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The ballad spread across the Highlands in the 18th and 19th centuries, which accounts for its many versions and their different, staged locations. There is a Ben Gullipen 7km north east of Aberfoyle in the Trossachs (NH894176) and a Beinn Ghuilbin 8km north of Aviemore in the Cairngorms. It is thought that Beinn Tianavaig (NG512410), 4km south east of Portree, though it never changed its name permanently to Beinn Ghulbainn, provided yet another setting for the tale (Meek 1991). All three hills are certainly snout-shaped. The story has been sited in Glen Elg, Wester Ross and near Ben Loyal (NC578488 & ssss1) in Sutherland, where Diarmid’s Grave - Uaigh Dhiarmaid (NC583515) can be located. Its setting in Glen Shee is corroborated by a poem, written by Ailéin mac Ruaidhrí, probably in the early 16th century. This clear reference to the Gleann Siodh argues that Laoidh Dhiarmaid had its origin in Scotland rather than Ireland (Meek 1991).

Gleann Síodh an gleann so rém thaoibh

am binn faoidh éan is lon;