Highland Cows, Red Deer & Much More – Where to See Scotland’s Most Loved Creatures

17th December 2025

Often, we have clients looking for an outing that is a little different from the usual and fun for the whole family. One of the most popular requests is getting to meet some of Scotland’s famous animals. Whether it’s shaggy Highland cows or free-roaming reindeer, we thought we would share some great options for experiencing Scotland’s cutest creatures.

The Cairngorm Reindeer

The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is home to the UK’s only free-roaming herd of reindeer, who live high up on the hills in the National Park. You can join a guided trip that takes you on a hike up to meet the herd in their wild mountain home. The reindeer are very friendly and often come close enough to be petted and fed. They are used to people, as they are very busy helping Santa to meet children all across Scotland in the lead up to Christmas. 

Coos & Ewes

Offering a wide range of tours to suit different interests, Kitchen Coos & Ewes have a Highland fold that they take you out to see in an open trailer, safari style. This tour gives you information about the individual personalities of the different cows and their place in the social hierarchy, as well as allowing you to meet with the farmers who raise them. It is a great private tour for those looking to get up close and personal with some cute, fluffy cows.

Jacksons of Jedburgh

At Jacksons at Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders, you can enjoy a full farm day out. They have a range of Highland cow experiences, where you can meet their friendly Highland cows, as well as sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and more. It makes for a great day out with little ones, who can feed and pet the animals.

Rothiemurchus Hairy Coo Safari

At Rothiemurchus, the Hairy Coo Safari is a relaxed, ranger-led farm visit where you meet the famous shaggy Highland cows, known affectionately as “Hairy Heilan Coos.” It is one of our clients’ favourite activities. You can follow the ranger from the car park to the farm where the cows live, and you are welcome to take photos with them or simply admire them from afar.

Sheepdog Demonstrations

We have a number of crofting contacts who provide private sheepdog demonstrations across Scotland, which offer a glimpse into the remarkable partnership between shepherd and dog. This ancient craft allows for the smooth management of livestock on remote hillsides, where the dog responds to whistles and calls from its handler to guide the sheep from field to field and into pens. Watching them work is an impressive showcase of the skills and traditions of crofting life with man’s best friend.

Blackstone Clydesdales 

In East Ayrshire, visitors can experience the marvel of Clydesdale workhorses. Set on a working family farm, visitors can learn about the history of the breed, ride carriages pulled by these gentle giants, and care for them during their tour. Blackstone’s mission is to share their passion for these magnificent draught horses while preserving a rare breed and creating unforgettable memories for every guest.

Shetland Pony Experience

In the wilds of Shetland, ponies have evolved to be hardy and resilient, surviving in tough conditions since the Bronze Age. Their strength and size have made them useful in all sorts of work environments throughout history, like transporting peat on croft land and hauling coal in mining. At the Shetland Pony Experience, you can meet these small but mighty creatures and spend time with them in their native lands. 

Straloch Estate’s Wild Deer

Straloch Estate is already a client favourite for the incredible wild picnics they offer. They also have lots of wild Red Deer and Roe Deer on the hills and in the surrounding woodlands. Lucky guests can spot them in their natural environment as they explore the many walks and trails on the grounds. 

To start planning your family’s dream vacation to Scotland, get in touch with Away from the Ordinary today.

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