English / Map Form: Beinn na Caillich
Gaelic Form: Beinn na Caillich
Location: Broadford
Post Town: Isle of Skye
County: Inverness-shire
Local Authority: Highland
English / Map Form: Beinn na Caillich
Gaelic Form: Beinn na Caillich
Language Notes
Element Meaning
Sources
This name was gathered as part of a local research project on the place-names of Strath, Isle of Skye and was published in a booklet by SNH and AÀA. The Following quote appears in that booklet:
“In the centre of Strath, Beinn na Caillich, ‘the hill of the old lady’, is known as the last resting place of ‘Saucy Mary’. Saucy Mary was a Norwegian princess who wanted to be buried on the mountain so that the winds of Norway would blow over her. Her castle was said to be Caisteal Maol, in Kyleakin, the remains of which still stand today. Many places-names in the Hebrides containing the word cailleach have a traditional link with a Norwegian princess. Another story says a hag was being chased and jumped from Beinn na Caillich in Kyleakin onto Beinn na Caillich in Broadford, where she was caught and killed.”
Gaelic in the Landscape: Place-names of Strath, Isle of Skye (Scottish Natural Heritage 2015): 32
Additional Information