SHAINT, isles, in the parish of Lochs, county of
Ross-and-Cromarty. These are three small isles of
the Hebrides, well known to mariners, lying in the
channel between the islands of Lewis and Skye, and in
the district of Lewis. One of them is called lUuiii
Moair, or St. Mary's Island; and together they are
sometimes designated the Holy Isles. On St. INIary's
was anciently a chapel, dedicated to the Virgin. Blackcattle
are pastured upon them all, and they are famous
for fattening sheep; as are also some small rocks in
their neighbourhood, which have fine grass upon their
summits. A family usually resides on the largest for
the purpose of tending the cattle.