The Highland cow, often called the "Heilan coo" in Scotland, is a distinctive and hardy breed of cattle originally from the Scottish Highlands and the Western Isles. Known for their long, shaggy coats and strikingly long, curved horns, Highland cows are charming and exceptionally well-suited to cold climates and rugged terrain.

Highland cows have a unique double-layered coat: a long, oily outer layer that repels rain and wind and a soft, insulating undercoat to keep them warm. This allows them to withstand cold, wet, and windy conditions better than other cattle breeds.

Both males and females have horns, with males typically having thicker, shorter horns and females having longer, more slender, and curved horns. These horns are a defence mechanism and help them forage for food by moving snow and ice.

They are smaller than many other cattle breeds, with females weighing around 500-600 kg (1,100-1,300 lbs) and males around 800 kg (1,800 lbs).

While the classic Highland cow colour is a rich reddish-brown (often called "ginger"), they come in various colours, including black, yellow, brindle, white, and dun.