The variations in fleece components over the body of the Blackface sheep are described. The differences amongst regions are relatively large and highly significant. The structural components—density, fibre type ratio and weight per unit area—are more variable than the fibre characteristics—weight, length and diameter. Fairly regular patterns are found which approximately correspond to those found in other breeds and there is evidence of significant animal by site interaction. It is concluded that neither fixed nor random site sampling can be regarded as ideal but that the best procedure would be single or multiple sampling in the mid-side region.