An overview of the abilities and shortcomings of Highland cattle and their crosses as grazing animals in the uplands is provided in the papers presented at a recent conferences hosted by the Highland Cattle Society. The papers cover topics ranging from the history of the breed, through their use as grazing animals in conservation systems, to beef production. Case studies include recent work by the Game Conservancy Trust in Perthshire and Strathspey which looked at the impact of grazing with Highland cattle (0.25 cows per ha) compared with sheep (1 sheep per ha).