Report from George Markie
Big Cat Sighting possibly a Lynx
From the Dundee Courier, October 20 th 2000
Two Carnoustie women believe they made a definite sighting of a big cat in the town this week. Laura Colliston and Maureen Strachan are convinced they saw a lynx prowling on disused ground behind Burnside Gardens. Their sighting follows several reports of big cats being spotted in Carnoustie in the last few days, although both say they were unaware of previous incidents.
Mrs Colliston (22) from Muirdrum, was visiting her friend, Miss Strachan,when they saw the animal. At first they were frozen by fear but then secured the house to protect Mrs Colliston's daughter Chloe (3) and Miss Strachan's 11 month-old baby boy before calling the police. Mrs Colliston said the animal was light brown to ginger and not at all like a black panther which she has since learned other readers have described.
"It happened at about 1.30 pm on Tuesday, I saw it when I was standing at my friend's patio door holding her baby boy," said Mrs Colliston. "I thought it was a dog at first. I stood and watched then shouted to my friend. We were stunned. It was huge, a lot bigger than a dog." Mrs Colliston said the animal prowled around but did not seem to notice them. "If I had to make a guess I would say it was a lynx. I panicked when I saw it and we closed the door. "Maureen ran to a neighbours to get her to witness it but it had hidden by the time she got back," added Mrs Colliston. "We phoned the police and a car came down and checked the area," shesaid. Police confirmed that they visited the area near Burnside Gardens but there was no sign of the animal.
Dundee Courier: 20 th October 2000
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