Rare Hebridean sheep have been drafted in for a second year to help manage the dune grasslands at the northern tip of St Andrews’ West Sands.
The use of the sheep was a great success a year ago and was part of the ongoing environmental management of Outhead, which is proving beneficial to the area’s plant and wildlife.
They have replaced the need for annual grass cutting, which had become increasingly expensive and disruptive to wildflowers, ground-nesting birds, butterflies and insects.
The sheep, which originate in the Western Isles and are prized for their hardiness, fleece and tasty meat, belong to local farmer and former Scottish rugby international Rob Dewey.
He volunteered to graze his sheep at Outhead to help promote biodiversity and hopes to market their meat locally as Dune-raised West Sands Lamb.
Reared in the East Neuk of Fife just outside St Andrews, Lathockar Lamb is focused on producing grass-fed Hebridean meat with the highest of welfare standards in mind.
“The sheep have been a really positive step in the sustainable development of Outhead, so it is great to see them back again this year,” said Fife Coast and Countryside Trust ranger Ranald Strachan.
“They will graze the grasslands area until March, after which time the area will be left to rest over the winter for hibernating animals and the grass to grow again over the summer for breeding birds.
“As with last year, the public will still be able to enjoy the dunes with access around the pens erected by the St Andrews Links Trust.”
Dog owners are asked to keep their animals under close control near the pens.