Highland cows

Sortingmyselfout2024

We are visiting the Dundee area soon and would love to be able to get close to the highland cows , are there any places that you can recommend?

Emmia

It's worth remembering that cows are about a tonne in weight, and often don't like interacting with people... Highland Cows also have fairly obvious weapons.

I see highland cows a few times a year  and whilst they're "cute" it's approach with caution.

inthedepthsofthesea

I've not been, but you could look at the Highland Cow experience at Newton Farm just outside Dundee.

RAS

Where do you live? There are many, many local agricultural fairs across the country. Many include cattle classes. If you live anywhere near areas of rough ground, often there will be Highland classes. The big advantage is that the animals on show have been halter trained, and their owners are nearby.

Highlands look lovely but my favourite breeds are often rarer. I once complemented a farmer on his lovely prize winning heifer; a full 15cms taller and much fuller in the butt than her sisters. I learned a lot about his breeding strategies and got to scratch her.

In Covid, I went to see the breed at one of the first permitted shows and spotted this lovely young bull. I was telling him how gorgeous he was when a human popped up beside him. The same farmer, another prize winner. I was invited into the tent and got to scratch him etc from the side not occupied by his owner and feed him a bit of hay, whilst he was prepped for the winner's parade.

You might want to check shows local to the area you are visiting as well.

Despite the horns, Highlands are often very gentle; just don't approach a herd with calves. If you are alert, you'll realise that the older cows constantly shift to keep themselves between the calves and passing humans. Try to approach directly and they will threaten you. Take note and back off.

rawy

There are some at Glamis Castle, just up the road from Dundee.

We went a couple of weeks ago.

Or if you want highland cow overload the Highland Show in Edinburgh has 50+ on one of the judging days. It's middle of June.

Rawy

magpies79

We often go with the kids to watch the sunset and pick up some fish chips on the way in Derbyshire my wife loves them she use to live on a farm so must be home sick hahaha 

Nebulous2

A long way from Dundee, so not much use to you, but it might interest other people. 

There are some grazing on the golf course at Brora. If you are staying at the caravan site you have to cross the golf course to get to the beach and walk by them, so they are very familiar with people.