Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BOTHAN, n. An unlicensed drinking house or hut of dubious legality, esp. in the Island of Lewis, a kind of shebeen (see quot.) (Hebr. 1975). [′bɔθən; Gael. ′bɔhɑn]w.Sc. 1963 Press & Jnl. (1 April):
Altogether, there are about ten bothans in Ness and there are two at Shawbost. Some of them came into being about thirty years ago. The only licensed premises in Lewis are at Stornoway. The bothans—or she-beens—are normally situated on common pasture away from other houses in the village. No money is supposed to be transacted for the refreshments as each member is supposed to be a share-holder of the beer and whisky of the premises.
[Gael. bothan, id., a hut, shack.]
