-- History --
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 meagre 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 Jims 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 seaweedd. During
the winter the cattle seek shelter in the derelict buildings and
in the spring the youn 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. |
