Where to See Highland Cows in Scotland | Best Places to Find Hairy Coos
Few animals are as closely associated with Scotland as the Highland cow.
With their distinctive long horns and shaggy coats, these gentle animals have become one of the country’s most photographed icons. For many visitors, spotting a Highland cow is just as high on the bucket list as visiting a castle or exploring the Highlands themselves.
The good news is that you don’t have to travel to the most remote parts of Scotland to see them.
This guide covers some of the best places to see Highland cows, whether you’re exploring independently or joining a guided tour.
Why Are Highland Cows So Famous?
Highland cattle, often affectionately called “Hairy Coos,” are one of Scotland’s oldest and most recognisable breeds.
Originally bred to survive the harsh weather of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, their long double coat protects them from rain, wind, and snow, while their distinctive horns help them forage through rough vegetation.
Today, they are found throughout Scotland and are often kept both for conservation grazing and traditional farming.
Can You See Highland Cows in the Wild?
Technically, no.
Highland cattle are domesticated farm animals rather than wild animals. However, many are kept in open fields and large grazing areas where they can easily be viewed from public roads and paths.
Visitors should always admire them from a respectful distance and never enter private farmland or feed the animals unless invited to do so by the owner.
Best Places to See Highland Cows in Scotland
1. Kilmahog (Near Callander)
Perhaps the more well known locations for visitors hoping to see Highland cows.
Situated on the edge of the Highlands, just north of Callander, the Highland cattle at Kilmahog have become a favourite stop for many travellers exploring the Trossachs.
There is usually easy roadside access, making it one of the most reliable places to see and photograph them.
Best for:
- Day trips from Edinburgh
- Families
- Photography
- First-time visitors
2. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Although there is no guarantee of sightings, several farms and grazing fields around the National Park regularly have Highland cattle.
The scenic backdrop of lochs, forests, and mountains makes this one of the most atmospheric places to photograph Scotland’s most famous breed.
3. Pollok Country Park, Glasgow
If you’re visiting Glasgow, one of the easiest places to see Highland cows is Pollok Country Park.
This large public park, located just a short distance from the city centre, is home to a well-known fold of Highland cattle that can often be seen grazing in the surrounding fields. Combined with woodland walks and the historic Pollok House, it makes for an enjoyable half-day outing.
While sightings can never be absolutely guaranteed, Pollok Country Park is one of the most accessible places in Scotland to see Highland cows without travelling deep into the Highlands.
Best for:
- Visitors staying in Glasgow
- Families
- Easy access by public transport
- Photography
4. Highland Farms and Rural Roads
One of the joys of travelling through Scotland is that Highland cows often appear unexpectedly.
Many farms across Perthshire, Argyll, the Highlands, and the Trossachs keep small herds, particularly along scenic tourist routes.
If you’re driving through rural Scotland, keep an eye on roadside fields—you may be rewarded with an unexpected encounter.
Where Can You See Highland Cows Near Edinburgh?
If you’re staying in Edinburgh and only have one day available, joining a Highlands tour is often the easiest option.
Several routes into the Highlands pass locations where Highland cattle are regularly found, particularly around the Trossachs and the southern Highlands, allowing you to combine Scotland’s most famous animals with some of its most spectacular scenery.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, it’s also possible to head to Swanston Farm in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, just south of the city. The Highland cattle at Swanston Farm are often found grazing on the hillsides above Edinburgh, and many walkers are lucky enough to encounter them while exploring the network of trails.
Although seeing them requires a bit more effort than joining a guided tour, the combination of Highland cows and panoramic views across the city makes it a rewarding experience for those wanting to explore beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Tips for Photographing Highland Cows
- Use a zoom lens or your phone’s telephoto setting.
- Never climb fences or enter fields.
- Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light.
- Include some of the surrounding landscape for a true Scottish feel.
- Be patient—Highland cows are naturally calm animals and often make excellent photographic subjects.
The Easiest Way to See Highland Cows
If you’re visiting Scotland for a short time, the simplest way to see Highland cows is often on a carefully planned Highlands day tour.
Many of the best locations are spread across rural Scotland, and combining them with iconic landscapes such as Loch Lomond and Glencoe creates a memorable day out.
Our small group Glencoe & Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh includes a dedicated Highland cow stop alongside some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, giving visitors the opportunity to experience one of the country’s most beloved symbols as part of a relaxed Highlands adventure.
Can you pet Highland cows?
Only with the permission of the farmer or owner. Visitors should never enter fields without permission.
What are Highland cows called in Scotland?
Many Scots affectionately call them "Hairy Coos," or "Heilan Coos" - 'Coo' being the Scots words for cow.
Are Highland cows only found in the Highlands?
No. Although they originated in the Highlands and Islands, they can now be found throughout Scotland - and even in other countries across thr world.
What is the best place to see Highland cows?
Kilmahog, near Callander, is one of the most popular and reliable locations for visitors travelling from Edinburgh.
Final Thoughts
Highland cows have become one of Scotland’s most iconic sights, and for good reason. Their distinctive appearance, gentle temperament, and connection to the country’s rural heritage make them a favourite for visitors from around the world.
Whether you discover them unexpectedly on a country road or seek them out as part of a Highlands adventure, seeing a Highland cow is often one of the most memorable moments of a trip to Scotland.