There are many different types of sheep in this country but they are all hardy animals which can withstand appalling weather conditions. One of the toughest and most common is the Scottish Blackface sheep, found not just in the Scottish Highlands but on Dartmoor and other windswept territories across Britain. The blackface is, not surprisingly, so named because it has a black face which contrasts markedly with its long, shaggy white coat. Rams of this breed are quite striking with a prominent, high bridged nose and big horns. They also enjoy a fight with each other during the October breeding season when the clash of horns can be heard for miles across open country.
Rams can be pretty impressive animals.
Years ago, I was walking home one day when I suddenly heard a thundering noise ahead of me on the country track I was following. Within seconds, I was confronted by a huge ram racing at full pelt towards me. It had obviously just escaped from some farm hands, now in hot pursuit. If I hadn't stepped smartly aside I would doubtless have been flattened by its enormous spiralled horns. I watched in awe as this mighty animal then leapt a 5ft gate behind me like a cat and carried on going with the farm hands still struggling to catch up.