Swona

   SWONA, or Swannay, an isle, in the parish of St. Mary, island of South Ronaldshay, South Isles of the county of Orkney; containing 54 inhabitants. This isle is about a mile in length and half a mile in breadth, lying on the west of the southern extremity of Ronaldshay, from which island it is separated by a branch of the Pentland Frith, through which vessels of any burthen may pass in safety. The isle is exposed on every side to the utmost rage of the Frith, and at each end of it are the dangerous whirlpools called the Wells of Swannay. The inhabitants are mostly pilots.