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Sunday, April 27, 2025

Discover Scotland’s Place-Name Secrets: the SPNS AGM & Spring Conference 2025 in Paisley

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 If you're fascinated by the hidden histories and meanings behind Scotland’s landscapes, then mark your calendar for Saturday, 3 May 2025!

The Scottish Place-Name Society (SPNS) is hosting its AGM and Spring Conference at the Wynd Centre in Paisley, and it promises a rich programme packed with insights into place-name research, history, and culture.

What to Expect at the SPNS Spring Conference 2025

The day kicks off at 10:30 AM with the Society’s Annual General Meeting, an important moment for members to engage with the direction and future activities of SPNS. Following a short coffee break, the real journey through Scotland’s place-names begins:

  • Denis Rixson will open with a deep dive into interesting Renfrewshire place-names, revealing stories hidden in local landscapes.

  • Peter McNiven will explore how place-names can date settlement and peat clearance in the Carse of Stirling - a perfect blend of linguistics and environmental history.

  • After lunch, Carole Hough takes us further south into Berwickshire and beyond, focusing on Old English influences in Border place-names.

  • Iain Mac an Tàilleir will present on the Gaelic orthography preserved in the OS name books, shedding light on Highland and Lowland border counties.

  • Michael Ansell will unravel the case of Machrikil and Kilkerran — a fascinating story of saintly misinterpretation.

  • Maggie Scott brings the conference into the present day with a talk on real and fictional place-names in 21st-century literature.

The conference wraps up around 4:30 PM, after a full day of mind-opening discussions, fresh research, and the chance to network with fellow enthusiasts.


Why You Shouldn't Miss It

  • 📚 Unique Expertise: Hear from Scotland’s leading researchers in onomastics and linguistics.

  • 🏰 Local Focus: Special attention to Renfrewshire, Berwickshire, and Stirling — offering new perspectives even for locals!

  • 🗣️ Engaging Topics: From ancient Gaelic orthography to modern literature, there’s a wide spectrum of stories.

  • 👥 Networking: Meet others who are passionate about Scotland’s history, language, and landscape.

  • Friendly Atmosphere: With two coffee breaks and a lunch hour, there’s plenty of time for informal chats and book browsing.


Save the Date: 📅 3 May 2025
📍 The Wynd Centre, 6 School Wynd, Paisley, PA1 2DB

Learn more and prepare for an unforgettable day at the SPNS official website.

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