Soay Sheep: Scotland’s Ancient Breed
Welcome to one of Scotland’s best-kept natural secrets — the Soay sheep. This is a primitive and wild breed that has survived for thousands of years on the remote islands of St. Kilda. With their rugged appearance and untamed behaviour, these sheep offer a rare glimpse into a time before modern farming.
These sheep aren’t just a genetic curiosity. They’re also a living piece of history and a unique highlight for eco-tourists exploring Scotland’s natural heritage.
Native to St Kilda
Although native to St. Kilda, Soay sheep have also been introduced to parts of Moray, a region in northeast Scotland known for its natural beauty, whisky trails, and eco-conscious land stewardship.
Moreover, here in Moray, some conservation estates and smallholdings have adopted Soay sheep for their ability to naturally manage rough, overgrown landscapes. This reflects a growing interest in rewilding and low-impact agriculture.
Our mini flock of Soay sheep were a spur of the moment lock-down purchase. In Spring 2020, a friend was looking to reduce his large flock of Soay’s. We thought it would be nice to buy a few to help keep the grass under control in the Walled Garden. Despite saying we’d take 4, our pal came round with 8 and the rest is history.
Nonetheless they are the ideal breed for us. They are a semi-feral, heritage breed and need very little human intervention. They are hardy, self-shear and rarely suffer from foot issues (unlike the vast majority of sheep). After 5 years, we can hardly claim to have tamed them, but they do come closer when they know it’s feeding time!
They lived in the Walled Garden until our campsite plans began in 2024, when they were relocated to the ‘Big Field’. Despite this move they have settled in quite happily. Want to see Soay sheep in Moray? Have a walk through the ‘Big Field’ beside Duffus House. Be warned, they are very independent and may not want to chat!
Why Scientists (and Eco-Tourists) Love These Sheep
Soay sheep have been the subject of one of the world’s longest-running wildlife studies. Since the 1950s, researchers on Hirta (St. Kilda’s main island) have studied how these sheep survive without human help. Their story offers fascinating insights into evolution, natural selection, and the impact of climate on wildlife.
Eco-tourists with an interest in biology, sustainability, or climate science will find these sheep a captivating subject. One that combines history, nature, and cutting-edge ecological research.
Plan Your Eco-Visit
Come and stay on Duffus Estate where you can walk through the Estate to see our little flock of these marvellous sheep:
Why Soay Sheep Matter
In a world of overbred livestock and disappearing biodiversity, Soay sheep represent something rare. They are a true link to our ecological and agricultural past. However, for eco-travellers, their story is more than a photo op — it’s an invitation to reconnect with the land, its history, and a sustainable future.
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