The Orkney Image Library
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These are the Swona cattle. As you can see there are several bulls, when I was there on the day the photo was taken one old fellow was away out at the tarf, which is the furthest you can get from the main herd he was old and battle scard, so he seemed to have taken himself away to live out his twilight years in solitude .
Some nice looking bulls but I dont think anyone would like to take them to the Perth bull sales!!.
View Large VersionPicture added on 03 November 2008
When was the last time you were on Swona? Do the Annal's still own it? I am related to the Allan's & Halcro's that once lived there. Perhaps I am also related to you?
Added by Stephen Budge on 15 February 2009
Hello Steven. I doubt you will be a relative of mine as our father came from Caithness to work at Lyness in 1937 when the tanks were being built.
You say that you have Allan blood- Gordon Robertson who lived in Longhope was married to Anna Allan and her family came from Swona. A son lives in Newcastle in Ireland His name is Norland Robertson.
As to the ownership of Swona, yes it belongs to the Annals and I have not been ashore there for a few years now.
The Rosie family were the last to live there until about the mid seventies, now it is left to the cattle and wild life.
You say that you have Allan blood- Gordon Robertson who lived in Longhope was married to Anna Allan and her family came from Swona. A son lives in Newcastle in Ireland His name is Norland Robertson.
As to the ownership of Swona, yes it belongs to the Annals and I have not been ashore there for a few years now.
The Rosie family were the last to live there until about the mid seventies, now it is left to the cattle and wild life.
Added by John Budge on 19 February 2009
Hi John, My great-grandfather was John Cogle Budge, who came out to Canada with his wife, Eliza Peebles Allan Budge in the 1880's and settled with their children (eventually) on the north shore of Lake Huron at Walford, Ontario. My grandfather bore some of the family names: William Halcro Allan Budge. If it were not for the trip my parents & I made to Orkney in August of 1981 and meeting with Sandy Annal, I would never have understood those connections at all. Do you know Belle Hicks at the farm at Grahamston? We stayed with her. If you see her, tell her I remember her fondly... Thanks, Stephen
Added by Stephen Budge on 20 February 2009
Steven I'm afraid you will not be connected tae us but am sure there is an Orkney link. There are Budges in Hoy who will be of your descent.
It might be usefull to contact the Orkney Family History Society as they might be able to help you.
I think in the first instance contact the Orkney Library, hope this is of some help.
It might be usefull to contact the Orkney Family History Society as they might be able to help you.
I think in the first instance contact the Orkney Library, hope this is of some help.
Added by John Budge on 23 February 2009
To Stephen Budge, Hi if you are related To Belle you must be a cousin to me, I also visited her, last year, our family is from Swona. Kind regards Anthony Allan
New Zealand.
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New Zealand.
Added by Anthony Allan on 08 March 2009
Papa Westray
