In all of my 5 years in Scotland I rarely ventured out into the countryside when the weather was rainy (which was the established routine) but when we did we usually headed in the direction of hilly country home to these cuddly giants. We'd petted them and circulated among them as if we were members of the herd. Regrettably, all of my photos of those days were later lost in transit to Greece.
After one trip to Scotland, I learned to always carry my umbrella. I got used to it. And loved it. Anytime someone says to me, "I am thinking of traveling to Scotland", I ask, "Do you like rain?"
I love this, Sharron! In fact, I think I first came across this gorgeous story at exactly the time I'd first found you on Substack - which for me makes it an absolute highlight of our continuing reader/writer relationship. Love it!!! 😘
We visited Scotland about 15 years ago. They had freakishly hot weather (in the 80s) when we were there. Everyone commented on it. No rain either. We visited Stirling Castle and went to a Highland Games in Callander. And we saw some Highland cattle. It was a great trip.
If you ever wondered how the Highland Cattle got their long hair, my pal, Jude The Animal Expert Dude, found out:
I went to a cattle show/ sale in Fort William that featured only Highland cattle. They were all shampooed and brushed and fluffed and hair-sprayed (!) to within an inch of their lives. Their owners really pampered them, going back with the hairbrush again just before the catwalk or should I say "cow-walk". Just beautiful. And they knew it!
You know those animals have attitude. Bring in the older, Scottish lady and. . .cows be like, we can negotiate! I feel like, if you spoke the Scottish highland cow dialect, . . .
Sounds like we did walk similar paths! I do have some Highland cow pictures indeed. Many wet pictures 😅 I do want to go back one day. Maybe I should do a full travel log of that magnificent tour I did. Caledonia ❤️❤️❤️
I have never seen Scottish Highland Cows. They look cuddly, in a huge sort of way. A fun, although soggy, story. 💚
Yes, gentle and cuddly. They love to be brushed! But they could squash you like a bug and not even know it.
In all of my 5 years in Scotland I rarely ventured out into the countryside when the weather was rainy (which was the established routine) but when we did we usually headed in the direction of hilly country home to these cuddly giants. We'd petted them and circulated among them as if we were members of the herd. Regrettably, all of my photos of those days were later lost in transit to Greece.
After one trip to Scotland, I learned to always carry my umbrella. I got used to it. And loved it. Anytime someone says to me, "I am thinking of traveling to Scotland", I ask, "Do you like rain?"
The right question.... hahaha!!!
Maybe there is some secret code word that you need to know so that they will let you pass?
But I am glad that with following that other woman, you were able to make your way past them. :).
A secret code... hmmmm. Now what would that be? How about "Let's go, girls! Dinner time!" Works for me.
Beautiful animals but a bit intimidating. Thanks for the quick visit to the Highlands, Sharron.
Yes. Sweet and large. Thanks for reading these memories.
I love this, Sharron! In fact, I think I first came across this gorgeous story at exactly the time I'd first found you on Substack - which for me makes it an absolute highlight of our continuing reader/writer relationship. Love it!!! 😘
Thanks Rebecca. I love this memory, because so many times I DID have to turn around and go back.
Beautiful cattle, for sure. “A bit damp” - I felt wet, and cold, reading your story. : )
Hope to visit Scotland one day.
Weather means pretty much nothing to the Scots. It can be howling up a gale-force wind and they will say, " A bit brisk today." Thank you, James.
We visited Scotland about 15 years ago. They had freakishly hot weather (in the 80s) when we were there. Everyone commented on it. No rain either. We visited Stirling Castle and went to a Highland Games in Callander. And we saw some Highland cattle. It was a great trip.
If you ever wondered how the Highland Cattle got their long hair, my pal, Jude The Animal Expert Dude, found out:
https://markstarlinwrites.substack.com/p/monday-morning-mark-38
Well, shoot, Mark! Thanks for clearing up THAT mystery for me. Who knew?
Nature is surprising. 😉
They really are lovely creatures, aren’t they? I remember seeing them on our Scotland trip six or seven years ago. Thanks for bringing me back!
I am glad you made it to Scotland, Justin. Such a lovely place. It is my second favorite spot on the planet.
Their fringes are key!
I went to a cattle show/ sale in Fort William that featured only Highland cattle. They were all shampooed and brushed and fluffed and hair-sprayed (!) to within an inch of their lives. Their owners really pampered them, going back with the hairbrush again just before the catwalk or should I say "cow-walk". Just beautiful. And they knew it!
You know those animals have attitude. Bring in the older, Scottish lady and. . .cows be like, we can negotiate! I feel like, if you spoke the Scottish highland cow dialect, . . .
There you go, that's the answer. Thanks
Sounds like we did walk similar paths! I do have some Highland cow pictures indeed. Many wet pictures 😅 I do want to go back one day. Maybe I should do a full travel log of that magnificent tour I did. Caledonia ❤️❤️❤️