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The truths they don't want you to read....

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Stornoway Street names

The Stornoway Trust, in the shape of the inestimable Mr Robson, have provided an excellent listing and explanation for all many of the street names of Stornoway (opens in Google docs).

We have over the years honoured many prominent citizens, some local worthies, and some significant global events; such as the reasoning for Assaye Place.

Rumblings reach me from the centre of Stornoway where Robertson Road (Chief Inspector of Schools) meets Ripley Place (Ripley in Canada, founded as Scottish settlement in mid 19th century by families from the Isle of Lewis) meets Leverhulme Drive (Lord Leverhulme (1851-1925) who bought Lewis in 1917).

The demolition of the Gibson Hostel site (former Rector of the Nicolson Institute) [named after the Nicolson brothers who were the principal benefactors] is to be the site of a major new social housing development.

I can't locate and plans or outline pictures at the moment, but would be grateful if someone can direct me to them.

I understand that there has been a long debate - for which read a huge argument - about what to call the site.  There are two choices available.  Which one would you choose?
Gibson Court
Moldova Court

That's right, you got it in one, we are going to name a street after a drowned dog.


Without going into full Borat mode, it is not probably the most attractive name for a social housing development, and in my view would be no better than Dole Drive or ......

I understand fully where the person pushing for the name is coming from, but the neighbours are up in arms, and I think he is completely wrong.

Complaints to be directed to your Councillor before the meetings next week.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

You'd doubtless wish to learn that Colchester (I think) in Essex still has a Stalin Road. I'd think that takes some beating.

Anonymous said...

Says a lot about you that you would associate "Social Housing" with "Dole".

Anonymous said...

As a mark of respect to the best prime minister Great Britain, and therefore the Outer Hebrides, had since Churchill, it would be both logical and commendable to name the development:

Thatcher Court

I'm sure this would be a popular choice, and would show the Hebrides to be enlightened in their acknowledgement of former great leaders.

Beeb Beeb said...

Talking of streets Angus I read in the Gerzett that they are fronting a campaign to name and shame (quite rightly) those who park irresponsibly in Stornoway.

Thats fine but is it to be a 6 day a week campaign?

One look at the streets of Stornoway between 10:30 and 12:30 on Sundays would; if for once the police did their duty properly on the sabbath, result in 50+ parking convictions each and every Sunday morning.

Can't quite see the noble newspaper exposing the faithful in its intended picture display.

Anonymous said...

Good ole'Charlie - his tenticles reach far and wide.
In the old Toon Cooncil days there was great "debate" between naming a street after either a Mrs Urquhart (Provost) and Mr Maclennan (Dean of Guild) The late Donald Stewart MP PC suggested as compromise - "Urquart Bullervard"

Anonymous said...

Moldova Court? Marvellous...sounds like another Cearns/Colditz in the making.

Anonymous said...

'Wind Farm View' has something of a ring to it.

Anonymous said...

what about "suck up to Charlie Street" Tony ?

Anonymous said...

If it has to be a 'court' how about 'Land Court' in recognition of that body which has spent many a long day throughout the Island sorting out boundaries. Or 'Arlington Court' for the Calbost hero? Or having honoured Cromwell is it not a shame that we have done nothing to honour Sir William Wallace? Or 'Doyle' court to acknowledge Pipe Major Donald Macleod's contribution to the world of the bagpipe music?

Anonymous said...

Molditz?

Anonymous said...

Leth-Botal Court

In honour of the number consumed when it was hostel

Anonymous said...

7.52 that made me laugh out loud. Hilarious

Anonymous said...

Why don't we have a competition where the public can nominate names?

Anonymous said...

Charlie has got this one wrong. Very wrong.

Anonymous said...

"Coouncil View Court"

Then it inculdes all in the White House

Anonymous said...

Leaving to one side the slight instance of lateral thinking regarding Moldova (which is a country, indeed named after a drowned dog), I think Gibson is the more appropriate name.

Pity you did not highlight the mess in Newton: Sraid Einicleit and Rathad Einicleit. Means the same, but one is Newton Street, and the other Einiclate Road.

Anonymous said...

There's an irony about having new streets and roads when, in a few years time, most people won't be able to afford to drive down them. What will the Outer Hebrides be like in, say, five years time if petrol prices double?

Anonymous said...

Do you not know the difference between a street and a road, 1.08?

Anonymous said...

What's wrong with Dead Dog Court? It sounds a perfectly acceptable name when compared to Stalin Court, Nelson Mandela Way etc. etc. :-)