Report from Chris Smith
Panther Left Me Panting
Runner's scare
By Scott Hussey in the Daily Record 16 th January 2004
A RUNNER yesterday claimed a big cat scared him so much he won a race.
Iain Taylor crossed the line in a forest run 18 seconds ahead of his
nearest rival. But yesterday, he said he had seen a black panther in
Blairadam Forest, near Kelty, Fife.
The big cat, which has been seen before, has been dubbed the Beast of
Blairadam.
Iain, who is secretary of Carnegie Harriers running club, said: ''A
cat ran out from the south side of the forest, right across the track.
''I would say it was about two foot high, three foot long and was black.
''The following day, there were what looked like cat prints in the snow.
''A couple of guys in the club had said they had heard a cat out there
but I'd always thought it was a load of rubbish.
''I'd never believed in the Beast of Blairadam but there is a big cat
there. It's probably the reason I won the race.''
Scottish Big Cat Trust researcher George Redpath said: ''There have
been a lot of sightings in the area.
''I wouldn't dispute the runner's sighting at all. It's probably a
black panther.''
Daily Record, 16 th January 2004
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