Shetland fleece has won the 2018 British Wool National Golden Fleece competition, in association with JG Animal Health. Entered by Robin and Margaret McEwen-King, the fleece has been recognised as the best in the UK. The 2018 Reserve Champion title was awarded to Sam McConnell from Ballymartin, Co Down with a Rouge fleece. The results were announced on December 13, 2018 at The British Wool National Golden Fleece Awards Presentation.

The Golden Fleece is a nationwide competition open to all British Wool producers, aiming to highlight the quality of British wool. Producers from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are invited to enter their fleeces at any of the eleven British depots across the UK. In addition, the champion fleeces from 17 regional agricultural shows attended by British Wool were automatically entered into the four country finals.

The competition attracts entries from all corners of the UK, and the final eight include two fleeces from each home nation - one traditional carpet type, and one speciality/knitwear type. The winning Shetland fleece was entered into the final having won the speciality/knitwear category in Scotland.