Scottish Blackface Sheep Registry presents this firstly, as a tribute to the breed, secondly to stimulate a greater pride and interest in the breed, and thirdly to demonstrate its great potentialities to those who may not have come in contact with it. There are many areas in this country that have conditions similar to those in Scotland and it is hoped that this will demonstrate the potentialities
of this breed in those areas. The Scottish Blackface breed as we know it today, is the most numerous breed in the British Isles, it is found where conditions are hard. The history of the breed is lost in the midsts of the past, but there are references to sheep which were probably the forerunners of the Scottish Blackface sheep of today. The monastery records of the twelfth century speak of the dun or blackface breed of sheep. The monks used this sheep’s wool for their clothes and also exported large amounts to Europe. The breed has been described as a fierce and hardy look and that description still applies today. For this is a breed which can come through most winters with little or no help. These sheep can stand up to the worst snow storms on the open hills with only minimum of hay and shelter to help them survive the blast, and still produce a lamb crop and wool clip. They recover very quickly after a bad winter as they have great courage which keeps them foraging for the best spring growth available. Almost nothing can tame their wild spirit, and it is this above all which makes them good hill sheep. The versatility of this is well demonstrated by the wide range of conditions under which they are kept. No other hill breed excels the Scottish Blackface in this ranging ability, and it is unequalled among hill sheep in combining this character with yield of wool. Their adaptability also extends to the breeds suitability for a wide range of rough herbage. This breed is known for its ability to survive where no other breed can. On marginal ground they can’t be beat.
