Marks and Buists of Sheep
In 1880 a booklet was published, entitled Marks and Buists of
Sheep in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, written by J.H Maxwell. As well as
giving some detail of breeds of sheep, and their handling by dogs, the author
lists some Stewartry farms, under Parish headings, with details of the farmer,
and of the buist and other identification marks for the farms. These marks
were used to distinguish between sheep herds and are reproduced below.
BARLOCHAN
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John Strong
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J.S. buist on near side.
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CAIGTON
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Gavin Hamilton
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Eel stab on top of far ear; far wick burn; red spot on near melt.
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CASTLEGOWER
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Thomas Helm
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Two holes in near ear; green spot on near loin.
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CUIL
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John Rain
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Eel stab and back nick on near ear; spot of tar or paint on near loin.
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CULLINAW
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James Gordon
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Tar buist on far shoulder.
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LITTLE KNOX
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Alexander Helm
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H. buist on near side; keel dot on shoulder top.
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NETHERTOWN OF ALMORNESS
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John Sproat
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D.S. buist on near side; red keel on near shoulder.
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ORCHARDTON MAINS
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Samuel Wilson
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W. buist on near side.
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SOUTH GLEN
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William Wilson
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Red keel on top of shoulder.
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According to Chambers Concise Scots Dictionary a Buist is an identification mark branded or painted on sheep or it is also the name of the iron stamp used for branding on sheep.
Eel stabs are the V shaped incisions in the ears of animals as a mark of ownership.
Can anyone tell me what are wick burns and melts?
E-mail me at [email protected]
if you can help please!!!!!!!!!
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