Fun Facts

Breed Overview

• Origin: Scottish Highlands and Western Isles — one of the oldest registered cattle breeds, dates back over 1,000 years

• Purpose: Originally bred for beef, but now also valued for land management, tourism appeal, and agricultural shows

• Temperament: Exceptionally gentle, calm, and friendly, even though they look fierce with their long horns

• Name:  Affectionately called “Heilan coos” in Scotland

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Physical Characteristics

• Hair: Long, wavy, double-layered coat — an outer oily layer keeps out rain and snow, while a downy undercoat keeps them warm in cold climates

• Colour: Commonly red or ginger, but can also be black, yellow, brindle, or white

• Horns: Both males and females have horns—males tend to have wider, forward-curving horns, while females’ curve more upward and slenderly

• Size: Cows: around 1,100 pounds (500 kg)  Bulls: up to 1,800 pounds (800 kg)  Despite their size, they’re quite agile and hardy grazers​​

Adaptability

• Weather resistance: Their thick coats allow them to thrive in the cold, wet, and windy Scottish Highlands — they can  even forage in snow

• Foraging: Excellent at eating rough vegetation that other cattle avoid. They help maintain natural landscapes and are often used for eco-grazing or pasture restoration projects​

Products & Uses

• Meat: Leaner than typical beef, high in iron and omega-3s, with a rich, slightly gamey flavour

• Manure: Referred to as “coo pats” or “cow pies” — often used as natural fertilizer (and even as a traditional fuel in some rural regions)

• Mascots: Because of their docile nature and photogenic looks, Highland cows are often featured as tourism symbols for Scotland — and make excellent mascots (like our Haymish!)​​

Temperament and Symbolism

• Known for being intelligent, social, and nurturing — highland cows form close bonds with their calves and 'folds'

• In Scottish culture, they symbolize strength, gentleness, and resilience — thriving in tough conditions while remaining calm and kind

• Their peaceful nature makes them a perfect symbol for learning, growth, and grounded strength, aligning beautifully with Highland Roots Learning Academy’s values​

Did you Know?

• A group of Highland cows is called a fold, not a herd

• Their long eyelashes and bangs (“fringe”) protect their eyes from flies and weather

• Despite being rugged outdoor animals, Highland cows are often quite affectionate and will seek human interaction if treated gently

• The oldest registered Highland cow lived to be over 20 years old!

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The Highland cow connects beautifully to Haliburton, both symbolically and culturally.​​​

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Here’s How they Tie Together!​​​​

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Shared Roots in the Highlands

• Haliburton County takes its name and much of its early identity from Scottish settlers who arrived in the 1800s

• The Haliburton Highlands were named to evoke the Scottish Highlands — rugged hills, forests, lakes, and a                            pioneering spirit — a reminder of settlers’ heritage

• The Highland cow, native to the Scottish Highlands, perfectly embodies the resilience, warmth, and strength of that heritage — thriving in harsh conditions, just as settlers thrived in the wild beauty of the Canadian northlands​

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A Symbolic Fit

• The Highland cow represents:

  • Hardiness – thriving in all weather, like Haliburton’s own people and seasons

  • Gentleness and community – friendly, social animals that live peacefully together

  • Roots and heritage – strong connection to land, family, and tradition — values deeply held in Haliburton life​​​​

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Haliburton Highland Heritage​

Haliburton's Scottish heritage once came alive through the Haliburton Highland Games, last held at Head Lake Park in 2011. The Games celebrated traditional Scottish culture with music, dance, athletics, and community spirit—honouring some of the area’s settlers whose roots trace back to the Highlands of Scotland.

 

Though the Games are no longer an event, their legacy continues to inspire local pride and traditions throughout the Haliburton Highlands.  The Scottish influence remains visible in the Haliburton Highlands Tartan (green, blue, red, gold, brown, white) and the very landscape — rolling hills, misty lakes, and rugged beauty reminiscent of Scotland. 

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For Highland Roots Learning Academy, Haymish the Highland Cow (and sister Henley) symbolizes learning that is deeply rooted—grounded, strong, and connected to community.  His heritage reflects the Scottish origins of Haliburton’s name and enduring identity. Haymish’s calm strength and gentle determination embody the qualities of patience, perseverance, and curiosity that are fostered in every learner at The Academy.

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The Highland cow isn’t just a cute mascot — it’s a natural symbol of the Haliburton Highlands.  Both share a

story of Scottish roots, rugged landscapes, and steadfast spirit — perfectly aligning with the message of

Highland Roots: where learning grows strong!

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