'Big Cats' in the Lothians: Edinburgh businessman appeals for information

Paul Mcdonald who runs an Edinburgh armoury is asking people to send him witness statements of ‘big cat’ sightings

‘Big cat’ sightings are not unusual in the Lothians, despite not being native to this country, with cases going back decades, and now an Edinburgh business owner has decided to collect, record and monitor all sightings to find a pattern.

Paul Macdonald, 42, who runs an Edinburgh armoury, became interested in Scotland’s mysterious big cat sightings when he experienced his own as a young boy.

Paul, who grew up in the West Highlands, explains: “I saw a big cat when I was on the train to school in 1982.

'Big cat' spotted in Midlothian

“It was quite a close sighting, thankfully I was safe on the train, but it was this that inspired me.”

Over the years, Paul came across many cases of big cat sightings not just in Scotland, but across the UK.

With big cats not being native to Scotland, and all evidence of existence being anecdotal, and no photo providing the definite proof, collating accurate information won’t be easy.

Paul adds: “Several witnesses have told me that they are worried about being ridiculed, but they are happy to come forward when they know that I’m taking them seriously.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the response to the request for information.

“People have been mostly positive.

“Recording the sightings means that I can accurately map them to find appropriate areas to put trail cameras, as well as work out specific habitats that they might live in.”

There are many theories about how the big cats came to roam wild in the Lothian and Borders countryside, and Paul claims the most credible theory is related to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act in 1976, which put restrictions on people who wanted to keep exotic animals, including wild cats.

Paul explained: “These restrictions included an expensive licence and new equipment for keeping exotic animals which a lot of people couldn’t afford, so a lot of the animals were released.

“We have seen an increase in sightings in recent decades.”

The specific breed identified by those who have allegedly seen the wild animals include predominantly the Puma and the Panther.

“They are more adaptable to different environments” claims Paul, adding: “Just in case this might cause concern, to date, there have been no attacks on humans.

“These animals tend to shy away from humans.”

For anyone who wants to get in touch with Paul to report a sighting, he asked that you email him on [email protected]

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