These are clearly hybrids. The tail rings are not separate but joined by a dorsal black line: the tail tip is pointed not blunt. The body stripes break up into spots especially towards the back end and onto the haunches.
The problem with the Cairngorms is that humans live at high density and have many cats, pet, farm and feral. The few (if any) pure Wildcats left there lose most if not all matings to such animals.
Unfortunately ZSL Scotland etc initially proclaimed the Cairngorms as the site to save the Wildcat. It isn't, as outlined above. They have realised this and more recently have declared they want to take full-blood Wildcats from their last refuges in the West of Scotland, where a rival but much better thought out effort has been running for some years - the Wildcat Haven - and initiate a captive breeding programme. Thus they will simultaneously begin an effort of doubtful success while destroying the only real hope there has been - with neutering of pet and feral cats across the area to ensure matings are successful between Wildcats.
Thus also two groups of people with a common aim are absolutely at odds. Stupid doesn't begin to describe it. Personally I am on the side of the non-Establishment project.
Anyway, nothing to see here. Move on.
John
