In North Ronaldsay, Orkney, a 13 mile stone dyke circles the island. Built to keep the native sheep on the shore, it is probably the largest drystone construction conceived of as a single entity in the world. Discover the 13 miles from the air, with local voices across generations discussing the Sheep Court, the building and upkeep of the dyke, punding and clipping the native sheep, and the use of seaweed from the shore.
With voices from: Jane Donnelly, Sarah Knight, Ann Marwick, Ian Scott, Michael Scott, Sinclair Scott, Winnie Scott, William Thomson and Sandra Tulloch.
Filming: Fionn McArthur 2024
Audio recordings: Michael Scott 1985
Audio recordings: Ann Marwick (© Orkney Library & Archive)
Edited & directed by Mark Jenkins (kolekto.co.uk)
Made with support from Orkney Islands Council, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Historic Environment Scotland, North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme and Heritage Lottery Fund.
Explore and discover North Ronaldsay's sheepdyke via our interactive Google Earth map (click on the map below to open).
Map design by: Daniel Lee.