Place Name

Cock Law, Perthshire, Scotland

Where the hill stands proud and the name stands Prouder!

Introduction:

Cock Law. A name that makes visitors pause, smirk and maybe nudge the person next to them, but here in Perthshire it’s simply a hill with a long history and a shape that’s guided travellers for generations.

The land around it is classic Perthshire countryside. Soft slopes, scattered trees, sheep wanderin about like they own the place and the kind of sky that cannae decide if it’s sunny or sulkin. Walkin up towards the hill, you’ll feel the air freshen and the views widen, stretchin out across fields, burns and distant ridges.

It’s the sort of place that proves Scotland’s landscapes can be both beautiful and unintentionally hilarious at the same time.

Toponymy:

Let’s smelt doon this name:

Cock - In older Scots and English, this often meant a crest, peak or prominent point. It can also refer to a high or projecting feature in the landscape.

Law - A Scots word for a hill, mound or rise, used widely across the Lowlands and Borders.

Together they gie us Cock Law, a name that simply means a prominent hill or crest, even if the modern mind wanders elsewhere.

Historical Context:

Cock Law has been part of the Perthshire landscape for centuries, a natural marker for shepherds, farmers and travellers movin through the glens. Hills like this were used for bearings long before maps were common, their shapes recognisable from miles away.

The surrounding land has been worked for generations, with families tendin fields, livestock and woodland. Old tracks pass near the hill, used by drovers movin cattle towards markets and by folk crossin between settlements.

By the 19th century, Cock Law appeared on ordnance maps exactly as it stands today, its name printed plainly without a hint of embarrassment. It was a practical description of a natural feature, shaped by geology and weather rather than cheeky intent.

Today, the hill remains a favourite among walkers, photographers and anyone who enjoys a good laugh at a map.

Points of Interest:

If yer find yersel passin drop in fer tea and gassin:

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

• Birnam Hill - A fine 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 peaceful wildlife reserve known for its ospreys and quiet lochside paths.

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

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 dreamin 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:

Cock Law is a perfect example of Scotland’s knack for mixin natural beauty with a name that makes folk smile before they even arrive. A quiet, striking hill shaped by land and time, standin proud in the Perthshire countryside.

It’s a reminder that the landscape has a sense of humour, even when it’s not tryin.

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

because the map o these isles is basically a treasure hunt for folk who enjoy a guid chuckle.

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