Few animals say “Scotland” like the Highland coo. The long fringe, the swept-back horns and the shaggy red coat make it one of the most photographed animals in the country. Many visitors want to meet one up close. Here is how to do it safely, and what makes these animals so special.
What Is a Highland Coo?
“Coo” is simply the Scots word for cow. A Highland coo is a Highland cow or bull, one of the oldest recognised cattle breeds in the world. The breed was first described in the Highlands and Western Isles, where it has lived for centuries. The Highland Cattle Society, which keeps the breed records, dates back to 1884.
These cattle are hardy. They were bred to cope with cold, wet weather, steep hills and poor grazing. That is why you will often see them standing calmly in rain, wind or snow.
Why Do Highland Coos Look Like That?
Every part of the look has a job.
- The double coat. Highland cattle have a soft, woolly undercoat and a long, oily outer coat. Together they shed rain and keep the animal warm. Because of this coat, the cattle do not need the thick layer of fat that other breeds carry.
- The fringe. The long hair over the face is called a dossan. It keeps rain, snow and flies out of the eyes. Highland coos can see perfectly well through it.
- The horns. Both cows and bulls grow horns. They use them to dig through snow for food and to settle small disputes in the herd.
- The colours. Red is the classic shade, but you may also see black, yellow, dun (a sandy brown), silver and white.
What Do Highland Coos Eat?
Highland cattle are grazers. They eat grass, heather, rushes and other rough plants that many other animals will not touch. In winter, farmers give them hay or silage when the hill is bare. That is why a photo of a coo pulling a mouthful of grass is so typical of the breed. It is simply doing what it does most of the day.
Their grazing also helps nature. On some estates and nature reserves, Highland cattle are used to manage land. They keep coarse grass and scrub down, which gives wildflowers and small birds more space.
Where Can You See Highland Coos?
You do not need to travel far to find one, but some places are easier than others. Here are some reliable options.
- Pollok Country Park, Glasgow. The park has a well-known Highland cattle fold, and it is easy to reach from the city centre.
- The Trossachs and Loch Lomond. Look for fields and farm shops along the quieter roads, especially around Aberfoyle and Callander.
- Perthshire and the Cairngorms. Farms and estates in this area often keep small herds close to the road.
- Glencoe and Glen Etive. Cattle sometimes graze beside the road in this scenic area. Drive slowly and watch for animals on the tarmac.
- The Isle of Skye and the Isle of Mull. Island herds are common, and many of them graze near the coast.
- Highland farms and visitor centres. Several working farms welcome visitors and let you see the animals from a safe spot. Check opening times before you go.
Spring and early summer are lovely times to visit, as calves are often in the fields. Autumn also works well, when the coats are thick and the hills turn gold.
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How to Meet a Highland Coo Safely
Highland coos have a gentle reputation, and many are calm around people. They are still large animals, and a cow with a calf can be protective. Follow these simple rules.
- Keep your distance. Stay at least a few metres back. Use a zoom lens or your phone zoom for close shots.
- Do not walk between a cow and her calf. This is when cattle are most likely to react.
- Never feed them. Human food can make cattle ill. Farmers and parks also ask visitors not to hand-feed the animals.
- Keep dogs on a lead, or leave them away from cattle. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code asks walkers to keep dogs under close control near livestock. If cattle approach you, let the dog off the lead and move calmly away.
- Use gates properly. If you pass through a field, close every gate behind you.
- Stay calm and quiet. Sudden noise or fast movement can startle an animal.
If a coo walks towards you out of curiosity, stay still, then back away slowly. Most of the time, it just wants to see who you are.
Tips for Taking Great Photos
A good photo of a Highland coo is mostly about patience and light.
- Go early or late. Soft light brings out the colour of the coat and avoids harsh shadows.
- Get down to eye level. It makes the animal look bigger and gives the picture more impact.
- Watch the background. A hill, loch or misty glen behind the animal says “Scotland” at once.
- Shoot in the rain. Wet fur and misty weather make dramatic shots. Bring a waterproof cover for your camera.
- Be ready for the quirky moment. Coos pulling grass, licking their noses or shaking their fringe often give the best pictures.
Fun Facts About Highland Cattle
- A group of Highland cattle is often called a fold.
- Highland beef is lean and is sold by farms across Scotland and beyond.
- The breed has been popular with artists for generations, from Victorian painters to modern photographers.
- Highland cattle are often kept outdoors all year because their coats protect them from the weather.
- Calves are born with a fluffy coat of their own and soon develop the famous fringe.
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When Is the Best Time to Visit?
You can see Highland coos all year round. Summer brings long days and easy driving, but roads in popular areas such as Skye and Glencoe can be busy. Spring is good for calves. Autumn has lovely colours. Winter can be the most striking time of all, with frost on the fringe, though the weather in the Highlands can change quickly. Check the forecast, wear waterproof boots and allow extra time for single-track roads.
Always remember that most coos belong to a farmer. They are working animals, even if they look like stars of a postcard. Treat their fields with respect, follow signs and leave no litter.
Plan Your Highland Coo Day
A simple plan works well. Pick one area, such as the Trossachs, Perthshire or Skye. Book a base for the night, look up local farm visitor centres, and keep a flexible schedule so you can stop when you spot a herd. Bring a camera, waterproofs and a flask of tea. Then take your time. A meeting with a Highland coo is rarely rushed, and the animals are often happiest to simply stand and chew while you take it all in.
So, have you ever met a Highland coo up close? If not, it might be time to add one to your Scottish to-do list.
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Photo: Adam King on Unsplash.