Sheep are known for their resilience, thriving in environments as diverse as arid deserts and snowy plains. However, as highly social creatures, isolation is something they simply cannot endure. This made Fiona's story all the more heartbreaking. For over two years, Fiona lived alone at the bottom of a cliff in Scotland, her solitude earning her the title of Britain’s—and later, the world’s—“loneliest sheep.”
Fiona’s plight first came to light in 2021 when a kayaker spotted her stranded near the base of a cliff. Two years later, she was sighted again—surprisingly healthy, but with a massively overgrown fleece that desperately needed attention.
How Fiona ended up stranded in such an isolated spot remains a mystery. However, rescuing her presented an even greater challenge. The rugged, inaccessible terrain made any attempt to reach her incredibly dangerous. The Scottish SPCA acknowledged the complexities of such a rescue and expressed concerns about the stress human interaction might cause Fiona.
But Fiona’s story captured hearts far and wide, with over 50,000 people signing a petition demanding her rescue. That’s when a determined group of five farmers stepped in to do what seemed impossible. The team included sheep farmer and BBC presenter Cammy Wilson and YouTube personality Graeme Parker. Armed with ropes and an abundance of patience, they set out to bring Fiona to safety.
The daring rescue mission took the farmers to a cave where Fiona had been sheltering. Despite her isolation, she appeared healthy—perhaps a little overweight from indulging in her limited food sources. With great care, the team managed to hoist her up the steep cliff, bringing her long ordeal to an end.
Drone footage of the dramatic rescue showcased just how harrowing the mission was, highlighting the incredible effort it took to save her.
Once rescued, Fiona was taken to her new home at Dalscone Farm Fun. There, owner Ben Best described her as healthy and relaxed, though he joked that she “could stand to lose a few pounds.” Best assured critics that Fiona’s new environment was not a petting zoo but rather a farm where animals are well cared for and visitors observe them from a distance. Fiona will also have months of privacy to fully adjust before being introduced to her new surroundings.
Fiona’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From being the world’s loneliest sheep to finding a safe and loving home, she’s proof that even in the most unlikely circumstances, there’s hope for a happy ending.