The Highland Council yesterday dismissed reports that the name of Skye is to disappear this week to be replaced by its Gaelic name, Eilean a’ Cheò, reports the Herald. The statement came after the council received hundreds of telephone calls expressing concern at reports which claimed the new name, pronounced ‘ellan-uh-cheeyaw’, would be formally adopted when local authority elections are held on Thursday

A statement issued by the council yesterday said: ‘Eilean a’ Cheò is simply the name of the electoral division. Many places in the Highlands are known by their English and Gaelic names, such as Portree (Port Righ).’ The statement added: ‘Eilean a’ Cheò was recommended by Skye and Lochalsh councillors as the name for the new electoral division and approved by the full council in September 2005, to reflect the importance of Gaelic on Skye.

‘The council has also identified names for another 21 multi-member wards, which range from North West and Central Sutherland and Landward Caithness to Fort William and Ardnamurchan and Aird and Loch Ness.

‘There is no intention to change road signage or literature. The island will continue to be referred to as Skye. Skye will remain on the tourist map and we don’t envisage any problems for tourists who want to come to the area to sample its scenery, culture and heritage and perhaps find out more about Gaelic.’

Full article at http://www.theherald.co.uk/