S0AY SHEEP (SCOTTISH)

Soay sheep are a primitive breed of sheep (Ovis aries) descended from a population of feral sheep on the 250-acre island of Soay in the St. Kilda Archipelago, about 65 km from the Western Isles of Scotland. The sheep have short tails and naturally shed their wool in the spring and early summer.

 Ewes are polled, scurred or horned and rams are either horned or scurred. They are most commonly brown or tan with a white belly, white rump patch and/or white patch under the chin. Occasionally white markings on the face and/or body and legs occur. Rarely self-coloured black or tan individuals are seen.

The name of the island, 'Soay', is Old Norse, meaning 'Island of Sheep', suggesting an earlier arrival. They are much smaller than modern domesticated sheep but hardier. They are extraordinarily agile, and tend to take refuge amongst the cliffs when frightened.