LEGO Highland Cow: A Charming Brick-Built Tribute to Scotland’s Iconic Animal

April 10, 2025 Emery Person

If you’re a LEGO fan who loves unique and quirky builds, the LEGO Highland Cow is one set that deserves a spot on your shelf. This shaggy, horned creature captures the heart of Scottish countryside charm in delightful brick form. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a casual collector, the Highland Cow offers a fun and satisfying experience—with a touch of humor and a whole lot of character.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the LEGO Highland Cow, from design details to building experience, display ideas, and where to get your hands on one.

What Is the LEGO Highland Cow?

The LEGO Highland Cow is a fan-designed model that pays homage to the rugged cattle breed known for its long, flowing hair and distinctive horns. Originally shared through LEGO Ideas, this bovine beauty quickly gained popularity for its realistic yet playful appearance.

Key Features:

Shaggy orange-brown coat made from cleverly arranged plates and slopes
Curved horns and big eyes that give it a whimsical personality
Poseable head and small build footprint, perfect for display

Though it hasn’t been released as an official retail set (yet), fan-made versions and instructions are widely available for custom builds.

Why the Highland Cow?

You might be wondering: Why a cow—specifically a Highland cow?

These animals are more than just cute. They’re:

Culturally iconic in Scotland and instantly recognizable
Naturally photogenic, making them great subjects for LEGO creativity
Beloved for their docile nature and expressive faces, ideal for character-rich builds

LEGO designers and fans alike often gravitate toward animals with personality—and Highland cows have it in spades.

Building the LEGO Highland Cow

Creating this brick-built bovine is a surprisingly intricate yet accessible project. It typically falls into the intermediate difficulty level, with around 300–500 pieces depending on the design variation.

Building Highlights:

Layered tiles and plates to mimic the cow’s wavy hair
Smart use of slopes to shape the muzzle and body contours
Movable parts, such as ears and head, add interactivity

Some versions even incorporate small pastures, milk buckets, or a Scottish landscape for added flair.

Where to Find the LEGO Highland Cow

As of now, the LEGO Highland Cow isn’t an official LEGO set—but that doesn’t mean you can’t build one.

Options for Getting Your Own:

LEGO Ideas platform: Browse submissions and support potential future releases.
Custom building instructions: Many fan designers sell or share PDF instructions online.
BrickLink or LEGO Pick-a-Brick: Purchase the necessary parts individually.
Third-party kits: Some vendors offer pre-packed sets with bricks and instructions.

Tip: Always check the reviews and part list before purchasing a custom kit.

Display and Gift Ideas

Thanks to its compact size and eye-catching design, the LEGO Highland Cow is perfect for:

Desk displays at home or work
Gifts for LEGO fans, animal lovers, or Scottish heritage buffs
Farm-themed dioramas or MOCs (My Own Creations)

Pair it with other animals like LEGO sheep or border collies for a full farmyard vibe.

Why Fans Love It

The LEGO Highland Cow has garnered love for more than just its looks. Here’s why it stands out:

Nostalgia & novelty: It taps into rural charm while offering something fresh.
High customization potential: Builders can change fur color or add accessories.
Display-worthy & conversation-starting: It’s hard not to smile when you see it!

Will LEGO Make It Official?

There’s growing hope that LEGO might officially adopt the Highland Cow as a future set, especially if fan interest continues to surge. The LEGO Ideas platform has already seen strong support for cow-inspired builds.

To make it happen:

Support Highland Cow submissions on LEGO Ideas.
Share your builds on social media to raise awareness.
Vote and engage with the LEGO Ideas community.

Final Thoughts

The LEGO Highland Cow is more than just a cute animal—it’s a brilliant example of creative building that connects culture, charm, and construction in one fun package. Whether you build one from scratch or buy a custom kit, this little cow is sure to bring a smile to your face.