Loch Sween

A historical perspective, drawn from the Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland: A Survey of Scottish Topography, Statistical, Biographical and Historical, edited by Francis H. Groome and originally published in parts by Thomas C. Jack, Grange Publishing Works, Edinburgh between 1882 and 1885.

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Swin, Loch, an inlet of the sea, on the coast of Argyllshire, opposite the island of Jura, 9½ miles long, and from 5 furlongs to 2 miles broad. It runs up north-north-eastward, in a line slightly divergent from that of the coast, so as to enclose a long and very slender peninsula; and it flings out several long, narrow arms, in lines nearly parallel to its own direction, so as to peninsulate various belts of hill-ground on its coasts. At its entrance lies a cluster of islets, on one of which are well-preserved remains of an ancient chapel and vaulted cell, with an elegant and curiously sculptured sarcophagus. A series of abrupt and lofty hills encompasses the loch; and they terminate in rocky and deeply indented shores, and, over much of their declivity, are richly wooded. The scenery is striking and full of character. On the E shore, 2 miles from the entrance, stand the fine ruins of Castle-Swin.

An accompanying 19th C. Ordnance Survey map is available, or use the map tab to the right of this page.

Note: This text has been made available using a process of scanning and optical character recognition. Despite manual checking, some typographical errors may remain. Please remember this description dates from the 1880s; names may have changed, administrative divisions will certainly be different and there are known to be occasional errors of fact in the original text, which we have not corrected because we wish to maintain its integrity. This information is provided subject to our standard disclaimer

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