Gàidhlig / English
Coimheadaiche

Coimheadaiche

Posted by Abi on 29th June 2017

Coimheadaiche [kɛ̃əd̪i] is the this week’s word, and was collected in North Uist around 1980. The word is used for a shepherd, whose work involves keeping animals from plants growing  on the machair. According to Faclan bhon t-Sluagh, the shepherd recieved a piece of land for their work. Coimheadaiche appears Dwelly’s dictionary as well,  meaning ‘Keeper. 2 Observer. 3 Inspector. 4 Scout, spy. 5‡‡ Grass-keeper. 6†† Watch. 7(DC) Township herd — Uist.’

Buachaille-bliadhna was collected in the Isle of Lewis for somebody that kept an eye on the sheep all year round. When the year was over, they would recieve money (around 6d) for every sheep which was alive and safe. Listen to a song here about a shepherd who would not return home until he had every single sheep gathered together.

There are different words and sayings for the work of a shepherd across the Highlands. The word caibhleachadh was found in South Uist and means cattle herding and in Assynt it was spelled buachalach. Do you have any words or sayings about sheperding from your own area? You can let the DASG team know via Facebook or Twitter, or you can also leave a comment under our blogs.

 
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