The Scottish SPCA has acknowledged the existence of the sheep but hasn’t been able to determine its ownership.
A creature marooned on the precipice of a Scottish cliff for a span of two years has earned the moniker ‘Britain’s loneliest sheep.’ An initiative has been set in motion to reunite this ewe with a flock, initiated after kayakers first noticed the lone sheep along the east Highland coast of the Moray Firth in Scotland two years ago.
Back in 2021, the canoe group assumed the sheep would naturally find its way back to the fields, and no immediate action was taken. However, during a recent retracing of their journey, the canoe club was surprised to discover that the sheep was still in the same predicament.
The Scottish SPCA acknowledges the presence of the sheep but has been unable to determine its owner. Jill Turner, a resident from nearby Brora, recounted her observation to the Northern Times, describing the animal as appearing “defeated” during her encounter.
“While approaching the Cromarty Firth, about half a mile before our turn, we noticed a sheep on a shingle beach at the base of steep, rocky coastline,” she shared. “The sheep noticed us and called out as we progressed along the beach until reaching a point where she couldn’t continue. Eventually, she turned back, appearing defeated.”
Ms. Turner conveyed to the Northern Times, “As we approached, she vocalized and, once more, trailed the group along the shoreline, navigating from rock to rock and calling out the entire way.”
Expressing concern, she noted that the sheep’s fleece appeared “soaking wet” and overgrown. Describing the experience as “torture” for the flock animal, she observed that it seemed “desperate to make contact.”
The Northern Times reported that the sheep is not of the same breed as those owned by local farmers, suggesting it might have been part of a flock grazing nearby temporarily.
In a heartfelt plea, Ms. Turner passionately calls for the swift and immediate rescue of the stranded sheep, underscoring her commitment to providing a safe haven by offering to “home it” with a trusted farmer friend once it is rescued.
Speaking on behalf of the Scottish SPCA, Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn acknowledges the situation, stating, “The Scottish SPCA is actively monitoring the sheep stranded at the base of a cliff in the picturesque locale of Brora. Despite the ample grazing available in the area, the challenge lies in determining the rightful owner of the sheep. Our dedicated team remains committed to conducting thorough checks, ensuring the safety and well-being of the sheep, when weather conditions permit and it becomes feasible to do so.”
This unique circumstance has not only prompted local concern but has also sparked a collaborative effort to ensure the welfare and rescue of the sheep, highlighting the compassion and shared responsibility within the community.