Back Dykes, Perthshire, Scotland

Nae as rude as it sounds - well, Probably!

Introduction

Back Dykes. A name that makes visitors pause for a second, then smile, then check the map again just to be sure they read it right. But here in Perthshire, it’s simply a place where the land dips and rises, where old stone dykes mark the edges of fields, and where the countryside keeps its own quiet rhythm.

The area is full of the familiar sights of rural Scotland. Sheep wander the slopes like they own the place, tractors rumble along the lanes, and the hedgerows are thick with birds that never seem short of something to say. It’s the kind of landscape that feels lived in, worked in and well loved.

Folk who ken the area will tell you that Back Dykes is exactly what it sounds like. A place behind the old dykes, tucked away from the main road, where the land has its own stories to tell.

Toponymy:

Let’s grind doon this name:

Back - Often used in Scots place names to mean behind, beyond or at the rear of something. In this case, likely referring to land lying behind older farm boundaries.

Dykes - From the Scots word for a stone wall or earth bank, used for centuries to divide fields and mark property lines across rural Scotland.

Together they gie us Back Dykes, a name that describes the land exactly as it is, even if the modern ear hears it a wee bit differently.

Historical Context:

Back Dykes has long been part of the agricultural landscape of Perthshire. The stone dykes that give the place its name were built by hand, often centuries ago, using local stone and a fair bit of skill. They marked fields, guided livestock and stood firm through storms, winters and the steady tread of farm life.

The land behind these dykes was used for grazing, small crops and seasonal work. Shepherds, farmers and travellers would have known the area well, even if it never made the headlines. Old maps show the dykes clearly, running like stitched seams across the countryside.

By the 19th century, the name Back Dykes was already in use, printed plainly on survey maps without a hint of humour. It was a practical name for a practical place, shaped by the land and the folk who worked it.

Today, the area remains peaceful and rural, a reminder of how Scotland’s landscapes carry their history in the very stones that line the fields.

Points of Interest:

If you’re passin by, call in to one of these places for a warm welcome:

• Dunkeld - A charming village with riverside walks, a grand cathedral and plenty of Perthshire character.

• Birnam Hill - A cracking climb with wide views across the Tay and the surrounding countryside.

• The Hermitage - A beautiful woodland walk full of tall trees, waterfalls and the roar of the River Braan.

• Loch of the Lowes - A wildlife reserve known for its ospreys and peaceful lochside paths.

• Perth City Centre - A lively hub of shops, cafes and culture, perfect for a wander after a day in the countryside.

Notable Figures:

Folk with an affinity with Perthshire:

• Robert Burns - Travelled widely through Perthshire, gathering stories, songs and inspiration.

• Beatrix Potter - Spent childhood holidays in the area, sketching wildlife and dreaming up characters.

• Niel Gow - The legendary fiddler from Inver, whose tunes still echo through Scottish music.

• James Scott Skinner - Another giant of Scottish fiddle music with deep ties to the region.

• Patrick Geddes - The pioneering Scottish thinker whose ideas on nature and place resonate strongly in landscapes like this.

Conclusion:

Back Dykes is a fine example of Scotland’s straightforward place naming, where the land is described exactly as folk found it. A quiet, rural corner shaped by stone walls, soft hills and the steady rhythm of farm life.

It’s a reminder that the best names are often the ones that make you smile before you even arrive.

For more strange and wonderful place names, wander over to www.strangeplacenames.com

because every corner of these isles hides a name dafter than the last, just waitin to brighten your day.

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