EXCITING GLIMPSE AND CRUCIAL COURT HEARING NEXT WEEK

Hi All

We hope you are well and apologies for the slight gap in updates. It is because we have been flat out working on a number of fronts. Work is of course continuing in our established monitoring zones. However, we are very excited to tell you that we have started obtaining evidence of wildcats, in a previously unknown and remote area of the South West Highlands.

We were contacted by a knowledgeable local who informed us of sightings in this area. We of course followed up and now have cameras set in the hope of establishing both proof of and the size of the population.  During field work we have had a great result. The cat above was captured on camera from distance and was only visible for a second. The picture is cropped and zoomed in so isn’t the best quality, but it is very clear to see that this cat is showing very promising signs of being a wildcat. The body striping looks excellent and the head stripes seem distinct. We can’t see the tail in the picture but the person who took the snapshot said the tail looked thick and blunt as it bounded off into the undergrowth.

 We will keep you updated and let’s all hope that we can prove that a previously unknown population of wildcats exists in this area of the South West Highlands. It is worth reminding ourselves that finding the Clashindarroch wildcats all stemmed from a single video, provided by a very knowledgeable local. That led to us finding the largest known population in Scotland. So, let’s see what happens at this new site. It is hard but exhilarating work and whilst its early days, we are optimistic. We are very lucky to have such a large network of supporters and local contacts all across the Highlands. This community support is so important to our efforts and we are so grateful for it.

The legal campaign is still of course ongoing and preparations are taking place for the next crucial hearing which is next Wednesday on the 19th March, at the Inner House of the Court of Session. Our legal team will be asking the panel of Judges to grant Wildcat Haven what is termed, ‘Leave to Appeal’. This would then allow us to lodge an appeal to the Supreme Court in London. As always there is a huge amount at stake and it is receiving our full attention.

Remember, the windfarm site has not been felled and the wildcats are still there and we will keep fighting for as long as it takes. We are dealing with the very highest courts in the land and giving the wildcats the best chance of survival we can.  As you have always done, if you want to support our ongoing legal campaign you can do so at:

https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/wildcats/

More updates to follow so keep watching.

Thanks as always.

Emily and the Wildcat Haven Team.