Where to see Highland cows in Scotland

One of the most sought-after Scottish experiences is meeting our hairy and loveable Highland cows. Or as we Scots call them, Highland coos! Iconic, cute and extremely photogenic, these hardy yet docile animals can be found right across Scotland, including the islands. We’ve put together some top picks from across Scotland for getting up close to them.

A Highland Cow on the road near Kilchrenan
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

North Scotland

The famous Scottish Highlands, where Highland cows originate from, is undoubtably a great place to see them. Amongst the epic and jaw-dropping landscapes, you’re spoiled for locations to pick from!

Highland cow on the coastal road between Applecross and Shieldaig

Bealach na Bà

One of the best known spots for a guaranteed sighting of free-roaming Highland cows is the minor coastal road called Bealach Na Bà, an historical cow drover’s road running between Applecross and Shieldaig. Do drive carefully!

Explore Applecross

Plan your trip to Shieldaig

Duirinish and Plockton

Very close to the Isle of Skye bridge, Duirinish is a small and traditional Scottish village where you can find Highland cows roaming around freely. Also nearby is the beautiful coastal village of Plockton, where Highland cows are also free to roam around the village!

Find more about Duirinish

Experience Plockton

Cow Hill

See Highland cows in the fields around historic Cow Hill at the edge of Fort William. It’s named after the cows which have always historically been kept there by Highlander farmers. Glen Nevis and Glen Coe are also great spots where you’re likely to see Highland cows living amongst the stunning backdrops.

Cow Hill walking route

Explore Fort William

Highland cow spotted on the NC500
© @scotland_with_alex

North Coast 500

See Highland cows in fields along the renowned North Coast 500 route between Thurso and Durness. On this stretch, Kirkton Farm offers buggy tours around their Highland cattle farm. Or further along the western stretch of the NC500 route, you might see Highland cows enjoying a seaweed picnic at Clachtoll Beach.

Book a buggy tour at Kirkton Farm

Tour the North Coast 500

Glen Tanar

See Highland cows grazing in fields near the road in enchanting Glen Tanar, on the eastern periphery of the Cairngorms National Park. Glen Tanar estate offers various activities, too.

Plan a trip to Glen Tanar

Drumbuie Farm

Stay at Drumbuie Farm B&B on the northern shores of the mystical Loch Ness, which is also a working farm with Highland cattle. The northern stretch of the loch is generally a good place to see Highland cows in the surrounding fields.

Explore Drumbuie Farm

Visit the Scottish Highlands

North east

Aberdeenshire is a great place to spot both Highland cows and castles, having the greatest density of castles anywhere in the country! From stunning Royal Deeside, to quaint traditional fishing villages on the coast, this region has much to enjoy.

Macallan Distillery

Located in the north west of Aberdeenshire, if you visit the renowned Macallan Distillery, be sure to take a walk around the estate and meet the distillery’s own herd of Highland cattle.

Visit Macallan Distillery

Aberdeenshire Highland Beef

Enjoy wonderful farm and food experiences at this working farm in Banchory. The one hour tour can be booked online and includes getting up close to the cows as well as a delicious beef tasting experience.

Discover Aberdeenshire Highland Beef

Aikenshill House

What's better than accommodation where there are Highland cows on site?! Aikenshill House is a luxurious guesthouse and self-catered bothy in Aberdeenshire which has its own fold of friendly Highland cows on site.

Book a stay at Aikenshill House

Discover the Aberdeenshire region

Central

The regions of Edinburgh & The Lothians, Dundee & Angus, The Kingdom of Fife, Argyll, Perthshire, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley are located centrally in the heart of Scotland – stretching from the west to east coasts. These regions are easily accessible from the largest cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Highland cattle at Pollok Country Park, Glasgow

Pollock Country Park

Glasgow's largest park is home to a herd of around 50 Highland cows who graze in the fields of the park all year round. Join in a guided walk with the Livestock Team to see activities like the cattle being groomed for show, tune into the story of the Pollok fold and learn more about these magnificent beasts.

Discover Pollock Country Park

Muiravonside Country Park

Muiravonside is Falkirk's only country park, providing 170 acres of stunning woodland and parkland, a mini demonstration farm, a sculpture trail and a children's play area. The River Avon trail runs through the site, and the John Muir Way passes close by too, offering lots of opportunities for exploring the local area. There are lots of animals on the farm, including Highland cattle.

Visit Muiravonside Country Park

Glamis Castle

Approximately a 20-minute drive north of Dundee, Glamis Castle is the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and the surrounding grounds are also home to some Highland cows.

Experience the magic of Glamis Castle

A Highland cow relaxes in the Scottish countryside
© @tylerlottjohnston

Swanston Farm

Located in the Pentland Hills to the west side of Edinburgh, Swanston Farm is a favourite with visitors. Enjoy the beautiful views of the hills and city, while meeting the farm’s lovely herd of Highland cows.

Take a trip around Swanston Farm

South and south west Scotland

The lowlands in the south west of Scotland and the Scottish Borders have idyllic countryside landscapes, and many historic towns and villages to explore. Plus plenty of Highland cows to see too of course!

Kitchen Coos and Ewes

Further west of Galloway Forest Park, near Newton Stewart, is Kitchen Coos & Ewes at High Airyolland farm. Owners Janet and Neale are delighted to introduce visitors to their Highland cows (and sheep) on an educational buggy tour of the farm, where you can see the cows happily grazing across the beautiful hills of south Scotland, then enjoy some traditional farmhouse baking and hospitality afterwards!

Explore Kitchen Coos & Ewes

Jacksons at Jedburgh

Experience a fun and engaging farm tour just south of Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders. Sessions and tours of the farm in the tour trailer are led by Mr & Mrs Jackson who have lots of stories of farm life and lovely memories to share.

Explore Jacksons at Jedburgh

Highland cattle tour at Kitchen Coos and Ewes

Heads of Ayr Farm Park

Located just south of Ayr, Heads of Ayr Farm Park has its own adorable Highland cow family just waiting to meet you, among a wide variety of others animals!

Explore Heads of Ayr Farm Park

Islands

The islands along the northern and west coasts of Scotland offer dramatic scenery and some great opportunities to meet Highland cows roaming freely. Here are just some of the options, but any of the main inhabited islands are home to Highland cows.

Isle of Islay

Renowned for its smoky whiskies, find Highland cows roaming happily around the Isle of Islay as you enjoy taking in the views. Fly from a Scottish city airport, or take a ferry from Kennacraig.

Catch the ferry to the Isle of Islay

Orkney

This collection of islands is just north east of the mainland, and full of ancient landmarks. Orkney makes a great additional stop if you’re doing the North Coast 500 route. Highland cows have been spotted near Holm – but they shouldn’t be too hard to find. Catch a ferry from Scrabster, or fly from a Scottish city airport.

Plan an Orkney adventure

Lewis and Harris

One of the larger islands, Hushinish beach is a very scenic spot to see Highland cows on Lewis and Harris, however you’ll be able to see them in fields around the island. Catch a ferry from Ullapool, the Isle of Skye, or fly from a Scottish city airport.

Explore Lewis and Harris

A Highland cow and her calf on the road to Elgol, Skye

Isle of Skye

See Highland cows wandering freely on unfenced roads around Elgol in the south of the Isle of Skye. Or stay at Romesdal Highlanders B&B in the north, where you can enjoy seeing the Highland cows and beautiful views from the window. There is a road bridge crossing, and you can also catch a ferry from Mallaig.

Visit the Isle of Skye

Isle of Barra

Highland cows wander across fields and golden beaches on the beautiful island gem of Barra. Fly from a Scottish city airport (and experience landing on a beach!), or take a ferry from Oban.

Experience Barra

Isle of Mull

Like many of the islands, Highland cows are a part of island life and there are many crofts and farms you can spot cattle from on Mull. You'll often seem them crossing the roads on the island or against the backdrop of the coast.

Plan a trip to Mull

Agricultural shows and events

A popular spring and summer day out in Scotland, agricultural shows are always a highlight in the regional areas – and Highland cows invariably feature in the shows! They are a great place to enjoy Scottish heritage, try our delicious local food produce, and buy crafts.

Highland cows at the Royal Highland Show

Cool Highland cow facts

This loveable breed has a rich and interesting history - do you know what colours they can be, their royal connections or that their fringe has its own name?! Here are some of our top facts about Highland cows.

They’re the oldest registered breed in the world, first appearing in records from the 6th century in the Outer Hebrides

Their distinctive shaggy coats are double layered for the hardy Scottish weather – unlike most breeds, they have an under coat and an oily overcoat

They come in a range of colours, not just the gingery coats that you tend to see more of. There are actually 7 official colours of Highland cows: yellow, white, brindle, black, dun, silver dun and red

The collective noun for Highand cows is ‘fold’ rather than a ‘herd’, a nod to their open shelter winter dwelling places

Most Highland cows live for quite a long time, around 15-22 years

The distinctive Highland cow fringes which flop over their eyes are known as a ‘dossan', meaning a ‘cow’s lick’ in Scots

Queen Victoria was so fond of the breed that she ordered Highland cows to be kept at Balmoral Castle

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