On Sun, 4 Apr 2004 01:00:09 +0100, Andy Sweet wrote: > could anyone tell me if there is an Arsdale in Orkney? and what (if > any) link there is with the one in Sweden? someone on another list > is wanting to know Answering late as usual but Arsdale is in the Mainland parish of Rendall. As to its connection with Sweden, there probably isn't one other than the toponymic element. Early records show the name as Airsdale which would imply the first element derives from the Old Norse eyrr - a gravel or sand bar (but often found referring to gravelly beaches). The second element translates roughly as valley. -- Sigurd Towrie Blackhall - Kirbister - Stromness - Orkney Email: sigurd@orkneyjar.com Heritage of Orkney: www.orkneyjar.com