Place Name

Shank Burn, Perthshire, Scotland

A wee ribbon o water wi a name sharp enough tae mind itself!

Introduction:

Shank Burn! A name that rolls off the tongue like a hearty Scottish accent after a few drams of whisky. This delightful little waterway in Perthshire has a name that sounds like a bad joke waiting to happen.

One might imagine the origins of this name involving a group of locals who had too much time on their hands and a penchant for wordplay. Perhaps it started as a simple descriptor: “Look at that burn over there, it’s a bit shank-y!” And thus, a legend was born. Or maybe it was named after an unfortunate sheep that took a tumble - who knows? The possibilities are as endless as the Scottish moors!

But fear not, dear reader! We shall delve into the murky waters of toponymy, history, and the quirky charms of Shank Burn, all while keeping our wits about us. So, grab your wellies and let’s splash into the depths of this delightful Scottish locale!

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Shank - Frae Scots and Old English roots meanin a leg, a shank or a long narrow strip, often used tae describe a ridge, slope or stretched-out bit o land. In place names, it usually hints at something lean, elongated or taperin, like a hillside or a narrow run o ground.

Burn - The Scots word for a stream or small river, used across the country for everything frae tricklin hill waters tae lively wee torrents after a storm.

Put the two thegither and Shank Burn likely means a long, narrow stretch o water runnin through a tapered bit o land, a name that fits the burn’s slim, tidy shape as it threads its way through Perthshire.

Historical Context:

Shank Burn isnae the sort o place that shouts its history fae the rooftops, but it’s been part o the rural rhythm here for centuries. Burns like this were once lifelines for farms, crofts and livestock, providin water for fields, mills and thirsty beasts on warm days. Ye can still see the old field boundaries and stane dykes that hint at how folk shaped the land tae suit their needs.

In the auld days, a burn was as much a landmark as a road, guid for guidin travellers, markin property lines and occasionally sparkin the odd neighbourly dispute when the water shifted course. Shank Burn would’ve seen its fair share o such moments, though it keeps its secrets well.

The wildlife here has always made guid use o the place. Deer come doon tae drink at dusk, herons stand frozen like statues waitin for a daft fish tae wander by, and the burn itself carries the stories o storms, droughts and quiet summers without ever sayin a word.

Points of Interest:

If ye’re passin by, these spots are worth a wee wander:

• The Lower Meadows – A peaceful stretch where the burn slows and widens, perfect for watchin birds flit aboot.

• Old Stane Dyke – A weathered boundary wall that hints at centuries o farm work and shifting land use.

• The Alder Bank – A shady run lined wi alder trees that dip their roots into the water like they’re takin a drink.

• The Shank Ford – A shallow crossin once used by farm carts and drovers movin beasts between fields.

• The Willow Bend – A gentle curve in the burn where willows trail their branches in the flow.

Notable Figures:

Folk wi an affinity wi the area:

• James Duff – A 19th-century farmer whose diaries mention the burn as a boundary for his grazing land.

• Elspeth McLaren – A local herbalist who gathered plants along the burn’s banks for her remedies.

• Tommy Reid – A gamekeeper known for trackin deer and keepin the local wildlife in balance.

• Margaret Gow – A schoolteacher who led nature walks along the burn, teachin bairns tae read the land.

• Alistair “Shankie” Brown – A fisherman nicknamed for his fondness for the burn’s quiet pools.

Conclusion:

Shank Burn is one o those quiet Perthshire places that rewards the folk who take the time tae slow doon and listen. It’s a burn that disnae try tae impress, yet somehow leaves ye feelin lighter for havin walked beside it.

The land, the water and the stillness all work thegither tae remind ye that beauty often hides in the smallest corners.

For more strange and wonderful place names, wander over to www.strangeplacenames.com   where the UK & Ireland hoard lots o wee gems o place names that just may send you round the bend.

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