corriecoire

Corriecoire is a Scottish Gaelic term often found in place names, particularly in the Highlands and Islands. It generally translates to "corrie of the sheep" or "sheep's corrie." A corrie, also known as a cirque or corrie loch in English, is a bowl-shaped hollow in the side of a mountain, typically formed by glacial erosion. These geological features often hold lochans (small lochs) or are simply depressions on the mountainside. Therefore, a corriecoire refers to a specific corrie that was historically associated with sheep, likely due to it being a grazing area or a place where sheep were kept.

The presence of "corriecoire" in a place name can indicate a landscape that was important for pastoral farming in the past. It highlights the historical relationship between the Scottish landscape and its agricultural use. Examples of places with this element in their name can be found across Scotland, contributing to the rich toponymy of the country. The term is a direct reflection of the Gaelic language's deep connection to the environment and the activities of its people. Understanding such terms provides insight into the historical human interaction with the natural world in Scotland.