Back to Scottish News

  ‘Paws’ for Thought

Big Cats in Britain

Scottish News - can you add to this story? email here

BCIB NEW blog spot

    
   
   
   
   

‘Paws’ for Thought

Dumfries & Galloway Standard: 8th August 2007

The Dumfries & Galloway Standard
   
BIG CAT sightings in the region have fuelled rumours that the creatures may be still be roaming the countryside.
In the most recent sighting, a dark tan coloured creature was seen in Galloway.
The animal was reported to bave been spotted near the B7079 junction with a minor road near Newton Stewart.
The three-foot tall cat was seen at around 1.30am on July 1.
It was seen by Christine Smith as she was travelling in north westerly towards the town.
The cat appeared around 20 feet in front of the car and then ran off showing its thin curved tail.
Mark Fraser is founder of the Scottish Big Cat Society. He said: “Dumfries and Galloway has been a hot spot for big cat sightings for many years.
“There was a spate of sightings in Dumfries and Galloway in the 90s.
“There were sightings in the Thornhill area a few years ago when people reported seeing a dark grey coloured animal about the size of a collie dog, with a short tail.
“That would suggest that they saw a lynx.”
He added: “They are definitely back in the country.
“They are quite small and could easily hide.”
A second cat sighting was also recorded in the region this summer.
In June, John Irving and two friends saw a grey cat with black markings, pointed ears and a stripy tail, near Annan. John said: “I was not able to determine its size due to the speed at which it travelled. “I was on a morning walk before a trip to a camp site with friends.
“That beast was scary. It walked down a public footpath before clearing a six foot hedge.”
Mark added: “There have been several sightings since the start of the year.
“Cats have been seen in Castle Douglas, Thornhill and Annan.
“They are definitely out there. We just need to find out exactly what they are.”

Do you have any information on the above reports. Were you the person involved, or are you aware of any more sightings in this area. We would appreciate any information that you could give us.

Have your say on the forum.