Hamish, The Highland Bull
On our visit to Scotland, we got a chance to see Hamish - the famous Highland bull. Hamish rose to fame in 1996 during the infamous BSE scare (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy) commonly referred to as the mad cow disease. Hamish was saved from the slaughterhouse after a successful campaign by animal rights activists.
Hamish is 18 years old and one of the oldest highland bulls in Scotland. He lives with his wife Heather and their little daughter - Honey who was born sometime in the beginning of 2011, I guess.
Highland cows and bulls are born and bred to deal with the extreme weather conditions of the highlands. They are very hardy and sturdy to look at but are very gentle in nature. These animals have no layer of fat to keep them warm, instead, they have an extra coat which acts as a weatherproof material also.
The long fringe or "dossan" keeps the wind and rain out of their eyes in the winter and the sun and insects in the summer. According to archaeological evidence, the Highland cattle date back to the 6th century. They are the oldest pedigree breed in the world. Impressive, isn't it? If you happen to visit Scotland, do visit Hamish's home.
Hamish is 18 years old and one of the oldest highland bulls in Scotland. He lives with his wife Heather and their little daughter - Honey who was born sometime in the beginning of 2011, I guess.
Highland cows and bulls are born and bred to deal with the extreme weather conditions of the highlands. They are very hardy and sturdy to look at but are very gentle in nature. These animals have no layer of fat to keep them warm, instead, they have an extra coat which acts as a weatherproof material also.
The long fringe or "dossan" keeps the wind and rain out of their eyes in the winter and the sun and insects in the summer. According to archaeological evidence, the Highland cattle date back to the 6th century. They are the oldest pedigree breed in the world. Impressive, isn't it? If you happen to visit Scotland, do visit Hamish's home.
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