Map Reference: Kilmoluaig 41
Name Type: sliabh
Meaning: This may be a Gaelic coinage, using ScG bòrd ‘edge, particularly of sea or lake; table’ (Dwelly), with the diminutive or locational suffix -an. The Tiree dialect gives bòrd as [bo ?r?st]. The only use of this element in Scotland, however, is a Drochaid Poll nam Bordan in the parish of Kingussie (OS1/17/54/70: the name here was said to have come from some wooden boards used as a former bridge).
It is more plausible that this is a Norse place-name in ON steinn 'standing stone'. It could refer to ScG A' Charragh Bhiorach 'the pointed stone', a striking natural outcrop. The specific could be a male ON personal name such as the well-attested Boðvarr (see Gammeltoft 2001, 297), or even OI mó 'moor' (CV, 436): there are two examples of Mostein in Norway (NG), while Mó- is a very common specific in Iceland (SAM).
Other Forms:
Related Places:
Information:North west of Airigh na h-Aon Oidhche - LC. Cameron, Rev. Hector (ed.), Na Bàird Thirisdeach, The Tiree Association, 1932
Rev John Gregorson Campbell, Oran a' Ghunna', p 139-141:
Dh’ fhiach mi’n Druim a’ Bhordain i;
Ri feadagan gu'n d' sheol mi i;
bha dithis marbh gun deo annta,
Is fras a beoil fo'n sgeithich.
I tried her in Druim a' Bhordain / I aimed her at some plovers / Two were dead and lifeless / From her barrel-blast under their wings - translated by Ronald black.
Local Form:
Languages : GaelicInformants: Na Baird Thirisdeach, ed. Rev Hector Cameron, An Comunn Thirisdeach, 1932
Informant 2: Lachlan Campbell, Crossapol, 10/1994
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