In previous posts I have mentioned that both the Soay and Boreray sheep are considered rare and endangered breeds. However, thanks to Suzannah Long, who runs the Soay and Boreray Facebook group, I have recently learned that as of last month both breeds have now been moved to the top tier of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Watchlist and are officially categorised as Priority breeds.

The Priority category is the most urgent classification on the RBST Watchlist. It signifies that a native UK livestock breed faces a very serious risk of extinction due to factors such as extremely small breeding populations, limited geographic distribution, and declining numbers of newly registered births.

The RBST Watchlist is compiled using rigorous breed society data and considers factors including effective population size, disease vulnerability, and rates of inbreeding. Breeds placed in the Priority category therefore receive the highest level of conservation concern and focus.

This development makes my St Kilda Tweed Project feel even more important and meaningful.

One of my hopes is that by helping revive interest in the traditional weaving of St Kilda tweed using authentic Soay and Boreray wool, greater demand may be created for the fleeces of these remarkable ancient sheep. In turn, this may help encourage and support increased breeding efforts, contributing in some small way to the long-term survival of both breeds.

To think that the weaving traditions of St Kilda may one day play a role in helping preserve two of the world’s oldest and rarest sheep breeds is both humbling and deeply inspiring.