Orkney consists of 70 islands and skerries (tiny rocky outlets), many uninhabited, separated by 10 miles of tidal races from mainland Scotland … which has historical connections stretching back 6,000 years.
The seas play an essential role in animal life on the island … so much so – that North Ronaldsay sheep exist on a diet of kelp (seaweed) for most of the year.
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| Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland; the Shetlands are the furthest group shown here |
The seas play an essential role in animal life on the island … so much so – that North Ronaldsay sheep exist on a diet of kelp (seaweed) for most of the year.
North Ronaldsay is the northernmost of the inhabited islands being mentioned in the Orkneyinga saga.
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| North Ronaldsay sheep on the seashore |
There is plenty of other wildlife ... but these native sheep are unique to this Orkney island. They have evolved to graze as the tide reveals the shore, ruminating at high water … their fresh water is limited to the few freshwater lakes and ponds along the seashore.
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| North Ronaldsay sheep enjoying the kelp |
Their wool is spun on the Scottish mainland … but the island now has its own small woollen mill. Their diet gives the meat a distinctive flavour …
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| Orkney Voles |
The Orkney Voles were introduced to the archipelago in Neolithic times … over 6,000 years ago … they are spread over the islands …
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| Orkney Cattle |
Orkney Cattle tend to be of a mixed type of various breeds – but due to the rich pastures are generous with their milk supplies and beef … supplying the islands, as well as being in demand by other distributors.
That is O for Opportune Voles, Orcadian Cattle Oak Smoked Beef and Kelp fed Orkney Sheep … from Aspects of British County Rare Breeds …
Counties with the letter O …
(note some Counties have been retired!, or amended over historical local government … but some I’ve included)
England: Oxfordshire
Northern Ireland: None
Scotland: Orkney
Wales: None
Hilary Melton-Butcher
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