An unusual herd is being offered for sale to new homes - in the shape of 31 llamas.
The Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen, Scotland is to auction them at a rare breed sale in Carlisle on Friday the 18th of April.

Farm manager James Law said the llamas have a variety of uses - from being exotic pets, to trekking, to keeping grass tidy and even golf caddying. (more of which later!)

The llamas were bought in 1987 and are being let go as the Rowett Research Institute prepares to merge with Aberdeen University.

Mr Law told BBC Scotland:

"They are used for trekking in upland areas. Exotic pets is really one of the main uses, and I have sold one or two for guarding sheep from foxes." "I have heard of them possibly being used as caddies on golf courses, especially in America, and they are very good at grazing the land and keeping it nice and tidy."

Now I keep my ear close to the ground when it comes to camelids but I have never heard of llamas being used as caddies on a golf course.... if anyone has heard of such a thing please drop me an e-mail as I would be fascinated to learn more.

Don't forget to check out our Spring Alpaca Competition.....