Elrig

Elrig (Scottish Gaelic: An Eileirg, meaning the deer run) is a clachan in Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scotland. Located in the Machars peninsula, it is about 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Port William.

Elrig is the birthplace of author and naturalist Gavin Maxwell, who was born at the House of Elrig. His boyhood is recounted in The House of Elrig, published in 1965. The grounds of his family estate are open to the public, but the house is private with no public access.

Etymology

The town's name derives from the original Gaelic placename, An Eilreig. The Gaelic language arrived in Galloway in the 7th century and the language was still strong in Wigtownshire in the 18th century.^[1]

Ancient monuments

Elrig Loch crannog on the right

A standing stone, the Carlin Stone, can be found on The Derry, near to the head of Elrig Loch, which is also home to the remains of a crannog. The ruins of a mediaeval chapel can be found at Barhobble, which is near to the House of Elrig. None of the above are within Elrig itself, but are located relatively near to the settlement in Mochrum Parish. ^[2]

Politics

The regional council of Port William, Dumfries and Galloway represents Barrachan, Port William, Mochrum and Monreith as well as Elrig. 885 people live in the area.^[3] There are 18 counsellors that run the region and the council meets each month at the Talla MhicShuail in Port William. Elrig is in the 02 electoral district (Port William, Dumfries and Galloway) for the Comhairle na Roinne.^[4]

Transportation

There is no rail service, but there is bus service:

• 415 Newton Stewart - Machair.^[5]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Elrig.

• Loch Elrig Crannog at the Megalithic Portal

Coordinates: 54°47′45″N 4°36′42″W / 54.79583°N 4.61167°W / 54.79583; -4.61167