This year, the admins of the Big Cat Sightings in Scotland Facebook group would like to initiate an outreach programme, taking the subject of Scottish big cat research and studies to the public in the most effective way possible.

We have the resources to take this subject to two of the most appropriate events in Scotland in 2022, namely the Royal Highland Show (23rd - 26th June) and Scone Palace Game Fair (1st - 3rd July).

Here, we will have the opportunity to engage directly with farmers, gamekeepers, landowners and the general public about big cat research. We aim to promote awareness of the subject through engaging in public education and potentially add to our sightings database and further confirm areas of current activity.

We have already established a respectful network of researchers, witnesses and enthusiasts via our Facebook platform and created the Scottish Big Cat Mapping Project which currently details over 1,000 sighting reports throughout the country.

No official wildlife-interest groups exist to further this subject, leaving it in the hands of dedicated individuals and communities like ourselves to develop in a responsible, professional and effective way.

Attendance at these events will help establish our presence as a first point-of-contact for future sightings and inform the public and countryside professionals about research efforts to date and signs to look for.

We are passionate about this subject and our actions and aims are entirely in the interests of the animals.

Trade stands at these prestigious Scottish events and promotional materials (banners, display sightings map, report forms, cards) carry associated costs and we are entirely self-funded.

We ask the current community for your further interest and support in helping us realise our outreach programme for 2022.

Together we can build the bigger picture and learn, educate and understand more about the most elusive animals in our country today.

Paul Macdonald and David McEwan

Big Cat Sightings in Scotland