Sixty of the sheep disappeared

Farmer Cree Mackenzie had moved a flock of 117 Blackface sheep across to Mealasta, off the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, last September.

However, it was discovered last month that 60 of the grazing animals had gone.

Northern Constabulary said it looked like the aninals were herded up and taken away and it has dismissed the possibility that they may have gone too close to the water's edge and been swept away.

Someone must have used a boat in order for them to move the sheep off the island and they would have to transport them onwards as well Neil Mackinnon Northern Constabulary

Acting Inspector Neil Mackinnon of Stornoway Police said: "The only thing that could have happened to them is that they could have been swept out to sea, but with that number of animals, it would seem very unlikely.

"It's absolutely baffling. It was obviously an organised operation to remove that number of sheep.

"Someone must have used a boat in order for them to move the sheep off the island and they would have to transport them onwards as well."

Police have been investigating the idea that the thieves may have used a sheepdog to herd the animals up before taking them away under the cover of darkness.

Mr Mackinnon said the waters could be very dangerous during winter.