Being the "black sheep" isn"t always a bad thing—just ask the Scottish Blackface, seen here in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. With its striking dark features and a knack for thriving in places others wouldn"t, this British breed has turned the idiom on its head. Far from an outcast, it"s the backbone of Scotland"s rural life and a true champion of the hills and moors. Interestingly, the Blackface sheep didn"t originate in Scotland but south of the Anglo-Scottish border. The breed"s history is fascinating, and varieties such as the large-framed Perth and the medium-framed Lanark types are found across the United Kingdom. Though it"s the most common breed in the region, the Blackface sheep has spread across the world, including the United States. Its coarse fleece is perfect for making durable products like carpets and tweeds—definitely not your average sweater material.
Scottish Blackface sheep, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Today in History
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History awaits atop the hill
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International Archaeology Day
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King of the jungle? Nope
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Man-made, meandering Lake Powell
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Summer solstice
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Postcard from Italy
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Glacial rivers, Iceland
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World Hippo Day, a giant celebration
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Happy Birthday, J.R.R. Tolkien!
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Happy Fat Tuesday!
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Happy Valentines Day!
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Seceda, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy
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The 50th Toronto International Film Festival
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Astoria-Megler Bridge, Oregon
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Muir Woods National Monument, California, United States
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A scented sea of purple
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Jewel of the Adriatic
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Pushkar Camel Fair
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Endangered Species Day
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World Lake Day
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Polar bear, Churchill, Manitoba
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Chilling out on an ice floe
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Lands End, Cornwall, England
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Badlands National Park, South Dakota, United States
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Take the Stairs Day
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Arches National Park, Utah, USA
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Bláhver, Hveravellir, Iceland
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Happy Holi!
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Paro Tsechu Festival, Bhutan
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The Big Apple with a foggy topping
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

