It originated in the Scottish Highlands and the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland and has long horns and a long shaggy coat. It is a hardy breed, bred to withstand the intemperate conditions in the region. The first herd-book dates from 1885; two types – a smaller island type, usually black, and a larger mainland type, usually dun – were registered as a single breed.
The Highland Cow (Hielan coo) is a Scottish breed of rustic cattle.
Discover more about the Highland Cow
When to see
They can be seen all year round.
Where to see
Highland cows can be found all over the Highlands. They can often be spotetd in fields along the roads, especially in the Cairngorms National Park or roaming free on the road itself in places like Plockton and the North West of Scotland.
Did you know?
Originally, small farmers kept Highlands as house cows to produce milk and for meat. Although a group of cattle is generally called a herd, a group of Highland cattle is known as a "fold". This is because in winter, the cattle were kept in open shelters made of stone called folds to protect them from the weather at night. They were also known as kyloes in Scots.
In 1954, Queen Elizabeth ordered Highland cattle to be kept at Balmoral Castle where they are still kept today.
When to see
They can be seen all year round.
Where to see
Highland cows can be found all over the Highlands. They can often be spotetd in fields along the roads, especially in the Cairngorms National Park or roaming free on the road itself in places like Plockton and the North West of Scotland.
Did you know?
Originally, small farmers kept Highlands as house cows to produce milk and for meat. Although a group of cattle is generally called a herd, a group of Highland cattle is known as a "fold". This is because in winter, the cattle were kept in open shelters made of stone called folds to protect them from the weather at night. They were also known as kyloes in Scots.
In 1954, Queen Elizabeth ordered Highland cattle to be kept at Balmoral Castle where they are still kept today.
When to see
They can be seen all year round.
Where to see
Highland cows can be found all over the Highlands. They can often be spotetd in fields along the roads, especially in the Cairngorms National Park or roaming free on the road itself in places like Plockton and the North West of Scotland.
Did you know?
Originally, small farmers kept Highlands as house cows to produce milk and for meat. Although a group of cattle is generally called a herd, a group of Highland cattle is known as a "fold". This is because in winter, the cattle were kept in open shelters made of stone called folds to protect them from the weather at night. They were also known as kyloes in Scots.
In 1954, Queen Elizabeth ordered Highland cattle to be kept at Balmoral Castle where they are still kept today.
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Registered Company No: 303299 | Registered address: Wild Scotland, Suite 212, 8 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EA