Orkney Boreray

STRONSAY · ORKNEY · SCOTLAND

The Lost Flock

The Vikings, St Kilda and Beyond


An ancient breed, a remarkable history, and a rare bloodline whose story continues here in Orkney.

An Ancient Heritage

Orkney Boreray sheep originate from Boreray sheep, which descend from North Atlantic short-tailed sheep, originally brought to Europe by Neolithic farmers thousands of years ago.

Later, these sheep were considered important to the Vikings due to their double-coated fleece. The durable, highly waterproof wool was used to create sails for longships and clothing that could withstand the elements.

Before the Clearances of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, descendant Scottish Dunface, also known as Old Scottish Shortwool, sheep were essential in the Highlands of Scotland for clothing, meat and dairy.

These Scottish Dunface sheep reached the remote Hebridean islands of St Kilda, where a flock was left on Boreray Island.

During the nineteenth century, Hebridean Blackface rams were introduced to St Kilda. Boreray sheep are thought to be direct descendants of the now-extinct Scottish Dunface, with a likely infusion of Hebridean Blackface.

In August 1930, when the residents of St Kilda were evacuated, the sheep on Boreray Island were left behind.

They lived in isolation for more than forty years, until a small number were taken from the island in the 1970s. Breeding flocks were established, and the Boreray breed was registered with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST).

A Forgotten Bloodline

The Lost Flock

One flock, however, was not registered.

With the introduction of other St Kilda sheep from Boreray Island, this Lost Flock became genetically distinct from the rest.

In 2013, descendants of this flock were brought to Orkney, and in 2017 they were placed by the RBST on a separate register from all other Boreray sheep.

The Orkney Boreray Flock was formally established.

Through the Centuries

Orkney Boreray History

4000–3000 BC

Early Ancestors

Early ancestors of Orkney Boreray sheep, a North Atlantic short-tailed breed, brought into Europe by Neolithic farmers.

800–1000 AD

The Vikings

Vikings use the wool extensively. The double-coated, naturally water-resistant fleece makes excellent clothing and longship sail material.

Mid–Late 18th Century

Scottish Dunface

Before the Highland Clearances, Scottish Dunface sheep provide clothing and food. Driven out of the Highlands during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, they survive by the mid-nineteenth century only on remote islands such as St Kilda.

Early 19th Century

Hebridean Blackface

Hebridean Blackface rams are introduced to St Kilda. Boreray sheep descend from Scottish Dunface sheep, likely with an infusion of Hebridean Blackface. Crofters on St Kilda rear these sheep on the archipelago.

1930

St Kilda Evacuated

Residents are evacuated from Hirta. Livestock on Boreray Island is left behind, continuing to graze the rough pasture along sheer coastal cliffs and challenging terrain.

1970s

The Lost Flock

Boreray sheep are taken from the island, and registered breeding flocks established. One remote Highland flock remains unregistered, becoming known as the Lost Flock, later joined by a few other St Kilda sheep.

2013

Orkney Boreray

Most descendants of the Lost Flock are brought to Orkney. A breeding programme is established to increase their numbers, and the Orkney Boreray subgroup begins.

2017

Breeding and Expansion

RBST formally recognises Orkney Boreray as a completely separate line from other mainland sheep, possibly with unique DNA. A small breeding group moves from the main Settisgarth flock to Lochend Farm on Shapinsay.

2021

Hoy and Stronsay

Sheep from Settisgarth form new flocks on the Orkney islands of Hoy and Stronsay.

STRONSAY FORGE

From Flock to Forge

Here on Stronsay, we keep our own flock of Orkney Boreray sheep, playing a small part in preserving this exceptionally rare bloodline.

The flock also provides a direct connection between the animals we raise and the traditional crafts practised at Stronsay Forge.

Their wool will provide a natural material for our future wool products, while horn and bone can be worked into jewellery, buttons, knife handles and other handmade pieces.

In time, we also intend to make use of leather and hides from our own flock, and from others within the OB community.

It's a connection to the land, to the animals, and to the traditional use of natural materials that has been part of island life for generations.

From the land, through our hands, into something made to last.

DISCOVER ORKNEY BORERAY

Did You Know?

A Rare Breed

Orkney Boreray remain especially rare and were previously classified as critically endangered. Through breeding and expansion efforts, numbers are steadily rising. The original population figures recorded approximately 50 breeding Orkney Boreray ewes on Orkney, with over 500 Boreray ewes elsewhere in the UK.

Full of Character

Anyone who observes Orkney Boreray sheep will quickly discover they're small, endearingly feisty sheep, full of personality and energy.

Slow to Grow

As a primitive breed, Boreray sheep take around two to three years to reach maturity, and this is evident in Orkney Boreray too. Their slow growth adds a depth of flavour to Orkney Boreray mutton.

Double-Coated Fleece

Orkney Boreray sheep have a double-coated fleece, with a fine coat beneath the outer layer. They naturally roo, or shed their fleece, in springtime. This quality has been advantageous to societies over the centuries, including the Vikings.


An ancient bloodline.
A living heritage.
A future worth preserving.

STRONSAY FORGE · ORKNEY