The Tigers of Scotland (2018) - Scottish Wildcat Documentary - Directors Cut (4K)

Narrated by Iain Glen, this independent natural history documentary investigates the Scottish Wildcat, their endangered status and the conservation efforts being undertaken to prevent their extinction.

Scottish Wildcats are affectionately known as Highland Tigers. The name originates from their striped fur and that they’re not only one of Britain’s largest predators, but the UK’s only ‘big cat’.

Originally released on Netflix in 2018, this is the first time the full length, unedited version has been published, and in 4K.

Directed by Leanne Gater

Should you wish to support the conservation work helping the Scottish Wildcat, the filmmakers suggest donating to the following organisations:

[abmbarry]

I saw a Scottish Wildcat in 1956. I was 7 years old at the time. My Dad saw it first. From memory, he had found it's den, and got his hand and wrist heavily scratched. It was on a picnic at the Glendevon. We often picnicked there by the river. I have been living in Australia for 60 years now. My memory is strong of the event. My parents and an auntie and uncle were with us that and many times. They were very excited about the sighting. Dad spoke of it for years.
This is a fabulous documentary, I just wish my Mum and Dad were still alive to have seen it too. I'm sure Dad would have watched it many times,

[suzyh]

This is the most poetic script for a documentary I've ever come across

[carolfleisig]

What a wonderful story! From the United States I wish you the very best luck in saving the Scottish Wildcat.

[JanBanJoovi-olqv]

Im glad there are still people who care about wildlife. Hope this wildcat will thrive again as they were before.

[crminstrel]

I live on Deeside, Aberdeenshire and have seen wildcats and their young right here. I hope their elusiveness is what’s keeping their higher numbers a secret 🤞🏼

[KathyBGood]

this was an absolutely phenomenal film! I love how it included Scot myths w illustration. Absolutely wonderful. Thanks to everyone.

[Tsokaweosteri]

I really enjoyed this and it brought back a wonderful memory. Myself and 2 friends were walking along the outskirts of a very dense shrub area with plenty Hawthorn and Brambles {{ great protection for wildlife }}. We heard this hissing and growling, below and to the side of the narrow path we were on. I would say this was in 1977/78. And it was definitely a Scottish Wildcat, in Central Scotland {{ South Lanarkshire }}. She was the spitting image of your cats in this video, . I felt like i was seeing her all over again, just much calmer loll. She had kittens and boy was she a fierce mother omggg. I could also swear that she did like a fake charge at us loll, like bears do but with a cat it was funny looking. We stood quietly for a minute then moved away to a safe distance. We laughed when i said, "That cat has the Rottweiler head of all cats" lolll. Beautiful cat, the coat on her was amazing. She made it very clear we were not welcome but it was brilliant and we understood her.

We love our wildlife, hence why we were and i still am over there when possible, camera at the ready now. We only got a fleeting glance of her babies, hidden in the grass and her stood over them. The kittens were tiny and i can only guess she was moving them to a more secure area. Sadly we never saw her, or any other Scottish Wildcat after that, even though the woods and river were both our playground and classroom. I have saw the odd feral cat but no wild ones, so sad because they are awesome to see. Well this is 2024 and i still remember everything about our encounter with 1 in 1977/78.

[salemas]

One step, two step, three steps *MEOW*

[Gaius__]

What an excellent documentation, top-quality content on this level is rare.
A video like this is worth a whole month of Internet fees by itself, especially since it is a full hour long. The fact that it is available free of charge, for everyone to enjoy and learn from, is amazing.
I really hope all the hard work of so many dedicated people trying to save these gorgeous animals will be successful.

[BlissfulEchoNatureSounds]

Scotland's diverse climate and terrain create a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife. From the rugged peaks of the Highlands to the expansive lowlands and coastal cliffs, Scotland offers a rich tapestry of environments. The temperate maritime climate, influenced by the surrounding seas, provides mild winters and cool summers, making it suitable for both native and migratory species. The lush forests, heather-covered moors, and abundant freshwater lakes and rivers sustain a diverse array of animals, including red deer roaming the hills, otters navigating the waterways, and eagles soaring above. Scotland's natural landscapes not only offer sanctuary but also inspire awe, providing ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe and appreciate the country's thriving biodiversity. I love this video. what amazing documentary!

[sab]

Stunning documentary, I'm glad we are now seeing progress made to help these wonderful animals

[jimmycricket]

They could reintroduce wolves, bears, lynx and beavers but even eagles are being poisoned by grouse breeders who make money from shooters. It's an outrage that eagles are being poisoned by so called game keepers.

[ClamJaneH]

Thank you for sharing this documentary - very informative and I hope that the efforts of all of the conservationist win out and this fabulous animal can continue to live wild and free in the Highlands.🙏

[gerharddeusser]

You can see the stress on the wild cats face.... They have a very hard short life, unlike our protected, loved house cats....

[Pazuzu]

Look how wide its face is, beautiful creature!❤

[suzannehaigh]

I have one in my back bedroom, she is 16 years old. My daughter has 2, house cats who love to escape out, they are about 9. I lived in the highlands for 14 years, although they were rare, we did see them reasonably regularly. The ones we have were deserted kittens who would not have been able to survive with out help.

[nelsonpodcasts]

These wild cats are everywhere. We had many down here in Savernake forest. Identical. Big, muscly, striped and green eyed. Also very scared of humans. They didn't like being around us at all. widely misidentified as feral cats but definitely the same European forest cat as the Scottish wild cat. Britain definitely has bigger cats too. I'm in south Gloucestershire and there are many sightings and images of large cats here. Fascinating area of debate

[alisonwhitefordbellbabd]

Hi I have a wildcat in my garden who has really thick fur in winter and would not come inside even in winter but will take food. He will not let me stroke his back even after feeding him regularly for 2 years. He squats in my shed (getting in under the eaves) in the Garden, I live in Dunblane and will be moving soon, so I need him trapped and checked to confirm he is wild and taken to the wild cat AIGAS place if he is, as he has become semi dependent on my food. He sometimes goes away for a couple of days then comes back. He has not been doctored, but I managed to get a tick and flea treatment on him, when he was eating recently, as I noticed he had ticks but could not get near him. I am rarely permitted to touch his head only. He has very large teeth and sharp claws. He closes his eyes to say he is happy, but does not purr. He will not go on my lap or come too close. He looks like a tabby cat with black feet and a long black stripe on his back and ring tail. He gets on well with the other wildlife, he always leaves a little food for the hedgehog and the crow birds, and they do not fear him, which seems odd. I think he is the alpha male for a few cats in the area, most of the others have collars, but there may be others at night. He is at my kitchen window at 6am sometimes. There is an occasional black cat too which is not human friendly even with food. Kind regards Alison W Bell

[ScoobyJnr]

Thank you. A fantastic documentary. Thought provoking, educational and fascinating. I hope all the hard work of volunteers, professionals and educators continues to grow, progress and gets rewarded.

[corinas.harvik]

What a great film! This is such a delight for cat (and feline) lovers like me. Thanks to everyone involved in making it and for educating the population about the importance of wildlife conservation and this fabulous feline. John Rice’s poem at the end fits the film so beautifully.