On the tail of Newtonmore's missing wildcat
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A missing wildcat has been found right under the very noses of those who were looking for him.
The creature was one of 132 painted models on a 10 kilometre trail around Newtonmore before it went AWOL.
The brightly coloured wildcat named Hawaii Five-0 was reported as missing earlier in the year, but after paying for a replacement the original cat has just been found.
Laurie Skuodas (62) who is the proud sponsor of the wildcat, said: "People come from near and far to the village and so many people enjoy taking part in the Wildcat Experience Trail.
"It is a lot of fun – it is a 132 painted wildcat trail.
"My cat, who is in the sunshine in a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses, had gone missing and I paid to have him replaced.
"He sits on Loch Imrich so it would have taken a bit of effort to remove him.
"Anyway, we went out to replace him with a new wildcat.
"But after canoeing out we discovered he was still there after all – he had just capsized. He was looking a bit worse for wear, so we have replaced him with the new wildcat.
"You could say we revived, replaced and renewed the wildcat. I hope the new Hawaii Five-0 is as popular as his old one.
"People really enjoy walking around the village and looking for the wildcats.
"As individuals and businesses we buy the cats and then visitors come to the Wildcat Experience, shop in the village centre and pick up a 'treasure hunt' sheet which they then go around the village to find them all.
"It is like Munro bagging, but with wildcats instead!
"I have known many a tourist who has come here to go hill climbing with their family but have ended up taking part in the Wildcat Experience trail."
The Wildcat Experience shop sells a £10 wildcat "track pack" that includes a book, map, a pen.
All profits go toward the upkeep of the orbital footpath and surrounding community woodlands.
The Wildcat Centre is currently closed due to the coronavirus outbreak but Wildcat Experience trackpacks and Wildcat Trail booklets are available at the Post Office, Wild Flour Cafe and the Glen Hotel.
For more details on the attraction click here
