Place name of the week

Stonehaven Stonehaven or Steenhyve is a name of Scots origin meaning ‘stone harbour’. The stone in question once obstructed the entrance to the harbour, though it was later destroyed. This stone was called Craigmacaire and whilst clearly of Gaelic origin containing the element creag ‘crag’, the identity of the remaining elements is unclear.

Gaelic scholars a century ago noted their inability to find a Gaelic form for Stonehaven. Part of it was known as Kilwhang. This likely reflects cill ‘church’ with the name of a saint.

In modern times, the name Stonehaven has been translated as Caladh nan Clach ‘harbour of the stones’. It has even been transliterated as Sròn na h-aibhne ‘the promontory of the river’ as though the name Stonehaven were an adaption from Gaelic. Neither of these names have any historical authenticity. lfor more information visit www.ainmean-aite.scot