North Ronaldsay Sheep
North Ronaldsay Sheep are listed on the 2021–2022 Rare Breeds Survival Trust watch list. Stepping back in history – as the kelping industry dwindled and became uneconomical, a dry stane dyke was built encircling the island to keep the sheep out on the foreshore to protect the crofting land on the inside. The 12 mile dyke, measuring on average, 6 feet high, which is now Grade A listed by Historic Scotland, was completed in 1832.
Over time the flock evolved to live almost entirely on seaweed – they are one of few mammals to do this.
