Free book charts Gaelic history of Moray’s place names
A fascinating guide revealing the Gaelic origins of Moray’s place names is being made available for free at venues across the region.
More than 3,700 copies of Gaelic Place-Names of Moray by well-known author Iain Taylor have been distributed to local libraries and can be picked up by members of the public, hotels and bed and breakfasts.
The initiative has received £5,500 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and has been organised by Moray Gaelic Group in partnership with Moray Council.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
Though written in English, the book explores Moray’s communities and landscape through a Gaelic lens, uncovering the stories behind the names of towns, villages and landmarks while shedding light on the region’s deep-rooted Gaelic heritage.
Author Iain Taylor said: “The book starts with a journeys section, allowing people to read about towns, villages and landmarks in Moray in the order of which they would encounter them – allowing people to plan a visit to the area.”
“It also includes a Gaelic dictionary of sorts, translating Moray’s place names in alphabetical order, revealing what these names mean.”
Chair of Moray Council's Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, added: “The book is available for free at the reception desk of any library in Moray, while stocks last; giving both residents and visitors the chance to learn more about the Moray’s rich cultural history.”
Gàidhlig:
Leabhar an-asgaidh a’ sgrùdadh eachdraidh Ghàidhlig ainmean-àite Mhoireibh
Tha leabhar-iùil taitneach a tha a’ mìneachadh tùsan Gàidhlig ainmean-àite Mhoireibh ri fhaighinn an-asgaidh ann an ionadan air feadh na sgìre.
Thathar air còrr is 3,700 leth-bhreac de dh’Ainmean-àite Gàidhlig Mhoireibh leis an ùghdar ainmeil Iain Mac an Tàilleir a sgaoileadh gu leabharlannan ionadail agus faodaidh am poball, taighean-òsta agus taighean leabaidh is bracaist an togail.
Fhuair an iomairt £5,500 bho Riaghaltas na RA tro Mhaoin Soirbheachais Co-roinnte na RA, agus chaidh a chur air dòigh le Buidheann Ghàidhlig Mhoireibh ann an com-pàirteachas le Comhairle Mhoireibh.
Ged a tha e sgrìobhte sa Bheurla, tha an leabhar a’ sgrùdadh coimhearsnachdan is cruth-tìre Mhoireibh tro lionsa Gàidhlig, a’ mìneachadh nan sgeulachdan mu thùs ainmean bhailtean-mòra, bhailtean-beaga agus comharran-tìre agus a’ soilleireachadh dualchas Gàidhlig domhainn na sgìre.
Thuirt an t-ùghdar Iain Mac an Tàilleir: “Tha an leabhar a’ tòiseachadh le earrann stèidhichte air turasan, a’ toirt cothrom do dhaoine leughadh mu bhailtean-mòra, bhailtean-beaga agus comharran-tìre ann am Moireibh san òrdugh anns am faiceadh daoine iad – a’ toirt cothrom do dhaoine turas a phlanadh dhan sgìre.”
“Tha e cuideachd a’ gabhail a-steach nàdar de dh’fhaclair Gàidhlig, ag eadar-theangachadh ainmean-àite Mhoireibh ann an òrdugh na h-aibideil agus a’ mìneachadh na tha na h-ainmean sin a’ ciallachadh.”
Thuirt Cathraiche Comataidh Foghlaim, Coimhearsnachdan agus Seirbheisean Cur-seachad Comhairle Mhoireibh, An Comh Kathleen Robertson: “Tha an leabhar ri fhaighinn an-asgaidh aig an ionad-fàilte ann an leabharlann sam bith ann am Moireibh, fhad ‘s a mhaireas stocan; a’ toirt cothrom do luchd-còmhnaidh agus luchd-tadhail barrachd ionnsachadh mu eachdraidh chultarail bheartach Mhoireibh.”