The Woodie Brae, Tain

The Woodie Brae, Tain

ID: QZP40_CARD_1193 DESCRIPTION: The Woodie Brae near Tain. The town of Tain is built on a raised terrace which slopes down to a low sandy plain near the sea. On the ridge between the terrace and the plain is a small wooded area known locally as the Woodie Braes. The wood contains chestnut, fir, sycamore, lime and beech trees and the ground is covered with bluebells and primroses in spring. Located on the southern shores of the Dornoch Firth, Tain claims to be Scotland's oldest royal burgh. The origin of the name 'Tain' is uncertain but the town's Gaelic name 'Baile Dhubhthaich' indicates its links with Duthus or Duthac, an early medieval saint who was born there. According to tradition, Tain was granted its first trading privileges by Malcolm Canmore in 1066. Its privileges were later confirmed by James VI in 1587 and extended by Charles II in 1675. Tain's burgh status meant that its merchants were exempt from paying certain types of taxes and Tain flourished as a market town for the whole surrounding area. Today, Tain remains a thriving town with a population of around 4000. PLACENAME: Tain OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ROSS: Tain SOURCE: Highland Libraries COLLECTION: Highland Libraries' Postcard Collection Asset ID: 33116 KEYWORDS: