Report from Chris Smith
Scaredy-Cat Puma
By Nicola McAlley in the Mirror, December 4th, 1998
Highland farmers have a new predator to watch out for - a puma that has been spotted skulking around at North Kessock, near Inverness. But people living and working on Drumderfit Farm say the "Black Isle beast" is more of a scaredy- cat than a vicious killer.
Farm worker Donald MacKay said: "I caught a glimpse of it as it ran along at high speed before jumping into bushes. It was a sandy colour and far longer than a dog. "I think it got a bit of a fright though as we were using strimmers to cut the bushes."
Yesterday Kerry MacDonald, who lives in a cottage on the farm, said: "I was out on Sunday night when I heard a deep, low, growl. I thought it was one of my four young sons playing a joke. "But when I went inside, they were all sitting watching TV. "Over the years, people have talked about a puma living near here, but it has certainly not bothered anyone, so I do not think it's a dangerous animal."
Local Councillor Bryan Beattie said: "Although neither my wife nor I have seen it, I would obviously be concerned, as it could be dangerous. There is a wildlife park nearby, but they have never had big cats there."
Mirror, 4 th December 1998
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