I’m sorry, but EWE is on its own! Rescuers will NOT save Britain’s “loneliest sheep” which was stranded on a clifftop beach in the Scottish Highlands for two years because the animal is not in danger and has “ample pasture”.
- The Scottish SPCA is refusing to save 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 it appears there is no end in sight to its solitary life after animal welfare officials said no rescue operation would be launched to bring it back to the herd.
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 took the same trip again and noticed the sheep was still trapped on the small stretch of beach.
Ms Turner has since contacted a number of organizations to organize a rescue. However, she said the Scottish SPCA would not attempt to retrieve the sheep as it was 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 will continue to monitor their welfare as weather permits.
SSPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “The sheep has plenty of pasture in the area but we have not been able to determine who owns it. “We will continue to carry out further checks as the weather permits.”
A local boatman who has seen the sheep regularly over the past two years said: “There are several caves in this area and it is believed that they find shelter in at least one of them.” That would explain how it survives has.
“It’s amazing that it made it despite any weather and in this exposed location.”
The sheep are not of the same breed as the local farmers’ sheep. It is thought that it may have been part of a herd temporarily staying in nearby pastures.
Ms Turner said: “The landowner has made several attempts to get to her in recent years but has had to abandon rescue attempts for various reasons, mainly due to the dangerous landscape.”
“The discovery of this case has caused him great concern as he fears that random people will show up and try to be the hero and get hurt in the process.”
The circled sheep looks over in hope of rescue, showing off its impressive long fur at the top
A kayaker passes the rocky shore where a sheep is stranded
Since Ms. Turner recently rediscovered the sheep and asked for help, her attempt to save the sheep has been completely unsuccessful.
She said: “I contacted a mountain rescue team who were very sympathetic but they can’t do anything unless an emergency service calls me. “I also contacted the SSPCA.”
She continued: “I walked along the top of the cliffs and spotted the bay from above. “It is very steep and difficult to access because of gorse, bracken and fences.
“The shore is flat and easy to access.” What we need is a half-height inflatable boat that you can fit in and for at least one of my farmer friends to come along with a dog and catch it.
“I’ve had sheep myself, so I think it’s possible, and that’s what they do. “She deserves to spend a few good years with other sheep.”