Highland Cows (A to Z challenge)

I see a highland cow and I think of Scotland; these woolly beasts with big horns are actually one of the more docile breeds of cattle.  These cows seem to thrive on poor mountain scrub in torrential rain and freezing temperatures with an air of resignation - a hardy breed (like many a Scotsman)!

Highland Cattle

The colour of the long coats can range from a light cream, through the well recognised red, right up to black. I find it curious that so many animals in Scotland are known for red hair (people, squirrels, deer, cows).  Is there something in this gene that suits the climate?

Snow bound

The beef produced from these animals is also lower in fat and cholesterol and higher in protein and iron than other beef, so is a more healthy option (must be all that mountain climbing). But I would rather see them roaming (than on my plate, albeit I'm not a veggie), and I always visualise a cold frosty morning with the herd gathered around a hay drum, snorting streams of steam, lazily chewing the cud.

A darker shade of 'red'.

And I am clearly not the only one who loves these animals.  They have a website and their own facebook page!