Report from George Markie

Big cats are alive and well

From the Forres Gazette, 24 th November 2001

Interesting to see that more than 15 years after the 'Moray big cat' was first exclusively reported by the 'Gazette', the feline is still turning up in the area. Last week a large black cat-like animal was spotted by a Lossiemouth man in the Pluscarden area close to Heldon Hill, where the so-called Kellas Cat has been seen many time before.

In the early days there was much scepticism about the "big cat". Those who had not seen the animal poured cold water on the idea.

It has since been proved that the Kellas Cat and its similar black-coated relatives do exist. They are a type of hybrid produced by cross-breeding feral and wild cats. The resulting feline is much larger than a domestic cat and has a characteristically long, bushy tail and long legs. They live in many parts of Moray but are most likely to be seen in the Forres, Dallas and Kellas districts.

Large they may be - but fierce they are not. The large wild-living cats pose no threat to humans and live fairly quietly and un-noticed among us until one stumbles in front of an interested member of the public.

Perhaps we should consider a "Moray Big Cat" promotion and introduce that other rare breed - the Moray tourist - to the delights of our local topography!

Forres Gazette, 24 th November 2001

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