MEMBERS’ SUPPORT FOR THE ‘HIGHLAND TIGER’ IS WELCOMED 

THE Royal Dornoch Golf Club coat of arms features the iconic Scottish wildcat. 

The striking ‘Highland tiger’ is an endangered species and the club is delighted to back an ambitious conservation scheme which is throwing it a lifeline. 

In recognition of Royal Dornoch’s support for the Saving Wildcats initiative, general manager Neil Hampton was presented with a framed 

scroll by Ex-situ Conservation Manager David Barclay. 

Neil said: “The wildcat is the ancient crest of the Earls of Sutherland and is integral to our coat of arms. 

“We have been delighted to support the steps being taken to reintroduce them to the wild in Scotland, with a contribution from every sale of members-only clothing supporting the recovery programme.” 

David provided an update on the success of the ground-breaking project. 

“Saving Wildcats has only been able to continue securing a future for wildcats through the generosity of organisations such as the Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Their support has been integral to securing a future for the Highland tiger,” said David. 

“After conducting the first ever release of captive bred wildcats into the Cairngorms National Park in 2023, Saving Wildcats released an additional nine wildcats this summer. 

“The team have been pleased to see the released wildcats going from strength to strength and were thrilled to see that kittens had been born this past summer to female wildcats that were released in 2023.”

A further 16 kittens are being nurtured at the breeding for release centre at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore.