Macy 

Scottish Highland

Macy

The Highland is one of the oldest registered breeds in the world and was first recorded in the Outer Bebrides islands off Scotland in the 6th century.

These cattle have a look all their own. With their flowing red coats (the longest coat of any cattle breed), impressive horns, and wonderfully shaggy bangs (known as a “dossan), this hearty breed thrives in the cold, wet climate of northern Britain. They are double-coated with an oily outer coat that keeps them warm in the winter and protects them against the rough, thorny terrain.

Fun fact: Rumor has it that during a tour of the Highlands, Queen Victoria mentioned that she likes the red-colored cows better than the black ones. Her comment sent the farmers into selective breeding mode, making the red color more dominant. Eventually, two breeds emerged: the Highlander and the Kyloe, which had a higher number of black cows. Today, all cows are known as Highland.

Royal rumor #2: Late Queen Elizabeth II had her own herd of Highlands and it’s said to be the only kind of breed she would eat.

In Scotland, they’re affectionately known as “hairy coos.” They often roam freely across northwest Scotland.