Larger question...were/are there any hoofed animals that are indigenous to Orkney? I don't remember seeing any mentioned in any of the archeology I have read. Steve, if you are talking about the red shaggy ones, best I know they are an indigenous species to the Western Highlands of Scotland. Seem to have been there as long or longer than humans. Actually for all the "press" the heileand coos get, the coo dubh (black cow)are mentioned way more often in the historical literature. R -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of stephen davie Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 11:37 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [ORCADIA] Highland Cattle One of the favorite beasts here is the Highland Cattle breed. Poor as they are on the test stations for daily rate of gain on controlled programs, they have become hereabouts "estate cattle", with slow growth and several unique qualities but with incredible personable traits. They are frugal keepers, existing on the toughest of pasture and in the worst of weather with little or no shelter. They have a great fury hide to tan like a buffalo, and great whacking horns to intimidate city folk intruders.Ttheir back fat content measures less than skinned boned chicken breast. They inspire a dignified air to any country place, like a cupola and a wind vane on a barn roof. I understand the blunt economics of the cattle biz, but indeed why are there not more highlands in Orkney? Were they not the original beasts up there? Stephen (google highland cattle association) _______________________________________ Orcadia Group Photo Album http://tinyurl.com/28bx9x ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message