Angry Bird!

There is something really endearing about a country that has 30 different organisations (no idea how many people) involved in preserving an animal that needs a 20 point official comparative scale ('pelage characteristics') to determine if it’s actually not just a domestic pet!

Yes, today’s talk was about the Highland Tiger ie the Scottish Wildcat.

A young woman spoke passionately about her study of wildcats - which are rarer than tigers! They are applying for funding to start a huge study, which will also involve managing domestic cats and feral cats, which of course are the big problem. Lots of good initials - INNS (non-native invasive species - feral cats) and TNR (Trap/ vaccinate/ Neuter/Release - feral cats again).

There were lots of good questions at the end, including one person who pointed out that there might not actually be any pure bred Scottish Wildcats left, and the young lady admitted it might be the case, so they’d have to go with the best they had once they’ve done the big study. I should have gone to see the Wildcats, but my legs refused to carry me up the hill…

Thank you so much for yesterday. I am overwhelmed with your generosity. And touched. I will get around to everybody...