Sheep

Sheep can be found at all the farms at Dunlossit, except Knocklearach.  Purebred Texels and Blackface are found at various places, with crossbred sheep on the lower ground.

Blackface sheep have white fleeces which can range from short and fine to strong and coarse. Usually they are horned with black, or black and white face and legs. Blackface sheep are probably one of the most popular breeds in Scotland due to their suitability to hill and mountain grazing.

Texel sheep tend to be hardy due to their harsh native environment,  thriving on poor pastures which makes this breed suitable for Scottish climates. They are also famed for their exceptional meaty carcase qualities. Texels have a thick-set neck and body and appear to be quite stout. 

Dunlossit Lamb is naturally reared and has a reputation for its sweet flavour and tenderness.

Lambing is a tough time for both the ewes and their lambs (not to mention the shepherds).  A high percentage of lambs can be lost due to bad weather.  As with the majority of sheep farmers on Islay, lambing takes place from as early as March to late April/early May.    

Click on the pictures below for a larger image.

Rondy at Keills Here we have Texel Sheep at Keills Farmstead. Rondy Fletcher has gathered up the ones which need to be dosed and then by hand he administers the dosing medicines. Although the sheep are checked every day, this is a perfect time for Rondy to examine his sheep more closely.	Show sheep This Texel ram has been dyed for showing at the local show. Texel sheep such as the ones you see here are hardy, thriving on poor pastures which makes this breed suitable for Scottish climates. They are also famed for their exceptional meaty carcase qualities.
Sheep on the run The Blackface sheep at Lossit, turned out onto the hill.	Sheep on the hill Blackface and Texel sheep at Lossit (picture by Johannes Kotzer)
Blackface sheep in winter The thick fleece is ideal for the winter weather (picture by Johannes Kotzer)	First lamb of the year This is one of the first lambs of 2008 on Dunlossit. We think she was a little premature judging by the lack of wool on her body. But the heat coming from the heat lamp and her mother should keep her warm during the next couple of weeks.
6 blackface sheep Six Blackface ladies all in a row.	Sheep through the fank After dosing, each sheep travels down the narrow sheep fank through a formalin solution to help prevent conditions such as foot rot.
Sheep Shearing It's the end of June 2008 and the clippers have arrived to begin clipping the wool from around 700 sheep.	The Gathering Delia is on hand to gather up all the fleeces and puts them into the packing machine.
Nicole and Fiona-ann Nicole and Fiona-Anne were helping out with the clipping but the lambs needed them more.	Men at Work! There were three clippers in total.

Click on the picture to see video footage of clippers in action.