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Roy’s ‘magnificent … sketch’ was stored away in a cupboard and never seen until its rediscovery in the early 19th century. Maps were state secrets. Yet in this seminal work lay the origins of OS, formally established in 1791. Their mapping of Scotland continued fitfully from 1819 and at various scales until its completion at the end of that century. In Ireland matters were conducted more swiftly, motivated by the aim of maximising tax revenue.

As part of their work in Ireland, the OS established rules for collecting, recording and mapping place-names. These were subsequently applied to the Scottish Highlands. The following extract comes from ‘Instructions for the Interior Mapping of Ireland’ drafted by Thomas Colby, OS Superintendent in 1825.

The names of each place is to be inserted as it is commonly spelt, in the first column of the name book: and the various modes of spelling it used in the books, writings ... are to be inserted in the second column, with the authority placed in the third column …