Report from Chris Smith
Big Cat seen near Ballater in 1996
From Scottish Mountaineer Issue 6. December 2000
Dear MCofS,
My own experiences over 45 years of mountaineering throughout Scotland, England, Canada and Alaska, mean I have observed on many occasions wild foxes, wild cats, stags, bears and a host of other animals. However, I have still not been able to come to terms with the one and only sighting I had some years ago of a large cat, which I am convinced was a Puma.
My sighting happened about 4 years ago. I, along with others, was driving from Aberdeen to Braemar on the A93. At approximately 12.30 am, we were approaching the Tullich straight some 3 miles east of Ballater along a long left-hand curve. Adjacent to the road is a 5ft wide grass bank and a 6ft
high deer fence. Beyond the fence is an open area (once the Deeside Railway Line).
Motoring around the curve, the headlights picked out, very distinctly, a large shining black cat-like animal in mid-flight clearing the fence, some
30 to 40 yds ahead of us. On landing, the now very distinct, very large shining black cat with long tail and tufted end was stationary with its face turned towards us; the small pointed ears, the piercing red eyes and the open mouth displaying a full set of snarling teeth, has remained permanently in my mind's eye. We were passed the animal in a flash but the cat was a large animal that I have never witnessed before or since.
Making enquiries around the area, I became aware that many others had observed the same or similar black cat, some of the sightings being on more than one occasion. However, there was also a measure of reserved communication from locals about their sightings.
D Bruce, Braemar
Scottish Mountaineer Issue 6. December 2000
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