Fiona, who became a global sensation as Britain’s loneliest sheep, is now HALF the size she used to be!

After spending two years marooned on a remote Highland beach, she was in need of some TLC.

But now Fiona, dubbed Britain’s loneliest sheep, has undergone a transformative makeover after being shorn for the first time since her dramatic rescue.

Last year, animal lovers across the country were left appalled by the plight of sheep, who were living in total isolation on a remote beach, trapped at the foot of a fearsome cliff face.

She was eventually rescued after a team of rescuers abseiled 800ft down to the rocky stretch of coast south of Balintore in Easter Ross, which the animal had been forced to call home for at least two years.

Now, eight months after the dramatic rescue mission, she has been shaved to the bone.

Britain’s loneliest sheep had a huge, heavy fleece when she was rescued

Fiona pictured being sheared by farmer Cammy Wilson

Sheep farmer Cammy Wilson, who led the team, was shearing Fiona at her home at Dalscone Farm near Dumfries.

Although much of her fur was removed when she was rescued to lighten her weight, this is the first time electric shears have been used to shave her down to the skin.

Last night farmer Ben Best, who looks after her, said: ‘Her new look has completely transformed her and she is much more comfortable, panting less.

‘Fiona roams freely around the farm, she doesn’t have any particular pen to stay in, she just does what she wants.

‘She is extraordinary and has been that way since day one, she has taken everything in stride.

‘As it was her first experience with electric shearing, and the scissors were buzzing, she kicked a bit but was absolutely perfect and behaved impeccably.’

The shearing took place in front of hundreds of spectators who were excited to see her get her new look.

On that day, everyone who was at the farm as a spectator was offered a lock of wool to take home as a souvenir.

Best added: “One of the main questions I get is, ‘How is Fiona?’ She’s so well known, it was big news worldwide. She’s part of folklore now!”

Jillian Turner spotted Fiona in 2021 during a trip from Balintore to Nigg with the East Sutherland Canoe and Kayak Club.

But last October he made the same trip again and noticed that the sheep was still trapped in the small area of ​​beach.

Fiona without her huge fleece

She said at the time that her fleece was “huge and touching the ground at the back.”

In November, a team of five daredevils led by Mr Wilson climbed 800ft to the rocky stretch of shore and, in a heart-stopping rescue, managed to drag Fiona up the steep slope, using a winch mounted on a truck parked at the top of the cliff, 650ft of rope and a feed bag fashioned into a makeshift sling.

Veterinary inspectors who were present confirmed that the sheep was in good physical condition after the dramatic rescue.

Fiona was subsequently given a long overdue haircut and rehomed to Dalscone Farm Animal Park.

The rescue team decided to name the sheep after Princess Fiona, played by American star Cameron Diaz in the Shrek films.