Golfers at Royal Dornoch chip in to help the Highland tiger
Members of one of the world's most famous golf clubs have been chipping in to do their bit to save the Highland tiger which features in their coat of arms.
Players at Royal Dornoch have been supporting the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland-led Saving Wildcats project for several years.
Club retail manager Brad Smith and general manager Neil Hampton have just presented ex-situ conservation manager David Barclay with a cheque for £854.
With a licence recently secured from project partner Nature Scot, wildcats bred for release at the Highland Wildlife Park by Kincraig will be the first of their kind to be released into the wild in Britain this summer, with habitats earmarked in the mountainous Cairngorms National Park.
The wildcat, which is the historic crest of the Earls of Sutherland, features on the world famous Royal Dornoch coat of arms.
Mr Hampton said: “When the golf club introduced a range of exclusive member-only products including golf attire, head covers and ties featuring the striking ‘Highland tiger’ logo, it was decided that £5 from every sale of this merchandise would be gifted to Saving Wildcats to support their valuable conservation work.
“Members from home and abroad have embraced the fundraiser.
"Nearly £6000 has now been gifted and we are delighted that the ambitious project designed to restore this endangered species to the wilds of Scotland is edging ever closer.
“If around 20 wildcats can be reared and released to wilderness areas annually hopefully it will ensure these animals aren’t lost to Scotland forever.
“I’m delighted to confirm the club has agreed to continue supporting the initiative on an annual basis and we wish the Saving Wildcats team well.”
The news has been warmly welcomed by the RZSS's ex-situ conservation manager.
Mr Barclay said: “We are incredibly grateful to Royal Dornoch for their ongoing support and commitment to restoring the Scottish wildcat population.
“Members at one of the most highly regarded links courses in the world are helping secure a future for the Highland tiger.”
Wildcats released into carefully selected habitats will be monitored closely using GPS collars.
Saving Wildcats is led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland in collaboration with NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Norden’s Ark and Consejería de Medio Ambiente y Ordenación del Territorio de la Junta de Andalucía.
The Scottish wildcat features on members-only lines at Royal Dornoch Golf Club
