Huge lamb born on Spott Home Farm is double average newborn weight

Engaged couple Gemma Sands, 22, and Jack Fleming, 24, have been running their business, J&G Farming, at Spott Home Farm for 18 months.

Both Gemma’s father and grandfather have been involved in farming at Spott Farm, with Gemma the latest in the family to take on the role alongside fiancé Jack, from Melrose.

The couple, who live on the farm, which they rent, raise sheep, with some kept for shows and others to sell for meat.

The lamb, a pure-bred Suffolk which will be raised to attend shows, was born at about 1am on Monday.

It weighed 21.6lb, just under 10kg – almost twice the average weight of a newborn Suffolk (11.4lb).

The heaviest newborn in history is said to have weighed 24.2lb and been born in Wales.

Gemma said: “This was the sheep’s first lamb and it was born in the middle of the storm, so it was quite an experience.

“We knew straight away with how big the sheep was that it was going to be a big lamb, so we got a vet out.

“The vet performed a caesarean on the sheep and when we saw the lamb we couldn’t believe how big it was!

“The vet couldn’t believe it either.

“Thankfully, it was up and about in no time and the mum was totally fine and within minutes was caring for it.”

The couple do not normally name the animals but have called the lamb Alexander.

Gemma said: “He is doing really well, as is his mum, which is good. It was quite a big experience having the lamb with the weather.

“The mum was a bit spooked but thankfully she is OK now.”

Gemma and Jack plan to take the lamb to future shows, including the Haddington Show, where Alexander’s dad was previously shown.

Gemma said: “Everything is going well at the farm so far. It’s a bit scary taking on such a responsibility, especially in the current financial situation, but we are doing well.

“Hopefully Alexander is successful at future shows!”