“A black sheep adventure” was the phrase used by Hebridean sheep farmers, Jack and Morna Cuthbert, to describe their involvement in the excellent Disney Plus Star Wars TV show, Andor.
But first let me back up a wee bit here. As a Scotsman, seeing Scotland in Andor (especially those beautiful wide drone shots capturing the Highland mountains) was not only thrilling and gave me a swell of pride, but in just over an hour I could be on set locations, so as I was researching the Aldhani scenes in episodes 4-6, I tumbled down a rabbit hole which led me to Jack and Morna’s website.
They had a contact form, so I thought I’d take a chance and drop them a note saying I live 30 minutes from them and asked if it would be possible to take pictures of their sheep used in Andor to share on Fantha Tracks. Being the wonderful couple they are they agreed to my request, so I had the pleasure of not only taking pictures of their sheep, including Excalibur, but was also invited into their home for a coffee and a chat to learn more about their Star Wars story….and their sheep.
Jack and Morna began their black sheep adventure with 6 Hebridean sheep in 2011. Twelve years later they have 600. Considering there were only 273 Hebridean sheep alive in 1973 (until the Rare Bread Survival Trust took charge of the breed) making them rarer than the giant panda, Sumatran tiger and rhinoceros, the Cuthbert’s numbers are impressive. Most impressive. Currently there are around 1500 newly registered Hebridean sheep per year, with an estimated total of 7,000 in existence. Jack is the Trustee of the Hebridean Sheep Society and conservation is very much at the forefront of his mind. As well as playing their part in restoring the breeds numbers, they also help the environment by working with Forestry Commission Scotland. Having 100 sheep in a 25 acre lowland bog eating silver birch saplings in turn helps keep the bog wet.
So how did they get involved in Andor? They saw an advert by animal training company Birds and Animals looking for multi-horned sheep for a TV production. Obviously Star Wars was not named in the original ad, but they thought why not?, took a chance and applied. Eventually they were selected, and a black sheep adventure began. Their sheep were wanted by production because they look familiar, yet different. Tony Gilroy was happy he was the first to get sheep into Star Wars. Hebridean sheep are good natured so having that many males, or tups as they’re called in Scotland, together wouldn’t be an issue. As with many animals, when you get them together there’s an order of dominance, and 7 year old Excalibur is the Alpha male that keeps the others in line.
Originally the production was due to begin filming in May 2020 but was delayed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Cuthbert’s had given the Andor production 17 tups to choose from. At first they wanted 6, then decided on 11. In preparation leading up to filming the sheep got used to walking on the same boards that were used on the bridge, that was built by crew, to cross the River Tilt. Familiarisation with something they weren’t used to walking on would be vital in getting them to and from their pen on set. Where the sheep live there isn’t a river, so even hearing the water never mind seeing it, was a totally new experience for them, but by training and building their confidence walking across the bridge to get treats they were able to enjoy their new surroundings. With new sights, new smells and new tastes, “they enjoyed their wee holiday.” So did Jack and Morna, even though they couldn’t even tell their 2 children, Orin and Struan, what they were really doing for the time they were away. One of them was always on set for the three weeks of filming, something the production insisted on. Some days they weren’t used, but they were always there just in case.
Familiarisation with cast and crew was also vital for filming. Varada Sethu (Cinta Kaz) and Faye Marsay (Vel Sartha) were particularly affectionate with them. Varada would make a beeline for them when she arrived on set to greet them with head pats and tickles. (Side-note: Varada became my new Andor favourite after hearing this; that’s exactly what I’d do)
If you look at the set picture, compare it to the pictures of Excalibur I took and notice something looks different, you’re correct. Excalibur was given a head piece giving him an additional 2 horizontal horns. Around 10% of the 7000 Hebridean breed are multi-horned. The numerical variety of horns is all down to the buds splitting in the skull template. Genes control the split of the horn buds. The more horns the tups have the more brittle they are and easier they get knocked off when they’re young. Jack and Morna have only ever had one tup with 8 horns.
Excalibur and his woolly tup friends join the list of elephant, rat, iguana, toad, raven, hamster, rabbit, llama, ferret, chicken, goat, owl and horse seen in Star Wars. The Hebridean sheep play a key role in helping “Clem” and his Aldhani rebel group blend in to the surroundings and hide in plain sight from the arrogant Empire. They’re only Highland farmers, right?
We know that Dray milk will make you question your existence after a few days, but what does Hebridean hogget taste like? Jack told me it’s slightly gamey with caramelisation sweet notes to it. White sheep have fat that doesn’t render quite so well. Hebridean bread has a different make up of collateral and fat level accounting for the island life. They need a quick shot of energy for when times are hard and they need that extra energy. They carry more fat around their internal organs, and because they’re a smaller bread they’re slower to the table. A standard sheep is culled at 4 to 6 months but a Hebridean is 18 months. It’s tender like lamb, despite being older. They sell their produce to a variety of places, from local Scottish pubs to restaurants like The Quality Chop House in London, where they’ve been invited to give evening dinner talks (and describe those events as black sheep adventures too).
The couple clearly enjoy seizing opportunities to see where it takes them. They had no idea they were going to work on Star Wars but, “It’s a bucket list ticked. The sheep will still be in Star Wars long after we’re gone.”
If you’d like to see Excalibur for yourself and cheer him on, you can do so by attending the upcoming Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh from Thursday 22nd June to Sunda 25th June 2023. It showcases the best of food, farming and rural life. Excalibur will be judged in the Hebridean tup class and is also eligible for the 4 horned trophy. Everyone here at Fantha Tracks wishes Excalibur the best of luck and hope he adds more rosettes to the Cuthbert’s wall.
If you’d like to see what Jack and Morna have for sale you can do so by clicking here.
Many thanks to Jack and Morna for inviting me into their home and sharing their black sheep adventure story with Fantha Tracks… May the Force be with ewe.
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