Fife has Auchtermuchty, the south-west has Ecclefechan - the Glasgow equivalent is Crossmyloof.

In other words, how did these places come to have such curious names.

Crossmyloof, to people of a certain vintage, means only one thing - the ice rink.

It was the first indoor ice rink in Scotland and was closed in 1986 to make way for a supermarket.

But to get to the bottom of the Crossmyloof name you have to go to the local pub, never a bad thing in this blogger's opinion.

The Corona Bar in Pollokshaws Road is a landmark hostelry in the south side of Glasgow.

Sadly there is no need to go inside - its exterior contains all the information you need to know about the naming of Crossmyloof.

And your research will transport you centuries back in time, to the defeat of the forces of Mary Queen of Scots at the 1568 Battle of Langside, just along the road.

Above the entrance to the bar is carved a small plaster hand with a cross superimposed in the palm.

On a board on the pub wall it is explained that loof was the old Scots word for the palm of the hand.

It goes on to say: "...Mary Queen of Scots passed through the district shortly before the Battle of Langside, displayed her cross in the palm of her hand and declared that by the cross in her loof she would prevail over her enemies."

It is, not surprisingly, only one of several possibilities. Another story goes that Mary, having been warned that escape was impossible, said: "By the cross in my loof, I will be there to-night in spite of you traitors."

Yet another suggests a gypsy woman offered to cross Mary's palm (loof) with silver before the battle.

But many historians believe the name has nothing to do with Mary. They say the name is derived from the Gaelic Crois MoLiubha, or St Malieu's Cross.

So take your pick - I know which version I prefer.