The origins of the Scottish Blackface or Highland sheep have been lost in the mists of time.  Twelfth century monastery records indicate that  sheep similar to the Scottie were used to produce wool for the monk's  clothing and exported to Europe.  James IV of Scotland is known to have established a flock of 5,000 Scotties in 1503.  The Scottie is a distinctly different breed of sheep.  Developed to thrive under the most adverse of conditions, they have retained the characteristics which made them successful over 500 years ago.

     The wool is heavy and coarse, without crimp and can contain "kemp" or hair.  There are two lengths -the Lanark and the Perth.  This lustrous wool  is especially well suited for carpet, tapestry, mattress filling, fiber art and so on.  The finer quality wools are used in the   manufacture of the famous Harris Tweeds.

    Both sexes are horned with the rams displaying trophy style  headpieces.  The horn sheaths themselves are prized for the crafting of walking sticks and shepherds crooks.

    We have found the Scottish Blackface to be ideal for the low impact habitat reclamation and pasture improvement our farm required.  The coast range of Oregon has climatic conditions similar to their native Scotland: relentless rainstorms and bitter maritime winds - conditions under which most sheep would require substantial assistance.  Scotties, however thrive here.

The ewes are well known for their outstanding milking and mothering. Twins are the norm and triplets are not uncommon. Scottie mothers lamb with ease and their maternal instincts are without rival. Lambing is usually in Feb/Mar,  the  lambs are  left with the ewes and weaning occurs naturally. They are available at about three to four months of age.

    Scotties are one of the primary breeds in Great Britain, and beginning to make in-roads in the United States.  It has become popular with homesteaders, dog trialers and the small holder due to it's robust nature. 

     A truly hearty breed, the highland sheep is generally not bothered by hoof problems and has a great deal of parasite resistance.

     The Scottish Blackface consistently produces a lean, consumer size lamb on minimal  pasture.  The distinct, gourmet flavor is luring even the most reluctant to the dinner table.

    With our background in the dog world, we did in-depth research on sheep breeds before purchasing our foundation stock.  Since then, we have striven to produce a Scottie totally within the historical standards of the breed while increasing handling ease.

Living in the coastal mountains of  Oregon, and sharing our farm with a wide variety of wildlife, we decided to "hire" a guard llama to watch over our flock. We lovingly refer to him as "The Llaminator" - he is a llama with a mission.  As have other sheep folks, we have found ours to be appropriately protective and reasonable with visitors.

If you are looking for a breed to start out with, or need to improve your  flock's character, the Scottie just might be for you.
 
 
 

On August 4, 2001 we suffered a massive sheep kill by neighbors pet dogs.

To see what they did click here.  SHEPHERD'S WO

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