Police issue warning after Highland big cat sightings

A cat seen in Dornoch at the weekend was described as panther-like

Police have issued a warning to the public after reports of big cats in Easter Ross and Sutherland.

A "large panther-type" cat was spotted walking near Dornoch's caravan park and golf course on Saturday morning.

Another member of the public spotted what they described as a "very large, muscular black cat with a square head" in the Fendon area of Tain last week.

Northern Constabulary has asked for any further sightings but also urged people not to approach the animals.

The Tain cat was seen last Thursday.

In July, a "very large black cat" was seen by a member of the public in woodland at Inshriach, Kincraig.

A police spokesman said it was unusual to have sightings so close together.

He said the witnesses were different people and credible.

The first sighting was near a military bombing range and the animal disappeared from view when it entered thick gorse.