The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Just call me the alpaca whisperer
Traditionally bred for their supersoft fleeces, alpacas are winning admirers for all kinds of reasons. Gayle takes up the reins
Large, expressive eyes framed by stunningly long eyelashes gaze down at me as I stroke an irresistibly furry neck.
Humming, this adorable fellow reaches down to nuzzle my face – I think we might just have bonded.
I’m on windswept but sunny Pathhead Sands in Kirkcaldy with three alpacas and their owners, father and daughter Paul and Sarah Johnson of Bowbridge Alpacas.
The family set up the venture at Peat Inn near St Andrews two years ago after Paul, 58, who runs a plumbing and heating business, discovered the animals were great stress-busters.
“I went on a handling course at TOFT alpaca farm in Worcestershire and was amazed by how calming the animals were,” he explains.
“Simply by spending time around them, by stroking them and looking after them, my worries disappeared.”
At Bowbridge, the Johnsons not only raise alpacas (they currently have 31, and are on the hunt for more), they also offer farm visits, workshops and trekking ventures and sell fleece products.
“Sarah runs the business while I end up cutting toenails and collecting poo along with my wife Alison,” jokes Paul.
On today’s trek, the alpacas – Ajax, Balthazar and Lughaidh – are being exposed to sea water for the first time and they’re a little skittish when they experience the waves crashing.
Ajax seems slightly braver than his pals and emits cute humming noises as we move closer to the shore.
“That’s his way of communicating with the rest of the herd,” Sarah, 26, tells me.
“They use different noises – from humming to clucking and even screaming – to indicate everything from comfort to panic.”
A quick check of the Internet tells me they also make a noise called the “orgle”, described as being “like a rusty trumpeter attempting to play a solo in a swimming pool”. Apparently it’s the noise male alpacas make while attempting to mate.
And yes, they do sometimes spit to signal displeasure, fear or dominance. Thankfully, none of the lads spit at me today – they’re all very gentle, as well as friendly, cuddly and curious.
Walking further down the beach, the alpacas grow a tad nervous when a dog comes running up but after a bit of spinning around, they quickly relax.
“They’re very calm and inquisitive but unexpected things can make them jump,” says Paul, snuggling into Balthazar’s super soft fur.
For the most part, Ajax seems quite chilled out and he’s more than happy to snaffle a few handfuls of nuts from me.
The highlight of the trek is when he “kisses” me on the nose. That’s it, I am smitten.
We’re approached by quite a few people during the trek, all keen to stroke the animals and take photos.
“It’s no surprise really – alpacas make people smile,” says Sarah, who also works as a dance teacher and helps with lambing.
It’s worth noting that alpacas are not the same as llamas, although they’re both part of the camelid family.
These guys are smaller and fluffier and are traditionally bred for their fleece rather than as beasts of burden.
They are pack animals, huddling together to protect one another from predators, and are increasingly used for guarding lambs and poultry.
Treks are being planned for venues across Fife and beyond but the alpacas will also be appearing at a de-stressing event at Dundee University Student Union on May 5, when students will be able to take selfies and enjoy hugs.
And if you organise a trip to Bowbridge, you’ll be able to take them on obstacle courses, walking them round cones, through plastic pipes, mazes and hoops.
Who knew alpacas could be so much fun!