Fiona, the ewe who captured global attention as Britain's loneliest sheep, is set to become a mother of twins. More than two years after her dramatic rescue from a remote Scottish beach, the sheep has lost weight and is now pregnant, according to Ben Best, manager of Dalscone Farm in Dumfries, where she now lives.
Fiona arrived at Dalscone Farm in November 2023 after being rescued by specialist climbing teams. She had survived for over two years alone on a beach at the foot of an isolated cliff in north-west Scotland. When rescued, she was found to be overweight, but a diet and hormone treatment helped her conceive.
News of her pregnancy was kept secret to avoid causing distress, but Mr Best revealed on Christmas Day that Fiona is doing well. 'She is the world’s most famous sheep,' he said. After being paired with a ram, her weight increased, and a scan confirmed she is expecting twins. She is undergoing regular blood tests, and the birth is expected in early February.
Mr Best noted that Fiona's weight loss has helped with arthritis in her front leg, a condition she will have permanently. Her fleece has been used to make bespoke tumble dryer balls and felted soap, sold in the farm's Christmas shop.
Fiona's rescue in October 2023 involved a winch mounted on a truck, 200 metres of rope, and a feed bag fashioned into a sling. A JustGiving page raised over £10,000 from supporters worldwide, far exceeding its initial £2,500 target.
