Island at the Edge – the Sheep

It is always the sheep that draw me to explore a new place, or re-visit an old place. This time it’s the Isle of Skye and the croft Island at the Edge. Renewing an old acquaintance with people I had stayed with in their B&B on Colonsay, a tiny island about 100 miles from where I am now, but also in the Inner Hebrides. In the 5 years since that visit, they have relocated to the Isle of Skye, the northern most and largest island in the Inner Hebrides.

I am lucky enough to be staying on the croft in a caravan, which they first lived in while building their house here. They built their house as close to the water’s edge as they could so that, when the tide comes in, they could fish from their back door if they wanted to! Set on the shores of Loch Greshornish, a sea loch so it has tides, it is a very beautiful place.

On this croft they raise Hebridean and Black Cheviot Sheep, as well beginning to breed North Ronaldsay Sheep. They use the wool for a number of products, including yarn and bespoke knitwear.

The sheep are fantastic and the positioning of my caravan right by the pasture lets me make frequent trips out to visit them. The Hebrideans are a little smaller than the Cheviots and have horns. Here are some of the rams.

Look at the wool on this Hebridean ram!

It is, of course, recently after lambing time. I am not sure I can travel any other time of the year!

The Black Cheviot lambs are more muscled and stockier than the Hebrideans, who almost look delicate in comparison.

 

 

 

Sometimes they come and visit me!

The ewes and their lambs are just so photogenic in this setting. There is just something about the black and white, with the occasional grey, that is very appealing to watch.

 

Here’s a good view of the different coloring in some of the Black Cheviot ewes.

What a magical place!