Pentland Hills: Plea for public to be responsible after pregnant sheep 'stressed' by skiers and snowboarders

The public has been asked to behave responsibly after pregnant sheep on the Pentland Hills are ‘stressed’ by visitors enjoying the snow.

A statement on the regional parks explains: “The prolonged snow cover in the Pentlands has been a welcome relief to many recreational users but it has also added stress and difficulties on those who manage and farm the land during an already difficult season.

"We must continue to be mindful of sheep across the hills who are now pregnant.

Pentland Hills: Plea for public to be responsible after pregnant sheep 'stressed' by skiers and snowboarders

"When continually stressed or pushed away from optimal grazing areas this affects the sheep’s condition and ability to survive through to lambing time.

“We have highlighted before that East and West Kip have been impacted by large numbers of skiers/boarders congregating, this area continues to see issues and we urge everyone to consider your routes with the welfare of sheep and wildlife in mind.”

This week, Edinburgh has seen record low temperatures after three days of snow fall.

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