Glasgow’s Gaelic Place-names with Dr Alasdair Whyte

If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk

In episode two, Dr Alasdair Whyte, a Gaelic singer, writer, and Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, joins Fay to explore the medieval Gaelic roots of Glasgow through its place-names.

Alasdair's research takes us into parts of Glasgow where Gaelic was spoken a thousand years ago. In this green landscape where cattle grazed, we even catch a shadowy glimpse of the farmer's daughter who owned Shettleston. Yes, Shettleston! When you know where and how to look, place-names are full of human history.

In this conversation Alasdair draws on the evidence in his recently published book Glasgow’s Gaelic Place-names, co-authored with Katherine Forsyth and Simon Taylor. It caused quite a stir and we are about to find out why.

Highlights:

• Uncover the Gaelic origins of Glasgow's place-names with Dr. Alasdair Whyte.
• Hear stories behind names, like the medieval farmer’s daughter of Shettleston.
• Explore findings from "Glasgow’s Gaelic Place-names," co-authored by Alasdair Whyte.
• See how Gaelic names reflect Glasgow's landscape and features.
• Understand the importance of preserving Gaelic place-names.

Key Moments:

• 00:00:10 — The significance of Gaelic place names in Glasgow
• 00:19:41 — The origins and meanings of Gaelic place names in Glasgow
• 00:38:10 — Gaelic place names reflect the natural landscape and features of the area
• 00:41:05 — The evolution of place names and their adaptation over time
• 00:51:08 — Preserving Gaelic place names and promoting cultural heritage awareness

Learn more:

• You can buy Alasdair’s book here
• Follow Glasgow City Heritage Trust on social media: @GlasgowHeritage #IfGlasgowsWallsCouldTalk
• Produced by Inner Ear (innerear.co.uk) for Glasgow City Heritage Trust
• Sponsored by Tunnock's (tunnock.co.uk)