Lewis, Loch Swordale
Dun (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Lewis, Loch Swordale
Classification Dun (Period Unassigned)
Alternative Name(s) Dun Swordale
Canmore ID 77955
Site Number NB53SW 13
NGR NB 5020 3118
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/77955
- Council Western Isles
- Parish Stornoway
- Former Region Western Isles Islands Area
- Former District Western Isles
- Former County Ross And Cromarty
NB53SW 13 5020 3118
A low stony oval mound, c22m by 16m, and 0.7m high. At present it projects into Loch Swordale from its northern shore. However, the water level in the loch seems to have dropped at least since the early 19th century, its waters at various times serving the Garrabost mill and a sheep wash. An earlier shoreline is clearly visible beyond the existing one, suggesting that the site was originally an island dun. Further stony traces at the NE end of the mound would be compatible with a short causeway. Although the mound is packed with stone rubble in contrast to its surrounding area, no structural evidence is visible.
Three early 19th century copies of a lost 1807-9 estate map of Lewis by James Chapman all mark a 'Dun' at this site, but it was not picked up on the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition (1846-53) or subsequently, and there seems to be no local knowledge of the dun.
C M Cunningham 1992.
