Soay sheep are a rare breed originating from the remote island of St. Kilda off the west coast of Scotland.
They resemble the primitive sheep of the Bronze Age and are believed to be the ancestors of the first domestic sheep. From a distance these heritage sheep are aloof, wary and graceful, resembling small antelope or deer. Their fleece may be blonde, fawn, shades of brown, or black. Most have light markings on the belly, rump, over the eyes and under the tail and jaw.
Soay sheep naturally shed their wool which can be plucked, rather than sheared, in the Spring or early Summer. The wool is extremely fine and fleeces have a soft inner coat with outer coarser hairs which can be removed before spinning. These lovely sheep are listed as at risk by the rare Breed Survival Trust.