Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
GUGA, n. Also goug, goog. The young of the gannet or solan goose, Sula bassana (w.Sc. (Heb.) 1897 H.A. Macpherson Wild-Fowling 207, goug). Gael.Hebr. 1884 Trans. Inv. Scient. Sc. III. 85:
100 full-grown fulmars, 50 googs.w.Sc. 1938 Times (30 Aug.) 6:
The young gannets are called Gugas. They are pickled, and eaten from August until December, when the cows are fed on those that are left over. They are considered excellent eating.w.Sc. 1939 Geograph. Mag. (Dec.) 76:
Each year the St Kildans made an expedition to Boreray at the time when the “gougs,” as the fat young are called, were most abundant.w.Sc. 1953 Scotsman (13 Aug.):
Eight Ness men who are spending 14 days on the uninhabited rocky islet of Sulisgeir, 30 miles north-west of the Butt of Lewis, killing and salting the young of the gannet known locally as the “guga.”
