I have no images of goats, but I have fond memories of holidays in the west of Scotland and seeing that icon of Scottish tourism (along with tartan, heather, bagpipes. and whisky) - "The "Hielan' Coo" - aka the Highland Cow. So take a look at these photogenic friendly natives, with their long horns and flowing coats, designed to withstand the worst of the Scottish weather.
"I'm Trying to be Friendly"
My husband meets Hamish and Dougal -
the "pets" at the hotel where we were staying near Oban.
"I'm Showing off my Horns!"
We were staying in a cottage at Fionnphort on the far west of the Isle of Mull, just across from Iona, and the highland cattle roamed free around the small village - one shop, one pub, one seafood cabin and the ferry office. Here one hungry cow decided to take a nibble from the garden of our self catering cottage.
"I've walked far enough, I'm taking a rest"
"I'm little and lonely"
This young cow stood motionless at the side of the road, very happy to pose for the visitors walking down to the ferry across to Iona.
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And finally:
Not a highland cow, but this image fits my theme so well, I had to show it. Here we are down in the South of Scotland with the Ram Statue on the High Street of Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway. It was presented to the town in 1875 by local businessman William Colvin, as a symbol of the town's links with sheep farming.
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Sepia Saturday gives bloggers an opportunity to share
their family history and memories through photographs.
their family history and memories through photographs.
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They are so grand looking! I've never seen one up close and personal, but there is a Canada Highland Cattle Society in Alberta.
ReplyDeleteYour holiday sounds like it was lovely!!
Those highland cattle look lovely but you wouldn't want to get in the way of those horns if one of them was feeling a wee bit aggressive. Some have even migrated to parts of Australia.
ReplyDeleteHamish and Douglas look very woolly :)
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed they can SEE through all that shaggy wool!
ReplyDeleteYou've got Horns o'Plenty here! The cattle seem perfectly designed for Scotland's cool climate, rugged landscape, and traditional color scheme too.
ReplyDeleteAre they milked or are they pets? The artistic interpretations are striking. I love the bakery logo.
ReplyDeleteThey are primarily farm animals, bred for their beef.
DeleteThey Are Very Solid & Grounded Animals .Plus, quite friendly featured creatures......But given the Scottish climate , they need their thick coats!
ReplyDeleteGrand Photos Sue!
Two weeks in a row you've posted images that are similar to paintings hanging in my home. I have actually a couple of old prints showing the highland cattle. My dad has always said they were his dad's favorite pictures. One of the few things he brought with him from Scotland.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased I rekindled some memories for you. Where in Scotland did your father hail from?
DeleteMy dad was born in California, but all the relatives came from around Motherwell. I've traced us back to the 1700s mostly around Glasgow.
DeleteThey reminded me of yaks, but smaller, I think from your description.
ReplyDeleteThe highland cow is a unique beast. We have not long haired cows here in the U.S. They do have an interesting set of horns. I have Abernathy in my family tree not too far back, so I am trying to learn more about Scotland. I like seeing all the cows.
ReplyDeleteOh I do like these cows. Funnily enough there are some on the farm where we stay when we go back to England and I loook forward to seeing them.
ReplyDeleteI'm late reading SS this week...finally have a moment to do so, and I am really thrilled to see your cows. The longhorns of Texas might have some similarity, except in the hair!
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