The Bonnygate Flock was established in 1994. The flock originally ran on a few acres of land at the impressive Strathtyrum Estate, St Andrews and is now located on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Glenfarg, Perthshire where they have been since 2003.

The flock also has Suffolk Cross ewes who run with the Jacobs and when crossed with the Jacob tup, produce a strong bodied lamb.

Susan Mackie

Jacob Sheep have a long, fascinating history and are mentioned in the Bible - an interesting reference is “The History of the Jacob Sheep” by Araminta Arlington;

They are extremely good mothers - the Bonnygate flock ewes manage the majority of lambing with virtually no assistance;

They are a hardy breed and can width stand the coldest of winters and have good resistance to foot problems;

Jacob Sheep wool is used by hand spinners who favour the variation in colour;

The Jacob lamb is lean, tender and flavoursome and sought after by the best chefs;

The horns of Jacob tups can be used for crookmaking;

The Jacob sheepskins are uniquely marked and make excellent rugs.

Bonnygate Jacobs have been entered at local shows for many years – these include, Fife, Central & West Fife, Fettercairn, Kirriemuir, Angus, Braco, The Black Isle, The Royal Highland, Perth & Kinross Shows. A lot of enjoyment has been had over the years participating at those shows and especially when the sun shines!

The most successful home-bred show animal to date was Bonnygate Midnight. First shown in 1996 as a Gimmer and then as a ewe, took overall Champion five times, Reserve Champion three times and placed 1st in the ewe class on several occasions.

At any early age, my brother and I looked after the orphan lambs on the farm. Eventually I was keen to have a pedigree flock of my own. During a trip to the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh with my father and looking at the various breeds, I decided I would like something “a bit different” and was instantly taken by the Jacob breed. I was informed at the Jacob Sheep stand that they were an easy breed to look after – and after 14 years of rearing them, that information stands true today! I joined the Jacob Sheep Society in 1993 and attended their Scottish Region Open Day where I met several breeders and thereafter purchased one ewe with two tup lambs at foot (Westfield flock) and three gimmers (Drum flock).

One of the gimmers, named Poodle, bred many lambs suitable for showing, one of which was Bonnygate Midnight. In 1996 Poodle’s ewe lamb, Jaz, was born. Jaz, now 12 years old, is retired from showing and is still with the flock today. Now greying, slightly arthritic with very few teeth, she is still a happy old ewe. Despite the plan of putting her into retirement at the end of last year, the one and only day the tup escaped (through human error!), he managed to cover her and in March 2008 she had a healthy set of triplets who are all doing well. One of her ewe lambs is a potential for the show ring proving that sometimes even a potential disaster can have a good outcome!!

The Bonnygate Flock are quiet natured and easily handled.

Here are some useful links: Jacob Sheep Society, Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Strathtyrum House, St Andrews

The current stock ram is Hyndshaw Owen. Owen was purchased from Willie & Edie Crowe in 2006 – he has produced good lambs and is sire to Willie & Edie’s Royal Highland Show champion in 2007.

Rams used in previous years include Creich Craig Sam, Hyndshaw Rusco, Genesis Dubha, Camlan Arthur, Gowanbank Ringo, Hyndshaw Legend, Carochy Findhorn.

Registered and unregistered Jacobs for sale. Jacob fleeces also available for Sale.

Email jacobs@bonnygateflock.co.uk if you would like more information.

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