IntroductionBelow there is a useful insight into the Gaelic language with the translation in gaelic next to the english.Click here to to go to the link for Gaelic placenames |
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Gaelic TranslatedGaelic is an important part of the culture of Lochaber. The vast majority of place-names are in Gaelic and have descriptive and historical meanings. Gaelic gives us another view on the world and an insight into the past life of Lochaber. |
GaelicTha a' Ghidhlig na pirt cudthromach de chultar Loch Abair. Tha a' mhr-chuid de ainmean-ite anns a' chnan le ciallaichean inntinneach agus eachdraidheil. Tha i a' toirt dhuinn sealladh eile air an t-saoghal agus beagan mu dhigh-beatha na sgre anns na bliadhnaichean a dh'fhalbh. |
Sense of placeWhen you're outdoors in Lochaber Gaelic surrounds you. The names of the mountains, hills, rivers and lochs all connect us to the history and culture of the area.People often say that there is a special 'feeling' to Scotland and especially the Highlands - perhaps the descriptive Gaelic names contribute to this feeling. Along with physical reminders like castles and ruins, Gaelic place-names help to tell the story of this land and its people. Gaelic helps to give Lochaber that special 'sense of place'. |
Coltas an iteNuair a tha thu taobh a-muigh ann an Loch Abair, tha Gidhlig timcheall oirbh. Tha ainmean nam beann, nan abhainn 's nan loch gar ceangal ri eachdraidh 's cultar na sgre.Bidh trr ag rdh gu bheil "faireachdainn" eadar-dhealaichte aig Alba agus gu snraichte a' Ghidhealtachd - 's dcha gu bheil ainmean Gidhlig a' cur ris. Le caistealan 's tobhtaichean, seallaidh ainmean-ite beagan mun sgre 's muinntir an ite. Tha Gidhlig a' toirt coltas snraichte dha Loch Abair. |
Learn moreWhile you are in Lochaber, why not learn a bit more about the Gaelic language? Take Ben Nevis for example - or more correctly Beinn Nibheis. What does Nibheis mean? And what does this tell us about past attitudes to the mountain? (*see below for answer) |
Beagan a bharrachdNuair a tha thu anns an sgre, nach ionnsaich thu beagan mu Ghidhlig? Beinn Nibheis, carson a thug iad "Nibheis" oirre? D tha e ag innse dhuinn mun bheann? (*faic gu h-osal airson freagairt) |
Living languageGaelic isn't just about the past - it's also a lively living language, and many people in the area speak it and make their living directly from it. Children learn it in school, and there are courses in modern Gaelic and phrasebooks to help those who want to learn. It can be heard in pubs in the area, so keep your ears open - when you go out for a drink in Lochaber you might hear Gaelic at the next table! |
Cnan BheTha Gidhlig be an latha an diugh agus bidh trr ga bruidhinn 's fiu 's a' danamh am be-shlinte aisde. Bidh clann ga h-ionnsachadh anns na sgoiltean agus tha crsaichean ra 's leabhraichean abairt ri fhaighinn cuideachd. Cluinnear Gidhlig cuideachd ann an taighean-seinnse na sgre 's mar-sin, cum ag isteachd - 's dcha bi Gidhlig ga bruidhinn an ath-bhrd ribh! |
Gabh Pirt! Take Part!*Nibheis means either venomous or heavenly Gaelic is an important part of the culture of Lochaber. The vast majority of place-names are in Gaelic and have descriptive and historical meanings. Gaelic gives us another view on the world and an insight into the past life of Lochaber. |
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Many thanks to Comunn na Gaidhlig for this information. To find out more about Gaelic and Lochaber's Gaelic-speaking community see www.lochabergaelic.org
- To view a list of Gaelic placenames on a new page click here.
- Or you can download the PDF version by clicking here.
