Fiona, dubbed as “Britain’s Loneliest Sheep”, has finally found companionship, thanks to the daring rescue orchestrated by a group of compassionate farmers. The saga began nearly three years ago when kayakers discovered Fiona, a notably shaggy sheep, stranded on a beach in the Scottish Highlands.
The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) attempted a rescue in Cromarty Firth, but the treacherous combination of a steep slope and rocky terrain made it an “incredibly complex” mission.
Fiona’s plight caught the attention of five determined farmers, who felt that she had been alone for far too long. Armed with ropes and a sack, the farmers, led by Cammy Wilson, a sheep shearer from Ayrshire, embarked on a mission to free Fiona from her isolated predicament.
Wilson, inspired by a news broadcast about Fiona, organized the rescue, bringing together Graeme Parker, Als Couzens, Ally Williamson, and James Parker.
Navigating the challenging terrain, the farmers were worried about Fiona’s potential stress during the ascent, but to their surprise, she remained calm, nibbling on grass as she was carefully hauled up the slope. Wilson humorously remarked: “The only difference between us being heroes and idiots is a slip of the foot”.
Following a thorough checkup by the SSPCA, Fiona was relocated to her new home at Dalscone Farm. Despite carrying three years’ worth of wool, Fiona displayed remarkable composure during the shearing process, leaving Wilson astonished.
Fiona’s fleece, a substantial amount, is set to be transformed by Wooldale Wool into something extraordinary, with the intention of being raffled off for charity.
Fiona, seemingly unfazed by the newfound attention, appears unaffected by her solitary past.
Her calm demeanor and resilience have left an indelible mark on those involved in her heartwarming rescue.
Watch as Wilson and another rescuer share their experiences of Fiona’s liberation in their own words.
https://youtu.be/41iZWwKutzE