Alpacas and rare sheep to star in East Kilbride family event

Alpacas and rare breeds of sheep will feature at a wool event at a museum in East Kilbride.

The National Museum of Rural Life's Woolly Weekend will take place on May 18 and 19.

Guests will have the chance to meet the photogenic Valais Blacknose, a rare breed of sheep, and enjoy a demonstration by sheep farming YouTuber, Cammy Wilson from The Sheep Game who will showcase mechanical and traditional hand shearing.

Visitors can also experience spinning, weaving, and dyeing sessions that show how fleece is converted into cloth.

Fun-filled storytelling, sheep-themed crafts, and a Dolly the Sheep trail in the main museum are among the other activities that will be on offer during the two-day event.

The exhibition is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and admission is free.

Vicky McLean, general manager at the National Museum of Rural Life, said: "Our Woolly Weekend offers a great day out for families who can see different wool-producing animals and learn about some of the centuries-old skills that are still relevant today.

"The event is a fun way for children to learn about the countryside and for visitors of all ages to see beautiful young lambs and other farmyard animals and to discover more about Scotland’s fascinating rural heritage.

"We’re extremely grateful to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for helping us to run this fantastic, wool-themed weekend."

Tickets can be booked at nms.ac.uk/rural-life.

Tickets for those aged 16 and above are priced at £10, over 65-year-olds at £9, and children aged five to 15 at £7.

Admission is free for those under five.