There is no doubting the fact with their stocky appearance, sweeping horns and eyes that peep out through long shaggy fringes, Highland Cattle win hearts and are favourites amongst animal lovers around the World. What isn't so obvious is the hardiness of this ancient breed. They were born and bred to deal with the extreme weather conditions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland making them the hardiest breed of cattle in the world today. You can find Folds of Highland Cattle throughout the world but the Highlands and Islands are their natural habitat this is their land; it is what they are adapted to. Unlike other cattle they have no layer of fat but have an extra coat to maintain a weatherproofing against the harsh winter climate. The long fringe or 'dossan' that covers their eyes is instrumental in keeping out the driving wind and rain, come summer they shed their winter coat in preparation for the warmer days whilst the fringe remains hiding their eyes as a protection against insects that can cause eye infections. Follow the leader Short, stocky, lean and hardy yet very intelligent and mostly docile they are extraordinary beasts. The cows are noted for their ease of calving but do have fierce protective instincts toward their newborn calves, whilst the bulls maintain a watchful eye on their fold.     Uig in the Western Isles is home to the Kinlochroag Fold, started in the late nineties the Fold thrives on the windswept hills that are historically the breed's natural habitat. They again use the sheilings that the original 'Kyloes' used, whether this behaviour is instinct is unknown, but it is a wonderful return to the natural way of how things used to be for these hardy beasts. Parts of this wild and rugged location are listed as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Having never been subjected to modern agricultural practices, chemicals and the like, it is an area traditionally used by hunting estates and crofters, leaving it untainted and unique. Home to rare ground dwelling birds, red deer, eagles and of course Highland Cattle. The fold are raised organically; even the air they breathe is invigorating. Clean and fresh straight from the Atlantic with relatively little traffic to pollute the atmosphere, the area is one of those rare unspoilt places that time has left with little changed. Even so Kinlochroag are registered with SOPA and are now in the second year of organic conversion, just to make things official! Highland cattle are well known for being resistant to disease. The Kinlochroag Fold have been tested and are free of BVD, Johne's Disease and Leptospirosis. However the remoteness of the Western Isles and its crofting practices have protected the island from diseases that have plagued the mainland and the area remains wild and natural. Fold go bathing in Kinlochroag