Little Rahane Farm provides 'last chance saloon' for farm animals

Shirley and Steve Dalziel have been running Little Rahane Farm for 20 years, providing a loving home for pigs, cows, and other breeds who would have had nowhere else to go.

The pair’s work was inspired, in part, by the couple’s son, Colin, who passed away in 2017.

A snowy day on the farm (Image: Little Rahane Farm)

Shirley said: “One Christmas, he went to rescue a little Tamworth pig that was advertised for Christmas dinner.

“He came back with six little piglets. Some of them were tiny at the time, and they grew up to be six giant Tamworths. We’ve just sort of carried on.”

The farm’s work also carries on the legacy of Shirley’s dad, who worked as a vet and was often given animals whose owners could no longer look after them.

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She added: “We work closely with the charities. If they can’t take something, we’ll take it – but we’ve got to follow all the animal legislation about animal movement very carefully.

“It’s generally from farms. For example, one of our Highland cows, Goldie, she came from a farm which was getting of all their stock.

The farm is home to various types of animal (Image: Little Rahane Farm)

“But Goldie was a bit of a pet to them, so they couldn’t bear the thought of her going.

“We also get animals from people who have taken them on from a farm or have had them as a pet.”

Shirley and Steve often welcome visitors to the farm, taking them round to see the animals and sharing their backstories.

The farm is not suitable for dogs or young children, however those interested in visiting are encouraged to get in touch via the Little Rahane Farm Facebook page.