Latest news with #HighlandCows
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Highland Calf Kissing Golden Retriever Melts Hearts As Pair Make Friends
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A viral Instagram video of an unlikely friendship between a puppy and a Highland calf has captured the internet's heart. The clip, shared to @rosiesgoldenscotland, has now racked up more than 6.5 million views and shows a golden retriever puppy named Rosie snuggling beside a Highland cow calf in the Scottish Highlands. The pair appear utterly content, with the calf enthusiastically licking Rosie's face in an affectionate display that has left viewers swooning. The video, captioned from the dog's perspective, reads: "I made a new pal yesterday - a wee Highland coo calf. Spent a good 15 minutes snuggled up, even lay down and refused to leave. If you're looking for me, you know where I will be." Clearly, Rosie has made quite the impression on her bovine companion, and the wholesome interaction has earned over 441,000 likes and thousands of comments. "Who can be more affectionate than a golden retriever? A golden cow," wrote one user. Another added: "Absolutely stunning, both lovely animals. Highland Cows are my favorite." A third viewer declared: "This is the cutest thing I've ever seen." And a fourth commented: "She has found herself a foster 'mom' that just wants to love her with licks." Two screenshots from the viral video showing Rosie, the dog sitting next to the gate while the cow licks her face. Two screenshots from the viral video showing Rosie, the dog sitting next to the gate while the cow licks her face. TikTok/@rosiesgoldenscotland A Moment of Joy, But a Reminder Too While the video showcases a tender and rare moment of interspecies affection, animal welfare organizations are using the attention to remind pet owners about the potential dangers dogs pose to livestock—even unintentionally. According to Blue Cross, a U.K. animal charity, dogs have a natural instinct to chase moving animals, a behavior that can lead to serious, even fatal, consequences for farm animals. Why Livestock Are at Risk from Dogs Some dogs—especially herding or hunting breeds—are more likely to exhibit chasing behaviors. While many can walk calmly on a lead around livestock, instincts can kick in suddenly and without warning, making it essential to keep dogs leashed and closely supervised near farm animals. Even dogs that don't physically touch livestock can cause significant stress or harm simply by running toward or barking at them. The Blue Cross highlights several risks: Injuries : Animals may flee in panic and injure themselves by falling or colliding with barriers. : Animals may flee in panic and injure themselves by falling or colliding with barriers. Stampedes : Frightened livestock can bunch together in fear, potentially crushing smaller or weaker members of the group. : Frightened livestock can bunch together in fear, potentially crushing smaller or weaker members of the group. Miscarriages: Pregnant animals may lose their young due to extreme stress. What may look like playful behavior from a dog's perspective can result in very real distress for livestock. Keeping Encounters Safe While heartwarming videos like Rosie and the Highland calf are a delight to watch, experts urge dog owners to exercise caution and prioritize animal safety on farms and in the countryside. The responsibility lies with pet owners to ensure that these serene moments stay joyful—and never turn harmful. Newsweek reached out to @rosiesgoldenscotland for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case.
Scotsman
08-07-2025
- Scotsman
Where to see Highland cows in Scotland: 25 of the best places to visit
Though they aren't Scotland's national animal, Highland cows are undoubtedly one of the country's most iconic creatures. Hairy and loveable, these gentle giants are exceptionally hardy and are known for thriving in the harshest of conditions; a necessity for a breed which originated in a place where you can experience all four seasons in one day. But beyond being hardy, Highland cows are also recognised around the world for their adorable looks. Their long, double-layered shaggy coats, tough horns and distinctive, floppy fringes have helped them become one of Scotland's biggest tourist attractions. Though they can be found all around the country in the wild, if you are desperate to meet a Highland cow you don't need to leave it to chance. From the Scottish Borders all the way up to the Highlands and Islands, here are 25 places in Scotland where you can see Highland cows. 1 . Pollok Country Park, Glasgow If you're in the Central Belt, one of your first stops for Highland Cows should be Pollok Country Park in Glasgow. The iconic fold of around 50 cows graze around the park's field throughout the year, with booking available for Field Talks, Cattle Wash Days and photography events from April to October. | Kenny - Photo Sales 2 . Blair Castle, Pitlochry, Perthshire On the grounds of Blair Castle, visitors can enjoy not only its rich history but also the extensive grounds which include a nine-acre walled garden, red deer park and a ruined kirk, with Highland cows kept in fields nearby. Often spotted in the area, the coos are easy to spot for those looking. | Patrick - Photo Sales 3 . Swanston Farm, Edinburgh Just 6 miles outside of Edinburgh in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, Swanston Farm is a haven for Highland cows – and Highland cow lovers. Unlike some on this list, it is not a petting zoo, however they do have two areas for the coos to call home. The first is a short walk from their Brasserie, which is fully accessible, while the second, home to their larger fold of wild cattle, can be found on the hills. | Ojamajo - Photo Sales 4 . Loch Achray, Aberfoyle, Stirling In the heart of the Trossachs, Loch Achray is an excellent location for Highland cow spotting. One of the smallest lochs in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, it has calm waters and is a popular spot for photographers. | Nicola - Photo Sales
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Daily Record
Scotland's best 'whimsical fairy walks' for family day out this summer named
The country's top fairy trails have been crowned. Scotland's top "whimsical fairy walks" for a family day out this summer have been named. The list was put together by experts at VisitScotland. With June almost over and the middle of summer on the horizon, now is a great time to head out on a family walk. For those who are looking for something to do with their little ones, Scotland is home to numerous fairy walks. VisitScotland shared a roundup of "whimsical fairy walks to explore in Scotland". A total of 11 trails and gardens across the country are featured on the list. One Scottish fairy walk singled out by the experts is Ardkinglas Woodland Garden near the hamlet of Cairndow in Argyll. The garden is known for its popular Gruffalo and Fairy trails. The Gruffalo trail at Ardkinglas Woodland Garden uses boards that show extracts from the Scots version of the famous book to link the story to the surroundings. The 400-metre-long walk features sculptures of characters Mouse and Gruffalo and features recognisable landmarks from the book such as Tod's den, Hoolet's home, and Snake's logpile house. Meanwhile, the garden's Fairy trail is situated in the lower part of the woodlands. It includes a number of specially designed fairy houses for little ones to discover. VisitScotland praised Ardkinglas Woodland Garden for its "atmospheric woodland" and "cathedral-like canopy of soaring trees". The experts also described the attraction as "spellbinding" for both children and adults. A second "whimsical" walk in Scotland named by VisitScotland is The Secret Forest at Kelburn Estate. The estate, which is most well-known for its colourful castle, is home to the Secret Forest. The Secret Forest is comprised of a labyrinthine trail through the estate's surrounding woodlands. It includes houses for giants, swamps for crocodiles, and even a 35-feet-high Pagoda. Elsewhere, VisitScotland also singled out the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail. Located in the village of Luss along the western shore of Loch Lomond, the trail offers a "delightful adventure through our enchanting woodlands" according to its website. The Loch Lomond Faerie Trail features fairy houses, sparkly wings, and "magical" mushrooms. All tickets also include a visit to Faerie Tale Farm, which is home to animals such as Highland Cows, donkeys, goats, and sheep. Another fairy walk named among the most "whimsical" in Scotland is The Bubbling Toad in Gorebridge. Situated just outside of Edinburgh, the attraction features a 'Hollow' filled with scrolls and hanging charms and an area for 'potion-making'. VisitScotland stated: "Scotland's fairy trails and magical walks are perfect for all ages. From castle grounds to city parks, these family-friendly routes will enchant you with awe-inspiring landscapes that feel lifted from a fantasy tale. "Whether you're exploring with little ones or seeking an imaginative escape, these trails promise magic at every turn." More information and the full list of "11 Whimsical fairy walks to explore in Scotland" can be found on the VisitScotland website.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Water company threatens to cut off Cornwall farm's water supply
A Cornish farmer is worried for the welfare of her herd of Highland cows after her water company threatened to cut her farms water supply, she says. Irene Parker, 70, who has farmed on her 40-acre (16-hectare) farm near Stithians for 35 years, said she received a letter from South West Water saying her water supply would be shut off due to an unpaid bill. Ms Parker said she "received a threatening letter, but no bill" and was originally told she was in credit with the West Water said Source for Business, part of the owning Pennon Group and which deals with business customers, contacted Ms Parker to "understand her concerns with a view to resolving the situation as quickly as possible". Ms Parker said she got a letter "out of the blue" from Source for Business saying it would cut her water off, and added that South West Water never told her that her account would be transferred to another business. She said: "I was worried as the letter took 10 days to get to me and it said it would cut it off in seven days." She added it was "alarming" as her cows had calves and "drink a lot of water."Ms Parker said she expected the supply to be turned off at any moment but it never was, fortunately. She added that the water company told her it had found her credit but did not apologise or confirm whether or not the supply would be cut. The water supply was installed into one of the farm's fields in July 2024. Ms Parker said that someone from South West Water came to read her meter on 4 April, but was shocked when the company disputed that happening. She said: "It wasn't even my fault. I'd take it on the chin if it had been."They said nobody came to read the meter and that's simply not true."In a statement, South West Water "apologised for the stress caused" to Ms said it "initially dealt with the matter" but it was now being handled by Source for Business, which was the new retailer of the farm's supply.
