SWONA, or Swannay, an isle, in the parish of St-Mary,
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 Firth, through which vessels of any burthen
may pass in safety. The isle is exposed on every side
to the utmost rage of the Firth, and at the ends of it are
the dangerous whirlpools called the Wells of Swannay.
The inhabitants are mostly pilots.