MEMBERS TEE-UP SUPPORT FOR WILDCATS PROJECT

ROYAL Dornoch Golf Club members proudly sport an exclusive range of golf attire bearing the distinctive image of a Scottish wildcat.

The club’s coat of arms features the wildcat, which has been the crest of the Earls of Sutherland for centuries.

Members from home and abroad have been supporting steps being taken to protect this endangered native species.

Today marks Scottish Wildcat Day, highlighting a project which is celebrating a milestone in the ambitious strategy aimed at ensuring the species will survive, and thrive, long into the future.

David Barclay, ex-situ conservation manager for Aviemore-based Saving Wildcats, has been thrilled to receive regular donations from the world-renowned golf club.

“Today we are celebrating Scottish Wildcat Day and the opportunity to raise awareness for our endangered wildcat of Scotland,” he explained.

“The crest of Royal Dornoch Golf Club is recognisable around the world and we are delighted that members have given their backing to support the Saving Wildcats recovery project, which is carrying out the first release of wildcats back into the wild to help save our iconic species.

“This year marks a significant milestone for wildcat recovery efforts as the first wild births have been recorded in the Cairngorm National Park, following the release of 19 cats last year.”

Brad Smith, retail manager at Royal Dornoch, said the first donation was made to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland project five years ago, following the launch of a new range of crested clothing for members.

“It has proved very popular. We are on target to make another significant five-figure contribution to the charity later this year as £5 from each sale of our member-only lines is earmarked for the wildcat project.”Learn more about wildcats and support the Saving Wildcats project at www.savingwildcats.org.uk.

A short clip of kittens in the wild can be viewed below.