Report from Andy Topping and George Markie
Note from George Redpath: I can confirm that this sighting was reported to the Police. I remember it clearly and will have full details in my file. I took particular interest in this one at the time because I knew the witness.
Large Black Feline seen by Cupar
around 1997
The date remains very vivid, but I reckon it was about 1997 (it was reported to the police therefore they will have the report and date on file) and I was out cycling. It was a warmish day and I remember the time was around 13.00/14.00 hours. I was heading west through the Bow of Fife towards the Melville Gates roundabout and I noticed to my left, some 60 to 70 yards into the field what I am adamant was a large black feline.
The standout feature was the long sweeping tail. I pulled into he roadside and observed the beast for some 3 to 4 minutes as it simply meandered across the field in and eastward direction towards the Scottish Deer Centre. During this time I whistled loudly at which the beast simply turned and stared and then carried on walking. I tried to flag down several passing motorists but I reckon they must have thought I had escaped from a nearby hospital.
Later that day I took my dog to the vets in Cupar and mentioned the incident to the vet who suggested I report the events to the Police which I duly did. The next day I went to the Bow of Fife and enquired in the Post Office as to whether any of the locals had a large black dog. The answer was NO...
The crops in the field were at an infant stage, covering only say 6 inches of the beast's legs thus giving me a very clear view of the animal.
Weather Warm sunny day at 14.00hrs approx.
Animal Puma like, jet black, no other visible markings. Long sweeping tail of say 3ft in length, smaller than a German Shepherd. With a rounded compact head.
Length from top of head to rump 3ft with 3ft tail.
Movement: Feline. slowly meandering with head pushed forward as if to catch scents.
Duration of sighting 3 to 4 minutes.
around 1997
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