Gaelic for Sailors - Colours
Outer Hebrides
Book Tickets Online
About
Gaidhlig (Gaelic in English and pronounced gaalic not gaylic) remains the majority language of the Outer Hebrides. The majority of placenames in the islands are Gaelic or a gaelicised form of Norse. Familiarity with the more common words can greatly enhance the visitor’s experience and understanding of the landscape.Colours. Gaelic colours reflect the quality of light and natural environment of the islands and do not always correspond to English names.
Gorm (gorum) - blue, greenish blue, bluish grey
Glas (glass) - grey, greyish blue or green
Ruadh (roo-a) - red as in hair, reddish brown, russet
Donn (down) - brown
Buidhe (boo-ye) – yellow
Dearg (djerr-ak or djaar-ak) – bright red
Ban (baan) – creamy white
Geal (gel or gyaal) – bright shining white
Liath (lee-ah) – metallic grey
Dubh (doo) - black
Odhar (oh-ar or ow-ar) – mix of white and black eg gravelly river bed
Riabhach (ree-aCH or ree-avaCH) – mix of red and black eg rocky hillsides
Breac (breCHk) – speckled as trout, multi-coloured as tartan
What's Nearby
Since our ancestors landed on the Hebrides over 8,000 years ago, sailing and boat…
0.01 miles awayIn 1263, King Haakon IV of Norway attempted to regain control of the Hebrides and Argyll…
0.02 miles away
Photograph © David WilsonThe police station is off course where Detective Fin…
0.1 miles awayStornoway features in all three books. In particular, there are scene's in MacNeils, the…
0.1 miles awaySgeulachd a’ Chlò Mhòir is an introduction to the unique world of HARRIS TWEED, the…
0.12 miles awayBuilt in 1847-51 in the Neo-Gothic style popular in the Victorian era by Sir James…
0.14 miles awayHebcelt 2020 is the 25th anniversary on the festival and will run from 15 -18 July.
0.14 miles awayA Stornoway landmark, built in 1878. Martin’s Memorial Church was designed by RA Bryden.
0.14 miles away
Much local material – Lewisian Gneiss, Borve pottery, Harris tweed – is used in this…
0.14 miles awayAn Lanntair’s award winning building, designed by Nicoll Russell Studios, is inspired by…
0.15 miles awayThe largest arts facility in the Outer Hebrides and comprises a gallery, performance…
0.16 miles awayWhile the sea brought has wealth and power to the Outer Hebrides over the centuries, it…
0.16 miles away
My Planner
You can build your own holiday itinerary here! Just browse our site and click this button to add to your itinerary when you see something you like.
If your planner is not finished, simply click save and you can come back to it later on!
You also have the option to send your itinerary to our tailor made holiday partner.
© Outer Hebrides Tourism (Trading) 2020. Registered in Scotland SC 201113. All Rights Reserved
Ratings Powered By
