Reader's story

Children’s book author and retired alpaca owner Fiona Wallace reflects on the magical time she spent with her alpacas, llamas and blackface sheep on a Scottish croft.

Twenty years ago, I began a life changing journey when I became the owner of fourteen alpacas, two llamas and twelve blackface sheep, which lived on my 11 acre croft in the Bathgate Hills, West Lothian, Scotland.

Since I began there have been many ups and downs as I have looked after my animals in all types of weather, and in difficult situations. Now retired after twenty years, I reflect on how it all began.

At the yearly four day Royal Agricultural Show near Edinburgh, I was captivated by the stand behind ours that was showing alpacas. These were owned by Pat and Bill Bentley of Sake House in Cumbria. It would be true to say, despite never having seen or heard of alpacas before, that I immediately fell for these gorgeous animals.

I remember racing back to our agricultural stand to find my husband, and in total excitement asking him: “Can I buy an alpaca?”

“Of course,” he said, and handed over his cheque book.

The following day I asked him if I could buy another one. “Yes,” was the reply.

On the last day of the agricultural show my husband and his friend decided to visit the alpaca stand to collect what he thought were two ladies alpaca jumpers. Without a word, Bill Bentley pointed to the pen showing two very much alive woolly jumpers with eight legs – if keeping a marriage alive is being able to surprise your husband then that moment was the equivalent of a 2,000 volt shock.

My poor husband recovered quickly and has been my biggest support all these years. He is my “dream catcher” whose life was turned upside down and yet he weathered it with great fortitude.

Next to arrive over time were another twelve alpacas.These were castrated males as I was interested in the fleece and not breeding, Quickly following in their footsteps were the blackface sheep. I wanted to learn about sheep husbandry. Twelve of them arrived, big and fat, carrying lambs. It was a rapid learning curve for me at lambing time each year – I nearly learned about divorce instead!

Two llamas joined the croft next. They proved to be an exciting addition and were marvellous flock guardians, specially Fred the taller of the two.

Becoming an author

I decided to write a book for children between the ages of six and twelve, This was to be an educational book, but fun as well. ‘Alpaca Magic’ was launched in the round room at Oatridge Agricultural College in November 2005 and the People’s Friend published it in 2006 in their magazine - it sold nationally.

The best advice I was ever given by someone in the alpaca world was: “Fiona when you take charge of your herd of alpacas stand at the gate and watch them for a whole hour. That way you will learn a great deal about your animals.” They are like children all betraying their own personalities and traits; they are mischievous, getting into trouble and causing trouble. It really was the best advice I was ever given.

It was important to give them all names. The first alpaca I called Spats because of his little white feet. Then Colgate, he had yellow teeth and obviously needed to have them cleaned. Then came Hamish, black as coal but with a beautiful temperament. Then Pinkie, he just looked like a pinkie! Then Angus, full of mischief; George likened to an old professor, and Magic who had the longest neck and would wash his feet in the water troughs was just a magic boy!

Then there was Bonzo, my husband’s favourite alpaca, who was a beautiful brown colour. Snowflake had the largest snowflake on his nose, His fleece was lighter brown in colour and made the most beautiful teddy bears. And then there was Harry, the biggest grey alpaca I had ever seen. He would make me chuckle as he always looked as if he was wearing false teeth when chewing his cud!

Horace came next, he was known as Hungry Horace or Horrible Horace. He was the smallest of the alpacas but he was an awful bully. Dan was a very large alpaca, very quiet, caused no trouble and had long eyelashes. Then there was George, a beautifully natured alpaca, just adored eating carrots. And last, but not least, there was Bute, a beautiful fawn alpaca, who was the last to pass away at the grand old age of 23 years old. Eleven of the alpacas all lived to a very old age, as did the llamas, 18 and 19 years respectively.

The alpacas were shorn every year in June. For six years I had the most fantastic teddy bears made from their fleece of all shapes, sizes and colours. They were dressed to match their personalities, even in Scottish Highland outfits.

For 19 years I did alpaca talks all over south east Scotland. I taught students at Oatridge Agricultural College and in the croft for five years.

Owning camelids changed my life. Alpacas and llamas are easy livestock to keep and look after, and they give of themselves so much for very little. I am totally blessed and my love affair with these wonderful animals has been a privilege and has allowed me to enjoy their spiritual being so much. Twenty years of caring, and loving my Longmuir herd has enriched my life immensely. They have all passed on now, but what a terrific experience it all was!