swona
The 92 hectares which make up the Orkney island of Swona lie in the southern approaches to Scapa Flow, west of South Ronaldsay.
Swona history goes back a long way as the presence of a prehistoric chambered cairn, early christian burial grounds and viking remains shows. By the 19th century the Swona islanders main occupation was line-fishing for cod. This meager income was supplemented on occasions by piloting ships through the treacherous waters of the Pentland Firth.
Crofting was only a marginal existence and by 1932 one a single family remained on the island. The last inhabitant remaining by 1974 was a man called Jim Rosie. Jim was a bachelor and when he developed Parkinsons he had no choice but to leave the island to be cared for. Since Jim's departure the houses have fallen into disrepair and left discarded farm machinery rusts away amongst the nettles.
Throughout history Swona has been the scene of many shipping disasters. Around the island the tides can be deceptive and can carry a boat on to the northern skerries with accelerating speed. By the time the danger is recognised it's too late.
The human inhabitants may have left in 1974 but these days Swona is still home to some living creatures...namely a small herd of feral cattle. Descendants of the herd of Aberdeen Angus and Brown Shorthorns abandoned in 1974 the cattle survive on grass and seaweed. During the winter the cattle seek shelter in the derelict buildings and in the spring the young bulls fight for dominance of the herd. Such herds of feral cattle are extremely rare and this herd is now studied closely by scientists. The herd is now recognised as a separate breed.
Crofting was only a marginal existence and by 1932 one a single family remained on the island. The last inhabitant remaining by 1974 was a man called Jim Rosie. Jim was a bachelor and when he developed Parkinsons he had no choice but to leave the island to be cared for. Since Jim's departure the houses have fallen into disrepair and left discarded farm machinery rusts away amongst the nettles.
Throughout history Swona has been the scene of many shipping disasters. Around the island the tides can be deceptive and can carry a boat on to the northern skerries with accelerating speed. By the time the danger is recognised it's too late.
The human inhabitants may have left in 1974 but these days Swona is still home to some living creatures...namely a small herd of feral cattle. Descendants of the herd of Aberdeen Angus and Brown Shorthorns abandoned in 1974 the cattle survive on grass and seaweed. During the winter the cattle seek shelter in the derelict buildings and in the spring the young bulls fight for dominance of the herd. Such herds of feral cattle are extremely rare and this herd is now studied closely by scientists. The herd is now recognised as a separate breed.
Books. DVD's and Videos
Links
Swona Images - Swona and Pentland Firth section from the always excellent Charles Tait photo collection.
Orkney Image Library - Excellent site contains a small selection of high quality pictures of Swona.
South Ronaldsay & Burray Census (1821) - Fascinating insight into a time lost with this superb on line reproduction of the 1821 census of South Ronaldsay, Burray, Swona and the Pentland Skerries.
Orkney Image Library - Excellent site contains a small selection of high quality pictures of Swona.
South Ronaldsay & Burray Census (1821) - Fascinating insight into a time lost with this superb on line reproduction of the 1821 census of South Ronaldsay, Burray, Swona and the Pentland Skerries.