Hardy, forceful, bonnie and often (though not always) ginger, the humble Highland cow is quintessentially Scottish.

The oldest cattle breed in the world, they are known to have grazed the rugged Scottish landscape since the sixth century.

And while they've long been a farm favourite, thanks to their social media stardom, Highland cows - or 'heilan coos' as they are also affectionately known - are now becoming an increasingly popular draw for international visitors to Scotland.

Since November 2014, VisitScotland has capitalised on using the 'coos' as a way to entice international visitors, posting an image or video of the rustic breed on its Facebook channel every Tuesday, with the hashtag #Coosday. And what started out as sharing a fun image to celebrate Highland Cows is now being used to help raise awareness of businesses, destinations and the burgeoning agritourism sector.

Since 2016, there have been 1,160 #Coosday posts which have been viewed more than 218 million times. And despite the social media landscape evolving in the last decade, #Coosday posts have remained a firm favourite with followers around the world, with one post published last month reaching more than three million people. 

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Lesley McIvor, VisitScotland’s Senior Social Media and Influencer Manager, said: “When we started posting #Coosday images in 2014, we never imagined it would still be going strong a decade later and be enjoyed by so many people across the world. 

“From January this year until now, there have been 10,000 mentions of the hashtag #Coosday, with 30% of that coming from the USA, 44% from the UK and mentions are happening as far away as Brazil, Japan and New Zealand! 

“Our analytics let us see what else people talk about when they mention #Coosday and VisitScotland is the biggest association with the hashtag. From the keywords to the locations mentioned in posts, it’s a fun and positive way to help us promote Scotland and agritourism to our global social media audience. 

“We try our best to regularly spotlight coos from all over the country as part of our wider support for agritourism and associated businesses in Scotland. We hope this helps our visitors discover new places, at different times of the year, and slow down to enjoy these authentic experiences when they come to Scotland - and there is nothing more authentic than a Highland coo!” 

Highland cows can be found across Scotland, and roam freely in many places across the country, including along the Bealach Na Bà, an historical cow drover’s road running between Applecross and Shieldaig in the Highlands; and the Highland villages of Duirinish and Plockton. 

Highland Coos have become an internet hit and are helping promote Scotland round the world.Highland Coos have become an internet hit and are helping promote Scotland round the world. (Image: Kitchen Coos and Ewes.)

The native breed, which is recognisable by its long, pointed horns and overgrown ginger fringe, is becoming a popular draw for international visitors following reports of growing interest in experiences to see the farm favourites. 

In recent years, agritourism - defined as tourism or leisure on a working farm, croft or estate that produces food or fibre - has become a growing travel trend with visitors seeking out authentic rural experiences that connect them to the countryside.

Popular experiences include feeding Highland cows, farm stays, farm tours, field to fork experiences and sheepdog demonstrations, alongside food and drink activities which support a growing trend towards buying locally and reducing food miles. 

The Scottish Agritourism Conference, which took place in Perth last week, showcased all that has been achieved by Scottish agritourism in the past year, as well as looking at the future of the rural economy.  

Cath Anderson, owner of Fife-based Highland Cow Coastal Stays, said: “It’s no surprise that #Coosday is my favourite day of the week.

“Our Highland coos have previously been included in a VisitScotland #Coosday post and it’s great to see how much love there is for these beautiful animals.  

“People come from all over the world to stay with us and experience the famous coos up close. They love getting their photos taken with them and feeding them. They are the most special and gentle animals and it is lovely to share such a celebrated Scottish animal with our visitors!”