25/07/2026
The most adorable creatures ever. We love seeing them scattered around the island.
Here are some facts about them:
1) They’re really old
Highland Coos are the oldest cattle breed in the world, appearing in the 6th century in the Outer Hebrides. Thankfully, the coos you see nowadays aren’t that old. In fact, their lifespan is up to 20 years.
2) Behind the Big Horns
Highland coos are often identified but their very impressive horn-age. These coos have whopping horns on their heads, which are very powerful, so don’t get too close or you might be skewered. Their horns serve a multitude of purposes though. Aside from steering off predators, which thankfully for the coos, isn’t a problem in Scotland, more so in North and South America, the coos horns also help them to rake up the snow and forage for food in the winter.
3) Spot the difference
Male horns are thicker than female horns, and they curve foeward with a slight upwards rise near the tip of the horn. Female coos have thinner horns that have a more obvious upwards curve. Yes, the females are more curvy.
4) Queen Victoria
Apparently, Queen Victoria, when visiting the Highlands is said to have commented that she liked the red coloured coos the best, so to try and please her highness, coos were selectively bred in that colouring. That is part of the reason we see so many ginger coos.
5) Bonnie Baby Coos
When a Heilan Coo gives birth, the calf will be able to stand and walk straight away and instantly recognises its mum. Mummy coo will look after and care for her baby for about 6 months, then it’s on its own. But by that point, it’s usually pretty big.
6) Graze Away
Highland Coos eat heaps. In fact, when they’re not sleeping, they’re usually always eating. They spent 8 hours a day munching away and consume almost 70kg of grass a day! That is the equivalent to about 70 pineapples in weight. They need it though, these are big coos.
