Category: Place Name Sneak Peeks

In Glen Doll, Angus, beside the White Water, a tributary of the South Esk. In his book on the names of The Glens of Angus, the late David Dorward noted that the name Glen Doll did not seem ancient. Although … Continue reading “Glen Doll” →

Black Cleft of the Shouting. The site of a spectacular rock avalanche on Beinn Alligin, Torridon, estimated to have occurred four thousand years ago. It was believed by some to be haunted, probably due to the magnificent echo. The massive … Continue reading “Eag Dhubh na h-Èigheachd” →

Looking north from the isolated landmark of Tinto Hill, over the rolling landscape of mid Lanarkshire, to Greater Glasgow with the Campsie Fells (towards the right) and southern fringes of the Highlands in the distance. Motherwell is on the right … Continue reading “Tinto Hill” →

Glen Girnaig in Blair Atholl, more of a strath than a typical glen, is almost totally depopulated, but as is plain on the ground or from satellite imagery once supported a substantial population. 18th century estate records show that this … Continue reading “Glen Girnaig in Blair Atholl” →

The narrow flat-topped sea-stack separated by shear drops from the rugged Bowdun Head between Stonehaven and Dunnottar castle is known as Dunnicaer, with other spellings including Dun-na-caer. It has intrigued antiquarians and archaeologists since incised stones with patterns resembling well-known … Continue reading “Dunnicaer” →