Containing almost 2000 entries, a history and geography of Scotland. Towns, villages, islands, mountains, lochs and rivers of Scotland.

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.

This is a definitive work of reference with over 5,000 entries. It is the most comprehensive book of its type detailing derivation, meaning and location. The place names include cities, towns and villages but also extend to coverage of mountains, lochs, rivers and other geographical features. There is a detailed introduction to the dictionary which will enable readers to understand the various linguistic derivations and which provides some guidance to pronunciations. It also gives tips on using the entries, making the book even more accessible--Front cover.

SCOTLAND'S PLACE-NAMES have fascinating and wide-ranging origins. Although many are thousands of years old, place-names have been assigned and developed throughout every historical period, right up to the present day. Despite coming from a variety of languages - Norse, Brythonic, Anglian, Gaelic, Pictish, and English - many of Scotland's place names derive from a surprising small number of roots - rath, pit, baile and so on. In this handy pocket book, David Ross gives an alphabetical listing of hundreds of Scottish place-names, their derivations, how they were recorded in early times, as well as the history and tradition associated with them. An extensive introduction discusses the different elements associated with different periods and also the recording of names.