Place name of the week

Perth ~ Peairt

The name Perth or Peairt (Pert in 1128) is of Pictish origin, from an element pert[h] simply meaning ‘copse’. Many Highlanders considered Perth and Perthshire to be the centre of Scotland, which gave rise to the saying bha an t-àite cho Albannach ri Siorramachd Pheairt ‘the place was as Scottish as Perthshire’. Perth was also considered however to be at the edge of the Gaelic speaking area, reflected in a proverb denoting the extent of the traditional Gaelic speaking area in Scotland: bho Pheairt gu Hiort, ‘from Perth to Saint Kilda’. The Bells of Perth or Cluig Pheairt were considered one of the Wonders of Scotland or Iongantasan na h-alba.

The element pert[h] exists other names: Partick or Pearthaig in Gaelic has already been discussed. Larbert (Lethberth 1195) is also likely British in origin, meaning ‘halfcopse’ the Gaelic equivalent of which is Leth-pheairt. lfor more information visit www.ainmean-aite.scot