Language Notes

Element Meaning

G tràigh ~ beach, shore; caisteal ~ caisteal

Sources

“Until lately there was a hamlet at the head of the new street, now called Douglas Row, at Brodick, which the natives called Breadhaig. This was, doubtless, the original Brodick, and in olden times the head of the bay.” Rev. Doctor Cameron, 1888, Arran Place-names, Transactions, xv, 124.

To the Gaelic speaking native Brodick in compliment to the Castle is nowadays known as Tràigh a’ Chaisteil the Shore of the Castle. Robertson MS390, p. 22

“Gaelic speakers nevertheless never used the Norse form, preferring their own version, Tràigh a’ Chaisteil, ‘the castle shore’, and this rendering continued in use as long as Arran Gaelic was spoken.” Fraser, Place-names of Arran.

Additional Information

Doctor Cameron’s quote, which is repeated elsewhere, including in Henderson 1910 is probably the origin of Dwelly’s form. Diack’s form appears to be a translaton of ‘Brodick Bay’.

Alternative Forms