Gaelic for Sailors - Colours
Outer Hebrides
To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Learn more
To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Learn more
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
Since our ancestors landed on the Hebrides over 8,000 years ago, sailing and boat…
In 1263, King Haakon IV of Norway attempted to regain control of the Hebrides and Argyll…
Hebridean Jewellery are manufacturers of sterling silver and gold jewellery from the…
Established in Lewis in 2021, Open Studio events have proved to be a great success each…
A downloadable 20 page guide to Stornoway. Navigate through a detailed map featuring…
A downloadable guide to galleries and retail outlets where visual art and craft, made in…
Nicknamed “The Gaelic café” by locals, An Taigh Cèilidh is a Gaelic community centre with…
In The Blackhouse, MacNeil's bar on the corner of Cromwell Street and Francis Street was…
The police station is where Detective Fin Macleod is based on his return to the island,…
Save the date and join Us for the Hebridean Fine Food and Drink Festival on 28 September…
Embark on a guided tour that takes you through the timeline of the industrial history and…
The multi-award winning Hebridean Celtic Festival (HebCelt) has been a key feature in the…
Built in 1847-51 in the Neo-Gothic style popular in the Victorian era by Sir James…
A Stornoway landmark, built in 1878. Martin’s Memorial Church was designed by RA Bryden.
An Lanntair’s award winning building, designed by Nicoll Russell Studios, is inspired by…
© Outer Hebrides Tourism (Trading) 2025. Registered in Scotland SC501113. All Rights Reserved
Ratings Powered By
