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What is a Boreray Sheep?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The Boreray Sheep is an extremely rare sheep which originated in the St. Kilda archipelago of Scotland. This sheep breed is considered one of the most endangered breeds in Great Britain, with less than 300 sheep surviving today. Conservationists of rare livestock breeds have established several herds on the British mainland, with the goal of supporting the breed so that it does not disappear entirely.

These sheep were bred essentially entirely by accident, representing a cross between several sheep breeds which were raised on the island of Boreray in the St. Kilda group. By the 19th century, the Boreray Sheep had emerged as a distinct breed, and as a breed very well suited to the island environment. When the islanders were evacuated in 1930 due to increasing hardship, many sheep were left behind, and as a result much of the living Boreray Sheep population is actually found in a feral condition on the islands.

The horns of Boreray Sheep are sometimes used to create shepherd's crooks.
The horns of Boreray Sheep are sometimes used to create shepherd's crooks.

Boreray Sheep are especially small, with several traits which make them more like primitive sheep than modern breeds. Their fleece is creamy white to brown, and the sheep have no wool on their faces and lower legs. Instead, a coat of dense brown to black hair is present, which explains the alternate names Hebridean Blackface and Boreray Blackface which are sometimes used to describe this sheep breed. The wool of the Boreray Sheep is also very coarse, most suitable for carpeting, rather than clothing.

Both the males and females have horns, with males having spiraling horns which can grow quite large. These horns are sometimes used in traditional crafts such as the manufacture of shepherd's crooks. The sheep also have short tails, which is somewhat unusual, and they shed their fleeces annually, which means that they do not have to be sheared for their wool. Given that many of the sheep are feral, this is definitely an advantage.

Although the Boreray Sheep is not exactly a desirable commercial breed of sheep, they are an interesting part of Scottish history, and this is the main reason people would like to see the breed preserved. The sheep are also extremely hardy, as they would have to be to survive in the harsh environment of their native islands. Potentially, Boreray Sheep could be crossed with more desirable breeds to bring their hardy characteristics to the match, generating a breed of sheep which could thrive in harsh climates and hostile environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Boreray Sheep?

The Boreray Sheep is a rare breed of domestic sheep originating from St Kilda, Scotland. It's one of the few remaining descendants of the now-extinct Scottish Tan Face sheep. These hardy animals are primarily raised for their wool and meat, and are known for their excellent foraging abilities on rough terrain.

What does a Boreray Sheep look like?

Boreray Sheep are small and have a distinctive appearance with a light tan face and legs, and a fleece that can vary from cream to dark brown or even black. They have a short, fluke-shaped tail and both rams and ewes can have horns, although the rams' horns are much larger and more spiraled.

How rare are Boreray Sheep?

According to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Boreray Sheep are classified as critically endangered. With fewer than 500 registered breeding females in the UK, they are one of Britain's rarest sheep breeds. Conservation efforts are ongoing to preserve this unique genetic resource.

What is the habitat of Boreray Sheep?

Originally, Boreray Sheep thrived on the harsh, windswept islands of St Kilda. They are well-adapted to sparse vegetation and rocky landscapes. Today, they are kept in various environments but still require open spaces and are often found on conservation grazing projects due to their ability to thrive in marginal conditions.

What is the wool quality of Boreray Sheep?

Boreray Sheep produce a coarse, double-layered fleece that is not typically sought after for fine garments. However, their wool is valued for its durability and is often used in carpet-making and for traditional crafts. The fleece is hand-sheared once a year and can weigh around 1.5 kilograms.

Are Boreray Sheep good for small farms?

Boreray Sheep can be an excellent choice for small farms, especially those focused on heritage breeds or conservation grazing. They are efficient foragers, have a low impact on the land, and require minimal supplementary feeding. Their manageable size and hardiness also make them suitable for less experienced shepherds.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • The horns of Boreray Sheep are sometimes used to create shepherd's crooks.
      By: chiarafornasari
      The horns of Boreray Sheep are sometimes used to create shepherd's crooks.