WELCOME TO An Entertainment Site for Scottish Country Dancers - Enjoy the curated selection of theme-related dances for celebrations and holidays, or find a dance associated with a special calendar day, or EVEN your own birthday!
Black Angus and calf
Black and White Day
Jan 10
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"The Black Angus grazes with regal flair,
A boss of the pasture with a noble air.
With a swish of its tail and a glance so sly,
You’d think it’s the laird of the fields nearby!"
All hail the Black Angus! Dance, coos, dance! Black Angus cattle, famed for their sleek black coats are a proud symbol of Scotland's agricultural heritage. These hardy bovines, originally from Aberdeenshire, share the Scottish countryside with their equally fascinating kin, like the shaggy Highland cattle, known for their long horns and golden, flowing locks. Other Scottish cattle with distinctive markings are the Belted Galloway (with a white band around their middle) and the Black Baldies with their white markings around their face! Strathspey along with this full promenade dance, never releasing your partner in the manner of a good sheepdog herding his cow. No, really, this is a beautiful concept! Those cows aren't going to herd themselves! 😜 🖤 🤍 🖤 🐄
Black Angus
Scottish cattle are known for their hardiness, adaptability, and unique features shaped by Scotland's rugged landscapes and climate. Here’s a brief overview of some notable types:
Highland Cattle: These iconic, long-haired cattle are instantly recognizable by their shaggy coats and sweeping horns. They thrive in harsh, mountainous environments, and their double coat keeps them warm while reducing the need for excess fat. They are prized for their lean, flavorful meat and docile temperament.
Aberdeen Angus: Renowned globally for their high-quality beef, Aberdeen Angus cattle are polled (hornless) and have a sleek, black or red coat. They are robust and well-suited to Scotland's variable weather, making them a favorite among farmers for their ease of handling and excellent meat marbling.
Galloway Cattle: Originating in southwest Scotland, these hardy, medium-sized cattle are known for their distinctive, curly-haired coat. Galloways come in a variety of colors, including black, dun, and belted (a striking white band around their middle). They are excellent grazers and produce rich, flavorful beef.
Belted Galloway: A striking subset of Galloway cattle, "Belties" are characterized by their black (or occasionally red or dun) coats with a broad white belt around their midsection. They are particularly suited for grazing on rough pastures and are valued for their adaptability and quality beef.
Ayrshire: A dairy breed known for its red-and-white markings, Ayrshire cattle hail from Ayr in southwestern Scotland. They are hardy and adaptable, thriving in diverse climates, and are prized for their efficient milk production, which is known for its high-quality butterfat and protein content.
Luing Cattle: Developed in the 1940s by crossing Shorthorn and Highland cattle, Luing cattle are robust, dual-purpose animals bred for both beef and grazing efficiency. They retain the hardiness of their Highland ancestors while offering improved meat yield.
Shetland Cattle: Small, agile, and traditionally raised on the Shetland Islands, these cattle are known for their adaptability to rough terrain and limited feed resources. They are used for milk, meat, and sometimes as working animals, making them a versatile and cherished breed.
These cattle breeds reflect Scotland's agricultural heritage, each uniquely suited to the country’s diverse landscapes and farming traditions.
For more about the Black Angus, click his portrait by Michigan artist Sandy Oliverio.
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
