Guardian Genius

[Aperio]

Hebridean sheep, internally red and inflamed after initially making spectacular progress (8) S?A?A?A?

Last clue. Really foxed by this one.

Google does not find any Hebridean Sheep with check letters above.

I thought the answer might begin SP, then a possibilty is SPANAWAY but this is not a breed of sheep.

Am I thinking on the right lines?

Many thanks
Aperio

[turnerjmw]

I think it's SOARAWAY. Meaning making spectacular progress. SOAY is a Hebridean sheep, with RAW (red and inflamed) A (after initially) inside

[bibblebub]

SOARAWAY [spectacular progress]

hebridean sheep = SOAY
red and inflamed = RAW
after initially = A

SOA raw a Y

[Aperio]

Many thanks turnerjmw & bibblebub for sorting that out for me.