These wild men SHEAR SHEEP on a remote Scottish Island
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- The Shaints - the name means holy or enchanted isles - are a group of three uninhabited islands that lie around 4 miles off the East coast of Lewis and Harris in the Hebrides. Crowned with five-hundred-foot cliffs of black basalt and surrounded by tidal rips, the islands are home to thousands of sea birds and a handful of sheep, The Shaints are wild, dangerous, and dramatic.
The islands themselves are privately owned by Tom Nicolson who inherited them from his father Adam, author of the book Sea Room, which tells the story of the Shaints and its incredible history in detail. The family have a real love for these islands and maintaining their harsh beauty and that, is where the sheep play a critical role in maintaining the ecology of the island.
I have very little knowledge of The Shaints and what you have read until now is information that has been passed to me or that I have researched since my visit to these islands. I just wanted to share with you, the reader, my adventure when I was part of shearing The Shaints 2021.
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ABOUT ME
I’m 31 years old and I’m a sheep farmer from Ayrshire in South West Scotland, which is why I have such a strong accent! I was born and raised on a sheep farm watching my dad who was the shepherd.
At 18 I went away from farming to work in the city (something I still do) and at 23 (2013) I decided I wanted to do something for some extra money so I went on a sheep shearing course. The hardest thing I’ll ever do was learning to shear sheep. [shudders thinking about it]
I shore whilst on my holidays from work for 2 years and then in 2015 my dad died so I decided to get my own sheep so I could continue working with sheep as it was something I loved doing. From there it escalated quickly from my first 4 sheep in my mum’s garden to now running around 600 breeding ewes.
I shore over 15,000 sheep this season in UK and I also travel to Norway for shearing in March and September. (Covid messed it up this year)
A few years ago I bought myself a sheep pregnancy scanner and have been building up my run since then.
I watched a few farm vlogs on UA-cam and decided I could have a go and now here we are!
Thanks for watching my videos and please subscribe if you want to see more in future.
This seriously needs to be made into a documentary. This is some hard core shepherding.
Cammy, this needs to be on television. This is such a wonderful setting and something that people would love to see and learn about, I know I sure did. Not long at all! What a treat to see this beautiful isle and the hardy men (and dogs) who work the sheep. I love how you all joke and keep so lighthearted. Very well done, Cammy!
Cammy, the scenery was just gob smacking. I'm from Australia 🇦🇺 & I'm in awe of you that live, breathe & work 🐑🐑. You work so incredibly friggin hard to put food on yours & our tables.
These farmers & dogs OMG they work so hard. It was an experience to watch how these men live & the work that's involved in farming sheep on an island. Yes I'm afraid of heights too. Those cliff faces 😱😱😱 struth!!!!!! Loved the banter btw you all too. It wasn't too long at all. Loved every minute of this vlog Cammy. Cheers. See you in the next one ❤❤
Wow. I watched this whole thing with my jaw hanging open in awe - at the scenery, the strength and hardiness of these men and sheepdogs, the sheep, the shearing - all of it. Wow. Just wow. Thank you SO much!
Well said >> Epic Everything! > including Cammy, pushing through his
Fear of Heights > Yikes.
It takes a *real* man to admit he's afraid of a... meringue. (I'm sorry, I just can't stop laughing at that one!)
But those VIEWS! That's just utter beauty.
Thank you for sharing in the midst of all y'all's hard work.
Came across your video by accident while watching 'Sheepishly me' channel (Canadian sheep farmer), wow! watching the round up of the sheep brought back memories of the annual roundup of sheep on Eriskay in the outer hebrides, everyone on the island got involved and the sheep were collected and driven into a natural pen in the hill. They were sheared manually (even used scissors once), they were dipped at this time too. The one thing that sticks in my mind the most is how the lambs became frantic looking for their mothers who after all their traumatic experience of the day were more interested in eating than finding their lambs ... the lambs would run from one sheep to another baaing loudly and frantic ....it must have been traumatising for the lambs but it was so funny 'cause the sheep looked more like goats after shearing...That was back in the 60s, haven't been back there since then, thanks for the memories
Welcome to the channel. Many people, myself included, have come to The Sheep Game from Sandi Brock's channel. 🐑 We fans (and apparently they themselves) are hoping for a visit from one to the other.
Cammy recently did a joint video with The Hoof GP 🐄. It has brought new subscribers to both channels by cross pollination, if you will.
@@habslover2306 Thanks, is it coincidence or what 😏... I also watch the 'Hoof GP' haha
I also watch Sandi Brock as well. Amazing woman.
Ditto!
I got caught up on her episodes so came to this channel to see what all the fuss was about
Meh. Compared to traditional shepherdesses of Ireland & Scotland and traditional folk like these Sandi Brock is a clown. Most of her videos she spends more time whining about her "hard life" - pampered spoiled weak-kneed Canadian, like most North Americans they won't survive the UK - than doing any real work.
Sublime, thank you so much for the privilege of seeing this. I've dreamt of seeing somethi ng like this for maybe 40 years. Thank you UA-cam for making it possible.
The land is strong and rugged…as are the men. A true brotherhood in this common purpose. You have really stepped up your video game. Great storytelling. 🥰🥰🥰
This could have been hours long and I would have enjoyed every minute. It would be nice if you could interview some of the men who've had decades experience on the islands. The handshearing brought back memories. I handsheared my flock until I had sixty sheep but then electric sheared and then hired a shearer when I had over 150. You really appreciate lanolin well off the skin for handshearing. Just a wonderful video even if you were terrified for a good bit of it.
I was disappointed when it ended! I could have watched for hours!
Agreed! Longer video is better. Could live stream for hours and I’d love it.
@@patsharp4002 oh wow that’s awesome 😎
I used to help pack the sheep's wool into small bales, on my grandparent's farm in Michigan, USA! The lanolin, from the wool, made my hands so soft! It was a tradition for my grandmother to serve cows tongue on shearing day. I never liked that, but was required to eat one bite.......drenched in catsup!! Great memories!
@@lisagrafton2529
I personally love cow's tongue, but I must admit that I prefer the lean tip of the tongue to the fatty back of it.
Incredible all of you. This really should find it’s way onto national television. Cammy, fancy you not remembering to bring a stick when vertigo is an issue. I would be the same. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
National Geographic for sure.
Honestly, been a "climber" of anything and everything, all my life, never realized I was afraid of heights(rather:falling from, until last year!) Having a walking stick tying up one hand is the LAST THING I WANT! I WANT 'Em both free to grab whatever I can!
Well, that was a real adventure Cammy, it amazes me that anyone would raise sheep on these rugged islands! I am with you, my vagus nerve was triggered just seeing the terrain through a camera, I would be clutching the ground, frozen in fear! That was a crew of strong men, carrying those sheep on the rocks like a bag of potatoes! Thank you for your incredible drone footage and exceptional production in your videos, stay safe!💕🇨🇦
Why don’t they build a shearing platform -better for humans and sheep alike -
HOLY MOLY!
Cammy, it takes a brave soul to face your fears! I’m proud of you for even going there. It’s an experience I’m sure you’ll not soon forget! Great job!!!
Wow! I was totally mesmerized by the rugged beauty of the Islands as well the the process of gathering, shearing and taking the ship down to the small boat and then to the ship. My husband saw me watching my lap top and asked if I was okay since I was so drawn to every minute. Cammy this was fabulous and worthy of some kind of video award. This will stay with me a long time. Thank you so much for risking life and limb to share this wonder with all of us. Take good care.
Donna thanks so much for that. It makes all the hours editing worthwhile!
I can understand Donna! Completely, I'm actually an epileptic, mine walked through, stopped. And asked the same question. Very seriously.as one of my seizures *can look* exactly that way.poor guy. So I restarted the video and handed my phone to him, got a good look at WHY he gets so concerned when I get so "entranced" in certain vids! Poor guy. I'll take care to make up a sign, "great vi" that I can keep nearby for just such occassions now. Save him from possible heart attacks in the future.😉. Well him, and anyone else who might walk in...and misinterpret.☺😚😚😚😚😘😉😘
“Risking life and limb” to share this with us 😂 A tad dramatic eh? SMH.
All I can say is WOW!!! That beautifully rugged island, I love the rocks and how clear the water is. You men were handling those sheep like they didn't weigh anything! Love from Ohio, USA.
Woah, that is breathtaking, the strength of the men and the sheep, the rocks and the scenery. Thank you Cammy and the shepherds.
I held my breath when all you fellows were scurrying up and down that steep terrain. I would have been just as scared. And considering the harsh conditions you were working in, that was the best teamwork I have ever seen. I so appreciate that you went through all that trouble to document and post this for the rest of us softees to see.
The sheep that tried to escape the pen, then off onto the rocks, looked disappointed to be caught. (I hope the one sheep who didn't complete the jump was okay). When carried back to the pen on the men's shoulders, they had an air of "oh, the embarrassment." And when the lambs were taken down the hill and onto a bouncing boat it was "Maaama". Great dog work.
I could (mentally but not physically) climb up the hill and stand on the edge. Have no fear of heights or glass floors. However I'm terrified of going downhill.
Thanks Habs. No lambs were injured in the making of this vlog! 😁
That is the most fantastic thing I've ever seen! Heartbreakingly beautiful scenery, stunning drone views, brilliant dog work, real camaraderie.....what else could you ask for?
I did laugh at those final breakaway sheep putting everyone to so much trouble.
I'm sure you know how fortunate you are to travel and work where you do. Thank you for taking us along!
Wow how spectacular was that. Never knew there were so many varieties of sheep. And when you were so high up my stomach felt a little queasy. I am not in favor of heights. I have been in awe of the unbelievable beauty of Scotland. Love this video. ❤️❤️❤️
With the music and drone shots from the boat.
Absolutely incredible that this style of farming is still happening these days 💪
That was incredible to watch. The scenery, sheep, dogs, shearers, the sheep chain to get them to the boat and you Cammy. Amazing! I too would be clinging to the hillside with fear of falling off onto those rocks.
I watched "This Farming Life", so good to see some familiar faces. Loved that show and loving this one too. Grateful to your buddy Graeme Parker of "The Hoof GP"
for sending us your way!!
That's just how we landed now we're hooked on both
Same here, Hoof GP got me onto Cammy
I have a brand new perspective - I will NEVER complain about rounding up sheep in my nice, flat field and then walking the sheep (not carrying them) into a sturdy, stationary, (non floating) truck again... Holy smokes THAT is work! I’m tired just watching the video. *Respect to you, gentlemen!*
One thing’s certain - no fences to repair! The human sheep transport chain down the mountain to the boat was baffling at first, but makes so much sense.
@@janakase6319 Plenty of women are more than capable, I carried the equivalent of my body weight (and bigger) in the military, and larger weapons than some of the big guys…GTFOH with your close-minded, antiquated BS 🙄🤦🏼♂️
What a great video. You have to be physically fit to live almost anywhere in Scotland. Everything is either up or down hill! I am duly impressed. Well done.
Just like many parts of New Zealand, although we are higher and steeper. Good fun.
Absolutely fantastic video of brave men risking life and limbs to care for these sheep. Well done to everyone involved.
That was some video. Well done for capturing it 👏. Not many people, myself included, would have appreciated what takes place on these remote Isles.
OH MY GOSH. This was so amazingly beautiful and thrilling at high height views EEEEK, thank you so much for sharing this one with us. Fantastic job by men and dogs to get this done. What incredible climbers those sheep are. Wow. And your shearing stand on the rocks was quite the adventure as well. And then the whole lot shearing together was enjoyable to watch. Loved the history of these Isles. What a dedicated group of Sheep farmers working together like this. So so enjoyed this. Thank you again Cammy!!
I love how you go so many places and share the beauty of the land with us. For those of us who physically cannot make any type of trek like this one due to medical issues, this is a dream we live vicariously through you. Thank you
Is there any difference in the way you handle the dogs or the way they handle the sheep ?
The scenery is beautiful and the terrain is steep ! I’m with you I’m scared of heights when it’s open and I’m afraid I’ll fall !! And the older men who could outdo me and many younger men are strong. Being able to carry a ewe on your shoulders uphill is awesome !
Good choice of music for hauling lambs down to boat.
Best video yet to show how hard the life of sheep farming is.
Whoop for you all !!
Absolutely fascinating to see. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this one, as I do all your videos, but this one was something else!! Thank you, and keep up the great work 👍
This is absolutely wonderful..what a team!10/10
What an experience!!! Thanks for being such a good sport and taking us along Cammy!
So beautiful. So much to see! I will be watching over and over again to take in all of the beauty and magic of this place. I am fascinated by the runes where the shearing was taking place and want to know more about the history. Fabulous vlog, Cammy. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Cammy, excellent video. The scenery was fabulous, don't blame you about the fear of heights
Brilliant Cammy! Sensational landscape, the team work, the ruggedness of it all - absolutely fantastic.
Hi Cammy, My what a beautiful site to see. I'm with you on the height scare. I would've been able to climb up anywhere near how you did, let alone where you did. I like the low grounds best. That was so scary to watch everyone going up the hills and rocks like they were on flat ground. You get the highest regards from me for this video. 👍👏 Take care and Be Safe till next time. ❤ P.S.- Love on your beautiful boy after you get home and tell your girl Hi from Indiana USA
All I can say is just *WOW!!* it’s absolutely breathtaking 😱
I’m with you Cameron, TERRIFIED of heights! It’s not really a place someone scared of heights should go LOL
I’m so impressed at the agility of the sheep and all of you men!
You really should do a really long not so edited version, I think people would really enjoy it, it would be surreal to people from the cities,
Well done Cam! Liked and shared! 👌
Gday, what a ripper video! Everything about it was terrific, especially seeing Angus Campbell. Would have been worth the trip just to hear him speak. Keep up the good work. Cheers from Oz.
Oh gosh Cammy! You have taken us to some amazing places in your videos but this is next level spectacular! It takes very special people to live in places like this
My goodness, I’d have been terrified of the precarious heights too. I was frightened the dogs would fall over the edge. Fabulous video, what a bunch of stout hearted men. Loved seeing a couple of them using old fashioned shears. That’s hardcore sheep farming and as other have said, deserves to be on television. I bet you will appreciate your fields and quad bike even more now. Quite an eye opener.
Wow, what a chance of a lifetime. That drone footage is spectacular! I've been to some fair rugged places in South West Ireland but the Shiants look something else!
This was so wonderful, I watched it twice! In addition to all the breathtaking scenery and fascinating shearing, the interview with Benji was extremely interesting! Well done everyone!
Brilliant! Your island adventures are always fantastic. What a treat!
Thank you!! The next vlog is on another Scottish Island!
Nothing wrong in having fears Cammy, am a bit scared of heights also..loving all of you and lizzie’s vlogs, your both amazing am in awe of you both how you manage your sheep and family life…your boys are just adorable…thank you for sharing your life with us all..🥰🥰🥰🥰
Amazing video thank you. I had to do a double take when I saw them throwing lambs into the boat!
Really enjoyed that video 👌👌👌 the men that work the islands are just a different breed 💪💪
Such an interesting video. It's like taking a step back in time.
Wow! Each one of these videos I watch gets more and more incredible. The dedication and the amount of work it takes to Shepherd the sheep from Island to Island was incredible! Thanks for facing your fears and showing us this incredible experience!
Love to see the adventures that you do. Keep on showing these videos. Thank you for starting my day off right.
That was a great vlog. Enjoyed the fun and the work. Seeing the original hand shears at work was amazing. Can’t even imagine doing a whole flock by hand. Keep it up love your site
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Definitely reminded me of watching a National Geographic or a travelogue. Such a great combination of landscape, culture, documentary and humo(u)r. Loved it.
See you've got it all in this video, wild sheep, mountaineering Shepard's., And a lad using the hand shear's.
Fair play for shearing that mule on the rocks cammy, you wouldn't get those fancy new Zealand lads doing it 😄
Och Paul, a real Kiwi can't call himself a shearer until he can shear a wild sheep one handed while hanging off a mountain on the end of a rope and fighting off the keas with with both feet!
Superb. Beautifully shot, thank you for sharing your day with us.
Stunning scenery and such a fun time. Thank you Cammy.❤️🇦🇺🏴
Wow. Stupendous scenery, sheep, man, and dog action !
Never seen the like of it. Thanks !
You don’t know how much you brightened my day with you vlogs. Love the dogs. I grew up with a white and black English shepherd and she was quite the herder and guardian. Love the sheep. Learning more every video.
This was an incredible video! What a beautiful world we live in. Thank you for making the video and taking us along!❤❤❤
Thank you, Cammy! Beautiful country and I appreciate you sharing your experience with us!
Phenomenal - no other words 👍
Wonderful video again! Thank you so much for showing us the islands and the beautiful scenery. I haven’t even heard the names of these places before and now I will be googling them! Lol. You are so educational and take such beautiful videos it feels like you took me on vacation while you worked. Thank you!
I cannot believe you captured a place even more gorgeous than all the others! Thank you Cammie and mates for bringing us along and letting us be a part of this wonderful world!! ❤️ ❤️
An awesome video! I am left stunned and without a single word!!
The water is turquoise, so beautiful! What a fun adventure!
I'm speechless! Stunning video, great interview. What an incredible group of people and dogs. Thank you!
I’m still catching up on all of the older videos. This is another stunner. Well done you!
Thanks Heather!
What a wonderful video Cami, beautiful Scotland, you work so hard but what a great perk the scenery is gorgeous, I am afraid of heights too, thank you for showing us he remote parts of Scotland.
Much respect to all the farmers of the world. Greetings from Puerto Rico!
Watching this for the second time. Such a great video. Privileged to get to see this work. Respect!
So many laughs to be had on this one! Loved it so much! You have a blessed life! Thanks for all you do!
I'm just in awe. Stunning video, breathtaking stunning scary scenery, hardy men & dogs. I could & am watching hours of catch up videos Cammy. Love your work ❤
I could have watched this for a couple of hours! Never be afraid that your videos are too long…as we love them!!!!
The scenery was absolutely amazing. Another way to look at this vlog is in addition to the joy it brings your viewers it is also a beautiful way to document your way of life for your son ♥️😊🐑💙
Thanks Tammy. I always say i wish i’d started these vlogs while my dad was still alive. Would be amazing to have some videos to look back on. It’s like a video diary having this channel it’s great!
Top 5 videos I’ve ever watched on UA-cam. What a fantastic adventure!
Wow that's an amazing thing to hear Rebecca thanks!
I’m of Scottish descent so it adds to my fascination.
Thank you so mucbforsharing this. Such an awesome place. As a sea kayaker I have always wanted to visit the Shiants. Is there any way I could lay my hand on some Shiants wool, so I can spin it and knit a hat for one ofmy kayak buddies? It would mean a lot! Many crofters are now seeing the value of the island wool to hand knitters. One example is Birlin Yarn, and she sells her yarn all over the world. A good story, and a beautiful location would sell. Something for your sheep friends to bear in mind?
Ailien, I'm sure Benji will be reading all these comments so i'll direct him to yours with your good idea. Thank You!
Can only watch in awe. What an incredible bit of work - hard work!
Thank you for taking us along on your journey. Such a beautiful place! I can’t believe the sheep are on their own most of the year. The people who live there must be very hearty. 💐
Woohoo!!!! I'm afraid of heights too! What an amazing video. These fellas look to be just about as nimble as the sheep.... really, no sprained ankles on all those rocks? Amazing!
A burst elbow or two but no ankles😁
I absolutely enjoyed watching this procedure. That took so many hard working people to make it all come together and work perfectly.
Incredible! Those are some hardy men. I am astounded by the beauty of the scenery. Well done Cammy not falling off the rocks!
Cheers from Wisconsin USA.For us Americans, this is such a treat to watch. As a big fan of Outlander, I love love love seeing the Scottish countryside and listening to Scottish accents, although I have to say I have a little trouble understanding every word, especially when you are speaking to your mates.. but, I love learning about Scotland, farming, and the sheep. So many awesome traditions still in place, lots of history and interesting people too. Love the border collies at work too, I used to have a border collie, he was always looking for a job to do. Smart dogs. What an incredible place, I also would be wary of those cliffs. Wow. Not a place for the weak or timid for sure. Great video.
Amazing video!! I loved watching this adventure. What amazing hard working men, gathering and shearing sheep on this wild remote island. So impressive. Thank you so much for taking us along on this wild ride. Love it!! 🇨🇦❤️
I have always been terrified of heights. If I have to go somewhere that's high and I can see down I will sob uncontrollably. You're not alone. The place you're showing is beautiful. Thank you Cammy.
I am afraid of Heights too and that camera caught the view for sure , made my fingers and toes tingle just looking at that drop . It is a beautiful place but a dangerous one too .
Fantastic absolutely wonderful viewing
Cami this was awesome!!! Thank you for sharing it with us. I wouldn't have cared how long the video was. I was fascinated the entire time. God bless
Absolutely fabulous to watch the challenges of running sheep on these islands!!! We remember one of the gentlemen on this video from previous videos and were happy to see him still on the islands! Great job guys!
oh I'm in love. When my husband was stationed at Holy Loch, we took some magical rides. Even more beautiful near the sheep...
Absolutely fantastic! Thank you, Cammy for capturing this beautiful day.
Grate vid cammy hope to get out gathering the saints one day. Bet there is not many places where hand clipping is as common as it is in the western ilse
Parts of New Zealand still use hand clippers, on fine wool Merino sheep
@@keithroberts4559 interesting nice to know the old ways are being kept alive
That was just a brilliant video Cammy I could watch hours of that if it was any longer great seeing how it’s done on those beautiful islands class 👌
The length of the tails of these sheep! Also, they look very clean and almost neat. The experience is extreme, no doubt. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Oh my, that photo of you clinging to the bank, I laughed along with the guys! You've provided them with lots of laughs while you're gone, too. Well, Cammy, this topped them all, I felt like I was watching a TV documentary. The sight of the dogs working from the drone view and how everyone was working together...so hard!...was pleasing to behold. What a great group of characters, like pictures you might see in old black and white photos of the early days. I just can't say enough about this, so I'll shut up! 💗
Incredibly beautiful terrain. Incredible footage. Incredible -- and slightly crazy! -- men.
The BBC should be employing you. Fabulous video of a professional standard. Stunning!
That was absolutely awesome. God's country. From Ohio, USA
My God Cammy, this video could have been easily twice as long and I still would have thought it was too short! There are no words for the beauty of this place , or how tough those workers were. Cammy, I guess you got tired of the same old sheering of hundreds of sheep on a farm, and wondered how to spice it up a bit! Lol. No problem, find the most remote island, with nothing but cliffs and slippery rocks and try to sheer almost wild sheep ( who seemed to be part billy goats), while standing on a cliff side on slippery stones! Then, to cap it all off, carry those sheered sheep all the way down those deadly cliffs into a boat! All the while being terrified of heights ! Utterly insane, and hats off to you all, especially the men using the old fashioned hand clippers….just totally amazing! 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️🐑🐑🐑🐑
Thanks Meghan u are very kind and it was an amazing experience!
Wow! this is more like an adventure than a job ! Bless these men. God bless you.
fabulous, just found you because of Vickie Close and your interview, I hardly got any sleep last night catching up and I ordered a a vest to boot, I would love to get some stickers!!
I’m with you on the fear of heights Cammy. But what outstanding views. Simply stunning. Love how varied the Scottish accent is … just wish I hadn’t ended up with my least favourite one 🤣. Fantastic video loved the drone shots thank you.
Cammy I’m with you….I’m petrified of heights….beautiful scenery….job well done
Reminds me so much of running the sheep on the Isle of Eorsa in Loch Na Keal, Isle of Mull. Getting sea conditions and weather right was a big challenge. Getting a gang together and having a barbecue after shearing. Great to have had that experience. Always hoping the boat was still there after gathering.