Cliff-side rescue mission saves trapped and injured lamb

A mountain rescue team fought to save an injured lamb trapped on a cliff-side on the Isle of Lewis.

A member of the public raised the alarm to the Scottish SPCA after the baby sheep had been seen in the same spot for a number of days.

Staff from the animal welfare charity were unable to reach the stricken lamb and called on the Hebrides Mountain Rescue Team for help.

Scottish SPCA inspector Maggie Adkins said: “The female lamb had become trapped due to injuries to its front legs.

“Although the mother sheep could get back up the cliffs unaided, she didn’t want to leave her baby.

“I knew I wouldn’t be able to reach the youngster as it was on an inaccessible part of the cliffs, so I called Hebrides Mountain Rescue Team who were able to help with the rescue.

“After saving the lamb and reuniting her with the owner, the ewe began her climb back up.

“Hopefully, she’ll be reunited with her baby after a visit to the vet.

“I’m really grateful to Hebrides Mountain Rescue Team for their assistance with this incident. Without them, I’d have had no way to reach the lamb.”

Charlie Greenwood, team leader at Hebrides Mountain Rescue Team, added, “The team are fairly used to carrying out animal rescues, especially at this time of year.

“We provide this service for the obvious animal welfare issue but also to prevent the owners or members of public attempting rescues on steep ground without proper safety equipment.

“This incident was slightly different due to Covid-19, where minimal personnel were involved and while attempting to maintain good social distancing.

“Once the rescue was underway we managed to catch the lamb fairly quickly, enabling us to return before the rising tide cut off access to the cliffs.”

If anyone finds an animal in distress they should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.