The mystery of the Loch Ness Monster. The arm-flailing annoyance of the midge. The majesty of Highland Cattle. All of these are icons of the hiking trails in Scotland, but one stands out above the rest: the Highland Cow.
Its incredibly trendy fringe and powerful-looking horns make Highland Cattle unmistakable, and a photo opportunity not to be missed.
The History of Highland Cattle
In 1885, the registry for Highland Cattle was established meaning that Highland Cows are officially the oldest breed of cattle in the world. Since then, these fluffy beasts have been exported all of the world. They are more suited to countries with a harsher winter climate due to their hardy nature. As a result, these cows can be found in Scotland, Canada, Norway, North America, South America and Finland, as well as Australia. That list isn’t exhaustive, of course.
There were two similar breeds of these cows recognised at first – a smaller Highland Cow and a larger Mainland Cow. These breeds have since been cross-bed so there is no longer any distinction between the two.
Where Do You Find Highland Cattle?
As the name suggests, Highland Cows originated from the Highlands of Scotland. It is thought that they were brought there around 2,000 B.C. by farmers migrating north. Today they can be found in the aforementioned countries of Scotland, Canada, Norway, North America, South America, Finland and Australia. There are also ongoing efforts to introduce the breed to New Zealand due to its hardiness.
Highland Cattle are very adaptable in that they can live in extreme cold, heavy rainfall, powerful winds and on poor-quality land. While most groups of cattle are called ‘herds’, groups of Highland Cattle are actually called a ‘fold’.
You may spot them on your West Highland Way, Great Glen Way, Rob Roy Way or Speyside Way Whisky Trail hike!
Do Highland Cows Have Horns?
Yes.
Big ones.
The horns of a Highland Cow tend to grow out of the head parallel to the ground and then curve slightly upwards. This make it useful for foraging through snow to reach grass underneath for grazing.
Features and Facts About Highland Cattle
- The stereotypical colour of a highland cow’s coat is orange, however black, red, yellow and white are not uncommon.
- Their coat is made is of two layers: the undercoat a downy fluff to protect from cold weather and an overcoat of recognisable long, straggly hair.
- Their long horns are put to use in the snowy winter months – they can use the horns to forage through the snow to get at the grass.
- Bulls can grow up to roughly 4 foot high and around 800 kilograms, while cows grow to about 3 and a half foot and 500 kilograms.
- A group of Highland Cattle is called a fold instead of a herd.
- Highland Cattle have a social hierarchy, with grown cattle dominant to younger cattle, and males dominant to females.
- They are not aggressive, but are very protective of their young.
What Are Male Highland Cows Called?
Like other breeds of cattle, male Highlands are called bulls while the females are called cows. Young Highlands are called calves, similar to other breeds.
Are Highland Cattle Dangerous?
Despite their fearsome stature, Highland Cattle are known to have a good temperament both towards humans and each other. The aforementioned social hierarchy reduces any conflict or aggression in the fold, and they’re partial photobombing the odd selfie.
They are very protective of their calves though, so take caution if you spot a mother and her young.
They are the symbol of Scotland’s favourite toffee bar.
Highland Cattle are the symbol of Scotland’s most famous toffee bar. Fondly known as “coo candy”, Highland Toffee bars were made by McCowans and during their production lifetime sold over 140 million bars. Legend has it that that Millar McCowan a struggling confectioner in the 1920’s bought the secret recipe for the toffee in a pub for the price of a pint. Famous for its stretchiness and great taste, the bar emptied many a schoolchild’s pocket and kept the dental profession in business. Avoid at all costs if you wear dentures.
