Scottish language and the Caithness accent
Wondering what our Scottish accents are like on the North Coast 500? Some find us difficult to understand! But don’t worry, we are really friendly here in Scotland! You will learn if you stay with us, that we Scots talk quickly! And we pronounce certain words differently, depending on where you are in Scotland. And, in some cases, we have completely different words and phrases! But don’t worry, our language is mostly the same as UK English. And we will be sure to talk slowly and help you out.
We have many different Scottish accents. For example, we Caithnessians up on the far north coast of the Scottish Highlands sound completely different to those down in the Scottish Borders. And also from Edinburgh… Here is one of our favourite Scottish bloggers, Forever Amber on her holidays on the North Coast of Scotland. Here accent is slightly differnt to ours, but her words are mostly the same.
So today, we wanted to share a few insights into our Caithness accent and dialect, to help you out when you stay with us at Ulbster Arms Hotel near Thurso. Rest assured, you’ll be singing your words after your Scottish holidays up north!
Our Caithness accent and our dialect
Our cosy wee Scottish hotel, the Ulbster Arms Hotel, is located in Halkirk by Thurso. Set in the beautiful Highland coastal region of Caithness our hotel is almost as far north as you get! And here you’ll hear plenty of Caithness accents when exploring the magic of the region. Some say we sing our words! So, listen out to friendly staff and to the locals around the area. In Scotland some accents are stronger than others, but up here we all have a similar Caithness sound.
So what does the Caithness accent sound like? Well, all Scottish Highlands accents are different. The Caithness accent is very distinctive. It’s a soft north Highland accent, influenced by the languages of Scottish Gaelic and Old Norse. You can hear a few examples of people speaking with a Caithness accent on the Scots Language Centre website. And here is a video from High Life Highland, explaining some of the different letter sounds and pronunciations that make our Caithness accent so unique …
Specific Caithness and Highlands language
Fancy a wee try your’sell? Try out our accent and read out the below Scots language with us. These are ideal Scots words and phrases for you to use and listen out for on your Highland adventures. These words are more unique to our hotel area of Thurso in Caithness.
Kaitness – Caithness
Thirsa – Thurso (town)
Gollach – person from Caithness
By-name – nickname
Chiel – man or boy
Dirdie – hardworking
Dowg – dog
Gluff – scare
Heels abeen – head over heels
Kittle – tickle or annoy
Peedie – small
Scorrie – seagull
Sneeter – laugh or giggle
Trachled – tired or overworked
Fit lek ‘e day? – How are you?
Far ye fae? – Where are you from?
Fit’s ‘e craic? – What’s happening?
Div ye mind? – Do you remember?
You can find more on Scots language in general on the Scots Language Centre Facebook page. We are rated as one of the best hotels in Thurso – being so close by to the town, yet far enough out to enjoy the natural beauty of the highlands. Our hotel is tucked in the far north of Scotland, close to John O’ Groats, and Wick. Thinking of coming on holiday to the North Coast 500? Here’s some of what you’ll enjoy…
We promise you’ll find out Scottish accents easy enough to understand… And we will always talk slower and help you out, Regardless, us Scots are said to be some of the friendliest about, so you’re sure to have a wonderful Highland holiday! Pick your hotel accommodation at the Ulbster Arms in Caithness today.