Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SCAITH, n. A light type of fishing boat used on the Banffshire coast in the middle of the 19th c. (see quots.) (n.Sc. 1906 H. W. Smyth Mast and Sail (1929) 105). Also in dim. form scathie (Bnff.2 1930).Sc. 1950 P. Anson Sc. Fisherfolk 104:
These “scaiths” — as they were sometimes called — sailed fast, and stood up well to the wind. Five men were the normal crew.Sc. 1957 E. W. White Fishing-Boats 10:
Washington's Report on Scotch Fishing Boats of 1849 refers to a type peculiar to part of the Banffshire coast — and known locally as a “Scaith” — in which the fore and main lug-sails were “rigged with poles to act as bowlines”.
