Page 64 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL WINTER 2024 SCOTLAND

Hairy Coos: A Perfect Ending

As our three-day adventure drew to a
close, we couldn’t help but feel a deep
sense of gratitude for our incredible
driver-guide, Stuart, and the seamless ex‐
perience provided by Discover Scotland
Tours. The trip captured the very essence
of Scotland, showcasing its stunning natu‐
ral beauty, history, and lore. Ron had new‐
found respect for the courage and spirit of
his ancestors, shaped by this rugged land.
And Mary finally saw the Scotland so many
friends love—a welcome respite from over‐
heated climates and overrun destinations.
There was just one thing missing from
our journey: the iconic Highland Cows, or
"Hairy Coos," as the Scots affectionately
call them. As we pulled into Visit Taste
Perthshire for a final pit stop, souvenir
shopping, and refreshments, Stuart had
one last surprise in store for us.
"Follow me!" he announced with a grin.
We eagerly traipsed around the facility to
a sprawling pasture. Stuart pulled a bag of
carrots out of his backpack, handed one to
each of us, and sent us off to “go meet the scenery and rich history we’d encountered
coos!” on our journey, left us with a lasting ap‐
At the far end of the pasture, two mag‐ preciation for the spirit of Scotland.
nificent Highland Cows stood waiting. Their As we left the pasture, we reflected on
shaggy coats, long horns, and gentle eyes the trip and the unexpected wonders we
made them an endearing sight. As we ap‐ had encountered at every turn. From the
proached, they ambled toward us, curiosity mist-shrouded mountains to the windswept
in their gaze. We cautiously offered them cliffs, the warmth of a distillery, and the
the carrots, which they devoured with stories of ancestors, it was a journey that
gusto, their massive horns a gentle re‐ deepened Ron’s connection to his heritage
minder to keep a respectful distance. and opened Mary’s eyes to the country’s
The encounter was a delight—a heart‐ true beauty.
warming connection that felt like a final Scotland, in all its rugged charm, had
touch of magic, a perfect end to our Skye revealed its magic to us—one rain-soaked
adventure. The simple joy of feeding the step at a time.
Hairy Coos, paired with the breathtaking

64 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE WINTER 2025