Gaelic Map of Scotland and Gaelic Place Names
To understand the occurrence of Gaelic in place names in Scotland we thought it would be good to show a map and a breakdown of places and their gaelic equivalent or the gaelic the modern name is derived from. We hope you find this interesting:
Scotland/Alba
Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aberchirder | Obar Chiardair | “The mouth of Chirder Burn” |
| Aberdeen | Obar Dheathain | “The mouth of the Don” |
| Aberdeenshire | Siorrachd Obar Dheathain | |
| Aboyne | Abèidh | |
| Alford | Athfort | “The Fjord”, Norse. |
| Auchenblae | Achadh nam Blàth | “field of flowers” |
| Badenyon | Bad an Eòin | “knoll of the birds” |
| Ballater | Bealadair | |
| Balmedie | Baile Mheadhain | |
| Banchory | Beannchar | |
| Banff | Banbh | |
| Braemar | Bràigh Mhàrr | “upland of Mar” |
| Corgarff | Corr Garaidh | |
| Crathie | Craichidh | |
| Crimond | Crith MhonadhCrioch Mhonadh | |
| Cruden Bay | Inbhir Chruidein | Traditionally, the name was derived from the Gaelic Croch Dain (Slaughter of Danes). |
| Dinnet | Dùnaidh | “Fort/Castle/Fortification belonging to Aidh/Aed” |
| Drumoak | Druim M’Aodhaig | “the ridge of St Aodhag” |
| Ellon | Eilean | |
| Fetterangus | Fothair Aonghais | “Field belonging to Angus”, or “Field of Angus Cattle” |
| Fettercairn | Fothair Chàrdain | “Shelving or terraced slope at the copse” |
| Findon | Fionndan | |
| Formartine | Fearann Mhàrtainn | “Martin’s land” |
| Fraserburgh | A’ Bhruaich | |
| Huntlyformerly Strathbogie | Hunndaidhformerly Srath Bhalgaidh | |
| Insch | An Innis | The name of the village may have come from the Scottish Gaelic innis, meaning an island,or, as in this context, a piece of terra firma in a marsh. |
| Inverallochy and Cairnbulg | Inbhir Aileachaidh agus Càrn Builg | “At the mouth of the river/burn Allochy” and “Memorial to Builg/Bulg” |
| Inverbervie | Inbhir Biorbhaidh | “Mouth of the River Bervie” |
| Inverurie | Inbhir Ùraidh | “At the mouth of the river Urie” |
| Inverurie | Inbhir Uraidh | “Mouth of the Ury” |
| Kemnay | Ceann a’ Mhuigh | |
| Kildrummy | Cionn Droma | |
| Kintore | Ceann Tòrr | “head of a hill” |
| Laurencekirk | Coinmheadh | “an obligation to provide free food and board to passing troops” |
| Lumphanan | Lann Fhìonain | |
| Macduff | An Dùn | “hill fort” |
| Marrformerly Mar | Màrr | |
| Maud | Am Mòd | |
| New Deer | Achadh Reite | |
| Oldmeldrum | Meall Druim | |
| Peterhead | Ceann PhàdraigInbhir Ùigidh | |
| Portlethen | Port Leathain | |
| Portsoy | Port Saoidh | The original name of the town was Port Soaidh, which translates as ‘The wooded place of the warriors (or heroes)’. |
| Rattray | Raitear | |
| Rosehearty | Ros Abhartaich | |
| Rothienorman | Ràth Thormoid) | |
| St Cyrus | Eaglais Chiric | |
| St Fergus | Peit Fhearghais | |
| Stonehaven | Cala na CreigeSron na h-Aibhne | |
| Strathdee | Srath Dhè | “Deeside” |
| Strathdon | Srath Dheathain | |
| Tarland | Turlann | |
| Tarves | Tarbhais | |
| Torphins | Tòrr Fionn | |
| Turriff | Baile ThurraTorraibh |
Angus and Dundee City
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aberlemno | Obar Leamhnach | |
| Angus | Aonghas | |
| Arbirlot | Obar Eilid | |
| Arbroath | Obar Bhrothaig | |
| Brechin | Breichinn | |
| Carmyllie | Càrn Mhoillidh | |
| Carnoustie | Càrn fheusta | “cairn of the feast” |
| Dundee | Dùn Dè | “Fort/Castle/Fortification belonging to Daigh/Dee” |
| Dunnichen | Dùn Neachdain | |
| EdzellOriginally called Slateford | Eigill | |
| Forfar | Baile Fharfair | |
| Inverkeilor | Inbhir Chìollair | |
| Kirriemuir | Cearan Mhoire | |
| Monifieth | Monadh Feith | “Hill of the deer” |
| Montrose | Monadh Rois | “moor peninsula or promontory” |
| Tarfside | Bruach Tarbha |
Argyll and Bute
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acha, Coll | An t-Achadh | |
| Achahoish | Achadh a’ Chòis | |
| Achnamara | Achadh na Mara | |
| Aird of Kinloch | An Àird | |
| Annat | An Annaid | |
| Appin | An Apainn | |
| Ardalanish | Àird Dealanais | |
| Ardanaiseig | Àird an Aiseig | |
| Ardbeg | Àirde Beaga | |
| Ardentinny | Àird an t-SionnaichÀird an Teine | “the hill of fire” |
| Ardfern | Aird Fheàrna | “the head-land of alder-trees” |
| Ardlui | Àird Laoigh | |
| Ardrishaig | Rubha Àird Driseig | |
| Ardtun | Àird Tunna | |
| Arduaine | An Àird Uaine | |
| Argyll and Bute | Earra-Ghaidheal agus Bòd | |
| Arinagour | Àirigh nan Gobhar | |
| Arrochar | An t-ÀrarAn Tairbeart Iar | |
| Barcaldine | Am Barra Calltainn | |
| Bellochantuy | Bealach an t-Suidhe | |
| Benderloch | Meadarloch | |
| Bonawe | Bun Abha | |
| Bowmore | Bogh Mòr | |
| Bunessan | Bun Easain | |
| Cairnbaan | An Càrn Bàn | “the white hill” |
| Cairndow | An Càrn Dubh | “the black hill” |
| Calgary, Mull | Calgarraidh | |
| Campbeltown | Ceann Loch Chille ChiarainCeann Locha | “head of the loch by the church of Ciarán” |
| Cara Island | Cara | |
| Cardross | Càrdainn Ros | |
| Carradale | Càrradal | |
| Cladich | An Cladach | |
| Colintraive | Caol an t-Snàimh | “swimming strait”"swimming narrows” |
| Coll | Cola | |
| Colonsay | Colbhasa | |
| Connel | A’ Chonghail | |
| Coulport | An Cùl Phort | |
| Cowal | Còmhghall | |
| Craigendoran | Creag an Dòbhrain | |
| Craighouse | Taigh na Creige | |
| Craignish | Creiginis | |
| Craignure | Creag an Iubhair | |
| Crinan | An Crìonan | |
| Dalavich | Dail Abhaich | “meadows/valley of the River Avich” |
| Dalmally | Clachan an DìseirtDail Mhàilidh | |
| Drumlemble | Druim Leamhan | |
| Dubh Artach | Dubh Artach | |
| Dunbegformerly known as Dunstaffnage | An Dùn BeagDùn Stafhainis | “the small fort” |
| Dunstaffnage | Dùn Stafhainis | |
| Dunoon | Dùn Omhain | |
| Erraid | Eilean Earraid | |
| Fingal’s Cave | An Uaimh Bhinn | “the melodious cave” |
| Fionnphort | Fionnphort | |
| Fishnish | Finnsinis | |
| Ford | Àth na Crà | |
| Furnaceformerly Inverleacainn | An FhùirneisInbhir Leacainn | “the mouth of the River Leacainn” |
| Garelochhead | Ceann a’ Gheàrr-loch | “head of Geàrr-loch” |
| Gigha | Giogha | |
| Glen Fruin | Gleann Freòin | |
| Glenbarr | Am Bàrr | |
| Glendaruel | Gleann Dà Ruadhail | |
| Gometra | Gòmastra | |
| Gulf of Corryvreckan | Coire Bhreacain | “cauldron of the speckled seas”"cauldron of the plaid” |
| Gunna | Gunnaigh | |
| Hebrides | Innse Gall | |
| Helensburgh | Baile Eilidh | |
| Holy Loch | An Loch SiantaAn Loch Seunta | |
| Inch Kenneth | Innis Choinnich | |
| Inchmarnock | Innis Mheàrnaig | |
| Inner Hebrides | Na h-Eileanan a-staigh | “the inner isles” |
| Inveraray | Inbhir Aora | |
| Inveruglas Isle | Innis Inbhir Dhughlais | “island at the mouth of the black stream” |
| Iona | ÌÌ Chaluim ChilleEilean Idhe | |
| Islay | Ìle | |
| Isle of MullMull | Muile | |
| Isle of JuraJura | Diùra | |
| Kames | Camas nam Muclach | |
| Kerrera | Cearrara | |
| Kilberry | Cill Bheiridh | |
| Kilmartin | Cille Mhàrtainn | |
| Kilmelford | Cill Mheallaird | |
| Kilmun | Cill Mhunna | |
| Kilninver | Cill an InbhirCill Fhionnbhair | “appears to mean ‘church by the river mouth’, although an older form of Cill Fhionnbhair, ‘Finbar’s church’ appears.” |
| Kintyre | Cinn Tìre | |
| Knapdale | Cnapadal | |
| Knockan | An Cnocan | |
| Kyles of Bute | Na Caoil Bhòdach | |
| Lagavulin | Lag a’ Mhuilinn | “hollow by the mill” |
| Lismore | Lios Mòr | |
| Little Colonsay | Colbhasa Beag | |
| Loch AweLochawe | Loch Obha | |
| Loch Eck | Loch Eich | |
| Loch Etive | Loch Eite | |
| Loch Fyne | Loch Fìne | “loch of the vine or wine” |
| Loch Gilp | Loch Gilb | |
| Loch Goil | Loch Goill | |
| Loch Linnhe | An Linne Dhubh (upstream of Corran);An Linne Sheileach (downstream of Corran) | “the black pool”"the salty pool” |
| Loch Lomond | Loch Laomainn | |
| Loch Long | Loch Long | “Ship Lake” |
| Lochbuie, Mull | Locha Buidhe | “yellow loch” |
| Lochgair | An Loch Geàrr | |
| Lochgilphead | Ceann Loch Gilb | |
| Lochgoilhead | Ceann Loch Goibhle | |
| Luing | Luinn | |
| Luss | Lus | “herb” |
| Machrihanish | Machaire Shanais | |
| Muasdale | Muasdal | |
| Mull of Kintyre | Maol Chinn Tìre | |
| Oban | an t-Òban | |
| Ormsary | Ormsaraidh | |
| Otter Ferry | An Oitir | |
| Port Askaig | Port Asgaig | |
| Port Bannatyne | Port MhicEamailinn | |
| Port Charlotte, Islay | Port Sgioba | |
| Port Ellen | Port Ìlein | |
| Portavadie | Port a’ Mhadaidh | |
| Portnahaven | Port na h-Abhainne | “river port” |
| Rhu | An Rubha | |
| Rhubodach | Rubha a’ BhodaichAn Rubha Bhódaich | “old man’s point (or promontory)”"the Bute headland” |
| River Orchy | UrchaidhAbhainn Urchaidh | |
| Rosneath | Ros Neimhidh | |
| Ross of Mull | An Ros Mhuileach | |
| Rothesay | Baile Bhòid | |
| Saddell | Saghadal | |
| Salen, Ardnamurchan | An t-Sàilean | |
| Salen, Mull | An t-Sàilean | |
| Sanda Island | Sandaigh | |
| Sandbank | An OitirTaigh a’ Chladaich | |
| Scarba | Sgarba | The island’s name is from the Norse and may mean “sharp, stony, hilly terrain” or “cormorant island”. |
| Seil | Saoil | |
| Shuna, Slate Islands | Siuna | |
| Skerryvore | Sgeir Mhòr | “”The Great Skerry” A skerry is a small rocky island, usually defined to be too small for habitation. |
| Skipness | Sgibinis | |
| Southend | Ceann mu Dheas | |
| Staffa | Stafa | from the Old Norse for stave or pillar island |
| Stewarton | Baile nan Stiùbhartach | |
| Strachur | Srath Chura | |
| Strathlachlan | Srath Lachlainn | |
| Strone | An t-Sròn | “the nose” |
| Succoth | An Socach | |
| Tarbert | An Tairbeart | |
| Tarbet | An Tairbeart | |
| Tayinloan | Taigh an Lòin | |
| Taynuilt | Taigh an Uillt | “house by the stream” |
| Tayvallich | Taigh a’ Bhealaich | “house of the pass” |
| Texa | Teacsa | |
| Tighnabruaich | Taigh na Bruaich | |
| Tiree | Tiriodh | |
| Tobermory, Mull | Tobar Mhoire | |
| Torinturk | Tòrr an Tuirc | |
| Toward | Tollard | |
| Uisken | Uisgean | |
| Ulva Ferry | Aiseag Ulbha | |
| Ulva | Ulbha | |
| West Highland Line | Rathad Iarainn nan Eilean | |
| West Highland Way | Slighe na Gàidhealtachd an Iar | |
| Whitehouse | An Taigh Bàn |
Ayrshire
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ardrossan | Aird Rosain | “headland of the little promontory” |
| Auchinleck | Achadh nan Leac | “field of the flagstones” |
| Ayr | Inbhir Àir | “mouth of the River Ayr” |
| Cumnock | Cumnag | |
| Hurlfordformer names include Whirlford and Hurdleford. | Àth Cliath | “the ford of the hurdles” |
| Kilmarnock | Cille Mhèarnaig | |
| Largs | An Leargaidh GalldaAn Leargaidh | “the slopes” |
| Lochranza | Loch Raonasa | |
| Muirkirk | Eaglais an t-Sléibh | |
| Prestwick | Preastabhaig | |
| Polnessan | Poll an Easain | “pool (or stream) of the little waterfall” |
Clackmannanshire
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alloa | AlamhaghAllmhagh Mor | |
| Alva | Allmhagh Beag | |
| Tillicoultry | Tulach Cultraidh | “the mount or hill at the back of the country” |
Dumfries and Galloway
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annan | Inbhir Anainn | |
| Dumfries | Dùn Phris | |
| Gatehouse of Fleet | Taigh an Rathaid | “House on the Road” |
| Gretna | Greatna | Gretna means “(place at the) gravelly hill”, from Old English greot “grit” (in the dative form greoten) and hoh “hill-spur”. |
| Kirkcudbright | Cille Chuithbeirt | “the church of St Cuthbert” |
| Langholm | Langaim | Also known colloquially as the “Muckle Toon”. From Norse – long field by the river |
| Lockerbie | Locarbaidh | The name means Lockard’s Farm in Old Norse. |
| Sanquhar | An t-Seann Chathair | “the old seat” |
| Stranraer | An t-Sròn Reamhar | The name is believed to come from the Scottish Gaelic An t-Sròn Reamhar: literally “the fat nose”, it means “the broad headland”. |
| Whithorn | Taigh Mhàrtainn |
Dunbartonshire
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | Am Magh LeamhnaCathair Alastair | “plain of the Lennox” |
| Balloch | Bealach | “the pass” |
| Bearsden | Cille Phàdraig Ùr | |
| Bishopbriggs | Coille Dobhair | the name of the old parish of Cadder |
| Clydebank | Bruach Chluaidh | |
| Dumbarton | Dùn BreatannDùn Breatainn | “fort of the Britons” |
| Duntocher | ”Dùn TòchairDruim Tòchair | |
| Kirkintilloch | Cathair Cheann TulaichCair Ceann Tulaich | “fort at the end of the hillock” |
Falkirk
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bo’ness | Ceann Fhàil | |
| Falkirk | An Eaglais Bhreac | |
| Grangemouth | Inbhir Ghrainnse | |
| Larbert | Lèirbert | |
| Polmont | Poll-Mhonadh |
Fife
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdour | Obar Dobhair | |
| Cowdenbeath | Coilltean Beithe | |
| Cupar | Cupar | |
| Dunfermline | Dùn Phàrlain | |
| Glenrothes | Gleann Ràthais | |
| Inverkeithing | Inbhir Chèitein | |
| Kirkcaldy | Cair Chaladain | |
| Rosyth | Ros SaidheRos SaoitheRos Fhìobha | |
| St Andrews | Cill Rìmhinn |
Glasgow
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | Glaschu | |
| Govan | Baile a’ Ghobhainn | |
| Partick | PàrtaigPearraig |
Highland Region
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aberarder | Obar Àrdair | |
| Aberchalder | Obar Chaladair | |
| Abriachan | Obar Itheachan | |
| Achachork | Achadh a’ Choirce | |
| Achanalt | Achadh nan Allt | |
| Achandunie | Achadh an Dùnaidh | |
| Acharacle | Àth Tharracail | |
| Achaphubuil | Achadh a’ Phùbaill | |
| Achateny | Achadh an Teine | |
| Achentoul | Achadh an t-Sabhail | |
| Achgarve | An t-Achadh Garbh | |
| Achinahuagh | Achadh na h-Uamha | |
| Achintee | Achadh an t-Suidhe | |
| Achintraid | Achadh na Tràghad | |
| Achindrean | Achadh an Dreaghainn | |
| Achininver | Achadh an Inbhir | |
| Achinduich | Achadh an Dabhaich | |
| Achnacarry | Achadh na Cairidh | |
| Achnaha | Achadh na h-Àtha | |
| Achnahanat | Achadh na h-Annaid | |
| Achnagarron | Achadh nan Gearran | |
| Achnasaul | Achadh nan Sabhal | |
| Achnasheen | Achadh na Sìne | |
| Achnashellach | Achadh nan Seileach | |
| Achriesgill | Achadh Rìdhisgil | |
| Achosnich | Achadh Osnaich | |
| Achvarasdal | Achadh Bhàrrasdail | |
| Achvaich | Achadh a’ Bhàthaich | |
| Alness | Alanais | |
| Inveralligin | Inbhir Àiliginn | |
| Altnaharra | Allt na h-Eirbhe | |
| Alvie | Albhaidh | |
| Kensaleyre | Ceann Sàil Eighre | |
| Ardachu | Àrd Achadh | |
| Ardcharnich | Àird Cheatharnaich | |
| Ardclach | Àird Chlach | |
| Aviemore | an Aghaidh Mhòr | |
| Ballachulish | Baile a’ Chaolais | |
| Beauly | A’ Mhanachainn | |
| Broadford | An t-Àth Leathann | |
| Castlebay | Bàgh a’ Chaisteil | |
| Craignure | Creag an Iubhair | |
| Cromarty | Cromba | |
| Culloden | Cùil Lodair | |
| Dingwall | Inbhir Pheofharain | |
| Dornoch | Dòrnach | |
| Fort Augustus | Cille Chuimein | |
| Fort William | An Gearasdan | |
| Fortrose | A’ Chananaich | |
| Glencoe | Gleann Comhann | |
| Inverness | Inbhir Nis | |
| John o’ Groats | Taigh Iain Ghròt | |
| Kingussie | Ceann a’ Ghiuthsaich | |
| Kyle of Lochalsh | Caol Loch Aillse | |
| Mallaig | Malaig | |
| Nairn | Inbhir Narann | |
| Portree | Port Rìgh | |
| Rosemarkie | Ros Maircnidh | |
| Strathpeffer | Srath Pheofhair | |
| Thurso | Inbhir Theòrsa | |
| Tongue | Tunga or Cinn Tàile | |
| Ullapool | Ulapul | |
| Wick | Inbhir Ùige |
Inverclyde
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gourock | Guireag | |
| Greenock | Grianaig | |
| Port Glasgow | Port Ghlaschu | |
| Wemyss Bay | Bàgh nan Uaimhean |
Lanarkshire
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airdrie | An t-Àrd Ruigh | |
| Coatbridge | Drochaid a’ Chòta | |
| Cumbernauld | Comar nan Allt | |
| East Kilbride | Cille Bhrìghde an Ear | |
| Hamilton | Hamaltan | |
| Kilsyth | Cill Saidhe | |
| Lanark | Lannraig | |
| Motherwell | Tobar na Màthar | |
| Rutherglen | An Ruadh Ghleann |
Lothian and Edinburgh
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dalkeith | Dail Chè | |
| Dunbar | Dùn Bàrr | |
| Edinburgh | Dùn Èideann | |
| Haddington | Baile Adainn | |
| Leith | Lìte | |
| Livingston | Baile Dhùnlèibhe | |
| Linlithgow | Gleann Iucha |
Moray
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aberlour | Obar Lobhair | |
| Alves | An Àbhais, An Àbhas | |
| Buckie | Bucaidh | |
| Cullen | Inbhir Cuilinn | |
| Dallas | Dalais | |
| Dufftown | Baile Bhainidh | |
| Elgin | Eilginn | |
| Forres | Farrais | |
| Keith | Baile Chè | |
| Lossiemouth | Inbhir Losaidh | mouth/estuary of the Lossie |
| Tomintoul | Tom an t-Sabhail | “Hillock of the Barn” |
Orkney
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkwall | Baile na h-Eaglais |
Outer Hebrides
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Balallan | Baile Ailein | |
| Stornoway | Steòrnabhagh | |
| Tarbert | An Tairbeart |
Perth and Kinross
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aberfeldy | Obar Pheallaidh | |
| Blair Atholl | Blàr Athaill | |
| Callander | Calasraid | |
| Crieff | Craoibh | |
| Comrie | Cuimridh | |
| Dunkeld | Dùn Chailleann | |
| Gleneagles | Gleann Eagas | |
| Perth | Peairt | |
| Pitlochry | Baile Chloichridh | |
| Scone | Sgàin |
Renfrewshire
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Erskine | Arasgain | |
| Paisley | Pàislig | |
| Renfrew | Rinn Friù |
Scottish Borders
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eyemouth | Inbhir Eighe | |
| Galashiels | An Geal Àth | |
| Hawick | Hamhaig | |
| Jedburgh | Deadard | |
| Kelso | Cealsaidh | |
| Melrose | Am Maol Ros | |
| Newcastleton | Baile a’ Caisteal Nuadh | |
| Peebles | Na Pùballan | “The Tents” – the English probably in fact from the British: compare Welsh “Pebyll”. |
| Selkirk | Salcraig |
Stirling
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aberfoyle | Obar Phuill | |
| Arnprior | Earrann a’ Phriair | |
| Bannockburn | Allt a’ Bhonnaich | |
| Cowie | Collaidh | |
| Crianlarich | A’ Chrìon-Làraich | |
| Dunblane | Dùn Bhlàthain | |
| Killearn | Cill Earnain | |
| Kippen | An Ceapan | |
| Stirling | Sruighlea | |
| Tyndrum | Taigh an Droma |
Scottish glens
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glen Tilt | Gleann Teilt | |
| Glendaruel | Gleann Dà Ruadhail |
Scottish hills and mountains
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beinn a’ Ghlò | Beinn a’ Ghlò | |
| Beinn an Lochain | Beinn an Lochain | |
| Beinn Bheula | Beinn Bheula | |
| Beinn Bhuidhe (Glen Fyne) | A’ Bheinn Bhuidhe | |
| Beinn Dorain | Beinn Dòbhrain | “hill of the streamlet”"hill of the otters” |
| Beinn Lochain | Beinn Lochain | |
| Beinn Luibhean | Beinn Luibhean | |
| Ben Narnain | Beinn Narnain | |
| Beinn Reithe | Beinn Reithe | |
| Beinn Ìme | Beinn Ìme | |
| Ben Arthur | Beinn Artair | |
| Ben Avon | Beinn Athfhinn | |
| Ben Donich | Beinn Dòmhnaich | |
| Ben Ledi | Beinn Leitir | “Mountain of the slope” |
| Ben Lomond | Beinn Laomainn | |
| Ben Lui | Beinn Laoigh | |
| Ben Macdui | Beinn Mac Duibh | |
| Ben More (Mull) | Beinn Mhòr | “great mountain” |
| Ben Nevis | Beinn Nibheis | |
| Ben Vane | Beinn Mheadhain | |
| Ben Vorlich (Loch Lomond) | Beinn Mhùrlaig | |
| Bennachie | Beinn na Cìche | “hill of the breast” |
| Binnein an Fhidhleir | Binnein an Fhidhleir | |
| Braeriach | Bràigh RiabhachAm Bràigh Riabhach | |
| Cairn Gorm | An Càrn Gorm | “blue or green hill” |
| Cairn Toul | Càrn an t-Sabhail | “hill of the barn” |
| Cairngorms | Am Monadh Ruadh | |
| Clach Bheinn (Lochgoilhead) | Clach Bheinn (Lochgoilhead) | |
| Cnoc Coinnich | Cnoc Coinnich | |
| Cruach nam Miseag | Cruach nam Miseag | |
| Cruach nam Mult | Cruach nam Mult | |
| Cruach nan Capull | Cruach nan Capull | |
| Cuillin | An Cuiltheann | |
| Carn Glas | Càrn Glas | |
| Grampian Mountains | Am Monadh | |
| Lochnagar | Beinn Chìochan | “mountain of breasts” |
| Monadhliath Mountains | Monadh Liath | “grey mountains” |
| Mount Keen | Monadh Caoin | |
| Mounth | Monadh | |
| Mullach Coire a’ Chuir | Mullach Coire a’ Chuir | |
| Schiehallion | Sìdh Chailleann | |
| Stob an Eas | Stob an Eas | |
| Stob na Boine Druim-fhinn | Stob na Boine Druim-fhinn | |
| The Cobbler | Beinn Artair | |
| The Devil’s Point | Bod an Deamhain | |
| Tom Molach | Tom Molach | |
| Tom nan Gamhna | Tom nan Gamhna |
Scottish passes
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cairnwell Pass | Càrn a’ Bhailg | |
| Footdee | Bun Dè | |
| Lairig Ghru | Làirig Dhrù | “pass of Dhru or Druie” |
Scottish rivers
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alladale River | Abhainn Alladail | |
| Abhainn a’ Ghlinne Mhòir | Abhainn a’ Ghlinne Mhòir | |
| Bervie Water | Uisge Bhiorbhaigh | |
| Carron Water, Aberdeenshire | Carrann | “the shrimps” |
| Carron Water, Dumfriesshire | Carrann | “the shrimps” |
| Cowie Water | Uisge Chollaidh | |
| River Add | Abhainn Àd | |
| River Carron (Forth) | Abhainn Carrann | “the shrimps” |
| River Carron, Sutherland | Carrann | “the shrimps” |
| River Carron, Wester Ross | Carrann | “the shrimps” |
| River Clyde | Abhainn Chluaidh | |
| River Dee, Aberdeenshire | Uisge Dhè | |
| River Dee, Galloway | DèUisge Dhè | |
| River Don | Deathan | |
| River Forth | Uisge For or Abhainn Dubh | “The black river” |
| River Garry, Inverness-shire | GaradhAbhainn Gharadh | |
| River Garry, Perthshire | GarAbhainn Ghar | |
| River North Esk | Easg Thuath | |
| River Spey | Abhainn Spè | |
| River Tay | Abhainn Tatha | |
| River Teith | Uisge Theamhich | “The pleasant water” |
| River Tweed | Abhainn Tuaidh | |
| River UryRiver Urie | UaraidhÙraidh | |
| Water of Aven | an t-Uisge Bàn |
Scottish lochs
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Campbeltown Loch | Loch Chille Chiarain | |
| Gare Loch | An Gearr Loch | |
| Holy Loch | An Loch SiantaAn Loch Seunta’ | |
| Loch Affric | Loch Afraig | |
| Loch Ard | Loch na h-Àirde | |
| Loch Arkaig | Loch Airceig | |
| Loch Assynt | Loch Asaint | |
| Loch Awe | Loch Obha | |
| Loch Cluanie | Loch Cluanaidh | |
| Loch Doon | Loch Dhùin | |
| Loch Drunkie | Loch Drongaidh | |
| Loch Earn | Loch Éireann | |
| Loch Eck | Loch Eich | |
| Loch Ericht | Loch Eireachd | |
| Loch Etive | Loch Eite | |
| Loch Fyne | Loch Fìne | |
| Loch Garry | Loch Garraidh | |
| Loch Goil | Loch Goill | |
| Loch Katrine | Loch CeiteireinLoch Ceathairne | |
| Loch Lochy | Loch Lochaidh | |
| Loch Lomond | Loch Laomainn | |
| Loch Long | Loch Long | “Ship Lake” |
| Loch Lyon | Loch Lìomhann | “Ship Lake” |
| Loch Maree | Loch Ma-ruibhe | |
| Loch Morar | Loch Mhòrair | |
| Loch Ness | Loch Nis | |
| Loch Ossian | Loch Oisein | |
| Loch Quoich | Loch Chuaich | |
| Loch Rannoch | Loch Raineach | |
| Loch Riddon | Loch Ruel | |
| Loch Shiel | Loch Seile | |
| Loch Shin | Loch Sìn | |
| Loch Tay | Loch Tatha |
Scottish firths
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Firth of Lorn | An Linne Latharnach |
Scottish Islands
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ailsa Craig | Creag Ealasaid | |
| Baleshare | Baile Sear | |
| Barra HeadBerneray | Beàrnaraigh | |
| Barra | Barraigh, Eilean Bharraigh | |
| Benbecula | Beinn nam Fadhla | |
| Berneray, North Uist | Beàrnaraigh (na Hearadh) | |
| BerneraGreat Bernera | Beàrnaraigh (Ùig)Beàrnaraigh Mòr | |
| Burnt Islands | Eilean MòrEilean FraoichEilean Buidhe | “Large Island”"Heather Island”"Yellow Island” |
| Canna | Canaigh | |
| Coll | Cola | |
| Colonsay | Colbhasa | |
| Davaar IslandIsland Davaar | Eilean Dà Bhàrr | |
| Easdale | Eilean Èisdeal | |
| Eigg | Eige | |
| Eilean Dubh Mòr | Eilean Dubh Mòr | “big black island” |
| Eilean DubhGlen Caladh Island | Eilean Dubh | “Black Island” |
| Ellenabeich | Eilean nam Beitheach | “island of the birchwoods” |
| Eriskay | Èirisgeigh | |
| Fair Isle | Eilean nan Geansaidh | |
| Flodaigh | Flodaigh | |
| Fraoch-eilean | Fraoch-eilean | |
| Gigha | Giogha | |
| Grimsay, South East Benbecula | Griomasaigh | |
| Grimsay (north) | Griomasaigh | |
| Harris | Na Hearadh | |
| Inner Hebrides | Na h-Eileanan a-staigh | |
| Iona | ÌÌ Chaluim Chille | |
| Islay | Ìle | |
| Isle of ArranArran | Arainn | |
| Isle of ButeBute | Eilean BhòidEilean BhòdachBòd | |
| Isle of JuraJura | Diùra | |
| Isle of MullMull | Muile | |
| Lewis and Harris | Leòdhas agus na Hearadh | |
| Lewis | Leòdhas | |
| Lismore | Liosmòr | |
| Muck | Eilean nam Muc | |
| North Uist | Uibhist a Tuath | |
| Orkney | Arcaibh | |
| Outer Hebrides | Na h-Eileanan Siar | |
| Raasay | Ratharsair | Sometimes, Ratharsaigh, but this is incorrect |
| Rum | Rùm | |
| Scalpay, Inner Hebrides | Sgalpaigh | |
| Scalpay, Outer Hebrides | Sgalpaigh (na Hearadh) | |
| Shetland | Sealtainn | |
| Skye | An t-Eilean Sgitheanach | |
| South Uist | Uibhist a Deas | |
| St Kilda | Hiort | The same name is used for the main island of the group. |
| The Black Isle | An t-Eilean Dubh | |
| Tiree | Tioridh | |
| Vatersay | Bhatarsaigh |
Other islands
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Islands | Eileanan a’ Chaolais | |
| Isle of Man | Eilean Mhanainn | |
| Rathlin | ReachlainnReachra |
Scottish regions
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Borders | Crìochan na h-Alba | |
| Central Region | Roinn Meadhanach | |
| Dumfries and Galloway | Dùn Phrìs is Gall-Ghaidhealaibh | |
| Grampian | Roinn a’ Mhonaidh | |
| Fife | Fìobha | |
| Highland | A’ Ghàidhealtachd | |
| Lothian | Lodainn | |
| Orkney | Arcaibh | |
| Tayside | Taobh Tatha | |
| The Outer Hebrides | Na h-Eileanan Siar | |
| Shetland | Sealtainn | |
| Strathclyde | Srath Chluaidh |
Pre-1975 counties
| English | Scottish Gaelic | Meaning or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeenshire | Siorrachd Obar Dheathain | |
| Angus(Forfarshire until 1928) | Siorrachd Aonghais | |
| Argyll | Earra-Ghàidheal | |
| Ayrshire | Siorrachd Inbhir Àir | |
| Banffshire | Siorrachd Bhanbh | |
| Berwickshire | Siorrachd Bhearaig | |
| Caithness | Gallaibh | |
| Clackmannanshire | Siorrachd Chlach Mhanainn | |
| County of Bute | Siorrachd Bhòid | |
| Dumfriesshire | Siorrachd Dhùn Phris | |
| Dunbartonshire | Siorrachd Dhùn Breatainn | |
| East Lothian(Haddingtonshire until 1921) | Lodainn/Labhdaidh an Ear | |
| Fife | Fìobha | |
| Inverness-shire | Siorrachd Inbhir Nis | |
| Kincardineshire | Siorrachd Chinn Chàrdainn | |
| Kinross-shire | Siorrachd Chinn Rois | |
| Kirkcudbrightshire | Siorrachd Chill Chuithbeirt | |
| Lanarkshire | Siorrachd Lannraig | |
| Midlothian(County of Edinburgh until 1890) | Meadhan Lodainn/Labhdaidh | |
| County of Moray(also known as Elginshire until 1918) | Moireibh | |
| Nairnshire | Siorrachd Inbhir Narann | |
| Orkney | Arcaibh | |
| Peeblesshire | Siorrachd nam Puballan | |
| Perthshire | Siorrachd Pheairt | |
| Renfrewshire | Siorrachd Rinn Friù | |
| Ross and Cromarty | Ros is Cromba | |
| Roxburghshire | Siorrachd Rosbruig | |
| Selkirkshire | Siorrachd Shailcirc | |
| Zetland(Shetland) | Sealtainn | |
| Stirlingshire | Siorrachd Shruighlea | |
| Sutherland | Cataibh | |
| West Lothian(Linlithgowshire until 1924) | Lodain/Labhdaidh an Iar | |
| Wigtownshire | Siorrachd Bhaile na h-Ùige |
Tagged
Very impressed with your work on Scots Gaelic placenames list. How can I buy a copy?
I’m working on a book set in an alternate timeline where Scotland and England never became united. Your list would be absolutely invaluable to me. Also, if you have or can recommend a pronunciation guide and/or a Scots for the language learning challenged I would be deeply appreciative of your aid; I have faulty wiring in my head which, while not officially a learning disability, was only 2% from being one when I was tested to find out why I couldn’t finish my foreign language requirement to complete college.
Thank you again for your hard work. I hope to hear from you soon. — Most sincerely, Ms Rillan macDhai-Anthony, Aelfheim Farm, Pennsylvania, USA
I have one of those maps, found by my Dad, in a thrift shop in the middle of the USA ; specifically Lincoln, Nebraska if I recall correctly. He called me to tell me that he found a map that he believed was of Scotland but he was unable to read any of the words. It’s a thing of beauty.
love this! thankyou