Archaeological evidence can place Highland Cattle back in the sixth century while written records go as far back as the twelfth yet no one can determine the exact origins of the breed. What is known is that they are the oldest pedigree breed of cattle in the world and the first breed to be registered. The Highland Cattle Society's first herd book dates from 1884. Originally there were two types. Kyloes, these were small and black in colour, and were associated with the West of Scotland and the Islands whilst the larger red haired cattle grazed the Highlands. Today they are known collectively as Highland Cattle and the recognised colours are red, black, yellow, dun, white, brindle and silver.	Handlers Required What do you mean Aurochs?
Famous folds associated with the Western Isles were those of the Stewarts of Glenlyon; Luskintyre and Ensay in Harris. There was also a famous black fold belonging to the MacNeils of Barra however this was dispersed in 1885, some of the stock going to Lord Dunmore of Harris.
"Highland Cattle - By the Sea" by William Smellie Watson	The oldest acknowledged herd of cattle in the world was the Balranald Fold in North Uist. The Balranald Fold dates back to at least the fourteenth century before finally being dispersed in 1922 due to new legislation by the Board of Agriculture regarding smallholding policy in the Western Isles. The Kinlochroag Fold is a relative newcomer to the Western Isles, being set up in the late 1990's . With the help and assistance of Angus Macdonald and Ena MacNeil (Ardbhan Fold of North Uist) David MacDonald (Macleod Estates, Dunvegan, Skye) Sue Campbell (CnocArd, South Uist)
It is a great accomplishment to again be raising these marvellous animals in their home environment, re-introducing them to the mountains and moor land of the Isle of Lewis.