Scottish Highlanders in evening light by Gert van Eck

This photo of Scottish Highlanders in evening light was taken in the area of the Veluwezoom national park part of the Veluwe. The Veluwe is the Netherlands' largest contiguous nature reserve.

Scottish Highlanders occur as red, black and blond cattle. Before about 1840, (almost) all Scottish Highlanders were black, but because Queen Victoria visited the Scottish Highlands and then expressed her preference for the red animals she found them simply more beautiful, this changed. Queen Victoria ordered the breeding of more red Highlanders. And this is how this dominance of the red Scottish Highlander came about.

Thanks to their thick coat, among other things, this breed of cattle is suitable for year-round use as large grazers. The animals are therefore frequently seen in nature and recreation areas in the Netherlands. They require little care and are rarely aggressive, but in case of an unexpected confrontation, cautious behaviour is recommended. If ample distance is kept, the animals will generally not be alarmed by human presence.

Highlanders also feed on plants that many other cattle species ignore and are therefore popular with nature organisations to keep sites open.