There is a new four-legged star at the heart of The Inverness Castle Experience and his name is Cuillin.
Chosen from more than 180 imaginative entries by primary pupils across the Highlands, Cuillin was named by Lucy, a Primary 5 pupil at Muirtown Primary School in Inverness.
Her thoughtful nomination stood out for its heartfelt charm and strong Highland connections.
“I think you should name him Cuillin because Cuillin is a really cute name,” Lucy wrote.
“It is different, a good Scottish name.
“Plus, Flora MacDonald helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to Skye and the Cuillins are famous hills on Skye.”
The name is a perfect fit.
Cuillin is a nod to the rugged beauty of the Cuillin mountains on the Isle of Skye, where Flora famously helped the Prince flee.
In Gaelic, the word for puppy is cuilean, pronounced almost the same, making it a sweet linguistic match for Flora’s loyal dog.
Lucy’s entry did not stop at just a name.
She also penned a lovely acrostic poem, giving the judges a touching picture of Flora’s faithful companion:
Cuillin is the cutest dog
Ultimate friend and cuddliest dog
Intelligent and smart
Loving and friendly
Loyal and trustworthy
Ideal name of Flora’s pup
Never leaving her side
Councillor Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness City and Area, praised the entry for its depth and spirit.
“Cuillin is more than just a name,” he said.
“It is a symbol of loyalty, culture and the unique spirit of the Highlands.”
The Inverness Castle Experience is being transformed into a major cultural attraction, telling stories of the Highlands through new and imaginative eyes.
Michael Golding, Chair of High Life Highland, said Lucy’s idea captured exactly what the project aims to do.
“Young people like Lucy bring the Highlands to life in ways that are fresh, joyful and full of meaning,” he said.
“Their voices are essential in helping everyone feel part of our shared heritage.”
The Inverness Castle redevelopment is part of the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, a long-term investment of up to £315 million from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the University of the Highlands and Islands.
When the Castle Experience opens later this year, Cuillin will take his place beside Flora, not just as a cuddly character, but as a true Highland icon.
