Soay Sheep Ovis aries

Soay are a breed of feral sheep from uninhabited Soay Island, the most distant in the Scottish Hebrides (Western Isles). They are a primitive breed related to early sheep such as the mouflon.

As a domestic breed, they are particularly hardy (resistant to cold, sure-footed). They are often allowed to continue a feral life.

They are usually dark brown with a white belly but can be black or blond. Rams have curled horns; ewes usually have smaller horns but some have none. Their wool sheds naturally at the end of winter and can be hand pulled rather than shorn.