The drovers had to overcome the
problem of the long distant driving cattle. They need to provide sufficient quantities
of food for the cattle to sustain them throughout their journey and rely on the
food that could be found along the way.
The herds often spread out over considerable distance and drovers need to
follow the herds back to ensure that the cattle did not stray into private land
to feed. They also had to be on the look-out for farms which lay on his route
and blow a horn to warn the farmer of his approach. Then, cattle are easily
frightened by sudden loud noises and drovers also have to cope with bands of
robbers. They need to have an intimate knowledge of the temperament of his
animals in order to judge how far and how fast to drive them and make sure they
reach the market in prime condition to get the best prices from the butchers.
Drove of cattle on the Achiltibuie road
Ormiston Highland cattle on a drove
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