Abstract This paper traces several changes in the pronunciation of unaccented final syllables in Scottish place names.It claims that place Course a pied - Homme - Vetements - Pantalon - Track names which are lexically opaque are more likely to reflect changes in pronunciation earlier than words the lexical meaning of which is well known.As a parallel, the loss of -l in words like ball, wall and fall is illustrated by the appearance of continuing usage of Fal- spellings in the name Falkirk (earlier Fawkirk).Even place name spellings tend to be delayed as reflexes of changes in pronunciation; they nev.ertheless are invaluable evidence 4 Casters for change.