Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)

Summit’s changed

- BY s.white@mirror.co.uk @Stephenwhi­te278

STEPHEN WHITE

THE highest peak in England and Wales has changed its name.

It has been known as Snowdon in English for 1,000 years but the 3,560ft mountain in North Wales will from now on be known as Yr Wyddfa.

Critics of the idea had said the proposed name change, championed by Welsh language enthusiast­s, was confusing, and a backward step.

They pointed out that the name Snowdon was well known throughout the world.

But supporters said scrapping the English name – meaning “snow hill” – in favour of the local version showed proper respect for the Welsh language.

After receiving a 5,000name petition, the Snowdonia National Park Authority yesterday agreed to use the Welsh name.

It will also use the Welsh name Eryri for Snowdonia, it said.

The Welsh name for the mountain, which is pronounced Er with-va and means “burial mound”, has long been used in Welsh translatio­ns.

But the park authority will now use Yr Wyddfa and Eryri in what it called “English contexts” as well.

Naomi Jones, the SNPA’S head of cultural heritage, said: “By referring to our most renowned landmarks by their Welsh names, we give people from all over the world the opportunit­y to engage with the Welsh language and its rich culture.”

The mountain attracts around 400,000 visitors to its slopes each year.

A formal branding review next year will determine exactly how the name changes are to be put into effect.

The renaming has echoes of Australia’s decision in 1993 to include the Aboriginal name for Ayers Rock – Uluru – in its title.

The monolith was named after Premier of South Australia Sir Henry Ayers in 1873, then given the dual name Ayers Rock/uluru in 1993. In 2002 the name was flipped to Uluru/

Ayers Rock.

We give people the opportunit­y to engage with Welsh language NAOMI JONES SNPA HEAD OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

 ?? ?? SERENE SCENE Snowdonia is known for its beauty
SERENE SCENE Snowdonia is known for its beauty
 ?? BACKING ?? Naomi Jones
BACKING Naomi Jones

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