Boc na Caillich

Exploring new areas of Scotland never fails to captivate me, especially when I come across on the map Gaelic names for its landscapes features. They possess a descriptive quality that surpasses English or even Scots names.

Among these, the term ‘Caillich’ caught my attention, which I knew represented an old woman. However, it was ‘boc’ that truly intrigued me, particularly when I noticed another name with the same element, ‘Boc a’ Chro’ Bhric,’ a mile or so up the Loch Diubaig coast towards Greshornish Point.

First stop after the day’s exertions was to the Ordnance Survey’s website, which has a lovely little page detailing the Gaelic origins of place names¹Ordnance Survey. 2019. ‘The Gaelic Origins of Place Names in Britain’, OS GetOutside (Ordnance Survey) <https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/the-gaelic-origins-of-place-names-in-britain/> [accessed 13 June 2023]. ‘Boc’ turns out to be a buck or a ‘he-goat,’ likely referring to a billy goat. Therefore, Boc na Caillich can be interpreted as ‘the old woman’s billy goat.’

But …

I turned my attention to Boc a’ Chro’ Bhric, and Google threw up the Scottish Government’s website ScotlandsPlaces which has scans of the original surveyors’ books used by the Ordnance Survey. For Boc a’ Chro’ Bhric, the Victorian surveyor has written²‘OS1/16/5/116 | ScotlandsPlaces’. 2019. Scotlandsplaces.gov.uk <https://scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/digital-volumes/ordnance-survey-name-books/inverness-shire-os-name-books-1876-1878/inverness-shire-skye-volume-05/118> [accessed 13 June 2023]:—

This name applies to a precipice on the coast signifying “The spotted horned ridge” situated about ½ a mile N.E. [North East] of “Maol na h-Airde” on the property of J. Robinson Esqr.

I felt myself falling down a rabbit hole. Obviously I had to confirm Boc na Caillich³‘OS1/16/7/112 | ScotlandsPlaces’. 2019. Scotlandsplaces.gov.uk <https://scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/digital-volumes/ordnance-survey-name-books/inverness-shire-os-name-books-1876-1878/inverness-shire-skye-volume-07/112> [accessed 13 June 2023]:—

This name applies to a Small Standing rock, and Signifies “The old woman’s pimple”:, Situated about 3/4 of a mile from “Dunbeg”

I think “pimple” is probably a nod to Victorian moralities but it’s fascinating to consider this small stack, was a significant enough landmark for the crofters and fisherfolk of Diubaig, who must have many a laugh and banter. “Hey, Angus, don’t forget to watch out for the old woman’s pimple on your way back!”.

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  Ordnance Survey. 2019. ‘The Gaelic Origins of Place Names in Britain’, OS GetOutside (Ordnance Survey) <https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/guides/the-gaelic-origins-of-place-names-in-britain/> [accessed 13 June 2023]
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  ‘OS1/16/5/116 | ScotlandsPlaces’. 2019. Scotlandsplaces.gov.uk <https://scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/digital-volumes/ordnance-survey-name-books/inverness-shire-os-name-books-1876-1878/inverness-shire-skye-volume-05/118> [accessed 13 June 2023]
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  ‘OS1/16/7/112 | ScotlandsPlaces’. 2019. Scotlandsplaces.gov.uk <https://scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/digital-volumes/ordnance-survey-name-books/inverness-shire-os-name-books-1876-1878/inverness-shire-skye-volume-07/112> [accessed 13 June 2023]