sgurr

Sgurr is a Scottish Gaelic toponym used in the names of mountains and hills. In Gaelic, sgurr denotes a sharp, rocky summit or peak, and the term is widely used to describe rugged mountain crests across Scotland.

The word sgurr forms part of many mountain names, appearing as a prefix or suffix in the Highlands and Islands. It is particularly common in the Northwest Highlands and on the Isle of Skye, where it is found on peaks within the Cuillin and in other Gaelic-speaking regions such as Assynt and Sutherland. The accompanying descriptors often highlight features of the summit, such as colour or form (for example, Dearg meaning red).

Notable examples with the element include Sgurr Alasdair, the highest peak in Skye’s Cuillin; Sgurr Dearg, a ridge peak on the Cuillin known for the Inaccessible Pinnacle; and Sgurr nan Gillean, a central Cuillin massif. These names reflect both the landscape preference for sharp, rocky summits and the descriptive nature of Gaelic mountain naming.

Geographical and cultural significance: Sgurr as a naming element underscores the prominent, jagged character of many Scottish summits. For climbers and hikers, encountering a name with sgurr often signals a steep, exposed route and a peak of notable summit quality. The term remains a core part of Gaelic toponymy and Scotland’s mountaineering heritage.