Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SKIBO, prop.n. The name of an estate in Sutherland, noted for a breed of cattle raised there. Hence sk(e)ibo, skeebie, an ox or heifer of the Highland variety in gen. (Ags. 1970). Also attrib. [′skibə]Ags. 1800 MS. per Miss M. M. K. Thomson:
Major G — fed one of Mr D's Skibos to 56 Stones.Ags. 1815 W. Fraser Melvilles (1890) II. 309:
The bearer of this has also in charge a Skibo cow.Sc. 1834 Quarterly Jnl. Agric. V. 436:
A small breed of cattle called “Skibos”, are bred on the property of Skibo in Sutherlandshire, belonging to Mr Soper Dempster. They are nearly as small as the Shetlanders, but much more symmetrical and beautiful, and nearly as fine in quality of beef.Ags. 1896 Arbroath Guide (2 May) 3:
Ye micht have saved my guid plaid frae the skeibo's horns.
