Scotland’s iconic Highland cattle have achieved an extraordinary milestone as VisitScotland’s #Coosday campaign celebrates its tenth anniversary, with recent posts reaching over three million viewers worldwide.
The beloved social media initiative, launched in November 2014, began as a simple weekly Facebook feature but has since evolved into a global phenomenon across multiple platforms, with Instagram emerging as the prime showcase for these charismatic highland beasts.
An impressive 1,160 #Coosday posts since 2016 have garnered more than 218 million views, demonstrating the enduring international appeal of Scotland’s most photogenic farm residents.
These distinctive cattle, known in Gaelic as Bò Ghà idhealach, have become instrumental in promoting Scottish agritourism, with their shaggy red, blonde, and black coats capturing hearts from Brazil to New Zealand.
Analysis reveals over 10,000 hashtag mentions in the past year alone, with 44% originating from the UK and 30% from the USA, proving these Highland ambassadors’ remarkable reach in promoting Scottish tourism.
Popular spotting locations include the free-roaming herds along the historic Bealach Na BÃ drovers’ road between Applecross and Shieldaig, and the picturesque villages of Duirinish and Plockton.
The growing agritourism sector has embraced these gentle giants, offering visitors authentic experiences from feeding sessions to farm stays, contributing to Scotland’s reputation for memorable rural encounters.
Lesley McIvor, VisitScotland’s Senior Social Media and Influencer Manager, notes the campaign’s unexpected longevity and its evolution into a powerful tool for promoting Scotland’s diverse regions and agricultural heritage.
Cath Anderson of Highland Cow Coastal Stays in Fife shares that international visitors specifically seek out close encounters with these celebrated animals, describing them as “the most special and gentle” ambassadors for Scottish tourism.
Visitors can experience these magnificent creatures at various locations including AikensHill House in Aberdeenshire, Kitchen Coos and Ewes in Dumfries & Galloway, and Rothiemurchus in the Highlands, where guests can join ranger-led Hairy Coo Safaris.
The upcoming Scottish Agritourism Conference in Perth will further showcase how these beloved animals continue to shape Scotland’s rural tourism landscape, connecting visitors with authentic countryside experiences.
