The Blackhouse

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Here is a simple guide to the English pronunciation of some of the Gaelic names and words in the book. ch is pronounced as in the Scottish word loch, and the emphasis is placed on the underlined syllable:

An Sgeir Eilidh Niseach

An Skerr Aylay Neeshuch

Beag Fionnlagh Ruadh

Beg Feeonlach Rooagh

Ceit Gaelic Seonaidh

Kate Gahlick Shawnay

Coinneach Iain Seoras

Coinyach Yan Shawrass

Dubh Mairead Sine

Doo Myrad Sheenuh

Eachan Mamaidh Slàinthe mhath

Yachan Mammy Slange e vah

Eilean Marsaili Uilleam

Yaylan Marshally Willyam

Machair, pronounced macher, is the Gaelic word for the fertile sandy soil around the coastal areas of the Western Isles of Scotland. It has passed into the English language as a result of international concern over the problem of ‘machair erosion’. Much of the machair is gradually being reclaimed by the sea.

For Stephen, with whom I travelled those happy highways.

They are just kids. Sixteen years old. Emboldened by alcohol, and hastened by the approaching Sabbath, they embrace the dark in search of love, and find only death.

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