Aha … the alpacas arrive

Shetland’s first family of alpacas are already making their mark, with folk flocking to the south end to see the curious arrivals settle into their new home.

The 10 creatures arrived just before Christmas at the end of a mammoth journey from Dorset, from where owners Philippa and Colin Arnot have just moved to start a new life in the isles.

The alpacas, more commonly seen in the Andes, are already becoming a focal point for animal lovers keen to get their first glimpse of the animals on these shores – Shetland, after all, has never before played host to a herd of alpacas.

Mr Arnot said the beasts were already starting to draw attention from passers-by.

“There have been lots of folk who have stopped and spoken to Philippa when she has been over to them,” he said. “There seems to be a real genuine interest in them.”

He said he was delighted that the alpacas seemed unperturbed by the recent bout of snow, indicating the animals – complete with thick, woollen coats – are well equipped to put up with freezing temperatures.

As previously reported, the couple hope the alpacas – which arrived along with eight rugged soay sheep – could become something of a visitor attraction.

If early signs are anything to go by, they could find themselves the star attraction for some time to come.