Gaelic guide for learners

Caol Reithe (2)

Last week we looked at one story behind the name Caol Reithe (Kylerhea) on Skye, in which the Fianna warriors leapt from Skye to Glenelg across the strait of Caol Reithe. Here is a different explanation for the name which comes from a recording of Iain ‘Smoc’ Fionnlasdan from Lochalsh. He rubbishes the Fianna tale, saying it is impossible anyone could have jumped so far and that in any case the name is wrong and should be Caol Reathainn (Reathann’s strait)!

He maintains that a band of spùinneadairean (marauders) led by Reathann Mòr (big Reathann) once raided Bràcadal in Skye. After they left, Iain Mòr from Bràcadal decided to give chase and exact revenge upon them. Upon reaching the place today known as Caol Reithe ,the spùinneadairean took shelter in a hut and shared the last of the stolen provisions from Bràcadal: some cheese. As they ate, Iain Mòr burst in and slew Reathann Mòr. His body was wrapped in canvas and unceremoniously pushed into the sea, which is why the name should be Caol Reathainn.

The drowned Fenian warrior Reatha or the cheese-thieving marauder Reathann ?You decide which is true! lsabhal Mòr Ostaig offers Gaelic learning opportunities at the College and by distancelearning www.smo.uhi.ac.uk