Witness: Miss D. (Well known by myself, veterinary client and friend. Name has never been released, nor will it.)

Date: February 1984

Location: Monaugthy Forest, East of Forres, approaching village of Pluscarden, nr Elgin

Description: Out walking her 2 Labrador retriever dogs in the local forests.

Disturbed to see a jet-black cat eating a roe deer, near to the forest track she was walking along. Her 2 dogs froze in fear (described in newspaper articles as if 'cement was poured over them')

The cat was comparable in size to her big male Labrador, and of comparable colour. Head feline, small ears, described as being a panther, melanistic leopard. Needless to say witness back-tracked through forest, much shaken-up by what she had encountered.

Local newspapers covered the story, and in the subsequent 2 years, 1984-1986 many sightings of large black felids were revealed.

Referred to briefly by Di Francis, in "Beast of Exmoor.." 1993

Believe me, witness very trustworthy, non-sensational type of person.

NB. I have in my possession a large c.A4 photograph, a present from her, of the second Kellas cat taxiderm specimen, which now I belive resides in the Elgin museum. Photograph never been published. If I can get hold of scanner, will reproduce for SBC group.

Aron Bowers.

ps. Very surprised this sighting not on list, as this is the very noteworthy sighting which sparked a flurry of sightings in the Monaughty forest areas between Forres and Pluscarden, Elgin in the mid 1980's. (AB)

Chris Smith - we did have it, but only as a one liner from Mick Orsi on the 1984 list of sightings, without any attached report.

February 1984

---

Return to index	Return to Scottish Big Cats	Return to Moray	Return to 1984

---