Scotland, Part 3: Chasing Highland Coos

If there was one thing I wanted more than anything for this trip, it was to pet a hairy coo. My bucket list was long, nearly 3 pages, but at the very top? 

“FIND AND PET A HAIRY COO”. Yes, in all bold.

For those that do not know, "hairy coo" is a name affectionately given to the shaggy Scottish breed of cow. Their long-haired double-layer coat and regal horns are eye-catching features, as is their varying shades of coat - from red to black, that create a visual contrast against the lush greenery of Scotland.

 Their hefty coats do well to keep them protected during the brutal winters of the Scottish Highlands. And despite their size (and intimidating pointy horns, used for clearing brush), they are quite docile animals. Their gentle nature is the product of centuries of contact with humans, often living inside the homes of their owners during the winter months. It is believed that these gentle giants (ranging from 900-1800 pounds, fully matured) have descended from cattle that was initially transported by Neolithic-era farmers that had migrated from central Europe to northwestern Europe. 

I am not actually an animal person, so this deeply intense and burning desire to find a cow was unusual for me at best. But I had seen fancy black and white photography of the Highland Cow and dozens of adorable TikTok's that had me excited to see a coo in real life.

As we drove through Scotland, from Edinburgh to Skye, I was disappointed to have only spotted hundreds of sheep lazily grazing never-ending pastures, no Highland cows in sight. It would be by random chance that we would happen upon them only about 12 miles before hitting Portree in Skye. We had just stopped at the side of the highway to capture some drone footage of a gigantic waterfall up in the mountains, and to catch a glimpse of a rainbow spanning the length of the deep valley between the winding roads. 
As we packed ourselves back into the car and began our journey toward Portree, I suddenly shouted for Brent to pull to the side of the road again - "HAIRY COOOOOOS!" I pointed excitedly. It wasn't as if I had never been around a cow before. Living in Texas I have spent my fair share of time on farms dodging giant 'cow pies', but something was different, almost magical, about these hairy majestic creatures - thick dangling drool and all. 

I quietly watched the larger coo that had lingered near the barbed metal fence, when suddenly he threw his snout up to the sky before landing his chin on the sharp barbs, shaking his head back and forth to get a good scratch. It felt almost as if it was happening in slow motion, the movements heavy like lead. Tufts of hair lined the fence, a clear sign that this had been a favorite spot to cure a few itches. And although the coos were gentle and completely unbothered of human presence, it is still best to admire these creatures from a respectful distance to allow them to continue their natural behaviors undisturbed. 

Where to see Highland Cows in Scotland

• Scottish Cows Farm, Hectors Highland Coos - The spot where we stopped off near Portree, Isle of Skye. You can stay in the luxury self-catering cabins at Lodge on the Loch
• Hushinish Beach - a scenic island area where you can find roaming coos
• Bealach Na Bà - Free-roaming coos off a small historial coastal road
• Kirkton Farm off North Coast 500 - grab a buggy tour around the Highland Cow farm to see these gentle creates up close
• Clachtoll Beach - Free-roaming coos can sometimes be found munching on seaweed and enjoying the sound of the sea
• Glen Tanar estate (eastern Cairngorms National Park) - Grazing coos and additional activities that you can enjoy
• Drumbuie Farm B&B - off the shores of Loch Ness, this is a working farm with Highland coos roaming the grounds
• Glamis Castle - the setting of Shakespeare's Macbeth and a chance to see some Highland cows grazing the area
• Swanston Farm - located in the Pentland Hills, you will get both hill and city views (Edinburgh) while admiring the coos
• Cow Hill - on the edge of Fort William, farmers have always kept Highland coos in this area. Be aware that this includes a steep uphill journey
• Durnish & Plockton - near Skye Bridge, you will likely spot many happy free-roaming coos munching on grass
• Kincardine Castle - a castle and coos...what more could you want?!
• Macallan Distillery - this distillery owns their own herd of coos. Take a tour while you're there and enjoy a glass of true Scottish whiskey
• Jacksons at Jedburgh - hear interesting farm tales while admiring the adorable herd of coo roaming around the land
• Aikenshill House & Farm B&B - sea views, an award-winning tasty breakfast & a large herd of fuzzy coos to meet
• Muiravonside Country Park - not only will you get a chance to check out some coos, but there are plenty of other animals to enjoy here as well
• Pollock Country Park - near Glasgow, you will find a herd of nearly 50 Highland cattle grazing the pastures year-round. You can join a guided walk with the livestock team
• Kitchen Coos & Ewes, High Airyolland Farm - offers fun & educational buggy tours of the farm. Here you'll even get to enjoy a sheep dog demonstration
• Heads of Ayr Farm Park - come and meet the friendly coo, amongst a variety of other animals like fennec foxes, ring-tail lemurs, wallabies and more
• Isle of Islay - home to the Scottish smoky whiskies, it also houses many wandering coo. This is a beautiful place to grab photos of the majestic coos
• Isle of Barra - enjoy the golden beaches & gentle wandering coos found across this island

As you can see, there is clearly no shortage of opportunities to view the hardy creatures during your visit to Scotland. Whether you head north or south in the country, you are likely to run into a coo or two.

Recommendations provided by Visit Scotland

Another bucket list item gleefully checked off during our trip. Mushy peas, Highland cows...what will we check off next?