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OrkneyBoreray

@orkneyboreray.bsky.social
2.8K followers 1.1K following 211 posts

Our Community farms rare Orkney Boreray sheep for mutton/products & saving the breed Book, The Lost Flock, @chelseagreen orkneyboreray.com ++welfare, nature #agroecology Orkney, Scotland

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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
It's MUTTON TIME! Macbeth's Orkney Boreray mutton page has just gone live - and there is still some mutton left to buy after the pre-orders. Along with the familiar whole and half carcass boxes they are repeating the Taster Boxes that proved so popular last time. www.macbeths.com/collections/...
Box of Orkney Boreray mutton joints
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
A special mid-summer treat from Macbeth's Butchers for lovers of Orkney Boreray mutton. All from the Lochend flock in Shapinsay who very much farm with nature www.macbeths.com/product-cate... A special taster box also available www.macbeths.com/product/bore...
Orkney Boreray ewes and ram on conservation grazingOrkney Boreray mutton wethers on the isle of Shapinsay in OrkneyA swallow flying over the heads of Orkney Boreray sheep in ShapinsayAn Orkney Boreray ewe in Shapinsay with her saltire marked lamb
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
It's here! For fans of Orkney Boreray Haggis and those curious about this ultimate Scottish treat for Burns Night head over to www.macbeths.com/product/bore... The care and skill of Macbeth's butchers creates a wonderful eating experience - Enjoy!
AI image of Orkney Boreray Haggis on heather moorland
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Soil Association Scotland @soilassocscot.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
🐑 Innovative, humane, and community-focused, the #TinyTrailerAbattoir is a game-changing initiative for small-scale and native-breed farming 🚜 Please support this fundraiser 👇 peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/... @thesoilassociation.bsky.social
peoplesfundraising.com
Fundraiser - The Tiny Trailer Abattoir: Humane, Local Slaughter for Orkney & Highlands
Fundraiser - Since Orkney lost its abattoir in 2018, and with local abattoirs continuing to close across the Highlands, crofters and farmers are being forced to transport sheep hundreds of miles for s...
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
Here at Burnside we have snow. Where it's not drifted it's about 10-15cm deep. All sheep checked now this morning & all coping well in these challenging conditions Wind can really take it out of sheep and this current north westerly is cruelly cold, even with all the woolly layers I was wearing.
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Bat🦇herine🦇 @katvanzan.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
Boosting to the knitting feed, bc all the folks there love sheep and their beautiful fleece. Please consider a donation for the welfare of the sheep and their shepherds. Happy knitting, my friends. 💕 🐑 🧶
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
Please help us give the highest welfare to our sheep for the whole of their lives with Tiny Trailer Abattoir Anything you can give is much appreciated, as is sharing the link Many thanks to everyone who has already donated We really appreciate your support www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/...
peoplesfundraising.com
Fundraiser - The Tiny Trailer Abattoir: Humane, Local Slaughter for Orkney & Highlands
Fundraiser - Since Orkney lost its abattoir in 2018, and with local abattoirs continuing to close across the Highlands, crofters and farmers are being forced to transport sheep hundreds of miles for s...
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
Snow falling over the isle of Shapinsay, just visible in the distance under the snow clouds.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
V breezy in Orkney, ++snow forecast These windbreak hayracks provide fodder & shelter. Can be moved depending on wind direction Can be freestanding or against a fence & the sheep love them Please also remember the OB Co-op fundraiser & share it if you can www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/...
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Ruth Watson @ruthwatson.eurosky.social · 18/12/2025
The remarkable @orkneyboreray.bsky.social have developed a licensed on-farm abattoir, ideal for native breeds, significantly reducing stress on animals. #Smallholders #Crofters #Farmers Please support the fundraiser if you can.
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Ruth Watson @ruthwatson.eurosky.social · 18/12/2025
The remarkable @orkneyboreray.bsky.social have developed a licensed on-farm abattoir, ideal for native breeds, significantly reducing stress on animals. #Smallholders #Crofters #Farmers Please support the fundraiser if you can. www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/...
peoplesfundraising.com
Fundraiser - The Tiny Trailer Abattoir: Humane, Local Slaughter for Orkney & Highlands
Fundraiser - Since Orkney lost its abattoir in 2018, and with local abattoirs continuing to close across the Highlands, crofters and farmers are being forced to transport sheep hundreds of miles for s...
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
The Tiny Trailer Abattoir is under construction now! We are making exemplary sheep welfare possible with on-farm slaughter We've raised over half of the cost & are fundraising for rest Can you help us? Please can you share this link as widely as possible www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/...
Image of sheep on fundraising webpage
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
We have some exciting news about Orkney Boreray Salami. See below :-)
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Adam Markham @adammarkham.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
Tomorrow in Kirkwall! Including the official launch of Prof. Jane Downes & Colin Richards' book on Bronze Age burials. Looks like fun & bones. Happy birthday @uhiarchaeology.bsky.social ! 🎂 @thinkuhi.bsky.social 🏺
archaeologyorkney.com
All welcome to our tenth anniversary celebrations this Friday - Archaeology Orkney
We’re celebrating the tenth anniversary of the UHI Archaeology Institute in November and would be delighted if you could come along and join us.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
It's salami time! The 2025 Orkney Boreray salami is now available from Kirkness & Gorie in Kirkwall Made by Highland Charcuterie & Smoke House Ltd the Orkney Boreray mutton is subtly flavoured with Gorse Flowers & Bog Myrtle. Best before 5/1/26 so buy now for Christmas & Hogmanay celebrations
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
A blurry view through wet window & horizontal rain! Getting a bit breezy in Orkney. I opened up 1 side of the electric fence so the sheep could fully access the part of the field most sheltered from the current SE wind, but over weekend will be able to access the best shelter from forecast W wind.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
On a damp & breezy morning I see the sun, in its annual movement from north to south across the horizon, is now rising directly in the east. By mid winter it will be hidden from sight behind the hill to the south of the farm, never rising high enough to peek above the hill.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Another glorious day in Orkney with the sheep enjoying some visitors to the farm who came to meet the sheep and learn about their lives and history.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Waiting for the ferry to Scrabster taking sheep to abattoir. Hopefully last time we do this. Working hard on getting on-farm slaughter with Tiny Trailer Abattoir in 2026 for Orkney Boreray, North Ronaldsay & other sheep farms
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
Orkney Boreray mutton sheep enjoying the sun Look out for news about the Orkney Boreray mutton from Taste Tradition & the butchers and restaurants they'll be supplying. The sheep look in fantastic condition having enjoyed a wonderful life for over 2 years or more at Airy Farm in Stronsay
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Scottish Food Guide @scottishfoodguide.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
Latest #ScottishFoodGuide news scottishfoodguide.com/news/border-... #demijohn #scottishshellfish #buccleucharms #allantoninn #errington #wildhearth #mhor #hardiesmill_ethical_scotchbeef #cairnomohr #allanschilli @orkneyboreray.bsky.social #scotlandthebread #ScottishCheeseTrail #slowfood
scottishfoodguide.com
Border Union Show, Orkney Boreray & Real Bread - Scottish Food Guide
I’d heard so much about the Border Union Show however I confess to never having been, so when I was invited to run the Cookery Theatre, set up competitions and generally support the Food Hall, it was ...
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
While we're very busy at Burnside getting mutton sheep over from members of the Orkney Boreray Co-op Ltd on other isles in Orkney, and preparing for the big trip down to Dingwall early next week, we make time to give the ewes and lambs a welcome treat of Balfour willow to eat.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Orkney Boreray mutton is coming soon! www.macbeths.com will have it available to buy in early Sept. You can pre-order from them Limited quantities of this fabulous rare mutton, one of only 5 Slow Food Presidium products in whole of UK @slowfooduk.bsky.social ‪‪@wendybarriescot.bsky.social‬
Boreray sheep on moorBoreray sheep on Stronsay with rainbowOrkney Boreray mutton from Macbeths butchersOrkney Boreray sheep in field at Burnside
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
Reason why I've not been posting much recently now revealed Orkney Boreray Co-operative Ltd are working on bringing on-farm slaughter to Burnside, plus North Ronaldsay for 2026 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... Thx to BBC Radio Orkney for great coverage & Rob Flett for fantastic photos/video
bbc.co.uk
Orkney farmer plans trailer abattoir to end lengthy trips
An Orkney farmer is funding her own abattoir so her sheep no longer have to leave her farm for slaughter.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Some of the ewes and lambs at Burnside enjoying Orkney's sunshine.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
Simmer dim When the sun hangs suspended behind hills to the north illuminating the northern lands in a seemingly eternal twilight But those of us in the north reaches of Britain know the #SummerSolstice merely starts the relentless cycle of drifting down to overwhelming darkness
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
@northwards.bsky.socialMany thanks to northwardsltd.com for getting my @edinvalefarm.bsky.social Macbeths Butchers beef order to me in perfect chilled condition - superb @PastureForLife roast beef for Sunday lunch :-)
northwardsltd.com
Northwards
From large freight logistic solutions to small packages by courier, send it with Northwards REQUEST A QUOTE From the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland, across the Highlands and North East of Scotl...
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Skjold Alsted Søndergaard @skjoldsoendergaard.bsky.social · 10/05/2025
Glad to see our study making it on the cover of @jappliedecology.bsky.social. More results from this projects are on their way on the response of pollinator resources, pollinators and birds! #naturalgrazing #rewilding
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
1st lamb for a lovely ewe I bred who managed to nearly tear off one horn just before joining Balaclava flock Vet gave her plenty of local anaesthetic, safely removed horn & she travelled well to Westray and made an excellent recovery under Kim's experienced care Lamb has unusual tan colouring
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
For those in Orkney
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
News from Wester House Lambing season has finally started! S.Kayleigh, 1st to lamb this year. The first out wasn't a straightforward birth & needed assistance, & both were yellow, indicating the birth was stressful, and it was long. Fortunately, both lambs seem to be doing fine
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Tiny Neptune is now 3 days old. She's doing really well & Lisa is attentive & patient. They've now moved from a small area with shelter & lush grazing to the lambing fields Showing her size, Lisa & Neptune with Louise & Noah, 6 days older than Neptune. Both have father S.Atlas
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Just like that, lambing is over at Burnside. Lucy had her first lamb about 7.30 this evening, hiding behind the old hen house windbreak. All seems well. I'm behind on posting photos.....which I will catch up on..... but all fine and tiny little Neptune is doing really well
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Also seen at the 5am check this morning was Hannah with 1 of her twins. The 2nd followed very quickly - too quick to video! Here they both are a few minutes after that. Father of this pair is Atlas
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Experienced ewe Friddy, age 8, had her twins not long before my 5am check this morning. All looking good. She's passed her placenta and eaten it. The darker lamb is interesting since Friddy's fleece is such a light colour and has not darkened with age. The father is George who is a darker ram.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Calling Curlews at sunrise in Orkney
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Good to see recognition in The Guardian that the right density of sheep in the right places & managed in the right way is a key factor in increasing biodiversity www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
‘We don’t call them woolly maggots’: how wildlife campaigners put sheep at heart of rewilding plans
The Wildlife Trusts are in shock after acquiring 4,000 sheep in Rothbury estate deal as part of land restoration project
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
Marianna's little flock lives as part of the Burnside flock. Her ewe Kornelie had a lovely healthy lamb about an hour ago. Here the lamb, possibly a female from what I can see, is mastering the art of feeding
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
In the soft, misty, pre-sunrise light a young ewe found snuggled in the rushes with her first lamb. This is Leah, one of Cara's line. George is the lambs father.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Louise has recovered really well from lambing the 'chunk', and he's already at the bouncing stage. Both are now in the ewe & lamb field. Lamb (he'll be named when daughter comes up to help with lambing in a few days) is feeding well and his poo is already showing colostrum yellow.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Update from Lochend in Shapinsay "Well Lochend Fiona would like to introduce you to her beautiful boy girl twins, she was scanned as a single!! and despite being a first timer she seems to be on the ball and doing just fine... so just like that lambing 2025 is all wrapped up."
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
One of each twins for 8 year old Frisky in Westray
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
At Burnside Young S.Louise gave birth to a big chunky ram lamb before dawn this morning. Sexing was easy without picking up the lamb - you can see him peeing towards the end of the video!
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
In the pre-sunrise Orkney light (05.30), a cold brisk wind doesn't stop the curlews calling
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
More lambs born at Lochend in Shapinsay This is Settisgarth Amelia with her twin boys. Amelia was born at Burnside in 2018, parents Adrian and Cleo. Her gorgeous dark fleece comes from Cleo.
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
While mum Kate looks for twin 1, who is sleeping soundly in the long grass and totally ignoring Kate's calls, twin 2 practices bouncing
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Burnside update A much better video of Akari with her new ewe lamb. Akari is not the most trusting of sheep so she is shepherding her new lamb well away from me!
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Kate had twins this morning~7.30am Video shows them at 5 hours old. She is such an exceptional mother. Full awareness that she has 2 lambs and making every effort to keep track of them both to an extent not seen in all ewes having twins for the first time Videos of the twins being born to follow
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
One advantage of standing quietly in the lambing field for a long time is that lots of birds can be seen. Here a pair of Wheatears (I think!) & a short-eared owl
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OrkneyBoreray @orkneyboreray.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
At last a second lamb born at Burnside, to D.Akari. Found at first light (05.15) Father S.George, but the lamb has the typical colouring of his great great grandfather S.Adrian
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