Braes of Rannoch facts for kids
Braes of Rannoch is a special place in Perthshire, Scotland. The word "Braes" means "slopes" in Scottish English, and in Gaelic, it's called Braigh Raithneach. It's known for being a hill where a small village, now empty, once stood, along with a church. Today, the church is a popular stop for tourists driving between Kinloch Rannoch and Rannoch Station.
Contents
What is Braes of Rannoch?
Braes of Rannoch is more than just a hill; it's a historic area. It used to be home to a small community. The village itself is now deserted, meaning no one lives there anymore. However, the old church still stands, reminding us of the people who once lived and worshipped there.
A Changing Name for the Hamlet
The small village at Braes of Rannoch has had a few different names over time.
- Georgetown: For a short period, it was called Georgetown. This name came from the "redcoat barracks" that were built there. These barracks were military buildings used by British soldiers during the Jacobite rising of 1745. This was a time when people in Scotland were fighting over who should be king.
- Bridge of Rannoch or Bridge of Gaur: Later, the village became known as Bridge of Rannoch or Bridge of Gaur. These names came from a bridge that crosses the River Gaur nearby.
The original barracks are gone now. However, a large house and a hunting lodge in the area are still named Rannoch Barracks in memory of them. The old house where the minister lived, called the Braes of Rannoch Manse, was even used as a hostel for people working in the forests by the 1970s.
The Churches of Braes of Rannoch
The Braes of Rannoch area has had three different churches built over the years. Each time a new church was built, the bell tower, called a bellcote, was moved to the new building.
- First Church (1776): The first church was connected to a famous poet and translator named Dugald Buchanan. He was known for translating parts of the Bible into Scottish Gaelic.
- Second Church (1855): A second church was built in 1855.
- Third Church (1907): The most recent church, built in 1907, was designed by a well-known architect from Glasgow, Peter MacGregor Chalmers. This church was also linked to Reverend A. E. Robertson, who was the president of the Scottish Mountaineering Society.
Braes of Rannoch in Song
Braes of Rannoch is even famous in music! The hill and the area are mentioned in a traditional Gaelic song called Bothan Àirigh am Bràigh Raithneach. This translates to "A shieling on the Braes of Rannoch." A shieling was a simple hut or shelter used by shepherds or farmers during the summer months when they took their animals to graze in the hills.
