Representing pedigree Highland Cattle breeders right across the UK, and further afield
A dedicated organisation established in 1884, but firmly in the 21st century
The Highland Cattle Society is a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation). It was founded in 1884 by a group of landowners and farmers who wanted to preserve this valuable native breed. The first ever Herd Book was recorded the year after, and the breed standard was set and has been little changed ever since.
In fact, written records of Highland cows go back 100 years before this, and their first mention was in the 6th century. Until her sad death in 2022, The Queen was the patron of the Highland Cattle Society and Her Majesty not only had an award-winning fold of her own founded at Balmoral in the year of her coronation 1953, but her fold was considered one of the best in the world.
Today, we are proud to represent breeders across the UK and beyond. We may have been formed a long time ago, but we’re most definitely a 21st century society with a modern approach and fully computerised breed records. This means we can accurately authenticate the traceability of this unique breed.
As the Highland Cattle Society, we are the custodian of the breed and responsible for:
Stewardship of the pedigree Herd Book, our finances and breed standards
Providing education and technical support to our members, and to third parties including the media and national government policy makers
Ensuring the welfare of Highland Cattle
Promoting the breed both nationally and internationally
Communicating the benefits of Highland cattle, their value as a beef breed and their role in conservation and environmental protection
Just some of the ways the Highland Cattle Society helps when you become a member…
Sales
Sales are regularly held under our auspices to satisfy the market demand for new breeders, and breeders requiring different blood lines. Two premier sales are held each year at Oban in October and February. In addition, there are regular sales that include Highland Cattle in May and September, such as Stirling, as well others as across the UK from time to time.
There are many advantages to buying at auction. A wide selection of cattle including cows with calves, cows and heifers in calf, young heifers and yearlings are usually available, and the majority will come from established folds with halter trained and well-handled cattle.
The show before the sale gives you an unrivalled opportunity to assess all of the stock on offer. It’s best to watch the show with an experienced breeder to discuss the reasons for the judge’s selections. In addition, our staff will always be on hand to help and the auctioneer will advise you on the availability of transport.
Field officers
Field Officers and Trustees are available to our members, to help with any aspect of breeding, rearing and management of Highland cattle. So don’t be afraid to ask for advice or get the opinion of an experienced breeder. We all have one thing in common: a love and a respect for the special, beautiful, traditional cattle that are Highlanders. Visits can be arranged by the Breed Secretary on request.
Local breeders clubs
We positively encourage members to set up local clubs to enable breeders to meet in their own area. The clubs hold meetings throughout the year, and include talks and demonstrations so newer members can learn from more experienced breeders.
In addition, courses are regularly held on calving, show preparation, stock judging and foot trimming. Several fold visits are held each year where new breeders get the opportunity to see how others manage their cattle, to meet up and exchange views with other breeders.
e-bulletins
Members are kept up to date with with all our news through a regular electronic newsletter, which also gives you the opportunity to advertise cattle for private sale.
Journal
Every year, each member receives a copy of the prestigious Highland Breeders' Journal. Full of useful information, it includes the contact details of all members, a detailed reference section, articles and features, plus advertisements from members talking about their own folds.
Shop
We have a wonderful range of high quality branded products, items and giftware available from our office. You can also buy these securely from our online shop and have your order delivered directly to you.
Please note: our shop is currently closed but we hope to reopen shortly.
The oldest registered breed of cattle in the world and recognised globally
Highland cattle, with their long horns and flowing coats, are famous around the world. Originating in the west of Scotland they have since spread across the globe. Written records date back to the 18th century and the Highland Cattle Herd Book, first published in 1885, lists pedigrees since then.
In the British Isles, herds of Highland cattle also known as folds, are flourishing on many different types of ground, from the slopes of the Sussex Downs in the south across to the East Anglia fenlands and north to the windswept machars of the Outer Hebrides.
New folds are being founded every year both at home and abroad. In recent years, Highland Cattle societies have been started in Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Germany, Holland, Finland, France, Switzerland and Norway. There are Highlanders in Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Estonia, USA, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Poland, the Faroe Islands and many other countries.
