Monument record 1877 - LOCH SWORDALE, LEWIS

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.

Chapman, James / Gibbs, Alexander, 1807-09, Plan of [the] Island of Lewis (Cartographic materials). SWE41337.

C M Cunningham, 1992a, Discovery and Excavation, Scotland, 82 (Bibliographic reference). SWE25393.