Place Name

Laid, Sutherland, Scotland

Where the folks get laid while the tea’s being made!

Introduction:

Tucked into the rugged beauty of Sutherland, Laid is one of those names that makes folk pause, grin and wonder if someone was having a wee joke when they wrote it on the map. It sounds like the title of a cheeky postcard or the punchline of a Highland yarn told after a dram too many. Yet behind the playful name lies a landscape of sweeping hills, calm lochs and a pace of life so gentle it feels like time itself has lain down for a rest.

Visitors often imagine the name came from a lazy afternoon, a sleepy crofter or a sheep that refused tae move. The truth is likely far more ordinary, but the name has taken on a life of its own, adding humour tae a place already rich in natural beauty.

Whether the name came from old Scots, local tradition or a moment of inspired nonsense, Laid has embraced its identity as one of the Highlands’ most delightfully named spots.

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Laid – Possibly from an old Scots word meaning to lay down or lie flat, fitting for a landscape of gentle slopes and quiet restfulness.

Sutherland – Meaning southern land, a name given by Norse settlers viewing it from Orkney, even though it sits near the top of mainland Scotland.

Together they form Laid, a name that feels both literal and mischievous, perfectly suited tae Highland humour.

Historical Context:

The origins of Laid are wrapped in the same mist that rolls across Loch Eriboll on a cool morning. Some say the name was a simple mapping choice, perhaps tied tae the shape of the land or the way the settlement lies along the loch. Others enjoy the tale of a weary cartographer who, after a long day and a nip of whisky, scribbled the name without much thought.

Local folklore adds its own colour, suggesting the name reflects the laid‑back nature of the area, where sheep wander freely, the wind sings through the heather and life moves at a pace that would make city folk jealous.

Whatever the truth, Laid has become a name that sparks curiosity and laughter, drawing visitors who come for the scenery and stay for the stories.

Points of Interest:

When in the area dinnae drive on, pop in tae one o these:

• Loch Shin – A vast and scenic loch perfect for quiet walks and picnics.

• Falls of Shin – A dramatic waterfall where salmon leap upstream in season.

• Sutherland Heritage Museum – A look into the region’s history, culture and folklore.

• Lairg – A friendly village with shops, cafés and Highland hospitality.

• The Crask Inn – A remote and iconic pub offering warmth, food and a guid blether.

Notable Figures:

Folk wi a affinity tae the region:

• James Macpherson – Poet and collector of Highland lore.

• Robbie Coltrane – Actor with strong Highland connections.

• Sir John Sinclair – Agricultural reformer who shaped rural Scotland.

• Marie Stopes – Author and campaigner who spent time in the region.

• Sir Walter Scott – Writer whose works celebrated Highland landscapes.

Conclusion:

Laid is a place where humour meets Highland tranquillity, where a simple name carries charm, curiosity and a wee bit of cheek. It is a reminder that Scottish geography often refuses tae follow common sense, choosing instead tae delight, confuse and entertain in equal measure.

For more hilariously strange place names that will tickle your fancy, flap over tae www.strangeplacenames.com, where the UK and Ireland hoard more daft names than a Highland pub has stories.

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