Published: Tuesday, 19th September, 2006 16:11
What's ina name in West Linton
By David Knox
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WEST LINTON is the most English settlement in Scotland, according to new research.
Analysts used the voters’ register and determined where each family name originated from to compile the poll.
And of the hundreds of towns and villages across the country they found West Linton was the closest to England you could find north of the border.
But rather than take it as a slur on their national identity, villagers believe their poll-topping is a compliment.
Local councillor Neil Calvert, who arrived in West Linton 16 years ago from Hawick, told the Peeblesshire News: “North Tweeddale is one of the most attractive places in Scotland to live, and this survey backs that up.
“No wonder people from England want to come and stay in West Linton – who wouldn’t?
“It is an attractive village in close proximity to the English Border and also to Edinburgh. This is a tribute to West Linton.”
Consumer profile group Origins Info established the origins of almost 600,000 worldwide surnames to compile their polls.
The Hebridean Island of Barra was found to be the most Scottish with more than four out of five residents having Scots names.
West Linton was found to have almost as many English names as Scots.
Publican Issy Robson is one of many who have come over the border to make the Tweeddale village their home.
She told us: “We moved to West Linton 18 months ago, and really like living here.
“I don’t think it matters where you are from, everyone in the village gets on well.
“West Linton is a pretty little village – it’s not difficult to see why so many people have wanted to make it their home.”
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