FINLAY - OVERVIEW OF PROGRESS
HI All
We wanted to give you an update and progress overview on everybody’s favourite feline- Finlay.
His rehoming back to the Highlands simply could not have gone any better. We had a clear plan in place before we moved Finlay and the whole process has gone exactly the way we had hoped. Finlay has proved to be extremely capable; he is excellent at navigating the area and is a very proficient hunter. The site he that he was rehomed on provides an abundance of prey. Despite the storms, it has been a vey mild autumn and a bumper year for hedgerow and woodland fruits, seeds and berries. This in turn of course, all means an abundance of food for potential prey for Finlay. However, it is very important to note that food, water and shelter is always available for him at all times should he need it.
Initially, when Finlay’s door was opened, he would be seen throughout the day, but after a few weeks it didn’t take him long to revert to an almost exclusively nocturnal lifestyle. From the very first day we took care of Finlay, as that tiny 3 week old kitten, still dependent on milk, our priority has always been that he would have a chance of freedom at the earliest opportunity. After all he has been through, that is the least he deserves. We are delighted that we achieved that goal and even more delighted that Finlay has fully embraced his freedom. At first, he would stay close to his den area but it wasn’t long before he was surveying and exploring his new kingdom. He ranges far and wide and sometimes he isn’t seen for extended periods. However at first, even if he disappeared for a morning we would be anxious, but now our concerns have diminished as Finlay has proven that he is a born survivor. Our anxiety is replaced by joy, that he is embracing the freedom we always wanted for him. We imagine the adventures he is having, the other animals that he meets, the sheer joy of having freedom of choice. The Highlands are his playground.
As winter approaches, some of you may be concerned that Finlay may have difficulties. However, Finlay has already spent a winter outside and so he is ‘weathered’. He is also a fantastic hunter so will be able to hunt all year round if he chooses to. But also remember this crucial point, Finlay will have full access to food and his original den box, which is located in an old stone barn with walls that are over 2 feet thick and a water tight roof. A very desirable residence and should he ever want shelter it is always there for him. You can imagine him all curled up in his nice and warm den box protected from the elements.
It is very hard to get images of Finlay at this time of year due to his nocturnal nature, plus the fact that winter days in Scotland are very short. However, rest assured, that the support system that was set up at the start, is still in place and always will be for as long as he needs it and beyond. So don’t worry about Finlay, rejoice as we do in his uncompromised freedom. The pictures are of him in the stone barn and on top of his custom made den box. Apologies that the pictures aren’t crystal clear, the barn is sheltered, cosy and dark, just as Finlay likes it.
And finally, we have had lots of you contacting us about the need to get Justice for Finlay. We can assure you that that is still very much a priority and our highly experienced legal team is still fully engaged. We will update you when we can. But rest assured, Finlay’s unnecessary incarceration at the hands of the police has not been forgotten. We will do everything we can to get him the justice he truly deserves. We will give a full legal update shortly. You can continue to support our ‘Justice for Finlay campaign here:
https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/justice-for-finlay-1/
More updates to follow and the preliminary hearing for the Clashindarroch windfarm Judicial Review, is just around the corner on the 8th December.
Thanks always and keep watching.
Emily and the Wildcat haven Team