New NatureScot guide to fascinating history of Inverness place names
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INVERNESS has its fair share of intriguing place names, some that must be daunting to visitors.
The Leachkin, pronounced locally “Larkin” and Culcabock are only a couple that can cause a bit of difficulty to newcomers.
In the ’80s when house developers were moving in on the town, the name Slackbuie caused controversy.
Councillors selected street names and one developer and some residents did not consider the name “Slackbuie” marketable, and wanted to use a more fragrant sounding name.
This was about to be accepted until the late Councillor Tom Mackenzie led a revolt, and insisted that a stand be made against the loss of good old local names, and Slackbuie survives, and it is hoped that this saving of old local names lives on.
Slackbuie is derived from the Gaelic for “the yellow hollow” after a buttercup meadow, so it has a hidden fragrance after all.
For all interested in discovering what is behind a place name (toponymy), NatureScot has launched a fascinating new guide which celebrates the cultural and natural heritage of the city by identifying and explaining the meaning behind many of the area’s locations.
It draws on local knowledge to gain a richer understanding of the names that connect people to the land, environment and community.
The majority of names derive from Gaelic, and the guide was supported by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Gaelic development body.
Interesting backgrounds are revealed. Who knew Culcabock is “the nook of the cheese”, Leachkin “the broad slope”, Diriebught “the land of the poor”, and Dunain “the hill of the birds”?
Clachnaharry caused some head scratching, and it might be the Stone of Redemption, or Stone of the Watch, where guards kept a look out for northern invaders.
Balnakyle in leafy Lochardil is appropriately from “the farm of the wood”.
Abban Street derives from the Gaelic for a silted-up waterway that once branched off from the River Ness towards the Carse
(flat land beside water) and was eventually filled in and built on as the town expanded.
The guide was researched and written by the award-winning local broadcaster and storyteller Roddy Maclean, whose work centres on the connections between the Gaelic language and Scotland’s environment.
Mr Maclean said: “The place names of Inverness and its surrounds reflect the area’s variety of habitat and topography, ranging from peat-clad moorlands to gentle shorelines, and including farms, villages and features within the city’s urban landscape.
“As in most of the Highlands, the Gaelic language is dominant and I have attempted in the book to explain how Gaelic place names work and to encourage locals and visitors alike to explore the language in order to appreciate the richness of our cultural heritage.”
Some names including Drakies and Leys, have the researchers stumped, and there is much debate over Tomnahurich’s derivation, and “hill of the yews” is favoured rather than its “fanciful” connection with fairies and “elfish orgies”.
Interestingly, records from 1514 show that Lord Lovat held courts and dispensed justice on the summit of Tomnahurich, now a municipal cemetery.
Some features have no names, notably the smaller waters beside MacGruer’s Pond at Craig Dunain, named after John MacGruer who worked at the former asylum from 1847 to 1923.
NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency which works to enhance our natural environment and inspire everyone to care more about it.
Steven Kellow, Bòrd na Gàidhlig’s funding and projects officer, said: “Gaelic place names are an important part of the heritage of the language and often what sparks an interest for people to start learning Gaelic.
“We were delighted to support this project to promote the Gaelic heritage around Inverness and we are sure that this will inspire those in the area to learn the language.”
The publication can be downloaded from NatureScot’s website and a limited number of printed copies are available via the Gaelic Books Council’s website.
