From time to time, I wondered where did the "Gillies" name come from. Of course, we know how the Taylor, Smith and Baker families received their names. However, what did a "Gillies" family do 500 years ago? I have searched high and low - okay not really. I just came across for me one of the most hilarious things related to my family's name on the internet - here in India of all places.
So there I was minding my own business on the internet looking for potential things to do while in India when I stumbled across a website.
"JLR’s Bheemeshwari Fishing Camp is a perfect base for anglers in pursuit of the Mighty one. The fishing season here is during the months of November, December, January and February. Guests are provided with a local guide or ‘gillie’ for every two visitors. Gillies help anglers with their knowledge of the waters and are experienced fishermen themselves. They also are adept at using the coracle boats (native, circular boats made out of buffalo hide) and can move guests from place to place in the waters."
So there you have it. The Gillies Family are local fishing guides in India. I was curious to know if this was a local language or an english term. So my journey quickly turned to Webster's Online Dictionary:
Etymology: Scottish Gaelic gille & Irish giolla youth, gillie
1 : a male attendant on a Scottish Highland chief; broadly : ATTENDANT
2 chiefly Scottish & Irish : a fishing and hunting guide
3 : a shoe with a low top and decorative lacing
Nonetheless, before I leave, I must go and meet some of the local "Gillies" in India.
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