- Sheep stranded on a remote Highland beach has her fleece sheared for the first time.
After being stranded on a remote beach in the Highlands for two years, she was in need of some pampering.
But now Fiona, nicknamed Britain’s loneliest sheep, has undergone a true transformation after being sheared for the first time since her dramatic rescue.
Last year, animal lovers across the country were shocked by the plight of the sheep, who were living completely isolated on a remote beach, stranded at the foot of a terrifying cliff face.
She was eventually rescued after a rescue team abseiled 240 metres down to the rocky stretch of coastline south of Balintore in Easter Ross, where the animal had lived for at least two years.
Now, eight months after the dramatic rescue mission, she has been shaved down to the skin.
Fiona when she was stranded on the shoreline in Easter Ross
Britain’s loneliest sheep had a huge, heavy fleece when she was rescued
Fiona is pictured being shaved by farmer Cammy Wilson
Sheep farmer Cammy Wilson, who led the team, sheared Fiona at her home on Dalscone Farm near Dumfries.
Although much of her wool was removed during her rescue to relieve her stress, this is the first time an electric clipper has been used to shave her down to the skin.
Last night, farmer Ben Best, who takes care of her, said: ‘Her new appearance has completely changed her. She is much more comfortable and pants less.’
‘Fiona has free rein on the farm, she doesn’t have a fixed run to stay in, she just does what she wants.’
“She’s remarkable and she’s been remarkable since day one. She’s taken everything in her stride.”
“It was her first experience with electric shaving and the clippers buzzed. She gave it one kick, but she was absolutely perfect and behaved impeccably.”
The shaving took place in front of hundreds of spectators, who watched with bated breath to see what her new look would be like.
On the farm itself, everyone who watched was offered a bunch of wool to take home as a souvenir.
Mr Best added: ‘That’s one of the biggest questions I get: “How’s Fiona?” She’s so well known, it was such a big story worldwide. She’s folklore now!’
Jillian Turner spotted the Fiona in 2021 during a trip from Balintore to Nigg with the East Sutherland Canoe and Kayak Club.
But last October she made the same trip again and found the sheep still stuck on the small stretch of beach.
Fiona without her huge coat
She said at the time that her fur was “huge and touched the ground at the back.”
In November, a team of five daredevils led by Mr Wilson scaled 800 feet (244 metres) down to the rocky shoreline and managed to hoist Fiona up the steep slope in a thrilling rescue using a winch on a truck parked at the top of the cliff, 650 feet (200 metres) of rope and a feed bag fashioned into a makeshift carry bag.
Veterinary inspectors confirmed the sheep was in good physical condition following the dramatic rescue operation.
Fiona later received a long-awaited grooming and was taken to Dalscone Farm animal park.
The rescue team decided to name the sheep after Princess Fiona, who was played by American star Cameron Diaz in the Shrek films.