Image Details
I had wandered past this old gate by the side of the Mellon Udrigle Road countless times and not paid it much attention. This time was different! The heavy fall of snow had transformed it into something quite wonderful, it had to be photographed.
It is only about 10-15 minutes walk from my home in Laide and in that time I had met a few people out for a walk to enjoy the beautiful conditions. However I was anxious not to meet too many people for fear of losing valuable photography time in such stunning conditions and would make my excuses to be off!
Fortunately nobody had yet stood on the snow next to the gate and it was still in pristine condition. Clearly the gate had to be the centre of interest in the photograph but I positioned myself to ensure that both Beinn Ghobhlach (left) and An Teallach (right) could also be seen on the other side of Gruinard Bay.
North-west Highland Place Names
The landscape of the North-west Highlands and the Gaelic language are intimately connected. Other languages have contributed to the richness of our place names, notably Norse, but the North-west Highlands have for centuries been a Gaelic landscape. In listing the meanings of place names I have relied on authoritative sources wherever possible. For further information about sources please refer to North-west Highland Place Names in the main menu.
An Teallach; Gaelic, ‘The Forge’, according to Wikipedia from its colour in certain lighting rather than its shape. From personal experience I can agree with this explanation. In the summer, during a good sunset, and when looking east over Gruinard Bay An Teallach can appear bright red with the reflected light from the sunset in the west. However Professor Watson says that the being called the forge is due either to its smoke like mists or from supposed resemblance to a forge.
Beinn Ghobhlach; The forked hill.
Gruinard Bay; possibly from the Norse grunnfjörðr meaning shallow firth.
Laide; the broad slope.
Mellon Udrigle; Udrigle's hill
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