Sorry, but EWE is on our own! Rescuers will NOT save Britain’s ‘loneliest sheep’, stranded on a cliff beach in the Scottish Highlands for two years, because the animal is not endangered and is ‘grazing adequately’
- Scottish SPCA refuses to rescue Scotland’s loneliest sheep because it is ‘not in danger’
It was dubbed ‘Scotland’s loneliest sheep’ after it was spotted living alone on a remote beach at the foot of a cliff.
But now there appears to be no end in sight to its lonely life, after animal welfare chiefs said no rescue operation would be launched to return it to the flock.
Jillian Turner first spotted the animal in 2021 during a trip from Balintore to Nigg with the East Sutherland Canoe and Kayak Club.
But recently she made the same trip again and noticed that the sheep was still stuck on the small stretch of beach.
Ms Turner has since contacted a number of organizations to try to arrange a rescue, but she said the Scottish SPCA would not attempt to retrieve the sheep as it is not in danger.
It was dubbed ‘Scotland’s loneliest sheep’ after it was spotted living alone on a remote beach at the foot of a cliff
The rugged coastline where the sheep have been stranded for more than two years
However, the organization said it would continue to monitor her welfare, weather permitting.
SSPCA Chief Inspector Mike Flynn said: “The sheep has ample grazing land in the area but we have not been able to identify who it belongs to. We will continue with further checks as weather permits.”
A local boat skipper – who has seen the sheep regularly over the past two years – said: ‘There are several caves in that area and it is believed to hide in at least one of them. That would explain how it survived.
“It’s amazing that it survived all the weather and in that exposed place.”
The sheep is not of the same breed as that of local farmers. It is thought to have been part of a herd temporarily on nearby grazing lands.
Mrs Turner said: ‘The landowner has made several attempts to reach her over the years but has had to abandon rescue attempts for various reasons, mainly due to the dangerous landscape.
“Bringing attention to this case is a big concern for him because he’s worried that people will randomly show up to be the hero and get hurt.”
The circled sheep looks around in hope of rescue and shows off its impressive long coat above
A kayaker passes the rocky coastline where a sheep is stranded
Since recently seeing the sheep again and asking for help, Mrs. Turner has failed in her attempts to save it.
She said: ‘I contacted a mountain rescue team who were very sympathetic but could take no action unless a cry from emergency services was given. I have also contacted the SSPCA.”
She continued: ‘I walked along the top of the cliffs and located the bay from above. It is very steep and difficult to access due to gorse, ferns and fencing.
‘The coast is shallow and easily accessible. What we need is a semi-ribbed inflatable that will fit in and at least one of my farm friends will go with a dog and capture her.
‘I’ve had sheep myself, so I think it’s possible, and so do they. She deserves to get a few good years together with other sheep.’