Papa, Scotland facts for kids

This is a list of places in Scotland that have names like Papa or similar. These names often come from the Papar, who were early Christian monks from a time called the Early Historic Period. Sometimes, the names are also linked to other priests who lived later.

Exploring Scotland's "Priest Islands"

Have you ever wondered why some places in Scotland have names like "Papa" or "Pabbay"? These names are a special clue to Scotland's past! They tell us about early Christian monks called the Papar. These monks were important figures in Scotland's history. They helped spread Christianity long ago.

What Does "Papa" Mean?

The word "Papa" in these place names usually means "priest" or "father." It comes from the Old Norse language. The Papar were a group of monks who lived in Scotland and the North Atlantic islands during the Early Historic Period. This was a time between about 500 AD and 1000 AD. They were often among the first people to settle on remote islands. This is why many islands carry their name.

Islands of Orkney

The Orkney Islands are a group of islands off the north coast of Scotland. Several places here are named after the Papar.

• Papa Stronsay: This is a small island near Stronsay.
• Papa Westray: Also known as "Papay," this island is famous for its history.
• Holm of Papay: A "holm" is a small, low island. This one is close to Papa Westray.

A writer named John of Fordun wrote about these islands in the 1300s. He mentioned a "third Papey," but no one knows exactly where this island was located.

Other Places in Orkney

It's not just islands that have these names. Some villages and areas on the main islands also do.

• Paplay: You can find a place called Paplay on South Ronaldsay.
• Paplay: Another Paplay is located in Holm, on the Mainland of Orkney.
• Papdale: This was an early name for Kirkwall, the capital of Orkney.

Some names, like Papleyhouse on Eday or Steevens of Papay on North Ronaldsay, might not be directly linked to the Papar. Their names might have different origins.

Islands of Shetland

The Shetland Islands are even further north than Orkney. They also have several places with "Papa" in their names.

• Papa, Shetland: This is one of the Scalloway Islands. It lies to the northwest of Burra.
  • West Head of Papa: This is a small island that is connected to Papa, Shetland, at low tide.
• Papa Little: This island is smaller than Papa Stour.
• Papa Stour: This is the largest of the "Papa" islands in Shetland. Its name means "Great Papa."
• Sound of Papa: This is a narrow stretch of water. It lies between Papa Stour and the Sandness peninsula.

Islands of the Hebrides

The Hebrides are islands off the west coast of Scotland. In Gaelic, the word for "priest island" is Pabaigh. This word sounds similar to "Papa." It is often spelled as "Pabay" or "Pabbay" in English. It's not always clear if these names refer to the very early Papar monks or to later priests who lived after the Vikings settled there.

• Pabay: This island is located off the larger island of Skye.
• Pabbay near Barra: This island is part of the Bishop's Isles.
• Pabbay near Harris: Another island with a similar name.
• Pabbay, South Uist: This location is found at the grid reference NF775195.