A big cat expert says he is in no doubt large puma-like cats are roaming Angus.
Retired police officer George Redpath, of Balmullo, has been tracking big cats for 25 years and was speaking after Arbroath councillor Donald Morrison’s sighting of a large creature while walking his dogs in woods near Brechin on Sunday (link).
Mr Morrison was on his way into Montreathmont Forest, between his home near Letham and Brechin, when a black creature he is sure was a black cat crossed his path.
Mr Redpath said: “It’s not just a possibility they are in Angus I am positive they are there. Big cats will roam anywhere where they have cover and something to eat.
“There are stacks of prey about roe deer, rabbits and hares. They don’t take an awful lot of sheep but there have been instances.
“In fact I have one where a farmer found a sheep and thought it had been killed by a dog. He took it home, skinned it and he noticed inside on its body there were hook marks that’s a cat gripping either side of the flanks so it can bite the neck.
“There are definitely big cats in Scotland. I have seen them myself. There have been sightings across the country which must be into the thousands now.
“But until someone finds one or gets a really good photograph there will always be this debate.”
Mr Redpath said several theories exist as to the creatures’ origin. One is they are descendants of animals released more than 30 years ago by people who did not comply with new laws on exotic pets.
It has also been suggested some may be circus escapees or that there is a native species of giant wild cat in Scotland.
He said: “Okay, some of them would have been released in 1976 but any cats released then would be dead now. There would have to be some kind of breeding to keep them going.
“Some of the cats I am getting reported now are three feet to the shoulder and four feet in length that is not breeding with a domestic cat.
“I wouldn’t say there is no threat to humans. Yes, the cat would run off, especially if Mr Morrison was walking his labradors.”
Reports of Angus big cats have been made in the past, including some in the Brechin and Montrose areas.