Highland Cattle on Mull

Highland Cattle on Mull

ID: QZP99_97107_13_02 DESCRIPTION: These Highland cows are lying outside a croft house on the Ross of Mull. Highland cattle are the oldest registered cattle breed in Europe with written records going back to the 18th century. It is not known whether the breed originated in Scotland or was brought from Scandinavia. There were originally two main Highland breeds. The Kyloe, found on the islands, were smaller with a black coat while the mainland breed was larger with a reddish coat. The red breed is now the most common. Highland cattle are hardy and can thrive in places where other breeds would not. They are known for their coats, which keep them warm and for their horns, on both the male and the female. A full-grown female can weigh up to a ton and the males are heavier still. This image comes from a collection gifted to Edinburgh Central Library by Dr Isabel F. Grant. The collection includes photographs taken by a number of different photographers. The identity of the photographer is unknown. PLACENAME: Ross of Mull DISTRICT: Mull OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ARGYLL: Kilfinchen and Kilvickeon SOURCE: Edinburgh and Scottish Collection, Edinburgh Central Library COLLECTION: I F Grant Photographic Archive Asset ID: 38856 KEYWORDS: