The Scottish wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) evolved from a population of European wildcats that became isolated by the English Channel around 7000–9000 years ago. They are the largest of the wildcat family, and can be double the size of a domestic cat (and are significantly more ferocious). We have captured video footage of a Scottish wildcat measuring 1.2 metres in length, named the ‘Clashindarroch Beast’. They are reputed to be untameable and there is no evidence to contradict this.
Scottish wildcats are forest specialists, and are only found in the most remote forests in Scotland. Other subspecies of wildcat are found across Europe, most of Africa and into the Middle East. The Scottish wildcat represents the most western and northerly population. Research has shown Middle Eastern wildcats to be the ancestors of all the domestic cat breeds that we see today. Like all cats, Scottish wildcats have superb hearing, retractable claws, exceptional night vision and a powerful body, adapted for sprinting and pouncing.
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