The Scottish wildcat is a distinct variety of wildcat. Wildcats are found in most of Europe, as well as parts of Africa
There is only 5 subspecies of wildcat altogether, and as well as Scotland, the Scottish wildcat is part of the variation found throughout Europe and Turkey.
Although the wildcat is the most common cat species, the Scottish Wildcat is listed as vulnerable
According to the European Community's Habitat and Species Directive, it is a Species in need of strict protection.
In the U.K., the Scottish Wildcat is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and was added to the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as a priority species in 2007.