The North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival
SheepFest'22
- conservation through restoration
The North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival is a volunteer-led, conservation fortnight that takes place on the Island of North Ronaldsay in Orkney, Scotland with the aim of re-building and repairing the Island's drystone Sheep Dyke, protecting its flock of native seaweed-eating sheep, and celebrating the island's distinct culture and tradition through music, art and education.
The dates for SheepFest'22 are Monday 1st - Friday 12th August 2022
For more information on travel to the islands and taking part, visit our FAQs page
A list of island accommodation can be found here. If you are booking into the Bird Observatory, be sure to mention that you are coming for SheepFest as the Guest House and Hostel have been blocked out especially for the event.
See you there!
This year's fantastic new logo was designed by the students of The North Ronaldsay Community School
About the Festival
The fortnight's Summer programme includes:
-
Two daily 3-hour sessions (with instruction and supervision) of Grade A-listed drystone Sheep Dyke repair
-
Tours of the Island's Wool Mill and LightHouse
-
Workshops including felting and knitting with local wool
-
An Island Dance with live, traditional music from local musicians
-
Visitors vs Islanders football match
-
Our annual end-of-Festival Quiz
-
- and much more!
(*all activities subject to Covid-19 regulations)
Who can join and how do I get there?
Everybody is welcome to come and join us, whether for a few hours, a day, a whole week or even two!
You don't have to be an experienced drystone waller to take part, since the Festival caters for all abilities, but please note that the rebuilding takes place on the rocky foreshore, access to which can include climbing and walking over uneven ground, and includes heavy lifting of stones. While we encourage peedie folk (little ones) to help gather shells for decoration, the rebuilding is not suitable for children under the age of 12 years.
Wondering how to reach us and where to stay (plus what to wear and where you can eat)?