Soule: Who Could Be More Scottish Than Curious Bleu?

The sound of bagpipes filled the air as Curious Bleu, looking rakish in his MacKenzie tartan cap, clip-clopped onto the parade grounds. Bleu, a 10-year-old Scottish Highlander steer, and his sidekick, year-old Daffodil, were part of the spectacle of the 47th Annual New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival (hosted by NHSCOT) in Lincoln. They were there to add ambiance. After all, what could be more Scottish than Scottish Highlander cattle?

The 2022 celebration of all things Scottish, held on Sept. 16-18, included piping, sheep dog trials, Highland dancing, and music competitions (bands and solo musicians). The games also had "heavy athletic events" like the tug-o-war, the hammer throw, and tossing the caber in which competitors toss a 16-to-20-foot tapered pole that weighs 90-150 pounds -- a skill every Scot should possess. Why do they throw a pole? Why not?

While Bleu didn't toss a caber, he enchanted visitors with his calm nature and massive horns. Curious Bleu, a rescue steer owned by Learning Networks Foundation, helped represent the Old Country.

It may not seem like standing in one place while visitors fed him carrots and alfalfa cubes was hard work, but it was for Bleu. At about 1 p.m. on Sunday, Bleu got antsy and looked at me as if to say, "I'm bored. Carole, let's go for a walk." I never need an excuse to walk with my cattle, so I grabbed his lead rope, and we strolled around the Clan Village. In the 17th century, a Scottish clan chief held his territory with the consent of his clan tenants. Each clan had a unique and colorful tartan that members wore to identify their clan. Even though the clan system has lost its power, people still love wearing their clan's tartan. Bleu had a MacKenzie tartan cap, so we sought out the Clan MacKenzie tent for a photo shoot with his "clansmen."

No parade with cattle is complete without a cleanup crew.

Read More

Carole Soule is the co-owner of Miles Smith Farm in Loudon, N.H. She raises and sells beef, pork, lamb, eggs, and other local products. She can be reached at carolesoule60@gmail.com.