A Gathering - 2

This was the view last Saturday morning, looking northwestwards, from the point where Alayne and the dogs had finally gathered all twenty-seven of the Millburn croft sheep which had gone astray (see earlier post here).  It looks across the valley from the ridges to the west of Beinn na h-Imeilte towards the township of Achosnich.

The route for getting the sheep back to Millburn is shown on this map.  The sheep, of course, had not the slightest intention of following it.  While it's a mystery what it is that they so like in the very sparse vegetation that's coming through following April's moorland fire, they did everything they could to stay there.

Their favourite ploy was to break away up the steep slopes towards the ridge of Beinn na h-Imeilte.   When this happened, Gillespie, watching from the van, was able to warn Alayne.  To bring them back on track, Jess the border collie had to swing away to the left and get above them.  She did this with amazing speed, often running straight up slopes with a 45 degree angle, all the time controlled by Alayne.

This small group made a final stand on one of the lower ridges, looking back as if to challenge us to move them on.  Beyond them is Lochan na Crannaig and the Kilchoan-Portuark road.

There seemed to come a point when, quite suddenly, they gave up further resistance.  Perhaps it was when they recognised the area of Ormsaigmore's common grazings where they were supposed to be.  They settled down into a neat line and headed for home.

Jess followed them closely, making absolutely certain that there was no further rebellion.  By this time we were approaching the un-named lochan which lies between the Sanna and Portuairk roads.  On the far side, where the land rises, is the Kilchoan waste recycling point.  When we reached it Gillespie was waiting.  Alayne changed her dogs, though Jess, who was thoroughly enjoying herself, seemed determined to see the whole thing through.  So while Alayne continued on to Millburn with the flock Gillespie drove an exhausted Diary back to his car near Achosnich.

The whole thing took about two and a half hours.  As well as being an impressive demonstration of the value of well-trained working dogs and a very enjoyable day in wonderful surroundings, it brought home what hard work crofting is.