aniaf,  whence  Macaulay. 

Arinagour  =  airidh  na  gobhar,  t/ie  goafs  Mridh. 

Ascaoineach  (Eilean),  the  unkindly  island.  It  is  very 
exposed. 

Beart  an  fhir,  the  man's  deed — some  famous  act 
which  I  cannot  state. 

Breacacha  =  breac  +  achadh,  spotted  field. 

Chairidh  (a'),  the  weir  (p.  55). 

Chogaidh  (Leac),  the  leac  (p.  16)  of  the  fight. 

Cinneachan  (Loch  nan),  almost  certainly  for  Cain- 
eichean  (p.  35). 

Clabhach  =  clamh,  a  kite,  buzzard,  +  ach. 

Cliad,  (and  Loch,  and  Bay)  =  cli,  left  (ward), 
+  ad,  as  in  leth-ad  (?) ;  cliadan  is  bur-bush. 

Cuiseag  (Sgeir  nan),  reedy  grass. 

Eatha  (Port  na  h-),  and  Loch  Eatharna,  from  Eatha, 
a  boat. 

Fasachd  comes  easier  from  fks,grotv  and  growth,  than 
from  fas,  waste,  from  which  f^sach,  a  desert. 

Faygarvick  =  feith  a'  gharaidh  bhig,  the  bog-stream 


124         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

with  the  small  stone  wall.  Garadh  is  in  common  use  in 
Argyll,  with  this  meaning  of  a  stone  dyke. 

Feshim  (Bagh)  =  N.  //os,  a  byre,  +  holm-r. 

Fishaig  (Druim)  seems  named  upon  the  foregoing 
word,  -f  vik.     The  hill  rises  from  the  bay. 

Foill  {Ben  and  Bay)  is  treachery — a  name  with  a 
history,  without  doubt. 

Frisland  =  N.  frlo  (neut.),  seed,  crops,  +  land. 

Gallanach.     See  p.  41. 

Gorton  =  an  goirtean  (p.  15). 

lomallach  (Eilean),  remote,  at  the  outskirt,  which  is 
here  very  appropriate. 

Mine  (Port),  meal-port,  not  an  uncommon  name.  It 
must  have  a  local  history. 

Mhurain  (Port  a'),  sea  bent-grass. 

Pharspig  (Sgeir),  I  can  make  nothing  of. 

Ronard  (Loch)  =  ron  +  ^rd,  pi.  of  Mrd,  a  height. 

Sheannlep,  from  sean,  old,  4-  gen.  leapa,  of  leaba,  a 
bed,  in  the  same  sense  as  feannag,  faoileann,  &c. 

Torastain  =  torr  +  Astain,  perhaps  Askain,  a  Norse 
personal  name.  The  t  often  takes  the  place  of  k  in 
Manx  names,  e.g.  Recast  for  Gael,  riasg,  dirk-grass,  Sast 
for  seasg,  dry  (of  a  cow  not  giving  milk). 

Totamore  =  tobhta,  a  tofty  knoll,  -\-  m6r,  great. 

Totronald  =  Ronalds  toft. 

Trailleach  (Bagh  an),  "a  general  name  for  sea-weeds," 
H.  S.  D.     Traille  (short),  is  the  tusk  (fish). 

Urbhaig  (Loch).     N.  tirr,  the  urox,  -\-  v/k  {note). 

IV.  Bernera,  Bodha  (dearg),  Bhoramuil  (Eilean), 
Cornalg  (mor  and  beag),  Crossapol,  Eleralg,  Fishaig 
(Druim),  Flskarg,  Grimsary,  Grlshapol,  Gunna,  Hogh 
(Rudha,  Beinn  and  Bay — with  Bally haugh),  Mlbost, 
Oronsay  (island),   So-a  (dis-syllable),  Sgollnais,    Sodls- 


MULL  125 

dale,    are    all    Norse,    with    Gaelic    mixture    some    of 
them. 

V.  There  is  only  one  Church-name,  Kilbride  =  Cill- 
Brigite  (p.  160).  Loch  Ghille-Caluim  and  Loch  an  t- 
sagairt  are  side-names,  but  there  is  no  sign  of  a  church 
in  their  neighbourhood,  on  the  east  coast. 

VI.  MacNeill's  Bay  is  the  only  Personal  name. 
See  p.  96. 


TiREE— Tiridhe 

L  The  name  of  Tiree  has  always  been  looked  upon 
as  Gaelic  Tir,  land,  +  gen.  of  the  word  ioth,  corn,  which 
still  remains  in  ioth-lann,  a  corn-yard.  The  old  form  of 
the  word  was  ith,  with  gen.  h-etho.  Ceres  was  called 
Ban-dea  h-etho,  the  goddess  of  com.  Adamnan  called  the 
island  Ethica  Terra.  That  it  was  rich  in  corn  is  proved 
in  many  ways.  The  island  used  to  be  "callit  in  all 
tymes  McConnell's  girnell ;  for  it  is  all  teillit  land,  and 
nae  girs  but  leyland  quhilk  is  maist  nurischand  girs  of 
ony  other,  quhairthrow  the  ky  of  this  He  abundis  sa  of 
milk  that  thai  are  milkit  four  times  in  the  day."  Such 
names  as  Cornaig,  Baile'  mhuilinn,  Corn  Mill,  show  still 
good  evidence  of  the  old  reputation  embodied  in  the 
island  name. 

IL  There  are  a  few  English  translations — the  Moss, 
Middletown,  Greenhill.  The  Reef  is  not  a  reef,  but  a 
large  plain. 

in.  Considerably  more  than  half  the  names  of  Tiree 
are  Norse — in  fact,  the  Norse  feeling  is  very  strong.  In 
other  parts  we  find  Norse  names  upon  sheltered  bays, 
and  running  from  the  sea  into  the  green  fruitful  valleys  ; 


126         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

but  in  Tiree  the  Norseman  was  "  thorough."  He  held 
it  all  and  named  it  all.  It  is  distinctly  remarkable  that 
the  modern  Gaelic  names  are  found  filtering  inwards 
from  the  sea-border,  and  not  outwards  from  the  interior 
as  is  usually  the  case.  The  meaning  of  this  is  evident. 
The  Norsemen  kept  to  the  sea,  or  within  reach  of  it 
always,  so  that  inland  names  and  places  escaped  him, 
but  in  Tiree  the  old  Gaelic  names  were  blotted  out,  not 
only  on  the  coast,  but  over  the  whole  island,  and  Ncrse 
names  took  their  place.  The  restoration  of  Gaelic  has 
been  from  without,  so  that  the  inland  names  remain 
Norse. 

It  is  peculiar  to  find  so  many  Duns,  or  "forts,"  in  the 
island.  In  some  parts  they  are  within  half  a  mile  of 
each  other. 

Acarsaid  folaich,  the  hiding  anchorage — referring  to 
its  depth,  of  nearly  a  mile. 

Bailephetrish  seems  to  be  the  steading  of  Petrus, 
Peter^  in  Latin  form. 

Bailephuill  =  baile  a'  phuill  (poll),  pool-farm. 

Barradhu  (am),  the  black  Barr,  with  wrong  Agreement 
— should  be  am  Barr-dubh. 

Bh^idhe  (Traigh  a'),  the  Bay-shore — of  Baile  phuill. 
This  is  simply  the  English  bay  assimilated.  The  com- 
moner form  is  B^gh,  from  the  same  source. 

Bhiosta  (Cnoc),  the  pi.  of  blast,  beast. 

Bhodaich  (Stac  a'),  the  old  man's  stac  ;  N.  stakk-r, 

Carachan  =  carragh,  a  stone-pillar  +  an. 

Chircnis  (Ruinn)  is  N.  kirkja  +  nes,  church-ness  in 
Gaelic  form.  The  ruins  are  still  there  —  marked 
"Temple"  on  the  Survey  map. 

Chrossain  (Poll  a'),  the  pool  of  the  small  across-land. 

Cnap  (an)  (p.  34). 


MULL  127 

Cuigeas  (an),  the  fifth  (part)  land.     Compare  ceath- 
ramh,  a  fourth  part  {^p.  18). 

Fhaodhail   (an),   a    very    good    example,    long    and 
narrow  (p.  15). 

Fhoirningir  (Cnoc)  seems  to  be  N.  torn,  old,  +  ing-ir 
(pi.),  as  in  vik-lnglr,  the  Bay-men. 

Gott  (Bay) is  God,  or  God-fnan'sh-Siy,  referring  perhaps 
to  the  old  church  at  Kirkapol — a  priest,  from  N.  godi. 

Hanais  (Rudha).  See  Machri-hanish,  &c.,  K.,  but 
here  it  is  most  likely  ha-r,  high,  +  nes. 

Iseannan  (na  h-),  the  chickens — young  of  any  bird. 

Kenovay  =  ceann  a'  bhaigh,  the  head  of  the  Bay  (of 
Bailephetrish),  with  Dun  ceann  a'  bhaigh.     See  Bheidhe. 

Kenvar  =  ceann  a'  bharra,  the  head  of  the  Barr. 

Mannel  =  N.  mann  +  voll-r,  man-field ij.). 

Mealbhach  is  sandy  ground,  or  dunes,  covered  with 
bent-grass,  from  N.  mel-r. 

Miodar  (am),  the  meadow,  usually  Miadar. 

M6inteach,  the  peat-moss. 

Riaghain  (Loch).  Riadhan  is  a  snare,  and  also  a 
swing,  and  there  was  an  old  usage  of  the  word  for 
gallows — here,  a  fishing  line  most  likely. 

Rosgaill  =  ros  (p.  19)  +  Goill  (Gall)  with  MuUach 
nan  Gall — the  Ross  and  Height  of  the  foreigner. 

Ruaig  =  ruadh,  red  (Colours)  +  aig. 

Salum  =  N.  salt  +  holm-r,  salt  island. 

Sg^thain  (Cul),  from  sgath,  shelter  +  ain. 

Srkid  ruadh,  red-street ! 

Stanail  (Loch)  =  stagn[twt)  +  ail  {note). 

Thorbhais  (Ruinn)  =  Shoirbheis,  a  fair  wind  (with  th 
used  wrongly  for  sh,  as  in  Thunagairidh,  p.  118). 

Vaul,  (and  Bay)  =  N.  hvall,   a  hill ;  therefore,  hill 
Bay,  referring  to  the  Cnap  there. 


128         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

IV.  The  Norse  names  are  so  numerous  that  I  do  not 
state  them  here.  They  may  be  found  in  the  Norse 
chapter.  Many  are  pure,  but  some  are  mixed,  as  Barra- 
pol,  Bailin-oe,  Creacha-sc/a/,  &c.  The  last  of  these  con- 
tains -stalhr  (p.  20),  and  not  -dal-r,  for  the  two  of  them 
are  small  island-rocks  off  the  north-east  coast.  Rudha 
Boraige  moire  shows  a  peculiar  feminine  gen.  of  borg-r, 
a  fort.  Compare  Dun-bhuirg,  I\L  The  fort  is  here  still, 
but  under  the  Gaelic  name  Dim. 

V.  Church-names  are  Kil- Kenneth  =  Cill  Choinnich 
(p.  171),  Kilmoluag  =  Cill  mo  Lu-ag  (p.  172),  with  the 
ruins  of  the  Chapel.  There  is  a  Clachan  mor,  the  great 
stone-church  on  the  north  coast,  and  the  "Temple" 
already  mentioned  on  the  south  coast.  Kirkapol, 
Kirkton,  is  the  Norse  record  of  a  church  which  was 
there  before  the  time  of  the  invasion,  the  ruins  of  which 
are  still  visible. 

VI.  There  is  only  one  Personal  name,  Port  Chunn 
Neill  (p  96),  on  the  north-east  corner  of  the  island. 


Ulva— Ulubha 

I.  The  name  is  from  N.  iJ//-r,  a  wolf,  -f  ey,  pre- 
sumably because  the  wolf  was  a  familiar  animal  there 
when  the  Norse  arrived.  "  It  is  a  plane  land  but  ony 
hillis  or  woodis — ane  He  twa  mile  lang  ane  mile  braid." 

II.  There  are  no  English  names.  MacQuarrie's  Rock 
is  a  Survey  translation. 

III.  Ardali  =  aird  aillidh  (p.  33). 
Breideanach  (am),  from  breid,  a  clout — fanciful. 
Brionn-phoU  =  breun-pholl  (?),  (p.  134). 
Chrannag  (a'),  the  pulpit — fact  or  figurative. 


MULL  129 

DioUaid  (Rudha  na),  the  saddle — fanciful. 
Dun  Bhiordmuill  =  N.  bjart-r  +  mul-r. 
Dun  O'Chardachais,  a  Personal  name — Irish. 
Gallon  (Glac)  =  gallan  (p.  41). 
Laghura  (Port  nan),  rightly  ladharra  (p.  121). 
Reilean  (Eilean  nan),  from  r^idh,  smooth,  level. 
Skeinidh  (Sgeir  na) — scaineadh,  a  split,  division. 
Trealbhan,  from  trealamh  +  an  {note).  ^ 

IV.  Cuilinish,  O/osary  (Beinn),  Or/na/g-,  are  all  Norse. 

V.  Cill  Mhic  Eoghain  is  the  only  Church-name. 

VI.  There  are  no  names  under  this  head. 

Oeasgil  (mor  and  beag)  and  Eorsa  (island)  are  in 
Loch  na  Ceall. 

Gometra,  from  N.,  is  godr  +  madr  +  ey,  the  good-  or 
God-man  s  island. 

Acarsaid  mhor  is  a  very  fine  anchorage.     See  N.  Voc. 

Bristeadh-ramh  (Rudha)  is  the  oar-breaking  point, 
which  surely  tells  a  tale  of  troublesome  navigation. 

Bru  (am),  the  shallow  passage  between  Ulva  and 
Gometra  =  N.  brA,  a  bridge,  or  crossing  {note). 

Dun  -  lasgan  (Rudha)  =  Dun(fh)iasgan,  gen.  pi.  of 
fiasgan,  a  mussel. 

Mine  (Maol  na)  is  the  meal  +  mul-r,  point. 

Moisgeir  =  N.  mdr,  seamew,  +  sker — but  N.  Voc. 

Little  Colonsay — See  Colonsay. 

Chicheamaig  (Port)  =  N.  kviga,  heifer,  +  holm-r, 
island,  +  vik,  heifer-isle  Bay. 

Sgaigean  (an  island  rock),  from  sgag,  crack,  split,  +  an. 

Eirisgeir  =  N.  eyrr-ar  +  skeri. 

Staffa,  from  N.  staf-r,  a  staff,  and  other  kindred 
meanings  applied  to  the  island  here  because  of  its  staffs 
of  columnar  rock. 

The  few  names  are   mostly  English    now — Fingal's 

I 


130         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

Cave,  the  Goat  Cave,  Mackinnon's  Cave,  the  Great  Face, 
the  Causeway,  which  are  all  translations.  They  have 
been  so  rendered  to  make  them  understood  to  the 
tourist.  Port  an  fhasgaidh,  shelter  Bay ;  Meall  na 
faoileann,  the  gull-hill ;  and  am  buachaille,  the  herdsman, 
are  yet  Gaelic. 

Treshnish  (Islands)  have  a  few  interesting  names. 
Lunga,  which  is  Norse,  has  a  Catbh,  or  calf,  and  the  two 
most  northern  rocks  have  each  a  Borg  of  the  old  time, 
now  Castle  and  Fort.     The  other  names  are  Gaelic. 


I  ON  A — t,  and  i  Chaluim-Chille 

I.  lona  has  its  own  great  history,  to  which  I  can  only 
refer  in  the  very  slightest  way.  This  form  of  the  name 
is  an  error — a  misreading  of  the  gen.  form  loua,  or  lova. 
I,  or  Hi,  is  the  correct  nom.,  and  other  forms  of  the  gen. 
are  Hia,  Hiae,  le,  la,  lae,  &c.,  for  full  knowledge  of  which 
Reeves'  "  Adamnan  "  must  be  consulted.  Scores  of  ex- 
planations have  been  offered  of  the  name,  many  of  them 
simply  nonsense,  none  so  far  as  I  know  conclusive.  The 
island  was  consecrated  [offeravit,  p.  i68)  to  St.  Columba 
by  Conall,  King  of  Dalriada,  A.D.  565.  Its  suffering  at 
the  hands  of  the  Norseman  and  its  great  influence  in  the 
history  of  the  early  Church  belong  to  general  history. 

II.  Any  English  names  are  translations. 

III.  The  Church,  and  the  history  of  the  Church,  with 
a  little  of  Norse,  and  about  a  third  of  simple  Gaelic 
names,  are  the  names  in  lona. 

Bhr^ige  (Port  an  fhir).    This  surely  commemorates 
an  apostate — the  port  of  the  lying;  or  apostate,  one  {note). 
Boineach,  from  bo,  a  cow,  =  boin,  gen.  +  -ach. 


MULL  131 

Bradhan  (Cnoc  nam),  better  brathan,  querns  hill. 

Chaorach  (Eilean  na  h-aon),  the  island  of  the  one  sheep. 

Carraig  geire  (Rudha  na),  the  Point  of  the  sharp  rock, 
from  geur,  sharp,  edged. 

Curach  (Port  na)  is  the  port,  or  harbour,  of  the  coracle 
— the  port  most  probably  at  which  landed  Colum  Cille 
and  his  apostles.  There  is  a  strong  suggestion  in  this 
way  coming  from  "the  ruins"  at  the  head  of  the  bay, 
called  in  Gaelic,  most  appropriately,  laraichean,  or  the 
foundation-marks  of  the  old  homes,  and  further  from 
Carn  cul  ri  Eirinn,  the  cairn  (to  mark)  where  we  turned 
our  back  upon  Erin. 

Druidean  (Cnoc)  =  cnoc  druidhean,  Druids  hillock. 

Dun-I,  the  fort,  or  rather  hill  (332),  of  /,  lona.  Another 
peculiar  form  occurs  in  Dun  Cul  Bhuirg,  where  Dim 
follows  upon  a  Cul  named  upon  the  old  borg-r. 

Eunaich  (Stac  ^n),fowlitig{^.  16). 

Rabach  (Eilean),  stormy,  rough,  "  dirty." 

Saimh  (Camus  an  t-),  from  N.  haf,  the  sea  {note). 

Sligneach,  from  slige,  a  shell  (p.  94). 

IV.  Cailbhe  (Eilean)  is  the  Gael.  gen.  of  the  Norse, 
and  Calva  on  the  mainland  (that  is,  of  lona)  is  the  same. 
Cul-6u/r^  (Dun)  is  a  mixture.  Dim  is  Gaelic,  a  fort ; 
Cul  is  Gaelic,  the  back  of;  and  buirg  is  the  Gaelic  gen.  of 
the  Norse,  borg-r;  Didil  (Eilean);  yWus/mu/  (Eilean) ; 
Staoineig  (Loch). 

V.  The  Church  is  the  atmosphere  of  lona. 

VI.  Findlay's  rocks  (p.  73)  and  Stac  Mhic  Mhur- 
chaidh  (p.  96)  are  the  only  Personal  names. 


132  THE    PLACE-NAMES    OF   ARGYLL 

JURA— DitTRA 

I.  The  island  name  is  Norse,  meaning  deer-island — 
d^r,  a  deer,  or  indeed  any  wild  beast,  +  ey,  island. 

Scarba  also  is  Norse  skarf^r  +  ey,  the  cormorant  isle. 

IL  There  are  a  few  English  names — Barnhill,  Low- 
landman's  Bay,  Milltown,  &c.,  and  mixtures  like  Caigen- 
houses  and  Z««^-aoineadh. 

(i)  Scarba  and  the  Small  Islands  belonging 
to  Jura,  on  the  North 

in.  Belnahua  =  beul  na  h-uamha,  cave-mouth. 

Fladda  \%  flat  island^  N.  UaUr  +  ey.  It  is  interesting 
to  notice  the  differences  of  form  in  this  island  name — 
Bladda,  Fladda,  Flatey,  Pladda — quite  a  small  lesson  in 
consonantal  change,  which  helps  to  explain  Scarba  from 
skarf-r  +  ey. 

Ormsa  is  from  orm-r  +  ey,  "  worm,"  or  snake,  island. 

All  the  other  names  here  are  Gaelic. 

Fiolan,  which  occurs  three  times  in  Lunga,  might  be 
taken  for  faoileann,  in  the  sense  of  a  white  beach,  only 
the  word  occurs  in  Scarba  correctly  spoken  and  written. 
It  may  not  be  impossible  that  the  quasi-English  "  Fellon," 
a  swelling  (diseased),  may  be  the  meaning  here — Fiolan, 
Fiolan  meadhonaoh,  and  Fiolan  an  droma.  The  shape 
of  the  small  islands  would  quite  fit  this  rendering. 
Fiolan  is  Gaelic  for  an  ear-wig  and  maggoty  or  worm. 
It  may  be  used  fancifully  here.  Fiolan-fionn  was  a 
morbific  factor  in  old  Gaelic  pathology — a  prophecy 
of  the  bacterium  of  the  present  day. 

Ftidan  (am),  a  rock-island.  The  name  is  used  of  a 
small  "  stack,"  N.  stakk-r. 


'JURA  133 

Garbh-eileach  and  Eileach  an  Naoimh  are  not  familiar 
forms.  Eileach  is  a  mill-race  and  a  mound  (H.  S.  D.).  It 
may  possibly,  and  not  unlikely,  come  from  old  Gaelic, 
ail,  a  rocky  +  ach,  and  therefore  the  name  would  be  a 
general  term  for  island-rock.  It  is  peculiar  to  find  a 
Tarbert  across  Garbh-eileach,  which  is  only  a  little  over 
one  mile  long — the  Tarbert  being  half  a  mile. 

Maol-buidhe,  the  yellow  Mull,  is  here  masculine, 
following  the  Norse  gender ;  it  is  usually  feminine, 
following  the  Gaelic — from  maol,  bald. 

Urrachan  (na  h-)  can  only  be  the  gen.  pi.  of  urra,  an 
infant,  or  a  youth,  used  fancifully  of  the  hills  here. 

V.  These  small  islands  have  quite  an  interesting  place 
in  the  history  of  the  old  Church.  A  Retreat  of  St. 
Brendan  is  here,  Cuil-Bhrannain.  He  is  said  to  have 
founded  a  monastery  here  and  in  Tiree — duo  monasteria 
ununi  in  insula  Aileach,  alterum  in  terra  Ethica,  in  loco 
nomine  3\edua.,  fun  davit.  "The  parsonage  and  vicarage 
of  the  islands  of  Ilichnive  and  Kilbrandon  belonged  to 
the  priory  of  Oronsay,  and  were  in  1630  granted,  with 
the  lands  of  Andrew,  Bishop  of  Raphoe  and  prior  of 
Oronsay,  to  John  Campbell,  Rector  of  Craignish  "  (Skene 
ii.  78,  and  O.P.).  Aileach  an  Naoimh  refers,  of  course,  to 
Saint  Brendan,  later  of  Clonfert  (p.  175).  There  are 
church  ruins  on  the  two  Aileachs,  a  Tobar  Chaluim 
Chille  in  Lunga,  and  a  Kilmory  in  Scarba.  We  naturally 
wonder  if  Camus  a  Mhbrfhir  is  the  Bay  of  the  very  ^-reat 
man — Columba. 

VI.  Dun-Chonnaill  is  the  only  Personal  name.  This 
seems  to  be  one  of  the  "  dog  "-names,  of  which  scores 
remain,  especially  in  Ireland — the  Cynetae  of  Herodotus, 
"  the  most  remote  of  all  nations,"  from  Greece. 


134         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

(2)  North  of  Tarbert 

III.  The  difficult  names  are  : — 

Achlaise  (Doire  na  h-),  the  armpit — a  body-name. 

Aoineadh  dubh  (p.  12). 

Aoirinn  (Eilean  na  h-),  from  N.  eyr-r,  with  a  Gaelic 
genitive. 

Aros  (an).  This  is  the  Gaelic  aros,  a  dwelling  ("in 
ruins'"'),  and  not  the  N.  dr-os,  river-mouth,  as  in  M. 

Atha  (Glac  na  h-),  a  ford  here,  not  ath,  a  kiln. 

Bhalaich  (Lochan  a'),  a  lad,  therefore  the  lochlet  of  the 
lad,  whoever  he  was.  There  is  Lochan  Barr  a'  bhealaich 
not  far  from  it,  but  this  word  bealach  is  a  pass. 

Bhaidseachan  (Gleann).  The  only  word  to  fit  this  is 
baidse,  which  H.  S.  D.  gives  as  a  musician's  fee.  I  do  not 
know  the  word  in  that  sense.  I  have  heard  it  used  of  a 
baker's  batch  of  bread,  and  of  the  Eng.  badge. 

Bhuailte  (Camus  ■^\  flail-bay  (p.  141). 

Bhurra  (Loch  a'),  clearly  an  uncommon  gen.  of 
buireadh,  the  rutting-s&2iSon. 

Breun-phort  is  foul-port.  The  Adj.  is  of  broad  appli- 
cation. It  essentially  means  evil-smelling,  or  putrid,  but 
it  has  come  to  be  used  of  weather,  circumstances  (as 
here),  and  even  of  conduct  and  character.  This  Port  is 
very  exposed,  right  open  to  the  whole  Atlantic. 

Cad  (Garbh  uisge  nan).  This  is  Gaelic,  but  there  is 
no  cad  in  the  language,  so  it  must  be  cat,  the  wild  cat. 

Cathar  nan  Eun.     Cathar  is  a  mossy  high  ground. 

Chbta  (Cnoc  a').     Coat-hill! 

Chuileag  (Camus  nam  meanbh-),  Midge-bay.  Meanbh- 
chuileag  is  literally  small-fly.  Compare  Meanbh-chrodh, 
small-cattle  —  sheep  ;  N.  small,  sheep. 

Conaire  (Loch  na)  with  Con-tom  on  the  east  coast 


JURA  135 

suggests  that  the  stem  is  con,  gen.  pi.  of  cii.  See 
Uanaire. 

Corpach  (p.  14). 

Corryvreckan  =  coire-Bhreacain,  B.'s  cauldron.  "  Now 
Breccan,  son  of  Main,  son  of  Niall  of  the  Nine  Hostages 
had  fifty  curraghs  trading  between  Ireland  and  Scotland, 
until  they  fell  at  one  time  into  the  Caldron  there, 
and  there  came  from  it  not  one,  or  not  even  tidings  of 
destruction,"  &c.  (C.  41). 

Crianan  mor  (p.  40). 

Cruib  and  Loch  a'  Chruib — figurative  of  the  moun- 
tain, from  crub,  crouch.     N.  krjupa,  to  crouch. 

Duirch  (Abhamn  a'  Ghlinn),  the  river  of  the  dark  glen 
— a  good  form  of  the  adjective. 

Dunaiche  (Lochan  na),  the  L.  of  disaster  and  woe. 

Gortinachro  =  goirtean  a'  chro  (p.  15,  and  Voc). 

Imriche  (Beakich  na  h-),  removal,  fitting-Pass. 

Kinniachdrach  =  Cinn  +  iochdar  +  ach.  lochdar  is 
from  ios,  low,  as  Uachdar  is  from  uas,  high;  therefore, 
the  lower  part  or  place,  and  the  higher. 

Lealt  =  leth  +  allt,  literally  half-btcm,  the  burn  of  the 
one  side  of  a  valley.     See  p.  21. 

Lubanach  (Loch),  is  the  loch  with  many  tendings 
(lub). 

Mhile  (Loch  a'),  the  Mile  loch— hut  why  ? 

Mi-mheall  (breac  and  dubh),  a  very  peculiar  name. 
Mi  is  the  ordinary  Gaelic  negative  of  character  or  quality, 
e.g.  mi-bheus,  ill-manners,  mi-chliu,  unfavie  =  of  bad 
repute.  It  is,  however,  difftcult  to  know  how  this  element 
comes  into  this  name.  The  one  hill  is  700  feet  and  the 
other  900  feet  high,  with  Dubh-bheinn  beside  them,  1500 
feet  high.  Perhaps  they  are,  therefore,  in  the  Irish  sense, 
"  no  hill  at  all." 


136         THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Nualaidh  (Airidh),  the  cry  of  deer,  or  even  of  cattle  ; 
an  imitative,  beautiful  word. 

Cluinneam  nualann  nan  aighean 
Air  na  sraithean  trom  g\6-gheal 
Mo  Nighean  donn. 

Peacaich  (Loch  na),  the  loch  of  the  woman  that 
sinned.    The  form  is  feminine.    Was  it  a  tragedy  ?  {note). 

Pioghaide  (Tom  na),  Mag-pie  hilly  the  same  as  the 
Scots /)>'^/. 

Rachdaig  (Aird)  =  N.  raku  +  vik. 

Ruantallan  =  rudha  an  t-sallainn,  salt-Point. 

Sealga  (Tigh),  the  hunting-house.  Other  gens,  are 
seilg  and  seilge. 

Seilcheig  (Cruach  na),  Snail-mount. 

Sgurra  (Loch  na).  This  is  gen.  of  Sgiirr  (Hill-names). 
Sgiirr  Mhbr  is  near. 

Shian  =  sithean,  a  good  example  of  a  name  in  -an, 
from  sith,  a  fairy. 

Shiffin  (Loch).  There  is  nothing  in  Gaelic  that  will 
explain  this  name,  but  one  wonders  whether  it  may  not 
be  a  perversion  of  sithean.  Almost  the  next  loch  to  it 
is  Loch  an  t-sithean  tarsuinn.  This  last  name,  with 
the  distinct  qualification,  tarsuinn,  across^  implies  another 
Loch  Sithean,  with  or  without  a  qualification.  We  con- 
stantly meet  an  gleann,  the  glen,  and  if  there  is  another 
it  is  usually  gleann  beag,  or  if  the  first  is  an  gleann  mor, 
the  second  must  be  gleann  beag.  It  is  important,  how- 
ever, to  remember  that  Syfin,  or  Syffyn,  was  the  same 
name  as  appears  in  the  form  Sweyn  (p.  83).  In  A.D. 
1 261,  according  to  Reg.  Pass.  (pp.  120,  136),  Dufgal,  son 
of  Syfin,  granted  to  the  monks  of  Paisley  the  patronage 
of  the  church  of  St.  Calmonel,  K.  (p    169)  ;  and  in  1296 


JURA  137 

the  Bishop  of  Argyll  "  inspected "  Cartas  Domini  filii 
Dovenaldi  et  Dufgalli  filii  Syffyyi.  The  family  of  this 
name  held  all  Kintyre  and  Knapdale  when  the  Norse 
power  was  disappearing  (p.  148). 

Speirige  (Gleann),  hawk-glen. 

Staoin-bheinn  (p.  158),  and,  further,  staoin  means 
awry,  or  bent — probably  the  meaning  here. 

Tairbh  (AUt  an),  bull-Burn. 

Tiobairt  (Port  an)  (p.  36). 

Truisealaich  (Rudha  an),  from  trus,  gather,  tuck  up, 
or  reef  ox  shorten  sail  {note). 

Ursannan  (na  h-)  the  lintels  or  doorposts — figurative. 

IV.  The  Norse  names  are  Aosdail  (Glen),  Bhiorgaig 
(Beinn),  Debadail  (Glen),  Garrisdail  (Glen),  Qrundail 
(Glen),  Lussa  (Ard,  river),  and  Lussa-given,  Rainberg 
(beag  and  mor),  Sgamadail  (Cruach),  and  Trosdall 
(Glen). 

V.  There  are  no  Church-names  in  this  part  of  the 
island. 

VI.  Personal  names  are  Loch  Nigheann  Aillein,  the 
Loch  of  Allans  daughter.  Allan  is  akin  to  Lat.  alumnus , 
a  fosterling,  and  ala,  rear.  Cam  Mhic-Eoghain  (p.  32). 
Rudha  Mhic'ille  Mhaoil  (p.  75). 


(3)  South  of  Tarbert 

Aircill  (Loch  an),  an  ambush,  or  watching-place. 
Ardfin  =  ard  +  fionn,  white,  or  bright. 
Bile  (Loch  na),  a  bank,  edge,  lip. 

Brat-Bheinn,   a  mantle,  or   covering.     It  has  quite  a 
wide  usage.     It  is  the  counterpane  of  a  bed.     It  is  applied 


138         THE    PLACE-NAMES    OF    ARGYLL 

to  a  covering  of  grass  or  moss,  as  here,  no  doubt. 
For  the  same  reason  a  hairy-covered  caterpillar  is 
brat-ag,  and  a  flag  is  brat-ach,  always  conveying  the 
same  idea. 

Brodach  (Sloe),  from  brod,  a  goad,  prickle. 

Cabrach.  cabar  is  (i)  a  ^Uaber,"  pole,  rafter]  (2)  a 
stag-horn.  Both  come  into  place-names.  It  is  the 
second  of  the  meanings  here. 

Cairidh  mhor,  the  great  cairidh,  or  weir. 

Cheo   (Poll  a'),  7nist ;  therefore,  the  mist-pool. 

Corra-bheinn  =  corr,  excess,  outgrowth,  -\-  bheinn.  See 
Corr  and  Corran  (p.  14). 

Corrynahera,  a  mixed  name  =  Coire  na  h-erradh,  the 
"  corrie  "  of  the  high  ground. 

Crackaig  =  creag-aig.  This  is  the  Gaelic  dim.,  -aig, 
ending,  and  not  the  river  -aig. 

Fearnal  (Ard),  from  fearna,  the  alder-tree,  with  an 
Adj.  ending  -ail;  therefore,  the  alder-wooded  height. 

Fineag  (Meall  nam) — fionag  is  an  insect,  cheese-mite, 
used  generally  of  small  insects. 

Ftidarlach  (Loch  na),  from  fyx^o^r,  poivder,  -\-  lach.  It 
is  upon  the  loch  that  the  name  is  fixed. 

Glenbatrick  can  only  be  Glen  Patrick. 

Gobag  (Barr  nan) — gob  is  the  bill,  or  beak,  of  a  bird, 
here  used  fancifully  of  the  hillocky  Barr.  Gobag,  dog- 
fish, because  of  its  beak-o.^  nose,  is  out  of  the  question 
here. 

Knockrome,  most  likely  cnoc-crom. 

Leanachais  (Rudh'  an),  the  flood-tide  Point,  from  an 
lionadh,  the  flood-tide. 

Mhalairt  (a'),  the  Exchange,  the  market.  This  name 
and  the  next  following  has  a  local  history,  which  I  am 
not  able  to  give. 


JURA  139 

Mhargaidh  (Loch  a'  bhaile),  a  market  also,  from 
Eng.  market. 

Mhucraidh  (a'),  the pig-ry,  the  place  of  pigs. 

Phlotha  (Caolas  a'),  from  Gael,  caolas,  +  fl6i,  a  bay, 
or  floti  (m.),  a  fleet. 

Siantaidh  (Beinn),  charmed,  or  blessed,  hill.  It  is  here 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Kilearnadale,  as  the  same  name 
is  close  to  Kilchoan,  A.  There  are  other  Church  side- 
names  here  :  Rudha  and  Eilean  Bhride,  Kiels,  Rudha  na 
Cailliche,  Rudha  a'  Chl^irich,  and  AUt  an  t-sagairt 
flowing  down  the  mountain.  The  word  sian  or  seun 
is  akin  to  Lat.  signum.     See  p.  94. 

Sil  (Geodha  an  t-),  seed,  corn,  with  N.  gla,  chasm. 

Siob  (Loch  and  Gleann  an  t-),  drift,  snow-drift. 

Sornaich  (Maol  an  t-),  Some,  Druim-Sornaig,  M. 
Sornagan,  Sorn,  Surnaig,  L  Primarily  a  vent,  then  a 
furnace,  then  a  vent-like  windy  Pass  or  opening  (p.  106). 

Traille  (Rudha  na).  Although  this  name  is  accented 
long  on  the  Survey  maj-),  I  strongly  suspect  that  the 
name  should  be  short,  as  in  Trailleach  (p.  124).  As  it 
stands  the  meaning  is  slave,  or  tJirall  Point. 

Uanaire  (Coiile  na  h-),  from  uan,  a  lamb,  +  aire,  is  a 
good  comment  on  Conaire,  which  is  a  frequent  name. 
Conair  is  a  path,  or  a  way  in  some  uses,  and  Conaire 
is  the  herb  loose-strife  [Lysimachia  thrysiflora  Prim.), 
both  which  come  into  names ;  but  there  can  be  no 
doubt  that  it  comes  in  also  as  con,  dogs,  +  aire.  The 
part  -aire  is  a  fem.  form  of  -ar,  place  of 

IV.  Asdale,  Bladda,  Brosdale,  Leasgamail,  Linndail, 
Mearsamail,  Menish  (Ard),  Sannaig,  Scrinadale^  are 
Norse.  lubharna-da/e  does  not  suggest  northern  lati- 
tudes. 

V.  There  are  the  ruins  of  an  old  chapel  at  the  east 


I40         THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

of  the  Tarbert,  and  Eilean  an  easbuig,  or  Bishop's  Isle,  at 
the  other.  This,  with  the  few  names  mentioned  under 
Siantaidh,  is  the  whole  record  of  the  Church  on  the 
island.  It  should  be  noticed  that  Kil-earnadale  is  a 
secular  Cill,  named  upon  the  Norse  valley  Earnadale. 
Columba  and  Brigit  show  in  the  names,  and  that  is  all. 

VL  The  Personal  names  not  already  noticed  are 
Chaluim  Bhain  (Carragh),  the  standing  stone  of  Caluni 
the  Fair,  with  reference  almost  certainly  to  St.  Columba, 
for  the  name  is  one  of  a  Church  group  here. 

Mhic(gh)ille-Mhoire  (Airidh)  is  one  of  the  gille 
names,  like  Gilchrist,  Gillespie,  and  Gillies  (p.  99).  It 
means  the  Servant  of  St.  Mary.  It  does  not  seem  now 
to  remain  in  any  of  our  Scottish  names. 

Mhic-Fhionnlaidh  (Tigh)  is  Mackinlay's  house — from 
fionn-laoch,  fair  hero. 

Macdougall's  Bay,  Lochan  Mhic-a-phi,  and  Rudha- 
chan  Eoghainn  have  been  already  explained. 


CoLONSAY — Colo(n)sa 
and  Oronsay —  Oro(n)sa 

I.  As  stated  under  Coll  (p.  122),  the  most  probable 
and  very  pertinent  base  of  the  name  is  kolUr,  a  hill-top, 
summit.  There  is  no  n  in  the  Gaelic  vocalisation  of  the 
name,  although  it  occurs  in  at  least  one  of  the  Sagas  as 
koln.  But  that  this  n  is  not  a  reliable  element  is  shown 
by  that  it  occurs  in  Oronsay,  which  without  doubt  is 
orfiris=ey,  meaning  an  island  which  is  only  an  island  at 
high-water. 

II.  There  are  no  English  names.      The  Strand  is  a 


COLONSAY  141 

simple  translation  of  tr^igh,  a  shore.  Machrins  is  the 
English  plural  of  Machairean,  which  itself  is  plural — 
the  carses. 

III.  The  names  here  are  exceptionally  interesting,  for 
a  place  so  small.  The  Gaelic  names  are  a  distinct  addi- 
tion to  the  rest  of  the  county.  Norse  names  are  in  good 
proportion,  as  are  also  the  Church  and  Dun  names. 

Balarumin-dubh  and  -m6r.     See  ruime  (p.  147). 

Balnahard  =  baile  na  h-airde,  the  steading  on  the  Aird. 

Bhuailtein  (Port  a').    flail-Port  (p.  134). 

Bonaveh  =  bun  a'  bheithe  =  bun  +  beithe,  birch.  The 
best  rendering  of  Bun  is  the  opposite  of  Barr  (p.  12).  It 
is  always  followed  by  its  specific  genitive,  as  in  Bun  na 
h-abhann,  A. I.,  the  mouthy  or  end,  of  the  river ;  Bun- 
dobhrain,  the  mouth  of  the  river  Doran  ;  bun  na  beinne, 
the/^<?/  of  the  mountain  ;  bun  a'  ghlinne,  the  m«f  (lower) 
of  the  glen  ;  bun  na  craoibhe,  the  stump  of  the  tree,  and 
so  on,  always  meaning  the  thicker,  or  bottom,  part  on 
which  the  whole  stream,  river,  glen,  or  hill  is  conceived 
to  rest.     Bun-aid  is  a  foundation — the  same  idea. 

In  this  name,  Bun  a'  bheithe,  the  word  bun  is  without 
its  proper  specific  term,  and  is  a  noun  absolute,  taking  a 
"remote"  genitive,  like,  say,  bun  (beinne)  a'  bheithe. 

Carraigean  (an),  the  dim.  of  carraig,  a  rock. 

Chaointe  (Cam),  from  caoinich,  dry,  ^^  season,"  a 
participle,  with  wrong  Agreement  =  Carn  caointe. 

Coinnle  (Carn),  the  candle-cairn — possibly  referring  to 
a  New  Year,  or  Kalend,  function. 

Croise  brie — an  unusual  form,  but  certainly  referring 
to  the  Stone  Cross,  quite  near.  The  best  suggestion  is 
that  the  governing  word  is  either  omitted  or  lost,  and  that 
the  full  name  should  be,  say  (Rudha  na)  Croise  brice,  the 
Point  of  the  grey^  or  speckled,  Cross. 


142         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Cupaig  (an)  must  be  related  to  Eng.  cup,  +  aig.  It 
may  mean  Cup-Bay,  referring  to  the  shape  of  the  bay, 
and  following  the  Norse  grammar. 

Duilisg  (Eilean  an),  dulse-island.  The  word  has 
been  referred  to  as  duill(eag)uisge,  water-leaf,  which 
is  quite  pertinent,  and,  from  the  language  side,  quite 
possible. 

Frith-sgeir  is  the  against  sgeir — the  "  skerry  "  against 
the  other.     Compare  Frith-allt  (p.  86). 

Grudairean  (Beinn  nan),  Brewers'  hill. 

Lotha  (Port),  a  female  colt ;  therefore,  Colt-island. 

Mhucaig  (Eilean),  the  plural  of  muc  +  aig. 

Milbuie  =  am  Maol  buidhe,  yellow  romid  hill. 

Plaide  mhor,  the  great  blanket — fanciful.  It  is  not  an 
island,  so  that  it  is  not  a  wrong  rendering  of  Pladda 
(p.  132). 

Reasagbuie  is  for  riasg,  a  moor  covered  with  dirk- 
grass,  +  ag  +  buidhe,  yellow. 

Ruiteachan  eorna,  from  ruiteach,  ruddy,  +  an,  with 
e6rna,  barley. 

Sail  (an  t-),  the  heel — a  very  good  application  at  this 
place,  the  heel  of  the  island  of  Oronsay. 

Scruitten,  from  scruit,  any  lean  creature,  +  an,  perhaps 
applied  here  to  the  place  itself. 

Sheallaidh  (Traigh),  with  Druim  mor,  the  watching 
shore,  or  the  outlook — almost  certainly  from  the  hill. 

Suiridhe  (Meall  na),  the  courting  hill ! 

Treidhreach  (Eilean),  from  old  treadh,  the  ebb — an 
island  only  at  ebb,  as  Oronsay  itself  is. 

Turnicil  =  ttir  na  cille  (of  Cill  Choinnich),  which  I 
however  doubt. 

IV.  The  Norse  names,  in  whole  or  in  part,  are  the 
island  names  :    Colonsay,    Oronsay,    Olmsa,   Ghardmail 


COLONSAY  143 

(Eilean),  Sgalasaig,    Sgiobinish  (Port),   Alanais  (Riiclh' 
aird),  Staosunaig  (Loch),  Ard-skenish,  Urugaig. 

V.  Church-names  are  Cill-Chattain  (p.  175),  Cill- 
Choinnich  (p.  171),  Kilmory  (Mary),  Gill,  and  Tobar- 
Odhrain  (p.  176),  and  the  remains  of  TeampuU  a' 
ghlinne,  f/ie  temple  in  the  glen. 

VI.  Carnan  Eoin  {John's  small  cairn)  might  be  with 
the  Church-names,  perhaps.  lomhair  (Rudha  Mhic), 
Mhartainn  (Eilean),  Fhionnlaigh  (Eilean),  and  Shom- 
hairle  (Airidh),  are  already  referred  to.  Loch  Cholla,  Coll' s 
loch,  and  his  Dun  is  here  too.  The  name  has  been  referred 
to  an  old  col  and  eel,  high^  or  lofty  ;  therefore,  the  lofty  one. 
This  is  the  Dun  of  Colkitto  =  CoUa  ciotach,  or  the  left- 
handed  Coll,  a  native  of  Colonsay,  who  played  a  part  in 
the  "  feuds"  between  the  Macdonalds  and  the  Campbells 
in  the  early  part  of  the  seventeenth  century. 


144         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

ISLAY— iLE 

I.  The  meaning  of  the  name  is  not  known.  It  seems  to 
be  "  a  fragment  of  an  earlier  world."  I  think  it  is  almost 
certain  that  the  end  syllable  is  N.  ey;  but  for  the  first 
part  I  can  offer  no  suggestion.  My  feeling  is  entirely  with 
Skene — that  the  name  is  pre-Keltic,  with  probable  kin- 
dred to  Basque  names  of  the  same  form.  Any  attempt 
to  explain  the  name  from  the  forms  of  the  modern  Gaelic 
must  fail,  as  such  always  have  failed  ;  and  even  our  best 
scholars  who  have  tried  the  old,  or  even  oldest  language, 
to  the  utmost  have  failed,  if  I  may  at  all  judge. 

n.  There  are  many  English  names  in  Islay,  nearly 
all  of  which  are  translations,  like  Blackrock,  Bridgend, 
Castlehill,  Heatherhouses ;  but  a  few,  like  Balaclava,  Port 
Charlotte,  Rosalind,  are  clearly  modern  creations  or 
imports.  Craigens  is  a  plural  English  form  of  Gaelic 
na  Creagain,  and  Sunderland,  locally  Sionarlann,  points 
to  a  hybrid  N.  sj6n-ar  -f  Gael,  -lann,  an  enclosure. 

in.  The  names  of  Islay  are  by  no  means  easy.  I 
have  had  distinct  assistance  from  "  The  New  Guide  to 
Islay,"  by  the  Rev.  J.  G.  MacNeill;  and  even  if  I  am 
compelled  to  reject  some  of  his  renderings,  and  though 
the  work  as  regards  Names  makes  no  claim  to  complete- 
ness, it  is  yet  so  full  of  the  local  life  and  colour  that  I 
desire  to  commend  it  strongly.  He  states  the  various 
guesses  upon  the  meaning  of  the  name  fully. 

(i)  From   Rudh'  a'  Mhail  to   Lochindaal — East  of 

Loch  Gruineart 

Ardnahoe  =  Aird  na  haug-r,  *'  howe,"  cairn. 
Askaig  (Port-)  =  Port  -f  ask-r  ■\-  vfk,  the  port  of  the 
ash  (wooded)  Bay. 


I  SLAY  145 

Bachlaig  (and  Rudha),  the  name  seems  to  have  started 
from  Lat.  baailum,  a  staff,  which  in  GaeHc  became  bach- 
uU,  a  shepherd's  crook,  and  then,  by  another  remove,  a 
bishop's  crozier,  and  from  this  again,  bachlag,  for  bachull- 
ag,  the  shoot,  of  a  potato  for  instance,  with  its  curved 
head.  The  use  of  the  word  in  this  name  is  clearly 
fanciful. 

Ballachroy  =  bealach-ruadh,  the  red-coloured  pass. 

Ballychluvin  =  bail'  a'  chlamhain,  kite-town. 

Ballygrant  =  bail'  a'  ghrana,  grain-town. 

Balole  =  bail'  Olaif,  Olaf'sfarm. 

Balulve  =  bail'  Uilf,  a  personal  name  from  u//r,  a  wolf. 

Bhirgeadain  (Sliabh).  This  looks  like  a  Gaelic  gen. 
of  horg  +  Gael,  -ad-ain.     Compare  Diin-bhuirg,  M. 

Bhoraraic  (Dun)  =  Diin  +  borg-ar  +  vik.  The  struc- 
ture of  the  name  is  thus — the  Norseman  found  a  fort  there, 
and  he  named  the  bay  upon  it,  Borg-ar  +  vik;  when  he 
left,  the  native  restored  or  added  his  own  Dtin.  This 
name,  Dun-Bhoraraic,  occurs  in  the  Rhinns  (2)  division 
also,  and  strangely  enough  with  a  Lossit  near  it,  as  is 
the  case  also  on  the  Sound  on  the  east  coast. 

Bhruichlinn  (Dun),  should  be  Dun  -  Bhrolchain. 
"Donald  O'Brolchan  was  Abbot  of  lona,  and  Sir  John 
O'Brolchan  was  Rector  of  Kildalton  in  1548."  The  Dim 
was  called  after  one  of  this  name. 

Bhuilg  (Raon  a')  =  raon,  a  plain,  +balg,  a  bag. 

Boglach  nan  tarbh,  the  marsh,  or  wet  place  (bog),  of 
the  bulls. 

Bonahaven  (and  Bay)  =  bun  na  h-abhann  (p.  141). 

Broach  (Lochan).  There  are  several  meanings  of 
the  word  in  the  old  language,  the  appropriateness  of 
which  in  this  application  may  be  discussed  to  better 
advantage  in  the  notes. 

K 


146         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Cachla  (Tigh  na),  the  house  by  the  hurdle-gate. 

Cadhan  (Loch  nan),  wild-goose  Loch. 

Carnaine  =  earn  +  aine,  liglit.  The  position  suggests 
a  light  put  on  the  height  as  a  guide  to  mariners. 

Chaim  (Cnoc  a'  ghamhna),  the  hillock  of  the  one-eyed 
stirk. 

Chardaidh  (Gleann  a'),  carding  glen.  There  is  "  Card- 
ing Mill  "  on  the  next  river,  Sorn. 

Cheapasaidh  (Dun)  =  ceap  (as  in  Ceapach),  +  as  (as 
in  Caol-as,  Bearnas,  &c.),  +  aidh ;  but  it  is  almost 
certain  this  is  the  native  rendering  of  /ik'eppo/s=aidh. 

Chlaigionn  (Seann),  a  skull,  but  applied  to  a  field  of 
the  best  land. 

Corra-ghoirtean  =  corr  +  goirtean  (p.  14). 

Croiseachan  (Sliabh  nan),  the  hill  of  the  Crosses,  near 
Corsapol  and  Cill-Eileagain. 

Dluich,  from  dlubh,  close,  near^  -\-  fh&ich,  field. 

Duisker  =  dubh  4-  uisge,  4-  ir,  the  black-  Water — not 
a  common  river-ending.     Liver  (p.  72). 

Eacharnach  =  each,  horse  (here  in  pi.  sense)  4-  ar(n)- 
ach. 

Earaibh  (Beinn  na  h-)  from  N.  har,  high,  the  height. 
It  would  be  better  na  h-earaidh.  In  Lewis  it  is  pL,  na 
herradh. 

Eararach  (Staoinsha),  the  eastern  Staoinsha  (p.  158). 

Emaraconart  =  iomaire,  a  '^  rigg''  of  cultivated  land, 
-I-  comhnard,  level. 

Feamaindean(na)from  fea.'msi.iina.,  sea-weed ;  therefore, 
sea-weed  places.  The  d  is  easily  developed  after  n,  in  fact 
it  here  takes  the  place  of  the  second  n  of  the  stem.  Com- 
pare Airidh  nam  fanndach  (p.  42),  Ballygrant  (p.  145), 
Lanndaidh  (p.  157). 

Finnlagan  (and  Loch)  =  fmyan^fair,  white,  4-  lag-an. 


ISLAY  147 

Ghibeach  (Beinn),  hairy,  ragged-M.oVir\S.. 

Ghillean  (Baile),  from  gille,  a  lad,  not  an  infrequent 
element  in  names — Lads  -town. 

Giur-bheinn  (and  Loch).     Giur  is  the  gill  of  fish  {note). 

Keppolmore  =  gen.  of  N.  kappal,  a  horse,  +  feo/+ 
Gaehc  mor. 

Knockdon  =  Cnoc-donn,  the  dun  hillock. 

Lamh-bheinn  =  leamh-bheinn,  elm-hill. 

Leanachoig  =  lean  a'  choirce,  oats-plain. 

Logan  (Glen)  =  Gleann-lagan,  the  glen  of  the  little 
hollows. 

Lossit  (Dun  and  Loch),  figurative,  from  losaid,  a 
kneading-  trough . 

Luidhneis  (Rudha) — I'ag-r  +  ties,  low  Ness. 

Mala  (am),  the  bag  of  the  bag-pipes,  figurative  here. 
The  next  name  has  been  referred  to  this  word,  but  it  is 
impossible. 

Mhail  (Rhudha  a').  The  meanings  offered  for  this 
name  are  unsatisfactory.  The  correct  explanation  must, 
I  think,  be  that  this  is  the  N.  hvall^  hill,  with  likely  the 
generic  governing  part  dropped — as  we  say  a'  Mhaol  for 
the  Mull  (of  Kintyre). 

Mulreesh,  said  to  be  a  Gaelic  **  mael,"  or  monk,  but  I 
have  not  been  able  to  discover  him. 

Niar  (Bealach  gaoth-),  the  Pass  of  the  west-wind. 

OctavuUin,  the  (9,  or  eighth,  pertaining  to  the  mill  = 
ochdamh  a'  mhuilinn. 

Ruime  and  Rumach  (an).  Ruimineach  is  old  Gaelic 
for  a  marsh,  and  Mb,  gives  Rumach,  a  marsh,  without 
etymology.  It  may  easily  be  akin  to  romach,  hairy,  or 
rough,  of  surface. 

Runastach  (Stuadh)  —  reynlr  +  stakki,  the  rowan 
"  stack." 


148         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Samhlaidh  (Cnoc  an  t-),  semblance^  likeness  ;  therefore, 
a  spectre^  ghost. 

Scanlistle  is  almost  certainly  for  Scallasdal  =  N. 
skalli  +  dal'T,  sheilmg-dale. 

ScouUer.     See  Scoull  (p.  64)  +  ar. 

Sgarail.     See  Sgarbh,  following. 

Sgarbh  dubh  and  breac,  gualann  an  Sgairbh,  and 
Biod  nan  sgarbh,  and  Sgarail,  which  is  almost  certainly 
based  upon  the  same  word,  Sgarbh,  the  cormorant.  The 
mountain  is  the  starting-point  of  the  name,  and  the 
figurative  application  of  the  bird-name  may  be  compared 
to  the  use  of  faoileann  and  feannag. 

Shun-bheinn  seems  to  be  a  reversion  from  Norse — a 
translation  of  N.  fjall-r  to  beinn,  while  retaining  the  N. 
shun  =  s/d/7,  sight. 

Sibhinn  (Loch)  is  discussed  (p.  136),  but  further 
sibhin,  older  simhin,  is  the  bulrush  (C.  150). 

Skerrols  (and  Loch),  looks  like  a  sea-term  taken 
inland,  N.  sker  +  bols^  skerry-farm. 

Sliabh  aom,  the  inclining  hill,  or  hill-side. 

Sopachan  (an)  =  sop,  a  wisp.,  -f  ach-an. 

Sorn  (Loch) — in  Ireland,  always  a  kiln  (p.  139). 

Staoinsha  and  Staoinsha  Eararach  (p.  137). 

Storackaig  =  storr,  big,  -f-  akr,  a  field,  4-  Gael.  -aig. 

Tais-bheinn,  a  peculiar  use  of  tais,  soft. 

Tamhanachd  (an)  =  an  t-samh(n)ach  {note). 

Taoid  (Goirtean  an).  Taod  is  a  halter.,  and  is  almost 
certainly  the  word  here  ;  but  saod,  the  leading  of  cattle 
to  the  hill-pasture —  the  "ridding  "  as  used  in  Yorkshire 
— is  equally  appropriate,  as  Goirtean  an  t-saoid. 

Tayanock  =  tigh  a'  chnoic,  the  house  on  the  hillock. 

Thrasda  (Beinn),  a  form  of  tar,  across  =  Lat.  trans., 
not  now  in  common  use,  the  across-Ben. 


ISLAY  149 

Tiompain  (Clach  an),  primarily  a  musical  instrument, 
but  applied  to  a  one-sided  knoll, 

Tirevagain  =  tir  a'  mhathagain  seems  a  Personal 
name  [cf.  Tiretagain,  K.     Tirarragain,  M.). 

Uamhannan  donna,  the  dun  caves.  See  the  pi.  in  E. 
(p.  78) — na  h-uamhachan. 

IV.  Norse  names  are  so  numerous  in  Islay  that  they 
have  of  necessity  to  be  put  into  the  vocabulary  (p.  220). 

V.  The  Church -names  are  Killanallan  =  Cill  an 
^ilein,  the  church  on  the  green  meadow ;  Cill  Bhreannain 
(p.  175),  Cill  Chaluim  Chille  (p.  166),  with  Kiels,  and 
the  N.  Persabus,  or  Priest's  steaditig ;  Killarow  =  Cill 
Mhaelrubha  (p.  174),  Cill-Eilleagain,  Kilmeny,  and 
Kilslevan. 

VI.  Personal  names  occur  in  Baile  Aonghais  (p.  107), 
Cnoc  Dhiarmaid,  Airidh  Mhic-Dh6mhnaill  (p.  37),  Port 
Dhomhnaill  Chruim,  Baile  Mhartuinn,  and  Loch  Mhur- 
chaidh,  with  those  mentioned  above. 


(2)  West  of  Lochgruineart  and  Lochindaal 

Amaind  (Gleann),  said  to  be  a  mountain-river,  I  am 
disposed,  from  its  situation,  to  refer  it  to  dmot  (p.  24). 
The  meeting  of  the  streams  here  fits  the  name  exactly, 
and  besides  I  do  not  know  any  other  word  like  amaind. 
See  Cnoc-amanta. 

Aoradh,  N.  eyrr,  +  Gael,  -adh,  fits  the  language 
and  position  well — perhaps  even  better  of  old  time. 

Arish  (Loch),  from  old  airghis,  a  bond,  which  is  very 
interesting  and  correct  in  this  name. 

Aruadh  =  ath-ruadh,  the  red-ford. 


150         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Ballinaby  =  bail'  an  aba,  the  Abbofs  farm. 

Ballymony  =  bail'  a'  mhonaidh,  the  farm  on  the  hill. 

BM-buirn  (Cnoc),  the  quiet,  silent  Burn.  See  Miodha- 
puirn. 

Bhrothain  (Sliabh).     See  Brbach  (p.  145). 

Boghacha  m6ra,  this  is  the  Gaelic  pi  of  the  N.  boS^i, 
a  breaker. 

Braibruich,  the  top  of  the  "  brae^'  a  very  simple,  but 
very  interesting  name.  It  is  made  up  of  braighe  + 
bruthach,  both  elements  of  which  are  usually  rendered 
as  "brae."  The  braighe  part,  however,  is  the  "brae" 
proper,  or  upper  part  or  top — a  definite  point ;  but  the 
bruthach  is  an  acclivity  or  uphill,  of  some  continuous 
extent.  It  is  in  this  last  sense  that  the  saying,  "a  stout 
heart  for  a  stey  brae,"  applies. 

Braid  (am)  =  am  braghad,  the  gen.  form  of  the  word 
braighe,  here  used  for  the  nominative. 

Braigo  is  two  miles  inland,  so  breidr  +  gja  must  be 
rejected.     Perhaps  Gael,  braigh  +  gja. 

Bruichladdich  =  bruthach  +  cladach,  shore-brae. 

Charra  (Gart  a"'),  the  field  with  the  standing  stone  or 
stone  pillar. 

Chrosprig  (Dun),  usually  taken  to  have  origin  from 
N.  kross,  a  cross,  and  borg-r,  fort,  taking  the  Gaelic 
inflections.  This  may  be  correct,  but  it  presents  diffi- 
culties. The  -prig  part  may  have  come  from  borg=r  by 
the  Gaelic  gen.  inflection,  as  in  Dun-bhuirg,  but  not 
easily ;  and  if  this  part  is  a  genitive  the  first  must  be  of 
necessity  Gaelic  and  not  Norse ;  and,  again,  if  the  first 
part  is  Gaelic,  violence  is  done  to  the  language  by 
the  form  Dun- Chrosprig.  Further,  the  name  implies 
that  Crosprig  was  earlier  than  the  Dun-  named  on  it, 
although  this  form  is  quite  possible  and  even  common, 


ISLAY  151 

e.g.  Glen- eigadai  I  —  glen-oak-glen,  &c.  Furthermore, 
there  is  the  very  disturbing  name,  An  Gro-is-sgeir,  as 
one  of  the  group,  and  Cnoc  Choisprig  on  the  other 
side  of  Kil-Chiarain  Bay.  The  name  is  certainly  not 
settled. 

Cladville  (and  Beinn).  I  do  not  think  there  can  be 
any  doubt  that  these  names  are  related  to  claddich,  Ike 
shore-farm,  quite  near.  Cladville  might  come  from  Norse, 
though  not  easily,  and  then  only  through  the  mountain 
name  Beinn-Chladville,  of  which  the  last  part  may  be 
Gaelic  gen.  of  meall  as  easily  as  of  flail. 

Coite  (Allt  na),  a  small  boat^  a  ferry-boat  (p.  91). 

Conailbhe  (Loch),  most  likely  Congheile  (p.  59),  from 
the  meeting  of  the  streams  at  Kilchiarain. 

Coulters  ay  =  Cul  +  Thors-ey. 

Cultoon,  "  Ctil-tuinidhe,  a  cave- dwelling."  If  the  last 
part  is  right,  the  first  would  be  better  as  Ciiil.  Tuineadh 
is  an  abode,  or  dwelling,  and  in  Argyll  the  verb  a' tuineadh, 
living,  or  dwelling,  there,  is  in  free  use. 

Dhubhain  (Cladh) — a  Personal  name,  from  dubh, 
black,  or  dark,  cf  Finan.     Cladh  Haco  is  near. 

Damaoidh  (Survey  map)  is  Dun-Aoidh,  Hugh's  fort. 
Rudh'  an  duin  is  quite  near, 

Earasaid.  There  seems  no  need  to  go  outside  Gaelic 
for  the  meaning  of  this  name,  which  is  quite  a  familiar 
word  as  applied  to  a  zvoman^s  shoulder-plaid.  The  appli- 
cation is  of  course  fanciful. 

Eilister  (East,  West,  and  Port),  locally  Aolastradh, 
likely  Hellis  (Pers.  name),  or  hellir,  a  cave,  +  set^r, 
seat,  or  home. 

Fl^isgein  (Traigh),  for  pleasgan,  to  plash,  the  sound 
of  disturbed  water. 

Gamaghoath  and   Port  gleann  na  gaoithe  is  from 


152         THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

gaoth,  wind,  and  the  first  name  may  be  cama-ghaoth, 
or  a  place  where  wind  comes  in  tortuous  gusts. 

Gearach  (and  Loch)  is  from  N.  gerdi,  a  fenced  fields 
rather  than  from  GaeHc  gearrach. 

Ghlamraidh  (Rudha  a'),  from  glam,  devour. 

Gortan  longerst  =  gort  (p.  15)  +  longairt  (p.  25). 

Graineil  =  N.  graenn  +  voU-r,  green-field. 

Grulin  (mor  and  beag)  I  have  based  upon  Gael, 
groth  (p.  117),  but  in  Islay,  and  in  the  Rhinns  especially, 
N.  gr^la  is  possible. 

Leek,  gen.  of  leac  (p.  16),  with  first  part  lost. 

Lochindaal  =  Loch  an  dala,  from  old  Gaelic  dal,  dail, 
a  portion^  district,  division,  as  in  Dal-riada.  Dal  .i.  rand, 
a   division,    inde   dicitur,    Dal-Riata,    and    Ddl    nAraide 

(C.  52). 

Lorgbow  =  lorg,  a  footprint,  +  bd,  a  cow.  There  is  a 
hollow  in  a  flat  rock  at  the  place  resembling  the  impress 
of  a  cow's  foot,  whence  the  name. 

Lossit  =  losaid,  a  kneading-trough.  The  reason  why 
this  place  was  so  called  belongs  entirely  to  the  province 
of  imagination. 

Luig  (Traigh  an),  the  gen.  of  lag,  a  hollow.  This 
seems  to  be  straining  after  a  genitive,  but  it  is  not  at  all 
uncommon — allt,  uillt ;  cam,  ciiirn,  &c. 

Miadar  (am,  twice),  seems  to  be  the  same  stem  as 
Eng.  meadow.  N.  miCtr,  middle,  would  often  fit  the 
positions  of  the  name. 

Miodhapuirn  (Cnoc),  same  as  Bhith-buirn. 

Miiirne-meall,  a  Gaelic  name  following  the  Norse 
order  perhaps,  though  not  necessarily  so.  That  mtiirne 
is  Gaelic  is  made  certain  by  the  gen.  termination,  which 
cannot  be  Norse.  Miiirn  is  joy,  gladness,  therefore  the 
hill  of  joy.     For  Meall,  see  Hills. 


ISLAY  153 

Nave  (Ard)  =  kird  an  naoimh  (with  Island,  Cill,  and 
Loch),  all  named  upon  the  Sat'nl  of  Cill-naoimh. 

Octafad  and  Octomore  =  ochdamh  fada  and  ochdamh 
m6r,  the  lon^  and  the  ^reat  eighth  (p.  18). 

Peileirean  (na),  the  bullets — fanciful. 

Port  Charlotte,  named  after  "  Lady  Charlotte,  mother 
of  the  late  Mr.  W.  F.  Campbell  of  Islay,  and  one  of  the 
beauties  of  the  Court  of  George  IV."  The  hamlet  was 
previously  called  Sgiba  =  N.  Shipton. 

Portwick,  a  mixture  ;  port  +  vik.  Port-bay. 

Portnahaven  =  Port  na  h-abhann,  the  river-Port. 

Port  Wemyss  "  is  very  appropriately  in  Gaelic  Bun- 
othan,  Bunaven  for  Bun  na  h-aibhne."  I  respectfully 
submit  that  there  is  a  valuable  fact  in  this  statement 
and  probably  an  error.  The  fact,  as  I  take  it  to  be,  is 
that  -othan  is  a  characteristic  of  the  stream,  and  that 
-an  is  the  usual  ending  =  Water,  and  that  it  may  be 
the  same  element  as  in  Dunoon,  Gaelic  Dun-othan, 
although  I  have  rendered  it  Dun-omhan  for  a  reason 
(p.  51).  The  error  is  that  Bun-othan  cannot  be  for  Bun 
na  h-aibhne. 

Ruime  (Loch)     See  p.  147. 

Sgallaidh  (Airidh)  =  N.  skalli,  a  naked  hill,  or  head- 
land,  +  Gael.  -aidh.     See  AUalaidh,  N.  Voc. 

Shugain  (Cnoc  an  fhraoich).  Sugain  is  a  twisted 
rope  (of  heather),  and  the  heather  of  this  hill  was  specially 
suitable  for  the  purpose. 

Sionnarlann  =  N.  s/o/i-ar-f-  Gael,  lann  (p.  144). 

SmauU  =  N.  sm&  +  hhol,  small  town.  Smili  does 
not  fit  appropriately. 

Tayvullin  =  tigh  a'  mhuilinn,  the  Mill-house. 

Teamhair  (Druim)  =  Irish  Tara,  "every  place  from 
which  there  is  a  good  prospect "  (C.  157). 


154         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Ton  (airidh  and  mhor).  This  is  a  favourite  imagining 
in  Islay.     The  t6n-mh6r  is  a  fine  example. 

Torony  =  torr  rainich,  fern-hill  (Hills).  Note  the 
Islay  preference  of  o  to  a.  See  Glen-logan,  Gart-chossan, 
Bun-othan,  &c. 

Turnachaidh  =  turn,  stronghold,  "  tower,"  +  achadh, 
afield. 

Uisgentuie  =  uisge  an  t-suidhe,  the  water  by  which 
travellers  sat  to  refresh  themselves. 

Valoor  =  bail'  iir,  new-town,  evidently  with  a  govern- 
ing word  lost,  for  this  is  in  gen.  form. 

V.  The  Church-names  are  Kilchiaran  =  Cill  Chiarain 
(p.  170),  Kilchomain  =  Cill  Chommain  (p.  177),  Kilnave 
=  Cill  naoimh,  Kilronan  =  Cill  Ronain  (p.  182),  and 
Cladh  Ghille  Moire,  the  burial-place  of  Gille  Mhoire,  the 
servant  of  Mary. 

VI.  There  is  Eilean  Mhic  Coinnich,  MacKemteth's  isle, 
or  Mackenzie's  isle,  Carn  Donachy  (p.  37),  and  cladh 
tiaco,  Haco's  burial-place.  Tobar  Neill  neonaich — this 
eccentric  Neill,  whose  Well  is  here,  was  a  Macphee,  and 
"  a  man  of  great  influence  during  the  stirring  times  of 
Angus  Macdonald  of  Islay." 


(3)  South  of  (i)  East  of  Lochindaal 

Airidh  Mhaol  Chalnim,  Colunis,  or  Columba's,  airidh, 
or  that  of  one  of  his  followers. 

Amanta  (Cnoc),  certainly  based  on  amot. 

Ardenistie  =  aird  an  uisge,  the  water-height.  This 
change  of  g,  or  c,  for  t  is  exceptional  in  Scottish  names, 
although  it  is  frequent  in  the  names  of  Man — reast  for 
G.  riasg,  sast  for  G.  seasg,  dry,  &c. 


ISLAY  155 

Ardillestry.     See  EHIIstlr  {p.  151). 

Ardimersay,  the  Aird  named  upon  the  island  Imer- 
say,  which  stands  out  from  it.  Immers-ay  means  ymirs- 
ey,  island,  but  see  ymir  in  Voc. 

Avenvogie  =  abhainn  +  bhogaidh,  soft,  or  boggy-land 
river. 

Avinlussa  is  a  hybrid  of  abhainn  +  lys-&. 

Baileneachtain,  Nectans  farm-steading. 

Bhogachain  (Sgorr),  from  bog,  wet,  soft,  +  ach-ain. 

Bheigeir  (Beinn)  seems  from  a  River-name. 

Borrachill,  the  fort-hill.     N.  borg-r. 

Bowmore  is  am  Bodha  mor,  from  bocti,  a  sea-rock. 

Braighunasary,  braigh,  "  brae^'  +  N.  sunna  4-  erg, 
the  high  ground  of  the  sunny- shelling. 

Bulairidhe  =  bun  (p.  141),  lairidhe — the  same  as  lairig 

(P-  17)- 

Chadaldaidh  (Cnoc  a').     This  must  be  from  cadal, 

sleep,    thus    cadal-(a)d-aidh.      Compare     Cadal-(a)d-an 

(p.  56)  and  Cnoc  a'  chadail,  A.  (p.  92). 

Chatraigain  (Baile),  Catrigan'sfarm. 

Chladain  (Rudha  a'),  from  cladan,  a  burr-bush. 

Choiredail  (Gleann)  =  Gael,  coire,  a  corrie,  +  N, 
daUr. 

Chonasairidh  (Carn),  the  whin,  furze,  +  airidh,  or 
con,  gen.  pi.  of  cii,  a  dog,  +  as  +  airidh. 

Churalaich  (Beinn),  the  marshy-mountain. 

Coirelach  —  coire,  corrie,  +  lach,  the  place  of  corries 
(p.  27). 

Corrary  =  corr  +  airidh.     See  both  parts  (pp.  14,  19). 

Craobhach  (Allt).  It  depends  upon  actual  conditions 
whether  this  is  craobhach,  tree-y,  which  Burns  frequently 
are,  or  whether  it  is  from  craobh, /c?a;«,  with  prejudice 
for  the  latter. 


156         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Dealachan  (Lochan  nan),  the  lakelet  of  the  leeches. 

Dronnach  (Cnoc),  from  dronn,  the  back,  of  the  same 
origin  as  druim  (p.  15). 

Duich  (and  River)  is  from  dubh,  black,  or  dark,  with 
perhaps  faich,  a  field ;  or  better,  the  terminal  -aich.  In 
this  neighbourhood  dubh  is  very  common — Torra-dubh, 
Torran-dubh,  Airidh-dhubh,  Eilean  muice-duibhe,  all 
together. 

ifiidhne  (Leac),  gen.  of  Eidheann,  ivy. 

Emeravale  =  iomair,  a  "  rigg "  of  cultivated  land, 
+  mal,  re7it ;  therefore,  the  rent-rigg,  the  produce  of  which 
went  to  pay  the  landlord. 

Frdgach  (Allt),  from  frog,  a  hole,  a  den. 

Gallan  (Poll  nan),  a  rock,  or  standing-stone,  but 
p.  41. 

Gartchossan,  Gartloist,  Gartmain,  Gartnatra  =  gart 
(p.  15)  +  cossan,  a  footpath ;  loisgte,  burnt;  meadhoin, 
middle  ;  na  tragha,  of  the  shore. 

Ghuail  (Coill  a'),  the  (char-)  coal  wood,  where  charcoal 
was  made  of  wood. 

Giol  is  N.  geil,  a  narrow  glen — the  Ghyll  of  the  North 
of  England. 

Glenastle.  This  cannot  be  Glen-river-dale,  because 
the  N.  gen  of  A  is  ^-r.  It  is  almost  certainly  Gleann- 
astail,  from  astail,  or  (fh)astail,  a  holding,  or  dwelling. 

Glengolach  =  gleann  gbbhlach,  the  forked,  or  fork- 
shaped,  glen.  The  gobhal  of  Gaelic  is  always  a  two- 
pronged  idea.  As  a  body-name,  it  is  the  fork — between 
the  two  legs — and  this  is  the  figure  and  meaning  of  the 
name  in  all  its  applications. 

Greastle  is  N.  gras,  grass,  -\-  daUr,  a  dale. 

larnan  (Loch).  larna  is  a  hank  of  yarn,  and  this 
is  the  plural ;  therefore,  the  Loch  of  the  hanks  {note). 


ISLAY  157 

Iriseig  (Druim).  Iris  is  the  twisted  withe  by  which  a 
creel  or  basket  is  carried  or  suspended. 

Knockangle  =  cnoc  +  aingil,  the  fire-hillock,  referring 
no  doubt  to  a  hillock  upon  which  watch-fires,  or  need- 
fires,  were  lit. 

Lagavulin  =  lag  a'  mhuilinn,  the  hollow  in  which  the 
mill  is,  or  was. 

Lanndaidh,  from  lann,  an  enclosure,  with  developed  d, 
which  easily  comes  after  -ann. 

Leanamore,  the  great  meadow. 

Leodamais  (Loch)  =  //d^-r  +  holm-r,  +  Gael,  gen., 
perhaps  because  the  island-rocks  at  the  mouth  are  so  ugly. 

Leora  (Glen),  the  glen  of  the  loamy-river,  from  N. 
leir  -f  £. 

Lipachlairy  =  leob  a'  chleirich,  the  cleric's  (of  Cill- 
Neachtain) /ij/^://  (of  land). 

Machry  (Glen)  =  Gleann  na  machrach  (p.  17). 

M^ise  baine  (Rudha  na),  the  Point  of  the  white 
"  dish^'  or  platter  (fanciful  certainly),  from  mias  +  ban, 
white. 

Muchairt  (Loch),  old  much,  smoke,  -f  aird. 

Nigheadaireachd  (Lochan  na),  the  loch  in  which  the 
washing  was  done,  from  nigh,  wash. 

Pliadan  dubha.  Pliad  is  a  plot  of  ground  ;  therefore, 
the  black  plots. 

Port  Ellen,  "  named  after  EUenor,  first  wife  of  the 
late  W.  F.  Campbell  of  Islay." 

Proaig  and  Lephroaig  have  been  explained  as 
breid'-r  4-  vik,  broad-bay,  but  this  does  not  come 
easily. 

Rosquern  (River)  =  ros  a'  chiiirn  (earn). 

Sholum  (Loch,  and  Beinn).     See  sula,  N.  Voc. 

Slievevin  =  sliabh-eibhinn,  the  happy,  pleasant  hill. 


158  THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Slugaide  glas,  from  slug,  swallow  ;  therefore,  a  gulley, 
ov  gullet,  usually  worn  out  of  the  rock  by  the  current. 

Staoin  (Abhainn),  the  river  of  Staoiriy  which  last  is 
Gaelic  iox  juniper ;  therefore,  the  place  where  juniper 
abounded,  unless  it  be  from  N.  steinn,  a  stone.  The 
forms  Staoinisha  distinctly  suggest  the  latter  Norse 
rendering,  with  the  -s  gen.  of  the  masc.  strong 
declension. 

Stremnish  is  Norse  =  straum-r  +  nes,  streani-ness. 

Siirdag  (Moine  na).  Surdag  is  a  well-known  Gaelic 
word  for  a  specially  hearty  '^  spurt"  of  efifort  in  work, 
and  this  may  quite  well  be  the  meaning  here.  Moine  is 
a  peat-moss. 

Tachree  (Clach  an).  This  looks  very  simple  as 
clach  an  tachraidh,  the  stone  of  the  meetings  with  its  own 
local  history,  no  doubt;  but  it  has  been  explained  as 
clachan  an  tachraidh,  the  hamlet  of  the  causeway.  I  do 
not  know  this  word.  Tachar  is  a  fight,  or  battle,  in  the 
older  language,  and  tacharan  is  a  ghost,  from  which 
latter  the  name  could  come  easily  {note). 

Tackmal  has  been  rendered  an  X-hauk-ar  -f  h61m-r, 
but  this  is  clearly  impossible.  The  hrst  elements  are 
right,  but  the  -mal  cannot  come  from  holm-r,  either  by 
language  or  circumstance.  It  is  the  very  common  Gaelic 
rendering  of  N.  fjall,  a  fell,  or  hill. 

Tornabakin  =  Torr  nam  bacan,  the  Torr  (hill)  of  the 
banks. 

Torra  is  a  variant  of  Torr,  as  Torradu,  the  black  Torr, 
and  dim.,  Torrandu,  show.  The  word  torra  does  not 
contain  &,  a  river.  It  is  simply  the  river  which  flows  by 
Torra,  as  lower  down  it  is  called  Duich-River,  where  it 
flows  by  Duich. 

Uraraidh  (Beinn)  =  ur,  new,  +  airidh,  the  new  shieling. 


ISLAY  159 

V.  There  are  a  number  of  Church-names  in  this 
large  district.  Killarow  belongs  to  it  =  Gill  Mhaol- 
Rubha,  Cill  Brighde  ;  Kilcahim-Kill  =  Gill  Ghaluim- 
chille  (p.  166)  and  Airidh  Mhaol  Ghaluim  =  the  airidh 
of  Columba,  the  tonsured  one ;  Gill  Ghattain  (p.  175), 
Cill  Ghbmhghain  (p.  178),  Cill  Ghubain  (p.  160),  Gill 
Daltain  =  the  Church  of  the  fosterlings  from  dalta,  a 
fosterling,  +  dim.,  -ain ;   Sloe   Mhaol   Doraidh  (p.   185), 

Kileanain  =  Adhamhnan  (p.  179),  Gill  Lasrach  (p.  173), 
and  Cill  (Sh)eatliain-iochdracli  and  uachdrach,  lower  dind 
upper. 

VI.  MacArthur's  Head,  Tobar  Stevenson,  Tobar 
Gharastina  {Christina)  Ghaimbeul,  Carmichael's  Rocks, 
Druim  Glaiginn  MMcheil,  and  Maol  (N.  mul-r)  Airidh 
O'Dhuinn,  with  Carn  Chonnachain,  are  the  Personal 
names. 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES 

Church-Names  are  more  numerous  in  Argyll  than  in 
any  other  part  of  Scotland.  The  reason  will  be  seen  in 
this  chapter. 

There  are  several  secularly  named  Kits,  like  Kil- 
ninver  =  Cill  an  inbhir,  Kilchurn  =  Cill  a'  chuirn,  Kil- 
many  =  Cill  mheadhonach,  Kilmelfort  (p.  57),  Kilearna- 
dail,  J.,  Kilcreggan  =  Cill  a'  chreagain,  Cill-mhor,  Cill- 
bheag,  Cill  an  ailean,  and  others. 

Kits  called  upon  Scripture  names  and  familiar  names 
I  only  just  mention — Kilchriost,  Kilmichael,  Kildavy, 
Kilsheathain  (John),  Kilmory  (Mary),  Kilpheadar  =  Cill 
Pheadair  (Peter)  Kilpatrick  (d.  490),  Kilbride  (d.  525), 
Kil-Donald,  are  comparatively  numerous  all  over  the 
country.     They  need  no  explanation. 

I  cannot  fix  Cill-Eallagain,  I.,  upon  any  of  the 
recognised  saints.  There  is  no  saint  in  the  Kal.  that 
explains  the  name.  It  may  be  that  of  Colman-Ella 
(p.  169),  which  quite  correctly  might  come  into  the 
name  as  him  of  Ella,  the  EUa-ag-an — the  little  one  (the 
affectionate  form)  from  Laind-Ella.  I  am  disposed  to 
think  that  this  is  correct.  The  same  may  be  said  of 
Kilslevan,  I.  Both  may  be  secular  Kils  ;  their  Saints  are 
certainly  wanting,  and  the  names  are  easily  explained 
from  other  ways. 

Cill-Chiibain,    I.,   also,    I    cannot   explain    from    the 

160 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES  i6i 

Kalendars.  It  seems  to  come  from  cilb,  bend^  confess, 
which  is  not  inappropriate  to  a  church.  1  cannot  find 
a  St.  Cuban. 

The  basis  of  the  Cokimban  Church,  which  gave  us 
all  our  Church-names  of  Argyll,  was  the  monastic  system, 
which  came  to  Rome  from  Egypt  by  Athanasius,  Bishop 
of  Alexandria,  when  he  sought  refuge  there,  about  the 
middle  of  the  fourth  century,  from  persecution  by  the 
Arians,  who  denied  the  essential  divinity  of  Christ. 
From  Italy  the  system  came  into  Gaul,  and  it  was 
established  at  Ligug6,  "the  most  ancient  monastery  in 
Europe,"  by  Martin  in  a.d.  361.  Martin  was  a  native 
of  Pannonia  in  Lower  Hungary.  He  was  for  several 
years  a  soldier  before  his  conversion.  The  bishopric  of 
Tours  was  conferred  upon  him,  as  is  said,  against  his  will, 
about  A.D.  370,  after  which,  in  order  to  withdraw  him- 
self from  the  world,  he  founded  Majus  Monasterium,  the 
later  Marmoutier,  which  became  the  great  centre  of 
monastic  life  in  Gaul.  He  died  A.D.  397.  Legend  has 
it  that  Conchessa,  the  mother  of  St.  Patrick,  was 
Martin's  niece,  but  there  is  reason  to  beheve  that  this 
is  not  correct.  Martin  is  in  the  Kalendar,  under  nth 
November  :— 

Sanct  Martain  saer  samail 
sliab  oir  iarthair  domain. 

— Saint  Martin — tioble  simile — the  mount  of  gold  of  the  West 
of  the  world.  His  great  ordination  as  Bishop  of  Tours 
is  under  4th  July,  dagordan  mor  Martain  marosellaib 
seimle  —  Martin  s  good  great  ordination  ;  you  have  not 
seen  its  like.  His  "translation"  is  under  4th  June,  and 
a  feast  in  his  honour  at  Rome  under  20th  April  :  feil 
iruaim  ;   noem  neorpa  uile — the  feast  at  Rome ;   of  the 

L 


i62         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Saint  of  all  Europe.  He  was  the  first  Saint  to  whom 
the  Roman  Church  offered  worship. 

We  have  his  name  remaining  in  the  Parish  of  Kil- 
Martin,  and  in  the  Scottish  "Term"  Martin-mas,  an 
fh^ill-Martain — nth  November — to  this  day. 

NiNiAN  may  almost  be  said  to  have  been  a  disciple 
of  Martin.  In  early  life  he  went  to  Rome,  where  "he 
was  trained  in  the  faith  and  in  the  mysteries  of  truth," 
as  Bede  has  it.  On  his  way  back,  he  visited  Martin  at 
Tours,  and  stayed  with  him  some  time.  When  he  left 
for  home  he  brought  with  him,  from  Martin,  masons 
for  the  purpose  of  building  a  church.  This  was  the 
monastery  of  "Leucopibia,"  "Candida  Casa,"  "Futerna," 
"Whithern,"  or  modern  Whithorn,  in  Wigton.  It  was 
also  called  "  Magnum  Monasterium/'  and  the  monastery 
of  Rosnat,  and  the  "house  of  Martin,"  because  it  was 
dedicated  to  the  Bishop  of  Tours.  There  can  be  no 
doubt  that  this  "White-house"  of  Martin  was  a  great 
centre  of  piety  and  culture.  It  was  here  that  Finan  of 
Moville  (magh-bile)  was  taught — a  fact  that  should  be  kept 
in  mind,  for  he  was  one  of  the  teachers  of  Columcille. 

Here  at  Whithorn,  "  Ninian  and  many  other  Saints 
rest  in  the  body"  (Bede).  He  was  of  the  Britons  of 
Strathclyde.  His  father  was  Sarran,  King  of  Britons, 
and  his  mother  was  Bobona,  daughter  of  Loarn  (son  of 
Ere),  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Dalriadic  race  and 
kingdom  in  Argyll.  His  death  is  placed  a.d.  432. 
There  was  another  Nennidius,  "de  partibus  Mula," 
and  from  him  the  parish  of  Kilninian,  in  North  Mull, 
takes  its  name,  and  a  Nin(d)idh  was  one  of  the  twelve 
apostles  of  Ireland,  It  is  almost  certain  that  these  two 
names  are  for  one  and  the  same  person,  namely,  Ninnidh 
of  Innis-macsaint  in  Lough  Erne. 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES  163 

FiNAN,  or  FiNNiAN,  of  Moville  was  sent  as  a  boy  to 
St.  Coelan  of  Noendrum  {Nine  Backs),  who  placed  him 
under  the  care  of  "  the  most  holy  Bishop  Nennio " 
(Ninnian,  of  Candida  Casa),  who  took  him  to  his  own 
"  Magnum  Monasterium,"  and  by  him  (Nennio)  he  was 
trained  for  several  years  in  the  monastic  life.  After 
completing  the  time  of  his  instruction  he  went  back  to 
Ireland  and  established  the  monastery  of  Moville,  near 
Newtonards,  in  County  Down,  with  which  his  name  is 
so  famously  associated.  It  was  to  him,  at  Moville,  that 
Colum-Cille  was  first  sent  for  instruction.  Columba 
remained  there  until  he  was  ordained  Deacon,  after 
which  he  left  to  go  under  another  Finan  at  the  monastery 
of  Clonard. 

He  seems  to  have  been  known  as  Findbarr  also. 
In  the  Kalendar,  under  10th  December,  he  is  com- 
memorated : — 

Cli  dergoir  conglaine 
corriacht  tarsal  side 
sui  dianerin  inmall 
Findbarr  muigebile. 

— A  body  of  red  gold  with  purity ,  over  a  sea  came  he,  a  sage 
for  which  Ireland  was  sad,  Findbarr  of  Movile.  Accord- 
ing to  a  marginal  note  in  L.  B.  the  explanation  is  given — 
Findbarr  .i.  folt  find  bui  fair  .i.  finden,  that  is,  Findbarr 
for  white  (or  fair)  hair  was  on  him,  that  is,  Finden  = 
fair-one. 

FiNiAN  of  Clonard  was  of  the  Irish  Picts.  Up  to 
his  thirtieth  year  he  was  taught  in  Ireland,  but  then  he 
crossed  into  Wales  to  Kilmuine — the  old  name  for  St. 
David's,  and  without  doubt  the  same  in  origin  as  Kilmun 
in  Argyll — where  he  placed  himself  under   "the  three 


164         THE    PLACE-NAMES    OF   ARGYLL 

holy  men,  David  and  Gillas  and  Docus  the  Britons" — 
that  is,  Bishop  David,  Gildas  the  historian,  and  St. 
Madoc,  who  founded  the  monastery  of  Llancarvan,  in 
South  Wales.  On  his  return  to  Ireland  after  many  years 
at  St.  David's,  he  founded  the  great  monastery  of  Cluain- 
Erard — Clonard,  in  County  Meath — from  which  so  many 
thousands  went  forth  to  teach  and  to  preach,  and  from 
which  went  forth  especially  "the  twelve  apostles  of 
Ireland,"  whose  names  are  so  frequent  and  familiar  in 
the  West  of  Scotland.  The  apostles  were,  according  to 
Skene  : — 

1.  ClARAN  of  Saighir. 

2.  ClARAN  Mac-an  t-saoir. 

3.  COLUMBA  mac  Crimthain. 

4.  COLUM-ClLLE. 

5.  MOBHI  Clarenach. 

6.  Brendan  of  Birr. 

7.  Brendan  of  Clonfert. 

8.  Laisren  or  Molaise  of  Devenish. 

9.  RuADHAN  of  Lothra. 

10.  Senell  of  Cluain-innis. 

11.  Ninnidh  of  Innis-mac-saint. 

12.  Caineach  of  Achabo. 

The  Leabhar  Breac,  however,  gives  them  as  follows  : — 

XII.  Apostoli  Hiberniae 

dafinen  dacholum  chaid 
ciaran  caindeach  comgall  cain 
dabrenaind  ruadan  colli 
nindid  mobi  mac  natfraich 

—  Two  Finans,  two  chaste  Columbs,  Ciaran,  Kenneth,  fair 
Co>ngall,  two  Brennans,  RuadJian  with  splendour,  Nindidh 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES  165 

(and)  Mobij  son  of  Natfraich.  It  will  be  observed  that  we 
have  in  this  statement  two  Finans  and  a  Comgall  not 
included  in  Skene's,  and  further  that  we  have  only  one 
Ciaran  and  no  Molaise  and  no  Senell.  We  have  no 
memorial  of  Mobhi  or  of  Ruadhan  or  of  Senell  in  the 
place-names,  but  we  have  Finan  and  Comgall  and 
Molaise — and  Colum,  Ciaran,  Brennan,  Caineach  are 
numerous  in  the  whole  West  of  Scotland. 

This  Finan  is  in  the  Kalendar^  under  12th  December  : 

Tor  oir  uas  cech  lermuir 
gebaid  coir  frimanmain 
findia  find  frem  inmain 
cluana  iraird  adbail 

— A  tower  of  gold  over  every  ocean  sea,  he  will  give  a  hand 
to  my  soul,  Findia  the  Fair,  lovable  root  of  vast  Clonard. 
We  have  his  name  in  Killundine  =  Cill-Fhionntain,  V,, 
and  in  Kilmunn,  C,  and  in  other  places  (see  p.  53). 
The  Kal.,  21st  October,  derives  Mundu  thus,  mundu 
=  mufhindu  .i.  fintan,  the  essential  being  that  the  initial  f 
is  aspirated  out,  which  is  not  only  probable  but  even 
necessary  —  and  still  one  doubts  the  rendering.  If 
Fintan,  who  was  Munnu  prius,  or  artus,  went  to  David 
in  Wales  as  a  pupil  at  Kil munnu,  there  must  have  been 
"  an  intelligent  anticipation  "  of  his  coming  to  have  the 
Cill  named  upon  him.  What  is  far  more  likely  is  that 
Kilmunnu  was  the  name  of  the  Welsh  monastery  before 
he  went  there,  and  that  he  on  founding  his  church  in 
Cowal  did — as  all  men  do — remember  and  recall  his  old 
intellectual  home.  I  am  afraid,  therefore,  and  for  other 
reasons,  that  the  philology  of  the  Kal.  must  on  this 
point  be  rejected. 

There  was  another  famous  FiNAN,  sent  from  lona  to 


i66         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

succeed  Bishop  Aidan  at  Lindisfarne  to  take  charge  of 
the  Church  in  Northumbria,  A.D.  651.  He  died  A.D.  660. 
Obitus  Finain  mac  Riineda  (660 —  Tigh.).  There  are  several 
other  Finans,  Finnians,  and  Fintans,  of  the  old  Church, 
so  that  it  is  not  possible  to  be  sure  upon  which  of  them 
a  Kil-  may  be  named. 

MOBHI,  Clarenach  as  he  was  called,  although  he 
does  not  come  into  Argyll  names,  is  an  interesting  link, 
because  after  leaving  Clonard,  where  he  was  taught 
under  Finnian,  he  founded  the  monastery  of  Glas- 
naoidhen  (Glasnevin,  County  Dublin),  where  he  was  joined 
later  by  Colum-Cille,  who  also  came  from  Clonard,  and 
had  been  Mobhi's  fellow-student  there.  It  was  here,  at 
Glasnevin,  that  Colum-Cille  met  Comgall  of  Bangor, 
who  was  one  of  "the  twelve."  Mobhi's  death  is  put  as 
having  occurred  A.D.  546.  He  is  in  the  Kalendar  under 
12th  October  : — 

Mobii  balcc  inbuaidsin 
inclarenach  cainsin 

— Mobhi  strong  in  that  victory,  that  flat-faced  fair  one. 
There  is  a  long  note  in  the  Leabhar  Breac  explaining 
his  descent  and  birth.  It  says:  Berchan  ainm  Mobi 
ocus  Beoan  ainm  a  athar  ocus  Uainind  ainm  amathar 
— Berchan  was  Mobrs  [other]  name,  B.  the  name  of  his 
father,  and  U.  the  name  of  his  mother.  He  is  said  to  have 
died  from  the  Great  Plague,  called  Buidhe  Chonaill, 
which  swept  over  Erinn  in  this  time.  To  the  Plague 
is  also  attributed  the  break  up  of  the  Glasnevin 
Monastery. 

Colum-Cille,  or  St.  Columba,  son  of  Feidhlimidh, 
son  of  Fergus,  son  of  Conal  Gulban,  son  of  Niall 
Naoigiallach,  "Neil  of   the  Nine  Hostages" — monarch 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES  167 

of  Erinn,  A.D.  346-379 — was  born  at  Gartan,  in  Donegal, 
on  7th  December  A.D.  521,  according  to  data  supplied  by 
Adamnan  in  his  Life,  but  according  to  O'Curry  he  was 
born,  "as  we  know  from  other  sources,"  A.D.  515.  His 
mother  was  Eithne,  daughter  of  Dima,  son  of  Noe,  son  of 
Etinne,  son  of  Cairpre  the  poet,  son  of  Ailill  the  great, 
son  of  Breccan,  son  of  Fiach,  son  of  Daire  Barrach, 
son  of  Cathair  the  great.  And  Cumine,  Minchloth,  and 
Sinech  were  Colum-Cille's  three  sisters — KaL,  7th  June,  n. 
When  he  attained  a  proper  age  he  became  a  pupil  of 
Finnian,  or  Findbarr,  of  Moville,  where  he  remained  till 
he  was  ordained  Deacon.  Then  for  some  time  he  was 
under  one  Gemman,  a  poet,  after  which  he  went  to 
Clonard  under  the  other  Finnian,  where  he  finished  his 
training. 

He  was  with  Mobhi  at  Clonard,  and  joined  him 
afterwards  at  Glasnevin,  and  it  was  here  that  he  met 
Ciaran,  and  Caineach,  and  Comgall  who  was  afterwards 
founder  of  the  great  monastery  of  Ben-chor — the  present 
Bangor — in  County  Down.  Columba  remained  at  Glas- 
nevin till  he  was  twenty-five  years  of  age. 

While  Columba  was  at  Clonard  the  Abbot  Finnian 
wanted  to  have  him  as  domestic  bishop,  and  he  sent 
him  to  Eitchen,  bishop  of  the  monastery  of  Clonfad — in 
Cluain  Fota  Boetain — in  Meath,  to  have  the  orders  of  a 
bishop  conferred  upon  him ;  but  Eitchen  by  mistake  or 
for  some  reason  bestowed  the  orders  of  a  priest  only, 
which  Columba  said  he  would  not  change  so  long  as  he 
should  be  alive,  but  that  he  was  not  too  well  pleased  is 
shown  by  what  he  said  :  "No  one  shall  ever  again  come 
to  this  church  to  have  orders  conferred  upon  him" 
— ocus  is  ed  on  chomailter  beos,  says  the  Note,  and  it  is 
this  that  is  still  fulfilled. 


i68         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

After  the  death  of  Mobhi,  we  are  told  that  Columba 
founded  many  churches — three  hundred,  it  is  said — of 
which  Kells,  Derry,  Raphoe,  Swords,  and  Durrow  have 
been  the  most  famous. 

In  A.D.  563  "  the  Saint  with  twelve  fellow-soldiers 
sailed  across  to  Britain,"  He  came  to  King  Conall  of 
Dalriada,  or  Argyll,  son  of  Comhgall,  brother  and  suc- 
cessor of  Gabhran,  who  was  killed  in  battle  with  the 
Picts  A.D.  560.  He  was  given  the  Island  of  lona  by 
Conall.  We  have  bass  Conaill  mic  Comgaill  ri  Dalriata 
xm.  armo  regni  sui  qui  offeravit  insulam  la  Colaiincille 
(A.D.  574 — Tigh),  the  death  of  C,  son  ofC,  King  of  Dalriada 
{in  the  thirteenth  year  of  his  reign),  who  made  an  offering 
of  lona  to  Coluvi-Cille.  Montalembert,  in  his  great  history 
of  The  Monks  of  the  West,  says  that  Columba  ordained 
and  gave  his  benediction  to  Conall,  and  that  the  event 
happened  in  lona  "on  a  great  stone  called  the  Stone  of 
Destiny."  This  stone  was  removed  to  Dunstaffnage, 
then  to  Scone,  and  finally  to  Westminster,  where  it  now 
is,  supporting  the  Coronation  Chair.  Some  have  cast 
doubt  upon  the  history  of  the  stone.  Even  Shakespeare 
was  jealous  of  it  : — 

"  A  base  foul  stone  made  precious  by  the  foil 
Of  England's  chair,  where  he  is  falsely  set." 

Rich.  III.,  V.  3. 

"  He  "  is  there,  however,  with  his  big  tradition,  which 
some  thoughtful  people  consider  to  be  far  more  reliable 
than  that  of  "  Shakespeare."  The  history  of  Columba's 
life  and  work  from  this  point  belongs  to  general  history. 
Columba  mac  Crithmain  was  a  native  of  Leinster, 
and  he  founded  the  monastery  of  Tir-da-ghlais  in  A.D. 
548.     He   is   in    the   Kalendar,  under    13th   December  : 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES  169 

colam  trednach  tire — C,  the  abstinent  of  Tir-  {da-ghlais) ; 
and  tlie  note  in  Laud  MS.  is  .i.  Colum  mac  Crimthan 
otirdaglas  isinmumain,  that  is,  C.^  son  of  C,  from  Tir-da- 
ghlas  in  {the)  Munster.  It  seems  quite  impossible  to 
know  if  this  Columba  came  into  Argyll  names,  but  it 
may  be  observed  that  we  have  Macrimmons  in  the  west 
to  the  present  day.  There  are  over  thirty  Colmans, 
Colmocs,  and  Colums  (all  the  same  name),  in  the 
KaletidaVy  and  several  of  them  are  without  doubt 
associated  with  the  west  of  Scotland,  but  it  is  quite 
impossible  to  say  which  name,  from  among  so  many 
remains.  Dr.  George  Stokes,  in  his  Celtic  Church,  says 
of  Colum-Cille  that  "  he  was  baptized  at  Temple-Douglas, 
(Telach-dubhglaisse  in  Tir  Lugdach  in  Cinell  Conaill — 
Kal.,  9th  June,  «.),  where  he  received  the  twofold  and 
opposed  names  of  Crimthann,  a  wolf,  and  Colum,  a  dove!' 
The  KaL,  under  same  Note  of  9th  June,  has  Crimthan 
ainm  Colum-Cille  prius — Cr.  was  name  of  C.C.  previously. 
All  this  suggests  an  overlapping  of  the  two  names. 

COLMAN  -  Ella.  —  This  is  another  Colum,  in  the 
diminutive  form.  His  Kil-  is  in  South  Knapdale,  and 
his  name  is  in  the  Kalendar  on  26th  September  : — 

colman  olaind  ela 
lahuaigi  ailt  legend 
conid  he  an  hualann 
ioin  mar  mace  nerend 

— C.  of  Laind-Ela,  with  perfections  of  high  readings,  so  that 
he  is  splendid,  praiseworthy^  the  great  fohn  of  Ireland! s 
sons.  The  parish  is  locally  called  Sgire  nan  Calaman 
gheala,  the  parish  of  the  white  doves,  and  this  has  been 
taken  to  be  the  origin  of  the  name.  The  native  render- 
ing is  always  of  value,  but  this  is  a  good  example  of  the 


lyo         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF  ARGYLL 

need  of  keeping  an  intelligent  eye  upon  it.  There  is 
more  imagination  than  philology  grown  locally — and 
perhaps  that  is  well.  This  is  "the  birthplace  of  Malcolm 
O'Neill,"  according  to  the  Statistical  Account ,  another  gem. 
To  use  a  name  without  some  feeling  of  its  meaning  is 
abidingly  unsatisfactory.  There  is  always  a  seeking 
after  a  meaning,  and  rather  than  have  no  meaning,  a 
wrong  one  is  preferred — and  is  preferable,  of  course. 
The  Note  in  L.  B.  is  not  quite  certain  as  to  the  origin 
of  the  word  Ela.  It  has — ela  nomen  mulieris  quae  ibi 
ante  colman  habltabat,  and  ela  proprium  nomen  amnis 
proxlmantis  eclesiae.  Laind  is  the  same  as  the  Welsh 
Llan- ;  it  meant  in  origin  an  inclosed  area,  later  a  house, 
and  then,  as  in  Wales,  a  church.  Pope  Innocent  IV., 
in  1247,  confirmed  certain  lands  to  the  Rector  of  St. 
Calmonel,  situated  near  the  Castle  of  Schepehinche,  in 
Kintyre. 

Ci ARAN  {the  dusky  one).  There  were  two  famous  Ciarans 
of  the  old  Church,  Ciaran  of  Clonmacnois,  and  Ciaran 
of  Saighir — the  two  mentioned  in  Skene's  statement, 
without  doubt.  Ciaran  of  Clonmacnois  was  the  son  of 
a  carpenter,  hence  he  was  known  also  as  "  Ciaran  mac 
an  t-saoir."  His  father  was  from  Ulster,  but  he  removed 
to  Magh  Ai,  a  plain  forming  part  of  the  present  County 
Roscommon,  where  Ciaran  was  born  A.D.  516.  He  was 
educated  under  Finan  at  Clonard.  He  founded,  A.D.  548, 
Cluain-mic-nois  in  the  reign  of  Diarmad,  son  of  Fergus 
Cerrbeoil,  and  with  his  assistance.  He  founded  many 
other  churches  also.  His  death,  which  is  fabled  to  have 
been  brought  about  by  the  prayers  of  the  other  saints 
of  Ireland,  who  were  envious  of  his  fame,  is  said  to  have 
taken  place  at  the  age  of  thirty-three  on  9th  September 
A.D.  549  (C.  48),  but  O'Curry  says  he  was  alive  "  about  580." 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES  lyi 

There  is  no  suggestion  in  the  facts  of  his  life,  given 
in  Irish  records,  to  show  whether  he,  or  his  namesake 
of  Saighir,  gave  us  our  western  names. 

ClAKAN  of  Saighir,  so  called  because  he  was  founder 
of  the  monastery  of  that  name  —  now  Seirkieran  = 
Saighir-Chiarain,  in  King's  County,  about  four  miles 
from  Birr.  In  the  Kal.,  under  5th  March,  there  is  along 
statement  regarding  him.  He  is  mac  Lugna,  and  his 
mother's  name  was  Liadaine.  There  is  in  the  same 
place  another  statement  of  his  parentage  which  the 
curious  may  refer  to.  A  somewhat  similar  genesis  is 
given  to  Finan  Cam,  F.  the  sqidnting,  under  7th  April. 

We  have  Oil  -  Chiarain  (Kilkerran)  in  Campbel- 
town as  in  Carrick  on  the  other  side  of  the  Sound 
of  Kilbrannan  (Cil-Bhrandain,  his  friend),  and  else- 
where. 

RUADHAN  and  Senell  do  not  come  into  the  Argyll 
names. 

Cainneach's  {tJie  fair  one)  name  is  frequent.  He, 
like  Ciaran,  was  of  the  Irish  Picts.  Columba  met  him 
at  Glasnevin.  He  founded  Kil-ri-monaidh  (now  St. 
Andrews),  in  Fife.  He  is  commemorated  in  KaL,  nth 
October :  Caindeach  mac  huidaland  .i.  mac  daed  alaind 
he  ocus  achadbo  a  primchell  ocus  ata  recles  do  hicill 
rigmonaig  in  albain — C,  descendant  of  Dalann  .  .  .  and 
Achabo  was  his  chief  church,  and  he  has  a  cell  in  Kil- 
rinionaidh  in  Scotland.  He  is  said,  with  Comgall  of 
Benchor,  to  have  accompanied  Columba  on  his  mission 
to  King  Brude  at  Inverness ;  and  as  we  know^  the 
mission  worked  round  the  coast  of  Moray  and  Aber- 
deen, it  can  be  readily  understood  how  his  name 
remains  in  Fife.  It  is  in  Mull  also,  and  in  lona,  Tiree, 
Kintyre,  &c. 


172         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Cainneach  was  a  close  friend  of  Brannan  and  of 
Bairre,  whose  name  remains  in   Kilberry  : — 

Aentu  choinnig'  is  barrai 
ocus  brenaind  diblinaib 
cipe  saraiges  nech  dib 
fertai  intrir  ocadigail 

— The  unity  of  Cainneach  and  Bairre  and  Brannan,  both 
one  and  other y  whoever  outrages  any  one  of  them  the  powers 
of  the  three  [zvill  be)  avenging  him.  Bairre  was  of  the  seed  of 
Brian,  son  of  Echad  Muidmedon,  do  sil  briain  mic  echach 
muidmedon  do  barri  —  Kal.,  25th  September,  n.,  on 
which  day  is  the  festival  of  "  the  loving  man,"  Bairre  0 
chorcaig,  for  he  was  a  native  of  Cork. 

MOLUOC — molua  (meaning  a  kick,  .i.  preab,  O'Cl.) — 
Luoc — LUGIDUS — LUANUS,  was  from  the  great  monastery 
of  Bangor,  and  he  is  said  to  have  founded  many  churches 
in  Ireland  and  in  Scotland.  The  various  forms  of  the 
name  have  a  simple  explanation.  The  last  two  are  an 
attempt  to  put  the  name  in  some  sort  of  Latin  form, 
because  people  must  have  Latin  names,  for  Saints 
especially.  The  root,  however,  of  the  name  is  Lua,  and 
Luoc  is  little  Lua,  and  Moluoc  is  my  little  Lua — all  terms 
of  affection,  and  a  form  that  was  very  common  in  the 
old  church  ;  for  example,  mo-cholm-oc,  mo-chell-oc,  mo- 
chorm-ac,  mo-ern-ac,  ma-ron-ag,  &c.  The  church  of 
Lismore  was  founded  by  him,  and  his  name  still  remains 
there  in  Kilmaluag  and  in  Portmaluag  on  the  east  side 
of  the  island.     He  is  in  the  Kalendar,  under  25th  June  : — 

lam  luoc  glan  geldai 
grian  liss  moir  dealbai 

—  With  my  Luoepure  and  fair  sun  of  Lismore  of  Alba.     He 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES  173 

is  said  to  have  been  one  of  the  finest  men  who  ever  went 
forth  from  Benchor.  His  record,  at  anyrate  in  one  detail, 
is  extremely  beautiful.  "A  little  bird  was  seen  awailing 
and  lamenting  (en  mbec  occai  ocus  ocdogra)  because 
Molua  mac-Ocha  was  dead.  A  nd  therefore  it  is  that  the  living 
creatures  bewail  him  for  he  never  killed  a  living  creature 
whether  small  or  great — Kal,  31st  January.  Luac  was  the 
son  of  Carthach  rigda,  royal  Carthach,  descendant  of  the 
King  of  Munster,  who  was  a  pupil  of  Ciaran  of  Saighir. 
Obitus  Lugdach  Lissmoir  .i.  Moluoc,  a.d.  <^c)2.—  Tigh. 

Laisren,  or  Molaise,  named  "  of  Damh-innis  "  (Deven- 
ish),  in  Lough  Erne,  one  of  "the  twelve,"  was  third 
abbot  of  lona — or  at  anyrate  one  of  the  name  was  (for 
there  seems  to  have  been  several  of  them  in  the  early 
Church),  A.D.  600-605.  Laisren  was  first  cousin  to 
Colum-Cille.  The  root  in  the  name  is  lasair,  a  flame., 
and  with  keen  evangelists  it  might  almost  be  a  general 
name.  In  the  time  of  Diarmad,  monarch  of  Erinn, 
Colum-Cille,  who  was  great-grandson  of  Conal  Gulban, 
son  of  "  Niall  of  the  Nine  Hostages,"  and  therefore  of  the 
race  of  the  great  Clann  Domhnaill,  fell  out  with  King 
Diarmad  (see  O'Curry,  327  et  seq.),  and  with  the  assist- 
ance of  these  his  powerful  relatives,  and  with  the  assist- 
ance of  the  men  of  Tir-Eoghain  (Tyrone),  his  cousins, 
he  gave  battle  to  and  defeated  Diarmad  with  great  loss 
at  Cuil  Dreimne,  near  Sligo.  The  monarch  returned  to 
Tara  discomfited ;  but  soon  afterwards  he  made  his 
peace  with  Columba.  The  Saint,  however,  was  troubled 
in  conscience  because  of  the  bloodshed  he  had  caused, 
so  he  went  for  penitential  confession  to  Molaise,  whose 
penance  was  that  Colum  should  leave  Erinn  forthwith 
and  never  again  return.  Upon  this  Columba  left  for 
Scotland,  and  the  great  history  of  lona  follows. 


174         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

There  is  a  very  interesting  Note  in  Kal,^  9th  Decem- 
ber, regarding  Ciaran  of  Clonfert,  "  Ciaran  Chluana,"  as 
follows  : — Teora  comairli  din  ismessa  daronad  inerinn 
triachomairlib  noem  .i.  timdibe  saegail  Ciarain,  ocus 
Colum  Cille  do  indarbud  ocus  mochudai  dochur  araithin 
— Now  these  are  the  three  worst  advices  that  have  been  acted 
on  in  Ireland  through  the  counsels  of  the  Saints,  namely, 
the  cutting  short  of  Ciaran  s  life,  and  the  banishment  of 
Columba,  and  the  expulsion  of  Mochuda  from  Raithin. 
We  have  seen  the  reason  for  the  first  of  these  state- 
ments ;  the  second  is  now  clear.  I  do  not  know  the 
circumstances  attending  the  third.  Mochuda  died  a.d. 
636.  However  rightly  and  justly  the  commentator  may 
have  expressed  his  mind,  regarding  Columba  especially, 
we  are  thankful  to  believe  that  the  world  is  greatly 
richer  and  better  by  his  "  banishment." 

Maelrubha  (mael  +  rubha,  cuttings  but  for  what 
reason  I  cannot  say),  whose  name  is  met  in  Islay  and 
Kintyre  and  in  other  parts  of  Scotland,  was  son  of 
Subthan,  daughter  of  Setna,  and  sister  of  Comghall  of 
Benchor,  who  was  of  the  Cinel  Eoghain.  It  was  about 
A.D.  671,  during  the  abbacy  of  Failbhe  in  lona,  that 
Maelruba  came  from  Bangor  (Down)  into  the  west  of 
Scotland,  and  two  years  later  he  founded  the  church  of 
Appercrossan — now  Applecross — in  Wester  Ross.  The 
Annals  of  Tighernac  has — 673,  M.  fundavit  ecclesiam 
apercrossan ;  and  he  evangelised  through  the  whole 
neighbourhood  all  his  lifetime.  He  is  in  the  Kalendar, 
under  21st  April  :  inalpain  conglaine  iarlecud  cechsuba 
luid  uainn  conamathair  armbrathair  maelruba — in  Scot- 
land with  purity  after  leaving  every  happiness,  went  from 
us  with  his  mother,  Maelruba. 

His  Kils  are  numerous,  and  they  have  gone  through 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES  175 

very  peculiar  but  very  interesting  changes  of  form.  Cil- 
mhael-rubha  appears  in  old  documents  variously  as 
Kilmolrow,  Kilmorrow,  Kilmarrow,  Kilmharrow,  Kil- 
arrow,  &c.,  all  of  which  a  Gaelic  student  will  readily 
understand.  Though  in  Islay  the  name  has  lost  every 
trace  of  its  spoken  origin,  in  Kintyre  the  essential  is  still 
preserved  in  the  local  pronunciation — it  is  Kil-a-roo,  with 
the  accent  on  the  last  syllable.  According  to  the  Origines 
Par.  Scot.,  Kilmarrow  was  the  church  of  St.  Mary  ! 

Cathan,  or  Cattan  {little  cat),  was  of  the  Irish  Picts, 
and  the  friend  of  Comgall  and  Cainneach.  He  was  the 
founder  of  the  monastery  of  Kingarth,  Cinn-garad,  or 
Ceann  a'  gharaidh,  in  South  Bute.  His  name  does  not 
appear  in  the  Kalendar,  though  that  of  his  nephew, 
Blaan,  son  of  King  Aidan,  does :  blaan  cain  chinn 
garad  .i.  dun  blaan  aprimchathair  ocus  ochinn  garad 
do  .i.  hingall  gaidelaib — Blaan  of  Kingarth  in  Dunblane 
is  his  chief  city,  and  from  Kingarth  is  he,  i.e.  in  Galloway. 
This  is  Stokes'  translation,  but  it  is  in  part  wrong — in 
the  rendering  Galloway.  The  Gall-ghaidheil  were  all 
those  Gaels  of  the  south-west  of  Scotland  and  of  the 
western  isles  who  were  under  the  rule  or  control  of  the 
Gall,  or  stranger — of  Angles  in  the  south,  and  of  Scan- 
dinavians in  the  north  and  the  Isles.  The  Statistical 
Account  states  that  the  remains  of  Blaan  were  visible 
at  Kilblane  (Southend,  Kintyre)  in  1843  ! 

The  two  names  occur  frequently — Kil-chattan,  Ard- 
chattain — Kilblane,  Dunblane,  &c. 

Brannan — Brandan — Breannan — Brennand  (from 
bran,  a  raven,  bran  .i.  fiach — C),  was  one  of  the  twelve 
apostles  of  Ireland.  In  his  early  days  he  was  educated 
at  Clonard.  He  afterwards  spent  seven  years  in  search 
of  the  Land  of  Promise.     Upon  his  return  he  went  to 


176         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Gildas  "  in  Britain."  On  leaving  Gildas  he  is  thought 
to  have  gone  to  the  Western  Isles  of  Scotland  (about 
A.D.  545),  in  one  of  which  he  founded  a  monastery 
named  Aileach,  and  in  Tiree,  "/«  regione  Hethy"  a 
church.  This  Aileach  is  Aileach  an  naoimh  of  the 
Garveloch  group  of  islands  (p.  62),  and  in  another 
of  the  same  group  is  Ciiil-Bhrannain,  Cul- Brandon,  or 
B!s  Retreat,  to  this  day.  His  name  remains  in  that  the 
people  of  Bute  are  "the  Brandanes,"  and  further,  in  the 
Sound  of  Kilbrannan,  which  separates  Arran  and  Ayr 
from  Kintyre.  This  Brandan  was  he  "  of  Clonfert," 
which  he  founded  about  A.D.  556.  He  is  said  to  have 
visited  Colum-Cille  at  Hinba,  where  Ernan,  Colum-Cille's 
uncle  presided  :  Alio  in  tempore  quatuor  ad  sanctam 
visitanduin  Columbavi  nionasteriiivi  fiindatores  de  Scotia 
transmeantes  in  Hinba  emu  invenerunt  insula ;  quorum 
illustrium  vocabula  Comgellus  Banger,  Cainnechus  Achabo, 
Brendcnus  Cluaind,  Cormacus  nepos  Leathain  (Adamn.) — 
all  of  which  may  be  good  history,  but  is  certainly  not 
beautiful  Latin.  In  the  island  of  Seil,  L.,  the  church  is 
dedicated  to  him.     His  death  is  put  A.D.  577. 

There  were  two  distinguished  Brannans — B.  of  Clon- 
fert and  B.  of  Birr  ;  but  it  seems  certain  that  the  name 
of  B.  of  Cluain  is  that  which  we  have  in  our  names. 
Quies  Brendain  abbatis  Cluain-ferta,  die  xvi,  Mali  aetatis 
suiy  94. —  Tigh. 

Brannan  of  Birr  was  older  by  a  few  years  than  his 
namesake  of  Clonard.  His  death  is  put  about  a.d.  565 
by  the  Annals. 

Oran — Odran — Odhran  (from  odhar,  dun,-\-(^\m.. 
-an,  the  dun  one.  Compare  Ciaran,  Finnan).  "  The  dedi- 
cation to  Oran,  or  Odhran,  in  the  islands  connected 
with  Dalriada  probably  belong  to  the  earlier  Dalriadic 


THE   CHURCH-NAMES  177 

Church.  Besides  the  cemetery  in  lona  called  Reilig 
Odhrain,  he  appears  in  Tiree,  where  there  is  a  burial- 
ground  called  Cladh  Odhrain,  in  Colonsay  at  Kiloran, 
and  in  Kiloran  on  the  north  bank  of  Loch-Sgridan.  He 
was  of  the  stock  of  the  people  of  Dalriada,  and  his  death 
is  recorded  on  2nd  October  a.d.  548." — S/c,  ii.  35.  There 
is  a  tradition  regarding  him  that  "  Columba  said  to  his 
people  it  would  be  well  for  us  that  our  roots  should 
pass  into  the  earth  here.  And  he  said  to  them,  it  is 
permitted  to  you  that  some  one  of  you  go  under  the 
earth  of  this  island  to  consecrate  it,  Odhran  arose 
quickly,  and  said,  '  If  you  accept  me  I  am  ready  for  that.' 
Odhran  then  went  to  heaven.  He  founded  the  church 
of  Hy  (lona)  there." 

DONNAN  (from  donn,  dun,  Lat.  fuscus — as  in  Duncan, 
p.  37),  is  in  Kal.,  under  17th  April,  as  Dondan  ega  .i.  ega 
ainm  oilein  fil  inalpain  ocus  isannside  ata  donnan  no 
icattaib  et  ibi  donnan  sanctus  cum  sua  familia  obiit  .i. 
liv. — Domian  of  Eigg,  that  is,  Eigg  is  the  name  of  an  island 
which  is  in  Albain,  and  there  Donnan  is,  or  in  Siitherland 
(not  Caithness),  and  there  Saint  D.  died  with  his  ^^  family," 
namely,  fifty-four  (in  number).  Kildonan,  on  the  east 
side  of  Egg,  was  founded  by  him  about  560.  The 
Annals  of  Tighearnach  give  617  :  Combustio  Donnain  Ega 
hi  XV.  Kalendas  mai  cum  clericis  martiribus.  The  history 
of  this  cruel  "combustion"  by  the  Norseman  is  easily 
available.  The  Norseman's  work  on  the  Western  Isles 
was  "thorough." 

The  Kils  of  Donnan  are  comparatively  numerous — 
in  Egg,  Arran,  Sutherland,  Kintyre,  &c. 

Creathamhnan,  which  gives  Kilchrenain,  was  son  of 

Cathair  the  Great  of  the  Ui  Cormaic — KaL,  13th  Dec,  n. 

COMMAN    (mac   Ernain,  son   of  E.),   was  brother  of 

M 


lyS         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF    ARGYLL 

Cuimein,  seventh  abbot  of  lona,  A.D.  657-669.  Comman 
is  referred  to  in  the  KaL,  under  21st  Nov.,  as  Coman 
ahairind  airthir  no  aru  ocus  eri  indathelaig  toeb  fritoeb 
— C.,from  eastern  Arran  ;  or  the  Arran  and  Erin  are  the  two 
hills  side  by  side.  His  name  remains  in  Kilchomain,  L 
Comman,  upon  which  Roscommon  (Ros  Chonimain)  is 
named,  seems  to  have  been  a  different  person.  He  is 
said  to  have  lived  for  two  hundred  years,  "agus  sgribtar 
air  go  raib  se  dd  ch^d  bliadan  d'aois  (S.  G.  478). 
I  have  wondered  if  the  usual  rendering  of  Kildalton,  L, 
is  correct.  It  is  quite  possible  for  t  to  have  developed 
in  the  name  of  Dallan,  "son  of  Eogan,  son  of  Niall 
the  Nine-hostaged,"  and  father  of  Laisren  (p.  173) — the 
man  who  wrote  the  Amhra  {Elegy)  Choluim  -  Chille. 
The  nearer  meaning,  however,  is  from  dalta,  a  churchy 
w^hich  was  affiliated  to  the  Annait,  or  parent  church,  of 
a  monastery, 

COMGAN,  later  Comhghan,  on  whom  Kilchoan,  A.,  and 
other  churches  are  named.  He  is  commemorated  in 
Kal.,  13th  July.  About  A.D.  673  he,  with  his  sister 
Kentigerna,  and  her  son  FiLLAN  (Faolan,  little  wolf), 
came  into  the  district  of  Loch-Alsh  and  began  planting 
churches  all  along  the  west  coast.  The  name  of  his 
nephew  Fillan  remains  in  Perthshire,  St.  Fillans  in  Glen- 
dochart,  and  Strathfillan  (S.  G.,  310).  The  lands  of  the 
Glendochart  monastery  passed  into  lay  hands,  but  the 
spiritual  succession  and  the  pastoral  staff  of  St.  Fillan 
remained  with  a  certain  Deoradh,  or  pilgrim,  and  his 
successors.  There  is  a  letter  by  King  James  in  1487, 
given  in  the  Black  Book  of  Taymouth,  in  which  the  king 
orders  that  "his  servitour  Malice  Doire  "  having  in  his 
keeping  "ane  relik  of  Sanct  Fulane  called  the  quegrith," 
and  ordering  that  all  should   "mak  him  nane  impedi- 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES  179 

ment,  letting,  or  distroublance,  in  the  passing  with  the 
said  rehk  throch  the  contre  as  he  and  his  forbearis  wes 
wont  to  do."  The  "Coygerach,"  or  Cuigreach,  of  St. 
Fillan — evidently  the  pilgrim's  name  transferred  to  the 
staff  or  crozier — was  discovered  and  bought  by  the  late 
Dr.  Daniel  Wilson,  in  Canada,  and  he  gave  it  into  the 
custody  of  the  Scottish  Antiquarian  Society. 

Moluag's  crozier  was  in  the  custody  of  a  family  of 
the  name  of  Livingstone  for  generations,  in  the  island  of 
Lismore,  the  "  larach  "  of  Tigh  nan  deora  being  there 
still  ;  and  that  of  Mael-rubha  (p.  174)  was  kept  at  Bail' 
an  deora  in  Muckairn.  I  am  not  able  to  say  what  came 
of  the  latter,  but  I  have  an  interesting  letter  from  the 
Duke  of  Argyll  regarding  the  former  {note). 

Adamnan — Adhamhnan  {little  Adam)  was  ninth  abbot 
of  lona.  He  was  born  in  624  in  County  Donegal,  a 
descendant  of  Conall  Gulban,  and  therefore  of  the  same 
family  as  Colum-Cille,  whose  biography  he  wrote.  He 
restored  the  monastery  of  lona,  and  for  the  purpose  he 
sent  twelve  ships  to  bring  the  necessary  oak  timber  from 
Ardnamurchan  and  Morven.  The  record  of  this  ex- 
pedition, as  given  in  the  Life,  becomes  very  interesting 
therefore.  At  the  Synod  of  Tara,  A.D.  690,  he  secured 
the  freedom  of  women  for  ever  from  war  service. 
Adamnan  chanced  on  a  certain  day  to  be  journeying 
through  Mag  Breg  with  his  mother  on  his  back.  They 
saw  two  battalions  smiting  each  other.  It  happened 
moreover  that  Ronait,  Adamnan's  mother,  saw  a  woman 
with  an  iron  sickle  in  her  hand  dragging  another  woman 
from  the  opposing  battalion,  and  the  sickle  fastened  to 
her  breast — for  at  that  time  men  and  women  alike  used 
to  be  giving  battle  " — KaL,  Sept.  25,  n.  Ronait  made  her 
son  promise  that  he  should  free  women  for  ever  "  from 


i8o         THE    PLACE-NAMES    OF   ARGYLL 

things  of  that  kind " — which  he  did  at  the  Council  of 
Tara. 

He  visited  England  more  than  once,  with  the  usual 
result.  He  got  perverted.  He  turned  away  from  his 
Columban  Church  and  faith,  taking  on  the  Romish 
doctrine,  which  at  the  time  was  working  strongly  north- 
ward. His  "  family  "  of  lona  was  shattered  by  dissen- 
sion and  difference,  and  "the  house"  divided  could  not 
and  did  not  stand,  but  fell  very  soon.  Adamnanus  Ixxvii. 
anno  aetatis  suae  in  nonas  Kalendis  Octobris,  abbas  le,  pausat. 
—  Tigh. ;  S.  G.  says  it  was  "the  ninth  of  Kal.  Decem- 
ber." His  Kits  are  numerous — usually  written  as  Kil- 
eunain,  the  d  of  the  name  getting  aspirated  away,  as  the 
rule  is  when  a  consonant  stands  between  two  vowels. 

It  is  interesting  to  observe  how  the  kingdom  of 
Dalriada  and  the  Columban  Church  rose  and  fell 
together. 

Const ANTINE,  in  Kilchousland,  K.,  and  as  Cowstin 
Cousland,  &c.,  in  other  parts.  It  is  difficult  to  follow 
the  changes  of  the  name — in  fact,  if  the  evidence  did  not 
appear  so  conclusive  that  this  Constantuie  has  somehow 
taken  the  form  Cousland  and  somewhat  similar  other 
forms,  I  should  be  strongly  disposed  to  doubt  it.  I 
perhaps  doubt  it  now.  The  local  Cill-Chuisilein,  or,  as 
the  old  charters  have  it,  Kil-Quhitlawisland,  seems  to  me 
impossible  from  a  form  Constantine.  My  feeling  is  that 
there  must  have  been  another  name,  which  has  got 
involved  with  that  of  Constantine,  although  I  have  not 
found  any  suggestive  name  in  the  Kale^idars.  The  story 
of  Constantine  is  that  he  was  a  Cornish  prince,  who 
upon  his  conversion  abandoned  his  throne  and  became 
a  monk  under  Mochuda  at  Rahen  (near  TuUamore, 
King's    Co.),    whence    he    passed    into    Scotland    and 


THE   CHURCH-NAMES  i8i 

founded  the  church  of  Govan  on  the  Clyde,  from 
which  he  extended  his  labours  into  Kintyre,  where 
his  name  remains.  The  Annals  give,  588  :  Conversio 
Constantini  ad  Doviinuvi.  The  Kal.  has  a  note  under 
nth  March  :  C  .i.  rig  bretan  rofacaib  arige  ocus  tainic 
diaoilthire  coraithin  inamsir  mochuda  .  .  .  ocus  rig 
alban  he — C,  a  kmg  of  Britons,  who  left  his  kingdom  and 
came  for  his  pilgrimage  to  Rahen  in  the  time  of  Mochuda 
.  .  .  and  a  king  of  Scotland  zv as  he.  There  is  here  again 
an  overlapping  of  names  and  of  circumstances.  A  Con- 
stantine  and  a  king  of  Scotland  did  give  up  his  kingdom, 
and  retired  to  the  monastery  of  St.  Andrews,  where  he 
lived  for  ten  years.  His  death  is  placed,  952  :  Constantin 
MacAeda  ri  Albain  moritur. — An.  Ulst ;  and  the  Pictish 
Chronicle  gives  his  death  x.  ejus  anno  sub  corona  penitenti. 
It  is  almost  certain,  however,  that  the  other  Constantine 
was  the  effective  man  of  Argyll  and  the  West. 

MOCHOE  (and  perhaps  Mochua  is  the  same  name)  was 
head  of  the  great  monastery  of  Noendruim,  whence 
Finan  came.  It  is  not  necessary  to  believe  that  he  came 
personally  into  the  Argyll  tradition.  It  is  more  likely  that 
one  or  some  of  his  "  disciples "  gave  the  name — Kil- 
machoe,  K. ;  Cilmachu,  L. — to  his  master's  memory  and 
honour — in  fact  this  is  not  unlikely  the  case  with  many 
of  the  Saint-names.  He  was  trained  at  Lismore  (on  the 
Black  Water,  Co.  Waterford),  and  he  is  in  the  Kal., 
23rd  June :  mochoe  .i.  mochua  luachra  masue  olissmor 
mochua — M.,  that  is,  Mochua  of  Luachair  Massu  from 
Lismore  {was)  Mochua.  He  was  also  called  Cronan. 
"  Mochua  mac  lugdach  qui  prius  Cronan  dictus  est." — 
Kal.,  6th  Aug.     There  are  several  of  the  same  name. 

MOCHUMMAG  is  Cummine  the  seventh  Abbot  of  lona 
(a.d.   657-669).     He  wrote  a    Life   of   Columba,  which 


i82         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF    ARGYLL 

seems  to  have  been  freely  drawn  upon  by  Adamnan.  It 
was  in  his  time  that  the  trouble  arose  in  the  church  of 
Northumbria,  which  culminated  in  the  Synod  of  Whitby 
and  the  disappearance  of  the  missionaries  of  lona  from 
the  north  of  England.  A  Colman  was  bishop  at  the 
time — in  Northumbria.  He  is  in  KaL,  24th  Feb.  :  abb 
hia  an  ergna  cumine  find  fedba — an  Abbot  of  1  a  fine 
intellect,  C.  the  fair,  aged. 

Mo-R5n-ag  (from  ron,  a  seal,  +  ag)  is  in  Kilma- 
ronag,  which  occurs  in  Lome  and  in  the  Lennox,  and  in 
other  places.  He  was  of  the  late  stage  of  the  Columban 
Church.  His  name  appears  in  lona  in  TeampuU  Ronain, 
Port  Ronain,  and  Cladh  Ronain.  He  was  Abbot  of  Cinn 
a'  gharaidh  (Kingarth — Bute)  at  his  death  given,  737  : 
Bass  Ronain  abbatis  Cindgaradh. —  Tigh.  In  Kal, 
9th  Feb.  :  Espoc  ronain  rigda  .i.  illiss  mor  mochuda 
ata — Bishop  R.,  the  royal,  namely,  in  Lismore  of  Mochuda 
he  is.  There  was  a  Bishop  Ronan  of  Scotland  in  the 
time  of  Adamnan  and  King  Maelduin,  the  last  fifty 
years  of  the  seventh  century,  and  even  an  earlier  one — 
the  grandson  of  Loarn — and  others.  It  is  therefore 
difficult  to  afBx  the  name  with  certainty.  The  name 
occurs  in  Islay  also,  in  Cill-Ronain. 

FiNDCHAN  (from  the  same  name-origin  as  Fintan),  the 
fair  one,  leaves  his  name  in  Kilfinichain,  M.  He  was  one 
of  Columba's  monks,  and  he  founded  a  monastery  in 
Tiree,  which  Adamnan  calls  Artchain.  He  got  into 
trouble  with  Columba  because  he  improperly  ordained 
one  Aid,  or  Aed,  "a  son  of  perdition."  This  was  Aedh 
Dubh,  who  got  into  disgrace  at  the  Convention  of 
Taillte,  and  was  in  consequence  banished  to  Scotland 
by  King  Diarmid  MacCearrbheoil.  He  went  back  to 
Ireland,  and  killed  Diarmad  (S.  G.  76),  who  was  a  special 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES  183 

friend  of  St.  Columba,  which  explains  the  "son  of  per- 
dition." Occisio  DiarDiato  filii  Cearbhuil  regis  Hiberniae, 
A.D.  565.  His  history  is  not  extensive,  and  he  is  not  in 
the  Kalendar. 

Celloc — Mo  Chelloc,  in  Kilmochelloc,  I.  The  name 
means  simply  the  Cell-man  (see  Allt  a'  Cheallaich,  V.). 
A  Cellach  was  bishop  of  CiH-ri-monaidh  (now  St. 
Andrews)  in  the  time  of  Constantine,  son  of  Aedh. 
In  908  an  Assembly  was  held  at  Scone,  the  king  and 
Cellach  being  present,  at  which  the  Pictish  and  Scottish 
churches  were  united  under  Cellach  as  bishop.  He  was 
therefore  "/«  vulgari  et  coviniuni  locutione  Escop  Alban  id 
est  Episcopi  Albaniae  appella7ttur"  (C.  P.  S.,  191) — the  first 
bishop  of  the  united  Alban  Church. 

There  was  an  earlier  Cellach,  abbot  of  Kildare,  and 
also  of  lona.  "  Cellach  mac  Aillelo  abbas  Cilledaro  et  abbas 
la  dormivit  in  regione  Pictorum  " — Ann.  Ulst.,  A.D.  865. 
This  most  likely  is  the  man  whose  name  remains  in  the 
west.  It  was  he  who  built  the  church  of  Kells, 
A.D.  807-814.  Cellach  Abba  lae  finita  constructione  templi 
Cenindsa  reliquit  principatum. 

COEMAN — Caomhan,  in  Kilkivan  and  St.  Coivin,  K. 
(from  coem,  mod.  caomh  4-  an,  tJie  lovable  one).  There 
are  several  in  the  Kale^tdar,  but  I  am  not  able  to  make 
sure  which  of  them  may  be  here  remembered.  The 
name  is  not  very  specific.  Caomhan  may  be  applied  to 
any  kindly,  lovable  person,  or  even  beast.  It  has  evidently 
made  an  effort  to  harden  here  into  a  definite  Personal 
name,  but  the  effort  has  failed.  A  favourite  cow  is  quite 
commonly  called  caomh-ag.  I  have  heard  a  most 
lovable  minister  of  my  earliest  memory  constantly 
called  Caomhan — and  with  good  reason. 

The  same  may  be  said  of  Cill  an  naoimh  (Kilnave,  I.). 


184        THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

It    is   only  an   indefinite    term   for   the    Saint — whoever 
he  was. 

Senchan — Sean-ach-an  (based  upon  sean,  old),  is 
remembered  in  Kilmahanachan,  K.  He  was  contem- 
porary with  Columba  and  Ciaran  (O'C.)-  He  was 
successor  of  Finnan  at  Clonard.  In  Kal.,  21st  August,  n. : 
Escap  senach  .i.  aite  ailbe  ocus  comorbo  finden  ocus 
icluain  fota  fine  iferaib  tulach  ata  escop  senach — Bishop 
S.,  tutor  of  Ailbe  and  successor  of  Finnan  in  Cluain  .  .  .  is 
Bishop  S. 

MOLIBHA,  which  we  have  in  Kilmalieu,  V.,  is  in  Kal.y 
i8th  February  :  bebais  incaid  colman  moliba  noradi — 
the  holy  Colman  died,  Molibha  mention  him. 

EOGHAN,  in  Kilvickeun,  M.  =  Cill  mhic  Eoghain 
(p.  113).  Bleau  in  his  map  has  Eugenius  for  this  Kil. 
There  are  several  Eoghans  possible,  but  the  most 
probable  here  is  a  son  of  Cainneach  (p.  171).  The 
feast  of  E.  is  in  Kal.,  23rd  August :  Fell  eogain  aird 
sraha — the  feast  of  E.  of  A  rdstrath. 

Ernoc  (erna  cotis  .i.  lie  .i.  arneam  frisimelatar 
erna,  i.e.  a  stone,  a  whetstone,  on  which  ijvn  weapons  are 
ground. — C.  42)  comes  once  into  Argyll  names,  in  Ard- 
marnoch  =  Aird  mo  Ern-oc.  It  is  the  same  as  in 
Kilmarnock.  He  is  in  KaL,  Nov.  12th  :  Ernin  mac  find- 
chain  abb  lethglinde — E,,  the  son  of  Findchan,  abbot  of 
Leighlin.  "  Hie  erat  Erneneus  filius  Craseni  postea  per 
omnes  Scotiae  famosus  et  valde  notissimus." — Reeves' 
Col.  25. 

Lassair,  literally  a  flame,  seems  to  come  into  Cill- 
lasrach,  I.  The  name  has  the  same  base  as  Laisren 
=  Lasair-ein,  but  it  is  here  clearly  feminine.  The  only 
appropriate  name  is  that  of  Lassair  :  "  Nomen  septimae 
filiae  Branin  "  — the  scvejith  daughter  of  Brannan.      One 


THE    CHURCH-NAMES  185 

thing   is   very    clear — the    Columban    Church   was   not 
celibate. 

KiLiKVAN  I  am  not  able  to  make  sure  of.  It  possibly 
may  be  named  upon  Escuip  Ibair,  Kal.,  April  23rd  : 
"  Son  of  Cucorb,  son  of  Cairbre,  son  of  Echach  .  .  .  and 
353  yecivs  was  the  age  of  Bishop  Ibar."  I,  however, 
doubt  this. 

Maol  -  DORAIDH,  whose  name  appears  in  Islay, 
"perhaps  Mael  -  deoradh,"  was  ancestor  of  Maol- 
RUAINIDH,  who  made  a  pilgrimage  to  lona  a.d.  1026, 
and  remains  familiarly  in  Gaelic  tradition.  If  he  is  the 
same,  his  acquaintance  can  be  made  in  S.  G.,  p.  50, 
et  seq.  There  is  indeed  a  very  big  atmosphere  of  our 
early  history  in  the  "Gradhach's"  excellent  work. 

There  are  several  Cronans  in  the  Kal.  We  have 
seen  (p.  181)  that  "  Mochua  .  .  .  prius  Cronan  dictus 
est."  Cronan  caid  cendigna  .i.  hiross  glaise  no  cumad 
he  Mochua  {Kal.,  Feb.  loth)  —  the  chaste  C.  without 
reproach^  i.e.  in  Ross-Glaise,  or  he  may  be  Mochua.  Again, 
April  28th:  "Cronan  quibus  mochua  dictus  me."  So 
we  may  fairly  take  that  the  two  names  cannot  be  safely 
separated. 

In  Goirtein  Mhoirein,  S.,  the  name  is  St.  Murren,  a 
woman  saint,  with  name  derived  from  muirgen,  sea- 
begotten,  a  mermaid.  "  She  was  thirty  years  in  Lough 
Neagh,  and  Comghall' s  fshervian,  Broan,  caught  her  in 
his  net,  and  Comghall  baptised  her^^  {Kal.  ccxcvi.).  "Half 
of  her  was  a  salmon,  and  the  other  half  a  woman."  She 
was  one  of  the  mur-dhuchan  to  which  Ardnamurchan 
owes  its  name  !  (p.  90) 


THE  GAELIC  ELEMENTS  IN  NAMES 

In  order  to  save  space,  I  here  give  in  Vocabulary  form, 
all  the  Gaelic  elements  that  enter  into  the  names  of 
the  County.  This  means  that  one  word  in  the  Voca- 
bulary may,  as  in  some  cases,  explain  hundreds  of 
names.  I  only  give  a  few  examples  under  each  word — 
just  sufficient  to  show  the  application  and  usage — and 
I  have  chosen,  under  each  head,  such  names  as  I 
thought  would  best  show  the  general  meaning.  The 
names  are  mostly  made  up  of  two  parts — the  simple 
nominative,  with  an  attributive  in  the  form  of  an 
adjective  or  a  genitive — so  I  have  given  the  genitives. 
Singular  and  Plural,  for  all  words  where  I  have  thought 
it  would  be  useful  to  do  so.  Therefore,  in  any  name 
made  up  of  two  parts,  the  meaning  may  be  easily  found 
by  reference  to  the  elements  in  the  Vocabulary,  e.g. 
Barr-daraich,  see  barr  and  darach ;  Gartlosgainn,  see 
gart  and  losgann,  and  so  with  others. 


abhainn,  a  river,  abhann  and  aibhne  ;   aibhnichean — Bun  na 

h-abhann,  A.I.     Inbher  na  h-aibhne,  M.P. 
acarsaid    {JV.),    an   anchorage — an    Acarsaid,    A.     Rudha   na 

h-acarsaid,  /.     an  Acarsaid  mhdr,  M. 
achadh,    a  field,  -aidh;   -adh — Achadh  na  h-^th,    C.    Dubh- 

achadh,  /.,  and  freq. 
achlas,  the  arm-pit,  -aise  ;  -as — Doire  na  h-achlaise,  J. 
adag,  a  shock  of  corn,  -aige  ;  -an — na  h-Adagan,  /. 

i86 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     187 

adharc,  a  horn,  -airce  ;  -ean,  whence  adharcan,  the  lapwitig,  the 

'•^  horned  one" — Cnoc  adhaircean,  A.R. 
adhlac,  burial,  -aidh — Creag  an  adhlaic,  C. 
agh,  a  hind,   heifer,  aighe  ;  aighean — Tor  nan   aighean,   C.L. 

Cnoc  nan  agh.     Agh-choire,  V. 
MIean,  a  green  stvard,  -ein — Barr  an  ^ilein,  F. 
Mlidh,  beautiful — Lagan  iiihdh,  L. 

aingeal,  an  angel  (2),  light,  fire, -il',  -ean — Cnoc  aingil,  /. 
Mrd,  a  height,  Mrde ;  Mrdean  (ard,  high) — Aird  a'  mhadaidh,  Z. 

Ard-airidh,  S.     Sailean  na-h-airde. 
airgiod,  silver,  -id— Lagan  an  airgid,  Z. 
^iridh,  a  shieling,  hill-pasture — Airidh    Ualainn,    G.      Airidh 

Eogain,  Z.     Clach  airidh,  /.     a'  Bhog  airidh,  M. 
Mrneag",  a  sloe,  -eige — Dun  airneige,  Z. 
aiseag,  a  ferry,  -ig — Camus  aisig,  G.     Rudha  an  aisig,  V. 
aitionn,  Juniper. 
Albannach,    a     "  Scot " — Stob    an     Albannaich,     P.       Sron 

Albannach,  IT. 
allsiidli,  ferce — Port  allaidh  (Gigha). 
allt,  a  stream,  uillt — Tigh  an  uillt,  F.     Braigh  nan  allt,  y/.    Leth 

allt,  P. 
^luinn,  lovely — Loch-aluinn,  F.     Tbrr  Muinn,  C. 
amar,  a  channel,  -air  [see  p.  10) — Eas  an  amair,  Z. 
amas,  aim,  -ais— Carn  an  amais,  M. 
amhach,  a  neck,  -aich — Loch  Avich  =  Amhaich,  Z. 
anam,  the  soul — Loch  an  anama,  K.R. 
annaid  {see  p.  58) — an  Annaid,  E.     Cladh  na  h-annaide,   Z. 

Achadh  na  h-annaide,  F. 
aodann,  a  face,  -ainn — Aodann  h,luinn,  S.     Torr  aodainn,  M. 

Meall  an  aodainn,  F. 
aoibhinn,  Joyful,  pleasant. 
aoigh,  a  guest. 
aoineadh     {see     p.     12)  —  an     t-Aoineadh,     V.       Aoineadh 

Mhartainn,      M.        Aoineadh      dubh,     J.        Creag      an 

aoinidh,  Z. 
aoirean,  the  pi.  GaeUc  form  of  Norse,  eyr-r  freq. 
aol,  lifue,  -aoil — Creag  aoil.     Barran  an  aoil,  Z. 
aom,  incline — Port  an  aomaidh,  K. 


i88         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

aonach,  a  high  ground  {see  "^ .  12) — an  t-Aonach,  K.      Aonach 

mor  and  beag,  V. 
apper,  M.,  is  eabar,  mud. 

arbhar,  corn,  -air — Lub  an  arbhair,  V.    Meall  an  arbhair.    Col. 
^rd,  high,  and  kird,  a  height  {see  p.  i  o). 
hxos  {N.)  river-mouth,  but  there  is  Gaelic  ^ros,  a  dwelling. 
astail,    or   fasdail,    is  a  dtvelling.     Tiie  f  has  come  into  the 

Gaelic  word,  as  in  other  words,  such  as  eagal,  feagal,  ^ar/ 

eudail,  feudail,  cattle,  &c. — but  it  is  aspirated  out  after  the 

Article,  and  disappears. 
^th,  a  Iciln — Achadh  na  h-ath,  Af.     Lag  na  h-atha,  P.     Glac  na 

h-iltha,  /. 
^th,  a  ford.     Local  knowledge  alone  can  distinguish  between 

this  and  the  previous  word. 
athach,  a  giant — aich — Poll-athach,  M. 
athais,  is  rest=  Lat.  re-  sto. 
athlach,  is  a  hero,  a  young  77ian  fit  for  battle ;  ath-laoch,  H.S.D. 

— Port  nan  athlach,  L. 

b^,  a  cow — Leac  nam  h\,  Loch-bk,  M.     Ach'  na  bk,  L. 

bac,  a  bank,  baic — Cul  a'  bhaic,  L.     Bacan  daraich,  S. 
bacach,  a  lame  man,  -aich — Suidh'  a'  bhacaich,  K. 
bachlag',  the  curling  shoot  of  a  potato,  I.  (p.  145). 

bad,  a  thicket,  cluster ;  dim.,  badag  and  badan — Bad,  C.     na 
Badan,  Z.     Rudh'  a'  bhad  bhuidhe,  P. 

b^grh,  a  bay — Bagh  ban,  Bagh  na  cille,  L.     Bagh  buidhe,   C. 

Bagh  seann-ghairt,  K. 
baile,  a  to7vn,fartn,  bailtean — Bail'  ur,  K.     Baile  fraoich,  Baile 

meadhonach,  M. 
b^illidh,  a  bailie — Cruach  a'  bhaillidh,  K. 
bainne,  7nilk — Lag  a'  bhainne,  L.     Lochan  a'  bhainne,  S. 
bain-tighearna,    a    lady,    lord-7vife — Camus    na    bain-tighe- 

arna,  K. 
bMte,  drowned — Bail  bhkite,  M. 

balach,  a  lad,  clown,  -aich;  -ach — Loch  a'  bhalaich,y. 
balbhan,  a  dumb  one,  -ain  ;  -an — C^rn  a'  bhalbhain,  A. 
balg,  a  bag,  belly,  builg ;  balg — Cam  a'   bhuilg,    C.     Raon  a' 

bhuilg,  I. 


THE   GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     189 

balgrair,  a/ox ;  -ean — Beinn  bhalgairean,  R. 

balla,  a  wall — Barr  a'  bhalla,  K. 

\ihn,  white — Tigh-ban,  Eileanan  bana,  M.    Srath  ban,  K.     Bagh- 

ban,  L.     Cam  b^n,  C.     Beinn  bhh,n,   V. 
banais,  a  zveddini^,  bainnse — Doire  na  bainnse,  V. 
baraill,  a  barrel,  -e  ;  -ean — Cnoc  a'  bharaille,  K. 
b^rd,  a  poet,  Mird. — Diin  a'  bhaird,  M. 
\ih,rr  {G.),  top,  high  ground,  barra — am  Barr,   V.     B^rr  daraich, 

K.     am  Barran,  Z. 
barrach,  the  top  branches  of  trees,  -aich. 
bata,  a  walkifig-stick — Bataichean  bana,  /. 
b^ta,  a  boat — -Port  a'  bhata,  V. 
b^thaich,  =  bk  +  tigh.,  cow-house,  byre — Bathaich  bkn,  C.     Gart 

a'  bhathaich,  K. 
beag,  small — ^Loch  beag,  Z. 
bealach,  a  mountain  pass,  -aich  ;  -ach — Bealach,  F.     Tigh  a' 

bhealaich,  Bealach  na  mbna,  K. 
bealaidh,  broom — Bealanach,  K. 
bean,  a  wife,  va.nk;  mnathan  and  ban — Loch  nam  ban,  Z.A'. 

Stoc  and  Port  nam  ban,  Af.     Dun  na  bean  bige,  F. 
be^rna,  a   notch,   cleft,    -an ;  Adj.  bekrnach — Coire  bearnach, 

Lbn  bearnach,  M.      Bernice  !   C 
beathach,  afi  aftimal,  -aich. — Eilean  nam  beathach,  Z. 
beinn,  hill,  ben,  beinne  ;  beann — a'  Bheinn  mhdr,  M.L. 
beithe,  birch,  whence  beitheach,  a  birchwood — Beitheach,  M.C. 

Bar  beithe,  K.     Aird  bheithe,  A.     Srbn  beithe,/. 
beithir,  a  serpent,  monster,  beathrach — Glean n  na  beathrach,  F. 

Beinn  nam  beathrach,  V.     Cruach  a'  bhearrache,  R. 
beul,  a  mouth,  beoil — Beul  na  h-uamha,  L.     Port  a'  bheoil,  M. 
bian,  a  skin,  hide,  beine ;  bian — Bidein  nam  bian,  F. 
blast,  a  beast,  b^iste ;  biast — Loch  na  beiste,  AUt  na  beiste, 

K.S.     Airidh  nam  biast,  I. 
biathainn,  a  worm,  -e — Rudha  nam  biathainn,  M. 
bile,  a  border,  cluster  of  trees — Cladh  a'  bhile,  K.    Loch  na  bile,y. 
binnein,  a  pitinacle,  from  same  source  as  beinn — Binnein  liath, 

J.  am  Binneag,  K.  am  Binnein,  Binneinean,  M. 
biod,  a  poirited  top — Biod  nan  sgarbh,  I.  am  Biod,  V. 
biolair,  water-cress,  -e ;  Adj.  biolaireach — Lon  biolaireach,  M. 


iQO         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

bior,  a  stick,     spit,    whence  biorach,   sharp-pointed,    and  dim., 

bioran,  a  little  sharp  stick — Cnoc  nam  bioran,  K.     Tom  a' 

bhiorain,  C.     Beinn  bhiorach,  /. 
birlinn,  a  galley,  yacJit,  -inne — Port  na  birlinne,  M. 
bl^r,  a  field,  moss,  bl^ir — Blar  mor,  Blar  nan  uan,  AI.       Blar 

mona,  V.     Torr  a'  bhlarain,  Z. 
b6,  a  cow,  bk  and  b6in ;  bk  and  b6 — E.  nam  bo,  M.     Oitir  nam 

bo,  /.     See  bk. 
boc,  a  buck,  buic ;  boc — Srbn  nam  boc,  M.     Sgbr  a'  bhuic,  S. 

Sgur  a'  bhuic,  V.     Rudha  a'  bhuic,  /.     AUt  a'  bhuic,  K. 
b6can,  a  "  bogle,"  -ain ;  -an — Torr  a'  bhbcain,  P. 
bodach,  ati  old  tnan,  a  carle,  -aich ;  -ach. — Carraig  nam  bodach, 

K.     Druim  mor  nam  bodach,  K.     Bodach  bochd,  C. 
bodha  (A^.),  a  "  breaker^'  sunketi  rock — Bodha  a'  bhuilg,  V. 
bog-,  soft,  wet,  whence  boglach,  a  bog,  and  dim.,  boglacban  and 

bogadh,  to  7vet,  or  soften.     From  Gen.  Fern,  comes  a'  Bhuig- 

neach,  J/.  Further,  Boglach  nan  tarbh,/.  Abhainn  a' bhogaidh 

and  Loch  a'  bhogaidh,  /.    Bog  .airidh  and  Boglach  mor,  M. 
b6idheacli,  pretty,    beautiful — Blaran    bbidheach,    C.       Baile 

bbidheach,  Lianag  bhbidheach,  K.     Beinn  bhbidheach,  L. 
boiteag",  a  maggot,  -eige — Clach  na  boiteige,  A. 
bdilich,  boasting — Braigh  bbilich,  G. 
bolg.     See  balg. 

bonn-a-sia,  a  halfpenny — Lochan  a'  bhonn-a-sia,  V. 
bonnach,  a  bannock,  cake,  -aich, ;  -ach — Cruach  nam  bonnach,  K. 
b6rd,   a  table,  biiird;  bord — am   Bbrd   Latharnach,   V.      Bbrd 

mor  and  Bbrd  dubh,  K. 
bothan,  a  ^^ bothie,"  hut,  -ain;  -an — Sloe  a'  bhothain,  L. 
brach,    to    rot,    whence    braich,    ?nalt ;  bracha — Lochan    na 

bracha,  S. 
bradan,  a  salmon,  -ain — Dail  a'  bhradain,  K. 
braid,  theft,  whence  braidein  (w.)  and  bradag  (/),  a  thief— 

Bail'  na  braid,  Cnoc  a'  bhraidein,  K. 
br^ghe,  the  upper  part,  the  ^^  brae,"  br^ghad ;  -ean — Achadh 

br^ghad,  K.     Brkigh'  nan  allt,  A.     Doire  braghad,  M. 
brat,  a  covering,  mantle,  brait ;  brat — Brat-bheinn,  J. 
briith  and  brS.,  a  quern,  brathan — Srbn  nam  brathan,  A. 
breabag",  a  kiln  (Manx  names),  -aige ;  -ag. 


THE   GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     191 

breac,  speckled,  whence  breac,  a  trout,  the  speckled  one,  and  breac, 

the  small-pox,  and  breac-an,  a  (tartan)  plaid — Breac  achadh, 

/.    Achadh  nam  breac,  F.     Loch  nam  breac  buidhe,  and 

Cruach  nam  breacan,  K.     Coire  Bhreacain,/.  (note). 
breamain,    the    tail    of  a    sheep;    Adj.    breamanach— Cnoc 

breamanach,  C. 
Breatannach,  a  Briton,  -aich ;  -ach — Rudh'  a'  Bhreatannaich, 

K.     Srbn  a'  Bhreatannaich,  S. 
br^id,  a  rag,  '' cloot,"  -ean  ;  ^^^^  breideineacli — Bre'id  buidhe, 

K.     am  Breideineach,  M. 
breug,  a  lie — Tom  an  fhir  bhreige,  Z. 
breun,  putrid,  zy//^— Breun-phort,  J. 
broc,  a  badger,  bruic ;  broc — Lochan  a'  bhruic,  L.     Sron  nam 

broc,  S.     Torr  nam  broc,  V. 
brodach — Sloe  brodach,y.  (note). 
broighlich — AUt  broighlichein,  Z.  (note). 
broilein,  king's-hood,  the  monyplies — am  Broilean,  M. 
bron,  sorroiv,  brbin — Leac  a'  bhrbin,  K.     Meall  a'  bhroin,  V. 
bru,  a  belly,  bronn— am  Bru,  M.     a'  Bhru-mhdr,  S. 
bruach,  a  bank,  brink,  bruaiche  ;   bruach  ;  dim.,  bruach,  -ag — 

Bruach    mhor,    M.      Tigh   na   bruaiche,    C.      Eilean    nam 

bruachan,  Sgeir  bruachaig,  Z. 
bruthach,    a    ^' brae,"     -aich.  —  Coire    ruadh-bhruthaich,    M. 

bruthach  mdr,  Bruthach  a'  chladaich,  I. 
buachaill,  a  cowherd ;  -ean — Buachaill  Etive,  am  Buachaill,  Z. 

Creag  a'  bhuachaille,  K.    Tom  nam  buachaille(an),  Z.    Srbn 

bhuachaillean,  C. 
buaile,  a  fold  (of  cattle) — Eas  na  buaile,  Z.     Cnoc  na  buaile 

salaich,  K. 
buailtean,  a  flail,  -ein  ;  -ean — Rudha  nam  buailtean,  K. 
buidhe,  yellow — AUt   buidhe,  K.      Loch    buidhe,  M.      Coire 

buidhe,  V.      Lag  buidhe,  I.     Breid  buidhe,  K. 
buidseach,  a  witch,  -iche ;  -ean — Port  nam  buidsichean,  M. 
buigneach — a'  Bhuigneach,  M.     From  bog,  soft,  wet. 
buinne,  a  stream — am  Buinne,  /. 
buinneag,  a  twig,  -eige — Cnoc  nam  buinneag,y. 
biiireadh,    a    roaring,    the    rutting    season,    -idh  —  Meall  a' 

bhuiridh,  P. 


192         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

bun  (p.  141) — Bun  atha,  P. 

btith,  a  '■'booth,''  shop — Rudha  nam  buth,  M.  Both-kolli- 
dar,  C. 

c^bag",  a  cheese,  -aige  ;  -ag — Dail  na  cabaige,  L. 

cabar,  a  '^  caber,"  rafter,  stag- horn,  -air;  -ar — Cabrach,  y.  Barr 
nan  cabar.  C.     Bealach  nan  cabar,  Z. 

cachliath,  a  hurdle-gate  (cadha,  a  pass,  +  cliath,  a  hurdle), 
-chleith— Cachliath  mhdr,  /.     Tobar  na  cachleith,  S. 

cadal,  sleep,  -ail — Tom  a'  chadail,  A.     Caddletown  (?),  Z. 

cadan  (note). 

cadha,  a  pass — a'  Chadha  ruadh,  A.     Cadh'  an  easa,  M. 

caibeal,  a  chapel,  -eil — Caibeal  Chiarain,  Z. 

caigean — an  Caigean,  V.     an  Caichean,  M. 

cailleach,  an  old  wife,  hag,  -iche — -Rudha  na  cailliche,  J.K. 
Allt  nan  cailleach,  S.  Beinn  na  caillich,  I.  Cam  na 
cailliche,  V.     Barr  chailleach,  M. 

cairealach,  noisy,  '^  choral,''  -ach! — an  Cairealach,  M. 

cairidh,  a  weir — a  Chairidh,  S.M.     Barr  na  cairidh,  C.L. 

calpa,  the  calf  of  the  leg — Calpa,  S. 

c^ise,  cheese — Meall  a'  chaise,  Z.  V.  Eas  a'  chaise,  K.  Uamh 
a'  chaise,  _/. 

caiseal  (p.  91) — Lochan  na  caisil.  Loch  a'  chaisil,  A. 

caisteal,  a  castle,  -eil — Caisteal  beag  and  mor,  M. 

calaman,  a  pigeon,  -ain  ;  -an — Eilean  a'  chalamain,  M. 

calbh  {N.),  a  calf- — a  small  island  which  is  calfio  a  greater. 

calg",  a  bristle,  awn,  beard  of  corn,  cuilg — Calgaraidh,  M. 

calltunn,  hazel,  -uinn — Barr(a)  calltuinn,  F.  Cnoc  a'chall- 
tuinn,  M. 

cam,  bent,  crooked — a'  Cham-chuairt,  C.  Loch  Cam,  Z  Cam- 
loch,  K.L.  Abhainn  cam-linne,  L.;  whence  cam  as  name 
for  a  winding  river — Loch  na  caime,y^. ;  and  Camus,  -uis,  a 
bay — Camus  mor,  AI.     Camus  a'  choirce,  S. 

caiupa,  a  camp,  A.C.I. 

canach,  eriophorutn—'Loch.  nan  canach,  K.  Gleann  Canach- 
adan,  C. 

canndair,  a  chanter — Barr  a'  channdair,  Z.  (p.  58). 

caochan,  a  streamlet,  -ain ;  -an,  freq. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     193 

caol,  tiarro7V,  whence   Caolas,  -ais,   a    Strait,  Sound ;    caol   is 

also  used  as  a  Noun — Port  caol,  Z.     Caol-ghleann,  C.     Dail 

a'  chaolais,  L.     Bail'  a'  chaolais,  P.     Caolas-port,  K.     Aird 

a'  chaoil,  M.     Caol  ^rd,  P.     Caol  lie,  I.     na  Caoil  Bhotach 

(Kyles  of  Bute). 
caora,  a  sheep,  -ach ;  -ach — Lochan  nan  caorach,  A.    Eilean  nan 

caorach,  M.     Maol  nan  caorach,  /. 
caorunn,  the   rowati   tree,  -uinn ;  -an — Beinn  a'  chaoruinn,  S. 

Loch  a'  chaoruinn,  /.     Maol  a'  chaoruinn,  M. 
capull,  a  horse  (Lat.  caballus),  latterly  a  mare,  -aill ;  -uU — Capull 

corrach,  M.     Beinn  a'  chapuill,  L.M.     Lag  nan  capull,  I. 

Aird  nan  capull,  L.    As  Adj.  Cnoc  capuUach,  M.  V.     See 

Caipleach,  P. 
c^rdadh,  carding  (wool),  -aidh — Gleann  a'  chardaidh,  /. 
C^m,  a  heap  of  stones,  cuirn  ;  ckrn — Cam  dubh,   C.     Druim  a' 

chuirn,  /.      Achadh  nan  cam,  P.     Stac  a'  chuirn,  L.     Also 

dim.,  Carnan,  P.,  and  Carnach  (p.  13)  is  very  frequent — 

Dubh-charnan,  Z. 
carrach,  x/wy — Cnoc  carrach,  y.iZ     Eilean  carrach,  A^.     Sgeir 

charrach,  A.     Akin  to  which  is  carragh,  a  stone  pillar — an 

Carragh,  /.     Carragh  Chaluim  bhain,y^. 
carraigr,  a  rock,  -e — Carraig  mhbr,  I. ;  dim.,  carraigean — Loch 

a'  charraigein,  and  Sgeir  a'  charraigein  (note). 
carran,  spurrey  (Spergularia),  -ain ;   -an — Gart  a'  charrain,  Z. 

Achadh  nan  carran,  Z.  V.      Coir'  a'  charrain,  M.     Carran 

buidhe,  K. 
cas,  steep — Beinn  chas,  R. 
cat,  a  cat,  cait ;  cat — Creag  a'  chait,  I.     Allt  a'  chait,  V.     Cat- 

innis,  P. 
cath,  battle — Sliabh  a'  chath,  I. 
cathan  is  Masc.  and  cathag  Fern,  for  a  wild  goose — Beinn 

nan  cathan,  A.     Tom  na  cathaig,  R. 
c^thar,  a  mossy,  wet,  high  ground,  -air — Cathar  a'  mhuinichill, 

K.     Cathar  nan  eun,  y. 
cathlun,  a  corn,  excrescetice — an  Cathlun,  Z. 
ceall  and  cill,  a  church,  cille — a'  Chill,  G.P.    Port  na  cille,  /. 
ceann,  a  head,  upper  end,  cinn ;  ceann  {G.) — Ceann  locha  freq. 

Locative  form,  Cinn  tire,  K.     Cinn  a'  ghearr-loch,  V. 

N 


194         THE    PLACE-NAMES    OF   ARGYLL 

ceapach,  a  tillage  plot,  -aiche — Ceapach,  K. 

cearc,  a  hen,  circe;   cearc — Coire  na  circe,  AI.      Coire  circe, 

P.     Dail  nan  cearc,  S.     Rudha  nan  cearc,  M. 
cearcall,  a  hoop,  circle,  -aill ;  -all— Coire  a'  chearcaill,  G. 
ce^rd,  a  craftsman,  latterly  a  tinker,  ce^ird — Cnoc  a'  cheaird,  /. 

Loch  nan  ceard  mor,  A.,  whence 
ce^rdach,  a  smithy,  -ach — Gleann  na  ceardach,  K.    Lochan  na 

ceardach,  S.  (note). 
ceathach  and  ceb,  mist — Coir'  a'  cheathaich,  P.    Poll  a'  che6,_/. 
ceathramh,  a  quarter ;  -an — Ceathramh  fuar,  K.     Garrachra, 

C.  =  Garbh    cheathramhe  (?)    Garrowcherran  =  Garbh  che- 

ath-r-amh-a.n   (the  italicised  letters  are  not  pronounced  in 

ordinary  speech). 
ceum,  a  step,  ceuma — Achadh  a'  cheuma,  L. 
cill,  see  ceall — Eilean  na  cille,  Z. 
ciob,  fnoufitain-grass  {Scirpus  cczspitosiis\  cibe  ;  ciob — Loch  nan 

ciob,  K.     Cruach  na  cibe,  C. 
cioch,  mamma,  ciche — a'  Chioch,  M.     Sgorr  na  ciche,  P. 
ciste,  a  chest,  cist — Cnoc  na  ciste,  M.     Eilean  na  ciste,  M. 
clach,  a  stofie,   cloiche;    clach — Clach-gheal,    K.S.       Whence 

Clachan,  K.L.,  and  clachacli,  stoney — Coire  clachach,  M. 
cladach,  a  shore,  -aich — Dubh-chladach,  K.    Cladach  fionn,  /. 

Goirtean  a'  chladaich,  G.     Tigh  a'  chladaich,  /. 
cladh,  a  burial-place — Cladh  a'  mhuilinn,  G.      Port  a'  chlaidh, 

M.     Cladh  a'  bhile,  K. 
claidheamh,  a  sword,  -eimh — Cnoc  a'  chlaidheimh,  /.    Sgeir  a' 

chlaidheimh,  M.     Rudh'  a'  chlaidheimh,  V. 
claig'ionn,  a  skull,  -inn ;   -eann — Claigionn,   /.  V.      Lochan  a' 

chlaiginn,  L.M.  (p.  104). 
clais,  a  ditch,  furrow,  -e  ;  -ean — a'  Chlais,  S.    Druitn  na  claise,  A. 
clamhan,  a  buzzard,  -ain ;  -an — Bail'  a'  chlamhain,  /. 
claon,    inclining,    sloping — Claonaird,  C.L.      Claonleathad,    V. 

Claonaig,  Cleongart,  K. 
cl^ireach,  a  cleric,  clerk,  -ich — Airidh  a'  chleirich,  V.     Sgeir  a' 

chle'irich,  Z.     Leob  a'  chleirich,  I.      Rudh'  a'  chleirich,  J. 

P.aile  nan  cleireach,  K. 
cleit,    a    rocky    eminence  —  a'    Chleit,    a'    Mhinchleit,    Barr    a' 

chleit,  M, 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     195 

cliabh,    a    ^'' creel "    basket,     the    thorax,     cleibh — Druim     nan 

cliabh,_/. 
cliath,  a  hurdle,  cleithe. 
clogra'idf  a  helmet,  -e — AUt  a'  chlogaid,  M. 
cloidheag^,  a  prawn,  shrimp,  -eig — Loch  and  Port  na  cloid- 

heig,  M. 
cluain,  a  pasture,  -e ;  -tean — Cluaineag,  K. 
cluas,  a/i  ear,  cluaise ;  cluas — Cluas  mhin,  Lag  nan  cluas,  Af. 
cn^mh,  a  bone,  cnaimh ;    cnkmh  and  cnaimliean — Sgorr  nan 

cnamh,  G.     Meall  nan  cnaimhean,  V. 
cnap,   a  knob,  bimp,   cnaip ;    cnap — an  Cnap,   K.     Teang'  a' 

chnaip,  G.     Compare  Gnob,  C.     Cnap  reamhar,  C. 
end,  a  nut — a'  Choille-chnb,  K. 
cnoc,  a  hillock,  cnuic  ;  cnoc — Cnoc  dubh,  /.     Tigh  a'  chnuic,  V. 

Tigh  nan  cnoc,  /. 
codha,  a  skiff — AUt  na  codha,  M.     Seems  same  as  Coit. 
coileach,  a  cock,  -ich  ;  -each — Tom  a'  choilich,  M.     C^rn  nan 

coileach,  /.     AUt  nan  coileach,  V.     Loch  Coilich,  Srath  nan 

coileach,  K. 
coille,  a  ivood — Ceann  na  coille,  S.  V.     Ard-choille,  M.     Gall- 

choille. 
coimheach,  strange,  foreign  \    as  Noun,    a  foreigner— hz.g    a' 

choimhich,  M. 
coimhead,  watching,  look-out — Deagh  choimhead,  Z. 
coinean,  a  rabbit, -Qvn. ',  -ean — Eilean  nan  coinean,  y.Z.    Airidh 

chonain,  K. — or  perhaps  better,  airidh  +  Conan,  a  personal 

name— Innis  Chonain  (Loch  Awe). 
coingheal,  a  whirlpool  ( G.) — a'  Choingheal,  F. 
c6inneach,  moss,  -iche — Blar  na  coinnich,  Loch  a'  chdinnich,  A. 
coirbte,  "  corrupt,"  accursed — Achadh  coirbte,  V. 
coirce,  oats — Camus  a'  choirce,  S.    Aird  a'  choirce,  AT. 
coire,  a  cauldron,  '' corrie" — an  Coire,  L.M.V.      Coire  dubh,  S. 
coit,  a  small  boat,  coite — Loch  a'  choit,  /.     Rudh'  a'  choit,  A. 

Abhainn  na  coite,  y^     AUt  na  coite,  /. 
colann,  a  body,  carcass,  colna — Druim  nan  colann,  K. 
comar,  a  conflue7ice,  -air  (p.  10). 
cdiuhdhail,  a  meeting — Cam   na  cbmhdhail,  6".     AUt   na  ml- 

chomhdhail,  A. 


196         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

cdmhla,  a  door-leaf — Creag  na  cbmhla,  M. 

cdmhnard,  level,  as  Noun  also — lomaire  cbmhnard,  /.     Cbmh- 

nard,  M. 
cdmhrag,  a  conflict,  a  battle,  -aige  ;  -ag — Eilean  a'  chomhraig,  K. 
con,  Gen.  PI.  of  cu,  which  see- — Conaire  (con    +   faire),  Con- 

tom,y.     Tom  nan  con,  C.    Blar  nan  con,  K.  (note  conaire). 
connadh,  firewood,    -aidh — AUt   a'  chonnaidh,  M.     Learg   a' 

chonnaidh,  L. 
corp,  a  dead  body,  cuirp ;  whence  Corpach,  E.J.    Corparsk  (?),  C. 
c6rr,  a  crane,  corra — Loch  na  corra.     L.  na  corra-ghriodhach,  /. 
c6rr,  excess,  outgrowth — Cbrrachadh,  L.      Cornan,  K.     Corran 

(p.  14).     Cbrr-larach,  G. 
corrach,  rugged,  broken — Cruach  chorrach,  Lephin  corrach,  K. 
c6s,  a  hollow,  cave,  cbis  ;  -an — Druim  a'  chbis,  P.     Achadh  nan 

cbsan,  V.     Ach'  a'  chbis,  C.K.     Tigh  an  chbisein,  K. 
c6ta,  a  coat — Cnoc  a'  chbta,  /. 
cotan,  cotton,  -ain — -Port  a'  chotain,  /. 
cothrom   (p.   59)  —  AUt   a'  chothruim,   »S.      Lochan  a'  cloth- 

ruim,  M. 
cr^,  blood,  death;  Adj.  red- — Cra-leacann,  C.R. 
cr^bhach,  devout,  and  as  Noun,  cr^bhaiche,  a  devout  one — Eilean 

a'  chrabhaiche,  M. 
cr^c,  croc,  a  deer's  horn — an  Cracaiche,  M. 
cr^dh,  suffermg,  torment — Cradh-leathad,  M.    (?)  Crci,  which  see. 
crann,  a  tree- — a  mast,  croinn  ;    crann — Goirtean    nan    crann, 

Ard  nan  crann,  M.      Rudha  nan  crann,  /.     Whence  cran- 

nag,   a   wooden   structure,    as   the   old  "  lake  dwellings " — 

latterly   a  pulpit — Loch  na  crannaige,  A.I.     a'  Chrannag, 

K.M.L. 
craobh,  a  tree,    craoibhe ;    craobli — Rudha    na    craoibhe,    V. 

Leac  na  craoibhe,  K. 
crasg,   an  across-land,   craisg — an    Crasg,  5.      AUt  a'  chraisg, 

L.     Crossan,  M. ;  also  of  same  meaning.     Crossiebeg  and 

Crossaig,  K. 
creach,  spoil,  plunder,  hosting — Creach-bheinn,  S.M.     Creach- 

leac,  P.     Cnoc  creach,  R. 
creachann,    a    rugged,   broken    hillside — an    Creachann,    K.L. 

Kinachreachain,  R. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     197 

creag,  a  rock,  creige,  whence  dims.,  creagan  and  creagaig  and 

Adj.  creagach — Creag  nam  faoileann,  C.    Ceann  a'  chreagain, 

S.     Beinn  chreagach,  M.,  and  Creaglan,  Z. 
creamh,    garlic — Creag    a'    chreamh,  J.      Lochan    creamha, 

AUt  nan  creamh,  K. 
criadh,  clay.,  creadha — Uamh  na  creadha,  A.     a'  Chriadhach 

mh6r,  M. 
criathar,  a  sieve — an  Criathar,  K.     Lochan  a'  chriathraich,  L. 
crioch,  a  march,  end  (as  Lat.  finis),  -criche— AUt  criche,  M. 

Tigh  na  criche,  C.     Barr  na  criche,  K. 
crioman  and  criomag,  a  little  bit — Allt  a'  chriomain,  M. 
crion,  little — Crion-larach,  M.     Loch  a'  chrion-doire,  L. 
critheann,  the  aspen  tree — Critheagan,  C.     Srbn  a'  chritheag- 

ain,  G. 
crd,  a  pen,  stye — Crb  na  bo  glaise,  M.    Goirtean  a'  chrb,  /.    Aird 

a'  chrbtha,  M.     Creag  a'  chrbtha,  L.     Port  nan  crb  (Shuna). 
croch,  hang,  whence  crocliadair,  a  hangman,  and  crochaire,  one 

deserving  to  be,  or  having  been,  hanged — Tom  a'  chrochadair, 

A.     Tom  a'  chrochaire,  M.     Stac  a'  chrochaire,  K. 
crodh,  cattle,  cruidh — Meall  a'  chruidh,  5. 
cr6gr,    a  claw,  paw,  whence   dim.,   crbgan,   M.,   and  Maol  na 

crbige,  Af. 
crois,  a  cross  and  across,  croise — Achadh  na  croise,  M.     Port  na 

croise,  P.     Druim  na  croise,  /.     Crois-bheinn,   V. 
croit,  a  croft,  croite— Croit  an  tuim,  C.     Rudha  na  croite,  M. 
crom,  bent;  whence  cromag,  a  hook;  croman,  the  bent  otie — a 

snipe  ;  and  Adj.  cromagach — Port  crom,  K.     Allt  a'  chrom- 

ain,  I.K.     Rudha  cromagach,  K. 
cr6nan,  a  '^  croon,"  purring,  -ain — Cnoc  a'  chrbnain,  M.      Eas 

nan  Crbnan,  L. 
cruach,  a  pile,   stack,  cruaiche ;  whence  Cruachan,   I.M.P. — 

Cruach   nan   tarbh,   C.      Cruach   nam    fe^rna,  Lochan    na 

cruaiche,  G.     a'  Chruach,  P.C.K. 
cruaidh,  hard — Cruaidh-ghleann,y. 
crtib  and  cr5b,  a  claw,  cruibe — Cruib,  J. 
crudha,  a  horse-shoe — Port  na  crudha,  Af. 
cruinn,  roimd — Tigh  cruinn,  /.     Port  nan  clach  cruinne. 
cruUach,  see  p.  11 1 — Port  nan  Crullach,  M. 


198         THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

crtin,  a  crown,  top — Crun-loch,   V. 

cii,  a  dog,  coin  ;  con — Achadh  nan  con,  P.    Cruach  nan  con,  M. 

Blar  nan  con,  K. 
cuairt,  a  round,  ciraiit — Cam-chuairt,  C. 
cuan,  the  oceaft,  cuain — Bail'  a'  chuain,  Z. 
ctibair,  a  cooper ;   -ean — Cnoc  nan  cubairean,  M. 
cubhag,  the  cuckoo,  -aige — Loch  na  cubhaige,  C.S.L. 
ctiil,  a  Jtook,  recess,  -e — a'  Chuil,   G.T.     Ard-cuile,  L.     Port  na 

cuile,  Cuil  na  seamrag,  K. 
cuilc,  a  reed,  -e — Port  na  cuilce,  Col.     Lochan  chuilceachan,  C. 
cuileag-,  afiy,  -eige;  -eag — Lochan  na  cuileige,  M. 
cuilean,  a  tuhelp,  cub,  -ein — Cruach  nan  cuilean,  K.C.     Doire 

nan  cuilean,  M. 
cuilionu,  holly,  -inn — Camus  a'  chuilinn,  G.    Rudh'  a'  chuilinn, 

Z.     Sron  a'  chuilinn,  K.     Meall  a'  chuilinn,  S. 
cuimhne,  memory — Cnoc  na  di-chuimhne,  M. 
cuinneag,  a  ivooden  pail,  water-carrier,  -eige ;  -eag — Loch  nan 

cuinneag,  R. 
ciiirt,  a  court,  -e — Camus  na  cuirte,  P. 

ciil,  back,  as  opposed  io  front — Culard,  Z.     Clxl  a'  mhuilinn,  M. 
cullach,  a  boar,  -aich — Mam  a'  chullaich,  V. 
cumhang',  narrow  ;  as  Noun — Cumhang  mor,  y. 
curach,  a  coracle — Port  currach,  K. 
curra,  see  corr  =  corra,  a  heron — Lochan  a'  churra,  A.     Meall 

na  curra,  V. 
currachd,  a  hood,  mutch,  -aichd — Currachd  mor,  P. 
currach,  a  racecourse — a'  Currach,  R.     Currach  mor,  K. 
cuthach,  madness,  -aicli — Crbb  a'  chuthaich,  M. 

d^,  two — Beinn  (ea)dar  (dha)  loch,  P.  Gleann  eadar  da  chnoc, 
K.  Gleann  (eada)r  (dh)a  loch  =  Glenralloch,  K.  Cnoc  an 
da  chinn,  M.     Bardaravine=  Barr  eadar  dha  bheinn,  K. 

dail,  a  field,  dale,  dalach — Dail,  I.  Meall  dalach,  C.  Ciil  na 
dalach,  Z. 

d^ir — Lochan  na  dairidh,  M. 

dail,  blind,  and  as  Nouti,  dail ;  doill,  a  blind  one — Gart  an 
doill,  M. 

dam,  a  water-dam — an  Dam  (Loch  Avich),  Z. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     199 

damh,   mi   ox,   daimh  ;    damli — Maol   an    daimh,    M.      Doire 
dhamh,   S.     Torr  dhamh,   P.     Meall  nan   damh,    G.,   and 
dim.,  Eas  damhain,  C.     Meall  an  damhain,  V. 
darach,  oak,  -aich ;  -ach — Bacan  daraich,  5.     Doire  daraich, 
M.      Achadh  nan  darach,   P.      As  Adj.   Barr  darach,   A'. 
Druim  darach,  C     Gleann  darach,  A'. 
deagh,  good — Deagh-choimhead,  Z. 
deala,  a  leecJi,  -chan — Loch  nan  dealachan,  /. 
deanntagr,  a  nettle,  -aige,  with  Adj.,  deanntagach. 
deararach— an  Derarach,  M.  (note). 
dearc,  a  berry,  -an,  dim.  -ag — Coire  nan  dearcag,  Beinn  nan 

dearcag,  M.     Loch  nan  dearcag,  G. 
dearg,   red — Dearg-allt  freq.    Rudha  dearg,  G.    Srbn  dearg,  C. 
deoradh,  an  exile,  -aidh  — Port  an  deoraidh,  Z. 
deuchainn,  difficnliy — Cnoc  na  deuchainn,  M. 
dig,  a  ditch,  -e — an  Dig,  A.     Means  "a  dyke  "  also. 
diol,  recompense — Lochan  diol  Choinnich,  Z. 
diolaid,  a  saddle,  -e — an  Diolaid,  M.    Diolaid  mhor,  K.     Port  na 
diolaide,  I.     Rudha  na  diolaide,  M.     Diolaid  nam  fiadh,  I. 
diiibh,  bad,  the  tvorst — Deucheran,  K. 

dobhar,  ivater,  -air ;  whence  ddbhran,  an  otter,  -ain — Lochan 
dobhrain,  K.     Lochan  an  dobhrain,  A.     Gleann  an  dobh- 
rain,  /.  (Rum).     Beinn  dobhrain,  P. 
doid,  the  hand,  grasp,  -e  ;  hence  a  holding,  farm — Bagh  na  doide, 

Y)o\d^t  farms,  K. 
doire,  a  thicket,  grove — Doire   donn,    G.      Doire  na  mart,    V. 

Srbn-doire,  K.     Bail'  an  doire,  P.     Garbh-dhoire,  K. 
ddirlinn,  an  isthmus  (p.  15). 

domhain,  deep — Gleann  domhain,  Z.     Allt  (d)omhain,  M. 
domhnach,  Stcndayi^-'^X.  dominica),  -aich — Maol  an  domhnaich, 

Af.     Beinn  domhnaich,  C. 
donn,  bro7vn — Sloe  an  eich  dhuinn,  Z. 
dorcha,  dark — Doire   dorcha,   M.     Srath   dorch,  /.      Cruach 

dorch,  Z. 
dorus,  a  door,  opening,  -uis — an  Dorus  mor,  Z. 
dreaghan,  a  dragon — Loch  an  dreaghain,  M. — droighinn  (?) 
dris,  the  bramble-bush,  -e  ;  -ean,  whence  dim.,  driseag,  -eige,  and 
Adj.   driseach  —  Beinn  na   drise,    M.      Druim  driseig,   A'. 


200         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Lag  na  driseige,  M.     Ard-driseig,  R.      Port   driseach,    C. 

Doire  driseach,  G.     Goirtean  driseach,  M. 
drochaid,  a   bridge,    -aide— Ceann    na  drochaid,  /.      Ard  na 

drochaide,  M.     Cos  an  drochaid,  K. 
droigheann,  thorn,  -inn  ;  whence  droighneach,  a  thornwood — 

Port  an   droighinn,  /.      Tigh   an  droighinn,  K.      Ard   an 

droighinn,  P.     Gleann  nan  droigheann,  A. 
droman,  the  alder-tree,  -ain — Barrach  an  dromain,  M. 
druim,  a  back,  droma  (Lat.  dorsum) — Srbn  an  droma,  P.    Ceann 

an  droma,   M.     Tigh  an  droma,    P.     na    Druiminean,   V. 

Drumlemble  {N.),  K.     Druim  nan  torran,  6'. ;  whence 
druimneach — Ard-druimnich  (twice),  A. 
duathar,  a  shade,  -air  and  -ach — ^Beinn  na  duatharach,  M. 
dubh,  black,  whence  dubhan,  a  fish-hook,  and  dim.,  dubhaig — 

Dubh-chladach,  Dubh-loch,  Lochan-dubh,  K.     Dubh-leitir, 

CM.    Loch  nan  dubhan,  S.    Abhainn  dubhan,  R.    (River) 

Dubhaig,  M.,  and  Poll  an  dubhaidh  (gerund),  A.I.L. 
duileag,  a  leaf,  -eige  ;  -ean — Allt  nan  duileag,  Z. 
duileasg,  dtdse,  -isg — Eilean  an  duilisg.  Col. 
duine,  a  tnan  {homo) ;  daoine — Rudh'  an  duine,  /.     Port  an 

duine,  P. 
dim,  a  heap,  (2)  a  fort — dim.,  Dunan,  P.C     Dun  an  bir,  C, 

and  see  Duns,  p.  xix. 
dunach,  ivoe,  -aiche — Glac  na  dunaiche,  y^     Tom  dunaiche,  R. 

Creag  na  dunaich,  C 

eabar,  7mid,  a  fnarsh — Eabar  (Apper),  mor  and  beag,  M. 
each,  a  horse,  eich  ;  each — Pairc  an  eich,  J.     na  h-eich  dhonna 

(rocks),  L.     Sloe  an  eich,  V. 
eadar,  betzveen  (Lat.  viter).     See  dk. 
eagral,  fear,  -ail ;  whence  Adj.  eagallach,  used  also  as  noun — 

Cruach  an  Eag'laich,  L.     Eilean  an  eagail,  R. 
eagrlais,  a   church  (Lat.   ecclesia),  -e ;   -ean — Eaglais   Bhogain, 

Baile  na  h-eaglaise,  /.     Aird  eaglais,  AI. 
eala,  a  szvan — Loch  nan  eala,  P.     Rudha  na  h-eala,  .S.     Loch 

nan  ealachan,  A. 
eanchainn,  the  brain,  -e — Sgur  na  h-eanchainne,  G. 
earasaid,  /.     See  p.  151. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     20T 

earba,  a  roe,   dim.,  earbag-aige  ;  -ag — Sailean  na  h-earba,  A. 

Doire  na  h-earbaige,  K. 
e^mach,  bloody  flux  (in  cattle) — Ach'  an'  e^rnaich,  /. 
earrach,  spring,  -aich — Cro-earraich,  /. 
eas,  a  waterfall ;  Adj.  easach — Eas  dubh,  S.     Tigh  an  eas,  L. 

Torr  an  eas,  M.     Allt  easach,  F.     Dims.,  liun  easain,  M. 

Inbher  easragain,  P. 
easach,  see  eas.     Compare  names  in  -ach,  p.  8. 
easbuigr,  a  bishop  {episcopus) — Clach  an  easbuig,  K.     Eilean  an 

easbuig,  /. 
eascaraid,  an  ^^ ex-friend,"  enemy — Tigh  an  eascaraid,  V. 
eascairt,  K.,  from  eas  (above)  +  ag  +  Mrd. 
eidheann,  ivy,  -inn — Camus  eidhinn,  S.     Torr  an  eidhinn,   V. 

Leac  eidhne,  Carn  eidhinn,  /. 
eilean,  an  island — Achadh  nan  eilean,  S.,  and  freq. 
eilid,  a  hind,  6ilde ;  -ean — Ath  na  h-^ilde,  S.    Cnoc  na  h-^ilde,  /. 

Achadh  an  eilid,  C.    Tom  nan  eildean,  M.    Lh.irig  ^ilde,  P. 
eilthireach,  a  pilgrim,  -ich  (from  eile,  other,  +  tir,  land — a 

pilgrim) — Loch  nan  eilthireach,  K. 
eireag",  a  pullet,  -eige — Cnoc  na  h-eireige,  K. 
Eirionnach,  an  Irishman,  -aich — Dail  an  Eirionnaich,  Z. 
eiteach,  burnt  roots  of  heath,  -ich — Sgur  an  eitich,  Z. 
eorna,  barley — Goirtean  eorna,  A.K. 
eun,  a  bird,  eoin;  eun — Eun-loch,  Z.     Dail  an  coin,  Z.     Sgeir 

an  eoin,  A.     Lochan  eun,  K. 

f^d,  a  peat — ^Airidh-  and  Achadh-nam  f^d,  K.  Cruach  nam  fad,  K. 

fada,  long — Druim  fada,  I.     Beinn  fhada,  M. 

faiche,  a  "green,"  field — Dubh-fhaiche,  /. 

fMre,  a  ridge,  sky-line — Fkire  bhuidhe,  M. 

faire,   a  tvatch,  guard — Cnoc    faire,   K.     Cnoc   na  faire,   I.L. 

Beinn  na  faire,  K. 
famhair,  a  giant,  ogre — Torr  an  f  hamhair,  A.  V. 
fang,    a   sheep-pen,    faing   (N.)  —  Fang   dubh,    /.      na    Faing 

hrda,  M.     Allt  an  fhaing,  V. 
faobh,  spoil,  booty — Cnoc  nam  faobh,  V. 
faochagr,  a  winkle,  -aige ;  -ag — Lub  faochaige,  C.     Sgeir  nam 

faochag,  M. 


202         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

faodhail,   a  ford,  faodMa   (p.    15) — an    Fhaodhail   dubh,   A. 

Tigh  na  faodhla,  /. 
faoileann,  a  sea-gull,  -inne ;  -ean — Faoilean  ghlas,  M.     Loch 
na  faoilinn,  K.     Rudha  and  Port  na  faoilinn,  M.     Rudha 
na  faoileige  (dim.),  I.L. 
f^radh,  a  ladder — am  F^radh,  L.  V.     Meall  an  fhiraidh,  C. 
farsuinn,  broad — Gleann  farsuinn,  M. 
f^sach,  a  wilderness,  waste  place — am  Fksach,  /. 
fasgadh,  shelter,  -aidh ;  with  Adj.  fasgach — Ard  an  fhasgaidh, 

Z.     Creag  an  fhasgaidh,  C     Cnoc  fasg'ach,  C. 
fead,  a  whistle  ;  whence  feadag,  a  plover,  "  whistler"  -aige  ;  -ag 
and  feadan,  a  flute  {G.) — Cnoc  na  feadaige,  L.     Fidden,  M. 
feaman,  a  sheep's  tail,  -ain  ;  -ean — na  Feamainean,  /. 
feauna^,  a  hoody  crow;  (2)  a  ^'lazy-bed" — Beinn  and   Cnoc 
na   feannaige,    M.       Leanag   na   feannaige,    /.      Srath    na 
feannaig,  K.      Rudha  nam  feannag,  V. 
fear,  a  7?ian  (Lat.  Vir),  fir ;  fear — Uamh  nam  fear,  /.     Rudha 

and  Lag  nam  fear,  M. 
fe^rna,  the  alder-tree;  whence  fekrnach,  an  alder  wood — Doire 
fekrna,  /.     Fasadh  fekrna,  E.     Sloe  nam  fearna,  K.     Fekr- 
nach,  K.L.     Cruach  nam  fearna,  P. 
feith,  a  vein,  sinew  ;  (2)  f^ithe,  a  bog  {G.) — Feith  a'  chaoruinn,y. 
febil,  flesh,  febla — Coire  na  febla,  M.     Sloe  na  febla,  M. 
feoirlin  (p.  26),  K.R. 

fedrag,  a  squirrel,  -aige  ;  -ag — Innis  nam  febrag,  A. 
feur,  grass,  febir — Feur-loch,  K.L.     Eilean  an  fhebir,  M. 
fiadh,   a   deer,   f^idh ;    fiadh — Eas   an    f  heidh,    A.      Sgeir   an 

fheidh,  M. 
fias,  old  form  f^s,  hair,  is  the  stem  in  fiasgan,  a  tnussel  ( =  fiasag- 
an,  the  bearded  one),  -ain ;  -an — Leathad  nam  fias,  G.    Meall 
nam  fiasgan,  A. 
fidhleir,  a  fiddler,  -ean — Beinn  an  fhidhleir,  C. 
fidheal,  a  fiddle,  fidhle — Leac  na  fidhle,  V. 
fincham  ( =  fionn,  white,  +  ckrn) — Fincharn  Castle,  Z. 
fiodh,  rvood,  fiodha — Fiodhan,  F.     Bealach  an  fhiodhain,  Z. 
fion,  wine — Tobar  an  fhion,  C. 

fionn,  white — Fionn-ard,  /-".     Finnart,  C.     Fin-charn,  Z. 
fireach,  a  tnoor — Braigh  an  fhirich,  M.     Fireach  na  mbine,  Z. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     203 

f ireun,  the  eagle  ( =  fior  +  eun,  the  trtie-bird  or  over-bird)  — 

Meall  an  fhireoin,  A.     AUt  an  fhireoin,  M. 
iitheach,  a  raven,  -ich — Creag  an  fhithich,  S.L.     Creag  nam 

fitheach,  L.     Binnein  fithich,  K. 
fiiliran,  a  sapling,  -ain — Port  an  fhiurain,  /. 
fliuch,  wet,  damp — Ruighe  fliuch,  K. 
fola,  see  full — Loch  na  fola,  K. 
fonn,  land,  district — Leth-fhonn,  M. 
fdthannan,  a  thistle  {pr.  fo'nan),  -ain  ;  Adj.  -ach — Goirtean 

fothannanach,  K. 
fradharc,  sight,  look-out,  -aire — Creag  an  fhradhairc,  A. 
Frangach,  a  Frenchman,  -aich ;  -ach — Rudha  na  Frangach,  L. 
fraoch,  heather,  fraoich — Fraoch-eilean,  R.     Baile  fraoich,  M. 
fras,  a  shower,  froise — Glac  na  froise  mine,  M. 
freasdal,  Providence  (note) — Loch-fhreasdail,  C.K. 
freiceadan,  a  guard  {military^  -ain^ — am  Freiceadan  dubh,  the 

"  Black  Watch."    Cnoc  freiceadain,  Cnoc  an  fhreiceadain,  K. 
fireumh,  a  root,  -a — Meall  nam  freumha,  G.  Port  nam  freumha,  V. 
frith,  against  (p.  80) — Cnoc  nam  frith-allt,  S. 
fuar,  cold ;  whence  fuaran,  a  small  cold  spring  of  water — Fuar- 

achadh,    P.      fuar-bheinn,    V.      Binnein    airde    fuaire,    L. 

Achadh  fuar,  C.   Coire  nam  fuaran,  .V.   Eilean  an  fhuarain,  M. 
fail,  blood,  fola — Loch  na  fola,  K.     am  Blar  fola,  .5. 

gabhail  (note) — Achadh  ghabhal,  V. 

gad,  a  withe,  gold;  gad — Aird  ghadan,  C.     liar  nan  gad,  K. 

Eilean  nan  gad,  A.     Loch  nan  gad,  M. 
G^idheal,  a  Gael,  -il ;  -eal — Eas  a  Ghaidheil,  A. 
grailbheach,  stormy,  furious — Allt  gailbheach,  K. 
g^Mlleach,  a  disease  of  the  gums  i7i  cattle,  -iche — Ard  na  gkillich,  C. 
gaillionn,  a  violent  storm,  and  cold,  -inne — Port  na  gaillinne,  K. 
gainmheach,  sajid,  -iche — Tom  na  gainmhiche,  A.     Eilean  na 

gainmhiche,   M.     The  primary  form  gaineamh  is  seen   in 

Ganavan  and  Ardganavain,  R.  (gaineamhein,  a  sandy  beach). 

Loch  gainmhiche,  R. 
Gall,  a  stranger,   Lowlander,   Goill ;   Gall — Tir  a'  Ghoill,   M. 

Camus  nan  Gall,  G.A.     Cam  nan  Gall,  /.     Bealach  nan 

Gall,  K.     Gall-choille,  K.R. 


204         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

gallan,    a   bratich,   a    standing    stone  —  Port    nan    gallan,    /. 

Gallanach,  R.     Glac  ghallan,  M. 
gramhainn,  a  stirk,  gamhna — Achadh  nan  gamhna,  V.     Tom 

nan  gamhna,  C     Eilean  nan  gamhna,  iT.T'.     a' Ghamhnach 

mhor,  M. 
ganntar,  scarcity,  poverty,  -air — ^Tom  a  ghanntair,  A.    gainntir, 

a  prison,  is  also  possible,  or  even  better  in  this  case  (p.  93). 
g'^nradh,  a  gander,  -aidh — an  Ganradh  (island),  /. 
gaoth,  wind,  gaoithe ;  and  Adjs.  gaothach,  gaothail — Bealach 

gaoithe,  L.     Bealach  gaoth-niar,  I.     Bealach  gaothach,  C. 

Gaothail  (river),  M.     Dun  dh.  ghaoithe,  M. 
g'araidh,  a  den,  thicket — Gairidh  uisge,  M. 
garbh,   rough ;  whence   garbhlach,    roiigh  ground — Garbh-allt 

freq.       Glac    gharbh,    G.       Garbhlach    m6r,    A.      Garbh- 

shrbn,  Z. 
gart — Seann-ghart,  Gart  breac,  Gart  na  ce^rdach,  I.     Gart  na 

gearrach,  K.     Allt  ghartain,  F. 
gas,  a  twig,  stalk,  gaise ;  gas — Cruach  na  gaise  caoile,  L. 
gath,  a  sting,  dart,  gatha — Loch  a'  ghatha,  K. 
geadh,  a  goose,  gebidli ;  gdadh — Loch  a'  ghebidh,  J.     Clach  a' 

ghebidh,  K. 
geal,  7ahite — Uisgeacha  geala,  M. 
gealach,  the  moon,  -aiche — Lochan  na  gealaiche,  L. 
geamhradh,  winter,  -aidh — Baile  geamhraidh,  M.  V. 
ge^rr,    short — ^Gearr-abhainn,    G.       Loch   gekrr,    L.      Bealach 

gearr,    K.      Cinn    a'    ghekrrloch,    V.      Whence    gearrach, 

diarrhoea,  "  taken  short." 
ge^rr,  cut ;  whence  gearran,  a  gelding,  -ain  ;  -an,  and  gearradh, 

a  cutti7ig — Achadh  nan  gearran,  G.     Bealach  ghearran,  Z. 

Rudh'  a'  ghearrain,  M.     Srbn  a'  ghearrain,  P. 
geata,  a  gate — Tigh  a'  gheata,  K. 
geodha,  a  creek — Geodha  ceann  dk  aoinidh,  M. 
giall,  a  hostage,  pledge — Uamh  nan  giall,  J. 
gibeach,  ragged — Beinn  ghibeach,y. 
gille,  a  lad,  -an — Abhainn  ghillean,  Carn  nan  gillean,  y. 
giubhas,  fir,  -ais ;    whence   giiibhsach,  a  fir-wood,  and  dim. 

Giiibhsachan,  S.    Glac  a'  ghiubhais,  G.    Allt  a'  ghiubhais,  Z. 

Leac  a'  ghiubhais,  M. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     205 

grlac,  a  dell,  small  valley,  glaice  ;  glac — ^Glac  bheag,  Z.    Bail'  na 

glaice,  K. 
grlamradh,  a  smith's  vice — Rudh  a'  ghlamraidh,  Z.  (note). 
glaodh,  a  cry,  call,  glaoidh — AUt  a'  ghlaoidh,  K. 
glas,  grey  and  green  (note) ;  whence  glasach,  ley  land — Glas- 

bheinn,  V.     Glas-druim,  F.     Sgeir  ghlas,  Beinn  ghlas,  Af. 

Achadh  glas,  K. 
glas,  ^/^y/  whence  glaiseach,  ley-land — Rudh'  a'  ghlaisich,  M. 
gleann,  a  glen,  glinn — Gleann  rainiche,  M.     Gleann  mor,  A. 
gnob,  a  hillock,  k?ioll.     See  cnap,  p.  34. 
gob,  a  beak,  guib — Gob  seileach,  A.     Gob  a'  ghrianain,  K.     an 

Guibein,  M.     Gob  dubh,  y". 
grobha,  a  smith,  gobhainn,  goibbne — Peighinn  a'  ghobhainn,  M. 

Bail'  a'  ghobhainn,  M.L.     (ioirtean  a'  ghobhainn,  K. 
gobhal,  a  fork,  -ail ;  -al ;  Adj.  gdbhlach — an  Gobhlach  (hill),  K. 

Gleann  gobhlach,  I.     Sgeir  ghobhlach,  A. 
grobhar,  a  goat,  gobhar  and  goibhre  ;  -ar — Gleann  na  gobhar,  G. 

Baile  na  gobhar,  F.     Carn  goibhre,  Z.     Stob  goibhre,  F. 

Maol  nan  gobhar,  I.     Eilean  nan  gobhar,  V. 
groirtean,  see  gart  (G.) — an  Goirtean.     Coire  'ghoirtein,  I. 
gon,  wound ;  whence  gonaidh  (gerund) — Coill  a'  ghonaidh,  M. 
gorm,  green,  blue  (note) — Gleann  and  Rudh  gorm,  M. 
gr^nda,  ugly — Creag  ghrknda,  K.R. 
greideal,  a  grill,  gridiron — Greideal  Fhinn,  A. 
greusaiche,  a  shoemaker,  -ean — Coire  nan  greusaichean,  .5. 
grian,  the  sun,  grdine ;    whence   dim.   Grianan  {F.),  a   sunny 

patch  of  land,  and  Adj.  grianail — Sgur  na  gre'ine,  .S'.     Ob 

greine,   Grianan,  Gob  a'  ghrianain,  K.      Cnoc  grianail,  /. 

Grianaig,  Z. 
grisionn,  brindled  (gris  +  fhionn,  gray-white). 
gruagach,  a  maiden,  brownie  (note),  -aicbe — Lochan  na  gruag- 

aiche,  A. 
gual,  coal,  charcoal,  guail — Coill'  a'  ghuail,  I.     Cnoc  and  Port  a' 

ghuail,  K. 
guala,  the  shoulder,  -ann  ((?.)— Guala  na  leitreach,  M.    Gualann 

dubh,  M.     Guala  nan  cam,  A'. 
guirmein,  a  blue  dye  or  colour,  from  gorm — Rudh'  a'  ghuirmein 

and  Eilean  a'  ghuirmein,  M. 


2o6         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF    ARGYLL 

ialtag^,  a  bat^  -aige;  -ag — Cnoc  nan  ialtag,  Creag  nan  ialtag,  K. 

ian,  a  bird — lan-eilean  (Indian),  C. 

iarunn,  iron,  -uinn — Cnoc  iaruinn,  K. 

\'EL'&^,fish,  ^isg  ;  iasg;  whence  iasgach,  yJ^i^/^/V?^,  iasgair,  a  fisher — 

Dun    Iasgair,    M.     Rudh'  an    iasgaich,   AT.     lasg-loch,   Z. 

Aird  an  iasgaich,  A. 
im,   butter,  ime — Lochan  an  ime,  A.     Tobar  an  ime,  M.     Cnoc 

an  ime,  J.     Eas  an  ime,  M. 
inbhear,  a  confluence,  -ir — Inbhear  a'  bhaile,  /.     Inbhear-aora, 

R.     Cill   an   inbhir,  L.     Torr  an    inbhir,   AI.     Rudha   na 

h-inbhire. 
innis,  a7i  island ;  (2)  a  sheltered  valley — Innis  na  febrag,  A. 
inntreadh,  ati  entering  upon  or  beginning — Inntreadh,  V. 
iochdar,  the  lower  part,  -air ;  Adj.  iochdarach — an  t-iochdar 

freq.    lochrachan,  L. 
iolach,  rejoicing,  -aich — Barr  iolaich,  C.     Bagh  an  iolaich,  M. 
iolair,  an  eagle,  -e — Creag  na  h-iolaire,  L.    Cnoc  na  h-iolaire, 

K.J.     Tom  na  h-iolaire,  C. 
iomaire,   a   ridge  of  latid — lomaire  comhnard  and   lomair'  a' 

mhkil,  /.     lomaire  fada,  S.     na  h-Iomairean,  V.  (note). 
iomall,  a  border,  limit,  or  remote  part — lomallach,  /. 
iosal,  low — Eilean  iosal,yi 
iubhar,  the  yew-tree,  -air;  whence  lubhrach,  a  yew-wood — Creag 

an  iubhair,  M.     Sgur  an  iubhair,  G.     an  lubhrach,  S.M.L. 

Gleann  iubhair,  P. 

lach,  a  wild  duck,  -a — Achadh  lacha,  K.     Loch  nan  lach,  /. 
ladhar,  a  hoof,  -air  ;  ladh'ran — Loch  an  ladhair,  M.     Port  an 

ladhair,  /. 
lag,  a  hollow — Lag,  L.     Lagan,  Lag  a'  mhuilinn,  I.    Lag  an 

daimh,  C. 
Ikir,  a  mare,  Ikire — Sgor  na  Ikire,  G.     Loch  an  Ikir  (p.  69). 
iMrig,  a  moor  (p.  16) — Largie,  K.L.R. 
l^mh,  a  hand,  laimlie — Loch  na  laimhe,  K. 
laogh,  a  calf  laoigh ;  laogh — Gleann  laoigh,  C. 
l^rach,  the  site,  or  mark,  of  a  decayed  or  destroyed  house,  -aiche — 

an  Larach  bheag,   V.     an  Larach,   P.     Ard-larach,  I.M.P. 

Crion-larach,  M.P.     Fuar-larach,  K.     Lochan  Ikraiche,  K. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     207 

l^thach,  mire,  -aiche — Camus  and  Port  lathaich,  L. 

leac,  a  flat  stone,  flagstone,  lice ;  leac — Leac,  /.     Rudha  nan 

leacag,  Rudha  na  lice,  an  leacann,  K. 
leamhan,  eh/i,  -ain — Achadh  leamhain,  Z.     Beinn  leamhain,  y. 
leanabh,  an  infant,  child,  leinibh ;  leanaban — Loch  an  leinibh,  /. 
leanach,  a  wet  tneadow  (G.) — Leanach,  C. 
learg,   a   hill  -  side  —  LeargoUagain,    Lerags,    L.      Gleann   dk 

leirg,  K. 
leathad,  a  hill-side,  ox  side  of  a  valley,  leithid— Cromleathad,  A. 

Leathad   grianach,    F.     Garbh-leathad,    Leathad    mor,    M. 

Loch  an  duibh-leathaid,  S.    Leac  an  leithid,  M.     Leth-allt, 

L.     Leideag,  Leathad  nan  coileach,  C. 
leathan,  broad — Loch  leathan,  G.     Gleann  leathan,  Af. 
leitir,  a  slope  (G.)  (leth,  half,   +  tir,  land),  -ire  and  -each — 

Leitir  mhor, /*.     l)ubh-\t'\Ur,  A.M.     Garbh-leitir,/.    Gekrr- 

leitir,  C.     Rudha  and  Guala  na  leitreach,  M. 
lephin  =  leth-pheighinn,  halfpenny  (land)  (G.) — Lephin  cille,  C. 

Lephin  corrach  and  L.  strath,  A".      Lephin-chapel,  C.     See 

peighinn. 
leth,  a  half— Leth  Thorcuil,  M.     Leth-allt,  /.     Lailt,  K 
leum,  a  jionp — Leum-sgeir,  M.     Rudha  nan  leum,   V. 
lian,  a  fleld ;  whence  lianag  and  Lianach,  C. 
liath,  grey — Cam  liath,  Guala  an  liath  ghuis  {see  gas),  V.    Coire 

liath,  na  Liathanaich,  M.     Cruach  doire  leithe. 
linne  {G.),  a  pool — Linne  a'  mhuirich,  K.     an  Linne-sheileach 

(L.  Linnhe). 
lion,  fill ;  lionadh,  filling,  the  flood-tide — Rudha  and  Port  an 

lionaidh,  P. 
lion,  a  net,  lin ;  lion — Achadh  lion,  R. 

lion,  flax,  lint,  lin — Glac  an  lin,  M.  (or,  perhaps,  the  word  pre- 
ceding, a  net). 
Hop,  a  lip,  -e — Rudha  na  leip,  M. 
lios,  a  garden,  enclosure,  stronghold — Lios-mor  (p.  73). 
lobhar,  a  leper,  -air — Abhainn  lobhair,  L.  (p.  44). 
loch,  a  lake,  a  sea-loch,  locha — Gleann  locha,  K.    Ceann  locha,  K. 
lod,  a  puddle ;  dim.,  lodan,  -ain  ;  -an — an  Lodan,  P. 
loisgte,  burned — Goirtean  loisgte,  Gart-loisg,  I.     Torr-loisg,  M. 
lorn,  naked ;  whence  loman,  -ain,  a  naked  (needy)  one. 


2o8         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Ion,  a  marsh,  loin ;  dims.,  Lbnan  and  Lbnag — Lbn  mor,  L.J. 

Tigh  an  loin,  K.     Eilean  an  Ibnain,  K.     Srbn  lonaig,  C. 
long,  a  ship,  luinge ;  long — Dail  an  long-airt,  C.  (p.  25).     Lag 

na  luinge,  R. 
longart  (p.  25).     Barr,  Cul,  and  Dail  an  longairt,  K. 
lorg-,  a  staff,  luirge  ;  lorg — Tom  luirge,  K.  (note). 
losaid,  a  trough,  I.K.L. 
losgann,  a  toad,  -ainne ;  -ann — Dun  losgainn,   C.      Loch  los- 

gann,y".^.     Beinn  nan  losgann,  A. 
luachair,  rushes,   and  -ach  for    Gen.  and  Adj. — Srath  luach- 

rach,  /.     Achadh  and  Barran  luachrach,  Z,     Luacharan,  V. 

Luachragan,  L. 
\\x.ei6.Yi.,  fulling  of  cloth,  luaidh— Lag  a'  mhuilinn-luaidh,  M. 
Itib,  a  bend,  curve,  luibe  ;    lub — Lub   (Loop),   K.      Srath    nan 

lub,  C.     Lub  eilde,  V.     Loch  lubanach,y! 
lurach,  lovely — Loch  lurach,  K. 
lurga,    the  shank,  tibia,    lurgann — an    Lurgann,    V.      Achadh 

lurgainn,  M.    an  Luirgneach,  F. 
lus,  ati  herb,  lus — Beinn  nan  lus,  M.     Lochan  lus  dubha,  Z. 

Cruach  lusach,  K. 
lusragan,  a  herbalist  (from  lus),  -ain — Allt  lusragain,  P.L. 

mac,  a  son,  mic ;  mac — Dail  na  mac,  Z. 

machair,  a  plain,  carse  (6^.) — Machair  riabhach,   Machri  beg 

and  more,  K. 
madadh,  a  dog  (p.  94),  -aidh;  -adh — Eilean  a'  mhadaidh,  M. 

Aird  a'  mhadaidh,   Z.     Lochan  a'  mhadaidh-riabhaich,  A. 

Cnoc    a'    mhadadh,    K.      Achadh     na    madadh,    Barr    a' 

mhadaidh,  Z. 
m^g^an  and  m^gachan,  a  toad  (from  mkg,  a  paw),  m^gach,  -an 

=  one  walking  on  its  paws — Tir  a'  mhagain,  Z.    Srbn  mhk- 

gachain,  R. 
magh,  afield,  maighe— Cnoc  maighe.     Magh  mbr,  C. 
mainnir,  a  fold,  enclosure — Mainnir  nam  fiadh,  M. 
m^la,  a  bag  (of  a  bag-pipes  especially),  wallet — am  Mkla,  M.I. 
m^l,  rent,  tax,  rahil — Tigh  a'  mhkil,  F. 
malairt,  an  exchafige,  market — a'  Mhalairt,  y. 
maldag  (note) — Sgeir  m^ldaig,  M. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     209 

m^m,  a  round  hill  (Hills),  maim — Coir'  a'  mhaim,  K. 

maodlach  (note) — a'  Mhaodlach,  V. 

maol,  bald — Maol-achadh,  L.     Sgeir  mhaol,  K.     am  Maolan, 

Cnoc  maolanach,  M.     Maol-leitir,  C. 
maol  (noun).     See  Hills — Maol  tarsuinn,  M. 
maorach,  shellfish^  -aich ;  -ach — Rudha  na  traighe  maoraich,  M. 

Bruach  nam  maorach,  V. 
mara,  see  muir. 

marag-,  a  pudding,  -aige  ;  -ag — Caraig  na  maraige,  C. 
maraiche,  a  sea-man,  from  muir — Rudh'  a'  mharaiche. 
marbh,  dead,  as  Noun  mairbh ;  marbh — Port  na  marbh,  K.M. 

Guala  a'  mhairbh,  M. 
marcachd,  riding,  and  marcaiche,  a  rider  (from  old  marc,  a 

horse) — Diinan  na  marcachd  and  Diinan  a'  mharcaiche,  M. 
margadh,  a  market,  -aidh — Loch  a'  bhaile  mhargaidh,y. 
mart,  a  coiv,  mairt ;  mart — Doire  na  mart,  V. 
meadhon,  the  middle;  Adj.  meadhonach — Baile  meadhonach, 

M.     Cruach  mheadhonach,  M. 
m.ealladh,  deception — Sliabh  a'  mheallaidh,  /. 
meall,  a  lump,  heap,  hill,  mill — -Meall  mor,  K. 
meann,  a  kid,  minn ;    meann,   with   dim.   minnein — Loch   a' 

mhinn,    L.     na   Minn   (rocks),   M.     Sgeir   na   meann,  A. 

Beinn  na  meann,  M. 
measan,  a  lapdog,  -ain — Coir'  a'  mheasain,  C. 
meirleach,  a  thief,  -icli — Port  nam  meirleach,  J.M.     Gleann 

nam  meirleach,  /.     Eas  nam  meirleach,  L. 
mial,  animal,  louse  (note) — Torran  nam  mial,  S.     Lochan  nam 

miall,  M.     Loch  a'  mhial-choin,  P. 
mias,  a  dish,  mMse  ;  mias — Port  na  meise,  /. 
mtin,  soft,  smooth — Minard,  P.  V.     Port  min,  A. 
min,  meal,  -e — Meall  na  mine,  Af. 
ministeir,  a  clergyman — Port  a'  mhinisteir,  M. 
m.innseag,  a  year-old  goat — Cruach  nam  minnseag,  C. 
molach,  rough,   hairy — Torra    molach,   A.     Tom    molach,    C. 

Srath  mollach,  K.     Creag  mholach,  C.     Barr  molach,  K.R. 
monadh,  a  long  mountain,  -aidh — Monadh  meadhoin,  V. 
m6ine,  peat,  mbna — Torr  na  mbna,  I.     Coire  na  mbna,  A.M. 
mdr,  great — Beinn  mhor,  M. 

0 


2IO         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF    ARGYLL 

moraire,  a  lord  (mor  +  fhear,  great  tnan) — Coill  a'  mhoraire,  Af. 
morbhach,  sea-land  over  which  high  tides  come  (p.  17). 
muc,  a  pig,  muice ;  muc,  whence   muclach,   mucrach  (p.  27). 

AUt  na  muice,  /.     Leum  na  muice,  K.     Gleann  na  muice, 

M.     Coire  nam  muc,  M.     Barr  nam  muc,  F.     Eilean  nam 

muc,  a'  Mhuclach,  M.     Coire  na  muclach,  K. 
mtich,  smother — Allt  a'  mhiichaidh,  M. 
muidhe,  a  churn — Allt  a'  mhuidhe,  F. 
Muileach,  a  Mull-mafi — Port  nam  Muileach,  C. 
muileann,    a   mill,   -inn  —  Cladh   a'   mhuilinn,    G.      Poll   a' 

mhuilinn,  M.     Lag  a'  mhuilinn,  /. 
muilichinn,   a  sleeve — Muilichinn   leathann,  C^thar  a'  mhuil- 

ichinn,  K. 
muir,  the  sea,  mara — Achadh  na  mara,  K.L. 
muireach   (p.    17),    -ich — Eilean   a'   mhuirich,    S.      Linn'  a' 

mhuirich,  K.F.     Port  a'  mhuirich,  K. 
muUach,  the  top,  -aich — MuUach  bkn,  I.M.     Mullach  dubh,  A. 

Achadh  a  mhuUaich,  M. 
mult,  a  wedder,  muilt ;  mult — Sloe  a'  mhuilt,  M.     Cruach  nam 

mult,  C. 
mtisg^an,  the  horse  fish,  -ain  ;  -an — Traigh  nam  musgan,  L. 

Nant,  a  valley  (Welsh) — Gleann-nant,  F. 

naomh,  holy,  a  saint ;  whence   naomhachd,   holiness — Cill   an 

naoimh,  /.     Eilean  naomhachd,  K. 
nathair,  a  serpent,  nath'racli — Xiridh  nathrach,  K. 
nead,  a  nest,  nid — Cruach  an  nid,  L. 
niar,  west,  =  an  +  iar — Bealach  gaoth  niar,  /.     See  siar. 
nigh,  wash;  whence  nigheadaireachd — Lochan  na  nigheadair- 

eachd,  /. 
nighean,  daughter,  inghne  (note) ;  whence  dim.,  nineag — Eilean 

na  nighinn,  L.     Allt  nighinn,  Z.      Loch  na  h-inghinne,  K. 

Loch  nan  nighean,  A. 

6b,  a  creek  (iV.),  dim.,  6ban-ain — Ob  greine,  K.     Tigh  an  6b,  ^. 

Rudh'  an  bba,  K.     an  t-Oban,  F. 
ochd,   eight;   whence    ochdamh,   ari   eighth   (p.   18) — Ochd    a' 

mhuilinn,  Ochdamh  fada,  /. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAiMES     211 

odhar,  dun— Cnoc  odhar,  K.    Coire  odhar,  K.I.    AUt  odhar,  L. 

M.h.m   a'    choir'   idhir   (a   peculiar   form),    M.      Saigh'dean 

odhara,  M. 
og'ha,  a  grandson — Terr  an  oglia,  M. 
6igh,  a  virgin — AUt  bigh,  L. 

oir,  an  edge,  border.     See  Argyll  (p.  2) — Oirean,  K. 
oitir,  a  low  promontory  (p.  44) — Oitir,  L.C.     Oitir  nam  bb,  /. 
olann,  wool,  olainn — Port  na  h-olainn,  K. 
ollamh,  a  learned  man,  -aimh — Crois  an  ollaimh,  M. 
dmhan,  the  froth  of  milk,  -ain — an  Tigh  bmhain,  M. 
6r,  gold,  6ir — Breaman  bir,  M.     Dun  an  bir,  C. 
6s,  the  mouth  of  a  river  {N.) — Aros,  M. 

p^irc,  a  park,  -e — Pairc  mhor,  /.     AUt  nam  paircean,  K. 
partan,  a  crabfish,  -ain;   -an  —  Port   a'  phartain,    Cnoc    nam 

partan,  M.     Poll  nam  partan  (Eigg). 
peacadh,  sin,  peacach,  a  sinner — Loch  nam  peacach,  M. 
peallach,  shaggy — Loch  peallach,  M. 
pearsa,  a  person,  pearsan,  a  parson — Loch  pearsain,  Z. 
peighinn  {G.\  a  penny  (land) — Peighinn  a'  ghobhainn,  K.M. 

Peighinn  na  croise,  Peighinn  a'  Ghkidhil,  Saor-pheighinn,  M. 

Peighinn  nan  searrach,  Peighinn  an  inbhir,  K.     Peighinn- 

fuar,  Peighinn  m6r,  Ach'  na  leth-pheighinn,  L. 
peileir,  a  bullet,  -ean — na  Peileirean,  /. 
piob,  a  pipe,  bag-pipe,  pioba ;  piob ;  whence  piobaire,  a  piper, 

piobaireachd,  piping — Cnoc  nam  piob,  M.     Cnoc  na  piob- 

aireachd,  /. 
ploc,   a    clod;    Adj.   plocach   and   dim.    plocaig — Sgeir    phlo- 

cach,  /. 
poll,  a  pool,  pond,  muddy  hole,  puill ;  poll — Poll  m6r,  /.     Poll  a' 

mhuilinn,  M.     Gart  an  rath  phuill,  /.     Airidh  phoU,  M. 
port,   a   harbour,    puirt  —  Tigh    a'   phuirt,   F.      Eilean   puirt 

reidh,  K. 
pdsadh,   tnarriage,  -aidh ;   -adh  (from  p6s,  marry) — AUt  nam 

pbsadh,  K. 
preas,  a  bush,  pris  ;  Adj.  preasach — Leac  a'  phris,  V     Rudha 

preasach,  C. 
priosan  (am),  the  prison,  L. 


212         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

prop,  a  prop  (Eng.) — Cnoc  nam  prop,  K. 

pubull,  a  tent,  -uill — Cruach  a  phubuill,  K.     Cnoc  a'  phubuill, 

Pubull  Burn,  K. 
put,  the  young  of  moor-fowl ;  whence  putach  and  dim.  putachan 

— Putach  an  t-suidhe,  Corr  putachan,  K. 

rh.,  red — Rk-chreag,  R. 

ra.inesicb.f  i>racken,  fern, -iche  ;  whence  Ranachan  (p.  8) — Achadh 

rainich,  Z.  V. 
r^mh,  an  oar — Rudha  bristeadh  ramh,  M. 
rang,  rong,  a  boat-rib,  spar — Rudha  na  reinge,  M. 
raon,  a  plain — Port  raoin  mh6ir,  K. 
r^pach,  noisy,  xa.'pd.c'h.,  foul-mouthed,  foul  (of  weather),  as  Fem. 

Noun  in   Sithean   na  rapaiche,  M.     Eilean  rapach   (N.  of 

lona). 
rathad,  a  road,  -aid — Druim  an  rathaid,  K.    Tigh  an  rathaid,  C. 
rath,  a  fort  {nolo) — Rathuaidh,  V.  (p.  i8). 
reamhar,  fat,   thick — Cnoc   reamhar,    I.K.M.      Lochan   nam 

breac  reamhra,  L. 
reatha,  a  ram,  tup,  -chan — Sron  reatha,  Z.     Beinn  reatha,  C. 
r^idh,  level,  smooth — Loch  reidh,  I.     Druim  reidh,  K.     Meall 

reidh,  Z.     Eilean  nan  reilean,  M.     Gleann  reidh,  K. 
r^is,  a  race  (note) — Garbh-reis  and  Corr-reis,  Z. 
reothairt,  spring-tide — Sruthan  reothairt,  I. 
riabhach,  brifidled,  the   colour  of  the  wren,  which  is  called 

riabhag.       The    devil    is    the    riabhacli    m6r,    the    mighty 

singed-one — Coire  riabhach,  G.     Leac  riabhach,  S.     Rudha 

riabhach,  P.     Mbine  riabhach,  Dail  riabhach,  I.K. 
ribeadh,  snaring,  -idh.  (from  rib,  ensTiare,  entangle) — Tigh  an 

ribidh,  M.F. 
ribheid,  a  reed,  -e — Linne  na  ribheid,  M. 
ridire,  a  knight — Rudh'  an  rid  ire,  V. 

righ,  a  king — Bail'  an  righ,  P.     Rudha  and  Eilean  an  righ,  M. 
rdmach,  hairy,  "  drumly." 
rdn,  a  seal,  rbin ;  rbn — Port  nan  rbn,  M.     Loch  nan  rbn,  /. 

Rudha  nan  rbn,  Z.     Rbnachan,  K. 
r6pa,  rope — Uamh  rbpa,  K. 
ros,  a  promontory  (note) — an  Ros  Muileach,  M. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     213 

ruadh,  red,  brick-colour  ;  whence  ruadhag,  a  hind — Allt  ruadh,  /. 

Sgeir  ruadh,   M.     Ruadh-ghoirtean,    Allt    ruadh-bhuic,    C. 

Cnoc  na  b6  ruaidhe,  M.     Meall  nan  ruadhag,  G. 
rudha,  a  promontory — Tigh  an  rudha,  K.     Rudha  m6r,  M. 
ruigrhe*  a.  sheiling-ground — Ruighe  m6r,  V.     Ruighe  fluich,  K. 

Ruighe  samhraidh,  S.     Ruigh'  a'  phollain,  A. 
ruinn,  a  promontory,  ranna — Rhinns,  /.     Ruinn,  A. 
riiisgrte,  naked — Creag  riiisgte,  Z. 

sabhal,  a  bam,  -ail ;  -al — Rudh'  an  t-sabhail,  M.     Achadh  nan 

sabhal,  K.L. 
sac,  a  sack — Allt  nac  sac,  R. 
sagart,  a  priest,  -airt — Allt  an  t-sagairt,/.     Creag  an  t-sagairt, 

Z.     Tigh  an  t-sagairt,  /.     Uamh  an  t-sagairt,  M. 
saighead,  an  arrow,  saighde — Leac  na  saighde,  V.     Saighdean 

odhara,  M. 
S^il,  a  heel,  -tean — Rudha  nan  s^iltean,  M. 
sMle,  salt  water,  sea  ;  whence  SMlean  (p.  19). 
saileach,   see   seileacli — Barr   saileach,    R.     Salachry  =  salach 

+  kiridh,  M.R 
saill,/a/,  -e— Port  na  saille,  M.     Bkrr  na  saille,  R. 
salach,   dirty  —  Rudha    salach   (Shuna).      Camus   salach,    V. 

Airidh-shalach,  I.     Feith  shalach,  6'. 
salann,  salt,  -ainn — Ard  an  t-salainn,  Z.     Port  an  t-salainn, 

K.M. 
aaJtm,  a  psalm — Loch  nan  salm,  Z. 
samh,  i-<?r/-^/— Samhnach,  C.L.V.     Samharaidh,  V. 
samhail,  samhladh,  likeness — Cnoc  an  t-samhlaidh,  I.K.  (note). 
samhainn,  Hallowmas — Maol  na  samhna,  M. 
samhradh,   summer,  -aidh  —  Ruighe   samhraidh,   ^S".      Airidh 

shamhraidh,  Z.  V. 
sannt,  greed ;  whence    sanntachadh  —  Eilean   an   t-sanntach- 

aidh,  M. 
saobhaidh,  a  fox^s  den,  -ean — an  t-Saobhaidh,  K.     Sron  na 

saobhaidh,  P.S.  Cnoc  nan  saobhaidhean,  V. 
saod,  to  drive  cattle  to  pasture — Creag-shaodain,  ^. 
saor,  a  carpenter,  saoir — Bail'  an  t-saoir,  Z.     Tom  an  t-saoir,  P. 

Lochan  nigh'n  an  t-saoir,  A. 


214         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

saor,  cheap,  free — Saor-pheighinn,  M.  (p.  i8). 

s^raich,   oppress,   weary,  skrachadh — Mbine   an    t-s^rachaidh, 

K. 
Sasunnach,  an  Englishman,  -aich — Port  an  t-Sasunnaich,  M. 
seabhag,  a  haivk,  -aige  -  -ag — AUt  an  t-seabhaig,  S.     Barr  na 

seabhag,  M. 
sealg,  a  hunt,  seilge  and  sealga — Barr  na  seilge,  K.     Cnoc  tigh 

sealga,  J.     Cnoc  na  seilge,  /.     Torr  na  sealga,  M.     Druim 

na  sealg,  Z. 
seall,  look,  watch,  sealladh,  sight — Cruach  an  t-seallaidh,  K. 
seamrag,  shamrock,  -aige;  ag — Cnoc  and  Cuil  nan  seamrag,  K. 

(note). 
sean,  old — Seana-bhaile,  M.     Seana-ghart,  I. 
seang^an,  an   ant,  -ain;    -an — Croit   seangain,   K.      Sgeir   an 

t-seangain,  V. 
searrach,  a  foal,  -aich  ;  -ach — Maol  an  t-searraich,  M.     Cnoc 

an  t-searraich,  C. 
seilcheag:,  a  sfiail,  -eige ;  -eag — Cruach  na  seilcheige,  K. 
seileach,  willotv,  -ich — Ard-seileach,   P.      Bacan  seilach,   M. 

Gleann  seileach,  Coire  seileach,  L.     Cnoc  an  t-seilich,  K. 
seilisdeir,  the  water-flag,  Iris — Gleann  seilisdeir  {Rut>i),  Camus 

an  t-seilisdeir,  Af. 
seisreach,   a  plough-team,  -iche ;    -ach  —  Eilean   nan   seachd 

seisreach,  A. 
sgabh,  sawdust — Arinascabhach,  K.  (note). 
sgadan,  a  herring,  -ain  ;    -an — Port  an  sgadain,  K.     AUt  an 

sgadain,  Z. 
s^arbh,  a  cormorant,  sgairbh — Rudha  and  Creag  nan  sgarbh,  K. 

Biod  nan  sgarbh,  Z     Creag  nan  sgarbh,  A. 
sgait,  a  skate-fish — Baile-sgait,  M.     Sgait  mh6r,  C. 
sgalag,  a  farm- servant,  -aige;  -ag — Tom  an  sgalaig,  Z.    Druim 

nan  sgalag,  V.  (p.  42). 
sgd^lan,  a  hut,  tent  {N.),  -ain — Loch  an  sgalain,  M. 
sgeir,  a  rock  in  the  sea  {N.) — Dubh-sgeir,  K. 
s^an,  a  knife,  sgine — Sgian  dubh,  Lochan  na  sgine,  C. 
s^ath,   a   witig,   sgeithe ;    -an — Sgiath   ruadh,    M.       Leac   a' 

sgiathain,  S.     Beinn  sgiathaig,  M. 
sgriolag,  a  sprat,  small  fish — Loch  nan  sgiolag,  R. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     215 

sgritheach,  thorn,  -ich — Achadh  craobh  sgithich,  V.     Achadh 

na  sgitheach,  C.     Loch  sgitheig,y. 
Sgrliat,   slate,    sgliatach,    slatey  —  Port    na   sgliata,  J.      Cnoc 

sgliatach,  L. 
sgroilte,  split — Creag  sgoilte,  M. 

sg'oladh,  sculling — Cnoc  an  sgolaidh,  K.  (?)  sgoltaidh. 
sgdr,    a   sharp   rock ;  whence   Sgornach    ruadh,    Z.,   and   Adj. 

sgorach — Sgeir  sgorach,  M.  (note). 
sgrath,  a  turf  cut  for  roofing  or  covering,  -a  ;  Adj.  sgrathach 

— Sgrath  mh6r,  M.      Lochan  sgrathach,  Loch  na  sgratha, 

K. 
sgreag,  dry,  sgreagach,  parched,  dried — Lochan  sgreagach,  K. 
sgreuch,  a  scream — Maol  nan  sgreuch,  M. 
sgriob,  a  scratch,  a  furroiv,  -a — Loch  na  sgrioba,  J. 
Sg^odan,  the  sto?iy  track  of  a  mountain  torrent,  or  a  latid-slip, 

-ain ;   -an — an    Sgriodan,    M.K.,   and    Loch-sgriodain,    M. 

Druim  an  sgriodain,  A. 
sguab,  a  sheaf  of  corn — Cnoc  nan  sguab,  A. 
sgiir,  see  sgbr  (note) — Sgur  Dhomhnaill,  S. 
sgtilan,  a  wicker-basket,  -ain  ;  -an — Croit  an  sgulain  and  Croit 

nan  sgulan,  Af.    Sgulan  beag  and  m6r,  M.    Dig  an  Sgulain,  S. 
sian  (p.  94) — Beinn  shiant,  A.J. 
siar,  tvest,  a  Motion-to  form  ;  niar  is  Motion-from — Siar-loch,  L. 

Mul  (?)  Siar-luich,  E. 
sioman,  a  rope  of  twisted  hay  or  straw,  -ain  ;  -an — Lochan  nan 

s\oman,  A.     Sloe  an  t-s\omain,  L. 
sionnach,  a  fox,  -aich — Eilean   an  t-sionnaich,   ^S.     Tom  an 

t-sionnaich,  M.     Loch  sionnaich,  R. 
sios,  below — Cnoc  a'  bhaile  shios,  K.  =  Nether-town. 
sith  and  sithche,  a  fairy,  -ean  ;  Sithean  is  the  fairy-home — an 

Sithean,   I.L.M.P.      Achadh   an    t-sithein,    M.      Srbn   an 

t-sithein,  S. 
slaochan,  a  float,  sled — Port  an  t-slaochain,  M. 
slat,  a  rod,  slaite — Ard  na  slaite,  C     Slatrach  (p.  64). 
sleagh,  a  spear  ;  Adj.  sleaghacli ;  as  Noun,  an  t-Sleaghach,  M.  V. 

Meall  and  Doire  sleaghach,  G. 
sliabh,   a    mountain-side,    7?ioufitain,    sl^ibhe  —  Sliabh    mor,  /. 

Loch  sleibhe,  K.     Tom  sleibhe,  M.     Sleibhte  coire,  V. 


2i6         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

slig-e,  a  shell ;  Adj.  sligneach,  and  as  Noun,  Sligneach,  Lochan 

sligneach,  Ardslignish,  A.     Sligreachan,  C 
slinndrich  (note)— Torr  na  slindrich,  S. 
slinneau,  a  shoulder-blade — Achadh  an  t-slinnein,  S. 
slios,  ajlank,  a  tnountain-side — Slios  beag,  Z. 
sliseag-,  a  shaving,  -eige ;  -eag — Achadh  na  sliseig,  K.     Airidh 

na  sliseige,  M. 
sloe,  a  pit,  sluic ;  sloe  Adj.  slocach — Sloe,  M.     Sloe  an  eich 

dhuinn,  L.     Srbn  and  Allt  an  t-sluic,  G.     Port  an  t-sluie.  M. 

Creag  shlocach^,  K. 
sloisneach,  from  sloisir,  to  swill — Barr  sloisneach,  R. 
sluagrh,  a  people,  sluaigh — Rudha  clais  an  t-sluaigh,  M. 
slug,  swallow ;   whence  slugan  and   slugaid,  the  swallow,  the 

throat,  gullet  (G^.)— Slugan  dubh,  M.     Meall  an  t-slugain,  S. 

Slugaid  a'  chruachain,  M,     Slugaide  glas,  /.     Slugan,  Z. 
smeur,  smiar,  a  bramble-berry,  -an — Dail  smeuran,  K. 
snknLh,  swim,  and  as  Noun,  snkmh,  snaimh — Ard  an  t-snaimh 

and  Caol  an  t-snaimh,  C. 
sneachd,   snow,    -a — Beinn   an    t-sneachda,  E.      Glac    an    t- 

sneachda,  M. 
sobhrach,  a  primrose,  -aiche  ;  -ach — Allt  nan  sobhrach,  A. 
soc,  a  plough-share,  snout,  suic  ;  whence  Socach  (6^.) — Socach  a' 

mhaim,  M.     Allt  na  socaich,  K. 
soilleir,  clear — Tom  soilleir,  C.     Leac  shoilleir,  A. 
sorchan,  a  foot-stool,  -ain — Cnoc  an  t-sorchain,  S.     Cruach  an 

t-sorehain,  S. 
speireag",   the  sparrow-hawk,    -eige  —  Cnoc   na   speireige,    K. 

Gleann  speireige,  y. 
speur,  the  sky,firmame7it — Tigh  nan  speur,  I. 
spilt,  a  spout — an  Sput  dubh,  M. 
srath,  a  strath — Srath  mor,  freq. 
srian,   a   bridle,  sreine  —  Bealach   na   sreine,   C.      Beinn   na 

sreine,  M. 
sr6n,  a  nose,  knowe,  srbine — Garbh-shron,  Z.    Rudha  na  srbine, 

M.  V.     Sron-doire,  K.     an  t-Sron  =  Strone,  freq. 
sruth,  a  stream,  dim.,  sruthan,  -ain — Port   an   t-sruthain,   I. 

Tigh  an  t-sruthain,  K.     Bodha  nan  srulag,  M. 
st^bull,  a  stable,  -uill — Cnoc  stabuill  mdr  and  beag,  K. 


THE    GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     217 

Stac,  a  precipice,  staic — Stac   nan  uan,   L.      Airidh  staic,  K. 

Camus  an  staca,  y.     AUt  an  stacain,  R. 
staidhir,  a  stair — Staidhir  chaol,  P. 
stairsneach  a'  phuill,  M.  (note). 
stalla,  a  craggy  steep  (iV.),  -cha — Stallacha  dubha,  A. 
stang",  a  ditch,  pool — Aird  na  staing,  .S".     Staing  mh6r,  L. 
steall,  a  water-shoot,  waterfall,  still ;  -ean — Steallan  dubha,  A. 

Rudha  stilleig,  C.     Steall  iir,  R.     See  p.  47. 
stiiiir,  steer,  a  rudder,  stitiire — Innis  stiuire,  P. 
stob,  a  stake,  ^^stob" — Stob  liath,  C     Stob  a'  chuir,  G. 
St6r,    a  cliff,  and  Eng.  store,  stbir — an  Tigh-stoir,  L. 
stiic    (Hill-names) — an    Stuc,     C.K.       Stiic    bhreac,    K.      an 

Stiicrach,  C. 
sttir,  dust,  or  stiirr  (note) — Ard  na  stur,  Z. 
suas,  up  or  uptvards,  sliuas,  jfpper — freq. 
suibheagr,  a  raspberry  -eige  ;  -eag — Rudha  an  t-suibhein,  M. 
suidhe,    a   seat,    restitig-place  —  an    Suidhe,    M.L.      Cnoc   an 

t-suidhe,   M.S.      Coire    an    t-suidhe,     C.S.      Bealach    an 

t-suidhe,  K.     Uisg'  an  t-suidhe,  /. 
stiil,  the  eye,  siila — an  t-Siiil,  C.     Lochan  na  sula,  CM. 

tacar,  abundatice,  plettty,  -air — Rudh'  an  tacair,  K. 

t^ghan,  the  pole-cat,   -ain — Leum  an   taghain,    V.      Creag  an 

taghain,  R. 
taillear,  a  tailor,  -eir — Bagh  an  tkilleir,  M.    Cruach  an  tkilleir, 

K.     Eas  an  tailleir,  A.     AUt  an  tailleir,  R. 
tairbeart  (p.  20),  S.K.J. 

talamh,  earth,  land,  talmhainn — Ard-thalamh,  C 
tamhasg,  a  "  brownie,''  -aisg — Creag  an  tamhaisg,  C 
tana,  shallow,  thin — Loch  tana,  K.    Lochan  tana,  M.    Lochan  an 

tana,  J. 
taobh,    a    side,    taoibh — Taobh    na    h-aibhne,    P.      Taobh 

dubh,  V. 
taod,  a  halter,  taoid — Gort  an  taoid,  I. 
tarbh,  a  bull,  tairbh ;  tarbh— AUt  an  tairbh,  M.J.     Creag  an 

tairbh,  L.     Maol  an  tairbh,  /.     Gleann  thairbh,  K.    Tervin, 

P.  =  an  Tairbhein  =  Tairbh  +  an. 
tsirhh.a.ch,  proff table,  fertile — Baile  tarbhach,  /. 


2i8         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF    ARGYLL 

t^rmachan,  a  ptarmigan,  -ain  ;  -an — Meall  an  th.rmachain,  A. 

Dun-tarmachan,  L. 
tarsuinn,   transverse,   across — Baile   tarsuinn,   /.      Druim   tar- 

suinn,  S.      Beinn  thrasda,  /.     Tarr-sgeir,  /.      Creag  thar- 

suinn,  C.  (note). 
teanga,  a  tongue — an  Teanga,  M.     Tangy,  K.    Teanga  mhead- 

honach,  G.     Teanga  nan  allt,  V. 
teine,  fire — Achadh   teine,   A.      Beinn   theine,  C.      Cnoc   an 

teine,  M.     Aird  an  teine,  C.P. 
teith,  hot,  and  teitheil — Rudha  and  River  Teitheil,  F. 
tigrh,  a  house,  tighe — Tigh  bkn,  M.     Cnoc  an  tighe,  /. 
tig'heama,  a  lord,  master — Meall  nan  tighearna,  R. 
tilg,  throw,  shoot,  tilgidh — Carn  an  tilgidh,  C. 
tiobart,    a   well,   tiobairt — Achadh   an   tiobairt,   Z.     Blkr  an 

tiobairt,  K.     Ard  an  tiobairt,   V.     Port  an  tiobairt,  J. 
tiompan,  a  tabor,  timbrel,  -ain ;  -an — Mkm  an  tiompain,  M. 
tir,  land,  -e — Tir-Fergus,  Cinn-tire,  K. 
tobar,  a  well,  -air — Tobar-Mhoire,  M. 
tobha,  a  tow,  rope,  -achan — Cnoc  nan  tobhachan,  M.    Rudh'an 

tobhaidh,  K. 
tobhta,  turf,  a  roofless  wall — Dail  tobhta,  K. 
togail,  a  liftifig  (note) — Togail  bhreaca,  M. 
toit,  smoke,  -e — Toit  dubh,  K — but  doid,  tobhta,  which  see. 
tolm,   a   round,    low   hillock^   tuilm ;    Adj.   tolmach  —  Rudha 

tolmach,  L. 
toll,  a  hole,  tuill — Uamh  an  tuill,  J. 

torn,  a  hillock,  tuim  ;  torn — Tom-ard,  Z.     Croit  an  tuim,  C. 
t6n,  the  fundament — Ton  mhbr,  /.     Ton  riabhach,  K. 
tonn,  a  wave,  tuinn  ;  tonn — Loch-thonn,  M. 
tore,  a  boar,  tuirc ;  tore — Torr  an  tuirc,  K.F.    Beinn  an  tuirc,  K. 

Allt  nan  tore,  Af. 
tdrr,    a   round  hill,   ttiir  {G.) — an  Torr,  K.     na  Torran,   G. 

Druim  nan  torran,  S.     na  Torrannan,  T6rr-loisg(te),  Ceann 

an  tuir,  M. 
trM^h,  the  shore,  tragha,  traghad — Ceann  trkgha,  A.LM.     an 

Trkigh    bhkn,  M.     Traigh    gheal,  M.     Gart   na  tragha,  I. 

Ceann    na    trkghadh,    Z       Dail    na    traghad,    P.      Cinn- 

tragha,  A. 


THE   GAELIC    ELEMENTS    IN    NAMES     219 

trMll,  a  thrall,  slave,  trMlle — Rudha  na  trkille,  y.     See  p.  139. 

traog-h,  ebb — Eilean  traoghaidh,  K. 

trasda,  transverse — Beinn  thrasda,  /. 

tr\\.%,  gather,  truisealach,  a  gatherer — Rudh'  an  truisealaich.y. 

tuagh,  an  axe,  tuaighe — Lochan  na  tuaighe,  A. 

tulach,  a  hillock — Tullich,  L. 

tunna,  a  vat — Ard-tunna,  M. 

uachdar,  the  upper  part,  -air  ;  Adj.  uachdarach — Ceann  uach- 

darach,  J.     Gleann  uachdarach,  /.     Bail'  uachdarach,  Barr 

uachdarach,  K. 
uaine,  gree7i  (note) — Cuil  uaine,  Lochan  uaine,  Z. 
uamh,  a  cave,  uamha ;  uamli — Aird  na  h-uamha,  P.     Uamh- 

annan  donna,  /.     na  h-uamhachan,  I.E.     Sron  uamha,  K. 
uamhar,  dread,  -air ;  ar — Glac  uamhar,  M. 
uan,  a  lamb,  uain ;  uan — Eilean  nan  uan,  Airidh  nan  uan,  K. 

Stac  nan  uan,  L. 
uchd,  the  breast,  and  uchdach  freq — Uchd  nan  clach,  /. 
uileann,  the  elbotv,  uilne — an  Uileann,   V.     Eilean  uilne,  V. 
uinnseann,  ash,  -inn — -Lag  an  uinnsinn,  A.     Aird  uinnsinn,  V. 
uisgce,  water — Dubh  uisge,  G.L. 
ulaidh,  a  treasure — Bealach  na  h-ulaidh,  K.     Cnoc  na  h-ulaidh 

7.     Lag  na  h-ulaidh,  R.     Sgor  na  h-ulaidh,  P. 
iir,  neiv — Bail'  ur,  freq.      Aoineadh  ur,  J. 
urchair,  a  shot,  urch'rach — Beinn  na  h-urchrach,  A. 
urra,  an  infant,  youngster,  columnar  rock — Tigh  an  urra,  /. 
uruisgTi  a  goblin,  "  brownie  " — Coire  an  uiruisge,  M. 


THE     NORSE     ELEMENTS 

The  Norse  names  in  Argyll  are  hardly  ever  quite  pure. 
They  have  come  under  the  Gaelic  influence  so  strongly 
and  for  so  long  that  their  grammar  is  now  nearly  always 
that  of  Gaelic,  even  when  they  retain  their  face  value 
almost  as  clearly  as  in  their  beginning.  The  basis  of 
naming  is  nearly  the  same  in  both  languages,  namely 
(i)  a  descriptive  Adjective  +  the  Nominative  noun,  and 
(2)  a  descriptive  Genitive  +  the  same,  for  example,  N., 
Lang-dy  =  the  long  river ;  Debadal  =  djup-r  +dal-r,  deep- 
dale.  The  only  distinct  difference  is  that  whereas  Norse 
puts  the  descriptive  first,  Gaelic  has  it  second,  except  in 
the  older  Gaelic  forms,  such  as  Garbh-allt,  rotigh-siream  ; 
Glas-eilean,  grey-island ;  Muirne-meall,  the  hill  of  Joy  or 
affection. 

I  have  thought  well  to  give  here  a  very  short 
statement  of  the  Norse  noun-declension,  because  it 
will  enable  the  novice  to  get  an  appreciable  under- 
standing of  forms  which  otherwise  might  be  a  little 
perplexing. 

Norse  nouns  are  classed  as  Strong  or  Weak, 
according  as  the  gen.  sing,  ends  in  a  consonant  or 
in  a  vowel,  and  there  are  Three  Declensions  —  with 
some  irregular  nouns.  There  are  four  Cases :  Nom., 
Gen.,  Dat.f  Ace. 

I.  The    Strong    Declension  —  First    {a)    Masc. 


THE    NORSE    ELEMENTS  221 

heim-r,  home,  tid^  tide ;  {b)  Fein.  ei(t,  isthmus ;  {c)  Netit. 
skip,  ship. 

[a]  helm-r,  -s,  -I,  heim ;  -ar,     -a,  -um,  -a. 

tiff;  -ar,  tiff,  tict;  -ir,      -a,  -um,  -ir. 

(d)  eid;  -ar,  eid,  eid;  -ir,      -a,  -um,  -ir. 

{c)  sliip,  -s,  -/,  sicip;  sicip,  -a,  -um,  skip. 

Second — (a)   Masc.   fund-r,   discovery;   {h)   Fern,  n&l, 
needle ;  (c)  Neut.  klaedi,  cloth. 


{a)  fund-r,  -ar,  -/, 

fund ; 

-ir. 

-a, 

-um,  -i. 

(d)  nil,        -ar,  ndl, 

nal ; 

-ar, 

-a, 

-um,   -ar. 

{c)  klaedi,    -s,    klasdi,  ktaedi ;  klaedi,   -a,  -um,  kisedi. 

Third — (a)  Masc.  vet-r,  winter ;  {b)  eik,  oak  ;  {c)  none. 

{a)  vet-r,     -ar,     -i,       vetr ;      vetr,     -a,     -um,     vetr. 
{b)  eik,        -ar,     eik,    eik;       -r,         -a,     -um,     -r. 

II.  The  Weak  Declension  has  genitive  sing,  and 
pkir.  in  -a  or  -/a  for  the  masculine ;  in  -u  or  -/  for  the 
feminine;  sing.,  or  plur.,  na;  and  in  -a  -na  for  the 
neuter. 


a  (f.)  a  river,  a-r;  a,  frequently  terminal  in  River- 
names — Luss-a,  I.  J.,  Aor-a,  R.,  Inbher-ae,  R.  It  is  first 
in  Ar-oss,  M.  The  words  aer  (f.),  a  sheep,  ewe,  -ar ;  a, 
ar  (f.),  an  oar,  ar;  a,  come  readily  into  the  first  Norse 
element  of  Inbher-aor-a.  Eyr-r  is  almost  always,  if  not 
altogether,  a  sea-coast  term — abhainn  Ar-aig,  I. 

akkeri  (n.),  an  anchor  -s ;  -a,  with  sseti,  forms  the 
very  common  name  Acarsaid,  an  anchorage. 

ak-r,  afield,  ^^ acre'' — Stor-achd-aig,  I. 


222         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

all  (m.),  mt  eel,  -s ;  -a,  means  secondarily  (an  eel- 
like) channel,  and  it  has  other  figurative  uses.  The  sing, 
occurs  in  Alsaig,  I.,  and  the  plur.  in  Alasgaig  and  Ala- 
nish,  M.     Alalaidh,  L,  is  doubtful.     Alllval  (p.  97). 

arm-r  (m.),  a  wing,  arm,  -s ;  -a,  used  fancifully  of  an 
arm  of  the  sea — a  bay,  frith,  &c. — Armadale. 

arn  =  orn,  an  eagle — Earnadale,  J. 

arr  (n.),  a  scar,  -s ;  -a — Ars-a,  scar-island,  L.,  or  from 
Ari  (m.),  an  eagle — used  as  Personal  name  also.  Eara^ 
said,  I. 

ask-r  (m.)>  ^^^>  ~^ »  "^>  secondarily,  a  spear  (of  ash), 
a  wooden  (ash)  ship — whence  aska-spiller,  a  pirate,  ^^ship- 
spoiler'-,  Asknish,  L. ;  Askaig  (Port),  I.;  Dun-Askain,  M.; 
Ascog,  from  ask-r,  +  skog-r,  the  ash-wood,  C.  Askival 
(p.  97).     aska  (f.),  ashes,  comes  easier  into  Asgemal,  J. 

ass  (m,),  a  pole,  beam,  iss ;  dssa,  used  figuratively  for 
a  rocky  ridge.  This  is  the  second  element  in  the  Eng. 
windlass  =  windle  -1-  ass,  winding  pole.  A  similar  word, 
ass  (m.)  =  Ans,  gen.  pi.  assir,  may  easily  be  mistaken  for 
the  first  word — in  fact,  some  have  said  that  the  words 
are  identical  in  remote  origin.  Asa-hus,  I.,  Asa-pol,  M., 
As-dail,  ].,  come  by  this  way.     Perhaps  Ashval  (p.  97). 

aust-r,  east — Tostary,  M,,  with  Gaelic  t  of  the  Art. 

baeli  (n.),  a  dwelling,  farm,  or  even  a  den,  or  nest,  is 
akin  to  Gael  baile,  arnar-basU,  eagle's  nest ;  orms-basli, 
a  serpent's  hole. 

bse-r  and  by-r,  homestead,  far^n,  village,  town,  estate, 
-Jar;  -ja.  This  is  the  Danish  -dy  of  English  names. 
Smerby,  K.,  =  butter-town,  from  N.  smjorr  +  bse-r,  is  the 
only  instance  I  have  met  with  on  the  mainland  of  the 
county.  Knorrs-baer,  I.,  is  nearer  the  original  form,  and 
Conisby  =  kon-r  +  by. 


THE    NORSE    ELEMENTS  223 

bak  (n.),  a  back,  -s ;  -a,  as  Gaelic  bac — and 

bakki  (m.),  t/ie  bank  (as,  of  a  river),  -a ;  -a^Dornabac 
(Rum).     Am  Bac,  freq. 

ball  (m.),  a  soft  grassy  bank,  especially  if  sloping  to 
the  shore,  -a;  -a—Bals-ay,  I. 

b^ra  (f.),  a  wave,  -u ;  -na,  secondarily,  a  waving 
surface — Baradal,  I.     Barapol  (Tiree). 

bjork   (f),    birc/i,   bjark-ar;    -a — Biorgaig,  birch-ivick. 

bjarg  (n.),  is  a  precipice,  or  seaside  rock — Barkeval 

(P-  97)- 

bjart-r,  brigkt—Dun-bhiordamall  (p.  121). 

bjbrn  (m.),  a  bear,  bjarn=ar;  =a  —  Bearnasaig,  I. 
Bernera,  P.  Coll.     Bearnasgeir,  Tiree. 

blad  (n.),  a  leaf,  a  ''blade"  of  grass,  =s ;  -^ja—Bladda, 
J.  There  is,  however,  a  difficulty,  as  will  be  observed, 
with  the  sing.  gen.  in  =s,  and  even  with  the  plural.  I 
prefer  therefore  to  take  the  Adj.  flat=r,  flat,  as  the  base 
of  the  name — the  same  as  is  found  in  Fladda,  L.,  and  in 
Pladda,  P.,  all  meaning  the  same  ihxng,  fat  island,  with 
-ey  as  -a  (p.  132). 

bodi  (m.),  a  breaker,  " a  boding"  hidden  rock.  There 
is  a  Norse  proverb,  vera  sem  bodi  a  skeri,  said  of  a  rest- 
less man,  as  a  breaker  on  a  skerry,  which  shows  that  the 
Norse,  like  the  English  idea  (perhaps  secondarily),  applies 
to  the  zvave  upon  it  rather  than  to  the  rock  itself.  This 
word  is  very  common,  usually  written  bogha  (p.  99). 

bol  (n.),  a  homestead,  abode,  =s ;  =a,  combined  with 
stad=r,  a  steading,  it  forms  bolstadr,  which  has  a  big 
place  in  the  Norse  names  of  Argyll  and  of  Scotland,  as 
terminal  "bols,  ■'Ols,  "Ol,  =bost,  =bus,  "Sta. 

boli  (m.),  a  bull,  as  in  Bolsa,  I. 

borg  (f.),  stronghold,  castle,  =ar ;  =a.  Gaelic  has 
assimilated  the  word  in  several  ways.     There  is  Burg 


224         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

and  Dhn-bhuirg,  M.  ;  Borrodale,  A.V. ;  Borrachail, 
Borochil,  Boreraig,  \.,  with  Dim,  </a/=r,  //a//,  vik.  Borga= 
dale,  K.M. ;  Bourblaig,  A. ;  Rudha  Boraige  moire  (Tiree). 
Bail'  a'  bhorgain,  K. ;  Cul-bhuirg  (lona).  Beinn-fe/iu/r^, 
I.     Arivirig  -  kiridh  a'  bhuirff,  E.  Bhoramail  (Coll). 

branna,  a  crozv,  has  been  given  for  Brannabus,  L, 
but  I  have  not  been  able  to  find  the  word,  so  I  prefer 
brenna. 

braud  (n.),  food,  living,  '^  bread,"  secondarily,  a 
parsonage,  in  the  Eng.  sense  of  a  "  living."  In  Brosdale, 
for  example,  bro,  a  bridge,  is  impossible,  because  the 
word  is  fern,  and  would  give  a  gen.  in  =ar;  and  for  a 
similar  reason  brokk^r  (m.),  a  badger,  cannot  enter  into 
the  name,  but  brok  (n.),  bad,  black  grass  is  perhaps  the 
most  direct  word.  It  was  used  by  the  Norse  in  their 
home-names,  for  instance,  Brokey  {Land). 

brenna  (f.),  a  fire,  burning — Brannabus,  Brianabus,  I. 

briin  (f.),  eye-brow,  land-brow,  "brae,"  =ar\  =a — Brun^ 
erican,  K.  (p.  25).  This  is  the  only  instance  in  the 
county  of  this  name-word. 

kal  (n.),  cabbage,  "kale'—Caulabus,  I.,  or,  better, 
kald-'t,  cold,  as  in  Caltart  (p.  11)  and  in  Callanish  and 
manv  other  names. 

kalf-r  (m.),  a  calf,  =s;  =a,  used  fancifully  of  a  small 
island,  or  island-rock,  which  is  close  to  or  "calf"  to 
another  and  larger  island.  It  comes  into  Gaelic  as 
Calbh,  gen.  Cailbh,  and  it  occurs  frequently — the  Calf  of 
Man,  an  Calbh  Muileach,  &c. 

kappal  (m.),  a  /wrse,  nag — Keppols,  I.  Ceapasaidh 
(p.  146),  or  from  kepp=r,  a  stick. 

ketill  (m.),  a  kettle,  cauldron.  The  word  comes 
largely  into  the  early  rites  and  religion  of  the  Norse 


THE   NORSE    ELEMENTS  225 

people  for  reasons  that  cannot  be  here  gone  into  (but 
see  Cleasby  in  voc).  We  find  the  word  now  softened 
down  to  kel  and  kil  at  the  end  of  Personal  names — Leth- 
Thorkil,  M. ;  Aharcle,  A. — both  which  names  are  based 
on  the  name  Torquil  =  Thor's  Ketill,  and  the  name 
MacAskil  =  Ans  +  Ketill.  Aharacle  is  Ath  -  Thorcuil, 
Ts  ford. 

kid'  (n.),  a  kid,  gen.  kidla — Ard-chiavaig,  I. 

kinn  (f.),  a  chin,  cheek,  -ar;  -a,  in  Kinnahus,  Kinna- 
bols,  I,,  with  which  may  be  compared  the  Gaelic  body- 
names,  aodann,  face;  braigh,  chesi ;  meill,  chin,  &c. 
Kyna,  a  queen  (see  kona),  may,  better  perhaps,  come 
into  Kynagarry,  Kinnabus,  I. 

kirkja  (f.),  a  church,  ~ju ;  -na  —  Kirkapol,  Circnis, 
(Tiree).     Girgadal,  A.I. 

Kjallar  (m.)  is  a  poetical  name  of  Odin — Coilabus,  I. 

kjarr  (n.),  a  copse-wood,  brush-wood — Carradale,  K.A. 
Carrabus,  I.  In  Norse  home-names  kjarr-skogr  is  for  a 
brush-wood.    Ca rsaig,  LK.M.    Cara,K.    Carnsdale{p.  101). 

kjol-r  (m.),  a  keel,  -ar;  a  keel  simply,  secondarily 
used  of  a  keel-shaped  hill,  or  island.  Ki6ll  (m.)  is  a 
"  keel  "  in  the  sense  of  ship,  or  barge,  &c. — Kelsay  and 
Celsa,  I. 

klett-r  (m.),  a  cliff,  crag,  comes  into  Gaelic  as 
a'  Chleit,  which  is  a  very  common  name. 

knap-r  (m.),  a  knob  (p.  34),  frequent  in  Gaelic  as 
an  Cnap. 

koUa  (f.),  a  hind,  horn-less  deer,  and  koll-r  (m.),  a 
hill,  summit.  To  the  former  I  refer  Coll-a  (p.  122),  to 
the  latter  Coll{o)S'a  (Colonsay),  although  this  last  is  not 
quite  clear.    Coilabus,  I. 

kon-r  (m.),  a  "  king,"  nobleman,  and  kona  (f.),  a 
queen.     The  former  is  in  Conisby. 


226         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OP   ARGYLL 

korn  (n.),  grain,  corn  —  Cornaig,  M.,  Tiree,  &c. 
Cornabus,   I . 

korp-r  (m.),  a  raven.  I  have  wondered  whether  this 
may  not  be  after  all  the  base  in  the  name  Corpach.  I 
have  noticed  a  strong  disposition  towards  r«t/^«-names 
in  the  Lochaber  Corpach,  and  I  have  some  difficulty  in 
accepting  the  explanation  given  at  p.  14. 

kott-r  (m.),  a  cat,  katUar — Cattadal,  LK. 

kra  (f.),  ^  neuk,  ^'corner" — Crarae,  R.  ;  Craro,  p.  33. 

kr^ka  (f.),  a  crow — Cragabus,  I.  There  is  also  krikr 
(m.),  a  crow, 

kria  (f.),  the  tern — Crionaish. 

kr^si  (f.),  a  cross  —  Crishnish,  M.  N.  krfsi-vik, 
cross-Bay. 

kross  (m.),  a  cross,  and  as  Adj.  across — Crossaig,  K. 
Crossapol  in  Coll,  Tiree,  L,  &c.     CarsamuU,  Tiree. 

kuldi  (m.),  cold — Cullipol,  p.  64  ;  CutUnish  (Tiree)  ; 
Coulabus,  I. 

kvi  (f.),  a  pen,  fold — Kvidale,  Ard-Chiavaig,  I. 
Quinish,  M.  Quiabol  was  inilkmg  place,  and  Qui-a,  pen- 
isle  in  old  N.     kviga,  a  heifer  =  Cicheamaig  (p.  129), 

dal-r  (m.),  a  dale,  valley,  =ar;  -a,  a  very  common 
terminal  in  Valley-names. 

Dan  (m.),  a  Dane — Danna,  Danes  isle. 

deigja  (f.),  a  dairymaid,  or  the  same  form  and  gender 
means  a  damp,  or  wetness — Degnish,  L. 

djup-r,  deep — Dibidilt  (p.  97),  deep-dale.     Debadal,  J. 

drit  (n.),  dirt,  or,  better,  drifa  (f.),  sleet — Driodale,  \. 

dy  (n.),  mud,  a  bog—Doodil,  \.     Diseig,  M. 

dyr  (n.),  a  deer,  wild  beast,  =s ;  -a,  e.g.  dfrs=horn,  the 
horn  of  a  deer  ;  dyra-gardr,  an  enclosure  for  wild  beasts — 
Dihra  (p.  132).     Diitrinnis,  P. 


THE    NORSE    ELEMENTS  227 

dys  (f.)  is  a  cairn  smaller  than  a  haugr—Diseig,  M. 

egg  (^O*  <^^  ^(^g^i  ridge,  -ar;  -a — Eige  (p.  98). 

eid  (n.),  an  isthmus,  does  not  seem  to  appear  often  in 
Argyll  names  now,  but  Kintyre  was  Satiris-eid  in  the 
Orkney  Saga.     It  is  terminal  -ay,  freq. 

eik  (f.),  an  oak,  -ar;  -a — ^igneig,  V.    G\en-eikadale^  I. 

eld-r{m.),^re—Ellabus,l.    Ellary,  K.  Elleraig  [Coll). 

elg-r  (m.),  an  elk,  -ar ;  -a—Eilgadal^  A.  Eiligeir,  V., 
and  freq.  is  is  many  cases  Gaelic  [note). 

endi  (m.),  the  end — Ensay,  M. 

enni  (n.),  the  forehead.  It  is  used  in  old  Norse  in 
exactly  the  same  sense  as  aoineadh  (p.  12),  a  brow,  steep 
crag,  precipice,  ivec^.     Jnagart,  M. 

epja  (f.),  co/d,  chilliness — Ebadail. 

erg  (n.)  seems  to  be  Gaelic  airigh,  a  shieling,  borrowed 
into  Norse.  It  appears  terminal  as  -ary  freq.  Erraid 
and  Erray,   M.     Earrabus,  I. 

ey  (f.),  an  island,  -ar ;  -a,  common  terminal  as  -a  in 
Island-names — Bols=a,  Jur=a,  Lung-a,  Ulv=a,  Kerrar^a, 
&c. 

eyrr  (f.),  gravel-bank,  ^^ ore^' — Eorabus,  Eornaig,  I. 
Eorsa,  M.     Eirisgeir  {p.  129).     Eriska  {p.  69). 

fausk-r  (m.),  is  a  dry  log  dug  out  of  the  earth,  and 
knowing  how  slight  and  fanciful  a  cause  may  be  the 
origin  and  base  of  a  name,  this  is  quite  likely  in  Fascadal, 
K.A. ;  or  perhaps  faxi  (m.),  a  horse,  is  even  better  ;  there- 
fore horse-dale.  It  seems  to  me  quite  impossible  to  be 
sure  of  the  essential  in  Norse  names  where  more  than 
one  base  is  equally  possible. 

fjall,  a  hill,  mountain,  "fell,"  -s;  -a,  and  its  kindred 
hvall  (m.),  of   the  same  meaning,   occur  terminally  as 


228         THE   PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

-bhal,  -mal,  -val,  and  -al,  very  frequently.  It  is  difficult, 
without  full  local  knowledge,  to  distinguish  between  this 
terminal  and  that  from  voJI-r,  a  field.  Fealasgaig 
(p.  Ill);   Vaul  {p.  127). 

fjara  (f.),  ^/^f  ebb-tide,  beach — Peoirlin,  frequently. 

fj6rd-r  (m,),  a  frith,  ''  fjord,^^  occurs  terminally  as  -art, 
-ort — Suain-eart,  S.  Griiin-eart,  L,  and  frequently.  See 
p.  10. 

fj6s  (n.),  a  cow-byre  {f6,  cattle -\- h 6s)  —  Fishnish,  M. 
Fishaig,  Feshim  (Coll.). 

fisk-r  (m.),  a  fish,  -s ;  -a—Fiskarg  (Coll.) — Fiska-poll-r, 
a  fish-pool,  Fiska-skip,  a  fish-ship,  occur  in  N.  names. 

flat-r,  fiat—Bladda,  J.  Fladda,  J.M.  Pladda  (Lis.). 
Flatey. 

flod",  a  ^'fiood,"  deluge,  avalanche^  the  sea,  tide — Flod- 
sgeir  (Eigg),  and  there  is  FIdd  (f.),  low  skerries,  or  reefs 
flooded  2ii  full  tide  (p.  151). 

forn,  old — Fornasaig,  \.,  the  forn  +  hds+vik,  the  old 
house-bay.     FornJngir  (p.  12^). 

fors  (m.),  a  rushing  current,  waterfall.  Compare  fors 
(m.),  force — Glen-/ors-^,  M.,  the  glen  of  the  rushing  river. 
Acha  -  fors,  the  field  of  the  water  -fall,  V.  Eas  -  iors 
(p.  120). 

frakki  (m.),  a  Personal  name,  and  frakka  (n.),  a  spear^ 
come  into  Frachdale,  \.  Frachadil,  M.  Fracadal,  \. 
Frackersaig  (Lis.).  It  is  likely  that  Frakki  was  the  spear- 
man, but  sleaghach,  claidheamh,  &c.,  show  that  the  name 
may  have  come  by  the  same  imagining,  or  as  a  trans- 
lation. 

fyrsa,  to  gush  or  rush,  akin  to  Fors,  would  well  explain 
Loch-frissa,  M.,  but  there  is  no  river  sufficiently  of  that 
character  flowing  into  the  loch.  The  next  best  word  is 
frjosa,  to  freeze,  and  this  is  perhaps  the  correct    attri- 


THE    NORSE    ELEMENTS  229 

butive.     Fress  (m.)  is  a  tom-cat,  and  streams  are  often 
named  upon  the  cat. 

galm-r  (m.),  the  roar  of  the  sea — Qalwlsdale  (Eii^g). 
Qleann  galmadale,  V.  There  is  a  fem.  noun,  galma,  of 
the  same  meaning,  from  which  galma-dale  would  come 
more  directly.  This  last  is  only  used  in  place-names, 
and  Gamll  (m.),  an  eagle,  is  quite  possible. 

gard-r  (m.),  a  ^' yard,"  court,  enclosure,  stronghold — ■ 
Gardamail,  J.  (Col.).  Oarrisdale  (Canna),  J.l.  Abhainn- 
ghirdail,  V. 

gds  (f.),  a  goose — Quesdale,  K.     Qeasgil,  M. 

gata  (n.),  a  path,  so  in  liorsgate,  A.,  it  is  better  to 
look  upon  the  name  as  this  word  with  hross,  a  horse, 
although  the  meaning  remains  the  same,  in  the  sense  of 
horse-gate;  as  the  proverb  has  it,  *' gang yer  gate"  =  go 
your  7vay. 

geil  (f.),  a  small,  narrow  glen,  with  a  stream  running 
in  the  bottom,  is  the  Norse  rendering,  and  the  perfect 
picture  of  the  north  of  England  ghyll.  A  "  cut  "  of  a 
hundred  yards  or  so,  dowm  the  face  of  a  "  moor,"  with 
its  necessary  trickle  of  a  stream  at  the  bottom,  is  the 
geil  or  gil  (p.  156)  idea,  as  left  in  the  Yorkshire  district  by 
the  Norseman.  Allt  na  Gile,  J.,  is  the  purest  example 
of  the  acceptance  of  the  word  into  Gaelic  names  that  I 
have  met  with.     Giol,  I. 

gerdi  (n.),  an  enclosure,  fenced  field,  akin  to  gard-r — 
Gart  na  gearrach,  K. 

gja  (f.),  a  rift,  chas7)i — Gigha  (p.  32).     Gigalum  (p.  33). 

gjogr  (f)»  ^  ''?/A  cleft^  Gihlr-bhelnn,  I.  Gibirdll 
(Rum). 

gnipa  (f.),  apeak — a'  Ghrip. 

got   (n.),  spawning,  and  gota   (f.),  of  same  meaning, 


230         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

may  be  a  better  and  more  pertinent  meaning  for  Gott 
Bay  than  that  which  I  have  given  (p.  127),  but  there  are 
other  possible  renderings.  Gaut-ar  (pi.)  was  a  Scandi- 
navian people  from  Western  Sw^eden,  and  there  is  no 
reason  at  all  why  this  Bay  might  not  have  been  named 
upon  them.  Their  owai  Gaut-land,  or  Gothland,  is  cor- 
roboration of  this.  They  would  do  it  exactly  on  the 
same  lines  as  our  people  w^ould  say  Camus  nan  Gall, 
the  Bay  of  the  strangers.  Gaut-r  is  a  poet-name  for 
Odin. 

golt-r  (m,),  a  boar,  a  hogs  back,  a  ridge,  -s ;  -a — Cuil- 
ghaltro,  K.     Allt-ghaltraig,  C. 

grsenn  and  grand,  green — Qraineil,  green  field,  I. 

grar,  grey — in  two  Greasamail  (island-rocks — Tiree). 

gras  (n.),  grass,  herbage — Grastle,  I. 

grim-r  (m.),  a  name  of  Odin  (from  gritna  (f.),  a  hood, 
or  cowl),  because  the  god  went  about  in  disguise.  Grimr- 
was  the  serpent  of  old  Norse  poetry — Grimsa,  I.  Grim- 
sary  (Coll). 

gris  (m.),  a  pig — Grishnish,  M.     Grisipol  (Coll). 

grof  (f.),  a  pit,  hollow,  ^*  gravel  "-pit,  -ar ;  -a — Qro- 
bols,  \. 

grunn-r,  shallow  ;  grunn-r  (n.),  a  shallow ;  grun-r,  a 
shoal;  grunn-r  (m.),  the  ground,  the  bottom  of  the  sea; 
griin,  grain — from  one  or  other  of  these  come  Grun- 
dal,  J.  ;  Gruineart,  and  (perhaps)  Grianaig  =  grsenn 
-|-  vik,  [. ;  Greensay,  Greineal,  M. 

gr^la  (f.),  ogre,  hag,  -f  llnd,  I  prefer  this  now, 
especially  for  a  stream-name  (see  p.  152) — Groulin,  A.I. 

gryta  (f.),  a  st07ie,  ^^ grit"  ;   gri^tt-r,  stoney — Groudle 

(P-  95)- 

gunn-r  (f.),  battle,  war, fight — Gunna  (Coll.) — evidently 

a  reminiscence  of  some  severe  day. 


THE    NORSE    ELEMENTS  231 

H^co    (m.)  — Cladh    Haco,    I.      Bol   A{r)cain,    V.— 

doubtful. 

haeli  (n.),  shelter — tleylipol  (Tiree),  where  -pol  =  bol, 
/arm,  steading;: 

hdf  (n.),  t/ie  sea,  the  main — Camus  an  t-haif,  given  in 
Gaelic  as  C.  an  t-saimh  (p.  131). 

hall-r,  slophig,  with  t  of  the  Gaelic  Art.,  seems  to  be 
in  Tallatol,  K.  ;   Tallasgeir  (p.  99). 

halm-r  (m.),  weeds,  straw,  sea-weed — tlaum,  M.  In 
Eigg  it  is  Talm,  with  the  t  of  Gael.  Art — an  t-fialm,  and 
E.  Thailm. 

M-r,  //z>/^— Airidh  an  ha-bost  (Coll.).  Tallant,  I., 
=  an  t-har-land ;  Hanais  (p.  127). 

haug-r  (m.),  a  ^^  howe,"  cairn  —  Rudha-  and  Baile- 
Hogh  (Coll.).     Ard  na  hugha,  Oa,  I.     Ard(t)oe,  A. 

hauk-r  (m.),  a  hawk — {T)ocamal  and  Tackamal,  I. 

hasl  (m.),  hazel — tiaslam  (Canna)  =  hasl  +  h6lm-r. 

hju  (n.),  a  house,  household,  and  hid,  a  den,  lair — 
Hianish  and  Hynish  (Tiree). 

hoU  (m.),  a  hill—Rossal,  M.  {hross  +  hdlt). 

holm-r  (m.),  an  island,  "  holm  "  occurs  terminally  as 
-am,  -om,  -um — Haslam  (p.  10 1).  Solum,  I.  Salum 
(p.  127). 

hop  (n.),  a  bay — an  t-Oban  (Oban).     Tigh  an  bb,  K. 

hris  (n.),  brusJnvood) — Risabus,  I.  Risdal,  L.  Reisa- 
pol,  S. ;  but  in  the  latter  hreysi  (n.),  den,  lair,  is  perhaps 
better,  although  the  circumstances  fit  the  other  rendering 
well.  I  am  not  confident  in  placing  Risga,  A.,  under 
this  base. 

hross  (n.),  a  horse  —  Horsgate,  A.,  &c.  See  holl. 
Rossdal,  M. 

hiis  (n,),  a  house  —  Ulsead,  K,,  =  {h6s  +  set-r). 
Olsneis,  I.,  =  {hds  +  nes). 


232         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

ima  (f.),  a  she-wolf^  a  giantess,  and  imd  (f.),  an  ogress, 
perhaps  from  the  first  idea  of  the  grey  or  ember-colour 
of  the  she-wolf,  and  the  character  of  the  she-wolf  again 
referred  to  the  ogress.     See  y/n/r,  p.  242. 

i6r  (m.),  a  horse,  is  better  for  Eorsa,  M.,  and  perhaps 
for  Eorabus,  L,  than  that  given  {Eyrr,  p.  227). 

Ivaar  (m.),  from  which  the  Mac-Ivers  of  the  West,  is 
a  pure  N.  name,  perhaps  derived  from  yfa,  to  struggle. 

l^g-r,  low  —  Lhga,  A,,  =  low  island.  Laig  (Eigg) 
=  low-wick.    Rudha  Luidhneis,  I.     Leoig,  I.,  is  doubtful. 

lamb  (n.),  a  lamb,  -s ;  -a — Dvum-lembte,  K.,  =  lamba- 
fjall,  lamb-hill.     Lamanals,  Lamgedail,  I. 

land  (n.),  land—Tallant^  L,  =  an  t-hd-r-land,  the  high 
land. 

lang-r,  long — Langa,  K.l.  =  long- Water ;  Langanish 
(Canna),  long-ness.  Langadale^  I.  Langamul,  M.  Lan- 
gat,  A.,  =  longtown,  ox  farm.  Longbaw,  I.,  is  probably  a 
folk-rendering  of  Long-town  {'bol). 

laut  (f.),  a  pasture,  hollow  ground — in  Laudal,  V. 
Laug,  a  spring  of  zvater,  or  lauf  (n.),  leaf  are  possible.  I 
know  the  place  well,  and  I  am  not  able  to  select  from 
these  —  it  fits  them  all.  This  once  again  shows  the 
danger  of  being  too  sure. 

leid  (f.),  way,  road,  or  leid-r,  loathed — in  Leidil,  L. 

leir  (m.),  loam,  clay  —  Lyrabus  and  Lurabus  I.M. 
This  is  the  meaning  usually  given,  but  I  prefer  Ija  (f.), 
mown  grass,  which  gives  the  names  perfectly,  especially 
the  first,  and  so  well  befits  tie  ghlas  an  fheoir.  Leora 
and  Leorin,  I.,  come  under  these,  but  for  Leoig  I  am 
afraid  to  suggest  le6  (m.),  a  lion,  -\-  vik,  the  best  render- 
ing, although  the  animal  comes  into  the  home  names 
of  Norse — otherwise  Iji,  mown  grass,  almost  certainly. 


THE    NORSE    ELEMENTS  233 

lid  (n.)  is  (i)  a  ship  {cf.  A.S.  lid,  a  fleet)  ;  (2)  folk,  a 
people,  would  do  for  Liddesdale,  V.,  but  hlid,  a  gate, 
comes  even  better  into  the  pronunciation.  Hlid,  a  side, 
or  a  mountain  side,  would  be  more  pertinent  to  the 
circumstances,  but  being  fern.,  it  seems  to  me  impossible 
— it  would  not  give  the  s.  Librig  (Tiree)  seems  to  con- 
tain this  with  the  gen.  of  -berg. 

lin  [n.),flax — in  Lindsaig,  C. 

lind  (f.),  a  well,  spring— Linndail,  J.  O rutin  and 
Feoirlin,  freq. 

Ijoss,  bright,  light,  clear,  shining,  seems  to  be  the  base 
in  the  river-names — Abhainn- Lussa,  Lussa-given,  in  J. 
and  in  Lussa,  K.I.  The  name  is  always  short,  so  that 
L:^r,  gen.  lys  (f.),  Lat.  gadus  (fish),  is  not  acceptable.  For 
the  peculiar  name  Lussa-given  the  only  explanation  that 
appears  to  me  at  all  possible  is  that  it  is,  by  some  strong 
outside  influence,  Lussa(dh)avin,  that  is,  Luss-d  +  Gaelic 
abhainn,  a  simple  repetition  and  translation  of  the  river- 
terminal — in  the  first  part  Norse,  in  the  second  Gaelic, 
LJosa-vatn,  bright-water,  occurs  in  N.  names. 

Ij6sg-a  (f.),  a  chesttmt-mare — Leasgamal,  J, 

log"  (n.  pi.),  laws;  therefore,  Log-madr,  lawman, 
=  Lamont,  Gael.  Laomain.     Cnoc-Laomain,  L. 

lyng  (m.),  heather,  ''ling" — Ling,  M.  There  is  a 
poetical  N.  word  lung,  a  ship,  which  is  looked  upon  as 
an  assimilation  from  Gaelic  long — Lung=a,  M.J. 

maena,  to  project,  jut  out,  whence  msena  (f.),  the  spine  ; 
msenir  (m.),  the  ridge  of  a  house — Ard-menisti,  J.  Minis- 
hall  (Rum). 

mdr  (m.),  the  sea-mew — Marasdal,  I.  Marsamal,  J. 
Morinish,  M. 

mel-r,  sand-bank,  especially  if  covered  or  bound  by 


234         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

"  bent-grass,"  or  more  correctly  the  "  sea-reed"  [Psaimna, 
Grajn.)y  called  also  "  mat-weed  " — all  because  it  mats 
and  binds  the  sand — Melbhach,  M. 

merg-r,  narrow;  mork  (f.),  a  inarch,  border -land, 
forest  —  Margadale^  I.  a'  Mhargach  (Rum).  Marg- 
monagach,  K. 

miki  (older  myk-r)  (f.),  indeclinable,  dung,  "  muck" — 
Migerness,  I. 

mdr  (m.),  a  moor,  heath,  barren  land,  gen.  /nd/s — 
!W6s{s)geir,  M.  Mod-r  is  used  of  a  heap  of  snow  and  ice 
jutting  into  the  sea. 

muli  (m.),  a  jutting  crag,  a  snout,  Mull,  -a;  -a—Maol 
Chinntire,  the  Mull  of  Kintyre.  This  is  always  a  sea-' 
coast  name,  and  has  little  or  nothing  to  do  with  Gael. 
maol,  bald,  often  used  as  a  name  for  round  inland 
mountains. 

munk-r  (m.),  a  monk — Mungasdal,  V.,  and  perhaps 
Muasdale,  K.,  but  I  think  mus  (f.),  a  mouse,  is  more  likely 
in  Musdal,  R.,  and  Eilean  Mhusdil  (Lis.). 

m^  (n.),  a  midge,  gnat,  -s ;  -a,  or  mjo-r,  small,  narrow 
— Ard-mynlsh,  K.  Achadh  Mhiaish  (Gigha).  Mibost 
(Coll.).  Mudle,  V.  Mishnish,  M.  Musdale,  P.  M^- 
vatn  (I eel.). 

naust  (n.),  a  sheep-shed,  boat-house,  shed — Nostaig,  L 
nes  (n.),  a   "ness,"  nose,   naze.   Point — Ard-nish,  I. 
Crinish,  Mishnish,  Quinish,  Trishnish,  M.,  and  freq. 
nidri,  "  nether,"  lower — Nerrabols,  Nereby,  Nerabus,  L 

odr,  a  wood,  woody  ;  orr  (n.),  a  scar,  notch  ;  6rn  (m.), 
an  eagle,  gen.  arnar;  -a,  and  oron  (m,),  a  mackerel,  occur 
in  Loch- Oroc/a/e,  K.  Orsay,  L  Oronsay  (perhaps),  V. 
(Coll.)  and  (Col.).    For  this  last  name  Orfiris-ey  has  been 


THE    NORSE    ELEMENTS  235 

given  by  Prof.  MacKinnon  as  said  of  islands  which  are 
only  islands  at  full  tide,  and  the  fact  usually  fits. 

6gn  (f.),  dread,  terror,  or  on  (f.),  hope — 0/Ja,  L. 

ok  (n.),  a  yoke,  may  be  in  Ockle,  A.  The  first  syllable 
is  very  strongly  aspirated — I  think  too  strongly  for 
hauk-r,  a  hawk. 

Olaf  (m.),  the  Proper  name  Olave— Bail'  Ola,  Olis- 
tadh,  I.  Olosary  (Ulva).  Dun-d//a,  L.  (Dunolly),  pre- 
sents one  or  two  difficulties.  It  is  usually  accepted  to 
mean  Olaf's  stronghold,  but  there  is  (i)  a  difficulty  in 
that  the  vowel  sound  of  Gaelic  is  6  short,  not  6,  as  in  the 
name  and  in  the  places  named  upon  it  ;  (2)  the  "Annals 
of  Ulster  "  has  it  that  Ecfrid  of  Northumbria  covibussit 
Dun-Ollaigh,  A.D.  686,  long  before  the  accepted  Norse 
Invasion,  and  "Tighearnach  "  has,  A.D.  714 — Dim-Onlaig 
construitur  apud  Selbacum.  This  Sealbhach  was  son  of 
Fearchar  Fada,  and  a  brave  man,  chief  of  the  Cineil 
Loarn,  who  died  a.d.  697 — Ferchar  Fota  moritur. —  TigJi. 
It  follows,  therefore,  either  that  the  Annals  are  not 
reliable,  or  that  the  name  is  not  from  Olaf — a  purely 
Norse  name — or  that  the  Norseman  was  here  long  before 
the  historical  invasion,  which  is  not  at  all  improbable. 

org  (n.),  a  howling,  screaming ;  or  better,  orri  (m.),  a 
moorfowl ;  (2)  a  Personal  name,  Orri;  (3)  afight—Orval 
(Rum).     On'sgeir  (Tiree).     Oragaig,  K. 

orm-r  (m.),  a  snake,  ^^  worm,''  -s ;  -a — Ormsary,  K., 
=  Orms-gar&r.  Ormsaig,  A.L.M.  Olmsa  (Col.)  seems 
to  be  the  same  as  Ormsa,  J,  Ormaig,  M.R.  Ormadal,  C. 
DvLn-Ormidale,  L.  Tormisalg  and  -dale,  I.,  with  the 
effect  of  the  Gael.  Art.  an  t-Orrnsaig. 

dsp  (f.),  the  aspen-tree — Ospidal. 

6sk-r  (n.),  roaring,  belloiuing,  as  a  bull — AUt-^Eas^a- 
</a//,  v.,  which  is  very  appropriate.    Esknish,  R. 


236         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

OSS  (m.),  the  outlet  of  a  river  or  lake—Aros^  M.  Osa- 
mail,  I.     Osnish,  L,  but  see  hds. 

oxi  (m.),  an  ox.  It  is  used  for  a  proper  name,  as  ulf-r 
is,  but  it  seems  to  have  got  forced  into  the  Gaelic  form 
in  Oskamaly  M.,  ox-hill. 

papi  (m.),  ''papa,"  priest,  '' pope" —Papadll  (Rum). 
Prest-r  is  -aXso  priest,  but  the  persa  in  Persabus,  I.,  I  have 
not  met,  and  this  is  most  likely  a  Gaelic  rendering. 
Pearsa,  a  parson,  of  an  older  N.  form  in  the  first  part, 
but  retaining  the  N.  -bus. 

poU-r  (m.),  pond,  pool,  is  the  same  as  Gael,  poll  in 
meaning  and  origin.  It  is  a  very  frequent  terminal,  but 
it  must  be  distinguished  carefully  from  -bol,  which  some- 
times becomes  -po/— Loch-/lsapo/,  M.  Pollachie,  M. 
(perhaps  better  as  Gael.  poU-ach-aidh).  Vasapol  (Tiree). 
Cnoc-Bhircepol  (gen.  of  Borg-r  +  poll-r). 

priid-r,  Jine,  magnificent^  I  venture  to  offer  as  base  of 
Proaig,  I.  Mr,  Macneill  says  it  is  N.  breidr,  broad,  +  vik, 
but  this  does  not  come  easily,  and  I  am  quite  sure  he 
will  not  object  to  my  rendering,  whether  correct  or  not. 

rd  (f.),  a  roe ;  rd  (f.),  a  ?iook ;  reyr-r  (m.),  a  cairn; 
reyr-r,  the  common  river-reed,  -ar;  -a;  ror,  calm,  quiet ; 
reyd-r  (f.),  a  trout — one  or  other  come  into  many  names, 
but  local  knowledge  and  observation  is  necessary  to 
determine  which,  in  Rarey,  Raireig,  M. 

rakki(m.),  a  dog;  -a;  -a — Racadal,  K.  (p.  36).  There 
is  rakki,  straight,  rak-r,  damp,  and  hrak,  poor,  wretched, 
any  one  of  which  is  possible  from  the  language  side. 
The  pertinent  fact  only  in  the  place  can  make  sure. 

rang-r,  ''wrong,"  awry — Rangal  (Rum),  meaning  the 
awry  field,  with  reference  to  the  lie  of  the  land. 

rani  (m.),  a  hog' s  snout,  hog-backed  hill.     This  seems  to 


THE   NORSE   ELEMENTS  237 

be  the  base  element  in  Glenramskil,  which  appears  to  be 
an  error  for  Glen- ran is-gi I.  If  not  this,  it  must  be  from 
ram,  strong,  swift,  referring  to  its  stream. 

raud-r,  red— Robots,  I.  Rudale,  K.R.  Reudle,  M., 
are  all,  I  think,  from  this  word. 

regn  (n.),  rain — Rainberg,  J.,  rain-hill.  This  is  the 
only  true  instance  1  have  met  of  terminal  -berg,  the 
general  name  in  Teutonic  speech  for  a  mountain,  but  in 
N.  it  seems  to  have  been  limited  to  a  rock  or  even  a  steep 
rock  like  a  stalla  (p.  239). 

reynir  (m.),  the  rowan  tree — Rhonadale,  K.  Raonapol 
(Rum).  Raonasta,  I.  Ruinsival  (Rum) — though  this  is 
doubtful.  Runi  {m..\  friend,  counsellor,  is  quite  possible 
for  this  latter  name. 

salli  (m.),  refuse  of  hay,  &c.,  left  by  cattle  +  haug-r,  in 
Saligo,  I. 

salt  (n.),  salt — Saltaig  (Tiree)  =  salt-wick. 

sand-r  (m.),  sand—Sanday  (Canna),  Sanna,  A.,  are 
for  sand  or  sandy  island.  Sandalg  (Tiree),  Sannaig,  I. J., 
are  sandy-wick  or  bay.  Inhhev-Sanda,  G.  GXen-Sanda, 
v.,  are  the  sandy  river.  Saddel,  K.,  is  for  sandy  dale.  The 
second  elements  being  -ey,  island,  -vik,  bay,  -d,  river, 
-dai-r,  dale. 

saud'-r  (m.),  a  sheep — Soa  (Tiree,  Coll).  Soy  (Coll)  is 
sheep-isle.  Sosdaig,  L.  Soroba,  L.,  can  only  be  referred 
to  Sorg  (f.),  sorrow,  for  some  remote  reason. 

skalli  (m.),  a  bald  head,  extended  to  a  headland,  and 
skill  (m.),  a  shelling,  j-//^<^— Sgallanish,  J.M.V.  (Coll). 
Sgallasaig  (Col.).  Sca{n)listle,  I.  ScalJastle,  M.  And 
knowing  the  Norse  tendency  to  name  places  upon 
animals,  skolli  {m.),afox,  is  to  be  kept  in  mind,  and  even 
skel  (f.),  a  shell,  freq.  in  names. 


238         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

skamm-r,  short— Scammadal,  S.R.J. 

B'^ixi[va.),ajoungseainew.  Scarrabus,  I.  Scarrlnish 
(Tiree),     Scarn'sdale,  M. 

skatt-r  (m.),  a  tax,  ^'scat,"  tribute — Inbher-sca^-da/e,  G. 

skeid"  (f.),  a  ship,  war  galley — Ard-skeinlsh  (Coll),  or 
skeif-r,  askew,  aslant.  Skeidar-a,  galley-river,  is  in 
old  N. 

sker  (n.),  a  skerry,  is  a  very  common  name  for  sea- 
rocks  which  are  covered  at  high  tide.  I  have  no  ex- 
planation to  offer  for  the  inland  names  into  which  this 
word  enters,  like  Skeroblin,  K.     Skerrols,  I. 

skiki  (m,),  a  narrow  belt  or  strip  of  land,  usually 
terminal,  as  -sgaig.    skagi  (m.),  a  ness,  Point — Alasgaig,  ^L 

skip  (n.),  a  ship,  -s ;  -a — Skipness,  K.  =  skipa  +  ties. 
Sgiobanish  (Col.).  Sgiba  =  Shipton,  the  old  name  for 
Port  Charlotte,  L     Skible,  K.,  is  of  the  same  meaning. 

skjol  (n.),  shelter — Eilean  Scoull,  C. 

skoda,  to  view,  look-out,  ^^  scout." — Scodaig,  R.  Airidh- 
sgodnish,  K. 

skog-r  (m.),  a  wood — Ascog,  C.  =  ask-ar  +  skogr,  the 
Ash-wood. 

skrida  (f.),  a  landslip,  whence  Gael,  sgridan,  of  the 
same  meaning,  frequent — Loch  Sgridain  and  Sgridhinn, 
M.    A  kindred  word,  skridi  (m.),  is  that  in  Scresort  (Rum). 

skrinn-r  (f.),  the  brown  gull — Scrinadal,  J. 

skurd-r  (m.),  a  monster,  portent,  phenomenon — Sgaoir^ 
shall  (Rum). 

sell  (f.),  a  string.  I  am  afraid  to  refer  the  river  Seile 
to  this  base,  although  I  can  see  nothing  against  it  but  a 
kind  of  history  which  is  daily  becoming  more  doubtful 
to  me.  The  same  with  respect  to  Loch-iall.  I  cannot 
see  any  explanation  at  all  of  the  name  but  the  simple 
Gael,   iall,   a   thong,   which  seems   to    be   appropriately 


THE    NORSE    ELEMENTS  239 

fanciful.  There  is  old  iall,  a  flock  of  birds,  which,  so  far 
as  language  is  concerned.,  might  fit,  but  it  is  not  readily 
acceptable.  In  old  documents  it  is  given  as  Loch-etle, 
from  which  the  name  comes  easily,  but  I  cannot  suggest 
a  clear  meaning  from  this  form. 

set-r  (n.),  a  residence,  ''seat','  holding— Acarsaid,  freq. 
is  made  up  of  akkeri  +  set-r.  Saet-1  (f.),  also  of  same 
meaning.  Earasaid,  I.,  may  be  Ari  +  setr,  the  residence 
of  Ari  (p.  222). 

Sgora  (f.),  ''score"  notch — Sgorlnnis  (Coll),  but  there 
is  here  the  possibility  of  the  name  being  Gaelic.  This  is 
the  same  word  as  Sgorr  (p.  xiv.). 

sjdL-r  (m.),  the  sea — Shira,  R.  =  Sjar-d,  sea-river. 
Shiaba,   M.  =  sea  town. 

sjon  (f.),  sight ;  a  sighting  or  watching-place — Shbna, 
C.P.R.  =  the  watching  isle.  Shun-bheinn,  I.  =  the  watch- 
ing hill. 

sma,  small,  little — StnauUy  I.  =  Smd  +  {bh)ol,  Littleton — 
preferable  here  to  small,  small-cattle,  sheep. 

smjorr  (n.),  butter,  fat — Smerbyy  K.  =  Butter-ton. 
There  is  Beinn-ime  and  Drochaid-ime  at  the  upper  end 
of  Loch  Lomond  conveying  the  same  idea  in  Gaelic 
—  butter-Ben  and  Butter-bridge.  The  terminal  -by 
(bae-r)  is  not  at  all  common.  It  is  Danish  rather  than 
Norse.  Frequent  in  the  North  and  East  of  England. 
There  are  only  a  few  instances  in  Argyll. 

snj6-r  (m.),  snow — Snolg  (Tiree),  snow-Bay. 

stakk-r  (m.),  a  "  stack,"  precipice — Airidh-s^a/c,  K. 

stada  (f.)  and  stad-r  (m.),  a  steading,  farm,  homestead. 
See  Sol. 

Staf-r  (m.),  a  "  staff','  a  columnar,  steep,  rock — in  Staff-& 
for  evident  reason,  and  in  Staffnlsh,  K.     Dunstaffnlsh. 

Stalli  (m.),  a  heathen  altar,  is  secondary  to  stall-r  (m.), 


240         THE    PLACE-NAMES  OF   ARGYLL 

a  block,  or  rather  a  ledge  of  rock — S^a//acAa-dubha,  A., 
with  strong  Gaelic  infection  (p.  94).    Creacha-sfa/(Tiree). 

steinn  (m.),  a  stone — possible  always  in  such  names 
as  Staoinisha,  Staoiniseig,  &c. 

stjarna  (f.),  a  star,  and  Stjorn,  "  steer-2.ge'^  order,  rule, 
might  be  in  Loch  Stornoway,  K.,  but  with  much  pre- 
judice towards  Stj6rn-ar  +  Vog-r^  bay,  creek,  "  voe." 

Stokk-r  (m.),  a  stock,  block — Glen  Stockadale,  P. 

St6r-,  great — Stor-achdaig,  I. 

straum-r  (m.),  a  stream,  current — Stremnish,  L 

Siila  (f.),  the  gatmet,  '' solan" -goose  —  Solum,  I.  If, 
however,  the  base  has  the  long  sound  sdl  (f.),  the  sun. 

sunna  (f.),  Ih^  sun,  and  sunne,  Adv.,  sout/i,  are  from  the 
same  source,  and  in  the  first  sense  they  are  of  the 
same  meaning.  The  sout/i  to  the  Norseman  was,  and  is, 
tke  sun — at  its  best — Sunadal,  K.  Sunapol,  Beinn 
Thunagaraidh  (Th  for  Sh),  M. 

svart-r,  black — Suardail,  A. 

sveinn  (m.),  a  boy,  lad,  secondarily  a  proper  name, 
Sveinn,  as  in  Suaineart  =  Sweyn's  fiord.  Suaineport,  A. 
Loch-Sweyn,  K.,  but  see  p.  136. 

tangi  (m.),  a  tongue  of  land — Tangy,  K.  Rudha 
Thangairidh,  p.  99.  Rudha  na  Tangaidh,  L  The  Gael, 
teanga  of  kindred  origin  and  of  the  same  meaning  might 
be  as  pertinently  offered  in  these  names. 

Thorkil  is  a  personal  name  =  T/io/s  kettle.  The  name 
comes  from  a  rite  of  the  old  Norse  religion — ihe.  kettle,  or 
a  vessel  so  named,  being  a  vessel  put  to  sacred  use.  We 
have  the  name  personally  in  Aharcle,  A.  =  Ath-Thorcull, 
Torquil' s  ford,  and  in  M.  as  "Leth-Thorcuil,  T.'s  half  (of 
land). 

Thorr  (m.),  the  god    Thor — Torrisdale,    K.  =  Thorr's 


THE    NORSP:    elements  241 

dale.  Torsa,  R.  =  Thor's  island.  Camus-^t>rsa,  A.  Ard- 
Tbr-nish,  I.V.     Toradal,     Torrabols,  I.     Torosay,  M. 

topt  (f.),  "  ^o/t,"  a  ''green"  garth,  croft — perhaps  the 
same  as  Gael,  doid,  a  croft,  holding — Toit-dubh,  K.,  the 
black-toft. 

torfa  (n.),  turfm  Torrabols,  I.,  or  torg"  (n.),  a  market- 
place, is  possible — if  the  history  fits.  The  latter  would 
come  in  easier  under  the  Gaelic  influence. 

tr6  (n.),  a  tree—Treshnish,  M.  Trhleig,  G.  Lochan- 
tresdil,  (Lis.),  in  which  last  name  -dil  may  be  -gil  (n.),  a 
ghyll — the  s  always  seeks  </  or  ^  to  follow. 

trod  (f.),  pasture-land — Trodigal,  K.  Trudernish,  I., 
with  which  compare  Troternish  in  Skye,  which  is  clearly 
the  same  name  ;  and  trdd  (n.),  faggot-wood,  seems  to  be 
the  base  in  Glen-^rosda/e,  J. 

XtoW  [n.),  a  giant,  the  ^^  devil"  of  the  Norse  creed — 
Drolsay,  I. 

ugla  (f.),  an  owl — UIgadale,  K.  =  owl-dale. 

ulf-r  (m.),  a  wolf— Viva,  wolf-island,  and  M.  Uluvalt, 
M.,  wolf-burn.     Gleann-w////6/;,  J.     B&iV-Uilbh,  I. 

ull  (f.),  wool—Uillinish,  M.,  Wool-ness. 

urr  (m.),  the  ur-ox,  or  Urd=r—Uruvaig  (Coll  and  Tiree). 
Urugaig  (Col). 

lit  =  out,  in  the  full  sense  of  outside,  outstanding,  &c. 
—Udtnail,  M. 

vag-r  (m.),  a  bay,  "  voe  " — see  Stiorn. 

vatz,  of  water — Vasapo/ (Tiree). 

voll-r  (m.),  a  field ;  comes  as  a  frequent  terminal,  as 
=mhal  and  -mal — Lag-al-gorve  =  lag-r  +  voll-r  -\-  Gael. 
garbh. 

vik  (f.),  a  bay,  "  wick  "^in  Gaelic  as  Uig.  C,  and  freq. 
as  terminal  -aig — Loch-iiigedail,  L 

yfir,  "over,"  upper,  N.  yflr-madr,  an  over-man,  master. 

Q 


242         THE    PLACE-NAMES   OF   ARGYLL 

Yfir-land,  tJie  over-land,  the  against-land ;  compare  Oitir 
(p.  44)_///erda/e,  K. 

;^mir  (m.)  and  yma  (f.)  were  giants  of  the  old  Norse 
imagination.  The  word  comes  easily  into  Imersay^  I. 
Compare  the  similar  use  of  Thor,  &c.  The  word 
Ima  (f.),  dust,  ashes,  embers  (the  colour  of),  may  be  the 
idea  in  the  giants'  name  first,  and  again  in  the  island 
name.     Compare  the  Gaelic  Riabhach  mdr  (p.  xix.). 


/ 


NOTES 

These  notes  are  meant  to  pick  up  omissions,  to  make  correc- 
tions, and  to  throw  fuller  light  upon  some  difficult  names. 

Page  19.  "  Dooros  and  Doorus,  that  is,  dubh-roa,  signifies 
black  wood  in  the  South  (of  Ireland),  and  black  promontory  in  the 
North"  (J.,  ii.  262). 

Page  24.  cairbh,  a  carcass,  but  corb,  a  waggon  or  sled,  is 
possible,  with  exceptional  agreement.  The  root  idea  is  wicker, 
referring  to  the  "basket"  character  of  early  chariots  (Mb) — Lat. 
corbis,  a  basket. 

Page  25.  Sceamh,  the  Irish  Gaelic  for  the  common  rt/^/Z-^rw 
{Polypodium  vulgare),  which  fits  Arinascavach  well. 

Page  27.  It  is  impossible  for  names  to  keep  their  correct 
forms  where  their  meaning  is  not  understood.  Glemanuil  might 
be  quite  righdy  for  Gleann  na  Maoile,  the  glen  of  the  Mull 

Page  28.  Campbeltown  was  of  old  Ceann-locha,  or  more 
fully,  Ceann-locha  Mhic-Ciarain.  Kilkerran  is  on  the  south 
shore  of  the  loch. 

Page  29.  In  Gartgunnal  the  first  part  is  clear.  It  is  g'art 
(p.  15).  I  have  ventured  -dhuineil  for  the  second  part.  In  its 
secondary  meaning  it  is  used  of  kindly  land,  as  coarse  and  even 
fierce  are  used  of  the  other  kind  of  land.  There  is  confirmation 
in  that  in  Margmonagach  =  N.  mdrjg" 4- monadhach  the  g"  with- 
out doubt  takes  the  place  of  dh.  Monadhan,  however,  the  bog- 
berry,  fits  the  name  exactly. 

Page  30.  Skeroblin,  and  the  names  akin,  I  have  found  most 

trying.     It  would  be  easy  to  offer  theories  regarding  such  names, 

but  what  I  cannot  confidently  accept  myself,  I  prefer  not  to  offer 

others.     There  is,  however,  the  peculiar  fact  that  sea-names  are 

frequently  found  inland. 

243 


244  NOTES 

Page  31.  There  was  an  eascairt  in  old  Gaelic  meaning  coarse 
lint,  and  there  is  in  Irish  names  deascairt  and  tua(th)scairt, 
the  South-  and  North-airt. 

Page  31.  Releiridhe  I  am  not  sure  of,  but  I  have  given  the 
only  meaning  that  appears  to  me  possible,  ruighe  (p.  19)  and 
l^ireadh,  torffient,  or  suffering,  or  hardship.  There  may  be  a 
history  in  the  name. 

Page  41.  I  prefer  this  rendering  {the  pool  or  pond  beside  the 
loch)  to  others  that  are  possible — it  is  appropriate  as  regards 
position,  but  the  native  pronunciation  is  a  shade  against  it. 
Poll  tal(amh)ach,  the  earthy  pond,  might  appear  to  some  to 
be  even  better. 

Page  44.  There  is  a  SOnnach  in  Irish  names  which  would 
give  Sonnachan  readily.  It  means  "  a  wall,  mound,  rampart, 
or  circular  enclosure." 

Page  45.  I  gave  the  genealogy  of  the  kings  and  rulers  of 
Dalriada  rather  fully  in  the  London  Scotsman  in  1903,  but  it 
cannot  be  repeated  here  for  want  of  space.  Erc  was  of  the 
seventh  generation  in  direct  descent  from  Conn  Ceudchathach, 
Conn  of  the  Hundred  Battles,  high  monarch  of  Erin,  who  was  slain 
A.D.  157.  The  three  sons  of  Erc  came  into  Kintyre  and  the 
present  Argyll  a.d.  498 — namely,  Fergus  mor,  Loarn,  and 
Angus.  Fergus  mor  mac  Erca  cum  gente  partem  Britanniae 
tenuit,  et  ibi  mortuus  est  a.d.  501. — Tigh.  Comghall  was  the 
son  of  Domangairt  and  grandson  of  Fergus  mor.  It  was  Comg- 
hall's  son,  Conall,  who  gave  lona  to  Colum  Cille — bass  Conaill 
mac  Comgaill  Pi  Dalriada  xiii  anno  regni  sui,  qui  offeravit 
insulam  lae  Colum  Cille,  a.d.  574. — Tigh. 

Comhal,  a  joining,  and  even  COinhdhail,  a  meeting,  are  both 
within  easy  reach  of  the  circumstances  of  the  district— the  first 
particularly  so.  I  prefer  it  to  the  traditionary  explanation  in 
view  of  the  joining  of  the  waters  there — the  Firth  of  Clyde,  Loch 
Striven,  Loch  Riddon,  and  the  Kyles  of  Bute. 

Page  46.  This  is  lint-bay  from  neut.  N,  Iin,-s,  There  is  a 
terminal  -lin  in  names,  which  I  have  found  very  difficult  to  be 
clear  upon,  e.g.  Braglin,  L.  (p.  58),  Craiglin,  K.,  Creaglan,  L.R., 
Dbirlin,  Ederlin  (p.  40),  Feoirlin,  C.K.,  Grulin,  A.I.  I  think 
my  rendering  of  Braglin   is  right.     Craiglin,   Ederlin,   Feoirlin 


NOTES  245 

(notwithstanding  p.  48),  and  Grulin  almost  certainly  contain — 
linne,  a  pool,  linn,  N.  Undy  a  ivell,  spring,  &c.,  and  even  the 
origin  of  Doirlin  (p.  15)  I  am  in  doubt  about — it  may  be  the 
same. 

Page  49.  Although  I  give  the  usually  accepted  rendering  of 
Glendaruel,  1  am  not  satisfied  with  it,  because  (i)  there  are  not 
two  characteristic  streams  to  explain  the  name;  (2)  because 
ruaidh  +  eil,  in  a  single  sense,  is  quite  appropriate;  (3)  because 
I  can  easily  see  how  the  Art.  na  may  have  hardened  into  da, 
which  may  have  been  taken  in  time  for  da — and  for  other 
reasons.  My  whole  feeling  is  towards  Gleann  na  ruaidh-eil — 
from  the  river  Ruaidh,  cf.  the  same  name  in  the  Braes  of 
Lochaber,  and  the  older  records  of  the  name  do  not  show  da. 

Page  49.  Striven  is  not  Gaelic,  nor  is  Straven,  but  the  latter 
is  nearer  to  Gaelic,  and  perhaps  the  best  rendering  of  the  name 
would  be  Strath-aven,  both  parts  being  an  English  rendering  of 
the  Gaelic  Srath  +  abhainn,  the  river  Strath,  upon  which  Glen 
Striven  also  is  named. 

Page  52.  The  local  rendering  is  Loch  Aire.  I  do  not  attach 
much  importance  to  this,  because  the  very  strong  guttural  c  (k) 
which  must  come  by  the  contraction  of  the  end  syllable  of  Each- 
aig,  is  quite  sufficient  to  explain  this  form.  On  second  thought, 
I  prefer  to  make  the  river  Each-aig,  rather  than  the  district,  the 
starting-point  of  the  several  names. 

Page  52.  Mr,  Whyte  has  suggested  lan-eilean,  bird-island, 
for  Inellan.  I  was  against  this,  because  of  the  strong  accent 
upon  the  second  syllable ;  this  rendering  would  entail  it  on  the 
first  syllable.  But  two  things  have  brought  me  to  believe  that  he 
is  right— (i)  the  English  influence,  as  seen  in  Ardinadam  (p.  50), 
and  (2)  the  fact  that  the  small  island  here  is  in  translation  given 
as  the  Perch — of  the  bird,  presumably. 

Page  57.  Dr.  Joyce  has  an  interesting  note  regarding  this 
form  (ii.  263):  "At  the  bottom  of  some  steep  bogs  there  is 
found  a  half-liquid  stuff  as  black  as  jet,  which  was  formerly  used 
by  the  peasantry  all  over  Ireland  for  dyeing  black,  and  is  still 
used  in  remote  districts.  It  served  its  purpose  admirably  well, 
giving  frieze  and  other  woollens  an  excellent  dye.  Many  of  the 
places  where  this  dye-stuff  was  found  are  still  indicated  by  their 


246  NOTES 

names."  Pollandoo,  Pollandooey,  and  Pollandoohy  are  frequent 
in  Ireland.  Local  knowledge  is  necessary  in  order  to  be  sure 
that  this  is  the  meaning  of  the  names  in  Argyll.     (See  p.  99.) 

Page  58.  Bail'  an  deora  has  involved  in  it  an  extremely 
important  history,  well  told  by  Mr.  Carmichael  in  his  great  work, 
Carmifia  Gade/ica,  at  p.  259,  vol.  ii.  This  deora,  pilgrim, 
almoner,  is  the  source  of  the  personal  name  Dewar,  and  Bail* 
an  deora  was  the  home  of  the  Campbells  who  were  almoners  of 
the  priory  of  Ardchattain,  founded  a.d.  1230,  one  of  whom  was 
called  the  "  deora  mor,"  the  Great  Dewar,  from  whose  son, 
Walter  Campbell  of  Kincardine,  "  it  is  almost  if  not  wholly  cer- 
tain "  that  Robert  Burns  was  descended.  Near  Bail'  an  deoir, 
in  Glen-lonain,  was  the  home  of  the  "  Rusgain,"  or  Ruskins,  of 
whom  was  the  late  prose-poet — John  Ruskin.  From  this  same 
nest  of  genius  came  the  late  Rev.  Archibald  Clerk,  LL.D.,  the 
accomplished  scholar,  who  translated  and  edited  "  Ossian,"  at  the 
desire  and  expense  of  the  late  Marquis  of  Bute.  Of  these 
Dewars  also — but  from  the  island  of  Lismore — came  David 
Livingstone.  His  people  were  almoners  of  the  Church  of  St. 
Moluag  (p.  172),  the  cathedral  church  of  the  See  of  Argyll, 
founded  a.d.  1200.  The  name  Livingstone  is  in  Gaelic  Mac 
an  Leigh,  of  a  clan  of  hereditary  physicians  said  to  be  descended 
from  the  Beatons  who  are  so  famous  in  the  medical  history  of 
Scotland.  See  my  Gaelic  Medical  MS.  0/1^6^,  in  Trans.  Caled. 
Med.  Society,  April  1902.  This  is  not  a  bad  contribution  of 
manliness  from  this  small  corner  of  the  earth — and  there  were 
others. 

Fage  59.  Oruit  is  a  harp,  from  the  same  root  as  Croit,  a 
hump  or  a  bent,  rojoid  thing,  therefore  a  round  hillock,  of  which 
this  name  may  be  the  simple  plural  form.  The  king-fisher  is 
cruitein,  the  crouched  or  bent-ofte,  and  cruitear  is  a  harper. 
The  stream  may  be  emit,  bent,  +  an,  water. 

Page  66.  Two  meanings  are  possible  for  Ardentinny.  It  may 
be,  and  most  likely  is,  the  height  on  which  warning  fires  were 
lit  — for  the  aid  of  mariners  or  in  times  of  invasion ;  or  it  may  be 
that  needfires  were  lit  here  on  ist  May — Bealtainn  Day — as  a 
propitiatory  rite  to  the  god  Bel  or  Baal.  See  a  full  description, 
C.  G.,  p.  340,  vol.  ii. 


NOTES  247 

Page  67.  Cr^ran  is  a  difficult  name.  The  -an  is,  I  think, 
certainly  the  river-ending  (p.  49),  and  this  suggests  that  the  first 
part  is  Gaelic,  although  it  is  difficult  to  make  out.  Several  words 
are  possible,  but  I  doubt  them  all  so  much  that  I  do  not  give 
them. 

Page  70.  Teitheil  might  be  better  referred  to  the  river-name 
in  -eil  +  teth,  hot ;  and  Ceitlein  (p.  70)  may  perhaps  be  rather 
named  on  the  stream  -an,  -ein  with  C^is,  a  pig—zxv  old  word. 

Page  71.  Urchaidh  (the  u  should  be  short— not  long,  as 
given)  shows  in  its  termination  -aidh,  a  common  river-ending, 
e.g.  Loch-aidh,  M^il-idh;  and  it  is  only  a  fair  guess  if  I 
suggest  that  the  first  part  is  related  to  that  in  ur-ch-air,  a  shot, 
referring  to  the  remarkable  straightness  of  the  river  in  its  long 
course.  There  is,  however,  old  Gaelic  ore,  a  salvwn,  which  is 
better,  orcc  din  ainm  do  bratan  {Cor.  129),  orcc  therefore  a 
name  for  a  salmon.  The  gen.  in  ui  would  come  easily,  e.g. 
bolg,  builg",  &c.  The  fame  of  the  river  for  salmon  has  travelled 
far. 

Page  T I.  With  respect  to  Fiodhan,  it  may  be  noted  that 
fiodhag  is  the  bird-cherry  tree. 

Page  12.  "A  tradition  still  exists  among  the  old  people  of 
the  place  that  the  Ruskins  were  'luchd  ceaird,'  artisans, 
draoinich,  sailptors.  There  were  schools  of  sculpture  in  the 
Highlands.  One  was  Innis-draoinich,  Loch  Awe— a  few  miles 
from  the  home  of  the  Ruskins — Glenlbnain.  Innis-draoinich 
means  the  isle  of  the  sculptors''  Surely  when  we  know  of  the 
author  of  The  Stones  of  Venice  we  must,  even  more  than  ever, 
respect  the  wonderful  wisdom  of  our  Gaelic  proverbs,  of  which 
one  says  sgoiltidh  an  dualachas  a'  chreag,  heredity  will 
cleave  (or  split)  the  rock.  Ruskin  remained  in  all  his  life  the 
sculptor — from  Glenlbnain.  Livingstone,  as  Mr.  Carmichael  so 
well  says,  cleaved  his  way  through  harder  rocks  than  any  of  his 
kindred  ever  faced  at  BachuU  in  Lismore.  It  is  peculiar  that 
the  farm  should  now  be  called  The  Crozier,  that  is,  however, 
because  the  older  governing  words  have  fallen  out. 

Page  72.  Within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  Innis-draoinich  is 
Innis-ail,  which  Mr.  Carmichael  says  is  Innis  4-  ail,  beautiful 
isle — true  certainly  in  fact,  even  if,  on  the  side  of  language,  there 


248  NOTES 

may  be  room  to  doubt.  "  There  was  a  house  of  Cistercian  nuns 
here,  and  an  ancient  burying-ground,  and  there  are  ancient 
sculptured  stones,  probably  unexcelled  for  beauty  of  design  and 
of  execution." 

Page  72.  Gleann-sratha  is  appropriate,  and  it  is  good  Gaelic 
and  good  form,  but  there  is  a  srae  or  sraeth  in  Irish  names, 
which  means  a  mill-race.  It  is  vocally  a  better  rendering  here 
— if  the  mill-race  was  or  is  there. 

Page  73.  Lios  is  always  a  stronghold  in  Irish  names. 

Page  81.  In  Scottish  Gaelic  this  is  the  meaning  of  cladh 
always,  but  in  Irish  names  it  means  a  mound,  dyke,  or  rampart. 
The  two  usages  need  not  be  very  different — the  words  are  certainly 
the  same. 

Page  Si.  Conaghleann  is  the  glen  of  the  Cona  river,  and 
this  again  is  an  animal-named  river  like  Ba  =  ba  +  a,  Each- 
aig., 

Page  91.  Horsegate  may  come  from  N.  hross  +  gatay  horse- 
path^ and  though  of  the  same  meaning  better  so  than  from 
English. 

Page  97.  Innsir  shows  the  peculiar  terminal  -ir,  which  I 
have  now  come  to  believe  is  always  a  river  or  stream  terminal 
perhaps  the  same  in  origin  as  that  of  riv-er  itself.  Liver  (59), 
Duisker  (146),  Beigir  (155),  Lobhair  (44),  all  show  it. 

Page  1 01.  Conaigearaidh  is  on  the  same  lines  as  Conasairidh 
with  Con  as  base  and  aig",  as  +  airidh. 

Page  105.  There  is  an  old  word  eiligeir,  which  seems  to 
have  meant  trap  for  large  animals — perhaps  for  elks — in  very 
much  the  same  way  as  Cairidh  was  a  trap  for  fish  (p.  138). 

Page  106.  Loch-tiacais  is  most  difficult.  The  name  is 
Gaelic  in  grammar  clearly,  but  I  know  nothing  approaching 
tiac  in  the  language  except  the  gerund  form  tigheachd,  or 
teachd,  of  the  irregular  verb  to  come.  Tigheachd-ais  is  not  at 
all  far  fetched.  The  only  other  suggestion  that  I  can  offer  is 
that  the  base  may  be  N.  tjock,  thick,  dense,  but  I  cannot  see  any 
fitness,  and  the  Norseman  is  not  much  in  evidence  here. 

Page   no.  Beinn-bhugain  seems   to  be  B.  bhudhagain, 

from  budh-ag,  a  bundle  of  straw ;  but  the  old  buaf,  a  frog, 
toad,  snake  (which    remains  in   bua(f)-ghallail,    groundsel,    or 


NOTES  249 

rather  the  ye//o7v  ragweed — Senecio  viscosus)  may  easily  form  the 
name  B.  bhua(fh)ag-ain. 

Page  112.  Loch  Spelvie,  locally  Loch-speilbh  or  L.  Speil- 
bhidh,  seems  to  be  named  upon  a  river  or  stream  of  which 
I  can  find  no  trace.  The  name  is  Gaelic.  Speil  means  a  herd 
of  cattle,  and  this  with  terminal  -aibh,  or  aidh,  would  give  the 
name  without  much  difficulty,  and  would  be  quite  consistent 
with  Loch-ba  and  the  other  animal  river-names.  Sp^il,  slide 
or  skate,  is  not  very  acceptable  as  the  base,  although  Loch-frisa 
(p.  22S)  would  seem  to  give  it  some  countenance. 

Page  1 1 4.  Bith  in  the  sense  of  quiet,  peaceful,  hmnble  is 
quite  familiar.  There  is  a  proverb,  Cho  bith  ri  luch  for 
ladhar  a  chait,  as  quiet  as  a  mouse  under  the  '■'■hoof"  of  the  cat. 

Page  115.  Cannel,  upon  which  the  glen  is  named,  though 
not  familiar  modern  Gaelic,  is  certainly  cain-eil,  the  fair  or 
white  river — the  same  stem  as  in  Cain-nech  (p.  171),  the  fair  one. 
The  only  other  word  which  approaches  the  name  is  Caineal, 
cinnamon,  Lat.  canella,  which  is  out  of  the  question  here.  The 
word  has  secondary  meanings  even  into  the  province  of  conduct 
and  morals,  just  as  English  says  a  "  fair  "  man. 

Page  1 1 7.  Lochdon,  if  my  interpretation  is  right,  refers  to 
the  depth  of  the  loch  into  the  land,  rather  than  to  its  actual 
depth  of  water. 

Page  1 20.  Bellart  River  is  like  Tarbert  River,  S.,  and  many 
others,  named  upon  their  place  and  position — in  this  case  from 
beul-ard,  high  mouth — another  fanciful  body-name,  referring  to 
a  high  opening,  which  gives  the  place  its  name. 

Page  123.  Beart  occurs  in  Irish  names  as  beartrach, 
meaning  a  sand-bank  (J.  ii.  387). 

Page  127.  Stan  seems  to  come  by  this  way  of  stagnum, 
because  the  accent  is  long ;  otherwise,  stanna,  a  tub,  vat,  would 
do — as  in  Aird-tunna. 

Page  127.  Ruaig  is  the  adj.  ruadh,  r^^  (Colours)  +  aig",  the 
red-land  or  district.  I  thought  at  first  that  the  terminal  might 
be  -vik,  which  would  make  the  name  Norse,  but  I  am  satisfied 
that  it  is  not  so. 

Page  128.  The  word  br^id,  like  many  others,  has  degraded 
from  its  first  meaning.     It  was,  in  its  best  usage,  a  square  of  fine 


250  NOTES 

white  linen  donned  by  a  young  woman  on  the  first  day  of  her 
married  Ufe — as  the  sign  of  wifehood.  It  was  fastened  to  the  hair 
as  a  three-cornered  kertch,  and  was  very  becoming.  The  sail 
of  a  boat  is  also  called  br^id  poetically,  and  that  perhaps  is 
the  meaning  here. 

Page  129.  Bru  in  Gaelic  means  a  belly,  bulging,  or  opening 
out  of  a  lake  or  sea-loch,  e.g.  a'  bhru  mhor  on  Loch  Sunart. 
Here,  however,  the  position  is  entirely  against  the  Gaehc  word — 
as  is  also  the  grammar.  Although  N.  br6  is  fem.,  it  here  has 
the  Gael.  masc.  article.  This,  however,  is  not  uncommon.  See 
vik,  p.  241. 

Page  129.  Trealamh  is  a  gathering  of  substances — in  this 
case  most  likely  of  sea-wrack  and  perhaps  wreckage. 

Page  131.  Although  Samh  is  here  given  in  Gaelic  form,  it  is 
certain  that  the  word  is  N.  haf,  the  sea  or  the  main  ocean. 
Several  of  our  Gaelic  poets  have  used  the  word  clearly  in  this 
sense.  The  word  and  name  is  therefore  (Camus)  an  t-haif, 
with  the  Gaelic  article  and  genitive  form — "fuaim  an  t- 
saimh  "  (haf)  is  the  roar  of  the  sea. 

Page  135.  This  loch  is  not  a  mile  long,  nor  a  mile  from  any- 
where in  particular.  The  name  should  most  likely  be  Loch  a' 
bhile,  which  is  fitting  to  the  sharp  rise  of  nearly  600  feet  imme- 
diately behind  it. 

Page  135.  Reeves  maintains  that  the  true  and  original  Coire- 
Bhreacain  is  in  the  Sound  between  the  island  of  Rathlin  and 
County  Antrim,  and  that  the  Coire-Bhreacain  between  Scarba 
and  Jura  is  only  a  name  borrowed  by  the  monks  of  lona — to  fit 
a  similar  case.  See  Reeves'  Adauitian,  p.  29,  and  his  Ecc.  Ant., 
p.  289.  There  is  room  to  doubt  this,  but  it  cannot  be  discussed 
here. 

Page  1 36.  The  early  custom  of  treating  criminals,  or  "sinners," 
in  the  Highlands  seems  to  have  been  to  hang  the  men  and  drown 
the  women.  There  is  no  fem.  word  in  Gaelic  equivalent  to  the 
masc.  crochaire.  Perhaps  there  is  a  shade  of  delicacy  in  the 
fact. 

Page  147.  The  word  giilir  seems  to  mean  essentially  a  deft, 
whence  the  giilir,  gill-cleft  of  fish.  It  comes  easily  into  a 
mountain  name. 


NOTES  251 

Page  148.  Samh  is  the  Rumex  aceiosa,ox  perhaps  preferably, 
R.  aceiosella,  or  sheep-sorrel. 

Page  149.  Tiompan  in  Irish  names  means  a  hillock  and  a 
siandi?ig  stone. 

Page  150.  Coultorsay  is  misleading,  with  the  accent  forward; 
but  the  right  form,  CVil-thrs-ay,  keeping  the  middle  accent, 
makes  the  name  quite  plain,  and  there  is  confirmation  of  this 
rendering  in  the  Gaelic  name  associated  with  and  close  to  it — 
Cnoc  a'  chuil. 

Page  150.  Mr.  Macneill  says  the  name  came  from  the  fact 
that  raw  lint  was  here  soaked  before  preparation. 

Page  152.  Glamar  is  a  smith's  vice,  and  glamaire  is  a 
greedy  man — the  ideas  may  be  akin.  The  snapping,  or  rather 
gulping,  of  a  big  dog  is  glamadh  ;  and  perhaps  the  best  under- 
standing of  the  word  is  in  its  full  Gaelic  pronunciation.  Why 
this  Point  is  given  this  peculiar  name  I  cannot  say. 

Page  157.  Proaig  is  difficult.  It  is  almost  certainly  Norse  in 
both  parts.  The  first  part  is  the  difficulty.  I  do  not  think  it 
can  be  breid-r,  and  the  only  N.  word  I  can  at  all  suggest  is 
prud-r,fine  or  grand. 

Page  158.  "  In  early  ages,  before  the  extension  of  cultivation 
and  drainage,  the  roads  through  the  country  must  have  been 
interrupted  by  bogs  and  morasses  which,  when  practicable,  were 
made  passable  by  causeways  —  made  of  branches  of  trees, 
bushes,  earth,  and  stones.  They  were  called  by  the  name  of 
tochar"  (J.  i.  374)- 

Page  179.  His  Grace  the  Duke  of  Argyll  writes  me: — "I 
think  you  must  refer  to  the  Bachul  of  St.  Moluac,  the  upper 
portion  of  which,  minus  part  of  the  crook  and  minus  the  silver 
and  the  bronze  covering,  is  in  my  possession — safe  under  lock 
and  key.  The  tiny  bronze  nails  are  still  in  it,  and  small  inner 
bronze  covering  are  still  adhering  to  them  in  one  or  two  places. 
I  suppose  it  to  be  the  oldest  church  relic  in  Scotland.  But,  '  it 
is  nothing  to  see.'  The  only  good  one  (that  of  St.  Fillan)  was, 
as  you  know,  found  by  Professor  Wilson  in  Canada." 


INDEX 


I  put  the  "difficult"  names  only  (p.  22)  in  the  index.  I  try  to  put  the 
essential,  descriptive  part  of  a  name  as  well  forward  as  possible,  and 
I  sometimes  use  the  admittedly  wrong  current  form  if  I  think  it  may 
facilitate  the  reference.  Where  the  gen.  is  given  first  the  governing 
word  follows.  The  index  shows  no  distinction  of  the  several  languages 
that  occur  in  the  book.  I  use  a  few  contractions — B.  for  beinn,  a  hillj 
R.  for  rudha,  a  point;  E.  for  eilean,  an  island;  P.  for  port. 


Aber 

PAGE 
10 

Aclia(dh)  -an  ekmaich 

PAGE 

55 

Abhainn  {river) 

•       34 

-an  elid 

•      45 

-lussa . 

•     155 

-nam  fanndacb 

.      42 

mhor  . 

•       34 

-nafaud 

.      31 

-vogie 

•     155 

-folia 

.      62 

Acarsaid  {a  harbour) 

.     221 

-fors  . 

9,  103 

folaich 

.     126 

-nan  garran 

47 

mh&r  . 

129 

-goul 

39 

-ach,  -achan  (names  in) 

8 

-nangoul     . 

42 

Aclia(dli)  braghad     . 

■       23 

-goyl  . 

39,45 

breac- 

123 

-leppin 

•       39 

-a'  clia 

66 

-leven 

58 

-a'  charra  . 

66 

-nan  lia 

84 

-nan  carranan 

31 

-lianain 

103 

-casdle 

58 

-lochy 

29 

-a'  chois 

35 

-loist  . 

109 

-nan  con     . 

66 

-nam  madadh 

58 

-incorvy     . 

24 

-mhinish    . 

33 

-na  cree 

66 

-inhoan 

24 

-dalieu 

n 

-a'  phubaill 

81 

-dail  Mboire 

45 

-nrioch 

31 

-dk  mbillein 

34 

-rossan 

45 

-andrian     . 

31,42 

-na  sgioch  . 

45 

-duin 

73 

-an  tiobairt 

42 

252 


INDEX 

253 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Acha(dh)  -vae    . 

•             31 

Alainn  (Cnoc)     . 

23 

Achlas 

7 

Alalaidh    .        .        .        . 

222 

Achlaise  (Doire) 

.     134 

Alanisb     .        .        .        . 

143 

Adamnan  , 

•       93 

Alasgaig    .        .        .        . 

222 

Aharcle 

.     225 

Alastair     .        .        .        . 

99 

-aig  (names  in)    . 

8 

Albannacb 

84 

Aileach 

133,  176 

Allaidhe(Port). 

33 

Ailean 

.     113 

AUival       .        .        .        . 

222 

Airbhe  (Camus) 

•     103 

Allt-an  t-sagairt 

139 

Aircaig 

.       91 

-cuil  Chiarain     . 

76 

Aircill 

.     137 

Eachainn     . 

88 

Aird-an  amair  . 

.       62 

-galvalsh     . 

31 

-a'  choirce  . 

.       62 

-galtraig     . 

47 

-chonnel    . 

.       42 

Alsaig        .        .        .        . 

9 

-a'  Chrotha 

.     115 

Amaind     .        .        .        . 

149 

-ghobhar    . 

.       80 

Amais  (Cam)     . 

119 

-intinney   . 

50,  66 

Amanta  (Cnoc) . 

154 

-vergnish  . 

.     114 

Amhaicb   . 

7 

Aire  . 

.     103 

Amot 

24 

Aireag 

.       62 

Anah^ilt    .        .        .        . 

84 

Airich 

.     109 

Anlaimh  (L.)     . 

123 

Airidh-Aonghais 

.     103 

Annat 

58 

-Mhaoil-Glial 

uim  .     154 

Aodann 

7 

-Mhic-Dhoml 

inaill     149 

Aoghain  (Aodhain)  . 

41 

-dhubh  . 

.        .     156 

Aoineadh  . 

12 

-Eogain . 

.        .      58 

-dubb 

.     134 

-nam  fanndac 

;li      .     146 

Aoirean     . 

.     134 

-nan  gobhar 

.     123 

Aolastradh 

.     151 

-na  math,  inn 

se     .      96 

Aonach 

12 

-ledid     . 

.     123 

Aonghas    . 

.     107 

-nabost  . 

.     123 

Aoradb 

.     149 

-nathrach 

.      25 

Aosdail 

.     137 

-nascavach 

•      25 

Appin 

.       65 

-pholl     . 

.     119 

Araig 

00 

-shamhraidh 

12 

Arcain 

•     103 

-na  sliseig 

.     114 

Arcban 

.       43 

-staic     . 

.        .      36 

Ardocby 

.      66 

-Ualain  . 

.      81 

Ard    . 

II 

-vegaig  . 

•      91 

-kilidb        .       .      ; 

53,  128 

-virig     . 

.     123 

-antrive 

48,62 

Aisrigh 

.        .      84 

Chattain    . 

.       11 

254 


INDEX 


Ard  -chiavaig    .        .11 

PAGE 
0,    225 

Artarig 

PAGE 
.           48 

-chyline 

•             50 

Aruadh 

.         149 

-na  Croise  , 

29 

Asabus 

.       222 

-dmimnich 

.             92 

Asapol 

.       222 

-an  fhasgaidh    . 

.             58 

Ascaig(P.) 

9,  144 

-fin     . 

•          137 

Ascaoineach  (E.) 

.       123 

-gaddan 

•      45 

Ascog 

.      222 

-na  hien 

•       50 

Asdail 

.      222 

-na  ]iua(mh) 

11 

Asgemal 

.      222 

-illestry 

.     155 

Askain  (Dun) 

.      222 

-illigain 

■       35 

Askil(Mac) 

.      225 

-imersay     . 

155 

Askival 

.       97 

-incaple 

II 

Asknish 

.     222 

-inistie 

154 

Ath,a  (Camus)    . 

96,  134 

-lamey 

■       33 

Atha  (Awe) 

•       58 

-Lament     . 

45 

Atha-caisil 

19 

-maddy 

II 

Athairidh 

.     109 

-Marnock  . 

.       45 

Auliston  (Point) 

.     104 

-mynisli 

•       36 

Avich  (Loch)     . 

•      55 

-nachdaig  . 

35 

Awe    .... 

.      58 

-nadam 

50 

-nahoe 

144 

Bk      .        .        .        . 

.     119 

-namurchan 

II 

Bac     .... 

.    223 

-noe    . 

36 

Bach  .... 

.      62 

-seile  . 

66 

Bachlag     . 

.     145 

-skenish 

143 

Badd .... 

50 

-teatle 

42 

Baile,   a  "town,"  farm,  . 

IS 

-Tornish     . 

.     103 

Bail',Bal,Balli,Bal 

ly- 

-tunna 

109 

-inaby 

.     150 

-tur     . 

66 

Aonghais 

.     149 

-yne    . 

50 

-na  h'kirde 

.     141 

The  Adj.  high  (p.  11)  ir 

-chluvain 

.     145 

Ardhallow  . 

50 

-a'  chuain 

.       62 

Ardochy 

66 

-chyle 

.       48 

Argyll 

I 

-an  debra 

.       58 

Arish  (Loch) 

149 

-gown .     .         42, 

58,  120 

Armadale  . 

222 

-grant 

.     145 

Aross         ...       2 

9,  134 

-greggan  . 

•       25 

Arr again  (Tir)  , 

no 

-grogan    . 

•       25 

Arsa           .        .        .        . 

222 

-iochdair  . 

.      119 

Artair        .        .        .        . 

107 

-nakil 

•       32 

INDEX 


255 


Baile  Mlikrtuinn 
-mony 
Neachtain 
-noe . 
Ole  . 

-phetrish . 
-phuill 
-rumin-dubh 
-nan  sac  . 
-antyre    . 
Ulve 
-vain 
-vaurgain 
Veolain    . 
-vicair 
BachuU 
Balloch  (for  Bealach) 
Ballochindrain  . 
Ballochroy 
Balochgair 
Balsay 
Banavie     . 
Baradal 
Barapol 
Barkeval 
Bkrr  . 

-an  kilean  . 
-askomil     . 
-na  cairidli 
-calltuin     . 
-a'  channdair 
-driseig 
-dubh . 
-naguy 
-nakill 
-an  longairt 
-maddy 
-oile    . 
-saibh 
-sailleach   . 
-na  seilg     . 


PAGE 

'49 
150 

155 

58 

145 
126 

120 

141 

74 
42 

145 
29 

35 
60 

55 
74 
66 
46 

30,  145 
29 

223 

76 

223 

223 

223 

12 

56 


55 
66 

58 

63 

125 

35 
40 

35 
56 
40 
96 
40 
35 


Bkrr  Shomhairle 

Barran 

Baun 

Beach 

Beachmore 

Beamach  (Coire 

Bearnasaig 

Beamasgeir 

Beart  an'  fMr 

Beathaig  (Mam 

B(h)eatliain  (mMc) 

Beathrach 

Beinn,  a  mountain — 
-cMadville 
-derloch 
-tighe     . 
-v6irlicli 

Beitheach  . 

Beitheachan 

Bellart 

Belnahua  . 

Benderloch 

Beochlich  . 

Berchan 

Bernera     . 

Bemice 

Beul  . 


PAGE 

119 

42 

35 
50 

30 
114 
223 
223 
123 

81 
38,82 
104 

150 
66 
98 

78 
104 

10 
120 
132 
198 

42 
166 
74,  124 

48 

7 


9, 


Bh.-  are    all    genitives,  oc 
curring    sometimes    as 
initial  V.,  the  English 
sound. 

Bhaidseachan  (Gl.)    . 

Bhalaich  (L.) 

Bhearnaig  (P.  a') 

Bh^idhe  (Trkigh  a')   . 

Bheigeir  (Beinn) 

Bheitheacliain  (Creag) 

Bhibuirn  (Cnoc) 

BMordmail  (Dun) 

Bhiorgaig  (Beinn) 


134 

134 

63 
126 

155 
81 

150 

121 

137 


256 


INDEX 


Bhiosta  (Cnoc)  . 
Bliirgeadain  (Sliabh) 
Bhocain  (Torr  a') 
Bhodaicli  (Stac  a') 
Bhogacliain  (Sgorr) 
Bhoramail  (E.)  . 
Bhoraraic  (Dun) 
Blirekslaig  (R.) . 
Bhreige  (P.  an  fhir) 
Bhrothain  (Sliabh) 
Bhniclilain  (Dun) 
Bhuailtein  (P.  a') 
Bhuailte  (Camus  a') 
Bhtigain  (Beinn) 
Bhuilg  (Raon)    . 
Bhulais  (Lochan  a') 
Bhiirra  (Loch  a') 
Bile  (Loch) . 
Biolaireach  (Lon) 
Bith-bheinn 
Blaan . 
Bladda 
Blar-creen 

-mor 
Blathaich 
Bocaird 
Bochyle 
Bodha 
Boglach 
Boineacli 
Bolsa  . 
Bolstadr,  -bol,  -bols, 
-ol,  -bost,  -bus,  -sta 
Bonahaven 
Bonaveh 
Boraraic 
Borg,  -buirg,  &c, 
Borgadal 
Borrachil    . 
Borrodale  . 
Bourblaig  . 


124,  15 


■ols 


92, 


PAGE 
126 

67 
126 

63 

145 
141 

134 

no 

145 

56 

134 
137 

120 

114 

175 
223 

67 

50 
81 

42 

42 

o,  223 

145 
130 
223 

223 

145 
141 

145 
223 

24 

155 
224 

92 


Bowmore    . 

IS5 

Brackley    . 

42 

Braclach    . 

no 

Bradhan  (Sron)  . 

131 

Braevallich 

42 

Brkghad  (Achadb)     . 

23 

Braglinmore 

58 

Braibruich . 

.     150 

Braid  am    . 

.     150 

Braighh  unary    . 

.     150 

Braigo 

.     150 

Braingortan 

48 

Branault    . 

93 

Brannabus . 

224 

Brannan 

•     175 

Branter 

48 

Brat-bheinn 

138 

BreacacMe         .        .       2 

9,  123 

Breackerie . 

•       25 

Breacklate 

25 

Brdideanacb 

128 

Brdige 

130 

Brenachoil 

.      42 

Brenfield    . 

34 

Br^-sg6r     . 

lOI 

Breun  phort 

134 

Briaghlann 

92 

Brianabus  . 

224 

Brideig  (Allt)      . 

114 

Brimishgan 

115 

Brionn-phoU 

128 

Bristeadh  rkmh  (R.) 

129 

Broach  (L.) 

145 

Brodach  (Sloe)   . 

138 

BroigMeig  (Cruach)   . 

46 

Brosdale     .        .        .        . 

224 

Bril     .        .        .        . 

129 

BruicMaddicli    . 

150 

Brunerican                .       2 

5,  224 

Bulairidhe  . 

156 

Bun 

141 

INDEX 

257 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Bunlarie     .        .        .        . 

29 

Cannel 

.        115 

Burg 

120 

Caolaran    . 

.           42 

Biirraichbean     . 

56 

Caolas 

•      35 

Buthkollidar 

50 

Caoracban  . 

9 

Caorann 

•      35 

Cabrach     .        .        .        . 

138 

Ckra  .... 

33,225 

Cachla  (Tigh)     . 

146 

Carlbhalg    . 

.     no 

Cad  (perhaps  Gad) 

134 

Carl6nan    . 

•      42 

Cadaldaidh 

155 

Ckr-mdr     . 

•      35 

Caddletown 

56 

Cadhan  (L.) 

146 

Ckrn,  a  heap  0/  si  ones — 

Caibeal  Cbiarain 

44 

-aine 

.     146 

Caichean    . 

12 

-assary 

40 

Caigean      .        .        12,  ii 

0,  132 

-caointe   . 

.     141 

Cainikin 

35 

Cbonnacbain  . 

•     159 

Cainneachain  (L.)     . 

58 

-cul  ri  Eirinn  . 

•     131 

Caipleach  .        .        .       . 

8,13 

Donacby 

37,  108 

Cairidh  mhor     . 

158 

-mhic-Eoghain 

•     137 

Cairvickuie 

•      33 

Ckrnach 

8,13 

Caiseal       .        .        .       i 

3,  104 

Ckrnacha  fionna 

.     115 

Caiskin 

61 

Ckman  Eoin 

.     143 

Caisleach   . 

13 

Carrabus    . 

.     225 

Calbh. 

131 

Carrachan  . 

115,  126 

Callanish   . 

224 

Carradale  . 

28,  22  s 

Callart 

II 

Carraigean 

no,  141 

Gallop 

.       81 

Carraig-g^ire  (R.) 

•     131 

Callow 

.      46 

Carrick 

.       29 

Callyburn   . 

•      29 

Carrine 

•       25 

Calum-bkn 

.     141 

Carrinish  . 

.       lOI 

Cam    .... 

.     146 

Carrisdale . 

.        lOI 

Camadhail . 

•      77 

Carron 

.     40 

Cam-chuairt 

.      46 

Ckrsaig 

36, 225 

Cameron    . 

.     no 

Carsamul  . 

.    226 

Campbeltown    . 

.      28 

Carskie 

•    25 

Camuilt  (Cruach) 

.      46 

Caslach 

•     13 

Camus,  a  bay 

•      13 

Catbair  mbic-Dbiarmaid  .      95 

-eidMnn 

.      84 

Cktbar  nan  eun 

.   134 

an  fbkis 

.      67 

Catblun     . 

•    58 

nan  Gall 

•      92 

Catb-sgeir  . 

•       33 

-inas 

.      92 

Catrigan    . 

•     155 

a'  mhor-fhir  . 

•     133 

Cattadale  . 

24,  226 

R 


258 


INDEX 


Ceann 

Ceanna-garbh     . 
Ceann  a'  ghkraidh 
Ceapach 
Ceapasaidh 
Ceathramh 
Ceitlein 
Celsa  . 

Chadail  (Tom) 
Chadaldaidh 
Chairidh  a' 
Chkirn  (Achadh) 
Chkise  (Meall) 
Chaise  (Torr) 
Chaisein     . 
Chaoidh  (Torr) 
Chaorach  (E.) 
Chapuill  (Aoineadh) 
Chkrdaidli  (Gl.) 
Charra  (Gart) 
Cheallaich  (Allt) 
Cheallair  (Loch) 
Cheo  (Poll) . 
Chichemaig  (P.) 
Chiscan 

Chladain  (R.)     . 
ChoimMch  (Lag) 
Choirce  (Tir) 
Choiredail  (Cruach) 
Chonnaidli  (Allt) 
Chonnail  a' 
Chonnain  (Innis) 
Choromaig  (Allt) 
Chrinlet  (Eas)    . 
Chronain  (Cnoc) 
Chrosprig  (Dun) 
Chuagach  a' 
Chuilceachan  (L.) 
Chuileag  (Camus) 
Chularan  (B.)     . 
Churalaich  (B.)  . 


55, 


7 
84 

175 
13 
46,  224 

18 

70 

225 

92 

155 
123 

104 

104 

no 

no 

no 

131 

115 

146 

150 
104 
56 
138 
129 

25 

155 
no 

74 
115 
115 
IIS 

42 

59,  108 

67 
no 

151 
98 
46 

134 
67 

155 


o,  I 


Cill  (Lat.  cella\  church 
-Adhamhnain 
an  kilean     . 
-Aonghais  . 
-arrow 

-berry,  Bhairre 
bheag  . 
-Bhlaan 
-Bhrannain . 
-Brighde      . 
-Chamaig    . 
-Chaoimliain,  Kivan 
-Cbattain    . 
-Chiarain 
-Cboinnich  . 
-Cholmain-Ella 
-Choluim-cliille 
-Chomgain  . 
-Cbommain 
-Chousland 
a'  chreagain 
-Chreathamlinain 
-Chriost 
-Chronain 
-Chubain 
-a'  ch^im 
-Davy . 
-Donald 
-Donnain 
-Ellain,  Eallagain 
-mhic  Eoghain 
-Eoin  . 
-Fhinain 
-Fhindchain 
a  ghrudhair 
-Irvain 
an  iubhir 
an  iubhair 
-Laisrein 
-Lasrach 
-maillie 


PAGE 

28,    179 

149 


74: 


37 
179 

37 
160 

28,  44 

175 
160 

30 

183 

175 

61,  88,  170 

61 

^1 
166 
178 
177 
180 
160 

177 
160 

185 
160 
160 
160 

30 
177 

28 
184 

41 
163 
182 

37 
185 

41 

41 
173 
184 

75 


I2C 


INDEX 

259 

I'AGE 

/ 

TAGK 

Cill  -many . 

.     i6o 

Cl^ireig 

n 

-Martin 

.     i6i 

Cleit   .        .        .13,24,3 

2, 225 

-melfort 

•       57 

Cleugh 

58 

-Mhiclieil 

.       41 

Cliad  .... 

123 

mhdr   . 

.     160 

Clith  (Bealach)  . 

98 

-Moire 

.       37,  160 

Clocbkel     . 

29 

-mo  Chelloc 

.         .     183 

Cloidheig  .        .        .        . 

no 

-mo  Choe 

.     181 

Clovulin 

81 

-mo  Chumm 

ag    .        .     181 

Cluain 

176 

-mo  Ernoc 

•     184 

Cluiniter    . 

51 

-mo  Libha 

.    184 

Cnap  .        .        .        .12 

6,  225 

-mo  L\loc 

•       Zl,  179 

Cnoc  kluinn 

23 

-mo  Ronoc 

.     182 

Cnoc-Dhiarmaid 

149 

-mo  Shench 

an     .        .     184 

Cnoc-lomain 

58 

-mun,  Mum 

m     .       44,  163 

CochuU 

70 

-Ninian 

.     162 

Coileter 

70 

-Ninidhain 

.     162 

Coille. 

120 

-Oran  . 

.        .     176 

Coille  Naisb 

59 

-Phkdruig 

.     160 

Coille-ros   . 

19 

-Pheadair 

.     160 

Coinneach  . 

61,73 

-Sheathain 

(-ean)       .      41 

Coinnle  (Cam)   . 

141 

-Slevan 

.     160 

Coirechaive 

48 

-Whipnich 

.      28 

Coiredail    .        .        .11 

5.  155 

Cinn  a'  ghekrrlo 

ch     .       23,  104 

Coireghoirtean  . 

146 

-a'  ghiiibhs 

aicli .        .22 

Coirenabenchy  . 

116 

-tire  . 

22 

Coirelacb    . 

155 

-trkgha 

.      23 

Coit    .... 

150 

-t-skile 

.      23 

Colintraive 

48 

Circnis 

.    126 

Coll    .... 

122 

Clabhach    . 

.    123 

CoUabus     . 

225 

Clachadow 

.        .        .      58 

Colonsay    . 

140 

Clachaig 

8 

Colydrain  . 

25 

Clacban     . 

•      44 

Comar 

10 

Clackfin     . 

.       29 

Comarach  . 

13 

Cladb  Haco 

.     151 

Combdhail  (Cam) 

•      8s 

Cladville    . 

.     150 

Comhla 

no 

Claigionn  . 

7,  104,  146 

Conagairidb 

lOI 

Clais  . 

.     194 

Conaglen    . 

81 

Claonaig    . 

8 

Conailbhe  . 

150 

Claonairt  . 

•      43 

Conaire      .        .       81,  13 

4,  136 

Claon-leathad 

.     104 

Conarst 

no 

26o 

INDEX 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Conasairidh 

•         155 

Crannag     .        .        .        . 

128 

Conclira 

.            48 

Craobbach  (AUt) 

155 

Conflicts    . 

•      59 

Crarae        ...       4 

0,  226 

Conisby 

.    225 

Craro  ....       3 

3,226 

Con-tom     . 

•     134 

Crasg  .... 

43.85 

Copagach  (Meall) 

•      70 

Creadba  (Port)  . 

100 

Cornabus    . 

.    226 

Creagan     .        .        .       . 

39 

Cornaig 

.    226 

Creagain  (Sron) . 

81 

Corpach      .        .       7 

'6,  135,  226 

Creaglan    .        .        .        . 

35 

Corparsk    . 

•       48 

Creag  an  eigbicb 

.      86 

Corylacli    . 

.       25 

Crear  

45 

Corrachaive 

.         .       48 

Creran  (L.) 

67 

Corrabheinn 

.     138 

Cret-shengan     . 

35 

Corracliadh 

•      59 

Criadbacb  mbor 

120 

Corrachria . 

.        .      46 

Crianlarach 

120 

Corraddie  . 

.      48 

Cribbein  (Mhic) 

113 

Corragboirtean  . 

.     146 

Crinan        ...      4 

0,  135 

Corran 

14 

Crionaisb   . 

226 

Corrary 

•     155 

Crisbnisb   . 

226 

Corr-bbile  . 

•      43 

Cristlacb    . 

25 

Corr-larach 

■      51 

Cr6     .        .        .        .6 

3.  115 

Corr-mheall 

.      46 

Crogan 

no 

Corrow 

•      51 

Croise  (Camus)  . 

105 

Corrynahera 

.     138 

Croiseacban 

.     146 

Corryvreckan    . 

•     135 

Crois-brice 

.     141 

C6ta   . 

•     134 

Crosprig      . 

•     151 

Coulabus    . 

.    226 

Crossaig     .        .        .  8, 3 

2,  226 

Coultersay . 

.     ISO 

Crossan      .        .        .11 

0,  126 

Cour   . 

31,35 

Crossapol   . 

.     226 

Cour  a'  mbaim  . 

•      35 

Crossie 

24,29 

Coylet 

•       51 

Cruacb 

.      48 

Crkbbaicbe 

.     no 

a'  bbearraicb 

•       39 

Crackaig 

.     138 

-lusacb  . 

•       37 

Cragabus    . 

.    226 

mbic-Gbaolie 

.      44 

Craigandaive     . 

.      48 

Crubasdal  . 

■      32 

Craignafeich 

.        .      46 

Crudb  an  eicb    . 

.       86 

Craignamorag    . 

•      56 

Cruib  .... 

•     135 

Craignisb  . 

.      56 

Crulaist     . 

•       70 

Craignure  . 

.     115 

CruUacb     . 

III 

Craim(Loch)     . 

•       43 

Cnitten  (Gl.)      . 

•      59 

Craleckan  . 

•       43 

Cuaraig  (L.) 

.      61 

INDEX 

261 

PAGE      1 

PAGE 

Cugain  (Mhic)    . 

107 

Diar  Sgeir  . 

•            63 

Cuigeas 

127 

Dibidil 

.        226 

Cuilce  (L.)  . 

120 

Dldil  .       .        .       . 

•         131 

Cuilglialtro 

35 

Diolaid 

.         129 

Cuilmuicli  . 

51 

Dirigadal    . 

•            32 

Cuin  (L.)     . 

120 

Diseig 

9,  115,  226 

Cuirte  (Camus)  . 

67 

Diiira .        .        .        . 

.     226 

Cuise  (Sgeir) 

63 

Ditrinnis    . 

67,  226 

Cuiseig  (Sgeir)    . 

123 

Dluich 

.     146 

Culanlongairt 

25 

Dobhrain  (Beinn) 

•       74 

Culcharan  . 

67 

Dochairt     . 

•      71 

CuUinisli    . 

226 

Dogba  (AUt)      . 

•      77 

Cullipol      . 

226 

Doire  .        .        .        . 

■       14 

Cultoon 

151 

Doire  na  mart    . 

.     105 

Cupaig  (an) 

142 

Doirlin 

15,  5^^,  59 

Curacli  (P.) 

98,  131 

Dombnach 

71,  116 

Currach 

.      26 

Domhnall  . 

•       37 

Donich 

•       51 

Donncbadh 

37,  108 

Dail  a'  chaolais .        .        5  6,  67 

Doodil 

.     226 

-Chenna     . 

•      43 

Dorchadais  (Glac) 

•       99 

-ermaic 

56 

Dornabac    . 

97,  223 

an  longairt 

46 

Dornoch 

•       52 

na  baintigheam 

a 

42 

Douglas 

•      43 

Dalmaillie . 

43,  71 

Driotdale   . 

.     226 

Dalnasliseig 

•       39 

Driseig 

■    8,9 

Dalnatrat   . 

.      67 

Droighneach  (Innis) 

•      43 

Dalness 

•      71 

Dromain 

III 

Dalr(N.)    . 

.     226 

Dronnacb  (Cnoc) 

.         .     156 

Daltot 

•       35 

Druidhean  . 

•     131 

Dan,  Danna 

.     226 

Druim  droma     . 

•  7,  i5>  III 

Darlochan  . 

.      29 

Druim  na  saille 

•       77 

Davaar 

.      26 

Dmmalban 

■  5,  15 

Dealachan  (L.) 

.     156 

Drumeoin  . 

•       33 

Debadal     . 

.     226 

Drumgarve 

.      29 

Degnish      . 

.      40 

Drumlee 

•       43 

Dedra . 

.     246 

DniTTilemble 

.       28 

Derarach    . 

•     115 

Drumork    . 

•      43 

Derryguaig 

•     '15 

Drumsynie 

.         52 

Deuchain    . 

•     115 

Drynich  (Innis)  . 

■      43 

Deucharan 

•       3' 

Drynlea 

.       40 

262 

INDEX 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Duairt 

.        116 

Edderline  . 

.            40 

Duarman    . 

•      35 

Eidhne  (Leac)    . 

.         156 

Duatharach 

.     116 

Eididb  (Sgeir)     . 

•            92 

Dubhachais  (Poll) 

•       99 

Eige  (Egg) . 

•            98 

Dubhaig 

9 

Eigneig 

.         227 

Dubhain 

.     151 

Eikadale  (Glen) 

.         227 

Dubh-leitir 

.     120 

Eilde  (Lairig)      . 

•            71 

Dubh-lighe 

•     n 

Eileach  an  Naoimh   . 

■         133 

Ducbaman 

.     40 

Eilean  Bhride    . 

•         139 

Dugball 

•     37 

Eilean  an  Easbuig     . 

.         140 

Duich . 

.      .    156 

Eileandonaich    . 

•            71 

Duilater 

.      .     48 

Eilean  Eoghain . 

•            32 

Duilisg  (E.) 

•    143 

MMc  Coinnich 

•         154 

Duisker 

.    146 

muice-duibbe 

.         156 

Dnisky 

.     81 

Eiligair 

.         105 

DllTI      . 

xix.,  18 

Eilireig 

.         116 

Dunaiche  (P.)     . 

•      135 

Eilisteir 

151 

Dnnoon 

•       51 

Eiridinn 

•      43 

Dychlie 

43)  71 

Eiltbereach  (Cnoc)    . 

•      35 

Eirisgeir     . 

129 

Eachaig 

•       52 

Eithir 

74 

Eacharn  (Mac)  . 

.       82 

Eleraig       ...       5 

6,227 

Eachamach 

.     146 

Ellabus 

227 

Eag  na  Maoile  . 

.     100 

Ellagain  (Cill)    . 

160 

Eaglais 

.     Ill 

EUary         ...       6 

3,227 

Earaibh  (Beinn) . 

.     146 

Emaraconart 

146 

Earalach  (Lochan) 

•       43 

Emeravale 

156 

Eararach    . 

.     146 

Ensay         .        .        .        . 

227 

Eararadh    . 

.     116 

Eoin  (John) 

38 

Earasaid    . 

•     151 

Eorabus 

227 

Eama  (E.) . 

•       56 

Eornaig      .        .        .        . 

227 

Eamadale  . 

.     140 

Eorsa 

129 

Eamaich  (R.)     . 

.     105 

Eredinn      .        .        .        . 

43 

Earrabus    . 

.     227 

Eriska        .        .        .        . 

73 

Earrair  (Beinn)  . 

.     100 

Erraid        .        .        .        . 

227 

Easach 

.       29 

Erray         .        .        .        . 

227 

Eascairt 

•       31 

Errol 

35 

Eas-fors 

.     120 

Eskernish  (Eigg) 

99 

Eatba  (P.)  • 

.     123 

Esknish      . 

235 

Eatbama  (Loch) 

.     123 

Etive  (Loch) 

67 

Ebadail 

.     227 

:6ug(Allt)    .        .        .        . 

105 

INDEX 

263 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Eunaich 

71,    131 

Fiodhain 

•            71 

Eunchair  (Coire) 

.         119 

Fiolan 

.         132 

Eunlaig  (Mhic-). 

.                .            38 

Fion-airidh 

.         105 

Eurach 

.            40 

Fionn-chro . 

.      97 

Evanachan 

.                .            46 

Fionnlagh  . 

•       73 

Fishaig 

124,  228 

Faire  . 

•       74 

Fishnish 

.     282 

Falbhain     . 

III 

Fiskapol 

.     228 

Fanans 

•       59 

Fiskarg 

.     228 

Fkn  mor     . 

.     121 

Fjord-r 

.     228 

Faodhail                15. 

68,  93,  127 

Fladda 

132,  223 

Faoileann  . 

.     116 

Flatey 

.     228 

Fksach 

•     123 

Fleisgein    . 

.     151 

Fascadal     . 

•       36,  227 

Flodsgeir    . 

.     228 

Fasnacloich 

.       68 

Foill   . 

.     124 

Faygarvick 

•     123 

Foirningir  . 

.     127 

Fealasgaig  . 

.      111,228 

Fomasaig  . 

.     228 

Feamaindean     . 

.     146 

Fors  (Acha,  Eas) 

.     228 

Fekrnach.    . 

8 

Forsa  (Gl.) 

.     228 

Feamal 

•        .     138 

Fracadal    . 

.     228 

Fellon 

III,  132 

Frachadil   . 

.     228 

Feochaig     . 

.       26 

Frachdale  . 

.     228 

Feochain  (Loch,  &c.) 

•      59 

Frackersaig 

74,  228 

Fedirlin 

III,  228 

Fraochaidh 

.       68 

Fedrlan 

.      48 

Freasdail  (G.)     . 

•       31 

Fergus  (Tir) 

.      28 

Frisland     . 

.     124 

Feshim 

124,  228 

Frissa  (Loch) 

.     228 

Feundain    . 

•      63 

Frith-allt   . 

.       86 

Fhkraidh  (Sgur) 

•      99 

-sgeir 

.     142 

Fhearchair  (R.)  . 

•      95 

Frdgach  (Allt)     . 

.     156 

Fhianain  (Eilean) 

14,  75 

Fudan 

•     132 

Fiadh-innis 

•      97 

Fiidar 

.     121 

Fiann .        .        .        . 

93,  121 

Fudarlach  (L.)  . 

•     138 

Fiannaidh  . 

.      68 

Furachail  (B.)    . 

•       63 

Figheadair . 

■      63 

Finbracken 

•       52 

Gailich  (Ard)      . 

•       52 

Findbarr 

.     163 

Gairletter  . 

•       52 

Fineag 

•     138 

Gall  (Camus)       . 

82,  116 

Fineglen     . 

•       59 

Gallanach  .        .       4 

I,  100,  124 

Finlaggan  . 

.     146 

Gallon  (Glac)      . 

129, 156 

Finnart 

.      48 

Galmadale . 

.     229 

264 


INDEX 


Galmisdale 

Gamaghaoth 

Gamhnacli . 

Gantocks    . 

Ganuisg 

Gaodhail     . 

Gaoirean  (Allt) 

Garaveoline 

Garbhan 

Garbh-ealach 

Garrachra  . 

Garrachroit 

Garradh 

Garraron 

Garrisdale  . 

Garrowchorran 

Gart,  gort,  goirtean 

Gart  an  doill 

Gartchossain 

Gartgunnal 

Gartloist    . 

Gartmain    . 

Gart  na  gekrrach 

Gartnatrk  . 

Garvanchy 

Garvie 

Gearna 

Gekrr  (Eas) 

Gearr-chreag 

Gekrr,  Gekrrach 

Geasgil 

Gemmil 

Geodha 

Ghallagain  (E.) 

Ghallain  (Dun) 

Ghanntair  (Tom) 

Ghkrdail  (Abhainn) 

Ghardmail  (E.)  . 

Ghartain  (Allt)  . 

Ghibeach  (Beinn) 

Ghillandrais  (Carraig) 


PAGE 

III 

52 

46 

116 

68 

31 
81 

133 

48 

31 
II I 

56 
137,  229 

52 

15 
16 

156 

29 

156 

156 

26,  229 

156 

41 

48 

116 

71 
105 
71,  152 
129,  229 

•  56 
.  Ill 

•  35 

•  92 

•  93 
.  229 

142,  229 

•  71 

•  147 

•  113 


Ghlamraidh  (R.) 
Ghodag  a'   . 
Ghoill  (Cc\rn) 
Ghrkig  (B.) 
Ghrip  a' 
Ghuail  (Coill) 
Ghuilean  (B.) 
Gigalum 
Gigha  . 
Gile(Allt)   . 
Gillean,  Gylen 
Gilp  (Loch) 
Giol    . 
Girigadal    . 
Giubhsach  . 
Giur-bheinn 
Giurdil 
Glac    . 
Glassary     . 
Glastonbury 
Gleann  na  Muclach 

-ure. 
Glecknahavil 
Glemanuil  . 
Glen-adale . 

-ahanty 

-astle  . 

-batrick 

-darnel 

-drian  . 

-eigadale 

-fyne   . 

-g6blilach 

-gour    . 

-hervie 

-kinglas 

-lean   . 

-lussa  . 

-na  machrie 

-orchy . 

-ralloch 


PAGE 
152 
100 

lOI 

116 

229 

156 

26 

33>  229 
32,  121 
.     229 
63,  97,  147 
41 
156 
225 
8 
147, 229 
229 
7 
41 
76 
27 

71 
26 
27 
27 

27 
156 

138 
49 
93 

151 
52 

156 
80 
27 
52 
49 

233 
59 
71 
36 


INDEX 

265 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Glen-ramskil 

237 

ladain  (Ben) 

105 

-stockadale 

73 

lall  (Loch)  .        .        .        . 

81 

-strae  .        .        .        . 

72 

Iflferdale     .        .        .        . 

30 

Gobag 

138 

Imeilte  (Ben) 

93 

Gobagrenan 

29 

Imersay      .        .        •     '5 

5,232 

Goiridh       .        .        .        . 

73 

Imheir  (Mhic)    . 

38 

Gometra     .        .        .        . 

129 

Imrich  (Bealach) 

135 

Gort  an  longairt 

152 

Inbher-ae   .        .        .        . 

41 

Gorton        .        .        .        . 

124 

-aora 

44 

Gott 

127 

-chaolain 

49 

Graineil              .        -15 

2,230 

-chapel    . 

53 

Grastle       .        .        .15 

6,230 

-easragain 

72 

Greasamal  .        .        .        . 

230 

-folia 

72 

Grianaig     .        .        .        . 

230 

-ghiubhsacliain 

72 

Griaraidh  (Sgeir) 

63 

-na  h-yle 

69 

Grimsa 

230 

-inan 

57 

Grimsary    .        .        .        . 

230 

-kinglas  . 

72 

Grishnisli    . 

230 

-lochy 

72 

Grisipol 

230 

Inellan 

52 

Grob-bkgh  . 

33 

Inens  .... 

.      46 

Grobols 

230 

Inion  .... 

71 

Grogport 

31 

Innie  .... 

•       56 

Groudle      .        .        .       g 

5^230 

Innishail    . 

•       71 

Groulin       .        .        .15 

2,  230 

Innseig 

9 

Gruagaich  (Loch) 

•      93 

Inntreadh  . 

.     105 

Grudairean  (B.) . 

.     142 

lolaich  (Bhgh)    . 

•     117 

Gruineart  . 

■     230 

lolaireig     . 

■       36 

Grundail 

•     137 

lomallach  (E.)   . 

.     124 

Guaire 

.     Ill 

lona    .... 

.     130 

Guala  . 

7 

Iriseig  (Druim)  . 

•     157 

Gualann 

.     148 

Isaac  . 

.       61 

Giida  (Gl.) 

.     105 

Iseannan    . 

.     127 

Guesdale 

.     229 

Gulvain 

•       11 

Java   .... 

•     117 

Gylen  na 

■      63 

Jura    .... 

•     132 

Karnes 

41 

Hallater  (Allt)    . 

•       72 

Kellon 

.     121 

Hanaish.  (R.) 

.     127 

Kelsay 

.     225 

Harris  (Gl.) 

.      97 

Kenmore    . 

.      42 

Haslam 

. 

.       lOI 

Kenovay 

.     127 

266 

INDEX 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Kenvar      .        .        .       .127 

Land-names       .       .        18, 24 

Keppoch     . 

•       '3 

Lanndaidb 

•     157 

Keprigan    . 

•       27 

Langa 

.      29 

Kerrafuar  . 

.       24 

Lang-aoineadb  . 

•     132 

Kerramenach 

.       24 

Lapan . 

.     117 

Kerran  (Kirn) 

I 

8,  194 

Laogbscean  (Cnoc) 

•      31 

Ketill . 

22  C 

Laragain  (Gl.)    . 

■      78 

Kiaman     . 

•     41 

Largie  and  -mor 

•   17, 

41,46 

Kil,  a  ch7(rcJi.     S 

Jee  C 

lill. 

Latbamach  (Bord) 

•      95 

Killiepole  . 

.     28 

Leacann 

16 

Killocraw  . 

■     yi 

Leacollagain 

•      57 

Kilvarie     . 

■     59 

Lealt  . 

•     135 

Kinerarach 

32 

Leanachais  (R.) 

.     138 

Kingairlocli 

.    104 

Leanacboig 

147 

Kingarbh    . 

.    121 

Leanagboyacb 

•      31 

Kinnabols  . 

225 

Leanamore 

•     157 

Kinnabus   . 

225 

Learg,  -ach 

16,36 

Kintalen    . 

69 

Leasgamail 

•     139 

Kintra 

93 

Lecknary    . 

•      41 

Kintyre 

22 

Leckyvroun 

.      29 

Kirkapol    . 

225 

Ledmore 

.     121 

Kirkjadal  (Girigadal) 

225 

Leek  . 

.     152 

Kirknis  (Circnis) 

225 

Leicb  . 

.      69 

KirnasMe  . 

31 

Leodamais  (L.) 

157 

Knap  dale   . 

34 

Leora 

157 

Kynagarry 

22^ 

Lepbinchapel 
Lepbincorrach 

46 

24 

Lachlainn  (Bagh) 

61 

Lepbingaver 

24 

Ladhair  (Lochan) 

121 

Lepbinkill  . 

49 

Laga   .... 

95 

Lepbinsearracb 

46 

Lagalgorve 

29 

Lepbinstratb 

24 

Lagalo  chain 

57 

Lephroaig  . 

157 

Lagavulin  . 

157 

Lergycboniemore 

57 

Lagbura  (Port)  . 

129 

Leth  -ad  -tir  -allt,  & 

c.    21,  121 

Laglingartain 

53 

Letbonn 

III,  117 

Laimbrig    . 

9 

7, 117 

Lettermay  . 

•      53 

Laind . 

170 

Leumnamuic 

31 

Lkir-bbkn  . 

63 

Leven 

72 

Lkir  (Lochan)     . 

69 

Liatbanaich 

III 

Lkirig . 

17 

Ligbe  (Beinn)      . 

III 

Lamb-bbeinn 

147 

Lin(Glac)  . 

121 

INDEX 

267 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Lindsaig 

.            46 

Macaoidh   . 

•       37 

Linndail     . 

•         139 

Mac-Cailean 

•       73 

Ling    .... 

.         152 

Machair 

•       17 

Linne  (L.)  . 

.            78 

Machairean 

.     141 

Lipachlairy 

157 

Machrie 

.       24 

Lismore 

.       73 

Machrihanish 

17 

Livir  .... 

59,72 

Machry  (Gl.) 

.     157 

Lobhair  (Allt)     . 

44 

Maclean's  Nose 

•       95 

Lochaber    . 

76 

Macmillan  . 

•      75 

Loch  an  t-sithean  tarsuinr 

L     136 

Macneill's  Bay 

.     125 

Lochan  Barr  a'  bhealaich 

134 

Macringan's  Poi 

nt    .        -30 

Lochanduileat   . 

86 

Madadh  riabhac 

h      .        .      94 

Loch  Cholla 

143 

Maeldubh  . 

•      75 

Lochdon 

117 

Mainnir  nam  fia 

dh    .        .     117 

Lochgair     . 

41 

Mkla  . 

.    147 

Lochindaal 

152 

Mkldaig  (Sg.)     . 

.     121 

Loch  Mhurchaidh 

149 

Malmesbury 

.        .      76 

Loch  Nigheann  Aillein 

^37 

Mkm  a'  choir'  id 

biir  .       .     117 

Lochorodale 

28 

Mannel 

.     127 

Loch  Sithean     . 

136 

Maol  . 

•      17 

Logan 

147 

Maol  a'  chuir 

•      29 

Longairt     . 

25 

Maolachy  . 

■       57 

Lora    .... 

69 

Maol  kiridh  O'D 

huinn           1 59 

Lorgbow 

152 

Maol  buidhe 

•     133 

Lorgie 

24 

Maol  Chaluim    . 

•       73 

Lome  .... 

55 

Marcus 

.        .       64 

Lossit         .        .        -14 

7,  152 

Margadal    . 

.     234 

Lotha  (P.)  . 

142 

Margmonagach  . 

•     234 

Loy(G.)      . 

77 

Mkrtainn    . 

■       38,  161 

Luachrachan 

9 

Mealbhach 

.     127 

Luachran  (Poll) 

105 

Meall  nam  faoih 

jann         .    1 30 

Lubanach  (Loch) 

135 

Meanbh-chrodh . 

•     134 

Luidhneis  (R.)   . 

147 

-chuileaf 

r     •      -134 

Luig 

152 

Mearsamail 

•    139 

Luingea.nach  (R.) 

93 

Meille  (Coire)     . 

.      86 

Lundie       .        .        .        . 

105 

Meinn  (Allt) 

•        •     105 

Lunga         .        .        .        . 

130 

Meinnir 

.     117 

Lungadan  .        .        .        . 

III 

MMse  bkine  (R.) 

•     157 

Lurga         .        .        .        . 

105 

Meldalloch 

.      47 

Lurgann     ...       6 

9,  117 

Menish 

•     139 

Lussa 

137 

Mhadail  (Sron)  . 

•       57 

268 


INDEX 


Mhkil  (R.)  . 

, 

, 

-     147 

Muille         .        .        .        . 

109 

Mhalairt  a' 

•     138 

Muireach    .        .        .        . 

17 

Mharagach  a'     . 

97,  234 

Muimemeall 

152 

Mhargaidh  (Baile) 

•     139 

Mul-letter  .        .        .       . 

49 

Mh^nuis  (Aoineadh)  . 

•    114  ; 

Mul-r 

234 

Mhicaphi  (Camus) 

.     82  1 

Mulreesh    .        .        .       . 

147 

Mliic-Fhionnlaidli  (Tigh 

1) .    140 

Mungasdal 

234 

Mhic'ille-Mhoire  (AiridJ 

1) .    140 

Murshirlich 

78 

Mhile  (Loch)       . 

•    135 

Musdale     ...       7 

A,  234 

Mhilticli  (Monadh)    . 

•     97 

Musimail    .        .        .        . 

131 

Mhoirlich  (Meall)       . 

•     72 

My-vatn     .        .        .        . 

234 

Mhonmliuir  (Bealach) 

.    105 

Mhucaig  (E.) 

.    142 

Nant(Gl.)  .        .        .        . 

59 

Mhucraidh  a'     . 

•    139 

Naombacbd  (E.) 

36 

Mhuinne  (Goirtean)  . 

•       53 

Naracban   . 

9 

Mhuiricli  (E.)     . 

•       17 

Natain,  Nechtan       .       6 

2,  III 

Mhurain  (Port)  . 

.     124 

Nave  (Naoimh)  . 

153 

Mhurrain  (P.)     . 

.     124 

Neill  (Cunn) 

96 

Mhusdil  (E.)      . 

•    234 

Nell(L.)     . 

60 

Mi-bheus 

•     135 

Nerabols     . 

234 

Mibost 

.     234 

Nerabus 

234 

Michliu 

•     135 

Nereby 

234 

Migemes 

•    234 

Nes,  Nis,  &c. 

234 

Milbuie 

.     142 

Niar  (Bealach)    . 

147 

Mi-mheall 

•     135 

Nigbeadaireach  (L.)  . 

•     157 

Minard 

•      41 

Nostaig 

234 

Mine  (Port) 

124,  129 

Nualaidb    . 

136 

Minishi 

•     234 

Miodar,  Miadar 

127, 152 

Oban  .        .        .        .     ic 

I,  231 

Miodhapuirn  (Cnoc) . 

.     152 

Ocbdamh    . 

.       18 

Miseag 

•      53 

Ochtafad    . 

•     153 

Mointeach  . 

.     127 

Ocbtamore 

•     153 

Moisgeir     . 

129,234 

Ocbtavulin 

•     147 

Morbbach  . 

•       17 

Odhain  (Tigh)    . 

•       36 

Morven 

.     102 

Oe       .       .       .       . 

.       72 

Muasdal     . 

•     234 

Ohimie 

.     112 

Muasdale    . 

•      31 

Oigbrige  (E.) 

.     114 

Muchairt  (L.) 

•     157 

Oisnes 

.     231 

Muclach     . 

•      27 

Oitir    .... 

•      44 

Mucracb 

8,  105 

Olmsa. 

.     142 

Muidbe  (Le 

ac) 

•       70 

Olosary 

.     129 

INDEX 


J69 


Omhain  (Allt)     , 

Onfhaidh  (Mcall) 

Orcliy 

Ormaig 

Ormsa 

Ormsaig 

Onnsary 

Orodale  (L.) 

Oronsay 

Orosaig 

Orran  . 

Orsay  . 

Oscar  . 

Ospidal 

Oude   . 

Papadil 
Partan 
Peacaiche  (Loch) 
Peighinn 
Peileige  (R.) 
Peileirean  . 
Penalbanach 
Peninver 
Pennyfuar  . 
Pennyghael 
Pennygown 
Penny  land 
Pennymore 
Pennysearacli 
Persabus 
Pharspig  (R.) 
Phlotha  (Caolas) 
Phollachie  (Coire) 
Pioghaide  (Tom) 
Pladda 
Plaide  Mh6r 
Pliadan  dubha 
Pollairinis  . 
PoUanach  . 
PoU-cborkan 


PAGE 
,    III 

.     78 

9,  41,  129 

•  132 

9 
24,36 

•  234 

•  234 

64 

•  36 

•  234 

•  74 

•  235 

•  57 

98,  236 
117 
136 
18 

47 

153 
121 

30 

60 

112 

118 

24 

44 

24 

236 

124 

139 
121 

136 

74,  223 

142 

157 

105 

70 

53 


Poll  an  duich     .   .57 

PoUoch   ....   86 

PoUtalloch  .        .41 

Port  Charlotte  .        .        -153 

na  Cille      •        •        •      33 

Dbombnaill  Cbruim .     1 49 

Donnain    .        .        .119 

-Ellen         .  -157 

an  fhasgaidh     .        •     1 30 

-gleann  na  gaoitbe    .     151 

-nabaven  .        .        -153 

a'  mbadaidb      .        .      47 

-Wemyss   .        .        -153 

-wick.        .        .        -153 

Proaig        .        .        -157, 236 

Puball        ....      30 

Putacban   ...        30,  78 


Rabacb 

Racadal 

Racbdaig    . 

Kainberg    . 

Eaireig 

Rangal 

Ranisgil  (Glen) 

Raonapol    . 

Raonasta    . 

Rapaicbe  (Sithean) 

Rarey 

Ratb  . 

Reasagbuie 

Redegicb    . 

Refliucb 

Reilean 

Reileiridbe 

Reinge  (R.) 

Remuil 

Resaurie     . 

Restil 

Reudle 

Rbaoil 


•  131 

36,  236 

•  136 
^2,7,  ^2,7 

.  236 

•  236 

•  237 

•  237 

•  237 
.  106 
.  236 
.  18 
.  142 

•  63 

•  31 
.  129 

•  31 
.  112 

•  27 
.  86 

•  53 

•  237 
88,  119 


270 

INDEX 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Bhonadale . 

.              30,   237 

Salachail    .        .        .        . 

70 

Eiachain     . 

•      53 

Salachan    .        .        .        . 

81 

Riaghain  (IMeall^ 

.     72, 127 

Sallachry   .        .        .        . 

44 

Riddon  (L.) 

•      47 

Sallain  (R.  an  t-) 

136 

Robols 

•    237 

Salum 

127 

Robuic  (Allt) 

•      49 

Sanih(N.hAf)    . 

131 

Roich  . 

.      62 

Samhairidh 

106 

Roinne  (R.) 

•      97 

Samhan  (E.) 

112 

Ronachan  . 

•       31 

Samhlaidh  (Cnoc) 

148 

Ronard  (Loch) 

.     124 

Samhna  (Maol)  . 

112 

Eos     . 

•       19 

Samhnan  innsir 

97 

(Coille) 

•       19 

Sandavore  . 

99 

Rosgaill 

.     127 

Sanish        .        .        .        . 

27 

Rosquern    . 

.     157 

Sannaich  (R.  Mac)     . 

28 

Rossal 

.     112 

Sannaig 

139 

Ruaig  . 

.       127 

Saor-Pheighinn  . 

112 

Ruail  . 

.       lOI 

Sastail  (Cnoc)    . 

112 

Ruantallan 

.     .  136 

Saunach     .        .        .        . 

44 

Rudale 

41, 237 

Scammadal        .        .       8 

7,  137 

Rudh'  a'  chleiric 

h      .        .139 

Scanach 

64 

Rudh'  an  diiin 

.     151 

Scanlistle  . 

148 

Rudha  Fhearcha 

ir     .        .      95 

Scarba 

132 

Rudha  Mhic'ille 

Mhaoil  75,  137 

Scatdale  (Inbher) 

82 

Rudha  mhic  Mh 

arcuis      .      64 

Scotnish 

36 

Rudha  na  droms 

L  huidhe  .     105 

Seoul! 

64 

Rudha  na  caillic 

,he    .        .    139 

ScouUer 

148 

Ruighe 

•  7,  19 

Scrinadale  . 

139 

Ruighe-Raonaill 

.       88 

Scruitten    . 

142 

Ruighe-samhrai( 

ih     .        .19 

Sealga  (Tigh.)    . 

136 

Ruime 

.     147,  153 

Sealltair     . 

112 

Ruimineach 

•    147 

Seanlep 

124 

Ruinsival   . 

.    237 

Sean  Pheighinn . 

122 

Ruiteachan  eorn 

a      .        .142 

Sekrsainn  . 

112 

Rum    . 

.       .        .      96 

Seasglach  . 

106 

Rumach 

.    147 

Seidh  .... 

lOI 

Runastach . 

.    147 

Seil     .... 

57 

Seilcheig  (Cruach)      . 

136 

Saddell 

.      24 

Seile    .        .        .        .xii 

i.,  238 

Saighde  (Clach) 

.    106 

Seilisdeir    . 

112 

Sail     . 

.    142 

Selma. 

70 

Sailean 

19,  84 

Sgaigean    . 

129 

INDEX 


271 


Sgkileacli   . 

Sgklain 

Sgallaidh  (Airidh) 

Sgallanish  . 

Sgarach 

Sgarail 

Sgarbh-dubh 

-breac 
Sgat    . 

Sgkthain  (Cul)   . 
Sgeir  . 

Sgiathain  (Fort) 
Sgiobinish  . 
Sgluich 
Sgodaig 

Sgoraig  (Sgeir)    . 
Sgomach    . 
Sgreadan    . 
Sgreagach  (L.)   . 
Sgrithinn    . 
Sguiliaird  (B.)    , 
Sgulan 
Sgurr  . 

mhor 
Sgurra  (L.) . 
Shamhlaidh  (Cnoc). 
Sheallaidh  . 
Sbenvalie  . 
Sliian  . 

Sbianta  (IJeinn) . 
Sbleitir  (Lag)     . 
Sholum  (L.) 
Shomliairle  (Barr) 
Shugain  (Cnoc)  . 
Shuna  (E.) . 
Shun-bheinn 
Siantaidb  (B.)    . 
Siar  (Loch  . 
Sibninn,  Shiflan  . 
Sil  (Geodha) 
Siob    . 


I'AC.E 

99 
112 

153 

143 

49 

148 

148 

148 

47 
127 

74 

33 

238 

70 

1,238 

74 

44 

30 

36 

112 

70 

122 

136 
136 
136 
148 
142 
70 
136 

94 

97 

231 

143 

153 

IZ 

148 

139 
60 

136,  148 

139 

139 


157 


Sionarlann 

I'AGE 
144,153 

Sioruidh,  Siridh. 

.         108 

Sithean,  Sliian 

70,    136 

Skeinidb  (Sgeir) 

.         129 

Skeroblin,  &c. 

•            30 

Skerrols     . 

.         148 

Skerryfell  fada 

.            28 

Skibble 

•            31 

Skipness     . 

24,    32 

Slabhaig  (Coire) 

106 

Slamhaich  (Mac 

)         •         -114 

Slaochan    . 

.      112 

Slatracb     . 

.         .       64 

Sleaghach  . 

81,  106 

Sleibbtecoire 

106,  112,  118 

Sliabh  aom 

.      148 

Slievevin    . 

•      157 

Sligneach   . 

•       94,  131 

Slinndricli  (T6rr 

)        .         .       87 

Slinnein 

7 

Slugaid 

.     112 

Slugaide  glas 

.         .     158 

SmauU 

•     153 

Smerby 

.       30 

Snidbe 

.       97 

Snoig  . 

•     239 

Sonachan    . 

•       44 

Sopacban   . 

.     148 

Sorn    . 

106,  148 

Sornach 

•     139 

Spkinnteacb 

•      94 

Speireige  (Gl.) 

.     137 

Srachdach  . 

.        .         .       78 

Srkid  ruadh 

.     127 

Sreine  (B.) . 

.     118 

Sron-davain 

•       49 

-esker . 

41 

-nam  fiann 

•      49 

-bhocblan 

•       53 

Sruthan 

.     106 

Stac,  Staic 

•       97 

272 

INDEX 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Staffa 

129 

Tklaidli(B.) 

118 

Stafnish(R.)      . 

27 

Tallant       .        .        .        . 

231 

Stairchaol  .        .        .        . 

70 

Tallasgeir  ...       9 

9,231 

Stalla         .        .        .        . 

20 

Tallatol      .        .        .        . 

231 

Stallacha-dubha 

20,94 

Tambaisg   .        .       .        . 

49 

Stanail       .        .        .        . 

127 

Tambanaclid 

148 

Staoin        .        .        .        . 

158 

Tamhnach  (Burn) 

49 

Staoin-bheinn    . 

137 

Tancaird    .        .        .        . 

99 

Staoineig    .        .        .        . 

131 

Tangaidh  (R.)     . 

240 

Staoinisaig 

143 

Tangairidh         .       .       9 

9,  240 

Staoinisha .        .        .        . 

148 

Tangy         .        .        .        . 

30 

,,         -eararacli. 

148 

Taoid  (Gort) 

148 

Stapuil  (Cnoc  a') 

9 

Taoislin 

113 

Starav 

72 

Tarbert       ...       8 

2,  lOI 

St^idh 

lOI 

Tayanock  . 

148 

Stighseir 

36 

Taychromain 

31 

Stillaig,  Stialaig 

47 

Taymore    . 

60 

Stol    .... 

lOI 

Taynchoisin 

37 

Storackaig . 

.     148 

Tayness 

41 

Stornoway 

•       36 

Taynloin    . 

•       31 

Stradugh    . 

•       30 

Tayntruan . 

31 

Streang 

.     106 

Taynuillt  . 

.      60 

Stremnish  . 

.     158 

Tayvallich 

36 

Striven  (Loch)   . 

•       49 

Tayvullin  . 

.     153 

Stuadh 

.     106 

Teacuis  (Loch)   . 

.     106 

Suain  (P.)   . 

.       82 

Teamhair    . 

•     153 

Suaineart  .        .        .       £ 

3,228 

Teampull  a'  gMinne  . 

.     143 

Suirthe  (Cnoc)     . 

•       30 

Teanga 

•     113 

Siiil     .... 

7 

Tekmail  (Loch) . 

.     107 

Suileig 

.       78 

Teatle 

•     153 

Suiridhe     . 

•     142 

Teis  (Sron) . 

.     100 

Sunadale    . 

.     240 

Teitheil 

.       70 

Snnart 

n 

Tervin 

.       60 

Surdag 

.     158 

Tbairbhirinish  (R.)    . 

.      lOI 

Sweyn  (Loch)     . 

•      36 

Tbanahine . 

.      60 

Tbomais     . 

•     119 

Tkchraidh  (Clachan) . 

.     158 

Thorbhais  (R.)  . 

.     127 

Tackamal  .        .        .     i 

58,  231 

Thimacairidli  (B.) 

.     118 

Tairbeart    . 

20,  94 

Tibbertich  . 

.      41 

Tairbh  (Allt)       . 

.     137 

Tighantrkigh 

•      39 

(Creag)    . 

•     n 

Tighe  (Beinn)      .        .       c 

)8,  loi 

Taisbheinn 

.    148 

Tilgidb  (Carn)    . 

•      47 

INDEX 

273 

PAGE 

PAGE 

Tiobairt      .        36,  107,  118,  137 

Triochadain 

•           70 

Tiompain    . 

118,    194 

Trisleig 

.           82 

Tirdaghlais 

.         168 

Trodigal     . 

•           27 

Tireoghain  (Tyrone) 

•         173 

Tromlee 

.           60 

Tiretagain 

•            36 

Trosdale 

.        137 

Tirvaagain 

•         149 

Truisealaich  (R.) 

•        137 

Tobar  Chaluim  Chillt 

i        ■     ^33 

Tullochgorm 

.           41 

Tobar  N^ill  Ne6naicl 

1        .     154 

Tunna 

•       39 

Tobar  Odhrain  . 

.     143 

Tumacbaidh 

•     154 

Toberoiiochy 

.       64 

Tiirnalt 

•       57 

Tocamol 

.     231 

Tnmicil 

.     142 

Toitdubh    . 

•       31 

Tjmribbie  . 

•      70 

Tom  (an) 

.       42 

Tomdonn    . 

•       41 

Uachdar     . 

.      43 

Tomdow 

41 

Uamhachan 

.      78 

Tom  dubh  sgkirt 

.     118 

Uambannan 

•     149 

Tomsl^ibhe 

.     118 

Uamhdail  . 

.     107 

Tomtlre      . 

•     "3 

Uanaire 

■     139 

Ton     . 

•     154 

Udmail 

122,  241 

Tonan  (na) 

.     122 

Ugadale 

.      30 

Torastain  . 

.     124 

Uig     . 

.    241 

Tormaid 

•       38 

Uigedail  (Loch) 

.    241 

Tomabakin 

.        .     158 

Uilibh  (Baile  and  Gl. 

)        •    241 

Torness 

.     118 

Uilleann 

7,  107 

Torony 

.     154 

Uillian 

.       41 

Torquil 

225,  240 

Uillinish 

.     241 

Torra  dubh,  Torra 

.     158 

Uisgentuie 

•     154 

Torran  dubh 

.     158 

Uisken 

.     113 

Torran  nam  Mial 

.       86 

Ulavalt 

.     241 

Torrisdale  . 

24,30 

Ulgadale 

.     241 

Tostary 

.     222 

Ulva  . 

.         .       36 

Totamore   . 

.     124 

Urbbaig  (L.)      . 

.      124 

Totronald  . 

.     124 

XJrrachan   . 

.     241 

Trkth(L.)  . 

.     122 

Ursannan  . 

•     137 

Traille 

•     139 

Urugaig 

•      143,  241 

Trailleach  . 

124,  139 

Uruisge  (Coire)  . 

.     118 

Tralaig 

•       57 

Ururaidh  (B.)     . 

.     158 

Trealbban  . 

.     129 

Treidhreacb  (E.) 

.     142 

Valoor 

•     154 

Treshnish  . 

.        .     130 

Vasapol 

.     241 

Treshtil      . 

•       74 

Vaul   . 

.     127 

Trilleachan 

•       70 

Vegain  (Abhainn) 

•       49 

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