Breed: SHETLAND

Thought to be descendants of sheep brought by Viking settlers to the Islands, the small Shetland retains many wild characteristics. This minority sheep breed exhibits a wide range of colours including white, moorit, fawn, grey, dark brown and black.

Fleece and products

The wool has a staple length of between 5 and 12 cm., a Bradford count of 55 - 60 and fleeces weigh between 1 and 1.5 kg. Textile designers prize the yarn, because of the range of natural colours. It may be woven into very fine shawls or heavier fabrics or knitted into delicate or robust garments.

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