Anger after "wildcats" attacked

ANGRY organisers of Newtonmore’s Wildcat Experience have branded the vandalism of five of their model cats – one of which was totally destroyed – as very distressing.

A total of 30 new model cats decorated by the community were put on the prowl at the Newtonmore trail in June, with the aim of attracting more tourists and bringing the community together.

However, organisers of the Wildcat Experience had a nasty shock on Friday morning when they found four model cats had been moved from their perches.

One cat called "A Walk in the Sun" had made it as far as Glen Street, only to be irrevocably damaged by vandals.

The model cats were decorated by Newtonmore residents, including pupils from the primary school, and took the number of fibre-glass models at the trail up to 110.

Mrs Janet Davidson is chairwoman of the Newtonmore Community Woodland and Development Trust which was behind and runs the novel project.

She accused the vandals of trespass, theft and thoughtlessness: "Although this looks as if it might have been meant as a bit of fun, in fact the people involved are guilty of trespass and theft from private property as well as gross thoughtlessness.

"The wildcats are part of a project set up entirely by and for the people of the village. They have brought pleasure to local residents – and continue to bring a lot of visitors to the village."

And, Mrs Davidson added: "The great majority of the models were painted by Newtonmore residents, including many children. This involves time and commitment.

"It must be very upsetting for the artists involved, especially the children, to see their work treated this way."

A Walk in the Sun was not the only cat tampered with. Three other wildcats were ripped from their spots and moved around the trail.

Mrs Davidson, who has lived in Newtonmore for 28 years explained: "Three cats had been moved in some way or another from their proper spots. One was supposed to be up in a tree but it was down on the ground.

"There were others that had been moved from the grounds where they lived to other parts of the trail."

She added: "It’s very distressing....the whole project took two and a half years to put together."

The cats have now been returned to their rightful place among the trail.

The vandalism has been reported to the police who are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

John Russell, chairman of the Newtonmore Woodland & Development Trust, added: "I hope that anyone who knows anything about these events will come forward to the police with information.

"We must try to make the culprits understand the harm they are doing. Moving the cats from their sites spoils the whole idea of the treasure hunt.

"The Wildcat Centre Visitor Book is full of comments praising the project and we would ask that everyone respects it."

Anyone with any information should contact Aviemore police station on 01470 810222.

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