Boreray
The Boreray is a small primitive breed. They originated on the island of Boreray off the west coast of Scotland,
from a small flock of sheep left when inhabitants from neighbouring St Kilda were evacuated in 1930. A group of
6 were taken off the island in the early 1970s and although the numbers on the mainland have risen, the largest
population still remains as a feral flock on the island.
The face and leg colour is mainly black, grey or tan on a white background, often forming a collar round the neck.
The fleece is mainly light tan or cream, with a small proportion of sheep having grey or dark brown wool. It is
shed naturally in July.
Average mature ewes weigh 30kg and stand 55cm at the shoulder.
Both sexes are horned, the males being heavily spiralled.
The RBST Total Butler Fuels sponsored flock of Boreray sheep is kept at Temple Newsam.
Rare Breed Category - 1, CRITICAL
www.nationalsheep.org.uk
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