Many have raised their concerns
Crowds swarmed the cows(Image: Marko Elliott)
Edinburgh tourists have been branded as ‘reckless’ as they posed for Highland coo selfies. On Tuesday, a large group were spotted at the Pentland Hills enjoying their time with the animals.
However, some locals have addressed their concerns due to how close tourists are getting to the coos. The Pentland Hills Regional Park is known by many as being a key location to spot the cattle with crowds also flocking to Swanston Farm.
It’s understood large crowds gather daily. One picture shared with Edinburgh Live by Marko Elliott shows five coos at the beauty spot. Some tourists are sitting beside them while others hold their phone up to take selfies.
Many people have raised their concerns due to the dangers of getting too close to highland cows. A statement on the Swanston Farm website urges visitors not to approach the cattle.
It reads: “We are a family-run farm and keep a fold of Highland Cows which live on our hills 24/7, used as conservation grazers.
“Our Highland Cows thrive in their natural habitat on our rollings hills throughout the year and roam a very large area of 300 acres. As conservation grazers, they spend their entire lives with us, free to roam and forage as they please.
“We prioritise their welfare, ensuring they live a peaceful existence without unnecessary human intervention or specialised feed.
“Instead, they graze selectively across our 300 acre estate, fostering a rich biodiversity that supports a diverse array of plant, fungi and animal species. In return, they maintain the vibrancy of our hills, providing a haven for rare and fascinating flora and fauna.
“While visitors are not permitted access to our hill-dwelling Highland Cows (they do not like human contact), we do have 3 in a field a very short 5 minute walk from our Brasserie. It takes approximately 15-20 minute to see the Highland Cows here.
“We ask that visitors to help preserve the wild nature of our Highland Cows, do not approach them and to please respect their personal space.”
A further article published by Cattle Safety highlights the moment a walker was “thrown up into the air” by a Highland Cow and had to “fend off” another.
BBC news reports short videos have been shared on social media showing people hugging highland cows in Derbyshire.
The Peak District National Park Authority has since warned people about getting too close, taking selfies or feeding them.
The authority added hugging cows should not be done due to it being “highland dangerous”. People could be trampled on, charged at or attacked – especially when cows have calves.