All the Kirknesses in Rousay belonged to one family which was associated with the farm of Quoyostray.  The earliest traceable member of it was John Kirkness who was born c1756.  In the 1861 census his age was given as 100 years.  He died in 1862.  Another four generations farmed Quoyostray after John, namely John Jr, Frederick, Mark and Frederick Jr.

Mark Kirkness born 1879
(Photo - Hilary Shearer)

Mattie Wards, wife of Mark Kirkness (left)
(Photo - Helen Gibson)

Mary Kirkness 1876-1894
sister of Mark above
From a portrait painted on silk
(Photo - Hilary Shearer)