Amazing Couple Raise £1000s in Charity Clipping at Highland

A very special farming couple attracted a large crowd to the sheep rings at the Royal Highland Show today (Sunday 25th June) for a charity endeavour which moved everyone who watched it.

Argyllshire hill farmer, George MacPherson, very carefully took the clippers to his wife Sybil’s locks, a year to the day after she clipped his impressive beard for charity.

The couple, who starred in the hit BBC Series “This Farming Life” are raising money for Cancer Research UK and have been particularly moved by the story of Hamish Hey, a seven-year-old boy from Nairn who lost his battle with cancer earlier this year.

Sybil, who is immediate past chairman of the National Sheep Association of Scotland and a great ambassador for Scotch Lamb, is well-known for her trademark tousled locks. She farms at Brackley, near Dalmally where she and George run 2000 ewes, mostly Blackface with some Cheviots and a 100 Shetlands.

Last year the couple raised almost £4500 for Macmillan Cancer Care at the Royal Highland Show when Sybil clipped George’s very impressive beard which he had been growing since lambing 2016.

Sybil says she has never had her hair cut short before, although she has been known to have the occasional “tidy up” for special occasions. Her previously untamed hair can be an asset in her job working outdoors during the winter months, though she admits that icicles hanging from her hair can present challenges when the temperature falls!

“I feel incredibly lucky to farm where I do and have the lifestyle I have and if I can help to raise the profile of the work of a great charity and raise some funds at the same time it’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss,” said Sybil.

Among those at the ringside supporting the “shearing” were Sybil’s sister Helen and niece Lucy (who also appeared in “This Farming Life”) who travelled up from London to offer their support. Friends have also been offering a selection of stylish hats, including a Scotch Lamb bonnet, to keep her warm.

“I am lucky, I have my health and my hair will grow back – although I think George might take a while to get used to seeing me without it! We still have all our sheep to shear at home so he’ll be gathering the flock with me looking quite different this year!”

The couple send thanks to all those who have donated so far and have set up a Justgiving page for those unable to donate at the show http://ow.ly/xc8g30cLyeK

For further press information please contact Carol McLaren, on 0131 472 4112 or mobile: 07739 900653, email: cmclaren@qmscotland.co.uk