Sybil Set to be Shorn at the Show

Some of the most famous locks in Scottish farming are set to be shorn at the Royal Highland Show. Argyllshire hill farmer Sybil MacPherson, who starred with husband George in the hit BBC series “This Farming Life” has decided to have her hair shorn at the show to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Sybil, who is immediate past chairman of the National Sheep Association of Scotland and actively involved with NFU Scotland, 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 who will be at the ringside supporting the “shearing”, along with husband George, will be Sybil’s sister Helen and niece Lucy (who also appeared in “This Farming Life”) who are travelling up from London to offer their support. Friends have also been offering a selection of stylish hats to keep her warm once she has lost her usual thick thatch of hair.

“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 details of who will be doing the “Official Shearing of Sybil” and the technique to be used are being kept under wraps for now but the action will be taking place in 2pm in the sheep rings at the Royal Highland Show this Sunday when all are welcome.

Sybil, who was one of the farmers who starred in a Quality Meat Scotland “Behind the Label” marketing campaign, will also be on the QMS stand (Avenue O, stand 563) at the Royal Highland Show on Saturday at 11.15am and then again on Sunday at 11.45am to tell the public about her life as a hill livestock farmer as well as her shearing challenge!

For those who would like to support the “Official Shearing of Sybil” a Justgiving page has been set up at http://ow.ly/xc8g30cLyeK