These crossbred beef suckler cows will still inherit the hardiness, thrift and fantastic mothering capabilities of their Highland mothers, but are more commercially friendly. They can then be further cross-bred with a modern beef bull such as a Limousin or a Charolair to still produce good quality beef.
Depicting a highland cow’s contour
Call toll free 877-814-3663
Close
Shopping Cart
0 Items – Subtotal: $ 0
Continue Shopping
Checkout »
$25.00
Home / Dunoon Mugs / Hamish the Cow Mug from Dunoon Pottery
Bright and playful Highland Cow mug from Dunoon Pottery.
This fine bone china mug from Dunoon Pottery features an enchanting and colorful depiction of a highland cow, with lush floral details in the background. The elegant curved and tapered contour, the Nevis shape, is ideal for drinking. 16.2 oz. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Made in the UK.
DUE TO PROPOSITION 65, WE CAN NO LONGER OFFER DUNOON MUGS TO RESIDENTS OF CALIFORNIA.
Made in the UK by Dunoon Pottery. Bone china. Microwave and dishwasher safe.
Due to California Proposition 65, we can no longer offer this product for sale to anyone in the state of California.
Dunoon is a thriving family business which began manufacturing the highest quality mugs in 1974 when the company was formed by two former executives of Staffordshire Potteries Ltd, Gordon Smith and Bill Harvey, both of whom were committed to the concept of producing quality ranges of stoneware mugs, filling a gap in the market with user friendly, beautifully designed original mugs.
The first firing of the new kiln was of 72 mugs for displaying at the Highland Trade Fair in Scotland. The gamble paid off as orders started to flow in, skilled operatives were
recruited and production began. Dunoon was soon selling mugs globally to quality retailers worldwide.
In 1982 a new factory in Stone, Staffordshire, the heart of the ceramic industry was opened and under Gordon’s management Dunoon developed a policy of working with
numerous designers and artists to constantly update its ranges with new designs and unique mug shapes in both Stoneware and Fine Bone China.
Dunoon uses slip casting to guarantee a fine, lightweight mug; a method still used today. Dunoon is very loyal to its Scottish roots producing ranges dedicated to Scottish themes and customers. The growth in popularity of specialty coffee and teas has led to increasing sales and demand for both finer quality and unusual mug design.
This is a non-food item. If you are ordering non-perishable products shipped within the 48 continental United States – you pay a flat rate of $17 for ground shipping up to $150 of merchandise. Delivery will be from 5 to 10 days from the time you place your order. All orders are shipped from our North Carolina warehouse.
Shipments to Alaska & Hawaii are sent by Priority Mail in flat rate boxes and will be charged at the actual USPS rate for smallest possible box or boxes for your order.
How to recognise Scottish Highland Cattle?
Perhaps the most recognisable colouring of Highland Cattle
They have distinctive horns and long, wavy, woolly coats that can be a range of colours, including red, ginger, black, dun, yellow, white, grey, tan, silver and brindle. Highland cows are raised primarily for their meat, which is growing in popularity due to being lower in cholesterol than other forms of beef.
These cattle are a hardy breed, designed to withstand the conditions in the Scottish Highlands. Their long hair is actually an unusual double coat of hair- on the outside is the oily outer hair, the longest of any cattle breed, and it is covering a downy undercoat underneath. The bulls can way up to a whopping 800kg, and the cows up to 500kg, and their milk generally has a very high butterfat content.
Their distinctive long hair keeps them warm in winter, overs protection from the brush and undergrowth, protects their eyes from flies and it contributes to their stunning appearance which makes them so popular. The hair gets shorter in Summer and is not as long when they are bred in Southern climates. Having such long hair also means that they do not need to store the waste fat you find in some other breeds of cattle.
Fun fact 2: Nobody is quite sure if these cows can actually see where they are going! But whether they have super-vision or heightened other senses they certainly manage to find what they are looking for, even with that long fringe, known as a ‘dossan’ blocking the way!
The history of Highland Cows
During the 18th century thousands and thousands of highland cattle grazed upon the forests and hills of Strathspey, and in the Summer they were even taken up into the high Corries. Herdsmen stayed in temporary buildings in the hills (called shielings) to look after them, whilst their relatives had to stay at home to gather crops for their winter feeds.
When they were fattened enough for market the cattle were driven along trackways through the mountains, called drove roads. They walked just a few miles each day staying in regular stances every night where the animals could graze and stay safe.
The markets were held in places like Falkirk, Crieff & Carlisle and buyers came all the way from England to pay good prices for what they called high-quality ‘Scotch runts’. So-called because the Highland cattle were smaller. At one market in the early 1800s some £30,000 changed hands, an absolute fortune by today’s standards!
They were so popular, that cattle thieving was common and individuals could apply for a commission to set up an official Watch, which farmers would pay to retrieve stolen stock. Rob Roy MacGregor operated a Watch and was also a cattle dealer, drover and sometimes – thief. If you are interested in Rob Roy MacGregor then you can find out more about him HERE.
While Highland Cows today are mostly recognised for their distinctive red coats, once upon a time they were predominately black.
Fun fact 3: Queen Victoria is said to have commented on a trip to the Highlands that she preferred the red coloured cattle and in an effort to please the Queen, this resulted in selective breeding of the reddish colour that we see most often today and the black colour gradually declining over time.Originally, the breed was divided into two classes, the West Highlands or Kyloe, and the Highlander.
Originally, the breed was divided into two classes, the West Highlands or Kyloe, and the Highlander.
The Kyloes were raised on the western islands of Scotland and tended to be of a smaller size. They had a higher percentage of black and brindled cattle than the mainland Highlanders. The size difference was probably due more to the severe climate and limited rations that the island cattle were subjected to, rather than to any genetic variation between the classes. Today all members of the breed are just called Highland.
Where do Highland Cows live?
They originated in the Highlands and the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland as early as the 6th century. These days they can also be found across the south of Scotland, in other parts of Europe, as well as in Australia and North and South America too. Highland Cattle can even be found foraging 10,000 feet up in the Andes!
Fun fact 4: If you are seeking the Highland Cow whilst visiting their country of origin, you may find yourself with more success if you ask the locals to point you in the direction of the “Hairy Coos”, as they are locally and affectionately known.
Often these striking beasts can be spotted in fields along the roadside, all over the Highlands, especially in places like the Cairngorms National Park or roaming free on the road itself across the North West.
