The Book of Deer

The Book of Deer is not about deer. It is a 10th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels with additional material on the early Celtic church. Its principal interest is that it contains the earliest surviving Gaelic literature in Scotland. The manuscript was discovered in Old Deer, Aberdeenshire, hence the name.

Thomas A Clark, May 2009

















photograph by Dominic Greyer

On the Ardnamurchan peninsula...

On the Ardnamurchan peninsula, rivers, streams and burns are often accompanied by road signs giving their names in Gaelic. While pointing to the presence and importance of water, this practice beautifully illustrates how place is particularised, marked and preserved by language.

'Abhainn Glac na h-Eaglais' is the 'Stream of the Hollow of the Church' and 'Allt Torr na Moine' is 'Burn of the Peat Mound'.


Thomas A Clark, May 2009