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Caoran-mhiagan
If you’ve been out for a walk in this beautiful autumnal weather, you might have seen some caoran-mhiagan, described as edible brambles that grow on heather (probably stone brambles) by a speaker from Garrynamonie, South Uist. A similar word for berries growing on heather, curra-mhidheag or corra-mhidheag was given by speakers in Lewis and Harris and corra-mheagan appears in Dwelly’s dictionary, although here it means ‘bilberry’ or ‘whortleberry.’
Another word for these brambles, corraiche fiach was also given in Garrynamonie. The fiach part may possibly be connected to ‘fiacal’ (‘tooth’) or ‘geur-fhiaclach’ (‘serrated’) as there are several sharp prickles on the stems of these plants.
In Gaelic Names of Plants by John Cameron, there is a very appealing name given for the stone bramble – sùbh nam ban-sìthe, which literally means ‘the fairy-woman’s strawberry.’ This name also appears in Dwelly’s dictionary, alongside sùbh nam ban-mìn and caora bada-miann. The latter name is also given by Cameron with the translation ‘the berry of the desirable cluster.’
Whatever they are called, these red brambles certainly look very attractive in the autumnal countryside. If you’ve seen some, or know of any other names for them, we’d love to hear from you through Facebook or Twitter.
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