
Update at 8pm Saturday 29/3/25 - We are now fully subscribed for the 2025 Festival and both ‘Sign Up’ and 'Sign Up for the Waitlist' are now closed.
1) Thanks for your interest, we have had such a wonderful response to this year's festival. We apologise for any disappointment and hope that you will follow and support the festival online later in the year.
2) Our Waitlist is now also full! The 'Sign Up' form remains available to fill in for volunteers who have been contacted directly in regard to a 'Waitlist' spot becoming available.
3) For all other Sheep Fest enquiries please email us directly at hello@nrsheepfestival.com
Ode to North Ronaldsay Sheep Festival
A long time ago in a faraway land…………
There were lots of people around to give a hand.
But population declined as time went on
And the high winds blew and that wind was strong
And parts of a dyke built in 1832
Fell down, fell in and the sheep went through:
they left the shoreline and went into pasture
and there grazed on grass, which was a disaster!
For a diet of seaweed and grass do not mix –
The sheep species is endangered - this needed a fix!
A newly founded organisation and folk from the isle
Got together to plan and were on Countryfile…
The facts were presented; the message was clear:
If you want to help us, then get on up here!
Emails were sent, ideas unfurled…..
For a Sheep Festival – here !! - in this part of the world.
Volunteers planned breaks , booked flights and beds
And many travelled by ferry instead.
Well done to all who have played a part
Whether building or baking or displaying art;
the activities programme was varied and wide -
many walked around the island, some fished at high tide.
We’ve spent time on North Ronaldsay, it’s now on our map
And do you know what? ‘ you guessed it?
We’re gonna be back!
© Claire Maguire, 2016
