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The Placenames of Scotland

The Placenames of Scotland

£6.99

The Placenames of Scotland

Unlock the linguistic and historical secrets hidden in Scotland's map


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About the Ebook

Placenames are a constant source of debate. Who was Edwin, whose name is said to live on in that of Scotland's capital city? Are the 'drum' and 'chapel' still to be found in Drumchapel? And which 'king' had a 'seat' in Kingseat in Perthshire? The answers to these and many similar questions are often not what might be expected at first sight and have their origins in many languages – including Gaelic, Pictish, Brythonic, Norse, Anglo-Saxon, Scots and Modern English – that have been spoken in Scotland.

This is the essential companion to the fascinating world of Scottish placenames. It features more than 8,000 placenames, from districts, towns and villages to rivers, lochs and mountains, and also includes a comprehensive introduction and maps.


Why You'll Love This Ebook

  • Decode the meanings and origins of Scotland's distinctive place names
  • Discover how language reveals centuries of cultural history
  • Explore Scotland's Gaelic, Norse, and English heritage through geography
  • Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher

About the Author

Iain Taylor graduated in Celtic Studies from Aberdeen University and taught Gaelic at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in Uist, Perthshire and Skye. A native of Elgin in Moray, he worked for some years in the Gaelic department of Scottish Television before going on to lecture at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig , the Gaelic College in Skye, from which he retired in 2020.


Publication Details

Publisher: Birlinn Ltd

Publication Date: 24 September 2020

Print Length: 288 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9781788853866

Format: Ebook


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