Schiehallion
mountain in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, UK
Schiehallion (; Scottish Gaelic: Sìth Chailleann, IPA: [ʃiˈxaʎən̪ˠ]) is a prominent cone-shaped mountain in the Breadalbane region of the Scottish Highlands, in the county of Perthshire. It rises to 1,083 metres (3,553 ft) and is classed as a Munro. Schiehallion has a rich flora, interesting folklore and archaeology, and a unique place in scientific history for an 18th-century experiment in "weighing the Earth". It is near the centre of mainland Scotland. The mountain's popularity amongst walkers led to erosion on its footpath and extensive repairs were undertaken in 2001.
Name
The name comes from the Gaelic Sìth Chailleann, meaning "fairy hill of the Caledonians"; compare nearby Dunkeld (Gaelic Dùn Chailleann), whose name means "fort of the Caledonians". A Lowland name for the mountain, recorded in the 18th century, was "Maiden Pap".
Location
Schiehallion lies between Loch Tay, Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel, about 10 miles (16 kilometres) to the west-north-west of Aberfeldy in Perthshire. The mountain, with an elevation of 1,083 metres (3,553 ft), is isolated from other peaks and has an almost perfectly conical shape from the west. The view of the broad eastern flank attracts many visitors to the shores of Loch Tummel.
The public source identifies “Schiehallion” as mountain in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, UK. This brief keeps that definition visible, then builds a research path around Schiehallion, mountain and Perth.
Why this record matters
A short description can identify a subject without explaining its stakes. For “Schiehallion”, the useful work is to connect “mountain in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, UK” to the records capable of establishing context and consequence.
Place names and jurisdictional language are key evidence: both can reveal earlier catalogue descriptions and overlooked record series. The source revision retrieved here is dated Aug 16, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q948061. VIAF identifies the subject as 237049677. Authority coordinates are 56.667, -4.100. 2 of 2 selected statements include explicit references; 0 carry qualifiers and 0 use preferred rank. The first chronological checks are 2001.
A single description cannot reconcile every naming convention, rebuilding phase or administrative transfer associated with a place. The lead is largely declarative, so disagreement and counter-evidence require a deliberate search beyond the opening account. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Treat names, boundaries and functions as historically changeable. Maps, plans, inventories and administrative records can clarify what the place meant at different dates.
- Historic place names
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Contemporary maps, plans, listed-building records, estate papers and the responsible local or national archive.
Three-step research path
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Questions for further research
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This entry incorporates text from “Schiehallion” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.