Hallan

/ˈhæl.ən/ noun

Definition

In Scottish or Northern English dialect, the inner wall or partition of a cottage, particularly the wall behind which the cooking fire was situated.

Etymology

From Scots and Northern English, possibly from Old Norse or Germanic roots. The term refers to traditional domestic architecture and the central role of the hearth in Scottish highland homes.

Kelly Says

The hallan represents how architecture tells stories—in Scottish cottages, the wall behind the hallan kept the smoke and heat from the fire in the living area while separating the animals' side of the building!

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