Ellwick or Elswick, a fine bay in the SW of Shapinshay island, Orkney. It opens towards Kirkwall-; is sheltered, across the entrance, by the green islet of Eller-Holm; has from 4 to 6 fathoms of water, over a bottom of hard clay covered with sand; is skirted, on the W side, by a fine beach, with abundance of excellent fresh water; forms almost as good a natural harbour as any in Orkney; and is overlooked by a pleasant modern village.

(F.H. Groome, Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland (1882-4); © 2004 Gazetteer for Scotland)