Local celebrities

These Dutch Spotted Sheep appeared in the local paper this week. This flock came from Belgium to Orkney at the beginning of the year.

The breed, which is relatively new in the UK, originated around 1800 in Holland. They are happy living on marshy, wet ground and were used to graze the dykes. They played an important role in transforming peat bog into land strong enough to carry cows. I love their appearance and it seems they are also praised for their good temperament. Exchanging a few words with them at the roadside I'd have to agree.

For more photos, head to the Dutch Spotted Sale in Carlisle next August.