Place Name

Cock Rig, Edinburgh, Scotland

Where the roosters would Walk 500 Miles🎵 in single File!

Introduction:

Cock Rig is one of thae names that makes ye stop mid‑sentence and wonder what on earth the mapmaker wis thinkin. Nestled on the outskirts of Edinburgh, it has a title that has caused more raised eyebrows than a dodgy pub quiz answer.

Folk have long speculated about its origins. Some say the locals had a fondness for poultry, others claim it wis the result of a drunken wager between farmers who thought the name would never stick. There is even a tale about a proud farmer whose champion rooster strutted along the ridge like it owned the place.

Whatever the truth, Cock Rig is a name that demands attention, a grin and maybe a wee shake of the heid.

Toponymy:

Let’s take a closer look at this name.

Cock – This word brings tae mind a barnyard bird, but historically it referred tae a male fowl or even a spirited creature. In older usage, it could also hint at a bold or lively feature in the landscape. Whether it nods tae a rooster or a bit of local character, it certainly adds colour.

Rig – In Scots, rig means a ridge or a stretch of high ground. It is a common word in hill names across the Lothians, usually describin a long, narrow rise.

Pit twa thegither and ye get a name that sounds like a parade ground for roosters, or at the very least a ridge wi a sense of humour.

Historical Context:

The origins of Cock Rig are as foggy as a winter mornin in the Pentlands. Some say the name dates back tae the 1300s, when farmers gathered on the ridge tae show off their best poultry. Others claim it wis a meetin point for local lads who fancied a bit of feathered sport, long before such things were frowned upon.

By the 1700s, the name appears on estate maps, always spelled the same way, always raisin a smile. The ridge wis used for grazin, shepherdin and the occasional bit of mischief, and the name became part of the local vocabulary.

Victorian walkers wrote about Cock Rig in their journals, often wi a wink, remarkin on how the Scots seemed tae enjoy a cheeky place name. Through the centuries, the ridge has remained a quiet, windswept spot, but its name continues tae entertain anyone who stumbles across it.

Points of Interest:

If ye are in the area, hae a keek at:

• North Esk Reservoir - A peaceful stretch of water perfect for strolls, picnics and birdwatchin.

• Penicuik House - A grand historic estate wi woodland walks and atmospheric ruins.

• Dalkeith Country Park - A wide, leafy park full of trails, wildlife and open space.

• Roslin Chapel - A world‑famous chapel steeped in carvings, legends and mystery.

• The Old Mill Restaurant - A cosy spot for hearty Scottish food after a day on the hills.

Notable Figures:

Famous folk associated wi Cock Rig or the Edinburgh area include:

• Sir Walter Scott - The novelist who drew inspiration fae the landscapes around Edinburgh.

• Robert Burns - Scotland’s bard, who loved the rural life and its quirks.

• David Hume - The philosopher whose ideas shaped modern thought.

• Alexander Graham Bell - The inventor who spent his early years in Edinburgh.

• J. K. Rowling - The author whose Edinburgh roots helped shape her magical worlds.

Conclusion:

So next time ye wander up tae Cock Rig, tak a moment tae enjoy the views, the fresh air and the name that refuses tae behave. It is a place that proves geography can be as daft as it is beautiful.

And if ye are hungry for mair names that make ye laugh, groan or question the sanity of our ancestors, hae a keek at www.strangeplacenames.com – where the map is full of mischief and the stories are even better.

FACEBOOK - strangeplacenames

INSTAGRAM - strangeplacenames_2024