Moray farmer “heartbroken” after flock of sheep goes missing as appeal for information is issued

A MORAY farmer is appealing for help to trace his flock of sheep after they went missing earlier this week.

Ian Forsyth says he has been left “heartbroken” after the flock, which consists of 11 Jacob ewe lambs, one Jacob ewe and one Suffolk ewe lamb, disappeared between 2pm on Tuesday, July 16 and 9am on Wednesday, July 17.

The 18-year-old, who works at Aulton Farm at Mulben, was keeping the flock in a rented field near Maggieknockater but discovered the gate to the field off its hinges and the sheep absent yesterday. He believes that they have been stolen.

Mr Forsyth said: “I feel heartbroken and I’ve lost faith in humanity.

“I’m 18 and every spare penny I’ve got goes into my livestock.

“I care more about my sheep than I do myself so to be honest I’m heartbroken.”

Mr Forsyth is offering a cash reward for any information that leads to the flock being traced.

He added: “To all my farming neighbours, please keep a special eye on your stock.

“I don’t want anyone feeling the way I do right now.”

Police say enquiries are ongoing regarding the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Enquiries are ongoing following a report of stolen sheep from a farm near Aberlour.

“Officers believe the incident occurred between 2pm on Tuesday, July 16 2024 and 9am on Wednesday, July 17 2024.”