Dùthchas Dhail Riada

A Sense of Place

As you travel around Argyll (EarraGhàidheal – coastland of the Gael) you will find dual language signposts.

Dual language signposts in the Heart of Argyll

The Gaelic language is important in helping you understand and develop a sense of place within this historically significant area of Scotland.

The Heart of Argyll is the birthplace of modern Scotland and is a cornerstone in the evolution of the Gaelic language and its establishment in ‘modern’ literature.

Over a thousand years after Gaelic became synonymous with this coastal area alongside the expansion of the ancient kingdom of Dàl Riada. The oldest vernacular literature (in the speech of “common people”) in Western Europe is written in Gaelic. The first Gaelic printed book (published in Edinburgh in 1567) was produced by John Carswell whilst he lived in Carnassarie Castle (which you can visit at the head of Kilmartin Glen).

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) is now one of a family of six Celtic languages and, as you’ll discover, it is an organic, expressive language, drawing its etymological inspiration from both the natural world and the speakers’ experiences and sensibility.

This makes it an incredibly personal communication tool. If you’re interested in the interaction between the natural world and its human occupants on the development of the Gaelic language and culture you'll find links in our guidebook to additional resources.

To whet your appetite for understanding more, here are a few modern place names in the Heart of Argyll and their Gaelic roots.

● Achnamara: Achamh na Mara: Field by the sea

● Cairnbaan: An Càrn Bàn: The white hill/cairn

● Tayvallich: Taigh a’ Bhealaich: House of the pass

● Lochgilphead: Ceann Loch Gilp: Head of Loch Gilp

● Caol Scotnish: Caol means “thin” or “narrow” (describing the loch in this case)

● Knapdale: Cnapadal: “Cnap” is a word for hill and “Dail” a word for “field” or “meadow”. Describing the undulating lands that you’ll find in our national scenic area.

The evolution of Gaelic within Argyll and the Isles and beyond was primarily as a spoken language, leading to distinct dialects, such as that found within our area.

● "Tha e fiadhaich math" - It is wildly good (a firm favourite phrase!)

● "Gasta" - brilliant (other parts of Scotland might use "sgoinneil")

● "Gu robh math agad/agaibh": Local way of saying thank you - literally, let good be with you

● “Latha math”: Greeting someone. Literally, good day.

● "A bheil thu beò": Are you well? - literally, are you alive?

To learn a few Gaelic phrases for yourself or to hear them spoken and explained in place be sure to follow along on social media or better still book yourself an open water swimming or snorkelling experience with our local heritage Gael Dan Coyle.

Dan is fascinated with his Gaelic roots within the Loch Sween area and, since arriving in the Heart of Argyll in 2021, has been reclaiming what was the first language of his grandparents.

He has certainly ignited local interest in the language and its oral tradition and, along with Àdhamh Ó Broin of the award winning Scottish Gaelic Consultancy has helped me (a non-Gaelic speaker with a fascination for place and culture) understand more of the origin story of the Heart of Argyll.

You can find links to Swim-Dan the Merman-Argyll and the Scottish Gaelic Consultancy in the Spring '23 version of our Guidebook.

Gu robh math agaibh!

Cover photo: Dunadd Fort in Kilmartin Glen.

Cover photo credit: Marc Pickering