‘Numerous ewes’ killed as crofters appeal for drivers to slow down
TWO CROFTERS have pleaded with drivers to act with more patience and caution after a number of incidents involving sheep and lambs.
Emma Sandison said that there seemed to have been a “big increase” in the amount and speed of traffic – particularly along Ronas Voe – in recent months.
She said they had lost “numerous ewes” over the last few months after being hit by cars, with nobody reporting the incidents to them.
And she said that in the past two days alone, their farm cat Stumpy was run over and left in a ditch before a lamb was hit “at such a high speed that it was found in two pieces”.
Another crofter echoed those concerns – telling Shetland News that he had a close encounter with a bus driver and his sheepdog recently.
The man, speaking anonymously, said his sheep were being moved across a road from one park to another, but did not see the gate and instead started along the road.
A bus then appeared, and he said that “the driver did not stop” despite him motioning them to do so.
The bus “came so close that the dog was just a mere two-three feet from the bumper,” he said.
“We have had many instances of this happening whilst doing this this year, with cars so impatient they just drive through the middle of moving sheep with lambs.
“I don’t think this can be just us that are having this kind of problems.”
In a post on social media on Thursday night, Sandison said that all crofters understood the risk of having sheep near roads and knew that accidents could happen.
However, she said there seemed to have been a rise in the number of incidents – especially those that were not being reported.
“We have sought advice from the police, and the situation is now being monitored so evidence can be gathered,” she said.
‘This is just a plea from us to always drive with care, and especially at this time of year to take extra care on the roads when peerie lambs are about.
“If you don’t know who to report an accident to, please go to the nearest house and ask, or ask on here.
“The majority of folk usually do report incidents to us, but unfortunately recently this hasn’t been the case.”
Police Scotland has been approached for comment.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
