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Gazetteer of settlements in the Outer Hebrides

Names of places in the Outer Hebrides are notoriously variable. There are several reasons for this, including lack of standardisation of Gaelic orthography in the past, changes in Gaelic spelling conventions over time, ad hoc approaches to rendering Gaelic names in a written form that is supposedly easier for non-Gaelic-speakers to pronounce, and the fact that many of the names are partially or entirely of Norse origin. Over time, some of the more well-known locations have arrived at more or less stable versions of Gaelic and anglicised names, but they are in the minority. 

When choosing which name to feature in the title of a record, therefore, we have often had to make an arbitrary choice. This has been a particular problem in the case of settlements that are now abandoned, where there is little or no reason to favour one variant over another. Much the same applies to the entries in the 'Gaelic name' and 'Also Known As' fields of our records.

To aid with searching for and identifying locations, we have compiled the list below, which includes more variants on the names. It is possible to search this list from your browser using Ctrl+F or a similar keyboard shortcut. 

The list covers only currently or formerly inhabited settlements or smaller islands for which there are records on the website, and which are linked to people. It is not and could never be complete, but we hope to add to it over time. Our record titles do not feature accents but the 'Gaelic name if different' column in the table below indicates where these would be used when writing in Gaelic. Even this is not always completely straightforward, however. Note that the fact that a particular variant appears in one column rather than another does not necessarily mean that we endorse any particular version as being more 'correct'.

The table also provides a CE code in the case of settlements that lie within the areas of the comainn eachdraidh (historical societies) that are contributing information to the website. Consult our home page or the maps linked to it for an explanation of these codes. 

Name in record title CE area Gaelic name if different Some variants
       
ISLE OF LEWIS      
Achmore CECTL Acha Mòr An t-Achadh Mòr
Aignish   Aiginis Aignis
Ailtenish CEP Ailteinis Ailltenish
Aird (Point)   Àird an Rubha  
Aird Tong   Àird Thunga  
Aird Uig CEU Àird Ùig An Àird
Airigh na Beiste   Àirigh na Beiste  
Aline CECL Àth Linne Àth an Linne
Ardroil CEU Eadar Dhà Fhadhail  
Ardveg CEU An Àird Bheag  
Arivruach CECL Àiridh a' Bhruthaich Àirigh a' Bhruthaich, Airidhbhruaich
Arnol CEATS Àrnol  
Asmigarry CEN Àsmaigearraidh Asum Geàrraidh
Baile na Cille CEU   Balnacille, Balnacil
Balnicol CEU Baile Niceil Balenicol
Barraglom CEBL Baraglom Ballaglom, Barragloum
Barvas CEBB Barabhas Barbhas
Bayble   Pabail an Rubha Pabail
Bearasay CEBL Bearasaigh Berisay, Beirriasaigh
Begnigearraidh CEN   Begnigarry
Benside   Beinn na Saighde  
Bernera CEBL Beàrnaraigh Great Bernera, Beàrnaraigh Leòdhais, Beàrnaraigh Ùig
Borrowston CEC Borghastan Borriston, Borghasdan
Borve CEN Borgh Fivepenny Borve
Bosta CEBL Bostadh  
Bragar CEATS Bràgair Bràgar, Brathagair
Branahuie   Bràigh na h-Aoidhe  
Breaclete CEBL Breacleit  
Breasclete   Breascleit Briascleit
Brenigil CEP    
Brenish CEU Breanais Breanish, Brèinis
Brollum CEP Brothluim Brolum
Brue CEBB Brù  
Buanish CEP Budhanais Bunish, Buthainis
Calbost CEP   Calabost
Callanish   Calanais  
Cappadale CEU Capadail Capadale, Capadal
Carishader CEU Cairisiadar Cairisiadair, Cairisiader
Carloway CEC Càrlabhagh  
Carnish CEU Càrnais  
Caverstay CEP Cabharstaigh Caversta, Cabharstadh
Ceann a' Mhuire CEP    
Cleascro CECTL Cliasgro  
Cleitir CECL   Cleiteir
Cliff CEU Cliobh  
Coll   Col  
Coulregrein   Cùl ri Grèin  
Crobeg CEP Crobeag Crò Beag
Croigarry CECL Crothaigearraidh Croigary
Croir CEBL Crothair  
Crola CEU Cro-leatha  
Cromore CEP Cromor Crò Mòr
Cross CEN Cros  
Crossbost CECTL Crosbost Crosabost
Cross Skigersta CEN Cros Sgiogarstaidh An Rathad Ùr
Crowlista CEU Cradhlastadh Crabhlasta
Crulivig CEBL Crùlabhaig Crulivaig, Crulabhig, Crulavik
Cuibheatotair CEN   Cuivatotar
Cuiriseal CEP   Curishall
Cuithir CECTL   Quier, Cuidhir
Dalbeg CEATS Dail Beag An Daile Beag
Dalmore CEC Dail Mòr An Daile Mòr
Deanston (Lochganvich) CECTL    
Doune Carloway CEC Dùn Chàrlabhaigh An Dùn, Dun Carloway
Drovinish CEBL Drobhanais Drobhinis
Druim a' Gharraidh (Hacklete) CEBL Druim a' Ghàrraidh  
Earshader CEBL Iarsiadar Iarshader, Iorseadar
Eishken CECL Ìsgein Èisgean, Isginn, Iskin
Enaclete CEU Einacleit  
Eoradale CEN Eòradal Eorodale
Eoropie CEN Eòropaidh Europie
Erista CEU Eireastadh  
Fivepenny Borve CEN Còig Peighinnean Bhuirgh Borve, Borgh
Fivepenny (Ness) CEN Còig Peighinnean Nis  
Flesherin   Fleisirin Na Fleisirean, Baile Ùr na Fleisirin
Galson CEN Gabhsann Gabhsunn
Garenin CEC Na Geàrrannan  
Garrabost   Gàrrabost  
Garynahine   Geàrraidh na h-Aibhne Geàrr' na h-Aibhne
Garyvard CEP Geàrraidh a' Bhàird  
Gasun CEBL   Gassun
Geshader CEU Geisiadar Geiseadar
Gisla CEU Giosla  
Gleann Tharmoid CECL   Gleann Thormoid
Glenside (Gravir) CEP An Gleann Taobh a' Ghlinne
Glen Tolsta CET Gleann Tholastaidh Gleann Tholstaidh
Gravir CEP Grabhair Graver, Grabhar, Grabhir
Gress   Griais  
Grimersta CEBL Griomarstadh Grìomarsta
Grimshader CECTL Griomsiadar Grimiseadar, Griomsidir, Grimsidar, Griomsiadair
Guershader   Giubhairsiadar Giùrseadar
Habost CEN/CEP Tàbost  
Hacklete CEBL Tàcleit Hacklate, Hacleit
Hamnaway CEU Tamnabhagh Hamnavay, Tamnabhaigh
High Borve CEN Am Baile Àrd Baile Àrd Bhuirgh
Holm   Tolm  
Islivig CEU Ìslibhig  
Keose CECL Ceòs  
Keose Glebe CECL Glìob Cheòis Glìb Cheòis
Kershader CEP Cearsiadar Ceirseadar
Kinchusil CEU Ceann Chuisil  
Kinlochroag CEU  Ceann Loch Ròg Ceann Loch Roag
Kinresort CEU Ceann Rèasort Kinlochresort, Ceann Loch Rèasort
Kintarvie CECL Ceann Tarabhaigh Kintaravay, Ceann Tharabhaigh
Kintulavig   Ceann Thùlabhaig Ceann Hulavig
Kirkibost CEBL Circebost Kirkebost
Kirvick CEC Cirbhig Cirivig
Kleatahog CEU Cleite Thòg  
Kneep CEU Cnìp Crìp
Knock Carloway CEC An Cnoc Cnoc Chàrlabhaigh
Knock (Point)   An Cnoc Cnoc na h-Aoidhe, Cnoc an Rubha
Knockaird CEN   An Cnoc Àrd
Kyles Bernera CEBL Caolas Bheàrnaraigh  
Laimishader CEC Laimisiadar  
Laxay CECL Lacasaigh Lacasaidh
Laxdale   Lacasdal Lacasdail
Lemreway CEP Leumrabhagh Limervay, Limervoy, Leamrabhaigh
Leurbost CECTL Liùrbost Luerbost, Luirbost
Linshader CEBL Linsiadar Linnseadar, Lìseadar
Lionel CEN Lional  
Little Bernera CEBL Beàrnaraigh Bheag  
Lochcroistean CEU Loch Croistean  
Lochganvich CECTL Loch a' Ghainmhich  
Lower Barvas CEBB Barabhas Iarach Barbhas Iarach
Lower Bayble   Pabail Iarach  
Lower Sandwick   Mol Shanndabhaig  
Lower Shader CEN Siadar Iarach  
Lundale CEBL Lundal Liunndal, Lunndail
Mangersta CEU Mangurstadh Mangarstadh, Mangartaigh
Marvig CEP Marabhaig Mariveg
Marybank   Bruach Màiri  
Mealista CEU Mealasta  
Melbost Borve   Mealbost Bhuirgh Mealabost Bhuirgh
Melbost   Mealbost Mealabost
Miavaig CEU Miabhaig Meavig, Miabhig
Mol Truisg CEP    
Morsgail CEU    
Mulhaggery CEP Molhagearraidh Mol Chadha a' Ghàrraidh
New Galson CEN    
New Garrabost   Pàirc Ghàrraboist  
Newmarket   Am Margaidh Ùr  
New Shawbost CEATS Pàirc Shiaboist  
New Tolsta CET Baile Ùr Tholastaidh Am Baile Ùr
Newvalley   An Gleann Ùr  
North Bragar CEATS Bràgair bho Thuath Bràgar bho Thuath
North Dell CEN Dail bho Thuath  
North Galson CEN Gabhsann bho Thuath Gabhsunn bho Thuath
North Shawbost CEATS Siabost bho Thuath  
North Tolsta CET Tolastadh bho Thuath Tolsta, Tolstadh bho Thuath
Mid Borve CEN Borgh Mheadhanach Borgh Mheadhanach
Orinsay CEP Orasaigh Orasay, Orosay, Orisaigh, Orosaigh
Park Barvas CEBB Pàirc Bharabhais Pàirc Bharbhais
Park Carloway CEC Pàirc Chàrlabhaigh Park
Parkend   Ceann nam Buailtean  
Peinthinndelein CEBL    
Pennydonald CEU Peighinn Dhomhnaill  
Plasterfield   Raon na Crèadha  
Portnaguran   Port nan Giùran Portnagiuran, Portnaguiran
Port of Ness CEN Port Nis Cealagbhal, Calaigmhol
Portvoller   Port Mholair  
Ranish CECTL Rànais Raerinish, Radhairnis
Reef CEU Riof An Riof
Reithmir CEU   Raimer
Saint Colm's Isle CEP Eilean Chaluim Chille St Columba's Isle
Sandwick   Sanndabhaig  
Sandwickhill   Cnoc Shanndabhaig  
Sandwick Park      
Sanndaig (Doune Carloway) CEC    
Scaladale Beag CEP Sgaladal Bheag  
Scaladale Mor CEP Sgaladal Mhòr  
Scaliscro CEU Scealascro Sgealascro
Scapraid CECTL   Sgàparaid
Seaforth Head CECL Ceann Loch Shìphort Loch Seaforth Head, Ceann Shìphort, Ceann Loch Shìphoirt
Shader CEN Siadar Shadar, Siadair
Shawbost CEATS Siabost  
Sheshader   Seisiadar Seiseadar
Shieldenish CECL Sildinis Sheildinish, Shiltenish
Shell Head CEP Ceann Tigh Shealg Ceann Loch Shealg
Shulishader   Siulaisiadar Shader, Siadar an Rubha, Sulaisiadar
Skigersta CEN Sgiogarstaigh Skegirsta, Sgiogartaigh
South Bragar CEATS Bràgair bho Dheas Bràgar bho Dheas
South Dell CEN Dail bho Dheas  
South Galson CEN Gabhsann bho Dheas Gabhsunn bho Dheas
South Shawbost CEATS Siabost bho Dheas  
South Tolsta CET Tolastadh bho Dheas Tolstadh bho Dheas
Soval CECL Sòbhal Sobhail
Steimreway CEP Stiomrabhaigh Stiomrabhagh
Steinish   Steinis Stenis, Steinnis
Stornoway   Steòrnabhagh  
Strome CEU An t-Sròm  
Swainbost CEN Suainebost Suaineabost, Baile nan Ùigeach
Swordale CECL Suardail Suardal
Tealasavay CEU Tealasabhaigh  
Timsgarry CEU Timsgearraidh Tuimisgearraidh
Tobson CEBL Tòbsun Tobsunn, Tòpsann
Tolsta CET Tolastadh Tolstadh, North Tolsta, Tolastadh bho Thuath
Tolsta Chaolais CEC Tolastadh a' Chaolais Tolstachaolais, Tolstadh a' Chaolais
Tong   Tunga  
Torranish CEBL Tòranais Tornish
Torostay CEP Torostaigh  
Totarol CEU Tobhtarol  
Uigen CEU Ùigean Na h-Ùigean
Ungeshader CEU Ungisiadar Ungaiseadar, Ungshader
Upper Barvas CEBB Barabhas Uarach Barbhas Uarach
Upper Bayble   Pabail Uarach  
Upper Carloway CEC Mullach Chàrlabhaigh  
Upper Garrabost   Gàrrabost Uarach  
Upper Shader CEN Siadar Uarach  
Vacsay CEU Bhàcasaigh Bhàcsaigh
Valamus CEP Bhalamus  
Valasay CEBL Valasaigh  
Valtos CEU Bhaltos  
Vatisker   Bhatasgair Bhatasgeir
Vuia Bheag CEU Bhuidha Bheag Fuaidh Beag
Vuia Mhor CEU Bhuidha Mhòr Fuaidh Mòr
       
ISLE OF HARRIS      
Amhuinnsuidhe   Abhainn Suidhe Amhuinnsuidh
Ardhasaig   Àird Àsaig  
Ardslave   Àird Shlèibhe Àird Lèimhe
Ardvey (Finsbay)   Àird Mhighe Fhionnasbhaigh  
Ardvourlie   Àird a' Mhulaidh  
Bayhead   Ceann a' Bhàigh Mhòir  
Borrisdale   Borghasdal Borosdale
Borve   Na Buirgh Borgh
Bowglass   Am Bogha Glas  
Carminish   Cairminis Cairiminis
Carrigreich   Carragraich Carragreich, Caragrich, Carragrich, Caragraich
Caw   An Cadha  
Cluer   Cliuthar Cluthair
Deiraclete   Diricleit Diracleit, Dieraclete, Direcleit, Diraclete
Direascal   Dìreasgal Dirascal, Diriscol
Drinishader   Drinisiadar  
Druim a' Phuinnd      
Eilean Anabaich   An t-Eilean Anabaich Eilean Anabuich
Finsbay   Fionnsbhagh Fionnasbhagh
Flodabay   Fleoideabhagh  
Geocrab      
Govig   Gobhaig Govick
Grigaspool   Grigaspul  
Grosebay   Greòsabhagh  
Horgabost   Torgabost  
Hushinish   Hùisinis  
Kendebig   Ceann Dìbig Kendibig
Kinresort   Ceann Rèasort Kinlochresort, Ceann Loch Rèasort
Kintulavig (Leverburgh)   Ceann Thulaibhig  
Kyles Scalpay   Caolas Scalpaigh  
Kyles Stockinish   Caolas Stocainis Stockinish, Caolas Stocinis
Leachkin   Na Leacainn Leachcan
Leacklee   Leacan Lì Leac a' Lì, Lackalee, Lacklee
Leverburgh   An t-Òb (earlier Obbe)
Lickisto   Liceasto Licisto
Lingerbay   Lingreabhagh Lingearabhagh, Lingarabay, Lingerabay
Luachair      
Luskentyre   Losgaintir  
Manish   Mànais  
Marig   Màraig Maruig, Maaraig, Maaruig
Meavaig North   Miabhaig  
Meavaig South   Miabhaig nam Bàgh  
Molinginish   Mol Longinis Molingeanais
Nisishee   Nisisidh  
Northton   An Taobh Tuath  
Obbe   An t-Òb (later Leverburgh)
Quidinish   Cuidhinis Cuidinis, Cuidhtinis, Quidnish
Rodel   Roghadal Rodal
Rhenigidale   Reinigeadail Rhenigadale
Scadabay   Scadabhagh  
Scaladale   Sgaladal Scaladal, Scalladale
Scarista   Sgarastadh Sgarasta, Scarasta, Sgrastadh
Scrott      
Seilebost      
Sruth      
Strond   Srannda  
Tarbert   An Tairbeart Tairbeart na Hearadh
Tolmachan   An Tolmachan  
Urgha      
       
ISLE OF BERNERAY      
Ardmaree CEBH Àird Ma-Ruibhe Àird Mo-Ruibhe
Backhill CEBH Cùl na Beinne  
Baile CEBH   Town
Borve CEBH Borgh  
Brusda CEBH Brùsta Bruist
Ferry CEBH Port  
Lamerick CEBH Laimrig Laimhrig
Ludag CEBH Lùdag  
Pol an Oir CEBH Pol an Òir Poll an Òir
Quay CEBH Cidhe  
Rhuvanish CEBH Rubha Mhànais  
Rubha Mor CEBH Rubha Mòr  
Ruisgarry CEBH Ruisgearraidh Rushgarry, Ruisigearraidh
Siabaidh CEBH   Sheabie, Siabaigh
       
ISLE OF NORTH UIST      
Ahmore CEUT An Àth Mhòr  
Ardheisker CEUT Àird Heisgeir Àird Heillsgeir
Ardennish CEUT Àird Innis  
Baile Mhic Coinein CEUT    
Baile Mhic Phàil CEUT    
Baleloch CEUT Baile an Locha  
Balelone CEUT Baile Lòin  
Baleshare CEUT Am Baile Sear  
Balmartin CEUT Baile Mhàrtainn Balemartin
Balemore CEUT Baile Mòr Balmore
Balranald CEUT Baile Raghnaill Baile Raghaill, Baille Raghnill
Bayhead CEUT Ceann a’ Bhàigh  
Baymore, Grimsay CEUT Am Bàgh Mòr  
Blackpoint, Grimsay CEUT Rubha Dubh  
Carinish CEUT Càirinis Carnish
Cheesebay CEUT Bàgh a' Chàise Cheese Bay
Clachan CEUT Clachan na Lùib  
Clachan Sands CEUT Clachan Shannda  
Claddach Baleshare CEUT Cladach a' Bhaile Shear  
Claddach Carinish CEUT Cladach Chàirinis  
Claddach Illeray CEUT Cladach Iolaraigh  
Claddach Kirkibost CEUT Cladach Chircebost Claddach Kirkebost, Cladach Chirceaboist, Cladach Chirceboist
Claddach Kyles CEUT Cladach a' Chaolais  
Claddach Vallay CEUT Cladach Bhàlaigh  
Druim Dubh CEUT    
Dunskellar CEUT Dùn Sgealair  
Eaval CEUT Eabhal  
Garrydubh, Grimsay CEUT An Geàrraidh Dubh Garrydhu, Gearradu
Garry Tigharry CEUT Geàrraidh Thaigh Gheàrraidh  
Gearraidh Iain CEUT    
Goulaby CEUT Goulabaidh  
Goular CEUT Gobhlair  
Grenitote CEUT Greinetobht Grenetote
Griminish (North Uist) CEUT Grìminis  
Hoebeg CEUT Tobha Beag Na Hogha Bheag
Horisary CEUT Horaisearaidh Hòrasaraidh
Hosta CEUT Hòmhsta  
Hougharry CEUT Hogha Geàrraidh Hogharry, Hòigearraidh
Huna CEUT    
Kallin, Grimsay CEUT Na Ceallan  
Kersavagh CEUT Cearsabhagh  
Knockintorran CEUT Cnoc an Torrain  
Knockline CEUT Cnoc a' Lin Cnoc an Lin
Knockquien CEUT Cnoc Cuidhein  
Kyles Berneray CEUT Caolas Bheàrnaraigh Kyles Bernera
Kyles Paible CEUT Caolas Phaibeil  
Locheport CEUT Locheuphort Loch Euphort
Lochmaddy CEUT Loch nam Madadh  
Lochportain CEUT Lochportan Loch Portain
Malaclete CEUT Malacleit Malaclate
Middlequarter CEUT An Ceathramh Meadhanach Middle Quarter
Minish CEUT Midhinis  
Newton CEUT Baile Mhic Coinein 's Baile Mhic Phàil  
Newton Ferry CEUT Caolas Bheàrnaraigh 's Port nan Long Newtonferry
Obisary CEUT Obasaraigh  
Paible CEUT Paibeil  
Paiblesgarry CEUT Paiblisgeàrraidh Paiblesgearraidh
Reumisgarry CEUT Reumaisgeàrraidh  
Scolpaig CEUT Sgolpaig  
Scotvein, Grimsay CEUT Scotbheinn  
Sidinish CEUT Saighdinis  
Sollas CEUT Solas  
Strumore CEUT An Sruth Mòr  
Tigharry CEUT Taigh a' Gheàrraidh Tigh a' Geàrraidh, Tigh a' Gheàrraidh
Trumisgarry CEUT Truimisgeàrraidh Truimaisgearraidh
Vallaquie CEUT Bhalacuidh  
Vallay CEUT Bhàlaigh  
       
ISLE OF BENBECULA      
Aird   An Àird  
Balivanich   Baile a' Mhanaich Balivanish, Baile Mhanaich, Bailebhainich
Borve   Borgh  
Creagorry   Creag Ghoraidh  
Dunganachy   Dùn Gainmhich Dunganichy
Griminish   Grìminis  
Liniclate   Lionacleit Liniclete, Linaclate, Lianacleit
Muir of Aird   Sliabh na h-Àirde  
Nunton   Baile nan Cailleach  
Rossinish   Ròisinis  
Torlum   Tòrlum  
Uachdar   An t-Uachdar  
       
ISLE OF SOUTH UIST      
Balgarva   Baile Gharbhaidh  
Bornish   Bornais Bòirnis
Daliburgh   Dalabrog  
Howmore   Tobha Mòr Togh Mòr
Kilaulay   Cill Amhlaigh  
Kilpheder   Cille Pheadair  
Lochboisdale   Loch Baghasdail  
Lochcarnan   Loch a' Chàrnain  
Milton   Gearra-Bhailteas  
North Boisdale   Baghasdal Baghasdal a Tuath
North Glendale   Gleann Dail bho Tuath Ceann a Tuath Ghlinn Dail
North Lochboisdale   Taobh a Tuath Loch Baghasdail Ceann a Tuath Loch Baghasdail
South Boisdale   An Leth Meadhanach  
South Lochboisdale   Taobh a Deas Loch Baghasdail Ceann a Deas Loch Baghasdail
South Locheynort   Taobh a Deas Loch Aineort  
       
ISLE OF ERISKAY      
Acairseid   An Acarsaid  
       
ISLE OF BARRA      
Ardmhor   An Àird Mhòr  
Castlebay   Bàgh a' Chaisteil  
Craigston   Baile na Creige  
Eoligarry   Eòlaigearraidh  
Northbay   Am Bàgh a Tuath