The square at Corrour
The photographs courtesy of Stephen Newsom, Aberdour, were taken by his father Geoff Newsom while Head Forester at Corrour Forest. Geoff was transferred from Gisburn Forest NW (E) to Leanachan Forest, Fort William, in August 1966 and was responsible for the new planting operations then taking place largely around Loch Eilt and Callop next to Loch Shiel. Following the purchase of Corrour Estate by the Forestry Commission, Geoff took charge from January 1968 until December 1971, while still based at Torlundy, primarily organising and managing all the new planting operations as well those staff who had transferred from the Estate. In March 1972 Corrour was amalgamated with Strathmashie Forest. Geoff was then relocated to Wark Forest, and again to Jervaulx Forest (both NE England), and ended his forestry career in November 1983.
A view looking into the buildings forming part of Corrour Square. Keeper Richard MacKinnon stayed here for a period after leaving Lubnaclach the keeper’s isolated house. His wife moved to Fort William and Richard no doubt used the train but was commonly known to walk out from Corrour on a Friday night, following the rather difficult paths leading eventually down Glen Nevis, and then wend his way back to work by re-tracing his steps late on the Sunday! Tom Pigg and his wife also stayed here and the buildings would likely have included stables and or byre, deer larder and possibly kennels.
Recently seen Forestry Commission land area map from this period appears to indicate that Lubnaclach, Corrour Sqauare including a small area of land around it plus another small area further north on the edge of the Ossian Forest were excluded from the sale to the Forestry Commission. One possibility is that these areas were retained by the Maxwell family. Any information would be very welcome.
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Groups: Buildings in Forests, Forestry Areas