I thank you for your explanations. It is indeed a blow to the ear. However I have since discovered that a similar sounding word: a Whitterick is a ferret, a Whitrat (pronounced Whitrit) is a weasel and a Whittock or Whittuik is a swallow in Lalland Scots. I have learned quite a few Scots wurds over the weekend! Best Wishes, Jane in sunny Penicuik