A crofter from Ness who was documenting the lambing season for his Facebook friends was banned from the social networking site at the weekend.

Administrators at the social networking corporation in California took exception to a photo of a stillborn lamb saying it depicted violence.

However, the experienced shepherd on the Isle of Lewis is appealing against the decision because he claims to be only showing the realities of the lambing season in the Hebrides.

It is thought that another user’s complaint prompted Facebook moderators to delete the photo of the dead animal, which had been born with a serious birth defect. It is understood it showed exposed flesh.

Facebook bosses then wrote to the crofter saying they had taken action because of “graphic violence” depicted in his photo.

The crofter, who has asked not to be named, had been giving his Facebook friends a running commentary on how the lambing was going with his flock of sheep at Ness in the north part of the island.

He explained: “I have been posting photographs about the ups and downs of my lambing season – with many people thanking me for showing the darker side as well. The lamb in question was stillborn with a genetic defect. I didn’t post it initially but many people asked to see it.”

After he posted the image, it was removed by Facebook without consultation.

He said: “There was quite an angry reaction – even from those who disliked the image.
“I’m frustrated and disappointed that the picture has been taken down and my account was suspended for 24 hours. Facebook indicated that it was ‘graphic violence’ – something alien to crofters and their animals.”

Earlier his week, consultants working for Facebook reviewed the decision to remove the photo and impose a temporary ban from the site on the crofter. Yesterday (WED) they said they would not be commenting on the specific details.

Meanwhile, the crofter concerned is now on rival social networking site Twitter telling his followers how Facebook accused him of posting graphic violence for showing only real-life lambing scenes.