The two-part documentary, titled Wildcats: Cait ann an Cunnart, will air on BBC ALBA on Wednesday, and will explore the work of the Saving Wildcats project in the Cairngorms National Park.
Saving Wildcats is a conservation partnership project which aims to prevent the extinction of wildcats in Scotland by breeding and releasing them into the wild.
The National previously gained exclusive access behind the scenes of the Saving Wildcats project, where we saw the monitoring centre which observes the wildcats in their breeding enclosures (pictured below).
(Image: NQ) The project is led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), based primarily in the RZSS Highland Wildlife Park, and is in collaboration with Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry and Land Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Nordens Art (Sweden) and Junda de Andalucia (Spain).
The project aims to recover the species, which is critically endangered, through an in-house breeding programme.
READ MORE: Wildcat kitten spotted in new footage as population thrives
Wildcats are paired together in breeding locations in a secret area in the park, with the hope that any kittens born can eventually be released into the wild.
The team monitor the cats using more than 70 cameras, with enclosures also having remote feeders which mimic the sound of the food inside.
The cats are then released in locations across the Cairngorms Connect Partnership Area where they can be tracked for a time using remote collars.
The new two-part series, which covers the first year of wildcat releases in 2023, follows the journey of the team behind Saving Wildcats as they work to breed the wildcats and prepare them for release.
(Image: RZSS / Saving Wildcats) A member of the project’s field team tracking wildcats which have been released (Image: RZSS / Saving Wildcats) The documentary will also explore the challenges faced by the wildcats when they are released into the wild, as they learn to navigate difficult terrain on their own.
Saving Wildcats project lead, Dr Helen Senn, said: “This new film really brings to life some of the trials and tribulations of trying to bring back a species from the brink of extinction.
READ MORE: Critically endangered wildcat kittens born in wild in conservation boost
“It made me realise just how much has been achieved in a relatively short period of time but also how much work remains to be done if we are to secure a long-term future for one of Scotland’s most beautiful, iconic and amazing animals.”
Scott Brown, director at Midas Media, which produced the new documentary, added: “Making this film for BBC ALBA has been a truly eye-opening experience. It’s a rare privilege to witness the incredible efforts of the Saving Wildcats team, who are not only fighting to save a species but also showing us how passion, science, and conservation can make a real difference.
“This documentary highlights the resilience of the Scottish wildcat and the ongoing journey to ensure it thrives for generations to come.”
(Image: SWC) Fiona MacKenzie, BBC ALBA commissioning editor, added: “This inspiring series offers BBC ALBA viewers an intimate look at a pivotal chapter in Scotland’s natural history, reflecting the role we can play in sharing the incredible stories on our doorstep.
“It’s amazing to see the dedication of the team working to save this iconic species and bring it back to the Scottish Highlands, highlighting what’s possible when we come together to protect our wildlife.”
Part one of Wildcats: Cait ann an Cunnart will air in Gaelic with English subtitles, on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on Wednesday, with part two set to air on January 15. Click here to watch live or on demand.