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Starts: 19:30
Ends: 21:00
Session with 2 online talks organised by the Highland Council Historic Environment Team: 1. Place-Names as an Archaeological Tool 2) Clachan agus Cùirn / Stones and Cairns.
Two talks on recent place-name research in the Highlands by Dr Simon Taylor and Roddy Maclean. Bookings via Eventbrite
1. Place-Names as an Archaeological Tool
This brief talk by Dr Simon Taylor will discuss the importance of place-names as indicators, sometimes unique indicators, of archaeological features. It will also address the fact that place-names can refect older interpretations of such features which are clearly visible in the landscape. It will stress throughout that place-names are a tool that has to be used with care. The talk will be illustrated mainly with examples from the north.
2. Clachan agus Cùirn / Stones and Cairns
Stones and cairns appear frequently in the Gaelic landscape, often carrying names and stories. How much can these features, and their associated traditions, tell us about history and archaeology or should they mostly be enjoyed as examples of the creative imagination of the Highland people? Roddy Maclean explores some examples from Inverness and beyond.
About the Speakers:
Dr Simon Taylor is Reader (Celtic & Gaelic) at University of Glasgow.
Roddy Maclean (Ruairidh MacIlleathain) is a Highland-based writer, broadcaster, educator and storyteller who works in Gaelic and English. His latest book – Place-Names of Inverness and Surrounding Area – was published by NatureScot in 2021 and is available for free download from the NatureScot website
