Sunny Brae is a rural community located near the head of the East Branch of East River. It has been variously known as Pleasant Valley, Frasers Mills and Upper Settlement. The place name Sunny Brae is said to have been suggested in 1879 by W. L. Kennedy. “Brae” is a Scottish term meaning “hillside or slope.”
Watervale is a rural area located along the West River, south east of Lower Mount Thom and west of New Gairloch. The name of the place is considered to be chosen for descriptive reasons. William Cameron emigrated from Inverness-shire and settled here sometime around 1801. In 1877 a factory for manufacturing rakes, implements, and furniture was operated by Samuel Archibald & Company in the area.
New Lairg is a rural community located on the upper Middle River south of New Gairloch and west of Concord. The area was settled around 1802 by immigrants from Scotland. It is believed to be named after Lairg, a village in Sutherland (Scotland).
New Gairloch is located between the southern end of the West and Middle Rivers of Pictou. It was named after Gairloch, Inverness-shire, Scotland. The abundant resource of timber in the Canadian Maritimes attracted many settlement throughout the 19th century.
White Hill is a rural area is located west of the West Branch, East River. The site was granted to Neil McDonald, Andrew and John Marshall in 1792. John Marshall whose family came from Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland first settled the area.
Rocklin is a rural community located on the upper Middle River, south of Union Centre. A “lyn” is a term for waterfall and possibly the name was probably inspired by a prominent rocky waterfall.
Springville is a rural community located between Bridgeville and Churchville. Located along the East River, that was well known for its beautiful scenery, it was also know at the time for its abundant rich deposits of iron and lime.
Much like other parts of Pictou County, this area was settled mostly by immigrants from Scotland, seeking a better life as Scottish lairds abandoned most of their people following the battle of Culloden.
Websters Corner is a rural community located south east of Brookville and west of Blue Mountain.