Ewe asked us about sheep in Scotland

14 Dec

Over the last few months we’ve been asked some really interesting questions about sheep in Scotland so we thought we’d answer them here. I’m Anita, nice to meet you and this is my first WELAN blog post.

If you are anything like me and can’t help but go all doe-eyed around sheep, Scotland is a country you never have to look far to see one or two sheep. In fact, it would seem sheep outnumber Scotland’s human population by over a million according to National Records of Scotland and the Scottish Government’s statistics on agriculture.

Although not native to Scotland sheep have been in Scotland for over 6000 years. According to Gov.scot, the regions with the highest numbers of sheep are found in the Scottish Borders (1.16 million or 17% of the total). With the Blackface and Cheviot said to be two of the most common long-tailed breeds. And, did you know the sheep of North Ronaldsay are famous for their seaweed diet and the fact that they produce less methane than the average sheep or cow.

Here are some of the things we discovered to help answer your questions about Sheep in Scotland

Why are there sheep in Scotland?
What areas in Scotland have the most sheep?
What are the sheep in Scotland with black and white faces?
Is it true that sheep in Scotland eat seaweed?
Are there wild sheep in Scotland?
Do WELAN have their own sheep in Scotland?

1. Why are there sheep in Scotland?

Sheep in Scotland are non-native. They were introduced about 6,000 years ago and were amongst the first livestock animals to be domesticated. Initially it is thought that sheep in Scotland were reared primarily for meat, but archaeological evidence suggests that breeding sheep in Scotland specialisation may have started as far back as 4,000-5,000 years ago to produce additional products including milk and wool. Primitive breeds of sheep identified by genetic studies were based on their physical traits. Their characteristics included a moulting coat, the presence of horns in both females and males, darker coloured and coarser hair instead of the modern, whiter woolly fleece.

2. What areas in Scotland have the most sheep?

Scotland is often referred to in three areas – lowlands, Highlands and the outer islands. The lowlands are well-known for their lush woods and sweeping farmlands, the Highlands for their majestic Munros, moorland and vast lochs, and the islands for their memorable ocean views, sweeping beaches and coastlines. Where will you find the greatest concentrations of sheep? According to Gov.scot, the regions with the highest numbers of sheep are found in the Scottish Borders (1.16 million or 17% of the total), Dumfries and Galloway (1.06 million or 16%), the Highlands (880,000 or 13%), Grampian (652,000 or 10%) and finally Tayside (630,000 or 9%). Ready your camera and prepare to glimpse flocks grazing in picturesque pastures across these areas.

3. What are the sheep in Scotland with black and white faces?

In the Scottish Highlands, sheep rearing was introduced in the late 18th or the early 19th century by estate owners. Blackface and Cheviot are two of the most common long-tailed breeds of sheep in Scotland that you may spot. The Blackface are well documented to have spread around Scotland by 1800 and even have their own organisation, aptly named the Blackface Sheep Breeders Association who describes this sheep’s appearance as, “Horned, with black, or black and white face and legs”. Cheviot sheep have cream-coloured fleeces and if you are lucky enough to get close to them, look for wee smiles on their soft faces. This breed was originally associated with the high Border grounds and were reported to be in Caithness by around 1790. I read that Cheviot’s ancestors were kept by monks who were responsible for originating the Scottish Borders textile industry.

4. Is it true that sheep in Scotland eat seaweed?

For a truly unique sheep breed, look no further than the North Ronaldsay sheep which are located on the most northerly of the Orkney islands. These sheep are famous for their seaweed diet and the fact that they produce less methane than the average sheep or cow. In appearance, they are short-tailed and horned, sharing characteristics of a type found in Scandinavia. This breed is thought to have been brought to North Ronaldsay by the first settlers. Interestingly, there is a wall that dates from the 1830’s all around this island which is recognised as a monument by Historic Environment Scotland that keeps the sheep primarily confined to the shore, leading to their intriguing diet. Today, you can find a small mill that processes the fibres where visitors can buy wool from the island's rare breed of seaweed eating sheep.

5. Are there wild sheep in Scotland?

You may be asking yourself if there are any untamed sheep in Scotland. Indeed, there are. The Soay descended from feral sheep which are called the only living example of the small, primitive sheep which inhabited the British Isles in the Bronze Age and are believed to be the ancestors of the first domestic sheep. Their name is derived from the island of Soay off the coast of Scotland. The largest number of this breed are now living on an island called Hirta in the St. Kilda Archipelago. In 1932, St. Kilda was evacuated of its human occupants and then 107 Soay sheep were brought from the island of Soay and released to live there unmanaged. The Soay’s appearance is small framed, short tailed with strong legs. Their fleeces vary from blonde, fawn, shades of brown, or black and sheds naturally in the spring/summer. The fleece is considered remarkably fine, and is used for hand knitting yarns. The breed also lacks the flocking instinct of many breeds which is further evidence of their prehistoric origins.

6. Do WELAN have their own flock of sheep in Scotland?

Which brings me full circle to, in my opinion, the most beloved flock in all of Scotland! But I’m very very biased. Making their home on the Isle of Tiree, Jason and Yvonne’s four-legged family began with one orphan lamb rescued from slaughter and has grown into a treasured part of their little family. Their rescued lambs were bottle fed by hand, growing into the happiest of flocks, each with their own name and distinctive personality. If you would like to read more about their rescued sheep, visit here. Their sheep will live out their natural lives in their field, a sanctuary where they are loved, safe and well-cared for. These sheep will never be bred or sent off the island to be slaughtered because Jason and Yvonne feel they deserve to live out their natural lives just like you and me.

The couple began to think of sustainable and meaningful ways that would allow them to rescue more sheep. They were seeking a kinder way that their sheep could help to support themselves, in turn allowing them to take on more orphans and give them long and contented lives. That is when they had an idea that they could ethically make use of their wool to make woolly hats and that is how WELAN was born. If you are looking for a Woolly, check their long-lasting and beautifully handmade hats here. My own treasured beanie is a “Popcorn 2020 Limited Edition” made with 100% Tiree Wool and lots of love by his caretaker Yvonne.

Conclusion

The Scottish rural landscape is home to nearly seven million sheep spanning 15,000 farms and Crofts across the country. Today, there are many opportunities to spot these sweet, fleecy creatures. As I dug into the history of sheep in Scotland, I learned about their interesting origins and how monks acted as some of their first keepers. The Scottish Borders have over one million sheep accounting for about 17% of the total sheep in the country with Blackface and Cheviot as the two most commonly found breeds. I even discovered some unique seaweed munching and primitive sheep that roam that the shores and scale the cliffs of two remote Scottish islands. As an admirer of sheep and all animals, I found a well-loved flock located on the Isle of Tiree. What grew from a desire to rescue more orphaned lambs led Jason and Yvonne to create their WELAN woolly hat shop. The winter coats of their rescued sheep are gently removed each year to stop them overheating in the summer. They use the wool to make sustainable and eco-friendly hats, so that they can continue to keep their flock safe for their entirety of their joyful and natural lives. And the best of all, I’m now part of the team. Who would have thought?