7286: Swordale Forest

Ordnance Survey, February 1850.

"A stunted old wood, consisting of birch and alder. Coille signifies wood or forest. The only natural wood in the Lews…on the southern side of Loch Luerbost between Tob Shuardail and Loch Coille Shuardail."

A visit to Luerbost and Swordale, John Munro Mackenzie Diary 1851

"Accompanied Sir James (Matheson) to Luerbost. Crossed the loch to Swordale which is rather a pretty place and where grows the only natural wood in the Lewis. Sir James talked of enclosing the wood."