LIKE David Miller (Letters, July 30) and others, I have been enjoying the letters about the mispronunciation of Scottish place-names. Another problem for English broadcasters is which syllable to stress, as there seems to be no standard rule – it just depends on custom and usage. Why KilMARnock rather than KILmarnock, for instance, or BearsDEN instead of just Bearsden? And of course Mulguy for Milngavie is beyond the rational understanding of any Sassenach, and when they complain it’s no use reminding them of such English places as Gloucester, Leicester or Worcester.
Less well known Scottish place names can also cause problems. Last week on the radio I heard a warning about a traffic accident at Balranock, and wasn’t sure whether this was actually at Balornock or Barlanark.
I believe that many years ago Broadcasting House in London employed a Scottish-born lady to coach newsreaders on the correct pronunciation of Scottish words and place-names. I am sure this was very useful, but to this day none of them have mastered the simple vocal skill of pronouncing “och”. We still hear about Pitlockry, Kirkintillock, and any number of Scottish locks. Och well, I suppose we will just have to put up with these Sassenach shortcomings.
Iain AD Mann,
7 Kelvin Court, Glasgow.
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