Overview
- The 2025 summer release was carried out in Cairngorms National Park by the Saving Wildcats partnership led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
- Wild-born litters were recorded in spring and summer 2024 and 2025, indicating that released females are breeding in the wild.
- Project lead Dr Helen Senn said the births offer "real hope for the future" while stressing the need to keep breeding and releasing more animals.
- The initiative reports a funding gap after Brexit ended eligibility for EU LIFE contributions, and it is seeking support to sustain monitoring and community work.
- Experts warn the small population faces significant risks including hybridisation with feral cats, road mortality, fire and extreme weather.