Communities around Strathpeffer and Dingwall have been invited to discover more about conservation of Scottish wildcat in their area at a session to be held at Strathpeffer Community Centre on July 23.

The wildcat is the only native member of the cat family, which is found in Britain and also one of the most elusive and enigmatic carnivores.

Scottish wildcat suffered from persecution and habitat loss but it managed to re-colonize in parts of its range in the early 20th century. But they still require our help as their main threat is cross-breeding with domestic feral cats.

The Scottish Wildcat Conservation Action Plan hopes to provide that help and also aims at focussing on the areas with greatest wildcat population. This includes the forests and farmland in Ross-shire.

The drop-in sessions will give an opportunity to the partners in the wildcat action plan to share the findings from recent surveys that have been commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) showcasing the importance of the area for wildcats.

Jenny Bryce, wildlife ecologist of SNH, said: "We are keen to speak with estates, gamekeepers, stalkers, foresters, farmers, crofters, local people and cat owners who have a vital role to play in saving the Scottish wildcat".

"The Strathpeffer and Dingwall area is an important one for our Scottish wildcat and we hope that many people turn up to hear our plans".

More than 30 land management, government and environmental charities back the Scottish Wildcat Conservation Action Plan, which was launched last September.

The Wildcat Haven project in Ardnamurchan and Sunart in the West Highlands was established by the Scottish Wildcat Association in order to conserve the species by neutering feral cats, which are its primary threat.

The project has drawn quite strong support in the local area with a remarkable diversity of wildlife and people are also greatly concerned that any conservation efforts are carefully planned and rolled out.