Home / Animals

Britain’s “Loneliest Sheep” Stuck at Bottom of Cliff for Two Years Is Finally Rescued

By Madeleine Muzdakis on November 10, 2023

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BBC News (@bbcnews)

While was kayaking along the windswept shores of Sutherland—a highland Scottish county—and eyeing the beautiful shores, Jillian Turner spotted something unusual at the bottom of the tall cliffs. Roving beneath the rock was a sheep, wool coat vastly overgrown. It was totally alone, far away from its flock and trapped at the bottom of the cliff. Despite Turner's attempts to find a rescuer, the sheep—dubbed Fiona—remained isolated at the bottom of the cliff for two years. At last, Britain's loneliest sheep has now been rescued by a devoted motley crew of farmers in the rural area. Fiona is now shaved and comfortable, destined for a life of greater comfort.

Turner told The Guardian that the sheep followed her along the shore as she rowed, vocalizing a need for help. Human-priority rescue services were unable to act without authorization from proper channels, while the SSPCA (Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) denied the sheep was in danger. Thankfully, Cammy Wilson, a sheep shearer from Ayrshire and a BBC presenter, became aware of the problem. Joined by a team of farmers, the crew hauled Fiona up the steep cliffs using machinery. On the team was Ally Williamson, whom Wilson described as an expert in getting sheep out of similar situations on the Isle of Lewis, where apparently sheep do this all the time.

After retrieving Fiona, the next step was shearing the poor creature who was drowning in her own wool. Sheep need regular shearing or their wool becomes matted and bad for their health. Fiona currently resides at Dalscone Farm where she has been receiving much love and media attention. She and her rescuers have been praised for their fortitude. What is certain is that, surrounded by visitors to the farm and her fellow barnyard creatures, Fiona will not be lonely again.