Language Notes

Element Meaning

G eileanan ~ islands; tarsainn ~ crossing

Sources

minutis Insulis 1293 RPS [1293/2/16]

Na h-Eileinean: Am Feillire 1875, 28
Na h-Eileanan Caola: Robertson
Na h-Eileannan: Dwelly
Na h-Eileanan a-Staigh i.e. the inner isles: TM

Additional Information

“Tradition says, that of old the islands forming this parish, had names sometimes given them different from those which they now bear: Thus Eigg was called Eillan nan Banmore, (the Island of the Great Women); Rum was called Rioghachd na Forraiste Fiadhaich, (the Kingdom of the Wild Forrest); Canna was called An t-eillan tarssuin, (the Island lying across); and lsle Muck, Tirr Chrainne, (the Sow’s lsland). But these may be supposed poetical names, given by the Gaelic bards; and the superstitious are said to have used them, and them only, when at sea, and bound for these islands.” Old Statistical Accounts, Small Isles, County of Inverness, OSA, Vol. XVII, 1796

“Na h-Eileanan Tarsainn ~ the Small Isles of Inverness (Canna, Eigg, Muc and Rum) are called “the cross islands”, referring to their situation between Morar on the mainland and Uist in the west.” Mac an Tàilleir

These islands appear to have had a number of different names over time. Informant IM did not know this name as such but said that Canna was called An t-Eilean Tarsainn, because of the trade between Morar and South Uist.

Alternative Forms