Trifter

Alexandria

Is the largest town in the Vale of Leven in West Dunbartonshire. There are still those that casually presume it was named after Alexandria in Egypt but in fact it was named after a local Member of Parliament called Alexander Smollett.

Alloa

Situated on the north bank of the River Forth and, at one time, was a major Scottish brewing town. The name comes from the Gaelic ailmagh meaning ‘rocky plain’.

Banchory

Often known as the ‘Gateway to Royal Deeside’. There are two schools of thought on where the name derives from. One is from the Gaelic beannach meaning ‘forked’, the other is from the Gaelic beannchar meaning ‘blessed place’.

Banff

The name could derive from the Gaelic banbh or banbha and could mean either ‘land left fallow’, ‘a stream’ or ‘a pig’. Interestingly, the Banff in Canada has a larger population that the one it was named after.

Blairgowrie

Famed for being a place where they grow raspberries. The name itself means ‘the plain of Gowrie’. The exact meaning of Gowrie however has been lost in time.

Clackmannan

The name comes from the Gaelic clach manna which translates as ‘Stone of Manau’. The origin of the name Manau is unknown but may refer to a real person.

Cupar

Although the true origin is uncertain, it has been suggested that it takes it name from the Gaelic comhpairt meaning ‘common grazing land’.

Dalkeith

Takes it name from the Brythonic dol coed which literally means ‘field by the wood’. It was the birthplace of Henry Dundas, known as the ‘uncrowned King of Scotland.

Edinburgh

Nicknamed ‘Auld Reekie’ because of the smell of smoke from coal fires. The name Edinburgh however has its roots in the Gaelic Dun Eideann. The dunpart means ‘hill fort’ but whatever the edin might refer to is unclear although it has been linked to a King called Edwin.

Eigg

The name has nothing to do with ‘eggs’ but possibly derives from the Gaelic eag which means ‘notch’ or ‘rift’. As for the island itself; it is owned by the residents who bought it in 1997.

Fraserburgh

Simply took its name from the Fraser family who built the town in the 16th century.