List of Ayrshire place-names beginning with 'S'
Saddle Hags
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Relief, Water
Grid reference: NS604060
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 505m
Elements: Sc saddle + Sc hag
Description:
Sc hag is a soft marshy hollow piece of ground in a moor, e.g. where channels have been made by water or where peats have been cut. It is not entirely clear what Sc saddle ‘a saddle’ refers to in this name. See the discussion on the New Cumnock History website Saddle Hags – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY.
The OS Name Book describes it as: ‘A spot of ground on a ridge of hill, east of Glenhastel Burn, on which is a small pond. The ground is in a few places broken, but differs little in appearance from the quality of the remainder of the ridge’ (OS1/3/49/182).
Sandy Syke
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS627055
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 356m
Elements: Sc sandy + Sc syke
Description:
‘A syke or small, sluggish stream characterised by sandy soil or earthy peat’. While the basic meaning of sandy is the adjective from sand or very fine particles of rock or shells, the term sandy peat means ‘a peat containing a good deal of earthy matter’ (SND under sandy 11). Note that the earliest reference to this water-course is as a burn rather than a syke. It is a pity we do not know the age of the ‘Estate Map’ which has this form.
The OS Name Book gives no clue as to its meaning, describing it simply as: ‘A Small Burn having its source north of the same place as Grains Burn, with which it unites a short distance before entering Afton Water’ (OS1/3/49/194).
This is one of two burns with this name, the other being a tributary of the Water of Deugh on the southern edge of the parish. It must be significant that both rise c.500m from each other, the one flowing west into Water of Deugh, the other into the Afton Water. The clue to its meaning probably lies in the piece of land from which both flow
Sandy Syke
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS600049
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 418m
Elements: Sc sandy + Sc syke
Description:
‘A syke or small, sluggish stream characterised by sandy soil or earthy peat’. This is one of two burns with this name, the other being a tributary of the Afton Water. It must be significant that both rise c.500m from each other, the one flowing west into the Deugh, the other east into the Afton. The clue to its meaning probably lies in the piece of land from which both flow.
It is described in the OS Name Book simply as: ‘A small Burn north of Glenlee uniting with the Deugh Water’ (OS1/3/49/192).
According to the OS 6 inch 1st edn map, it flows out of a Whinstone Quarry.
Sandyhole Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS650031
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 483m
Elements: Sc sandy + Sc hole + Sc burn
Description:
‘A burn associated with a sandy hollow or a hollow with earthy peat.’ It is described in the OS Name Book in purely geographical terms as: ‘A small stream rising on Meikle dodd Hill and falling into Clashyw[arrant] Burn, at the same place as Meikledodd Burn’ (OS1/3/49/10).
Sannockhill
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS586168
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 197m
Elements: pn Sannock + SSE hill
Description:
‘A hill associated with a man called Sannock’? Sannock is a form of the male personal name Sandy (from Alexander) (SND under Sandie). If it is a personal name, then it has lost its genitive s along the way.
A small settlement which had entirely disappeared by the time of the OS 6 inch 2nd edn (1897).
Scar Brae
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS530205
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 98m
Elements: Sc scaur + Sc brae
Description:
The first element is a variation of Sc scaur, one of whose meanings is ‘a steep hill from which the soil has been washed away’ (SND). Given that it lies on the south bank of the Lugar Water, this is probably the meaning involved here. It is described in the OS Name Book as: ‘A precipitous bank of mixed wood on the "Lugar Water" about 20 chains Nor East from Pennyfadzeoch property of the Marquis of Bute’ (OS/1/3/52/1).
Schaw Burn
Ochiltree (OCH), Stair (STA)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS435199
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 75m
Elements: en Shaw STA + SSE burn
Description:
This takes its name from the farm of Shaw in Stair parish (STA).
Seggy Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS591160
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 184m
Elements: Sc seggy + Sc burn
Description:
‘A burn characterised by or bordered with sedges, rushes, yellow flags (irises) etc’. Robert Guthrie, after visiting the site, found that ‘bordered with sedges or rushes’ is the most appropriate meaning here. For his discussion and photographs of the burn, see SEGGY BURN – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY.
The OS Name Book writes: ‘A small burn about 1/2 mile N.W. of Lochill and from thence runs into Black Loch. The Authorities say that "Segs" is the Scotch name for “Flags” (a water plant)’ (OS1/3/49/55).
Shankston
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS565194
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 120m
Elements: pn Shank + Sc toun
Description:
'A farm owned or tenanted by a family called Shank(s).'
Shankston Pit (Ironstone)
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS566192
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 130m
Elements: en Shankston + SSE pit
Shankston Wood
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Vegetation
Grid reference: NS563194
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 140m
Elements: en Shankston + SSE wood
Description:
It is named (or rather described) simply as Wood on Home’s Plan of Dumfries Estate (1772). It is presumably the wood which gave rise to the small settlement of Woodside to the east, gone by the time of the OS map 1st edn (1860) (see under Woodhead OCU for more details).
Shaw Wood
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Vegetation
Grid reference: NS544203
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 116m
Elements: Sc shaw or pn Shaw + SSE wood
Description:
This is referred to as both Shaw Wood and Shaw’s Wood in Green 2019, 32, 105. The first element may therefore be Sc shaw ‘a wood’, with explanatory SSE wood added; or it may be a personal name. During the construction of Dumfries House (1750s) ‘the larger birch trees from Shaw Wood to the east of the site were used for trusses’ (Green 2019, 32). It is described in the OS Name Book (1857) as: ‘A wood of Forest trees thinly planted on the grounds attached to Dumfries House through which pleasure walks and carriage Road passes -- property of the Marquis of Bute’ (OS1/3/52/23).
Shawfield
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS654208
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 295m
Elements: SSE shaw + SSE field
Sheel Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS615033
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 455m
Elements: Sc shiel + Sc burn
Description:
'A burn associated with a rough shelter for livestock and their herds'. As Robert Guthrie points out, the nearby Wedder Hill and Lamb Hill show that the livestock here was sheep. He also points out that the shiel itself has not survived (Sheel Burn, Sheel Moss – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY). The shiel has also given its name to Sheel Moss beside the Sheel Burn.
Sheel Moss
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Vegetation
Grid reference: NS616033
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 453m
Elements: Sc shiel + Sc moss
Description:
‘A bog associated with a rough shelter for livestock (in this case sheep) and their herds’. See Sheel Burn, which runs past Sheel Moss, for discussion.
Shiel
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS562124
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 245m
Elements: Sc shiel
Description:
The shiel here was more than simply ‘a hut or rude shelter, a temporary house of stones etc, a shieling’, as is found in the uplands. Rather it became the centre of dairy production for Dalricket. See the New Cumnock History website for full details Shiel, Shiel Burn – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY.
Shiel Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS566129
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 215m
Elements: en Shiel + SSE burn
Description:
The burn runs near the small settlement of Shiel on the lands of Dalricket.
Shiel Burn
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS662176
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 261m
Elements: SSE shiel + SSE burn
Shiel Burn
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS634192
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 220m
Elements: Sc shiel + Sc burn
Description:
Although there is no settlement of this name marked on OS maps, it can be assumed that it flowed past a shieling or shielings.
Shiel Burn
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS510056
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 315m
Shiel Hill
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS543127
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 241m
Elements: Sc shiel + SSE hill
Description:
‘A hill associated with a hut or rude shelter, a temporary house of stones etc; a shieling’. Remains of small bothies were found here during archaeological surveys in 1974 and 1980. For more details, see Shiel Hill – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY. Nothing remains of the original landscape because of opencast coal mining.
Shiel Rig
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS667175
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 299m
Elements: Sc shiel + Sc rig
Shield
Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS452199
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 131m
Elements: Unknown
Description:
This is one of the earliest attested names in Ochiltree, indeed, in the study area, but it is also a very problematic name to analyse. The late forms of this name have obviously been assimilated to Sc shiel ‘shepherd’s hut; summer pasturage’ etc. (https://dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/schele_n ). But the earlier forms (Syuild, Scheuylt, etc.) show this cannot be the origin of the name. But what it is, indeed, what language it comes from, is very uncertain.
There are possibilities in both Scots and Gaelic, and even Northern Brittonic has some potential. For Scots, perhaps some name in -feld, -feild, ‘field’, e.g. *seve-fyld ‘chive-field’, but the final of the name which usually appears as -ilt, -ild or -yld, is ard to reconcile with the usual appearance of names in Sc feld, feild. The name also originally referred to a considerable estate.
For Gaelic, a name ending in the element allt ‘burn’ might be possible, e.g. OG *se(i)m-allt, cf. OG simin(n), seimen(n), ScG sibhin ‘a rush, reed’, so perhaps ‘the rushy burn’. A related element is found in Knockshiffnock OCH, q.v. Neither Shield Mains nor Shield seem associated with an appropriate burn, but the Taiglum burn which feeds Mill o’ Shield must have had an earlier name. A few other Gaelic words are worth considering, but hard to make work with the early forms, or hard to see what they would mean in a place name, e.g. OG síball ‘buckle, clasp’; OG sídamail, síthemail, ScG sìtheil.
Finally, the ending of the name might be compared with W gwellt ‘grass, pasture’ or gwyllt ‘wild’ (see entry on the Guelt Water), but a suitable first element in this case is difficult to come up with.
The name originally referred to an extensive estate, later divided. The names in the various forms such as Shelerankeine, Sheld-Drongan etc. reflect this division and the tenants who held the various parts. All of the farms of Shield, Shieldmains, and Mill o’ Shield may reflect its extent, and it is uncertain whether Shield or Shieldmains reflects the original centre of the estate. Taking all these together, it is worth noting that the area roughly corresponds to a detached portion of Stair parish, given to Ochiltree in 1891. That detached portion might essentially be this estate at its full extent.
Shield
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS577160
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 236m
Elements: Sc shiel
Description:
‘A shieling’.
Shield Burn
New Cumnock (NCU), Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS590163
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 184m
Elements: en Shield + SSE burn
Shield Mains
Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS433194
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 100m
Elements: en Shield + Sc mains
Description:
The name Shield is discussed under that entry. As noted there it is not clear whether it, or Shield Mains, reflects the original central place of this important estate, attested since the early 14th century.
Shield Mains was the site of extensive coal workings from the late 19th century until around 1950. Its history is well covered by Love (2021, 234-5). The site of Shield Mains farm is now also home to Coyle Water Fishery, as well as its Waterfront café.
RN
Shield Plantation
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Vegetation
Grid reference: NS575161
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 243m
Elements: en Shield + SSE plantation
Shieldburn Bridge
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS578159
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 232m
Elements: en Shield Burn + SSE bridge
Description:
This road bridge spans the Shield Burn, from which it takes its name.
Shieldburn T.P.
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS578159
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 232m
Shot Craig
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS478024
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 221m
Sighthill
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS491067
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 210m
Elements: SSE sight + SSE hill
Sillyhole
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS473066
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 167m
Sillyhole Bridge
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS475064
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 166m
Elements: en Sillyhole + SSE bridge
Description:
The bridge, spanning the Cummock Burn, takes its name from the settlement of Sillyhole.
It is described in the OS Name Book for Dalmellington parish as: 'A small substantial stone Bridge of one arch over the Cummock Burn on the old road from Ayr to Dalmellington (a Parish Road) about half a mile north west of Dalmellington A Parish Bridge' (OS1/3/21/39).
Sillyhole Cottages
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS473067
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 170m
Elements: en Sillyhole + SSE cottage
Sillyhole Moss
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Vegetation
Grid reference: NS464061
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 163m
Elements: en Sillyhole + Sc moss
Sillyhole Tile Works
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS472063
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 163m
Elements: en Sillyhole + SSE tile works
Silverburn
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS557174
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 0m
Elements: SSE silver + SSE burn
Description:
‘A burn with clear, bright water’, with reference to a settlement beside it. The burn in question may be the very small burn, unnamed on OS maps and now conduited, which joins the Carsgailoch Runner (the upper reaches of the Horsecleugh Burn) at this point. Alternatively it refers to Carsgailoch Runner itself.
No mention is made of a burn in the OS Name Book: ‘An inferior farm house with offices a sublet off the farm of Bowes the property of Robert Campbell Esq occupied David Murray’ (OS1/3/52/73). It had disappeared by the time of the OS 6 inch 2nd edn (1896).
Sinclairston
Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS469166
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 165m
Elements: pn Sinclair + Sc toun
Description:
'A farm or farming settlement associated with a family called Sinclair'. This is one of the many toun-names locally to contain a surname.
The Roy map c.1750 shows Bokeston in this vicinity.
Sinclairston Cottages
Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS470167
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 168m
Elements: en Sinclairston + SSE cottage
Skares
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS530174
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 212m
Elements: Sc skair
Description:
Sc skair (also skare and scare) 1. ‘a share’; 2 ‘a plot of land, esp. one of many similar pieces of ground parcelled out of village or common lands in Dumfriesshire’ (SND). It was clearly also used in Ayrshire. As is clear from the earliest forms of Skares, they were divisions of the lands of Auchenway.
On Roy's map Clarty house (Scots 'dirty house') appears to be in the area of Skares on the OS 6 inch 1st edn map.
Skares Bridge
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS527174
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 217m
Elements: en Skares + SSE bridge
Description:
This road bridge (carrying the B7046) spans the Watston Burn at the settlement of Skares, from which it takes its name.
Skares Mount
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Vegetation
Grid reference: NS525171
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 226m
Elements: en Skares + SSE mount
Skares Road
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS546182
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 196m
Elements: en Skares + SSE road
Skerrington
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS576184
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 163m
Elements: ? + Sc toun
Description:
In most of its forms, the first element is difficult to interpret. No personal name suggests itself, so it might perhaps be connected with Sc skair ‘a division of land’ (see Skares OCU). However, in the two Blaeu forms (Skillintou[n] and Skilingtoun b[urn], the first element is almost certainly the personal name Skilling(s). While Black, Surnames states that it is rare, we do find it locally, e.g. John Skillings held land in Clockclownie OCU (1625 x 1629 RMS viii no. 1475). But the Sker- and the Skil- forms are difficult to reconcile.
It lies at the very southern limit of the built-up area of Cumnock. ‘Most of the farm is now built on, though the house remains as offices’ (Ploughing Up Our Past – Blog – Cumnock History Group accessed 29 05 22).
Skerrington Mill
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS572190
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 133m
Elements: en Skerrington + SSE mill
Skew Bridge
Auchinleck (AUK), Muirkirk (MUK)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS648256
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 215m
Elements: SSE skew + SSE bridge
Description:
This bridge carries the main road (A70) from Cumnock to Muirkirk. Spanning the Powharnal Burn, it also crosses the parish boundary between Auchinleck and Muirkirk parishes. It is not notably more oblique than other bridges, despite the name.
RN
Slatehole
Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS490230
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 84m
Elements: Sc sclate + Sc hole
Description:
‘A slate hollow’ or ‘slate hole’, referring to a feature on the Lugar Water where slate is found.
According to Love: ‘By the side of the Lugar Water, below Slatehole farm, a sandstone quarry operated for many years. ...’ (2021, 249).
Slatehole Bridge
Mauchline (MAU), Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS491234
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 82m
Elements: en Slatehole + SSE bridge
Description:
Now ruined, Slatehole Bridge crossed the Lugar Water on the parish boundary between Ochiltree and Mauchline parishes. It took its name from Slatehole to its south.
It is described in the OS Name Book for Ochiltree parish as: 'A small stone bridge of one arch spanning the Lugar on a private road from Sir James Boswell's house to the Ochiltree & Mauchline turnpik [sic] road' (OS1/3/51/1/6). The OS Name Book for Mauchline parish describes it as: 'A Bridge of one arch across the Lugar Water. It was built by Sir James Boswell for the accommodation of himself and his tenantry' (OS1/3/44/88).
For video showing remains of bridge, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh_9Nb4wH9Q This video talks about Slatehole Ford as well and holes in the river bed.
Slippery Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS630061
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 319m
Elements: SSE slippery + SSE burn
Description:
This may be a name warning that the stones in this burn are especially slippery. This has yet to be tested (with care).
It is simply described in the OS Name Book as: ‘A small burn rising about 20 chains S of Yarngallows Knowe’ (OS1/3/49/188).
Sloanston
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS486071
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 237m
Sloanston Burn
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS481067
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 180m
Elements: en Sloanston + SSE burn
Sloanston Plantation
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Vegetation
Grid reference: NS487074
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 287m
Elements: en Sloanston + SSE plantation
Slown's Cairn
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS514036
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 484m
Small Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS555133
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 247m
Elements: SSE small + SSE burn
Small Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS583074
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 353m
Elements: SSE small + SSE burn
Small Burn
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS625196
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 203m
Elements: SSE small + SSE burn
Description:
There are two burns of this name in Auchinleck parish; this one flows into the Glenmuir Water near Whiteholm.
Small Burn
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS711208
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 363m
Elements: SSE small + SSE burn
Description:
There are two burns of this name in Auchinleck parish; this one flows into the Polwhannan Burn near High Shaw.
Small Burn
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS513020
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 287m
Elements: SSE small + SSE burn
Smith's Bridge
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS471061
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 162m
Elements: pn Smith + SSE bridge
Description:
The OS Name Book explains that this bridge was named after the man who built it whose name was Smith: 'A substantial Freestone Bridge of one arch built by a man of the name of Smith hence it is called Smith's Bridge, over the Water of Muck on the Parish Road from Dalmellington to Straiton adjacent to Buchan's Bridge - A Parish Bridge' (OS1/3/21/55).
Snabb
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS494049
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 330m
Snipe Hill
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS631215
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 275m
Elements: SSE snipe + SSE hill
Source of the Nith
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS551061
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 439m
South Boig
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS606128
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 191m
Elements: SSE south + en Boig
Description:
A division of the lands of Boig, named in contrast to North Boig. More discussion and photos on https://farminginthecumnockarea.blogspot.com/
South Lodge
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS513221
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 122m
Elements: SSE south + SSE lodge
Description:
This lodge house relates to Auchinleck House.
South Palmerston
Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS507195
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 146m
Elements: SSE south + en Palmerston
Spout Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS635069
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 276m
Elements: SSE spout + SSE burn
Description:
‘A burn characterised by a spout’. There are four Spout Burns in the parish. Unlike at least two of them, which supply water to the farm-house for domestic purposes (Corsincon, and probably Knockburnie), the spout on this Spout Burn has to be a feature connected with its situation as described in the OS Name Book, namely: ‘A Small Stream rising on the top of Blackcraig Hill and running in a westerly direction down its precipitous side into Afton Water’ (OS1/3/49/178).
Spout Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS562104
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 239m
Elements: SSE spout + SSE burn
Description:
‘A burn characterised by a spout’. Given its proximity to Knockburnie farm-house it is possible that the spout is like the one described under Spout Burn NS669139 by Corsincon farm-house, which supplies water for domestic purposes. It is described simply as: ‘A Small Stream Springing upon Peat hill and running north into Knockburnie Burn at Knockburnie farm house’ (OS1/3/49/140). It is one of four Spout Burns in the parish.
Spout Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS671127
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 227m
Elements: SSE spout + SSE burn
Description:
‘A burn characterised by a spout’. See Spout Burn NS669139 by Corsincon for one explanation of the spout. This Spout Burn is very near the boundary between the parish and country boundary (New Cumnock AYR and Kirkconnel DMF). Unlike the Corsincon Spout Burn, the OS Book gives no explanation for the name, describing it simply as: ‘A small burn rising 30 chains SSE of Nether Cairn farm house, and flowing NE into March burn’ (OS1/3/49/122). It is one of four Spout Burns in the parish.
Spout Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS669139
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 243m
Elements: SSE spout + SSE burn
Description:
The name is explained in the OS Name Book as follows: ‘A small burn rising about 10 chains north of Consoncone [sic] farm house and flowing south south west into Nith burn, which it joins about 1 chain west of Corsoncone. It is called Spout burn because it passes through a Spout at the farm house, where the water is used for domestic purposes’ (OS1/3/49/91). It is one of four Spout Burns in the parish.
RN
Spout Row
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS567199
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 116m
Elements: SSE spout + SSE row
Description:
The OS Name Book (1857) explains the name thus: ‘This name applies to the dwelling[s] on both sides of Turnpike road name derived from a pump or water spout which formerly supplied the inhabitants with water now removed’ (OS1/3/52/32).
Springhill
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS641199
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 269m
Elements: SSE spring + SSE hill
Description:
The first element could refer to wellsprings, although it is not clear that there are any significant ones nearby; equally, given its location, it could refer to seasonal grazing.
Square, The
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS567201
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 115m
Elements: SSE the + SSE square
Description:
‘The Square was named after the square graveyard of the Parish Church, which was situated in the centre of the Square. It survives as the centre of town from a very early time. The graveyard was levelled in 1768 to allow access to traffic. The Square was remodelled in the mid 19th century, with the building of a new Parish Church and the demolition of old tenements on the north and east sides.
The Square was also the main market place of Cumnock from at least the mid 18th century until the early 20th century, thus it was the hub of Cumnock from the very early times until it was pedestrianised. Buses, cars, shoppers, commuters and pedestrians used to give it a greater buzz than it currently enjoys’ (Places – Streets – Cumnock History Group).
St. John's R. C. Chapel
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Ecclesiastical
Grid reference: NS570195
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 137m
Elements: pn St John (the Evangelist) + SSE Roman Catholic + SSE chapel
Description:
'In 1882, the 3rd Marquess of Bute gave financial assistance towards the erection of St. John`s Church – at the head of Glaisnock Street – as a place of worship for Roman Catholics who had previously worshipped at Birnieknowe in Auchinleck Parish' Places – Churches – Cumnock History Group, which gives more details of this remarkable church.
Stables
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS635227
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 246m
Elements: SSE stable
Description:
The OSNB notes that these stables were erected to serve the nearby, failed, Race Course (q.v.).
Stair Mount
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Relief, Vegetation
Grid reference: NS545193
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 174m
Elements: pn Stair + SSE mount
Description:
Along with Dettingen Mount and Bland's Mount, the name of this plantation commemorates the military service of William Crichton-Dalrymple, 5th earl of Dumfries and 4th earl of Stair, during the War of the Austrian Succession including the Battle of Dettingen in 1743. See Dettingen Mount for more details. See also the short article 'Dettingen Woods' by George Scott on the Cumnock History Group website: History – Cumnock research items – Cumnock History Group (accessed August 2022).
The entry for Stair Mount in the OS Name Book for Old Cumnock parish is as follows: 'A circular plantation of Forest and fir trees adjoining Stairhill the property of the Marquis of Bute' (OS1/3/52/27).
This is one of a series of artificial circular mounts or mounds which were planted with trees to provide focal points in the landscape on the Dumfries House Estate. These were in existence before the completion of Dumfries House in 1759 (Green 2019, 116).
Stairhill
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS544191
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 171m
Elements: pn Stair + SSE hill
Description:
This takes its name from neighbouring Stair Mount, which contains the name of William Crichton-Dalrymple, 5th earl of Dumfries and 4th earl of Stair. There is another settlement called Stairhill in neighbouring Stair parish.
Stamley
Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS518201
Certainty: 2
Altitude: 114m
Elements: G peighinn + Unknown
Description:
The first element is G peighinn ‘a penny’, a 'pennyland’, an old unit of land valued at a silver penny.
For the second element nothing is obvious, either from Gaelic or Scots. The only thing vaguely possible might be OG stán ‘tin’, adj. stánamail ‘made of tin’. Does the geology round here support this idea?
The later development of the name is unusual by any standards, even more unusual when one considers that it was once a relatively important place, with its own chapel and 5 acres of land called Chapel-land # (RMS iii no. 563). It also had a relatively high valuation (see early forms).
Johnston’s map shows the two small settlements of Laigh Stanley and High Stamly to the north and south of the farm of Cooperhill respectively. The approximate NGR is of Laigh Stanley (Johnston).
It has survived in Stamley Burn and Stamley Bridge, the burn joining the Lugar Water at NS517209. Both first appear on OS 6 inch 2nd edition. They are also on OS Expl. There appears to have been a bridge here from at least the early sixteenth century, given that the merkland of Brigmarke is mentioned, presumably a piece of land beside the bridge whose income in rent went towards its upkeep.
Stamley Bridge
Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS516204
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 99m
Elements: en Stamley + SSE bridge
Description:
A bridge, carrying the main road (A70) from Ochiltree to Cumnock, which spans Stamley Burn.
RN
Stamley Burn
Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS517209
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 93m
Elements: en Stamley + SSE burn
Standard Knowe
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS578150
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 265m
Elements: SSE standard + SSE knowe
Description:
‘A knowe or small hill characterised by a standard’. The OS Name Book writes: ‘A Small Knowe on which is a Sandstone Quarry. There is no Cairn on this Knowe [as] the Estate Map has it [which calls it Benston Cairn] - The word Cairn is commonly applied to shepherds beacons on many of the Estate Maps in this Parish and not as might be supposed – ‘Tumulii’ [sic].
The cause of its being called Standard Knowe is not known’ (OS1/3/49/18). The remark about the local usage of cairn is noteworthy.
Stannery Knowe
Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS493126
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 373m
Elements: Sc stanerie, stanry + Sc knowe
Description:
'A gravelly knowe'.
OS Name Book: ‘A round Knowe or hill the highest land in the parish of Ochiltree with a trig. Station on its top producing bad Sheep pasture the property of the Marquis of Bute - it is adjacent to and north of Headmark’ (OS1/3/51/1/68).
Star Bog
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Relief, Vegetation
Grid reference: NS653081
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 530m
Elements: Sc star + Sc bog
Description:
‘A bog characterised by star’. Sc star(r) refers to various species of grass or sedge, generally growing in moorish or boggy ground. Some of these can also be referred to as star grass (SND). The Dictionary of Older Scots (up to 1700) defines it as: ‘Sedge, bent or other coarse grass’ (DOST).
Robert Guthrie on the New Cumnock History website usefully lists all the species to which Sc star can refer (taken from SND). He also has a good picture of the bog looking very bleak. See Star Bog – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY.
The OS Name Book describes it as: ‘A s[w]ampy bog, about 8 chains N of the west end of Quintin Knowe. It owes its name to a quantity of star grass growing in it’ (OS1/3/49/175).
Station Avenue
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS539196
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 147m
Elements: en (Dumfries House) Station + SSE avenue
Station Cottages
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS539191
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 177m
Elements: en (Dumfries House) Station + SSE cottage
Stayamrie
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS630055
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 472m
Elements: Sc stey + ?
Description:
The first element is probably Sc stey ‘steep’. The name refers to a steep crag on the side of Craigbraneoch Hill. An excellent photograph of it is on stayamrie – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY. Guthrie plausibly suggests that the second element may be Sc aumbrie, almery ‘big cupboard’, with reference to its shape. His other suggestion that the second element may be a Gaelic word aimreidh ‘steep’ is ingenious but untenable.
The name has been re-interpreted in light of the story about King Robert I being pursued by Sir Aymer de Valence and John of Lorne, using the king’s bloodhound to hunt him down (Barbour’s Bruce (Bk 6, lns 486 ff.). For more details of this story, see under Craig of Bahoun NCU.
It is described in the OS Name Book as: ‘A high perpendicular cliff on the north side of Craigbraneoch Hill. Derivation not known’ (OS1/3/49/183).
Pronunciation: sty amra /stai ‘amra/ (ex info. Robert Guthrie) or sty amrie /stai ‘amrɪ/.
Steelpark
Ochiltree (OCH)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS484224
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 111m
Elements: Sc steel + Sc park
Description:
Sc steel is ‘a steep bank, especially a spur of a hill ridge' (SND). Sometime c.1650 and 1750 it became known simply as Park (‘a field; an enclosure’), then as Steelpark.
RN
Stell Knowe
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS586126
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 207m
Elements: Sc stell + Sc knowe
Description:
‘A knowe or small hill characterised by a stell, a walled enclosure for sheep’. No stell is shown here on the OS maps. It is described in the OS Name Book simply as: ‘A small Knowe on Lawmark farm’ (OS1/3/49/36).
Stell Knowe
Auchinleck (AUK), Kirkconnel (KCL)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS727189
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 349m
Elements: Sc stell + Sc knowe
Description:
The most likely sense of stell in the first element of this name is ‘An open enclosure made of dry-stone walling and variously shaped but gen. circular with an opening at one side to admit sheep for shelter on a hill-side.’ See https://dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/stell_v1_n1 definition II.1
Stellhead
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS628124
Certainty: 2
Altitude: 258m
Elements: Sc steel + Sc heid
Description:
‘The head or end of a steep bank, especially a spur of a hill ridge’. This is a now lost settlement beside Stellhead Rig, to which it has given its name. In his entry Stellhead Rig – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY, Robert Guthrie shows a Lydar image of what might be the remains of the settlement.
Stellhead Rig
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS628123
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 265m
Elements: en Stellhead + Sc rig
Description:
'A ridge associated Stellhead’, Stellhead being a lost settlement-name nearby. Sc rig probably refers to the same feature as the steel. The name is fully discussed, with photographs, on the New Cumnock History website under Stellhead Rig – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY.
Stepend
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS606122
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 202m
Elements: Sc step + Sc end
Description:
‘End of stepping-stones’. The cottage lies on the bank of the Connel Burn, which was presumably crossed by stepping-stones at this point. The name does not appear on OS 6 inch 1st edn map, which shows only a small building labelled simply ‘Ruin’.
Stepends
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS565202
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 110m
Elements: Sc step + Sc end
Description:
This name has been assigned to Scots both on account of the form in 1784, and because it clearly related to the pre-1700 topography of the area. The name originally referred to the ford (‘steps’, ‘stepping stones’) across the Lugar, which preceded the bridge, built in 1753 (see John Strawhorn, The New History of Cumnock (Glasgow, 1966), 31-2, 38).
The Correspondence, App. 1 (p.221) lists Stepends as a property in the Regality of Templand, noting it ‘was acquired as a part of Templand in 1734’ and it ‘comprised several divisions, which were let as follows: Stepends Holm and Parks to William Clark in 1787 and 1796; Stepends Upper Holm to Mrs Smith in 1787; Sptepends parks at the Woodend to Mungo Brown in 1787; and Stepends corner park to Charles Crichton in 1787.’ In his letter to James Boswell of 7 February 1784, James Bruce, Boswell’s overseer, writes “For Some Years complents has been made by the Tenants in Stapends that by the Earl of Dumfries having altred his Dam and head the water Made encrochements on the Holm.” (The Correspondence, p.86). By the end of the 19th-century Stepends was in Old Cumnock parish.
In the OSNB this is described as consisting of two cottages. By the time of the OS 6 inch 2nd edn, the site is marked as a manse.
Stepends Pit (Coal)
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS565203
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 114m
Elements: en Stepends + SSE pit
Stevenston
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS517215
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 102m
Elements: pn Steven(s) + Sc toun
Description:
Like many of the other names in toun ‘farm, settlement’ in the area, this takes its name from an early owner or occupant. It must remain uncertain whether this is a first name (Steven) or a surname (Stevens), as either is possible. This name was often rendered Stein(s) as seen in the form on Blaeu.
Stevenston is listed among the rented lands of the Barony of Auchinleck in The Correspondence, App. 1 (p. 219).
Stevenston Plantation
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Vegetation
Grid reference: NS518219
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 130m
Elements: en Stevenston + SSE plantation
Stockiehill
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS548202
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 129m
Elements: Sc stocking + Sc hill
Description:
As can be seen in the earliest recorded form, the first element is a reduced form of Sc stocking. This would seem to be connected with livestock.
By the time of the OS Name Book (1857) houses had been built there: ‘The houses which are Known by the name Supplied were formerly used as Porters Lodges, being one of the entrances to Dumfries House now closed up, occupied by Mr Cameron & others’ (OS1/3/52/29).
Stone Bridge
Dalmellington (DAL), Straiton (STT)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS478033
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 172m
Elements: SSE stone + SSE bridge
Description:
This bridge crosses over the River Doon and also the parish boundary between the parishes of Dalmellington and Straiton.
It is recorded in the OS Name Book for Dalmellington parish as: 'A high narrow old fashioned Stone Bridge one arch over the river Doon on the old Avenue from Dalmellington to Berbeth House on a stone in the battlement is the following Built 1721 Rebuilt 1821 It is about 17 feet above the level of the river - built by a former and kept in repar [sic] by the present proprietor Hon[orabl]e F. M Cathcart - private property' (OS1/3/21/126). The OS Name Book for Straiton parish states: 'This is the only name given to an old stone bridge one arch on the River Doon, above Linn Liver Bridge. It is private - property of Col[onel] Macadam Cathcart - in middling repair (OS1/3/59/35).
Stonebriggs
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS624238
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 218m
Elements: Sc stane + Sc brig
Description:
The forms all likely reflect an original Scots *stanebrigs, though this does not show through in the record. An early will refers to the ‘five merkland of Stonebriggs’ so it was a substantial holding (see https://farminginthecumnockarea.blogspot.com/search/label/Stonebriggs ). The name perhaps refers to the crossing of the Gass Water now known as Welltrees Bridge (q.v.).
The Correspondence, App. 1 (p. 221) lists this among the rented lands of the Barony of Auchinleck: ‘Stonebriggs to which Dalfad was later added was acquired from John Begg of Dornal in 1752-1755. It was let to Alexander Mitchell of Hallglenmuir from 1763-1780. In 1781 the lease was taken over by John Paterson , who may have been the mason from Chapelton in Lanarkshire contracted to build a furnace in 1787 at the Muirkirk Ironworks. Stonebriggs was then let to William Gibson in 1787 and 1790 and to John Gibson in 1797.’
Stonebriggs Pit (No. 2)
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS621239
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 198m
Elements: en Stonebriggs + SSE pit
Stonecross Burn
Dalmellington (DAL), New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS540042
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 395m
Elements: SSE stone or Sc stane + SSE cross or Sc cross + SSE burn
Description:
‘A burn associated with one or more stone crosses or piles of stone’. This small burn marked the boundary between the parishes of New Cumnock and Dalmellington AYR, while at the point where it joins the Pougherygown Burn, three parishes meet, the two above-mentioned AYR ones and that of Carsphairn KCB. While cross, whether Scots or Scottish Standard English, in combination with stone or stane would usually refer to a cross, the meaning ‘pile of stones’ is found in at least one Scottish Borders context (see SND). There is a remarkable line of piles of stone (called simply ‘piles’ on the OS 6 inch 1st edn map) which define the parish boundary from where it veers north-west near the source of the Stonecross Burn until it reaches the source of Linn Water, which it then follows for several miles.
Whatever the eponymous stone cross or crosses were, there can be little doubt that it or they functioned as some kind of boundary marker.
Stonepark
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS591196
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 185m
Elements: SSE stone + SSE park
Description:
‘Field associated with a stone’. The stone commemorating the Covenanting martyr John McGeahen stands very near the steading. While the present one was erected in 1836 (see under Martyr’s Grave (McGeahen)), there may have been a memorial stone there before this.
Stony Burn
Dalmellington (DAL)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS510073
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 259m
Stony Hill
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS535127
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 262m
Elements: SSE stony + SSE hill
Stony Hill
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS725215
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 552m
Elements: SSE stony + SSE hill
Stony Knowes Hill
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS555050
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 479m
Elements: en Stonyknowes + SSE hill
Description:
‘A hill associated with the farm of Stonyknowes’. Although the small farm of Stonyknowes, now gone, lay c.5 km due north of this hill, it is probable that the two were connected, with the hill a piece of upland grazing for the farm. It should be born in mind that ‘hill’ can refer to elevated grazing land as well as to a hill in the usual sense of the word.
The OS Name Book writes: ‘A hill near Prickeny Burn, pronounced "Stenny Nuz Hill" by the Shepherds’ (OS1/3/49/138). This presumably represents /ˈstɛnı nʌz hıl/, with /ʌ/ for u as in ‘cup’. It is very unusual for a surveyor to record the pronunciation of a place-name and gives a valuable insight into the Scots dialect of this part of south-west Scotland in the mid-19th century.
Stonyknowes
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS555105
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 268m
Elements: SSE stony + SSE knowe
Description:
‘Stony knowes or hillocks’. This small farm, now gone, would seem to have had a piece of upland pasture c.5km to the south on Stony Knowes Hill.
For more details of the farm including census records from 1851 onwards, with a picture of the ruins, see STONYKNOWES – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY.
We can assume that it was pronounced ‘Stennynuz’, since the OS records that Stony Knowes Hill was pronounced ‘"Stenny Nuz Hill" by the Shepherds’ (OS1/3/49/138). See under Stony Knowes Hill for more details.
Store Row
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS592213
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 142m
Elements: SSE store + SSE row
Description:
One of the rows of workers’ cottages associated with the Lugar Ironworks.
Stot Sike
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS526126
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 282m
Elements: Sc stot + Sc syke
Straid Bridge
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS578106
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 230m
Elements: en Straid + SSE bridge
Description:
This bridge carries the main road (B741) from Dalmellington to New Cumnock. It spans Straid Burn beside Straid Farm, from which it takes its name.
Straid Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS577109
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 213m
Elements: en Straid + Sc burn
Straid Farm
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS578106
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 229m
Elements: G sràid + SSE farm
Description:
'A street, road, way etc.' It is an old settlement that lies on the main road from New Cumnock to Dalmellington, presumably the street or road referred to in the name. For more discussion and pictures see straid – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY. The tentative alternative suggestion made there, that it represents G srath 'a strath, a broad valley etc.,' can almost certainly be dismissed.
RN
Straid Level (Coal)
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS579107
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 223m
Elements: en Straid + SSE level
Description:
This was the name of a small coalmine on the lands of Straid. A level is defined in A Glossary of Scotch Mining Terms (Barrowman 1886) as: 'A drift or roadway along the strike of the strata i.e., at right angles to the line of dip and rise', a drift in this context being a mine.
For more details of this mine, see straid – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY.
The OS Name Book describes it simply as: ‘A coal mine on Straid farm’ (OS1/3/49/50).
Strandlud Hill
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS582060
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 523m
Elements: G sròn + ? + SSE hill
Description:
G sròn + ?
The first element of Strandlud is G sròn ‘nose; a nose-shaped hill’. The second element is obscure.
The OS surveyors were equally puzzled, writing in the OS Name Book has: ‘A high Hill on Carcow farm, the authorities say it is a Gaelic name, but don't know its meaning’ (OS1/3/49/159).
Strathwiggan Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS567039
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 323m
Elements: G srath + G uaigh + G -an + SSE burn
Description:
‘The broad or flat valley associated with a little grave (burial mound?); or little den or cave’. The small valley between Stony Knowes Hill and McCowan’s Knowe to the west and Hillend Hill and Blackstone Hill to the east can hardly be described as broad, but perhaps srath is being used more in its Irish sense of grassland by a river or burn. The suggestion that the specific element is G uaigh ‘a grave etc.’ is very tentative. A site visit might help clarify things.
The OS Name Book gives no clue as to the origin of the name, describing it simply as: ‘A Stream rising on the South side of Enoch Hill and falls into Pochriegaun Burn at Lochmeharb’ (OS1/3/49/160).
Street
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS653146
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 255m
Elements: SSE street
Description:
‘A house the property of Sir James Menteith, called Street because of its length’ (OS1/3/49/79).
Struan Cottage
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS588212
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 149m
Elements: en Struan or pn Struan + SSE cottage
Description:
This building does not appear on the OS 6 inch 1st edn, and it may be suspected that its name is a transferred one, taken from one of the many places in Scotland called Struan, such as that in Blair Atholl. Alternatively it is known as a surname, and that could have given rise to the name.
Struther's Brae
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Relief
Grid reference: NS615055
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 535m
Elements: pn Struthers + Sc brae
Description:
‘A brae or slope associated with a person or family called Struther(s)’. Robert Guthrie has identified 102 baptisms of the name Struthers in the Ayrshire Old Parish Records between 1712 and 1854, with the parishes of Sorn (31), Ayr (17) and Kilmarnock (12) accounting for over half of these. There were none in the parish of New Cumnock nor its neighbouring parishes (Struther’s Brae – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY). However, this does not rule out the possibility that a person or family of that name lived near here, say at Glenlee or Craigdarroch. The structure of the name makes a personal name more likely than the Older Scots element struther or strother ‘a marshy place’.
Stuart's Cleuch
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Relief, Water
Grid reference: NS660198
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 247m
Elements: pn Stuart + Sc cleugh
Description:
The first element is a personal name, probably, but not certainly a surname.
OSNB in 1855-57 (OS1/3/3/145) describes this as: ‘A small stream running in a Nor [North] Westerly direction from its source on the Farm of Kyle to its junction with Glenmore Water.’
Sunny Syke
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS679165
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 311m
Elements: Sc sunny or Sc sandy + Sc syke
Description:
‘A sunny syke or small, sluggish stream’; or ‘a syke or small, sluggish stream characterised by sandy soil or earthy peat’. It is not clear what is especially sunny about it. Robert Guthrie on the New Cumnock History website makes the plausible suggestion that sunny is a misunderstanding of sandy (Sunny Sike – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY) which can locally be pronounced ‘sonny’ with o as in ‘long’ in IPA /sɔnɪ/. As he points out, there are two burns called Sandy Burn in other parts of the parish The OS Name Book is no help in elucidating this name, describing it simply as: ‘A small burn north of Craigshiel, running into Mid Burn’ (OS1/3/49/61).
Sunnyside
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS610219
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 202m
Elements: SSE sunny + SSE side
Description:
A frequently occurring place-name applied to a place of good, south-facing aspect. It is also a popular house-name. A whole book has been devoted to this name: Sunnyside: A Sociolinguistic Study of British House Names (Oxford) by Laura Wright (2020).
The Auchinleck Estate Correspondence vol. indicates that this was formerly McLellanstoun acquired from John & James Wallace in 1743. This name appears in the early record but has been completely superseded by Sunnyside (M'Clellanstoun 1646 Retours AYR no. 401; Macklellanstoun 1654 Blaeu (Kyle)).
There si another Sunnyside in New Cumnock (q.v.).
[1] = Gilmilnscroft by Sorn OS; Gilmilscroft 1775 Armstrong
Sunnyside
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS561112
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 231m
Elements: SSE sunny + SSE side
Description:
‘Sloping land exposed to the sun'. A common name-type throughout Scotland. According to Robert Guthrie, it was a farm established on the lands of Lanehead in the early 19th century (Lanehead, Lanehead Cottage – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY, which see for a photograph of Lanehead with the now ruined farmhouse of Sunnyside in the foreground. For full details of the situation, growth and demise of Sunnyside, with some fine photographs, see Sunnyside – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY).
There is another Sunnyside in the neighbouring parish of Auchinleck.
Swan Loch
Auchinleck (AUK)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS505225
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 121m
Elements: SSE swan or pn Swan + SSE loch
Description:
OSNB (OS1/3/3/36) nots: ‘This sheet of ornamental Water is popularly known by the nam[e] Supplied’. The presumption might be that this water feature on the Auchinleck House lands is named for birds which frequented it, but a number of individuals named Swan had interactions with the Boswells of Auchinleck, and so it is possible the name is taken from one of them.
Swinkey Burn
New Cumnock (NCU)
Classification: Water
Grid reference: NS633038
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 412m
Elements: ? + SSE burn
Description:
It is difficult to know how to analyse this name. There is a small farm called Swinkie in the upland part of the parish of Crail FIF. This first occurs in 1610 as Swincowhill (RMS vii no. 404), and on OS 6 inch 1st edn as Swinecowhill. For a full discussion of this name, see Place-Names of Fife vol. 3, 228-9, where the tentative suggestion is made that it is connected with Sc swink (noun) ‘hard work, toil’, and (verb) ‘to work hard, to labour’, referring to land difficult to cultivate. If that has any relevance here, then some kind of farm or croft would be expected, but there is no record of one in this upland part of Glen Afton.
Robert Guthrie’s suggestion that it derives from swinky ‘an earth worm’, with reference to its course, or the verb swink ‘to splash’ can be discounted since, as he himself points out, these words are confined to the Northern Isles (SWINKEY BURN – NEW CUMNOCK HISTORY).
NGR was formerly (on OS 6 inch 1st and 2nd edn maps) at NS634039 where burn joined Afton Water, but now on OS Explorer the junction is with Afton Reservoir.
Sykeside
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Settlement
Grid reference: NS588188
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 180m
Elements: Sc syke + Sc side
Description:
‘(Settlement at the) side of a syke’, a small burn or ditch, often in boggy land’.
Sykeside Bridge
Old Cumnock (OCU)
Classification: Other
Grid reference: NS589192
Certainty: 1
Altitude: 170m
Elements: en Sykeside + SSE bridge
Description:
The bridge carries Loganhill Road over Holm Burn. It takes its name from the former settlement of Sykeside.