As is the case with many, our first interaction with Highlands took place on a visit to Scotland. After we decided to relocate to Victoria from Queensland, where we bred Brahmans, we knew we wanted cattle of some sort, but needed to find a breed that would suit the Victorian climate. 

Because of the Scottish experience, we started investigating Highlands, mostly for their rugged good looks. But we soon discovered that not only did they look good, but they were reported to be pretty tasty as well. Further investigations revealed their quiet temperament, something which was a vital component in our decision making as our family consists of two people with special needs. 

So, with the decision made, it was time to track down some quality animals and then registered as a fold.

We purchased our first two cows in calf, Cailleach & Dorien in December 2012, with the intention of building our fold slowly with the progeny of our foundation cows. It was Dorien's gentle nature (pictured above) that first drew us to the breed.

In March 2013, our first two calves were born - both bulls. Being the impatient sort, I then purchased a further three cows in calf, Isobail, Fraoch and Socair. In October 2013, our first two heifers were born, Nighean Odhar (Zelda) & Iseabail Bhuidhe (Bella).

First Glenstrae calves, (left) Archie Laird of Glenstrae and (right) Amlaib of Glenstrae (pronounced Olaf) and mum Cailleach.

In May 2015, Lord Addams, a.k.a. Pugsley arrived. Pugsley was named Junior Champion & Grand Champion Bull at the 2016 National Show. In May 2016, the first calf bred using a Glenstrae bull and cow was born - Bonnie Ceitidh May of Glenstrae (Nighean Odhar of Glenstrae x Lord Addams of Glenstrae)

We attended our first show as spectators in May 2013 and it very quickly drew us in. Our foray into showing took place at the Royal Melbourne Show the following year when highlands were the feature breed. We entered Zelda and Bella and were extremely pleased to have Bella named Reserve Junior Champion Female.

Since then we have continued to show, travelling interstate a number of times each year to attend the Royal Canberra Show, the Royal Adelaide Show and the AHCS Inc National Show (in whichever state it is hosted in).

Originally our intention was to breed boutique beef, but it soon became clear that our focus was more on producing good quality, true to form Highlands, suitable as pets for use on small acreages. Our first two pet steers, Buadhach and Chewbacca, were sold to an 8 year old from northern Victoria.

Our breeding program is predominantly AI, allowing us to choose sires best suited to each female. Genetics have been imported by Glenstrae from USA (Skye High Cornerstone) and UK (K2 of Cladich). Straws from these bulls are available.

Our goal is to ensure people wanting the rugged good looks of a Highland beast on their property, can do so with quiet animals, halter trained, who are able to be brushed and petted without fear.