THE CLAN MOTTO -- ' TOUCH NOT THE CAT BUT A GLOVE '

      This motto is not unique to the Clan Macpherson -- several of the other clans that emerged from the Old Clanchattan and the later Clan Chattan Confederation also use this motto in one form or another. However, it may have a different meaning for them.

      To the Macphersons the motto means 'Be wary of the ungloved cat -- the cat with its claws extended from its glove or paw.' A cat with its claws extended can be very dangerous and one should avoid contact or suffer the consequences.

      Others believe that the motto means that one should not handle a wildcat without wearing a glove. But naturalists have testified that handling a Scottish wildcat -- with or without a glove -- is not recommended. The photo at the right should provide some credibility to that testimony.

      We can only speculate as to why our ancestors thought of this beast when they adopted it as their mascot. Gaelic was their tongue and the Gaelic word for cat is chat. Some think that the wildcat mascot was a consequence of that. However, it is likely that this was just a coincidence.

      In the Gaelic our motto is 'Na bean do'n chat gu lamhainn.'

     Today we recognize that the existence of the Scottish wildcat in the wild is threatened by the encroachment of civilization on its habitat and we actively sponsor efforts to protect them. In addition, we provide support for a family of wildcats that live at the Highland Wildlife Park in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. The Park is located just up the road at Kincraig. In 2003 our present mascot, Heather gave birth to four kittens -- Feshie, Tromie, Cullin and Clunie.