A rare Scottish Wildcat rescued by two walkers from subzero temperatures has tragically died sparking an online fundraiser.
Pete Macnab and pal Piotr Peretko found the kitten at Huntly's Cave, north of Grantown in Moray, on Wednesday January 13.
Initially thinking the poor animal, which they named Huntleigh, was a domestic cat, the pair rushed her to Strathspey Veterinary Practice for treatment.
But Pete shared the heartbreaking news that the story had come to a "bitter end" after she died of pneumonia two days later.
The tragic death sparked an online fundraiser in memory of Huntleigh, with all money going to Cairngorms charity Saving Wildcats.
Chef Pete told the Record: "We got a call from the vets saying she had died of pneumonia. It was obviously a bit of a blow to us.
"Both of us were gutted and Piotr, he was really quite upset to find out she had passed.
"We decided to set up a fundraiser and initially thought about setting the target at £500 but we put it to £1,000 to see what happened.
"Within 24-hours we had smashed that target and are now sitting at around £2,500.
"The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has been in touch with me to say they've had another £1,000 of donations sent to them off the back of the story as well."
Saving the Wildcats confirmed that Huntleigh was a wildcat and are currently running DNA tests to find out whether she was a hybrid or pure breed.
The DNA results will be uploaded to a national database and will contribute to the conservation of the species.
It is estimated there are only 100 - 300 pure wildcats remaining.
Donations to the fundraiser can be made clicking here.
