

In some countries, Highland cows are used to prevent vegetation from taking over. For example, they can eat tree leaves, honeysuckle, poison ivy and even stinging nettles - anything available that has nutritional value - whereas lesser cow breeds would likely die of starvation on the same poor pasture. This cattle breed is extremely tolerant to cold conditions due to their dual layer of thick oily hair, and also thrive in areas with poor grazing land, feasting on types of grass and other plants that other breeds would avoid. Today the breed is simply called Highland. Originally there were two classes of Highland cow, one from the west coast or western Scottish islands called the Kyloe, and the larger breed named the highlander. Hairy coos / Heilan Coos are difficult to miss, they are about as big or a little smaller than a normal cow, but covered in long shaggy red hair and have large horns protruding from their heads.

Let's find a little bit more about these beautiful animals and find out why they are so beloved in Scotland. the Highland Cow seems to be worshipped by locals and tourists alike. These fine shaggy beasts have become synonymous with Scotland and are used on everything you can imagine, from mugs and placemats to keyrings and tea towels.

is the Unicorn! But is it really? Unofficially the highland cow must surely be Scotland's true national animal. Scotland's national animal, believe it or not.
