Have You Herd?
Take a walk on the wild side on an entertaining Highland cow safari
IT’S a safari – but not as you know it. This one takes place on a weather-proof tractor trailer and there are guaranteed sightings of majestic Highland cattle. And it ends with home-baking, fresh from the farmhouse kitchen. You don’t get that on the Serengeti.
The Highland cow safaris at Airyolland Farm are the idea of Neale and Janet Mcquistin.
The couple have shifted to a less intensive, more sustainable, wildlife-friendly style of farming over the past decade, in response to changing agricultural policies and environmental concerns.
They have also tapped into a love affair between humankind and the Highland cattle which graze the hills at their farm in the Luce Valley, 13km (eight miles) east of Stranraer.
“People are just besotted with Highland cows,” says Neale. “We noticed it when we had cattle in fields next to the roadside – people couldn’t drive past without stopping to take a photo. Now we get them showing us their Highland cow tattoos and all sorts.”
Kitchen Coos and Ewes offers a series of farm tours and experiences, ranging from the hour-long Insta Coo Tour, with plenty of opportunities for photos, to the Cream Tea Coo Tour. This one includes the farm’s Beltex sheep, with demonstrations of shearing or sheepdog handling, and tea and home-baking to finish.
There are also walking tours and the customisable Haute Coo Tour, which can be tailored to suit the demands of different groups.
Airyolland Farm is located within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, recognised internationally as a world-class environment for people and nature, and the Mcquistins are proud to share their little slice of paradise with the public.
“The feedback from visitors has been really gratifying,” says Neale. “It’s exceeded all our expectations.”