A rare sheep stolen from Almond Valley Heritage Centre in West Lothian has given birth after being tracked down and returned home by police.
Edinburgh Live previously reported the animal, a North Ronaldsay breed of which there are less than 1000 females left, was stolen from the farm in Livingston while pregnant.
Police and the Scottish SPCA launched an investigation, and after a search of lasting around two weeks the sheep was found on a site around ten miles away.
Those at Almond Valley Heritage Centre were keen to thank police for their efforts in tracing her – and after she gave birth to a little male lamb last week opted to name the new addition after the officers involved in the investigation.
They shared the news on social media, posting: "We have decided to pedigree register the lamb under the name Almond Valley Ramsay-Russell' after the policemen that dealt with the case and got his mum back to us safe and sound... just in time for her giving birth.
"We will be keeping a close eye on them both and they will stay in quarantine away from our other sheep until we are happy that they are both doing ok."
A funding page has been set up to help support the animals while the farm is shut to the public due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Their JustGiving page states: "Running costs continue while Almond Valley is closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions, but during closure we have no opportunity to earn any income. As a charity that receives no revenue funding from local or central government, we're totally dependent on admission and membership income to pay the bills.
"During these difficult times, we'd greatly welcome any donation you might be able spare towards the feeding, care and upkeep of our animals, ensuring that all the residents of the farm receive the best of care until we're able to re-open once again."
At time of writing, £1352 had been raised. Click here for more information, or to contribute.
