Sutherland Cat....?

[Roy]

Hi Gents,

See the Sutherland Local Militia button below. A lady in my local button group asked me what the significance of the cat was in this design, so I thought I would ask our membership? My assumption is that it's a wild cat that was still prevalent 200 years ago (when this button was in use). But is anyone familiar with cat used in this button for the Sutherland (Scottish) Local Militia?

My gut feeling is that it may have some Clan connection.

Thoughts?

Cheers,

Roy

[mike_vee]

Clan Sutherland

Crest: A cat-a-mountain saliant Proper. (Wildcat)

Motto: Sans Peur (Without Fear)[

"The progenitors of Clan Sutherland use the wildcat as symbol on their family crest. The clan's chief bears the title Morair Chat (Great Man of the Cats). The wildcat is considered an icon of Scottish wilderness, and has been used in clan heraldry since the 13th century. "


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[Roy]

Thanks for that Mike,

That makes total sense. I will pass these detail on to the elderly lady in my button group.

Cheers,

Roy