The Scottish wildcat, cat fiadhaich in Gaelic, is no household
moggy and has always been regarded with a certain respect by
humans on account of its legendary ferocity when cornered. Take
a look at a wildcat - a photograph is the best view most of us
will get of this elusive predator - and you might see not only
the classic air of feline independence, but something else as
well: an indomitable, untouchable wariness, and possibly
(allowing for a hearty dose of anthropomorphism), a 'don't mess-
with-me' expression! Reputed to be untameable, the 'British
tiger', as it is sometimes known, has an honoured place in
Highland culture. Early on in Scottish history, Caithness and
Sutherland formed the Pictish province, Cataibh, meaning land of
the Cat Tribe or Catti. Caithness still retains an obvious echo
of that name. The Duke of Sutherland's Gaelic title is Morair
Chat, meaning 'The Great Man of the Cats'. There is a cat in the
clan crest, and their motto is 'Sans Peur' ('Without fear').
Other clans have similar them