Description
Highland Cattle (Bos taurus) HC116
Highland Cattle originated in the Highlands of Scotland and Western Isles. They are in fact an ancient breed dating as far back as the 6th century. In 1885 the Highland Registry was established and is now the oldest herd book in the world, which makes ‘Highlanders’ the oldest registered cattle in the world.
Highland Cattle have long hair (ranging from black through to orange) which helps to insulate them from the harsh weather in winter. They would have been kept in open stone shelters called ‘folds’ to offer more protection. Today a herd of Highlanders is referred to as a fold. Queen Victoria took a liking to the
breed and kept some at Balmoral where there is an even more important role for Highland cattle today. The Queen is patron of the Highland Cattle Society and considered to be one of the country’s top breeders.
